Wilfred Sykes departed Duluth-Superior 07/18/2026

 

 Wilfred Sykes departed Duluth-Superior this afternoon after a month long layup for repairs. The Sykes blasted the visitors in Canal Park with multiple blasts from the past.

Niigaan Enaazhek departed Duluth 07/01/2025

 

 Niigaan Enaazhek sailed through the Duluth Shipping Canal this afternoon for some testing.

Strong Current in the Canal 06/21/2025

 

 Heavy rains overnight created a flush of harbor water through the Duluth Canal this afternoon causing 3-4 ft waves at the pierheads.

Burns Harbor, Joyce L Venenkevort, American Century in Duluth 03/31/2025

Burns Harbor, Joyce L Venenkevort, American Century traversed the Duluth Shipping Canal today.

Moonbeam Across the Duluth Shipping Canal - 01/14/2025

A bright January Full Moon, beamed its light across the Duluth Canal for three hours last night, finally broken by the departure of the American Mariner.

American Century, Paul R Tregurtha & American Spirit in Duluth 12/21/2024

American Century, Paul R Tregurtha & American Spirit in Duluth all entered the Duluth Canal during a cool December morning.

"Triple Salute" American Mariner arrived in Duluth 10/12/2024

The American Mariner blasted away as it entertained a large October crowd at Canal Park in Duluth on it's arrival.

Paul R Tregurtha, Edgar B Speer, Fraserborg, Robert S Pierson and Americ...

Wednesday Boats - Paul R Tregurtha, Edgar B Speer, Fraserborg, Robert S Pierson and American Mariner at the Duluth Shipping Canal.

"Calm Seas" John G Munson arrived and Tug Helen H departed Duluth 09/23/...

John G Munson arrived (for iron ore pellets) and Tug Helen H departed with barges through the Duluth Shipping Canal.

"Evening at the Canal" Baie Comeau, Alpena, Sundew & Walter J McCarthy ...

Baie Comeau, Alpena, Sundew & Walter J McCarthy Jr all transited the Duluth Shipping Canal Thursday evening.

"Master Salute" The Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 07/14/2024

The Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth Sunday with a Master Salute to the delight of the visitors to the Canal.

Edgar Culbertson Memorial

This Tuesday, 04/30/2024, there will be a memorial service at 11:00 along the canal.

On Sunday, April 30, 1967, Three young men, 16-year-old twins Nathan and Arthur Halverson and their older brother Eric Halverson, they embarked on an adventure after attending a church event at First United Methodist Church, showcasing their youthful bravery.

Little did anyone at the church suspect that the brothers, in a moment of youthful exuberance, had embarked on a playful challenge. They were hopping from light pole to light pole along the pier, unaware that this innocent fun was about to take a tragic turn.

Two of the three had made it to the end when the third one got hit by a rogue wave. The first two safe brothers went back to help their brother, and as the waves swept all three brothers away, local heroes stepped up.

Edgar Culbertson, Richard Callahan, and Ronald Prei served in the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Duluth.

Undeterred by the treacherous conditions, Edgar Culbertson, Richard Callahan, and Ronald Prei, U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Duluth, demonstrated unparalleled bravery. They tied themselves together, forming a human chain, and embarked on a daring rescue mission, their hearts filled with the determination to save lives.

During the rescue mission, Edgar Culbertson, the husband and father of two, lost his life. We dedicate this memorial ceremony and plaque to Edgar Culberson for his heroic effort in saving the boys who also ended up perishing.

The plaque was placed there in honor of Ed Culbertson, a Coast Guardsman who gave his life, 57 years ago, trying to save three young brothers who became trapped on the pier during a fierce storm.

Ed Culberson Memorial Plaque

The words on the plaque read:

EDGAR A CULBERTSON

BM1

THIS PLAQUE IS DEDICATED BY THE PEOPLE OF DULUTH TO THE MEMORY OF A FELLOW CITIZEN, COAST GUARD BOATSWAINS MATE FIRST CLASS, EDGAR A. CULBERTSON, WHO ON THE NIGHT OF APRIL 30TH 1967 GAVE HIS LIFE ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE THREE TEEN-AGE BROTHERS STRANDED ON THIS PIER DURING A SEVERE STORM, HIS GREAT SACRIFICE IS AN ENDURING EXAMPLE OF HIS DEVOTION TO DUTY AND COMPASSION FOR HIS FELLOW MAN.

"Sunday Boats" Coe Luisa, Jamno, Joseph L Bloc & American Century. 04/2...

Coe Luisa, Jamno, Joseph L Bloc & American Century traversed the Duluth Canal on Sunday.

Tug Bayfield

The Tug Bayfield is a historic vessel that can be found outside the visitor center in Canal Park. This tugboat was built in 1953 and played a vital role in the shipping industry in the Great Lakes region. The Tug Bayfield was used to transport goods from one port to another, and it was also used to assist larger ships.

Today, the Tug Bayfield is displayed in front of the Lake Superior Maritime Museum in Duluth. The display serves as a museum and a reminder of the critical role that shipping played in the growth and development of the Great Lakes region. Visitors to the Canal Park can explore the vessel and learn about its history and shipping history in the area.

The Tug Bayfield is an impressive sight and a must-see for anyone visiting Canal Park. Whether you are interested in history engineering or want to see a unique piece of maritime history, the Tug Bayfield is worth visiting. So, include it on your itinerary when you visit Canal Park.

"Call of the Wild" Wilfred Sykes departed Duluth 12/28/23

Blasting it's horn all the way down the canal, the Wilfred Sykes made sure everyone knew they were leaving for the season.

"Barker's Blast James R Barker departed Duluth 12/27/2023

James R Barker departed Duluth this evening loaded with iron ore pellets an greeted the canal visitors with a loud Master Salute.

"Sunday at the Canal" Burns Harbor arrived in Duluth 10/22/2023

Burns Harbor arrived in Duluth this afternoon to load iron ore pellets.

"Ghost Ships" Philip R Clark & Paul R Tregurtha in Duluth 10/01/2023

Philip R Clark & Paul R Tregurtha in Duluth slowly navigate through the Duluth Shipping Canal on a foggy night.

"Munson Salute" John G Munson departed Duluth 09/20/2023

With a prolonged salute, the John G Munson showed off it powerful horn to a delighted crowd at the Canal. The Munson departed loaded with iron ore pellets.

"The Fleet Departs" Fishing boats deploy from Duluth 09/14/2023

The crisp morning air carried the sound of boats departing through the canal for a day of fishing. The sun had just risen, casting an orange and pink glow across the sky. Seeing the fishing fleet leaving the port of Duluth, ready to release their lines and bring back their catch was a beautiful sight. The calm seas will likely produce a memorable experience and more than enough fish.