August 3, 2021

AERIAL LIFT BRIDGE

601 S Lake Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802

“The Aerial Lift Bridge, earlier known as the Aerial Bridge or Aerial Ferry Bridge, is a landmark in the port city of Duluth, Minnesota. The span began life in 1905 as the United States' first transporter bridge: Only one other was ever constructed in the country, Sky Ride in Chicago.” Wikipedia

When you research Duluth, MN, one site keeps coming up, the Aerial Lift Bridge. This unique structure can be seen from miles away as you enter the city. The area around the bridge has been transformed into a destination spot with restaurants and unique shopping opportunities.

I began my visit by driving over the bridge. OK, so I missed a corner and had no choice, but I’m glad I got the experience. Once I crossed back over I was able to find a parking lot and set out on foot to take some pictures. As I walked towards the bridge I overheard a mother urge her child to move faster, “we need to hurry a ship is coming.” When I got close I found two or three hundred people sitting and strolling along the pier all waiting for the approaching ship to go under the bridge. Unfortunately, soon after I started walking on the pier it was announced the ship would not be coming into port as it had to wait until another ship left its dock. The loudspeaker said the ship was not scheduled to leave until between 8 and 10 pm, it was about 4:30. As I had about an hour-and-a-half drive back to the campground, I didn’t feel like sticking around for the possibility of seeing a ship go under the bridge. As I was walking along taking pictures the warning bells sounded and soon the bridge started going up to let a fishing boat leave the harbor and go out into Lake Superior. So, I did get the bridge in action.

A view of the pier and the ship people thought would be entering the harbor.

A view of the pier and the ship people thought would be entering the harbor.

A close-up shot of the ship.

A close-up shot of the ship.

The Aerial Lift Bridge in position to let vehicles and people cross.

The Aerial Lift Bridge in position to let vehicles and people cross.

The bridge was raised so a fishing boat could go out to Lake Superior.

The bridge was raised so a fishing boat could go out to Lake Superior.

A view of the bridge from the parking lot.

A view of the bridge from the parking lot.

In doing some research I read one could get a great shot of the Aerial Bridge and the city of Duluth from a rest area just off of I-35 on the outskirts of the city. This is the view I had when I got there. Smoke from Canadian wild fires dimished my

In doing some research I read one could get a great shot of the Aerial Bridge and the city of Duluth from a rest area just off of I-35 on the outskirts of the city. This is the view I had when I got there. Smoke from Canadian wild fires dimished my views all day.