This is the second waypoint stop, on our way to Grand Portage National Monument, and hopefully as well, Isle Royale National Park.
We got to add the second of 11 new state stickers on our maps planned for this trip.
After setting up, we ventured out to visit the Lake Superior Maritime Museum. This was a fortunate decision, because when we got there, large crowds were gathered along the canal, so we went to see what was going on. Within minutes, we got to see the lift bridge go up, and then the “American Century” ship pulled in. (at 1000 feet in length and 105ft in width, it is quite a sight).
Over loudspeakers, a museum commentator mentioned that the the ship carries iron ore (the taconite variety) from the port of Duluth to the US Steel Mill in Gary, Indiana, that we saw earlier during this trip. (interesting side reading here about iron ore– key take-away is “Minnesota provides the great bulk of the iron ore mined in the US”).
Claudette’s Two Cents.
Sometimes, our waypoints end up being new surprises. Although our day started out with quite a bit of rain, the rest of the day was very nice. We had time to visit the Maritime Museum. Lucky timing too, we got to see the ship come in. We learned that Lake Superior is the deepest of the 5 Great Lakes and that Lake Erie is the shallowest.
Fun fact – Viking cruise line started to have trips around the Great Lakes.
Here are some highlights from our day.
Campsite at Indian Point Campground. This is dry camping.
And to see the ship come through the port, check out this video: