The hubby really wanted to see the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth. More specifically he wanted to see it in action. Since we had plenty of time before we had to go to the train museum, we spent some time at the Lake Superior Visitor Center which is right by the lift bridge with hopes of seeing a ship pass through the shipping canal.
The Aerial Lift Bridge was built between 1901-1905 and updated in 1929. It spans the Duluth Shipping Channel rising up to allow ships to pass underneath it instead of opening like a draw bridge.
There is plenty of viewing along the Canal Walk of the lift bridge.
We got lucky. The John G. Munson was leaving port that morning. We could watch real time updates while inside of the museum. When she left port, we headed outside to watch it go through the shipping canal despite the rain.
When a ship nears the bridge, the bridge closes to traffic and slowly begins to rise allowing the ship to pass beneath the bridge. It is a sight to see. It does move slowly.
The John G. Munson also moved slowly out of the canal. The workers would wave to us as they passed through the canal.
Once the ship clears the bridge, the bridge deck is lowered to allow cars across the canal again.
It is quite the sight to see. I thought seeing the Arthur M. Anderson go through the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal was impressive this was just as impressive. There is just something watch these Great Lakes freighters navigate these shipping canals back into the open lake.
If you are ever in Duluth, check out Canal Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge. Maybe you can see a freighter come through the shipping canal as well.
