Fodor's Expert Review Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this center is at the foot of the aerial lift bridge in historic Canal Park. Among the highlights is the Fresnel lens, installed in 1901 to light the south pier of the Duluth Ship Canal across the street. It was refurbished 100 years later. Although the center is self-guided, dialing 218/213–9069 from a cell phone provides a recording of historical facts about the tug Bayfield, Duluth Ship Canal, the aerial lift bridge, local lighthouses, and the shoreline anchor display.