Duluth South Breakwater Inner Light, Lighthouse at the Duluth Ship Canal entrance, Minnesota, US
Duluth South Breakwater Inner Light is a brick tower standing 20.5 meters tall at the end of the south breakwater where Lake Superior meets the Duluth Ship Canal. The structure was built to guide vessels safely into the canal and remains a working navigational aid.
The lighthouse was built in 1889 to help ships navigate the entry to the Duluth harbor during the height of Great Lakes shipping. It was later added to the National Register of Historic Places for its historical significance to regional maritime commerce.
The lighthouse represents Duluth's deep connection to shipping and the Great Lakes, showing how the city's identity has always revolved around water commerce. It stands as a reminder of the people and vessels that have relied on this location for safe passage.
The best time to visit is during clear weather when the entire south breakwater is easily walkable and the tower is visible from a distance. Parking is available near the Aerial Lift Bridge, which serves as a convenient starting point for the walk out to the lighthouse.
The original fourth-order Fresnel lens that operated inside the tower until 1995 is now displayed at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center nearby. Visitors can examine this important piece of maritime technology and understand how it worked to guide ships safely into port.
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