Duluth Lakewalk

Day 12 Duluth Lakewalk Minnesota's Duluth Lakewalk is a must-visit destination, offering a breathtaking experience akin to being by the ocean. The lake is so vast that it feels indistinguishable from the sea. To get there, you can take the Duluth express bus, which takes about three hours from Minneapolis via the highway. However, the bus schedule is limited, so plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance. We opted for the earliest bus at 8:20 AM to make a same-day round trip. The round-trip ticket costs $72 per person, plus a service fee of around $2. The journey itself was an adventure, with the weather shifting dramatically from stormy winds and rain to clear blue skies upon arrival. This change in weather made the trip worthwhile, ensuring we didn't waste the time and money spent on the tickets. As we stepped off the bus and approached the lake, we were greeted by the sight of the towering Arial Lift Bridge and the sound of crashing waves. Calling it a lake almost feels like an understatement—it’s so vast that it resembles the ocean, with no visible shoreline on the other side. The waves are enormous, surpassing those of many smaller seas, and the strong winds make it challenging to hold your phone steady for photos. Crossing the lift bridge and walking along the lakeside trail, the chilly wind and splashing water add to the immersive experience. The temperature here is at least four to five degrees lower than in Minneapolis, so be sure to dress warmly, bring a scarf, and choose a sunny day to fully enjoy this iconic destination. Walking along the trail toward the lighthouse feels like being in the middle of the ocean, with water crashing on both sides and the sound of waves echoing all around. The sensory experience—temperature, visuals, and sounds—truly makes you feel as though you’re at sea. Even at the lighthouse at the end of the trail, you can’t see Canada’s shore due to the lake’s immense size, but you can spot lakeside vacation apartments on the Duluth side. We continued along the lakeside path, circling the area near the vacation apartments. The sunny weather and soothing sound of the waves made for a relaxing and enjoyable stroll. Finally, we climbed uphill to Eager Park and Eager Tower, passing through a rose garden along the way. Driving up is recommended, as walking can be quite strenuous. From the tower, you can admire the expansive lake views we saw earlier in the day, as well as a large golf course on the other side. However, I think Hong Kong’s golf courses might be just as impressive. Descending the hill, we were treated to more stunning views of the lift bridge and the lake, accompanied by the refreshing sea breeze and warm sunlight—a perfect way to end the day.