Welcome to Duluth, home to North America’s farthest-inland freshwater seaport. Situated 2,342 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, this port is the Great Lakes’ largest port by tonnage and one of the nation’s top 20 ports. Each year, nearly 800 vessels navigate our harbor, transporting over 35 million short tons of cargo. Whether you’re a seasoned ship spotter or a curious traveler, Duluth offers a front-row seat to the grandeur of Great Lakes shipping.
When to Catch the Action: The shipping season typically runs from March through January for Great Lakes vessels and March through December for ocean-going ships. For the latest updates, check the Duluth Ship Schedule.
Lakers vs. Salties: Spot the Difference
Whether you’re a ship buff or just curious about the big boats drifting through Canal Park, you’ll hear two terms thrown around often: lakers and salties. These ships look similar at a glance, but each plays a different role in the Duluth-Superior harbor.
Lakers: These bulk carriers are built for the Great Lakes and don’t venture into the ocean. They’re usually longer and feature a long boom above the deck.
Salties: Designed for both the Great Lakes and ocean travel, salties are slightly shorter and distinguished by one or more cranes rising from the deck.
Prime Ship-Viewing Spots
Looking to catch a laker or saltie in action? Duluth offers some of the best front-row seats for ship watching, from sandy beaches to buzzing boardwalks.
- Duluth Ship Canal: Experience ships up close as they pass through the canal beneath the iconic aerial lift bridge. Both sides offer excellent views.
- The Lakewalk: This nearly eight-mile paved path provides scenic views of Lake Superior and passing vessels.
- Park Point Beach: Relax on the world’s largest freshwater sandbar and watch ships from a distance.
- On the Move: Rent a scooter or e-bike to catch ships from various vantage points around the harbor.
- Dining with a View: Several local restaurants and hotels offer excellent views of the harbor — perfect for ship-watching over a meal or drink.
Dive into Maritime History
If you’re eager to learn more about Duluth’s shipping legacy, there are plenty of ways to dig deeper. From museums to real-deal freighter tours, Duluth makes maritime education as fun as it is fascinating.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center: Located in Canal Park, this free museum dives into the storied past of Great Lakes shipping.
William A. Irvin Museum: Tour this retired freighter docked near the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) to experience the nuts and bolts of ship life.
Explore the Harbor
Prefer your history with a breeze and a view? Duluth’s harbor tours combine waterfront sightseeing with fascinating stories about the shipping industry. Whether you’re cruising, paddling, or sailing, there’s a tour to match your mood.
- Vista Fleet Cruises: Offering narrated sightseeing and dining cruises with up-close views of harbor operations.
- Zenith Adventures: Paddle right next to docked ships or under the aerial lift bridge on a guided kayaking or paddleboarding tour.
- Time Out Sailing: Choose from half-day, full-day, or overnight sailing tours — no experience required.
- Your Boat Club: Rent a pontoon or fishing boat from Pier B and try spotting ships from the water on your own terms.
What’s in the Cargo Hold?
Duluth’s port handles a diverse range of cargo:
Iron Ore: Approximately 20 million tons annually, making it the port’s leading commodity.
Coal: Around 15% of the total cargo.
Limestone and Grain: Each accounting for about 10% of the cargo.
For detailed statistics, visit the Duluth Seaway Port Authority’s Cargo and Trade page.
Cruise Ships in Duluth
Cruising returned to Duluth in 2022, and the city continues to welcome various cruise ships. Check out the latest on Duluth cruises.
Meet the People Behind the Port
Learn about the dedicated individuals who keep Duluth’s port running smoothly. Check out the Faces of Duluth feature on Deb DeLuca, Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, to gain insight into the port’s operations and leadership.
Plan Your Visit and Set Sail
Whether you’re here for the ships, the scenery, or the stories, Duluth offers a maritime experience like no other. Check the Harbor Lookout ship schedule to plan ahead. Bring your binoculars, grab your camera, and prepare to fall for the sights and sounds of our working waterfront.
Can’t Be Here in Person? Take advantage of several live webcams of the bridge and canal to get a sense of what it’s like as these vessels travel to and from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.