Welcome to Enger Park
Enger Tower: A Duluth Legacy
At 80 feet (24 meters) tall and perched 450 feet (137 meters) above Lake Superior, Enger Tower is best known for its spectacular views. From the top floor, you can see two states, two cities, and the endless expanse of the great lake. But the story behind it might be even more compelling. This iconic stone monument stands as a proud salute to both the city of Duluth and a humble Norwegian immigrant whose generosity made it all possible. It’s a sweet spot to snap a pic, soak in the scenery, and reflect on a truly Duluthy story.
Behind the Monument: The Story of a Duluth Original
The story of Enger Tower begins with Bert Enger, a Norwegian immigrant who moved to the Midwest as a 13-year-old. After working a series of odd jobs, Bert eventually opened a successful furniture store in West Duluth. A quiet man by all accounts, he made a major, anonymous donation of $50,000 to the city in 1920 with the idea that the city would purchase land and build a park on a spot known as “Grand Mountain.” When Bert eventually admitted to his generous act, the city promptly named the park in his honor.
Bert died in 1931, leaving two-thirds of his estate to the City of Duluth for the park’s development. He specified that the plan should include a lookout tower surrounded by beautified grounds and footpaths to accommodate visitors. The tower was was made out of stone found right on site, built in Bert’s memory and dedicated in 1939 by Crown Prince Olav of Norway and his wife, Princess Martha. It was re-dedicated in 2011 by King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, representing a truly proud and lasting connection. As CBS Minnesota wrote, “each step in the tower has a story of its own — a place that stands out no matter the time of year or the time of day.”
Special thanks to Nancy S. Nelson & Tony Dierckins of the Zenith City Press for compiling a complete history of Enger Tower.
Enger Park: Views & the Japanese Peace Bell Garden
Beyond the tower itself, Enger Park is a beautiful destination in its own right, home to serene walking paths, picnic facilities, and the stunning Japanese Peace Bell Garden. This peaceful garden was dedicated in 2010 to commemorate 20 years as a sister city to Ohara-Isumi City, Japan. Its centerpiece is the American-Japanese Peace Bell, a gift from our sister city and a replica of a bell found by sailors of the USS Duluth after World War II, representing a powerful symbol of peace and friendship.
Get the Essential Duluth Resource
The official Visit Duluth Visitor Guide is a cornerstone resource for planning trips to our city, distributed widely to potential visitors. Featuring stunning photography and engaging content about Duluth’s attractions, outdoor recreation, dining, and unique culture, it’s a vital tool for inspiring travel to our destination. Ensure you pack a copy for your next trip to uncover all that makes Duluth so special!
Discover More of Duluth’s Vistas
Enger Tower is a highlight, but Duluth offers many other ways to experience its dramatic landscape and rich history. Explore more to continue your adventure and discover what makes our city a truly unique destination.
Explore Skyline Parkway
Wind your way along the 30-mile Skyline Parkway, the very road the tower is on, for more breathtaking overlooks and panoramic views of Duluth, the harbor, and Lake Superior.
Hit the Road
Duluth Parks & Trails
Explore the parkland Bert Enger helped create! Discover more of Duluth’s parks and trails, from tranquil neighborhood green spaces to rugged wilderness paths.
Find Parks & Trails
Experience Duluth History
Dive deeper into the stories that built our city. From pioneering immigrants like Bert Enger to our rich maritime legacy, explore all that makes Duluth’s history so compelling.
Uncover Duluth’s History