43Rd Annual First Ship Contest
Birds chirping. Snow thawing. Groundhogs emerging. There are many signs of spring across the country. In Duluth, it’s when the season’s first oceangoing vessel, known as a “saltie,” enters the city’s harbor. Begone ice! The ships are coming in.
To celebrate the occasion, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the 43rd Annual First Ship Contest. Correctly guess when the season’s first saltie sails into our seaport and you could win an epic prize package of Duluth goods and experiences. See contest rules for complete packages and details.
Prize package highlights include:
- Cedar & Stone Group Sauna Package for up to 10 people valued at $550-plus
- Capybara feeding tour at Lake Superior Zoo valued at $300
- One-night stay at Canal Park Lodge valued at $150
- Visit Duluth swag basket
Duluth Seaway Port Authority prize pack
A LOOK AT LAST YEAR
Federal Nagara arrived under Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge at 6:05 a.m. on April 21, becoming the first oceangoing vessel to complete a full transit of the St. Lawrence Seaway and reach the Port of Duluth-Superior during the 2025 navigation season. Last year there were a total of 4,235 contest entries.
What’s Your Guess for 2026?
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