A must see up close if you head up to Duluth. Lots of street parking nearby or paid lots. It's fun to walk over and take in the views as well as driving over. Seeing the bridge is free of course and the bridge is the epitome of Duluth. Super cool if you catch it lifting up to let ships pass underneath. read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

If you're visiting Duluth, make sure to check out the historic aerial lift bridge. At scheduled times, the bridge rises to let ore ships, yachts, etc pass through, and it's a sight worth catching. Watching tons of steel lift into the air while boats and yachts glide underneath is both impressive and memorable. It's a great stop for visitors of all ages, and anyone with an interest in engineering will especially appreciate the mechanics and hydraulics behind this iconic structure. read more

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Many towns and cities have their iconic structures, one example being the big hockey stick in Eveleth MN. For Duluth, it's the Aerial Lift Bridge, which Jeff, Bob/Bird, and I got to see at night and in action. What a fascinating and unique example of bridge engineering! Our observed big lift seemed to be wasted on the small sail boat (pictured), but this was a visual treat nonetheless. And I hope the cars who were temporally denied bridge access didn't mind. We saw all this as we were walking the waterfront near our restaurant. While you're here, don't miss the cool architecture of the Corp or Army Engineers Office building. read more

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This engineering marvel is still hugely impressive after all of these years. The lift bridge functions to let large ships into and out of the harbor. When the bridge is in the down position, vehicles can drive across it. Bicyclists and pedestrians may also cross the bridge safely. The lift bridge has become the iconic landmark of Duluth, Minnesota. read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - bridge in use by pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicles - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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I've seen and reviewed a lot of bridges https://www.yelp.com/collection/cbr-WfxuvzL7aOVKXKhyMA/Bridges but I don't know that I've seen a movable lift bridge like this. The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge carries Lake Avenue over the Duluth Canal, joining Duluth with Minnesota Point. The bridge was completed in 1905 as a "transporter bridge" that carried a span of movable roadway across the canal. And boy, that sure seems unique. However, the bridge was converted in 1929 to this current structure that has the elevating roadway. The span is 502 feet long. The bridge is iconic to Duluth and no visit to the city is complete without a visit. And even better if you can catch it in motion. [Review 17896 overall - 116 in Minnesota - 1417 of 2022.] read more

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This Aerial Lift Bridge was a cool little landmark attraction for my first ever visit to Duluth, Minnesota. And...some would say (or at least I found in my research) that this Lift Bridge is sort of the unofficial/official start to the epic 150-mile journey along North Shore Scenic Drive starting here in Duluth and ending all the way north near the Canadian border in the town of Grand Portage, MN. Anyhow...this Aerial Lift Bridge is unlike your actual/typical bridge you'd expect to find these days. The biggest difference is that instead of being a drawbridge where the center of the road breaks apart and lifts up to allow for ships to pass by... this Aerial Lift Bridge actually operates like an elevator. It goes straight up and down for boats to go through. That's quite fascinating (in my book, lol) because I had never even given much thought to a bridge being constructed to move like an elevator. It's a very interesting attraction...and according to the other reviews I quickly glanced at before writing this...Yelpers were mentioning how emblematic this bridge is to the city of Duluth. When I looked up Aerial Lift Bridge on Wikipedia...I discovered some interesting facts I'd like to share.... - It was opened back in 1905. - It's 226 feet tall and spans 501 feet in length. - Some alternative names to this Aerial Lift bridge are....Transporter Bridge as well as Vertical-Lift Bridge. I visited back in early June of this past summer, 2021 on a Sunday morning and it was really peaceful and quiet outside. In fact, the bridge sits right on the border of a scenic pier that overlooks far out into the Lake Superior distance. So...not only is the bridge picturesque, but walking around the pier section of Duluth with a quaint little lighthouse situated at the end of the dock all made for a real pleasant Sunday morning. I truly appreciated just sort of breathing in the fresh air with this giant structure hanging as the centerpiece to an overall beautiful setting. I gladly took my time taking a bunch of photos not only of the Aerial Bridge but of the charming walking area where you can hang out enjoying what makes downtown Duluth special. When I was here, yeah granted it was early on a Sunday and hardly anyone was around...but I had no issues finding parking along the side of the street and then walking over to admire the bridge. Granted, I could imagine if it weren't a Sunday, parking would be difficult to find. And not only did I stand at the edge of the pier looking back upon this Aerial Lift Bridge, but I also casually strolled cross the bridge for different perspectives as it's passable for pedestrians as well. Overall, you could just sense what an old fashioned/classic appearance the bridge exuded. And the bridge was extremely photogenic for early morning with even a little fog and clouds hovering over the top of the bridge. For being in the heart of Eastern Minnesota, Duluth appears to be a real hub for cargo shipping, ya know, like what you'd expect to find for hard working folks of America. I liked being here, lol. Overall, I spent about 2 hours making my way around the bridge and walking along the edge of the harbor near the lighthouse. All I can say was how refreshing it felt to get a good start to my summer day at the first roadside stop along North Shore Scenic Drive. For anyone visiting Duluth or maybe getting ready to travel North Shore Scenic Drive, I'd definitely suggest making a stop here to witness such an iconic part of this Midwest port city. read more

The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge was built from 1901-1905 and its style is significantly rare in Bridge engineering. You can see this beautiful structure from all around the water ways of Duluth. We were lucky enough to get a hotel room with a view of it and saw it from many different angles during the day. Unfortunately we were on a schedule and were not able to see a ship come through. Make sure you check it out when you're in Duluth. read more

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What an accomplishment made by man. The bridge takes 1-3 minutes to lift and allows commerce.to thrive by letting ships carrying goods into the ports. read more

Very cool lift bridge; they raise it on the hour & 1/2 hour so there are a multitude of tones thru the day to see it operate. Lovely lakefront walk & museum. For those who are into it, there's a distillery on Lake St at the approach & if beer is your thing, there's Hoops & Canal St breweries nearby. read more

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This is the best aerial lift bridge in Duluth. Well built and effective, we crossed it twice and we didn't get wet at all. No trolls, no fuss! I would definitely recommend using this bridge if you are going to Minnesota Point. read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

aerial life bridge is located in down town duluth, minnesota. it's a cool landmark that lifts up every thirty minutes to allow boats to get through. the style is unique in terms of engineering, and there's not many bridges that you can find in the US that are like the aeriel life bridge. you can walk, bike or drive across it when it's not lifting up, but there is a warning. in the summer it's fun to watch boats pass by with family and kids, and it's never too chaotic with too many people. the lakefront walk is right next to the bridge. there are also plenty of nice shops and restaurants nearby. overall rating: 10/10. read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

If your planning a day in Duluth seeing and walking across this old bridge should be a must. One has to just marvel about this very early 1920's technology. There are also a couple of very nice breweries/restaurants to grab a sandwich and a beer. read more

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New York has the Brooklyn Bridge, San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, and Duluth has its Aerial Lift Bridge. I thought I would be the only person taking photos on a very cold, grey day but there were others doing the same on the rink-worthy icy sidewalks. This bridge connects Duluth's waterfront with a long spaghetti strip of a peninsula. Its metal grate roadway hums as cars go back and forth over it. Bridges are a reassuring presence and this humble work of steel is no less majestic than any iconic structure. read more

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Well the lift bridge is pretty much synonymous with Duluth, so if you come to visit Duluth and you do not see the lift bridge, you have done something wrong. Most people go out to Canal Park and walk out by the lighthouse and view the lift bridge from that side, which is super fun and offers lovely panoramic views of Duluth and the hillside. I love seeing the bridge from that side. But don't neglect the other views too. Drive over the actual bridge and go out to Park Point. And also go around by the DECC and view from that side too. One of my very favorite places on the whole planet. because it IS Duluth to me. read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

The lift bridge is to Duluth, as -- Le Tour Eiffel is to Paris Big Ben is to London Sears Tower is to Chicago the Arch is to St. Louis and the water tower is to Brainerd. You can find a lot of great info on the bridge from the wikipedia link. This historic and still functional sight is definitely one of the most visited landmarks in Minnesota. You will find many iconic town landmarks across Minnesota, but my favorite has always been the bridge. Year round you can see the large cargo ships entering the Twin Ports area. Summertime is great, as the warmer weather brings more visitors to the area. When you drive over the bridge, you enter a special neighborhood in Duluth - - Park Point. A five-mile long peninsula neighborhood with a great park at the end. read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

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I'd tell my grandkiddies about such a place. It's as cool as you decide to make it out to be. If you have some time, stroll out to the water and watch the lights from the bridge dance along the canal. Allot extra time to watch the lift bridge go up and let a ferry pass through. The wake from the ship can make you just seasick enough to feel alive. I'm the king of the world!!! read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - Duluth lift bridge lights up! - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

This bridge is the icon of Duluth. This bridge is a gateway to the Duluth harbor. When this bridge is in operation you will hear bells ringing. If you here bells then head to the bridge. Seeing it operate is fun to watch. I have many beautiful photos of it to share with you. I even got a brief video of the bridge going up. A large ship passed through along with several smaller vessels. The views around here and over the lake are magical. If you want to know where the road goes if you cross the bridge. It leads you out on Park Point where it is a slender island and a dead end. There are also nice homes along this stretch too. The left side of the island is mostly sand beaches along the lake. Nice stop also. read more

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Cool to watch the bridge go up. But even better to see all the boats and the huge shipping containers pass by. You can walk across the bridge if you can find a parking spot on a nice day! read more

A great tourist attraction for all visitors to Duluth. Looks amazing at night! I suggest waiting around ti see if you can watch a ship pass under the bridge. read more

I was surprised to see the bridge had a Yelp page. I'm not sure there's much point to it, but whatever, I'm happy to review it if for no other reason that I put this in my queue back in August and I'm tired of looking at it in there. It's iconic Duluth, the structure itself sets the tone for the city. Jessica A. is spot on. The park nearby, really, a viewing area for the canal, is so clean and busy, or at least it was when I was there last summer. It's really incredible, from an engineering standpoint, to watch that bridge go up and down and bring the whole street with it. It's even more incredible to watch them pilot those huge ships down the narrow canal. The people who man this thing are quick to tell people to get the hell out of the way when the bridge is coming down. I was happy to see they weren't so delicate with the moron trying to stand underneath and grab onto it as it lowered into position. -1 star for the traffic jam this thing created, though. :) read more

Beautiful bridge. We enjoy coming to see it every chance we're in Duluth. Seeing the big ships come in and out is pretty cool. Walk across it to get to the other side. Great bridge. A must see. read more

Aerial Lift Bridge - Aerial lift bridge. - Local Flavor Near Me - Duluth, Minnesota

Can you really review a bridge? When it's Duluth's aerial lift bridge, Yes. Yes, you can. The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is the city's iconic landmark. It's as iconic to Duluth as the Bay Bridge is to San Francisco or London Bridge is to London. There are many ways to enjoy it. You can enjoy the view from a distance, during the day or at night, watching it lift for passing ships. You can walk out on the piers to watch the massive ships coming into or leaving the harbor. You can walk or drive across it onto the peninsula. You can enjoy the view from restaurants nearby, such as Grandma's rooftop dining. You can stay at one of several hotels right next door. You can take the Lakewalk. No matter how you enjoy it, spending time near the bridge is always a memorable occasion when you're visiting Duluth. read more

Your in Duluth when you See The Bridge in Operation I've seen it hundreds of times and still can't get enough!

Quite a sight to see, walk down canal park and check out the bridge. Little dingys to large commercial ships pass by. If you drive past the bridge opposite to the park you can enjoy the more serene, homely experience of Duluth- river side homes and the many boats parked in open yards. Keep driving down and I believe you can hit the other beach in town read more

Really cool for kids and for adults it is worth checking out at least once. Great history and awesome that you can really get so close to the huge ships , read more

Love it. I would watch it as a kid going up and down for the ships. It's an event all by itself.

Pretty fun experience! I've taken a cruise underneath, drove over it. Was pretty interesting none the less. Cycles up and down, lets a lot of different things pass. I went on it today, and my kids thought it was cool. Hence the purpose of this review, lol. Pretty fun adventure if you're in the area. read more

The aerial lift bridge was one of the many sites we saw while in Duluth MN. We could see the bridge from our hotel window. The bridge is amazing! During the day we enjoyed watching the boats maneuver through the canal. The lights on the bridge at night were beautiful. read more