From ghost towns to abandoned hospitals, Minnesota is a paradise for those who love the world’s forgotten places. In the prairie south, windswept farms add a ghostly appeal to the landscape. And in the north, the eerie remains of the mining boom are just one example of an interesting adventure. You could also take a walk along Duluth’s Park Point Trail to discover the remains of a long-forgotten lighthouse. The beautiful hike is about four miles total and comes with a fascinating ending. Take a look:
Minnesota Point is a seven-mile-long sandbar in Duluth, Minnesota. When paired with the nearby Wisconsin Point, it is the largest freshwater sandbar in the world.
Libby Schraw/AllTrails
It’s also a beautiful place to visit when you’re on the North Shore. Just across Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge, a drive down Minnesota Avenue leads to a well-known beach called Park Point.
jpellgen/Flickr
Park Point is known for its sandy dunes covered in tall grass. At certain times of year, it almost doesn’t look like Minnesota. It’s worth a stop, but your journey to the lighthouse starts a little further away.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
A gravel trail near Sky Harbor Airport is where you’ll begin the four-mile trek to the lighthouse. Follow it for about a mile, heading right at the fork. You’ll see the the ruins of some old pumping stations along the way.
Libby Schraw/AllTrails
Continue for about another mile or so, then follow the left fork. You’ll be awarded with a view of the Superior Ship Entry.
Pete Markham/Flickr
A half-mile further, and the lighthouse will be in view.
ivers/Flickr
The 50-foot-tall tower dates back to 1855. It was the first high-powered beacon on Lake Superior.
Eric Jacobi/Flickr
While the lighthouse has fallen into disrepair, it’s still a fascinating reminder of days long past. The lighthouse guided ships for 20 years.
Joe Passe/Flickr
When you’ve had your fill of the abandoned lighthouse, you can head back the way you came. Or, you can take the beach route.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
This route is a little more challenging - you may have to hop from rock to rock - but it offers some more interesting relics. If the old breakwater doesn’t interest you, the sight of waves washing up on the empty beach probably will.
Joe/Flickr
Would you ever hike to Minnesota’s abandoned lighthouse? Have you ever done it before? Let us know in the comments below.
Libby Schraw/AllTrails
jpellgen/Flickr
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Pete Markham/Flickr
ivers/Flickr
Eric Jacobi/Flickr
Joe Passe/Flickr
Joe/Flickr
For more eerie fun, check out our road trip to nine of Minnesota’s most fascinating abandoned places.
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