Today I took the day off work so we could have a good family spring break time together. We had thought of going to the Science Museum in St. Paul, but decided for much less the cost we could do a day trip up the North Shore of Lake Superior. I think we made the right decision.
Our home is a two hour drive from Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most scenic lighthouses in the world. Built in 1909, it served boats on Superior before it was retired in 1969. Since then it has been maintained by the Minnesota Historical Society and the Department of Natural Resources as a historic landmark. Right now, however, it is undergoing some much needed maintenance, thus the scaffolding and surrounding fabric. If you want to see the lighthouse as it looks without the stuff, Google it. It's been photographed many times.
The lighthouse is situated on a 130 foot basalt cliff hanging above the water. The barbed wire is justified, believe me. You just want that with kids running around. Oh, and look at that water. Have you ever seen that shade of blue? Only on Lake Superior.
Later, after purchasing our "second vehicle" State Park permit, which for $18 will allow us to explore any state park until October, we made our way down the shore to Gooseberry Falls State Park. The falls are lovely, but the trails were still icy to them so we spent our time on the beach. Above is where the Gooseberry River flows into Lake Superior.
Okay, this picture was taken at Split Rock. But I took many pictures of the kids on various rock formations, and I found myself lost in looking for rocks on the beach.I love Lake Superior. I had not been this far up the shore in years. I did not want to leave. We saw 40 deer on the way home, and about 5 eagles throughout the day.
10 comments:
Man that is gorgeous! What a great combination of sun and snow!
Don't blink ... your kids are growing!
FC- Just seeing that open water was the highlight of my day. Most of the smaller lakes around here will stay frozen until the middle of April. Yes, I know.
And as for the kids growing...Yikes! This time next year, Calvin will be taller, and his foot size larger, than me and mine! That's why days like this are precious. They all got a lot out of it.
Good looking trip and good looking family. I'm glad you took the chance to spend a quality day with your kids. They may not specifically remember it, but it will be part of their makeup.
Horray! I love Lake Superior, too. I live even closer to it than you do, and still don't go pay it homage as often as I should. Glad you could share it with your kids. My baby-in-belly got a bit of Lake water sprinkled on it this weekend... Friday was gorgeous!
Hey Deb,
My son has the day off from school on Friday, and I took a vacation day from work to stay home with both boys.
Instead of sleeping in and watching hours of Nick Jr., your post here has inspired me to do something meaningful with the day.
A hike somewhere? Perch fishing??
Thanks!! :-)
Pablo- I think they will definitely remember it.
GTR- Friday was wonderful indeed. Glad your baby has had some prenatal exposure to the best lake in the world.
Eric- Ugh...Nick Jr? Definitely go for a hike! These TV loving kids certainly had a memorable experience.
Deb, Lake Superior calls my husband and me many times a year. We were up in Duluth on Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday. The highlights were 5 species of gulls at the Superior Land fill and 20+ Long-tailed Ducks at Agate Bay in Two Harbors. Went to Sax-Zim. Not much happening there. We still had a great time. The lake...never bores me...never lets me down...always lifts my spirits!
Cindy
Deb, forgot to mention the 10th anniversary of the St. Peter, MN tornado was March 29. The Mankato Free Press ran stories of the tornado and the rebuilding after. They also had lots of pictures. I remember you mentioning you went to Gustavus.
Cindy
Wow, what a pretty day....glad you got to spend it together as a family.
Split Rock Lighthouse is one of my favorite places to visit in MN too.
Cindy- Glad you were able to spend some time there and see some good birds. You are right, the lake never lets you down.
I can't believe it's been ten years already. My only visit back to the campus was about two years ago, and I was amazed at the changes, both new buildings at the college and the lack of mature trees.
RuthieJ- I'm reaching for spring here! Split Rock is a beautiful place.
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