We've been in the land of 10,000 Lakes once before though this trip is taking us along a different path.

Lastly, the Minneapolis Lakers were the NBA's first official dynasty, playing in Minnesota from 1947 until moving to Los Angeles in 1960. A 'laker' is large cargo ship built to travel on the Great Lakes. Did you ever wonder about LA's team name?

Okay, Duluth. We honestly didn't know what to expect upon our arrival.

Built on a volcanic ridge, Duluth features a vertical street grid with some streets exceeding a 12% grade, earning it comparisons to San Francisco.

The Port of Duluth-Superior is the largest and busiest port on the Great Lakes and the world's farthest inland port accessible to oceangoing ships from the Atlantic Ocean.

At the turn of the 20th century, Duluth reportedly boasted more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world.

In the 1970s, many of Duluth’s key industrial companies had closed. When the US Steel Plant – a sizeable employer – closed in 1971 along with other corporations, Duluth suffered greatly and unemployment rose. But like several times before, the city eventually recovered.

We picked up coffee in the DeWitt-Seitz (1909) building in Canal Park which is now home to several shops and restaurants. This beautiful building used to house one of Duluth’s busiest and prosperous companies among other things: a manufacturing plant for mattresses and box springs.

After a delicious lunch and the very delightful Grandma's, we set off on a 9,469 step explore of Duluth's waterfront.

What a perfect classroom the Lake Superior Maritime Museum proved to be. "Discover the rich history of the Great Lakes Navigation System through interactive exhibits and immersive displays. Learn about the shipping industry and the vital role of the Duluth-Superior Harbor in regional commerce and transportation."

"Highlights include a replica ship pilothouse, three cabin replicas, a two-story steam engine, and 50 detailed scale models."

There were very thorough videos and displays about ORE. What really intrigued us was taconite, a low-grade iron ore. When the high-grade natural iron ore was plentiful, taconite was considered a waste rock and not used. But as the supply of high-grade natural ore decreased, industry began to view taconite as a resource. Dr. E.W. Davis of the University of Minnesota, along with other scientists and engineers, conducted years of laboratory tests and experiments to find a way to take the iron ore out of the taconite rock. After many years of hard work, a process was developed to create taconite pellets. Taconite saved Minnesota's iron ore mining industry.

Sadly, we learned of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald sang so beautifully by Gordon Lightfoot.

We also learned the very lengthy history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I had no idea that it dates back to June 16, 1775, when the Continental Congress appointed a chief engineer for the Revolutionary Army. I have a new appreciation for its service.

Don't you just love a lighthouse? This one dates from 1909.

Positioned on the Canal Park pier, the South Breakwater Outer Light has stood as a beacon since 1901, joining two other nearby lighthouses. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the active Aid to Navigation light and foghorn within the building to ensure safe harbor passage.

As we continued along the canal, we were drawn to this bridge, an iconic, 24/7 operating landmark that spans the Duluth Ship Canal. Originally built in 1905 as a transporter bridge, it was eventually converted to a vertical lift bridge. Rising to 138 feet in 55 seconds, the Aerial Lift Bridge is the biggest and quickest lift bridge in the world.

Of course we had to walk across the bridge and marvel at it in action.

We ended our explore here at Minnesota Point (Park Point), the world's longest freshwater sandbar (six miles long). Who knew Duluth would be so magical?