In a huge win for Duluth, the $30 million Harbor Plaza project, which took roughly two years of construction, is now complete. Located in front of the DECC and perched right on the edge of Lake Superior, this tremendous new amenity offers:
- Green space and seating, with front row views of Lake Superior and the Aerial Lift Bridge
- A walkable and bike-friendly environment
- A modernized, more storm-resistant seawall
- Cruise ship infrastructure
It also provides a much-needed improvement to the portion of the Lakewalk connecting Canal Park to Bayfront Park. In this edition of Life on Your Lakewalk, we explore a bit about this wonderful new gem.
Relaxation and Events
Harbor Plaza offers lovely walking and gathering areas for visitors. Seating is available, making it a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or read a book. With its close proximity to Lake Superior and terrific views of the Aerial Lift Bridge, it’s also a great place to sightsee.
Harbor Plaza also serves as a fantastic new venue for public events and festivals, such as the Festival of Sail and the Tall Ships Challenge. In short, it is a vibrant space for relaxation and waterfront enjoyment.
Strengthened Seawall
In recent years, Duluth has been hit with some powerful storms, which have seriously damaged our shoreline. A significant part of the new Harbor Plaza project is an improved seawall, which strengthens the city’s ability to withstand Lake Superior’s strong waves and protect waterfront infrastructure for many years to come.
Connectivity
By way of the Minnesota Slip Bridge, walkers and bikers can easily travel from Canal Park to Harbor Plaza (and back again). This makes it easy to access many of Duluth’s popular amenities, including the Great Lakes Aquarium, the DECC, Bayfront Festival Park, the Vista Fleet, and the William A Irvin.
Planning to attend an event at Bayfront or the DECC? How about dinner or a beverage at one of the many wonderful Canal Park restaurants, using the Lakewalk to get there? As shown in the photo above, visitors can easily travel across the harbor via the Minnesota Slip Bridge. Bonus: You’ll pass through Harbor Plaza on your way!
Cruise Ship Infrastructure
Part of the Harbor Plaza project included 26’-deep dredging in Lake Superior, creating channels deep enough to accommodate cruise ships. Ships can now dock here, and tourists can get off the boat and explore.
Visitors arriving by ship can step right off the boat and walk the shores of Duluth, visiting all the shops and restaurants while they are here. With these new amenities for cruise ships, the opportunities for tourism are endless.
Check it Out
Have you visited Harbor Plaza yet? With its beauty and recreation opportunities, this cool new “park” provides yet another feather in Duluth’s cap.
And, when considering its new cruise ship accommodations, it’s possible that Duluth eventually becomes a sought-after destination for “cruisers.” The opportunities for tourism and enjoyment are truly endless.
