Destination Duluth

08/31/2026

Brighton Beach has always belonged to Lake Superior as much as it belongs to Duluth. Read the story of the newly rebuilt Brighton Beach at destinationduluth.co/BrightonBeachIsBrighter

For generations, Duluthians and visitors have gathered along its rocky shoreline to watch sunrises, skip rocks, picnic with family and friends, and experience the big lake up close.

Maybe we got a little too close.

The powerful Lake Superior storms of 2017 and 2018 hammered Brighton Beach, repeatedly flooding the road, breaking apart pavement and eroding the shoreline. It became pretty clear that rebuilding Brighton Beach Drive in the same place and waiting for the next big storm wasn’t much of a plan.

Duluth needed to give Lake Superior a little more room.

The Brighton Beach Mini-Master Plan moved the road farther inland, extended the Lakewalk through the park, improved shoreline protection and drainage, and added accessible pathways, native plantings, picnic areas and gathering spaces.

After years of planning and construction, Kitchi Gammi Park officially reopened in October 2024 following more than $6.4 million in improvements.

Today, the rock ledges, waves and spectacular sunrises are still there. Brighton Beach is still the place generations of Duluthians remember.

It’s just a little brighter.

Read the full story and see the video and photos at destinationduluth.co/BrightonBeachIsBrighter
Video by | IG | haveyouhurdmedia.com

There are few places in Duluth where you can experience the raw power of Lake Superior quite like Brighton Brighton Beach has always belonged to Lake Superior as much as it belongs to Duluth. For generations, we’ve gathered along its rocky shoreline to watch sunrises, skip rocks, picnic with famil...

08/30/2026

Milky Way & Lunar Eclipse
Photo by Hayes Scriven Photography | IG | hscrivenphoto.com
I had been looking forward to the Lunar Eclipse for weeks, but I didn’t get really excited until I heard that as the Moon darkened, the Milky Way Core would become visible.

Then a friend told me something that made me even more excited: there was a chance the eclipsed Moon and the Milky Way Core could actually appear in the same frame.

After a long day of work, I headed down to one of my favorite spots in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and waited.

As the night unfolded, I watched what felt like a magical dance between the two—an eclipsed Moon glowing deep orange on one side of the sky, while the Milky Way stretched across the other.

For a photographer, these are the moments you hope for. When everything comes together, and the sky gives you something you never quite imagined.

Taken near Beaver Bay MN around 11 pm on 8/27.

08/30/2026

Fall colors are just around the corner... One of the best ways to see them? Aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad. INFO/TIX: destinationduluth.co/2026FallColorsTrain

Previous season photos by Schauer Photo Images

The Two Harbors Fall Colors Tour returns September 9, taking passengers along the Lake Superior shoreline for a full-day trip from Duluth to Two Harbors. The six-hour excursion includes a two-hour stop to explore, shop and grab lunch before heading back to Duluth.

🚂🍂 Climb aboard for one of America’s top fall experiences. CNN named the 6-hour North Shore Fall Colors Train Tour along Lake Superior a “Top 5 of the Top 10 in America.”

Plan your trip and get tickets at destinationduluth.co/2026FallColorsTrain

Track fall colors daily at destinationduluth.co/2026FallColorFinder According to the NWS Fall colors typically peak in Duluth from late September to early October.

08/30/2026

Want to ? Essentia has a career path to help you fulfill your dream of Lake Superior living. Explore the possibilities at → destinationduluth.co/EssentiaCareers

We come from many backgrounds and do different things, but we all strive to deliver on the same promise: finding new ways to create a healthy difference in people’s lives.

At Essentia, you'll find rewarding opportunities, diverse experiences, and a strong culture built on integrity and collaboration. As part of our team, you'll work alongside talented colleagues who share your sense of purpose. Tour our site to learn more about why Essentia Health is like nowhere else.

Looking for a family-like place to live where fulfilling careers are born? Your search ends here.

Speak to our team members and they will agree that Essentia Health is a great place to work. Maybe it’s the supportive work environment, the natural beauty of our community, or the knowledge that our contributions are making a difference. More likely, it’s all of the above.

Bring your talents here. Excel in your career without compromising your life outside of work. Thrive with us.

Explore the possibilities at → destinationduluth.co/EssentiaCareers

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Essentia Health is a sustaining partner. Destination Duluth’s purpose is to foster a connected, vibrant, and growing city.

08/30/2026

Brighton Beach is Brighter. Story and photos at destinationduluth.co/BrightonBeachStory_reel
Video by Have You Hurd Media | IG | haveyouhurdmedia.com

For generations, Duluthians and visitors have gathered along its rocky shoreline to watch sunrises, skip rocks, picnic with family and friends, and experience the big lake up close.

Maybe we got a little too close.

The powerful Lake Superior storms of 2017 and 2018 hammered Brighton Beach, repeatedly flooding the road, breaking apart pavement and eroding the shoreline.

After years of planning and construction, Kitchi Gammi Park officially reopened in October 2024 following more than $6.4 million in improvements.

08/30/2026

Brighton Beach has always belonged to Lake Superior as much as it belongs to Duluth. Read the story of the newly rebuilt Brighton Beach at destinationduluth.co/BrightonBeachStory_video
Brighton Beach has always belonged to Lake Superior as much as it belongs to Duluth.

For generations, Duluthians and visitors have gathered along its rocky shoreline to watch sunrises, skip rocks, picnic with family and friends, and experience the big lake up close.

Maybe we got a little too close.

The powerful Lake Superior storms of 2017 and 2018 hammered Brighton Beach, repeatedly flooding the road, breaking apart pavement and eroding the shoreline. It became pretty clear that rebuilding Brighton Beach Drive in the same place and waiting for the next big storm wasn’t much of a plan.

Duluth needed to give Lake Superior a little more room.

The Brighton Beach Mini-Master Plan moved the road farther inland, extended the Lakewalk through the park, improved shoreline protection and drainage, and added accessible pathways, native plantings, picnic areas and gathering spaces.

After years of planning and construction, Kitchi Gammi Park officially reopened in October 2024 following more than $6.4 million in improvements.

Today, the rock ledges, waves and spectacular sunrises are still there. Brighton Beach is still the place generations of Duluthians remember.

It’s just a little brighter.

Read the full story and see the video and photos at destinationduluth.co/BrightonBeachStory_video

Video by Have You Hurd Media | IG | haveyouhurdmedia.com

08/30/2026

A new season is about to begin for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra! INFO/TIX: destinationduluth.co/america-in-motion

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary this year, the DSSO's 2026-27 "American Wonders" season explores the beauty, spirit and musical legacy of the country.

It begins September 19 with "America in Motion," an all-American jazz joyride featuring music by Mackey, Gershwin and Ellington. DSSO Principal Pianist Alexander Sandor joins the orchestra for an evening that travels from the propulsive tango-noir rhythms of the New York City subway to Gershwin's dizzying Parisian fever dream.

Saturday, September 19, 2026
7:00 PM
DECC Symphony Hall
Tickets available now → destinationduluth.co/america-in-motion

08/30/2026

August 30th in DD history -- Rising Sun from a Sea Cave, Lake Superior, Minnesota
Photo by Ken Harmon, Ken Harmon Photography | IG | kenharmonphotography.com
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From the DD archives 8/30/22

08/30/2026

Lightning Strikes!
Video taken by Duluth Harbor Cam at South Pier Lighthouse during a storm last week.

08/30/2026

Lightning Strikes!
Video taken by Duluth Harbor Cam South Pier Lighthouse during a storm last week.