Roadtrip edition: Great Northern (U.S. 2)

Duluth, MN

Duluth and the Aerial Lift Bridge, which is adjacent to Canal Park and spans the Duluth Ship Canal into the Duluth–Superior harbor.
Another view of the Aerial Lift Bridge in action.
Map of the Great Northern roadtrip route.

This roadtrip runs the top border of the U.S. from Bangor, Maine to Seattle, Washington. There is a segment that crosses over into Canada: Ontario and Quebec. However, since this series focuses on American roadtrips, we skip that portion. You can do a part of this roadtrip (which is still substantial), or fly between the Canadian segments, or take a long detour around the lakes, or drive all of it by visiting beautiful cities in Canada.

Duluth is known for:

  • Population: 86,697
  • Situated on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area
  • Temperature ranges from an average of 8° in January to 77° in July
  • North America’s furthest inland seaport
  • The Duluth-Superior Port is a major source of industry for the area and provides more than 11,500 jobs
  • Named “Best City Ever” by Outside Magazine
  • Bob Dylan
  • The famous Aerial Lift Bridge
  • Home to Grandma’s Marathon
  • Weird law/lore: It is illegal to allow animals to sleep in a bakery in Duluth

WHAT TO DO?

Climb the steps at Enger Tower and Enger Park Gardens.

Enger Tower and its Gardens are a favorite picnic spot and a “must see” stop. The 80 foot high Enger Park Tower was dedicated in 1939 by Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway. The 5 story tower provides perhaps the best scenic overview of the city and harbor. The Superior Hiking Trail runs along the edge of Enger Park Gardens which is filled with hostas and hundreds of other flowers and plants. Also, stop by the Japanese rock garden and view the Peace Bell Tower, a gift from Duluth’s sister city in Japan.

https://www.superiortrails.com/duluth-engerpark.html

A beautiful photograph of Enger Tower.
The Japanese rock garden at Enger gardens, showing the Peace Bell at the top, a gift from their sister city in Japan.
Closer view of the Peace Bell

WHAT TO EAT?

Cajun Finn Sandwich at Northern Waters Smokehaus.

A popular deli and sandwich shop in Duluth, Northern Waters Smokehaus has won all kinds of awards and recognition, including being named the best deli in Minnesota. They are known for their smoked fish and meats which they ship throughout the U.S. Their best selling Cajun Finn sandwich is Haus-smoked Cajun salmon, green onion cream cheese, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini & lettuce on stirato.

https://northernwaterssmokehaus.com/

Front of Northern Waters Smokehaus.
Smoking fish.

REBOOT! RECIPE: Cajun Finn Sandwich

Let’s make this at home!

Ingredients:

  • Ciabatta Rolls
  • Tub of Soft Cream Cheese mixed with a thinly sliced Green Onion
  • Jar of Roasted Red Peppers, drained
  • Jar of Sliced Pepperoncini, drained
  • Spring Mix
  • Cajun Smoked Salmon, sliced

The Cajun Smoked Salmon ingredient might be an issue…you can:

  1. Order by mail from Northern Waters Smokehaus at the link above.
  2. Buy or create a smoker and try this recipe yourself: https://grillyourassoff.com/…/recipes/smoked-cajun-salmon
  3. Substitute Chipotle Lime Salmon from Sam’s Club: https://www.samsclub.com/…/honey-smoked…/P03013613…
  • For those watching the carb intake, make this a salad with creamy dressing using cream cheese and green onion. https://traditionalcookingschool.com/…/creamy-salad…/
  • For those watching fat intake, use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full fat cream cheese and only use a small amount since the fish already has lots of healthy omega-3 fat.
  • For those watching salt intake, use plain smoked salmon and opt for a salad instead of ciabatta.

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See more stops along the route here: https://innerathlete.us/great-northern/

Sources: tripadvisor, superiortrails, eater, Northern Waters Smokehaus, Wikipedia, Traditional Cooking School, Grill Your Ass Off