Lake Superior Archives - Cascade Vacation Rentals

7 09, 2022

Lake Superior Agates
Lake Superior Agates

Lake Superior Agates

Martha Finley2022-09-07T22:18:11+00:00Nature|

Rockhounds and casual beachcombers alike know the term "Lake Superior Agates". For many, finding one is a central part of their North Shore vacations. Entire Facebook groups are dedicated to those on the hunt for the elusive Lake Superior Agate. But what are they? Why are they so special? And, most importantly, where can I find them? We answer all of that, and more, right here! The Formation of the Lake Superior Agates Lake Superior Agates are a specific kind of stone that was formed by volcanic activity along the North Shore 1.2 billion years ago. Gas pockets in [...]

3 03, 2020

Lake Superior Pancake Ice
Lake Superior Pancake Ice

Lake Superior Pancake Ice

Martha Finley2022-12-29T17:20:40+00:00Nature|

Would you like some syrup with your Lake Superior Pancake Ice? Unlike regular pancakes made with flour and buttermilk, pancake ice is formed when surface slush thickens and swirls caused by a current or light wind, a process known as rafting. The circular pads of ice form anywhere from 1-10 feet in diameter, and up to 4 inches thick. That's a big pancake. A signature feature of Lake Superior's pancake ice is its raised edges on the perimeter which is caused by continued crashes into one another from the waves. Recipe for Lake Suprior Pancake Ice The process begins [...]

1 01, 2020

Aerial Lift Bridge
Aerial Lift Bridge

Aerial Lift Bridge

Martha Finley2021-08-10T16:59:10+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, History|

Duluth became the proud home to the United States’ first transporter bridge when construction on the Aerial Bridge was completed in 1905. It was later converted from a ferry bridge to the Aerial Lift Bridge in 1929. The bridge spans the Duluth Ship Canal which leads iron ore ships into the Twin Ports from Lake Superior. It also connects the areas known today as Canal Park and Park Point. Why Was it Built?: A Little Bit of History Park Point, also known as Minnesota Point, is a neighborhood of Duluth that is separated from the city by the Duluth Ship [...]

1 01, 2020

Gales of November
Gales of November

Gales of November

Martha Finley2021-10-06T15:32:02+00:00Nature|

You’re wrong if you think there isn't anything to do on the North Shore during the late fall/early winter season. As the season changes and the temperature drops, Lake Superior becomes alive with the Gales of November! Gales are winds that exceed 39MPH, an occurrence that happens usually once a week during the month of November. The differences in air pressure between low-pressure and high-pressure systems cause them. The greater the difference, the higher the wind speeds are. These winds create enormous white caps just like you’d see in the ocean. You haven’t seen Lake Superior until you’ve seen what [...]

1 01, 2020

McQuade Small Craft Harbor
McQuade Small Craft Harbor

McQuade Small Craft Harbor

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:43:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, Scenic Drive|

If you’re looking for a day to watch ships on Lake Superior but don’t want to deal with the large crowds of tourists in Canal Park of Duluth, look no further. McQuade Small Craft Harbor is the perfect place to enjoy a calm, but interesting day watching small crafts come in and out of the harbor. Although they might not be the biggest vessels, this harbor has seen increased boat traffic for many years. This public access facility was developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis County, and the City of [...]

1 01, 2020

William A Irvin Is Moving!
William A Irvin Is Moving!

William A Irvin Is Moving!

Martha Finley2021-10-06T16:00:23+00:00Duluth, News & Updates|

Note: This is a story from 2018. The William A Irvin has since returned and resumed normal operations. We know where and we know how, but the when is a mystery. However, soon, the North Shore will witness a historic moment that you may be lucky enough to catch, if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. After more than three decades of mooring in the harbor of Duluth, the SS William A Irvin once again will sail the Great Lakes. Sort of. The move, which will likely happen in the pre-dawn hours on an [...]

1 01, 2020

Hovland Dock
Hovland Dock

Hovland Dock

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:44:27+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Hovland/Grand Portage|

Located on Chicago Bay in the ghost-town of Hovland, MN (19 miles northeast of Grand Marais), is the last remaining vintage commercial dock on Lake Superior. The concrete dock dates back to the early 1900’s when Hovland was a thriving economic hub in the area. Its primary use was a loading and unloading site for passenger and cargo ships traveling between Duluth and Canada. Today the dock stretches out about a hundred feet into the deep water, with a couple sections disconnected and submerged into Lake Superior. An old bell that was rung in years past to signal the arrival of a [...]

1 01, 2020

Edna G Tugboat
Edna G Tugboat

Edna G Tugboat

Martha Finley2021-08-09T19:59:02+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Built-in 1896, the Edna G Tugboat was the last steam-powered tugboat that operated on the Great Lakes. It sits at 110 feet long, with a 23-foot beam, and has a 1000 horsepower engine. The engine generates a bollard pull of a whopping 30 tons (bollard pull is the nautical equivalent of horsepower)! During its operation, the engine would use roughly 25 tons of coal per week, or 5 tons per day. That equates to about 12 shovels full of coal that had to be manually shoveled into the boiler every 10 minutes! Edna G was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding [...]

1 01, 2020

Susie Islands
Susie Islands

Susie Islands

Martha Finley2021-08-09T14:59:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Hovland/Grand Portage|

The Susie Islands are a group of 13 islands off the North Shore of Lake Superior near Grand Portage. The three major islands: Susie, Francis, and Lucille were all named after a member of the Falconer family who once lived in Susie and mined its copper ore in the early 1900’s. Though copper ore is no longer mined from the islands, they still have much to give: an environment for growing rare flora and a breathtaking view from the roadside overlook along Highway 61. The islands are all home to unique and unusual flora due to their location. Because the islands are offshore, [...]

1 01, 2020

Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks
Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks

Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks

Martha Finley2021-10-05T19:47:01+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Have you seen the strange man-made structures that tower over Agate Bay in Two Harbors and wondered what they were? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The structures are the Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks located inside the bay. They offer protection via the two breakwaters located between the bay and Lake Superior. The breakwaters total about 2,500 feet and help stop prevailing waves from the south. Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks are made out of steel and is over 1300 feet long and seven stories tall. The immense size of the docks allows ships to pull alongside [...]

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