From ghost towns to abandoned hospitals, Minnesota is a paradise for those who love the world's forgotten places. In the prairie south, windswept farms add a ghostly appeal to the landscape. And in the north, the eerie remains of the mining boom are just one example of an interesting adventure. You could also take a walk along Duluth's Park Point Trail to discover the remains of a long-forgotten lighthouse. The beautiful hike is about four miles total and comes with a fascinating ending. Take a look:
Minnesota Point is a seven-mile-long sandbar in Duluth, Minnesota. When paired with the nearby Wisconsin Point, it is the largest freshwater sandbar in the world.
It's also a beautiful place to visit when you're on the North Shore. Just across Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge, a drive down Minnesota Avenue leads to a well-known beach called Park Point.
Park Point is known for its sandy dunes covered in tall grass. At certain times of year, it almost doesn't look like Minnesota. It's worth a stop, but your journey to the lighthouse starts a little further away.
A gravel trail near Sky Harbor Airport is where you'll begin the four-mile trek to the lighthouse. Follow it for about a mile, heading right at the fork. You'll see the the ruins of some old pumping stations along the way.
Continue for about another mile or so, then follow the left fork. You'll be awarded with a view of the Superior Ship Entry.
A half-mile further, and the lighthouse will be in view.
The 50-foot-tall tower dates back to 1855. It was the first high-powered beacon on Lake Superior.
While the lighthouse has fallen into disrepair, it's still a fascinating reminder of days long past. The lighthouse guided ships for 20 years.
When you've had your fill of the abandoned lighthouse, you can head back the way you came. Or, you can take the beach route.
This route is a little more challenging - you may have to hop from rock to rock - but it offers some more interesting relics. If the old breakwater doesn't interest you, the sight of waves washing up on the empty beach probably will.
Would you ever hike to Minnesota's abandoned lighthouse? Have you ever done it before? Let us know in the comments below.
For more eerie fun, check out our road trip to nine of Minnesota's most fascinating abandoned places.
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