Exploring the Parks of Duluth at Enger Park and Congdon Park

Exploring the Parks of Duluth at Enger Park and Congdon Park

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary admission to Glensheen and the Great Lakes Aquarium in partnership with Visit Duluth in order to bring you detailed reviews. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Opportunities for hiking and other outdoor recreational activities abound in Duluth. At the beginning of our getaway, we escaped a bit up the Lake Superior coast to Gooseberry Falls. On the second day of our trip, we explored two of Duluth's incredible parks -- Enger Park and Congdon Park. Each park provides a unique perspective of Duluth.

High above Duluth, Enger Tower yields amazing views.

Climbing to a Grand View at Enger Park:

We first headed up above the city to Enger Park. Enger Park is home to a Japanese garden, hillside gardens, picnic areas, hiking trails and more. Determined to check out the view, we headed up Enger Tower. The park was originally established in 1939 and dedicated by Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway. The land was originally owned by Bert Enger who was a Duluth businessman from Norway. When he passed away, he left the land to the city as a park. As we walked up the stone steps, we could feel the history of hundreds of others making the same climb.

Dedication to Bert J. Enger

Once atop Enger Tower, we walked around to take in the panorama. We savored sweeping views of Lake Superior and the harbor.

Sweeping harbor and Lake Superior views from atop Enger Tower.

Walking further around, we admired the outlying natural landscape which also includes a golf course for golf fans!

At this point in the day, it was pretty chilly. So, we opted to head in for awhile. In the future, I hope to visit when it is warmer and greener out to saunter through the gardens.

Waterfalling at Congdon Park

Later in the day, the temperature was a bit warmer so we were up for more outdoor exploring. We headed to Congdon Park in search of waterfalls! We were immediately rewarded -- yet there would be a bigger waterfall along the hike:

Small waterfall trickling down a rock bed.

Congdon Park is named for Chester Congdon, the mining magnate that built the magnificent mansion Glensheen. Congdon Park is located upstream on Tischer Creek from Glensheen. Congdon donated the land to the city to establish the park.

Several of the incredible waterfall vantage points.

The park is picturesque! Rapids and cascades had us easily forgetting that the park is within a development. The reddish volcanic rock encasing the rapids and falls and verdant evergreens help add layers to the stunning landscape. To get to this trail, we did have to climb down a steepish incline. Our walking sticks were useful. Hiking was easier on the canyon floor but we had to again climb up to other vantage points. Really a fantastic hike!

Bridges allow for different perspectives.

Overall:

We reveled in our explorations at Enger Park and Congdon Park. Each provided a unique perspective of Duluth and allowed us inspirational escapes. Both parks are fairly easy to add to any Duluth adventure and not far from other Duluth adventures. So, don't forget to add these wonderful parks to your next Duluth getaway!