A Lighthouse Was Built And Left To Decay In Minnesota

With as busy and modern as Minnesota’s cities are, it is hard to imagine any of them being home to crumbling ruins. But there is evidence of Minnesota’s past history all around us, even in the busiest cities. For example, Minneapolis is home to the remains of an abandoned mill at Mill Ruins Park. And in Duluth, Minnesota’s fifth-biggest city, you’ll find a unique ruin that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. It’s an old lighthouse that once guided ships on Lake Superior. Now, it is an abandoned ruin left to decay in one of Minnesota’s largest city. Read on below to learn more:

If you’ve ever been to Duluth, you’ve likely been to Minnesota Point - commonly known as Park Point - a large sandbar beyond the famous Aerial Lift Bridge. It’s the largest sandbar in the world!

Michael Burbul/Google

The area is a popular place to visit throughout the year. The sand is often filled with beachgoers in the summertime, and it’s always lovely to see the windswept lands in all of the other seasons.

Sharon Mollerus/Flickr

Many people don’t realize that there are also hiking trails across Minnesota Point. One in particular leads to a surprising discovery that most Minnesotans have never heard of. Follow a 2.5-mile trail through a lovely pine forest…

Mike Klein/AllTrails

…and you’ll soon encounter the ruins of an old lighthouse. The lighthouse, known as the Minnesota Point Light, was built in 1858. That makes it 164 years old in 2022!

Gary Todd/Flickr

The light guided the way for Lake Superior boats for many years. It was finally decommissioned in 1913. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Mo Torcycle/AllTrails

Though the lighthouse is no longer lit, it is still a fascinating piece of Minnesota history - and a fun place to hike for Minnesota Point visitors. The ruined tower stands out against the sandbar’s landscape, making it impossible to miss for hikers.

Ryan Johnson/Google

Next time you’re looking for an interesting hike in the Duluth area, head over to Minnesota Point. You’ll find the ruins of an old lighthouse decaying in the middle of one of Minnesota’s biggest cities. You truly cannot find anything else like that in the state!

Joe Passe/Flickr

Have you ever visited the ruins of the Minnesota Point Light? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re interested in other Duluth ruins, check out our past article about Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum. Also be sure to follow our abandoned places road trip for even more Minnesota ruins!