Our 'Minimoon' in Duluth

June 20, 2010.

Jason took me to Duluth for a 'Minimoon' as my wedding gift. The drive up was beautiful and it was a nice relaxing drive (for me at least since Jason drove). Here we are at one of the scenic overlooks. What a wonderful thing to do after two VERY busy days!

Our room at The Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors.

Before we ate dinner, we checked out the views and the shore.



June 21, 2010.

Our first stop Monday was Gooseberry Falls just north of Two Harbors. I guess it wasn't the smartest thing to do the day following two super busy and exhausting days, but what the heck. We only made it half way around before turning around & going back. It was beautiful. Someday we'll go back & make the whole circle.

Here is just a bit of the stairs/ramps there were to climb up and down. My feet hurt before we even got there!
The falls. I know it's not like the Vermillion Falls in Hastings, but let's be honest...what really is????
The river from the visitor's center.

Our second (and my favorite) stop of the day was the Glensheen Mansion. This home was built by Chester and Clara Congdon beginning in 1905 and finishing in 1908. They were one of the richest families in the state, if not the country and by the amenities of the house, it's very clear. One of the highlights for me...in the early 1900's they had central vac! In 1968 the house was donated to the U of M by the family while the youngest daughter, Elisabeth, was still living there. At the time of her death, the house was turned over to the university. In 1977 she and her nurse were murdered in the house. Her adopted daughter and the daughter's husband were suspected of the crime. Elisabeth's son-in-law was convicted, and later overturned. He eventually confessed and committed suicide. Her daughter, Marjorie was acquitted, but has had trouble with the law since. It's a very interesting story and a fascinating family.

This is the best I could do with the front of the house ~ it's MASSIVE! Here are a couple of the dozen or so vehicles owned by Chester Congdon.
A portion of the house from the back yard.

These are some shots of the beautiful back yard. The grounds are HUGE and EXTREMELY well kept!!



Here is where the Congdon's guests who traveled via boat would dock. You can see how much the lake as receded over the years.

We took a little break in the rain to sit on the pier for a quick picture & look for some rocks.

Our last stop before heading home was the William A. Irvin, a retired iron ore ship turned into a museum. While it was cool to see, Jason found it much more interesting than I did. Maybe this is why...