Branden, Author at South Pier Inn https://southpierinn.com/author/southpierinn/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:43:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald https://southpierinn.com/50th-anniversary-of-the-sinking-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/ https://southpierinn.com/50th-anniversary-of-the-sinking-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/#respond Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:43:16 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2247 Today marks fifty years since the Edmund Fitzgerald tragically sank in the stormy waters of Lake Superior, claiming the lives of all twenty-nine crew members. The ship’s loss remains one of the most haunting maritime disasters in Great Lakes history, and a solemn reminder of nature’s unforgiving power. As we remember the Fitzgerald and her […]

The post 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> Today marks fifty years since the Edmund Fitzgerald tragically sank in the stormy waters of Lake Superior, claiming the lives of all twenty-nine crew members. The ship’s loss remains one of the most haunting maritime disasters in Great Lakes history, and a solemn reminder of nature’s unforgiving power. As we remember the Fitzgerald and her crew, we honor their memory and reflect on the enduring lessons of resilience, respect for the lake, and the courage of mariners everywhere.

The post 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/50th-anniversary-of-the-sinking-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/feed/ 0 Septembers Events to Check Out! https://southpierinn.com/septembers-events-to-check-out/ https://southpierinn.com/septembers-events-to-check-out/#respond Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:12:39 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2243 There are great events every day of the week in Duluth! Check out some of these fun things to do coming up during the latter half of September: Day Suggestions Thursday, Sept 18 Attend Superior Soundcheck Series: Grand Holler at Earth Rider Brewery Fest Grounds (~7pm). Roots-rock music with local flavor. (Perfect Duluth Day) Sunday, […]

The post Septembers Events to Check Out! appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> There are great events every day of the week in Duluth! Check out some of these fun things to do coming up during the latter half of September:

Day Suggestions
Thursday, Sept 18 Attend Superior Soundcheck Series: Grand Holler at Earth Rider Brewery Fest Grounds (~7pm). Roots-rock music with local flavor. (Perfect Duluth Day)
Sunday, Sept 20 Afternoon: Join September Free ArtDAI (1-4pm) — craft making, casual art-exploration that’s family-friendly and local. (Visit Duluth)
Monday–Tuesday, Sept 22-23 Museums & Galleries: See “The Games We Play” by Charvis Harrell (Duluth Art Institute) until September 16; it’s just ending, so check for other current shows. (Duluth Art Institute) Also, go to the Resident Personalities exhibit by Sarah Gatlin at Great Lakes Aquarium (runs Sept 4 – Nov 3). (Great Lakes Aquarium)
Wednesday, Sept 24 At night: Live Jazz Fusion by Kroma at The Rathskeller (8-10pm). Good for experiencing local, contemporary jazz in an underground speakeasy setting. (The Rathskeller)
Thursday, Sept 25 Evening: Thursday Jazz Night at Rath again — always a chance to catch a different band. Or explore local historical walking tours (self-guided) in neighborhoods like the West End or Canal Park to mix history + scenery.
Saturday, Sept 27 Morning to afternoon: 6th Annual Art in Autumn Outdoor Market from 10am-4pm. Browse local artisans, crafts, food, and art in Lakeside. Great for souvenirs & seeing local art culture. (Visit Duluth) Evening: If interested, check if there are concerts or performances at the NorShor Theatre or DECC (big venues often have shows on weekends).

The post Septembers Events to Check Out! appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/septembers-events-to-check-out/feed/ 0 Plan Your Perfect August Getaway at South Pier Inn https://southpierinn.com/plan-your-perfect-august-getaway-at-south-pier-inn/ https://southpierinn.com/plan-your-perfect-august-getaway-at-south-pier-inn/#respond Tue, 22 Jul 2025 22:44:16 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2240 August is the ideal time to enjoy a Duluth escape—and there’s no better place to stay than South Pier Inn, located right at the foot of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. With warm lake breezes, vibrant city events, and the last golden weeks of summer, August offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From […]

The post Plan Your Perfect August Getaway at South Pier Inn appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> August is the ideal time to enjoy a Duluth escape—and there’s no better place to stay than South Pier Inn, located right at the foot of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. With warm lake breezes, vibrant city events, and the last golden weeks of summer, August offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

From your private balcony, watch massive freighters pass through the canal just steps from your room. Spend your days exploring Canal Park, strolling the Lakewalk, or enjoying a harbor cruise on Lake Superior. August also brings some of Duluth’s best festivals, outdoor concerts, and waterfront dining—just minutes from our doors.

Guests at South Pier Inn enjoy thoughtfully appointed rooms, complimentary continental breakfast, and the unbeatable feeling of being right on the water. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee to the sounds of seagulls or catching the sunset over the harbor, every moment here is a postcard.

Before summer slips away, treat yourself to an August getaway that captures the magic of Duluth at its best. Availability is limited during this peak season—book your stay today and make the most of summer’s final chapter at South Pier Inn.

The post Plan Your Perfect August Getaway at South Pier Inn appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/plan-your-perfect-august-getaway-at-south-pier-inn/feed/ 0 Tall Ships Return to Duluth https://southpierinn.com/tall-ships-return-to-duluth/ https://southpierinn.com/tall-ships-return-to-duluth/#respond Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:39:45 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2237 From July 10–13, 2025, Duluth will host the Festival of Sail, the seventh Great Lakes stop in the Tall Ships Challenge® series. Taking place at the newly renovated Harbor Plaza & Seawall adjacent to the DECC, the event features nine tall ships gliding through the Ship Canal under the Aerial Lift Bridge. Fleet Highlights include historic […]

The post Tall Ships Return to Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> From July 10–13, 2025, Duluth will host the Festival of Sail, the seventh Great Lakes stop in the Tall Ships Challenge® series. Taking place at the newly renovated Harbor Plaza & Seawall adjacent to the DECC, the event features nine tall ships gliding through the Ship Canal under the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Fleet Highlights include historic schooners When & If, Pride of Baltimore II, Inland Seas, Ernestina‑Morrissey, St. Lawrence II, Abbey Road, Zeeto, Liberty Clipper, Schooner Charley—plus tours aboard the iconic freighter William A. Irvin .

Key Events & Amenities:

  • Grand Parade of Sail kicks things off Thursday, July 10 between 11 AM–1 PM, with ships arriving in three flights across the canal.

  • On‑deck experiences include guided ship tours, 75–90 minute day sails, and limited access to sail in the parade.

  • Superior High Dive Challenge: the first professional high‑diving event on the Great Lakes—athletes leaping from a 66‑foot platform during Friday–Sunday.

  • Mama Duck (the giant rubber duck) returns as a beloved photo-op.

  • Ground attractions include local food & craft vendors, live music, a craft beer garden, and a Bent Paddle THC lounge.

  • Premium tickets: Luxe Pass offers early entry, VIP lounge with food & drink, front-of-line access, rock-star parking.

With a record fleet, thrilling dives, iconic vessels, and waterfront entertainment, Duluth’s Festival of Sail promises a high-energy weekend blending maritime heritage with modern excitement!

The post Tall Ships Return to Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/tall-ships-return-to-duluth/feed/ 0 Twin Ports Festival of History https://southpierinn.com/twin-ports-festival-of-history/ https://southpierinn.com/twin-ports-festival-of-history/#respond Wed, 02 Apr 2025 22:44:15 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2231 The Twin Ports Festival of History is a weeklong celebration from April 2–9, 2025, featuring lectures, performances, tours, and exhibitions across Duluth, Superior, and Two Harbors. Organized by the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Public History and Museum Studies Programs in collaboration with over two dozen local historical societies and museums, the festival offers attendees the […]

The post Twin Ports Festival of History appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> The Twin Ports Festival of History is a weeklong celebration from April 2–9, 2025, featuring lectures, performances, tours, and exhibitions across Duluth, Superior, and Two Harbors. Organized by the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Public History and Museum Studies Programs in collaboration with over two dozen local historical societies and museums, the festival offers attendees the opportunity to engage with authors and historians of local, regional, national, and international renown. Events are free and open to the public. For a detailed schedule and more information, visit the festival’s official website: https://sites.google.com/d.umn.edu/twinportsfestivalofhistory/home

The post Twin Ports Festival of History appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/twin-ports-festival-of-history/feed/ 0 Watch the Great Lakes Shipping Season Begin in the Heart of Duluth https://southpierinn.com/watch-the-great-lakes-shipping-season-begin-in-the-heart-of-duluth/ https://southpierinn.com/watch-the-great-lakes-shipping-season-begin-in-the-heart-of-duluth/#respond Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:35:27 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2224 March marks the exciting start of the Great Lakes shipping season in Duluth! Watch massive freighters pass under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, just steps from Canal Park and the South Pier Inn. It’s a spectacular sight that draws visitors and locals alike to the harbor’s edge. For those who love ship watching, this is […]

The post Watch the Great Lakes Shipping Season Begin in the Heart of Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> March marks the exciting start of the Great Lakes shipping season in Duluth! Watch massive freighters pass under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, just steps from Canal Park and the South Pier Inn. It’s a spectacular sight that draws visitors and locals alike to the harbor’s edge.

For those who love ship watching, this is the perfect time to visit. Book your stay with us at secure.southpierinn.com and enjoy unmatched views right from your waterfront suite. Want to catch a ship’s arrival? Check the Duluth harbor shipping schedule at harborlookout.com. The season is here—come be part of the action!

The post Watch the Great Lakes Shipping Season Begin in the Heart of Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/watch-the-great-lakes-shipping-season-begin-in-the-heart-of-duluth/feed/ 0 FIRST Robotics Competition in Duluth https://southpierinn.com/first-robotics-competition-in-duluth/ https://southpierinn.com/first-robotics-competition-in-duluth/#respond Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:33:15 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2175 Starting February 26, 2025, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center transforms into a regional hub of innovation for the FIRST Robotics Competition Duluth Regionals. About 54 teams from the Lake Superior and Northern Lights Regions will gather to showcase their cutting-edge robots. This year’s project—Reefscape—is all about using engineering skills to protect and strengthen one of […]

The post FIRST Robotics Competition in Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> Starting February 26, 2025, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center transforms into a regional hub of innovation for the FIRST Robotics Competition Duluth Regionals. About 54 teams from the Lake Superior and Northern Lights Regions will gather to showcase their cutting-edge robots. This year’s project—Reefscape—is all about using engineering skills to protect and strengthen one of the ocean’s most diverse habitats. Teams design and build robots that compete in dynamic matches by placing “coral” pipes, scoring on “barges,” and ascending to earn bonus points. The challenge pushes competitors to work within strict size and weight constraints while emphasizing creative problem-solving and teamwork. Spectators will experience intense matches, innovative robot designs in action, and the collaborative spirit of mentors and student inventors. Join us from February 26 to March 1 and celebrate regional ingenuity and the future of robotics in Duluth!

The post FIRST Robotics Competition in Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/first-robotics-competition-in-duluth/feed/ 0 Tall Ships Returning to Duluth https://southpierinn.com/tall-ships-returning-to-duluth/ https://southpierinn.com/tall-ships-returning-to-duluth/#respond Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:04:57 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=2170 This summer, Duluth will again be hosting the Festival of Sail, July 10-13, 2025. Come and experience beautiful sailing ships from around the country, and soak up the beauty of summer in Duluth! Online reservation request form for rooms at South Pier Inn is opening on Monday, February 17, at 12 noon. More information about […]

The post Tall Ships Returning to Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> This summer, Duluth will again be hosting the Festival of Sail, July 10-13, 2025. Come and experience beautiful sailing ships from around the country, and soak up the beauty of summer in Duluth! Online reservation request form for rooms at South Pier Inn is opening on Monday, February 17, at 12 noon. More information about the festival online at https://festofsailduluth.com/

The post Tall Ships Returning to Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/tall-ships-returning-to-duluth/feed/ 0 Tulips in Full Bloom https://southpierinn.com/tulips-in-full-bloom/ https://southpierinn.com/tulips-in-full-bloom/#respond Tue, 30 May 2023 15:25:52 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=1873 The South Pier Inn Gardens are in full bloom with beautiful tulips! Despite a slow start to the spring blooms, the tulips are sure sign that summer is just around the corner. Stop by today to enjoy this wonderful annual rite of spring, painstakingly planted and cared for by South Pier Inn owner, Betty Sola.

The post Tulips in Full Bloom appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> The South Pier Inn Gardens are in full bloom with beautiful tulips! Despite a slow start to the spring blooms, the tulips are sure sign that summer is just around the corner. Stop by today to enjoy this wonderful annual rite of spring, painstakingly planted and cared for by South Pier Inn owner, Betty Sola.

south pier inn garden tulips in full bloom

south pier inn garden

south pier inn garden tulips in full bloom

south pier inn garden

The post Tulips in Full Bloom appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/tulips-in-full-bloom/feed/ 0 First Salty Arrives in Duluth https://southpierinn.com/first-salty-arrives-in-duluth/ https://southpierinn.com/first-salty-arrives-in-duluth/#respond Tue, 28 Mar 2023 21:03:41 +0000 https://southpierinn.com/?p=1851 The Federal Dart, part of the Fednav fleet, arrived in Duluth under the Aerial Lift Bridge at about 3:30 this afternoon, becoming the first salty – or ocean-going vessel – of the 2023 shipping season. Watch the vessel traffic all season long at harborlookout.com or marinetraffic.com!  

The post First Salty Arrives in Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> The Federal Dart, part of the Fednav fleet, arrived in Duluth under the Aerial Lift Bridge at about 3:30 this afternoon, becoming the first salty – or ocean-going vessel – of the 2023 shipping season. Watch the vessel traffic all season long at harborlookout.com or marinetraffic.com!

Federal Dart Arriving Duluth

Federal Dart Arriving Duluth

Federal Dart Arriving Duluth

Federal Dart Passing South Pier Inn

 

The post First Salty Arrives in Duluth appeared first on South Pier Inn.

]]> https://southpierinn.com/first-salty-arrives-in-duluth/feed/ 0