From the top of Duluth’s hill to the depths of Lake Superior, the Northland is a place of wonders.

Today the News Tribune begins an adventure with lots of local flavor as this column dives into questions from you, the reader, about all things Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin.

Each Monday, we’ll try to satisfy your curiosity about local history, trivia, culture and lore. We’ll also cover practical questions about topics that affect your daily lives as Northland residents. Expect videos, photos, maps and whatever else might help us provide answers.

Nothing’s too trivial — we’re big fans of the “quirk factor” around here — or too mundane. If you’ve wondered about it, chances are someone else has, too.

This is Northlandia. My name is Addie, and I’ve always had an awe about this part of the world that we’re all fortunate to call home. It’s an honor to be your steward as we embark.

So, wonder with us! This column is a collaboration, friends, and we’re ready for your questions. We asked our newsroom to help get things rolling this week, but you may email asks to northlandia@duluthnews.com.

Question: What’s the steepest street in Duluth?

Duluth is built into the side of a hill that rises 600 feet in a matter of a mile or less, with many of the city’s steeper streets laid out in between.

But one of them has to be the steepest, doesn’t it?

Anyone who’s driven in parts of the Central Hillside or through the city’s Goat Hill area knows there are quite a few contenders.

The answer, however, according to the city of Duluth, is Fifth Avenue West between Fifth and Sixth streets, just above Mesaba Avenue. This stretch has a grade of 25.5 percent, rising by more than 100 feet over the course of a single block.

Right behind it in second place is a short stretch of 19th Avenue West below Fourth Street, alongside U.S. Highway 53. That stretch has a grade of 25.3 percent, the city reports.

For frame of reference, the steepest streets in San Francisco — it’s a tie between stretches of Filbert Street and 22nd Avenue — have a grade of 31 percent.

The steepest street in the United States, meanwhile, is Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh, with a 37 percent grade, which puts it nearly tied with the steepest street in the world, in Gwynedd, Wales, according to the Guiness Book of World Records (37.45 percent).

A few of us in the newsroom recently took a drive on Fifth Avenue West, and, I assure you, it’s steep enough, OK? Consider this your friendly reminder to have your brakes checked if it’s been a while.

If you’re on foot, there’s a helpful handrail along the sidewalk for your climbing pleasure.

Amazingly, the city does not close Fifth Avenue West in the winter, though I don’t recommend any January joyrides.

Still more amazingly, there seem to be at least two houses on this block. Happily, these intrepid residents seem to have driveways.

Because I wouldn’t parallel park my car here. Would you?

What do you wonder? Get in touch at northlandia@duluthnews.com or on Twitter @NorthlandiaDNT.