Below is a summary of some of the factors that has turned Duluth, Minnesota around and made it an exciting and vibrant place to live, work, or visit.

1. Duluth, Minnesota

While many people often mention Pittsburgh as a great example of a turnaround city, my vote for the best example in the United States goes to Duluth, Minnesota. There are several reasons for my choice:

Duluth does not have the old money and major corporate headquarters that Pittsburgh has, which made its transformation even more remarkable.

Duluth has a much harsher climate than Pittsburgh.

At the time of its economic decline, Duluth did not have as diverse of an economy. It was primarily concentrated in shipping and mining.

Duluth has a much smaller population base to draw from than Pittsburgh.

What Duluth and Pittsburgh do have in common are strategic locations, spectacular scenery, and the desire of residents to revamp their community.

Situated at the head of navigation on the Great Lakes, Duluth is a major seaport for shipping grain from the Great Plains and mined goods from the Minnesota Iron Range. The City of Duluth is located where St. Louis Bay meets Lake Superior, with much of the city wedged between the lakeshore and Spirit Mountain, which runs parallel to the shoreline. This topography produces a dramatic backdrop.

Entering from the south on I-35 you arrive over the crest of the mountain and are greeted with one of the best city vistas in the United States if not the world. It is simply breathtaking. Combine that with the adjacent ski hill and it is quite a sight in winter. From the west, visitors arrive over the mountain and wind their way down into the city. From the north, you arrive having followed the stunning Lake Superior shoreline, with its outcroppings, ridges, forests, and lake views. And from the east you arrive in Duluth by crossing one of two mighty spans across the harbor. All in all, entering Duluth from any direction is quite a visual treat.

Some examples of the catalysts to the economic revival include the terrific placemaking examples listed below. Something must be working, because the city saw a small increase in population between 2000 and 2010. In addition the Mayor has set a goal of reaching a population of 90,000 by 2020.

Canal Park – a wonderful reuse of the narrow strip of land between downtown and the ship canal linking St. Louis Bay with Lake Superior. Hotels, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and numerous other fun and exciting offerings have transformed this area into an entertainment and tourism showplace. There are few places where can you walk within feet of passing ships, watch a huge aerial lift bridge raise and lower, and stroll along breakwaters to two lighthouses in the heart of a city. Canal Park area of Duluth is a treat for locals and visitors alike.

Leif Erikson Park– situated between downtown and the Lake Superior shore, Leif Erikson Park is a gem in the city’s park system. Home to a replica of Leif Erikson’s Viking ship, a rose garden, outdoor concerts, movie nights, and other activities, the park provides outstanding views of the city and the lake, while I-35 traffic flows underneath the park. What a great way to avoid the freeway scars left on so many other American cities.

Lakewalk– A 4.2 mile shared use trail linking Canal Park with 27th Avenue East.

Great Lakes Aquarium – Located on the Harborfront close to Canal Park and downtown the aquarium opened in 2000 and is one of only a few in the country that specializes in freshwater ecosystems.

Bob Dylan Cultural Pathway – a 1.8 miles cultural walking trail through downtown Duluth named after native son, singer, and songwriter Bob Dylan.

Skyline Drive Scenic Byway – this beautiful 30 mile long drive follows the crest of Spirit Mountain and offers stunning views of the metro area and Lake Superior.