FAQ
FACTS: Lake Superior
Lake Superior is not only the largest of the five Great Lakes, but it is also the largest body of fresh water, by area, in the entire world.
Lake Superior is the coldest, cleanest, and deepest of the Great Lakes.
At 380 miles long and 160 miles wide, with a surface area of 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior is about the size of South Carolina or Indiana.
On a clear day, you can see more than 50 miles over the lake, but less than 10% of the lake is visible.
Lake Superior holds about 10% of the Earth’s freshwater supply. That’s about 3 quadrillion gallons, which is as much as the other four Great Lakes, Minnesota’s 10,000 (or more) lakes, and all of Wisconsin’s lakes combined.
There is so much water in Lake Superior that if it were drained it could cover all of North and South America in a foot of water, enough to give every person on the planet nearly half million gallons each. That’s enough for every couple to have their own Olympic size swimming pool.
Over 350 shipwrecks lie on the bottom.
The largest wave officially recorded on Lake Superior was a 43-foot monster encountered, and survived, by the iron ore carrier, Roger Blough, on November 10, 1998.
The strongest winds ever clocked on Lake Superior have topped 100 miles per hour.
The scenic hillside of Duluth rises from 602 feet above sea level on the shores of Lake Superior to nearly 1600 feet at the top.
Although Lake Superior rarely freezes over completely in the winter, up to three feet of ice can form in shallow, protected harbors.
FACTS: Duluth-Superior
The area on the west end of Lake Superior was originally occupied by members of the Sioux and Ojibwa tribes. The city of Duluth was named for the French soldier and explorer Daniel Greysolon. Sieur du Luth, who visited the area in 1679, had been assigned to attempt to make peace between Ojibwa and Sioux and to secure trading and trapping rights.
Shortly after the start of the twentieth century, the population of Duluth was booming, and many well respected leaders of the time were predicting that Duluth would surpass Chicago as the largest city in the Midwest.
During that same period Duluth had more millionaires per ca-pita than any other city in the US, which has led some to conclude that it now has more dead millionaires per ca-pita.
During the early 1900s, Duluth was the headquarters of the world’s largest lumber market.
In most places Duluth is only one or two miles wide, nestled between the water and the hills, which rise about 800 feet within a mile or two from shore.
For the first half of the twentieth century, Duluth shared the busiest iron ore port in the world with Superior.
The city of Superior’s two grain terminals were the largest in the world at the time they were built. Today, Superior is still home to the busiest shipping dock on the Great Lakes.
Superior is also the home of Barker’s Island, which has one of the largest private marinas in the Midwest.
The neighborhood of Billings Park, located in Superior, Wisconsin, sits on the edge of the beautiful Superior Municipal Forest, one of the largest city forests in America.
Lorenzo Music, the voice of Garfield the Cat, grew up in Duluth, while Don LaFontaine, the famous voice of movie trailers was born in Duluth. David Oreck, the voice of late night infomercials was born in Duluth, as was Bob Dylan, who is widely known as the voice of his generation. Even Bay Watch’s Gena Lee Nolin, who was also born in Duluth, is known as a strong voice for animal rights; as for her acting, who could argue that any one growing up here is unqualified to Watch Bays.
Superior’s most famous son is Hall of Fame football coach Bud Grant who coached the great Minnesota Vikings Purple People Eaters teams, who are not be confused with the local people eaters known as mosquitoes.
The most famous graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Superior is current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who went there because he was told he’d get a superior education.
The University of Minnesota – Duluth is known for its men’s and women’s hockey teams, both of which have been national runners-up. Of course, the women’s teams have three national championships to go with their second place finish.
The biggest annual event in Duluth is Grandma’s Marathon, with over 20,000 runners from all over the world, running races at a variety of distances, in front of tens of thousands of appreciative knowledgeable race fans.
Thousands participate in two of Superior’s biggest events, Chinese dragon boat races held on the waters just off Barker’s Island, and a hockey tournament played every winter on the frozen if occasionally crackling waters surrounding Barker Island.
At 165 feet high, Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin’s tallest waterfalls, is located in Pattison State Park, just minutes from Superior.
The Wizard of Oz’s Judy Garland was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota about an hour from Duluth for Wisconsin drivers; less for anyone who has learned to click their heals like Garland’s Dorothy.
FACTS: Duluth-Superior Harbor
The Duluth Superior Harbor is the western terminus of the St. Lawrence Seaway, 2,342 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, or just under a week’s sailing time.
The Twin Ports waterfront is 49 miles long and has 17 miles of dredged channels.
The combined tonnage shipped through the Port is approximately 40 million metric tons annually.
Approximately 1,100 vessels call on the Twin Ports annually.
The maximum size for ships permitted to go through the locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway is a :length of 730 feet, with a beam: of 78 feet, and a draft: of 26 feet, 3 inches.
Lake carriers, which never have to leave the confines of the Great Lakes and are limited only by the capacity of the Soo Locks can handle ships up to 1,100 feet long, with beams of 105 feet, and a draft of up to 32 feet.
The Harbor is home to 15 major facilities including multi-purpose bulk terminals, a general cargo distribution center, two massive ore docks, one of the largest coal docks in the world, the largest grain elevators on the Great Lakes.
The Duluth Superior Harbor is the largest Great Lakes port in total cargo volume, and is No. 1 nationally in the shipment of ore, No. 5 nationally in coal, and is No. 1 of U.S. Great Lakes ports in grain shipments.)
With approximately $1.9 billion worth of cargo transshipped via Duluth-Superior docks, the port has an annual economic impact of around $200 million, with 2,000 jobs dependent upon port activities.
Common Duluth Questions
How did Duluth get its name?
Prominent among the voyagers who first visited this area was a younger son of a French noble family–Daniel Greysolon Sieur Du Luth, the man for which Duluth was named. He arrived here in the late 1670s, with the objective of exploring the region and establishing peace treaties with the tribes living here.
Who or what is Barker’s Island named after?
Barker’s Island is named after Charles Barker, the man in charge of digging the first ship channel through the Superior side of the harbor in the late 1800s. He used the sand dredged from the bottom to create the island.
What is the weather like in Duluth and Superior?
Duluth and Superior’s summer temperatures average in the 70s and 80s due to cooling easterly winds off the lake, making “cooler by the lake” a popular phrase in weather forecasts during the summer. Inland temperatures can be over 90 degrees. Temperatures may remain below 50 degrees during afternoons as late in the year as June along the Lake Superior shore, even when inland temperatures are in the 70s. November is often much warmer than April, due to the rapid change in elevation between the hill and shore-side.
Winter temperatures often remain below freezing for sometimes weeks at a time. A normal winter brings consistent snow cover from December through March. Lake effect snow events can bring a foot or more of snow along the lakeshore, whereas areas 50 miles inland receive considerably less.
Here are some of our customers most commonly asked questions:
What time do I need to be there?
Please check the schedule for boarding and departure times. It is recommended that you arrive one-half hour prior to boarding time. Remember, you will need to pick up your boarding pass at the Vista Shop prior to boarding the boat. The cruise will depart promptly at the time listed.
What is the cancellation policy?
IF YOU CANCEL: If you need to cancel your reservation – No cash or credit refunds will be given. A change of date is permitted if you notify the Vista Fleet by noon the day before your scheduled cruise (unless otherwise noted at the time of reservation). If you do not call to change the date, or if you do not arrive in time to board the cruise, you will be charged the full ticket price.
IF WE CANCEL: For all Cruises, we have a minimum of 20 people needed to depart. If that minimum number isn’t met prior to departure the cruise will be cancelled. You will be notified as soon as possible and asked if you would like to reschedule. If that is not possible, a full refund will be issued. A full refund is the limit of our liability for cancellations by this company
How do I receive credit for my discount coupon?
When you pick up your boarding pass, please present your discount coupon. Your credit card will be credited at that time.
What happens if it rains?
The Vista Fleet boats are fully enclosed and climate controlled for your comfort. This ensures comfortable sailing, rain or shine, in the spring, summer, and fall. You may want to bring an umbrella for the boarding process and for sightseeing on the outer decks.
What should I wear?
Passenger dress ranges from comfortable and business casual to dressy. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Shoes and shirts are mandatory for all passengers. Evenings in the Twin Ports can be chilly, so you may want to bring a sweater or light jacket for sightseeing on the outer decks.
Is the Vista Fleet wheelchair accessible?
The first deck of the Vista Star is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are located on shore in the Vista Shop and are available prior to and after your cruise. Please notify the Vista Fleet in advance at 218-722-6218 if someone in your party has trouble walking up stairs or uses a wheelchair or motorized chair. This will enable our crew to ensure you have a comfortable cruising experience.
Can I bring a stroller on board?
We have limited space on board to store strollers. Highchairs and booster seats are available by request. Please notify the Vista Fleet in advance if you will need space at your table for a stroller, highchair, or booster seat. In order to ensure a correct passenger count, it is important that we know in advance exactly how many passengers will be in your group, including infants and toddlers.
Is the trip narrated?
Our cruises are narrated. You will hear the exciting history of the Twin Ports Harbor and learn about the many foreign and Great Lakes ships that are in port. Narration will focus on the highlights of the tour during meals.
Where does the cruise go?
The boat leaves from the waterfront dock at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). During your cruise you will see grain elevators, coal, taconite and powdered cement docks, lake freighters, tug-boats, and more. We travel throughout the Duluth-Superior Harbor and up the St. Louis River. Depending on the water and time of the year, the cruise includes a trip under the Aerial Lift Bridge, onto Lake Superior.
How do you get to the Vista Fleet?
The dock is located on the harbor side of the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). Visit our location page for more information.
Where should I park?
The Vista Fleet does not have its own parking lot. We suggest parking in the DECC parking lot. The entrance for the lot is approximately 200 yards north of the Vista Fleet on Harbor Drive. There is a $4/day fee to park at the DECC. Bring your parking stub in to the gift shop for reimbursement with a merchandise purchase.
Will I get seasick?
The Vista Fleet travels in the Duluth-Superior Harbor and St. Louis River, which is very calm water. Our boats proceed onto Lake Superior only if the lake is smooth with very few waves. The boats in the Vista Fleet are very stable and, in most cases, you can barely feel the ship moving.
What type of beverages do you serve?
Coffee, tea, milk, and soda are included in your meal. We have consessions and a fully-stocked bar with draft and bottled beer, mixed drinks, wine and champagne available on our Vista Star cruises.
Are there any age requirements for the cruises?
Everyone is welcome on our cruises unless specified for a special event. Identification is required for alcoholic beverage purchases. Alcohol will only be served to those 21 years of age and older.
What are the sizes of the tables?
The Vista Fleet features family style seating. Tables can accommodate four to six people. We cannot guarantee specific seating, but all tables are great for viewing the sights.
What is a party package?
We offer several different party packages that can be added on to any cruise. Please specify when making reservations.
In an emergency, can someone reach me while the ship is out?
Yes. Call the Vista Shop at 218-722-6218 or toll free at 877-883-4002. Ask our reservation specialist to contact the boat by radio. If the Vista Shop is closed, you can call the Great Lakes Marine Operator for Western Lake Superior at 813-433-2128 and ask for the Excursion Boat vessel Vista Star operating in the Duluth-Superior harbor.
How do I make reservations?
You can book your reservations online HERE or call the Vista Shop at 218-722-6218. Individual reservations require a credit card payment at the time the reservation is made. Schedules, menus, and prices are subject to change. Weather conditions and special circumstances may cause cancellations. If a trip is cancelled, you will be notified by phone and asked if you would like to reschedule to another time/day. If that is not possible, a gift certificate will be issued and mailed to you.
How far in advance should I make reservations?
Reservations can be made as late as the day of the cruise, provided there is still space available.
Where do I mail a check or money order?
Please mail your payments to:
The Vista Fleet
323 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
Which credit cards are accepted?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express in the Vista Shop and on the Vista Star.
If you have any other questions, please call the Vista Shop at 218-722-6218. We look forward to seeing you soon!