Entry 95: Enger Park & Tower: Duluth’s Scenic Overlook with History, Gardens, and Global Friendship

Enger Park and Tower: Duluth’s Hilltop Haven with History, Views, and Serenity

While in Duluth recently for meetings with the Board of Directors for the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP), we spent time scoping out the area in preparation for the 2026 National Outdoor Recreation Conference. As part of our visit, our local host took us on a scenic tour of the city—and one of the first stops was Enger Park. What a perfect introduction to Duluth’s beauty, history, and community spirit.

A Gift of Generosity: The Legacy of Bert Enger

Enger Park sits on Skyline Parkway, high above the city, offering incredible panoramic views of Duluth, the harbor, and the endless blue of Lake Superior. The park’s centerpiece, Enger Tower, was built in 1939 as a memorial to Bert J. Enger, a Norwegian immigrant and successful Duluth furniture dealer. Upon his death in 1931, Enger left a substantial portion of his estate, including land and funds, to the city of Duluth with the intent of creating public spaces that promoted beauty, recreation, and civic pride.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped dedicate the tower via radio broadcast in 1939, and it has remained a beloved local landmark ever since. Built from local bluestone and rising five stories above the hilltop, Enger Tower is accessible by a short climb up a winding staircase. From the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands across Lake Superior.

A Place of Peace: Gardens, Bells, and Global Friendship

Enger Park is more than just the tower—it’s also home to beautifully maintained formal gardens, winding trails, and quiet groves ideal for reflection. In spring and summer, flower beds bloom with color, and park benches scattered along the paths offer moments of tranquility.

Another highlight is the Japanese Peace Bell and Garden, gifted by Duluth’s sister city of Ohara, Japan. The bell symbolizes friendship and peace between the two communities, adding an international touch to this local treasure. You can ring the bell yourself—a quiet but powerful moment that many visitors find moving.

Outdoor Recreation and Skyline Views

For those who love the outdoors, Enger Park connects to portions of Duluth’s extensive trail network, including paths that are perfect for a casual hike, morning run, or quiet walk among the trees. The park’s hillside perch also places it directly along Skyline Parkway, a historic scenic drive that stretches across the ridgeline of Duluth, offering spectacular pull-offs and photo ops.

A Duluth Must-See

Enger Park’s blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and panoramic views makes it one of Duluth’s most popular destinations—for good reason. Whether you’re climbing the tower, enjoying the gardens, or simply taking in the views, it’s a space that invites both reflection and appreciation for the region’s natural and historical wealth.

As we prepare to return to Duluth in 2026 for the National Outdoor Recreation Conference, Enger Park serves as a reminder of what makes this place so special: community-minded legacy, outdoor splendor, and a commitment to shared public spaces. If you’re curious about SORP or the upcoming conference, check out www.recpro.org to learn more about our mission and ongoing work in the field of outdoor recreation planning and policy.

Entry 126: A Rainy Night, Birds at Dawn, and the Cozy Joy of Glamping at Ozark RV Park

If you’ve been thinking about trying glamping or need a peaceful base to explore Mountain View, Arkansas, let me share a place you’ll want to add to your list: Ozark RV Park and Cabins. Ozark RV Park & Cabins Call: 870-200-9090 The Glamping Tent I recently stayed in one of their glamping tents, and it was such a fun, comfortable experience. The tent is spacious, set up on a platform with a real bed (on a frame), crisp linens, a fan, air conditioning (yes, you get AC in a tent!), and a Keurig for that first warm cup of coffee in the morning. During my stay, it rained gently, and there is something incredible about falling asleep to the sound of rain on canvas while staying warm and cozy in bed. In the morning, I woke up to the sound of birds and crisp air, peeking outside to a misty, peaceful campground that felt like a breath of fresh air. The Big Park Sign & Rooster The bathhouse on-site deserves a shout-out. It has the nostalgic feel of a summer camp bathhouse but is immacul...

Entry 85: A Quirky Stop in Austin, MN: Exploring the Spam Museum and More

If you’re into quirky attractions and unexpected fun, the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota is a must-see. Located at 101 3rd Ave NE , this one-of-a-kind destination has been drawing curious travelers and Spam fans since it opened in 1991. After a major expansion and relocation in 2016, the museum now offers an even more immersive and entertaining experience. A Taste of History Spam was first introduced in 1937 by Hormel Foods , and the museum walks you through how this humble canned meat became a global sensation. It played a major role during World War II , feeding troops across the globe and becoming a beloved staple in households everywhere. Inside the museum, you’ll find a blend of history, pop culture, and international flair . Learn how Spam became a hit in countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii. You'll also get a glimpse of the role Spam played in post-war culture and its place in today’s culinary world. Interactive Exhibits and More The Spam Museum is...

Entry 131: From Bonsai to Blooms: A Walk Through Portland’s Gardens

A Stroll Through the Portland Japanese Garden On a quiet morning in downtown Portland, a buddy and I decided to walk from our hotel to the Portland Japanese Garden. The route wound through the city and into Washington Park, and while it was uphill in spots, it was not bad at all. By the time we reached the entrance, we felt like we had already eased into the slower pace the garden promises. Even before I took ten steps inside, the city noise seemed to fade. The air felt cooler and fresher, like the garden had its own climate set apart from the bustle just outside its walls. The path curved gently ahead, leading us past moss-covered stones and neatly raked gravel beds. A small stream gurgled quietly under a wooden footbridge, the sound blending with the soft rustle of leaves overhead. Every turn revealed a new scene, a carefully placed lantern, a cluster of maple trees, or a pond where koi fish drifted lazily through the water. We followed the path uphill to a wide view of the city. Th...

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