Sax Zim Bog & Duluth zoo

If you've watched The Big Year or read any birding books, you've probably heard of Sax Zim Bog, a place as unique as its name. We only had a few hours here as we moved from Rainy Lake to Duluth. We dropped the RV in the woods at what becomes the local ice skating rink in the winter, and went off to look for owls! Before you arrive, download the birder's map which shows the interesting mixture of public and private land and bird feeders with viewing areas provided by area homeowners! 

I made the mistake of assuming this boardwalk would continue thru Auggie's Bogwalk. It's extremely short, and of course I wasn't going to turn around, so I continued walking thru the bog and soon my shoes were underwater. Oh well. Next time, boots for birding the bog!

These little ferns were so lush and delicate!

We also explored the Fringed Venetian Bog and Winterberry Bog where I found the Winter Wrens I had heard about from a Sax Zim Bog volunteer we met on our way into the area.

This boardwalk did continue throughout, and it was a lovely walk.

Along the junction of 7 and 28, I found a Great Gray Owl! I'd seen one in our campground in Alaska once, but this place is known for them, so this was one of the birds I was hoping to see. Unfortunately it flushed as I was walking thru the area. Someday I'll get a photo of this incredible owl. 

The best time to visit is winter when you can see the owls easier and the bird feeders are loaded up. In the spring 19 species of warblers nest here! But you'll want to bring lots of bug spray!

We ended up staying at Indian Point campground as the suggestion of a birder I contacted in the area. This ended up being a nice location right on the water so Asher could fish and I could walk the trails.

Our campground trail feeds into the Waabizheshikana Trail. I found some great warblers in our campsite and along this trail. Yes, those are ski slopes you see in the distance! 

The Lake Superior Zoo is right down the road from our campground and has a great collection of animals including this Angolan Colobus and her one month old baby! 

Journey loved the lemurs. Who doesn't?

And of course, we never pass up a chance to see an axolotl!

 

We really enjoyed the nocturnal building, got to hear a Kookaburra calling and see a White-napped Crane from Asia. Our visit was free with our AZA pass!

The North Shore's Tettegouche

While at the Earth Lodges National Park site, we met a ranger from Minnesota. She said we must check out the North Shore. I admitted I had no idea what that meant. "It's the northeast edge of the state from Duluth north along Lake Superior's shore." It was great advice. Look at this beautiful view!

Our campground host also gave us great advice to take the Skyline Parkway (above), a 25 mile scenic drive from Duluth to a number of key locations and scenic spots overlooking the shore. Our first stop was Enger Park. We climbed the tower's 85 stairs for a bird's eye view over the lake. At the base of the tower is a beautiful botanical and Japanese rock garden. 

The shore is unlike most shores in the US. Instead of sand, they're comprised of small pebbles of different colors. We missed the pink beach, but spent awhile at Black Beach in Silver Bay. 

Tettegouche State Park was highly recommended for scenery, trails and waterfalls. It did not disappoint. We hiked the High Falls trail to the waterfall. The trail was closed beyond this point due to massive flooding a couple months prior that damaged the hanging bridge over the river.

We met a local couple who shared lots of info about the area and listened to some of our traveling stories while the kids looked for crawfish and other creatures. They may even come stay on our RV pad someday.

Palisade Head is considered part of Tettegouche State Park, even though it's separated from the rest of the park. It offers sweeping views of Lake Superior and granite cliffs.

Two people were climbing and rappelling the granite cliffs in front of us! They are so tiny in comparison, you can hardly see them at the middle base of the rock face.

Beaver Bay Agate Shop and Museum was a really cool stop. Asher's interest in rockhounding has really grown this summer, so this was a great place for him to see a huge variety of rocks and minerals. Beautiful agates are plentiful on the beaches along Lake Superior, quite a few were on display here. The owner said sales increased dramatically during the covid shutdowns. I found that interesting. He also recommended a specific tumbler for Asher, a Lortone 3a (blue base) because it can be fixed and lasts forever.

I love the sparkles of color!

So many different shapes, colors, textures and designs! God makes incredible things!

Back in Duluth, we enjoyed dinner at Canal Park Brewery's outdoor patio with a view of a Peregrine Falcon! Afterwards we walked to the ice cream shop and admired the evening views of Lake Superior.