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Self-guided audio driving tour of Lake Superior's North Shore

4.1· 23 reviewsFrom INR 1668
Self-guided audio driving tour of Lake Superior's North Shore — Cultural & heritage things to do in Duluth

Historical landmarks and natural beauty along Lake Superior — a self-guided audio tour covering shipwreck tales, Glensheen Mansion, Gooseberry Falls, and Split Rock Lighthouse.

This self-guided driving tour takes you along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, highlighting both its natural beauty and rich history. You'll explore significant sites such as Glensheen Mansion and Pierre the Voyager, and experience the impressive Gooseberry Falls State Park. The tour wraps up with views from the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse while sharing tales of local shipwrecks, including the infamous Edmund Fitzgerald.

Purchase just one tour for your car, enabling everyone to listen along together. After booking, download the Action Audio Tour Guide App using the provided password and instructions. Note that this is not an entrance ticket; you should check opening hours for specific landmarks before your visit.

Places you'll visit

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Text transcripts of the audio narration and a self-paced format (start, pause, resume anytime) • Pre-recorded audio commentary that can be downloaded or streamed • A GPS-based self-guided audio tour accessible via an app • Lifetime access without expiration, including customer support (via chat or email) • This option does not serve as a ticket to any attractions or sites • Suggested walking or driving itinerary with detailed stop-by-stop directions • An offline GPS-enabled route map • There is no in-person guide or physical equipment provided (users should bring their own device and headphones)
What's NOT included?+
• Admission fees, personal guide, headphones, transportation, parking, meals, Wi-Fi or mobile data, and rentals are not included.
What should I know before booking?+
• Nearby public transport options are accessible. • All physical fitness levels can participate. • After booking, an email and text will provide setup instructions and a password (search for "audio tour" in your messages). • Download the dedicated tour app by Action. • Enter the password received via email and text. • It is essential to download the tour while connected to strong Wi-Fi or cellular data. • The app will operate offline once downloaded. • To begin the tour, launch Action’s separate audio tour guide app after arriving at the location. • If only one tour is available, start it. • For multiple tour options, select the one that matches your intended starting point and direction. • Head to the starting location; no one will greet you at the beginning, as this is a self-guided tour. Enter the first story’s location, and audio will automatically start. Follow the audio cues to transition to the next story, which will also play on its own. Enjoy a hands-free exploration. Should you encounter any audio issues, reach out to support. Adhere to the tour path and speed limit for an optimal experience. • Travel stress-free: Use the tour app on any day and for multiple days. You can start and pause the tour at your convenience, allowing for breaks and side explorations at your own rhythm. Skip sections that do not interest you or delve into additional content that does. • Money-saving tips: For driving tours, buy just one tour for all passengers in the vehicle. • Enjoy lifetime access without an expiration date. You can use it any time, on any journey, as often as you wish. • For audio setup: Connect your phone to the car’s stereo system through Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For walking tours, using headphones is recommended for the best experience. Audio playback functions with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also forthcoming. • A compatible mobile device is necessary for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet possessing GPS and cellular capability.
What's the cancellation policy?+
To obtain a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
What's the itinerary?+
• The journey starts at the parking area of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, situated at 600 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. Upon departure, exit the lot and turn right onto Canal Park Drive. Note: The tour spans over 48 miles, featuring more than 47 audio stories, and approximately takes 2-3 hours to finish. Lifetime access is granted with no expiration. It can be utilized at any time on any trip, as often as desired. • Local folklore claims that in 1870 every resident of Duluth dug the canal in just three days with shovels. In actuality, it was a large steam dredger that performed most of the work. • Built by mining tycoon Chester Congdon in 1908, the property was later inherited by his daughter Elisabeth, who lived there until she was tragically found murdered in her bedroom on June 27th, 1977, suffocated with a satin pillow. Nearby, her nurse was also found dead, bludgeoned with a candlestick. • As we move toward the outskirts of Duluth, you may wonder about the city's name origin. This relates to French explorer Daniel Greysolon Dulhut, who established a camp in the area in 1679, displaying the French coat of arms. • This overlook includes panels that showcase the history of commercial fishing on the lake, a significant industry. The fish sanctuary across the street operates privately, raising rainbow trout and releasing them back into the lake yearly to support local ecosystems. • To see the marker, pull into the designated turnout ahead. Otherwise, you can continue past the area. • Historically, this was the notorious part of town where men could easily lose their salaries. At its peak in the late 1800s, there were 22 saloons within a two-block area—a considerable number for indulging in revelry and sharing extravagant stories. • Thankfully, the three-year construction project was completed successfully. With the tunnel finished, drivers avoided a lengthy detour along a precarious two-lane road on the cliff's edge, which posed the risk of the vehicle plunging into the lake. • On a clear June morning in 1928, Captain Edward Smith was in command of the SS America, a passenger steamship carrying 47 people, including affluent vacationers heading to their summer homes on Isle Royale. • The name for this location is derived from the Ojibwe term Shabonimikani-zibi, meaning River Place of the Gooseberries, highlighting a unique connection to these tart berries. • This area has experienced geological shifts with volcanic eruptions that deposited lava onto the surface, filling gaps and solidifying into igneous rocks. The stones present at Iona’s Beach include specific types known as rhyolite and felsite. • Just ahead is an ideal vantage point for photographing the Split Rock Lighthouse. This particular spot is renowned, having been the backdrop for millions of photographs, making it one of the most photographed lighthouses globally.

Reviews

What travellers say4.1 · 23 total

Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.

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