Enger Park and Tower, Duluth, MN

In 1939 Enger Park and Tower in Duluth, Minnesota was started. It was dedicated by Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway. The land itself was held by Bert Enger for several years until his death. At his death he left the land to the city for a park. He was a businessman in Duluth, originally from Norway, which is why the Crown Prince and Princess were asked to dedicate the land.

Enger Park has many distinct gardens within its borders. The gardens show how different the ecosystems of Minnesota can be based on the variety of flowers that grow in them. Even though Duluth is in the northern area of Minnesota many hardy plants survive the cold wintry seasons. On one hill visitors can see dwarf conifers that grow in rock outcroppings. There is also a Japanese Garden with a pavilion and peace bell. There is a sister bell in Duluth's sister city of Japan. The city is Oh Ara. A white birch and popular grove with 4,000 daffodils are also present in the gardens. A shade garden with numerous mature trees and over 200 perennials is also available for visitors to enjoy.

Visitors are encouraged to walk towards this section to see the stair steps that are a part of the landscape. By walking up the stairs one can see Lake Superior, which the gardens overlook. It is also possible to see the city from certain areas of the park. Paths wind through the different gardens mostly with gravel, but wood chips and asphalt have also been used. The park is meant for tourists and families to feel as though they are in a community. The paths are very easy to walk for the most part, allowing even the older generations who may have trouble walking to see the beautiful gardens.

Parking is free at the park entrance. During the year weddings can be held at Enger Park. Hiking and picnicking are also adventures for the tourist to enjoy. Restrooms are on the premises to make everyone comfortable for an entire day at the gardens. There is no admission fee. Duluth Parks and Recreation Department run the gardens keeping them in shape and beautiful for their visitors. The original design of the parks was Helen Lind the head gardener.

Enger Park has Enger Tower on the premises. For those willing to hike towards the tower it is a rewarding experience. The tower is 80 feet with five stories of blue stone. It is an observation tower looking out at Lake Superior and the city. The elevation is 451 feet. At each level the tower has lookouts along the stairs. There is a green beacon on the top of the tower which is seen for miles.

The tower was also dedicated to Bert Enger for his success in Duluth as a furniture seller. The tower allows any visitor to reach the top if they are inclined or to just walk a few flights of stairs to lookout if they wish.