Sitting on the biggest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, is the city of Duluth, Minnesota. Built on industry, Duluth is famous for its mining, logging and now tourism. People from all over flock to this great city to take in the sights. From rocky cliffs to long sandy beaches, it has got a lot to offer. Duluth has more recently become known as a popular college town. The University of Minnesota - Duluth campus being the biggest, Bulldog students take over the town. But so many of these students come here for a lot more than the academics and schooling. Duluth is a magical place up here on the North Shore. Let me tell you a few things that might just draw you in to attend college here in good ol' Duluth.
1. Home away from home feeling
Leaving home for college is a huge adjustment to go through after graduating high school. You are leaving your home of your entire life, your friends, and your family. That is not going to be easy for anyone. But Duluth quickly begins to feel like a second home. With so many friendly people, feeling comfortable isn't very hard. You soon know the streets like the back of your hand, and getting places is no problem (even with all the one-ways). You will know all the fun things to go and places to hang out, not to mention the tasty food life. And before you know it, being away from your first home isn't so bad anymore, because you've found your second.
2. Lake Superior
Spanning across the north is the celebrated Lake Superior. Taking up 31,700 square miles, it is a sight to see. If you've never seen the ocean, this is maybe the closest you can get in the inland United States. Although it is not the most swimmable lake there is, with an average year-round temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, fishing and sailing are huge activities that include the lake. Not to mention sun bathing on its beautiful, long, natural sand or pebble beaches. And it is pretty amazing being able to see a world famous lake from your dorm window every day.
3. Small community feeling in a big city
If you did not read the sign stating the population when entering Duluth, you might not know the city is home to 86,128 people. The small town feel given off in Duluth is prevalent in the everyday experience of the city. Small shops, family owned restaurants and souvenir stores line the streets. Some people may like the big city life, but to me and many students in Duluth, there is nothing better than spending your college years in a cozy and welcoming town.
4. Amazing hiking adventures
If you love being outside and surrounded by nature, Duluth is the place for you. Home to the famous Lake Superior Hiking Trail, the North Shore is a hub for all things outdoors. Whether you are taking pictures, hiking or just going to relax on a nice day, you will not be disappointed. With miles and miles of trail curving along the lake shore, the possibilities for adventure are endless.
5. Breathtaking views
Along with the hiking, you will see sights you never thought could exist. Something about steep rocky cliffs and tall evergreen trees lining the lake shore sends a different feeling into the atmosphere than a sandy, shelled beach along the ocean in California. Maybe it's the nostalgia for everything that's happened here in the past or the freshness of the vast nature areas. The cascading hills on the shore are so tall and rolling you'd be surprised they aren't considered mountains. And I can't forget to mention how jaw dropping the entire region is in the fall.
6. So many places to distract you from the stresses of school
This may be the biggest factor when picking a place for college. College is nothing like high school and chances are, it catches you off guard with all the homework and demanding schedule. Spending your college career somewhere that has so many places to go and escape, the stresses of deciding your entire future in two semesters seems like a good idea.
