Location of the old ski jump in Fond du Lac

matti Nov 12, 2012 8 Comments

I know there was a ski jump in the Fond du Lac neighborhood, close to Mission Creek. I’ve been on the trails on that steep hillside and have found a small concrete pad in the woods, pretty close to Mission Creek. Would the ski jump have been near this small pad? Also, on top of the big hill I have found some overgrown, wide trails that almost look like they could’ve been some type of maintenance/service trails for the ski jump. Is this related to the old ski jump?

Recommended Links:

History Fond du Lac, Skiing and Snowboarding

8 Comments

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago



Zenith City Online has a page about the jump.

Fond du Lac Park's Winter Sports Center

According to an old postcard: "A steel slide designed by Edward Ronning and Oliver Anderson was dedicated at Fond du Lac in 1941. After WWII, events held there were top drawer."

matti

about 11 years ago

Paul, thanks.  I have read that article a few times and have looked at some pictures, but still cannot find where the jump itself actually was.  

BTW, thanks for helping me get registered this afternoon!

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago

I've never been clear on this myself. The city of Duluth's web page for Mission Creek Trail mentions the ski jump in its trail directions, but I'm not sure it helps much.

West of the creek the trail changes it's route due to some repeated washouts. Hike uphill toward Highway 23 and left parallel to the road for about 3/4 mile then left again and down a runoff gully to the bottom of the old ski jump. Cross to the east side of the creek and follow the old roadway back to the trailhead.

matti

about 11 years ago

I've been on that trail many times and can picture that area.  I wish I had enough confidence to point at a spot on the hillside and say, "this is where the old jump was!"

The small concrete pad is on the trail described in the city of Duluth's webpage you listed.  Perhaps it did, indeed, have something to do with the jump?

FranceneStarr

about 11 years ago

Hi matti -- I think we know each other!!!

spy1

about 11 years ago

I found a 2002 geo-cache post:
At one time Duluth was known as the ski jump capital of the USA. Many big meets where held at this ski jump which is now gone, only some footings are around. Always popular as a recreation site the park was host to many a skating and sleighing party. The Fond du Lac Ski Hill opened in 1941 and was the scene of lots of ski jumping contests and other winter activities. After the spring floods in 1972 the ski jump was removed and the erosion damage to the hill was filled, reseeded and planted to prevent further erosion. Park at N46° 40.266 W092° 16.989. The first container is a 6" long 2" PVC black tube with only the coordinates for the second container. To the east the view is the St. Louis River, to the south is Jay Cooke State Park.

matti

about 11 years ago

The geocaching.com post helped, I believe.  There was a link to some pictures that showed old concrete footings.  I have an idea where those are.  I'll have to look for them soon!

matti

about 11 years ago

Well, I was out in Fond du Lac again today and didn't find the footings for the jump.  I did happen across the geocache by chance and signed my name.  It was cool to unexpectedly find it.  Due to the floods, many of the steep hillsides have eroded down toward Mission Creek.  I wonder if it's possible that the concrete footings also have washed down the hill?

I'll keep looking!

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