Duluth Folk School Field Trip: The Geology of Duluth

The Duluth landscape is the product of both very ancient and relatively recent geological processes. The contrast between these prime movers is fire and ice. Join UMD geology grad Dave Pagel for a boots-on-the-ground look at how billion-year-old rifts and Pleistocene glaciers have underpinned and sculpted the Duluth region into the amazing scenery. Learn about the rise and fall of Lake Superior, stroll ancient beaches and examine Minnesota “”moon rocks””! This outing will take place in Enger Park, a location featuring expansive views and bedrock outcrops.

During the course of this outing, participants will climb stairs to the overlook pavillion at Enger Park and hike a loop encompassing portions of the Craft Connecter multi-use trail, Skyline Boulevard and the Superior Hiking Trail (approximately 2/3 mile of hiking, 100 feet of elevation lost and gained). Hiking poles are recommended for negotiating inclined trails and outcrop surfaces.