North Star Port

DULUTHPORT.COM | 3 Eisenhower Lock is a key link in the system, which includes 13 Canadian Seaway locks and two American locks and efficiently serves vessels traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to Great Lakes ports. The Seaway Visitor Center —and the lock— was named in honor of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose historical thread wove occasionally through Duluth. Then-General Eisenhower campaigned at the Duluth Civic Center on Oct. 4, 1952. One month later, he won the election and became the 34th U.S. President. He would go on to play a major role in maritime ship- ping, signing the Wiley-Dondero Seaway Act in 1954, which called for U.S. partici- pation with Canada in building the Seaway through the International Rapids section of the St. Lawrence River. The new Visitor Center opened on the 70th anniversary of the signing. In a letter published as part of Duluth's centennial celebration in 1956, Eisen- hower wrote, "Duluth is known far from Minnesota for what it has done, and is doing, to fortify the American economy, to improve our people's everyday living, and to strengthen the sinews of America's defenses in war and peace. Particularly it is known for the ore and grain which it ships, (and) for a variety of products which it manufactures." The story of the Seaway lives on at Eisen- hower Lock. People of all ages gather there to learn more about Great Lakes maritime commerce, and to see it live in action. The Seaway Visitor Center offers a three-story viewing platform for visitors to watch oceangoing vessels glide into the binational section of the St. Lawrence River, and if they're lucky, hear the iconic horn blasts. "Our visitors, our guests, our ship- watcher enthusiasts are gathering and coming to the decks," said Amy Stark, director of the Seaway Visitor Center. "They love the views from the second and third floors." Despite a temporary closure due to a heavy rainfall event on June 6, the center has been successful, welcoming approxi- mately 11,000 guests from 42 states and eight countries within its first two months of operation. "I think we've hit a home run so far. Our community has embraced it, and we've had visitors from all over," Stark said. The center has also attracted notable visitors, including Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, the great-grandson of President Eisenhower. "To have a member of President Eisen- hower's family come to the Visitor Center, where President Eisenhower's legacy is still visible and vibrant in supporting international shipping into the Great Lakes via the Seaway, is a really special moment," said Tindall-Schlicht. The facility aims to continue attract- ing visitors through the development of new features, events and a stronger social media presence. "We have a unique story to share with the world," said Stark. "We want Seaway shipping to extend as far as possible, so that people can come in and have that experience here with us." SEAWAY VISITOR CENTER IS CURRENTLY OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. EASTERN TIME. BEGINNING ON SEPT. 3, IT WILL OPERATE SEASONALLY WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. EASTERN TIME. The new Seaway Visitor Center is adjacent to Eisenhower Lock, named in honor of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose signature on the Wiley-Dondero Act in 1954 catalyzed construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway's American component.

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