Entry 95: Enger Park & Tower: Duluth’s Scenic Overlook with History, Gardens, and Global Friendship

Enger Park and Tower: Duluth’s Hilltop Haven with History, Views, and Serenity

While in Duluth recently for meetings with the Board of Directors for the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP), we spent time scoping out the area in preparation for the 2026 National Outdoor Recreation Conference. As part of our visit, our local host took us on a scenic tour of the city—and one of the first stops was Enger Park. What a perfect introduction to Duluth’s beauty, history, and community spirit.

A Gift of Generosity: The Legacy of Bert Enger

Enger Park sits on Skyline Parkway, high above the city, offering incredible panoramic views of Duluth, the harbor, and the endless blue of Lake Superior. The park’s centerpiece, Enger Tower, was built in 1939 as a memorial to Bert J. Enger, a Norwegian immigrant and successful Duluth furniture dealer. Upon his death in 1931, Enger left a substantial portion of his estate, including land and funds, to the city of Duluth with the intent of creating public spaces that promoted beauty, recreation, and civic pride.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped dedicate the tower via radio broadcast in 1939, and it has remained a beloved local landmark ever since. Built from local bluestone and rising five stories above the hilltop, Enger Tower is accessible by a short climb up a winding staircase. From the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands across Lake Superior.

A Place of Peace: Gardens, Bells, and Global Friendship

Enger Park is more than just the tower—it’s also home to beautifully maintained formal gardens, winding trails, and quiet groves ideal for reflection. In spring and summer, flower beds bloom with color, and park benches scattered along the paths offer moments of tranquility.

Another highlight is the Japanese Peace Bell and Garden, gifted by Duluth’s sister city of Ohara, Japan. The bell symbolizes friendship and peace between the two communities, adding an international touch to this local treasure. You can ring the bell yourself—a quiet but powerful moment that many visitors find moving.

Outdoor Recreation and Skyline Views

For those who love the outdoors, Enger Park connects to portions of Duluth’s extensive trail network, including paths that are perfect for a casual hike, morning run, or quiet walk among the trees. The park’s hillside perch also places it directly along Skyline Parkway, a historic scenic drive that stretches across the ridgeline of Duluth, offering spectacular pull-offs and photo ops.

A Duluth Must-See

Enger Park’s blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and panoramic views makes it one of Duluth’s most popular destinations—for good reason. Whether you’re climbing the tower, enjoying the gardens, or simply taking in the views, it’s a space that invites both reflection and appreciation for the region’s natural and historical wealth.

As we prepare to return to Duluth in 2026 for the National Outdoor Recreation Conference, Enger Park serves as a reminder of what makes this place so special: community-minded legacy, outdoor splendor, and a commitment to shared public spaces. If you’re curious about SORP or the upcoming conference, check out www.recpro.org to learn more about our mission and ongoing work in the field of outdoor recreation planning and policy.