DULUTH MAYOR HERB W. BERGSON, JR.

Elected in 2003, Duluth Mayor Herb
W. Bergson, Jr., is a native son who never ventured too far from home.

For many years he lived across the bridge in neighboring Superior, where he began his career in public office as a police officer. In 1987, he was elected mayor of Superior and served two terms before moving back to his hometown. He is the only man ever to serve as mayor of both cities—an impressive feat to say the least.

Where do you recommend visitors stay when they visit?

“Fitgers Inn, which once housed Duluth’s first brewery, is now the only five-star hotel. You gaze out the windows of your room, which overlooks the lake, and it’s just beautiful. The complex also has shops and restaurants.”

Besides being home to the only freshwater aquarium in the country, what are some things most people might not know about Duluth?

“Duluth is home to Cirrus, a small-engine plane seller. They make the Cirrus SR22, which has been the world’s best-selling airplane of its class for five straight years.”

Tell me about the famous Aerial Lift Bridge.

“It’s kind of a symbol of Duluth. It turned 100 years old last year, and it’s one of only five in the world. How it works is the roadway remains parallel to the water, but it goes up so the ships can go under, and then it lowers back down. It’s just gorgeous.”

Mayor Bergson’s
TOP FIVE SUMMER ACTIVITIES in Duluth:

GRANDMA’S MARATHON
JUNE 17
Celebrating its 31st year, the marathon takes runners along the north shore of Lake Superior, finishing in Duluth’s Canal Park. “You can’t move here; it’s an absolute zoo. People don’t just come for the marathon; the runners’ families, friends and fans do the town for four days. It’s just great.”

WEB SITE | www.grandmasmarathon.com

2007 STATE H.O.G. RALLY
JUNE 22-24
No, we’re not talking about pigs. Rather, this weekend-long event celebrates the Harley Owners Group. While most of the events are only open to H.O.G. members and their guests, the biker parade on Saturday, June 23 is open for all, and Bergson says that it always draws quite a crowd.

WEB SITE | www.mnstatehogrally.com

BAYFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL
AUGUST 9-12
This four-day festival is now in its 19th year. With three stages featuring international, national and regional musicians, there’s no shortage of live blues performances.

WEB SITE | www.bayfrontblues.com

LAKE SUPERIOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
AUGUST 24-25
This annual fund-raising event is a partnership between Duluth’s Harbortown Rotary Club and the Superior Rotary Club. Held in Superior Bay, the festivities include a traditional dragon boat race—an event that originated in China—as well as other entertainment. “It raises an awful lot of money for local charities.”

WEB SITE | www.lakesuperiordragons.com

SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL
Ok, it’s not an event, but Bergson raves about Duluth’s abundance of hiking trails—and he’s “addicted” to this one in particular. “The mix of flatlands and hills is one of our real treasures. There are views [from this trail] that are just incredible, it takes your breath away.”

WEB SITE | www.shta.org