Best spot in Duluth to view tall ships

Right where you are. no traffic, no kids whining, no getting gouged for services.

Duluth Harbor Cam

I missed them last time around, but was told by a friend Leif Erikson was a nice spot.  I was thinking maybe somewhere on Skyline -- like the Copper Top Church would be a nice vantage point with a follow up visit on the weekend to see them up close.  I will be avoiding Bayfront for the parade however because I heard that was wall-to-wall people and that's not my thing.

Last year, we were down behind the deck and the Aquarium. That's where they were all lined up.

That is true _man...I do have a terrific view and am thankful I have it every day...you and Miss Molly could also have the same view if you'd buy the house across the street from me. Would love to have cute kids like you for neighbors who I could borrow a cup of whiskey from! (it happens you know)

I watched and photographed them from near the gazebo at Enger Tower last time. Wasn't too crowded, no trouble parking, and the view was fantastic. I was amazed at how packed the piers were with people. Had no interest in joining that mess.

I just noticed from WDIO that the ships are delayed coming in because of the storm last night.

Weather May Delay Tall Ships' Arrival

Ship tracker

Rose Garden also nice, Brighton Beach perhaps. If I were inclined to watch, I think I'd try to get me a table on the Mexico Lindo deck, order me something tall and cold, and sit back and watch.

From yer flotilla—arrrrrrrr!

Here's the traffic advisory issued by the Duluth Police Dept.:

July 29
The Tall Ships will have a "Grand Parade of Sail" starting at 2 p.m. The ships will enter the Bay area through the ship canal in three waves. Expect extreme traffic congestion in the Canal Park/Aerial Lift Bridge area during the entire afternoon of July 29. Police suggest that those wanting to view the "sail-in" should park in the DECC, Bayfront, or downtown areas and walk to the waterfront. The festival grounds at Bayfront Park will open at 11 a.m. on Thursday. 

July 30, 31 and Aug. 1 
The festival grounds at Bayfront Park will open at 8 a.m. each day and will stay open until 10 p.m. During this time period, expect large amounts of traffic on Fifth Avenue West, Railroad Street, Garfield Avenue and in the Canal Park area. Significant traffic delays should be expected. Watch for officers directing traffic in these areas.

There's a tall ship at Knife Island (Knife River) right now. hms bounty

Treasure Adventure (just west of Bayfront park) has a nice viewing area and you can have brat and beer and see the pirate loot at the same time. Probably less crowded than other canal sites because of the entry fee - $7

Treasure Adventure has both The Hobo Nephews and The Accellerati playing on saturday, along with the prog rock group, The Thunder Brothers.