Shoreline & Lighthouses

The 1000ft American Spirit pushed it's way through the Duluth Shipping Canal to meet the Big Lake.

Morning Freighter

THe soft colors of dawn, flood off Lake Superior to mee the comming day

Lake Superior is the laergest freshwater lake in the world.

Gold Coast - Lake Superior

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Spingtime on Lake Superior's North Shore brings in salmon and fishermen. This sunrise image at Lester River focuses on a coulbe buddies out in the cool morning air, catching fish, a beautiful sunrise and some good fellowship.

The crimson light of an autumn dawn flows into to heart and soul. This image was taken on the shores of Lake Superior near Temperance River State Park in Minnesota.

During late winter, ice embraces the shores of Lake Superior like a necklace. The beauty of this natural wonder adds a quiet white finishing touch to the never ending glory of Gods creation.

Pastels colors of a December morning fill the skies of a Northshore sunrise

This pine tree makes it's last stand along the shores of Lake Superior

During late winter, ice embraces the shores of Lake Superior like a necklace. The beauty of this natural wonder adds a quiet white finishing touch to the never ending glory of Gods creation.

A mid-summer sunrise over Lake Superior and the North Shore near DuluthNature declares the glory of God, and this summer sunrise over the North Shore is an awsome display of the majesty and greatness of Almighty God.

Palisade Head stands in the distance in the image taken from Tetegouche State Park.

The colors of autumn are on full display at Tetegouche State Park.

A freighter waits in Lake Superior to pick up grain in Duluth.

Sunlight reflecting through the clear crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, make endless designs on the rock below. This hidden beach on the North Shore is a perfect place to rest and reflect on the goodness of God. I hope you can do the same right now as you view the reflecting light beams.

Ice fog forms over Agate Bay in Two Harbors Minnesota.

A large Pine Tree hangs onto the rocky ledge of Shovel Point in Tetegouche State Park.

The beauty of winter is readily apparent along the shore of Lake Superior.

A golden sunrise over Lake Superior glistens off the frigid waters at Tetegouche State Park.When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

The waters of Lake Superior splash over ice covered rocks at Tetegouch State Park on Minnesota's North Shore.

The bent trunk of a fallen pine tree, frames the sunrise of another beautiful day on the north shore of Lake Superior.

Tettegouche is one of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks. It features a mile of Lake Superior coast, including the Baptism River mouth; the river's cascades and falls; four inland lakes; rugged semimountainous reliefs; and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest.

Aftermath

The Apostle Islands sit just off shore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. Erosion of the sandstone has carved out sea caves which can be visited by boat during the summer, and on skies during colder winters. The caves are one of the wonders of the region and give new meaning to "Heaven on Earth".

Superior Stones

Tettegouche is one of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks. It features a mile of Lake Superior coast, including the Baptism River mouth; the river's cascades and falls; four inland lakes; rugged semimountainous reliefs; and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest.

September 15 – Sail AwayThe Hjørdis is a 50-foot, traditionally rigged steel schooner named after a mythical Norse goddess. Today, however, she serves a much more peaceful purpose, carrying passengers onto the calm waters of Lake Superior beneath the gentle colors of an early autumn sky.Here, the schooner leaves the Grand Marais harbor on a perfect September evening, inviting those aboard to experience the cool air, quiet waters, and unhurried beauty of an evening sail.Rocks, a lighthouse, water, sky, and a sailboat come together to create a scene of remarkable peace. Moments like these invite us to slow our pace, leave our worries behind for a while, and simply rest in the beauty of God's creation. As the harbor fades into the distance, so can the burdens we often carry."You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3Today, take a few moments to step away from life's busyness. Whether beside the water or wherever you find yourself, pause, breathe deeply, and thank God for the peace He freely offers.

Two Harbors Lighthouse

During the cold winter months the sun warms the moring landscape with golden light.

Clear Ice

Distant Shores

Ellison Island

Apostle Islands Ice Caves

Saltie at anchor off Duluth

The freighter Cornelia waits at anchor to load grain in Duluth.

Golden Morning

Sea Smoke Sunrise

A quit evening on Lake Superior at Canal Park in Duluth.

Bayfield is a special place on the shores of Lake Superior and acts as an entry point to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the jewels of the lake.

A photographer stands on the Duluth Lighthouse breakwall waiting for the sunrise on a cool September morning.

Silver Bay's popular Black Beach is a favorite for a quick chill in the waters of Lake Superior.

Palisade Head - Silver Bay

The first light of morning breaks over Lake Superior as the clouds caught the light for a brief moment before hiding the sun once again.

These rounded boulders are common along the Lake Superior coast.

The red brick Eagle Harbor Light Station sits on the rocky entrance to the harbor and is a working lighthouse as it guides mariners across the northern edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The original lighthouse, built in 1851, was replaced in 1871. The octagonal brick light tower is ten feet in diameter, with walls 12 inches thick and it supports a 10-sided cast iron lantern. The Lighthouse was manned by a head keeper and two assistant keepers.

CSL Assiniboine

Sheet Ice

Tettegouche State Park

Gales of NovemberNovember is a battleground between waning autumn and advancing winter. Along the North Shore, some leaves still hang on while power gales sweep in off Lake Superior, driven by strong cold fronts.The rocky cliffs hold fast while the trees bend to the wind's power. The deafening sound of the wind and waves reminds us of God's power in creation and man's smallness in resisting the weather.Standing in the face of a Lake Superior Gale leaves you wet and satisfied that we still know who is in control.“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty.” — Psalm 93:4

The Apostle Islands sit just off shore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. Erosion of the sandstone has carved out sea caves which can be visited by boat during the summer, and on skies during colder winters. The caves are one of the wonders of the region and give new meaning to "Heaven on Earth".

Apostle Island Sea Caves

The Apostle Islands sit just off shore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. Erosion of the sandstone has carved out sea caves which can be visited by boat during the summer, and on skies during colder winters. The caves are one of the wonders of the region and give new meaning to "Heaven on Earth".

During late winter, ice embraces the shores of Lake Superior like a necklace. The beauty of this natural wonder adds a quiet white finishing touch to the never ending glory of Gods creation.

March 18 – Pure BeautyIn the aftermath of a wicked Nor’easter, with 60 MPH winds and heavy freezing spray, the towering trees along the North Shore stood their ground, encased in thick layers of ice. Near Tettegouche State Park, the shoreline was transformed into a wonderland of lake-forged art.March is a wild and stormy month — a battleground between winter and spring. Lake Superior magnifies the struggle with its wide-open waters and towering waves as opposing fronts collide for days at a time.I rarely encounter a spectacle like this. It was worth crawling across the frozen crust to witness such grandeur. There is something about photographing a scene that makes you feel both very small and deeply blessed. That tension — humility and wonder — is the draw of the art.“By the breath of God ice is given,and the broad waters are frozen fast.” — Job 37:10The pure beauty of this image was born from powerful, violent weather. Much like life, it is often the fiercest storms that shape us into something extraordinary — a masterpiece formed by the Master’s hand.

A freighter waits in Lake Superior to pick up grain in Duluth.

Gold Coast - Lake Superior

North Shore Dawn

The light of a beautiful sunrise backlights a boat and Park Point Beach Grass.

August 24 — Morning LightThe first light of a late August sunrise over Lake Superior silhouettes a freighter at anchor beyond the beach grass of Park Point.As summer slowly gives way to autumn, the days continue to shorten. The soft light of dawn arrives a little later each morning, rewarding those who rise early with moments of quiet beauty.Standing on the shore, watching the sun break through the clouds, I was reminded of God's steady presence. The freighter waited patiently for its next assignment, while the beach grass swayed gently in the morning breeze. The entire scene reflected a sense of calm and purpose."He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth." — 2 Samuel 23:4When we trust God's providence, we can rest peacefully, knowing He is guiding our course, even as we wait for what comes next.

Trees along the North Shore have a tought time keeping upright.

The rolling waves of Lake Superior lap at the ice covered rocks on this cold December morning. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens (Psalm 8)

A golden sunrise over Lake Superior glistens off the frigid waters at Tetegouche State Park.When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Ice covered rocks at Tetegouche State Park, take a beating from winter waves.

December 25 - Christmas DawnThe saturated soft colors of dawn flood off Lake Superior to meet the coming Christmas day. The early morning hour just before dawn, known as the blue hour, is a special time of day and a good time to enjoy the wonderful creation that surrounds us.The two extra minutes of daylight since December 21 are unnoticeable, but they already set a trajectory towards springtime."For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16Enjoy this Christmas Day. A day to remember and celebrate traditions and fellowship with family, and to remember the greatest gift of all.

THe soft colors of dawn, flood off Lake Superior to mee the comming day

The bent trunk of a fallen pine tree, frames the sunrise of another beautiful day on the north shore of Lake Superior.

The moon drops across the horizon at it sets befor a northland winter day.

The winter sune peeks through a shoreline tree.

February 9 - Winter ShoresAlong the frozen shoreline of Lake Superior, golden American Beachgrass rises above the snow, standing firm against bitter wind and drifting sand. Even in winter’s harsh grip, this hardy grass continues its quiet work — stabilizing dunes, trapping snow, and protecting the shoreline from erosion and storm waves.Beachgrass thrives on resilience. Its deep, spreading roots anchor the shifting sand, and instead of being harmed by burial, it strengthens as wind-blown sand accumulates around it. What seems like pressure actually fuels its purpose. Creation constantly points us toward its Creator.When we pause to observe the natural world, we see reminders of God’s design, care, and sustaining power. The same God who strengthens this shoreline through humble blades of grass is the One who strengthens us through every season of life.“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” — Colossians 1:11Just like the beachgrass along Minnesota Point, we must remain rooted in God’s presence, trusting that even when storms arise or uncertainty looms, Jesus Christ is actively working beneath the surface to build our faith for today. What a gift.

.February 15 - Fire and Ice Brighton Beach in Duluth is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise, waves, ice, and the big lake. Soon, these winter landscapes will melt into the big lake as Springtime draws closer. By now, we are gaining 2 minutes more daylight per day compared to early January — one of the fastest daylight-increase rates of the entire year. This boost is what jump-starts late-winter melting, longer twilights, and the first subtle signals of Spring.With the harshness of January cold behind us, there is much hope for the warmer days of Spring just ahead. The increasing daylight hours prove it, and the melting ice hints at it. So that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. Psalm 65:8 Thank you, Lord, for giving us a fresh new hope for today, and the promises that lie ahead. Today is a gift, spend it wisely.

North Shoew Sunrise

September 9th - Autumn ShoresThe golden colors of autumn bathe the North Shore of Lake Superior. While surrounding leaves bask in the warm autumn sun.The orange lichen clinging to the rocky shoreline grows slowly, enriching the scene's beauty. Lichen is a fungus found all across North America and worldwide and is actually two organisms functioning as a single plant. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to explore and appreciate God's creation and glory.Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:4

09_18- Autumn ShoresGolden birch and aspen frame the rocky shore of Lake Superior, their autumn color glowing against deep blue water and September sky.Bright orange lichen spreads across the exposed rock, growing slowly where wind, waves, and winter have shaped the shoreline for generations.Autumn transforms the landscape, yet the enduring rock beneath it remains. In creation we find a quiet reminder of God’s steadfast presence—unchanging through every season.Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4

Tettegouche is one of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks. It features a mile of Lake Superior coast, including the Baptism River mouth; the river's cascades and falls; four inland lakes; rugged semimountainous reliefs; and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest.

Gateway to Madeline Island and the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Bayfield is the crown jewel of the Bayfield Peninsula.

On the night of November 7th 2004, a spectacular display of Northern Lights flooded the skies of Northern Minnesota with an awesome display of Gods handiwork, I was privileged to see and to share it with you.

February 24th - Magenta ShoresThe setting moon slowly descends over the snow-covered shores of Lake Superior near Grand Marais. Trees, rocks, snow, and soft winter light come together to form a picturesque landscape during this brief and peaceful moment of the day.It is a good feeling to see open water after a long winter, and it is refreshing to realize that daylight and nighttime hours will soon stand in balance once again.The moon drops toward the horizon as the Earth continues its daily journey, unnoticed as time marches on. Watching the vastness of the scene and the slow motion of the moment helps put things into perspective — reminding us that we are not the center of the universe, but passengers on a small planet created by a great God.Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25Hope comes in many forms, and a quiet February landscape along the shores of Lake Superior offers a perfect beginning in the hands of our loving God.

Tettegouche is one of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks. It features a mile of Lake Superior coast, including the Baptism River mouth; the river's cascades and falls; four inland lakes; rugged semimountainous reliefs; and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest.

Sunlight reflecting through the clear crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, make endless designs on the rock below.This hidden beach on the North Shore is a perfect place to rest and reflect on the goodness of God. I hope you can do the same right now as you view the reflecting light beams.

May 10 — Apostle Islands Sea CavesThe Apostle Islands lie just offshore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. After paddling my kayak a few miles across the clear water, I reached the sea caves along Sand Island. The clear water acts like a mirror, illuminating the caves from below and creating a remarkable scene— an unforgettable setting for photography.These caves formed over thousands of years as powerful waves, winter ice, and wind slowly eroded the soft red sandstone cliffs. Lake Superior acts like a giant sculptor, carving arches, tunnels, chambers, and pillars along the shoreline. Even today, the process continues. Storm waves on Lake Superior can reach 20–30 feet, gradually enlarging the caves and occasionally collapsing sections of the cliffs, forming new shapes.The Apostle Islands sea caves are one of the great natural wonders of the Lake Superior region.“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.” — Psalm 93:4As I float alongside the caves, it is easy to recall the power and majesty of the Creator who formed them.

May 12 - Wave Design - Sunlight reflecting through the clear crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, make endless designs on the rock below.This hidden beach on the North Shore is a perfect place to rest and reflect on the goodness of God. I hope you can do the same right now as you view the reflecting light beams.

May 12th - Sunlight reflecting through the clear crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, make endless designs on the rock below.This hidden beach on the North Shore is a perfect place to rest and reflect on the goodness of God. I hope you can do the same right now as you view the reflecting light beams.

The Lake Superior Agate is Minnesota's State Gem. It is a type of agate stained by iron and found on the shores of Lake Superior. The gemstone comes in various sizes. The gas pockets in which the agates formed were primarily small, about the size of a pea. A few Lake Superior agates weigh more than 20 pounds, about the size of a bowling ball. Such giant agates are extremely rare, but no doubt others are yet to be discovered.

Lake Superior Agates

February 16 — Ice-LandIce shards continually form and shift along the North Shore of Lake Superior this time of year, creating beautiful natural art. Every night, new formations take shape, transforming the shoreline by morning.As light travels through the ice, warmer colors are absorbed, leaving behind vivid blues. Overcast skies actually enhance these tones, making the ice glow with an almost otherworldly color.I don’t know why these simple scenes are so attractive, other than that they are unusual and colorful. Sometimes the plain things are the least appreciated, yet the most valuable.“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small.” — Psalm 104:24–25The beauty of God’s creation surrounds us. All we have to do is open our eyes and see. You may feel unnoticed today, but not in God’s eyes.

February 20 – Crystal CathedralThick shore ice along Lake Superior formed what looked like a frozen cathedral on this late February afternoon—days of wind and waves had pushed broken sheets of ice ashore, stacking them into towering, translucent walls of blue and white.To capture this perspective, I carefully tucked my camera into a narrow crack in the ice and photographed from within the small cavern. The result felt like standing inside a sanctuary carved by winter itself.Though ice surrounded me, the warm sunshine hinted that spring was drawing near. This beautiful structure, so solid and majestic, would soon surrender to the rising temperatures. What feels permanent in winter can vanish in a matter of days.“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail…” — Job 38:22Overnight, the Lord shapes new ice sculptures with His unseen hand. Creation changes daily under His authority. His mercies renew each morning. What He forms in our lives today may differ tomorrow, but He always crafts it with purpose.

Thick shore ice along Lake Superior creates a beautiful ice cathedral. The broken sheet of ice pushed onshore by the winds and waved of late February creates some stunning structures of clear ice.“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail... Job 38:22The ice sculptures are crafted by the hand of God overnight and are new each day!

A lone trail at Split Rock Lighthouse leads off into the distant shore.

A January sunrise peeks through sea smoke.

With open water on Lake Superior, this mornings bone chilling cold was sure to produce some interesting scenes along the lake shore.Mid-February and below zero temperatures are still hanging around. Although the strong Northwest winds dropped the wind chill into the -50F range, they pushed the lake ice off-shore exposing the relatively warm lake water to the frigid air. The 50 degree temperature difference between the water and the air created steam that lifted off the lake surface in waves of icy mist.As the sun made its way above the low lying clouds this morning, it beamed from behind the lighthouse and filled the sky with warm golden sunshine. Although the temperatures never got above zero, the scene warmed the heart on a beautiful winter day along the shores of Lake Superior.God set the stars and planets into place to remind us of Him, what a privilege to be able to observe His creation.Psa 78:7 so that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God

March 14 – Magenta IceDeep colors from a saturated sky reflect across cold waters, warming Lake Superior as another March day comes to a close in the Northland.The ice formations retreat into the lake, as if surrendering to the inevitable rise of mid-March temperatures.There is something profoundly calming about standing still and taking in a scene like this. It marks the end of one season and the beginning of another, as we March in step with the passing of time.“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” — Psalm 107:29Gratitude for fresh air and calm waters brings peace to the soul. Another day drifts into the past, and the hope of tomorrow gently accents a moment we will never have again.

March is a fantastic month to watch nature. Daylight hours are rapidly expanding, wildlife is beginning to move and plants are starting to wake up from a long winters nap. You can't help but notice the changing seasons with a springtime walk along the shoreline of Lake Superior. The colors, climate, and fresh air join together to shout out that a new season has begun.In this picture, shore ice melts away along with the fading light of day in one last display of winter beauty.

May 4 — Superior ShoresIt's May 4, and the change of seasons you can feel. The air is fresh, cool breezes move across the water, and the scent of damp pine fills the shoreline. Spring here often reveals itself more through sensation than sight. On this evening near Grand Marais, the setting sun bathes the shoreline of Lake Superior in warm hues of color.Daylight now stretches to about 14 hours and 30 minutes and is growing by nearly three minutes each day as the Northland moves toward the long days of June. Early May is one of the best times for dramatic shoreline sunrises and sunsets. The cold lake, calm mornings, and humid air frequently produce mist, glowing reflections, and soft atmospheric layers that make each scene unique.The Master Artist blends these elements for a brief moment of beauty while countless other scenes unfold across the world, each revealing His glory."From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised." — Psalm 113:3Every day creation offers a new masterpiece. Step outside, breathe deeply, and take it in. Today is going to be a great day.

Quiet point on Lake Superior

$February 5 — Superior WinterThe ice field stretches about half a mile into Lake Superior, creating a stunning natural gallery that plays with light throughout the day. The ice operates like thousands of tiny prisms, reflecting and refracting sunlight.As the sun shines through clear and semi-clear ice, the unique crystal structures and trapped air bubbles bend the light in various ways, creating ever-changing patterns of color and brightness, making the scene truly mesmerizing.As with most things in photography, it all comes down to light. Here, the northern landscapes of February are painted with an icy brush, guided by a master’s touch.“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” — Isaiah 9:2With more than two months of winter behind us, only a few short weeks remain to enjoy this season. Spring is approaching, and time continues its steady flow.$