Early Snow

October 1 - Early Snow - October is a transition month in the Northland where the climate swings from the warmth of summer to the cold of winter in a single day. Cold fronts are more robust, and the brilliant colors of autumn are being swept from the trees to the forest floor by wind and rain. The changing seasons remind us that life cycles continue to move on, and our life here will also come to an end at its allotted time. The Faithfulness of God The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:1-6

October 2nd - Jay Cooke State Park

October 2 - Jay Cooke State Park Jay Cooke is one of the most geographically interesting of Minnesota State Parks. Bedrock formations of the St. Louis River are pitched to a 45-degree angle by ground pressure. The sound near the falls is loud, and you can feel the power of the water in your feet as you stand on nearby rocks. The Power of God May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy... Colossians 1:11

Autumn Afternoon

October 3 - Autumn Afternoon at Split Rock Lighthouse - Autumn on the North Shore of Lake Superior is a prime time of year. The season's first frost has occurred in late September, which signals the start of color change. The North Shore is now ablaze with the reds and yellows of autumn. Split Rock Lighthouse sits in the middle of this beauty and provides a perfect centerpiece for this view. Split Rock was built in 1910 and faithfully guided ships across the waters of Lake Superior with its powerful light until its decommissioning in 1969. The Light of God! Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Stuntz Bay - Boathouse District

October 4 - Stuntz Bay Boathouse District - Hidden away at the bottom of a large hill near the Vermillion State Park sits a long row of 142 corrugated metal boathouses that line the shore of Stuntz Bay on Lake Vermilion's south coast. This row of boathouses forms the historical Stuntz Bay Boathouse District. Constructed between 1900 and 1955, the Oliver Mining Company offered the boathouses as an incentive for their workers, rewarding their employees for their commitment to the company and providing the opportunity for recreation and appreciation for the surrounding natural resources. The structures are unique and have collectively been placed on the National Register to connect to the local iron mines. Located on state land below the Soudan Mine, the buildings and boat launch are privately owned. Fishing is an essential endeavor in the Northland and has provided food and recreation for many years. The Provision of God He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. John 21:6

October 5th - Roots - Gooseberry Falls

October 5 - Roots - Gooseberry Falls The northern white cedar trees at Gooseberry Falls are also called swamp cedar, are commonly found along the shores and hill surrounding Lake Superior. The hardy cedar tree can grow in the crevasses of rocks and live more than 800 years, making them some of the oldest trees in Northeastern America. In addition, these incredible trees have medicinal properties; it is named “arborvitae” in Latin, meaning “tree of life.” The Strength of God He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

Daybreak at Palisade

October 6 - Daybreak at Palisade - The first light of morning breaks over Lake Superior as the clouds catch the light for a fantastic display of God's created glory. The Light of the World This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Country Cabin

October 7 - Country Cabin - One of the many old buildings scattered across the Northland that stand as reminders of our heritage. Now that we are approaching mid-autumn, the foliage is at or near peak colors, and everywhere you look, there is a memorable scene to photograph. The Glory of God Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6

Autumn in Jay Cooke

October 8th - Autumn in Jay Cooke State Park - Waterfalls are plentiful as the St Louis River travels through Jay Cooke State Park located just west of Duluth, MN. The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park magnify the beauty of the hardwood forests. The river gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations throughout the park display the incredible beauty of God's creation. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

October 9th - Bridge Over Troubled Waters

October 9 - Bridge Over Troubled Waters - The Lester Park Bridge, built-in 1928, has stood firm for nearly 75 years. With constant October rainfall in the area, the river has swollen, and the fall foliage makes for a beautiful backdrop for pictures. Like the stone bridge in the picture, God is a steady foundation in times of trouble and makes a way across troubled times. The Foundation of God For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Autumn Colors at Split Rock

October 10 - Autumn Colors at Split Rock With the second week of October arriving in the Northland, the brilliant colors of autumn have now descended the North Shore slopes to embrace Lake Superior's shoreline. The gold of the aspen, greens of the cedars, and red maples trees embrace Split Rock Lighthouse like a warm blanket and highlight the beauty of this setting. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Psalm 8:1

Enger Tower

October 11th Fall colors at Enger Park in Duluth

Autumn Watch

October 12 - Autumn Watch - The golden aspen and birch reach peak brilliance the second week of October. The trees surrounding Split Rock Lighthouse will soon be shedding their colors as more powerful cold fronts sweep down from Canada. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Gale Warning

October 13 - Gale Warning - Lake Superior can pack a punch when the northeast winds pick up to gale force. The spray from the waves can top the lighthouses at the Duluth Piers, and residents flock to the shoreline to take in the incredible power of the big lake. While the power of nature is an incredible display to watch, the power of God that created the weather conditions is far greater. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence... 2 Peter 1:3

October at Palisade Head

October 14 - October at Palisade Head - Palisade Head is a little-known rock outcrop near Silver Bay, Minnesota, representing the typical beauty of the North Shore of Lake Superior. The 1000 ft sheer rock cliff displays the incredible beauty of the northland in any season, especially autumn. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Psalm 61:1-3

Cascade Falls

October 15 - Autumn Waterfall - Deep into autumn now, waterfalls throughout the Northland display the final colors of the season. In a few weeks, cold weather will encapsulate the water in ice for the winter season. With most of the colorful leaves gone and average temperatures dropping, we are entering a time of rest for the elements and soul. In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

First Light

October 16 - First Light- Mid-October brings cool temperatures and clear skies to the Lake Superior Region. This October morning, Split Rock Lighthouse stands sentinel over the Lake Superior as it has for over a century. As the eyelids of creation open to a new day, so, a beautiful sunrise resets our view of life and sets us on a firm foundation, much like Split Rock Lighthouse. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Golden Landscape

October 17 - Golden Landscape - The final color change of the landscape on the Duluth hillside is now fully displayed as autumn sweeps through and begins its exit from the Northland. This scene from Barden's Peak along Skyline Drive captures the golden landscape in all its glory. It is a good day to be alive! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever Psalm 136:1

Night Lights at Glensheen Mansion

October 18 - Night Lights at Glensheen Mansion - Twilight hours at Glensheen present a beautiful view of the estate. Glensheen had some of the country's beautiful and intricate wood carvings and is worth visiting any time of year. While God gave craftsmen the skills to build this remarkable structure, it hardly compares to the natural beauty of a simple flower. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8

Wave Power

A late October storm lashes out at the rocky cliffs along the Shore of Lake Superior. Crystal Bay near Silver Bay is a great location to observe the incredible power of the waves along Lake Superior. During this storm, you could hear the beach stones rolling in the waves along the shore. Watching the powerful blast of power against the cliffs is a humbling reminder of the elements in the hand of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.., Colossians 1:11

Sunset Reflections

October 20 - Sunset Reflections With the peak color season for leaves now blown away with the wind and rain, the long colorful sunsets of mid-October seem more brilliant than ever. Even though the colors are fading from the landscape and dark days lay ahead, there is hope in the brief period of light and color mixed in the sky at sunrise and sunset. 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

Morning Watch

October 21 - Morning Watch A lone onlooker captured the incredible wonder of another sunrise over Lake Superior. So what motivated this person to get out of bed, drive to the canal and walk out onto the pier on a cool October morning to observe an event that happens every day? Whatever it was, I'm sure his day started better than it otherwise would have. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. Psalm 130:6

Starry Night

October 22 - Starry, Starry Night Stars shine through the Northern Lights on a calm October night. The flowing auroras and twinkling stars combine with the Big Dipper at center stage for a mesmerizing scene. When I look at 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, and the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8

Dawns Early Light

October 23 - Dawns Early Light Freighters lay at anchor waiting for their turn to load grain in Duluth as a late October sunrise spreads warmth over Lake Superior. It is incredible how God can mix the elements to create a scene like this. Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun. Psalm 74:16

Evening Reflection

October 24th - Evening Reflection Evening clouds reflect into the waters of Caribou Lake. With colors now fading across the northland, you can look to the sunrises and sunsets for brilliant saturated colors, and when reflected into calm waters, doubles the beauty. As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19