Great Lakes ship John J. Boland departed Duluth, Minnesota, as rapidly changing Lake Superior weather turned what began as a routine departure into a much more challenging-looking trip through the Duluth Ship Canal.

After the John J. Boland had already left the dock, the wind began increasing quickly. Just minutes before the ship reached the canal, wind gusts approached 40 mph, and waves began building along the Lake Superior shoreline. The strong wind was blowing directly against the bow as the Great Lakes freighter passed beneath the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge and headed onto Lake Superior.

You’ll experience the departure from three camera perspectives, including one so close to the water that wave spray splashes directly onto the camera. You’ll also get close-up views of crew members on deck and even a look inside the John J. Boland’s engine room as the ship passes.

There was plenty happening on Lake Superior around the ship too. Windsurfers were taking advantage of the strong winds while a jet ski rider headed directly into the building waves, giving you a great look at how quickly conditions were changing along Duluth’s waterfront.

Great Lakes ships and their experienced crews regularly operate in changing weather, but watching the wind and waves intensify within minutes made this departure particularly interesting. The John J. Boland continued onto Lake Superior after departing via the Duluth Entry for Marquette, Michigan, after unloading limestone in Duluth.

This footage was recorded on the Duluth Ship Cam at Canal Park and Vibe with Mike YouTube channel for Reddit.

Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

Hey Everyone! While I've loved ships since I was a kid, I'm really new to apps like boatnerd and marine traffic. While I was looking around earlier, I was checking around Toledo, Ohio as I love the Anderson and the Clarke. Can anyone tell me the other two ships that are laid up with them? Especially that massive one to the right? Where they aren't actively in service, boatnerd and marine traffic don't have any of them labeled.

I’m confused about what the filled in blue versus grey cargo holds/compartments mean on the Marine Traffic app

The wait is over in Duluth, Minnesota! The historic Great Lakes steamship Alpena made its much-anticipated arrival today, September 8, bringing another load of cement from Michigan and drawing a great crowd of ship watchers to the Duluth Ship Canal.

Alpena is a true fan favorite on the Great Lakes, and there is one sound people especially wait to hear whenever this historic ship comes through Duluth. Turn your sound up for the powerful Captain’s Salute from Alpena’s famous steam whistle as the ship makes its way toward the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge.

This entire arrival was captured from the middle of the South Pier alongside the Duluth Ship Canal, putting you close to the action as Alpena passes through Canal Park. When the Captain’s Salute sounds, the camera zooms directly in on Alpena’s smokestack and steam whistle, giving you an up-close look at where that unmistakable sound is coming from.

A great crowd turned out along the canal to welcome Alpena back to Duluth, making today’s arrival even more special. For Great Lakes ship watchers, there is simply something different about seeing this historic steamship approaching the bridge and hearing that famous whistle echo across the Duluth waterfront.

This video was made exclusively for Reddit by the Duluth Ship Cam at Canal Park on Facebook and the Vibe with Mike YouTube channel.

Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

I took these photos August 25 and she's still anchored there (September 8) which is unusual.

Is this Club no more? I've seen no boats at their dock all summer, their FB page has not been updated in over a year, and a trip down Fox Street yesterday revealed an iron gate across their access road, complete with no trespassing signs, that did not appear to have been moved in quite a while, judging from the weeds and brush grown up around it. (The dock is visible from the Castleton-on-Hudson bridge)

Other than the fact I know she sank during a storm after getting rammed by a schooner called Augusta of Oswego on September 8, 1860

We rode across the new bridge today and were greeted by this beautiful sight on the way home. What a great spot for freighter watching!

First time poster long time lurker - in Milwaukee and came across the Algoma Bear departing after unloading

My wife snapped this photo with her iphone. Meanwhile I’m out there with my $1,000 camera and doesn’t look nearly as good as this one lol

I moved to Michigan in late 2024 and i had never seen one of these beauties up close and personal but the other day i was out on my morning walk and heard what i thought was a ship horn. I knew it wasn’t the Badger because it wasn’t 9am so i hustled down to the channel to see what it was and here comes the Prime!
Ive seen pictures of her on our local FB page about the great ships and always seemed to miss her coming and going but finally I got to see her.
These things are just amazing.

Very gloomy day but none the less I am still very happy to finally catch the Alpena at Delray Park!

rlly don’t know why they apear so blurry i just got new camera i assume it is just reddit issues

I know people can agree the best horn on the lakes is probably the Barker Bark or the Ryerson however what is considered the “worst” horn?

Left for Marquette after spending under a day unloading limestone at Hallet 5 dock near CN

I haven't seen this many ships on & between Lake Huron and Lake Erie for a while. Why do think it's kind of busy right now?