Congdon Park in Duluth in Saint Louis County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Stone Bridge & Trails

— Glensheen Historic Estate —

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

1. Stone Bridge & Trails Marker

Inscription.
The Stone Arch Bridge over Tischer Creek was designed by famed landscape architect Charles Leavitt, Jr. His associates, Anthony Morell and Arthur Nichols, came to Duluth to oversee construction, and the pair were later hired by the city of Duluth. This is why one can find similarly styled bridges in nearby Lester Park and on Seven Bridges Road.

This point is also the beginning of West Trail. It once connected into the present-day trail system of Congdon Park. Chester Congdon donated the picturesque 34 acres and its hanging waterfalls and red rock gorges to the city in 1908.

Chester Congdon met with President Theodore Roosevelt. Known for his vocal championing of land conservation and the National Park System, the president himself may have influenced Congdon to create his namesake park for the public to enjoy.

Erected by Glensheen Historic Estate. (Marker Number 7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 46° 48.877′ N, 92° 3.101′ W. Marker is in Duluth, Minnesota, in Saint Louis County. It is in Congdon Park. It can be reached from London Road (Voyageur Highway) (State Highway 61) 0.2 miles north of South 32nd Avenue East, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located along the Glensheen Estate interpretive trail, overlooking Tischer Creek. Walking access is from the Glensheen Estate parking lot on the northeast side of the property. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3300 London Road, Duluth MN 55804, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region

and in the Iron Range.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

2. Stone Bridge & Trails Marker

Looking south from the interpretive trail; the marker overlooks the mouth of Tischer Creek. The trail crosses the stone arch bridge about 30 meters uphill from the marker (to the right).

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tischer Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); Lake Superior (within shouting distance of this marker); The Boathouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Glensheen Restoration (within shouting distance of this marker); The Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); Glensheen (within shouting distance of this marker); Servant's Courtyard (within shouting distance of this marker); West Gate (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Duluth.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Boat House and Pier (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Regarding Stone Bridge & Trails. Contributing structure, Chester and Clara Congdon Estate — Glensheen, National Register of Historic Places № 91001057.

From the National Register Nomination prepared by Michael Koop, 8/1990:
Tischer Creek Bridge, 1907. This graceful stone arch footbridge is 55' long, 7.5' wide, and 14.5' from the keystone to the water.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

3. Stone Bridge Trail
The trail leading downhill from the marker to the lake shore.
It crosses the creek just west of the house and links the path systems on the east and west banks of Tischer Creek.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Glensheen — The Historic Congdon Estate

Tischer Creek Bridge Approach image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

4. Tischer Creek Bridge Approach

The trail crosses Tischer Creek Bridge.

Tischer Creek Bridge (<i>north/upstream elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

5. Tischer Creek Bridge (north/upstream elevation)

Tischer Creek & Stone Arch Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2024

6. Tischer Creek & Stone Arch Bridge

(looking upstream from near the Lake Superior shoreline)From the National Register Nomination: This area of the site, bordering Tischer Creek, is lush with mature deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs. A graceful stone arch bridge — constructed so as to be visible from the western end of the house — spans the water and leads to several other paths located in the large, relatively open lawn south of the house. (This open area was not cleared until the mid-1940s.) One path follows the higher ground north along the east side of the creek leading back to the entrance drive; a short trail branches off to the house terrace. Another path curves around toward the shoreline where a small stone bridge crosses Bent Brook before continuing to the Carriage House. From this path one has a magnificent view northward towards the lawn, formal gardens, and house.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 19, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.