Superior in Douglas County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Burlington Northern Ore Docks
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2013
1. Burlington Northern Ore Docks Marker
These docks, the largest in the world, consist of three structures of concrete and steel. The longest dock is 2244 feet long, 80 feet high, and contains 374 individual pockets which can hold 100,000 long tons of ore, or 7 average trains of 205 cars each. Ore is hauled 100 miles from Minnesota mines.
The first dock was built of timber in 1892. The first cargo consisting of 2073 long tons of ore was shipped in Whaleback Barge No. 102 on November 11, 1892. Over one billion tons of ore have been shipped through these docks, the largest years shipment being 32.3 million tons in 1953.
In 1967 a conveyor belt system was installed for moving taconite pellets from trains to dock pockets. In the early years as many as 400-500 men worked on the docks; with modern equipment and reduced volume of ore, less than 140 men are now required.
Erected 1973 by Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 192.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1917.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Greater Duluth The Twin Ports and on the North Shore. It was also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, in the Corn Belt, and on Lake Superiors South Shore Region. Globally, it was in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: The Superior Entry (approx. 1.1 miles away); Burial Ground of the Fond du Lac Band (approx. 1.1 miles away); Superior Entry South Breakwater Light (approx. 1.2 miles away); Old Stockade Site (approx. 1.7 miles away); Duluth-Superior Harbor (approx. 1.7 miles away); Lake Superior (approx. 2.1 miles away); S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald (approx. 2.2 miles away); Northwest Portal of Wisconsin (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Superior.
Regarding Burlington Northern Ore Docks. The trees have grown so high to the east as to obscure the view of the eastern ore docks. If you have a clear picture of these docks, please submit. For an aerial view, click on the link to the map above
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2013
2. Burlington Northern Ore Docks Marker
The docks are to the east beyond the trees. Some of the structure can be seen in the center of the picture.
Photographed by Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2013
3. Burlington Northern Ore Docks Marker
Ore dock to the west of marker.
Photographed by Greta Schassler, September 26, 2025
4. Burlington Northern Ore Docks Marker Missing
Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2013, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 7,455 times since then and 451 times this year. Last updated on September 26, 2025, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2013, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on September 26, 2025, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
