Tour the US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw

A year or so ago I was allowed access to the new Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw while it was on dry dock at Fraser Shipyards. At the time it was recieving an upgrade to the propellar system. They were happy to give me access and this tour gets alot of hits from all over the country. As crew members get notified they will be transfered to this vessel a lot of them check out the tour to see thier new home for the next few years. Take a tour yourself!

http://www.virtualnorthland.com/duluth/mackinaw

Tribute Fest 2011

My wife and I had an opportunity to attend the Tribute Fest this year. It is a concert to raise money for homeless Minnesota Veterans. The organization it helps is called MACV. The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. www.mac-v.org It is the first year it was held at Bayfront Park. We had alot of fun attending, got very sunburnt and gained a few pounds eating vendor food. This is the end result. A handful of 360 images, 20 or so still photos and a 7 min video clip of the Artists. Please concider attending this event next year as all the procedes go to a great cause. It's because of the veterans we live in the great country we have.

Http://www.virtualnorthland.com/duluth/tributefest

Park Point Sky Surfing

I was taking some photos on Park Point one day this summer and seen the guys from Superior Kiteboarding School out on the lake. I could not pass up the opportunity to take a 360 photo of them and use some photoshop magic to make it interesting.  This is the end result.

http://www.virtualnorthland.com/duluth/parkpoint/#/pp6/

Commemorative Air Force Museum 101

The Lake Superior Squadron 101 is part  of the Commemorative Air Force. The CAF is an all-volunteer organization of women and men devoted to keeping vintage World War II aircraft flying and honoring the people who flew them. Here in Duluth they have a wide collection of vehicles to compliment thier permanently displayed PBY Catalina and thier rotating display of various other aircraft.

While photographing the museum at various times over the past year I can vouche for how truely interesting this place is for anyone who enjoys military history.  All four of my young boys have been there and loved it.  The tours and stories are given by real life war verterans who have lived much of the history first hand.  I have been there at least 4 times and have never heard the same story twice.  Take a peek inside this hidden northland attraction located at 4931 Airport Road Hermantown, MN USA.

http://www.virtualnorthland.com/duluth/caf101/

Interesting Views from the Aerial Lift Bridge

I recently had access to the Aerial Lift bridge control deck in Duluth MN.  Got a couple of unique 360 photos. One during the Tall Ships Festival this summer and another when a Great Lakes Ship was leaving the canal.  Both were taken at what the controllers call a max lift of 135ft.  Since I am deathly afraid of heights I am lucky I did not have a heart attack.  The Tall Ships in the photo did not leave the canal side by side as in the photo.  I had to take the bridge up 3 times over a 90 minute time frame and layer the boats in using photoshop.  Too bad it was such a gloomy day but in Duluth if you are always waiting for sun to take photos you would be waiting a long time.  You can send the link to a friend or post it to your Facebook page using the icon in the lower left hand corner.  Please feel free to share!  The mini tour can be viewed at -

http://www/virtualnorthland.com/duluth/liftbridge

Lots of new content

Virtual Northland has added ALOT of new content of the past few months.  We will begin to blog more posts in the coming weeks showcasing intersting tours or 360 photos for viewing.  Duluth MN is our main focus this summer and will be adding more Northland cities in the coming years.  Check out our EXPLORE tab to view this new content.

Adventure Zone Duluth MN Virtual Tour

Virtual Northland has just completed the virtual tour for Duluth MN's newest adventure park.  This tour is Iphone|Ipad|Andriod compatible.  You can also send an E-Card to a friend or post the link to Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites. 

http://www.virtualnorthland.com/panos/az

Go inside and take a look around.  The new Adventure Zone has Mini-Golf, Laser Tag, Batting Cages, Arcade, Toddler Park and new areas for Parties and other Social events.  Indoor rock climbing courtesy of Verticle Endevours is also available.  Enjoy pizza, pop, chips, hotdogs and more at the concession stand.