Collection
Gichigami - Moments along Lake Superior's shore
Lake Superior (known as Gichigami, or ‘big lake’ in Ojibwe) is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third largest by volume, holding 10% of the world's surface fresh water. The lake straddles 150 miles of Minnesota’s northeastern border, with its most western edge ending along the city twin ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin.
151 Collection Items
- 50 years later, the legacy of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald looms as large as ever
MPR’s Dan Kraker reports that fifty years after the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the loss of a ship known as the “Titanic” of the Great Lakes remains one of the most famous shipwrecks in history. Kraker takes a look at what is known…and what questions remain.
- Lake Superior: Honoring and protecting Minnesota’s natural wonder
On this episode of MPR News with Angela Davis, guest host Dan Kraker takes a ‘deep dive’ into the wonder of Lake Superior. Kraker speaks with a scientist who studies Lake Superior and two artists — a photographer and a writer — about the lake’s significance and healing presence.
- Why Lake Superior's legendary gales blow especially hard in November
As a powerful storm hits Duluth on the anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy, MPR’s Dan Kraker looks at what makes the gales of November on Lake Superior so memorable.
- The 'Winter Grab' delves into Lake Superior's seasonal secrets
MPR’s Dan Kraker reports on Lake Superior research known as the “Winter Grab.” Scientists have a pretty good understanding of what goes on in the Great Lakes during the summer. But they don't know nearly as much about Lake Superior and the other lakes during winter. That's significant because winter is when the lakes are experiencing their most dramatic impacts from climate change.
- Lake Superior's annual ice-breaking ritual
Springtime in Duluth isn't signaled by birds or butterflies or flowers. Duluthians know it's spring when the Coast Guard icebreakers arrive, announcing the start of another Great Lakes shipping season. MPR’s Dan Kraker takes a ride on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder as it breaks ice and creates navigation lanes for the opening of the maritime shipping season.
- In defiance of winter, Duluthians skate the 'People's Rink' on frozen Superior
MPR’s Dan Kraker visits an area about a quarter-mile offshore from Duluth's Leif Erikson Park, where a hearty band of volunteers have carved a skating rink unlike any other on the frozen surface of Lake Superior. It is an increasing rarity, as warmer winters over the past few decades have resulted in substantially less ice cover.
- Gales of October: Lake Superior roars with rain, high winds, big waves
MPR’s Dan Kraker visits Duluth’s Canal Park and finds himself soaked as he witnesses 20-foot waves crash along the shore of Lake Superior.
- Scientists investigating 'unprecedented' algae bloom in Lake Superior
MPR’s Dan Kraker reports on unprecedented algae bloom along the South Shore of Lake Superior. Researchers are trying to figure out the cause. They suspect the bloom may be related to recent historic heavy rains and flooding that washed tons of sediment into the lake. Researchers expect to see more periodic algae blooms in Lake Superior, in part because of that increased water temperature, an effect of climate change.
- 'Vampire of the Great Lakes' still haunts Lake Superior fish
MPR’s Dan Kraker looks into the ongoing battle to control sea lamprey in the Great Lakes. It was one of the earliest aquatic nonnative species to invade the U.S., long before zebra mussels and Asian carp garnered headlines. Its also been one of the most destructive, wiping out lake trout populations.
- Susie Island returned to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews April McCormick, a member of the Grand Portage Band, who worked closely with the Nature Conservancy on bringing Susie Island back under the band’s control.