Duluth Is About To Hear That First Horn Blast Again, Here’s How You Can Win

It is officially the end of winter this week, which means it is time to start thinking warm, happy spring thoughts. Flowers blooming. Birds chirping. And in Duluth, the deep bellow of a ship’s horn answered by the lift bridge.

A Duluth Tradition Returns For The 43rd Year

Within weeks, ships will once again come and go from the Duluth harbor. For the 43rd year, you can take part in guessing when the first ship of the season will arrive. Not only do you get bragging rights, but you could also win some impressive prizes.

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The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are hosting the annual First Ship Contest. All you have to do is guess the exact date and time the season’s first saltie sails into the Port of Duluth-Superior.

Last Year’s Guess Was Nearly Perfect

For reference, last year the Federal Nagara cruised under the lift bridge on April 21 at 6:05 a.m. Kristi Osheim won the contest, and her guess was only 38 seconds off the actual arrival time.

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In total, 4,235 entries were submitted last year. Organizers are hoping to top that number in 2026.

How To Enter The First Ship Contest in Duluth

All guesses must be submitted by midnight on March 16. Each entry must include your contact information along with your predicted date and time.

The winner will receive a prize package that includes a sauna experience for up to 10 people, a capybara feeding tour at Lake Superior Zoo, a one night stay at Canal Park Lodge, and additional prizes from Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

In Duluth, spring does not begin quietly. It arrives with a horn blast and thousands of locals checking their watches. Good luck!