Popular ‘Heart Duluth’ Sign On The Move Again
While it's only been around for about a year, the "Heart Duluth" sign that's been the subject of many photos of both visitors and locals is on the move again.
A Sign On The Move
After a few years of planning, the three-dimensional sign first appeared publicly near the "Blue Bridge", also known as the Minnesota Slip Bridge, last spring. This was only a temporary home as construction along the seawall behind the DECC was completed.
Once the project was finished, the sign migrated down the seawall toward Bayfront Festival Park, which was thought to be its permanent home near the Great Lakes Aquarium.
During the course of the summer, through the fall, and even into wintertime, as Bentleyville was in full swing, the sign stopped countless people for a photo opportunity with what was a pretty iconic Duluth image.
With the Aerial Lift Bridge in the background, Lake Superior in the distance, and the Duluth Harbor and Canal Park filling out the scene, the visual encapsulated many elements of what comes to mind when people think of Duluth.
As someone that's called Duluth home for many years myself, I caught myself enjoying the sign and catching a few photos of my own, including the one at the top of this article, captured in late December of last year.
Mother Nature Forces The Sign Indoors
Over the winter, the letters sustained some light cosmetic damage, being knocked over by powerful winds often seen near Lake Superior during the winter months. The decision was made to move the sign indoors, to the space between the DECC Arena and Symphony Hall.
After its three moves in less than a year, the popular sign is set to move once again - though it will be to a familiar spot.
When Will The Sign Head Back Outdoors?
The sign, which is under the care of the DECC as a gift from a long-time resident of the city, will be moved back to its "summer home" near the Great Lakes Aquarium once again this spring.
DECC Executive Director Dan Hartman told the Duluth News Tribune [PAYWALL] the repaired sign will be moved back outdoors "in time for school graduations", making for a great photo opportunity during those celebrations and the kickoff of the warmer-weather tourist season.
When, more specifically, could that be?
UMD's commencement ceremonies are on May 9, followed by St. Scholastica's on May 10. Both of these events are held in the DECC complex, which hints at a return of the sign sometime in April, ahead of these early May events Hartman mentioned as the milestone by which the sign will head back outdoors.