DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be starting work at the Cascade River Wayside on Highway 61 on June 25. Motorists can expect no parking on the lake side of the highway and possible temporary daytime traffic impacts through the summer.
Work will begin in summer 2025 with masonry repairs to the overlook wall and stone salvaging from the lower shore-level retaining walls. In 2026, work will include drainage improvements, lake side parking lot paving, new walk and stairs, and improved pedestrian crossing.
The wayside is located at the mouth of the Cascade River on Lake Superior, 10 miles south of Grand Marais, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The wayside was built in 1934-1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), before the State Park of the same name. The wayside has a 535’ long stone overlook wall, parking on both sides of the highway, and steps down to the ledge rock shoreline.
Work Zone Safety Tips:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
