Today is the day! It's the Vernal Equinox, better known as the first day of Spring. What does that mean? Wikipedia defines it as "the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equator." But to the Northland, it means a few different things. So here they are, the Top 5 Signs that Spring Has Sprung in Duluth and Superior.

  • 5

    Shipping Season Resumes

    The shipping season will formally begin on March 25th with the opening of the Soo Locks. What does that mean for the Northland? If you live on Park Point you already know the answer. If you're heading over the Aerial Lift Bridge at any time between now and next winter, you're more likely to be "bridged." Plan accordingly.

    Photo from Flickr user conrad.matt
    Photo from Flickr user conrad.matt
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  • 4

    Students

    Can't seem to get Little Johnny to concentrate on his homework? It may be a sure sign of spring. Kids get restless when they know they're in the home stretch. It's also difficult to get the young ones in bed at a decent time, because it's still light out by the time it's "lights out!" It's also a great time to think about redecorating. Why? Well, pretty soon you'll have your pick of random furniture hanging out on the curbs around the colleges. Once the students' leases are up, they decide it's not worth lugging all their belongings back to mom and dad's for the summer.

    Photo by Flickr user sean.eichelberger
    Photo by Flickr user sean.eichelberger
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  • 3

    Runners/Walkers/Cyclists

    When the active folk of the Northland realize they can start exercising outdoors without fear of hurdling snowbanks or slipping on the ice, they come out in droves. Pretty soon (April 21st) we'll kick off racing season with the Fitger's 5k. Also, with one of the largest marathons in the country (Grandma's Marathon) just a couple months away and many of us training, please use caution and keep your eyes open when on the road!

    Photo by Flickr user WkHanson08
    Photo by Flickr user WkHanson08
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  • 2

    Grilling!

    The smell of a barbeque grill is a sure sign of Spring in the Northland. Sure, we all know the die-hards that grill no matter what the weather or windchill. But when you're driving down your block with the windows down and you can smell what all your neighbors are having for dinner, it's a sure sign of spring.

    Photo by Flickr user cooking-outdoors
    Photo by Flickr user cooking-outdoors
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  • 1

    Tourist Season

    We love them. Seriously, we do! At least, we should. Pretty soon they'll be swarming in Canal Park, Downtown, and up the North Shore. Although they drive slow, turn the wrong way down our one way streets, and feed the seagulls, they're also a huge source of income for our area!

    Photo by Flickr user Detroit District
    Photo by Flickr user Detroit District
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