The first coordinates for this cache are:
46 41.676
092 01.731
From this point, overlooking the harbor and Allouez Bay, you can see the remains of the former Northern Pacific Ore Dock. On your way to this point, you passed the three now abandoned ore docks of the Burlington Northern Company. Established in 1892, the Burlington Northern Company was a major exporter of iron ore, and later Taconite ore. Burlington Northern built its first dock, Dock No. 1, in 1892, making it the first iron ore dock in the Port of Superior-Duluth. Docks No. 2 and 4 were built in 1899 and 1911 respectively, and make up the remaining ore docks visible today. Constructed in 1902, Dock No. 3 is no longer visible, but pilings of the old structure remain between Docks No. 2 and 4.
While these three docks are no longer active, the Burlington Northern (BNSF) Allouez Taconite Facility still operates Dock. No 5, which remains in operation today. Originally built as a dock for the Pittsburgh Coal Dock and Wharf Company for the export of bulk coal cargos, the dock was purchased by the BNSF in the early 1970’s and is now devoted to the export of taconite pellets.
In order to decipher the coordinates to the final location, find the following information:
Length of the longest ore dock: ABCD
Year in which a conveyer belt was installed: EFGH
46 DA.BGC
09A 0E.0EF
From this location, you will be able to see all five remaining ore docks.
This cache was placed as a partnership between Wisconsin Historical Society, Superior Public Museums, University of Wisconsin-Superior Jim Dan Hill Library- Lake Superior Maritime Collection, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. We hope you enjoyed learning about Superior’s ore docks. To learn more about Wisconsin’s maritime heritage please visit our other geocaches in the Superior area and across the state, or visit wisconsinshipwrecks.org and maritimetrails.org!