Mystery Data Centers

Hermantown, Minnesota

Tucked into the wooded outskirts of the Duluth region lies a destination that invites a fresh kind of exploration. In the quiet forests of Hermantown, Minnesota, a vast campus—code-named “Project Loon”—is being proposed: more than 200 acres of land earmarked for what could be a 1.8 million-square-foot AI data-center campus. Picture this: morning light filtering through pines, lakes glinting nearby, and the hush of northern air. Then layer in the idea that beneath that stillness, a bold infrastructure of the future is stirring. It’s the unexpected pairing of pristine nature and the cutting edge of digital science. Base yourself in Duluth or the north-woods fringe, then set out for a scenic drive into Hermantown’s leafy corridors. As you pass through stands of fir and spruce, you’ll sense the scale of change being envisioned: a campus unlike anything the region has seen, yet deliberately framed in the tranquility of forest and field. For the discerning traveller who yearns to escape the predictable circuits, this locale offers a rich palette: crisp air, lakeside reflections, walking trails, and the quiet suspense of a site where the future might be built. Whether you’re drawn by eco-serenity or fascinated by technological ambition, plan an afternoon or two here. Pause by a hidden pond, wander beneath towering evergreens, and consider the story of transformation unfolding — forest and fiber, silence and servers, nature and network. A subtly remarkable discovery awaits.

Where to Stay: Pier B Resort Hotel (Duluth, MN)

Situated on the edge of Lake Superior and just minutes from Canal Park, Pier B Resort offers sweeping lake views, upscale rooms, and on-site activities (including paddle-boards, bikes, and a Nordic sauna).