MINNESOTA LOOKOUTS
WILTON
Beltrami County
October 5, 1930: "The first vehicle of any kind to climb the rocky slope of Wilton Lookout Tower Hill near Bemidji, Minn., was a new Studebaker six, which recently went to the summit of this grade. Heretofore, the only method of ascent has been on foot or horseback.
Wilton Lookout Tower Hill, located six miles west of Bemidji, is said to be the highest point in the Mississippi Valley. The lookout tower, situated 1460 feet above sea level and only 14 miles south of the Continental Divide, is used by the Minnesota Forestry Department as an observation post for forest fires.
The only means of ascent is by a steep, narrow trail dotted with rocks and tree stumps. The climb to the top was made in a stock Studebaker six, piloted by Cliff Bergere, racing driver. In answer to a challenge that the car be put to the test to substantiate Studebaker's claim that the new Studebaker six with its 70 horsepower engine is the most powerful car ever offered at its price." (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Wilton Lookout Tower Hill, located six miles west of Bemidji, is said to be the highest point in the Mississippi Valley. The lookout tower, situated 1460 feet above sea level and only 14 miles south of the Continental Divide, is used by the Minnesota Forestry Department as an observation post for forest fires.
The only means of ascent is by a steep, narrow trail dotted with rocks and tree stumps. The climb to the top was made in a stock Studebaker six, piloted by Cliff Bergere, racing driver. In answer to a challenge that the car be put to the test to substantiate Studebaker's claim that the new Studebaker six with its 70 horsepower engine is the most powerful car ever offered at its price." (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)