SUGARLOAF COVE NATURE CENTER
9096 Highway 61 (Milepost 73.3) | Schroeder, MN 55613
218-663-7679 | www.sugarloafnorthshore.org
Sugarloaf Cove tells the tale of local logging. From the 1940s through the 1970s, the Cove was used by Consolidated Papers, Inc. as a pulpwood landing—a place to collect logs before rafting across Lake Superior to Ashland, Wisconsin.
What was once a heavily used industrial site is now a thriving nature center. Pick up a trail guide and walk the 1-mile interpretive trail. Discover the history of Sugarloaf Cove. Peruse photos of a logging operation in its heyday, and witness the dramatic changes since Consolidated Papers shut down its logging operations.
Hours of Operation:
Interpretive Center Hours Flexible, Trails Open All Day, Every Day
CROSS RIVER HERITAGE CENTER
7932 West Highway 61 | Schroeder, MN 55613
218-663-7706 | www.crossriverheritage.org
Explore the diverse heritage and culture of the North Shore firsthand. Visit this local landmark, with its distinguishing Tudor-style architecture, former home to The Stickney Inn, a restaurant, general store, post office and more. Step back in time as you explore three floors of historical exhibits and intricately restored period rooms. The newest restoration is the Edwin Lundie Room, replicating a vintage cabin designed by the renowned Minnesota architect.
Every season features special programs by local authors, artists and speakers, an art show, and quilt, fiber and bead show featuring the works of local artists and artisans.
Hours of Operation:
May 27 October 22
Tuesday Saturday: 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 4:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
NORTH SHORE COMMERCIAL FISHING MUSEUM
7136 Highway 61 | Tofte, MN 55615
(218) 663-7050 | www.commercialfishingmuseum.org
Experience the North Shores unique maritime heritage - a time when grasping a set of oars was more common than road travel. Experience a place where the lake was better understood than the land, and learn about the people who carried on fishing traditions generations in the making.
From the fjords of Norway to the isolated, rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, the Museum's exhibits showcase the cultural landscape of North Shore commercial fishermen and their families. Attractions include the Fish House, the Fishermen's Voices and rotating exhibits. Immerse yourself in this unique maritime way of life.
Hours of Operation:
Memorial Day through late October: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. daily
Late October to Memorial weekend: Friday 12:00 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Museum Admission Rates
Adults: $3.00
Children 6 16: $2.00
Under 6: Free
COOK COUNTRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
8 South Broadway | Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 663-7050 | www.cookcountyhistory.org
The museum is bursting with the history of Cook County, a region rich in natural resources, home to the Ojibwe, heritage of maritime navigation, and once a nexus of the fur, fishing, mining and lumber trades that attracted French, Scandinavians, and many other settlers.
Built in 1896, the Lighthouse Keepers Residence (National Registry of Historic Places) was acquired by the Cook County Historical Society in 1966 to use as a historical museum. Stop by to explore rich collections of early settlements and lifestyles, Ojibwe culture, maritime heritage, Civilian Conservation Corps, mining, logging, farming, dog sledding and more.
Dates and Hours of Operation:
June September: Tuesday Saturday 11 a.m. 4 p.m.
October-May: Friday 1:00 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
JOHNSON HERITAGE POST ART GALLERY
115 Wisconsin Street | Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2314 | www.johnsonheritagepost.org
This vibrant, non-profit art gallery features revolving exhibits of local, regional, and national artists and a permanent collection of Anna Johnson art. Anna, an early 1900s pioneer, artist and art teacher operated a popular gift shop in the original log trading post that featured her paintings, etchings, ceramics and stained glass.
The present Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery building is a near-replica of the original log-construction Johnson Trading Post that was consumed by fire in 1926.
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH
Located one mile east of Grand Marais.
Call the museum at (218) 387-2883 about guided tours.
St. Francis Xavier Church aka Chippewa City Church
Built in 1895, this Mission church served Grand Marais until 1936. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
FISH HOUSE REPLICA & NEEGEE TUG BOAT
Grand Marais Recreational Park | (RV Park & Campground)
114 South 8th Avenue | Grand Marais, MN 55604
Neegee Tug Boat
Fish House Replica
Step out onto a vintage-styled cribbed dock and take a self-guided tour of this historically accurate Fish House Replica (circa early 1930s), where interesting artifacts from the commercial fishing collection, including tools, implements, clothing and two locally built fishing boats are displayed.
The Neegee, or friend in Ojibwe, is a 35-foot fishing tug built in Grand Marais in the 1930s and used until the end of the 1950s. The Neegee was one of four fishing tugs used in Cook County to fish farther out on the lake.
CHIK-WAUK-MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER
28 Moose Pond Drive | Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-388-9915 | www.chikwauk.com
From Grand Marais, follow the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road #12) 55 miles
Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center brings the history of the Gunflint Trail to life. Interpretative and interactive exhibits and videos tell the stories of pioneers and native peoples of the Gunflint Trail. The building, constructed completely of local granite, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chik-Wauk is likely derived from the Ojibwe word, Zhingwaak, for white pine. Explore six spectacular hiking trails on the scenic 50-acre grounds. Learn about wildflowers, pick blueberries, and witness natural boreal forest re-growth following the Ham Lake Wildfire of 2007.
Hours of Operation:
Daily, Memorial Weekend through mid-October 10 AM to 5 PM
Admission is $2 for individuals, $5 for a family
(Admission fee included with Gunflint Trail Historical Society membership)
GRAND PORTAGE TRIBAL MUSEUM
54 Upper Road | Grand Portage, MN 55605
218-475-2108
Go back to school and take a step back in time. This museum is located in the historic log school in Grand Portage, a public school from 1938 to 1996. At one time, it was the last remaining public log school in the state.
The west classroom contains a military memorial display honoring Grand Portage war veterans. The east classroom is being restored to maintain the originality and authenticity of the 1940s style classroom. Additional collections include diamond willow furniture and athletic trophies earned by Grand Portage students.
Hours of Operation:
Monday Friday: 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. and weekends in August: 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
GRAND PORTAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT
170 Mile Creek Road | Grand Portage, MN 55605
218-475-0123 | www.nps.gov/grpo
Accounts of the storied North West Company recall amazing tales of adventurous voyageurs, trade with Native Americans, and grand explorations of the continent. Much of this history unfolded at Grand Portage!
Grand Portage National Monument features the reconstructed summer headquarters of the North West Company. Interpreters in authentic dress interpret and demonstrate daily tasks of the fur trade era. Multi-media presentations and intriguing exhibits at the Grand Portage Heritage Center honor the rich historical and cultural significance of this historic site.
Hike along the historic 8½-mile Grand Portage Trail and the ½-mile Mt. Rose Summit Trail. Allow ample time to visit the nearby Heritage Center.
Hours of Operation:
May 28 - Jun 17, 2011: Daily 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Jun 18 - Sep 5, 2011: Daily 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sep 6 - Oct 10, 2011: Daily 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Oct 11, 2011 - May 26, 2012: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
GRAND PORTAGE STATE PARK
9393 East Highway 61 | Grand Portage, MN 55605
218-475-2360 | www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/grand_portage
High Falls (the highest waterfall in Minnesota with a 120-foot drop) presented a serious obstacle to water travel in the late 1700s. To bypass it, a nine-mile trail known as The Grand Portage was created from Lake Superior to the Pigeon River. Today, visitors of all abilities can take a mile trail from the new Visitor Center to the dramatic High Falls overlook area.
The spectacular setting is ideal for hiking, photography, and picnicking. The park lies within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and is bordered by Canada on the north and east. Lake Superior is about one mile east of the park.
Nature Store and Exhibit Hall Hours of Operation:
Summer: Daily 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Winter/Spring:
Saturday/Sunday: 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. when staff is available
DID YOU KNOW?
Walt Disney used to vacation on the Gunflint Trail.
"Walter Disney, a frequent North Shore visitor is spending several days
up the Gunflint Trail; he always uses his own camping equipment."
Cook County News-Herald, Aug. 9, 1934.
DID YOU KNOW?
Until 1899, Cook County mail was delivered by dogsled.
DID YOU KNOW?
On the Gunflint Trail, people who live 25 miles away from each other
still consider themselves "neighbors".
DID YOU KNOW?
Cook County had one of the highest concentrations of Civilian Conservation
Corps in Minnesota and the Gunflint Trail hosted several of these camps.
DID YOU KNOW?
Grand Portage was the center of the fur trade starting in the 1600's because of
its strategic location as an unbroken water route into and through North America.
DID YOU KNOW?
Grand Portage State Park is the location of Minnesota's highest waterfall, High Falls
at 120 feet. It is located on the Pigeon River along the Minnesota/Canadian border.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 185-foot steamer America was a favorite from 1902 until its accidental loss at
Isle Royale in the spring of 1928. Until completion of the North Shore Highway
(U.S. Highway 61) in 1926, the America was one of the nautical links with civilization
for the fishing folk along 200 miles of rugged and isolated shoreline. The America
brought the groceries, mail, salt, ice, barrels, and all the other necessities, and took
away all the fish that could be harvested from the big Lake.
(Source: Minnesota Historical Society)