Do you want first hand experience on what it was like to live in a logging camp in the 1900’s? At the Forest History Center you will have the opportunity to experience life by walking back in time to Northwoods #1, an authentically recreated white pine logging camp complete with cook shack, bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, office wanigan, filer’s shack and horse barn.

You will be able to stop and visit with the cook, clerk, bull cook, blacksmith and other lumberjacks who may be in camp. Would you like to try your hand at sawing or perhaps pet the Percheron draft horses?

You can take a hike on the self-guided forest trails and see what it is like to be among the trees on a path that could easily have been difficult to walk in the past.  Imagine what it was like for those that were new to the area to find their way along the paths.

You can wander down to the 1901 Mississippi River Wanigan, drop in on the 1934 Forest Service patrolman and get a bird’s eye view of the forests from atop the 100 foot fire tower (be ready for the climb, it’s not for the weak of heart of those that don’t like heights.)

The forests of northern Minnesota were the life blood of the early settlers and have continued to be critical to the life that we lead today.  The timber from these areas were used to provide housing and are now the recreational wonderland to be enjoyed by everyone.

Explore the visitor center’s interactive exhibits where you can see the state-of-the-art timber harvester simulator, a multimedia theater show about forest fires and many other activities for you to enjoy and learn about life in those times.   Browse the gift shop featuring items unique to northern Minnesota. Stroll the nearly 5 miles of accessible trails and wind throughout the beautiful forests and along the river’s edge. If you want a special nature program you need to call ahead to find out when they are being held.

Logging camp tours are available June 8 – Labor Day Tuesday through Saturday 11 – 4. Closed on Sunday & Monday. Plan on 2.5 hours for the tour.

Interpretive Center winter hours are Tuesday – Friday 9 – 4. Closed Winter Holidays.

Summer admission: $8 Adults, $6 Seniors, students and military personnel, $5 for children

Winter admission: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, students and military personnel, $2.50 for children.

Location: 2609 County Rd. 76, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744

Phone: 218-327-4482

Email: foresthistory@mnhs.org or terry.weber@mnhs.org

Forest History Center – Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Looking for something different and fun to do the day after Thanksgiving?  If so, go to Aitkin and watch the Fishhouse Parade.  Here you will find people ready to celebrate the coming of winter in Minnesota…and Ice Fishing!

Fish houses are loaded onto trailers, put in the back of pick-up trucks or any other type of transporting that can be dreamt up and headed for the 365 frozen lakes surrounding the area.

The Parade begins at 1:00 pm the day after Thanksgiving and shows the sense of humor of the people of the area and also how serious they are about ice fishing.  You will see ice fish houses decorated in the wildest, wackiest ways possible with each one trying to be more extreme and humorous than the next one in line. 

Not every town can claim to have ice fishing houses take over their main street but Aitkin can, at least for the day.  Regardless of the weather, the fish houses are on the roll, ready to begin the celebration of winter.  Over 7,000 people come to witness the parade and enjoy the other activities the community hosts during this time.  Don’t miss it, you’ll not believe what you see.

Enjoy the food, music, craft sale and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus who help to make this a special day for everyone.

IF you have never been ice fishing it is something you may want to give some consideration to.  After all, where else would you sit on the ice, dig a hole and drop a line in the ice cold water to catch some of the best fish you have ever tasted?  There are lots of "secrets" to ice fishing, just ask anyone that participates and they will be able to tell you what works for them,  You can catch crappy, walleye and all sorts of other tasty fish from your ice house.

Some of the ice houses have everything you could want to make your experience comfortable.  They may not be big, but they will help you have a great time on the ice.

Information on the Parade: Aitkin Chamber, 114 Minnesota Ave. N., Aitkin, MN 56431

Phone: 218-827-2316
 

Aitkin’s World Famous Fishhouse Parade – Aitkin, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Located in the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which contains over one million areas of wild land. It is one of the most popular places in the world for outdoor lovers to come and experience the true wilderness.

More than 200,000 people visit each year and travel along the more than 1500 miles of canoe routes and stay at the more than 2000 campsites scattered through the area. The land is covered in forest, with pine, cedar, fir, and spruce making up a large part of the flora.

A canoe trip allows you to witness firsthand the vast array of wildlife in the area. Bears, bobcats, geese, loons, lynx, and bald eagles are just a few of the many animals that make this area their home. You also stand a good chance of seeing wolves in the wild, as this area contains the largest population of wolves in the United States.

With so many different rivers and lakes to choose from, you should make up your own route, portages and all, before you head out to the area. This will give you a better idea of what you can expect.

When you are planning your trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or BWCAW, be sure that you have the correct permits for the time that you will be in the area. You also want to make sure the permit specifies the entry point you will be using – there are many different entry points in the BWCAW. Also, be sure you have the proper gear for your trip. This includes, but isn’t limited to water, food, survival and first aid gear, sleeping bags, and life jackets.

All the regular rules for traveling through the wilderness and camping apply. Be sure to put out the fires at your campsite with plenty of water and make sure they are fully out before you leave; use dry, fallen wood for your fire; keep your food covered tight and away from camp to avoid attracting animals.

If you are traveling with a group, you need to be aware that the BWCAW allows up to 9 people and 4 canoes (or any watercraft) per group. The canoes each needs to be registered as well, either in Minnesota if you are a native, or your own home state.

You are allowed to bring your dog, but it must be on a leash while portaging and needs to be kept under your control at all times. Also, make sure you clean up after your animal.

A canoe trip through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one that you will never forget.

Forest Headquarters
8901 Grand Ave Place
Duluth, MN 55808
 

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Duluth, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Voyageurs

Way up there, next to the Canadian border is the town of International Falls.  You probably hear about it on the news quite frequently during the winter as having the coldest temperatures in the nation.  The people in International Falls are a wonderful group of people that love the diversity of the seasons and enjoy not only the summer activities but the winter ones as well.

Come to International Falls in the summer and spend some time at Voyageurs National Park.  This park has over 200,000 acres of interconnected waterways, islands, campsites and wildlife in breathtaking beauty.  You should bring your own boat or canoe, rent a houseboat or take a tour and see what this entire sublime park has to offer.  You could spend a very long time here and never see it all.

The average summer temperature at the park is 60 degrees F to 80+ degrees F; winter temperatures range from below 0 degrees F to 20 degrees F.

Voyageurs National Park is a great place to snowshoe in the winter.  If you don’t have any snowshoes but want to try it you can borrow a pair from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for free.

Approximately 150 black bears live in Voyageurs National Park.  If you leave the black bears alone you can truly enjoy them and their escapades but please do your part in providing the environment where bears can live with minimal human interference.  When camping property store your food in a park bear-proof locker or hung fourteen feet from the ground and four feet from a tree.  Bear proof lockers hold two standard coolers.

Put in a bear-proof locker anything that has an odor such as toothpaste, bug repellent, soap, garbage and etc.

Store or hang items that a bear might think is food, such as fuel containers and water jugs.

Cook food away from your tent.  Food odors linger on the material of your tent and may attract the bears, be smart, be safe, cook away from where you sleep.

There are many, many other tips that you should know when you are planning to camp in the Voyageurs National Park, go to their website and read up so you are prepared.

Directions to the Park: By Plane: there is a small airport located in International Falls.  Taxi service and rental cares are available there.

Car: Voyageurs National Park is approximately 5 hours north of Minneapolis-St. Paul on I-35 and Hwy 53. 3 hours north of Duluth on Hwy 53 and 4 hours south of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Boat: There are public launch ramps available at the three park visitor centers on Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake and at the Ash River Visitor Center.  Numerous resorts also offer boat access into the park.

Open: The park is open year around.
Visitor Center Hours are: Rainy Lake Visitor Center: 218-286-5258
Open Year Round
Jan 1 – May 23 Open Wed-Sun 10 – 5
May 24-Sept 30 Open 9-5
October 1 – Dec 31 Open Wed-Sun 10-4

Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center 218-875-2111
Mid May – Sept. Open 9-5 daily
Closed October 1 thru Mid May

Ash River Visitor Center 218-374-3221
May 24 – Sept 30 Open daily 9-5
Closed Oct 1 thru mid-May

Voyageurs National Park – International Falls, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Have you always wanted to challenge yourself in the great outdoors?  Do you love to canoe?  If the answer to these questions is yes then you may want to consider a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota.

The BWCAW is a special area located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in Northeastern Minnesota.  Approximately 1.3 million acres in size, it extend nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary adjacent to Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park and bordered on the west by Voyageurs National Park.  The BWCAW contains over 1200 miles of canoe routes, over 1000 lakes, 15 hiking trails and approximately 2000 designated campsites.  Wilderness offers freedome to those who wish to pursue and experience of expansive solitude, challenge and personal integration with nature.  Becasue this area was set aside in 1926 to preserve its primitive character and made part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964, it allows visitors to canoe, portage and camp in the spirit of the French Voyageurs of 200 years ago.  Enjoy the Experience!

The BWCA is a true wilderness experience, without motors, no electricity, no telephone lines, and no roads to the inner lakes.

The BWCAW does a lottery type application for a permit so read up on their site to make sure you follow the directions.  After the lottery is completed the first cme, first served reservation processing will start via interactive website wich means that reservations are processed and confirmed immediately, or you can fax or mail them.  There is a $12 non-refundable reservation fee required for each permit. If an overnight permit is being reserved, a $32 deposti will be collected regardless of group size.

MAIL
BWCAW Reservation Center
P.O. Box 462
Ballston Spa, NY 12020

FAX
(518) 884-9951

PHONE 1-877-550-6777(Toll Free)
TDD 1-877-TDD-NRRS (Toll Free)
International 1-518-885-9964
(Feb. 1–Sept. 30)

Boundary Waters Canoe Area – Northern Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Do you want first hand experience on what it was like to live in a logging camp in the 1900’s?  At the Forest History Center you will have the opportunity to experience life by walking back in time to Northwoods #1, an authentically recreated white pine logging camp complete with cook shack, bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, office wanigan, filer’s shack and horse barn.

You will be able to stop and visit with the cook, clerk, bull cook, blacksmith and other lumberjacks who may be in camp.  Would you like to try your hand at sawing or perhaps pet the Percheron draft horses?

You can wander down to the 1901 Mississippi River Wanigan, drop in on the 1934 Forest Service patrolman and get a bird’s eye view of the forests from atop the 100 foot fire tower (be ready for the climb, it’s not for the weak of heart of those that don’t like heights.)

Explore the visitor center’s interactive exhibits and browse the fits shop featuring items unique to northern Minnesota.  Stroll the nearly 5 miles of accessible trails and wind throughout the beautiful forests and along the river’s edge.  If you want a special nature program you need to call ahead to find out when they are being held.

The hours of operation for summer, 2010 are:
Tuesday throught Saturday 11am to 4pm – June 8th through Labor Day Weekend (yes, we are open the entire Labor Day Weekend)

Summer Adm. rates: $8 Adults (18 to 64) $6 Seniors (65+) and active military and students with ID – Children (6 to 17) $5.00 , children 5 and under free, MN Historical Society Members Free.

Winter hours: M-F 9am to 4pm – Adm Adults $4, Sr.A $3, Children $2.50.

Location: 2609 County Rd. 76, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744

Phone: 218-327-4482

Forest History Center – Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

This tour is something that is truly interesting.  It takes you through the whole paper making process with the watery pulp that eventually becomes paper to the big presses that flatten it out.  It’s quite a site to see.

The mill was founded in 1901 in Grand Rapids.  Blandin Paper became UPM-Kymmene’s first North American mill in October of 1997 and is one of northern Minnesota’s largest employers.

There are two paper machines that have an annual capacity of about 370,000 short tones (336,000 metric tons), manufacturing No. 5 grade of paper with basis weights ranging from 30 to 40 pounds.  All paper manufactured by Blandin is lightweight coated, names for its clay-based glossy coating that makes it attractive as a publication paper.

Free guided tours of the mill are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 – 3, from the first Wednesday in June through the Friday before Labor Day.  Tour guides escort small groups through the mill on a continuous basis.  The tour also includes a video of the papermaking process. 

No children under 12 are allowed.  No open-toed shoes are allowed.  No cameras are allowed.

You will need to have the ability to climb some stairs to go on the tour.  Also, the paper mill is very warm to be prepared for the heat.

Location: 115 SW First St., Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744

Phone: 218-327-6682

Blandin Paper Mill Tours – Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

This lighthouse was first lit on April 14, 1892. The Two Harbors Lighthouse was built to provide safe passage into the harbor and as a result Two Harbors became the major shipping point for the iron ore from the Mesabi Range in the early 1900’s.

Four buildings on the lighthouse site have artifacts in them that are open for visitors to view.  The Gog Signal building houses artifacts from the early fishing industry, things that you probably have never seen up close before.  There is also a gift shop. 

The Assistant Keeper’s residence has exhibits on area ship wrecks, the development of Agate Bay and a late 1800’s residence exhibit.  The Keeper’s Quarters has been restored to the early 1900’s period and operates as a Bed and Breakfast; the attached light tower is open for visitors.

The pilothouse from the Frontenac shipwreck is also situated on the site for you to see.

The Two Harbors Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is now a  Bed and Breakfast.

Location: 3rd St. and South Ave., Lighthouse Point, Two Harbors, Minnesota 55616

Cost: Adults $2.50; Youth 9-17 $1 and Children 8 and under are Free

Hours: May, June, Sept, Oct – Mon – Sat. 9 – 5 Sunday 10 – 4.  July & August Open 9 – 7 Monday – Sat.

Two Harbors Lighthouse Station – Duluth, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

The life of an iron ore miner is something that few will ever have the opportunity to experience but here you can try it on for yourself, if even for just a little while.  At the Hibbing Taconite mine you can take a tour on selected Wednesdays and Thrusdays at 12 noon from June 23 to August 19.  Tours depart from Ironworld Discover Center and take approximately 2 hours.

You will experience the day of a miner when you slip into the steel toe boots and put on the hard hats.  You will be able to watch the miners up close and get a feel for their massive equipment (and you thought highway construction equipment was big, wait until you see THIS stuff!).  Check out the 30 yard capacity shovels, they are so big that a 4×4 truck could fit inside their buckets.  They load overburden into 3 story 240 ton mining trucks, that’s right, 240 TON!  Wee 80 car trains pulled by 3 locomotives filled with taconite pellets cruise near 500 ft deep iron laden canyons.  Discover 100 ton maintenance trucks, large drilling rigs and huge bulldozers.  What an experience!

There will be a knowledgeable guide to narrate your adventure.

Group tours and school groups are welcome.  These should be by reservations.

Reservations: Ironworld at 800-372-6437.

Children must be 10 years of age or older and accompanied by an adult.

Admission: Call for detail: (Dates and hours will vary.) Tours usually run in the summer months.

Active Mine Company Tours – Hibbing, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

If you have ever wondered about the world of iron ore mining, the hard work, the machinery and all that goes into bringing the ore to the consumer then you may truly enjoy a trip through this museum.

It gives you and opportunity to actually climb aboard equipment used to mine the Mesabi Range, the mining trucks, see the 1907 steam locomotive or tour replicas of an underground mine and visit a mining town. 

In 1910 the Atlantic Steam Shovel was one of the fastest steam shovels ever made, there is one at the museum that you can sit in and imagine what it was like to actually dig into the hard earth to extract the ore.  This type of steam shovel is the same type that was used to help dig the Panama Canal.

Directions: Exit off Hwy 169 across from Ironworld by McDonald’s onto Ironworld Rd.  Follow .1 mile to the stop sign.  Take a right onto Hwy 73 North.  Follow 73 North for .6 miles until you see the museum sign.  Turn left by the water tower.  The road will curve to the right.

Admission: Monday – Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5 is $4 for adults; $3 for children 5-17; $3.50 for seniors, and children under 5 are Free. 

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Location: 701 West Lake Street, Chisholm, Minnesota 55719

Phone: 218-254-5543

Minnesota Museum of Mining – Chisholm, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

When you think of fishing on the big lakes in Minnesota you probably wonder how you will be able to find the fishing spots that will award you that big one to take home or to get a picture of and then throw back.  Well, maybe you want to consider one of the many charter companies that know the lakes, that can provide you with the necessary equipment, you’ll be on a boat the right size for the water (the big lakes can get pretty rough and a little row boat probably isn’t what you want to be in when that happens). 

If you are fishing on a lake like Lake Superior you can be trying for Lake Trout, Salmon and Walleye.  What a thrill to catch one of them in the big water.

The vessels will probably provide you with all the amenities of home with great staff and knowledge to share.

There are many, many charter services in the region, choose your lake or area and then choose the charter service and enjoy a fabulous fishing experience in the over 11,000 lakes of Minnesota!

Charter Fishing in Minnesota – Duluth, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Mille

Mille Lacs Lake has something for everyone from fishing and swimming in the summer to snowmobiling in the winter.  Maybe you want to cross country ski.  It’s all available at Mille Lacs Lake.

There are a number of activities available in the area besides fishing or sitting and relaxing on the beach or at the cabin.  Perhaps you want to go to a casino, well, Grand Casino Mille Lacs is available for your entertainment with live video roulette, craps and blackjack, video poker and keno.  Perhaps you want to play bingo or pull tabs; this 85,000 sq. ft. entertainment center has something for everyone, even kids.

Maybe you want to go golfing.  There are a number of courses around Mille Lacs Lake which fit the needs of every level of skill from the beginner to the PGA pro there is a course to suit your needs.

There are concerts in the area and comedy clubs too.  Maybe you want to spend the evening with a romantic dinner and night of dancing, you can find that too. 

There is so much to do in the Mille Lacs Lake area, it’s no wonder that people love to visit the area, and whether it is to the big lake or some of the smaller lakes in the region you will enjoy the beauty of northern Minnesota!

Mille Lacs Lake – Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Mille

This isn’t your typical quick stop museum.  It is one that will walk you through the changes in the Ojibwe tribe and how life was and is for them.  After the white man came to the area the Ojibwe were forced into poverty, they retained their pride but the lifestyles they had to live were not good.

In order to share their culture and pride with others they have built a world-class museum filled with videos, computer interactive, listening stations and objects from traditional and contemporary Ojibwe culture.  There you will be exposed to traditions of language, music, dance and art.  There are items showing off the lives of Band members, past and present.

When you have gone through the museum, visited with the elders, perhaps learned how to do beading or make moccasins, you may have the opportunity to go to the Four Seasons Room.  Admittance to this room is only with a member of the tribe as a guide.  There you will enter a stunning life-size diorama, depicting the traditional Ojibwe activities during each season of the year and the camps they lived in.  There are displays of hunting and spear fishing in the winter, maple sugaring in the spring, gardening and berry picking in the summer and wild rice harvesting in the fall.

The museum crafts room serves as a demonstration area for traditional cooking, birch-bark basketry and beadwork.

There is an old restored 1930’s trading post at the site too.  This has been restored by the tribe with care and detail.  There are still the fun things to look at and buy for souvenirs at the Trading Post. 

Location: US Hwy 169 on the southwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake, 8 miles south of Garrison and 12 miles north of Onamia.

Admission: $7 adults, $6 Seniors, enlisted military and college students, $4 children 6-17 and Free for the little guys 5 and under.  Different fees may apply for special events and special programming.

Open: Year around

Phone: 320-532-3632

Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post – Onamia, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Koochiching Historical & Bronco Nagurski Museums – International Falls, Minnesota

These museums contain a collection of artifacts and historical materials from Koochiching County and the surrounding area.  The exhibits document the northern Minnesota region and include the Native American History and culture.  The European settlement and the exploitation of natural resources through the fur trade to what’s happening in the modern forestry world.

The Bronco Nagurski Museum was established following the death of Bronko in 1990.  The museum was constructed as a wing to the Koochiching County Historical Society and was opened in 1993.

This is the first museum dedicated to an individual football player.  It’s just a quality, state-of-the-art facility with exciting exhibits to inform the visitors about International Falls, the evolution of the sport of professional football and Bronko’s life.  There are Photgraphs, artifacts, contracts and other materials from Bronko’s distinguished career.  There is also a fifteen minute video summary of Bronko’s life including actual footage from his playing days shown in the theater.

Open: Year around except for holidays from 9 – 5 PM Monday through Friday.

Location: 214 Sixth Ave., International Falls, Minnesota

Phone: 218-283-431

6.

Koochiching Historical & Bronco Nagurski Museums – International Falls, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

86 miles of non-motorized, paved trail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais, Minnesota provide visitors and residents with an alternative to riding bike on Hwy 61.   Currently  the trail is completed between Silver Creek Cliff Trail and Gooseberry Falls State Park for a total of 21.2 miles are completed with the rest on schedule to  be completed  in the next few years.

The Gitchi-Gami Trail Association hosts the Annual North Shore Bike Ride.   It is used as a fundraising event to help in getting the trail completed.  The association is a non profit group.

The ride is held in Mid-August.  Registration will begin for the ride at 9 a.m. and continue to 10:30 a.m.  All riders are requested to depart by the 10:30 a.m. time.  There are two rides, one 28 miles long and oe 55 miles long.  The rides are designed to allow bikers rest stops and turn around at any spot along the way to return to the starting point.  Adult riders receive a T-shirt regardless of the length of the ride that they have completed and the younger riders receive a water botte.

Pre-registration cost is $28 and late registration is $37.  Registration for children under 15 years old is $5 with a paid adult registration.

Pre-ride snacks and refreshments are provided as well as after the ride.  Mechanical, emergency, and sag support will be provided.  All riders MUST wear helmets and complete and sign the disclaimer form, one for each rider.

Ride questions can be addressed to Charlie Michels at 218-226-3720.

Gitchi-Gami State Trail – Two Harbors, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

In the winter this center gives information and maps about trail conditions and events going on.  It is the starting point for sled  dog rides, sleigh rides and guided snowshoe hikes.  If you are interested in cross country ski trails and want to see the beauty of the area you can get your supplies (skis, snowshoes and etc.) rented at the site.  There is a chalet with beverages like hot cocoa and cider to warm up with beside the fireplace.

Open: 9-5 Daily December 1 – March 30.

Phone: 1-218-663-7804

In the summer you can hike the shores of Lake Superior and the ancient Sawtooth Mountains.  The natural beauty will afford you an opportunity to experience a serene, peaceful, rejuvenating, powerful, breathtaking or wild feeling while hking along the shore.  Memories to last a lifetime are here, you won’t want to miss it.

Lutsen Nordic Center – Lutsen, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Duluth has a number of ski trails for the enjoyment of Northeastern Minnesota.  Here is a list of them and the phone numbers to call to find out the conditions before going to them. It is wise to give a call before traveling to the site since many of them may have limited access due to weather conditions or the trails may not be in good condition for skiing so call ahead.

1.  Lester Amity Trail – 15 K – 218-723-3586

2.  Magney-Snively Trail – 14 K – 218-723-3586

3.  Hartley Trail – 5 K – 218-723-3586

4.  Piedmont Trail – 5 K – 218-723-3586

5.  Chester Bowl Park – 3 K – 218-723-3586

The telephone numbers are part of the parks department which is responsible for maintenace of the trails.

Duluth Ski Trail Areas – Duluth, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Dedicated to the way skiing used to be, this narrow ski trail is an old-fashioned, informal ski environment where volunteers help to keep the trails in good condition and donate money to use the trails.  The trails were originally cut out by Charlie Banks in the mid 1950’s. He groomed them with snowshoes and skis and began holding national-level races when the sport was still the dream of those truly devoted to the sport but held in obscurity by the general masses.

Now there is a non profit in charge of keeping the trails open ad handle the business end and machines and sophisticated grooming equipment used to keep the trails in shape.

This is the true old time single track skiing which feels more natural with more wilderness to experience. You will find a 10K ski trail with cutoffs to shorten the trip and have an easier ski trip at Korkki.  If you ski the long loop you will face the infamous "Big Hill," which as laid the best skiers on the snow.

There is no charge to ski the trails, but donations are encouraged.

There are buildings at the site for the rest periods or for gathering together before or after your skiing.

Directions: From Minnesota Highway 61 expressway between Duluth and Two Harbors turn north on Homestead Rd.  Take a left on to Korkki Rd, about 2.5 miles from Highway 61.  Look for the small sign on your right to Korkki Nordic, about one-half mile.

Korkki Nordic Ski Center – Two Harbors, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Beginning on the north edge of Two Harbors you will find Erkki Harju Ski Trail.  This cross-country skiing location will thrill you with the wildlife that live in the area such as ruffed grouse, deer, squirrels, and a wide array of birds. The peace of being on the snow, sliding through the terrain and communing with nature will be a memory that you will want to relive year after year.

The ski trail is over 10K in length with 3K of it lighted.  There are no other lighted ski trails within a 30 mile area so enjoy this experience even after dark.

There is ample parking at this location.

Erkki Harju Ski Trail – Two Harbors, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Beginning at Two Harbors, Minnesota you will find a wide array of trails to hike on and see the beauty of this area of Northeastern Minnesota.

Sonju Trail begins at the Two Harbors Lighthouse and takes you to Burlington Bay.  You will be right on the shores of Lake Superior traveling through one of the beautiful community parks and then finding that you end up on the beaches of Burlington Bay where you will be able to do some agate hunting.

Taking the time to hike in this area will give you not only a wonderful opportunity to see wildlife and natural beauty but it will give you the peace to clear your mind of all things except what you are enjoying.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

There is ample parking at this site.

Sonju Trail – Two Harbors, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

Located along the coast of Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse was commissioned in 1910. Construction of this historical lighthouse was initiated a few years earlier, the result of a devastating gale in 1905 that destroyed a handful of ships and damaged several others.

History of the Lake Superior Area and Split Rock Lighthouse

During the early 1900’s, transfer of iron ore along Lake Superior had steadily increased. With both a growing population and demand for iron ore, the lake became a heavily traveled waterway for commercial carriers. Due to its unforgiving coastline, Lake Superior earned the reputation of being one of the most treacherous waters for travel. Thus the Split Rock Lighthouse project was approved by Congress and the United States Lighthouse Service was granted $75,000 for its construction.

Initially the lighthouse was nestled on a seven acre parcel of land. Its beautiful setting and breathtaking views made the site a popular hotspot for tourists around the country. Split Rock Lighthouse quickly became one of the top toured lighthouses in history.

In 1939, daily operation of the lighthouse was handed over to the United States Coast Guard. Split Rock Lighthouse remained active until 1969 when it was decommissioned due to advances in modern technology. The lighthouse was then added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1971, additional land around the lighthouse site was designated as a park area and became known as Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Several years after the closing of the lighthouse, a tragic storm occurred on November 10, 1975. On this day a large freighter named the Edmund Fitzgerald was traveling from Superior, Minnesota en route to Detroit, Michigan to deliver a large shipment of taconite. The fierce storm caused the ship to sink and twenty-nine of its crew members were lost at sea. The lighthouse museum hosts an annual event honoring those who lost their lives at sea.

Today Split Rock Lighthouse State Park encompasses well over two thousand acres of land. In addition to the lighthouse attraction, tourists can view a number of Minnesota wildlife including: red fox, moose, black bear, bobcat, deer, and lynx.

Avid hikers can enjoy a day of trekking along the Superior Hiking Trail. In many places the trail extends along the coastline and provides guests with a number of breathtaking views. The park offers a beautiful picturesque setting for tourists to enjoy no matter what time of year you choose to visit.

Split Rock Lighthouse Tourist Season

Split Rock Lighthouse is open on a daily basis from mid-May thru mid-October. Hours for the lighthouse are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During this time there are a number of different programs offered to the public. Educational tours are available for classrooms or other groups Monday-Friday. Private educational tours can be scheduled in advance by reservation.

When visiting, be sure to note that hours for the Visitors Center and the Museum Gift Store are limited. Both facilities are open Thursday thru Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After the Visitors Center closes, all guests are required to have a state parking permit for their vehicle.

Every November, the lighthouse conducts a special program in honor of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The annual “Beacon Lighting” on November 10th is a rare opportunity for guests to view the lighthouse when lit. Visitors are also given a tour of the lighthouse and snapshots of the illuminated beacon are permitted.

Admission Prices:

Children (under 6) – free admission
Kids & Teens (6-17 years of age) – $4
Adults- $8
Senior Citizens- $6
Minnesota Historical Society members receive free admission to the lighthouse.

For more information on Split Rock Lighthouse hours, programs, or directions contact the museum at:

Split Rock Lighthouse
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Phone: (218) 226-6372
Email: splitrock@mnhs.org

Split Rock Lighthouse – Two Harbors, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

In Duluth, Minnesota you might just want to take a day and go to the Great Lakes Aquarium. It is located at 353 Harbor Drive. A visit to the Aquarium is a great way to learn about the native water life of the area as well as do some fun activities. The Aquarium offers something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Some of the fun things to do at the Great Lakes Aquarium include the Touch Tanks, which allow visitors to touch stingrays, sturgeon and other aquarium life. The Otter Cove is home to Anang and Zhoosh, the two friendly otters that live in the Aquarium. Visitors can watch them swim, play, eat and have a good time. The 85,000 gallon Isle Royale is filled with the kinds of fish and other water life that currently inhabit Lake Superior. Some of the fish you can see include rainbow trout, Alaskan salmon, eels and siscowet (or lake trout) and many others.

The Aquarium is also home to a bald eagle named Bogey who was injured and cannot return to the wild. The Great Lakes Water Table is a favorite activity for just about every child that comes through the Aquarium. It features a fully functional model of the Great Lakes with boats of every size and shape to pilot through the waters. This attraction has a variety of habitats that are native to the Minnesota area. The Great Lakes Aquarium is offering a new program on the weekend of Memorial Day, which is called Seahorse Secrets.

In addition to all the wonderful things to see and do at the Aquarium, they also offer a speaker series, teacher workshops, a visiting artists group show, etc. In addition, they offer field trips, outreach, and overnights at the Aquarium, scout programs and senior programs. If you want to spend time at the Aquarium, there is a program for you to enjoy. You can also book weddings, birthdays and banquets at this attraction. The Aquarium also has a gift shop so that visitors can purchase a great souvenir of their enjoyable day

The Great Lakes Aquarium is open every day of the year. The summer season runs from May to September and the hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The winter season runs from December to April, and the hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The admission prices are $12.95 for adults, children ages 3-11 are $6.95, seniors 62+ are $9.95 and those under the age of three are admitted free.

Parking permits cost $4 to park in the general lot, and the price for parking for special events runs between $5-$10. Prices for special events, programs and classes vary, so you need to call ahead. To get more information about the Great Lakes Aquarium, call 218-740-3474. 

Great Lakes Aquarium – Duluth, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism

A most interesting place to visit when in Northeastern Minnesota, the Grand Portage National Monument, located on the north shore of Lake Superior, is dedicated to the preservation of the Ojibwe Native American heritage and to promote public awareness of the once vital fur trade activities in this part of the country, an activity that played so important a part in the exploration and eventual development of the State of Minnesota.

The Grand Portage itself is actually a footpath once used by early 19th century fur traders as a part of the trade route between their wintering grounds and their depots to the East. Like many other portages, the Grand Portage was of inestimable importance to the territory in pre-industrial days, providing as it did, access between settled and remote areas.

The Grand Portage stretches for 81/2 miles to Fort Charlotte on the Pigeon River, and is little changed from its origins. Volunteers and park staff dressed in period attire provide visitors with guided tours and explanations as to what life was like in the area during those 19th century times.

Enclosed entirely within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, The Grand Portage National Monument features a stockade wall , a Great Hall and kitchen complex that has been reconstructed over the site of the original structures, and to their exact specifications. Visitors to the Monument can take various tours, such as the following:

• Visit three log buildings; the Great Hall, the kitchen complex, and the canoe warehouse.
• Visit an Ojibwe Village, fur trader’s encampment and historic gardens.
• Take a self-guided tour and hike the Mount Rose Trail ( 1 mile round-trip). A brochure is available at the Ranger Station which will point out the geology and plant species at sixteen numbered posts along the way.
• Take a 30-minute one hour ranger-guided tour through historic gardens, see how birch bark canoes were made, watch a bread baking demonstration, see historic weapons and a weapons firing demonstration, see an exhibit of early 19th century tools and a demonstration of their uses. An Ojibwe arts and crafts exhibit and a walk along the Grand Portage ends the tour.
• See four short educational films relating to life in and around the Grand Portage as it once was, (total running time 65 minutes.)

Grand Portage is located approximately 150 miles northwest of Duluth, Minnesota and 50 miles south of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The Site lies ½ mile to 1 mile south of the West and East exits of Minnesota State Highway 61 in the village of Grand Portage.

Entrance fees are as follows:
• Adults – $3.00
• Children under 15 free
• Family Rate – $6.00
• Annual pass valid for 1 year – $80.00
• Lifetime senior access pass 62 years plus – $10.00
• Free to U.S. residents with permanent disability

Grand Portage National Monument – Grand Portage Indian Reservation, Minnesota is a post from: Minnesota Tourism