Grand Portage National Monument, Minnesota

Grand Portage National Monument, Minnesota
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GRPO1759.jpg
Author: NPS photo


Grand Portage National Monument is a historic site in Grand Portage, Minnesota. Located on the northern shore of Lake Superior, the 710-acre (2.9 sq km) national monument preserves the area that was once an important fur trading center, and a site for Anishinaabeg Ojibwe heritage.

Governors Island, view of Manhattan
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GRPO_from_Mount_Rose_mod_timm.jpg
Author: Xerxes, Timm B. Busshaus


The Grand Portage refers to a foot path over a distance of 8.5 miles (13.7 km). This was the route used by the French-Canadian fur traders and woodsmen - the Voyageurs and the Coureurs de bois. The route is important for the traders to move from the fur-rich hinterland to the ports.

The Grand Portage route passes through waterfalls and rapids. In addition to the land route, it also includes waterways such as the Pigeon River. South Lake on the Pigion River watershed is hence linked by the portage to North Lake of the Rainy River watershed.

Visiting Grand Portage National Monument, Minnesota

The Grand Portage National Monument is located within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation in Cook County, northeastern Minnesota. The closest city is Duluth. From there, follow Minnesota State Highway 61 along the shore of Lake Superior all the way until you reach the visitor center.

Governors Island, view of Manhattan
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GRPO_reenactor_in_trade_shop.JPG
Author: Xerxes


The Heritage Visitor Center is open all year round although the historic sites such as the Great Hall, Kichen, Canoe Warehouse, Ojibwe Village, Voyageur Encampment and Historic Gardens are closed for the winter, from mid October through end May. Visitor center opening hours ranges from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm in summer to 8:30 am to 5:00 pm in winter. The Grand Portage National Monument does not charge entrance fee.

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