Grand Portage National Monument

Near the north end of Minnesota’s North Shore scenic highway (Mile 144.0) is the Grand Portage National Monument.  This 710-acre park was designated as a National Monument in 1958.   The Grand Portage is an 8.5 mile path used to bypass waterfalls and rapids on the Pigeon River before it flows into Lake Superior. 

During our May visit, the fort was closed for the season.  We walk around the outside of the historic fur-trade fort and Indian Village. 

Along the wooden pier that juts out into the Bay are exhibit signs with information about the history of the area and fur trade.  

On our walk back to the car, we see a beaver in the pond next to the fort.  A short distance later, we see a fox crossing the sidewalk near the Heritage Center.   

Because this area is in the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, there are not any national chain hotels or restaurants. We spend the night at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino.  There is an on-site restaurant (Island View Restaurant – limited hours) and casino snack bar (open late).   

The next day, we visit the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center (opened in 2007).  It features exhibits on the fur-trade and Ojibwe culture.  We spend almost 90 minutes here (25 minutes was watching a video called Rendezvous with History).  

Exhibit inside the Heritage Center

The skies are clearing.  We walk about one mile of the 8.5 mile Grand Portage Trail that goes from here to Fort Charlotte. 

Next, we hike the Mount Rose Trail.  It is a half mile trail (includes 175 steps) to the summit.  Hiking this trail offers us the opportunity to see the Fort from an elevated position. 

View from Mount Rose Trail

For information on the Grand Portage National Monument, click on the following link:

Grand Portage National Monument

To view a more detailed Mile-By-Mile Guide, click on the following link:

North Shore Mile By Mile Guide