Things To Do Near Grand Portage National Monument
Most visitors start their trip to Grand Portage National Monument at the Heritage Center, which sits on land donated by the Grand Portage Band. Tour the reconstructed buildings and take in the panoramic vista of Lake Superior. If you can brave the cold, take a dip in the lake; alternatively, explore the hiking trails and the expansive grounds. This is an exceptionally remote part of northern Minnesota, so it's a good idea to come with a full tank of gas.
Hiking Trails
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Grand Portage Trail
Immerse yourself in the history of northern Minnesota and Canada with a hike along the Grand Portage Trail. The entire out-and-back route is 17 miles long, so it's best done with an overnight stop at the Fort Charlotte campsites. Even if you don't have time to travel the whole route, it's worth exploring a shorter section; the parking area on Old Highway 61 provides a great turnaround point or a spot to leave a second shuttle vehicle. Note how the trail avoids the hills, ridges, and swamps, taking the path of least resistance. This was intentional as early travelers carried canoes, loads of fur, food, and other goods with them. At the end of the trail, you'll reach the put-in point on Pigeon River. From here, you can look across the water to Canada.
Location
Heritage Center
Length
8.5 miles one way
Intensity
Moderate
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Mount Rose Loop Trail
Hike to a fantastic viewpoint overlooking Grand Portage National Monument and Lake Superior on the Mount Rose Loop Trail. The first section of the trail is newer; it starts in the Heritage Center picnic area and climbs up to the top of Mount Rose. From there, you can connect to the older, paved trail and walk down to the historic stockade. Keep in mind that both sections of the trail include sandstone or wooden stairs. As you hike, keep an eye out for the educational exhibits along the trail. From the top, you can see the route the Grand Portage Trail follows between two small hills.
Location
Heritage Center picnic area
Length
2 miles round-trip
Intensity
Easy to Moderate
Sightseeing
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Heritage Center
Start your visit to Grand Portage National Monument at the Heritage Center. Part visitor center and part museum, it offers a comprehensive introduction to the local history and culture. Learn about the Grand Portage Ojibwe, who have lived in the area for thousands of years, and find out about the fur traders that made their way to the area on commercial trips into Canada and Minnesota.
Location
170 Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN 55605
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Ojibwe Village
See how the local Native American people lived at the reconstructed Ojibwe Village. Walk through tents covered in animal skins and birch bark and get a sense of life in the far north. The village is particularly exciting during the annual Rendezvous Days and Pow Wow when hundreds of Ojibwe and historic reenactors gather to celebrate the end of summer, play historic games, and practice traditional skills. This event has been happening since the 1700s and is one of the most popular local events.
Location
170 Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN 55605
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Historic Depot and Stockade
Get a sense of what life was like for fur traders and travelers in the reconstructed historic buildings at Grand Portage National Monument. During the height of the fur trade, this was the depot for the North West Company. Chat with interpretive staff in the Great Hall, which was used for dining, music, and business, and watch rangers bake bread in the kitchen. Leave the stockade to visit the canoe warehouse, where you can check out the enormous fur trade and Ojibwe canoes that travelers carried along the portage.
Location
170 Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN 55605
Museums
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Grand Portage Trading Post
The Grand Portage Trading Post is one of the few places to shop in the tiny town of Grand Portage. Stop by to get everything you need for camping, from basic groceries to local souvenirs and hot coffee.
Location
77 Mile Creek Rd, Grand Portage, MN 55605
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Nick's Gift Shop
If you're searching for something to remember your visit to Grand Portage National Monument by, check out Nick's Gift Shop. Located inside the Grand Portage Casino, this small shop offers a standard selection of mugs, magnets, and other Lake Superior-themed gifts.
Location
70 Casino Dr, Grand Portage, MN 55605
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Ryden's Border Store
While you're exploring the U.S./Canada border or visiting Grand Portage State Park, make a quick stop at Ryden's Border Store. With discounted perfumes and alcohol, it's a good place to save on your favorite items.
Location
9301 Ryden Rd, Grand Portage, MN 55605
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Island View Restaurant
The Island View Restaurant, which is inside the Grand Portage Casino, is the closest dining option to Grand Portage National Monument. Sit at a table by the window to enjoy a view of the lake with your burger, salad, or steak.
Location
70 Casino Dr, Grand Portage, MN 55605
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Voyageur Brewing Company
Sip a craft beer while you wait for your meal at Voyageur Brewing Company. Start with an order of fried cheese curds before digging into a classic pub burger, flatbread, or salad.
Location
233 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
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My Sister's Place
With more than 20 creative burger options on the menu, My Sister's Place is a must-visit restaurant for meat lovers. If you're not in the mood for a burger, enjoy a pizza, sandwich, or salad, and wash it down with a specialty beer on tap.
Location
401 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604