Minnesota Grand Portage National Monument map and highlights

Grand Portage National Monument. Basic information for visitors to the Grand Portage National Monument In northeastern Minnesota.    

Grand Portage National Monument in northeastern Minnesota on the map.    

The partially reconstructed stockade area appears as it did in  the 1790s, when it was the North West Company's fur-trading headquarters  on Lake Superiors western shore. The 8-mi portage was a vital link on  one of the principal routes for Native Americans, explorers,  missionaries, and fur trappers heading for the northwest. Daily boat  service also runs to Isle Royale National Park in summer. The site was  designated a national historic site in 1951 and became a national  monument in 1958.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing, touring post. Facilities:  Outdoor interpretive exhibits, movies, hiking trails. Bookstore, picnic  tables, dock. Programs & Events: Interpretive talks, living-history  demonstrations, cultural demonstrations, daily boat trips to Isle Royale  National Park in Michigan (mid-June-Labor Day); see separate entry.  Grand Portage Rendezvous and Grand Portage Pow Wow (both 2nd full  weekend, Aug.). Tips & Hints: Visit mid-June-mid-Sept. for most  activities and services. Busiest July and Aug., least crowded Jan. and  Feb.    

FOOD & LODGING    

Camping: In the park: 2 backcountry sites (free; pit toilets;  back-country permit required, see below). In Grand Portage: Grand  Portage Marina & Campground (Marina Rd., adjacent to Grand Portage  Lodge & Casino, tel. 218/475-2476; 10 RV sites, tent camping area;  $12-$20; flush toilets, showers, hook-ups; closed Nov.-Apr.).  Hotels:  None in park. In Grand Marais: Best Western Superior Inn & Suites  (U.S. 61 E, tel. 218/387-2240 or 800/842-8439; 56 rooms, 10 suites;  $89-$159??). In Grand Portage: Grand Portage Lodge & Casino (U.S.  61, tel. 218/ 475-2401 or 800/543-1384; 100 rooms; $67-$77), Ryden's  Border Store, Cafe & Hotel (9301 Ryden Rd., tel. 218/475-2330; 4  rooms; $44; closed mid-Oct.-Apr.). X Restaurants: None in park. In Grand  Portage: Island View Dining (Grand Portage Lodge, U.S. 61, tel. 218/  475-2401??; $6-$10), Ryden's Border Store, Cafe & Hotel (9301 Ryden  Rd., tel. 218/475-2330; $4-$9; closed mid-Oct.-mid-Mar).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Entrance fee: $3 adults, free ages 16 and under, $6 per family.  Parking fee: $3.50 to leave car while taking Isle Royale boats.  Backcountry camping permits (free) required (pick up at Grand Portage  ranger station and trailheads). No hunting. No motorized vehicles or  bikes on trail. Leashed pets only on trail. No pets in buildings or  within stockade. Grounds open daily, dawn-dusk. Park facilities open  Memorial Day-mid-Oct., daily 9-5.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

36 mi northeast of Grand Marais via U.S. 61. Closest airports: Thunder Bay, Canada (45 mi), Duluth, MN (156 mi).  

CONTACTS    

Grand Portage National Monument (Headquarters: Box 668, 315 S.  Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604, tel. 218/387-2788, fax 218/387-2790;  Site: Box 426, 211 Mile Creek Rd., Grand Portage, MN 55605). Grand  Marais Area Tourism Association (Box 1048, Grand Marais, MN 55604, tel.  218/387-2524).   

Grand Portage National Monument. Basic information for visitors to the Grand Portage National Monument In northeastern Minnesota