Gunflint Trail Association

  The Gunflint Trail Historical Society held its 2nd Annual Meeting on June 25th, 2007.  It's hard to believe it has been two years since the formation of the GTHS.  It seems like yesterday when I was sitting at a Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway meeting asking about interest in Chik-Wauk Lodge and the possibility of making it into a museum.   

  From that meeting the Gunflint Trail Historical Society was born and Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center became a reality.  Chik-Wauk is quickly evolving into what will be an amazing museum at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  There are many thanks to be said to the dedicated board of trustees and generous people who have volunteered both time and money to make the project a reality.  The progress being made is phenomenal and there is no doubt in my mind it will be open by the goal date of 2010. 

     When the opening date for Chik-Wauk was chosen it felt like 2010 would never come, but now it is right around the corner.  Things have taken shape and are coming together perfectly at this historic place and bits and pieces of history are being collected to showcase there.    

  We're looking for more information to share with visitors to the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center and you may be able to help.  Perhaps you visited a resort on the Gunflint Trail long ago and still have a piece of their stationary, a special photo, postcard, or placemat from that resort you may be willing to share.  Maybe you know someone who used to live on the Gunflint Trail and have a handcrafted item or piece of fishing or hunting equipment from that person you would be willing to donate.  We're looking for volunteers to help with writing and research on a number of topics so if you have time and want to help out then please join us.  Also, for those of you who have been a resident of the Gunflint Trail we need you to complete a personal history form that can be found on the website.  This will be an important part of the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center so please participate.   

  There are a number of ways you can be a part of this exciting endeavor and the first way is to  become a member of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society.  If you are already a member then consider giving the gift of membership to a friend or loved one on their birthday or anniversary.  Contributions and donations of any size are needed and appreciated to help us reach the goal of raising 1 million dollars.  We're well on our way with over $600,000. in money donated or pledged to the society and every little bit helps. 

     We invite you to join us at a Gunflint Trail Historical Meeting at the Gunflint Lodge Conference Center on July 30, 2007 at 1:30 PM,  at Chik-Wauk for the Annual Picnic on August 27, 2007, on September 24, 2007 at 1:30 PM and October 29, 2007 at 1:30 PM at the Gunflint Lodge Conference Center.  We hope all of you will be a part of this great project and we thank you for your support. 

Posted by Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and Boundary Waters Blog

The USFS announced today that beginning July 1 the Magnetic Lake (57), and Larch Creek (80) entry points of the Granite River system will reopen for Overnight canoe travel.  They will also reopen the Kekakabic trail for hiking and overnight use. 

Contact any of the Gunflint Trail Outfitters to help reserve your permit and arrange a trip.

May / June seems to me to be a bit early for a swim but we have been having some nice summer weather.  Erik decided to take a dip in the pool at the bottom of Johnson Falls on a recent canoe trip. 

At Clearwater Lodge, we always try to hire 5 or 6 college students for the summer.  Most have had some BWCA adventures before so they enjoy the chance to live on the lake and work for the resort.  Early in the season, we always try to give the staffers as many days off together as we can so they can enjoy the area.  This is a photo they brought back from a recent canoe trip of 3 of them sitting on the log enjoying the evening. 

Take advantage of Take a Kid Fishing Weekend and get out and enjoy the great outdoors.  Adults can fish for free when accompanying a youth under the age of 16 this weekend.  We got an early start to the weekend and took 4 kids fishing on Thursday, you can read more about it on the Boundary Waters Blog.   There’s nothing better than the smile on a kid’s face when he/she catches a fish.  There are plenty of fish to be caught on the Gunflint Trail so come on up and wet your line.

Photo by Jim Partlow, Clearwater Canoe Outfitters and Lodge.  June 6th, 8 PM Gunflint Trail.

     Campfire restrictions in the Boundary Waters have been lifted! Visitors to the Boundary Waters can once again enjoy a campfire anytime of the day.  Thankfully this is just in time for the Take a Kid Fishing Weekend.  Take advantage of this opportunity and bring a youngster up to the Gunflint Trail for a day of fishing fun and an evening around a campfire.

Posted by Sue Prom Boundary Waters Blog and Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

With the rain that we have had over the past few weeks, the forest is a vibrant shade of light green with new growth.  In the past few days I have seen the first marsh marigolds blooming and our lilacs have all bloomed.  It has been wonderful to be outside and just enjoy the renewal of nature.

This week we have had a burst of butterflies in the area.  Every where we walk and drive there are butterflies.  Stephanie Gunter took this picture when they were paddling on Caribou Lake of a cluster of butterflies at the end of the lake.