Gunflint Trail Association

We’ve been blessed with beautiful weather for this week following our grand opening. Sunny skies, warm temps, cool breezes, and finally, a break in the humidity. It’s truly great weather to come up to Chik-Wauk, not only to see the museum, but to spend some time on our hiking trails as well. The wildflowers have been a little ahead of schedule this year: you’ll see many “late season” flowers popping up already!

We’re so happy that so many of you are choosing to spend part of your day. After Sunday’s grand opening, we thought things might quiet down around here, but we’re delighted to have a steady stream of visitors every day. Thank you all for your warm responses to the museum, as well as your feedback and insight. We’re having so much fun seeing what interested people and grabs their attention. Even more fun is helping out kids trying to complete the Chik-Wauk Scavenger Hunt!

Speaking of scavenger hunts, if you do make it to this end of the Trail, it might be worth keep your eyes peeled for something blue . . .

You might even find some berries popping up beside our hiking trails.

Word on the street is that a lady found her “life bird” (quite an accomplishment among birders) while hiking our trails a few days back.  We’re a little sketchy on details, but we believe the bird she sighted was a member of the warbler family.  Although there weren’t any quite as remarkable bird sightings, yesterday biologist Peg Robertsen gave a very well received presentation on the MN Bird Breeding Atlas, complete with a bird scouting walk around the Chik-Wauk property.

If you’re looking for birds yourself, we’re happy to report that Chik-Wauk’s birding backpacks have arrived! If you’re a birder, be sure to ask at the front desk for a bird backpack. The backpacks contain a bird guide and a set of binoculars and can be checked out for use on Chik-Wauk’s trails.

Naturalist seminars continue on Thursdays through August. You can download a brochure about this summer’s program here.

We were a little apprehensive when we woke up yesterday morning. On the bright side, it was no longer 90 degrees with 99% humidity like it had been on Saturday. On the down side, with the cooler temps came 100% humidity (aka, downpour) and flash flood warnings.

But rain or shine, the show had to go on, and early yesterday morning, a group of volunteers came in to set up for the Grand Opening festivities. Everyone was especially amused by the walking canopy in the downpour, as Judy Edlund, event coordinator, and her family, relocated one of the event tents.

But as luck would have it, the sun came out while the grand opening ceremony was taking place. Past presidents Betty Hemstad and Sue Kerfoot gathered with Gunflint District Ranger Dennis Neitzke for the ribbon cutting and grand opening attendees got a sunny welcome to Chik-Wauk.

Our best estimate is that we had 350-400 people attend the event. In the end, we could only call the day a “success.”

If you’re looking for photos of the “big day” check our Facebook album and don’t forget to become a Facebook fan of Chik-Wauk’s.

In case you missed it, the Duluth News Tribune did a great piece on the museum in yesterday’s Sunday paper too. Our thanks for their interest in our project.

We hope you’ll have a chance to visit the newest museum and nature center in Minnesota. From now until October 17, we’ll be open every day, from 10-5.

Don’t forget that on Thursday, July 8th, we have the third USDA Forest Service “Becoming a Boundary Waters Family” presentation. Biologist Peg Robertsen will present on the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas at 3 p.m. on the Chik-Wauk front porch.

The Gunflint Trail Historical Society is pleased and delighted that an idea and dream of five years ago, has come true. July 4 is the opening of Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center. The “big top” has been set up, gates open at 11 AM.

For more information please visit these websites:
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center
Chik-Wauk’s blog

Please allow plenty of time if you are attending the grand opening.

. . . HERE WE COME!

To be fair, we’re more than ready for the grand opening this Sunday. This morning, we had a great cleaning/trail maintenance crew in to get the museum sparkling and the trails ready for hiking. Chris from Split Rock Studios has been up putting the final touches on the exhibits. The party tent is up. Now we just have to wait until Sunday. . .

We’re so excited that so many people are expressing interest in the museum and nature center. We thank all new agencies and organizations who saw fit to print news about the museum’s opening:
North Shore Hwy 61, WTIP for a feature news story and an interview with Chik-Wauk Event Coordinator Judy Edlund.

If you plan to attend the festivities on July 4th please be advised:
* Allow driving, parking, and shuttle time of 2 or more hours from Grand Marais. (Gates open at 11 AM)
* Car-pooling is strongly recommended. Parking Flaggers in orange vests will be stationed at County Rd 81 (Moose Pond Drive), County Rd 11 (Sag Lake Trail) and Trail’s End Campground, giving instructions for parking and shuttles.
* Drivers should watch for ‘Flagger Ahead’ signs, slow down, stop, listen to and carefully follow directions.
* Each parking area will be filled completely in a pre-determined order.
* Shuttle vans and buses will move people from the parking areas to the special event tent at Chik-Wauk.

Special accommodation is provided for anyone with a disability or impaired mobility.Please ask a flagger for instructions.

July 4 Schedule
* 11 AM Gates open – attendees will be assigned a “tour number”
* To avoid traffic we suggest you arrive early and & bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables are available.
* 1PM Ceremony begins “under the big top”
* Key note speaker: Jim Sanders, Superior National Forest Supervisor, USDA Forest Service
* Ribbon-Cutting
* Museum tours in small groups
* Cake & beverages
* Hike the trails

We’ll see you soon!