Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway - Grand Marais - Minnesota
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NATURAL INTRINSIC QUALITIES
With a concentration on traveling through one of the few remaining areas of human infringement, one will observe the final imprint of glacial activity over 11,000 years ago. The oldest rock formations on the continent are revealed and separated by countless crystal clear lakes, rivers and streams. Geological formations and climatic allowances have provided opportunities for a constantly changing landscape of both dense coniferous and deciduous trees, and where beams of sunshine reach the earth, there is an treasured collection of wildflowers and plants. The flora development along the byway also supports higher levels of life with a flourishing variety of wildlife. Endangered wolves and Canadian lynx habituate the territory along with black bears, moose, white tailed deer, red/silver fox, pine marten, fisher and numerous other smaller furred beings. In the tree tops, there is an assorted population of birds. From the endangered bald eagle to Boreal chickadees and owls, Canadian (gray) jays, pine/evening grosbeaks, pileated woodpeckers and numerous other feathered flyers. The many bodies of water meanwhile provide life cycles for many aquatic creatures including walleyed pike, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and several varieties of trout, to name but a few of the numerous swimming things. For many decades mankind has been infatuated with this natural phenomenon. The foot print of mankind has been left in legacies of the past that are directly related to the natural character of this sometimes forbidden land. Native inhabitants, trappers, voyageurs, miners, loggers and resort owners all have been traced to attempts at hammering out a life and seeking survival in this un-tamed region. With the exception of some logging and the resort business all of these enterprising endeavors have faded into obscurity as both economic factors and nature prevailed. Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway corridor has been blessed with a diverse history. In appreciation of capturing a bit of the past, contemporary man cherishes the mystique of this natural world in the north, and over the past several decades activity has evolved into recreational appreciation of what the landscape has to offer, bringing thousands of visitors each year. Whether it is canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, birding or just exploring the road itself, travelers look to the Gunflint Trail as an opportunity where one can experience a journey through past and present to arrive at a place and experience living more fully in the presence of a natural moment. 
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