Things To Do

Visitors at the Ojibwe Village

NPS Photo

Grand Portage National Monument is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as nationally significant for its, "…association with the fur trade and exploration and colonization of the northwest, its historic/geographic link between the United States and Canada, and its excellent state of preservation in a semi-wilderness setting."

The monument preserves 710 acres which includes: the historic depot (71 acres) located on Lake Superior, the site of Fort Charlotte (98 acres) on the Pigeon River with the Grand Portage (541 acres) connecting the two depots. The 8.5 mile portage corridor and Fort Charlotte (639 acres) contain the majority of the Monument's semi-wilderness setting.

All activities begin within walking distance of the Heritage Center parking lot.

 

Activities for a Half Day

• 

  Rendezvous with History

  Watch our park film online in English or Anishinaabemowin.

• 

  Explore the Museum

  The Heritage Center holds displays about the fur trade and Anishinaabe culture. Check to see if there is an exhibit on the second floor.

• 

  Stamp Your NPS Passport

  You will find a cancellation stamp with the date of your visit at the Heritage Center front desk.

• 

  Be a Junior Ranger!

  Junior Rangers have fun discovering history, while learning about why we need to protect the special treasures found in our National Parks.

• 

  Attend a Program

  Stop by the Heritage Center for a list of today's programs.

• 

  Wander the Depot

  Take time to walk through the historical fur trade and learn about the people who made it possible.

 

For a Full Day or More, Add these

• 

  Go For a Walk

  Hike a Trail

  Hike to the top of Mount Rose, walk part of Gichi Onigaming, or head to the High Falls at Grand Portage State Park to round out your day.

• 

  Experience the Voyageur Route

  Portage From the Boundary Waters

  Complete your canoe experience by portaging to Lake Superior along Gichi Onigaming, the trail trod for 1000s of years.

• 

  See the High Falls

  Visit Grand Portage State Park

  The High Falls is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota and blocks water traffic out of Lake Superior on the Pigeon River.

 

 

Winter Activities

• 

  Borrow Some Snowshoes

  Ask at the front desk to check out a pair of historic snowshoes for the day. Explore the snowy Depot area.

• 

  Ski Gichi Onigaming

  Be prepared to break trail as you ski uphill on the historic Grand Portage Trail. 1.5 miles one way from the Depot to new Highway 61.

• 

  Walk the Grounds

  Welcome to winter! Wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing to walk the snowy grounds along the lake or hike to the top of Mount Rose.