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

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  Watch Our Park Films

  These films offer amazing stories of Ojibwe history and culure from the fur trade to the present.

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  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.

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  Stamp Your NPS Passport

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

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  Wander the Depot

  Take a walk back in time to the historic fur trade and meet the people who made it possible

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  Attend a Program

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

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  Be a Junior Ranger

  Families participate in learning about the parks through Junior Ranger activities.

 

For a Full Day or More, Add these

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  Go For a Walk

  Hike a Trail

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

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  Portage From the Boundary Waters

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

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  Camp at Fort Charlotte, Permit Required

  Two backcountry camps allow groups of nine. Obtain your free permit online at least two weeks in advance.

 

Winter Activities

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  Borrow Some Snowshoes

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

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  Ski Gichi Onagamiing

  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.

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  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.