County wide lodging taxes fell from $70,883 collected June 2013 to $62,137 collected this June. A late snowy spring (or an extended winter) was probably the reason many visitors stayed away. Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder Tourism Association was down 3.4 percent while the Grand Marais Area was off 17.6 percent from last May. The Gunflint Trail Tourism Association was down 2.3 percent. Overall, […]
Paddling benefits Gunflint Fire Department
Canoes, paddlers and onlookers crowded the Gunflint Lodge beach on the evening of July 16. Summer had really arrived and with it a perfect day for the historic Gunflint Trail Canoe Races. The afternoon through evening event kept attendees busy. The food concession featured Gunflint sloppy joes. There were kid and adult activities on shore and lots of spirited racing. […]
Sawdust in Their Blood shows determination of Hedstrom family
This book was created by Jim Boyd as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Hedstrom Lumber Company. It is a nostalgic look at the evolution of the family and their namesake mill. Copies of the book were presented to those who attended a dinner celebration at the lumber mill on Thursday, July 10 and if you are interested […]
Book signing July 27 at Lake Superior Trading Post
There will be a book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27 at the Trading Post in Grand Marais featuring Scouts Honor author Blake Fontenay. Fontenay said the book centers around two teenaged Eagle Scouts who go on a camping trip in the Boundary Waters with a group of younger boys. The trip goes awry when one of […]
Are they coming for me?
The birds circled high above, black wings outstretched, riding the currents above the White River, Arkansas in graceful circles. I watched in fascination and made a comment something like, “Aren’t they beautiful. What are they?” Then, they decided to land in a nearby dead tree, and I got a close-up look at these creatures. With large flapping wings, they settled, […]
Local veterans aboard 2014 Honor Flight
Dave Palmer and Lenny Sobanja, both from Grand Marais, were the latest local veterans to take part in a Northland Honor Flight, traveling with their fellow veterans from Duluth to Washington, D.C. and back in one day for special recognition of their military service. The Cook County News-Herald spent a little time with them recently to learn more about their […]
Master Naturalist program coming to Duluth
Do you enjoy learning about the natural world? If so, consider becoming a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer. Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center in Duluth is hosting a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer training beginning July 28. Master Naturalist volunteers complete a 40-hour hands-on course with expert instructors and fellow learners – studying natural history, environmental interpretation, and conservation stewardship. Final certification […]
Another great auction planned for Gunflint Mid-Trail
If you are looking for a unique collectable, a beautifully crafted piece of hand-stitchery, or that perfect treasure to remind you of the Gunflint Trail, chances are you will find it at the annual Mid-Trail auction, flea market, boutique, and quilt raffle to be held at the Schaap Community Center from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 7. This […]
Cook County Historical Society receives grants for documentation project
The Cook County Historical Society was recently awarded three grants to support video documentation of the history and renovation of the Bally Blacksmith Shop in downtown Grand Marais. Thanks to support from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, The Grand Marais Area Tourism Association, and Arrowhead Electric’s Operation Round-Up, the rebirth of this unique site will be captured on audio and […]