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Draped in ice, arms folded and looking out over the lake, the Witch Tree soldiers on through the winter. One of the Northland’s most iconic sights is the Witch Tree, also called Manidoo-giizhens, or Little Spirit Tree by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Growing out of ledge rock on the shore of Lake Superior in Grand Portage, many consider the Witch Tree sacred; French explorer Sieur de la Verendryre first wrote about it in 1731. Today it is protected and considered off limits to visitors unless accompanied by local Ojibwe band members. Noted outdoor photographer Travis Novitsky resides in Grand Portage and is a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe). His works are sold throughout the county and can be found online.