Heritage Center exhibit gallery as it appeared when the new exhibits opened in 2008. These lifelike voyageur mannequins have “welcomed” approximately 90,000 visitors per year since the building opened in 2007. They are a popular part of the exhibits inside the Heritage Center and will watch over the project in “Night at the Museum” movie fashion as the now 10-year-old carpet is replaced in just a few weeks.
The Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center will temporarily close for installation of new carpet in the lobby, museum, classroom, and bookstore areas of the building. It is anticipated that the installation process of approximately 5,700 square feet of carpet will begin on or around March 13, 2017 and take approximately three weeks. Please call ahead for operating hours when planning a visit from mid-March through mid-April.
The monument grounds and trails will remain open for visitors during this time. Park brochures will be available at the front entrance to the Heritage Center. The closest public restroom facilities during this closure will be at the Grand Portage Trading Post a quarter mile west on Mile Creek Road.
Acting Superintendent Pam Neil said, “The Heritage Center, with an annual visitation of approximately 90,000 visitors, will be 10 years old this August. This is a terrific opportunity to improve this popular venue. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause for Grand Portage community members and our visitors. We look forward to completing the work as efficiently as possible to reopen the building and exhibits for everyone’s enjoyment.”
Those needing to conduct business during this closure should contact monument staff directly. Up-to-date information on operating hours is available via phone at (218) 475-0123; on the monument’s website: www.nps.gov/grpo; and on Facebook.
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