Minong Exhibit to Open in August

Interpretive panels at Hat Point near completion

Hat Point marina is a bustling place in the summer, as visitors from around the United States and beyond catch the Voyageur II and Sea Hunter III ferries to Isle Royale National Park, known as Minong by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Anishinaabe).

Soon, the marina’s new ferry building, which is owned and operated by the Grand Portage Band, will also be a place to learn about the deep cultural connection between the Anishinaabe people and this unique wilderness island.

New marina building creates interpretive opportunity

Each year more than 25,000 people visit Minong, with one third of them traveling by ferry from Hat Point marina. Over the past year, the Grand Portage Band completed a beautiful new building with concessions, restrooms, the Tribal office, and the ferry vessel company office.

Visitors are already enjoying the new ferry building. Natural light from large windows fills the space, offering incredible views of the sparkling Grand Portage Bay, swooping gulls, bobbing mergansers, and the hazy silhouette of Minong beyond.

Later this summer, a series of interpretive panels will be installed with photographs, illustrations, maps, and explanatory text telling the story of this special place. This exciting project is thanks to the work of a multistakeholder exhibit team and funding from the National Park Foundation Inclusive Storytelling Grant Program, Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, and committed park, Tribal, and individual donors.

A place for travelers and community

Planners recognize that interpretation must serve dual purposes: operating as both a warm introduction to the stories for visitors in the summer months, as well as weaving in additional context and engaging content for Grand Portage Band members who will be utilizing the space throughout the rest of the year for family gatherings and community events. 

The team hired the 106 Group to help with panel development and new signs have been created, including wall-mounted interpretive panels installed along the perimeter of the building’s waiting area; one moveable “centerpiece” element; and a small set of exterior signs focused on basic travel tips and stewardship information.

Information on the area’s history of maple syruping, its fish, and its canoe heritage are just a few of the topics that will be explored through this fascinating exhibit! Stay tuned for the official opening announcement soon!

Learn more about the origins of this project in our earlier story, "Interpretation Planned at the New Hat Point Marina".

About The NPLSF

The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.

To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate.