Stumped on what to get the Gunflint Trail enthusiast on your holiday gift list who has everything “outdoorsy” imaginable and just doesn’t need another pair of wool socks? You can create a warm, fuzzy feeling akin to new wool socks, by giving them a gift membership or making a contribution in their name to the Gunflint Trail Historical Society.

The Gunflint Trail Historical Society (GTHS) is a 501 (C)3 non-profit which oversees daily operations at Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. Although the museum is located on national forest land, the GTHS receives no financial assistance from the U.S. Forest Service or other federal agency. The museum is funded by donations, memberships, grants, and revenue generated from admissions and gift shop sales.

Chik-Wauk’s grand opening on July 4, 2010 celebrated the culmination of five years of planning, renovating, and fundraising. But the grand opening didn’t mark an end of hard work, it signaled a beginning! The GTHS is continually striving to expand offerings at Chik-Wauk and advance public knowledge of Gunflint Trail history.

Since the museum’s opening in July, nearly 11,000 visitors have toured the museum and nature trails. Meanwhile, GTHS volunteers have also constructed an ADA accessible boardwalk and erected a new flagpole. This coming summer will see the reconstruction of a historic Chik-Wauk Lodge cabin on the museum’s property, which will not only provide more exhibit space for the museum but also preserves another slice of Gunflint Trail history.

You can help keep Chik-Wauk strong and check off someone on your gift list by giving them a membership to the GTHS.  Memberships start at $25 annually and included GTHS email updates, GTHS newsletters, and free entrance to Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center for members and their guests. Click the “join the society” button below to download printable membership and contribution forms.

Thank you for your support.