It’s been lots of cleaning, pricing, tagging, hammering, planting, and installing around the museum and nature center these past couple weeks. A crew of volunteers have been busy getting the property whipped into shape for opening day. This season brings plenty of exciting additions to Chik-Wauk, including air conditioning,  the boardwalk and a flagpole. We’re especially excited to have added to our collection of two-minute video histories. You can now view short videos on the history of every business along the Gunflint Trail, both past and present.

Volunteers and staff aren’t the only ones settling in for the summer at Chik-Wauk. The loon nesting platform in the bay is now home to a loon couple. We think they’re in the process of laying their eggs and will be staying close to the nest to incubate their eggs for the next 27-30 days. With any luck, Chik-Wauk will be the first home of one or two loon chicks next month.

While loons sitting on their nest, we’re reminding all Chik-Wauk visitors to please give the loons a wide berth. It’s very important that loons not feel threatened so they don’t abandon the nest. Enjoy watching the nest from the Chik-Wauk porch or from various viewpoints along the Amikwiish Way or the Big Sag hiking trails.