They’re Here!
We’ve had visitors asking since opening day whether the short films in our touch-screen kiosks profiling Gunflint Trail pioneers and businesses were available on DVD. At long last, and thanks to funding from the MN Legacy Fund, we’re able to say “Yes!”
Over the winter, Applied Art and Technology in Des Moines, IA worked to convert our current films (produced by Lisa Wagner and narrated by Bud Beyer and Margy Nelson) into DVD format so you can indeed take a little bit of Chik-Wauk home with you.
We now offer the following DVDs in the Chik-Wauk gift shop:
Gunflint Trail Pioneers DVD: 1 disc, approximately 61 minutes running time, $12.95
Meet 20 pioneers and colorful characters who helped shape the history of the Gunflint Trail in northeastern Minnesota. On this DVD, you’ll find three-minute biographical films introducing you to a variety of characters including teachers, pilots, and artisans. You’ll meet Benny Ambrose, the woodsman who spent his life on Ottertrack Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; Justine Kerfoot, owner of Gunflint Lodge, author and jack of all trades; and Eve and Russell Blankenburg, entrepreneurs and founders of six Gunflint Trail businesses; and many more.
Full list of characters profiled on this DVD: Benny Ambrose, Russell and Eve Blankenburg, Grace Boissenin, Charlie and Petra Boostrom, Carl and Alis Brandt, Don Brazell, Dave and Ann Clark, Andrew Hedstrom, Charlie Johnson, Justine Kerfoot, Henry Mayhew, Emerson Morris, Billy Needham, The Plummer Family, The Powell Family, Bill Raff, Andrew Jackson Scott, Sam Seppala, Stanley and Grace Smith, and Cliff Waters.
Gunflint Trail Past and Current Businesses DVD: 2 disc set, approximately 171 minutes running time, $24.95
Since the early 20th century, the Gunflint Trail has hosted an eclectic mix of businesses. Regardless of whether they owned a resort, canoe outfitters, restaurant or sawmill, Gunflint Trail business owners soon found their business demanded long hours, a pioneering spirit, and an ability to withstand the hardships of remote living. Over time, some businesses have come and gone, but many remain to welcome visitors to this unique, wild place.
This two-disc set presents a collection of 52 three-minute films, each devoted to the history of a past or current Gunflint Trail business. In these films, you’ll meet the personalities behind the businesses and hear stories about everyday life on the Trail and what it means to call this special place home.
If you’re not sure you’ll be visiting the museum this year, you can use our DVD Mail Order Form to get your own personal set of DVDs. Just complete the form, submit with payment and we’ll get the DVDS in the mail to you in a jiffy.
We’re pleased to have met visitor demand and we hope many of you will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy Gunflint Trail history in the comfort of your own home.