Happy Birthday to Us!
Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center turned three years old on Thursday July 4. As with all things that relate to the passage of time, in some ways, it’s hard to believe that this was already three years ago:
In other ways, it’s hard to believe that it’s only been three years since we opened the museum doors to the public.
Granted, Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center had its genesis long before the grand opening on July 4, 2010. In 2005, the Gunflint Trail Historical Society formed to start preserving Gunflint Trail history and to transform the old Chik-Wauk Lodge from this:
Into this:
Today, the Gunflint Trail Historical Society has more than 500 active members who play an integral role in continuing operations at Chik-Wauk. In the last three years, Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors and helped both residents and visitors alike gain a deeper appreciation of Gunflint Trail history and the area’s unique environment. Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’re one of the countless people who have helped Chik-Wauk grow and thrive over the last few years. We couldn’t have made it into our fourth season without you. Thank you so much!
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished during these past few years, including:
- Installing new temporary exhibits on Chik-Wauk Lodge and now, the Boostrom Family of Clearwater Lodge. Stop in each year to see the newest temporary exhibit – each exhibit is up for one season only!
- Launching a naturalist program which includes presentations and hikes with local naturalists on Sunday afternoons, U.S. Forest Service naturalist presentations on Tuesdays, kids activities, journal making workshops, and self-guided naturalist packs for families to use during their visits. (Full schedule here!)
- Restoring the historic Gunflint Trail entrance signs (bear in a motorboat and Voyageur holding a canoe) in downtown Grand Marais in partnership with many other area organizations. The restored signs are scheduled to be reinstalled in early August of this year.
- Introducing individuals from around the country and the world to the wonderful world of the Gunflint Trail
- Installing a boardwalk and reopening the Blueberry Hill Trail as part of the network of hiking trails on the Chik-Wauk grounds.
- Becoming known as “the spot” for homemade pies during the annual Old Fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social. (This year’s Pie Social is schedule for Sunday, September 1st from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Helping visitors learn about loons through the artificial loon nesting platform installed in the Chik-Wauk bay in 2011.
Happy Birthday to Us. Here’s to many, many more!