Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Portage is more than just pristine Minnesotan forest on Lake Superior. It's also a significant piece of American history. It was a bustling fur trade center during the 18th century. Now it's a cultural and natural wonder.

The national monument boasts an Ojibwe Village exhibit, honoring the Native Americans who lived in the area. The tribe holds an annual Pow Wow during August with traditional dances, foods, and music. Visit the Fur Trade Depot, a remnant of what was once a lucrative business on the edge of civilization. Finally, walk the Historic Gardens with its centuries-old vegetable varieties. Every vegetable here is an heirloom variety, which means it's been around at least since the 1940s.

If you choose to visit earlier in the summer, stop at the Grand Portage Marina and take a boat out on the lake. Hike one of the easy nature trails such as Mount Rose Loop and Trail. Visit in late September and take in the glory of the changing foliage and brilliant crimson and golden leaves. For more strenuous hiking, head to the nearby Superior National Forest. It offers plenty of stunning hiking trails that wind over streams, beside rivers, and around small lakes and ponds.