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Lake Superior from Historic Naniboujou Lodge: Fur Trade History, Culture, Walks

Program Number: 8429RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/12/2013 - 5/17/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota
Price starting at: $649.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture; Regional Studies
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Fat; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

Known to the Ojibwe as “Big Water,” Lake Superior is the largest lake by surface area in the world, and its history and stories of those who have traveled its waters are just as vast. Sample the region’s colorful history by learning about the fur trade, Native Americans, lighthouse keepers, musicians, rangers and artists. Gain appreciation for the region’s plant and animal life through lectures and walks.




Highlights

• Discover the vastness of the Great Lakes fur trade, learning the roles of the voyageurs and other players in this significant enterprise.
• Strengthen your mind and body with educational walking forays and T’ai Chi lessons to release tension and sooth muscles.
• Take a field trip to witness Minnesota’s tallest waterfall in Grand Portage State Park.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to three miles over packed earth or rocky terrain; long staircase on one optional hike; no elevators.



Coordinated by Vermilion Community College.




Grand Marais

A tiny harbor on the north shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais is surrounded by lush forest and the Sawtooth Mountain range. For outdoor enthusiasts, the village offers easy access to hiking and biking trails. The active artist colony in the village provides year-round workshops and performances.



Accommodations
Beautiful Naniboujou Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Superb dining in the Great Hall, decorated with Cree Indian designs and featuring a massive stone fireplace.
Meals and Lodgings
   Naniboujou Lodge
  Grand Marais, MN 5 nights
 Naniboujou Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: The colorful and historic Naniboujou Lodge is located on the rugged shores of Lake Superior, near Grand Marais, Minnesota. The inviting solarium is where classes are held, and it is a comfortable place to enjoy a book or each other’s company in the evenings. The brilliantly decorated Great Hall of Naniboujou features designs of the Cree Native Americans. The Great Hall is where delicious single entree meals are served buffet-style. Table lighting by oil lamp contributes to the historic ambiance. On the National Register of Historic Places, Naniboujou Lodge is a grand and unique North Shore retreat, offering the perfect spot for learning while enjoying a calm sense of being away from it all.
  Contact info: 20 Naniboujou Trail
Grand Marais, MN 55604 USA
phone: 218-387-2688
web: www.naniboujou.com
  Facility amenities: Your accommodations at this historic resort are basic. The rooms are beautifully appointed, but not spacious and storage space for clothing is limited. Each room has a private bath, shared by two participants, or just one person signing up for single occupancy. During your stay, there is no maid service, and you need to bring your own soap and toiletries. The rooms do not have telephones or televisions, however there is a public phone in the lobby for calling card calls.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Price is variable. Please contact the lodge directly at 218-387-2688 for rate and availability information.
  Check in time: 3:30 PM
  Additional nights after: Price is variable. Please contact the lodge directly at 218-387-2688 for rate and availability information.
  Check out time: 1:30 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:30 PM at lodge 15 miles outside of Grand Marais, MN. You will be staying at Naniboujou Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
1:00 PM at lodge 15 miles outside of Grand Marais, MN. You will be staying at Naniboujou Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Participants must complete a health form and sign an informed consent to participate.
  Parking availability:
There is free parking at the lodge.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Grand Marais, MN
  Nearest city or town:  Grand Marais, Minnesota.
  Nearest highway: Highway 61.
  Nearest airport:  Duluth International Airport (DLH), Duluth, MN.
  From End of Program
  Location: Grand Marais, MN
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

 

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 
Driving Directions
  From the South (Duluth) To reach Naniboujou Lodge you will travel along the north shore of Lake Superior on Highway 61. Unless arriving by way of Canada or Ely, you will probably go through Duluth. (Duluth is the closest airport.) Plan on about 3-hours driving time from Duluth, and more if you make stops or take the "Scenic Northshore Drive" just outside of Duluth. The lodge is on the lake side of Highway 61 about 15 miles northeast of the town of Grand Marais. The driveway is across from Judge C. Magney State Park after you cross the Brule River, and it is well marked.
  Supplemental Information There are numerous wayside rests and state parks to stop at along the shore. Many rivers come cascading into the lake and make for a pretty drive. Whether you view the rivers from the wayside parking areas or take a short hike along their banks, it is well worth allowing some extra travel time to enjoy the area.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival/Orientation
(Sunday, May 12)
   
 Afternoon: Plan to arrive between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
 Dinner: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Evening: Welcome and orientation with introductions is held in the solarium.
   
Accommodations: Naniboujou Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lake Superior Geology/Cook County History and Lighthouses/Immigration to the Region
(Monday, May 13)
   
 Breakfast: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Morning: After an introduction to exercise, take a leisurely walk outdoors. Learn about Lake Superior geology and physical characteristics.
 Lunch: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Afternoon: Enjoy an overview of Cook County and a historical perspective with a presenter from the local historical society. Hear about some of the women who kept lighthouses of the Great Lakes.
 Dinner: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Evening: Gain understanding of the work boats of the north and the knowledge brought by this region's immigrants.
   
Accommodations: Naniboujou Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: The Northwest Company/Interpretive Walk/Living in the Wilderness
(Tuesday, May 14)
   
 Breakfast: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Morning: Learn about the Northwest Company with an overview of the North Amerian fur trade. Learn about the area's plants and wildflowers.
 Lunch: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Afternoon: Enjoy an interpretive walk in Judge C. Magney State Park.
 Dinner: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Evening: Hear first-hand about the life of a wilderness ranger and see spectacular images of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
   
Accommodations: Naniboujou Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Field Trip to Grand Portage State Park/Visit from Local Artist
(Wednesday, May 15)
   
 Breakfast: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Morning: Visit Grand Portage State Park. Take an interpretive nature walk to see the High Falls, Minnesota's highest waterfall.
 Lunch: Enjoy a sack lunch in the park.
 Afternoon: Continue the field trip by visiting Grand Portage National Monument and Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center.
 Dinner: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Evening: From a local artist, learn about the production of a children's book and linoleum block cut artistry.
   
Accommodations: Naniboujou Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Native Americans and Europeans/Free Time/Music Performance
(Thursday, May 16)
   
 Breakfast: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Morning: Learn more stretching and exercise. Take another walk. Explore the art of birch bark canoe building and learn about the shared technologies between early European immigrants and Native Americans.
 Lunch: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon on your own.
 Dinner: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Evening: Enjoy a performance by the local folk music group "Over the Waterfall" and learn a dance or two.
   
Accommodations: Naniboujou Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Interpretive Nature Walk/Closing/Departure
(Friday, May 17)
   
 Breakfast: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Morning: Enjoy an interpretive nature walk to the Devil's Kettle. Participate in the closing ceremonies.
 Lunch: Eat in the Great Hall.
 Afternoon: Plan to check-out from the lodge by 1:30 PM.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
 
  Grand Marais, MN Grand Maris and the North Shore
Visit the Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce web site to learn about the unique aspects of this region. For additional information, visit www.grandmaraismn.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Canoe Country Flora: Plants and Trees of the North Woods and Boundary Waters


Author: Mark Stensaas


Description: This enjoyable book highlights the important plants found in this region.



Canoe Country Wildlife: A Field Guide to the Boundary Waters and Quetico


Author: Mark Stensaas


Description: This enjoyable book highlights the important animals found in this region.





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