History Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Cascade Vacation Rentals

1 01, 2020

Susie Islands
Susie Islands

Susie Islands

Martha Finley2021-08-09T14:59:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Hovland/Grand Portage|

The Susie Islands are a group of 13 islands off the North Shore of Lake Superior near Grand Portage. The three major islands: Susie, Francis, and Lucille were all named after a member of the Falconer family who once lived in Susie and mined its copper ore in the early 1900’s. Though copper ore is no longer mined from the islands, they still have much to give: an environment for growing rare flora and a breathtaking view from the roadside overlook along Highway 61. The islands are all home to unique and unusual flora due to their location. Because the islands are offshore, [...]

1 01, 2020

Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center
Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center

Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center

Martha Finley2023-05-23T14:41:17+00:00Activities & Attractions, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, History, Local Businesses|

The Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are rich in history. Dating back several centuries ago when the area was a Native American hunting area. Back when the Gunflint Trail was just a path. Now, the Gunflint Trail is a paved road that is home to many permanent residents. It's also home to the BWCA, a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. The Chik-Wauk Museum strives to gather this rich history into a living museum and nature center. Helping visitors understand what life was and is like on the Gunflint Trail. About [...]

1 01, 2020

Water Tower at Gooseberry Falls
Water Tower at Gooseberry Falls

Water Tower at Gooseberry Falls

Martha Finley2021-02-25T22:35:11+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Just 13 miles north of Two Harbors stands one of the most unique and well-crafted pieces of work on the North Shore. Without knowing its history, the water tower at Gooseberry Falls appears out of place and somewhat mysterious. Built from red and blue granite, it looks so unique, some even say it's from a fairy tale. The water tower at Gooseberry Falls State Park itself stands around 25 feet tall with a 17-foot diameter. Housing a 10,000-gallon tank that is no longer in use, it served as a water source many years ago because there was no well nearby. [...]

1 01, 2020

Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks
Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks

Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks

Martha Finley2021-10-05T19:47:01+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Have you seen the strange man-made structures that tower over Agate Bay in Two Harbors and wondered what they were? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The structures are the Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks located inside the bay. They offer protection via the two breakwaters located between the bay and Lake Superior. The breakwaters total about 2,500 feet and help stop prevailing waves from the south. Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks are made out of steel and is over 1300 feet long and seven stories tall. The immense size of the docks allows ships to pull alongside [...]

1 01, 2020

John Beargrease Indian Cemetery
John Beargrease Indian Cemetery

John Beargrease Indian Cemetery

Martha Finley2021-09-28T15:33:37+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, History|

. Tucked in a grove of trees near the edge of Beaver Bay, Minnesota, is an Old Chippewa Indian Cemetery where 22 people are buried. They were buried beginning in the year 1865 and one of them is the legendary John Beargrease Most don’t know the legend of John Beargrease and all he did for his surrounding community. He grew up a hunter, fisher, and trapper in Beaver Bay, Minnesota. It was not easy, but their family made it work and soon became well known for their mail service. Back then the train only made it as far as Agate [...]

1 01, 2020

Father Baraga’s Cross
Father Baraga’s Cross

Father Baraga’s Cross

Martha Finley2021-08-04T18:49:32+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Schroeder/Tofte|

Along Highway 61 in Schroeder is a green highway sign reading “Father Baraga's Cross”. It’s a sign that points to a place few people stop to explore. Down Baraga Cross Road, visitors will find a beautiful slice of shoreline marked with a granite cross reading “Father Baraga 1846”. Father Baraga was a Catholic priest originally from Europe. After hearing there was a need for clergy in the Great Lakes Region, he moved to La Pointe, Michigan with an interest in Ojibwe culture. He was loved by many Ojibwe, Metis and French Canadians there. He stood with many Native groups while they [...]

1 01, 2020

Dire Wolf
Dire Wolf

Dire Wolf

Martha Finley2021-10-05T17:25:50+00:00Activities & Attractions, Animals, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The Dire Wolf, also known as the fearsome dog, is an extinct species and is perhaps one of the most famous prehistoric carnivores in North America. Its long, sharp fangs and huge body that is considerably larger than a gray wolf. This makes it a unique animal. One that you would not want to mess with! The dire wolf is believed to be extinct for almost 10,000 years. However, a trucker driving on Highway 61 hit and killed a large-bodied wolf years ago. He couldn't help but make a call to the DNR to have them check it out. When [...]

1 01, 2020

Pierre the Voyageur
Pierre the Voyageur

Pierre the Voyageur

Martha Finley2021-08-04T18:23:22+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Pierre the Voyageur, who is he and what makes him so interesting? Well, imagine driving down the highway and seeing a 20 foot tall, mesh and fiberglass cartoon-like statue glaring down at you. As one of the Smithsonian's historic landmarks, this statue is very special to the people of Two Harbors and is a wonderful addition to their city. Some say he looks like Paul Bunyan (located in Bemidji alongside Babe), but what make him unique are his slits for eyes, a slight grin, and no pants? Pierre the Voyageur first stood in front of the Voyageur Motel in Two Harbors. Long ago, it was said that Pierre's eyes glowed a scary red and a motel employee sat in a hidden booth could make his head pivot from side to side and even make him speak. The [...]

1 01, 2020

Madeira Shipwreck
Madeira Shipwreck

Madeira Shipwreck

Martha Finley2021-08-04T20:22:12+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

On November 28, 1905, the Madeira was making one of its routine trips on Lake Superior, the undertow of the steamer William Edenborn. The Madeira found itself in the middle of a violent storm. Winds were blowing around 70 to 80 miles per hour with swells significantly larger than ships of the time could handle. The captain of the steamer that was towing the Madeira quickly realized he could not fight it. Resulting in them cutting the Madeira loose. Shortly after the Madeira had been cut loose, it crashed into the cliff named Gold Rock (pictured above). One of the crewmen [...]

1 01, 2020

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Martha Finley2021-03-01T17:48:03+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, State Parks, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is another popular North Shore state park. Home to the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, the state park offers visitors a unique and historic experience. Although the lighthouse and state park are operated separately, most visitors take the time to enjoy both. However, there are many things to do at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, besides visiting the lighthouse! Our Favorite Things to Do at Split Rock State Park 1. Visit the Pebble Beach: Pack a bag with a light lunch or just head down to the beach to skip some rocks. The beach provides excellent views [...]