History Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Cascade Vacation Rentals

1 01, 2020

Taconite Harbor
Taconite Harbor

Taconite Harbor

Martha Finley2021-08-09T16:41:37+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Schroeder/Tofte|

Taconite Harbor is a safe harbor located near Schroeder, MN. The harbor originally opened in 1957 and was built using two natural islands that were located near the shore. The breakwaters built from these islands were built large enough for massive ore boats to enter and leave the harbor. While in the harbor, the boats were filled with low-grade taconite pellets that came by rail from Hoyt Lakes 75 miles away. The harbor closed in 2001 after the steel industry declined. Now the harbor is used as a public water access site and a safe harbor. On the far side [...]

1 01, 2020

Pilings at Split Rock River
Pilings at Split Rock River

Pilings at Split Rock River

Martha Finley2021-08-09T14:47:24+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Have you ever driven northeast on Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Silver Bay and wondered about the history of the pilings that stick out of the water at the mouth of the Split Rock River? If so, you’re not alone (and you’re also in luck)! The pilings at Split Rock River date back from the late 19th and early 20th century. This was when the Split Rock Lumber Company, a subsidiary of the Merrill and Ring Lumber Company, logged the area. The company logged Norway, red and white pine. The company built a railroad 10 miles long to carry [...]

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 Finley2025-08-13T14:37:18+00:00Activities & Attractions, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, History, Local Businesses|

The Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are rich in history. The history dates back several centuries when the area was a Native American hunting area. Back then, the Gunflint Trail was just a path in the woods. Today, the Gunflint Trail 56-mile is a paved road that is home to many permanent - and many more seasonal - residents. It’s also home to the BWCA, a popular nature and remote destination for visitors from all over the world. Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center strives to gather this rich history into a living museum and nature [...]

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 Finley2025-04-09T09:14:12+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 over 12,000 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. [...]

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 [...]