All field trip fees for Saturday and Monday include lunch.

Day-Long Field Trips: Saturday, Sept. 8

Interpretation of Historic Lighthouses, Parks and Other Sites Along the North Shore Scenic Drive: Join us for a trip along the North Shore Scenic Drive All-American Road. We will visit Two Harbors, a community rich in history – lighthouses, fishing, mining, shipping, logging, and trains. We will tour Lighthouse Point, the Harbor Museum & the historic Railroad Depot. The tour will visit Gooseberry Falls State Park and include a visit to the famous Split Rock Lighthouse. This site managed by the Minnesota Historical Society and the lighthouse and buildings were restored to its 1920s appearance. Interpreters take you back in time, to life as a lighthouse keeper while also learning about partnerships at the local, state and federal level that have been developed to interpret and preserve the historic, cultural, and scenic resources along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior. Cost: $50.

The Superior Hiking Trail from Fond du Lac to Magney-Snively Park: The moderate 7-mile hike on this section of the Superior Hiking Trail starts on the old Mission Creek Parkway but soon ascends a hill and travels through white pine and maple-oak forests. After crossing a long bridge on Sargent Creek, the trail goes for half-a-mile on the paved Munger Trail before ascending a long climb to Ely’s Peak and great views. It then travels through maple-oak forests to Bardon’s Park and the Magney-Snively old growth forest. Cost: $25.

Integrating a Scenic Trail into the History of a Community: On this 5.7-mile hike on the Superior Hiking Trail the trail weaves in and out of the historic Skyline Parkway, now a Minnesota Scenic Byway. The hike begins by crossing an abandoned historic bridge then continuing upstream along Keene Creek past an old pump house and old rock walls. The trail continues through Brewer Forest and along Brewer Ridge for 1.4 miles, with an overview of the historic Duluth Harbor. After crossing Haines Road, the trail climbs again to three overlooks of the City of Duluth. The trail crosses Skyline Parkway again and crosses several branches of Miller Creek. Cost: $25.

Integrating Trails with Community Resources: Grand Rapids, Minn.: This trip will look at community resources that can be incorporated with the North Country National Scenic trail in the Grand Rapids, Minn., area. A visit to the Forest History Center includes a new $1.4 million display that depicts the importance of the northern Minnesota forests to the area’s economy and way of life. The center includes a 150-acre 1900-era living-history logging camp and River Wanigan (log drive boat) on the Mississippi River. There is also a multimedia theater show about forest fires and many other interactive exhibits at the center. A self-guided forest trail tells the story of life in the northern forests of Minnesota from ancient times to today. The tour will include a drive of the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway and will stop to discuss the historic sites, wayside exhibits, and trails located just off the Byway that are resources for building a National Scenic Trail. Cost: $50.

Skyline Parkway Historic Bus Tour: After a lunch stop, this 3-hour tour will travel the historic and scenic 25-mile Skyline Parkway on the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior – first built in the 1880s for stagecoach tours which connects over twenty city parks. There will be several stops along the tour where participants can get out to view historic sites. Cost: $30.

Connecting Nature-Based Tourism to Byways and Trails: Join us as we explore how nature-based tourism opportunities can forge beneficial partnerships at the local, state and federal level, connect the traveler to byways and trails, and highlight resources of regional and national significance. This trip is limited to 30 participants. Cost: $25.

Hiking in History in the Brule River State Forest: This 2.2-mile hike will follow the Historic Portage between the headwaters of the Bois Brule River (Lake Superior Watershed) and the St. Croix River (Mississippi River Watershed) on the North Country National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin. The portage has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans, early European explorers, fur traders and settlers. Along the portage, eight stones commemorate people who have followed it including Pierre DulHut and Henry Schoolcraft. Tour members will also have an opportunity to refresh themselves at an artesian well and take a half-mile walk along a newly constructed boardwalk crossing the Brule Bog State Natural Area. Be sure to register early for this trip, the group size is limited to 20 people. Cost: $30.

North Shore Scenic Railroad Trip: Sign up for an exciting ride along the 26-mile section of historic rail between Duluth and Two Harbors. Recognized as a valuable opportunity to interpret history in a dynamic way, this rail corridor once served a vital link in the transportation system for over 100 years when it connected the isolated Duluth and Iron Range Railway with America’s expanding rail network. Enjoy this unique way to showcase transportation history. Cost: $30.

Keeping Maritime History Alive Through Tourism: This trip will explore historic Canal Park and the centerpiece of Duluth anchoring its fabulous lake front with a visit to the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center and Museum, tour the S.S. William A. Irvin ore ship, and Coast Guard Cutter, Sundew. We will learn about the shipping industry and the history of shipping on Lake Superior and about partnerships at the local, state and federal level that connect the visitor to the North Shore Scenic Drive All-American Road and the Superior Hiking Trail. Discuss how this area serves as the gateway to other outdoor recreation areas, trails and other attractions along the North Shore. Cost: $20.

Hike from Spirit Mountain to Magney-Snively Park: This 3.2-mile hike on the Superior Hiking trail follows scenic Knowlton Creek downstream for almost a mile. It then crosses the base of the ski hill and climbs slowly through maple-aspen forests with several nice overlooks of St. Louis Bay. Cost: $20.