Thing to Do

Hike Gichi Onigaming (Grand Portage)

Grand Portage National Monument

A river with shallow rapids, passing through a forest.
The Grand Portage bypasses the rapids and waterfalls on the Pigeon River as it leaves Lake Superior

NPS photo / B. Clayton

Grand Portage National Monument

Topographical map of the Grand Portage trail.
Click on the map for a printable version.

NPS graphic

This map shows the topography of the Grand Portage. Explore points along the trail illustrated by clicking on the photos below.

Points Along the Footpath

Showing results 1-6 of 6

    • Locations: Grand Portage National Monument
    A wooden sign with a picture and text about the Grand Portage Trail

    Today's 8.5 mile (13.7km) portage trail corridor can be thought of in two parts: the eastern "half" that passes through gaps and valleys to avoid the high rocky ridges and the western "half" that passes over elevated terrain to avoid steep slopes and swamps. The parking area at Old Highway 61 approximately divides the halves so hikers can choose the "exploration into history" of their choice.

  • Grand Portage National Monument

    Midway Parking for the Grand Portage

    • Locations: Grand Portage National Monument
    A forested area, partially cleared for parking.

    Midway parking for the Grand Portage. This 8.5-mile portage became a vital link in the 18th century water trade route from Montreal and the Great Lakes to the northwestern wilderness. First traveled by Indians, the Grand Portage bypassed a series of falls and rapids extending along the last 21 miles of the Pigeon River.

  • Grand Portage National Monument

    Meadow on the Grand Portage

    • Locations: Grand Portage National Monument
    Wetland grasses in front of dense forest.

    During the 18th century fur trade, this was a grassy wetland. Today it is known as The Meadow. Many walked the trail in knee-deep mud, with only moccasins to protect their feet. Beaver activity in the area creates ponds and wet conditions, necessitating a boardwalk for contemporary portagers.

  • Grand Portage National Monument

    Grand Portage Highest Point

    • Locations: Grand Portage National Monument
    A wooden sign set off the trail in front of the forest that reads: Portage High Point. El. 1340 Feet

    At 1,340 feet (408.4 m), this sign marks the highest elevation on the portage trail, 7 miles (11.27 km) from Lake Superior.

  • Grand Portage National Monument

    Giizhikag (The Cedars)

    • Locations: Grand Portage National Monument
    A trail enters a grove of old growth cedars.

    Old-growth white cedar trees persist despite fire, drought, and logging along this section of trail. Known simply at giizhikag (The Cedars), the oldest of this group of trees were saplings when North West Company men and others trudged this portage in the late 1700s.

  • Grand Portage National Monument

    Pigeon River at Fort Charlotte

    • Locations: Grand Portage National Monument
    A calm river with rocks, flowing through dense forest.

    Picture in this location Fort Charlotte – once a North West Depot for North canoes laden with furs and now a backcountry campground. The fort no longer exists. In its place are two tent platforms. Many paddlers recreate the historic journey from what are now Voyageurs National Park or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, stopping overnight at Fort Charlotte, then portaging to Lake Superior.

Along the Grand Portage
Photo Gallery

Along the Grand Portage

5 Images

The Fountain Pose, a tree blaze, a two track, and signs are all evidence of human passage along the trail yesterday and today.

Grand Portage Meadow Wetland
Photo Gallery

Grand Portage Meadow Wetland

4 Images

The Grand Portage passes through a wetland by way of a boardwalk. Nearby beaver activity creates ponds and lodges seen from the trail.

Last updated: June 20, 2024