BWCA Gunflint Trail Sign? Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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09/05/2018 12:38PM  
Got back about a month ago from our last trip, we missed tripping in 2017, our last trip prior was in 2016.

In 2016 I swear we turned north onto the Gunflint Trail right off of Rt. 61, and a block or two up the road was a wooden "Gunflint Trail" sign, about 3 feet off the road, that we stopped and took our pictures in front of.

This year in July, we took the same route. Couldn't find the sign. Has it been taken down? Did I take the wrong road? Was I hallucinating? Is it still there and I missed it?

Thanks...

 
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09/05/2018 01:11PM  
i believe the sign was moved to the north or east end of town, the "realigned" gunflint trail. just past IGA grocery store there is the new left turn. the sign was originally by the Library.
 
Jackfish
Moderator
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09/05/2018 02:37PM  
Hmmm... it was there in early April.
 
09/05/2018 07:59PM  
It is right across from the DQ. We were just there about two weeks ago and my granddaughter took this photo.







When you turn at the other place and go up the hill, what you see is the water tower.

 
09/05/2018 08:21PM  
well i wonder what is out by the other way up the Trail? geez, i haven't been gone that long. now i'll have to phone a friend to get the info. thanks spartan2
 
09/06/2018 06:37AM  
Spartan 2, thanks, I've seen that sign with the canoe, but it's not the one I was thinking of.

I'm thinking of a square or rectangular sign, maybe 5-6 feel tall, that just says something like "Welcome to the Gunflint Trail" or "Start of the Gunflint Trail". Sorry, don't remember the exact wording.
 
09/06/2018 06:42AM  
Googled it up, this is the one I was thinking of:



Anybody know if it's still there, or did I just miss it?
 
09/06/2018 07:31AM  
Hmmm. I've been going to the Gunflint every year for the past 10 or so, and I don't even remember that sign. Not to say I didn't see it. . .?

Surely didn't see it this year, though. Interesting. I'll have to ask Spartan1. His memory is better.
 
inspector13
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09/06/2018 07:36AM  
Mocha: "well i wonder what is out by the other way up the Trail? geez, i haven't been gone that long. now i'll have to phone a friend to get the info. thanks spartan2"

There is one of those rock cairns at the intersection of 61 and the Gunflint Trail. The same type that began showing up over 6 years ago all along the North Shore starting from Brighton Beach in Duluth.

 
inspector13
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09/06/2018 07:47AM  
johndku: "Googled it up, this is the one I was thinking of:


Anybody know if it's still there, or did I just miss it?"




Google Maps street views shows that sign just up the street from the Grand Marais cairn in both 2009 and 2012. I’ll know if it is still there next Wednesday.

 
09/06/2018 08:45AM  
inspector13: "
johndku: "Googled it up, this is the one I was thinking of:


Anybody know if it's still there, or did I just miss it?"





Google Maps street views shows that sign just up the street from the Grand Marais cairn in both 2009 and 2012. I’ll know if it is still there next Wednesday.


"


I've got a picture of it from 2016, so I know it was there then.
 
inspector13
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09/06/2018 09:12AM  

I’m thinking the view of that sign is partially blocked and you must not be able to see it until your practically on top of it. I’ve been to Grand Marais for the last several years, but like Spartan2, don’t remember seeing that one at all.

 
Bearskin Lodge
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09/06/2018 10:01AM  

You're not crazy, the sign came down this summer.

The sign was getting to be in rough shape, and hard to see. The GTA decided to take it down, since there is now the scenic byways sign on the corner and the old sign was going to need serious work.

Quinn
 
09/06/2018 10:35AM  
Thanks Quinn. Somebody must have a nice souvenir.

(though my wife might disagree with you on the "I'm not crazy" part)
 
05/21/2025 09:47PM  
That sign is retired; taken down intentionally with care, and given to the fine people at Trail Center, who have it displayed near the lodge. It was being ignored, not maintained, and the paint was fading. I was hoping someone would step up and restore it, but this is a good result as well.

Carl at Rockwood Lodge
 
05/21/2025 10:25PM  
The Grand Marais sign is currently undergoing renovations to enhance its appearance and structural integrity.

Renovation Details:

The project aims to restore the sign's original charm while updating its materials.
Local artists and craftsmen are involved in the renovation process.
The work includes repainting, repairing any damaged sections, and improving lighting.
Timeline:

The renovations are expected to be completed by the end of the current season, although specific dates may vary.
 
05/21/2025 10:26PM  
So, there are several signs in this thread. The vertical square wood sign is what I believe what was initially intended as the subject; was located by Steve's Sports where the new gunflint trail bypass goes around the top end of Grand Marais and hits Hwy 61 near Subway. It has been relocated to Trail Center on the GFT.

The voyageur carrying a canoe and the bear riding the motor boat are located near the Library, across from the Dairy Queen. Both have been maintained in the last few years and are looking sharp. The stone bases now need attention, as the concrete caps are degraded and erosion is winning.

First sign by John DKU from google search, the sign that is now at Trail Center:



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Second sign Spartan 2 image of GFT sign with canoe:


 
brp
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05/22/2025 08:14AM  


You can see the determination of the concrete and stone in this photo. June of 2024.
 
05/22/2025 09:19AM  
Rockwood: "So, there are several signs in this thread. The vertical square wood sign is what I believe what was initially intended as the subject; was located by Steve's Sports where the new gunflint trail bypass goes around the top end of Grand Marais and hits Hwy 61 near Subway. It has been relocated to Trail Center on the GFT.


The voyageur carrying a canoe and the bear riding the motor boat are located near the Library, across from the Dairy Queen. Both have been maintained in the last few years and are looking sharp. The stone bases now need attention, as the concrete caps are degraded and erosion is winning.


First sign by John DKU from google search, the sign that is now at Trail Center:




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Second sign Spartan 2 image of GFT sign with canoe:

THANKS

"
 
05/22/2025 09:22PM  
They have moved the sign a few times to reflect road changes. It used to simply be a street heading north from downtown.
 
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