Chik-Wauk Talk
Take a drive up the Gunflint Trail to Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center today. It’s always a fun place to visit and there’s lots to learn. I love reading and listening to stories about the days gone by on the Gunflint Trail.
Ralph Griffis, the last owner of Chik-Wauk Lodge called the other day and told me a story about the man who started Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. Don Enzenauer worked for Ralph and Bea at Chik-Wauk Lodge before branching out on his own. He was a fishing guide at Chik-Wauk and he didn’t think the guides were getting paid enough so he tried to start a fishing guide union. The guides were getting paid around $15 a day and Don thought it should be lots more. He did manage to get the guide fee up to $17 a day. I wonder what Don would think about the price of a fishing guide on Saganaga today? I think the last time we hired a guide for someone it cost over $300 and that didn’t include a lunch.
Anyway, there are lots of exhibits to see, trails to hike and a free presentation at 3pm at Chik-Wauk Museum today. You don’t want to miss it.
Significant Relationships—Sisters Brandee Wenzel, wilderness ranger and plant specialist, Bre Schueller, East Zone Fuels Technician, work together to illustrate how the landscape around you is in a sense the offspring of Forest and Fire. They will discuss the effects of fire and fire suppression on the forest over the past 100 years, and explain how some plant species use disturbances such as fire to advantage. Also, learn about current fire management strategies in the wilderness that you may see in operation this year.
Be sure to stop in and see us at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters before or after your trip to Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. Mention this blog and receive half-price canoe or kayak rental for the day. We’d love to see you at Voyageur!