Gull Lake Welcome Wannigan 

About

The Nisswa Chamber of Commerce's Welcome Wannigan will be out on Gull Lake for the walleye/northern pike fishing opener on Saturday, May 9th. Since 1959, the Welcome Wannigan has served hot coffee and donuts to anglers on Gull Lake. Peg Benton, wife of then-Nisswa mayor Russ Benton, came up with the idea to take an old Scandinavian coffee and donut tradition and blend it with northwoods history. Wannigan was a term used for supply boats that plied the waters of Minnesota lakes bringing needed goods and food to logging camps. Traditionally, Miss Nisswa is on board the serving pontoon -rain, shine or snow- to welcome the fishermen.