Historic Cook County 

About

Historic Cook County is comprised of five historic sites - all located in and around Grand Marais, MN. The sites are open various times, please check our website for the most up to date information!
History Museum (open year-round) - Built in 1896 as the original lightkeeper's house. The museum is open year-round and features exhibits on the Civilian Conservation Corps, early inhabitants of Cook County, the military, and Maritime Heritage. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery (open year-round) - our art gallery features local, regional, and national artists in revolving exhibits, as well as a permanent exhibit of original art by early 1900s artist Anna Johnson. Our permanent collection also features many early artists from the region. 
Chippewa City Church (St. Francis Xavier) - Built in 1895, the church is one of the last remnants of Chippewa City and is located one mile east of Grand Marais. Visitors can view the French inspired beautiful hand-hewed, dovetailed timber construction of Ojibwe carpenter Frank Wischop. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bally Blacksmith and Metal Fabrication Shops - Three generations of the Bally family served the community in the 1911 blacksmith shop, doing repair work that chronicled the economic history since the early 1900s. The blacksmith shop is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Replica 1930s Fish House and Fishing Tug Nee-Gee -  Visitors can view artifacts from the commercial fishing days - tools, implements, clothing, and a locally built fishing tug.