New kiosks highlight Grand Marais history along Highway 61

Those traveling along Highway 61 through downtown Grand Marais may have noticed three new kiosks installed at key locations throughout the community. The kiosks are designed to highlight the history of the people and industries that helped shape Grand Marais.

The kiosks are located on the library lawn along Highway 61, in the courtyard west of Java Moose on the Grand Marais harbor and overlooking the harbor from the eastern end of the Grand Marais Recreation Area and Campground.

Each kiosk focuses on a different part of the community’s history, from the Anishinaabe to commercial fishing and logging.

The kiosks were conceived as part of the Highway 61 Beautification Project, an initiative that began several years ago. According to a city news release, numerous community members and organizations contributed to the project.

“The Historical Society played a part in it,” Mayor Tracy Benson told WTIP. “The CEC — Creative Economy Collaborative — worked immensely hard on the design and overall look of the project. The city approved funding for it, but the design and fabrication took a lot of different people and voices in our community to make it happen.”

The city is inviting community members to celebrate the installation of the kiosks on July 23 at 11 a.m.

The event will take place at the kiosk located on the library lawn at 104 Second Ave.

Josh Hinke July 12, 2026