Beaver Bay, Minnesota

This is Beaver Bay Falls from the Beaver River

for more North Shore water falls click on the picture above

The Ojibwa name of this bay is noted by Gilfillan and Chrysostom Verwyst alike, "Ga-gijikensikag, the place of little cedars."

The history of Beaver Bay and Silver Bay (Bay Area) are tied together although their beginnings occurred 100 years apart. The signing of the LaPointe treaty of 1854, opened the Sault Locks in 1855 and the arrival of the Steamer Illinois in 1856. Beaver Bay became the first established community on the Minnesota shore of Lake Superior. Beaver Bay survived the "financial panic" sweeping the country that caused other north shore communities to become abandoned in 1857. Among the mainly German - Swiss residents were the five Wieland brothers who stayed and became pillars of support for the community. Through the enterprising of the Wielands, a tannery, sawmill and grist mill were built providing a living for residents for 30 years.

Beaver Bay's most recognized resident was John Beargrease, mail carrier who delivered mail for 20 years along the shore. During the 1860's and 70's, the interest in mineral exploration in northeast Minnesota prompted a group of Michigan businessmen to send Peter Mitchell to Beaver Bay where he was guided to the Babbitt area by Christian Wieland to search for gold, copper and silver. The exploration led to the discovery of iron ore. This discovery would eventually lead to the establishment of Silver Bay.
By the mid 1880's, the last of the Wielands had moved from Beaver Bay and the county seat had been moved to Two Harbors. For the next 40 years, the Bay Area would remain a quiet community of small farmers, commercial fishermen, trappers and loggers.

The natural resources and features that brought pioneers to the Beaver Bay area 150 years ago are still here. Logging, fishing, mining and tourism are still very important. The large-scale logging operations of Alger-Smith have been replaced by small independent loggers.

To get to Beaver Bay, Minnesota drive North on I-35. Once on I-35 stay on that interstate through the out skirts of the city limits of Duluth. Interstate 35 will end at the junction of London Rd.  I-35 and turns into Hwy 61.  Follow the road signs to Hwy 61 north. From Duluth, Beaver Bay is approximately 52 miles. You have now arrived at Beaver Bay, Minnesota.

There is no state park in this town but don't let that disappoint you. There are plenty of resorts along Highway 61 you can stop to put up camp. On the north end of town you will find Beaver River. As you travel north on Hwy 61 there is a parking area right next to the bridge on the left hand side of the road. It's not paved but you can clearly see that many before you have used this area. There is a picnic table in the summer. Nice place for a picnic. There is no out house or BIFF there, but the gas station is very close. Once in the parking lot go to the north towards the river and surprise you will find the mighty ever flowing Beaver River.

If you enjoy waterfalls then this is one of the places to stop and hike a bit. Hiking to the east will bring you to see Beaver Falls along with many cascading falls. The farther back you go the more water falls appear. As you go away from Hwy 61, and past the main Beaver Falls you come across Avon Falls. That's a nice addition to some already pretty scenery.

The fun doesn't stop in the winter in Beaver Bay Minnesota. Oh no. Once the boats and water toys are put away its a nice area for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. People come from miles around to use the trails in Beaver Bay. If you like winter fun in a cold snowy climate you need to pay this town a visit.

In Beaver Bay you will find restaurants, bars, motels, hotels, gas stations, and tour boat information.

You will also find small town friendliness

Information on the Red Fox of Minnesota

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