Near L'Anse in Baraga County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Adrift on Ice Floe

— Bishop Baraga Shrine —

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 3, 2024

1. Adrift on Ice Floe Marker

Inscription.
On another occasion, Baraga, with an Indian for a guide, decided to go from LaPointe to Ontonagon. He pondered the possibility of shortening the journey considerably in time and distance. Thus, he and his companion began their walk on the ice at LaPointe by what was to have been a straighter, shorter route than the laborious shore travel. This journey was taken in the spring of the year when the ice was becoming rotten and honeycombed.

It was not until some time after they had started out that they realized that they were adrift on an ice floe, being blown out to sea. The Indian became greatly alarmed, but Baraga assured him they would not perish. “Trust in God, our loving Father and Protector,” were his consoling words. At length, the winds shifted and the ice flow began to move towards land. They came ashore not far from Ontonagon, having traveled over 60 miles that one day. In response to the Indian’s joy Baraga exclaimed, “See, we have traveled a great distance, but we have walked very little.”

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 46° 44.953′ N,

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88° 28.475′ W. Marker is near L'Anse, Michigan, in Baraga County. It can be reached from Lambert Road south of U.S. 41. The shrine is no longer accessible directly from U.S. 41. It is well signed. Turn south on Lambert Road and follow it across the railroad tracks and to the right around the curve to the shrine’s parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17570 US-41, Lanse MI 49946, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

and in Copper Country.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and on Lake Superior’s South Shore Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dog Sled Episode (here, next to this marker); A Happy Journey (here, next to this marker); Brotherhood in a Blizzard (here, next to this marker); L’Anse-Lac Vieux Desert Trail (within

Four Interpretive Signs image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 3, 2024

2. Four Interpretive Signs

This one is the second from the left.

shouting distance of this marker); Storm On Lake Superior (within shouting distance of this marker); The Snowshoe Priest (within shouting distance of this marker); Departure from Metlika (within shouting distance of this marker); Unum Est Necessarium (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in L'Anse.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,115 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.