Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The NEEGEE

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 22, 2024

1. The NEEGEE Marker

Inscription.
Or “Friend” in Ojibwe, was built at Grand Marais in 1936 by the Scott Family. While other fishing tugs fished from this harbor, only the Neegee was built here.

A typical Lake Superior fishing tug, the Neegee was intended to fish off shore. In the spring trout were fished off the western banks some four hours out on the lake. During the summer she fished the eastern banks for siscowet, used commercially for their oil.

Fishing declined in the late 1950’s and the Neegee was sold to become a “smelter” out of the Duluth harbor. Sivertson Fisheries donated Neegee to the Cook County Historical Society.

The Cook County Historical Society and its many friends who offered support have developed this exhibit. It was made possible in part by a grant through the Coastal Zone Management Act, by NCAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, in conjunction with Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 47° 44.868′ N, 90° 20.55′ W. Marker is in Grand Marais, Minnesota, in Cook County. It can be reached from South 8th Avenue West 0.2 miles south of Voyageur Highway (State Highway 61), on the

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left when traveling south. The marker is mounted on the front/west side of the Fish House Replica located on the beach at the Grand Marais Campground & Marina. It is about 10 meters from the restored NeeGee, and facing it. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 114 South 8th Avenue West, Grand Marais MN 55604, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,

in the Arrowhead Region,

in the Iron Range,

and in the North Shore.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Great North Woods,

on Lake Superior’s North Shore,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fish House Replica (here, next to this marker); The Fishing Tug NeeGee (a few steps from this marker); Smokehouse (a few steps from this marker); George Morrison (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Geology of Minnesota (approx. ¼ mile away); The Grand Marais Harbor (approx. ¼ mile away); Pulpwood Rafting (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Grand Marais Harbor (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Marais.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Fishing Tug NeeGee

Also see . . . The Neegee.

Excerpt: The Neegee, a fishing tug, was built in Grand Marais in 1936. She was built to serve as the harbor workhorse and served in both fishing and logging activities until the 1960’s when she was sold. The Neegee was donated to the Cook County Historical Society and was in need of restoration.
To restore
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 22, 2024

2. The NEEGEE Marker
The marker is mounted at eye-level on the right side of the Fish House Replica entrance. This photo is taken from in front of the restored Neegee — about 10 meters from the marker and facing it.
and stabilize the Neegee, several broken ribs were replaced, and pressure was applied to return the starboard side of her hull into conformance. The forward section of the cabin ceiling was reinforced and forced into proper alignment. Floor joists were installed and the flooring replaced, and the hatch doors were built off site and installed. The interior of the boat was cleaned, caulked, and painted. The Neegee is now available for display, and her presence tells the story of the early Grand Marais commercial harbor and its people. The Neegee now sits under a protective shelter and is open to the public.

(Submitted on March 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

The Neegee (<i>stern</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 22, 2024

3. The Neegee (stern)

The marker can be seen on the Fish House Replica - in the right background.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 22, 2024

4. The Neegee

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.