Birding
Trail
Warroad is the northern most point on the Pine-to-Prairie
Birding Trail, which travels through pine forest, deciduous
woodlands, native tallgrass prairie, aspen parkland, sand dunes,
and bogs until it reaches the southern end in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
Casino
Seven Clans Casino
www.sevenclanscasino.com
1012 E. Lake St.
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-3381
800-815-8293
Seven Clans Casino-Warroad located on the banks of Lake of the Woods is owned and operated by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. The 13,608 square foot casino features over 500 slots, 4 blackjack tables and 2 poker tables. The casino is open 24 hours a day and offers Play & Stay packages with the Super 8 motel located in Warroad.
Historical Sites
Canadian National Depot
121 Main Av NE
Warroad, MN 56763
In
April 1980 Governor Quie signed a bill making the Canadian National
Station a state historical site. In December 1981, Marvin families
donated $25,000 to purchase the building in memory of George and
Almina Marvin. Restoration began November 1983. The depot was
dedicated and opened to the public on July 4, 1985. The oak doors,
window casings, and woodwork are restored from the original building,
as is the counter at the office window. The public washroom doors
are from the original building. The depot now serves as the Warroad
City Office center. The depot is also on the National Register
of Historical Places.
Harbor Park
River Street NE
Harbor
Park was dedicated to the community of Warroad on July 4, 2004
in memory of George G. Marvin, founder of Marvin Lumber and Cedar
Co. In years past Harbor Park was the site of the Warroad water
tower. The waterfront side of Harbor Park was docking home to
many boats carrying local cargo, mail and passengers to the Northwest
Angle and Kenora, Ontario, Canada. The Harbor Park area was, and
remains today, an ideal spot for boat and bird watching, fishing
and relaxing near the water.
Historical Markers
Fort St. Charles –
Marker location: Warroad Point Park, at the end of Lake St. NE
Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, Sieur de la Verendrye, established Fort St. Charles on Lake of the Woods in 1732. A daring soldier, fur trader and explorer, la Verendrye had the ambitious dream of finding the fabled “western sea” and sought to establish French outposts along the way. On Magnusson’s Island (then connected with the mainland) he built a palisaded fort which he named in honor of Charles de Beauharnois, governor of New France. Fort St. Charles became the western capital of the French empire in the northwest. From it expeditions were launched and supplies dispatched to newer posts around Lake Winnipeg. Indians brought furs to trade for white men’s goods and these pelts were sent by canoe to Montreal. The scarcity of food and Indian warfare made life precarious. In 1736 la Verendrye’s oldest son John Baptiste, 19 voyageurs, and Father Aulneau, a Jesuit priest, were sent on an expedition to the east for supplies. They were massacred by a Sioux war party on a nearby island.
Abandoned after 1760, the fort was rediscovered and marked by a group of Jesuit fathers in 1908. The site was acquired and the buildings reconstructed by the Minnesota 4th Degree Nights of Columbus some 40 years later.
Warroad – Marker location: Lake Street NE, just west of 1st Avenue
The name Warroad bespeaks the Indian heritage of this town, once one of the largest Chippewa villages on Lake of the Woods. The Chippewa fought a long and fierce war against the Sioux for the lake's rice fields. Occupying the prairies of the Red River Valley, the Sioux would frequently invade the territory by way of the Red and Roseau Rivers a route which ended at the mouth of the Warroad River. This was the old “war road” from which the river and village derived their name.
Warroad Fur Post – Marker location: Lake Street and Hwy 11
One miles east of this point just north of the mouth of the Warroad River stood a post of the American Fur Company built around 1820. The French explorer la Verendrye and his party probably visited this region in 1732 en route to build Fort St. Charles in the present Northwest Angle.
Indian Burial Grounds
Located on the Ka-Back-A-Nung Trail at Highland Park in Warroad. Highland Park is on Lake Street North and Jean’s Drive. Marked graves: KakaGeesick, NayMayPock, Little Thunder, Laughing Mary.
Ka-Back-A-Nung Trail
Visit Warroad’s historic past on this walking tour along a 2.5 mile route. Enjoy scenic structures, sites, and historical markers on this educational self-guided tour of our community’s rich history.
Walking tour maps are available at Warroad Heritage Center 218-386-2500 or the Warroad Area Chamber of Commerce 1-800-328-4455.
Norris
Camp
Beltrami Island State Forest
Red Lake WMA
PO Box 100
Roosevelt, MN 56673
218-783-6861
Located within Beltrami Island State Forest, Norris Camp has a rich history that spans over half a century. It has employed and housed over 1000 people and is one of the last Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Resettlement Administration (RA) camps in the nation in operational condition. Norris Camp is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Norris Camp has been headquarters for the Red Lake Wildlife Management Area since 1935. The Red Lake WMA, known earlier as the Red Lake Game Refuge, was established in 1932. Many research projects, habitat improvement projects, and population surveys have been completed there. This headquarters is also an excellent stop for bird watchers along the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. Visit with management officials and pick up a brochure with information on site locations within the Beltrami Island State Forest.
St. Mary's
Church
202 Roberts Av NE
Warroad, MN 56763
St. Mary’s Church is the largest all-weather log church in the world. It was built as a memorial to Father Jean Pierre Aulneau, a French missionary. Serving the northernmost Catholic parish in the continental United States, St. Mary’s Church was designed to fit into the north woods surroundings and portray the ruggedness of the life of early voyageurs and Catholic missionaries.
In 1904 the original church of tamarack wood frame (40’ x 24’) was built on the south side of the river. The bell tower and addition were added a few years later. The logs used in construction were donated by the Indians at Pine Island and were hauled the 90 miles by parishioners to be peeled and treated on-site. The 70,000 cedar shakes from Middlebro, Manitoba which were used for the roof were hand split, dipped and stained by parishioners. The stained glass windows, originally made in Germany, were bought from a parish in Red Lake Falls. Interior paneling is California redwood. The 40-foot bell tower adjacent to the church was designed as a replica of the cross and cairn of stones used by Jesuits in 1905 one the island were Father Aulneau was killed. The building was dedicated May 23, 1954 by Bishop Schenk.
Veterans
Memorial
Corner of Elk St. and Hwy 11
This beautiful memorial commemorates our United States Armed
Forces. The memorial was dedicated in May 2004.
Museums
The Shed
The Shed is a Classic and Muscle Car Collection displayed in a 24,000 square foot building located on Hwy. 11 West, next to Lake Country Chevrolet Buick in Warroad, MN. There are approximately 70 cars available for your viewing enjoyment. Hours vary, so please call 218-386-2211 for availability.
Warroad Heritage Center and Museum
202 Main Av NE
PO Box 688
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-2500
Hours:
Mon-Sat. 1-5 pm, Sundays 1-4 pm. Free admission
Exhibits and artifacts: Indian artifacts from the Warroad area,
the local commercial fishing industry, the Northwest Angle, early
pioneers, military, the fur trade, Marvin Windows and Doors, Christian
Brothers Hockey Stick factory, and sports. Plus, works by area
writers, genealogies and old photographs, with information on
early lumber industry, mink ranching, boating, transportation,
and special holiday exhibits.
Wm. S. Marvin
Training and Visitor Center
http://visitor.marvin.com
Junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 313
Warroad, MN 56763
Experience the rich history, innovations and commitment to
excellence of Marvin Windows and Doors at the Wm. S. Marvin
Training and Visitor Center.
The 6,000 square foot museum and gift shop are open to the
public with free admission 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekends. The exhibits include a
combination of artifacts and interactive presentations that will
wow visitors of all ages. For special accommodations or tours
please call 218-386-4334 in advance.
Scenic Drives
Mom's
Way
www.momsway.com
Discover a route less taken and experience spectacular scenery perfect for touring. The MOM’s Way takes you on a route from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay traveling through Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba. The MOM’s Way travels the famous route of the first fur traders on the original east-west highway. The 400 mile route connects you with 10 communities along its international route. For a route brochure contact the Warroad Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-328-4455 or visit their website at www.momsway.com.
Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway
www.watersofthedancingsky.org
The
Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway route tracks the Minnesota-Canada
border for nearly half of its length. As the route’s name
suggests, this northern byway offers night time visitors an excellent
chance of seeing the magnificent Aurora Borealis, better known
as the Northern Lights. The route touches the shore of the vast
Lake of the Woods and ends in Rainy Lake.
Wildflower
Route
The Wildflower Route on Highway 11 spanning from Greenbush to
Baudette contains an estimated 800,000 Showy Lady Slippers - the
Minnesota State Flower. The Minnesota DNR estimates there
are more than two million orchids along the 75-mile stretch.
Orchids start blossoming around the first of May all the way to
mid-September. In addition to the Showy Lady Slipper, some
of the native wildflowers that can be found along the route
include, among others: the Yellow Lady Slipper, Blue Eye
Grass, Blue Flag Iris, Wood Lilies, Prairie Rose, and Meadow
Rue. To increase
public awareness of this unique area and its flowers, the Williams
Garden Club stakes flowers along the route and hosts an Annual Wildflower Celebration each June.
For more information contact the Warroad Area Chamber of Commerce
at 218-386-3543 or check our Wildflowers Page
Sports & Recreation
Gardens
Arena
707 Elk St NW
PO Box 205
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-3862
The Gardens features an Olympic size ice sheet. Lobby level, seating area and lower level is a total of 70,000 square feet. It houses 1,703 theater-style permanent seats. Its 9,960 sq. ft. lobby contains the main office, meeting room, photo history panels, public restrooms, concession area, and showcases. The Gardens Hockey Arena displays photographs of Warroad’s six Olympic medal winners: Gordan, Roger, Bill and David Christian; Dan McKinnon; and Henry Boucha. Photos of Warroad’s United States Hockey Hall of Fame inductees Cal Marvin, Bill Christian, David Christian, Roger Christian, and Henry Boucha are also showcased
Indoor
Swimming Pool
510 Cedar Av
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-2371
Located at the Middle School on Cedar Av. Olympic-size lanes, locker rooms, showers, bleacher seating, diving boards, sauna, whirlpool. Swimming lessons are offered along with open swim, adult and senior swim times. Donated to the town of Warroad by William S. Marvin, dedicated December 1992.
Outdoor Swimming
Pool
4th Av NE & MacKenzie
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-2371
Sandy bottom and beach style edges, shower area and changing
rooms. Life guard on duty. Open June-August, weather permitting.
Rainbow
Park
Children's playground one block from Lake of the Woods and the
Warroad City Campgrounds at Warroad
Point Park.
Warroad City Park Basketball & Tennis
Courts
Elk
St.
Warroad, MN 56763
The city-owned basketball and tennis courts located on Elk Street are open to the public. Parking lot is one block west of Hwy 11 (State St.) on Elk.
Warroad Point
Park on Lake of the Woods
State Parks & Forests
Beltrami Island State Forest
218-386-1304
This second largest state forest occupies an area of 669,000 acres spanning the counties of Roseau, Lake of the Woods, and Beltrami. Canoeing, fishing, hunting, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding trails, cross country ski trails, and 138 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Off-road vehicles (ATVs, etc.) are allowed on all trails unless posted closed. No fee for camping.
Hayes Lake
State Park
48990 County Rd 4
Roseau, MN 56751-8745
218-425-7504
Just 27 miles southwest of Warroad. Follow Hwy 11 west to Co
Rd 9, then south on to County Rd 4.
Park Permits: $25 annual, $7 daily
Open year round for daily use. Regular camping season: May - Sept
The central focus of the park is the lake and the north fork of
the Roseau River. Here there is an abrupt transition from farmland
to wilderness. This secluded park gives visitors a chance to see
a variety of Minnesota wildlife. Loons, moose, beaver, fisher,
otter, lynx, black bear and wolves live in the area. Enjoy rustic
campgrounds, swimming, fishing, and boating. 13 miles of hiking
trails, 6 miles of cross-country ski trails, 6 miles of groomed
snowmobile trails. Canoe and kayak rentals: $8 half-day and $16
full day.
Lost River
State Forest
218-386-1304
Located along the Canadian Border north of Hwy 11 running from Hwy 313 west to almost Hwy 89. Wildlife area, fishing, and hunting. The area’s 63,000 acres of primitive forest contains much of the original animal and plant life native to the area. It is a reliable location for viewing great gray owls and a number of other bird species; the best birding spot is the northernmost three miles of Hwy 310. There are no developed recreational areas but access is available to some parts by highway and county roads. Minimum maintenance roads, hiking forest trails. Snowmobiling.
Northwest Angle
State Forest
218-386-1304
Near Sprague, Manitoba on Provincial Hwy 308 to #525. Located on Lake of the Woods. Private resorts, camping, boat launch, power boat rental, canoeing, sailing, and fishing.
Zippel Bay
State Park
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/zippel_bay/
HC 2 Box 25
Williams, MN 56686-9616
218-783-6252
Located 10 miles northeast of Williams, Minnesota. From Hwy 11,
take Co Rd 2 north to Co Rd 8 east.
Park Permits: $25 annual, $7 daily
Camping available: $15 per night, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Office Hours: 7 days a week 9:00 am 5:00 pm
The park is located on the shores of Lake of the Woods. Three
miles of white sand beach and ocean-like waves offer a variety
of water recreation opportunities. A stone jetty provides a channel
for safe access to the lake. Protected harbor with docking and
picnic facilities, a 90 ft fishing pier, boat access, and fish
cleaning station. Numerous bird watching opportunities. 6 miles
of hiking trails, 6 miles of beginner level cross-country skiing
trails, 5 miles of snowmobiling trails.
Theatre
Warroad Summer Theatre
PO Box 78
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-3435
Three
summer plays are featured plus a children's theatre/workshop
production featuring the WST Popcorn Players. Each March brings
a new season featuring dinner theatre presented at the Warroad American Legion
Club. All
other performances for the season take place at the Mini
Theater located at the Warroad High School. Ticket prices
are $7.50
and $5.50, and season tickets are $20. For more
information, call 218-386-3692.
Tours
Heatmor,
Inc.
Main Av & Taylor Rd
PO Box 787
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-2769
800-834-7552
HEATMOR Inc. has manufactured a quality product bringing satisfaction and assurance since 1984. With a variety of models to choose from, heating your home, business, shop, or pool can be simple. HEATMOR Inc.’s outdoor furnaces, built from 409 stainless steel and backed by a 10 year limited warranty, are available in many sizes heating up to 25,000 sq. ft. HEATMOR’s furnaces provide safe, economical, and convenient ways of burning wood, corn and used oil. Tours available Monday through Friday. Please call for an appointment.
Marvin
Windows and Doors
www.marvin.com
Hwy 11 West
PO Box 100
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-4222
Warroad is home to Marvin Windows and Doors, the world’s
largest manufacturer of made-to-order wood windows and doors.
Today over 2,600 people work fulltime at the main plant and corporate
headquarters in Warroad. Visitors are welcome to tour the plant
Monday through Friday. Call for an appointment
Other Attractions & Visitor Information
Warroad Public Library
www.nwrlib.org/warroad.htm
202 Main Av NE
PO Box H
Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-1283
Storyline: 218-386-3408
Cozy reading nooks, craftsmanship in wood and glass so exquisite
it approaches art, the library is an inviting environment reflective
of a desire to get in touch with the classics and meet today’s
educational needs with modern tools.
The Warroad Public Library and Heritage Center, built through the Margaret W. Marvin Fund of the Minnesota Foundation, was donated to the City of Warroad on June 1, 1991. The $2 million facility contains more than 9,000 square feet of space providing room for up to 10,000 volumes. Furnishings by Thomas Moser accent the prairie style design. The facility was designed by architect Sara Susanka, principal, Mulfinger and Susanka Architects, Inc. An array of Marvin windows and doors used throughout the building showcase Marvin’s custom designed products. A fireplace is the focal point of the library. A meeting room is available for nonprofit use by the general public.
NW
Angle & Islands Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 12
Angle Inlet, MN 56711
218-223-4611
1-866-692-6453
