History
The Lake Superior Trading Post was built in 1971 by Ed and John Viren. Ed was a missionary to the Indians in Hudson’s Bay and sold their handmade goods in the store. Deer and moose skin gloves, moccasins, beadwork, mucklucks, fur blankets and jewelry were transported to Grand Marais by sea plane.
In 1973 the business was purchased by Richard Humphrey, during which time the store’s focus changed to sporting goods and canoe outfitting. The upstairs was devoted to giftware. After nine years of operation, Richard died and left the management of the store to his wife, Linda.
Linda took on this challenge, while raising their two children. She faced many hurdles, not the least of which came in 1988 when the building was burned to the ground in an arson’s fire.
The original building was constructed with cedar logs taken from a barn built 60 years earlier. Linda’s second husband, Russell Zenk is an architect and designed the present building. It is built of cedar logs and retains much the same feeling as the original.
By combining high quality merchandise in a comfortable north woods setting, Linda has transformed the business into what it is today. Both she and her daughter, Stephanie, take great care in buying the clothes and giftware for the store. Their ability to find unique gifts and exceptional clothing distinguishes the Lake Superior Trading Post from any other store in the area.
Along with the rest of the staff, they make up an incomparable team so that your visit with us is an event, not just another shopping trip!
