All Good Things…
The grand opening was Father's Day weekend back in June of 2010. But, of course, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply started long before. Once, on a trip up to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Jack got into Grand Marais and realized he'd forgotten his hiking boots. Unfortunately, it was after 5pm and he was well north of his last opportunity to buy a good pair at that time of the evening. That opened his eyes to a need and an opportunity. Jack’s role in this solution is coming to a close this December, when new owners will take over.
How it Started:
Growing up in New Ulm, Minnesota, Jack’s first trip to the BWCAW was in 1962. He would continue to come, bringing his family, creating a tradition that continues to this day and now includes his grandkids. When he moved to Grand Marais in 2006, he wanted to find his way to contribute to this area and community he loves. An avid canoeist, he was the original US importer for Canadian-built Langford canoes. Classic Canadian designs, quality construction, and an enjoyable paddling experience made these canoes stand out to Jack. Since he enjoyed them so much, he wanted to help others do the same. Langford canoes arrived in Grand Marais in 2009, and shortly after that, Jack bought the building that is now Stone Harbor.
Photo credit: Shawn Nielsen
So much more than a gear shop where anyone can find a great pair of boots, and essentials from a quality canoe to bug repellant, Jack's biggest desire was to help folks connect. When families are up on vacation, he wanted to give them an experience that would yield memories they could talk about for years to come. The beauty of our area makes an impression that can last. Grand Marais already had great restaurants, lodging, and other specialty stores, and a high adventure gear shop could ensure more adventurers stop in town rather than simply drive through.
How it’s Going:
Love for this beautiful area created an interesting balancing act. So much of Cook County is public land and therefore belongs to the people. Helping to bring accessibility is important, but education in responsible recreation and stewardship is non-negotiable. Jack wanted to help people get out to enjoy all this land, so he created his own county hiking trails map, and then one that compiled all the Nordic ski trail systems, and finally one for kayakers along the Lake Superior Water Trail. Stone Harbor has offered annual wilderness first aid courses to the public, while making sure every one of its guides is also trained. Everything the store buys is carefully curated to make sure it doesn’t offer single-use anything. From the beginning, Stone Harbor’s customers have walked out with a paper or reusable woven bag carrying their purchases. Guests are required to bring a water bottle on tours to avoid single-use plastic bottles for beverages. Moreover, Stone Harbor has worked with the US Forest Service as a cooperator to issue Boundary Water permits, understanding the privilege to be that final reminder to leave no trace.
Photo credit: Shawn Nielsen
Operating a small business has been no simple task. Providing year-round services in a seasonal area is an exciting and challenging endeavor. Finding enough team members in a small community with limited housing is ambitious. The year 2020 was a trying time for all small businesses, and the resulting boom in outdoor activities was quite the rollercoaster. Finding the best brands to work with that align with Stone Harbor's emphasis on customer service and stewardship is a fun task with constant re-evaluation.
In all the difficulties, it’s the resulting relationships that make it all worthwhile. There’s nothing better than when folks come back with a great trip report. Seeing people and families return each year is incredibly rewarding. It has been an absolute honor to play a role in so many adventures along Minnesota’s north shore and beyond.
Jack and Knute
What’s Next?
What will become of Stone Harbor? There will be some changes in the name and in the building, but you will see that the new owners are determined to honor what Jack has built and what the community values.
What will “retirement” look like for Jack? It will still include hiking with Knute, his Llewellin Setter, and hopefully more days paddling a canoe or kayak. One improvement will be many more evenings attending his grandkids’ plays and sporting events. It’s time to pass the torch. Thank you to everyone who has joined this journey. Please stop by at least one more time in the coming months to say hello, then at least one more time after to say goodbye.
