Chris Steele first came to the Gunflint TYrail 62 years ago when his grandfather, Robert Campbell, began construction of a one-room cabin on Seagull Lake. The cabin was built on property previously owned by Russell Blankenburg, someone Chris would meet that summer.
Chris retired 22 years ago and spends time in Tucson, Lake Elmo, and, of course, at the end-of-the-Gunflint Trail.
The 5-acre parcel on Seagull Lake his grandfather bought from Russell Blankenburg in 1959 was $4375.00/$12.50 per frontage foot. About a dozen years later another 56 feet of frontage shoreline was acquired for $2000.00/$35.00 per frontage foot. Adjusted for inflation (today’s dollars), the price would have been roughly $47,000.00 and $15,000.00 per frontage foot, respectively.
Chris will talk about Russell Blankenburg the prospector, businessman, and friend.
All presentations are family-friendly and free to the public. Donations are always appreciated. Take your time driving up the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway.
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center is located 55 miles up the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway (Cook County Highway 12), 1/4 mile off of UT Cty Rd 81 on beautiful Saganaga Lake.
