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Founders’ Night

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Founders’ Night: Celebrating the Trail Blazers Who Made the SHT

Over 30 years ago, the concept for the Superior Hiking Trail was born out of a feasibility study put together by Leland Schaar of the U.S. Forest Service. The rugged, challenging landscape of the Sawtooth Mountains and the presence of Lake Superior offered an opportunity to experience the most spectacular vistas in the Midwest. This foresight, a dusting of destiny, and critical investment by a state-sponsored conservation fund were the ingredients a loyal, committed and talented group of Minnesotans needed to blaze and build what would become the state’s premier natural footpath along Lake Superior’s North Shore.

Tom Peterson, using his map and compass, blazed much of the SHT’s original route.

In October 2018, SHTA honored and celebrated the folks who launched the SHT and who made significant contributions in its 32-year history at SHTA’s Founders’ Night event. Nearly 100 founders, long-time volunteers, dedicated members, and supporters of the Trail joined us for good food, even better company, and wonderful stories from our Trail’s history made for a night we’ll remember for years to come.

A special thanks to: Great Lakes Aquarium for hosting our event, Duluth Grill for serving up fine finger foods, and our volunteer video producer Erik Sudheimer (see his great work below).

See photos from the event HERE. Thanks to SHTA volunteer Roberta Laidlaw for capturing pictures throughout the evening.

Watch the video below to learn more about our Trail’s founders: