OUR STORY
100 years of family history
Our family’s history with businesses in the area can be traced back roughly 100 years to our great-grandparents who came in by steamship at the Hoveland dock. At the time, supplies were brought in by boat because this was before HWY 61 was here. The other half of our family came up during the Depression to work with the CCC Camps (Civilian Conservation Corps, which were part of the New Deal) and created a business selling dry goods and general store items to the camps.
Over 50 years in business
LSTP was created in 1971
Lake Superior Trading Post was created in 1971, by two brothers (a preacher and a veterinarian), who had a vision to bring in goods from northern Canada. Through early fair trade practices, they provided First-Nation People with a livelihood, and locals with access to quality handmade goods in Northern Minnesota. Early on, the store even operated an airplane to fly things in. The current store was built in 1988/89.
A family run business
More than 50,000 unique items
Our family got involved with the store in 1973 as a partnership before buying it out in the years that followed. Today, LSTP boasts more than 50,000 unique items from more than 500 brands, vendors, and artisans.
Our unique mix of apparel, footwear, books, camping gear, candy, gifts, jewelry, knives, maps, Scandinavian gifts, and souvenirs makes our store, one of the most unique destinations on the North Shore.
Come see our historic building!
The Lake Superior Trading Post carries with it a lot of history and interesting finds beyond just the goods inside.
When you visit us, try to spot the fossil in the front foundation of the building!