The center is planned as a focal point for the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, a way to interpret the natural beauty and history along the road. But it is also planned as a destination point. That means that there will be a number of things that visitors can do and see at the center, including fishing off a pier on Rainier Lake, taking a natural resource class, browsing interpretive displays or picking up Forest Service information or permits. For the traveler, plans include 24 hour phone, restroom and vending machine service.

Who is involved? The project is a broad collaboration of groups that represent the area; final planning includes the Minnesota Highway 38 Leadership Board – itself representing over 40 stakeholder groups, the Northern Itasca Joint Powers Board, the U.S. Forest Service and the Edge of the Wilderness Lodging Association. The group also has taken suggestions through public forums like the Blandin Community Investment Partnership planning sessions held in Bigfork, and expects to have an open house in the future for public input, Johnson added.

As well as a renovation of the office building pictured, originally constructed in 1967, the site surrounding the current Marcell Ranger Station will also be used for interpreting the area. Five log buildings originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps remain and are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. In addition, an interpretive trail describing the natural features of the site is planned, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be constructing a fishing pier.

It’s an ambitious project, and is expected to cost $570,000. In 2004, $471,000 was appropriated to the project through the Transportation Equity Act, a Legacy for Users (TEA-LU). An additional $70,000 has been committed from the Blandin Foundation. The remainder has been raised through the Edge of the Wilderness Lodging Association, the U.S. Forest Service, Bigfork Lions Club, Operation RoundUp and the Minnesota DNR.