The Grand Portage Witch Tree is a unique and significant natural landmark located in Grand Portage State Park in northeastern Minnesota, United States. This ancient white cedar tree holds great cultural and historical value for the native Ojibwe people and visitors to the area. The Witch Tree, also known as Manitou Mikana or Spirit Tree, is estimated to be over 300 years old. It stands tall and solitary on the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, overlooking the rugged landscape. The tree's unique growth pattern and gnarled branches give it a distinct and mystical appearance. According to Ojibwe legend and beliefs, the Witch Tree is inhabited by spirits and holds supernatural powers.
Native Americans consider it a spiritual symbol, and leave offerings of tobacco to give thanks. They use the traditional name, "Manido Gizhigans," which means, "Spirit Little Cedar Tree."
In the old days, the Indians would portage across the point back to a gully to avoid passing the tree and the Evil Spirit that lives in it and dared only approach in large groups, drumming and singing, and bearing gifts of tobacco to appease the Evil Spirit. Appearing to grow out of bare rock along the Lake Superior shoreline east of Grand Portage is a sentinel-like small gnarled tree with twisted branches.
According to Ojibwe legend and beliefs, the Witch Tree is inhabited by spirits and holds supernatural powers. It is considered a sacred site where people would make offerings and seek spiritual guidance from the spirits. The Ojibwe believed that the tree served as a gateway between the physical world and the spirit world, connecting them with their ancestors.
Spirit of Lake Superior
On Hat Point along the northwest shore of Lake Superior stands a gnarled elder of the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota’s Ojibwe people: Manido Gee-zhi gance, Spirit Little Cedar Tree. To reach it, one must pass through a grove shrouded by old man’s beard, an ethereal, light-green lichen. The lichen is “very sensitive to air pollution, so we’re happy that it grows so well here,” says Seth Moore, wildlife biologist for the Grand Portage Band.
At the bottom of a steep trail waits the tribe’s sentinel, a northern white cedar, or arborvitae, in which a spirit is said to dwell. The species, Thuja occidentalis, grows slowly on cliff faces and in northern swamp forests. The earliest written record of this aged specimen is from the French Canadian explorer Sieur de la Vérendrye in 1731, who called it a mature cedar at the time.
The Witch Tree, as it was later named, likely began life in a fissure in the granite rock that lines the lake. There it survived gales, ice floes, and blizzards—for a time. Then an unknown event, perhaps a lightning strike, damaged the tree’s crown but left its main root alive. A root sprout arose, entwining the original trunk.
As the rock fissure in which the cedar grew slowly weathered, a deep path cracked open. The tree’s roots followed, extending into the lake. Manido Gee-zhi-gance became halfland, half-water. Beneath the surface, fish dart among the roots. Above the waves, the tree’s branches offer a safe haven to the eagle and the raven.
“When you go to the Witch Tree,” says Don Hoaglund, a Grand Portage Band member, “you’re stepping into a different world.” The tree was the sacred ground for prayers for a safe crossing of Lake Superior and for fishing success, writes Timothy Cochrane in Minong—The Good Place: Ojibwe and Isle Royale. Offerings of tobacco and ribbon—and earlier, vermilion—were placed in its tortuous branches. The gifts, it was hoped, would appease Mishipizheu, the Underwater Lynx. Mishipizheu, the Ojibwe whispered, dwelled in a lair in the lake’s depths. The tradition continues today. Visitors—who must be accompanied by a member of the Grand Portage Band—leave tokens in the tree’s arms.
For all its powers, the Witch Tree nearly met its end some thirty years ago: its rocky promontory, which was in private hands, came up for sale. “The guy who owned the land had a little shack where he used to sell souvenirs of the tree,” says Hoaglund. "People were taking pieces of it, destroying the Spirit Tree little by little.”
Hoaglund and fellow band member Bill Corcoran teamed up with Rick Novitsky, then-director of the Grand Portage Band’s natural resources department, to rescue the tree. Forming the “Friends of the Witch Tree,” they raised $85,000 to purchase the land. The last payment was made in May 1990. “We had to save it,” says Novitsky. “It embodies the determination and resilience of the Ojibwe people.”
Where there is life, however wizened, there remains spirit.
"You've got this tree that's growing out of the rock for at least 400 or 500 years," Novitsky said. "And just to stand in the presence of something that's living, that's that old, to me is mind-boggling."
The Witch Tree's significance extends beyond its spiritual associations. It also played a crucial role in the fur trade era. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the tree marked the end of the Grand Portage trail, a 9-mile long trade route used by fur traders to transport their goods between Lake Superior and the interior of North America. The Witch Tree served as a navigational landmark for traders, leading them to the trading post located at the Grand Portage National Monument. It helped them navigate the treacherous waters of Lake Superior and find their way to safety. The tree's presence provided them with a sense of comfort and reassurance during their perilous journeys. Today, the Grand Portage Witch Tree continues to be a cherished symbol of cultural and historical significance. It attracts tourists and visitors who are intrigued by its mystical allure and fascinating history. The site is protected and preserved by the state park, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from this ancient natural landmark. In conclusion, the Grand Portage Witch Tree is more than just a tree. It is a symbol of spirituality, cultural heritage, and historical significance for the Ojibwe people and others. Its majestic presence and fascinating history make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beauty of Minnesota's North Shore and the rich traditions of the Ojibwe people..
Reviews for "The Grand Portage Witc Tree: An Archetype of Wisdom and Strength"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Grand Portage Witch Tree." The plot was incredibly slow and seemed to drag on forever. The characters were underdeveloped and had no depth to them. The dialogue was also weak and lacked any real emotion. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and unenjoyable read.
2. John - 1 star - "Grand Portage Witch Tree" was a complete letdown. The story had so much potential, but it fell flat in execution. The pacing was all over the place, and the jumps between different timelines were confusing and unnecessary. The writing style was dry and lacked any real excitement or engagement. I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Grand Portage Witch Tree," but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The story had a lot of potential, but the execution was lacking. The characters felt one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style was overly descriptive and bogged down the pace of the book. Overall, I found this novel to be disappointing and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. David - 1 star - "Grand Portage Witch Tree" was a complete bore. The storyline was predictable and lacked any real originality. The characters were forgettable, and I didn't care about their fates at all. The writing itself was mediocre at best, with cliched descriptions and dialogue. I was thoroughly unimpressed with this book and wouldn't waste my time reading it again.
5. Laura - 2 stars - I found "Grand Portage Witch Tree" to be a lackluster read. The plot was slow and meandering, with little to no excitement or suspense. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and I couldn't bring myself to care about their journey. The writing style was also uninspiring, with repetitive phrasing and dull descriptions. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.