11 Yarn Magic Storybook Maker is a captivating and interactive tool that allows children to bring their stories to life. It inspires creativity and enhances the storytelling experience through the use of colorful yarns and a simple weaving technique. With this magical device, children can create their own characters, scenes, and storylines by weaving yarns of different colors and textures. The main idea of the 11 Yarn Magic Storybook Maker is to provide children with a hands-on and imaginative way to explore storytelling. By using yarns as a medium, children not only get to develop their fine motor skills but also engage in a tactile and sensory experience. This unique approach to storytelling encourages children to think outside the box and use their imaginations to create stories that are truly their own.
Witch Tree: The Spirit Little Cedar Tree on Lake Superior
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. Known as the Spirit Little Cedar Tree—Manidoo-giizhikens (various spellings) is the Ojibwe name, while others have called it The Witch Tree — it is held sacred by the Ojibwe people and lives on their tribal sacred ground on the tip of Hat Point, looking out over the waters of Lake Superior as it has for 300-400 years.
The earliest written record of this sacred tree first appeared in the 1731 writings of French-Canadian fur-trader/explorer Sieur de la Verendrye (1685-1749), who at the time noted it was a mature cedar. The iconic weathered Spirit Tree has survived gales, ice floes and blizzards, and today is considered Minnesota’s oldest living landmark.
Why is the Spirit Tree twisted, stunted and gnarled? The ancient tree is a northern white cedar ( Thuja occidentalis ) that seems to have begun life centuries ago inside a crack in the granite rocks. At some point, something damaged the tree’s crown leaving it with the distinctive bonsai-like stunted branches. Then, the original trunk became entwined by a root sprout, giving it that twisted aged look. And in time, the tree’s roots reached down to the lake through the crack. Spirit Tree barely reaches 15 feet in height, while northern white cedar trees normally grow 50 to 80 feet tall.
There’s legends and lore about the Spirit Little Cedar Tree. According to one Ojibwe legend, a hawk-like bird spirit is trapped inside and can wreak havoc to canoes and paddlers if there is no gift offering of tobacco. Another tale tells of an evil spirit that once resided in the tree, but was frightened away by the guns of arriving Europeans. Then there’s the story that the Spirit Tree was a woman who, following a vision, went to Hat Point as a lookout to look for some kind of change that was to come from Lake Superior.
Many believe the Spirit Tree has healing and mystical powers. And for centuries, the ancient tree has been sacred and of spiritual significance to the Ojibwe people of Grand Portage. Over the years it has also been a silent witness to the history of Minnesota’s North Shore and served as a landmark to paddlers passing by.
So, how did Spirit Little Cedar get the nickname, Witch Tree? Minnesota-born artist Dewey Albinson lays claim to first using the designation “Witch Tree” in 1922 after painting the iconic tree. He is quoted in the article “The Artist as Chronicler” by Mary Towley Swanson as saying it was “incredible that this wind-twisted old cedar can have braved the elements for perhaps four hundred years. 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.”
Traditionally, to help ensure safe passage on the waters of Lake Superior, which could suddenly turn wickedly turbulent, people made offerings to the Spirit Tree. In his book Minong -The Good Place , author Timothy Cochrane explains the Spirit Little Cedar Tree is the “traditional place to bring prayers and offers for a safe crossing and fishing success. Offerings of reverence and tobacco and ribbon—and earlier, vermilion—were left at the foot of the tree.” Cochrane also warned paddlers about the underwater lynx Mishipizhea, who supposedly had an “aquatic lair” in the nearby waters.
The Spirit Tree has inspired artists like the distinguished Ojibwe modernist George Morrison (1919-2000), a member of the Grand Portage band. In an essay by W. Jackson Rushing III, he writes, “Morrison was interested in magic (as an Indigenous medicinal practice) and the magic of nature, which would explain part of his attraction to the fierce beauty of the tree.”
Morrison’s former wife, artist Hazel Belvo, painted a series of paintings of the Spirit Tree, which writer Mary Abbe in an article in the Duluth Star Tribune (2013) described as “portraits of an ancient soul wrapped in a carapace of living wood.”
Stunning images of the tree have been captured by photographers like Travis Novitsky of the Grand Portage Anishinabe Nation and Bryan Hansel in Grand Marais. And the Spirit Tree / Witch Tree is featured as one of the world’s 50 historical trees in the recent book Wise Trees by Diane Cook and Len Jenshel.
Since 1989, when the Grand Portage Band purchased the property on which the Spirit Tree lives, access to the site has been closed to the public to protect the tree. Hiking down to the tree is prohibited unless accompanied by a tribal member of the Grand Portage Band.
The Spirit Tree
The Spirit Tree is located in Grand Portage, 35 miles (56.3km) northeast of Grand Marais in Minnesota’s Cook County. Also known as Little Cedar Spirit Tree or Manidoo-giizhikens, this tree grows twisted and gnarled from bare rock on the shore of Lake Superior. There are records of this tree presence dating back over 300 years. It is considered sacred by the Ojibwe Indian Tribe who traditionally leave tobacco at this ancient tree as an offering. There are records of this tree presence dating back over 300 years. The tree is considered off limits due to it’s hallowed nature and past vandals. The only way to visit the tree is by being accompanied by a local band member. The trail to the Spirit Tree is easy and well maintained with stairs that lead down to an observation deck.
Accommodations
View Details
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Activities
View Details
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
View Details
Ryden's Border Store
View Details
Mount Josephine Lookout Trail
View Details
The Grand Portage Hiking Trail
View Details
High Falls Trail
View Details
High Falls and Middle Falls Loop
Attractions
View Details
Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook
View Details
Partridge Falls
View Details
Mount Josephine Lookout Trail
View Details
High Falls Trail
View Details
Two-Fish House Beach
View Details
Hollow Rock Beach
Parks
View Details
Grand Portage State Park
Food & Drink
View Details
Island View Dining
Miscellaneous
View Details
Grand Portage
View Details
Grand Portage National Monument
View Details
Grand Portage Casino Charging Station
Location
Find Us
Contact Us
- Grand Portage, MN, USA Grand Portage 55605 Minnesota United States
- Visit Website
Connect
Info / Safety Disclaimer
Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, we make no guarantees, expressed or implied, or representations as to the accuracy of content on this website. If a user finds any errors in the information provided, please email us with the suggested corrections. Photos throughout the website are largely provided through submissions to the Lake Superior Circle Tour Photo Contest. If you would like to submit any photos visit our
Photo Contest Page
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided and collected by the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide and while our endeavour is to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event shall the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the contents of the website.
Finding Minnesota: North Shore's 'Witch Tree'
GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. (WCCO) -- A twisted, gnarly old cedar tree has inspired centuries of wonder and mystery in far northeastern Minnesota.
The solitary tree, which locals nicknamed, "The Witch Tree," has long been growing out of a rock on tribal land along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior.
Many of the tree's roots are exposed along the side of the rock, while one root burrowed deeply into a crack appears to hold the tree in place.
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."
John Morrin, a historian with the Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council, says native people first spotted the tree several centuries ago and recognized the symbolism.
"This was something significant," Morrin said. "This was something not normal."
Morrin says it has become a peaceful place for people to unload their personal burdens.
"It's for all people who want to rejuvenate their spiritual path," he said.
Travis Novitsky is a tribal member and professional photographer who has long been fascinated by the unusual sight.
"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."
Novitsky has been capturing images of the tree for years, along a rugged shoreline that is often battered by extreme weather.
"I think it has to be pretty tough to not only be growing where it is, right out of the rock, but to be so exposed to the elements here," he said. "My favorite thing is to come down at night, whether it's for lightning, northern lights, stars, moonlight, star trails."
Many native people see symbolism in the fact that the tree has clearly had a rough existence, off on its own, apart from the others.
"It's hard to walk that road, that straight road," Morrin said. "And I think that's what it's trying to tell us, that it's going to be very hard. You've really got to hold on to your sacred ways."
Morrin says there is no official documentation of the year that native people first spotted the tree. But there are reports that a French explorer wrote about it in the 1730s, describing it at the time as a mature tree.
"As long as we honor it, take care of it, respect it, we believe it'll always be here for us," Morrin said.
The tribal council used to allow open access to the site before there were problems with vandalism. Some people even tried to take a piece of the tree, apparently thinking it would bring them good fortune.
To arrange for a guide to take you to the tree, call 218-475-2277.
Send us your Finding Minnesota ideas here.
This unique approach to storytelling encourages children to think outside the box and use their imaginations to create stories that are truly their own. One of the key features of the 11 Yarn Magic Storybook Maker is its versatility. Children can weave yarns in various patterns and shapes to form characters, animals, and objects.
They can mix and match different colors to create vibrant and visually appealing scenes. The possibilities are endless, allowing children to let their imaginations run wild. The interactive nature of the 11 Yarn Magic Storybook Maker adds another layer of engagement to the storytelling experience. Children can move and manipulate the yarns to act out their stories, giving them a sense of control and ownership over their narratives. This hands-on approach not only makes storytelling more fun but also helps children develop their language and communication skills as they narrate and describe their creations. In addition to being an interactive storytelling tool, the 11 Yarn Magic Storybook Maker also promotes sustainability and eco-friendliness. The yarns used are made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice for parents and educators. It teaches children the importance of reusing and repurposing materials, contributing to their understanding of sustainability from an early age. Overall, the 11 Yarn Magic Storybook Maker is a captivating and educational tool that combines creativity, storytelling, and sustainability. It empowers children to unleash their imaginations, improve their fine motor skills, and develop their language and communication abilities. With its innovative approach, this magical device encourages children to become storytellers and creators of their own unique narratives..
Reviews for "Breathing Life into Your Characters with the 11 Yarn Magic Storybook Maker"
1. Sarah - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with the "11 yarn magic storybook maker". The quality of the yarn was poor and the colors were very dull. The stories provided were also not very engaging and lacked creativity. Overall, I feel like I wasted my money on this product and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 2/5 - I bought the "11 yarn magic storybook maker" for my daughter thinking it would be a fun and educational toy. However, it turned out to be quite underwhelming. The instructions were confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult for my daughter to create anything meaningful. The yarn provided was also limited and did not allow for much creativity. We ended up getting bored of this toy very quickly and it has been sitting untouched ever since.
3. Emma - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the "11 yarn magic storybook maker", but it fell short of my expectations. The concept is interesting, but the execution is lacking. The yarn is thin and easily tangled, making it frustrating to work with. The storybook maker itself is also quite flimsy and doesn't hold up well. It's a shame because I really wanted to enjoy this product, but it just didn't live up to its promises.