On June 14, 2024, the City of Grand Marais celebrated the opening of the Overlook Landing, a project 15 years in the making.

The idea for Overlook Landing was first proposed in 2009 as part of the Rec Park Master Plan. The goal was to have a welcoming gateway to the Grand Marais Rec Park, without having to walk through campsites.

The project was delayed several times, first by the Highway 61 project, then by the COVID-19 pandemic, and once more by supply chain issues. Finally, in 2023, a reputable contractor was procured, and work on the historic landmark began.

 The public expressed words of gratitude and celebration.

Landscape Architect CJ Hernandez designed the structure, inspired by distinguished Anishinaabe artist George Morrison. “George Morrison was the most important and most influential person in the Grand Marais arts community,” said Jan Sivertson, owner of Sivertson Gallery. Overlook Landing, she said, “represents a new age for Grand Marais, an age of putting art in public places.”

 Landscape Architect CJ Fernandez was one of several speakers at the event.

Anishinaabe artist Sam Zimmerman made an offering of asemaa (tobacco) to open the event in a good way. Briand Morrison, son of George Morrison, did the honors of cutting the ribbon.

Dave Tersteeg, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Grand Marais, was the MC for the event, and individuals who were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition shared their remarks including:

• Tracy Benson, Mayor of Grand Marais
• Park Board Chair Steve Aldrich, Chair, Grand Marais Park Board
• Linda Jurek, Executive Director, Visit Cook County
• Mary Samness, Executive Director, Cook County Economic Development Authority (EDA)
• Jan Sivertson, Owner of Sivertson Gallery
• CJ Fernandez, Landscape Architect