Known as "Manido Gizhigans" to the Ojibwe people, the Spirit Little Cedar Tree (commonly known as the "Witch Tree") has been watching over the waters of Lake Superior on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation for an estimated 300-400 years. The tree has spiritual significance to the native Ojibwe people of Grand Portage, and the land the tree lives on is considered a sacred area. Whenever someone crosses the waters of the big lake to the Susie Islands or further beyond to Isle Royale or perhaps even Whitefish Bay, the tradition is to pass by the tree before starting the journey and sprinkle some tobacco at the base of the tree as an offering to the Great Spirit in return for a safe journey across the often treacherous waters of the big lake.

PLEASE NOTE: Access to the Spirit Tree is restricted. There is a public trail that leads you to a viewing platform which lets you view the tree from a distance, however hiking right down to the tree itself without a guide is prohibited.