ISABELLA — The Superior National Forest is asking for community input as it reimagines the future of a historic Lake County site.
Forest leaders and partners are gathering feedback from residents, visitors and the broader public through Tuesday, Sept. 30, on potential plans for the Isabella Section House Reimagined project.
The Isabella Section House was built in 1948 by the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railroad and has served various roles throughout the logging and railroad eras, according to a news release. Section houses historically housed railroad workers and equipment.
The site on the Highway 1 corridor between the North Shore and Ely was turned over to the U.S. Forest Service in 1980. The forest used the Section House as a meeting space and staff housing until the late 2010s, but the structure has fallen into "significant disrepair."
It is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the last structures of its kind in northeastern Minnesota.
"Perhaps a partner leases the site and creates a winter sports haven with room rentals and yurt camping. Perhaps a commercial venture turns the site into a lodge with meeting and event space. Or perhaps the Forest Service creates a visitor and interpretation center," a graphic for the project states.
"How can you imagine the structure supporting the Isabella area?"
Forest leaders and project partners will review the input, and if viable and financially self-sustaining options are identified, they will develop a business plan to guide next steps.
Partners include the National Forest Foundation, National Park Service, Quantified Ventures LLC and Iowa State University.
Additional information on the site's history, a virtual tour and the survey are available on the project website.
"This is a unique opportunity for the community to shape the future of a beloved local landmark, ensuring it continues to serve the area in meaningful ways," the release states.
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