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Listening Point
Listening Point cabin.jpg
Sigurd F. Olson's cabin at Listening Point
Listening Point is located in Minnesota
Listening Point
Location in Minnesota
Listening Point is located in the United States
Listening Point
Location in the United States
Location 3128 Van Vac Road,
Morse Township, Minnesota
Area 20 acres (8 ha)
Built 1956–1982
NRHP reference No. 07001316
Added to NRHP December 26, 2007

Listening Point is a special place in Morse Township, Minnesota, located on Burntside Lake. It was once the private retreat of a famous conservationist named Sigurd F. Olson (1899–1982). He bought this land in 1956. Olson then found a log cabin and a log sauna from other places. He had them carefully taken apart, moved to Listening Point, and put back together.

In 1998, the Listening Point Foundation was created. This group works to protect the property. They want to keep it as an open-air museum so people can learn about Sigurd Olson and his ideas.

What is Listening Point?

Listening Point is more than just a cabin; it's a place where Sigurd Olson found peace and inspiration. He spent many years here, thinking and writing about nature. The property helps visitors understand his deep connection to the wilderness.

A Special Place for History

In 2007, Listening Point was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important site for the whole country. It was recognized for its role in conservation and literature. The historic area includes five main parts:

  • The log cabin where Olson lived and worked.
  • The log sauna, a traditional Finnish bathhouse.
  • An outhouse, which is a small outdoor toilet.
  • A dock on Burntside Lake.
  • A network of trails that wind through the property.

These parts are called "contributing properties" because they help tell the story of Sigurd Olson and his work.

Who Was Sigurd Olson?

Sigurd Olson was a writer and a strong supporter of protecting nature. His ideas and actions had a big impact across the United States. He started his conservation work in the 1920s. At that time, he fought against building too much in the beautiful Boundary Waters area.

One of his biggest achievements was helping to pass the Wilderness Act in 1964. This important law helped protect large areas of wild land in the U.S. Olson's writings often shared his love for the wilderness. He encouraged others to appreciate and protect natural places.

Visiting Listening Point Today

The Listening Point Foundation offers tours and special events at the site. They make sure that visits do not harm the natural beauty or the historic buildings. Their goal is to share Olson's legacy while keeping the property safe for future generations.

See also

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