Witch Tree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Witch Tree |
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| Location | Grand Portage, Minnesota, USA |
| Nearest city | Grand Marais, MN |
| Governing body | Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council |
The Witch Tree, also known as Manidoo-giizhikens or the Little Cedar Spirit Tree, is a very old and special tree. It's an Eastern White Cedar that grows on the rocky shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, United States. This tree is important to the Ojibwe First Nation tribe, who have lived in this area for a very long time.
The Amazing Witch Tree
What is the Witch Tree?
The Witch Tree is a type of tree called an Eastern White Cedar. It's quite old, possibly over 300 years! Early explorers from France wrote about seeing it way back in 1731. Even then, it was already a mature tree.
This tree looks unique because it grows right out of the bare rock by the lake. Its branches are gnarled, twisted, and stunted. This unusual shape makes it a popular subject for many photographs.
Why is it Special?
The Witch Tree is considered a sacred place by the Ojibwe people. For many years, they have shown respect for the tree. Traditionally, they leave small gifts of tobacco near the tree. This offering is a way to ask for a safe journey when traveling on the big waters of Lake Superior. It's a very important part of their culture and beliefs.
Visiting the Tree
Because the Witch Tree is so sacred and has faced problems with vandalism in the past, it's not open for everyone to visit freely. To protect this special tree, visitors are usually not allowed to go near it. If you wish to see it, you need to be with a member of the local Ojibwe community. This rule helps keep the tree safe and respected for future generations.
