Staff
Looking for something to do on the long weekend? Have friends or family visiting from out of town?
How about spending some time on the riverfront?
The “Hallett” and lookout tower along the La Verendrye Parkway opened for the season today, as did the Sorting Gap Marina.
Fort Frances Museum curator Sherry George urged residents and visitors alike to check out the local heritage sites.
“They’re both still a great attraction,” she enthused. “The view from the top of the tower is fabulous.”
George noted many people forget there is a middle platform on the tower, so if folks don’t want to climb to the top, they only have to go halfway up to get a great view.
“And . . . kids love the ‘Hallett,’ as does anybody who has had a past with logging—it’s still a great draw,” added George.
She said the tower and “Hallett” continue to be a good option to give visiting friends and family something to do.
Due to budget cutbacks, George noted there is one less student working for the museum this summer. This means they won’t be covering the “Hallett” and tower.
Marina staff will keep an eye on them, instead.
“But if we have a group that would like a tour, they can contact the museum and we will provide someone to go on with them,” she remarked.
Admission to the heritage sites is available at the Sorting Gap Marina and the museum.
Paying admission provides access to the “Hallett,” lookout tower, and the museum, where the exhibits change every couple of months.
The current exhibit is “Our Local Métis Story.”
The cost is $3.75 for adults and $2.75 for seniors and children aged six-12 (kids five and under are free).
There also is a family/group rate of $12.
Visitors are given a time-sensitive tag with an access code that is changed daily.
The “Hallett” and tower sites are open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (depending on weather) while the Fort Frances Museum, which has switched to summer hours as of today, is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by a caregiver age 16 or older. Appropriate footwear is required.
Visitors also are asked to take care and use caution as surfaces are uneven, and platforms are steep and high.
As noted, the Sorting Gap Marina also opened for the season today.
Its hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday through Sunday (starting June 14, the Sorting Gap will be open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week).
