Rush City grew into a significant trade and service center after being platted in 1870. The need for housing and accommodations led to the emergence of several hotels, including the Grant House. After a fire destroyed the hotel, it was rebuilt in 1896 with 20 hotel rooms and a renowned dining room, it became a gathering spot for locals and visitors. The hotel has maintained its original function and name.

In 1937, Ed Morey’s life changed forever when he traded sweetcorn and other produce for two boxes of fish. He sold them and later built a small smokehouse on his property to smoke the fish himself to sell alongside his produce. As demand grew, he acquired a larger plot of land and built a larger smokehouse and retail store in Motley, Minnesota. Today, Morey’s Seafood Markets offers a wide range of seafood products, including deli items, seafood dips, and smoked fish, at its shops in Motley and Baxter.

Cassidy’s Gold Pine Motor Inn and Restaurant opened in April 1964 off of the Hinckley exit on the newly constructed Interstate 35. The section of I-35 from Hinckley to Sandstone was the first segment of freeway that replaced the old road into Duluth and up the north shore. Sadly, the restaurant closed in 2020 after 50 years of ownership by the Welcher family.

Hidden away on the rugged shores of Lake Superior’s North Shore, Naniboujou Lodge stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Minnesota’s wilderness and the rich history that has unfolded within its walls. For over a century, this iconic lodge has been a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers.