Grand Marais, Minnesota, is one of the most unique communities in the United States. It is certainly one of the jewels of Minnesota's beautiful Nor'shore. It is known far and wide for its natural beauty as well as its unique, eclectic, independent, artistic vibe. This vibe continues through to the residents of the community. In fact, this vibe is BECAUSE of the residents of this community.

Visitors are drawn to the north shore and to Grand Marais in part because of the inspiration they receive from our residents and surroundings. When you enter Grand Marais on Highway 61 and come over the hill into town from the west, you are greeted with a view that is unmarred by the footprint of big box corporate America. Instead of seeing brightly lit signs, you see the Blue Moose, Java Moose, Dockside, Harbor House, Angry Trout, etc....locally owned and staffed businesses where our friends and neighbors work.

You don't end up in Grand Marais by chance. You're drawn here, either to live or visit, by the unexplainable. Maybe it is the Lake to the south, or the hills and forest of the BWCA. We look to the night sky to see constellations and northern lights...not neon signs.

This is potentially all about to change.

Plans are afoot to put a Dollar General discount store in Grand Marais near the old Harbor Lights Restaurant. The Dollar General sign will be the first thing people see as they enter our town.

The problem here is two-fold: 

First, it sends a message to everyone entering Grand Marais that Grand Marais is just like every other small town in the United States. It's not unique. It's not different. It's not eclectic. It's not independent.

The mere existence of that sign, and store, visually impacts the essence of what Grand Marais is and stands for. 

Second, allowing a Dollar General into town sets a precedent. First Dollar General, then McDonald's...then the floodgates are open.

We will no longer be "The Coolest Small Town in America"...we will be everytown.

Grand Marais doesn't need or want a Dollar General, nor will we, as residents and visitors, support this store. If you agree, please sign this petition to keep Grand Marais as unique, and as loved, a place as it is right now.

Send a message to Dollar General that the residents and visitors of Grand Marais, who love this area and this town so dearly, will not stand for and will not support this action, and what it represents to our future.