What Is Finstad’s Auto Marine Shop?
This was a repair shop for cars and boats dating back to the early days of tourism on Rainy Lake!
What Makes It Historical?
Built by Jim Dionne in 1911, this repair shop saw its height in the 1920s after it was bought by Mr. Dionne’s employee, George Finstad! Mr. Finstad stopped working with guns and cars to focus exclusively on boat service, as wealthy families like the Pillsburies had brought their yachts here to summer on Rainy Lake! For fifty years, Mr. Finstad tended to their needs, launching, withdrawing, storing, and repairing the boats of all sorts of folks arriving in Ranier by car or by train. All the while, he was working with his wife, Clara, who kept the books!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Donate to the Koochiching Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
Finstad Lane between Oak Ave and Spruce St
Ranier, MN 56649
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!