Hegman Lake Pictograph

Hegman Lake Pictograph features red-painted figures on granite rock faces just above the shoreline, depicting humans, moose, canoes, and geometric shapes. The artwork sits within the Boundary Waters and is accessible only by paddling across the lake.

Native Americans created these rock paintings several centuries ago using red pigment derived from iron oxide. The artwork has endured through the generations, marking a long history of indigenous presence in this region.

The central human figure holds meaning in Anishinaabe traditions as a connection to the winter sky and seasonal cycles. Local tribal interpretations help visitors understand how the site relates to broader patterns observed in nature.

Reaching the site requires a canoe journey across the water, with the images visible roughly 2 to 5 feet above the water surface. Visitors should prepare for the remote location and the time needed to paddle out.

The paintings include three separate canoe images complete with paddlers and a human figure with outstretched arms positioned beside what may be an animal. These depictions offer glimpses into both the daily activities and spiritual beliefs of those who painted them.

Location: St. Louis County

GPS coordinates: 48.05444,-91.90333

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:03