KNIFE RIVER, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The legend of the lake looms large for people of both the North and South Shores and Knife River is no exception. The Knife River Heritage and Cultural Center pays tribute to lake life from the days of the Anishinaabe and Voyageurs to the crest of commercial fishing in the 50s. Larsmont native Doug Hill now lives in Florida but is home restoring the Center’s 1939 fishing tug from keel to ribs to gunwales.
“I came up here and spent five months and pretty much tore the whole boat apart,” said Hill.
The boat is named Crusader II, and it was built by Doug’s relatives, Reuben and Helmer Hill. It was christened by Crown Prince Olav of Norway during his visit to the North Shore in 1939. He’s proud to preserve that heritage.
“Yes, hopefully she’ll be goo