The post was established in the fall of 1804 by John Sayer, a partner in the North West Company, and built by his crew of voyageurs.

The company established a large post at Grand Portage and built several other forts to house wintering voyageurs.

A typical fort would include a dwelling for the clerk, a storehouse, and a bunkhouse for the ten to twenty voyageurs who spent the winter.

During the winters, the voyageurs would collect the pelts of beaver, otter, muskrat, deer, bear, marten, and other animals whose hides were useful.

The fur trade, which had been going on for more than 100 years further east, was mutually beneficial, since the Indians received the products of early industrialization.

The visitor center features exhibits about the post's history, a great room, fireplace and retail store.