Northern Wilds December 2018

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Home for the Holidays They say the holidays are stressful. Putting together the December issue, the Northern Wilds staff heartily agrees. Our December deadline falls during Thanksgiving week, so we have to get the issue to our printer a day early. You might think that we’d adjust our schedule and begin production a day earlier, thus avoiding a deadline rush. Anyone who has ever been involved with publishing knows it isn’t that easy. Meeting a deadline always involves using every scrap of available time to tie up all of the loose ends. Somehow, all of the work gets done. When Northern Wilds goes out the door (or more appropriately, slides into the ether of the internet) en route to the printing plant, the deadline stress just slips away. This lets all of us at Northern Wilds enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@northernwilds.com.

, Amber Leah, a, Brean , e n n a e s Ro 2

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We are in the mood for the holiday season, which is reflected in this issue. For our theme of Home for the Holidays, we asked our writers to describe some of their Christmas traditions. As you’ll discover, they’ve done that and more. From sausage and lefse making to rocks in socks, Christmas elves and more, they’ve shared what makes Christmas special for their families and loved ones. For the Art Spotlight, Breana Roy has curated a selection of holiday-themed artwork from across the Northern Wilds. Dining columnist Maren Webb explores some local bakeries that serve up a wide selection of holiday treats. Ali Juten introduces us to a Hermantown family that makes (and gives

away) many flavors of Christmas candy. Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux provides some ethnic Christmas cookie recipes. The Scandinavian Christmas tradition of Julefest, as celebrated at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, is reported on by Rhonda Silence. Our resident Estonian, Elle Andra-Warner, writes that the first Christmas tree was erected in her homeland. Outdoor lovers will find some interesting stories in this issue. Gord Ellis explains the basics of getting started in ice fishing. Rae Poynter introduces us to Olympian George Hovland of Duluth, a champion of cross-country skiing and the founder of the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center. Javier Serna gives us a rundown of the “other” Greenwood Lake, a walleye fishery north of Two Harbors. Shawn Perich interviews master timber framer, hunter and public lands advocate Tom Healy. Traditional skills instructor Julia Prinselaar introduces us to the concept of ‘blood memory.’ There is plenty within these pages to help you pass the long, December nights as we count down to the Winter Solstice. That said, our Events section and calendar lists lots of things to do, from holiday concerts to craft sales. Before you know it, Christmas will be here. So let us be the first to say, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

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VOLUME 1 5, I SSUE 1 2 w w w . n o r t h e r nw i l d s .c o m SE R VI N G T H E N O R T H S HO R E A ND T H E WI L D E R N E S S BE Y O N D PUBLISHERS Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt EDITORIAL Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com Breana Roy, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com ADVERTISING Sue O’Quinn, Sales Representative sue@northernwilds.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com Leah Pratt • print@northernwilds.com OFFICE Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com Mandy Theiner • print@northernwilds.com CONTRIBUTORS Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Peter Fergus-Moore, Joe Friedrichs, Ali Juten, Will Moore, Deane Morrison, Rae Poynter, Julia Prinselaar, Kelsey Roseth, Amy Schmidt, Javier Serna, Rhonda Silence, Emily M. Stone, Kathy Toivonen, Chuck Viren, Maren Webb Copyright 2018 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)

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20 FEATURES 14 Holiday Family Traditions

From making lefse to finding Christmas elves

18 Making the Most of Winter George Hovland and the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center

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The Kuhlman family from Duluth will communicate online to be together this Christmas. | SUBMITTED

Helping military families be ‘home’ for the holidays DULUTH—Jennifer Kuhlman and her two sons are planning to enjoy a seafood dinner on the East Coast this Christmas.

struggle to get presents for the family and a sense of loneliness when loved ones are overseas on active duty.

how to get through it,” she said, “so I’m trying to find opportunities to volunteer and to keep the spirit, as well as to give back.”

Afterward, Kuhlman plans to speak with her husband via a modern communication tool known as ‘WhatsApp,’ in order to hear about his holiday celebration. As it goes for many families who have someone on active duty in the military, staying connected is essential during the holiday season.

“I think people forget there are still service members who are deployed,” Kuhlman said. “It’s been going on for so long people have forgotten. There are still people deploying all the time and their families are still missing them. To have community support in schools, places of worship and workplaces is important because it gives strength to the families left behind and the service member to know their families are in good hands.”

Indeed the Kuhlman family members are no strangers to kindness and sharing during the holiday season. For Thanksgiving this year, Kuhlman and her youngest planned to volunteer at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center making meals that are shared with the public. Following that, they planned to host members of the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team over to their house if they didn’t have plans for the holiday.

And while time apart is still a reality for families with someone on active duty, Kuhlman and many others can now utilize online communication tools to stay connected even if they’re thousands of miles apart.

“We’ve had them the last four years and it’s a lot of fun to have a bunch of hungry guys in our house,” Kuhlman said.

“This is my first holiday with my husband being deployed,” Kuhlman said. “I’ve watched so many others go through it, so I try to use them as my strength. If they can do it, so can I.” Kuhlman’s husband, Dean, is a chief master sergeant with the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing, a branch of the Minnesota Air National Guard. Though he is nearing retirement, this year Dean will be many thousands of miles away from home during the holiday season. Communication, Kuhlman said, is key when someone is overseas on active duty. “We usually call once every other week,” she said, “but we will call more frequently over the holidays.” In addition to having a husband who is a member of the military, Kuhlman is the airman and family readiness program manager for the 148th Fighter Wing. She’s held this post for almost 15 years, helping service members and their families with deployment planning and support, tran-

Chief Master Sergeant Dean Kuhlman of the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard. | SUBMITTED sition assistance, employment assistance and facilitating life skill building. “Every day is a new challenge on how to reach out to our families and help build resilience,” she said of the position. Each holiday season presents its own set of challenges for some families who have members in the military, Kuhlman said. These include extended absences from home where emotions peak during the holidays, financial issues where parents

“I think with the ease of Skype and cellphone use, deployed service members can keep connected with their families easier than you would think,” Kuhlman explained. “When we first started deploying, we would bring families in and have a large TV set up and have an assigned time when the service member and their family could talk. Communication has really changed in 14 years!” And while this will be Kuhlman’s first holiday season away from her husband, she said advice from other military spouses has given her supplemental reasons to be optimistic this winter. “Many have given me suggestions of

In addition to their youngest son who is still in college, the Kuhlman’s other son is playing professional hockey for an affiliate of the Boston Bruins. Dean can’t make the trip to the East Coast with the rest of the family this year, but everyone should be able to connect on Skype or through the WhatsApp this Christmas. And while traveling during the holidays can present its own stress, Kuhlman said it was important to be with her children and with the knowledge that they would be connecting with Dean via modern means of communication. “I knew I didn’t want to spend Christmas at home,” Kuhlman said. “It just wouldn’t be the same without my husband here.” —Joe Friedrichs

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THUNDER BAY— If you missed last year’s beautiful display of uniquely decorated Christmas trees from around the world at Thunder Bay’s Valhalla Inn, there is another chance to see them this December. The traditional International Gallery of Christmas Trees returns this year to the foyer and main halls of the Valhalla with trees representing Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Netherlands, Slovak and Italy. Each tree represents a different ethnic group and is decorated according to their Christmas traditions. Phoebe Manson, a member of the Viking Club that decorates the Swedish tree, has been involved since the beginning of the annual Christmas display. “The Gallery started not long after the Valhalla Hotel opened about 37 years A Danish Christmas tree in an 1891 painting of holiday celebrations, by artist ago and was the highlight Viggo Johansen. | WIKIMEDIA of the season. In keeping with its Scandinavian name, ‘Valhalla’, the hotel contact- it connects cultures and strengthens the sense of commued various northern European groups to start the Gallery,” nity and adds to the holiday spirit in Thunder Bay. said Manson. “The Valhalla provides the fire-retardant This year the groups gathered on the morning of Detrees, the groups provide the decorations and committees cember 1 to decorate the trees, after which the Valhalla to decorate their trees. It is all very lovely, very beautiful.” provided a luncheon. In the past, the Norwegian group The Swedish tree is swathed in the yellow and blue has sung a ‘boisterous’ toast to start the luncheon. colours of the Swedish flag, with strings of Swedish flags Another member of the Viking Club, Thunder Bay jourdraped horizontally around the tree. There’s also heart- nalist Lorna Olson commented, “Members of the Viking shaped ornaments and garlands of little gingerbread Club of Thunder Bay have decorated the Swedish tree for cookies. Also hung on the tree are traditional hand- many years. It’s a fun morning, with coffee and hot choccarved wooden mythical horses called Dala (sometimes olate and lot of camaraderie among the different groups. made of straw or wheat) painted in the Swedish folk art We all do a tour after a lunch served by hotel staff, and style started in Dalarna, Sweden. According to lore, the admire the unique decorations from around the world. Dala guard the Christmas tree. For me, it signals the start of the holiday season.” The Gallery grew to become one of Thunder Bay’s main The International Gallery of Christmas Trees will be Christmas attractions and representing a wide range of on display until the last week in December. There is no cultures. But bringing together the various groups for a charge to visit and view the Gallery at the Valhalla Inn. morning of decoration has gone beyond the decorating— —Elle Andra-Warner

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Give the gift of the North St. Lucia duties were shared last year. On Saturday, Cecelia Chmelik [FAR RIGHT] was St. Lucia and on Sunday, during church services, Amy Carpenter [LEFT] was Lucia. Attending St. Lucia were Ella Hallberg, Katie Shannon, and Piper Sporn. | SUBMITTED

Dark days of winter brightened by tradition GRAND MARAIS— For more than four decades, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais has hosted a celebration honoring the tradition of St. Lucia. Julefest, held on the weekend of the longest, darkest day of the year, brings Scandinavian traditions to life through food, dress and song. This year’s event will be Saturday, December 15, starting with a bake sale at 1 p.m. Each year Julefest starts with a bake sale of delightful treats such as cardamom toast, rosettes and other sweets. Occasionally there is also the opportunity to purchase potato sausage or lutefisk as well. Guests are invited to the fellowship hall to partake in an amazing array of Scandinavian goodies—Romme grot, rice pudding, Krumkake, Sandbakkels, Norwegian wedding cake and more, served by the women of Bethlehem Lutheran, most attired in traditional Swedish or Norwegian dress. After plates are loaded with treats and cups filled with time-honored egg coffee, a program is offered. The program varies from year to year, but you can count on some good-natured teasing between Swedes and Norwegians, some beautiful Christmas carols, and the appearance of St. Lucia. Each year, a student from the Bethlehem Lutheran Church confirmation class is selected to be St. Lucia. She enters with her attendants, bearing the traditional sweet saffron buns and a crown of candles on her head, as the guests sing the Song of St. Lucia. Overall, Julefest is sweet—with tasty treats and precious memories of holidays past. It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the season, a chance to enjoy some lovely music and to celebrate a little lightness in the dark of winter.

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First Subscription (12 issues/$28 USD U.S. $36 USD Canada) The Julefest table offers beautiful and delicious samples of treats from Scandinavian countries. | SUBMITTED

THE LEGEND OF ST. LUCIA According to a Swedish folktale, Lucia appeared during a famine and distributed food from a ship to the starving people on land. For centuries, St. Lucia Day has been celebrated in Scandinavian countries on December 13. That date marks the darkest day in the Swedish winter, and is reason for a family celebration. The oldest daughter in the family is St. Lucia. She wears a white dress with a crown made of pine boughs. On the crown are seven glowing candles, to represent the coming of brighter days. Around her waist she wears a bright red sash. The other children in the family carry candles and follow her into their parent’s bedroom, singing the traditional song, Santa Lucia. It is considered bad luck to eat after dawn on this day, so the children treat the parents to a special breakfast in bed. St. Lucia is the “queen of lights” bringing the promise of longer days after a long, dark winter.—Rhonda Silence

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Golden-crowned kinglets spend their winter days high in the tops of conifers gleaning tiny caterpillars from among the needles. | EMILY STONE

Little kings of the winter woods NORTH SHORE— One of the best parts of going home for the holidays is that my parents have a yard full of bird feeders. Who needs television when you can watch the antics of chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and an occasional cardinal as they vie for seeds? One of our most common winter birds doesn’t come to the feeder, though. Weighing only as much as two pennies, wearing only a drab olive jacket, and sporting a snazzy little cap of black and yellow stripes, the golden-crowned kinglet is one tough little songbird. Like many little insectivores, kinglets raise their chicks in the buggy expanses of northern coniferous forests. By the end of summer, though, when insects have become scarce, the warblers, vireos, and flycatchers head south. Birds who stay behind either switch to a more varied diet that includes suet and seeds (chickadees), or (like woodpeckers and nuthatches) they pound and pry their way into the insects’ winter dens.

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Kinglets have a different plan. They don’t catch flying insects. They don’t excavate carpenter ants from rotten trees. They don’t even scoop up snow fleas. No, they glean tiny geometrid caterpillars off the twigs of evergreen trees. “Geometrid” means “earth measurer.” Commonly known as inchworms, they are the larval stage of geometer moths. While it’s amazing that kinglets can survive the winter by eating them, it’s equally as astounding that the caterpillars plan to survive the winter by clinging to conifer twigs. All winter long, kinglets travel through the treetops in hyper little flocks, feeding constantly at a rate of one peck per second. Why this apparent gluttony? In order to maintain their internal furnace at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, kinglets need

to eat two-to-three times their own bodyweight of energy dense food each short, winter day. Fueling their metabolism with caterpillars is important to kinglets’ survival, but so is retaining that heat. They can’t layer on fat like a big bear, but they can pile on the feathers. In winter, eight percent of their body weight is feathers. Arctic explorers wear about the same relative weight of clothing. A single feather covers each nostril. Groups of kinglets stick close together and feed right up until it is too dark to see. Then the whole flock ducks into the nearest retreat of dense conifer foliage and huddles in for the night. Kinglets subsist on a very tight energy budget, and not all of them make it. Their numbers drop after very harsh winters. They can bounce back, though, by being unusually prolific breeders. In order to fit their eight or nine eggs into the nest, the kinglets must arrange them in two layers. Once the chicks fledge, Dad takes over feeding them while Mom lays a second clutch. Overall kinglet numbers are declining, right along with most of our birds and insects, but kinglets are also expanding their range beyond the boreal forest. They’ve managed to find suitable breeding and wintering habitat in spruce plantations, parks, and cemeteries as far south as Illinois. Pine and hemlock forests provide habitat in Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. You won’t see kinglets at your bird feeder, but you could hear them in the forest. On a quiet walk through a conifer grove, listen for high, thin “see see” notes, and then look up. You just might catch a glimpse of these little kings of the winter woods.—Emily M. Stone


the cosmos and Earth’s (and humanity’s) relationship with it. Beckwith proceeded to build what would eventually be three cabins, mostly of deadfall logs (he disliked cutting living trees), with supplies brought in by Wirth. In the winter, Beckwith devoted his time to observing the stars, local weather patterns, and gravitational experiments. Summers, he spent building and repairing the cabins and laying in the winter’s fuel supply. Visitors have remarked on how brilliantly structures and accessories were built. Relationships with local Indigenous people were so positive that Beckwith never lacked for meat or fish. However, he was in fact an illegal alien and the cabins had been illegally built, provoking unwanted attention by the provincial government. His bequeathing of his documents and apparati to the province gave him space to continue working. Wendell Beckwith, a hermit scientist who lived at Whitewater Lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park, died in 1980 after a heart attack. | SUBMITTED

Wendell Beckwith The hermit scientist THUNDER BAY—Jim Hyder thought he had retired. After decades of social-conscience film making, Hyder had packed away much of his equipment and hoped to settle into a quieter life on his rural property near Thunder Bay. However, a visit from a couple who lived up the road changed everything. They had something in common. “We had all been to the cabins built by Wendell Beckwith at Whitewater Lake, it turns out,” Hyder remembers. “Michelle [Clarke] and Derek [Schmidt] were intrigued by the materials I had on him in my basement. ‘I’ve always wanted to make a film about him,’ I told them. But it never seemed the right time.” “Maybe now is the time,” Clarke suggested. Who was Wendell Beckwith and why is it time to tell his story? To begin with, he was the quintessential hermit, the insatiably curious observer of nature and the universe, and a clever inventor. For another, his story is deeply woven into the fabric of the boreal northwest. His solitary (for the most part) life has generated a plethora

of myths, but the cabins he built on Best Island in Whitewater Lake and the life he lived there are real enough. A largely self-taught engineer, Beckwith free-lanced at first for various American firms. One myth has him inventing the ballpoint pen—John Loud holds the late 1880s patent on that—but he did create the sapphire-point pen for Parker Brothers. In the late 1950s, he abruptly decided to sunder his ties with society, including those with his wife and five children, and left to find a place where he could do what he called “pure research” into the workings of nature and the universe. “He made his way to Whitewater Lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park,” Hyder says. “He’d formed a partnership with Harry Wirth, who was of a similar bent. Harry bankrolled Wendell’s place of solitude for his experiments.” The partnership made sense on a number of levels. Both were what we would now call environmentalists, both wanted free and respectful relationships with the Indigenous people on whose land Beckwith would settle, both were interested in

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By the mid-1970s, however, Beckwith’s relationship with Wirth soured. As Beckwith’s health deteriorated, he was less able to maintain the site properly. He died of a sudden heart attack in 1980. Though Beckwith’s bequest saw to it that a significant portion of his work now rests safely with the Thunder Bay Museum, the state of the cabins was not so easily addressed. Nature began to take its toll. Hyder had been introduced to Beckwith in 1972, and made several trips to the site, eventually forming a friendship with the Wisconsin-born loner. By 2017, with the cabins that Beckwith had constructed seriously and rapidly deteriorating, and those who knew the man were dying off, the ad hoc film-making group were galvanized to work as quickly as possible before primary sources were no longer available. Fortunately, Hyder now has what can only be called a good problem: “(Once) Michelle and Derek tugged me out of retirement, I’ve started to discover all kinds of people with resources for the project, especially the local Indigenous people,” he says. “It just keeps getting bigger. I couldn’t do this without their (Michelle and Derek’s) energy.” Hyder, along with local film maker Sarah Furlotte and company, hope to have a finished film by late next year. In the meantime, they are crisscrossing the continent, researching the fascinating story of Wendell Beckwith.—Peter Fergus-Moore

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Sara Lilyquist helps her nephew Carter and her brother Adam break up a batch of the hardened candy. | SUBMITTED

Traditional candy making with the Lilyquists HERMANTOWN— Colorful Christmas candies first caught Laura Lilyquist’s eye when she was a little girl at church in the 1960s. She remembers a lady she attended church with who made traditional Christmas candy. Every year, the woman would place the candies in little baby jars with decorated tops to give away. When Laura got married years later, she wanted to start the tradition of making candies with her husband, Loren. So, after searching and searching for the right recipe, she ended up finding it in an “Ideals” cookbook. Finally, the Lilyquist Christmas candy-making tradition could begin. The couple continues the tradition with their two grown children, Adam and Sara, along with Adam’s wife Kayla, their two kids, and Sara’s fiancé, Steven. The kids can’t recall a year that they didn’t make candy as a family.

“We have to look at the calendar and make sure that everyone can make it. It wouldn’t be the same if everyone wasn’t there,” Laura said. Although the hard candies take a bit of time to make, each family member is kept busy with a job. On a typical candy-making day, the Lilyquists talk and laugh together and, if things get slow, help write out Christmas cards while the football game plays on TV in the background. As far as jobs go, the entire family agreed that, “Dad’s the master on the stove and pouring the candy on the cookie sheet.” The kids and grandkids take turns deciding what the next flavor should be, which colors need to be mixed and, once the candy is hardened, they break it up into consumable pieces. If taste testing the candy isn’t enough, the aroma that fills the house is sure to satisfy a sweet-tooth.

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A small bowl of candies containing 11 different flavors. | SUBMITTED “It makes the house smell really, really good. Seriously. Until March,” Adam said. Laura added that the candy aroma is so strong that they often will place their jackets in a different room so that they don’t smell like candy wherever they go. Last year they made 11 different flavors of candies, each batch containing one flavor and color. The colors all have to be different in order to coordinate with the flavors. For example, lemon should be yellow and peppermint should be red. Where it gets tricky, though, is when there are

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Located at the stop light in Grand Marais

218-387-1505


Christmas Candy INGREDIENTS: 1 7/8 cups sugar 3/4 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup water 1 bottle of food-grade oil flavoring (1 dram bottle) Powdered sugar Food coloring Mix the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large heavy saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Boil to 305 degrees F. Then, add the flavoring and food coloring. Mix very well. Pour onto cookie sheets covered with powdered sugar so it doesn’t stick. Let it cool and harden, then break into pieces. Store in a very tight container.

Flavor

The entire Lilyquist family comes together each year to make traditional Christmas candy. | SUBMITTED flavors like spearmint and wintergreen whose colors have to be mixed in order to get accurate and differentiating greens. The more flavors they make, the less color options there are. At this point, they know their flavors and color mixes pretty well. They have also learned some important things throughout the years. For instance, when making a lemon batch, they use two drams of lemon for better flavoring. When making a cinnamon batch, they make sure to wear gloves while stirring because the vapors will burn. They also know that if they want the cinnamon batch a bit hotter, they use 1 1/2 drams of flavoring in-

Lemon

stead of just one. Lastly, they always line up three cookie sheets in a row covered in powdered sugar so that they never run out of room when they’re pouring. While they do keep some for themselves to enjoy, most of the candy is given away to friends and other family members. These days, friends that grew up with the candy from the Lilyquists are now requesting it at Christmas time. Of course, the Lilyquists are more than willing to share. One flavor batch makes about four cups of candy. Multiply that by 11 flavors, and they’ve got 44 cups; plenty of candy to pass on their family tradition.—Ali Juten

Peppermint Sassafras (Root Beer)

Color Yellow Pink Brown

# of Drops 4 red, 4 yellow 4 red 12 red, 16 yellow, 4 green or Root beer flavoring for color

Spearmint

Dark Green

12 green, 3 blue

Wintergreen

Light Green

6 green, 1 yellow

Cinnamon

Red

28 red (1 tsp)

Anise (Licorice)

Blue or Black

30 blue or 6 red, 6 blue, and 4 green

Raspberry

Light Purple

2 blue, 4 red

Cotton Candy Orange

Light Blue Orange

3 blue 2 red, 3 yellow or orange food coloring

Celebrate Night Sky THE

Head north for the Dark Sky Festival, December 14-15 Plan your stay and download the Dark Skies: Northern Lights Photography Guide at VisitCookCounty.com

NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

11


Christmas Up North BEAVER BAY—The anticipation of the upcoming holiday season is almost as enjoyable as the day itself. From the baking and music to the decorating, the preparations made ahead of Christmas are their own kind of magic. One who understands this well is Teresa Bartel. As the owner of Beaver Bay’s Christmas Up North, she not only makes the most of the holiday season, but helps others do the same all year long. Teresa and Keith Bartel bought the Beaver Bay Mini Mall in 2014, and stepped into managing what had already been a successful retail center for many years. The mini mall was first built in 1986 by Bill and Yvonne Mensing on the site of the former Pure Oil station. It’s housed a Christmas-themed shop since its beginning, when the Mensings opened Tannenbaum the Christmas Store. The Mensings later sold the mini mall to their daughter, Michelle Fenstad, who ran it until 2014 when it was purchased by Keith and Teresa Bartel. Along the way, Tannenbaum the Christmas Store became Christmas Up North, where the tradition of selling holiday-themed merchandise continued. For Bartel, running Christmas Up North was a natural endeavor, as she already had a passion for embracing the holidays. “Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I have always gone all-out decorating my house,” she said. At Christmas Up North, the holiday season is not only limited to December, but lives on yearround. From ornaments and collectibles to nutcrackers and snowmen, it has something for everyone. The shop’s merchandise is not limited to Christmas, as they carry decor for other holidays

as well. Still, Christmas remains the main theme at the store. “Our customers really appreciate the variety of ornaments, Santas, and collectible figurines that we carry year-round,” said Bartel. While shoppers have fun exploring everything in the store, Bartel said her fun comes from shopping the distributors’ merchandise and choosing what to carry. “I enjoy meeting with all the different companies I work with to see what’s new for next season. And then comes the tough part: what products should I carry? If it was up to me, I would have 10 of everything. But after viewing everything, reality sets in, and we pick out products based on conversations with our customers and what they are looking for.” After picking out the merchandise, the next step is finding creative ways to display and market the products. “I am always looking for new and fun products and better ways to display them,” said Bartel. “It’s always a challenge to add more products while keeping the store from being cluttered and keeping it easy for people to move around.” In addition to the fun of picking out merchandise and the creativity of creating displays, Bartel said her favorite thing about running Christmas Up North is interacting with like-minded customers. “My favorite thing about operating Christmas Up North is my customers,” she said. “They are so happy and upbeat when shopping, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Christmas is such a happy and magical time of year.”

[ABOVE] Christmas Up

North sells ornaments and holiday decor all year long. | SUBMITTED

For those wishing to stop by Christmas Up North before the holidays, the store is open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Find Christmas Up North on Facebook for more information.—Rae Poynter

[LEFT] The mini mall was

built in 1986 on the site of the Pure Oil station. | SUBMITTED

The Clock is Ticking Consumers must enroll by December 15th for coverage to begin January 1st MNsure’s open enrollment period runs to January 13th. Call today for more information. This table shows what financial help you could qualify for depending on household income and size.

People in household

Medical Assistance for adults over age 18

Medical Assistance for children

Medical Assistance for pregnant women

MinnesotaCare

Tax Credits for private health plans

Monthly/Annual income (up to)

Monthly/Annual income (up to)

Monthly/Annual income (up to)

Annual income* (up to)

Annual income* (up to)**

(Slightly higher income limits apply for infants under age 2)

1

$1,345 / $16,146

$2,782 / $33,385

does not apply

$24,280

$48,560

2

$1,824 / $21,891

$3,772 / $45,265

$3,813 / $45,758

$32,920

$65,840

3

$2,303 / $27,637

$4,762 / $57,145

$4,814 / $57,768

$41,560

$83,120

4

$2,781 / $33,383

$5,752 / $69,025

$5,814 / $69,778

$50,200

$100,400

5

$3,260 / $39,128

$6,742 / $80,905

$6,815 / $81,787

$58,840

$117,680

6

$3,739 / $44,874

$7,732 / $92,785

$7,816 / $93,797

$67,480

$134,960

7

$4,218 / $50,619

$8,722 / $104,665

$8,817 / $105,806

$76,120

$152,240

8

$4,697 / $56,365

$9,712 / $116,545

$9,818 / $117,816

$84,760

$169,520

For each additional person add

$478 / $5,745

$990 / $11,880

$1,000 / $12,009

$8,640

$17,280

Erin Watson is available to assist individuals and families navigate the application and enrollment process. Her services are available to consumers free of charge. For more information or to make an appointment, you can reach Erin at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic by calling (218) 387-2330 ext. 153. 12

DECEMBER 2018

NORTHERN  WILDS

*Slightly lower income limits apply to MinnesotaCare and tax credit eligibility for coverage starting before January 1, 2019. **Households with annual incomes above these amounts may be eligible to enroll in a private health plan but are not eligible for tax credits. This is for informational use only. Income guidelines are approximate. You need to complete an application to determine your actual eligibility.


Points North Tom Healy tries to make a difference crat, 23 percent Republican, 33 percent Independent and 24 percent Not Affiliated. The love of the outdoors doesn’t align with political boundaries.

By Shawn Perich

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is perhaps best known for social soirees featuring craft beer and the telling of hunting tales, but the organization has a policy agenda and is beginning to do some heavy lifting for conservation. Healy has gone to Washington, D.C. with the organization to lobby for the fully-funded, congressional reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses offshore oil and gas lease royalties to support conservation and recreation projects in virtually every community in the nation. He is hopeful the reauthorization will occur during the lame duck congressional session.

Lots of folks on the North Shore know Tom Healy. A master of timber framing, he has been involved with North House Folk School in Grand Marais since its beginning. Although he moved to Whitefish, Montana several years ago, he returns to the North Shore every year to teach classes at North House. Out in Montana, Healy has another claim to fame. An avid hunter, he has raised and trained bird dogs. His love of hunting also led him into the realm of political activism.

From the North Shore to Montana, Tom Healy is well-known by many folks. He is a master of timber framing and an avid hunter. | PAUL KEMPER from across the country. Rather than risk a violent confrontation, the feds backed down. In 2016, Bundy’s sons, Ammon and Ryan, led the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, which resulted in the police shooting of one of their fellow insurgents. The Bundys were arrested for their alleged crimes and were eventually acquitted in federal court. Since then, they’ve held rallies to espouse their antigovernment views.

In the West, where the federal government has vast holdings of forests, plains and arid steppes (nearly all of which are open to public hunting and other outdoor recreation), there is a political movement to divest of federal holdings and transfer lands to western states. While the stated reason for making these transfers would be to give more control over the land to local communities, the reality is more complex. Federal land contains a wealth of oil and gas, minerals and timber, which currently produce revenue for the nation, in addition to other benefits such as protecting clean air and water, providing fish and wildlife habitat, and being open to a multitude of public uses. If the land is transferred to states, it very likely will be turned over to extractive industries and sold to developers. Unlike Minnesota, which has millions of acres of state-owned forests, wildlife management areas and parks that are open for public use and recreation, most western states sell off or lease their state-owned lands for commercial enterprise, because they can’t afford the ongoing costs of land management. Providing opportunities for public use and outdoor recreation is a low priority. Many outdoor-loving westerners, not just hunters and anglers, are aware that turning over federal lands to the states is not in their best interest. Folks like Healy want to make sure that federal land—our land—isn’t taken away from We the People. “In the West, the average Joe gets out on public land for hunting and other outdoor recreation, while the wealthy can lease prime private land,” Healy said. This doesn’t mean that quality outdoor opportunities don’t exist on public land. The biggest difference between public and private land is that you may have to share public spaces with your fellow citizens. Not everyone likes to share. Montana, with its

Healy has attended two of their Montana rallies as a Montana regional board member of the national organization Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. He hasn’t gone as a rabble rouser, but instead to observe and, if given the opportunity, participate in discussions. “I don’t feel intimidated at all when I attend one of those deals,” Healy said. “I’m there to have a conversation.” Tom Healy and dog Fast Eddy. | BRUCE SCHWARTZ blue-ribbon trout streams, trophy big game hunting and stand-out scenery, has become the national example of a place where the rich buy up as much of this outdoor paradise as they can afford (most often what were once family-owned working ranches) and then keep everyone else out. One can argue that this is the American way and that a man’s home is his castle. True enough. The problem is buying up private land isn’t enough for folks who covet the land that belongs to all of us. Leaders in this movement include the Bundy family of Nevada, who first gained notoriety in 2014 when patriarch Cliven Bundy refused to remove his cattle from federal land where he had not paid grazing fees in over two decades. When federal officials tried to roundup the cows, they found themselves in an armed standoff with Bundy sympathizers

Concern over federal land transfers is extending beyond hunters and outdoor recreationists. Ranchers, who are able to graze cattle on federal land for reasonable rates, could lose access to public lands their operations depend upon. Other natural resources—timber, minerals, oil and gas— have traditionally been extracted from federal lands, providing local employment and economic benefits, as well as revenue for the U.S. Treasury. Giving up federal lands means far more than losing a place to go hunting, fishing, hiking or snowmobiling. Healy believes that broader awareness of what Americans stand to lose in land transfers is turning the tide against the Bundys and others who covet public land. He also thinks that Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, at present the nation’s fastest growing conservation organization, is turning another tide by inspiring younger generations to protect public lands and the natural resources they support. More than 65 percent of the membership is under age 45. The membership is 20 percent Demo-

However, the organization has also made some missteps, such as supporting the appointment of former Montana congressman Ryan Zinke as Secretary of the Interior. Healy said that based on Zinke’s support for public lands during his tenure as a Montana state legislator and congressman, he was the “best pup in the litter” of potential Interior candidates. After less than two years on the job, Zinke is deep beneath a darkening shadow of ethics violations and corruption complaints that appears to be leading toward a criminal investigation by the Justice Department. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has criticized Zinke’s missteps as Interior Secretary. Some political pundits predict Zinke may soon resign. “He’s absolutely proven to be no Teddy Roosevelt, as he once claimed,” Healy said of Zinke. As for Healy, he doesn’t really claim to be anything other than a guy who loves to hunt; and one who is willing to fight for wild things and wild places. But that’s enough. I suspect Teddy Roosevelt would be proud of him.

Veteran outdoor writer Shawn Perich’s

Points North column is available in an online format. Get the weekly stories by Shawn that don’t appear in the print edition of Northern Wilds by subscribing at northernwilds.com

NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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The three steps: Manning the crank, guiding the casing, and poking the sausage. | SUBMITTED

Swedish Sausage Making By Rae Poynter Every December, without fail, my dad’s side of the family comes from across the state (or across the country) to gather in a hundred-year-old house and partake in a time-honored tradition: sausage making. It is the most important get-together for the Peterson family, the one time of year we’re all miraculously in the same place at the same time to not only enjoy each other’s company, but to keep an aspect of our Swedish heritage alive. Like the house, the tradition of sausage making has been in the family for generations. The Swedish side of my family immigrated from Sweden to Minnesota over the latter half of the 19th century. With them came some of the customs from the Old Country, including the traditional Christmas Eve meal of homemade Christmas sausage, Swedish baked beans, and doppa i grytan, or rye bread dipped in meat broth. While my grandparents and great uncles remember the traditional Christmas Eve meals of their childhood, the sausage making party has arisen more recently as the big family event of the year. The party evolved as a matter of practicality. Not only was it difficult to gather the growing extended family for Christmas Eve, but mixing and preparing all the sausage is a laborious process, one that’s hard to 14

DECEMBER 2018

squeeze into the few busy days before Christmas. Instead, the family decided to gather together a few weeks before Christmas and make a party out of the preparations. With many hands helping prepare the food and a good excuse to gather together, the parties were a hit and have become an established tradition ever since. The family recipe for Swedish sausage is equal parts ground beef and pork, onions, cornstarch, pepper, and varying amounts of salt, depending on which family member was consulted. The vintage, cast-iron press has been in the Peterson family for generations, and still works faithfully to churn the meat into the casing. In addition to mixing the ingredients, family members take turns manning the crank and tying up the ends of the casings, while the kids are often in charge of poking the sausage with Aunt Ruth’s hat pin to prevent air bubbles. Being old enough to use the hat pin is a rite of passage for youngsters, and I recall taking the job seriously as a kid, even with aunts and uncles yelling “Ow!” every time I poked the sausage. As the evening winds down, sausage samples are fried and given out for approval. Sausages are bagged up and sent home to be stored until Christmas, and we say goodbye to those we won’t see until next year. And though some traditions have changed over the years, we’re glad to keep this piece of our family story alive.

NORTHERN  WILDS

Rocks in Our Socks By Emily M. Stone My family looks forward to getting rocks in our socks each Christmas. Our last name is Stone, so perhaps it’s fitting. As soon as the oldest grandchild became adept with a hammer, we introduced my brother’s four kids to “crack your own geodes.” An outsider might wonder why these dumpy, roundish, bland-colored rocks trigger little shouts of joy when discovered in Christmas stockings. It’s because the kids have learned to recognize their hidden potential: when you whack a geode, it splits open to reveal an airy chamber lined with sparkling crystals. The ones I recently purchased at a museum gift shop were labeled as “Moroccan geodes.” Morocco’s geodes were formed in basalt—just like our Lake Superior agates. But the photos of basalt in this country at the northern edge of Africa look nothing like the glacier-polished North Shore of Minnesota. The African rock is crumbly and brown from ages of oxidation and weathering without a glacier to scour off the rotten rock. It looks more like the limestones of Iowa—which is another place where geodes are common. It doesn’t matter if geodes form in basalt or limestone; they always need a cavity in which to grow. The holes in basalt were created when gas bubbles hardened in cooling lava. The holes in the Iowa limestone formed when minerals dissolved and left a hollow space. In either case, over thousands to millions of years, mineral-rich groundwater percolated through the space and precipitated sharp-angled crystals of quartz from the walls of the cavity inward.

Derek Stone shows off the inner crystals of his expertly cracked Christmas geode. | EMILY STONE Sometimes other minerals will join the mix and expand the color palette. As in agates, these colors occasionally form concentric bands. The difference between agates and geodes is that agates are created when cavities in the rocks are completely filled with patterns of colorful cryptocrystalline quartz, while geodes grow visible crystals (not always quartz) into a hollow center. Tradition calls for emptying everything out of the Christmas stockings, eating a Hershey’s Kiss, or five, and then donning shoes and safety glasses before heading into the cold garage. We rummage through Papa’s work bench for a hammer and chisel and then get cracking! One by one the kids take turns placing their rough, unassuming geode on the cold concrete of the garage floor and tapping it with a hammer. They are cautious at first, not wanting to smash the treasure to bits. By slowly increasing force, they soon find the sweet spot and crack the rock in half. We always hold our breath at the moment of truth, trying to prepare for the potential of ugly innards. The anticipation never gets old. So far we have not been disappointed. Each geode opens to reveal clear, glittering, crystals. “Ohhh and Ahhh,” we exclaim before trouping back inside to show Grandma and eat more Hershey’s Kisses. What’s not to love about a tradition that includes hitting things, the joy of surprise and sparkles all in one?


The knife my husband made for me from the maple tree. | SUBMITTED

The Family Tree By Kathy Toivonen Teaching a new generation of lefse makers. [LEFT TO RIGHT] Finn, Kris and Seth. | JAN VIREN

Making Lefse By Chuck Viren

Since not all members of my family have Scandinavian roots, some aspects of our traditional Scandinavian Christmas dinner can be controversial and unwelcomed. Lutefisk and sylte come to mind. It is difficult at times to argue for a gelatinous, nearly tasteless fish that none-the-less overpowers the kitchen with odors of cod and lye. And one certainly cannot defend sylte by explaining how it is made. There is one Scandinavian staple that is welcomed by all: lefse. Everyone seems to love their thin, tortilla-shaped potato goodness slathered in butter and rolled around their favorite topping. Whether one prefers brown sugar, cinnamon and sugar, or lingonberry preserves as an accompaniment, all delight at its unveiling at dinner time. Over time, it has become a tradition for the males of our family to make the lefse. My father used to call me over to help roll out the dough or fry them on the hot lefse griddle using a rosemalled lefse stick as a turner. Now, each Christmas I unload from storage my own lefse gear. This includes a lefse grill, a rolling pad and rolling pin, the lefse sticks, and a ricer. Now my son has become a very

[LEFT] My son Tor rolling lefse. [RIGHT] Super thin lefse. | CHUCK VIREN accomplished lefse cooker. His rolling technique may even be superior to mine. One day, I suspect, he’ll learn to make the dough. The potatoes must be prepared the day before. I use only Russets. Some have been seduced by Yukon Golds, but I contend Russets have the best consistency. I boil them with the skin on, then peel and rice them. While the spuds are still hot, I mix in butter and sugar then cover with a cloth and chill overnight. Flour is mixed in the next day right before they are rolled and fried. While the non-Scandinavians among us will nod and enjoy the lefse during Christmas dinner or for a latenight snack, for us die-hards, lefse making is more like a competitive sport. Perhaps that’s the result of male influence. Here’s the thing: It is not enough for lefse to taste good; it must be thin. The thinner you can make it

and preserve its taste and structural integrity, the better. When I roll out dough on my made-for-lefse rolling board, if I cannot read the lettering on its cloth cover through the dough, then I have failed. This is tricky because lefse dough is inherently sticky, and you don’t want the dough to taste too much like flour. Until you have tried, though, you do not know the true satisfaction of creating a thin piece of lefse that tastes as it should. I sometimes do a lefse exchange with a friend. This exchange oozes with competitive machismo as only passive-aggressive Scandinavians can do. While his lefse is very good, I’ll not concede my lefse dominance to him or any other. So when I travel to non-Scandinavian households this Christmas, I may not be able to smuggle lutefisk in the door. My lefse making kit, however, will be welcomed.

My four siblings and I grew up on Kenogami Street, a long stretch of one-and-a-half storey wartime houses on the north side of Thunder Bay. One of the defining features of the street is the boulevards with silver maple trees that canopy the street in summer and carpet the yards in fall. From our living room, The maple tree being a maple tree was framed cut down. | SUBMITTED through a picture window for 50 years. Under the tree was home base for the game kick-the-can. Its wide trunk provided privacy for end-of-a-date kisses. It was cover for the neighbour boy to take the chain off his bike just so he could knock on our door looking for tools and one of my sisters. It might have even been the star ship Enterprise, where my brother was always Captain Kirk. It had been climbed on, its leaves pressed, its seeds helicoptered by all of us. Even when all the kids were grown and gone, my parents continued to enjoy the tree—watching it change— as we all do. The maple had captured a mountain ash tree seed in the fork of its trunk and the mountain ash grew bigger every year. Squirrels, ravens and robins came and went. Then came the time when my dad was the last to live on Kenogami Street. The tree was beginning to show signs of rot and its large branches were in danger of falling on the house. A city crew came to inspect the tree and decided to have it removed. Two arborists cut and dismantled the tree like Lincoln logs. I asked if I could have some of the branches for who knows what. I’m sentimental that way. Our dad has since passed and the house sold, but our family remains strong. Every Christmas is a huge event, and one of the highlights of our celebration is a Christmas Eve gift exchange. With so many people in the family, we all bring one gift and make a game of the exchange so that everyone leaves with a gift. Last year, my husband made two knives using the Kenogami tree wood for handles. He made one for me and one for the gift exchange, and you can bet it was the most coveted gift of the evening. NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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The Two Days of Christmas By Eric Chandler My family does a lot of typical things during the holidays. We have an Advent calendar. We go up to the Mount Royal grocery store parking lot and buy a real balsam fir. That’s been a sturdier tradition than going to cut it ourselves. My sister sends us homemade shortbread from New England using my great aunt’s recipe. We celebrate my daughter’s birthday just beforehand. We think about how we brought our newborn girl home from the hospital for the first time on Christmas Day. On that morning, we look at the remnants of cookies and carrots that we left out for Santa and Rudolph. I drink absurd amounts of eggnog.

Skiers crest the high point at Giants Ridge; December 29, 2015. | ERIC CHANDLER

Fischer Family Christmas By Kelsey Roseth Heaps of extra-buttery spaghetti noodles. Ladles full of hearty meat sauce. French bread sliced sideways, topped with butter and garlic salt. These perfectly-prepared dinner plates were the scrumptious start of the Fischer Family Christmas. When I was 12 years old, I moved with my family from the Cleveland, Ohio area to Fargo, North Dakota. In Ohio, my immediate family was isolated. The majority of my mother’s family, the “Fischers,” live near Fargo, and my father’s family is spread out across the country. We moved from the bustling suburbs to the growing prairie city to be closer to family. The move was anxiety-producing for my sister and I, but on the first Fischer Family Christmas, it was confirmed—my parents had made the right decision. Years ago, before my grandparents passed away, it was tradition on my mom’s side to meet at Grandma Beth and Grandpa Bob’s house on Christmas Eve for a full family celebration. My grandparents lived in this ranch-style home and space was 16

DECEMBER 2018

This is where my thoughts drift like the snow toward skiing. My kids are both on the cross-country ski team in high school. The team goes to Giants Ridge ski area during the Christmas break. On two different days, they practice on the racecourses they’ll ski on three different times later in the winter. Races that include the high school state championships. These two practices are key for the kids who want to make it onto the state team. They do intervals on the uphill sections, sections with nicknames like Double Trouble, Tri-

ple Threat, and The Wall. I stand with the coaches as they watch the kids ski with power and determination. Eventually, I get cold from standing still while the athletes have sweat dripping off their noses. Feeling guilty, I go glide through the trees by myself at my parent pace to warm up. I had their fast kind of fun when I was younger. A lot younger. Six years now we’ve been going up to the Ridge after Christmas. Two different days of proudly watching my kids and their team leave it all out there on the snowy trails. That’s what I think about between the Nativity and the New Year. In a few weeks, I’ll drive south on the Vermilion Trail after those practices with my exhausted children. And even though I didn’t earn it, I’m going to drink too much eggnog.

limited. With about 30 people packed in the narrow house, the adults would gather upstairs and us kids would hang out in the basement. While waiting for Grandma to cook spaghetti, the kids would play pool and hideand-seek, and sneak into the back room to check out my Grandpa’s not-to-be-touched model train set. A few of us would set the table, and when dinner was ready, our parents would help us pile plates with pasta. The kids would bring dinner downstairs with a full glass of chocolate milk—then laugh, talk and share stories. After dinner wrapped up, and my cousins did the dishes, we’d each grab a wrapped present from beneath the Christmas tree and head back downstairs for a game of “White Elephant.” We’d sit in a circle, go around the room, and when it was your turn, you could unwrap a mystery present from the center of the circle or steal an already unwrapped gift from someone else. In tight quarters, the game was chaotic and loud, lengthy and fun (except the year I won some Spam, if you remember

NORTHERN  WILDS

The Fischer Family seated for the game of White Elephant, sometime in the early 2000s. | SUBMITTED those unpleasant cans of cooked meat. It was never confirmed, but I think my exuberant Uncle Donnie is to blame for that gross gift). Most importantly, during this half-day event, we’d make memories that have lasted my lifetime. Now in my 30s, I look back and recall those large family celebrations with aunts and uncles, cousins and siblings, extended family and friends. As we’ve aged, each of our families have stretched and changed,

and it’s becoming harder to get everyone together. Some years, I ache for those celebrations, and the joy of seeing holiday wonder through a child’s eyes. However, most years, memories of the Fischer Family Christmas serve as a warm reminder of what the holiday could, and should be— incredible food, spiritual reflection, hearty laughs and most importantly, gathered family.


Come Celebrate

Julbocken (the Swedish Christmas Goat)

in The Heart of Larsmont 16 miles north of Duluth

Join our Celebration

November 30 - December 2 Friday - Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 9am-4pm Hosted by BE Nelson Designs and Mocha Moose

Starting at Advent, Estonia’s Jõulude Päkapikud (Christmas Elves), would come quietly by at night and if you had been ‘good’, would tuck a little gift in the shoe, slipper or sock you had put on the windowsill. | SEEDRIORU

Christmas Elves, Traditional Foods and Mysterious Fish By Elle Andra-Warner Placing a shoe on the windowsill each night during the week before Christmas may sound strange, but it was an Estonian tradition highlight of the Christmas (Jõulud) season in my childhood. Why? Well, as the folklore goes, the little Christmas Elves (Jõulude Päkapikud) would come by after midnight and if you had been ‘good’, would tuck a little gift, candy or money in your shoe (I was always ‘good’). Each morning the first thing I’d look to see is if the tiny päkapikud had visited and left anything in my shoe. It was both mysterious and magical, though I do remember wondering how the elves knew where our house was, since we had lived in two other countries before coming to Canada. Then, when I was about eight years of age I figured out the ‘secret’ behind the elves, but so as to keep the magical spirituality of Christmas going, I won’t reveal what it is. Nonetheless, years later when I had my own children, the Estonian Christmas tradition continued and now, even as adults, it’s one of the fun highlights of the season (except the elves will find the shoes neatly arranged by the entrance door, not the window). Besides participating in the annual Christmas Pageant at the Estonian School we attended on weekends, and the annual Christmas party put on by the Estonian

elders (loved the salted fish on dark rye open-face sandwiches), another big highlight of the season was Christmas Eve. That’s when we had our Christmas dinner with traditional Estonian foods, followed by a visit in the neighbourhood from the ‘real’ Jõuluvana that delivered gifts (aka Santa Claus). The dinner menu was somewhat Canadianized as we had turkey instead of the traditional pork. And there was oven-roasted potatoes, sauerkraut, oven-baked blood sausage (delicious— Verivorst in Estonian, mustamakkara in Finnish), Sült aka meat jelly/aspic (didn’t like this), and a small child-size glass of Vermouth. I never figured out why we had Vermouth every Christmas. And later when visitors dropped in, appetizers included a traditional smoked fish I knew simply as “suitsutatud kala”. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I thought to ask for its English name and was shocked. The delicacy was smoked eel. Once I heard ‘eel’, I just couldn’t eat it again. My reaction is an example of the power of words on one’s imagination. Speaking of words, after all these years, to me the world’s most beautiful Christmas carol is still “Silent Night” (Püha Öö) sung in Estonian, a language that has been called “elvish-like” for its mesmerizing tone and melodic beauty.

Events Include: A special Swedish Menu at Mocha Moose! Swedish Meatballs & mashed potatoes, Leek & Lamb stew, Cranberry Soda Bread. (menu also served December 21-23!) Woodland creatures cookie basket, Swedish almond tea cakes and lots of baked goods, Holiday music and local art for sale.

Pony Rides and Goats at Mocha Moose!

Animals from Lake Minnesuing Farms: lakeminnesuingfarms.com Pony rides $5, Goats treats available for purchase.

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Making the Most of Winter at the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center By Rae Poynter If there’s one person who knows how to make the most out of winter, it’s George Hovland. The Olympian and founder of Spirit Mountain has been skiing since early childhood, and his passion for the outdoors hasn’t slowed. But not only is he known for his competitive skiing skills, he’s also been the driving force behind the creation of some of Duluth’s best-loved ski areas. One of his projects, the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center, continues to be a place where members and visitors alike can make the most out of winter, and where the next generation of young skiers can learn the skills of this beloved northern sport. George Hovland’s own love of skiing goes back to his early childhood. “I started skiing when I was four,” Hovland said. “My dad set me on top of some skis and sent me down the hill.” Hovland grew up near Chester Park, which at the time was the main skiing center in Duluth. As he got older, Hovland joined the Chester Park Ski Club, where around 50 kids would be out on the jumps or the cross-country trails. “If the day was right, we’d get on our skis after school and take some jumps or go do the trails. Some kids play football, some do baseball; we skied. It was just what we did.” Hovland’s competitive ski career began in high school, when he joined the ski team and won the state championship in both cross-country and alpine skiing. “When you accomplish something and it’s fun, you continue doing it. Winning is fun. I’ll never forget that day I won the state championships.” The joy of winning the high school championships helped motivate Hovland to keep pursuing competitive skiing, and he built on his success all the way to the Olympic level, where he competed in the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, Norway. While Hovland had an impressive national-level career, his passion for skiing also manifested in creating ski areas for more people to enjoy the sport and teaching the next generation how to ski. Among other projects, he designed the downhill runs at Chester Park, founded the Spirit Mountain ski area, and designed and operated the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center. “When we were working on building Spirit Mountain, the involvement in the cross-country area was overshadowed by the alpine skiing. Duluth needed a cross-country center, so I found and bought the land for Snowflake and immediately started laying trails. We built the chalet and after a few years put on an addition to the chalet,” said Hovland. George Hovland was already on the trails by November 9 this year. | SUBMITTED

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Over his many years of operating Snowflake, Hovland said his favorite part was working with students and creating a positive place for families to share an activity


The Nordic Northstar youth ski program at the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center. | SUBMITTED [LEFT] The KidSKi program at

together. The KidSki program, which began under Hovland’s direction, continues to teach skills to children from a young age up through high school.

Snowflake, which began under George Hovland’s direction, continues to teach skills to children from a young age up through high school. | SUBMITTED

“To see kids come in as little tots and watch them grow into the high school programs has really been a thrill for me,” said Hovland. “People would come to Snowflake and say it was the best place in town to ski and be with like-minded people. And the programs were all volunteer-run. It was amazing.” The Snowflake Nordic Ski Center continues to be a hub for all sorts of outdoor activities, providing skiing, sledding, camping, and hiking access for people of all ages. The current manager, John Graham, took over management in 2015. While Snowflake continues to mainly be a membership club, it’s the community connections that make Snowflake the special place it is. “We do a lot with various groups from the community,” said Graham. “We host the Duluth high school nordic team, and the teams from St. Scholastica and Marshall have trained here. We also work with local elementary and middle schools and give them the chance to bring students out for the day. In the summer we’ve had groups like Outward Bound and AmeriCorps here. It’s a neat place.” Another highlight has been working with The Hills Youth and Family Services to bring youth from the program out for skiing. “The counselors from The Hills bring groups of 12-15 kids over for five hours. We take them out on the trails and

nections that we didn’t have before. There are all kinds of positives,” said Graham. The opportunity for growth, learning, and celebrating the outdoors has been a hallmark of the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center for many years, and George Hovland said he couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out. work on technique. Many of them have never been on skis before, and by the end of the day most kids don’t want to leave,” said Graham. “It’s a wonderful program, and we’re trying to expand it to let more groups of kids come.” While Snowflake is open as usual for the winter, this season marks a change for the center: Tischer Creek Duluth Building Company recently became the new property owner. Tischer Creek owns the properties for Duluth Edison Charter Schools, and the company began the process of purchasing the property in the spring, with the purchase becoming official this November. “We’re really happy with the new arrangement,” said Graham. “Several years ago the property had been sold for a de-

velopment. There was talk about constructing a high school on the property, and we would have lost a lot of trails. We lived season by season not knowing what was going to happen. When Tischer Creek bought the property, conversations with them went well and they understood all that we were doing here. They gave us the licensing to continue using the property as we have been, and there are no plans to build a high school.” While expansions to the nearby North Star Academy could affect some trails in the future, the changes will be much less than had been anticipated, and Graham affirmed that the new situation is best for everyone. “We want to expand our community outreach, and the schools bring new con-

“It was great running Snowflake, and the fact that it’s running by itself now is even better,” he said. “I hope it continues into the next generation and the next ones after that, forever.” And for the younger generation learning to improve their ski skills, Hovland said the best thing is to practice. “When the snow comes, don’t stay inside,” he said. “Duluth is unique and beautiful, with big hills and some of the best snow in the region. The history of skiing here is deep, and it’s a healthy thing to do. I’m 92 and I’ve already been out this season. Build on your successes and make the most of it.” For those wishing to make the most out of the ski season, the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center is open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. To learn more, visit: skiduluth.com.

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By Breana Roy

Happy Holidays

The holidays are my favorite time of year. The festive, sparkling lights and decorations, the time spent playing games and laughing with family and friends, the overabundance of delicious food, and the crackling of a warm fireplace. In honor of this magical season, I’ve put together some winter and holiday inspired artwork, some of which can be found at upcoming holiday craft sales. Happy Holidays!

“Beard” by Pat Armstrong. Armstrong is one of many artists attending the Christmas Bizarre Bazaar in Thunder Bay, held Dec. 8-9 at the Baggage Building Arts Centre. | PAT ARMSTRONG

“Ravens at the Window” is a giclee print by Rick Allen from Kenspeckle Letterpress in Duluth. To see more of his work, visit: kenspeckleletterpress.com. | RICK ALLEN, THE KENSPECKLE LETTERPRESS

[ABOVE] This acrylic painting by

Sharon Girdwood, titled “Winter Cardinals,” can be found at the Lighthouse Gallery in Terrace Bay. | SHARON GIRDWOOD [RIGHT] Birch bark bobby pins by

Grand Marais artist Betsy Bowen created this hand-printed woodcut, titled “Cheer.” See more of her work during the Holiday Art Underground show, held at her studio. | BETSY BOWEN 20

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birch bark artisan Beth Homa. Find more of her work at the It’s a Wunderbar Life Holiday Market in Grand Marais on Dec. 13 and at The Big Lake shop. | BETH HOMA

“Winter Shore,” an oil painting by Dave Gilsvik, is at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais. | DAVE GILSVIK


EXHIBITS

Thunder Bay’s Cold Lake Sun

Permanent Exhibits New Acquisitions Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma Selections of Traditional & Contemporary Native Art Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

debut with Memento Mori By Will Moore After four years of playing together in the Thunder Bay music scene, rock group Cold Lake Sun has released their debut EP, entitled Memento Mori. Describing their sound as “melodic indie pop/rock with a distinctive new wave flavour,” the new five-track venture features crisp and clear guitar tones with electronic undertones, setting in motion personal and meaningful lyrics. The group’s main songwriter, Robin E. Moss, is originally from Ripon in Yorkshire, UK. He emigrated to Canada in 2008, starting a family and continuing his musical aspirations. Though the group’s social media says their influences are “beards, winter, death, travel”, Moss says he draws inspiration from some of the most notable British bands. “My biggest influences are The Smiths, The Cure, David Bowie, The Beatles, Blur. Those are my real staples. They never, ever go out of my rotation. But we also like other bands like Death Cab for Cutie,” he says. Moss plays guitar, synths, and sings in the band. That late 1990s and 2000s guitar-based indie rock sound comes across clearly on the new EP. Drummer Scott MacKay says in high school he played in an emo band, but 15 years later, playing music as an adult with others is different. “Being in a band when you’re 20 or 15... you started a band and everyone’s going ‘ok we make this kind of music’ and that’s kind of it,” says McKay. “Something kind

Thru Dec. 2

Rock group Cold Lake Sun has released their debut EP. | SUBMITTED

of interesting happens when we start jamming a new song. Everyone comes to these jams and brings some influence from back then. I kind of have to resist playing things I liked too much as a teenager, but I can create cool different things if I allow it, too.” “We all get along outside of music. We’re all sort of on the same page, so music is just another way to express that dynamic,” says guitarist Jordan Elcheson. Cold Lake Sun has the luxury of having a practice space set up in an old meat cellar in Thunder Bay, with inch-thick metal doors. When writing songs, Elcheson says new material usually starts with Moss, then spreads to himself, MacKay, and bassist Ian Kaufman for tweaking. “There’s usually very little to argue with. Robin has a really good sense of melody and of weaving things together,” Elcheson says. “For me it’s always been about the song,” says Moss. “All those bands I listen to, they’re tightly crafted. Tightly-crafted songs have always been an influence. I’m not a jammer or improviser.” The title of Memento Mori, which Moss says roughly translates to “remember you will die” embodies the frequent themes of death found within the new songs. The cover features a bright red sun in darkness, reflecting the group’s name and the mood of the record. Moss says one song, “European Bloodlines” was written while

dealing with the loss of a family member. “My dad had died just a few months before I emigrated; I’m from a small family, and I was thinking how families get smaller, people die off, and soon you might be the only person left with your name. You can get written out of history.” Elcheson acted as the engineer for the record and says recording was a huge learning experience. “Instead of putting a lot of my own tastes forward...there was a lot of healthy back and forth, until we whittled down exactly what we wanted, and we got a result that 10 years from now we can say....we’re happy with that.” Elcheson also says it took nearly a year to record just four songs. “It was worth it because now we know how we function and know the sound we can go for. The next few tracks we record will be a much quicker, streamlined process.” And for those next tracks, Moss says he already can’t wait to put out more material. “It’s not even a consideration. It’s not a hobby, it’s a compulsion. These songs have to come out. They can’t live inside.” Cold Lake Sun can be found on Facebook and ReverbNation, and Memento Mori is available for streaming and download on Bandcamp.

Nik Nerburn: Nik Nerburn is a Camera Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org Listening to Lichen: Felting & Sculptural Weaving: Elise Kyllo & Patricia Bielke Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org Ways of Seeing: Bog Tapestries: Photography by Elizabeth Blair Tettegouche State Park Visitor Center, Silver Bay

Thru Dec. 23 Holiday Teapot Show Yellow Bird Fine Art, Grand Marais, yellowbirdfineart.com

Thru Dec. 30 Patrick Luber: Exceptionally Ordinary Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org Darren Houser: Real-Unreal Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Dec. 31 Lisa Kosmo: Staying in the Lines Cedar Coffee Company, Two Harbors, facebook.com/cedarcoffeecompany

Thru Jan. 6 122 Conversations: Person to Person, Art Beyond Borders Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Jan. 12 Untamed: Annual Regional Juried Show Definitely Superior, Thunder Bay, definitelysuperior.com

Thru April 30 Moose of the Bold North: Root River Photography International Wolf Center, Ely, rootriverphotography.com

Thru May 26 Manifesto: Jonathan Thunder Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Spring 2019 Quiet Simplicity: Life in 19th and 20th Century America Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Aug. 18 Intersections Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Breana’s

Dec. 3-31

PICK OF THE MONTH Two Harbors artist Lisa Kosmo finds inspiration from the outdoors and all that life has to offer. She currently has a show at Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors, featuring her current river series, faces and agates (abstract) and traditional and nontraditional wildlife. The show, titled “Staying in the Lines,” will run through December and will include her painting “Gooseberry,” shown here. To contact Kosmo, email: silverfalls2011@hotmail.com.

Tangled Up In Hue Exhibition (Reception Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.) Art & Soul Gallery, Ely, facebook.com/artistinely Matt Kania Art Exhibit (Reception Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.) Zeitgeist Atrium Art Gallery, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Dec. 7-Jan. 13 Remains of the Lake & The Northern Landscape: John Gregor & Tami Phillippi (Reception Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

Dec. 8-31 Aaron Kloss: Acrylics Lakeside Gallery, Duluth, lakesidegalleryduluth.com

Dec. 13-March 3 21 Pillows: Cheryl Wilson-Smith (Reception Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Lessons: The Artistry of Learning (Reception Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

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Located in Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park, Bentleyville provides fun for the whole family. | GINNY HAUPERT PHOTOGRAPHY

BENTLEYVILLE

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THROUGH DEC. 26 Located in Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” invites guests to stroll under the glow of over 4 million lights, while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and roasted marshmallows. Get your photo taken with Rudolph and visit with Santa; available nightly from 5-8 p.m. (kids 10 and under will receive a new knit hat). Mrs. Claus will also be at Bentleyville to tell stories and hand out candy canes. Bentleyville is free (donations appreciated) and opens at 5 p.m. daily. bentleyvilleusa.org

DEC. 1, SATURDAY The Salvation Army’s Santa Shuffle will be held at 10 a.m. at the Current River Recreation Centre in Thunder Bay. This fun, family-friendly event includes a 1k Elf Walk and a 5k Santa Shuffle Run/Walk. Many participants come dressed in festive attire in everything from Santa hats to Santa and his sleigh. All participants receive a medal and prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers and the most festively dressed. After the race, a light lunch of soup will be served and Santa will make an appearance. All funds raised by this event stay in Thunder Bay and support the services provided by the Salvation Army. santashuffle.ca

HOLIDAY ART UNDERGROUND

THRU DEC. 29 Besty Bowen Studio in Grand Marais presents the annual Holiday Art Underground show, featuring a multitude of local and regional art and crafts, as well as treats, music and more. An open house will be held Friday, Nov. 30 from 5-7 p.m. and continue to Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday music will be provided by Briand Morrison and Roxann Berglund. This year’s artists include Heidi Sobanja, Jerry Riach, Jim Sannerud, Tom McCann, Nancy Haarmeyer, Stephan Hoglund, and many others, featuring everything from woodworking and pottery, to jewelry and paintings. woodcut.com

JULBOCKEN: THE SWEDISH CHRISTMAS GOAT

NOV. 30-DEC. 2 Head to Larsmont for the Julbocken celebration, featuring fun activ-

NORTHWOODS FIBER GUILD HOLIDAY SALE Participants in the Santa Shuffle are encouraged to dress up in festival attire. | SUBMITTED ities for the whole family. Lake Minnesuing Farms will have farm animals outside Mocha Moose. Treats will be available to feed the goats, and kids can take a pony ride; all proceeds will go to feeding the farm animals. There will also be a firepit outside to stay warm. Or head inside Mocha Moose for a special Swedish menu, featuring Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, leek and lamb stew, and cranberry soda bread, as well as a woodland creatures cookie basket, Swedish almond

tea cakes, and other baked goods for sale. There will also be holiday music and local art for sale. Proceeds from the cookie basket will go to Second Harvest. Silversmith Brad Nelson’s shop, BE Nelson Designs, will be in full holiday mode, featuring ornaments, silver jewelry, and Scandinavian and European gifts. The Larsmont Little Red Schoolhouse will also have local art and crafts for sale. Julbocken will take place from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.

DEC. 1, SATURDAY The annual Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale and Open House will take place Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Grand Marais Art Colony, featuring high quality, hand-made clothing and gifts. Held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be tasty treats and refreshments, as well as needle-felting, spinning and weaving demonstrations. You can also learn a fiber craft at the hands-on table. Find more info on Facebook under Northwoods Fiber Guild.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXPO

DEC. 1, SATURDAY More than 100 vendors will attend the 3rd Annual Holiday Shopping Expo at the Duluth DECC on Dec. 1. Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., there will be food concessions, entertainment,

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Pottery by Hannah Palma will be available at the It’s a Wunderbar Life Holiday Market, held in Grand Marais on Dec. 13. | SUBMITTED gift wrapping, more than 100 prizes, a free gift bag to the first 100 shoppers, and more. Santa Claus will make an appearance from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $4 at the door or free with a Toys for Tots donation; kids ages 12 and under are free. decc.org

DULUTH WINTER VILLAGE

DEC. 1-2 Organized by Duluth Loves Local, Duluth Winter Village will take place Dec. 1-2 on the grounds of Glensheen Estate. This outdoor market brings more than 40 local businesses together to sell holiday gifts out of wooden cabins. Along with the shopping, visitors can enjoy local food and beverages, plus choral singers, fire pits with s’mores, wreaths and holiday greenery, animals, face painting, gift wrapping and more. Admission is free and parking is available off-site; free shuttle service provided. duluthwintervillage.com

MALL OF AMERICINN

At Each $100 Gift Pack Includes: * A $50 Community Auditorium Gift Certificate. * A $50 Gift Certificate From One of Our Participants. * Two Free Tickets To The Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Show.

DEC. 6, THURSDAY Local businesses will be setting up mini-stores at the AmericInn of Silver Bay. This is your chance to get all your Christmas shopping done at one location. There will be a variety of businesses, crafters and artisans selling a variety of goods, including: decorative ornaments, LuLaRoe clothing, birch bark jewelry, Christmas wreaths, maple syrup, handmade mittens and quilts, baked goods, cookbooks, and essential oils. Held from

3-8 p.m. Plan ahead and bring cash and/ or checks only. For more info, call (218) 226-4300 or find AmericInn of Silver Bay on Facebook.

LIGHT UP A LIGHT

DEC. 6, THURSDAY Sponsored by Care Partners, the 10th Annual Light Up a Life event offers Cook County community members the opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one during the holiday season. Each donation lights one bulb in memory of one person on the memory tree, located at Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. Donation forms are available at area churches, businesses and online. The Tree Lighting Ceremony, held at 5:30 p.m., will include a short ceremony of reflection and connection. carepartnersofcookcounty.org

ARROWHEAD ICE FISHING & WINTER SHOW

DEC. 7-9 Held at the DECC in Duluth, the Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show features activities for all ages, as well as sales on the latest outdoor products and gear. Stop by the Ice Box for an open panel discussion with the ice fishing pros. Fish for free at the frozen basin and possibly win a prize; there will be over $10,000 in certificates and merchandise given away at the show. Step inside the winter wonderland life-sized snow globe and take home a free color photo. Kids of all ages

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Mall of AmericInn will feature a wide variety of business, crafters and artisans selling their goods. | SUBMITTED will love the Feed the Wild Animal exhibit, where they can interact with a variety of animals. Back again this year is duo Mad Dog and Merrill with holiday grilling, sticking with their motto: “if you can cook it, you can grill it.” And making an appearance this year is Shawn “Mr. Gold” Pomrenke from Discovery Channel’s hit TV series Bering Sea Gold. Admission to the show is $10; ages 12 and under are free. mniceshow.com

MINNESOTA BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

DEC. 7-9, & 21-22 Enjoy an evening of holiday magic, whimsical music and elegant dancing with The Nutcracker, performed by the Minnesota Ballet in Duluth. This Allen Fields production is a must-see classic for all ages. Watch a fierce battle between the Nutcracker and soldiers against the Mouse King and his minions. Journey to exotic lands of beautiful dancing, presided

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Fish for free at the frozen basin during the Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show in Duluth. | SUBMITTED over by the Sugar Plum Fairy and capped by lovely waltzing flowers, all performed to Tchaikovsky music played by the Minnesota Ballet Orchestra and accompanied by the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. (3 p.m. Sun.) at the Duluth DECC Symphony Hall. The Minnesota Ballet will also perform Dec. 21-22 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium; also held at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. minnesotaballet.org

CHRISTMAS BIZARRE BAZAAR

DEC. 8-9 The 5th Annual Christmas Bizarre Bazaar in Thunder Bay will last two days this year, featuring over two dozen artists, crafters and creators. Held at the Baggage Building Arts Centre, this event showcases unique, bizarre creations, expanding your Christmas buying possibilities. There will also be exciting live entertainment from Dee Marie and the

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Broadway Musical Showcase December 15

Tim Cochrane

Gichi Bitobig, Grand Marais: Early Accounts of the Anishinaabeg and the North Shore Fur Trade Saturday Dec. 1st • 5 PM

Rose Arrowsmith Decoux & Kari Vick

signing their new children’s book The Sock Goblin Saturday Dec. 8th • 11 AM - 1 PM

G U IL L E RM O CUE L L AR

OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM

December Hours Mon - Sat 10 AM - 4 PM

Give the perfect book!

Shipping or store pickup available.

GRAND MARAIS ART COLONY

GrandMaraisArtColony.org 218.387.2737

Drurylanebooks.com Follow us on

12 E. Wisconsin St., Grand Marais

218-387-3370

Curry Cookoff: $15 adults & youth, $5 Child under 11 Showcase: $15 adults & youth, $5 Child under 11 Both: $25 Adults and Youth, $8 Child under 11

Tickets available at the door or online at grandmaraisplayhouse.com

This event is our Annual Fundraiser.

Come enjoy fabulous food and song and Support YOUR community theater!!!

First Congregational UCC

300 West 2nd Street, Grand Marais • grandmaraisplayhouse.com NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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Thank You! OKTOBERFEST EVENT SPONSORS – KEG SPONSORSHIP $1000 – Voyageur Brewing – GROWLER SPONSORSHIP $500 – Grand Marais State Bank Lakeshirts/Blue 84 Bryan Hansel – PINT SPONSORSHIP $250 – Bell Composits/Northstar Canoes Barb Heideman and Duane Hasegawa Backlund Realty Hungry Jack Outfitters Mike Carlson and Sue Weber The Big Lake Mathison & Vos PLLC Wenonah Canoe: Mike & Linda Chichanowski – HALF PINT SPONSORSHIP $100 – Sue’s Hair Etc Valentini Property Sources Coldwell Banker North Shore Realty Cook County Whole Foods Coop

Wookiefoot will return to Lutsen this year for the Snowball Festival as part of their 20th anniversary tour. | SUBMITTED Compelling Characters, and coffee and treats from Rose N Crantz Roasting Co. This year’s creators include Leah Morningstar, Duncan Weller, Cree Stevens, River Forge, Boreal Body, Black Mast, Merk, and Love Graffiti Studios. The Christmas Bizarre Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m.4 p.m. each day and admission is free. facebook.com/ merkasylum

IGNITE THE FORT

DEC. 8-9 Held from 4-7 p.m. at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ignite the Fort is a fun, family event celebrating the holiday season. Activities include wagon rides, holiday card making, cookie decorating, caroling, bannock making, storytelling, contests and a scavenger hunt. You’ll also have the opportunity to decorate the giant holiday tree. For $1 you can purchase a bulb for the tree; proceeds from the tree bulb sales will be donated to the United Way. Then, watch the Ignite the Fort tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Following the ceremony is the Star of Bethlehem event from 7-9 p.m., held at the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory. Learn about the many theories on the creation of this bright star and explore the night sky for other celestial wonders. Admission required for both events. fwhp.ca

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Inc. Holiday Hours

Mon., Dec. 24, 2018 – Open 8 a.m.-Noon Tues., Dec. 25, 2018 – Closed Mon., Dec. 31, 2018 – Open 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tues., Jan 1, 2019 – Closed

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BOREALIS CHORALE & ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS CONCERT

DEC. 9-10 Over 70 talented Cook County singers and musicians continue this treasured concert tradition in Grand Marais, under the directorship of composer/conductor William Beckstrand. With the themes “Songs of the Season,” the performance will include Beckstrand’s “People Look East” and “Grace on Grace,” John Rutter’s “Donkey Carol,” and Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata” accompanied by brass ensemble. Gifted local soloists, youth and adult, will add a special delight to the evening. Sponsored by the North Shore Music Association, the concert will be held at 7 p.m. both nights at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. There is no entrance fee, but donations are appreciated. northshoremusicassociation.com

IT’S A WUNDERBAR LIFE HOLIDAY MARKET

DEC. 13, THURSDAY The 2nd Annual It’s a Wunderbar Life Holiday Market will be held Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Wundarbar Eatery and Campground in Grand Marais. Enjoy a stress-free holiday shopping experience with over 15 local artists and businesses present, offering everything from jewelry and paintings, to books, sweet treats and pottery. A few of this year’s vendors include The Big Lake, Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery, Gunflint Mercantile, Sawbill Canoe

Save the Date!

February 9, 2019 Builder’s Workshop

For builders, businesses and homeowners DOLI CEU credits pending

Winter is the Season to schedule a home energy audit!

Details, visit: www.cookcountylocalenergy.org


Merry &

Bright Mini Masterpieces

Framed, canvas tiny prints ready to hang and perfect for holiday gifts.

Duluth Winter Village is Dec. 1-2 on the grounds of Glensheen Estate in Duluth. | THREE IRISH GIRLS PHOTOGRAPHY Outfitters, Lutzen Reflections, Cedar Sweets, Kari Carter, Jill Terrill, and Hannah Palma Ceramics. The market will be held from 5-8 p.m. facebook.com/thebiglakelife

SNOWBALL FESTIVAL

DEC. 14-15 After a few years hiatus, Lutsen Mountains’ most anticipated music event of the year, Snowball, returns as part of the Wookiefoot 20th Anniversary Tour. Held at Papa Charlie’s, the festival will begin Friday, Dec. 14 with a performance by Jon Wayne and the Pain at 9 p.m., followed by Wookiefoot at 10:45 p.m. Saturday’s daytime après ski lineup includes Smokin’ Joe at Summit Chalet, followed by The Limns. That evening, return to Papa Charlie’s for Heatbox at 9 p.m., followed by Wookiefoot again at 10:45 p.m. A two-day concert ticket pass can be purchased for $29 in advance only. A one-day pass can be purchased for $18 in advance, or $22 at the door. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. lutsen. com/snowball

Friday, Dec. 14, the UMD Marshall W. Alworth Traveling GeoDome will be at Voyageur Brewing. Use telescopes set up outside to view the Geminid Meteor Shower with guidance from astronomical experts. Or, head inside the GeoDome to explore such topics as “Traveling the Cosmos,” and uncovering the “Dark Secret of Dark Matter.”

Betsy Bowen Studio’s

Holiday Art Underground 2018 November 23 - December 29

DARK SKY FESTIVAL

DEC. 14-15 Cook County is home to one of the darkest skies in the nation. Every year, explorers, adventurers, artists and photographers from around the world travel here to experience the northern lights. In honor of this, Visit Cook County in Grand Marais has organized the first annual Dark Sky Festival, featuring activities for all ages. On

This annual show features a multitude of local and regional art and craft, treats, music and much more!

Give local, handcrafted art this holiday season. At $99 each, these prints ship free and include a 2019 Sivertson calendar with purchase. Choose from regional artists, while supplies last.

Open House

Friday, November 30th 5 - 7pm

Holiday Tea pot Show Opening Nov. 23rd. Thru Dec. 23rd. Friday—Saturday 11am-5pm 101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

with holiday music by Briand Morrison and Roxann Berglund

218-723-7877 | Duluth

and Saturday, December 1st, 9am - 5pm

December Studio Hours:

THURS, FRI, SAT 11am - 5pm Dec 23rd-24th, 11am - 3pm Betsy Bowen Studio 301 1st Ave West - 218-387-1992 www.woodcut.com

218-387-2491 | GranD Marais

s i ve r t s o n .c o m NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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T B AY ON

WHERE WANDERLUST MEETS WONDERFUL

Multimedia artist Merk is one of many artists attending the Christmas Bizarre Bazaar, held Dec. 8-9 in Thunder Bay. Shown here is one of his pieces, titled “GordTrex.” | SUBMITTED On Saturday evening, photographers Travis Novitsky and Bryan Hansel will have a friendly duel of nightscape images. And later, Jim Rock and Joel Halvorson will hold a unique and expansive presentation that allows viewers to learn about the stars in ways they’ve never imagined. Other activities include a Twilight Zone movie marathon, a community bonfire with s’mores, and more stargazing at the North House Folk School. visitcookcounty.com

ABORIGINAL FINE ARTS & CRAFTS GIFT SHOW

DEC. 19-21 The 17th Annual Christmas Aboriginal Fine Arts and Crafts Gift Show, presented by the Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario (AAGNO), will feature artwork of all kinds, including jewelry, sculptures, handmade clothing and paintings. This is the largest gathering of Aboriginal artisans in Northern Ontario. The show will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily at the Lakehead University Gymnasium in Thunder Bay. Admission is free. For more info, find AAGNO on Facebook.

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

JAN. 5-6 The Banff Mountain Film Festival (BMFF) will return to Duluth Jan. 5-6, Saturday and Sunday, at the DECC Symphony Hall, hosted by the Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club (DXC). The BMFF is a compilation of high-energy outdoor films and documentaries with environmental messages. The film competition is held in Banff Alberta every fall, followed by a world tour featuring the winning films. Different films will be shown each night of the festival and there will be a raffle for outdoor gear, donated by local sponsors. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The festival will also be at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. duluthxc.com/banff

HERE IS WHERE I FOUND MYSELF VISITTHUNDERBAY.COM

– give us a call to reserve a pet-friendly room. o o We are PET-FRIENDLY 655 Arthur Street W., Thunder Bay, Ontario

Ask Askabout aboutour our Northern Northern Shore Shore Rate Rate–-Hot breakfast and airport shuttle Rate Rate Code Code Wherever Life Takes You. Best Western Is There.® “NORT” “NORT” Each Best Western branded hotel is independently owned and operated

807-577-4241 or 800-265-3253

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Good Times Await Bring the whole family to celebrate Christmas in Bay and Algoma, held Nov. 30 from 5-7 p.m. This free event will feature live music, free hot chocolate, and pictures with Santa Clause. Children will also receive a free hotdog, chips, an orange and a candy cane. Other food and beverages will be for sale in the Finlandia. A tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:15 p.m. facebook.com/bayalgoma

The annual Thunder Bay Police Association Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Presented by Tbaytel, dozens of beautifully decorated trucks will line the streets in front of thousands of spectators. The parade will start at Manitoulin Transport on Main Street to Harbour Expressway, and turn right onto Memorial Ave. to Queen Street. paradeoflights.ca The Waterfront Potters will host a Waterfront Art Sale at the Baggage Building Arts Centre on Dec. 1, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Find unique items from a wide variety of artists, such as glasswork, pottery, photography, watercolor, woodwork, jewelry, textile and fiber art. Make a donation to the Thunder Bay Food Bank and receive a handmade pottery ornament. facebook. com/waterfrontpotters On Sunday, Dec. 2, the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium will be trans-

formed into Craftland: A Winter’s Market, featuring vendors on all three floors and onstage. Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., shop for unique, handcrafted gifts made by talented artisans. Attendance is free. tbca.com

The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium will host other various shows throughout the month, starting with The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. On Dec. 6, The Ultimate Elvis Christmas Gospel Concert will take place at 8 p.m., starring Daylin James and the Pink Cadillac Orchestra. Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., followed by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas on Dec. 8. Heather Rankin: A Picture Perfect Christmas will take place Dec. 10. The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra will perform a their winter concert, In the Holiday Spirit, on Dec. 15. Michael Bolton will perform his holiday show The Symphony Sessions: Greatest Hits and Holiday Favorites on Dec. 17. Last but not least, the Minnesota Ballet will perform The Nutcracker Dec. 21-22 at 7 p.m. both nights. tbca.com The Red Lion Smokehouse will also hold various events throughout the month, starting with a Flying Monkey Brewing Tap Takeover at noon and a free Chess Night

North of the Border

at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. There will be Carole-oke—karaoke and Christmas carols— at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. On Dec. 9, enjoy a Jazzy Brazzy Christmas Brunch, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. And A Celtic Christmas Ceilidh will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, with proceeds going to Shelter House. Other events include a Quiz Night on Dec. 12, Toy Sense Game Night Dec. 13, Vinyl Friday with DJ Dr. Dave Dec. 14, Music Bingo Dec. 15, Plan B on Dec. 21, and Wax Philosophics on Dec. 22. facebook. com/redlionsmokehouse Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, by Michael Shepherd, will be performed at the Magnus Theatre Dec. 6-22. This classic tale takes place on Christmas Eve; miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is on his own in the world, rich but miserable. Thus begins a ghost story that takes Scrooge on a journey through his life. The Ghost of Christmases Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmases Yet To Come are his guides, offering a final chance at redemption. Tickets can be purchased online. The “pay what you can� performance is Dec. 16. magnustheatre.com The 5th Annual Christmas Bizarre Bazaar will be held at the Baggage Building Arts Centre Dec. 8-9, featuring over two dozen local artists, crafters and creators, as well as coffee, treats, and live entertainment by Dee Marie and the Com-

Christmas in Bay & Algoma

Remember, Thunder Bay is on Eastern Time­â€” 1 hour ahead of MN time. pelling Characters. This isn’t your average Christmas craft sale, but you will find everything from comics to furniture, metal work to paintings, photography to food, and books to woodworking. While some vendors will be there both days, many are only there for one day, therefore each day is different. Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. facebook.com/merkasylum Spread the Christmas Cheer with Elf Jr: The Musical, performed by Paramount Live Dec. 12-15. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. As a young orphan, Buddy mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list, and his half-brother doesn’t believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets can be purchased at Maple Tops; adults $15, and students, children and seniors are $12. facebook.com/plivetbay

Come Celebrate celebrate with us

All December EXTENDED HOURS

VISIT WITH SANTA

Presented By

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS    Â?Â? Â? Â? Â?­ /­Â€

The

NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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Northern Wilds Calendar of Events Nov. 17-Dec. 26

Dec. 1, Saturday

Sounds of the Season Band &

Nov. 22-Dec. 2

Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale & Open House 9 a.m. Grand Marais Art Colony

Dec. 2, Sunday

Bentleyville Tour of Lights 5 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bentleyvilleusa.org Festival of Trees Grand Ely Lodge, Ely, northwoodspartners.org

Jingle Bell Run 8 a.m. The Sports Garden, Duluth, lbrutger@arthritis.org

Agate Bay Arts & Crafts Show 9 a.m. Community Center, Two Harbors, lakecountycalendars.org

Nov. 23-Dec. 29

Holiday Art Underground (Reception Nov. 30 & Dec. 1) Betsy Bowen Gallery & Artist Studios, Grand Marais, woodcut.com

Nov. 24-Dec. 2

DCHS History Theatre: A Christmas Carol, More or Less 7 p.m. Douglas County Historical Society, Superior, douglashistory.org

Nov. 29-Dec. 1

All the Daze Productions: Les Misérables 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com Cinderella Kids & The Tortoise and the Hare 7 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/plivetbay

Nov. 29-Dec. 2

A Tiny Miracle with a Fiberoptic Unicorn Vermilion Community College, Ely, northernlakesarts.org Dance Works 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) UMD Marshall Performing Arts Center, Duluth, z.umn.edu/danceworks

Nov. 29-Dec. 16

Disney’s Beauty & the Beast 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Nov. 30, Friday Christmas in Bay & Algoma 5 p.m. Bay & Algoma Neighbourhood, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/bayalgoma

Nov. 30-Dec. 1

Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elk Walk 10 a.m. Current River Recreation Centre, Thunder Bay, santashuffle.ca

Craft Bazaar 10 a.m. Senior Center, Grand Marais

CP Holiday Train 2:45 p.m. Cenotaph, Schreiber, cpr.ca/holiday-train

Waterfront Christmas Art Sale 10 a.m. Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/waterfrontpotters

CP Holiday Train 5:30 p.m. 60 Front Street, Nipigon, cpr.ca/holiday-train

Get It Local Art & Gift Fair 10 a.m. Peace Church, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com Lefse Demonstration 10 a.m. Java Moose, Grand Marais, facebook.com/javamoosegrandmarais

DSSO: Home for the Holidays 3 p.m. Duluth DECC, dsso.com

Author Timothy Cochrane: Gitchi Bitobig, Grand Marais 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Dec. 6, Thursday

Dec. 7-9

Winter Farmers Market 4 p.m. Duluth Folk School, facebook.com/duluthfolkschool

Minnesota Ballet: The Nutcracker 7 p.m. (3 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Decc, minnesotaballet.org

Veterans Remembrance Dinner 5 p.m. The Depot, Duluth, thehistorypeople.org

Renegade Theater: ‘Dear Elizabeth’ 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Zeitgeist Arts Building, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com/renegade

Mall of AmericInn 3 p.m. AmericInn, Silver Bay, Facebook: AmericInn of Silver Bay

Light Up a Life: Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, carepartnersofcookcounty.org St. Nicholas Day 6 p.m. Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com/st-nicholas-day Candlelight Memorial Service 6:30 p.m. Da Vinci Centre, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Daylin James: The Ultimate Elvis

Christmas Gospel 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

CP Holiday Train 9 a.m. CP Train Station, Ignace, cpr.ca/holiday-train

Dec. 6-7

Holiday Music with Zachary Scot

Floyd 7:30 p.m. UMD Weber Music Hall, Duluth, z.umn.edu/sfamusic

Johnson 6 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, alslib.info/calendar

Student/Faculty Chamber Winds

Concert 7:30 p.m. UMD Weber Music Hall, Duluth, z.umn.edu/sfamusic

Parade of Lights 7 p.m. Starts at Manitoulin Transport, Thunder Bay, paradeoflights.ca

Johnson 10:30 a.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Opera Studio: Susannah by Carlisle

Dec. 6-8

The Santaland Diaries 8 p.m. The Underground, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

Holiday Music with Zachary Scot

Dec. 6-22

The Actor’s Nightmare 7:30 p.m. Urban Abbey, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Tweevening with Wendy Savage 6 p.m. Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Dec. 7, Friday

Thanksmas with Northwood’s

Dec. 5, Wednesday

Band 9 p.m. Silver Bay Lounge, lakecountycalendars.org

Dec. 1-2

Nice Girls of the North Holiday Marketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com

DECEMBER 2018

Dec. 3, Monday

Dec. 4, Tuesday

Space Monster 8 p.m.

30

CP Holiday Train 8:30 p.m. CP Train Depot Track, Thunder Bay, cpr.ca/holiday-train

Fireman’s Ball 5:30 p.m. Lutsen Resort, Facebook: Lutsen Fireman’s Ball

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com

Julbocken: The Swedish Christmas Goat 8 a.m. (9 a.m. Sun.) Larsmont

CP Holiday Train 12:20 p.m. Stevens Avenue, Marathon, cpr.ca/holiday-train

Holiday Shopping Expo 10 a.m. Duluth Decc, decc.org

4th Annual Christmas Market 6 p.m. (10:30 a.m. Sat.) Gallery 33, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/gallery33.tbay

Nov. 30-Dec. 2

Craftland: A Winter’s Market 10 a.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

RCL Ladies Auxiliary Slovak Branch #129: Snowflake Tea 1:30 p.m. RCL Slovak Branch 129, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Julebyen Knife River, julebyen.us

Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Choir Concert 7:30 p.m. (3 p.m. Sun.) UMD Weber Music Hall, Duluth, z.umn.edu/sfamusic

Duluth Winter Village 10 a.m. Glensheen Estate, Duluth, duluthwintervillage.com

NORTHERN  WILDS

Winter Elementary Music Program 2 p.m. WKHS Auditorium, Silver Bay, lakecountycalendars.org

Chess Night 5 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 11 a.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org Whiskeys of the World 5:30 p.m. Dubh Linn Irish Pub, Duluth, beargrease.com

Holiday Concert with SVEA: A Capella Swedish Folk 7 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, facebook.com/sveasingers

Wreath Making at Glensheen 6 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, facebook.com/glensheenestate

Cirque Musica Holiday Presents:

The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast

Dec. 7-8

Christmas 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Wonderland 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com Diane Isackson Craft Show & Sale 9 a.m. Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show 10 a.m. (Noon Friday) Duluth DECC, mniceshow.com

Dec. 8, Saturday

Get To The Point: Awesome Art & Gift Fair 10 a.m. Lafayette Square: Park Point, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux & Kari Vick: The Sock Goblin 11 a.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Rhythm & Wine 11:30 a.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Holiday Music with Zachary Scot

Johnson 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com Dutch Canadian St. Nicholas Celebration 1:30 p.m. West Arthur Community Centre, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca 4th Anniversary/Holiday Kick-off Party 5 p.m. Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery & Cottages, Lutsen, kahneetah.com

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell

Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Guest Artist Concert: Chanticleer 7:30 p.m. UMD Weber Music Hall, Duluth, z.umn.edu/sfamusic

Carole-oke 9:30 p.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Dec. 8-9

Christmas Bizaare Bazaar 5 10 a.m. Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/merkasylum Ignite the Fort 4 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca


Dec. 9, Sunday

Westfort Christmas Market 11 a.m. Westfort Prosvita, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

A Jazzy Brazzy Christmas Brunch

Dec. 14, Friday

Ugly Sweater Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange 4 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

with Brass Northwest 11 a.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

O Holy Night 7:30 p.m.

Beargrease Paint Party Fundraiser & Volunteer Meeting 1 p.m. AmericInn, Proctor, beargrease.com

Arrowhead Chorale: A

North Shore Voices Christmas

Concert 3 p.m. WKHS Auditorium, Silver Bay, lakecountycalendars.org Gag Me With A Spoon 7 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, facebook.com/gmwasduluth

Dec. 9-10

Borealis Chorale & Orchestra

Christmas Concerts 7 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, Duluth, spotlight.css.edu Scandinavian Christmas 7:30 p.m. Depot Great Hall, Duluth, arrowheadchorale.com DJ Dr. Dave Vinyl Friday 9:30 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Dec. 19-Dec. 21

17th Annual Christmas Aboriginal Fine Arts & Crafts Gift Show 10 a.m. Lakehead University Gymnasium, Thunder Bay, Facebook: Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario

Dec. 20, Thursday

Health Care Career Fair 10 a.m. Victoria Inn, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Gordon Thorne 2 p.m.

Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Dec. 30-31

New Year’s Eve Gala with Live

Concert 7 p.m. Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com

DSSO: New Year’s Journey 7 p.m.

Michael Monroe Log Cabin

Duluth DECC, decc.org

Dec. 31, Monday Jan.4-5 New Year’s Eve Live Your Best Life! Vision 2019 Live Music by the Fireplace Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

The Boat Club, Fitger’s, Duluth, yourlifelifecoach.com

New Year’s By the Lake 5:30 p.m. Downtown Duluth, newyearsbythelake.com

Jan. 4-6

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dec. 14-15

Winter Farmers Market 4 p.m. Duluth Folk School, facebook.com/duluthfolkschool

with Live Music 5:30 p.m. Justine’s at Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com

Dec. 14-16

Scrabble & Cribbage 6 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

New Year’s Eve Family Frolic 6 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

Celtic Christmas Ceilidh 7:30 p.m.

Dark Sky Festival Cook County, visitcookcounty.com/events

Band: 21 Gun Fun 6 p.m. Slovak Legion, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

GNDWIRE Records Ski Party

Music & Ski Festival Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Jan. 5-6

Banff Mountain Film Festival Duluth DECC, duluthxc.com/banff

Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

WEEKLY EVENTS

Dec. 10, Monday

Dec. 15, Saturday

Audubon Christmas Bird Count Grand Marais, sundew@boreal.org

Dec. 21, Friday

Monday

Friday

Chess Time 4 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Heather Rankin: A Picture Perfect

Photos with Santa & Activities with Mrs. Claus 11 a.m. The Big Lake, Grand Marais, facebook.com/thebiglakelife

Open Knitting 6:30 p.m. Sisu Designs Yarn Shop, Ely, sisudesigns.org

Read to Lucy the Whippet Noon, Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Open Mic Night 8 p.m.

Live Music 4 p.m.

Tuesday

Renegade Improv 10:30 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Christmas 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Dec. 11, Tuesday

Ruby’s Pantry 5 p.m. Cook County High School, Grand Marais, facebook. com/rubyspantrycc ARE Youth Spoken Word Open Mic 6 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts Building, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Messiah Sing-Along

7:30 p.m. CSS Mitchell Auditorium, Duluth, spotlight.css.edu

Dec. 12, Wednesday

Video Game Night & Quiz Night 5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse North Shore Poets & Writers 6 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com Wreath Making at Glensheen 6 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, facebook.com/glensheenestate

Dec. 12-15

Elf Jr: The Musical 7 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ plivetbay

Dec. 13, Thursday

Author Timothy Cochrane: Gichi Bitobig, Grand Marais 2 p.m. Heritage Visitors Center, Grand Portage National Monument

Holiday Music with Zachary

Scot Johnson 3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org It’s A Wunderbar Life: Holiday Market 5 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery, Grand Marais, facebook.com/thebiglakelife Toy Sense Game Night 7 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Dec. 13-15

Renegade Theater: ‘Dear Elizabeth’ 7:30 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts Building, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com/renegade

SnowBall Music & Ski Festival

Christmas Dinner & Dance Party 6 p.m. Slovak Legion, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Curry Cook-Off & Holiday &

Broadway Musical Showcase 6:30 p.m. Congo Church, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com

TBSO Winter Concert: In the

Holiday Spirit 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Old Dominion: Happy Endings

World Tour 7:30 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org

Music Bingo 9:30 p.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Dec. 15-16

Duluth Gun Show 9 a.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org

Dec. 16, Sunday Arrowhead Chorale: A

Scandinavian Christmas 3 p.m. Depot Great Hall, Duluth, arrowheadchorale.com

Dec. 17, Monday

Women’s History Series: Picturing the Arguments Against Suffrage 5:30 p.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, northshorecampus.org

Winter WonderBand & Choir

Concert 6:30 p.m. WKHS Auditorium, Silver Bay, lakecountycalendars.org

Michael Bolton: The Symphony Sessions 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Dec. 19, Wednesday Community Conversation with Neil Sherman: Let’s Finish It Noon, Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org Accidental Ensemble 4:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org Wreath Making at Glensheen 6 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, facebook.com/glensheenestate

Live Music by the Fireplace

Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com Downtown Duluth Arts Walk 5 p.m. Downtown Duluth, facebook. com/downtownduluthartswalk

Plan B 10 p.m. Red Lion

Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Grandma Rays, Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmarays

Dec. 21-22

Community Yoga (No class Dec. 25) 5:30 p.m. 1st Congregational UCC: Lower Level, Grand Marais, facebook.com/yogagrandmarais

Dec. 22, Saturday

Live Music 6 p.m. Lutsen Resort,

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Trivia Night 7 p.m. Grandma Rays, Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmarays

The Nutcracker 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Lutsen, lutsenresort.com

Wax Philosophics 10 p.m.

Dec. 24, Monday Christmas Eve Live Music by the Fireplace

Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Dec. 25, Tuesday Christmas Day Dec. 26, Wednesday Boxing Day Live Music by the Fireplace

Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Wednesday

Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Artists in the Taproom (Thru Dec. 19) 4:30 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Open Mic 5 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern,

Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Thursday

Date Night with Live Music

6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Preschool Storytime 11 a.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Saturday

Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Voyageur Brewing Tours 11 a.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com Santa & His Live Reindeer (Thru Dec. 15) 11 a.m. Fitger’s, Duluth, fitgers.com Free: Tour the North House Campus 2 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Live Music 7 p.m. Lutsen Resort, lutsenresort.com

Renegade Improv 10:30 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Sunday

Santa & His Live Reindeer (Thru Dec. 16) Noon, Fitger’s, Duluth, fitgers.com

Dec. 27, Thursday

Pinterest Projects 11 a.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Dec. 28, Friday

Live Music by

the Fireplace Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Feeding Your Adventures for Over 40 Years! Grab & Go Deli with Cafe Seating Organic, Local & Natural Groceries Open 7 Days a Week | 9 am - 7 pm

Located on the beautiful East Bay of Grand Marais

20 East First St | Grand Marais, MN cookcounty.coop | 218.387.2503 NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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Happy Holidays! Flavors as big and bold as the view

North of Grand Marais On The Scenic Gunflint Trail

North Shore Community Radio Grand Marais, Minnesota

Experience the people and culture of the North Shore!

90.7 FM Grand Marais 90.1 FM Grand Portage 89.1 FM Gunflint Trail

wtip.org

-HISTORIC CABINS-BAR & RESTAURANT-LIQUOR STOREBook Your Winter Stay NOW @ WWW.POPLARHAUS.COM

10% LOCALS DISCOUNT

Come spread some holiday cheer with us at Bluefin Grille: • Winter chill setting in? Settle in with a warm hot chocolate, Spiced Rum or Hot Toddy by the fire • Spend the Holidays with us! Open Christmas Day from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; serving Filet and Lobster with mushroom risotto as the featured entrée from 5-9 p.m. • Voted Northern Wilds Reader’s Choice for BEST VIEW • Live music by the fireplace Mon, Wed, Fri from Dec. 21 – New Year’s Eve

or call us anytime 218.388.2222

7890 Gunflint Trail

Open daily 8 am – 9 pm • Bar & Late Night Menu until 11 pm Closed Christmas Eve HWY 61 Tofte • 1-800-BLUEFIN • bluefinbay.com

LUNCH AT THE TAVERN GUN FLINT TAVERN ON THE LAKE DOWNTOWN GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA

UNDER $10 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 11:00 - 4:00 HOT DAGO

9.95

HOT TURKEY OLD SCHOOL

9.95

PHILLY STEAK AND CHEESE ON A HOAGIE

9.95

MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH KIELBASA

9.95

CHEDDAR TUNA MELT ON FRENCH

9.95

BOWL OF SOUP AND ALL YOU CAN EAT SALAD

9.95

GRILLED SALAMI AND SWISS

8.95

We use Grass fed beef and pork sausage for our italian seasoned patty, grill it, toast our baguette, slather with our house marinara and melted mozzarella.**

Organic house roasted turkey served open faced with Tavern mash and turkey gravy, side of cranberry compote Sauteed ribeye strips, green pepper, onions, provolone cheese and horsey sauce.** Baked, bubbly and delicious like grandma would do.

Baked open faced with tomatoes, pickles, celery and onions in our mix .** Your choice of our soup of the day and salad with a chunk of buttered warm bread. On french with honey dijon, tomatoes, onions and greens.**

CAPERED EGG SALAD

On toasted french, open faced.**

8.95 ** choice of greens w/vinaigrette or ripple chips

WHAT ELSE? with your lunch meal.

Add a cup of soup for $4 Add a salad for $4

HAPPY HOUR

$1

00

MON-THURS 4-7PM

off rail drinks, house wines & tap beers.

FREE CHIPS & SALSA IN THE RAVEN PUB $200 OFF APPETIZERS 32

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The North Shore Dish Holiday Baking: Better Than Homemade? By Maren Webb

The holiday season is here, with its joys and merriment as well as stresses. Baked goods are a mainstay of holiday celebrations and the season, but they take time to prepare, require skills that we may not have, and ingredients that are often not usually in our cupboards. Whether baked goods, like lefse or a yule log, are a family tradition or you are looking for something different to try this season, like a strawberry rhubarb pie or eggnog macaron, these local bakers offer delicious holiday treats without the added stress of baking. In the Bay and Algoma neighborhood of Thunder Bay, you can find not only great holiday shopping but also an excellent selection of baked goods and holiday items at Sweet Escape Cake Cafe and Bakery. Open since 2013, Sweet Escape offers cupcakes and cookies daily in the shop, along with an assortment of bars and other baked goods. Owner, Julie Einarson, also takes orders for Christmas trays, yule logs, and packages of cookies, tarts, and bars. A handy Christmas order list is available in the store and posted on the Sweet Escape Facebook page. Orders can be made in person or by phone. In addition to the holiday staples, like decorated shortbread cookies, she also offers specialty cupcakes and macaron cookies in holiday flavors, such as gingerbread, eggnog, and chocolate peppermint. Einarson encourages customers to try their hand at baking at home, as well as enjoy purchased baked goods. “Baking during the holiday season is a fun family activity and a good way to learn fractions with kids. Supplementing with baking bought from your local bakery can help save some time and money. I would suggest skipping the recipes that involve multiple steps and that one special ingredient you don’t have already,” said Einarson. Another tip: if there are some goodies that is a favorite of a family member or two but not by all, say mincemeat tarts, you can purchase a package of six, so you have just enough for those who truly enjoy them. Family is part of Sweet Escape Cake Cafe and Bakery, including recipes from Einarson’s family. Her whipped shortbread recipe was her grandmother’s. “It was something she made year-round and I still think hers taste better than mine,” she said. The shortbread recipe used for decorated cookies is a throwback to Einarson’s childhood: the recipe is from a cookbook she received as a Christmas gift when she was 10 years

Sweet Escape Cake Café and Bakery in Thunder Bay offers a Christmas platter full of sweets. | SUBMITTED old. She has also taken inspiration from her father, who always does the family Christmas baking, and has recipes from her family that they’ve been using for years. This holiday season, you are welcomed into the Sweet Escape family, whether through an order or stopping in the store. Sweet Escape (271 Bay Street, Unit 2, corner of Bay Street and Machar Avenue, Thunder Bay) is open noon to 10 p.m., closed Wednesdays and Sundays. For more information, find Sweet Escape Cake Café and Bakery on Facebook. In the Two Harbors area, New Song Farm has been growing in name recognition and reputation in recent years, selling vegetables, flowers, apples, berries, preserves, and baked goods at local markets and at the farm. This year, fans can rejoice

as Monica Highmark expands her business and offerings, in partnership with Valentini’s Marketplace on the second floor of the Holiday Center in Downtown Duluth. Holiday items are available at the Marketplace and by order, including lefse, Christmas cookies including spritz, cardamom bread, other sweet breads, caramel and frosted sweet rolls, dinner rolls, and pies of all kinds. As with Sweet Escapes, many of Highmark’s recipes come from family members. “My cardamom bread, many of the cookies, and the lefse recipe I use came from my mom, [and] the Rye bread recipe I use is from my husband’s Swedish grandmother,” she said. Highmark learned how to bake bread as a child from her Finnish grand-

mother and her mother was a wonderful cook and baker. “My memories of growing up include getting off the school bus a block from our home and being able to smell the fresh goodies my mom had just pulled from the oven,” she said. Today, Highmark and New Song Farm are bringing these traditions and delicious results into our homes. A special benefit of baked goods from New Song Farm is that items grown on the farm are used whenever possible. Blueberries, currants, and apples are used in jams and jellies. Some baked goods use fruit, carrots, pumpkins, and squash from the farm. “I think products baked with homegrown fruits and veggies always taste better. At home I use my fresh chicken eggs as well

NORTHERN  WILDS

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33


Sven & Ole's Christmas Gift Card Special Receive a FREE 12" Thin Crust Baked One Topping Pizza for every full $25.00 of gift cards purchased. (Examples: 25.00 = 1 Pizza $50.00 = 2 Pizzas $100.00 = 4 Pizzas $200.00 = 8 Pizzas etc.)

The FREE 12" Thin Crust Baked One Topping Pizzas will be issued as vouchers that may be used between Dec. 26, 2018 - Dec. 24, 2019 Available until 2 PM Christmas Eve, December 24th

Sweet Escape Cake Café and Bakery offers holiday cupcakes. | SUBMITTED

SPECIALS

MONDAY'S THROUGH DECEMBER 17TH

PIZZA SPECIAL

Buy Any Pizza Of Your Choice At Regular Price And Get A 2nd Pizza of Equal or Less Value For 1/2 Price.

[LEFT] Blue Water Café in Grand Marais will sell pies this holiday season.

| SUBMITTED

WEDNESDAY'S THROUGH DECEMBER 19TH

"THE HUMP DAY BUFFET" 11 AM - 2 PM

$1.00 OFF A 1 lb. Order of Bone-In or Boneless Chicken Wings or Whole Garlic Bread or Garlic Bread w/Cheese.

THURSDAY'S THROUGH DECEMBER 20TH

PIZZA SPECIAL

Two 16" Baked Thin Crust 1 Topping Pizzas, Only $19.99. We Will Be Closed Tuesday, Dec. 4, Tuesday Dec. 11 and Tuesday Dec. 25

New Song Farm in Two Harbors sells everything from pies and cookies to sweet breads and lefse. | SUBMITTED and love the color their rich yolks add to my cream pies and doughs,” said Highmark. Using quality ingredients, tried and true recipes from scratch, and lots of love and care, her holiday baked goods taste and feel homemade, in the best possible way. You can find baked goods and other items from New Song Farm at Valentini’s Marketplace (second floor of the Holiday Center, 207 W. Superior Street, Duluth), open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. New Song Farm also sells at some of the local holiday markets, including French River Lutheran Scandinavian Festival on December 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cookie and special orders can be made at the Marketplace or via email newsongfarm@gmail. com (more information is available on New Song Farm’s Facebook page and Instagram). One type of baked good seems to always top off our holiday meals: pie. In Grand Marais, The Pie Place Cafe was long known for its quality pies and after closing, was much missed by the community. Blue Water Cafe recognized this loss and has stepped in to continue the Pie Place pie tradition, using both their own and Pie Place recipes,

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for order and in stock at the restaurant. “We thought it important for us to keep locally made from scratch pies in Grand Marais,” said Melodee and Dan Riddle, owners of the Blue Water Cafe in Grand Marais. This season, they’ll be offering classic apple, strawberry rhubarb, bumble berry, raspberry rhubarb, pecan, blueberry, and cinnamon peach. For a guaranteed selection, order your pies a day before and they will be ready the next day at noon for pick-up. As Dan reminds us, “having us make your holiday pie will reduce some of the stress.” Focus on another part of your holiday meal, spend some extra time with family, or enjoy a little quiet time before the busy holidays. Blue Water Cafe (20 West Wisconsin Street, Grand Marais) is open daily, except closed Thursdays, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For orders or more information, call (218) 387-1597. Wishing you season’s greetings and enjoyment of food and drink this holiday season, whether prepared lovingly at home or by one of our many local bakers or restaurants, so you can enjoy other parts of the holiday season.


Scandinavian Christmas Cookies By Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux

Bring some Scandinavian flair to your cookie exchange this year—or warm up some hot cocoa and enjoy one of these sweet treats yourself.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

By Barbara Robbinson

Adults: $10 Youth (12-17) $5 Child $1

Friday, Nov 30, 7 pm Saturday, Dec 1, 5 pm Sunday Dec. 2, 1:30 + 4:30 pm

Arrowhead Center for the Arts

51 W 5th S, Grand Marais grandmaraisplayhouse.com

It’s hard to imagine a small disk of dough yielding over 100 cookies, but pepparkakor are rolled out as thin as possible. | PIXABAY

Kringler DANISH SUGAR PRETZELS

3 cups flour 2 sticks butter 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 egg ½ cup cream Combine all ingredients, using a stand mixer or food processor. The butter should be firm, but not hard. Chill for 30 minutes. Pinch off pieces of dough the size of a walnut.

Beat the cooled mixture with the butter, than add baking soda and flour. Don’t over mix.

Borealis Chorale & Orchestra ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Under the direction of Bill Beckstrand

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Roll out very thin. Use cookie cutters and stamp them close together; the dough gets tougher when re-rolled, so it’s better to bake odd little shapes than to overwork it. This dough should be rolled as thinly as possible. Try rolling onto lightly floured parchment paper and peeling away the excess. Bake at 375-400F for 5-10 minutes. Makes approximately 150 cookies.

Roll into thin strips about 6 inches long.

7:00 p.m.

Sunday December 9 & Monday December 10 Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 417 1st Ave. West, Grand Marais Concerts are at no charge…your generous contributions will help this 65 year Cook County tradition continue!

Make the strips into pretzels shapes. Gently press the top in pearl sugar.

5000 Square Feet of Christmas Magic!

Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes, until golden. Makes approximately five dozen cookies.

Victoria’s Cupboard

Pepparkakor SWEDISH GINGERBREAD COOKIES

1¼ cups sugar 8 tablespoons water 4 tablespoons corn syrup (light or dark) 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon ginger powder 2 teaspoon clove powder 1¾ sticks butter 2 teaspoons baking soda 3 cups flour Put sugar, water, corn syrup and spices in a pot and boil on low until combined, then let cool.

Kokosbollar NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE BALLS

1 stick butter ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 teaspoons strong coffee, cooled 1½ cups rolled oats Cream together butter, sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla. Mix in coffee and oats. Shape into 1- to 2-inch balls. Roll in coconut flakes. Refrigerate or serve. Makes two dozen cookies.

Patience Brewster’s Dashaway Elves!

exclusive to Victoria’s Cupboard in Thunder Bay. Hours from now until December 24th: Tuesday, Wednesday 10:30-5,Thursday 10:30-6 Friday 10:30-5, Saturday 11-4 Open Sunday December 23 12-4 Monday December 24 10:30-3 Re-opening Tuesday January 15, 2019

115 North May St., Thunder Bay, On

victoriascupboard.com 807-622-7821 NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

35


Flooring Cabinets Countertops Tile Kitchens Bathrooms Happy holidays from 1010 interiors! we’re open all year!

Open: Mon.-Fri. 9 am-5 pm  Sat. by appt. 1010 E. Highway 61  Grand Marais 218-387-1998  1010interiors.com MN RBC Lic. #BC741688

Don’t Miss the Boat! Reservations for 2019 begin January 2nd @ 8 AM

North Shore IPAs If you’ve been following this column lately, you might have picked up on my taste for pale beers. I’ve tried hard to include many different styles, pale or not, but this month I couldn’t stay away from a couple hoppy North Shore options. I recently dropped by Voyageur Brewing Company’s taproom and picked up a growler of Sled Hound Session IPA. While Sled Hound is one of the Grand Marais brewery’s flagship beers, it is not distributed in bottles. But Sled Hound can be found on tap throughout the area and down into the Twin Cities. I generally like any pale beer with Citra and Mosaic hops, two of my favorites, and this Voyageur Brewing’s Sled Hound Session IPA. did not disappoint. It is a light, | SUBMITTED “crushable” IPA with a 4.8 percent alcohol by volume rating. That’s pretty light for an IPA, but it does fit the parameters of a session beer. It pours a clear orange, with a hoppy nose, but only slight bitterness over citric and berry notes. By Javier Serna This one might be my favorite from Voyaguer to date.

Reservations only available in-person or by phone the first day.

I also made a pit stop at Bent Paddle’s taproom, and grabbed a crowler of the Rotator IPA: Light-N-Hazy. It may be lightly colored, pouring a hazy yellow, but it would only be considered light at 6.6 ABV compared to some your heavier IPAs. It’s a hoppy haze and juice bomb worthy of the New England style. Hop heads won’t want to pass up this pilot series beer at the Lincoln Park taproom. Despite packing a little punch, it’s one you might want to treat like a session beer. Hopefully I’ll get back to the taproom while this is still available.

Online booking opens up January 3rd

www.GrandMaraisRecreationArea.com | 800-998-0959 TENTS TO RVS | MARINA | GOLF | COBBLESTONE BEACHES Bent Paddle’s Rotator IPA: Light-N-Hazy. | SUBMITTED

Down-home Northwoods Atmosphere

Sun-Thurs: 11am - 8pm Fri & Sat: 11am - 9pm

BEER &

WINE

Regional Beer on Tap!

MySistersPlaceRestaurant.com 218-387-1915 401 E. Hwy 61, Grand Marais

$3 OFF Any Large PIZZA Take Out or Dine In Expires 12-31-18 36

DECEMBER 2018

NORTHERN  WILDS

OPENED FOR BUSINESS: Duluth Cider held a grand opening for its Lincoln Park taproom on Nov. 14. The new room (2307 W. Superior St.) will be open seven days a week (Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Duluth Cider will be the first cidery in Duluth, but another, Wild State Cider, is also planned for Duluth’s Lincoln Park soon. BACK TO THE BOTTLE: In late November, Duluth’s Blacklist released some holiday limited-release 750 ml bottles, the first time they’ve gone with

can be found both in the taproom and at some Minnesota bottle shops. the packaging format since moving to their new 120 E Superior St. location. These beers are excellent options for cellaring until the right occasion comes up to open them. The bottled beers include a barrel-aged imperial stout, a barrel-aged cherry imperial stout, and a wild Brett-aged Belgian golden. The releases are part of the brewery’s celebration marking the second anniversary of the opening of its taproom. The bottles

DULUTH BREWHOUSE CANS A THIRD: Duluth Brewhouse, which is brewing Fitger’s Brewhouse recipes for distribution, added Big Boat Oatmeal Stout to its short list of beer it is canning. Fitger’s can’t can and distribute its beer because it is a brew pub, but earlier this year, a separate company was set up in New Richmond, Wis. The beer, under Duluth Brewhouse label, is being distributed in Minnesota.


A Crisis Worth Explaining By Amy Schmidt The opioid crisis is ravaging communities across America. Between 2010 and 2015, deaths from heroin, a street opioid, increased 328 percent. And because heroin isn’t the only opioid out there, it’s only getting worse. Drug deaths from prescription opioids, such as Fentanyl, are seeing a sharp rise, so much so that more Americans die from drug overdoses than in car crashes. The term “opioid” gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly are these drugs? Opioids—natural or synthetic, prescription or illicit—are a class of drugs that attach to receptors in the brain. Once attached, they send signals to the brain which block pain, slow breathing, and have a general calming and anti-depressing effect. Heroin is the most commonly known opioid. Morphine, too, is well-known for its use in medical situations, especially in chronic, terminally-ill patients with conditions such as cancer. Fentanyl, another prescription opioid, is commonly mixed with heroin or other pills, creating a cocktail that is more likely to be fatal.

But opioids also include common prescription pain relievers, such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin. Prescribed for chronic pain issues, often after an isolated event like a car accident, these medications are intended to be used only until a person can recover from an injury. However, if misused or abused, these drugs can cause harm on par with illegal opioids like heroin. Opioids have a strong risk of addiction, meaning their use or misuse can create brain changes that lead to addiction. A person who is addicted develops an overpowering urge, or craving, for the drug. The person also experiences a loss of control and painful withdrawal symptoms, making it more difficult to refuse the drug, even when use becomes harmful. Most people who are addicted to opioids cannot taper off (use less of the drug over time) without help. But is there a link between prescription drug use and the so-called “Opioid Epidemic”? Research, unfortunately, says yes. Nearly half of young people who inject heroin start by misusing prescription pain medicine. It goes like this: Jane has an injury that requires prescription pain medication. After a few months, Jane notices she

Money Exchange Parcel Pickup Family Owned Since 1947

218-475-2330

If you are prescribed pain killers, use them only as directed. | STOCK has to take more pain pills to get the same relieving effect and, when her doctor refuses to give her more medication, she begins stealing from friends and relatives. Then a friend tells her that if she uses heroin, she’ll get quicker, better relief. And the rest, as they say, is history. Certainly, not everyone who uses prescription pain medication for a legitimate reason ends up addicted to heroin. Some people never resort to heroin but are hopelessly, dangerously addicted to prescription pain killers. Some people use prescription pain killers responsibly, as prescribed, and suffer no negative effect. But, the threat is real.

Trying to eliminate the opioid crisis is, perhaps, a fool’s errand. But, there are things we can do to help squelch the fire. First, and foremost, talk before the problem starts. Talk to your kids, talk to your partner, talk to your doctor. Second, if you are prescribed pain killers, use them only as directed. Keep them secured so that no one has access to them other than yourself. And when you no longer need them, dispose of them at your local police station or through another agency accepting discarded medications. And last, but maybe most important, if you need help, please reach out. For more information, call Sawtooth Mountain Clinic at (218) 387-2330.

keep the spirit going

be a holiday Hunger Hero

Duty-Free Liquor 10,000 U.S. and Canadian Souvenirs

Gas

www.RydensBorderStore.com

On the Harbor in Grand Marais S Enjoy our famous smoked fish S We offer shipping for the Holidays!

Giving to the North Shore Hunger Hero program can spread that seasonal joy for yourself and others. From now until the end of the year, North Shore Federal Credit Union will match up to $3,000 of member pledges & donations for area food programs.

Your donations help so much All you need to do to take part in the North Shore Hunger Hero campaign is to stop into a local branch, sign a permission slip with a designated monthly donation amount. It only takes a few seconds. Even easier, sign up online through NSFCU E-Branch. Already signed up? Please consider increasing your monthly donation or making an additional one-time holiday donation. Together, we are making a difference in ending hunger in our community. It’s the greatest gift we can give to others, and ourselves. Thank you again, Your friends at North Shore Federal Credit Union

docksidefishmarket.com 1-800-548-9630 218-387-2906

Duluth | Two Harbors | Silver Bay | Lutsen | Grand Marais | Grand Portage Phone 218.226.4401 | Toll Free: 800.450.0709 | www.northshorefcu.org NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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s a m t s Chri t

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s Giving Tree Helping patients with basic needs.

a y s r d n r e i e r M om your f nklin.

Your anonymous donation will provide patient assistance with the following:

ra F n e B s e n y o J fr

w Gift cards for the local

grocery store or co-op

w Gas card or bus fare for

clinical appointments outside of Cook County

10 off

$

w Vouchers for

necessary lodging for clinical appointments outside of Cook County.

every $50 spent with this coupon

One coupon per purchase. Good Dec. 3 - Dec. 31, 2018 Sale items included. In-stock items only. Gift Certifcates not included.

Please leave your anonymous donation at the front reception desk or with Sue Nordman—lower level Room 104

No Ordinary Five & Dime! 105 Wisconsin St., Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-2233 • joynes@boreal.org

CLIP & SAVE

MARCH 2 2019 SleepingGiantLoppet.ca

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513 5th Ave. West, Grand Marais 218-387-2330 sawtoothmountainclinic.org

Presented By:


Northern Trails Making an Ice Fishing Game Plan By Gord Ellis

Ice fishing, by its nature, requires an angler to think a bit more carefully about making a game plan. For starters, the water you want to fish in is separated from you by several inches of ice. Sometimes it is several feet of ice. This requires you to get to the water via holes. Cutting holes into ice can be a big chore, so you need the right equipment to do it.

Pick Your Auger There are really two main types of ice augers: those that are powered by an engine, and those that are not. A hand-powered auger is fine for thinner ice or if you are trekking into a back country lake on snow shoes where weight is an issue. Hand-powered augers work well, but require some physical energy. It’s good exercise, but can be exhausting. If you want to cut the largest amount of holes with the least effort, you need a power auger. The most common power augers run on gas, and can drill several dozen holes on a tank. Some new augers are battery powered and are much quieter and clean than the gas versions. For most ice fishing, an auger that makes an 8-inch hole will be fine.

Pick Your Species Different fish species have different habits. In the winter time, you will find that warm water species, such as walleye, crappie and perch, will be a little less aggressive than they are in the summer. So you may have to tease them into biting. Large predators like pike and lake trout, on the other hand, can be surprisingly aggressive under the ice. Lake trout, in particular, will hit a lure like a freight train on the very coldest days. Brook trout and rainbow trout can bite well in the winter, but tend to be a bit more fickle. Some of the more under-utilized fish species, like whitefish and burbot (eelpout), hit very well in the winter and are delicious to eat. Often there are opportunities to catch more than one fish species while ice fishing. Decide what you want to fish for, then do a little research about the lakes and reservoirs that have those species. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has a great tool called FISHonline that can show you the individual lakes in your area and what species are in them, as well as other information like stocking numbers. This tool can be found at: ontario.ca/fishonline.

Tom Armstrong and Gord Ellis senior with lake trout. | GORD ELLIS

Pick Your Spot

Make sure you know the season and the possession limits, as well as any size restrictions, before you get on the ice. And make sure you have a fishing license.

Pick Your Tools Outside of an auger, you will need some other tools to catch fish through the ice. The key one is a hook and line. The traditional, old school way to fish in the winter is with a cut stick (gad), spool of line and a hook and sinker. The stick is placed over the hole, the line wrapped once around the tip and the spool is left on the ice. When you get a bite, the stick tip wiggles and you hand line the fish in. However, modern ice fishing rods and reels also work well, and allow you to use modern things, like a drag, when you fight a fish. Ice fishing rods are shorter than open-water rods, and are matched with reels that are generally a bit smaller than usual as well. Normal monofilament line is fine in the winter, although you should go a bit heavier than you would in open water. For most larger fish, think 10- to 12-pound test. For crappie, perch and panfish, a lighter 4-pound test line will work. Minnows (live or dead) and worms are a common bait in the winter, where bait is allowed. You can also jig a variety of artificial lures through the ice including the Jigging Rapala, Swedish Pimple and a bucktail jig like the Mighty Mitch and Jungle Joe Jigfly.

Cutting holes with an ice auger is an important part of ice fishing. | GORD ELLIS Scale the size of your lure to the target species. Almost all species of fish will hit an artificial lure in the winter. Other tools that are handy when ice fishing include an ice scoop to get the chips out of your hole. Dipping ice chips out by hand will get old fast. A portable propane heater is also a welcome way to warm hands on a cold days. If you want to get out of the wind, a simple pop up shelter or tent is an easy way to do that. These shelters come as part of a built-in sleigh you can pull, or as standalone tents you can roll up and carry.

Location is critical when you go ice fishing. There is no trolling, so you can’t cover water and quickly weed out the dead areas like you can in the summer. Picking obvious visible structures, like main lake points or around islands, is a good starting point. Yet some species, like lake trout, are often found well off-shore in deeper water. This is more of a crap shoot, although modern ice fishing electronics that allow you to read the depth of water through a hole, really help. These units, while expensive, take a lot of the guesswork out of ice fishing. Not only can you see the depth of water, but you can see your lure and a fish if it approaches. In some instances, especially when perch or walleye fishing, you will see a pack of anglers in one area. Although fishing near a big group of people is not everyone’s cup of tea, there are times when fish will school up over certain areas. In the same way, if you are at a total loss about where to fish a lake, and see some old holes left by other anglers, it never hurts to try that area. This is just another way to learn a lake and where to ice fish. Ice fishing can be a lot of fun, and is a great way to enjoy the northern winter. When you have your game plan put together, there is nothing left to do but catch some fish.

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The Great Minnesota Cookie Book By Lee Svitak Dean and Rick Nelson

University of Minnesota Press, $24.95

Comprised of 80 imaginative recipes, The Great Minnesota Cookie Book collects the best-loved recipes and baking lore from 15 years of the Star Tribune’s popular holiday cookie contest. Organized into categories, such as cutout cookies, drop cookies, and refrigerator cookies, each recipe is accompanied by mouth-watering photos and bakers’ stories. Cookies range from double-chocolate espresso cherry drops, cranberry pecan swirls, and limoncello kisses, to orange ginger drops, pistachio pine cones, strawberry margarita gems, and hot cocoa cookies. This cookbook is sure to provide new favorites this holiday season.—Breana Roy

The Relentless Business of Treaties

How Indigenous Land Became U.S. Property By Martin Case

Minnesota Historical Society Press, $17.95

The map of Minnesota contains lines denoting boundaries created in the 1800s: Indian reservations and ceded territories defined in a series of treaties. While the treaties remain relevant to the use of the land and its natural resources, most folks know little of their history. This scholarly work looks at the origins and consequences of treaties, especially the removal of Indigenous people from the landscape and the introduction of the concept of land as property. Not surprisingly, the men who signed treaties for the United States made financial gains as a result. In many ways, this book tells the story of how America came to be.—Shawn Perich

Laurentian Divide

A Novel By Sarah Stonich

University of Minnesota Press, $22.95

Returning to the northern Minnesota town of Hatchet Inlet, Laurentian Divide picks up the story where Vacationland left off—at moment of great sorrow and hope. Residents recovering from a tough winter anticipate their first real celebration since losing two of their best and brightest young women. As the wedding of Sissy Pavola to Alpo Lahti nears, it appears another soul might be lost. Recluse Rauri Paar should have made his annual springtime trek to town from his remote island by now—but not everyone is rooting for Rauri’s safe return: as the last private landowner in the million-acre wilderness dubbed the Reserve, his demise would mark the official designation of the park as ‘motorless wilderness.’ Author Sarah Stonich weaves the past and present lives of a northern Minnesota family as they question what is ours to control or own.—Breana Roy

GREENWOOD LAKE WHY GO: This long, shallow Lake County lake—not to be confused with the lake of the same name in Cook County—has a reputation for pumping out walleyes and crappies, and is a rare winter walleye option, where many other walleye fisheries in the region shut down come winter. ACCESS: Greenwood, which is bog-stained, has many boulders that can make boating hazardous. There’s a concrete ramp on the southwest end of the lake, off of Lake County Road No. 2. “If you go out there in the summer, you need a boat that will take the rocks,” said Thor Steenerson, of Brimson Sportsman’s Center, about the only baitshop in the vicinity, though it is located about 24 miles to the southwest of the lake in relatively nearby Fairbanks Township, an unincorporated community over the border in St. Louis County. VITALS: This 1,329-acre lake has a maximum depth of 7 feet, and more than 10 miles of shoreline. The aforementioned bog-stained water has an average clarity of 4.2 feet, according to the most recent DNR lake survey conducted in 2009. GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Crappies, northern pike, rock bass, walleye, white sucker and yellow perch. WALLEYE: Steenerson said Greenwood is a good walleye option both in open water and in hardwater. Minnesota DNR hasn’t sampled the lake since 2009, but that survey mentioned the lake was above average for the lake class. The survey said that the lake has good numbers of walleye, but they tend to run small. That being said, eight walleyes in that survey were in the 20- to 24-inch range. Steenerson hasn’t heard of any big walleyes being caught in Greenwood. As far as fishing for the walleyes during open water, Steenerson said minnows, leeches and crawlers are the

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main options during the summer, with minnows and waxies the preferred bait in the winter. The DNR survey mentions that the dark water probably allows the lake’s walleye bite to hold up during the day. Steenerson said the one deeper hole in the lake is where many walleye anglers focus, both during the summer and winter. CRAPPIES: While crappies haven’t been sampled in any of the DNR lake fish surveys going back to 1951, that year’s survey mentioned that in 1938, 570 crappie fingerlings were stocked in the lake, as well as 105 sunfish fingerlings, and it was noted that was the first year walleye fry were stocked into the lake. Steenerson said crappies are the second target species in the lake after walleyes, and, they, too, are a winter target. He couldn’t say how big they got in the lake, but they are big enough that many of his customers target them. “They are in there,” he said. “You gotta search for them. Sometimes they don’t bite all week, and then, all of the sudden, they turn on.”—Javier Serna

Boat Access 

View our complete collection of Fishing Hole Maps online at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps


Wild Traditions Blood Memory and Reclaiming the Path By Western academics, the curiosity of genetic memory has been written about since the 20th century, perhaps even earlier. Carl Jung used the term “collective unconscious” to define his even broader concept of inherited traits and collective wisdom shared among creatures of the same species.

By Julia Prinselaar

Back at Kendomang Zhagodenamonon Lodge, the program helps students reach their potential through the teachings of their ancestors—to tap into that bank of genetic memory and culture.

Garrick Waswa is a soft-spoken 16-yearold who grew up in Eabametoong First Nation. The remote fly-in community, also known as Fort Hope, is situated on the north shore of Eabamet Lake, about 225 miles north of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

“The program was given its name by a local elder, and it means, the more knowledge we have of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which are the guiding principles of Anishinaabe life, the more success we will have at overcoming our challenges and our fears in life,” said Roberts, who runs the program alongside Tanya Moses from the Indigenous Friendship Centre.

I met Garrick with his classmates at Hammarskjold High School in Thunder Bay this past fall, as part of a new program that incorporates traditional knowledge and teachings into the academic curriculum for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students.

“It’s a program for students to help them build their self-esteem, their self-confidence, and in order to help them do that, we focus on the land, the language, their communities and their culture. So every subject that we [learn] has some cultural component.”

It was a cool October afternoon, and Chris Larocque, the Ojibway language class teacher, had brought two deer hides that were donated by a student’s father. Our task that day was to learn how to remove any excess fat and flesh in preparation for traditional tanning to make buckskin, which would later be sewn into crafts by the students.

For a project like tanning a deer hide, Roberts’ job is to tie that experience back into the curriculum for high school credits. “So for all the team work that we’ve been doing together on the deer hide that counts toward life skills. I’ll get them to write down the process that we went through to tan the hides, which counts towards English...In science, we can talk about what they eat, and their predators. Geography: we can talk about where the deer populations are, how climate change impacts deer populations...What’s their food source? All of those things,” she said.

I began with a demonstration of how to hold the hide over the fleshing beam and position the blade of the scraper, working in calculated strokes. But in a crowd of more than 40 people, it was hard to tell whether everyone could see or understand what I was doing. Keen to get started, a few students put on aprons and we went to work. It usually takes a bit of time to develop a feel for scraping a hide: to get a sense of the pressure and angle of the blade; how to work efficiently. Some students initially approached it with caution, seeming unsure of what they were getting into. But when it was Garrick’s turn, he picked up the scraping tool and held it comfortably in his hands. He handled the hide with ease and confidence. He worked rhythmically, and soon his friends crowded around him, watching. Melissa Roberts, the teacher who heads the Indigenous Cultural Academy, otherwise known as Kendomang Zhagodenamonon Lodge, noticed him, too. “Have you ever done anything like this before back home?” she asked him later, taking him aside. “No,” replied Garrick. “I’ve never tried it in my life.” He was excited, shuffling his feet, and smiling with pride. “That’s blood memory,” Roberts said. “That’s your ancestors working through you.”

“What’s awesome is that these kids haven’t got a clue that what they’re doing is giving them credit...they’ll likely be surprised and say, well I was just tanning a deer hide.” Although the class is moving on to different projects, the hide tanning program is proving to be memorable. Garrick Waswa, age 16, scraping a deer hide. | MELISSA ROBERTS Blood memory describes the ancestral, or genetic, connection to a people’s language, songs, spirituality and teachings. Certain skills or traits, which were never learned in that person’s lifetime, are passed down.

cause our ancestors sang and were on that land. Because everything in the world has a spirit, our ancestors live in the rocks and trees and in the water. So they are always around us, sharing their teachings with us.”

“Garrick’s aptitude for tanning hides is a result of his blood memory. Our ancestors’ knowledge is passed on through our DNA so that even if we have never done something before, we feel like we have,” said Roberts. “We may ‘know’ songs that we have never heard before, we may feel like we know an area of land even though we may never have been there before—all be-

I later sat down with him to talk about his experience. When I asked if tanning a deer hide felt familiar to him, he nodded. “Yes, very familiar,” he said. “I felt a connection there. I didn’t know what I was about to do, but I wanted to give it a try. I got into it and I don’t know, it was a weird feeling. I felt like I knew what I was doing from the first scrape.”

We happened to be softening a deer hide in the classroom while members of the school’s Indigenous student Fire Council were holding a meeting. As they discussed an upcoming screening of Indian Horse, the students and teachers took turns working on the hide, which had been soaking in brains the day before. It smelled less than floral, according to staff down the hallway. But one girl, who’s also from Fort Hope, found it to bring a sense of comfort and familiarity. “It’s a good smell,” she said. “It smells like home.”

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Celebrate the Holidays With long, floppy ears and a round head, Sally looked like anything but a sled dog. | ERIN ALTEMUS

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A Sled Dog named SAL In January 2010, Matt hauled home six motley, Husky mutts from a sprint kennel in Wisconsin. They came together as a free package, all tossed in the back of our Chevy S-10, covered with a topper. What we knew about sled dogs came from our experience mushing at YMCA Camp Menogyn several years previous, an experience that was basically a learn-on-your own trial-by-error kind of adventure. This is to say—we didn’t know much. We rigged up chains and houses for our new crew of sled dogs, right in our front yard on our farm in Wisconsin. May and Lilly appeared to have some greyhound in them—both shorthaired, lean, long-legged things. Zena and Shasta appeared to be Siberian huskies with very thick coats and a very “sled dog” appearance. Yeller and Sally didn’t look anything like what I thought a sled dog should look like—Yeller looking like a Golden Retriever and Sally some sort of Bull dog or Rottweiler mix. But they all wanted to pull our sled and that is what mattered. Within a few days, however, our tieout system revealed some flaws. Sally got loose and though she didn’t run away, she also wouldn’t come anywhere near us. We spent three days trying to coax her in. She spent three days living in other dogs’ hous-

es, wandering the yard, and looking at us like we were the enemy. We did catch her eventually and in her early years she enjoyed running laps around the farm fields and even leading the team. In my very first race at the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, she led my team twice around an 18-mile loop and got me hooked on racing. But Sal was, in many ways, quite ordinary—never extraordinary in her athletic abilities or her intelligence, just a quiet presence with long floppy ears and big round eyes. Riding in the dog box didn’t agree with her—she’d slobber and vomit the whole way. One time, driving north to train the team, we let Sal ride in the cab on my lap. Somewhere in the stretch between Tettegouche and the Caribou wayside, she became quite antsy. She must have to go to the bathroom, I said, and we vowed to pull over soon. But it couldn’t wait, and just in time I grabbed a plastic shopping bag and held it open as she squatted in my lap and pooped. After three or four years of mushing, the majority of our team improved but Sally did not. We brought her in the house one day, vowing to house train her so we could


[LEFT] Sally was extremely loyal, even if this meant

sitting in a pool of ice water to be by our side. | ERIN ALTEMUS

[ABOVE] Sally led my first race team in the Apostle

Islands Sled Dog Race. | ERIN ALTEMUS

adopt her out. She would run from Matt every time she saw him and strangers had no chance of stroking her fur. Still she won us over. She never left our family. By the time we moved north for good in 2013, she was no longer pulling the sled. She had a near death experience that summer, becoming extremely ill—at the vet we were told she might not make it, but after several days of intensive care and fluids, they brought her back. After that, she was really slow. She became overweight despite our best efforts to control her diet. She started losing hair.… Turns out she had a low thyroid condition and needed supplementing. With thyroid pills she gained what seemed then to be her third chance at a new life and lived a healthy existence since. Sally just happened through life by luck and got by in sticky situations by chance. Once in the fall, she tipped over Matt’s canoe, forcing both of them to swim to shore in freezing cold water whereby she disappeared into the woods and as Matt said, “laid down to die.” He finally coaxed her home. Another time, she ran away with

our other two house dogs while we were traveling. The three of them ended up nine miles away on the Devil Track Road, in the middle of winter. The dog sitter coaxed May and Yeller into the truck but Sally ran the other way. I thought for sure she was done for, probably becoming wolf food. But she ran the nine miles home by herself that night. In one way or another, she lived at least nine lives and has the distinction of being the most expensive dog we have owned. One day a few weeks ago, Matt noticed some funny skin lesions on her back. She had just had a vet check a few weeks previous and appeared healthy. But we brought her back to the vet as the lesions were multiplying by the day. Another day later and she had a seizure, paralyzing a back leg in the process. Treatments were not helping and within a week, we had to put her down. This turned out to be an aggressive form of skin cancer and she would not have survived. Often, I write of the extraordinary dogs. The dogs like Beezus and Nancy and Judy Blume that pull us to the end of the

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Beargrease like their life depended on it. Sally was perhaps not cut out for mushing. She didn’t want to pull the sled much. Mostly, she just wanted to be around us. Once she overcame her incredible shyness, she was the most loyal dog I’ve known. She loved to lie under the bed at night or follow us around the yard and be at our side. Perhaps not by choice but by circumstance, she had the distinction of staying in our car in the parking lot at St. Luke’s while I delivered Sylvia and rode quietly by the baby’s side as we took Sylvia home. It could have been her keen love for food that kept her close, or maybe she just had that big of a heart. Always, the ordinary among us are extraordinary in some way, the qualities that are not raw talent but so lovable all the same. As we mourn the loss of Sally, we continue training 34 dogs for racing, and for some tours we will be doing through Bearskin Lodge this winter on select weekends. The Beargrease looms ahead as the big race to train for, though some changes to the race make it just a little more doable this year. The race course will run from Du-

luth—starting at Billy’s Bar to Grand Portage, clocking in around 290-300 miles. Some of the familiar faces, I hear, will not be running this year—namely Nathan Schroeder (taking a year off of racing) and Dennis Trembley who will be entering the Yukon Quest. But a few new faces will fill the roster and make for an interesting race. Cook County musher Frank Moe will return to the marathon this year after a few years running the mid-distance, and another Cook County musher, Mary Manning, will try the marathon for the first time. Quebec musher Martin Massicotte, many-time champion of the Can-Am race in Maine will enter for the first time as well. Today, Nov. 10, there appears to be enough snow to train on sleds, and we will give it a go. This is one day later than last year, but earlier than almost any other mushers get on sleds. I still maintain that our nest between Mush Lake and Pine Mountain is the very best place to raise and train sled dogs and so, with dogs waiting for me to harness them and run, I must carry on and get to work.

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11

northern sky DECEMBER 2018 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

Sponsored by

Mark D. Consulting, LLC Serving Businesses and Residential Customers. 218-663-7149 Mark@MarkDConsulting.com

open all winter! Across 1 Flies when there’s a row 4 Subway alternative 7 Raises 10 Skin 11 The cruelest month 12 Those against 14 Field of study 15 Wahine accessory 16 Coupled 17 --- Bailey, singer 19 Robustly 21 Medium capability 23 Goes with shock 24 Metaphysical poet 28 “Put a lid on it!” 31 Mojave-like 32 Cop’s badge 33 Thieving sea bird 34 U K radio and TV provider 35 With ear, deafening 37 Long marcher 38 Hot, in politics 39 Claque 43 Chief city of Lombardy 47 Voting group 48 Rule opposed by Gandhi 50 Narrow margin of victory 51 “Othello” villain 52 Brit. fliers

December’s skies start to fill with ornaments as planets rise ahead of the morning sun and the bright winter stars make their annual grand entrance. Early risers will see Venus in the southeast. On the 3rd and 4th, a waning crescent moon hangs near the planet. On the 31st, you may catch another waning moon, Venus and Jupiter lined up top-tobottom in that order an hour before sunrise. Above the planets shines Arcturus, the anchor of kite-shaped Bootes, the herdsman.

53 Waxed 54 Useful bean 55 Stamp 56 Indicates assent Down 1 Food and drink 2 Carbamide 3 Collide 4 Baseball’s Ripken 5 Lummoxes 6 Britain as a woman 7 Not warranted 8 Eastern U S catfish 9 Flipper dipper

10 13 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Nonsense Stone of rock Dropped in the 60s Have a tab Fragrant mixture Poke Symbol of sovereignty With them, when in one’s cups Zip Hit the slopes Fourth-century warrior Crone

33 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 49

Gristly Bando of baseball Tiny Dickens character If real, it’s the goods First run by a Finch “Sad to say ...” Type of proscribed area Canaanite deity Old stories On the briny Mint Established the Peace Corps

In the evening, Mars holds its own in the south to southwest, floating through the water constellations Aquarius and Pisces. Watch it glide below the Circlet of Pisces during the fourth week of the month. The Circlet is found just beneath the Great Square of Pegasus, a dominating presence in the autumn and early-winter sky. To the east, the winter constellations are moving into prominence. The Pleiades star cluster is well up at nightfall, while below it, the V-shaped Hyades cluster and the bright orangish star Aldebaran mark the face of Taurus, the bull. The bull’s

horns extend far to the east. The star at the tip of the higher horn belongs officially to Taurus, but most star charts also include it in the constellation Auriga, the charioteer. Auriga’s brightest star, Capella, is the brilliant beacon in the northeast after nightfall. December’s full moon arrives on the 22nd. It rises after sunset and travels the night sky among the stars of Gemini. Its berth that night is about midway between Capella and Sirius, the brightest of all stars (excluding the sun, of course). Winter begins with the solstice at 4:23 p.m. on the 21st. At that moment the sun reaches a point over the Tropic of Capricorn. The day of the winter solstice is always short and usually cold, but remember that by then the sun will have begun setting later each day. The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses. For more information and viewing schedules in Duluth, see the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium: d.umn.edu/planet.

Do your Christmas shopping locally and conveniently this year!

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Off regularly priced item of equal or lesser value. Excludes $5 Lunch, $6 Lunch, DQ Cakes, and Take Home Boxes of Novelties. Not valid with any other coupons or specials. Limit 1 coupon, 1 per customer. Limit 1 per coupon. Void if copied. DQ logo property of AM.DQCorp Minneapolis, MN, 2011. Expires 12/31/2019. Grand Marais, MN and Two Harbors, MN locations only.

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Artisans and businesses will be setting up mini stores throughout the lodge to make shopping easy!

Door Prizes!

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Thurs. Dec. 6, 2018 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm AmericInn, Silver Bay

Come enjoy this great event. PLAN AHEAD – BRING CASH OR CHECKS!

Call 218-226-4300 for more info or visit the AmericInn of Silver Bay on Facebook!


Strange Tales The World’s First Christmas Tree By Elle AndraWarner

It was 2010 when in Latvia’s capital city of Riga a domed stone marker was embedded with the cobblestones of their Town Square declaring in eight languages that the world’s first Christmas tree was displayed here in 1510 by the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. But Estonia, its neighbouring country to the north, fervently disputed the news and claimed the honour belonged to its capital city Tallinn (then named Reval). That’s where in 1441—69 years before Latvia’s date—the world’s first Christmas tree had been installed by their city’s Brotherhood of the Blackheads in Raekoja plats, its medieval Town Hall Square since 1322. Neither country backed down, so, the modern-day feud continues today. Both enjoy the Christmas-themed tourism and promotion that the friendly conflict has brought to their countries. Stepping back to 1400, the Brotherhood of the Blackheads was founded in Tallinn as a professional association of unmarried merchants, ship owners and foreigners. Unique to only Estonian and Latvia (known as Livonia at the time), the Brotherhood spread to about 20 cities, including Riga, Latvia. A dual military organization and commercial association unique to European history, it later evolved into an important social organization. It existed until 1940 when the occupation forces of Soviet Union dissolved the 540-year-old brotherhood. Why called the “Blackheads”? The origin is unclear, but the patron saint of the Brotherhood was the black Egyptian Christian Saint Maurice, who also appears on their coat of arms. According to records and lore, in 1441 the Brotherhood decorated a tree for holiday festivities in their House of the Brotherhood in Tallinn. On the last night, the tree was taken to the Town Hall Square where members and womenfolk danced around it before it was set on fire. As historian Jüri Kuuskemann stated in an Estonian Television interview, “I believe we can confidently use that date as the world’s first Christmas tree.” Like Tallinn, the Brotherhood set up Riga’s first decorated tree during their twice-yearly celebration (one being Christmas/New Year), took it out to the Town Square and after dancing around it, set it on fire. Some reports indicate while the Tallinn tree was a real tree (probably

The Christmas Tree is a highlight in the annual Christmas Market set up in the medieval Town Hall Square in Tallinn, Estonia. | VISIT ESTONIA sugar.” Within 200 years, the tree tradition spread across Europe and abroad. How and when was the Christmas tree tradition introduced to North America? Some researchers say it was Germany’s Hessian soldiers stationed at Sorel, Quebec fighting for Britain in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). In 1781, the commander’s wife Baroness von Riedesel held a Christmas party for the German and British officers, where the highlight was a decorated fir tree with candles and fruits.

First published image in U.S. of Christmas Tree was in 1836 as a frontpiece to The Stranger’s Gift by Hermann Bokum. | WIKIMEDIA spruce), the Riga’s may have been a Christmas Wooden Pyramid decorated with paper shapes, flowers, fruits and toys. Historians credit to Germany for starting the custom of bringing decorated trees into homes. First record comes from Strasburg, Germany in 1605, “…people set up Christmas trees in their rooms”. At the time, the popular decorations included “roses cut of many-colored paper, apples, wafers, gilt,

However, according to local lore (there are no primary sources), the first decorated Christmas tree in the New World could have been in the U.S. city of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, where a stone monument records, “Site of First Decorated Tree in New England 1777”, which would be four years before the Quebec tree. According to local lore, a Hessian soldier named Hendrick Roddemore was captured as a prisoner of war, ended up in Windsor Locks and while in custody of a farmer, put up a Christmas tree by his cabin in 1777 (now the site of the stone marker). Others credit German settlers with bringing to America the decoration of Christmas trees. In Britain in 1800, German-born Queen Charlotte, wife of England’s King George III brought the Christmas tree tradition to England. But it wasn’t widely accepted until 1848 when Queen Victoria’s German-born husband Prince Albert set up a Victorian

Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle. Soon, decorating evergreens spread throughout England, Canada and the United States. From then on, the tradition evolved. The first artificial trees were developed in the 19th century by Germany; they were made of goose feathers dyed green and attached to wire branches that were wrapped to a dowel rod “trunk.” And in 1882, Edward Johnson (a colleague of inventor Thomas Edison) hand-strung 80 red, white and blue light bulbs together for the first electric lights on a Christmas tree. Eight years later, the lights were mass-produced and could be found wherever there was electricity (an 1891 diary records a tree with lights in Montana). Today, the Town Hall Square in Tallinn is the site of one of Europe’s most popular open-air Christmas markets, and rising in the middle is a brightly-lit Christmas tree, honoring the tradition started in 1441. Likewise in Riga, a decorated Christmas tree is still placed in the cobblestoned Town Hall Square in the same spot as in 1510. So, how is the Estonian-Latvian tree feud going these days? As Riga’s mayor said in a 2010 message to Tallinn’s mayor, “It is surely a good thing that the only disagreement between the good neighbours of Riga and Tallinn is who has the oldest Christmas tree.”

NORTHERN  WILDS

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45


Hwy 61 & Main Street, On the Harbor • 218.387.9400

Prague’s Old Town Square served as a market area in medieval times, and hosts the Prague Christmas Market every December. | RAE POYNTER

Music, Markets and Mulled Wine Experiencing Christmas in Central Europe By Rae Poynter

January 5

Races start at 8 a.m. Race Start and Finish Trail Center Lodge, 7611 Gunflint Trail

Gunflint Mail Run Spectator Viewing East Section

While Europe is a marvelous place to visit any time of year, there is something extra magical about visiting the Old World during the holidays. As our five-month European backpacking trip was winding down mid-December, my husband and I decided the perfect finale for our adventures was to experience the most wonderful time of the year in Vienna and Prague. Between the ever-present classiness of these cities and the added holiday flair, a Central Europe holiday was indeed the perfect way to celebrate a trip well done.

VIENNA The first of our stops in Central Europe was Vienna, a world-class city renowned for its rich musical heritage. The air was chilly and the skies dark as we landed in Austria’s capital. Having come from the Greek islands, where summer seemed endless, the bleak weather came as a sort of reawakening; at least for this Minnesota girl, the winter winds and drifting snowflakes seemed to welcome us home with the familiar feeling of how December ought to be. 46

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In Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s elaborate gothic design continues to draw visitors. Its unique mosaic roof depicts eagles, as well as Vienna’s and Austria’s coat of arms. | RAE POYNTER While I suspect Vienna is awe-inspiring any time of year, December made it especially grand. Lights and garlands lined cobblestone streets that clattered beneath the hooves of horse-

drawn carriages. Advent concerts, cozy coffee houses, and Christmas markets welcomed us into the growing holiday spirit.


come to

ashland wisconsin for the best in

Christmas Shopping, Lodging and Dining Join in our

Shop Small Win Big Raffle November 16, 2018 - January 15, 2019 SHO SMALPL

The Ashland Chamber of Commerce is offering

3 Drawings of $250.00 in Chamber Dollars! Vienna’s city hall is just one of the many venues for music events in the city renowned for its musical heritage. | RAE POYNTER Vienna is very walker-friendly, with the main attractions an easy distance from each other and a main shopping street that’s designated car-free. But while cars may be in short supply in some areas, horses are not: Vienna is known for its Spanish Riding School, which offers public dressage performances as well as a peek at training sessions with their renowned Lipizzan horses. Outside the school, horsedrawn carriages line the streets, and many visitors best enjoy the sites of Vienna via a carriage tour.

The Genuine. The Original.

HEAD DOOR OVER

While the idea of cruising along Vienna’s light-strewn streets in a carriage is certainly romantic, we chose to travel the Old Town on foot, where we could pop in and out of shops or sit down and sketch beneath towering cathedrals and ornate facades. For a city whose history is so defined by music, it seemed fitting that Vienna’s streets were filled with musicians, and not just guitar players, but classical quartets, violin soloists, and even the occasional marching band.

The Fun is about to start

The Ashland Chamber and Downtown Merchants want to emphasize the importance of shopping small and shopping local all year round. The Christmas Season is an especially busy shopping time and we invite you to think of the small retail businesses in Ashland first, before shopping online and hitting the send button! There are a variety of unique, locally owned retail businesses that offer personalized services and products. For every $10 you spend downtown between November 16, 2018 and January 15, 2019, you will receive one entry. Drawings are November 22, 2018, December 20, 2018, and January 17, 2019. FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.visitashland.com

Overhead Door Company of Duluth 24 hour service

Phone 218-722-2884 www.ohdnorthernmn.com 4214 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811

218-388-2203 • 800-346-2203 www.Golden-Eagle.com NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

47


In addition to street musicians, December in Austria means Advent concerts. From St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Vienna State Opera, it seemed there was a concert happening around every corner. We slipped into a free performance at the City Hall, where a men’s choir performed perfectly balanced pieces beneath the domed ceiling of the Festivities Hall. It seemed fitting to attend a concert in the country that is not only associated with the likes of Mozart and Schubert, but gave us one of the world’s most beloved carols, Silent Night. Outside the City Hall, we meandered through a park that had been turned into an elaborate light display, and through a courtyard that had transformed into a bustling ice rink and activity center for bundled-up families to participate in curling, ice-skating, and other winter fun. A trip to Vienna is incomplete without a visit to one of its famed coffee shops. They say the tradition of coffee in Vienna goes back to the late 17th century, and Viennese locals today still luxuriate at their go-to coffee shops. Especially on a chill December evening, the thought of escaping the blustery streets for a warm drink was more than inviting. We ducked into a shop with dark wood paneling, tables adorned with candles, and the smell of coffee and nutmeg hanging in the air. With our ceremonial cream coffee and a sample of schnitzel, we soaked in the relaxed pace of Vienna and took our time chatting, journaling and reflecting on our time in this beautiful and impressive city.

PRAGUE On our last morning in Vienna we boarded a train that took us north through the Austrian countryside, across the Czech border, and all the way to Prague. Prague is, in many ways, the quintessential European city. My visions of a fairy-tale city of gothic castles, haunting cathedrals and medieval town squares materialized in Prague. An added bonus? Compared to other destinations such as London or Paris, Prague was very affordable, and the low rates for the trams and subway made it easy to get from our hostel into the heart of the charming Old Town. Prague seems to have a special place in its heart for two things: Good King Wenceslas and good beer. While the latter can be found in almost any establishment in Prague, the former is a bit of a misnomer. Although the familiar Christmas carol lauds the good deeds of King Wenceslas, the Czech saint was not actually a king but a duke who lived in the 10th century. He is buried in St. Vitus Cathedral, a looming gothic church located within the borders of the sprawling Prague Castle. The castle sits atop a hill overlooking Prague. The King’s Walk takes visitors down from the castle and across the Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square: an open, stone-paved square surrounded by gothic and baroque buildings. The defining piece of the Old Town Square is the Prague orloj: a medieval astronomical clock which has been drawing a crowd to watch its hourly procession of moving figures for over 600 years. When we visited in mid-December, the Old Town Square had been transformed

The Charles Bridge in Prague crosses the Vltava River and was built around the turn of the 15th century. It connects the Old Town to the castle and was a part of traditional coronation parades. | RAE POYNTER into one of my favorite European traditions: the Christmas market. Christmas markets begin popping up in European cities every November. The rows of little wooden huts are filled with crafts such as holiday ornaments, hats and mittens, pottery, and decor. Many of the mini-shops sell tasty treats such as artisan breads, meats, and cheeses, as well as traditional pastries, hot chocolate, and mulled wine; one can easily make a meal out of strolling through the market and sampling all there is to offer. The Prague Christmas market was complete with an animal stable and a stunning Christmas tree that towered over 70 feet

above the square. Property owners from around the Czech Republic can offer a tree for cutting, and each year the lucky winner gets the honor of having their tree admired by thousands of visitors to the town square. Back at our hostel, the staff invited us to help decorate a much-smaller tree for the lobby. We sipped from mugs of mulled wine and snacked on homemade sugar cookies with the rest of the hostel crew, listening to stories of their Christmas traditions and happy that we had chosen to linger on in Europe to experience our favorite time of year.

Lynne Luban

Thefect per gift!

Over 12 years selling downtown MPLS Condo living. Currently representing this developers 10th project PORTLAND TOWER & THE LEGACY. I am available to meet with you in Grand Marais or Minneapolis to go over prices & floor plans.

Cell: 612-599-6986

Email: lynneluban@mac.com Website: thelegacyminneapolis.com

263 OLD 240 S

ANCY OCCUP 8 1 FALL 20

BALCONY MASTER BEDROOM 15'-6" x 17'-11"

BEDROOM 15'-2" x 12'-9"

MASTER BEDROOM 15'-6" x 17'-11"

LIVING 38'-2" x 14'-0"

CLOSET

BEDROOM 15'-2" x 12'-9"

BALCONY

CLOSET

LIVING 38'-2" x 14'-0"

KITCHEN/DINING 35'-4" x 14'-8"

BATH

CLOSET

CLOSET

KITCHEN/DINING BATH 35'-4" x 14'-8"

BATH BEDROOM CLOSET

BEDROOM 17'-4" x 11'-8"

BATH

LAUNDRY

Available at North Shore bookstores and northernwilds.com 48

DECEMBER 2018

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Unit 1424 2774 Square Feet Balcony: 184 Square Feet KEY PLAN

CLOSINGS ARE BOOKED SOLID FOR AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER , NOVEMBER, DECEMBER!

LAUNDRY

CLOSET

Escape to the Northern Wilds every day with our 2019 calendar.

LIVE OUT YOUR LEGACY IN NEW CONDOS IN MILLS DISTRICT BY THE GUTHRIE!

BATH

17'-4" x 11'-8"

BATH

Contact me for a personal viewing of floor plans photos of construction views and pricing.

NORTH

10/14/16 ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE PLAN SUBJECT TO CHANGE VERIFY CURRENT PLAN WITH PROJECT MANAGER Riverdale Ventures, LLC. © 2016. All rights reserved.

Unit 1424 2774 Square Feet Balcony: 184 Square Feet

NORTH

THere’s a NEW CONDO BUILDING in DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS 10/14/16

ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE PLAN SUBJECT TO CHANGE VERIFY CURRENT PLAN WITH PROJECT MANAGER

112 units with 79 SOLD! • 7 units available for immediate occupancy • 40 still available to customize.

KEY PLAN

Riverdale Ventures, LLC. © 2016. All rights reserved.

A New Luxury Condo Development 740 Portland Avenue • Downtown Minneapolis

• 17 story New Contsruction • Pet-friendly building • High end standard features • Community and Fully equipped exercise room, and outdoor roof top green space • Climate controlled parking • Just a few blocks from US Bank Stadium • Additional garage stalls available for purchase • Walk the Skyway for all your needs

• Within a few blocks of Lightrail • Close to the Nicollet Mall • Choose from many restaurants close by! • Walk two blocks to the new 9 arce Commons Park that extends from the US Bank Stadium to Portland Avenue. • Choose from many available options to customize your unit.


Talk to Terry! Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner

Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent

Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com 635 CTY. RD. 6 GRAND MARAIS, MN

New Listing

69 BIRCH DRIVE GRAND MARAIS, MN

Sold

1620 E HWY 61 GRAND MARAIS, MN

Priceed c u d e R

207 E DEERYARD RD GRAND MARAIS, MN

Priceed c u d e R

1170 Sq. Ft. on 4.75 Acres MLS# 6078632 Price: $154,900

4 Bedroom 5 Bath 2 Car Garage Huge home at 3900 sq. ft. MLS# 6077992 Price: $318,750

864 sq. ft. home 2 Car Garage 7.26 Acres MLS# 6078073 Price: $169,900

EAST PINE MTN. RD. GRAND MARAIS

10 ONGSTAD RD. HOVLAND

5712 E HWY 61 HOVLAND, MN

3 Bedroom 3 Bath 3800 Immaculate sq. ft. MLS# 6078106 Price: $319,000

6.7 acre parcel. Close to GM MLS# 6074988 Price: $39,500

338 ft. of Lake Superior on 14.53 acres. 1 Bedroom Cabin, Garage, Dock MLS# 6029532 Price: $319,000

2 Bedroom 2 Bath 1500 Sq. ft. 2 Car Garage 420 ft. Lake Superior shoreline MLS# TBD Price: $499,900

319 2ND AVE W. GRAND MARAIS, MN

4800 E HWY 61 HOVLAND, MN

4038 CASCADE BEACH RD. LUTSEN, MN

2+ Bedroom 2 Bath 1176 sq.ft.home on 5 acres MLS# 6079593 Price: $179,000

117 W 6TH AVE W. GRAND MARAIS, MN

Priceed c Redu

Sold

Sold

Classic 4 Bedroom 2 Bath with large porch. Additional 440 sq. ft. cabin MLS# TBD Price: $362,000

3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2800 Sq. ft. 3 Car Garage 455 ft. Lake Superior shoreline 4.40 acres MLS# TBD Price: $649,900

2 Bed 1 Bath 780 sq. ft. cabin 3 Car Garage with 1277 sq. ft. loft 3.93 acres on 248 ft of Lake Superior shoreline. MLS# TBD Price: $780,000

Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

49


(218) 387-2131 (800) 732-2131

www.CBNorthShore.com

101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com

Serving Cook County since 1971

NORTH SHORE

On Lake Superior

68 Trailsyde

16 Beargrease Crossing

Extremely rare opportunity to purchase over 1000’of beautifully rugged and secluded Hovland Lake Superior shoreline with over 30 acres of land to ensure ample exclusivity and privacy. Property is amazing and includes an unfinished concrete mansion structure plus a guest cabin. Whether you subdivide or keep it as an exclusive retreat, you won’t find another property like this one!

Spectacular 4BR, 3BA Lake Superior home on a private 5.26 lot that includes a waterfall, 276 ft. of ledgerock, gravel beach shoreline and minutes from Grand Marais. Gourmet kitchen with huge island, stainless steel appliances & a lovely farm kitchen sink; floor to ceiling fireplace; walk out guest suite; south facing windows for views & sunlight. Includes a large heated garage with a studio.

MLS 6026201 - $995,000

MLS 6077977 - $770,000

Schroeder Lots

Massively expansive ledge rock shoreline make these two lots some of the most amazing shoreline you will see on the North Shore. Lots are 2+ acres and 200 ft wide with significantly more meandering shoreline.

MLS 6078583 $299,900 and 6078584 $339,900

22 E Rosebush Lane

Marvel at the views of Artist Point from this stunning 4 bedroom, 4 bath premier home located west of Grand Marais. Must see to appreciate the custom tile work, built-ins, floor to ceiling windows, cobblestone fireplace, decks and expansive gourmet kitchen & much more. Home is complete with AC, back-up generator & oversized garage. Private 2.96 acre lot with 243’ of gravel shoreline.

MLS 6075855 - $890,000

8650 W Hwy 61

Talk about your Lake Superior value!!!!! This 2 acre Schroeder lot has plenty of privacy, year round creek AND an incredibly beautiful Lake Superior ledgerock beach with a private inlet to launch your kayaks. Large, roomy 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home.

MLS 6078585 - $269,900

Lake Superior Lots

condos Bluefin Bay Tofte

2888 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais

Fabulous views of both Artist Point and the Sawtooth Mountains! Stunning Lake Superior lot with 1.24A, 200’ ledgerock shoreline embedded with Thomsonite Stones, making this piece of Lake Superior Shoreline truly unique.

MLS 6076120 $239,900

50

DECEMBER 2018

Stonegate Rd, Hovland

Lovely Lake Superior lot, located on the scenic Chicago Bay Road. Nicely wooded, private, and well insulated from Highway 61, this lot offers an escape with no inconvenience.

MLS 6030329 $189,900 and 6030330 $194,900

NORTHERN  WILDS

PENDING 4794 Chicago Bay, Hovland

Quality built, well designed 3 BR, 2 BA Lake Superior home complete with a floor to ceiling cobblestone fireplace; fantastic kitchen with plenty of storage; vaulted ceilings; fully updated bathrooms and a sunny 4 season porch.

MLS 6074208 $499,900

MLS 6075832 Unit 55, 3BR, 3BA $569,500

MLS 6074681 Unit 32, 1 BR, 1BA $275,000

MLS 6078520 Unit 26, 1BR, 1BA $259,900

MLS 6078275 Unit 18, 2 BR, 2 BA $340,000

East Bay Suites

Check out these condos located in the

heart of Grand Marais on the shores of Lake Superior. Great property if you are wanting a 2nd home or an investment property.

REDUCED

UNIT 210 MLS 6033341 $319,000 3 BR, 2BA

UNIT 202 MLS 6074935 $319,900 2 BR, 2 BA


Homes

1473 Gunflint Trail Cabin on the river anyone? Adorable one room year round cabin close to the water’s edge of Devil Track River! Convenient location close to town. The land is stunning and complete with trails, bridges, perennial flowers! MLS 6078182 - $159,900

319 E 2nd Ave Three rental units for the price of a single home, or the lower units can be combined leaving a family home with a studio apartment overhead. Or restore home into a two story single family home. MLS 6027869 - $168,000

&

Cabins

54 Morgan Rd Special one room getaway in the woods on 40A of mature trees, abuts Cascade State Park and Federal land! Beautiful Lake Superior Views. Garage and bonus space is quite functional as it is, or remodel as you desire. MLS 6073759 - $239,900

210 Bloomquist Mtn Rd This 2BR, 2BA year-round home has all the modern amenities together with an open floor plan that is perfect for entertaining. Detached garage, ready for your toys all on 6+ acres of fields and amazing views of Lake Superior. MLS 6032433 - $176,000

REDUCED 68 Springdale Rd Sweet 1+ bedroom home that has been lovingly updated with many new features to include wood floors and an updated kitchen. Attractive neighborhood with a nice lot, featuring a stream that gently flows through the lot. Motivated Seller! MLS 6079139 $133,900

2291 Cty Rd 7 Stylish 3 BR, 2 BA country estate on 10A complete with ponds, an artist’s cabin and Lake Superior Views. This magnificent home was designed and built for horse riding with the large horse arena and fenced in yard. Must see to appreciate! MLS 6075061 - $699,900 502 2nd Ave E Attractive 3BR, 2 BA home with many updates. Modern kitchen with a large island & granite counters. Walkout lower level with family room, including a kitchenette, which can be rented. MLS 6078096 - $299,900

16 Cliff Cove Spacious 4BR, 2BA home with lots of woodwork and old world charm, on a landscaped 4.64A lot in Schroeder. Enjoy the open floor plan, with a wood burning fireplace, and the 3 season sunporch, perfect for sunsets. MLS 6077691 $229,900

Inland

Lake

Pending 2877 E Hwy 61 Eleven acres with outstanding views of Lake Superior. Bordered on the north by hundreds of acres of Federal land. You will love this charming, cozy timber-frame sauna/cabin. MLS 6078377 - $99,900

Homes

418 4th Ave W Spacious 4 BR home on a large corner lot with a 5-stall garage & 24x24 workshop. Features vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, huge windows surrounding the gas fireplace and an updated kitchen. MLS 6075590 - $375,000

Commercial 8 N.Broadway

100 Sag Lake Trl Own a Piece of paradise on the Saganaga Lake! Primary cabin features 2 BRs, 1BA with a spacious open floor plan. Adorable guest cabin with knotty pine woodwork, bath & kitchenette. Large garage! All of this on 1.3A with 150’of shoreline & dock. MLS 6075388 - $379,900

Prime commercial property has immediate income. Two upper level apartments with space for more, plus storefront, and grounds rental. For Grand Marais the location could hardly be better for tourism and traffic potential.

Wilson Lake HUGE savings with this oversized lot with 4 plus acres & over 335’ of shoreline. Many improvements in place – a driveway; site prep work - partially completed; a septic system and a well!!! Grab your floorplans and start dreaming! MLS 6075594 $168,000

MLS 6029037 $437,900

1st Ave West

Pike Lake Year round 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with walkout lower level is situated on 2A and 155” of easily accessible shoreline on the west end of Pike Lake. Use it for your personal retreat or a VRBO. MLS 6075052 - $359,900

Pending 113 Winter Wren One room cabin is situated on 1.5A with 263’ of shoreline on West Twin Lake. Wonderful views of the surrounding hills and bluffs and the user-friendly lake-shore makes it easy to launch your canoe or kayak. MLS 6075942 - $125,000

NORTH SHORE

Pending Greenwood Lake Private cabin on the coveted Greenwood Lake! Very private lot with 4.59A, 366’ shoreline , private bay, very accessible waterfront, dock, sandy swimming area, walking trails, mature trees and year round access. MLS 6078729 - $179,900

101 West Hwy . 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com

Great opportunity in the downtown business district! This building is located on 1st Avenue West close to the harbor, Wisconsin Street, and Highway 61. Busy retail area year round--heavy foot traffic all summer long! A cafe, jewelry store, and t-shirt shop have all prospered at this location--what is your dream business?

MLS 6075583 $224,900

(218) 387-2131

(800) 732-2131

www.CBNorthShore.com NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

51


Land

Large

Acreage

14x Bloomquist Mtn Rd Ten acres of mature trees including huge White Pines! Sloping lot with lots of southern exposure for sunshine all year long. MLS 6075850 - $59,900

Whispering Pine Private lot at the end of Wes Hedstrom Trail, just high enough for a view of Leo Lake. Convenient location mid-Gunflint Trail. MLS 6077021 - $45,000 1XX Quist Road Close to town, this 5 A lot is set up for your vacation cabin or YR home with potentially spectacular views of Lake Superior. MLS 6076218 - $57,000 19XX Camp 20 Road Affordably priced 20 acre parcel with privacy, situated near Federal land to the north. Seasonal access off of of the Camp 15 Loop Rd in Hovland. MLS 6076349 - $24,900 West Hwy 61 – Grand Marais Attractive & affordable building site with 3+ acres & easy access right off of Hwy 61. Minutes from town and connects to the Superior Hiking Trail. MLS 6078588 - $44,000 Railroad Drive – Lutsen Sweet 1.7 A building site located in the heart of Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees – easy building site and near many recreational opportunities. MLS 6023743 - $39,900

County Road 7 Check out this property with 2.27 acres within city limits. Build your home or consider doing a subdivision. MLS 6075749 - $55,000 North Rd – Hovland Affordably price 20 acre lot that is perfect for a private, year round retreat. Power, phone and broadband available at the road. MLS 6024552 - $39,900 XX Boulder Point Rd Attractive YR building site with 3.22 A; private driveway; seasonal creek and gentle southern slope with some partial views of Lake Superior. MLS 6078705 - $59,900 County Road 67 – Grand Marais Breathtaking views of Lake Superior from this 2.24 A lot. Year round access, surveyed, private driveway and directly abuts State land to the east. MLS 6029973 - $39,900 10 Murphy Mtn Rd – Grand Marais Dream about your future home while relaxing in the screened in porch. Lake Superior views, 5+ acres of rolling topography, driveway & utilities in place. MLS 6073521 - $49,900

Inland

Lake

3143 East Highway 61 Attractive 1.84 acre, year round lot with a south facing elevation, perfect for a walk out. Additional land available and owner will carry a CD. MLS 6079521 - $39,900 313X East Highway 61 Fantastic lot with 20.89 acres, that could be subdivided. Features a pond, great views & healthy trees. Owner will carry a CD. $159,900 310X East Highway 61 Nice lot east of town with 5.56 Acres; excellent topography lines. Lake Superior Access across the road. Owner will Carry a CD. $59,900

New 1643 Caribou Trail Location, location, location! 40 A, surrounded by Federal land, yet features year-round access, electricity, broadband and phone for a truly convenient home site. Rare acreage with frontage on The Caribou Trail! Potential to subdivide and a motivated seller!! MLS 6079699 - $129,900

Lots

Poplar Lake Private lot with over 2 acres & 250’ of rocky shoreline on Fireplace Road. Great open lake views and a Southeastern exposure provides a perfect building site. MLS 6077828 - $139,900 Squint Lake Mid-Gunflint Trail lot with 2.13A & 221’ shoreline. Gently rolling topography, old white pine trees & abuts USFS! YR access, elec & broadband. MLS 6028920 - $75,000

Onagon Lake Amazing building spots with views overlooking both Onagon and Cupid Lake. 5 A and over 1000’ of shoreline between both lakes. MLS 6078278 - $99,900 Greenwood Lake Attractively priced lakeshore lot with 4.2A and 300’ rocky shoreline. Coveted trout lake, year round access – perfect for cabin or home site. MLS 6073512 - $139,900

Tom Lake Enjoy stunning sunsets and views of the Palisades! Year round access, 171’ shoreline, driveway and a cleared building site plus a stairs to the lake for easy access. MLS 6076516 - $49,900 Tom Lake One of the nicest lots on Tom Lake w/300’ of shoreline in a private bay with spectacular views of the Palisades and your own private peninsula. Year round access, driveway and cleared building site. MLS 6076298 - $97,900 Birch Lake Appealing 4.15 A lot with private driveway and cleared building site. Over 300’ of shoreline on this fabulous lot in the heart of the Gunflint Trail. Can be subdivided. MLS 6075438 - $199,000

NORTH SHORE 52

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110 Acres 180X W Gauthier Rd 110 acres of privately owned acreage directly abutting Judge Magney State Park, with distant Lake Superior views. Direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail, with plenty of wildlife to observe! MLS 6079702 - $110,000

170 Acres Camp 20 Rd Heavily forested land that has been replanted with pine trees. Rolling topography, many building sites and hiking trails. Features a gravel pit on the northwest corner and a small wildlife pond to the south. State land to the south & east. MLS 6074422 - $149,900

Lot 7 LeVeaux Ridge Beautiful and affordable lot, with electricity, phone and broadband on site, abuts to State land for added privacy! Close proximity to many recreation options! MLS 6077826 - $29,900

Onagon Lake Nice lot just minutes from Sea Gull and Sag Lake with BWCA access. Consists of 1.1 A with 222’ of shore. Priced to sell! MLS 6078276 - $39,900

Poplar Lake Convenient mid-Gunflint Trail 2.75 acre building site featuring deeded lakeshore access. Building site cleared, driveway in, utilities available. MLS 2158160 - $52,500

160 Acres Gunflint Trail Remote, yet not far away from many mid-Gunflint Trail resorts. Incredibly unique chunk of land surrounded by USFS & abutting the BWCA for the ultimate northwoods getaway. Extremely close to Iron Lake. Access is a little rough! MLS 6074802 - $139,900

Moose Valley Land Imagine owning 700 acres of contiguous land that abuts State Land & is 2 ½ miles in length? Multiple road access points from Highway 61 to Moose Valley Road to Whippoorwill Road. Property is abundant with wildlife; natural ponds; spectacular Lake Superior views; driveways and trails! Whether you keep this as one parcel or subdivide, the options are endless. Priced to sell and Owner will Carry a CD. MLS 6079583 $399,900

Lake

Moosehorn Lake AMAZING 220 acre parcel, totally surrounded by Government Land. This includes the only private ownership on Moosehorn Lake, which is known for Trout Fishing. There is a private driveway off of the Arrowhead. Stunning views overlooking Stevens Lake; rolling topography; lots of privacy & wildlife; and relatively close to year round access. Priced to sell and Owner will Carry a CD. MLS 6079579 $269,900

Superior

View

Raven Feather Road

Seriously amazing Lake Superior views, including Alligator Island from the rock outcroppings on this stunning lot. Property consists of 6.65 acres, end of the road location AND abuts Federal land to the west. Close to town & all amenities

MLS 6075126 $119,900

County Road 67

Check out the Lake Superior views from these properties! 2 .7 - 3.48 acres with all utilities readily available - electric, broadband & telephone. DNR owned Lake Superior shoreline across the road so you can have the enjoyment of the lake without the cost.

MLS 6029971 $69,900 MLS 6029972 $82,000

Birch Drive

Dream big or dream small--most likely it will involve huge windows facing South! Bordering Cascade State Park, this lot is ready for outdoor activities. Features a partial driveway, 4.9 acres & year round access.

MLS 6075803 $79,900

101 West Hwy . 61 (218) Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com

387-2131

County Road 60

Gunflint Trail

MLS 6073592 $99,900

MLS 6033168 $87,500

Secluded 20 acres located on a County Road with all amenities to include electricity & broadband and is a short drive to town. Lot has excellent views of Lake Superior, abuts State land to the north, close to hiking trails, cross-country ski areas.

Year round 6.46A on county maintained road with amazing views of the lake. The cleared path up the property will help you visualize your future home on the North Shore! Also in close proximity to down town, hiking, biking & skiing trails!

(800) 732-2131

www.CBNorthShore.com


REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Bruce Block, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES PANORAMIC LAKE SUPERIOR.

Gorgeous 10 acres with panoramic views on Lake Superior. 545 feet of beautiful sand/gravel beach with a stream running through the property. Located only 1.5 miles from Gooseberry

State Park. Septic hook up is at the road. MLS# 6031490

$399,000 LAKE SUPERIOR, BIG BAY, BIG VIEWS. Dense

spruce forest, moss covered boulders and privacy make this a classic Lake Superior lot. 200' shoreline with partial driveway in place, shared road maintenance, power and Broadband. Easy access from Hwy 61, yet private and secluded feeling. MLS# 6075213 $189,900

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES HERMITAGE OR HERITAGE – LARGE INLAND LAKE RETREAT. Charming 4-season, 2 bdrm home on 46+ acres with over 1600’ beautiful frontage on Two Island Lake. Privacy assured with US Forest surrounding you. Development potential. Located just 20 minutes from Grand Marais.MLS#: 6075756 $749,900

REMODELED DEVIL TRACK HOME.

Like new! 2 bdrm, 2 bath home with all new interior. Many nice features and upgrades including tile and hardwood floors, Marvin windows, wood siding, deck, fixtures, appliances, and more. Two levels, 2 kitchens, incredible lake views! MLS# 6078755

$375,000 PRIVATE LAKESHORE – WILDERNESS LAKE.

Eggers Lake is surrounded by the Superior National Forest and has only one private land owner on its shore. This 160 acre island of private property sits within the scenic and rugged Misquah Hills with remote privacy plus a large wildlife pond. MLS# 6076498 $349,900

WILDERNESS SETTING - TUCKER LAKE.

A perfect place for your cabin or home with unspoiled views and lots of Gunflint Trail privacy. 3.68 acres and 554’ shoreline. Tucker Lake is a protected lake with added setbacks to protect the lake and views. Direct BWCAW access. MLS# 2309237 $222,900

CLEARWATER CABIN – PALLISADE VIEWS. This long-owned

and loved 2 bdrm cabin is in nice condition and is the perfect simple BWCAW retreat. Warm, cozy wood interior and stunning lake views, just a short hop to the 200 ft of shoreline. Huge dock and 2.30 acres – room to build! MLS#

6077533 $212,500 WILSON LAKE WILDERNESS - FINLAND.

True Solitude! Over 5 acres and 355' shoreline with great build sites near the lake or tucked around the bluff for gorgeous views. Appreciate the stunning sunrises and paddle the bays in a canoe or kayak. Wilson Lake is also a great fishery!

MLS#: 6074552 $199,500 CABIN WITH BWCAW VIEW ON MCFARLAND. This

super 2 bdrm cabin has great views of the Palisades and the west end of McFarland Lake. Just a stone’s throw from the BWCAW! Comes furnished including pontoon boat, fishing boats, canoe, dock, and two Onan generators. MLS#

6029644 $199,000 LEVEL LOTS, NICE WOODS, EASY SHORE.

These Devil Track Lake lots have easy access from a county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200+ ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here!

MLS# 6033181, 6078259 - $198,900 Each MARK LAKE - 159 ACRES. The only private land

on Mark Lake! Good northern fishing. 200ft. Shoreline, forestry road or snowmoblie access. Motivated Seller! MLS# 6026299

$197,000 LOON LAKE GETAWAY. Lovely

QUALITY GARAGE ON WILSON LAKE.

The perfect place for your north woods dream. The Timberland garage is well built and provides an excellent cabin while you build your dream home on a great walleye lake. Knotty pine, wood burning stove, outhouse, and dock with 313' shoreline. Year round access.

MLS# 6078042 $239,900

DEVIL TRACK LAKE – REMOTE CABIN.

Quality 2 bdrm cabin featuring lrg windows, cathedral ceiling in the great room, loft, and beautiful kitchen. New well, compliant outhouse. Unique, secluded location with 150 ft frontage in a sheltered bay. 4.78

acres adjoins remote public lands. MLS# 6078684 $225,000

furnished cabin on pristine Loon Lake. Includes a newer 1 bdrm addition, cozy loft, open living/dining room, sturdy deck, and 24' dock on 142' shoreline. Cabin easily sleeps 6. Lakewater system, septic holding tank. Great lake views! MLS#

6030355 $186,000 PARK-LIKE FOREST – PIKE LAKE.

Mature woods with maple trees makes a beautiful home site on 225' frontage. Driveway, dock and open camp area are in place. Gentle shoreline with nice south facing views across the lake to USFS forest land. Power and year round access. MLS# 6077393 $179,900

RARE GUNFLINT LAKE PARCEL.

Exceptional lot with 344' of waterfront features unreal views and privacy. Use the slope of this lot to your advantage when considering what style to build. Power and broadband available. Borders public land! MLS# 6073686

$175,000

VIRGIN PINE, GREAT SHORELINE, PIKE LAKE. Two lake lots with wilderness, woods, and lakeshore are

waiting for your dream lake home or cabin. Pristine views, towering white pine, +/- 200' accessible shoreline each with crystal clear water and great privacy. Good driveway in place, ideal location, power and broadband available.

MLS# 6074687, 6074688 $159,900 each NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN. Only a lucky few get to own cabins here. Remote water access from the US side, or drive in to the landing on Ontario side. Stunning views, easy access to the BWCA. The 2 bdrm cabin is one of the nicest remote cabins you'll find. Includes a great sauna.

MLS# 6023214 $149,900 GREAT GREENWOOD LAKE LOT.

Tremendous views of the bay and lake. 2.10 acres surveyed and ready to build. A true northwoods setting, nicely wooded, privacy, easy lake access. There is a stubbed in driveway and a building pad. Greenwood lake road is plowed in the winter. MLS# 6076787 $120,000 SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. These 1-2 acre lots are located on the south side of Loon Lake and offer great lake views, 152-218’ beautiful shoreline and many nice trees. The main road is in place and power is on the lot line. MLS# 6032216-18, 6032220 $120,000+ NICE TOM LAKE LOT. Gently sloped 4.34 acre lakeshore lot that would offer some incredible views. Situated in a quiet and peaceful private bay. MLS# 6076728 $110,000 LEGENDARY SAWMILL BAY. Magnificent old-growth cedars and maples frame a corner lot with a high and dry build site. Yearround road access and a terrific wildlife habitat awaits your cabin in the woods. 185' of Caribou Lake frontage. MLS# 6032953 $89,000 TALK ABOUT WILDERNESS! Immerse yourself in a large tract of deep wilderness. 17 acres on Tucker Lake just off the Gunflint Trail. This parcel is tucked up to Superior Nat'l Forest lands with the BWCAW just across the lake. Frontage on the Tucker River, privacy and wilderness all around.

MLS# 6074216 $69,900 ESCAPE TO NINEMILE LAKE. Nice, quiet lake

between Tofte and Finland known for its recreational opportunities. Very near the BWCAW. Good snowmobile access to the Tomahawk Trail and miles of trail riding. 2.90 acres, 184' frontage.

MLS# 6077701 $59,900 PRIVACY AND VIEWS AT SISTER LAKE.

Nice lake lot with great forest, and beautiful new building site. There's a high point of the surrounding area with awesome views. Excellent, accessible shoreline. New driveway to a great building site. This is a great area for fishing many lakes in the area. You're also close to Tofte/Lutsen on the North Shore. Priced to sell!!

MLS# 6073911 $51,900 GREAT PRICE LAKE LOTS. Deep woods, seclusion

and nice views from these Tom Lake lots. This is the desired west side of the lake with access from the Camp 20 Rd. Enjoy a peaceful lake property with good access. Great back roads to explore. Adjacent land available. MLS# 6030741, 6030742 $44,900 each PRICE REDUCED! PRIVATE COVE ON TOM LAKE. Nice private lot with vibrant, wooded 255' lake shore. Desirable old growth cedar grove supports a great build site. Driveway and cedar walk corridor complete. Great recreational opportunities.

MLS# 6077180 $46,000

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

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HOMES & CABINS

CONDOMINIUMS WELCOME TO LAKE SUPERIOR. Warm & beautiful

REMOTE HIDE-A-WAY.

light-filled end unit Aspenwood Townhome. The 2-story walkout style leaves you with plenty of options to get outside and close to the Big Lake. This 2 bdrm, 3 bath home includes 98% of all furnishings & personal property. It is also part of a successful vacation rental pool. MLS# 6022175 $280,000

CARIBOU HIGHLANDS CONDO 113A. This is the

$81,700

epitome of a northwoods vacation get-away. Ski-in/ski-out from this condo overlooking Bridge Run, offering unreal views of the ski hills. Remodeled exterior and remodeled and updated interior. Walk to Lutsen Mountains activities. Comes furnished! MLS# 6074164

HOMES & CABINS A GEM IN THE WOODS. There is

quality and detail at every turn in this magnificent 2 bdrm, 2 bath home hidden on 30 acres in the Grand Portage State Forest. Marble stairs and floors, loft, master bath with hot tub & sauna, soaring cathedral ceilings, and 2000 sq ft attached garage. Not your typical home in the woods, this is a rare gem waiting for someone who loves the outdoors, but wants the class of an elegant home at the end of the day. MLS# 6074633 $499,000

HOME WITH DRAMATIC VIEWS. This large,

efficient 3bdrm home has panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding hills. Secluded with landscaped yard and 20 acres bordering Gov't lands. Quality features, many windows, shop building and more!

$244,000

NEW! COUNTRY LIVING CLOSE TO TOWN. Enjoy country living

in a renovated, contemporary, energy efficient 3-4 bedroom home. 1900+ sq. ft. of living space only 10 minutes from Grand Marais. Many quality and custom features. Large 2 car garage with room for workshop and storage.

MLS#: 6079399 $239,000 COTTAGE HOME ACROSS FROM LAKE SUPERIOR.

This cute home sits just across the highway from the big lake shoreline. The 2 bdrm, 1 bath cottage has wood floors, beamed ceilings, and a warm, comfortable feel. Septic and well, a small shed and 11 acres of privacy. MLS# 6030154 $167,900

TIMBER FRAMED LOG HOME OVERLOOKING TOM LAKE. Charming

log cabin on 78 acres with seasonal views of Tom Lake. Large loft bedroom and covered porch with swing. Stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and metal roof. Yearround access. Furnishings and generator included. MLS#

6027412 $159,900 COMFORTABLE LOG HOME IN BEAUTIFUL WOODS. This 2

MLS#6033328 $429,900

CHARMING HOME NEAR TAIT LAKE.

This 2 bdrm, 2 bath cabin is cozied up to a giant beaver pond that is part of the Tait River. Updated through the years but still has the lake cabin charm that is often sought after in the North Shore area. Close to the boat landing and borders public land. MLS# 6078290

HOME IN PARADISE.

Charming custom built 2 bdrm, 2 bath cabin tucked in the woods overlooking a beaver pond. A screened porch for summer dining. The living room is open and includes the kitchen and dining. A cozy Franklin stove warms the whole building. The full basement is a complete guest space. Generator power and over 100 acres to explore. MLS# 6029349

$304,900

This 2 bdrm, 3 bath home enjoys the view and proximity to Lake Superior's beauty without the lake-front taxes. Home could be converted to a duplex for extra income. Huge garage/workshop with lake-view windows.

bdrm cabin was set up for a simple lifestyle with solar electric, hand pumped well and composting toilet. Charming living room with stone fireplace, large kitchen and comfortable bedrooms. 12 private acres with mature white pine and cedar.

MLS# 6076755 $139,900

CABIN RETREAT NEAR TWO ISLAND LAKE.

you need in just about 120 sq ft of space. Kitchen, full size bed plus sleeper sofa, storage loft, electric and broadband, fabulous deck, fire pit, shed, and a really cool outhouse. Year round living, close to hiking trails. MLS# 6077550

$67,000

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES GREAT HISTORY, GREAT LAKE. Devil Track Cabins is a long

standing seasonal resort on the beautiful north shore of Devil Track Lake. The 5 charming cabins + owner’s cabin each have a private setting and lake view. Great beach with docking for guests. A wonderful family retreat! MLS# 6033556, 6033557

$374,900 MARKET, DELI, LIQUOR STORE – HOVLAND. A bustling

business in a beautiful rural community on the North Shore. Bakery, deli, pizza, convenience store, and liquor store under one roof. Large seating area & outdoor patio. Expansion/home site possible!

MLS# 6030800 $329,900 PRIME RETAIL DOWNTOWN GRAND MARAIS. Main traffic location in the heart of down town.

Located on Wisconsin St between Blue Water Cafe and Sivertson Gallery, with 25 ft street frontage and over 2300 sq ft each. Build up for a lake view – lots of possibilities! MLS# 6029930, 6029951

$144,900 each PRIME COMMERCIAL LOTS IN LUTSEN.

Two acre-sized lots with Highway 61 frontage-road access and great visibility in downtown Lutsen. Nice creek borders the east property line, nice mature forest. Great location for a small gallery, retail or restaurant. A residential lot is available adjoining to the north. MLS# 6032971 $97,900 • MLS# 6032972

$89,900

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE LARGE TRACT WITH CREEK. This 319 acre parcel has ponds & creek frontage on the Flute Reed River. Has been in DNR management program. Great for hunting or homesteading. Access is by unimproved easement from the Camp 20 Road, near county maintenance. The land may be split - take your pick of "40's"! MLS# 6027384 $258,000 SUGARBUSH, BEAVER, TROUT. Remote 80 acres ,10 miles from Grand Marais with easy access. Surrounded by public land. 700’ of Durfee Creek frontage. MLS# 6024638 $149,000 LOG HOME ON FLUTE REED RIVER.

Charming homesteader log cabin with pasture. The river flows beautifully through the property. Private and secluded setting with some high views and heavy timber. The cabin is large and comfortable with a drilled well for carry-in water.

MLS# 6077654 $132,900 BRULE RIVER RETREAT. Remote 40 acre parcel

with small bunk house, covered camp shelter and outhouse. Walk the path to the river with 660' shoreline where you can launch your canoe and fish this placid stretch. Surrounded by wildlife and thousands of US and State Forest land.

This sweet off-grid, log sided cabin is in excellent condition with plenty of room and a comfortable feel. Located about 12 miles from Grand Marais. Public land adjoins the 20 acre property with many fishing opportunities nearby. MLS# 6073794 $129,900

MLS# 6076495 $99,900 TWENTY ACRES – GREAT LOCATION.

a beautiful, large pond for wildlife. Great grouse hunting and deer hunting. The timber cabin can easily sleep 6 in the loft. Offering to sell furnished! MLS# 6079154 $109,900

MLS# 6073876 $59,900 or MLS# 6073877 $69,900 or MLS# 6073878 $74,900.

RUSTIC RECREATIONAL CABIN ON 40+ ACRES. Very private recreational 42 acres with rustic cabin and

MLS# 6074449 $275,900

BEAUTIFUL SMALL HOME. This incredible home has all

Great larger parcel near Grand Marais with road in to the “top” of the property. Lake views, maple and mixed forest, small creek. County road access with power and broadband close by, borders public land on three sides. MLS# 6030517 $89,900 WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION. Three 40 acre lots with 600 to 1000 ft frontage on Mons Creek. Also includes deeded access to Lost Lake. Private and secluded.

www.RedPineRealty.com • (800) 387-9599 Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com 54

DECEMBER 2018

NORTHERN  WILDS


REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Bruce Block, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE HIGH PROPERTY, DRIVEWAY, CREEK FRONTAGE. This 25 acre parcel has great southern exposure

and views from a nice building site at the end of a long driveway. Very private setting and frontage on Irish Creek. This property is ready for your cabin in the woods, with good solar potential and lots of seclusion. Easy year-round access. MLS# 6077020 $69,900

NICE HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS.

Nice elevation and views from this 6.75 acre lot off of County Rd 6 just minutes from town. Frontage on Little Devil Track River, with lowland and highlands. Nice forest and privacy for your home or cabin in the woods. MLS# 6031740 $51,000 FLUTE REED RIVER HOME SITES. These two heavily wooded parcels have the seclusion of 11-13 acres and about 330' frontage each on the trout stream Flute Reed River. Access is easy from frontage on a county road. Power and broadband are available. These lots are the perfect place for a retreat property or a year-round home. MLS# 6030884, 6030885 $49,900 each 500’ ON MOHNS CREEK. Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites on 25 acres. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Abuts state land.

MLS# 6029353 $37,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES

LAND/BUILDING SITES HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY. Large 45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage. MLS# 6029352 $90,000 LARGE UNDEVELOPED CITY TRACT.This large Central Addition property is perfect for a lot development plan, or as a private home site. City utilities are close, street access on two sides. Many possibilities. MLS# 6076673 $89,900

MLS#: 6079335-40 $49,500 – 59,500 SUNNY 5 ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS.

lands, good access on Murmur Creek Rd, and even nice views of Pike Lake. Launch your boat just a half-mile away. Nice planted red pine, power/broadband close by. MLS# 6074689 $84,900

MLS# 6077083 $54,900 DEEP WOODS NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Two

LARGE LAND, PINES, PRIVACY AND PIKE LAKE VIEW. Outstanding property with adjoining USFS

NEW! RESORT COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL LOT – TOFTE. This 8.64 acre parcel

has over 900 feet of Highway 61 frontage with great visibility. Utilities are on the lot. Lake Superior views. If you have a lodging idea in mind this might be the perfect spot. Great location between Tofte and Lutsen. The bike trail is just across the highway.

MLS# 6079287 $82,900 LAND NEAR WILSON LAKE. A special piece of

MLS# 6032474 $277,900 LOCATION, VIEWS, PRIVACY – 80 ACRES.

the Northwoods – 16 acres with deeded access to Wilson Lake! USA-owned forest is your backyard. Driveway, electric, and a small bunkhouse/shed are in place. MLS# 6028685 $80,000 HIDDEN GEM IN HOVLAND. Explore the 40 acres of seclusion with dramatic views from the south facing bluff. Enjoy the beautiful mixed forest and abundant wildlife. It even has a small gravel pit for your future building needs. The neighbors have electricity and the road has been kept open all winter through a road association. MLS# 6076192 $75,000

MLS# 6076511 $279,000 TOP OF BIRCH CLIFF. See 50 miles across Lake Superior

federal land and easy access with frontage on County Rd 14. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, this would be a great large home parcel, or rec land with 1000s of acres of USFS lands on the west border.

BEAUTIFUL LAND, TUCKED AWAY PRIVACY, LOG CABIN AND POLE BARN.

This 5.82 acre parcel has privacy, adjoins US Forest land and has Lake Superior views. Utilities are at the lot. It's also zoned Resort Commercial if you have a lodging idea in mind this might be the perfect location. Great location between Tofte and Lutsen. The bike trail is just across the highway. MLS# 6079285 $66,900

100+ ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Great location for a home or recreational property just minutes from Grand Marais. Rolling land with creek, borders thousands of acres of federal and state lands. Power at road. Seller willing to subdivide.

This former homesteaders property has it all: rolling topography, ravines, grassy meadows, mature timber, flowing creek and expansive Lake Superior views! Minutes from Grand Marais, adjoins USFS land. – incredible 180 degree views! Private drive and buried power in place. 15+ acres with nice mature trees and public lands on 2 sides. More land is available. This site will rock your world. MLS# 6033563 $249,900 This 36 acre parcel is tucked up against the "Hovland mountain range" with mature forest, easy road access and a moderated Lake Superior climate. Charming log cabin/home plus lrg 34' X 56 pole building. Build a future home amongst the pines and with a lake view. Property can be split, utilities are nearby. MLS# 6076757 $229,800

ACREAGE ADJOINS WILDERNESS - LAKE ACCESS. This 42 acre parcel includes 400 feet of shoreline on

McFarland Lake. Building sites are located across the road on the hillside with potential lake views. Easy access to the BWCAW and Border Route Hiking Trail. MLS# 6024602 $179,000

INCREASINGLY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully surveyed. The

perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. MLS# 6029820 $139,000

PROVEN GREAT HUNTING AREA - 80 ACRES. Prime hunting land in Schroeder. Rolling land with great

wildlife habitat incl. stream, beaver dam with large pond, and a good mixture of trees and low vegetation. Older 2 bdrm cabin in a beautiful park like setting overlooking large beaver pond.

MLS# 6032712 $112,500 LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE. 128 acres

with good road access and an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Yearround road, power is possible here. The 3 forties may be split - take your pick.

MLS# 6027383 $111,000 TWO INCREDIBLE LUTSEN PARCELS.

Driveway, electric/broadband, survey and a cozy camper/RV are all set on Lot 3, while Lot 4 offers unending privacy as it abuts federal land. Christine Lake public boat landing is within walking distance with Poplar and Tait rivers nearby as well. MLS# 6032903 $89,000

FORTY WITH PONDS – COUNTY RD FRONTAGE. This 40 acre parcel has beaver ponds, adjoining

MLS# 6076727 $69,900 NEW! GREAT BUILDING LOT NEAR TOFTE.

GREAT BUILDING LOT NEAR TOFTE.

This 5.82 acre parcel has privacy, adjoins US Forest land and has Lake Superior views. Utilities are at the lot. It's also zoned Resort Commercial if you have a lodging idea in mind this might be the perfect location. Great location between Tofte and Lutsen. The bike trail is just across the highway. MLS# 6079285 $66,900 LARGE LAND, POND, LAKE RIGHTS. Densely wooded 60 acre parcel with beaver ponds and access to Lost Lake. Good seasonal road access, many great building sites and southerly exposure. Lots of elbow room, privacy, and miles of forest roads to explore. MLS# 6033463 $63,900

GREAT LOCATION FOR YOUR HOME.

7.5 acres located just 5 miles from Grand Marais on County Rd 7 blacktop. Some lake views, good building sites, driveway and a tiny cabin set up for your camp outs until you build. MLS# 6078360 $64,900 ROLLING LAND, PINES, HOME SITES. Two 10 acre parcels of heavily wooded land within 10 minutes of Grand Marais. Great location with remote feel near trails and thousands of acres of Federal land, yet close to town and the big lake. County road with utilities.

MLS# 6076524, 6076539 $62,900 - $64,900 LARGE LAND, MAPLES, LAKE ACCESS. This

67 acre parcel has high maple ridges, a pond, and an easement to walk to Tom Lake. Good seasonal road access, many nice building sites. A perfect escape property in an area with many trails to ride and forest to explore. MLS# 6030705 $62,900 PRICE REDUCED!

NEW! WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND MARAIS. Six great wooded lots on the west side of Grand

Marais. Build your home within a short distance of the bike trail and just a mile to downtown. Septic systems and wells are allowed here with power and broadband. Privacy on a dead end road.

Beautiful sunny hillside with distant Lake Superior views. This is country living only 2 miles from Grand Marais. Large lot, great home sites with abundant wildlife. Driveway partially in place. 5+ acre lots adjoining USFS land with power/phone/broadband. Great location near Grand Marais with good road access and very secluded location with mature trees. Ready for you to build your country home. First time on the market.

MLS# 6076518/6076517 $49,900 – $52,900 LAND FOR FUN OR HOMESTEADING.

Heavily wooded 39 acres with a large variety of trees and easy road access on Camp 20 Rd. Southern exposure great for solar set up. The Superior Hiking Trail is steps away. Close to county maintained road.

MLS#: 6075981 $48,900 NICE 20 WITH BEAVER POND.

The driveway and trails are in place on this nice 20 acre parcel with maples, cedar and variety of forest types. Large beaver pond adds a water feature for wildlife! MLS# 6077902 $45,900

MAPLES ON SECLUDED 20 ACRES.

This mature maple forest is enchanted and full of neat places to build a home or cabin. Rough driveway was put in years back. Trails lead to public lands. Good road access. MLS# 6077903 $45,900 BUILDING SITE OVERLOOKING MCFARLAND. This pine studded 7 acre property has easy walking access to the county beach on McFarland Lake. Nice elevated build site with easy county road access. MLS# 6024601 $43,000 GREAT LOCATION HOME SITES. Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7 are two 5+ acre lots with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites.

MLS# 6079612 - $42,900 • MLS# 6079615 - $64,900 NEW! 20 ACRES OF RECREATIONAL PARADISE. Nice

parcel bordered by state lands. Perfect for hunters and set up with trailer, shed, and outhouse. Just a short hike to the Greenwood Lake Helipad (1/2 mile) overlooking the magnificent lake. Have a picnic and a great day. MLS#: 6079410 $39,500 BEAUTIFUL WOODED LUTSEN LOT. Beautiful level lot with an open build site for your cabin or new home in a quiet and peaceful area of Lutsen. You'll be minutes away from every type of north-woods activity, including Lutsen Mountains and Superior National Golf Course. MLS# 6033068 $32,900 5 ACRES NEAR CARIBOU LAKE. Gorgeous corner lot with colorful maples and majestic cedars. Plenty of privacy. Close to hiking trails and the Caribou Lake boat landing. Year round access with power! MLS# 2279179 $35,000

LAND FOR ESCAPE AND RECREATION.

remote yet accessible 20 acres near Judge Magney State Park. Good mix of trees, high building site, some distant Lake Superior views.

MLS# 6025397 $33,900 GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE. Wooded home or cabin site near Devil Track Lake. The 1.72 acre lot has nice trees and maybe a view of the lake from a second story. The boat landing is just down the road, as are many other lakes and trails.

MLS# 6029872 $33,000 REMOTE SECLUSION/HUNTING LAND. Forty acres of

remote seclusion with Flute Reed River frontage. Good hunting area. Rough access, but walk or ATV. Adjoins State land to the north, with thousands of acres of USFS lands north of that. Want privacy? Here it is!

MLS#: 6075271 $29,900

www.RedPineRealty.com • Your easy source for new MLS listings daily • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

55


Grand Marais Area Homes

Lutsen Real Estate Group

D SOL

Pike Lake – 19 Summer Home Ln. Iconic, up-

north log-sided cabin on Pike Lake in a gorgeous, park-like setting! Knotty pine interior, 2 bdrm & open concept kitchen, LR/DR, plus 3-season porch w/Doug fir floor & 2 decks. Heated bunkhouse & bathhouse w/compliant outhouse. Level, accessible shoreline, plus future garage site already in place. Elec & Broadband installed. Make this cabin your new home away from home on one of the cleanest lakes in MN. MLS 6078470 $234,900

Office 218-663-7971

lutsenrealestategroup.com

Meet Our Awesome Agents!

D

SOL

Area Homes & Townhomes 166 Bloomquist Mountain Rd. Quality-built, classic chalet-style home on a private 6+ acre wooded setting. Has the feel of an “off-grid” estate yet complemented with expected features including broadband. Only minutes from town! Italian porcelain tile and solid oak flooring throughout. Significant new improvements include - road with smooth layer of gravel over crushed rock and new culverts, freshly painted interior and new deck stain. MLS 6073816 $239,500 Call today for a showing! Lutsen Heritage Townhome with Superior Views Panoramic views of

PRICEED C REDU

Sandy McHugh 218-370-7841

Area Inland Lakes

Jack McHugh 218-370-2602

Just West of Grand Marais.

Nicely appointed and extremely well maintained beautiful 3 bedroom home just west of Grand Marais. Home includes a two stall garage with adjacent office, workshop, wine room and more. Many wonderful upgrades made to home in 2010. Nice clean yard and garden areas. Move in ready. All you need is the key. Call our office today to schedule your private showing. MLS 6029508 $329,900

Lake Superior & Lutsen Mountains can be enjoyed from nearly every room. High end finishes, including maple woodwork, stainless appliances, granite counters, Mission-style raised panel doors, and two gas fireplaces with dry-stacked stone. Maintenance-free living and part of a distinctive neighborhood. Main floor bedroom allows one-level living. Has successfully been offered as a vacation rental, helping to offset the cost of ownership. For the right price, furnishings included with sale, allowing turn-key use and/or rental. Proximity to many activities & venues, including Lutsen Ski Hill, North Shore Winery, Superior Hiking Trail, restaurants and shops. Call today! MLS 6077102 $315,000

104 C Bridge Run Ln. Nicely remodeled Nordic whirlpool studio condo at Caribou Highlands ski-in ski-out resort in Lutsen. With many amenities at the resort as well as hiking and biking trails on the ski hill, you won’t have a lack of options during the day. Enjoy relaxing on the new deck overlooking Moose Mountain, with distant views of Lake Superior. With new siding, roof and deck all part of the updates in the past few years this Nordic studio is not one to overlook! MLS 6077413 $69,000

562 Poplar River Road

562 Poplar River Road – MLS 6075178 $379,000 582 Poplar River Road – MLS 6078045 $339,000

Mike Larson 218-370-1536

Frank Lehto 218-387-4955

44 Caspers Hill Rd. Peaceful country home w/ 3 bdrms, 3 baths & 3 gorgeous stone fireplaces. Eat-in kitchen has a wood-burning fireplace to warm those winter nights. Huge master bedroom with a stone fireplace and whirlpool tub. Upper level includes loft family room, office and large bedroom with dormers. Walkout LL has Fam room & bathroom. Exterior includes cedar-shingled roof, deck, detached dbl garage w/loft bunk rm, circle driveway & 5 acres. Located on a county-maintained road with close proximity to Grand Marais for work or leisure activities. MLS 6078471 $269,900

Bruce Kerfoot 218-388-2294

Experience North Shore resort living at its finest. This luxurious 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 fireplace Poplar River condominium is part of the historic Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior. Excellent track record of rental income due to high demand for units like this with amazing views. Enjoy all of the comforts and amenities of the resort including fine dining, swimming pool, and daily resort activities. Walk the trails to enjoy an evening bonfire on the beach, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Poplar River. Just minutes from Superior National Golf course and Lutsen Mountains ski hill.

Steve Surbaugh 218-663-7971

PRICEED C REDU

Kelly’s Hill.

Very nice and well-kept 2 bedroom 2 bath home on nearly five acres just east of Grand Marais. Private trails cut on land with the Superior Hiking trail nearby. Yard and large garden areas surrounded by mature forest and some wonderful large White Pine trees. Beautiful sunrise and sunsets with Lake Superior views from the second level master bedroom and deck. MLS 6077096 $219,900

SALE ING PEND

11 Jonvick Creek Ridge, Lutsen. First time on market, custom-designed, cedar-sided 2+ bedroom home in a wooded setting with Jonvick Creek and Lake Superior views! Quality throughout: rich Eastern Pine tongue and groove walls and ceilings, birch kitchen cabinets; open concept between kitchen, dining and living rooms. Wood burning fireplace lends a cozy feel to this home, and you’ll love the convenience of a main floor master bedroom, office, laundry and attached garage. Huge loft area features a second bedroom and ample room for another sleeping area. Downstairs there’s a full unfinished basement with in-floor heat waiting for your design plans - with egress windows, you can choose to add 2 bedrooms and there’s still plenty of room for a large family room! Wander through the lush lupine meadows to your expansive garden area, surrounded by native raspberry bushes. This home is located minutes away from cross-country ski trails, Superior National golf course and Lutsen Mountains! MLS 6077908 $369,900

EARN MONEY WHEN YOU ARE AWAY BY PLACING YOUR HOME IN OUR VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM. Give Andrew a call at 218-663-7971 When you visit our website www.lutsenrealestategroup.com you will find additional information on all properties in the area accompanied by multiple photographs for a more comprehensive overview of properties you may be interested in. 56

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Lutsen Real Estate Group

Using a fundamental business approach for all your real estate needs Office 218-663-7971

lutsenrealestategroup.com

WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Gunflint Trail Area

Pancore Lake/Tofte

Lakeshore lot on Poplar Lake with a new 2 stall garage, electric, driveway, nicely wooded, great views to the north and west, 200’ lake frontage, 1.8 acres, on a private road with year around access. MLS 6074074 $158,000 1 Bedroom log cabin on Gunflint Lake, 306’ of lake frontage, 5.3 acres, approved septic permit, electricity, 3 Season, $229,000

SALE ING PEND

Lund Road off Honeymoon Trail.

Looking for a peaceful spot close to some lakes? This 5+ acres is tucked 15 min from downtown Lutsen, close to Christine Lake, White Pine Lake and Tait River, a great location for exploring the lakes and woods while still being close to the ski hill. A great quality on this land is gravel! Since the gravel is already on the property it can be used for the driveway, site prep and other. No hauling required! MLS 6075805 $45,900 Large parcel covered in Maples, Birch, and other mixed forest. Can be sold as parcels. No gravel mining for 10 years from date of purchase. 160 acres MLS 1968744 Price $299,000

SALE ING PEND

ue – Great Val ffer! make an o

Trout fishing paradise found!

60 acres and 250’ pristine lakeshore on a clean, deep, DNR managed trout lake. Rare find, one of only 3 privately owned parcels on the lake. MLS 6028959 $195,400

Other Vacant Land Parcels

xxx 342 Rd Finland.

Lake Superior Vacant Parcels and Homes

Murmur Creek Near Pike Lake.

Have you ever wanted your very own 20 acres in a remote, peaceful place with a diverse forest and absolute privacy? Look no further than this sweet spot. Beautiful parcel with building and septic sites located. Call for specific directions for finding this pristine and secluded forested property. MLS 6076404 $35,000 PRICE REDUCED

Mountain Ash Lane. Cedar covered hillside overlooking Lake Superior in Lutsen. Roads and survey completed for small subdivision. Perfect opportunity to own large acreage in Lutsen overlooking Lake Superior or develop a small subdivision. Final plat not recorded. 30.89 acres. MLS 1600605 Price $649,000

Tait Lake, Lutsen. Recent sales of undeveloped

lakeshore lots show prices exceeding $200,000. Lots 16 and 17 have the benefit of Tait Lake access without lakeshore prices. Tucked hillside overlooking Tait Lake on Caps Trail, Lot 16 offers 2.8 acres with convenient and deeded access to the association’s private dock. Lot 17 provides the same with 3.3 acres. Beautiful, wild and unspoiled and simply outstanding values. Lot 16. MLS 2143246 $49,499 Lot 17. MLS 6032087 $54,499

Superior National Golf Course Homesites Few Golf Courses

have been built on land as spectacular as Superior National. And more recently the golf course just completed its nearly $4.5 million course improvement project on the River and Canyon Nines. The homesites listed below are tucked within the Cedar Forest along River 6 fairway and River 6 green. With water, sewer, power and broadband available, combined the sounds of the Poplar River just across the fairway and so much more beauty, the value offered simply is unbelievable. Act now, the golf course will launch its new marketing campaign in 2018 announcing the grand-re-opening – with that, lot prices will likely increase next year. Lot 4 Block 2. This lot sits adjacent to #4 fairway on River 9 at Superior National Golf Course. Very nice build site with easy access from Ski Hill Road. Water, Sewer, power and broadband available curbside. This is an excellent value. $59,900

Stonegate in Hovland.

Looking to build on beautiful Lake Superior? Check out this lot and all it has to offer. With septic already installed, electric to build site, driveway and cleared build-site, and an accessible cobblestone shoreline, this lot is ready for a home! The build-site is complemented with additional and nicely forested property and a very cool creek to hang out by. A great spot to build a guest home or studio. With both Lake Superior and a creek, this lot is simply waiting for the perfect home and homeowner. And a great bonus – the property is 5.4 acres with 200’ of shoreline. In addition, the property is located on the quiet road of Stonegate – distanced from Hwy 61.

MLS 6076045 $249,000

CE

PRI NEW

Rosebush Lane near Grand Marais.

Thinking of building your Lake Superior dream home and want to be close to all that Grand Marais has to offer? Look no further! West Rosebush Lane extends onto a point giving you seclusion and buffer from highway noise that you want and is so close to Grand Marais you might want to walk to town! Add to the convenient location the amazing panoramic views of the big lake with sunrise and sunset viewing. Watch 4th of July fireworks lighting the sky over Artist’s Point from your sprawling ledgerock beach! Not many lots left like this one. Electric and broadband available at the edge of the property.

MLS 6074324 $325,000 9480 Hwy 61

Unique 4 bedroom, 2 bath Dome home on Lake Superior near Schroeder. Outstanding lake views with useable and accessible shoreline allowing for kayak and other access on calm days. Bonus two-car garage near main home entry and an additional detached deck near the lake for any kind of occasion.

MLS 6076429

CE

PRI NEW

$449,999

Gorgeous Chateau LeVeaux Condo

Quality finishes along with tasteful new furnishings make this an ideal choice for anyone’s North Shore getaway. Open concept layout, with a high-end look and those ever-changing moods of Lake Superior. Walk-out to a private patio to watch the sunrise. Or take in the morning views of the big lake tucked into your cozy bed. Plus a wood-burning fireplace for those chilly nights. Chateau LeVeaux comes with many amenities, including pool, whirlpool, sauna, and their spectacular common deck for those big sky views. Tofte is close to all the action on the shore, including the ski hill, hiking trails, golf, and great restaurants & cool music. This one is not to be missed! Showing appointments being taken now. MLS 6078779 $76,000

Jonvick Creek Sites in Lutsen Winding through the Sawtooth Mountain highlands, the private

road takes you through a mature maple forest: you have found your new homesite nestled in the hills, overlooking a trout stream with views of Lake Superior. Build the home of your dreams in the woodland paradise, only minutes from everything Lutsen has to offer; connect with a network of groomed cross-country ski trails, or set off on a snowmobile adventure on the adjacent trail system. Deer, fox, lynx and maybe the occasional moose will be your neighbors visiting your backyard. Several lots to choose from, ready for you to plan your Lutsen getaway home. Our featured Jonvick Creek lot is Lot 41–beautiful red maples on a rolling and wooded 2.65 acre lot. This parcel includes pond frontage and possible seasonal Lake Superior views. MLS 1599050 $54,900

EARN MONEY WHEN YOU ARE AWAY BY PLACING YOUR HOME IN OUR VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM. Give Andrew a call at 218-663-7971 NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

57


Early Snow Makes for a FUN December! Head North before the Holiday Stress!

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!

Local 663 - 8777 • I n f o @ T i m b e r W o l f f R e a l t y . c o m To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7 LAKE SUPERIOR LIVING, MAKE YOUR DR EAMS COME TRUE! NEW! LUTSEN’S CASCADE BEACH RD AUTHENTIC LAKE CABIN!

DREAMING ON THE NORTH SHORE!

236+ft of shoreline highlighted by a sprawling ledge rock point that juts out from the mainland in the shape of a giant fish hook, forming a natural cove. 1939 cabin built on exceptional lakeshore, with Superior’s breakers crashing on the massive ledge rock. The original cabin is now a four season home: warm woodwork throughout, a two story cobble stone (from the cove) fireplace for the ages. Two private and

Overlooking BlueFin Bay on Lake Superior, this Tofte home has Amazing Lake Superior views! Top Notch Construction, with thoughtful design centered around family gatherings and individual

restful bedrooms, a loft with 2 twin beds overlooking the light filled living room, which host the views of Gitche Gumee’s shining big sea waters. Two bathrooms! The kitchen looks down on all the moods of the Big Lake, with corner windows, a simple charm of the way kitchens were back in the day. Two-car, extra big garage boasts a large deck, a workshop and bunkroom for overflow guests, or make it your office/studio.

spaces. Gourmet kitchen which will satisfy the fussiest chef, with kitchen island and breakfast bar. Wall of windows face Lake Superior, really fantastic interior spaces focused on the Big Lake. Master loft bedroom with nice views. Lower level bedrooms with rec space, your guests will love their own space, with Lake Views too! Large garage with guest space above. Gorgeous land, Gorgeous home.

MLS#6076479 REDUCED! $549,000

PEACE AND SOLITUDE AT A MAXIMUM ON LUTSEN’S LAKE SUPERIOR!

MLS#6079179 $670,000

Simple and Solid Lake Superior Cottage. located on Lutsen’s Cascade Beach Road, All the folks that don’t like to hear the highway, this is the place for you! No sounds but the waves rolling up the sprawling ledgerock shoreline. A very unique and incredible piece of land and lakeshore, the long tree lined driveway opens up to an expansive

COMMERCIAL ON THE NORTH SHORE!

LOW MAINTENANCE RENTAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Enjoy

solid long term rentals, self-sustaining solid local businesses. Highway frontage and Room to Expand Up! Support the Local Economy and Enjoy some passive income, Buy Now and bring your ideas for expansion!

MLS#6028366 $324,900 REDUCED! NEW! COMMERCIAL LAND ON THE CROSS RIVER IN SCHROEDER! Former Site of the Cross River Café! Lots of Opportunities, River Frontage and Established site.

view of Lake Superior, with the cottage centered in the middle of the nearly 200 ft of shoreline, with 3.4 acres of land! The cottage is all that you need, two bedrooms, a nice large bathroom, living room with fireplace and a walk through galley style kitchen. Well maintained, new roof, new furnace, and a cozy fireplace...it’s a very warm and inviting space ready for you to enjoy!

MLS#6079647 $575,000

MLS#6078629 $72,000

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND LIKE TIMBERWOLFF R EALTY! 58

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Early Snow Makes for a FUN December! Head North before the Holiday Stress!

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!

Local 663 - 8777 • I n f o @ T i m b e r W o l f f R e a l t y . c o m To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7 WILDER NESS LAKESHOR E, FOUR SEASONS OF R EST & R ELA X ATION! SERENITY NOW AT TAIT LAKE!

Comfortable family lake cabin in Lutsen, on some Sweet Swimming shoreline! 3 bedrooms, full bath, and two half baths! Awesome screened porch, nice family room open to kitchen, great entertaining space! Oversized for boat storage 2 car detached garage! Move in Ready with a Civilized sense of seclusion!

MLS#6073605 $345,000 REDUCED!

NEW! ADVENTUROUS FOLK WELCOME! 950+ FEET on West Twin

D L SO

Lake, easy summer access and FUN winter access! Stylish Log Home with beautiful views of peaceful West Twin Lake, located 12ish miles off the Gunflint Trail at the South Brule River. Great sense of Serenity, this home was well built in 2002 and functionally designed. Vaulted ceilings, wood fireplace, skylights, natural wood throughout, all finely crafted. Big lakeside deck, year round dock. Located nearby to snowmobile trail for easy winter access. Electric and fiber optic is at the cabin.

MLS#6078598 $299,900

DESIGN AND ELEGANCE ON DEERYARD LAKE, LUTSEN.

Lindal Cedar Home, dramatic stone fireplace set amongst posts & beams of Douglas Fir. Designer kitchen, sunroom, secluded master bedroom and bath with soaker tub. Wood fired oven, Timberframe Sauna, Woodshop and a large garage. End of the Road 4.48 acres, 175’ of frontage, adjacent public land buffers and beckons. Leave Everything behind and just enjoy the Good Life on Deeryard Lake!

MLS#6028689 $579,000 REDUCED!

MOUNTAIN RESORT HOMES AND LAKE SUPERIOR VACATION RETREATS UNIT 1 AT BLUEFIN BAY RESORT!

SIMPLICITY OVERLOOKING MOOSE MOUNTAIN!

Lutsen Mountain Ski and Summer Resort, if you love Lutsen Vacations, then these Condos and Townhomes are for you! Use as often as you like and make money when you aren’t here! “Hands off or on Ownership” means flexibility for keeping all to yourself for family and friends, or choose a management company that will fit your needs. Some are newly renovated exterior and out, some are not. From Studios (with huge decks) to 3+ bedrms, See them all to find YOUR right fit!

108 BRIDGE RUN $89,900 MLS#6027475 124B BRIDGE RUN $99,900 MLS#6032522 114 BRIDGE RUN $109,999 MLS#6028015 128 BRIDGE RUN $111,900 MLS#2120739 120A BRIDGE RUN $109,000 BIG VALUE! MLS#6074478 670 MOOSE MOUNTAIN TOWNHOME! $338,000 TONS OF VALUE! MLS#6077716 REDUCED!

Excellent Vacation getaway on the North Shore, this 2 bedroom Condo has modern design with vaulted ceilings and TONS of Lake Superior views, just a stone’s throw to Lake Superior! Super rental revenues, excellent amenities!

MLS#6077000 $349,900

BEST OF THE HIGHLANDS! This Lutsen Mountains Ski

In/Out Condo was renovated from top to bottom, Inside & Out! New Exterior- windows, slider doors in bedrm and family room, stylish drystacked stone fireplace. INCREDIBLE Cottage Style Kitchen w/ Quartz Countertops! Moose Mtn Views from the HUGE double sized deck!

MLS#6032522 $99,900

ASPENWOOD ON LAKE SUPERIOR, EXPANSIVE VIEWS! Upper level incredible master bedroom en suite, huge Views of Lake Superior from Bathtub and King Bed! Fantastic Layout, Stylish Living on Lake Superior with little maintenance! Gourmet kitchen, dining area, Step Down to the Great Room with fireplace and Fantastic Lake views! MLS#603110 $309,900

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND LIKE TIMBERWOLFF R EALTY! NORTHERN  WILDS

DECEMBER 2018

59


Early Snow Makes for a FUN December! Head North before the Holiday Stress!

THINK SNOW!

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!

i n fo @ t i m b e r wo l f f r e a l t y. c o m I n f o @ T i m b e r Wo l f f R e a l t y. c o m

Local 663 - 8777 • To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7

NORTHWOODS HOMES AND CABINS, IN TOWN OR IN THE WOODS!

FAMILY FUN IN SILVER BAY!

Large family kitchen will WOW you, three main level bedrooms and bath, and lower level rec room/bath/bunk space allows for plenty of elbow room! 2 car detached on a spectacular Hays Circle lot! You’ll LOVE the backyard patio! MLS#6075984 $155,900

REDUCED, BIG VALUE!

E L A S ING D N E P

LOG STYLE LIVING OVERLOOKING LAKE SUPERIOR! MLS#6078495 $359,900

NEW! WELCOME TO THE NORTHWOODS! Located 20 minutes from Lake Superior and the Cross River in Schroeder, this Finland home is all about Family Fun! Open kitchen to dining area overlooking a Maple Forest, Large family room with fireplace, sun room nook, and Great Views! Lower level two bedrooms and a master en suite bath, tons of Family Space! Includes Mint Bunkhouse, and Barrel Sauna. Wowser of a home! MLS#6079618 $223,000

HAND CRAFTED ON THE HONEYMOON TRAIL!

Shake off your worries as you pull up to this beauty of a home! Unload and Enjoy the Peaceful Oasis this wilderness home offers. Bordering Superior National Forest AND State Forest to Christine Lake in Lutsen. Hike the “Portage” to Christine, or trailer the boat to a MULTITUDE of excellent fishing lakes within 10 minutes. Sounds like it’s in the middle of NO WHERE, correct? NOT SO! This gem is only 12 miles to downtown Lutsen; with year round access and fiber optic/electric. And when you see the Hand Crafted Log home with updated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms and really great design, you’ll fall in love. This home WILL NOT DISAPPOINT. Year Round recreation from your front door, Gotta love it. 2 PLUS car garage.

MLS#6078599 $399,900

JUST EAST OF GRAND MARAIS, JEFFREY LANE HOME!

SIMPLY MODERN RUSTIC STYLE!

Lutsen cabin is a MUST SEE if you enjoy the simple things in Life! Two bedrooms, open kitchen/dining spaces, covered porch area and a sauna house! No well nor septic, but there’s an Outhouse! Must see to appreciate.

SWEET TOFTE LOCATION, ESTABLISHED BUILD SITE! MLS#6074783 $54,500 NEW PRICE!

MLS#6076115 $132,000 REDUCED!

MLS#6076146 $129,900

RUSTIC LIVING A HOP SKIP & A JUMP FROM GRAND MARIAS!

Charming rustic cabin on 10 acres of south facing forest with distant views of Lake Superior. Bordering public lands, great for hunting or hiking!

MLS#6020031 $85,500 REDUCED!

MLS#6078550 $189,900

NEW! HUMPHREY CIRCLE HOME IN GRAND MARAIS!

COME ON! AREN’T YOU A LITTLE TIRED OF SLEEPING IN A TENT?

Very near the public access to Gunflint Lake, these Rustic cabins are CUTE, with Log sauna (needs a wood stove). Don’t worry, we aren’t talking 4 Star Accomodations, it’s STILL a Camp near Gunflint Lake Up the Trail! A Must See for the Adventurous!!

Lots of square footage for the money! Solid home, Good well and septic, GORGEOUS piece of land. The home needs a little TLC but has Great Living space upstairs with incredible views from the deck!

LUTSEN-TOFTE AREA HOME!

Come take a Look at this Tofte home with acreage! Lots to offer, the home is solid and has a nice flow. The kitchen has been upgraded! Large windows allow for lots of light, and accessory buildings are perfect for a workshop and garage! Curious? Give us a call to see this gem!

MLS#6022904 $177,500

Newer SIP energy efficient construction, and fun layout! Wooded land envelopes this 3 bedrm 2 bath home that has some finishing left to do. Light flows throughout the home, bright and sunny!

MLS#6078699 $239,000

Call TIMBERWOLFF REALTY or visit www.timberwolffrealty.com for more information! 60

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Early Snow Makes for a FUN December! Head North before the Holiday Stress!

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!

Local 663 - 8777 • To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7

I n f o @ T i m b e r Wo l f f R e a l t y. c o m

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! feel with year round access, great build sites!

10 ac site, minutes to Lutsen Mtn’s.

$99,900 MLS#6074084

Wowser Lake Superior views on Overlook Tr!

Whitetail Ridge Overlooking Lake Superior! Just off Highway 1, Enjoy Sprawling Lake and Ridgeline views and Rugged Terrain! Yr Round Access, Electric.

Woodland Foothills Build Ready lots, Shared Water & Community Septic from

Ridgetop 5+ ac in Lutsen, Fantastic location, minutes to the Ski Hill, Yr Round Living with some Lake Superior Views, perfect for 2 story walk out home.

Maples with lots of Elbow Room, Year Round access and nice location between Cross River in Schroeder and Finland!

Heartland of Lutsen, 80 ac at the Foothill on Turnagain Trail, Fabulous Wilderness Build s of Ski Hill ridge, near downtown Lutsen!

! D L O S $65,000 PENDING MLS#6029557

Over 8 ac of Wilderness on Turnagain Trail in Lutsen!

High Ridge Maples in Lutsen bordering public land. 44 ac of wild country, short distance to carry in access to Deeryard & Ward Lakes. Year round, power & fiber close.

ROCKY WALL outskirts of Silver Bay! Huge Lake Superior Views, Driveway and Campsite in Place! Maple Forest, Electric, Developed Build Site!

MLS# 6024856 $95,000 REDUCED! 30 acres Wilderness, Borders lands next to Little Manitou River!

MLS#2309327 $129,000

MLS#2070509 Prices from $24,900!!

$62,500 MLS#6077523

MLS#2296509 $79,900

MLS#6028422 $53,000 REDUCED! BIG TIME VIEWS of Lake Superior-Tofte, Excellent value at Johannes Toftey MLS#6029322 $59,900

MLS# 603266 $49,900 REDUCED!

MLS#2309328+ FROM $39,000

MLS#2312987 $119,000

Overlook at LeVeaux Mountain-Tofte! Serene Woodsy setting with Lake Views!

MLS#2216560 $45,000

MLS#6076558 $37,000

Beaver Ponds, 40 acres, awesome wild life habitat in Shcroeder/Finland area.

Build New in the Heart of Lutsen at Jonvick Creek! Hillside builds with some lakeviews!

NEW! Crosswinds in Tofte, Walk to Coho!

LeVeaux Creek Runs Through this Sweet Build Site, minutes to Lutsen Ski Resort! Lake Views!

Gorgeous 5 acre parcels in the Heart of Lutsen paved Caribou Trail locale bordering USFS lands! MLS#2174799 From $54,900 - $77,500

Lakeshore on Ninemile Lake at the Village, common water and septic, build ready, borderscommon land!

MLS#6029324 $49,000 MLS#6029593 $99,000

Large pkg lots, Great Value.

FROM $45,000 MLS#6077966 10 Ac Parcels of Maples! Rolling Terrain of Mature Maples to a Sweet Building site Parcels Over a Mixed Boreal Forest. Year Round Access and Electric at Road! MLS#2024250

$49,900 REDUCED!

DRAMATIC Mountain Top Views, Rolling Hills, Maple Forests fading in to Spruce and Pine and year round access. $70,000 MLS#2090659 39 ACRES! Sawbill Trail Tofte Lake Superior Views, Mature Spruce forest with driveway and well in place!

MLS#6031876 $65,000 PENDING New! Wilderness land with canoe access to Tait Lake! 3+ ac a stone’s throw to Tait Lake!

MLS#6078839 $42,000

5 ac in the heart of Lutsen, just above TimberWolff! Great location for family home or Vaca Cabin!

LeVeaux Mountain, Super Views and Wildlife Ponds! Just Up the Sawbill Trail Grab your little piece of the Northwoods, rolling terrain and small community

2 ac at the Foothills of Eagle Mountain at Turnagain Trail! $29,900 MLS#6077521

MLS#2220050 $69,000

MLS#6078781 5 AC $40,000

NEW! Cty 44 and Pike Lk Road! 10 acres of high level ground, easy build site at a great price! $45,000 MLS#6076094

Jonvick Creek Runs Through It! Enjoy the Sounds of the Creek running by your future build site, Fabulous Lutsen Location just off the Caribou Trail!

MLS#6028569 $69,000 PENDING

Tait Lake area, Legend Trail parcel bordering USFS lands with views of Wills and Williams Lake!

LAKE SUPERIOR views, Rolling terrain with creek meandering through the land. Beautiful setting less than five minutes to Grand Marais!

Wilderness Lutsen location at Tait Lake- backlot with Driveway in place! Yr Round and Electric

Gorgeous 42 acres near Pike Lake, Yr Round access, electric at street and INCREDIBLE ridgetop views!

MLS#2080599 $137,500

MLS#6074179 $55,000

MLS#6028619 $67,500

LAKE SUPERIOR LANDS NEW! NEARLY 8 ACRES AND 473 FT OF COBBLE BEACH SHORELINE ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Nice Build Sites, Rugged Terrain! Grand Portage area.

MLS#6078704 $266,000 GREAT VALUE!

JUST NORTH OF SILVER BAY, PALISADE VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR! Gorgeous Lakeshore,

Priced Way Below Tax Assessed Value! Gorgeous Views down the Coastline and Well buffered from Hwy. MLS#2313255

$198,000 REDUCED!

SIMPLE LIVING ON LAKE SUPERIOR! A Step up from Thoreau’s Cabin, Enjoy the peace and quiet this lovely little cabin offers on over 300 ft of Lake Superior Shoreline! Electric, and Nice gas Stove makes this a comfy and welcoming Cabin! MLS#6026595

$214,000 REDUCED!

LARGE LAKE SUPERIOR PARCEL, JUST AN HOUR FROM DULUTH! Rolling terrain,

$299,000

MLS#6073655 $109,900 PENDING

CHRISTINE LAKE 10 AC

MLS#6032752 $250,000

sloping hillside buffers the build site from highway noise. Lovely setting with easy access to the ledge rock shoreline. Minute’s to the Lutsen Mountains Ski & Summer Resort! Perfect for your Lake Superior getaway home! MLS#2308906

MLS#6029849 $65,000

INLAND LAKE LANDS

site just 40 ft from the Big Lake, level easy access, well buffered from Hwy!

MLS#6032772 $499,900 JUST IMAGINE, A MODERN NEW CONSTRUCTION BUNGALOW ON LUTSEN’S CASCADE BEACH RD! Gently

20 Acres near Pike Lake, minutes to the new Boat Landing! Driveway is in place, nice shed. Panoramic Wilderness!

MLS#6029115 $33,000

SCHROEDER, JUST OVER AN HOUR FROM DULUTH! Home

level shoreline, and nearly 600 ft of it! Enjoy your own paradise on Lake Superior!

MLS#6078431 $99,000 PENDING NEW! 18 Maple Leaf, Hillside build site with lake views! MLS#6079411 $49,000

30 acres of Prime Wilderness Land with year round access and electric at street with Views of Lutsen’s famed Clara Lake!

MLS#6077951 $39,000

Caribou Hillside in Lutsen! Maple hillside above Ward Lake and Caribou Lake, FABULOUS location for summer and winter fun! Must see land!

MLS#6030129 $99,900

MLS#2240533 $49,000

Boreal Lane at the Foothills of Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort 5 ac lot, year round and FAB location!

FISHERMAN’S DREAM GETAWAY, WALTER IS WAITING! End of the bay bordering USFS lands and some Super Shoreline! Call today for details!

MLS# 6027279 $219,000

bordering Superior National Forest, Yr Round Access, electric/ broadband avail. Hill top build site overlooking mature white pine, cedar lined shoreline on Christine. Serenity Now!

MLS#6023288 $99,900

PIKE LAKE RUSTIC GETAWAY LAKESHORE, ISABELLA AREA. Mature pines, end of the road location on Swallow LUTSEN SIDE!

Premium Shoreline, nice and rocky! South LUTSEN LAKESHORE ON DEERYARD! facing build site, boreal Year Round access, elec/broadband. Maple hillside, Rocky prime shoreline! forest. Lot 6 Willard Lane, must see! Lake! MLS#2300576 $64,900

MLS#6074179 $185,000 REDUCED!

MLS#6031145 $190,000

REDUCED! Owner is licensed REALTOR CLARA LAKE IN LUTSEN! Wilderness Lakeshore Site with cleared NEW! WILLARD LANE PIKE LAKE VIEW LAND WITH LAKE ACCESS! Rugged elevation, great build site. Shared 20 ft access build site, driveway in place. Electric at road, 200 ft PRIME shoreline. to Pike Lake for $75,000 MLS#6078799 $189,900 MLS#6033095

VISIT US AT WWW.TIMBERWOLFFR EALTY.COM FOR PICTUR E SLIDESHOW! NORTHERN  WILDS

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Own a slice of Minnesota’s Favorite Resorts We bring you closer. To the lake, each other and your vacation property dreams.

Surfside on Lake Superior

Bluefin Bay Condos & Townhomes Bluefin Unit 7

Bluefin Unit 18

3 BR, 2 BA. Recent $130K elegant remodel. Only a few feet from shore. $419,900

2 BR, 2 BA floorplan. Unique to the whole resort. A guest favorite. $340,000

New townhomes, total coastal luxury right on the shore of Lake Superior. 3,000 s/f, 3BR, 3BA. Quarter-share ownership w/ flexibility for personal use & rental income. Excellent family retreat or investment property. Prices from $174K-$215K, includes furnishings.

Bluefin Unit 32

Bluefin Unit 26

1 BR, 1 BA. Charming unit with brand new bath, kitchen, and fireplace. $50K in Rental Income. $275,000

1 BR/1 BA. Ideal location. Exceptional value and solid investment at reasonable price. $259,900

Eric Frost Sales Agent, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts

Bluefin Unit 37

Bluefin Unit 38

2 BR, 2 BA. Upper level unit affords panoramic lake views. Over $60K in rental income. $315,000

2 BR, BA turn-key rental property. Newly remodeled and tastefully decorated. $319,000 PENDING

Bluefin Unit 55

Bluefin Unit 61

Deb Niemisto 218-370-8434

LAKE SUPERIOR CONDOS

Chateau 1 BD 1 BA Turn-Key Rented Units

218-663-6886 | eric@bluefinbay.com

3 BR, 3 BA Bluefin’s largest town home. Grosses over $110K in rental income. Absolutely stunning. $564,000

3 BR and 3 BA. Beautiful upgrades and appointments. Great location near outdoor pool. $569,000

NORTHWOODS REALTY

Let Eric, exclusive sales agent for Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, provide the details about each property and guide you through the process. Contact him today to learn more.

Nan Bradley 218-370-8433

lockport@boreal.org

www.coldwellbankernorthwoods.com 7072 Two Moose Trail Wilson Lake - Finland

Caribou Lake - Lutsen 38 Sawmill Lane

Commercial 126 Airport Rd Grand Marais Airport

Lake Superior - Lutsen 19 Norwood Shores East

Commercial hangar, heated, insulated, rental income MLS 2116969 $275,000

3 BD, 3 BA Townhome, open Concept, Fireplace, garage MLS 6078350 $369,000

PRICEED C REDU

Newly remodeled log lodge Upgraded cottage cabin like condo with spec- themed condo. Great tacular lake views. rental income! MLS 6077019 $79,900 MLS 6077201 $69,900

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NORTHERN  WILDS

Experience Solitude on one of the most beautiful lakes around. Acreage with many amenities ready for use & enjoyment. MLS 608329 $246,900

WOW 4 BD, 2 BA custom built home on Lutsen’s #1 premier lake. Gazebo, dock, fire pit, large family room, open concept one level living. MLS 6074363 $497,000


CATCHLIGHT

Short-eared Owl I was driving up the Gunflint Trail by the water tower when I spotted this shorteared owl flying along the edge of the road hunting. It would fly about 20 feet above the road ditches, up and down the sides of the road looking for prey. This lasted for about 15 minutes. I followed it up and down the Gunflint, when it finally landed on a broken birch top to pose for this photo.—David Johnson NORTHERN  WILDS

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