Northern Wilds December 2019 by Northern Wilds Magazine

A F I N N I S H C H R I S T M A S — H O L I D AY A R T S H O W S — L U T E F I S K — 5 0 Y E A R S A S S A N TA

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It comes just once a year… When Santa Claus comes to town in Grand Marais, he arrives by dog team. This probably doesn’t surprise anyone who knows this place. ‘Tis the season, you know, for both Santa and sled dogs. The arrival of winter in the Northern Wilds is celebrated not only with the holidays of Christmas and the New Year, but also with an exuberant embrace of winter activities. After all, winter is going to be here for several months; might as well make the most of it.

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.

You’ll find plenty of local shopping and gift ideas inside. Breana Roy has compiled a selection of wares from upcoming holiday art shows across the Northern Wilds. On another holiday note, Rae Poynter highlights a Two Harbors man who has donned a Santa suit for over 50 years. Outdoorsman Gord Ellis goes on the hunt for a Christmas tree. Birdwatchers are also heading outside for the annual Christmas bird count. Elle Andra-Warner looks into the It also comes as no surprise that many Eu- origins of the common words and phrases of ropeans who immigrated here came from the the Christmas season. northern regions, especially Scandinavia and As the old saying goes, Christmas comes but Finland. Subsequent generations have retained once a year. It is a time of fellowship and cheer; aspects of their former culture. This is most warmth and light in a season of darkness. It evident with some of the family traditions re- is time we spend with family and friends; exlated to celebrating Christmas. In this issue, changing gifts, sharing dinners and mutually Kathy Toivonen of Thunder Bay (said to have wondering why we don’t get together more ofthe largest population of Finns outside Finland) ten. At the end of the month we ring in the describes how her extended family retains New Year. Hardly noticeable, but after we pass their Finnish heritage at the holiday table and the Winter Solstice, daylight begins to slowly beneath the Christmas tree. Chuck Viren inves- increase. That, too, brings cheer. Merry Christtigates the pending death of lutefisk and discov- mas and Happy Holidays to all of you!—Shawn ers instead that in some quarters, the Norwe- Perich and Amber Pratt gian and Swedish Christmas dish is alive and well; if that can be truly said of dried codfish soaked in lye.

Aaron, Katie, Shawn, Amber, Leah, Roseanne, Breana and Sue 2

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

VOLUME 1 6, I SSUE 12 w w w . n o r t h e r nw i l d s .c o m SERVING THE NORTH SHORE 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 CONTRIBUTORS Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Tammy Bain, Gord Ellis, Peter Fergus-Moore, Casey Fitchett, Will Moore, Deane Morrison, Rae Poynter, Amy Schmidt, Javier Serna, Emily Stone, Kathy Toivonen, Chuck Viren Copyright 2019 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) PRINT & DESIGN print@northernwilds.com

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23 FEATURES 14 A Finnish Christmas Collage An assortment of traditions

16 Moose, Wolf and Caribou What’s up with iconic North Shore wildlife species?

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37 DEPARTMENTS 5 Along the Shore 12 Points North 18 Spotlight 23 Events 28 Calendar 31 Dining 35 Health 37 Northern Trails 38 Northern Connections 39 Fishing Hole 40 Reviews 41 Northern Sky 42 Dog Blog 44 Strange Tales 46 Northern Kids

REAL ESTATE 46 Real Living, Remax 47 Backlund Realty 48 Lutsen Real Estate Group 50 Coldwell Banker North Shore 53 Red Pine Realty 56 Lutsen Resort 57 Timber Wolff Realty 62 Bluefin Bay, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty

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Catchlight

Sledding Bliss by Carrie Schaefer

Great Gray Owl by Bill Marchel

NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

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Jerry Carlson celebrates 50 years as Santa TWO HARBORS—Two Harbors resident Jerry Carlson is dedicated to helping others. A native of the city who has lived in the area for over 80 years, Carlson has spent his recent years focusing on helping the community through volunteering. His most visible role? Being Santa Claus. This year will be Carlson’s 50th year as Santa and he still continues to enjoy the special job of bringing smiles to people during the Christmas season. Apart from his time spent in the military, Carlson has lived in Two Harbors his entire life. He worked as the Lake County Assessor for 31 years. His role as Santa began in 1969. At that point, Two Harbors’ Santa was being played by a deputy sheriff, who became ill and needed someone to fill the role. Carlson stepped up, donned the iconic suit, and began what would be a decades-long role in the community. “When I first started, Mrs. Claus and I would ride on the back of an open fire truck the day after Thanksgiving,” Carlson said. “We would then go to the Ben Franklin downtown and would see over a hundred kids who wanted to sit on Santa’s lap.” Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Carlson would have up to 30 Santa engagements, including visits to businesses, parties and nursing homes. Being Santa requires a sense of fun and spontaneity: Carlson has sung songs with children in daycare, danced the macarena at a Christmas party, and let residents at nursing homes get their pictures taken with Santa. He has heard countless Christmas wishes and warmed the hearts of many in the community. He has even driven down to the Twin Cities as Santa for visits. (He said it’s always fun when people look over and realize Santa Claus is driving down 494.) Another important event for Santa is attending the Lutefisk Dinner at the American Legion. It is not only a tradition for Santa to attend, but for “The Lutefisk Song” to be sung for Santa every year. While Carlson has many good memories from playing Santa over the years, one in particular stands out to him. Carlson’s wife was a special education paraprofessional in Two Harbors. Carlson went to the schools every year, but one year there was a boy in his wife’s class who had cancer. The boy, Jacob, was in and out of treatment and was not able to be in school on the day that Santa visited. It happened that Jacob’s grandfather was one of Jerry Carlson’s classmates from high school. He asked Carlson if it would be possible to visit Jacob, either at home or in the hospital, so he wouldn’t have to miss out on seeing Santa that year. Jacob came home from the hospital two days before Christmas and they planned the perfect Santa surprise. It was night and the house was out in the country. Carlson parked on the road and quietly walked up to the house. The house had a motion-sensor light, and as Jacob was looking out the window, suddenly the light turned on and Santa appeared in the yard. “He was so, so excited,” Carlson said. “I brought him a basketball and a toy police car, and we danced around to ‘Rudolph the

Being Santa requires a sense of fun and spontaneity: Carlson has attended a pool party, sung songs with children in daycare, and danced the macarena at a Christmas party. | JERRY CARLSON Red-Nosed Reindeer.’ Then Jacob asked me to come over. He hugged me like I had never been hugged before and said, ‘I love you, Santa.’ I told him that Santa loved him, too.” Jacob died the following summer, and Carlson is thankful that he could be part of making that Christmas as special as it could be. The memory, he said, will always stand out as the best in 50 years as Santa. While many of Santa’s engagements are private events, one event where Santa makes a public appearance is the Rotary Club’s Light Up the Park event in Thomas Owens Park. Carlson said that last year he saw 65 kids at the event, and that it’s a great way for families to get together and enjoy the holiday season. In addition to being Santa, Carlson spends his time volunteering for Community Partners, where he is a driver for seniors who need to get to appointments. As a people-person who has worked a lot with the elderly, Carlson said that volunteer driving is something he has always wanted to do.

Santa leads a sing-a-long during a Senior Citizen Party. | JERRY CARLSON

“Volunteering is a two-way street,” Carlson said. “My whole outlook on life changed when I started volunteering. It’s so gratifying

to pick someone up from an appointment and hear they have a clean bill of health or to have a child in the hospital excited to

see Santa. You can’t put a price on that.” —Rae Poynter

NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

P for Paramount, a beehive of theatre THUNDER BAY— A weekday morning at the former Paramount Theatre building in Thunder Bay’s north side is surprisingly quiet. To be sure, once you enter the lobby and look to your left, you can hear happy squeals and staccato footsteps of young children playing. Investigate further and you find yourself in a massive play area with everything a small child would want to jump on, jump in, climb up and generally have a whale of a time, safely, with parents looking on nearby. “Maple Tops is our indoor wilderness adventure place for young children,” says Candi Badanai, artistic director of Paramount Live and Badanai Theatre. “We turned one theatre into two, and put together a new three-level play section, including a toddlers area.” Yet, along with the leveled floor, colourful climbing structures, ball pit and slides, vestiges of the original Paramount Theatre itself remain. “We kept all the art deco decorations on the walls,” Badanai indicates with a sweep of her arm. “And if you go into the lobby, you’ll see the ‘P for Paramount’!” Indeed, the wall for the stairway landing to the old balcony is shaped like a hollow letter P, a feature she explains was in all Paramount theatres across North America. And yet, the place seems quiet. On this weekday morning, however, there are hints that the seeming quiet is an illusion: the Paramount building is as busy as a beehive going full-bore. Upstairs, handy-man Dennis Lowe is hammering and sawing, creating stage sets out of reused lumber materials. “We have a seven-week turnaround for this musical,” Badanai says. Lowe is transforming the upstairs theatrical space yet again, in an endless series of changeovers to meet the needs of new productions.

In the meantime and up another short flight of stairs, Badanai leads her visitor to a long room with wall-mounted full-length mirrors, posters and theatrical clutter. “The Green Room,” she says. “This is our rehearsal space. Want to see the costume room?” Now she leads her visitor outside and up two flights of steel fire-escape stairs to another room bright with multi-coloured costumes strung along several mobile hangers, and cloth samples on a work table with a serger and sewing machine. “We have Rosa, our seamstress and Kayleen, our volunteer assistant, doing all our costumes,” Badanai says. “Props are the responsibility of those directing plays.”

Plays indeed; a lot of plays and events at the Paramount at any given time, and no wonder. The building is host not only to Maple Tops, but Paramount Live Theatre and Badanai Theatre companies. This all in addition to space rental by a variety of community groups who find other available venues too expensive for their operations. “We offer theatre programs for children from age four through to age 18, different groups,” Badanai explains. “For the older kids, we have fully-licenced Broadway musicals, from Musical Theater International.” In addition, both Badanai and spouse Lawrence are working on their iTheatrics Theater Certified Instructors credential, which enables them not only to direct but instruct others in theatrical direction. This has also made productions available for licensing before they even open up to the public. Badanai, as artistic director of Paramount Live

and Badanai Theatre (and choreographer, when necessary), teams well with husband Lawrence, who co-directs productions and handles marketing, lighting and sets. They are busy people. “Thursday evenings we might have three rehearsals happening here at one time,” she says. Luckily, their four-year-old daughter Emmy loves the theatre. “We couldn’t do this if she didn’t,” Badanai smiles. “This is an inclusive space for everyone, but we aren’t handicap accessible yet. We’re working on it,” she continues. “The smiles on the faces of the kids make it all worth it—this is their sport, where other kids play hockey or whatever.” Badanai pauses a moment, considering, before she adds, “I wish we had these opportunities when we were young.” —Peter Fergus-Moore

Have a book in you? We’ll help you get it out.

Stephen Dahl is the author of the award-winning book Knife Island: Circling a Year in a Herring Skiff.

to gather a seed

NODIN PRESS 2009

hese are the poems of a man who built his own house in the woods and earns his living by fishing Lake Superior in an open skiff. People who work hard outside learn to conserve energy, so it’s not surprising that Steve Dahl’s poems fit the definition of poetry a friend once offered me: the most said in the fewest words. In their brevity, honesty, humility, wry humor, and nearness to nature, Dahl’s best poems keep company with the work of such good men as the Spaniard Antonio Machado and the Norwegian Olav Hauge. —Bart Sutter, author of Nordic Accordion: Poems in a Scandinavian Mood Minnesota book awards for poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction

meant to take a quick peek at these poems early one morning, and return to them later, but ended up reading all of them, certain lines playing through my mind all day. “nothing from darkness / grows like lilacs / in springtime holy / upon the hill.” These poems are spare and precise, quiet and essential, as essential as the things they praise and ponder. Each one: “a sparrow / just to the ground / from the branch above / to gather a seed.” The poems in this collection want to be read aloud. There is a subtle rhythm in Dahl’s language here, a rhythm reminiscent of water lapping gently on a rowboat. They left me stilled, awake, and grateful to be living in this world.

poems by stephen dahl

—Deborah Cooper, author of Blue Window Duluth Poet Laureate 2012-2014

I compiled the letters that John wrote to Madge to preserve a bit of family history. I consider this book to be an historical document, and as such have made no omissions to the letters’ text.

A Century of

July, 2016

Carl

Phil

j Co.

Bob worked at the Chicago Stockyards and from an early time came to know hard work and long hours. His Chicago roots grew deep and except for a tour of Europe including fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, serving in the Tank Destroyers and as a machine gunner in the 104th Infantry Division, always lived within the confines of the City. Bob met his love, Patricia Ann Donahoe, and together they raised their two sons on Melvina Avenue. Each son took from their parents a love of reading and grew up in a warm and nurturing home. Lively discourse was expected. Bob and Pat knew that their boys were living a city life but each summer they would hit the road for Wisconsin, then Minnesota, then the farthest reaches of Ontario in an attempt to teach the sons an appreciation of the outdoors. Bob was also free to pursue his favorite activity, fishing. Some of his poetry evolved from his time in the forest and on the water. Other verse came from his experiences in the War and I don’t know if it was a true catharsis, but the emotion of his experience is profound. Still other rhymes resulted from his good humor and he was quick to make light of our species, himself included. Bob loved Pat and the poems he sent to her leave no doubt that he treasured her so much. From war to family to love and humor, this collection of poems will delight those who read them and provide a glimpse into a gentle man who we have great reason to miss every day.

154

9 780578 505220

There Was a Gentle Man

j POETRY OF

R OB E RT T H OMP S ON

...when elk and when sharp-t bison roamed the prairies ailed grouse , were abunda and prairie nt across the chickens for days to land, and experience the hunting when hunters and adventu in time, and Minnesota read rers travelle had to offer. ago. This book how the places you Sit back, step d hunt today back hunting spots, gives vivid descriptions looked like over of but marvel constituted at how abunda the places we know 150 years a good day today as good nt game of hunting of hunting on the frontier species were, and what in the day accomp . Minnesota Historical Society. anied by 30 photogr More than two dozen stories aphs from the archive This book s of the belongs in the library of every serious Minnesota hunter.

“Tom Landwe landscape hr’s collection of historic that all conserv outdoors in time!” ationists stories gives aspire to us a look reclaim. A back at a fascinating —Author, journey back outdoorsm an and free-lance “The Minnesot

a Book

writer Chris

Niskanen

“I only recently of Skills,” a finalist for . Author of the 2012 the Minnesot book, things were.” started hunting a Book Awards. , so I didn’t More than grow up hearing hunters underst a trip back in time, the stories about conservationist and important stories “the way pieces of s’ reading Minnesota’s in this book help list!” modern past. A great —Ashley Peters, addition to day any conservat ionist, conservat “This collectio ion communi Minnesota’s n of Nineteenth Century cator and newbie hunter. prairie landsca hunting tales wildlife it pe and the provides supported. abundant a glimpse ” of —Shawn Perich,

publisher

of Northern

Wilds magazine

Sportmen’s Tales fro m 1850-19 00

ISBN 978-0-57

$19.95 8-485782

51995

9 780578

Compiled by Tom Landw ehr

About the Author Jim Boyd is a retired journalist St. John, and who lives in Cook his County with his the Cook County dog, Scarlett. He currently Chamber of Commerce serves as executive wife, Jetty director of .

There Was a Gentle Man Robert Gordon Thompson lived from August 30, 1922, until February 4, 2001. He was a city boy and spent his childhood in Chicago during the depression, living on the South Side on Emerald Avenue. He graduated from Tilden Technical High School, a school with roots back to 1881. Tilden still lives on.

Po et ry o f R OB E RT T HO MP S O N

DECEMBER 2019

John Steven Redshaw

1939 Old North Shore Road Duluth, MN 55804 stephendahl@q.com 218.525.4679

485782

Compiled by Tom Land wehr

Co.

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Wartime censorship of mail while John was at sea limited what he was able to write about. The fact that nothing he wrote was censored illustrates what a careful and conscientious man he was. In short, he always tried to do the right thing. He was a man with integrity. This book has become a project of love and respect for John and Madge. In fact, over the past six months this project has become an obsession to which I am emotionally attached. I have tried to be as accurate as possible, but any errors are mine alone.

strom Lumber

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The letters themselves cannot convey the danger John went through when the USS Kendall C. Campbell DE 443 was in combat. I would encourage you to read at least some of the books listed in the bibliography to more closely understand what John experienced.

$12.00 ISBN 978-0-578-50522-0

There Was a Gentle Man

SawduS ust Their Blo in th od the Hed

I think you will find the letters and extra materials to be interesting and revealing. Take your time in reading them. Use the concurrent war diary to help put the letters in context of time and place.

Perseverance On July 14, 1914, North Shore pioneer lumber on the Andrew Hedstrom banks nesota. A century of the Devil Track River began sawing north of Grand owned business later, the Hedstrom Lumber Marais, MinCompany remains from its humble operating at the same location. a familystart in a pioneer This is the company’s through several story transformations settlement during the tall-pine of today. into the modern logging era no-waste sawmill operation Throughout the years, the Hedstrom sity with problem-so family has met lving challenges and ingenuity and able to remain tenacity. By their adverin pluck, Shore institution. business when other mills failed and became they were a North In the remote settlement of Scandinav first began sawing ian immigrants lumber to meet , Andrew Hedstrom ing a sawmill the needs he purchased and rebuilt after of his carpentry business usdemand for lumber it was ruined in grew, so did the the company a fire. As the company. During hauled the 1930s and within the wilderness, a portable sawmill to 40s, winter logging where teams camps to the mill. Later, when the advent of horses were used to haul deep a forest road massive of mechaniza network made tion and the developme logs it possible family returned nt of to a new, permanent to deliver logs greater distances, the mill on the Devil This is a story Track River. of in a location as perseverance. Even today, it isn’t easy to remote challenges, including as Grand Marais. Andrew run a business and his sons faced several devastating from adversity many fires. by before. Today, making the mill better and Yet they always recovered more Hedstrom Lumber remaining in northern Company is one efficient than it was of the few lumber Minnesota. Sawdust the Hedstrom mills in Their Blood family’s is try. It also celebrates achievements during 100 years in the a celebration of the North a prominent part, timber indusShore and which played community of which they success. are such a powerful, continuing role in their

WWII Love Letters of John O. Redshaw

To the Family of John and Madge Redshaw:

Of The Hedstr om Lumber

WEAVING

She indicates a drop-down screen and projection booth opposite. Eventually, the 200plus theatre space will host the November children’s live musical Matilda.

in Their Blo od: 100 Years

Paramount Theatre building exterior; a beehive going full bore. | PETER FERGUS-MOORE

Sawdust

at NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL

“This was a bar for The Hunger. Drag queen acrobats and a bunch of other acts performed on the stage,” Badanai says, referring to a recent popular fundraiser. “And before that, the Terror in the Bay Film Festival used this space as a projection theatre.”

Candi Badanai at the Paramount’s costume room. | PETER FERGUS-MOORE

Professional editing, design, and printing. 218-387-9475 • print@northernwilds.com

NORTHERN WILDS

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ST. PAUL— For dogs, becoming man’s best friend has had some obvious benefits. In exchange for canine companionship, humans provide dogs with food, shelter, health care and more. Here in the Northern Wilds, many dogs lead what can only be called a privileged life. As with humans, improvements in diet and health care during the past century have greatly expanded dogs’ average life span. However, there is a catch: dogs, like humans, become more susceptible to cancer as they age.

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This parallel observation informs cancer researchers as they seek ways to improve the early detection of cancer risks and seek ways to fight cancer and prevent it from occurring. Dr. Modiano is currently leading The Shine On Project, a three-phase research effort to develop effective methods for early detection and for prevention of canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA). HSA is a tumor that can affect any dog of any breed or age. It is more common in older dogs; some breeds seem to get the disease more frequently. Less than 50 percent of dogs with HSA will survive four to six months and only about 10 percent will be alive one-year after their diagnosis. The cancer is insidious and doesn’t display clinical signs until it is too late for treatment. Tumors form in the blood vessels. Eventually, the tumor-clogged vessel bursts and the dog bleeds to death. Tens of thousands of cases of terminal HSA are discovered in American dogs annually. Researchers don’t entirely understand why a related cancer in humans affects only 60 to 200 people per year. Multiple approaches to treating HSA have been tried in recent decades, but have achieved little success. The Shine On Proj-

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“We think this is a paradigm,” says cancer researcher Dr. Jaime Modiano. “Cancer occurs because we’ve done things right.” Dr. Modiano is the Perlman Endowed Chair of Oncology and Comparative Medicine and director of the Animal Cancer Care and Research (ACCR) program at the University of Minnesota. He explained that very low rates of cancer occur in most species, because of protective mechanisms evolved to keep the disease in check. The advances in human and dog lifespans have happened so quickly that the evolution of those protective mechanisms hasn’t kept pace. Cancer remains uncommon in younger people and dogs, but the risk significantly increases with age.

Great pay Flexible hours

Dr. Jaime Modiano, shown here with Quetzal, is leading a canine cancer study at the University of Minnesota. | SUBMITTED ect’s approach is to use a noninvasive blood test for early detection of cancer cells in the bloodstream. If the test shows a dog is at a high risk of developing HSA, it is given a drug called eBAT that was developed at the U of M’s Masonic Cancer Center. As a cancer preventative, eBAT kills malignant cells and irreparably damages the environment they need to develop tumors. The drug is safe to use.

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In simple terms, Phase 1 of The Shine On Project improved the accuracy of the blood test for detecting malignant cells. Phase 2 monitored the success of eBAT treatment and related therapy. Phase 3, ongoing now, is looking at otherwise healthy dogs over age six to determine if malignant cells can be detected and treated. While The Shine On Project has obvious potential to improve the treatment of a common canine cancer, it may have implications for improving the early detection of cancer in humans. Developing methods for early detection and strategic prevention of these malignancies could reduce the suffering and tragedy wrought by cancer.—Shawn Perich

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Volunteer to count birds GRAND MARAIS—Volunteers are needed for the 2019 Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The count will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 for the Grand Marais CBC, which is a 7.5mile radius circle from a point three miles south of the middle of Devil Track Lake. The count circle covers Hwy 61 to Lindskog Rd and north, some of Cty Rd 60, Gunflint Trail to the landfill road, Pine Mountain Rd to the backside of Elbow Lake, Devil Track Rd to Bally Creek Rd, Ball Club Rd to The Grade, Pike Lake Rd, and Hwy 61 west to Cascade Lodge, and all of the lakeshore between Lindskog Rd and Cascade Lodge. You can cover as much or as little as you’d like. You can be a novice to a professional, since CBC’s are open to birders of all skill levels. Both walkers and drivers are needed, as well as feeder watchers that can identify birds and can count the highest number of a single species in an area. CBC will also need any species of birds that you see in the count circle, but not on the count day. This “count week” happens for the three days prior and three days after the count day of Saturday.

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y r r Me tmas! s i r Ch And a Happy New Year

For count day, you’ll need a guide book, binoculars, a scope for lake birding, warm clothes, warm boots/Yak Traks, a log book to record your observations, and a keen and quick eye to count the winter rarities. If you are a feeder watcher, keep you feeders full up and through count day to encourage birds to be there on that day; have various foods available in feeders and on the ground to entice as many species as possible. While Audubon’s National CBC effort began Christmas Day 1900, the first known Minnesota CBCs were conducted on Christmas Day 1905 in Minneapolis, and Red Wing. During those last 120 years, the Christmas Bird Count has been conducted uninterrupted in the state and has grown to include almost 70+ census circles and involved more than 28,000 participants. Each and every year greater than 1,000 participants canvas the state to conduct the survey. These participants have logged nearly 77,000 total hours, traveling approximately 548,000 miles. The Minnesota CBC has tallied over 8.5 million birds of 201 species. Today, over 55,000 volunteers from all 50

This year’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count in Grand Marais will take place Saturday, Dec. 14. | SANDRA MCHUGH states, every Canadian province, parts of Central and South America, Bermuda, the West Indies, and Pacific islands count and record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area. Each count group completes a census of the birds found during one 24-hour period between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 in a designated circle 15 miles in diameter, about 177 square miles. Please contact Jeremy Ridlbauer at sundew@boreal.org or call 218-370-0733 to report on what area you can cover or what feeder or area you’ll be watching. Participants who are able will meet at 4:15 p.m. on count day (location to be determined).

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DECEMBER 2019

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Indoor fun at Duluth Children’s Museum

CELEBRATE THE

Dark Sky festival

See the aurora like never before. DECEMBER 13 - 14

The Duluth Children’s Museum offers activities that promote both education and pure play for children of all ages. | CHILDREN’S MUSEUM DULUTH— When the snow flies and temperatures drop below zero degrees this winter, take your kids to the playground. That is, the indoor playground located inside the Duluth Children’s Museum. The playground is just one of many attractions inside the Children’s Museum, 115 S. 29th Ave. W. And while some attractions explore American Indian history, theater and a local artist, others have the same simple theme as the playground. “It truly is about play,” said Cameron Kruger, president and CEO of the Duluth Children’s Museum. “We see ourselves as the region’s experts of play.” While helping children in their development and cognitive function are some of the museum’s key goals, “children are playing less now than they were even a decade ago,” Kruger said. And while Kruger himself doesn’t knock screen time, the Children’s Museum can entertain kids in a more active way, he said. The museum’s Lincoln Park location is deliberate. Kruger called the neighborhood the most socioeconomically diverse in Duluth, and a quarter of the museum’s memberships are scholarship memberships. The museum also provides outreach to underserved communities. “Access is really important to us,” he said. Inside the museum are local themes. In the same room as the playground exists a “Monkey with a Toolbelt” exhibit, based on the books by Duluth artist Chris Monroe. Monroe’s series will soon be the topic of a preschool-targeted Netflix series. “Monkey With a Toolbelt” will stay through January, and sometime between then and February, a giant board game will replace it. Upstairs, kids can put on a show onstage—with the chance to choose and play their own music on speakers. They can fly in the Cirrus airplane and learn about the Ojibwe culture. There’s also the ship-themed slide, and— before Lake Superior freezes—kids can use a kiosk to see when the next ship is expected to cross into Duluth’s harbor, where it’s from

and what it’s carrying. Across the room are exhibits that explore the STEM fields—that of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “The educational opportunities are amazing,” Kruger said. He added that exhibits transitioned away from using as much signage as in the past, so that kids and their families can use more of their own creativity and problem solving. Within the next two years, the Children’s Museum will relocate to what was once the Lincoln Park Café, at 2125 W. Superior. The café’s structure will remain, while the museum will demolish the inside and create a “thoughtful open floor plan,” Kruger said. “It provides a lot of opportunity for us, just in terms of square footage,” he said. As for this winter, children have plenty of opportunities for fun. On Dec. 31, the museum will celebrate “Noon Years Eve,” with a balloon drop at noon and a “party all day,” Kruger said. The Children’s Museum also hosts three daily programs with themes like art and science, that are designed by staff and often follow the Minnesota state learning standards. The museum also hosts events like a free evening, from 5-7 p.m. the first Friday of each month, and an Early Explorers Day for adults and children three years old and younger the second Saturday of each month. The third Saturday of each month features a sensory-friendly day for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The Duluth Children’s Museum started in 1930. Kruger called it the fifth-oldest of its kind in the United States. Other major cities had their own children’s museums, and with Duluth projected to become a major city, residents wanted to keep up with the other large cities, Kruger said. In its early days, the museum was literally a museum for children, with exhibit artifacts donated by some of the biggest names in town from their own travels and lives. The museum still owns thousands of those artifacts. For more information, visit: duluthplay. org.—Tammy Bain

VISITCOOKCOUNTY.COM NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

Grand Marais Trees

$5 FRIDAYS

Nine large elms that lined Highway 61 as it passes through Grand Marais were cut down in November in the beginning phase of a twoyear highway improvement project. Some of the trees were cut so the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency can remove a large area of contaminated soil in front of the Cobblestone Building and beneath the highway. Tree removal will also facilitate replacement of water and sewer lines and storm sewer work. Highway improvements will include new pedestrian crossings. Planning for the multifaceted project occurred over several years. | DAVID JOHNSON

LSZooDuluth.org

keep the spirit going

be a holiday Hunger Hero 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

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Outdoor & Casual Clothing, Footwear & Equipment Guided Tours & Rentals for all Seasons Open Daily, Year Round On the East Bay in Grand Marais 218.387.3136 • stoneharborws.com

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Inc. Holiday Hours

Thurs Nov 28 – Closed Tues Dec 24 – Open 8:00am-12:00/noon Wed Dec 25 – Closed Tues Dec 31 – Open 8:00am-3:00pm Wed Jan 1 – Closed

Mountains with a bluebird view

Downhill skiing the North Shore NORTH SHORE— Carving down the side of a mountain with a view of Lake Superior is a highlight of winter for many North Shore residents. Both Spirit Mountain in Duluth and Lutsen Mountains in Lutsen offer opportunities for adrenaline seekers to scratch that itch as they take turns on the runs. Spirit Mountain boasts the second highest vertical in the region and a variety of terrain for customers. Created in 1974 by the Minnesota State Legislature to encourage winter tourism in Duluth, the mountain currently features 22 runs, a terrain park, progression park, freestyle features, and 175 skiable acres. Summer and winter events at the mountain also enhance the recreation opportunities in the Arrowhead. In addition to the summer mountain biking and running races, the mountain’s schedule stays full in the winter with a myriad of celebrations of winter sports. “In winter months we host the largest SWAP sale in the Northland with Team Duluth, and the 28th annual Snocross happens over Thanksgiving Weekend,” explains executive director Brandy Ream. Ream, in her sixth winter at Spirit Mountain, continues. “We also have the Atmore Memorial Ski Race, Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Festival, Nordic X, Vintage Snowmobile Show, and the End of Season Snowmobile Show as a fundraiser for our Ski Patrol.” The youth alpine and freestyle competitions cap off the event calendar. Though Ream is one of the 35 full-time employees the resort employs during the winter, executing these events requires the support of more than 350 winter seasonal staff and 200 summer seasonal staff. The Duluth recreation area is also part of the Indy Pass, a conglomeration of 44 independent ski resorts across the United States and Canada. In its first year, the Indy Pass initiative offers an alternative to other larger multi-resort passes. Pass holders get two

free days of riding at each of the participating resorts, totaling 88 days of lift tickets. Sunday Fat Biking (winter mountain biking) in January, live music five nights a week, snow tubing and glow tubing are just a few of the additional activities that make Spirit Mountain unique. “Our guest service, snowmaking and grooming provide for an incredible experience at Spirit Mountain,” says Ream. “Slopeside lodging at the Mountain Villas and two chalets, ticket discounts and more make us your winter destination. Spirit Mountain is the place to be.”

[ABOVE] Spirit Mountain

A voyage two hours northeast on Highway 61 brings skiers and snowboarders to Cook County’s Lutsen Mountains. Mid-America’s largest ski resort boasts 825 feet of vertical across four mountains and receives 10 feet of average annual snowfall. Recent upgrades to its gondola, high speed chairlift, and snowmaking operations are but a few of the notable aspects of this Midwest mountain ski resort. This year’s exciting enhancement is their transition to an RFID ticketing system. Reloadable media cards have a radio frequency antenna and are integrated with online sales to allow customers to easily add and redeem lift passes. “It allows flexibility in how we can offer and sell tickets,” says marketing manager Jim Vick. “Customers have to go to the ticket office to get their first one, but after that they can go directly to the lift and it’ll tick off that day. It is activated by skiing.” Vick, who has been in his marketing role at Lutsen Mountains for over 30 years, also helps coordinate and execute the many concerts and events that the mountain hosts throughout the winter. “On December 14th we are having the grand opening of the terrain park for the season,” notes Vick. “We hired a professional

in Duluth boasts the second highest vertical in the region and a variety of terrain for customers. | SPIRIT MOUNTAIN [LEFT] Spirit Mountain

features 22 runs, a terrain park, progression park, freestyle features, and 175 skiable acres. | SPIRIT MOUNTAIN team that build parks all around. Once they do a park build, they do a cook out; they will have the grill going and music playing. They film everyone riding and put together video clips that people can share online.”

An impressive concert schedule aside, Vick believes there are many other reasons a trip north is worth the drive. He highlights the amenities, views, and overall vibe of Lutsen Mountains that make it distinct.

Live music seven nights a week and music festivals at Papa Charlie’s give skiers entertainment options for when they are off the slopes. Seven bands are descending on Lutsen for Snowball Dec. 6-7, Minneapolis-based Yam Haus takes the stage on Jan. 4, and acts such as the Black Eyed Snakes, Charlie Parr, and Dead Man Winter plan to entertain during the Ski Party on Jan. 10-11. Selling out the past four years, Cloud Cult also returns on Feb. 8.

“Looking out over the lake from all runs isn’t found anywhere else quite like it is here. The big body of water is really an amazing thing,” says Vick. “We ski like a mountain resort. The whole atmosphere and culture of a mountain resort and yet it’s a close, easy drive for most of our market area. There’s an authenticity about being here.” More information is available on each resort’s respective website.—Casey Fitchett

BEST THING ABOUT A WINTER DAY?

A WINTER NIGHT.

Sometimes the best thing about a North Shore winter is escaping it for just a little while. Come inside and make yourself at home!

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Free hot, home-style breakfast | Hotel-wide, high-speed Internet | Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub & Sauna | Wyndham Rewards loyalty program NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

Points North Old Hunter confronts CWD reality and irony the rut when bucks are most vulnerable, the new regulations instead set an antler point restriction. In order to be legal to harvest, a buck had to have at least four points on one antler. The ruling protected younger bucks, which have smaller antlers. The strategy worked; the Old Hunter said within three years hunters were seeing and shooting significantly more large bucks.

By Shawn Perich

Now the Old Hunter is faced an unfortunate irony. With the discovery of CWD, his farm is within a special management zone created by the DNR in an attempt to control or contain the outbreak. Within the zone, the agency is attempting to reduce deer numbers as much as possible. The antler point restrictions have been removed and hunters are encouraged to shoot all deer. Last year, special hunts were held in addition to the regular hunting seasons to kill even more whitetails.

A longtime reader from Harmony, Minn. contacted me recently to share some photos of a Minnesota DNR CWD station set up on his farm. The station is intended to help contain Chronic Wasting Disease, which has been found in wild deer in that portion of southeastern Minnesota. As you probably know, CWD is an always fatal disease affecting deer and other members of the deer family that is caused by a malformed protein called a prion. Since it is not alive, like a virus or bacteria, a prion can persist in the environment and infect other deer. The DNR hopes to prevent the spread of the disease throughout the state.

The Old Hunter is cooperating fully with the DNR’s efforts. He has opened his farm to his Amish neighbors and other hunters, encouraging them to kill as many deer as they can. He said deer numbers are surprisingly high this year, despite following a year of intensive harvest. So how does he feel about this CWD-necessitated about face in deer management?

The CWD station is part of that effort. It has a barrel where hunters can leave the heads of deer that they kill for CWD testing. It also has a tripod and folding table hunters can use to bone out their deer for transport out of the CWD zone and a dumpster for the carcasses. Prions are less likely to accumulate in the flesh than in brains or spinal material, which is why the agency doesn’t want hunters taking carcasses out of the zone and disposing of them elsewhere, risking new CWD outbreaks. Now this farm is located a long way from the Northern Wilds—actually just a couple of miles from the Iowa border. But the story told here offers folks in the Northern Wilds a glimpse of what is occurring as CWD continues to spread across North America. The farmer, Jim Vagts, asked that his name appear only once in this column. To honor his request, we’ll call him the Old Hunter, which, at 76, he is. In addition to hunting deer on his farm, he loves to pack with his own horses into the mountains of western states every fall in pursuit of elk. The Old Hunter got his start in 1957 at age 13, when he participated in a three-day deer season with his brothers and neighbors. They were allowed to shoot any deer and did so, hunting on their own farms and the properties of other neighbors. Nobody worried much about hunter trespass back then. When he was going to college at the University of Minnesota in the 1960s, he had the opportunity to hunt along the North Shore near Tofte for three years. A friend from his home area was living there and working at a taconite plant. Although the Old Hunter says he was “out of my element” on the North Shore, he managed to take a doe and a six-point buck. A hunter in their party killed a bear. At the time, a 12

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“My personal philosophy is that I’m unlucky and happen to be in the wrong area,” he said. “I’m willing to cooperate with the DNR while 95 percent of Minnesota is CWD-free. If we can stop it here, I want to be part of that.”

Antler point restrictions significantly increased the numbers of large whitetail bucks in Southeastern Minnesota. The rules have been scrapped to address an outbreak of Chronic Wasting Disease by using hunters to reduce the deer population as much as possible within the affected area. | CHRIS MCEVOY big game license allowed hunters to kill a deer and a bear. After college, he began farming and, by necessity, hunted near home. Minnesota made significant changes in deer seasons and licensing in the early 1970s, introducing a then-new (in Minnesota) concept of a bucks-only license. The Old Hunter shot his last doe in 1972. He hunted with a party of 10, all neighbors, who became buck hunters. In 1986, they stopped shooting just any buck, opting to hold out for ones with trophy-sized antlers. While the party killed one or two big bucks every year, the overall number of trophy-sized whitetails on properties they hunted didn’t increase. His hunting party had changed their hunting habits to allow more bucks to grow old, but hunters all around them were still shooting any buck with antlers. “I realized you can’t just do it on your own land,” he said. “You need to manage the big picture to improve the herd.”

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He and like-minded hunters began working with the DNR to improve deer management in the southeast bluff country, a productive landscape that has the right combination of habitat and climate to produce an abundance of whitetails and extraordinary trophy bucks. The process took more than 10 years. Although he would have preferred a later season start, similar to Iowa, so hunting wouldn’t occur during

Shawn Perich’s POINTS NORTH online

He believes the DNR is taking the right steps to fight CWD, even though not all hunters appreciate their efforts. He points out the agency has a good track record in responding to wildlife disease, both with CWD discoveries and a past outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in northwestern Minnesota. But the challenge facing wildlife managers now may be greater than any that preceded it. “CWD is the biggest event that has happened in Minnesota wildlife management,” the Old Hunter said. He may be right.

Follow outdoor writer Shawn Perich as he reports on conservation issues and explores the North Shore wilderness with his dog Rainy. Sign up for this web exclusive blog at northernwilds.com

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DECEMBER 2019

A Finnish Christmas Collage Kathy Toivonen Many Finnish immigrants settled in northern Minnesota and Northwestern Ontario. The landscape is just like their lands at home: forest, water and snow. So it was easy for the newcomers and their descendants to continue to celebrate the Christmas season in their traditional ways. Many of the customs that traveled with the immigrants are a blend of pagan, Christian and secular convention. Even within my own family, a diversity in beliefs may seem too far apart to find common ground. But, just like Finland, my family Christmases have evolved to become a collage of traditions that connect us all with close family, good food and the love of nature.

Handmade gifts are a staple in my family. | KATHY TOIVONEN

As in Finland, Christmas Eve is a big event for our family. Every year, someone different hosts the party at their home. It often works out that when the most people are able to attend—up to 50—it’s held at the smallest house, but somehow there is lots of room for us all. With such a large family, gift giving became problematic. One year, a nephew received multiple sets of Legos, so the family decided to simplify the system. The adults now pool money together to get one large gift for each child and the adults each bring one gift for a gift exchange game. Homemade and sentimental gifts are most coveted. Then, either a Christmas Elf or Santa Claus—Joulupukki— distributes the gifts. Joulupukki translated literally means “Christmas Goat.” Goat? You ask. Let me explain. There was an old rural tradition in Finland where young men wearing furs and masks with horns playfully frightened the communities and collected food and beer in the days after Christmas. (Something like our modern-day Halloween tradition.) The melding of the legend of St. Nicholas, who gave gifts, and the young men in goat-like costumes gave rise to the term Joulupukki.

Homemade Christmas gift chess set. | KATHY TOIVONEN

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But before we begin any gift giving, we eat. And eat. The host will make the usual turkey and mashed potatoes and the rest of us add to the buffet. Finnish recipes have been handed down through four generations to

make turnip casserole; pulla, a Finnish coffee bread; and baked ham, which has been traditionally served since pagan times. The early immigrants brought a mixture of Finnish regional foods that have graced the table, such as Karjalanpiirakat from the eastern part of Finland, and hardtack, a thin, hard, long-lasting bread from the west. From the north, deer and moose have substituted for reindeer. Suolakala (salt fish) and lutfisk came from the coastal areas and berries from the forest. For dessert, rice pudding, cakes and pies, made from hand-picked wild berries, are served with coffee. As everyone in the north knows, with Christmas comes the dark and the cold. Such is the nature of winter. Pre-Christian Nordic countries noted December 13 of the Julian calendar (December 21 of the modern Gregorian calendar) as the longest night of the year. That night was believed to be the night when supernatural beings such as trolls, gnomes and spirits walked the earth; and animals could speak to each other. One should not be out in the dark without a light, so people lit large bon fires to scare off the supernatural beings and to encourage the return of the sun. When Christian beliefs began to spread throughout the Norse lands, the story of St. Lucia was shared. St. Lucia, a girl from Italy in the 300s A.D., became a martyr for bringing food to early Christians who were held captive for their beliefs. She wore a wreath with candles on her head for light and to free her hands to carry food for the Christians. St. Lucia was celebrated with light. These two ideas came together as a celebration of light. St. Lucia Day was mostly celebrated by Swedish and Swedish-speaking Finns, but has become popular throughout Finland and subsequently made its mark across the ocean. Another Finnish tradition, in regards to light, is the lighting of candles at grave sites to honour and remember ancestors. This tradition was fading out from subsequent generations of immigrants, but has been rekindled along with the celebration of light.

Kathy Toivonen collecting birch bark in Ikaalinen, Finland. | SUBMITTED

St. Lucia inspired photo from A Century of Sisu book. | KIM MANDUCA.

Enjoying the outdoors with a homemade sled Christmas gift. | KATHY TOIVONEN

Traditional Finnish foods: pulla, rice pudding, pancakes, Karjalanpiiraka. | KATHY TOIVONEN After the family is finished feasting and engaging in the festivities, everyone goes home and participates in one last tradition of the evening: one gift can be opened from under the tree, the rest to be anxiously awaited until Christmas morning. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are celebrated with more family, more food, and some time to spend outside. I love winter. As an artist, I’m inspired by the sparkling ice crystals in the air on an early sunlit morning and the long shadows from a full moon on a snowy landscape. I usually go for a ski or snowshoe on handmade gear from Christmases past, or take little ones for a sled ride, skating, or simply a walk in the fresh air. Even inside, I’m surrounded by nature through homemade and nature-based gifts and décor. Handmade gifts are a staple in my househeld family, everything from an antler handle pizza cutter to hats and boots from skinned and tanned furs, a whittled chess set, bowls from the burl of a tree, and a hand-painted and stitched quilt. To accent gift wrapping and to add nature to the décor, my favourite nature item is birch bark, which is also widely used in Finland. It can be paint-

ed or cut to shape to make name tags and cards. I’ve even used birch bark to make napkin holders and to make a lantern for the kitchen table. Even though Christmas Day is the celebratory day in North America, Christmas Eve has always been the prominent day celebrated by the Finns. It was first celebrated for the return of the dead, the return of the sun, and the end of the crop year by the pre-Christians. Then, the day also recognized the birth of Christ and then the Declaration of Christmas Peace, which begins at midnight on the 24th of December and lasts for 20 days. In writing this article, I learned a lot about the origins of the Finnish traditions that my family has practiced over the years. I’ve also learned some new things. I’d never heard of the Declaration of Christmas Peace before. I think I will encourage my family to start a new tradition from old with our own declaration of Christmas Peace, one that lasts the whole year and to be renewed again every Christmas Eve.

[MIDDLE] Birch bark napkin rings and decor. | KATHY TOIVONEN [BOTTOM] Instructions to make birch bark rings for napkins or smaller

sized for your finger. | SUBMITTED

NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

Minnesota moose numbers stabilize Northeastern Minnesota has far fewer moose than it did 20 years ago, but the population appears to have stabilized during the last five or six years at 3,0004,000 animals.

Fewer in number than 20 years ago, northeastern Minnesota’s moose population presently appears to be stable. | CRYSTAL CLEMONS

What's up with iconic North Shore wildlife species? The Northern Wilds is a place where you can happen upon a bull moose on a morning paddle or listen to the serenade of a wolf pack on an otherwise silent winter night. A lucky few have had the good fortune to see woodland caribou somewhere on the rugged Ontario shore. While these three wildlife species are the essence of the North, we can’t take their continued existence for granted. In Minnesota, wolves have been protected under the federal Endangered Species Act nearly continuously since the 1970s. An alarming decline began in Minnesota and adjacent Ontario moose populations in the early 2000s. More recently, woodland caribou nearly disappeared from the North Shore until they were saved by a last-ditch translocation effort. We spoke with wildlife experts to learn how well each species is doing now.

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“The numbers bounce around from year to year, but the population appears to be stable,” said Mike Schrage, wildlife biologist for the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe. “That could change in the future—either up or down.” Why moose stopped declining in numbers is a matter of conjecture, but multiple factors are likely at play. Beginning with the winter of 2013-14, the moose range has had a series of moderate to severe winters which significantly reduced the deer population. That in turn may have lessened the prevalence of the parasitic brain worm that is indirectly transmitted from deer to moose. The brain worm does not affect deer, but is often fatal to moose. The lack of deer likely has reduced the region’s wolf numbers as well, lessening predation on moose. Deep snows that have stubbornly lingered into spring may have helped, too. The winter ticks that infest moose and fall off them in the early spring have poor survival when deep snow covers the ground. In addition to less predators and parasites, moose may have had more habitat. Large forest disturbances created by wildfires and timber harvest provides the new growth moose prefer. Biologists are seeing good numbers of moose in Ham Lake and Pagami Creek burns. “Whether that is enough to stabilize the population we don’t know, but it is good for moose where it exists,” Schrage said. What biologists haven’t seen in recent years was an increase in the number of calves counted in the annual aerial survey conducted every January. Schrage said it is possible that aforementioned factors improved the survival of adult moose. Due to the population decline, the state and three Ojibwe bands with treaty rights within the Arrowhead, ceased moose hunting in 2013. The tribes resumed moose hunting in 2016, stating their relatively small harvest of bulls does not affect the overall population. When interviewed in mid-November, Schrage said Fond du Lac hunters registered 21 bulls, short of the season’s quota of 24. Morgan Swingen, wildlife biologist for the 1854 Authority said Grand Portage harvested two bulls and Bois Forte had taken one.

Lake Superior caribou hang on Woodland caribou continue to persist along Lake Superior’s North Shore in Ontario and conservationists are hopeful the population may recover to sustainable levels. The population was at the brink of extinction in 2018 when wolves threatened to wipe out the population on Michipicoten Island. A group of conservationists and Michipicoten First Nation intervened and 10 (nine survived) caribou were translocated from there to the Slate Islands and six to Caribou Island. The Slates previously had a caribou population that was functionally extirpated by wolves in 2017. Islands serve as refuges where caribou avoid wolf predation. In the case of both Michipicoten and the Slate Islands, wolves crossed on the ice when Superior froze during the unusually cold winter of 2014. While the Slates are now wolf-free, Leo Lepiano, conservationist and consultant to Michipicoten First Nation in Wawa, says two wolves remain on Michipicoten Island. Since the island is now devoid of caribou, and the beaver population has been greatly reduced, the wolves may not survive the winter. Eight wolves there were captured last winter and moved to Isle Royale National Park as part of an ongoing wolf stocking program. Once wolves are gone from the island, caribou will be reintroduced. Micipicoten

not been seen since 2012, and were deemed officially extirpated in 2017. Unbeknownst to the caribou, they are political animals in Ontario. They are especially sensitive to human activities such as logging and mining, which disrupt habitat and migration corridors, as well as altering the landscape in ways that allow moose and white-tailed deer to proliferate. This in turn increases wolf densities, resulting in increased predation on caribou, which are easier targets than the larger moose. In addition, deer carry a brain worm that doesn’t affect them, but is often fatal to caribou.

Lake Superior woodland caribou, shown here on Michipicoten Island a few years ago, have benefitted from relocation efforts intended to perpetuate their existence. | CHRISTIAN SCHROEDER is large enough to support at least 800 caribou without affecting the habitat or leading to a decline in condition of the caribou, Lepiano said. He hopes that it will eventually serve as a source of caribou for further restoration along the North Shore.

On the mainland shores, only a handful of caribou remain. An aerial survey last winter found three locations between Marathon and Schreiber where caribou tracks were seen, but there were likely no more than a few animals in any location. In Pukaskwa National Park, caribou have

Ontario caribou management calls for setting aside undeveloped migration corridors so Lake Superior caribou can reach existing populations further to the north. This is why they are political animals, because mining and forestry underpin the northern economy. Local interests, including at least one First Nation, object to the economic constraints posed by the corridors. Lepiano is hopeful a compromise can be worked out. Currently, Lepiano and other caribou advocates are meeting with various government agencies and officials to build support for a Lake Superior caribou recovery. Eventually, caribou might be found on the North Shore from Lake Superior Provincial Park westward to the Rossport Islands.

Wolf population stays steady Minnesota’s gray wolf population remains stable, as it has been for about two decades, says Dan Stark, large carnivore specialist with the Minnesota DNR. Annual fluctuations in wolf numbers largely correlates with forest deer abundance. When deer numbers rise, so do the numbers of wolves. The DNR conducts a midwinter wolf population survey to derive a population estimate. For the 2017-18 winter the estimate was 2,699 animals, with a confidence interval of plus or minus 700. The survey began in the late 70s at 10-year intervals, later was done at five-year intervals and has been conducted annually since 2012. The survey includes the DNR’s field efforts, as well as input from other entities in the state that monitor wolves, such as the federal research project initiated by biologist Dave Mech, research in Voyageurs National Park and tribal natural resource programs. The survey gives wildlife managers some insight into the world of Minnesota wolves. The average territory for a pack is 40 to 60 square miles, based on the abundance of deer and other prey. In some places, a pack territory may be as little as 10 square miles or up to 200 square miles in deer-poor regions of the north. A typical pack contains four to five wolves. Stark said while hunters sometimes say there are “wolves everywhere,” the animals tend to move around their territory. They do fre-

quent core areas within their territory for denning or to rendezvous with the rest of the pack. Starks says wolves occupy all of the suitable range in the state, and are unlikely to expand. Some packs on the southern and western fringe of the range live in areas where agriculture and other human land uses fragment the habitat. A pack has been established in southern Isanti and northern Anoka counties, disconnected from the core wolf range. Although the pack has produced a couple of litters, whether it persists over time depends on the tolerance of and possible conflicts with people. Presently, wolves are protected in Minnesota under the federal Endangered Species Act. They were briefly taken off the list three times: March 2007-September 2008, May-June 2009 and January 2012-December 2014. During the latter period, Minnesota conducted wolf hunting/trapping seasons in 2012, 13 and 14. Although wolf delisting is contentious, the state population has been well above federal recovery goals for decades. “Our (DNR) point of view is that wolves have recovered,” said Stark. “We have been monitoring the population and are prepared to manage them.” To that end, the agency is looking to update its wolf plan, which was adopted in 2001.

Gray wolves occupy all of the suitable habitat for the species in Minnesota. | HEIDI PINKERTON NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

By Breana Roy

Holiday Art Shows Throughout December, artisans of all kinds are joining together for lastminute holiday art and craft shows. Each show is a little different, offering everything from live music, tasty treats, prizes and demos. And each show features a plethora of artists showcasing jewelry, photography, paintings, ceramics, ornaments, handmade mittens and more. See our events section for more info.

This felted abominable doll by Elise Kyllo can be found at the Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale in Grand Marais. | ELISE KYLLO

Denise Martin will have felted pieces at the Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale on Dec. 7. | DENISE MARTIN

Find photography by Katie Mumm at It’s a Wunderbar Life Holiday Market in Grand Marais on Dec. 12. | KATIE MUMM

Meag Botterill, owner of Made by Meag, will attend the Christmas Bizarre Bazaar and Craftland: A Winter’s Market, both in Thunder Bay. | MEAG BOTTERILL

“Dala Cat,” by Carrie Schaefer, can be found at the Duluth Winter Village, held Dec. 7-8 at the Glensheen Mansion. | CARRIE SCHAEFER 18

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

Glass and ceramic artist Gayle Buzzi will be at the Christmas Bizaare Bazaar. | GAYLE BUZZI “Swedish Wreath” by Jordan Sundberg. See more from Sundberg at the Duluth Winter Village. | JORDAN SUNDBERG

The Saami bracelets that captured Brower’s attention are the traditional tenntrad (tin thread) design, with intricate embroidery woven onto leather. | SUBMITTED

MARYANN BROWER

Saami Bracelets CREATIVE SPACE: By Rae Poynter MaryAnn Brower never intended to be an artist. A medical researcher who spent 31 years working in the Twin Cities, she did not anticipate starting a creative business upon retirement. Now, though, Brower is the maker of Saami bracelets, a craft she does while traveling along the North Shore. Brower’s connection to the North Shore began as a child when she was part of an active Girl Scout troop that went on camping adventures to northern Minnesota. As many do, Brower fell in love with the beauty of the area, a love that she has carried with her ever since those first camping trips. Her ties to the area continued to grow as she came to the Arrowhead region to camp whenever she could. She became known as “The Star Lady” at the Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais, a title given for her propensity to weave her tip money into origami stars. Upon retiring from the medical field, Brower and her husband bought property near Silver Bay. They hope to build a cabin on the land, and in the meantime they travel the shore in their 1985 VW camper. Not only has Brower found the North Shore to be a relaxing and healing place, it is also the place that inspired her to learn more about the art of Saami bracelets. The Saami people are reindeer herders who live in the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. The bracelets that captured Brower’s attention are the traditional tenntrad (tin thread) design, with intricate embroidery woven onto leather. Traditionally, the Saami people harvest the reindeer leather and then work on the embroidery throughout the

The bracelets require a lot of handiwork: a single piece takes three to four hours to sew. | SUBMITTED from Sivertson Gallery,” said Brower. “The bracelets are warm, and they’re designed to fit close to the skin so they were great for work. I absolutely fell in love with the design.” After years of wearing and appreciating the design of Saami bracelets, she heard about a class that taught students to make tenntrad of their own. (The class was taught by Liz Bucheit, who teaches the craft at the North House Folk School.) Brower signed up and has been making her own bracelets ever since.

MaryAnn Brower with Bella, her Old English sheepdog. | SUBMITTED winter. The tin thread was made by pulling tin through holes drilled into reindeer bones and wrapped around a cotton cord, with the finished thread resembling a thin guitar string. “When we would visit Grand Marais my husband would buy Saami bracelets

“Tenntrad is an absolutely beautiful craft,” Brower said. “When my friends and family saw my bracelets, they kept telling me that I should sell them. I started up a little business that I had never planned on.” To make her bracelets, Brower uses responsibly-sourced leather from Sweden, and buys as many of her materials as she can from the Saami people so their tribes can be supported through her work. She also uses some lambskin and deerskin since they take up dyes well. The bracelets require a lot of handiwork: a single piece takes three to four hours to sew. Brower said her focus

on her work can be so intense that she’ll dream about braids in her sleep. “Last summer I met Steve at Jeweler of the North Shore in Lutsen, and we got talking about the phenomenon of coming up with designs in dreams,” said Brower. Jeweler of the North Shore is now the main location where Brower’s bracelets can be found. She also participates in craft shows, and may consider building an online presence for her work as well. Brower brings her “mobile factory” with all her bracelet-making materials in her camper and works on her craft wherever she goes. One of her favorite places to work is outside near a campfire in the morning. She lets the beauty of the North Shore inspire her work and incorporates themes from her surroundings whenever she can. For those who are interested in learning more about the craft of tenntrad, the North House Folk School offers classes for those who want to learn to make their own Saami bracelets. Brower’s work can be found at Jeweler of the North Shore in Lutsen. For more information, visit: jewelerofthenorthshore.com.

NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

JACOB MAHON AND THE SALTY DOGS

“It was a coincidence at first. And I think I’ve gotten away from some of the stuff that provoked a lot of people to say that...I think I’m writing more complex things to sing. Maybe a little more focused on the melody, and just getting the notes out clean and not worrying too much about the tone, and I think it’s been good for me.”

Keepin’ it Weird JAMS: By Will Moore If you happen to stumble upon one of Jacob Mahon’s performances, it may be hard to peel your eyes and ears away from what’s happening on stage. The 20-year-old musician from Duluth belts out dynamic, expressive, and often unabashedly strange styles of singing backed by clever songwriting and the ever-growing quality of his band, the Salty Dogs. “We come in with intention, but are just careful not to have expectations because every single time it’s so different,” says Mahon on performing.

[FROM TOP TO BOTTOM] The Salty Dogs consist of

Joe Anderson, Adam Skunch, Jacob Mahon and Owen Mahon. | SUBMITTED

it. And then when I do play, I have more time to think about what to do, and have a little more intention,” says Mahon. Mahon says the lineup of the band is always changing. Mahon is the lead singer and guitarist, while his younger brother Owen Mahon is on drums. They are joined by Adam Skunch on bass, newcomer Nathan Olson on keys, and Joe Anderson on tenor saxophone. Often times Mahon will perform solo, or in a duo with Owen.

The Salty Dogs’ sound is a unique blend of funky jam rock that lends itself to long improvisational breaks, mixing with a garage-rock grittiness that gives it a DIY flavor. They say their influences include “Frank Zappa, John Denver and A Tribe Called Quest.”

The Mahon brothers started playing music in their home of Walker, Minn. with a band called Hog Rooster. They began frequently playing in the Twin Ports area thanks to a lot of exposure at Wussow’s Concert Cafe. Mahon’s first solo record Llamaless was recorded in the basement of the establishment, and was briefly released on Bandcamp in 2018.

“With the band, some of the improvisational stuff I have no idea where it’s going to go. I’m not in control of it either. I can just drop out and it still sounds good. They carry

The record gained him some local notoriety, and some comparisons to the singing style of comedian Adam Sandler. Mahon says that his sound has changed a lot since then.

This past winter, Mahon and the band sought to make a short album together. The product was the EP Hoop Dog Style, a moniker they now have emblazoned across their hats when they perform. “We decided we were going to put it out in a month,” says Mahon. “We did everything as fast as we could and we got five songs together and recorded in our bass player’s garage. And that was a gas.” Interestingly, they chose to put out a CD in the most literal sense, not offering the EP online or on any streaming services. Mahon says the goal was to have something physical they could offer to fans at shows, something they needed due to high demand. “The next one will go crazy on the internet. I want to be real organized when we approach the internet with a CD or something,” says Mahon. For the time being, unless you can get your hands on one of these precious self-released discs, the only way to experience the Salty Dogs is to see them play live.

Briand Morrison Guitar

December 2019

I D B EST W

Caribou Highlands Resort, Lutsen Every Sunday 10am-Noon

O pen New Year ’s Eve 2-7 p.m. Thursday D a t e N i gh t 6-8 p.m 212 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen

northshorewinery.us

Dec 3: 12:30-1:30pm Rox ‘n Soul w/ Rox Berglund, The Hub/Sr Ctr, Grand Marais Dec 5: 6-8pm Our Home: Native MN VIP Dinner, MN History Ctr, St. Paul Dec 6: 7-10pm Grand Rapids VFW 1720, w/ Sam Miltich, Grand Rapids Dec 7: 7-9pm Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors Dec 12: 6-8pm Lutsen Resort, Lutsen Dec 13: 7-9pm Rox ‘n Soul w/ Rox Berglund, Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors Dec 17: 2-3pm Rox ‘n Soul w/ Rox Berglund, No. Shore Living/Care Center, Grand Marais Dec 19: 6-9pm Rapids Brewing, w/ Sam Miltich, Grand Rapids Dec 20: 6-9pm Brigid’s Pub, w/ Sam Miltich, Bemidji Dec 21: 7-9pm Rox ‘n Soul w/ Rox Berglund, Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors Dec 27: 7-9pm Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors Dec 28: 6-8pm Sir Benedict’s Tavern, Duluth Dec 31: 7-10pm Lutsen Resort, Lutsen Dec 4, 11, 18: 4:30-6:30 pm Artist in the Taproom Rox Berglund solo, Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais

Available For All Occasions

Private Events • House Concerts Weddings • Dinners • Parties www.briandmorrison.com @BriandMorrisonGuitar

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

Betsy Bowen Studio’s

Holiday Art Underground 2019 November 29 - December 29

Fabulous fresh art from more than 40 makers: fiber, glass, woodcuts, cards, books, paintings, pottery, tiles, wooden ware, and of course tasty treats!

Opening Celebration

Fri. Nov. 29, 3 - 5:30 pm, before the parade. Music by Fred Anderson.

December Studio Hours:

11-5 Wednesday through Sunday. Open at 9 am December 7. Closed Christmas Day.

Breana Roy’s Pick of the month

Merry&

While her passion originally began with acrylic painting, Carly Jandl of Northern Exposure Art is currently focused on crafting rainbow earrings in a variety of colors. “I basically take whatever my creativity tells me to do and run with it,” she says. A few months ago, she founded Superior Artisans alongside Halee Schlangen of Curious Metals―an artist’s collective with pop-up sales at various locations around Duluth. Find more from Jandl at the Duluth Winter Village Dec. 7-8, or online: northernexposureart.com.

Bright

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

EXHIBITS Thru Nov. 30 Affinities: Rachel Hayes and Eric Sall Joseph Nease Gallery, Duluth

Thru Dec. 1 Unfold Time: The Art of Leo Yerxa Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Senior Student Exhibitions Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth Frozen Photographers Art Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

Thru Dec. 3 Jean: The Inspiration Behind the Birkenstein Arts Movement Duluth Art Institute

Thru Dec. 31 Shannon Cousino Duluth Art Institute

Just

$99

Claudia Faith City Hall: Mayor’s Reception Room, Duluth Our Neighbors: Choice, Unlimited Duluth City Hall Rotunda

Thru Jan. 2 Minnesota Black Fine Art Show Duluth Art Institute

Thru Feb. 15 The North Now: Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru Feb. 29 Spaces: Time and Place Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth

Thru March 15

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

Thru Spring 2020 Ceramics by Glenn Nelson Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth Gashkibidaaganag: A Selection of Bandolier Bags Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth

Thru Aug. 9 Art in Conflict: An Exhibition by the Museum of Russian Art Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth

Acquisitions Through the Years Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth

Thru Jan. 10, 2021 Asymmetry: ThreeDimensional Works from the Tweed Museum Collection Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth

Dec. 1-31 Lisa Kosmo Exhibit (Reception Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park Visitor’s Center, Silver Bay

Dec. 1-March 31 Laura Andrews & Paula Gudmundson: Integrated Vision Duluth Art Institute

(normally $119)

Dec. 6-29 Molly Ovenden Abstract Art Exhibition (Reception Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

Dec. 13-Feb. 28 Kathy McTavish Joseph Nease Gallery, Duluth

Jan. 14-Feb. 16 Along Shifting Surfaces: Snow Drifts and Shoreline Spaces: David Andree (Reception Jan. 14 at 5 p.m.) Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony. org

Give local, handcrafted art! Choose from regional artists. Prints ship free and include a 2020 Sivertson calendar with purchase.

open daily at 11 am

Promotion runS nov 1 to DeC 31, 2019

218-723-7877 | Duluth

5461 north shore drive d ul ut h , mn 55804

218-525-6274 newsceniccafe.com

218-387-2491 | GranD Marais

siver t son.com NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

MINNESOTA BALLET

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s Giving Tree Helping patients with basic needs Your anonymous donation will provide patient assistance with the following:

w Gift cards for the local

grocery store or co-op

w Gas card for clinical

appointments outside of Cook County

w Vouchers for

necessary lodging for clinical appointments outside of Cook County.

FRIDAY DEC. 20 & SATURDAY DEC. 21 BOTH SHOWS - 7:00 PM

ORDER TICKETS ONLINE AT www.tbca.com

CALL 807-684-4444

VISIT WWW.TBCA.COM FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF UPCOMING SHOWS AND STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS

Sat, December 14

Curry Cook-Off Holiday &

Broadway Musical Showcase 6:30 Curry Cook-Off, 7:30 Showcase

Curry Cook-Off: $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 22

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

Please leave your anonymous donation at the front reception desk or mail to the address below

513 5th Ave. West, Grand Marais, MN 55604 sawtoothmountainclinic.org • 218-387-2330

Participants in the Santa Shuffle (held Dec. 7 in Thunder Bay), are encouraged to dress up in festive attire. | SUBMITTED

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

CRAFTLAND: A WINTER’S MARKET

LIGHT UP LUTSEN

MALL OF AMERICINN

Dec. 1, Sunday Craftland: A Winter’s Market will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, with vendors on all three floors and onstage. Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts for your loved ones, and maybe a treat for yourself. You’ll find everything from home décor, children’s toys, ornaments and clothing, to mosaics, original paintings, Indigenous artwork, photography, and more. Admission is free. facebook.com/theauditorium

Nov. 29, Friday North Shore Winery’s Second Annual European Christmas Market will take place from noon to 6 p.m. in Lutsen on Friday, Nov. 29, featuring a variety of art, gifts, food and wines. Vendors include H. Lill’s, The Big Lake, Wild Country Maple Syrup, Kari Vick, Mueller Studios, Jillian Kratt, Kathy Weinberg, Anna Hess, and more. There will also be live music from 1-4 p.m. and soup from noon until it’s gone. northshorewinery.us Nov. 29, Friday The annual Light Up Lutsen celebration will be held from 2-5 p.m., hosted by various downtown Lutsen merchants. There will be food and drinks, caroling, bonfires, sales and more. Head to Great Gifts for pictures with Santa Claus until 4 p.m. Lutsen Liquor will host North Shore Winery tastings. Lockport Marketplace will have cookie decorating. End the evening with a hot metal pour demonstration and a bonfire at Mueller Studio at 5 p.m. facebook.com/ downtownlutsen

HOLIDAY ART UNDERGROUND

Nov. 29-Dec. 29 Betsy Bowen Studio in Grand Marais presents the annual Holiday Art Underground show, featuring amazing art from more than 40 makers. You’ll find woodcuts, fiber, glass, cards, paintings, books, pottery, wooden ware, tiles, and tasty treats. An opening reception will be held Friday, Nov. 29 from 3-5:30 p.m. with live music by Fred Anderson. woodcut.com

Head to Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay for the family-friendly Ignite the Fort festival, held Dec. 7-8. | SUBMITTED

AMSOIL SNOCROSS NATIONAL

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 The annual Amsoil Snocross National snowmobile races, presented by Kwik Trip, will be held at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Rider categories include Sport, Sport Lite, 200 Stock, Pro AM Plus 30, Pro AM Women, Amateur Snowbike, Jr. Girls 9-13, Jr. 14-15, Jr. 16-17, and more. There will be vendors, food and beverages, and autograph opportunities. Parking will be at the Proctor Fairgrounds and shuttle services will be provided. snocross.com

HOVLAND ARTISAN’S CHRISTMAS SALE

Nov. 30, Saturday The annual Hovland Artisan’s Pre-Christmas Sale will take place Nov. 30 at the Hovland Town Hall from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will art and craft vendors of all kinds, as well as food and plenty of parking. This year’s artist’s include Linda Newman, Rachel Klesser, Jamie Rex, Meadow Adams, Hella Buchheim, Gary Arands, Joan Farnam, Dianne Anderson, Bob Tamanaha, Kim Knutsen, Marcie MacIntire, Terry Lewis, and Sandra Virginia. facebook.com/ hovlandartsfestival

Dec. 5, Thursday Local businesses will set 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: jewelry, candles, maple syrup, wreaths, Lularoe clothing, baked goods, teddy bears, kitchenware, essential oils, beeswax wraps, handmade mittens, and more. There will also be door prizes. 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.

SNOWBALL

Dec. 6-7 Lutsen Mountains’ most anticipated music event of the year returns, featuring two nights of music, a special afternoon set at the mountain Summit Chalet, aprés ski live music and jam sessions, plus the camaraderie of skiing, snowboarding, and sharing this bliss with your fellow festival-goers. This year’s music lineup includes Wookiefoot,

NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

Borealis Chorale & Orchestra ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERTS 7:00 p.m. Sunday December 8 Monday December 9 Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 413 6th Street, Grand Marais

The annual Dark Sky Festival in Grand Marais, held Dec. 13-14, will offer activities for everyone. | BRYAN HANSEL Heatbox, Frogleg, The Limns, Smokin’ Joe, and Pat Forsyth and the Diggy Trio. Concerts start at 9 p.m. at Papa Charlie’s each night. 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

ABORIGINAL FINE ARTS & CRAFTS GIFT SHOW

The one hundred-plus local singers and instrumentalists of Borealis Chorale and Orchestra under the direction of

Bill Beckstrand will be premiering The Lingering Light of Day, by composer Craig Carnahan and poet Julia Klatt Singer. They will also offer many seasonal favorites in Borealis Choir and Orchestra’s long-standing tradition of concerts.

Dec. 6-8 The 18th 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 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Heritage building in Thunder Bay. Fore more info, find AAGNO on Facebook.

JULEBYEN

Dec. 6-8 At the annual Julebyen Christmas Village festival in Knife River, you will find all things Scandinavian. There’s indoor and

Thanks to Bethlehem Lutheran Church for providing rehearsal and concert space. Borealis is a partner with North Shore Music Association.

DECEMBER 2019

SANTA SHUFFLE

Dec. 7, 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 Fun 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 for a number of categories, including Top Fundraiser and Best Festive Costume, as well as wrapped door prizes for under the Christmas tree. 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. satbcars.com

HOLIDAY CRAFT SALES

Dec. 7, Saturday The annual Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale and Open House will take place Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Grand Marais Art Colony, featuring high quality, handmade clothing and gifts. Held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be tasty treats and refreshments, as well as knitting, spinning and weaving demonstrations. You can also learn a new fiber craft at the hands-on table. Find more info on Facebook under the Northwoods Fiber Guild. Also on Dec. 7 is a Holiday Craft Fair at the Grand Portage Event Center. There will be Ojibwe art, clothing, jewelry, graphic prints, baked goods and more. Held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. grandportage.com

CHRISTMAS BIZARRE BAZAAR

Dec. 7-8 The Sixth Annual Christmas Bizarre Bazaar in Thunder Bay will feature over two dozen artists, crafters and creators. Held

artwalk

February 6-16

Music to prepare you for the joy of Christmas!

Your free-will offering helps us continue this almost 70 year tradition!

outdoor marketplaces with foods and handmade gifts by local juried artisans, a live nativity, outdoor winter activities, children’s games, a silent auction, a bakery, workshops, races, sleigh rides, and more. Visit Troll Village and meet regional authors and illustrators. Or head to the Gnome Dome for live entertainment. Children will enjoy scavenger hunts, craft workshops, outdoor sledding and skating, storytellers, animals, and more. Julebyen is free, though some activities require reservations and an admission. julebyen.us

elywinterfestival.com • Snow Sculpting Symposium

Nobody does winter better!

Festival Hotline 218•365•SNOW(7669) • Beardfest

• Outdoor Gear Demo

• Kubb Tournament

• Ely Art Walk

• Guided Snowshoe Hikes

• Ice Fishing Contest

• Food, Music, and More

• Downtown Arts Market

NORTHERN WILDS

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. This activity is made possible in part by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust and the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s general and arts and cultural heritage funds, and by the Ely Chamber of Commerce.

FINE ART AND JEWELRY Open Fridays and Saturdays 11am - 5pm through April 2020 218-370-0476 YELLOWBIRDFINEART.COM

101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais

T B AY ON

The Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale will be Dec. 7 at the Grand Marais Art Colony. | SUBMITTED

WHERE OFF THE BEATEN PATH MEANS YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Jewelry artist Julie MacCoy will attend the Christmas Bizarre Bazaar in Thunder Bay. | JULIE MACCOY

Find all sorts of goodies at Mall of AmericInn in Silver Bay, held Dec. 5. | SUBMITTED at the Baggage Building Arts Centre, this event showcases unique, bizarre creations, expanding your Christmas buying possibilities. Find everything from books, clothing and pottery, to jewelry, fabric art, food and more. There will also be door prizes and daily prizes through the Facebook event page. And be sure to get your picture with Metal Santa and support charity. The Christmas Bizarre Bazaar will take place from 10 a.m.-4

p.m. each day and admission is free. facebook.com/merkasylum

DULUTH WINTER VILLAGE

Dec. 7-8 Organized by Duluth Loves Local, Duluth Winter Village will take place on the grounds of Glensheen Estate. This outdoor market brings more than 40 local businesses together to sell holiday gifts out of wood-

Happy Holidays from WTIP North Shore Community Radio!

90.7 FM 90.1 FM 89.1 FM Listen online at: North Shore Grand Portage Gunflint Trail

wtip.org Artwork by Kari Vick

HERE IS WHERE I FOUND MYSELF VISITTHUNDERBAY.COM

NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

en cabins. Along with the shopping, visitors can enjoy local food and beverages, carol singers, bonfires with s’mores, wreaths and holiday greenery, animals, face painting, an outdoor lounge and more. Admission is free and parking is available off-site; free shuttle service provided. duluthwintervillage.com

tery. This year’s vendors include Kari Carter, Hannah Palma Ceramics, Natalie Sobanja, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, Hana Crosby, Katie Mumm, Lutzen Reflections, The Big Lake, and more. Held from 4-8 p.m. facebook. com/thebiglakelife

IGNITE THE FORT

Dec. 13-14 Organized by Visit Cook County, the Dark Sky Festival in Grand Marais returns for the second year. The festival kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. in Harbor Park: watch as Grand Marais goes dark for a few minutes to enjoy a dark(er) sky over the iconic harbor. Then, take a journey to the stars with astronomers and galaxy experts in UMD’s traveling planetarium. Outside telescopes will be set up at Voyageur Brewing and astronomy students will help guide participants in finding stars and sights in the sky. Other Friday activities include a 25 minute documentary with experts from the International Dark Sky Association Duluth Chapter, and a presentation from photographer Bryan Hansel. Saturday activities include a dark skies open forum panel and Q&A with the experts, a presentation on Native Americans and the night sky by Mark Hollabaugh, guided telescope time with WCCO’s Mike Lynch, and a dark sky adventures talk with Travis Novitsky and Joel Halvorson. visitcookcounty.com

DARK SKY FESTIVAL

Dec. 7-8 Held from 1-6 p.m. at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ignite the Fort is a fun, family event celebrating the holiday season. Activities include scenic wagon rides, holiday crafts, historical re-enactments, Indigenous artisan demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, storytelling, various contests, bannock, fudge and candy making, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to decorate the giant holiday tree; for $1 you can purchase a bulb for the tree. 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. 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

BOREALIS CHORALE & ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dec. 8-9 Featuring the talent of more than 100 Cook County residents, the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra Christmas Concert is an annual North Shore tradition nearly 70 years old. This year’s concert features seasonal favorites along with the exciting world premiere of “The Lingering Light of Day,”

Your North Shore Destination for Relaxation

MINNESOTA BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

The Light Up a Life tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 in Grand Marais. | SUBMITTED by composer Craig Carnahan and poet Julia Klatt Singer. The commission of this new choral and orchestral work, created by Carnahan and Singer for the BCO, was funded in part by an Artist Initiative Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. 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

LIGHT UP A LIFE

Dec. 12, Thursday Sponsored by Care Partners, the 11th 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, while supporting end of life care. Each $5 dona-

tion lights one bulb in memory of one person on the memory tree, located in front of Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. Donation forms are available online and at area businesses. The tree lighting ceremony, held at 5:30 p.m., will include a short ceremony of reflection led by Dr. Mary Ellen Ashcroft. carepartnersofcookcounty.org

IT’S A WUNDERBAR LIFE HOLIDAY MARKET

Dec. 12, Thursday The Third Annual It’s a Wunderbar Life Holiday Market will be held Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Wunderbar Eatery and Glampground in Grand Marais. Enjoy a stress-free holiday shopping experience with over 20 local artists and businesses present, offering everything from jewelry and photography to fiber arts, sweet treats and pot-

Dec. 13-15 Enjoy an evening of holiday magic, whimsical music and elegant dancing with The Nutcracker, performed by the Minnesota Ballet in Duluth. This magical family favorite by Allen Fields captivates as a holiday treat. Experience a young girl’s enchanting dream as her beloved Nutcracker doll comes to life on Christmas Eve. The duo fights a fierce battle against mice, waltzes in a dreamy winter wonderland, and journeys to exotic lands ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy; 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. 20-21 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium; also held at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. minnesotaballet.org

A Christmas Tradition!

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Money Exchange

The Ashland Chamber is offering three drawings of $250 in Chamber Dollars to three lucky shoppers during the Shop Small Win Big promotion, held now until Jan. 14. For every $10 you spend in a locally owned small retail business, you get a chance to win $250. Fill out the registration form online or in any participating retail shops. Staple your receipts (copies accepted) to your form. Submit your form to the Ashland Chamber, Burger Barn, or Northern State Bank. Double points will be given on Dec. 19. visitashland.com

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The 100th Annual Community Christmas Concert will take place Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Presbyterian-Congregational Church in Ashland. Admission is free. 715-209-6784 Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and have a snack at the Washburn City Hall on Friday, Dec. 6. All children will receive a Christmas package and the tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. Santa will be there from 5:45-6:30 p.m. Donations of canned goods and non-perishable items will be accepted for the Area Food Shelf. The annual All Children’s Production of The Nutcracker Suite will be held Dec. 6-8 at the Ashland High School Auditorium, featuring kids ages five to 15. Performances will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, at 6:15 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission required. facebook.com/acpnut

Visit the South Shore of Lake Superior for lots of holiday fun, from the annual Garland City of the North Christmas Parade in Ashland to a Holiday Spirit Gallery Tour in Bayfield. | SUBMITTED jewelry, pottery, paintings, quilting and more. bayfieldcounty.org On Dec. 7, the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland will host a Homemade Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. With 55 vendors on-site to share their goods, you’ll find something for everyone on your list: artisan soaps, decorations for your home, holiday treats, and more. And Santa will be visiting from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. nglvc.org

Saturday, Dec. 7 is Customer Appreciation Day in Ashland. Various retail stores will have treats, specials and fun for shoppers, and the Ashland High School Choir will be singing carols on Main Street. Then, enjoy the 57th Annual Garland City of the North Christmas Parade, held at 4:30 p.m. on Historic Main Street. visitashland.com

White Winter Winery in Iron River presents “A Dicken’s of a Christmas!” Iron River Library fundraiser on Dec. 7, from 6-9 p.m. Local actors Jan Lee and Tom Mitchell breathe life into their adaptation of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. Guests enjoy a five course Victorian-style meal paired with White Winter Winery mead, ciders and spirits. Seating is limited. Tickets available online. whitewinter.com

Also on Dec. 7 is the Holiday Spirit Gallery Tour in Bayfield. Guests will enjoy demonstrations, refreshments, special promotions and sales at local galleries and shops, featuring handmade

Bring the kids to meet Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 14 as he makes a memorable appearance in Bayfield on the Madeline Island Ferry. Children will get an opportunity to meet Santa,

share their wish-list and have a picture taken (bring your own camera) in the Lakeside Pavilion. Treats and warm drinks will be provided, compliments of the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau and local businesses. bayfieldcounty.org

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The Ashland Chamber Music Society welcomes Handel’s Messiah Sing Along at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ashlandchambermusic.org

Flooring Cabinets

South Shore Brewery Taphouse in Washburn will hold a Winter Solstice Party on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m., featuring food and drinks, music, door prizes, a bonfire, beach attire and more. bayfieldcounty.org A free Community Pancake Breakfast will take place Sunday, Dec. 29 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bayfield. There will be pancakes, sausage, apple sauce, juice and coffee. Held from 9:30 a.m. to noon. No donations accepted. bayfield.org

Do your Christmas shopping locally and conveniently this year!

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Local Lighting Design & Sales

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

Door Prizes!

Thurs. Dec. 5, 2019 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm AmericInn, Silver Bay

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

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DECEMBER 2019

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events Nov. 23-Dec. 28

Rox ‘n Soul 7 p.m. Larsmont

Jazz Ensembles Concert

Bentleyville: Tour of Lights 5 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bentleyvilleusa.org

Cottages, Two Harbors, briandmorrison.com

Nov. 28-Dec. 8

Nov. 30-Dec. 1

Dec. 5, Thursday

Scrooge In Love 2 p.m. Vermilion Community College Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Life & Poverty Simulation 8 a.m. WITC-Ashland, Ashland, WI, facebook.com/nwwib Mall of AmericInn 3 p.m. AmericInn, Silver Bay, 218-226-4300 Fairlawn Holiday Sampler 5 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org Staci Drouillard: Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Northwoods Partners Annual Festival of Trees 5 p.m. Grand Ely Lodge Lobby, Ely, ely.org/mn/events

Nov. 29, Friday Black Friday

Pictures with Santa & His Sled Dogs Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais, stoneharborws.com European Christmas Market Noon, North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Light Up Lutsen 2 p.m. Downtown Lutsen, facebook.com/downtownlutsen Downtown Duluth Arts Walk 5 p.m. Downtown Duluth, facebook.com/ downtownduluthartswalk New Standards Holiday Show 8:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Amsoil Snocross National Spirit Mountain, Duluth, snocross.com

Nov. 29-Dec. 29 Holiday Art Underground (Reception 3 p.m. Nov. 29) Betsy Bowen Studio & Gallery, Grand Marais, woodcut.com

Nov. 30, Saturday Holiday Craft Show 10 a.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais Hovland Artisan’s Pre-Christmas Sale 10 a.m. Hovland Town Hall, facebook.com/hovlandartsfestival DAI HoliDAI Market 10 a.m. Duluth Depot, duluthartinstitute.org Small Town Christmas Celebration: Parade & City Tree Lighting 5 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, ely.org/mn/events Reading & Music with Chan Poling & Lucy Michell 7 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

DECEMBER 2019

Dec. 1, Sunday Craftland: A Winter’s Market 10 a.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com Christmas Charity Craft Show 10 a.m. TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/tbaymarriott Thunder Pride Christmas Mingle 2 p.m. Sleeping Giant Brewing, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/thunderpride Book Reading: Jack & The Ghost 2 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, upress.umn.edu CP Holiday Train 2:45 p.m. Cenotaph, Schreiber, cpr.ca/holiday-train CP Holiday Train 5:30 p.m. 60 Front Street, Nipigon, cpr.ca/holiday-train CP Holiday Train 8:30 p.m. CP Train Depot Track, Thunder Bay, cpr.ca/holiday-train

Dec. 2, Monday CP Holiday Train 9 a.m. CP Train Station, Ignace, cpr.ca/holiday-train

Dec. 3, Tuesday Rox ‘n Soul 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Grand Marais, briandmorrison.com Kraft Holiday Pop-up Market 6:30 p.m. Sleeping Giant Brewing, Thunder Bay, bit.ly/kraftmarket Tweevening about Sculptures with Sterling Rathsack 6:30 p.m. Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma Johnny Reid: My Kind of Christmas 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Dec. 4, Wednesday Rox Berglund 4:30 p.m.

Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, briandmorrison.com Boulder Lake ELC Wreath Making 6 p.m. Glensheen Estate, Duluth, facebook.com/boulderlakeelc Jeff Dunham: Seriously!? 7 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org

NORTHERN WILDS

7:30 p.m. UMD Weber Music Hall, Duluth, sfa.d.umn.edu

Dec. 5-7 Aladdin Kids 7 p.m. Paramount Live, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/plivetbay

Dec. 5-8 DanceWorks 2019 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) UMD Marshall Performing Arts Center, Duluth, z.umn.edu/sfatheatre

Dec. 5-21 It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

Dec. 5-22 The Wizard of Oz 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sat. & Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Dec. 6, Friday Shrek the Musical Jr. 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, allthedaze.ca Sounds of the Season: Symphony Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m. UMD Weber Music Hall, Duluth, sfa.d.umn.edu St. Nicholas Day Activities 8 p.m. Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com

Dec. 6-7 Whiskey & Wine Weekend Lutsen Resort, lutsenresort.com/dining Scenic 61 Crafters 9 a.m. Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Christmas Art Market 5 p.m. Gallery 33, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/gallery33.tbay Scrooge In Love 7 p.m. Vermilion Community College Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org Snowball 9 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Dec. 6-8 Julebyen Festival Knife River, julebyen.us Aboriginal Christmas Arts & Crafts Gift Show & Sale 10 a.m. CLE Heritage Building, Thunder Bay, Facebook: Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario

Dec. 7, Saturday Duluth Jingle Bell Run Duluth DECC, events.arthritis.org Santa’s Workshop & Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais 218-387-2487 Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House & Holiday Sale 9 a.m. Grand Marais Art Colony Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair 9 a.m. Faith City Church, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/faithcitytbay Santa Shuffle Fun Run & Elk Walk 10 a.m. Current River Recreation Centre, Thunder Bay, satbcars.com Duluth Fiber Guild Holiday Fair & Sale 10 a.m. Great Hall at the Depot, Duluth, bit.ly/dfhgholidaysale Holiday Craft Fair 10 a.m. Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Event Center, grandportage.com Get It Local Gift Art & Gift Fair 10 a.m. Peace Church, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com DCC North Shore Style 10 a.m. Vertical Endeavors, Duluth, duluthclimbers.org Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 11 a.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org Community Ink Days 1 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org Sounds of the Season Band & Choir Concerts 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. UMD Weber Music Hall, Duluth, sfa.d.umn.edu

Briand Morrison 7 p.m.

Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors, briandmorrison.com Parade of Lights 7 p.m. Starts at Manitoulin Transport, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ paradeoflights.thunderbay

Dec. 7-8 Duluth Gun Show 9 a.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org Duluth Winter Village 10 a.m. Glensheen Estate, Duluth, duluthwintervillage.com Holiday Marketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com Christmas Bizarre Bazaar 6 10 a.m. Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/merkasylum Ignite the Fort & Star of Bethlehem 1 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

Dec. 8, Sunday Westfort Christmas Market 10 a.m. Westfort Prosvita, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca Finnish “Little Christmas” 11:45 a.m. Holiday Inn: Great Lakes Ballroom, Duluth, bit.ly/finlandiafoundation Artists in the Taproom Noon, Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Dec. 8-9 Borealis Chorale & Orchestra

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

Dec. 9, Monday Luke LeBlanc 5 p.m.

Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Dec. 10, Tuesday Twinkling Holiday Evenings 6 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org

Dec. 11, Wednesday Santa’s Workshop Shopping for Kids 3:30 p.m. William Kelley High School Cafeteria & Galley, Silver Bay, lakecountycalendars.org

Rox Berglund 4:30 p.m.

Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, briandmorrison.com Boulder Lake ELC Wreath Making 6 p.m. Glensheen Estate, Duluth, facebook.com/boulderlakeelc Serena Ryder: The 2019 Christmas Kisses Tour 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Dec. 12, Thursday It’s a Wunderbar Life: Holiday Market 4 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery, Grand Marais, facebook.com/thebiglakelife Light Up a Life: Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, carepartnersofcookcounty.org Briand Morrison 6 p.m. Lutsen Resort, briandmorrison.com Five Finger Death Punch with Three Days Grace 6:30 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org Free Lecture with Chef Scott Graden: “Aware” 7 p.m. North House Folk School: Green Building, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Dec. 12-14 Fiddler on the Roof Jr. 7 p.m. Paramount Live, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/plivetbay The Santaland Diaries 7:30 p.m. The Underground, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

Dec. 13, Friday Artist Talk: Crafting an Artist’s Life: Betsy Bowen, Tom Christianson, Lee Ross & Liz Sivertson 5 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org Downtown Duluth Arts Walk 5 p.m. Downtown Duluth, facebook.com/ downtownduluthartswalk Superstition Tour: Ghosts of Christmas Past 7 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org Rox ‘n Soul 7 p.m. Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors, briandmorrison.com

Dec. 13-14 Dark Sky Festival Cook County, visitcookcounty.com

Dec. 13-15 Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show 10 a.m. (Noon on Fri.) Duluth DECC, mniceshow.com

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

Dec. 14, Saturday Audubon Christmas Bird Count Grand Marais, sundew@boreal.org Sankta Lucia Celebration 9 a.m. Holiday Inn Great Lakes Ballroom, Duluth, swedishculturalsociety.org Neighbor-Made: Local Art & Gift Fair 10 a.m. Concordia Lutheran Church, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com Pictures with Santa 10:30 a.m. Gunflint Mercantile, Grand Marais, facebook.com/gunflintmerc Cook County Snowmobile Club Kickoff Party with Brothers in Arms 8 p.m. Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais, cookcountysnowmobileclub.com Curry Cook-off Holiday & Broadway Musical Showcase 6:30 p.m. First Congregational UCC, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com TBSO Holiday Pops: Around the World 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca

Dec. 14-15 Dog Man at Toy Sense 11 a.m. Toy Sense, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/toysensetb Plucked Up String Band 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com Holiday Jubilations & Traditions: A Celtic Christmas 7:30 p.m. (3 p.m. Sun.) The Depot Great Hall, Duluth, arrowheadchorale.com

Rox ‘n Soul 2 p.m. North Shore Care

Dec. 24, Tuesday Christmas Eve Dec. 25, Wednesday Christmas Day Dec. 26, Thursday Boxing Day Dec. 27, Friday

Dec. 18, Wednesday

Twinkling Holiday Evenings 6 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org Briand Morrison 7 p.m. Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors, briandmorrison.com

Center, Grand Marais, briandmorrison.com St. Louis River Alliance Open House 4:30 p.m. DeWitt-Seitz Building, Duluth, stlouisriver.org Twinkling Holiday Evenings 6 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org Good Vibrations for Winter Wellness 6 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, alslib.info The 100 Day Project Noon, Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org Rox Berglund 4:30 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, briandmorrison.com Boulder Lake ELC Wreath Making 6 p.m. Glensheen Estate, Duluth, facebook.com/boulderlakeelc Good Vibrations for Winter Wellness 6 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, alslib.info Quiz Night 8 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Dec. 20, Friday

of the Holiday Season 7 p.m. Coppertop Church, Duluth, twinportswindorchestra.org

Dec. 16, Monday DSSO: Beerthoven: On Tour

6 p.m. Voyageur Brewing Company, Grand Marais, dsso.com

Dec. 17, Tuesday Good Vibrations for Winter Wellness 1 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, alslib.info

Gifts for everyone on your list!

CatCh:

Briand Morrison 6 p.m.

Sir Benedict’s Tavern, Duluth, briandmorrison.com Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert 7 p.m. Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com

Dec. 31, Tuesday New Year’s Eve

Jan. 4-5 Banff Mountain Film Festival DECC Symphony Hall, Duluth, duluthxc.com/banff

Craig Baumann 8:30 p.m.

Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Dec. 20-21 Shop Local Stocking Stuffers Downtown Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com Minnesota Ballet: The Nutcracker 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Dec. 21, Saturday

Dec. 15, Sunday Twin Ports Wind Orchestra: Sounds

Dec. 28, Saturday

New Year’s By the Lake 5:30 p.m. Downtown Duluth, newyearsbythelake.com New Year’s Eve Celebration 5:30 p.m. Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com New Year’s Eve Family Frolic 6 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca Briand Morrison 7 p.m. Lutsen Resort, briandmorrison.com DSSO: New Year’s Eve Time Warp: The Music of Rocky Horror 7 p.m. DECC Symphony Hall, Duluth, dsso.com Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert 7 p.m. Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com Boogie Wonderland 9 p.m. Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, grandportage.com

Mistletoe Mania Craft & Gift Expo 10 a.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org Rox ‘n Soul 7 p.m. Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors, briandmorrison.com Max Finn 8:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com Music Bingo 9:30 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Dec. 23, Monday Holiday Health Care Career Fair 1 p.m. St. Joseph’s Heritage, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Monday

Saturday

Live Music (Starting Dec. 18) Bluefin

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. 14) 11 a.m. Fitger’s, Duluth, fitgers.com Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread (Thru Dec. 15) 1 p.m. Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org Free: Tour the North House Campus 2 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Wednesday Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Artists in the Taproom (Thru Dec. 18) 4:30 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com Live Music (Starting Dec. 18) Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com Open Mic 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Thursday Date Night with Live Music

6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Free Latin Dance Class 8 p.m. Urban Abbey, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/tbaylatindance

Friday

Sunday Briand Morrison 10 a.m.

Caribou Highlands Resort, Lutsen, briandmorrison.com Santa & His Live Reindeer (Thru Dec. 15) Noon, Fitger’s, Duluth, fitgers.com Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread (Thru Dec. 15) 1 p.m. Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org

Live Music (Starting Dec. 18) Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

WAlleyes, BrookIes, PIke, lAkers, BAss And more

History— in their own words!

From the editors oF NortherN Wilds magaziNe

A guide to over 350 fishing lakes Includes 68 depth contour maps

Local and regional books published in Grand Marais

To order:

www.northernwilds.com/bookstore 218-387-9475 NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

Grab & Go Deli with Cafe Seating Organic, Local & Natural Groceries Open 7 Days a Week | 9 am - 7 pm

Holiday Hours: December 24th: 9am-4pm | Closed December 25th | Closed January 1st

Located on the beautiful East Bay of Grand Marais 20 East First St | Grand Marais, MN cookcounty.coop | 218.387.2503

Weekly Specials Sun-Thurs Noon - 8 pm Fri & Sat 4 - 10 pm Dine-in Only

Monday:

$10 one-topping pizzas $15 bucket of domestic beer bottles (5 bottles/bucket)

Tuesday:

$3 beef or chicken soft tacos | $5 margaritas on the rocks

Thursday:

$7 cheeseburger and fries basket ( lettuce, tomato, american cheese) $3 rail drinks | $3 domestic drafts | $4 craft/micro drafts

Friday:

Sunday:

$5 Apps. (cheese curds, onion rings, chips and salsa, chicken strips) $5 rail bloody mary’s

$16 All-you-can-eat Fish Fry! Homemade coleslaw and tartar sauce

Wednesday:

$.75 wings | $4 glass wine | $4 whiskey

218-834-7541

Saturday:

$26 Prime Rib dinner

1521 Superior Shores Drive, Two Harbors

www.superiorshores.com

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

Spread Some Holiday Cheer at Bluefin Grille

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

LEBANESE SPINACH WRAP

9.95

GRILLED TOMATO AND GRUYERE ON FRENCH

9.95

CAPERED EGG SALAD

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 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 Lobster Stuffed Dover Sole & Maple Zahtar Venison Loin with Chocolate Infused Red Wine Jus • Voted Northern Wilds Reader’s Choice for BEST VIEW • Live music by the fireplace Mon, Wed, Fri from Dec. 18 – New Year’s Eve

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. Onion, tomato tzatziki sauce and greens

open face with pesto aioli and roasted red pepper drizzle On toasted french, open faced.**

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

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

Add a cup of soup for $5.50 Add a salad for $5.50

HAPPY HOUR

** choice of greens w/vinaigrette or ripple chips

WITH YOUR

LUNCH MEAL

MON-THURS 4-7PM

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The North Shore Dish Is Lutefisk Dead? By Chuck Viren

Zoar Church in Tofte held its final Lutefisk and Ham Dinner this fall. Around the state, other organizations have discontinued their annual lutefisk feeds. This prompted the question, “Is lutefisk dead?” Is the tradition of eating reconstituted codfish on Christmas Eve waning? Will these lutefisk dinners come to an end? To answer these questions, I interviewed people with a lot of experience with these dinners and with the selling of lutefisk. First, a few words about the tradition itself. Lutefisk, which literally translated means “lye fish” in both Norwegian and Swedish, has been consumed by Scandinavians for centuries. Fishermen salted and dried their catch to preserve it. Dried cod is too tough to be reconstituted by merely soaking it in water. It needs a little help, and long ago some genius discovered that lye added to the water would do the trick. Lye, which is made from boiling ashes and used to make soap, was readily available. After the fish is soaked in the lye for several days, it has to be soaked in water to take the lye out. It is then either boiled, fried, or baked and usually served with melted butter or a white sauce and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Lutefisk, which literally translated means “lye fish” in both Norwegian and Swedish, has been consumed by Scandinavians for centuries. | STOCK

Most of the bad reputation lutefisk has garnered from its critics probably is a result of boiling the fish. The remnants of the lye produce an unpleasant odor and if boiled too long, the reconstituted fish takes on the consistency of Jell-O. So why, one might ask, would one bring this somewhat smelly yet bland dish to their dinner tables to celebrate Christmas? The most common explanation is that the descendants of Scandinavian immigrants choose to recognize and celebrate the hardships their ancestors were able to overcome. Norwegian and Swedish immigrants, who fled poverty in their own countries, brought lutefisk with them. They followed the tradition of eating it on Christmas Eve. It helped cement the bonds they felt from their shared heritage. My own grandfather, Hans Kragseth, volunteered with the preparation of lutefisk at his church in Duluth. So while lutefisk may not be considered a delicacy, many people enjoy their plate of lutefisk and even come back for seconds. The serving of lutefisk around Christmas has engendered a feeling of community among the participants.

[UPPER LEFT] The Zoar Church in Tofte held its final lutefisk and

ham dinner this fall. | SUBMITTED [ABOVE] While lutefisk may not be considered a delicacy, many people enjoy their plate of lutefisk and even come back for seconds. | SUBMITTED [LOWER LEFT] The serving of lutefisk around Christmas has engendered a feeling of community among the participants. | SUBMITTED NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

That is what made the decision at Zoar Church to discontinue this tradition so difficult. According to Pastor Daren Blanck, many factors contributed to the decision. These factors provide some explanation as to why lutefisk consumption in general has declined over the past several decades. One of the primary reasons given was that Gary Hanson, their lutefisk chef for at least 40 years, is getting a bit long in the tooth (not that you need long teeth to eat lutefisk). In general, the parishioners who have most strongly held onto this tradition are getting older. The serving and eating of lutefisk are less appealing to many of the younger parishioners. Not all the parishioners share in the Scandinavian heritage, and not all young Scandinavians care to preserve this tradition. Still, the feelings of fellowship and camaraderie that exist around this tradition are strong and will be missed. Pastor Blanck noted that this year everyone stayed and visited after they had finished their food. “This is what it is supposed to be,” he said. However, he also reflected that, “Warm feelings and feelings of fellowship around food traditions are not necessarily shared by all in the community now.” Still, Pastor Blanck has not ruled out serving lutefisk in the future. Next year, lutefisk will be replaced on the menu by fish cakes, another Scandinavian dish with a strong tradition in the area. Perhaps few have a better feel for sentiment in the community around lutefisk than Marlo Larson, meat buyer at Johnson’s Big Dollar Foods in Grand Marais. He says that lutefisk sales are in fact declining. He sells about a quarter of what he did 30 years ago. Asked to speculate on the reasons for the decline, Larson had a few theories. For one, he said, “lutefisk still tastes the same.” Family traditions, he said, are changing. And families themselves are smaller. The price of lutefisk, too, is on the rise. Back in the day, it seemed to Larson that families would compete to see who would order the most lutefisk. It was a point of pride. Still, there is a festive feeling around the

The feelings of fellowship and camaraderie that exist around the traditional dinner at Zoar Church are strong and will be missed. | SUBMITTED tradition. One family, he said, has ordered 25 pounds this year. That’s a lot of lutefisk! In some circles, however, the tradition appears to be strong. I spoke with renowned cookbook author Beatrice Ojakangas, who has worked as a volunteer for the annual lutefisk feed at the First Lutheran Church in Duluth for nearly 30 years. They expect to serve 1,200 people this year. She says that older Norwegians who have been instrumental in carrying on the traditions are dying off. However, at their church they have done many things to overcome this. As with other such dinners, they feature more than just lutefisk. Their dinner also boasts Alaskan salmon and Swedish meatballs. As for the lutefisk itself, she says they bake it to cut down on the smell. They have also made a concerted effort to engage young people in the tradition of preparing the meal. Many of the younger people who come for the dinner do so specifically for the lutefisk.

Gary and Marsha are the head cooks at the Zoar Church lutefisk and ham dinner. | SUBMITTED Their efforts seem to be working. They prepare about the same amount of lutefisk as they always have. She says their dinner, which will be held December 4, comes around the beginning of Advent and so marks the start of the holiday season. And it is not all about lutefisk. Ojakangas said they were about to begin cooking 1,200 pieces of lefse. Uffda, that’s a lot of lefse!

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A cider and a lager keep it on the light side The first sniff gave up a bready nose. The beer had poured a slightly hazy but mostly clear golden. The malts and bread notes were there upon first taste, and in the background were the floral hops the brewery points out in its description.

By Javier Serna

When I’m seeking a beer after not finding an easy-drinking session pale ale, lagers have often become the next thing I look for, and Festbier will be a good option from the Superior, Wisc.-based brewery in the future.

Even I, a professed lover of hops, get a little burned out on the IPA-heavy lineup of beers that most brewing operations seem to pump out. In my opinion, most breweries just don’t give enough creativity into putting out lighter American pale ales. They apparently don’t sell like IPAs. Often, I have to pick a different style of beer because of the lack of options and lately that has had me often opting for a lager or cider because they are easy drinking, tasty and are typically lower in the alcohol by volume column. So this month, I grabbed packs of one of each from a Cities-area beer cooler. The first I will review here is Wild State’s Pear cider. It was one of a few options from the Duluth cider maker, the second such one to open up in the last year or so in the city’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Pear, which I had purchased a growler from the taproom this summer, is available in 12-ounce can four packs. It balances out somewhere in the middle on the dry

to sweet scale, maybe slightly more sweet than dry, but it’s not too sweet, in my opinion. I could drink it all day; its 5.3 percent ABV would allow that, if I were so inclined. The pear flavor, which the cider says is not from concentrate, gives it a pleasantly sweet taste. I’m glad that this one is going to be widely available around the state. Next up was the slightly heavier in gravity (5.7 ABV) Earth Rider Festbier. This Munich-style lager poured with a thick, bubbly head that dissipated fairly quickly.

ARTISTS ON TAP: The Grand Marais brewery Voyageur is bringing artists into its taproom on three Wednesdays (Dec. 4, 11 and 18) in December, as well as Sunday, Dec. 8. The two-hour events will feature holiday music by Roxann Berglund. The artists include locals that many Northern Wilds readers will recognize such as Joan Farnam and Nancy Seaton (both of whom are scheduled for Dec. 11). Artists will bring in their wares for sale. LAKE COUNTY MT. BIKE TRAILS BENEFIT: Two Harbors brewery Castle Danger donated a buck from every pint sold in the taproom on November Wednesdays to the Lake County Mountain Bike Trails. Castle Danger always designates a charity every month, and many of the recipients have been involved with outdoor recreation in the region.

BLACKLIST LISTS CONDO ON AIRBNB: Duluth brewery Blacklist owns a pretty posh condo in the same building of its brewery, which would be quite the option for craft beer-minded visitors to Duluth’s growing taproom scene. The condo has views of Lake Superior, easy access to Blacklist and the Lake Walk and room for up to seven people, with an option for an additional unit that sleeps two more people. JAZZ THURSDAYS: Duluth Cider is hosting Jazz Thursdays (with hot mulled cider) in November and December. There’s no cover charge for the event that runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a different jazz artist every week. It’s the only time Duluth Cider is making its secret recipe hot mulled cider available all day during Thursday business hours.

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Holiday Traditions Everyone’s Favorite Fruitcake FROM KING ARTHUR FLOUR

Fruit

1 1/2 cups diced dried pineapple 1 1/2 cups raisins, golden or regular 1 cup diced dried apricots 1 1/2 cups chopped dates Heaping 1 cup candied red cherries, plus additional for decoration, if desired 1/3 cup diced crystallized ginger, optional 3/4 cup rum, brandy, apple juice, or cranberry juice Batter 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (at least 65 degrees F) 2 cups dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon baking powder 4 large eggs, at room temperature 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cocoa, black cocoa preferred; optional, for color

1/4 cup boiled cider, golden syrup, or dark corn syrup 1/2 cup apple juice, cranberry juice, or water 2 cups chopped, toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) Topping/glaze (optional)

Rum, brandy, simple syrup, vanilla syrup, or ginger syrup To prepare the fruit: Combine the fruit with the liquid of your choice in a non-reactive bowl; cover and let rest overnight. Too impatient to wait until tomorrow? Microwave everything for 1 minute (or until it’s very hot), cover and let rest 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. This recipe makes enough batter for one (not all) of the following: 3 dozen individual (muffin pan) cakes; 16 mini loaves (about 3 3/4” x 2 1/2”); 6 to 8 medium loaves (about 3” x 5”); or 2 standard 9” x 5” loaves. Choose your pans (or combinations), and lightly grease them. If you’re making muffin-size cakes in a standard muffin pan, line the pan with muffin papers, and lightly grease the papers. To make the batter: Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl (at least 6-quart), and beat together until well combined. Beat in the salt, spices, and baking powder.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition.

In a seperate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa.

Add the flour mixture and the syrup (or boiled cider) to the mixture in the bowl, beating gently to combine. Stir in the juice or water, then the fruit with any collected liquid, and the nuts. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, and stir until everything is well combined. Spoon the batter into the pans, filling them about 3/4 full.

Bake the cakes on the middle shelf of the oven, as follows: about 60 minutes for the individual cakes; 65-70 minutes for the small loaves; 75 minutes for the medium loaves, and 2 hours plus 10-15 minutes for the 9” x 5” loaves. The cakes are done

when a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cakes from the oven. Fruitcake can remain in its pan for storage, if desired. Or carefully remove cake from the pan after about 5 minutes, loosening its edges first. Brush the warm cake with rum or brandy. Or simple syrup, or flavored simple syrup (vanilla, rum-flavored, etc.). If you like just a hint of rum or brandy flavor, add 1 tablespoon of liquor to 3/4 cup vanilla syrup or simple syrup, and brush this mixture on the cakes. When the cakes are completely cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature for up to 6-8 weeks.

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By Amy Schmidt There was a time when people ate only what they grew, hunted or harvested themselves. These foods were the epitome of local, seasonal and organic. Their food choices were simple, mostly unprocessed and void of chemicals and additives. Over time, fewer and fewer people produced their own food, opting to purchase their food at grocery stores. Convenient stores started offering food, restaurants started multiplying and now the food choices before us are endless; often nutrient-poor, cheap, and laden with grease, salt and sugar.

is rooted in absolutes: One should NEVER eat ______ or one should ALWAYS eat ______. Stray from that and you have failed. It’s entirely possible to follow a diet that has parameters (vegetarian, vegan…) without it meaning you have orthorexia. The difference is in whether or not you can approach eating with balance, flexibility and moderation.

Enter “Clean Eating,” a way of eating that was supposed to address all our food anxiety and confusion. But what was meant to simplify has only complicated matters. At its most basic, clean eating is about consuming a diet mostly made up of foods that are highly nutritious and minimally processed. Unfortunately, this generally healthy definition has morphed into a belief system that labels whole categories of food as good or bad, toxic or clean. Social media empires have been built on our growing fear of being slowly poisoned by our diets.

Part of what can be tricky about the clean eating message is that some of its basic ideas are absolutely correct and healthy. We definitely should be eating more vegetables and less meat. We should be eating less refined sugar and grains and more whole foods. Is there a way to a healthy middle-ground? Yes, but the old adage of “everything in moderation” won’t be much help in our world of cheap, super-sized junk food. Today’s “normal” just isn’t nourishing. Additionally, what we often believe to be the most nutritious is also often the most expensive. Does that mean “clean eating” should only be for the wealthy? No! Eating healthy is simple, even if it’s not always easy, and small changes can make a big difference. Going from zero or one servings of vegetables a day to two or three is a good improvement, and that improvement can be a stepping stone getting to four, five or more servings. Or consider replacing soda with sparkling water or tea.

This fear can lead to a disorder called “Orthorexia Nervosa,” which literally translates to “correct appetite.” While not a clinically recognized eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, it does describe a pattern of behaviors that can be damaging. In orthorexia the belief is that a healthy diet

Eating well shouldn’t be hard and the grocery store shouldn’t be a mine field. Good nutrition is not an “all or nothing” proposition, and food doesn’t have to be fancy to be healthy. For more information, check out this article: bit.ly/mayocliniccleaneating.

Suddenly, simply trying to decide what to have for dinner is cause for great anxiety. We try to avoid all the things that we’re told will slowly kill us (Gluten? Fat?) while trying to pin point this week’s super-food that will surely save us (Kale? Flax?).

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Northern Trails The Christmas Tree Hunt By Gord Ellis

The magical month of December is upon us and with it comes the Christmas season. Not everyone is crazy about this time of year, I know. Some find the consumerism wrapped around the holiday a bit too much. Others simply cannot abide by the nearly two months of Christmas music that inevitably leads up to December 25. However, even the most scrooge-like person is usually ok with the sight of a Christmas tree. There is something magical about a conifer adorned with lights, baubles and garland. The smell of a real tree, and the magic it can bring to a home, is hard to argue. And the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is something many Northwestern Ontario residents take very seriously.

Even a skinny tree becomes magical with a little decoration. | GORD ELLIS try to guess what they were. Deer and moose were not too hard, but lynx, fox, wolf, snowshoe hare, grouse and squirrel were a little more challenging. The harvest of a Christmas tree, and its removal from the woods, was the source of much excitement for the boys. We all celebrated with a cup of hot chocolate and an Oreo cookie...or two.

One of my earliest childhood memories is searching for a Christmas tree up Hwy 527, north of Thunder Bay, with my Dad Gord Sr. It was cold and snowy, and I was all bundled up in a snow suit with a scarf and gloves and clunky winter boots. My father had his trusty saw and would push each potential tree a little to knock the snow off. As often as not, the loose snow would fall on me, and the flakes would land on my face. I’ll never forget the sharp feeling of snow on nose and cheeks. Yet without knocking the snow off the tree, it was impossible to see if the potential Christmas tree was a contender. It had to be full, but not too large. The classic Christmas tree shape was preferable, but a full tree with less perfect symmetry was never ruled out. Trees that were too spindly, or had only one side with branches, would not do. When the decision was made, the saw went to work. The sound of my father sawing that tree, and the smell of the sap as he cut into it, remain vivid memories. Then the felled tree was drug to the road, tied on top of the Rambler and carted back to our family home. On arrival, my mother would inspect the tree. This was always a moment of great drama, as Nora takes her Christmas trees seriously. She was never one to mince words about the quality of a tree (still isn’t!), but most of the time they passed inspection. Then the tree was brought in the house, trimmed for size, placed in the stand and raised to its full glory in the living room. The smell of the tree—usually a spruce— would immediately fill the house. Decorating would commence, which required Gord Sr. to basically empty the attic of Christmas boxes. That’s a whole other story.

In more recent years, with the boys grown and gone, the Christmas tree tradition in our family has fallen mostly back to me. Generally, I will get one during the last days of the Northwestern Ontario deer hunt, in early December. Cheryl will then inspect my choice but, luckily, I know what she likes. We still get the boys to come over and help decorate however.

Gord Ellis with his young sons Austin [LEFT] and Devin [RIGHT] in the late 1990s, on a Christmas Tree hunt. | GORD ELLIS When my wife and I had children of our own, the tradition of undertaking a Christmas tree hunt was adopted and expanded upon. The basics of the search for a perfect tree didn’t change much, but we upped the adventure aspect a bit. Our little boys loved to ride on a snowmobile, so we would load up the sled, get some hot chocolate and snacks together, and go searching for our tree as a family.

and tended to be more classically shaped than the scrubby trees in the forest. This open area was also a good place to negotiate a snowmobile loaded with two adults, two kids, several backpacks and a sleigh. The boys excitement looking for the perfect tree was a joy to behold. They took great pride in critiquing each possible choice, although they generally thought there was a better one “over the hill.”

A favourite destination was a power line east of Thunder Bay. The small spruce and balsam trees that would sprout up on the opening had lots of elbow room to grow,

The other cool thing about doing a Christmas tree hunt with the family was the chance we had to see signs of winter wildlife. We would see tracks and then

One other ongoing tradition is taking my CBC radio colleague Lisa Laco out for a tree hunt nearly every December. This annual event first happened many years ago, and became a popular pre-Christmas item on Superior Morning. Over the years, Lisa and I have been out in search of a tree in all sorts of weather: bone chilling temperatures, knee-deep snow and even December rain. We have cut spruce and balsam and once even eyed up a scotch pine. The trees have ranged from glorious to Charlie Brown and everywhere in between. Oddly enough, no matter what the trees shape, it always looks smashing when it gets back to the station, and is covered with ornaments sent in by listeners from across the region. There is just something about a Christmas tree that makes the holidays extra special. From my Christmas!

NORTHERN WILDS

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DECEMBER 2019

Northern Connections Seeds of Change By Emily M. Stone

Outside, the dried stalks of milkweed, tansy, bee balm and sunflowers sport fluffy little caps of snow. Each dead flower clings to a few tiny time capsules, but many of the seeds they once cradled now lay buried under the snow, lying dormant until favorable growing conditions return. In the warm dampness of spring, some of those seeds will sprout, grow, bloom and set seeds of their own. Others may take a year or two to germinate, and still more (if they don’t get eaten by mice or ants or mold) will lie dormant in the soil for decades. The sum total of all the seeds is known as the soil seed bank. From it, native prairie plants have returned to fallow fields, forests have recovered after fires, and scientists have studied the inhabitants of past climates. As important as natural seed banks are, they are subject to all sorts of disturbances, and the viability of their seeds is left to chance. Dr. Julie Etterson, ecological genetics professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and her team of scientists from across the country, have created a different kind of seed bank. Over the course of three growing seasons, from 2013 to 2015, they painstakingly gathered seeds from 65 species of wild plants at 270 research sites across the country, and deposited them at the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, USDA, Fort Collins, Colorado. There, with special cold storage and preservation techniques, the seeds will remain viable for decades, and accessible to scientists in ways that seeds in the soil are not.

These cultivated sunflowers in North Dakota are the descendants of a native, wild sunflower species. By comparing sunflower seeds that were put in a cold storage 32 years ago, to seeds gathered recently, Dr. Julie Etterson has been able to demonstrate that climate change impacts their bloom time. | EMILY STONE Over the next 50 years, scientists will be able to withdraw the old seeds, plant them next to modern seeds, and study how the plants have changed over time. Etterson, with her colleague, Dr. Briana Gross, have already tested this “resurrection” approach by using sunflower seeds that were preserved in the seed bank 32

years ago, and comparing them to modern sunflowers harvested at the same sites near Minneapolis and Fargo. They planted the preserved seeds next to the modern seeds and compared the plants carefully as their unique genetics responded to the same variables, such as temperature and moisture.

As predicted, the modern annual sunflowers bloomed later in the summer than the historic plants to take advantage of the longer growing seasons with climate change. In addition, this work suggested modern plants seem to have experienced gene flow from urban gardens—their thicker stems, bigger flower heads, and fewer branches are all traits that we enjoy in hor-

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ticultural varieties, but are not common in the wild.

Many seed banks preserve animal genes, too, as an insurance policy against the day when we might need livestock with a certain disease resistance, or higher tolerance to drought. Recently, a study illuminated the fact that virtually all the Holstein bulls whom dairy farmers were using to inseminate their cows could be traced back to just two male ancestors. So a geneticist at Pennsylvania State University withdrew some heirloom “seed” from the same Fort Collins facility that Project Baseline uses, and started breeding older, healthier traits back into his experimental herd.

“This is definitely a cautionary tale,” Etterson told me over the phone, “Both garden variety and GMO crops could contaminate native species.” She went on to describe how even the “native” flower seed mix she’d planted in her backyard pollinator garden contained pink bee balm and other hybrid flowers. Some of them may have good nectar, but they’re often missing the traits that make them most valuable to our native insects and birds. Her pink bee balm, for instance, doesn’t set seed.

While seed banks are built for longevity, Project Baseline’s long timescale is pretty unique among research projects and grants.

Sunflowers are the one major crop that is native to North America. While this makes the wild varieties vulnerable to genetic mixing, it also made Etterson’s study possible through access to old seeds. With few exceptions, seed banks have been focused on preserving agriculturally important species. In contrast, Project Baseline aims to protect native and introduced species whether or not they are of current economic importance to humans. One of the target species—a yellow monkey flower native to California—is as well-studied as fruit flies. Its entire genome is sequenced. And yet, Project Baseline offers even more opportunities for discovery. The prospects for learning may be even greater with spreading dogbane. This understory plant—common across much of the U.S. and Canada— with sweet-smelling flowers, milky sap, and brilliant yellow fall colors, has never been the subject of a scientific paper. What might we have yet to learn from it?

“This is really different,” says Samuel Scheiner, the director of the National Science Foundation program that funded the project, “but exactly what we need to do if we’re going to study global change.” Dr. Julie Etterson studies how plants respond to our changing world. | SUBMITTED The importance of seed banks has been in the news recently. After Dutch plant breeders figured out which chemicals make Brussels sprouts taste bitter, they bred modern high-producing varieties with heirloom varieties (stored in seed banks) that contained less of those chemicals. It’s not just that your taste buds have matured; Brussels sprouts really do taste better than when you were a kid. Both production and price have increased four-fold as a result.

So, Etterson has planted a metaphorical tree, and the scientists of the future will enjoy its proverbial shade. But she has also planted actual trees. Trees aren’t included in the suite of Project Baseline species—they take too long to mature. But much research has already been done on which trees will be able to survive in the future climate of Minnesota, and Etterson has taken action.

changed enough that “southern Minnesota tree ecotypes grow better in today’s climate than their more northern counterparts,” according to Etterson. This type of assisted migration, where we intentionally help species move toward a favorable climate, is just one possible outcome of Project Baseline. It may be helpful if scientists determine that a plant can’t adapt quickly enough on its own. Currently, scientists know almost nothing about the rate at which species will be able to adapt to climate change. The Project Baseline seed bank is trying to change that. “I think that this project plays a critical role in this moment by providing us with the ability to fill a critical gap in our knowledge. It will help us understand how we can manage and help species persist as the environment changes around them,” said Etterson. Every seed is a time capsule. And whether it is stored deep in a vault in Colorado, or is lying beneath the freshly fallen snow, or growing in a scientist’s greenhouse, it may also be one of the seeds that will help us understand change.

In collaboration with the Nature Conservancy, a team of researchers planted 110,000 trees in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region in an attempt to replace the dying paper birch. The seedlings of white pines, red oak, and bur oaks were sourced locally and from the Minneapolis area. The climate has already

MINK LAKE WHY GO: Mink is a popular option locally for those after rainbow trout, be it at the beginning of stream trout lake winter season in January or throughout much of the open-water season. It’s an easy-to-access lake, which likely drives some of its popularity, especially in the winter when some lakes can be hard to get to. ACCESS: There is a public access site on the east side of the lake, which is off Mink Road. It’s a carry-in access and there are 20 vehicle parking spots there. From Grand Marais, head 10 miles up the Gunflint Trail, turning right on Trout Lake Road. There’s also an accessible fishing pier with parking for three vehicles off of Trout Lake Road (F.R. 140). VITALS: This 57.18-acre Cook County lake is inside the Superior National Forest. It’s a shallow lake, with a maximum depth of 15 feet and a mean depth of 10.3 feet, according to the lake’s Minnesota DNR LakeFinder page. FISH SPECIES PRESENT: Brook stickleback, fathead minnow, finescale dace, northern redbelly dace, rainbow trout and splake. MANAGEMENT: The lake is a designated stream trout lake managed for both rainbow trout and splake, though the rainbow fishery is what’s most viable for anglers

at this point, according to Brian Homola, Minnesota DNR fisheries technician based out of the Grand Marais office. The lake was reclaimed in 2014, meaning the entire lake’s aquatic system was killed off with rotenone because of the presence of yellow perch and rock bass. Since then, the lake gets 2,500 rainbow trout yearlings every year, on top of about 5,000 splake fingerlings (planted in 2015, 2016 and 2018). There’s concern that fathead minnows have since showed up in the lake, presumably from minnow buckets. Not only is it illegal for anglers to use live minnows on this (and all) designated trout lakes, it increases the chances that something like yellow perch could be introduced into the lake. Reduced funding availability in general has managers concerned that the money for another rehabilitation, such as one done in 2014, would not be an option in the future because of the cost. So don’t be the one that increases that risk by breaking the rules with live minnows. Managers were relieved to find that none of those undesirable species showed up during a targeted survey conducted in 2016. WINTER ACTION: DNR has a pretty good idea of the amount of fishing pressure, thanks to a camera set up on the lake.

“It is nothing we can identify anybody off of, but it works because we can see the numbers of people,” Homola said, pointing out that a winter creel is scheduled to be conducted on the lake this winter. Homola said that small jigs with a waxworm or nightcrawlers are a solid choice of bait during the winter months. He also likes to float a crawler a foot or so off the bottom of the lake. This year’s winter stream trout lakes outside or partly-outside the Boundary Waters season open on Jan. 12 and runs through March 31. OPEN WATER: Mink Lake opens up this spring on May 11 (ending on Oct. 31). Ho-

mola said the lakes get a fair amount of pressure throughout the season, though the opener is likely the peak. “You will see people fishing the pier all summer long,” he said, noting that the pier is a popular spot for adults to bring kids fishing. Small spoons and spinners are a good bait, as are nightcrawlers. CAMP NEARBY: There is a Forest Service campground just to the south known as the Kimball Lake Campground. The campground is a first-come, first-served deal, though during winter time, the water system is turned off, there’s no garbage service, roads are not plowed and latrines may be snowed in.—Javier Serna

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Swede Hollow

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When Gustaf and Anna Klar and their three kids leave Sweden for the U.S. in 1897, they take with them a terrible secret and a longing for a new life. Their new home is a cluster of rough-hewn shacks in a deep, wooded ravine on the edge of St. Paul, Minn., known as Swede Hollow. Outsiders describe Swede Hollow as unsanitary and rife with disease, but the Klar family and their neighbors persevere in this neglected corner of the city—and consider it home. Extensively researched, author Ola Larsmo’s award-wining novel vividly portrays a family and a community determined to survive. There are hardships, indignities, accidents and harrowing encounters, but also acts of loyalty, kindness and moments of joy.—Breana Roy

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This fun, rhyming children’s book provides a visit to a construction site to see the amazing people and the machinery they use to build from the ground up. The construction site is brought to life in bright, bold colors, with its specialized equipment and details about the team who work together to make it happen. You’ll meet a dump truck, excavator, dozer, iron workers, a flagger, the inspector, and many more important characters. A great read for ages three and up. —Breana Roy

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The first book in the Play Wild Series for young readers, Where I Fly follows a father and his child playing hockey on a lake surrounded by the forest and lit by northern lights. The child imagines a future of cheering crowds and successful trick shots as animals peer from the forest edge. After the story is information on hockey terms, winter animals found on the North Shore, the sky at night and even a map of winter constellations. Appropriate for ages four and up.—Breana Roy

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December opens with Jupiter dropping into the sunset. On the 3rd, Saturn, Venus and Jupiter form a diagonal line with Jupiter in the sun’s afterglow and brilliant Venus almost exactly midway between the other two planets. As Jupiter sinks, Venus climbs. In the second week of the month, Venus passes much dimmer Saturn, coming closest on the 10th and 11th. On the 28th, Venus comes out above a thin young crescent moon; together, they form a celestial semicolon. In the east, the knot of bright winter stars assembles for viewing by about 10:30 p.m., earlier as the month goes on. If you have lots of nights with clear, dark skies, try locating the constellation Perseus (a star chart will really help). Find the brilliant star Capella at the top of the winter assembly and look to the right to find the Pleiades star cluster. Then look at the space immediately above and between them. You’ll see scraggly Perseus and its brightest star, Mirfak. Slightly lower and to the right of Mirfak is Algol, the constellation’s second-brightest star, whose name comes from the Arabic for “the demon.”

The “Demon Star’s” brightness varies noticeably every two days, 20 hours and 49 minutes. That’s because Algol is a triple star, and when a dimmer one passes in front of the brightest one, we see a dip in brightness. Algol was regarded as the winking eye of Medusa, the snake-haired monster slain by the mythical Greek hero Perseus. In the predawn sky, Mars is dim but climbing steadily in the southeast. To find it, try looking an hour before sunrise on the 23rd, when a thin crescent moon appears below and left of the red planet. December’s full moon shines the night of the 11th-12th. And at 10:19 p.m. on the 21st, the sun reaches a point directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the official start to winter in the Northern Hemisphere. 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.

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DECEMBER 2019

MUSH LAKE RACING DOG BLOG By Erin Altemus

Good Feet Mushers pay a lot of attention to their dogs’ feet. When buying or breeding a sled dog, we often ask, “Do they have good feet?” Ideally, a good racing dog has tough feet, because their feet endure a lot. This year, the conditions on the road and trail have been particularly hard on our dogs’ feet and the dogs with really good feet stand out.

for gravel, and my hard work came back from one run in threads. Snow will bring a different set of challenges. When the dogs are running on fresh snow, ice balls form between their toes. Again, booting is the only surefire way to prevent a problem. Ice balls can cause splits which again require salve, more consistent booting with every run and time to heal.

It might be a year when we can run sleds on the lakes before the trails. In the fall, we train the dogs on trails and gravel roads. In September and October, the runs are short and the trails are soft, so we see little effect on the paws. By the end of October, without snow to soften the blow, the gravel became a treacherous surface on which to run. By early November we started booting dogs as small scrapes and sores on the dogs’ pads needed to be protected and healed. Each run starts with a foot inspection. Any open spots or cracks in the skin require a special ointment. Dogs with especially bad feet get a set of double booties on each paw because the frozen gravel shreds through booties like they are made out of paper. By the time the dog returns from a 15-mile run, the outer set of booties has worn through. At a dollar a booty, the cost has been adding up. Most booties these days are made from cordura, a nylon-based fabric that seems fairly tough and doesn’t absorb much water. Mushers once made fleece booties, but my experience with fleece found it to stretch and absorb water until quite frozen and floppy. I tried sewing booties out of denim this fall, but denim was no match

In a race, we usually boot every paw, especially in a longer race because we don’t want any paw problems that would cause worse problems later on. But, sled dogs also sweat through their feet, so if conditions are warm—as in temperatures above freezing, we might decide to leave boots off, because overheating would be a worse problem. In the winter, regular paw care consists of trimming paw hair to help prevent ice balls, trimming toe nails and constant paw inspections. The feet on which they run are a big part of the picture. Funny though, that a dog with great feet requires very little but basic maintenance. While we booty 75 percent of the team daily right now, the other 25 percent have perfect feet, tough feet, feet that require nothing—perhaps why this is such an important quality of a great sled dog. While we wait for more snow, the cold has set up the trails nicely. A thick layer of ice has coated Mush Lake and the surrounding swamps. It might be a year when we can run sleds on the lakes before the trails.

Pinto gets a foot inspection and then booties before a run. | ERIN ALTEMUS We signed up for races, which will include: two teams in the Gunflint Mail Run, the UP200 and the Can-Am Crown in Maine. We will also be giving rides at Bearskin Lodge again this year for lodge guests and outside visitors.

As of now, we continue to train with the ATV, but perhaps by the time this issue comes to print, we will have transferred to sleds, and that’s when the fun really begins.

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Lynx tracks lead to data By Shawn Perich

JOHN BEARGREASE

The Canada lynx is one of the leastseen large animals in the boreal forest, a reclusive predator that spends most of its time in places where people don’t go. During the 1990s, some wildlife experts postulated resident lynx were largely extirpated from northern Minnesota, aside from individual cats roving from Ontario. It was a theory that held sway until more folks began reporting their lynx sightings, including photos of kittens taken by a logger in Isabella. Beginning in 2000, wildlife researchers set about learning more about Minnesota’s elusive wild feline, painstakingly following lynx tracks in the snow to find scat or hairs that were used to collect DNA samples and begin building a database. A radio telemetry study begun in 2003 allowed biologists to monitor collared lynx and learn about their range and movements. While the radio-telemetry study ended about 10 years ago, snow-tracking occurs every winter. Over time, a clearer picture of Minnesota’s lynx has emerged. Superior National Forest wildlife biologist Dan Ryan coordinates lynx tracking efforts and helps maintain the existing database and recently released a summary of 2019 DNA database and population monitoring. The report’s summary describes the impressive amount of information that has been collected over two decades: “The current database contains 1,992 samples that have been submitted for DNA testing. Mitochondrial DNA analysis has identified 1,666 of them (83.6%) as lynx. Nuclear DNA analysis has determined 413 unique lynx genotypes, 199 female (48.2%), 212 male (51.3%) and 2 of indeterminable sex (0.2%). “Since 2010, 44 family groups have been identified producing 92 kittens that survived to the winter following their birth, 51 female (55.4%) and 41 male (44.6%). Reproduction has been documented on the Superior NF every year since 2001. Of the 355 individuals that were identified prior to this survey season and were not originally detected as a result of a mortality, 88 (24.8%) are known to have persisted into a second year. Eight individuals have persisted for over 6 years. “During the 2018-2019 survey season 157 samples were collected and submitted for testing. One-hundred fifty-three (97.5%) were identified as lynx, 142 of those (90.4%) were able to be genotyped identifying 59 individuals; 32 female and 27 male. Twenty-six individuals (47.5%: 12 female and 14 male) were previously recorded in this database (recaptures), and 33 individuals (52.5%: 20 female, 12 male) are new to the database this year. Field observations suggest that there were at least 12 family groups with as many as 30 kittens found in the survey area. DNA analysis confirm 7 family groups with 10 individuals (7 female, 3 male) genetically consistent with being offspring. Of the 24 individuals identified this survey season whose age is known that were not kittens,

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Tracking data clearly shows lynx prefer the “snow belt” region along Minnesota’s North Shore. | SUBMITTED 14 (56.0%: 9 female and 5 male) have persisted for at least 2 years. Twelve (52.2%) have been detected into their third year or more indicating persistence in the population. Three individuals (13.0%) detected this season have persisted on the Forest for over 6 years. There are 25 individuals new to the database this year whose age could not be determined.” Remarkably, the DNA database not only allows researchers to track individual lynx from year to year, but also to identify multiple generations of lynx family groups. “A lot of the breeding females are Minnesota-born lynx,” Ryan said. “We can track some animals back four generations. You kinda get to know them.” Lynx are closely associated with their primary prey: snowshoe hares. Ryan said Minnesota lynx feed almost exclusively on hares. In locales with adequate densities of hares, lynx hang around. If hares are few, the cats move around more. Occasionally, Ryan has found areas with plenty of hares, but no lynx. Often, roving lynx eventually discover the untapped food source. Bobcats are common across most of Minnesota and sometimes mate with lynx, creating a sterile hybrid. Ryan said DNA testing has turned up one or two hybrids per year. He thinks hybrids are more ag-

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gressive than lynx and that hybrid males may keep lynx away from their territory. Fortunately, bobcats cannot compete with lynx during snowy winters. Lynx have big, furry paws that allow them to stay atop the snow. Bobcats do not and typically disappear from the lynx range during deep snow years. The snowiest portions of northeastern Minnesota—inland from Lake Superior in Lake and Cook counties— are a stronghold for lynx, supporting the highest numbers of the cats. The tracking survey is limited by available staff time and, to a certain extent, receiving timely reports of lynx tracks and sightings. Remote places such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are not surveyed. This coming winter, Ryan will have a few extra boots on the ground. The Forest Service is hiring seasonal workers to snow-track lynx and gather more DNA samples. The funding is available via the Polymet mining project, because the company is committed to providing money for lynx monitoring over 10 years. The data will also be used to inform a coming U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to delist lynx from their current Threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. Ryan said the public can report lynx sightings to him by emailing danial.ryan@ usda.gov.

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Strange Tales Stories Behind Some Words of Christmas By Elle AndraWarner

So, why do we say the seasonal greeting “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy” like we do for Happy Birthday, Happy Easter, Happy Mother’s Day, etc.? Where did the phrase “Merry Christmas” come from? Well, there’s an answer, sort of. Though the actual origin of the phrase “Merry Christmas” is obscure, the first recorded use goes back to 1534 in a letter dated December 22 by imprisoned English Catholic Bishop John Fisher to lawyer and activist Thomas Cromwell. In his letter, Fisher—who had been in the Tower of London prison for eight months for refusing to recognize King Henry VIII as the “Supreme Head of the Church and Clergy of England”—asked for clothing, food and conditions, closing the letter with, “And this our Lord God send you a merry Christmas…” Nonetheless, Fisher was executed the following year. (The Roman Catholic Church declared him a saint 400 years later in 1935.) Did you know that Christmas was banned for a time in England and the U.S.? It happened in 1647 when the Puritan-controlled Parliament in England passed an Act of Parliament in 1644—confirmed in 1647—forbidding all Christmas celebrations and observances, including dancing, carol singing, seasonal plays and drinking. The Puritans believed that ‘Merry Christmas’ was simply a time for uncouth merry-making excesses like drunkenness and gambling. The ban was lifted 13 years later in 1660, though in Boston the ban on Christmas was for 22 years, from 1659 to 1681. The ‘merry’ in Christmas had regained its joviality by the time the world’s first commercially-available Christmas card was created in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole (18081882). He had hired London artist John Callcott Horsley to do the artwork for the card which he, and others, could send to family and friends. The hand-coloured, three-sectioned cards included the verse, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year To You.” In 2001, the Christmas card he had mailed to his grandmother in 1843 was sold at an auction for 22,500 English pounds (2019 value U.S. $28,831 / Cdn $37,993). The same year—1843—English author Charles Dickens wrote and paid publication costs for his famous novella A Christmas Carol, where the phrase “Merry Christmas” appeared more than 21 times. Many credit the two things of 1843—the Christmas card greeting and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—with popularizing again the term, “Merry Christmas.” 44

DECEMBER 2019

Saint Nicholas was an early Christian Bishop of Myra in Ancient Greece (modern-day Demre, Turkey). He is the patron saint of children and sailors. Legendary for his generous gift-gifting, Saint Nicholas was the model for the Netherland’s “Sinterklaas” which eventually became the modern-day Santa Claus. | WIKIMEDIA Sinterklaas, who traditionally rides a white horse, is based on the legendary historical figure of Saint Nicholas. | WIKIMEDIA Etymologically, the word “Christmas” is the shortened form for “Christ’s Mass,” first recorded in 1038 as “Cristes Maesse” (Old English language), then as “Cristes-messe” in 1131. For those of us that sometimes quickly write “Xmas” instead of taking time to write the full word “Christ” in Christmas, no need for feeling somewhat guilty: Xmas first appeared almost a thousand years ago. The “X” in “Xmas” is an abbreviation from the Greek language and alphabet where the letter that looks like an X is the Greek chi/x, which is the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ, “Christos.” So, “X” in Xmas does mean “Christ.” Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ even though no one knows the exact

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date. The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25 was in 336 during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The day after Christmas is Boxing Day, which started in the United Kingdom and is a public paid holiday there and in some countries. There are several theories on the origin of Boxing Day, This famous drawing “Merry Old Santa Claus” by American artist Thomas Nast published in the January 1, 1881 edition of Harper’s Weekly, plus the 1823 poem by Clement Clark Moore “A Visit from St.Nicholas” helped to popularize the modern-day image of a jovial Santa Claus. | WIKIMEDIA

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In 1843, the first commercially available Christmas card was created by a British civil servant, Sir Henry Cole, who was looking at ways to get people to use the Public Record Office (now called Post Office) which he had helped to establish. So, he devised the idea of sending Christmas cards at Christmas time. He commissioned artist John Callum Horsley from London, England, to design the card with the message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” The rest is history. | WIKIMEDIA though all include the giving of Christmas gift boxes to either the poor or people providing services; first recorded mention is in a 1663 diary entry on December 19 by England’s Samuel Pepys. While it’s a U.S. state holiday in some states (not Minnesota), it is a paid holiday in Canada for federal employees, banks and in some provinces, including Ontario. And who knew that the origin of modern-day Santa Claus goes back to a fourth century Greek Bishop Saint Nicholas of Myra? As the story goes, Bishop Nicholas (260/280 AD-343 AD) from village of Patara (now southern coast of Turkey) was known for bringing gifts to children; for his generosity to those in need; and later, as patron saint for sailors and ships.

1800s, Santa Claus (through Sinterklaas and Saint Nicholas) became a legendary figure delivering gifts to children by a sled and reindeer on the night of Christmas Eve or early Christmas Day morning. Supposedly, he lived at the North Pole and since that was in Canadian jurisdiction, Canada Post gave Santa Claus a postage-free address “North Pole, Canada” with the postal code HOH OHO. And in 2008, he was formerly recognized as a Canadian citizen by the Canadian government.

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By the way, over in the United Kingdom, the annual Royal Christmas message since 1932—including today’s Queen Elizabeth II—wishes everyone “Happy Christmas” (not “Merry”), the greeting also preferred by the British.

The name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch name for St. Nicholas, “Sinterklaas,” shortened from “Sint-Nicolaas.” Popularized in folklore, poems, books, illustrations and newspapers particularly in the

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Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent 553 CTY RD 6 GRAND MARAIS MN

560 HUMPHREY CIRCLE GRAND MARAIS, MN

4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, Log Home 30 x 40 Garage on 75 private acres MLS# 6085649 Price: $359,900

3 Bedroom 2 Bath 3 Car Garage 1782 sq. ft. super crisp and clean in town living MLS# 6085980 Price: $267,770

15 6TH AVE W. GRAND MARAIS, MN

New Listing

2 Bedroom 1 Bath 1 Car Attached Large yard with lakeview MLS# 6087346 Price: $209,000

Sale g n i d n e P

10 ONGSTAD RD. HOVLAND, MN

Priceed c Redu

240 BIRCH DR. GRAND MARAIS MN

Priceed c u d e R

5 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 Car Garage Barn/Workshop and Sauna on 10 private acres MLS# 6086606 Price: $344,750

BLACKWOODS DR. LOT 3 BLK 2 SCHROEDER, MN

7 DEVILS TRACK RD. GRAND MARAIS, MN

2 Bedroom 1 Bath 2 Car Garage12+ Acres MLS# 6086960 Price: 154,900

LOT 7 PENDANT LAKE TRAIL GRAND MARAIS, MN

New Listing

338 ft. of Lake Superior on 14.53 acres. 1 Bedroom Cabin, Garage, Dock MLS# 6029532 Price: $289,000

16 acres of unbeatable privacy Electric and broadband nearby MLS# 6083844 Price: $38,750

5.71 Acres. Sloped and nicely wooded Location, location, location MLS# 6082116 Price: $47,900

02 CTY RD 7

5X FOX RIDGE LOON LAKE

117 TOWER RD. HOVLAND, MN

304 Ft. of lakeshore on 5.5 acres. MLS# 6082117 Price: $119,000

Base Camp - Family Compound. Sleeps 24. Private 5 Acres MLS# 6082599 Price: $157,900

635 CTY. RD. 6 GRAND MARAIS, MN

GRAND MARAIS, MN

2+ Bedroom 2 Bath 1176 sq.ft.home on 5 acres MLS# 6079593 Price: $172,500

7.7 Acres. Potential Lake Superior view. MLS# 6081904 Price: $59,000

GRAND MARAIS, MN

BLACKWOODS DR. LOT 5 BLOCK 3 SCHROEDER, MN

32 acres of maple forest Peaceful rolling parcel MLS# 6083843 Price: $76,500

XXX LOT 3 BIG BAY POINT HOVLAND, MN

212 Ft. of Lake Superior shoreline on 1.76 acres. MLS# TBD Price: $249,000

Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com NORTHERNâ&#x20AC;&#x201E; WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

Grand Marais Area Coveted Cobblestone Cove Villa on Grand Marais Harbor.

Lutsen Real Estate Group Office 218-663-7971

lutsenrealestategroup.com

Meet Our Awesome Agents!

The most coveted location on the entire North shore. This beautiful two bedroom townhome front faces the Grand Marais Harbor with the Sawtooth Mountain ridgeline and north coast of Lake Superior serving as the backdrop. Walking distance to an eclectic selection of foodie restaurants and cool art scene with so much more. MLS 6080023 $349,900

SOLD

Lutsen/Tofte Homes PRICEED C REDU

NEW!

Sandy McHugh 218-370-7841

Kelsi Williams 218-428-0992

Grand Marais Country Home.

Inger Andress 218-216-7141

Bruce Kerfoot 218-388-0876

This comfortably larger home of 5 BD 4BA, has such a warm, welcoming feel with recent wood floor put in the main floor and vaulted ceilings in the Living Room that you’ll love. The Kitchen is complete with a breakfast bar that opens to the dining area. Large south facing windows allow light to flow through the home! Grill out on accommodating Deck overlooking the wilderness setting with a huge back yard to have for a great space of entertaining for all occasions! Big garage space that has the upstairs that could be turned into a rental space. The expansive area continues beyond the home being bordered by federal land and a few miles from both Paradise Beach, Trout Lake and snowmobile trails you will be active and outdoors on the nice days. For the not so nice days this home has an amazing Home Theater Room with a projection screen and in floor heating to bring movie watching and family nights up a notch. This is a must see home with an amazing variety of options it has to offer! MLS 6087250 $299,900

Large Lutsen Home.

Fabulous 4 BD, 3BA home in Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Spacious family home with two additional flex rooms that could be used as bedrooms. Multiple living/family rooms for kicking back & relaxing. Three large decks for outdoor living, overlooking a landscaped yard with seasonal Lake Superior views. Wirsbo in-floor heating system. Solid family home in a peaceful & private country setting. Just turn the key and call it home! MLS 6082375 $375,000.

Devil Track Lake Cabin.

Mike Larson Broker 218-370-1536

Steve Surbaugh Broker 218-663-7971

Don’t miss this cozy cabin located on 6.52 acres of land on the west end of Devil Track Lake! The cabin features wood beams, a main floor open-concept layout, and large loft space with amazing lake views. Idyllic, level yard space - plenty of room for yard games, outdoor dining, and bonfires! Enjoy reading, writing, or playing games in the peaceful screen porch. Unique shoreline with permanent dock access - you’ll love this cove of Devil Track and its possibilities for paddle boarding, boating, swimming and more! On the other side of the private road, you’ll love the clearing that has already been done - level land at the mouth of privately created trails. Perfect for ATV access, hiking, snowshoeing, and more! MLS 6085747 $284,900

Aspenwood on Lake Superior. Gorgeous lake views from every level of

this sharp Lake Superior condo. Quality finishes including granite, wood & tile floors, maple cabinets, with a cool, modern vibe. Multiple spaces to hang out in this spacious, three-level unit with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Large windows for wide-open views of the big lake. Vacation rental revenues help to offset the cost of ownership. Enjoy your time on the North Shore without any pesky chores. Just enjoy lake living, and all of the activities this area has to offer: golfing, skiing, hiking, biking, beach combing, music, shops & restaurants, plus more. MLS 6085503 $299,900.

- EARN MONEY WHEN YOU ARE AWAY Place your home in our Vacation Rental Program. Give Andrew a call at 218-264-0497

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

Lutsen Real Estate Group

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

lutsenrealestategroup.com

Real Estate is serious business, and we understand that.

From the Gunflint Trail, to the shores of Lake Superior- we have full time agents ready to assist you in selling and buying. Our agents live here, work here and are defined by service and expertise.

Give us a call today!

Lake Superior Parcels PRICEED C REDU

Coveted Stonegate Rd

Buildready Lake Superior parcel. Driveway, power & septic already in place. Private setting with no hwy noise. Accessible shoreline, cleared build site, surveyed. Make this beautiful spot your new Lake Superior homesite! MLS 6082793 $229,900

Other Vacant Land Parcels ithout w s s e cc ! Lake Ashore prices Lake

Sugar Loaf Road ‘Eighty’ This wooded ‘untouched’ property is secluded yet has year round public road access that is snow plowed and maintained for you... approximately 1/4 mile of frontage road access. Only less than 30 minutes away from Lutsen Mountain’s ski hill and Superior National golf course. For the outdoor enthusiast, it is close to several destinations, the Sugar Loaf Nature Trails and Center, Caribou Falls, Temperance River and the Superior National Hiking trail. This is a generous eighty-acre parcel, with many older cedar trees that would be an ideal place to build a forest home, cabin for hunting or to have a piece of pristine nature! MLS 6085833 $144,900

SOLD

Perfect Lutsen Home Site.

Check out this Lutsen parcel, with the potential for outstanding views of Lake Superior. Private setting, yet convenient to many local spots. Priced below tax value, so call today! MLS 6082966 $45,000

Enjoy beautiful Tait Lake Another Price Reduction! Priced nearly 25% below current assessed value, and down $60,000 from original list. Someone could ask, “what’s wrong”? Absolutely nothing, just a very motivated seller! This is a large parcel on beautiful Tait Lake, consisting of 6.1 acres with deeded access to a nearby private Association boat landing (a couple blocks) on Tait Lake, and no pricey lakeshore taxes. Towering white pines, multiple build sites and a corner lot ideally-situated for convenient ingress and egress from two sides of Caps Trail so that you can trailer your boat in and out with ease! Located just 13 miles from Lutsen, adjacent to the Caribou Trail. Power & broadband at the road. HOA handles road maintenance and plowing giving you year-round access! Seller is a licensed real estate agent in the State of MN unrelated to listing agent. Please let listing agent know if you intend to walk the property, but you’re welcome to do so! Make an offer today – one of the best values in all of Cook County. Close in 2019 and additional price adjustments will be considered! MLS 6085581 $69,000 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 $39,999

Gunflint Trail Area 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

Inland Lake Lots Tait Lake, Lutsen

This gorgeous Tait Lake property waterfront lot is a must-see! Enjoy 208 spectacular feet of shoreline and 3.83 wooded acres situated on either side of a private association-owned road which is accessible year-round. You’ll love the scenery as you approach the lake: the picturesque drive, mature trees, and rolling hills. Paddle, fish, snowshoe, hike, and more from this scenic location! Just 12 miles away from Lutsen area activities and a short 30 minute drive from the great shops and restaurants in Grand Marais. This serene lot is ready to be your retreat! MLS 6084736 $209,000.

Devil Track Lake Lots Great location for second home, primary residence, or cabin. Wooded shoreline with many potential building and driveway locations. Ample space for septic and well. Pristine shoreline, plus close proximity to Grand Marais and many area activities. MLS 6081021, 6081022, 6081023, 6081024. Priced from $99,900 to $149,900.

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. 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. MLS 6079877 $59,900 Lot 9 Block 5. Very nice golf course lot adjacent to the 6th green at the newly renovated Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course. A very nice building area has been sited. Broadband, water and sewer curbside meaning no need to drill a well or build an egregious mounds septic system. The property is within an HOA which provides water and sewer to homeowners within the association. MLS 6081231 $84,500

Hwy 61 Frontage Convenient Build Site. Great parcel of land

conveniently located just 2.7 miles east of Grand Marais. Well already in place. Located on Hwy 61; perfect place to build a new home. 2.29 acres. MLS 6081081 $55,600

Outstanding Lake Superior NORTHERN WILDS

Value!49

DECEMBER 2019

www.CBNorthShore.com Serving Cook County since 1971

NORTH SHORE

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

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

On Lake Superior

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.

24 County Rd 14

Beautiful one level home situated on 6.5 acres overlooking Lake Superior with 175 ft of stunning gravel Lake Superior shoreline. Truly a gourmet designed kitchen with top quality cabinets, appliances, granite & tons of storage. Spacious great room, beamed ceilings, fireplace & lovely tiled floors. Att’d garage with upper level storage.

MLS 6080232 $850,000 REDUCED

MLS 6086744 $399,900

Lake Superior Lots

Lake Superior View

43AB Hwy 61 E

Look up “Fantastic Lake Superior Views” in the dictionary and there will be a photo of this parcel. Great privacy with 10 acres, beautiful tree cover, magnificent rock out-croppings and take your breath away views.

MLS 6083698 $79,900

49xx North Rd

Great 40A property with wonderful views of the foothills to the north as well as beautiful views of Lake Superior from the top of the lot. Nice variety of tree cover affords all the beauty of nature along with lots of wildlife.

MLS 6083714 $120,000

Schroeder Lot

34 Grace Drive

Stunning 4BR/4BA post & beam Lake Superior home! Features floor to ceiling windows for gorgeous views, updated kitchen and a HUGE living & family room. Lot has 1.65 acres & 214’ of shoreline, 2 garages, greenhouse plus a cute sauna by the lake.

MLS 6083657 $749,900

Massively expansive ledge rock shoreline make this lot one of the most amazing shoreline you will see on the North Shore. Lot is 2+ acre and 200 ft wide with significantly more meandering shoreline.

6086787 - $314,900

Land 12XX COUNTY RD 14 Beautiful 40 acres abutting Federal land with a Lake Superior view! Located 15 minutes from town, excellent spot for your new cabin or camping spot. MLS 6084838 $69,900 XXX BROADWAY AVE Want to live in the country and yet want access to City Sewer & City Water? Check out this over-sized lot that is located on the Gunflint Trail in city limits. MLS 6085408 $44,900 1XX COUNTY ROAD 56 Rare opportunity to find a gently rolling 20 acre parcel in the heart of farm country. Land has trails, creeks, Lake Superior View and a driveway already in place. MLS 6083495 $67,900 Lot 8 Silver Fox Rd Beautifully Wooded 5A lot. The lot is surveyed, septic sites were identified, year round access, gently rolling topography for an easy driveway and many ideal building sites MLS 6081817 - $49,900 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 6084939 - $45,000

Jonvick Creek Sites 12 lots available from 1.5 - 4.8 acres In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. Each property adjoins public land making your space seem even more private. $29,900 - $49,900 19XX Camp 20 Road Affordably priced 20 acre parcel with privacy, situated near Federal land to the north. Seasonal access off of the Camp 15 Loop Rd in Hovland. MLS 6076349 - $24,900 NEW COUNTY RD 14 Terrific and extremely affordable pieces of land with good high building sites and interesting game attracting low areas as well. 8XB COUNTY RD 14 MLS 6086954 $26,900 PENDING 8XA COUNTY RD 14 MLS 6086954 $38,900 1357 Camp 20 Road 32A with 700’ Mons Creek frontage, deeded access to a private Splake lake, driveway, 3 compacted bldg. sites, outhouse, 2000 gal holding tank and drilled well. MLS 6086919 $64,900

County Road 67 Lots Lot D 3.48A, with Lake Superior views MLS 6086070 - $69,900 Lot E 2.7A, all utilities readily available MLS 6086072 - $82,000 Lot F 2.24A, year round access MLS 6086085 - $39,900 XX LEVEAUX RIDGE Looking for an affordable lot to build your future home? This south facing, year round property has electricity, phone and roadband on site plus it abuts State Land to the south for added privacy. MLS 6086067 $29,900 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 6084050 - $39,900 XYZ MAPLE HILL RD Great 6+ Acres with quick and easy access to all the charm of Grand Marais with excellent build sites. This parcel features nice tree cover and a roughed in path/ driveway so you can see all the land has to offer. MLS 6084567 - $44,900

STROBUS LAKE RD LUTSEN 10 beautiful acres less than 10 miles from Lutsen and only a short drive to the Grade and multiple access points to the BWCA. Close to trails, fishing and more. MLS TBD $49,900

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. MLS 6086834 $159,900

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 6086785 - $59,900

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 - $49,900

1XX Quist Road Fantastic five acre parcel all set up for your vacation or permanent home with potentially spectacular views of Lake Superior. MLS 6082716 - $57,000

West Hwy 61 Attractive & affordable building site with 3+ acres & easy access right off of Hwy 61. Minutes from town and Close to Cascade River State Park MLS 6081834 - $39,000

1xx High Ridge Drive Schroeder This 15 acre lot high on the ridge is ready for your dream home or weekend getaway! Views of Lake Superior to the South and a lovely, deep, valley to the North. MLS 6082812 - $99,900 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. MLS 6086836 - $59,900

NEW Coyote Ridge Lots Six five acre lots available. These beautifully wooded lots have the benefit of being close to all the amenities Grand Marais has to offer and all the privacy of a secluded acreage in the woods. $37,900

Large Acreage 180X W Gauthier Rd 100 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

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

Camp 20 Rd Heavily forested 170 acres 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

8580 W Highway 61

Exceptional Lake Superior lot with 313’ of amazing shoreline including a gravel beach. The depth of the lot, as well as the 4.26 acres provides plenty of privacy from Highway 61. Enjoy listening to the lake in the this cute 1940’s cabin located right by water’s edge.

MLS 6083953 $525,000

122 Stonegate Rd

3 bedroom, 3 bath comfortable, elegant home on 218 feet of Lake Superior shoreline. Open concept, large window, gas fireplace, high quality home. Huge heated attached garage and workshop. Plus private rustic guest cabin in a wilderness wonderland.

MLS 6086682 $749,900

45 Mossy Hollow Point

Looking for the dream cabin nestled in by the lake? This 2BR/2BA is the perfect size with 1128 sq. ft. of one level living. Gas fireplace, custom maple cabinets & solid wood floors. Gazebo, decks & benches make it easy to appreciate the 261 ft. of ledgerock shoreline.

MLS 6084254 $439,900

Homes

D L SO 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 - $199,900 REDUCED

11 Wildflower Lane, Lutsen Beautiful 4 BR, 4 BA home with lots of special touches - gourmet kitchen, hickory floors, fireplace, eagle nest style loft, custom tilework and a separate w/o apartment, Lake Superior views, large deck all on 6+ acres. MLS 6085210 - $489,900

Cabins

1001 Pike Lake Rd Check out the charming farmhouse character of this 2 BR, 1 BA fixer-upper on a great 10 + Acre property only 15-20 minutes from Grand Marais. Motivated Seller! MLS 6080310 - $99,900

2928 County Rd 7 Country home with 3 BR, 2 BA just minutes from town. Home has an open floor plan with eat-in kitchen, large island and plenty of sunshine. Property is on 6+ acres and includes a 40 x 40 garage complete with in-floor heat. MLS 6081628 - $268,900

2021 County Rd 7 The interior is as cute as can be with gorgeous, nicely finished wood floors, an efficient kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a laundry room all on one floor!!! Perfect starter home with a little TLC and sweat equity. MLS 6084603 - $104,900

904 County Rd 14 Beautifully situated on over 5 acres of forest land this gem in the rough is just waiting for you to polish it into your personal space, whether it be vacation or full-time home. Quality windows, doors, and in-floor heat fueled by geothermal. MLS 6087368 - $139,900

415 3rd Ave E 2+BR, 2BA remodeled home nestled in a beautifully wooded private lot. Great possibilities with the 23x36 in-floor heated garage, 1 BR apartment, bonus space currently used as a salon, and additional 24x24 garage. MLS 6086500 $379,900

841 Irish Creek Rd, Hovland 75 acre parcel with a little one bedroom cabin with a loft, perfect for a weekend getaway, is located off of the Irish Creek Road, in the heart of the Arrowhead Trail. Lot is gently rolling with beautiful trees and a wildlife pond. MLS 6083960 - $79,900

200 Cardinal Road This unique property might stimulate your agricultural talents or soothe a desire for nature. 2 BR, 1 BA home is beautifully finished and surrounded by woods and fenced fields. Outbuildings include 30x30 office/ workshop with in-floor heat, 20x60 shed for hay or equipment, chicken coup, & livestock shelter. MLS 6085867 WITH 39.90 ACRES $349,900 MLS 6086110 WITH 19.95 ACRES $249,900

2371 Cty Rd 7 Here is a turn-key, charming and rustic cabin getaway on 12 + acres. It is close to town on a paved road, but feels like a secluded forest cabin you can escape to. The old Backlund farm’s milk house served as the bones for the cabin. MLS 6085146 - $139,900

- ONE ROOF HOUSING • Many financing options available to qualified buyers. • 0% on Loan for Closing Fees. • Potential of Reduced Interest Rates through Rural Housing & Home Development. • Quality Construction & Energy Efficient. • Must be Owner Occupied as Primary Residence. • See One Roof or Call Coldwell Banker for Income & Other Requirements and Guidelines • Affordable Monthly Payments – Income Based Programs • Minimum down $1,000 – LESS than Renting! Contact your agent at Coldwell Banker North Shore for more information!

G N I D N PE 18 Nordic Star Dr Brand new 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in a quiet neighborhood of Grand Marais. One level and low maintenance living with beautiful oak kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, island for extra seating. 2 stall garage completes the package. Prospective buyers must have a gross annual income under $101,900 MLS 6084904 $199,500

NORTH SHORE

11 Nordic Star Dr Cute porch upon entering this brand new 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in a quiet neighborhood of Grand Marais. Kitchen features ample oak cabinets, stainless steel appliances, island open to the living room. The laundry/utility room accesses the attached garage. Prospective buyers must have a gross annual income under $101,900 MLS 6084907 $193,000

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

25 Nordic Star Drive Charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with an open upper level floor plan plus a full lower level, ready to be completed with more living space. This home features a southern exposure, solid raised doors, maple cabinets, all new appliances and a nice yard. Prospective buyers must be under the 80% AMI income limits, making these affordable homes. MLS 6086712 $179,500

(218) 387-2131

•

G N I D N PE 27 Nordic Star Drive Very sunny home with two large bedrooms, plenty of storage and an attractive kitchen complete with oak cabinets and natural earth tones. Full lower level with stubbing in plumbing so you could complete it and add a 2nd bathroom and additional living space. Prospective buyers must be under the 80% AMI income limits, making these affordable homes. MLS 6086714 $173,500

(800) 732-2131

www.CBNorthShore.com NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

Inland

67 Walter Rd. Family retreat or vacation rental with a proven track record! This lovely 6 BR, 5BA home has an open floor plan, gas fireplaces, screen porch, updated kitchen & much more AND it is situated on a fantastic Devil Track Lake lot with 222 ft of shoreline. MLS 6084916 - $549,000

NEW 187 Little Ollie Road Incredible opportunity! This lovely B & B with Yurts, is located mid-Gunflint Trail, directly off of some of the best cross country ski trails in the area. The property was designed for those that love the outdoors, hiking, biking & skiing and is located on Onagon Lake. OR use it as the family cabin with plenty of room for everyone to spread out. Time to let your imagination go wild!

Lake

Homes

42 Soderberg Lane SERIOUSLY! Check out one of the only grandfathered-in Boat Houses in Cook County. This lot features 412 ft of shoreline on Birch Lake with 3+ acres. Property includes an older rustic cabin, is fully surveyed, year round access. MLS 6080113 - $199,900

and

Lots

1544 Greenwood Lake Rd Expansive vistas from this fantastic 3A lot on beautiful Greenwood Lake. The cabin features a great fireplace, loads of privacy and attractively situated on 225’ on one of Cook County’s premier lakes. MLS 6084119 - $269,000

3823 Arrowhead Trail Cedar log cabin nestled in the trees, overlooking McFarland Lake with 311’ frontage. 2BR, 3/4 bath, cathedral ceilings, wood floors and lots of windows. Complete generator/solar panel system, well, septic, all designed for year round usage. MLS 6082108 - $339,900

G N I D N PE 44 Carbine Rd Imagine the ultimate northwoods experience-this rustic, two-bedroom cabin is 15 feet from the shore of McFarland Lake at the end of the Arrowhead Trail. Outbuildings include a sauna, generator shed, wood shed lean-to, shed and outhouse with 500 gallon tank. MLS 6083715 - $199,900

601 S Shore Drive Exceptional 223’ of Devil Track Lakeshore and 2.5 A of land in a south shore bay. Rustic 1 BR cabin with open living spaces and fabulous 275 sqft wrap-around deck. This furnished cabin has all you need for a true Northwoods experience. MLS 6084619 - $249,900

35 W Point Rd Over 400’ of accessible shoreline on the end of South Point with a private boatslip and dock. This 2 BR, 2BA seasonal retreat may be the most perfect spot on Devil Track Lake to catch the sunset. MLS 6085678 $299,900

Tucker Lake What a rare find. Check out this 18+ acre parcel on Tucker Lake. You look right across Tucker Lake to the BWCAW. Loads of privacy and tons of wildlife await. MLS 6084086 - $100,000

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

Devil Track Lake 5.9 acres to make your dreams come true on the popular north side of Devil Track Lake! 340 feet of shoreline to enjoy all the fun things to do on the water! MLS 6085879 $164,900

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

Tom Lake Lovely private super sweet spot on Tom Lake. South facing inland lake lot with 200 ft of shoreline and 2.66A with private driveway and cleared trail, camping area and fire pit. MLS 6081429 - $89,900

Clara Lake With 200 feet of south facing lake shore surrounded by Forest lands this lot is a wonderful escape from the outside world, yet only 12 miles from the Lake Superior shore. MLS 6085959 $109,900

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

Tom Lake Affordably priced Tome Lake property with over 600’ of shoreline and 34+ wooded acres. Wide trail to the dock to enjoy your evening sunsets over thepalisades and catching fish! MLS 6083123 - $117,900

Tom Lake Tom Lake lot with over 200 feet of frontage and an easy slope to the lake! There’s a shed and a dock waiting for you to start your adventure. MLS 6083377 - $69,900

Pike Lake Pristine Pike Lake lot with 190’ of rocky shoreline on the north west side of the lake. Easy year round access off of the Caribou Trail, electricity & broadband available. This south facing lot is the perfect setting for a cabin or retirement Squint Lake home. Mid-Gunflint Trail lot with 2.13A MLS 6084251 - $178,900 & 221’ shoreline. Gently rolling topography, old white pine trees Wilson Lake 4 plus acres & & abuts USFS! YR access, elec & over 335’ of shoreline. Many broadband. improvements in place – a MLS 6028920 - $75,000 driveway; site prep work - partially completed; a septic system and a well!!! MLS 6082785 - $158,000

Condos

Commercial

Bluefin Bay Tofte MLS 6078520 Unit 26, 1BR, 1BA

1st Ave West

8 N. Broadway

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.

MLS 6029037 - $437,900

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 6084360 - $224,900

610 E 5th Street

Commercial lot in Grand Marais with a great location. Just over 100 feet off the Gunflint Trail on East 5th Street with over 10,000 square feet to develop. The area has excellent exposure.

MLS 6083349 - $52,500

NORTH SHORE 52

DECEMBER 2019

$259,900 MLS 6074681

NORTHERN WILDS

Unit 32, 1 BR, 1BA

$275,000

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.

UNIT 210 MLS 6082642 $299,900 3BR, 2BA

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

NEW MLS 6087341

22 Temperance Landing

UNIT 202 MLS 6074935 $295,900

$759,900

2 BR, 2 BA

(218) 387-2131

•

(800) 732-2131

www.CBNorthShore.com

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

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES SUPERIOR LOCATION, WATERFRONT IN GRAND MARAIS. Situated on 160 ft of stunning shoreline with awesome views of the east bay and Artist Point, this early homestead has great commercial potential, or use as a residential home. The large 2 bdrm, 3 bath home would have many options for an Inn or B&B. Two garages, one with living space above, plus a charming shed. The half acre parcel is adjacent to downtown commercial businesses for visibility, but also feels tucked away and private. MLS# 6083621, 6083758 $789,000 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 LOG CABIN, PRIVACY, SIMPLE RETREAT. This Lake Superior 2 bdrm cabin is cozy with fantastic ledge rock shore and tons of privacy. Open floor plan, loft, wood stove, 4-season porch and large deck. 250 ft of stunning and dramatic accessible shoreline. Seller wants to see offers! MLS# 6083912 $379,000 NEW! CROFTVILLE ROAD PARADISE. A rare find! Enjoy a view of Lake Superior from this well built, spacious 1+ bdrm home. Solid front deck, hard oak floors, accessible private beach, and room for a new garage. Add your own finishing touches and enjoy your piece of this iconic area. MLS# 6086969 $294,000 BIG VIEWS ON FIVE ACRES. This cabin sits on almost 5 acres of land and includes 543 feet of Lake Superior shoreline in the Big Bay area of Hovland. It has a nice grouping of old pine trees along the shore and a few cedar. The views are spectacular and whether or not you are looking to build your dream home or use this as is for a getaway you will have some amazing views on the Big Lake. MLS# 6086940 $282,900 LAKE SUPERIOR – OLD FISHERMAN’S CABIN. Tucked in the corner of beautiful Big Bay on the shores of Lake Superior lies the old fishing cabin from a bygone era. This lot has great lake views, and looking east to the ridges running up the coast. The cabin could be renovated and is situated right along the shore. There are nice home sites with access to power and Broadband. The woods is deep and enchanting with large spruce and moss covered boulders. End of the road privacy. This is a unique spot for your home or cabin, and maybe a great place to launch your own fishing adventures. MLS# 6079826 $253,000

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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# 6082864 $179,900 BIG BAY LOT. Lake Superior lot with views, deep spruce forest, adjoining state land and outstanding sunrises and sunsets with the east view of the lake. The forest is enchanting with huge mosscovered boulders. Build your home or North Shore cabin here and enjoy the feeling of seclusion with all the charm and peacefulness of the Hovland area on the east end of Cook County. MLS# 6079835 $177,900

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES LARGE TWO ISLAND LAKE RETREAT - GRAND MARAIS. This 46+ acre property includes a beautiful peninsula with outstanding lake views. Wide creek and tons of wildlife. Privacy assured with over 1600 ft of lake front, plus over 2000 ft of creek. Mostly US Forest lands surrounding you - literally walk to the BWCAW. Charming 4-season, 2 bdrm cabin with large dock and easy lakeshore access. Large stone fireplace and screen porch. Property can be sub-divided. A rare gem located just 20 minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 6083464 $749,900 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# 6085583 $349,900 BWCA AT YOUR DOORSTEP. The cabin you have dreamed of! Perfectly cared for 3 bdrm home with many inviting windows and a huge composite deck. Half a mile paddle to the BWCA with great fishing. Solar panels and propane generator. Dream kitchen with propane oven and antique wood stove. Custom cabinets, solid wood flooring, and even a fireplace in the master suite! The large garage could hold an RV and more! MLS# 6086867 $349,000 FANTASTIC CEDAR LOG CABIN. This is the log cabin people dream about! Well maintained cabin on 3+ acres, open concept, abundant double pane windows with views of Tom Lake and the northern lights, huge wrap around deck. Master bdrm + spare, and a log-sided bunkhouse that sleeps 4+. Certified outhouse, sauna, gas generator, solar panel, and private dock on a great walleye lake. MLS# 6084757 $315,000

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES BEAUTIFUL GUNFLINT LAKE HOME. Description: Custom built and lovingly maintained, this 2br/2ba year round home is offered totally furnished. Nice view, wrap around deck, great stairway system to the dock and lake. Includes Wildfire Sprinkler System. Priced to sell! MLS# 6086404 $299,900 NORTH WOODS CABIN – IRON LAKE. You must see this beautiful north woods themed cabin with 200' shore, located right on the edge of the BWCAW and MOVE IN READY! Two large bdrms plus a partially completed bunkhouse above the garage. With well placed windows, wood accents and tasteful decor, this cabin exudes brightness and peace. Iron Lake has walleye, northerns, large bluegills AND is close to a well known splake lake. Home is used seasonally but it's insulated for winter use. Broadband ready. MLS# 6083525 $289,900 CUSTOM CEDAR LOG CABIN ON MCFARLAND LAKE. A cozy 2 bdrm hide-away with sauna building, guest cabin, storage and new outhouse. Lrg deck, cathedral ceiling, lrg windows with great views and open floor plan. Nice lot with great shoreline. Comes partially furnished. MLS# 6085522 $239,900 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 $219,900 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 fishing boats, canoe, dock, and two Onan generators. MLS# 6029644 $184,900 CLEARWATER CABIN – PALISADE VIEWS. This long-owned and loved 2 bdrm cabin is in nice condition; the perfect simple BWCAW retreat. Warm, cozy wood interior and stunning lake views. It's just a short hop to the 200 ft of shoreline. Huge dock and 2.30 acres with room to build! MLS# 6081382 $194,000

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

DECEMBER 2019

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES 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 the lake! Mark Lake is about a mile long, 8 ft deep with good northern fishing and lots of wild rice. Approximately 200 ft of shoreline with ultimate privacy and wildlife viewing. Seasonal forestry road access, or snowmobile in the winter. Priced well below assessed value. OWNER IS MOTIVATED AND LOOKING FOR OFFERS! MLS# 6026299 $179,000 LOON LAKE GETAWAY. Lovely 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 $179,000 WILDERNESS SETTING – TUCKER LAKE. Unspoiled views & lots of Gunflint Trail privacy. Property boasts two lots – one on each side of the peninsula. You can always launch your boat out of the wind! Planned building site, 554’ shoreline, direct BWCAW access. MLS# 6084691 $169,900 TOM LAKE LOT WITH DOCK. Imagine owning over 650 feet of shoreline on a fantastic walleye lake! The driveway is in and the dock is at the shoreline. Gentle slope with nice building sites. Electric and broadband are nearby, year round access. MLS# 6083761 $169,900 BEARSKIN LAKE CABIN. Lovely, comfortable 2 bdrm cabin on West Bearskin Lake with access to the BWCAW! Many updates, lakewater system, firewise system, nice deck, dock, and a “bath house” with an Incinolet toilet, sink, and shower. MLS# 6083987 $154,900 LAKE PRIVACY ON 20 ACRES. Beautiful Lost Lake is a private, remote wilderness lake with only a few parcels on the water. This outstanding lot has towering white pines, pristine views from a cabin site on a knoll looking south over the whole lake, and great accessible shoreline for your dock. The lake has no public access and is quiet and peaceful with a motor restriction, and nearly half the shoreline is protected by a conservation easement. Seller is motivated! MLS# 6083646 $129,000 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 $139,900 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# 6084314 $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# 603221618, 6032220 $88,000+ PRIVATE TOM LAKE LOT. 25 acres and 671 ft of shoreline on a great walleye lake! Nice white pines, fantastic rock outcropping for your dock. Remote access - no road easements are in place. You can visit this spot by boat or snowmobile. Look for the flagging and sign. MLS# 6083597 $105,000

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 $99,000 LEGENDARY SAWMILL BAY. Magnificent old-growth cedars and maples frame a corner lot with a high and dry build site. Year-round 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! Private, deep wilderness parcel. 17 acres includes almost 300’ frontage on Tucker Lake plus a section of Tucker River. Superior National Forest lands next door with the BWCAW just across the lake. MLS# 6081605 $59,900 ESCAPE TO NINEMILE LAKE. Nice, quiet lake between Tofte and Finland known for its recreational opportunities. 2.9 acres very near the BWCAW. Good snowmobile access to the Tomahawk Trail and miles of trail riding. MLS# 6085601 $59,900 GREAT PRICE LAKE LOT. Deep woods, seclusion and nice views from this Tom Lake lot. 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# 6085287 $43,900

HOMES & CABINS THE BALLY HOUSE B&B. Seeped in deep history and an abundance of charm and class, The Bally House Bed & Breakfast is now available. Not only does it have 4 guests rooms (each w/ their own bathroom), but the owner's home/quarters is spectacular itself. Absolutely turn-key. Updated throughout and lovingly maintained. Massive garage, lovely little stone garage, garden shed, unbelievable grounds. All within walking distance to downtown Grand Marais. MLS# 6084663, 6084813 $669,000 PRICE REDUCED! PRIVACY AND QUALITY HOVLAND HOME. Magnificent, elegant 2 bdr, 2 ba home hidden on 30 acres. Marble tile floors, soaring cathedral ceilings, master bath with hot tub and sauna, marble stairs, artist etched glass, 2000 sq ft garage, and more! A rare gem. MLS# 6086559 $465,000 CLASSIC LOG HOME – SCENIC MOOSE VALLEY. Beautifully crafted, 4 bdrm log home on 81 acres with a mountain-like setting. Large kitchen, large walk out basement, huge heated garage with work shop, two historic cabins used for storage, small creek and thousands of acres of adjoining state forest to explore MLS# 6086788 $446,000

HOMES & CABINS PANORAMIC VIEWS, MAPLE FOREST, UNIQUE LOCATION. This Pike Lake Road property has a warm and comfortable main cottage-home and 2 guest cottages nestled on top of a maple forest ridge overlooking Lake Superior and rolling hills. Bonus sugar shack and acres of nearby public land to explore! MLS# 6085942 $425,000 LARGE CONTEMPORARY GRAND MARAIS HOME. This home/ studio is ready for your vision! Over 4200 sq ft of living space (including studio) on 2+ floors with many large dbl thermopane windows! Plus a cozy 1 bdrm apt on main floor with its own full size kitchen and fireplace. SOLIDLY built with dry basement, covered deck, garages and more! MLS# 6085626 $399,000 FANTASTIC HOVLAND HOME. The large home you've been waiting for only 20 mins from Grand Marais! Secluded park-like 3.83 acre lot with wildlife. The 4 bdrm, 2 bath home has a complete apartment for its lower level. Great features plus pole barn with in floor heat! MLS# 6085149 $239,900 PRICE REDUCED! REMOTE HIDE-AWAY. 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 $244,000 CUTE GRAND MARAIS HOME AND GARAGE. Simple, efficient one bedroom home with maple floors, wrap around deck, updated windows and shingles, and wonderful gardens including raspberries and an apple tree. Move-in ready! Huge 2 car garage with a wood stove, plus covered carport. MLS# 6086208 $174,900 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 $159,900

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

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

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

HOMES & CABINS

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

AFFORDABLE HOME IN COOK COUNTY. Great starter home for year round use or as a seasonal cabin. This home sits on 7.26 acres surrounded by maple trees and only 12 miles from Grand Marais. New construction in 2016. Nice big garage. Close to cross country ski trails, state snowmobile trails and hiking trails. MLS# 6085730 $154,900 RUSTIC CABIN – 77 ACRES. Amazing rustic cabin with beautiful acreage. The one bdrm, cedar sided cabin is wired for electric, though it's currently powered with propane. Cabin features 6” insulated walls for efficiency. Composting toilet, compliant outhouse, and pond. MLS# 6081010 $139,000 QUIET, RUSTIC RETREAT. Located less than 10 miles from Grand Marais, this rustic cabin sits nestled on 40 acres of land covered in Boreal Forest. There are numerous trails crossing the property, only a 10 min hike to the Superior Hiking Trail. This would make a great hunting cabin or just a quiet place to retreat to the North Shore. MLS# 6086823 $109,000 GETAWAY COTTAGE NEAR DEVIL TRACK RIVER. This little cottage needs some good TLC, but it's a start for someone who wants a seasonal getaway at an affordable price. Spacious yard, surrounded by towering pines and poplars. Property boundary is steps away from Devil Track River. MLS# 6085486 $94,000 PRICE REDUCED! NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE. Bright and inviting one bdrm cabin on 37 acres with a panoramic valley view and beautiful mixed forest. Everything in this place exhibits quality. Many windows, solid 24' deck, certified outhouse, generator shed, and cell booster. MLS# 6084083 $89,900

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# 6081432 $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 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. MLS# 6076495 $99,900 CROWN CREEK – FINLAND. Incredible 40 acre parcel with 700' of gorgeous river frontage. It's a unique property with a healthy mix of varied trees, forest floor growth, native plants and endless amounts of privacy! Just a short distance from downtown Finland, lakes, and trailheads. MLS# 6080793 $90,000 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. MLS# 6081718 $69,900 or MLS# 6081719 $59,900 or MLS# 6081720 $69,900 HIGH PROPERTY, DRIVEWAY, CREEK FRONTAGE. This 25 acre parcel has great south exposure and views from a nice building site at the end of a long driveway. Very private setting and frontage on Irish Creek. Ready for your cabin in the woods! Good solar potential and easy year-round access. MLS# 6082872 $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 $47,500 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

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES 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# 6084743, 44 $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# 6080639 $97,900 • MLS# 6080640 $89,900

LAND/BUILDING SITES LOCATION, VIEWS, PRIVACY – 80 ACRES. 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. MLS# 6076511 $279,000 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# 6085112 $169,000 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 $129,000 LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE. 128 acres with good road access and an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road, power is possible here. The 3 forties may be split - take your pick. MLS# 6081431 $111,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES 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# 6084731 $109,900 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# 6083920 $90,000 46+ ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Nice mix of fir and hardwoods, a beaver pond and lots of wildlife sign makes this parcel a great location to start a homestead or explore in your leisure time. Only 15 minutes from Grand Marais. A new driveway was just recently cut in for easy viewing and access. MLS# 6084273 $90,000 BEAUTIFUL LAND, TUCKED AWAY PRIVACY, POLE BARN. This 20 acre parcel is tucked up against the “Hovland mountain range” with mature forest, easy road access and a moderated Lake Superior climate. Large 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 $89,900 MATURE WOODS, LAKE VIEW, CLOSE TO GRAND MARAIS. Great 20 acre parcel on County Road 14 with mature forest and Lake Superior views. Good area for a home or recreational property. Could be subdivided. MLS# 6086641 $89,900 LAND NEAR WILSON LAKE. A special piece of 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 ELEVATED VIEWS IN HOVLAND. Nice elevated property to build a house or cabin, with distant views of Lake Superior. Close to hiking at Judge Magney State Park and Superior Hiking Trail, or trout fishing in the Flute Reed River. The outdoor adventure opportunities are endless! MLS# 6086321 $79,900 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# 6080792 $75,000 FORTY WITH PONDS – COUNTY RD FRONTAGE. This 40 acre parcel has beaver ponds, adjoining 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. MLS# 6076727 $69,900 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 $68,000 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# 6087262 $64,900 WOODS AND WONDER IN HOVLAND. 92.71 acres of loveliness along Tom Lake Rd. This land is in close proximity to Tom Lake and has access to power and broadband. A beautiful spot to build your nest in nature! MLS#: 6083205 $64,000

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

DECEMBER 2019

LAND/BUILDING SITES 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# 6086104 $63,900 LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GREAT LOCATION. Five heavily wooded acres with driveway to a beautiful building site. Great lake view! Only minutes to Grand Marais. Nice mix of trees, quiet dead-end road, south exposure, power and Broadband nearby. Perfect for your home in the woods. MLS# 6086767 $63,000 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# 6085291 $59,900 DEEP WOODS AND PRIVACY 20 ACRES. Remote with access to modern amenities, this acreage has a nice elevation with some views, some maples, other nice trees and a small creek. Road frontage on an old DNR road in good shape. Power and Broadband are nearby. MLS# 6085875 $59,900 LOT NEAR NINEMILE LAKE. Very private and quiet beauty of a lot with power and year round access. This large 6.8 acre lot sits high on a maple ridge with a seasonal view of the lake and deeded access to the cleared corridor to the shore. MLS# 6083977 $56,300 DENSELY WOODED, HIGH GROUND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 ACRES IN HOVLAND. Great location not too far off the beaten path, potential lake views, nice forest and feels remote and private. Just off Jackson Lake DNR Forestry Road. Great area for hiking the nearby SHT, biking or four wheeling the many trails and old logging roads. Potential off-grid home site or cabin site. MLS# 6085963 $54,900 PERFECT 5 ACRE HOME SITE. This is a great residential home site Only 5 miles to town and on a school bus route. Nicely wooded and bordering public land on two sides. A new driveway has been curved into the meadow and perfect home site. 5+ acres for private living. MLS# 6084313 $51,900

REMOTE BEAUTY. This not-so-remote twenty acres is without road access, but just a short distance from Highway 61 with State land in between. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s located on the hillside overlooking Lake Superior, and adjoins Tribal lands on 2 sides. Mature trees and nice topography would make it a great secluded cabin site. MLS# 6081823 $51,000 20+ ACRES IN HOVLAND. Heavily wooded property with a rustic, wood-heated cabin, in the midst of a sled-dog neighborhood. Driveway minimally maintained; a 4 wheel drive vehicle is a good idea. Lots of recreational opportunities nearby. MLS# 6086501 $50,000 WILDLIFE HAVEN. Fairly flat 5.92 acre prosperty despite being located on a hill. Some wet soils, and a mixture of poplar, pines and birch trees. There is quite a bit of wildlife activity here, including deer, grouse and wolves. Potential for a distant Lake Superior view. Adjacent property available (MLS #6082089). MLS#6082090 $49,900 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. MLS# 6087223-26, 28, 30 $48,500 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 59,500 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 $47,900 - $49,900 WOODED PROPERTY NEAR GRAND MARAIS. 10+ acres with pines, birch and poplars, rolling hills and a small creek. Could be a great place to build a home or set up a deer camp. There is also another lot directly adjacent that is also for sale (MLS#6082090). MLS# 6082089 $46,900 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# 6084563 $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# 6085111 $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 â&#x20AC;˘ MLS# 6079615 - $64,900 TWO ACRES IN TOFTE. A MUST SEE double lot (approx. 2 acres), less than a mile from Tofte. Lake Superior views and mixed forest of birch, poplar, and spruce. Road association for summer upkeep and winter plowing. Build large or small to fit your vision. MLS# 6083220 $39,900 LARGE UNDEVELOPED CITY TRACT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GRAND MARAIS. This Central Addition property is perfect for a lot development plan, or as a private home site. City utilities are nearby, city street access. Many possibilities. Great price! MLS# 6086819 $39,900 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# 6084370 $34,900

LOST LAKE

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Lutsen resort company

Please call for more information or to set up an appointment:

Alyssa Sushoreba â&#x20AC;˘ Office: 218-663-6650 â&#x20AC;˘ alyssa@lutsenresort.com

Investment opportunity with Lake Superior views!

Enjoy resort living while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here! When you purchase a unit at Lutsen Resort, you get so much more. The historic resort offers an extensive list of amenities and activities! kayaking â&#x20AC;˘ standup paddle boarding â&#x20AC;˘ fly-fishing hiking â&#x20AC;˘ par 3 golf (and disc golf ) course on property kids camp â&#x20AC;˘ kids pizza and movie night snow shoeing â&#x20AC;˘ cross country skiing â&#x20AC;˘ ice skating door to door ski hill shuttle â&#x20AC;˘ game room indoor pool, hot tub & sauna â&#x20AC;˘ live music â&#x20AC;˘ beach bonfires

& more!

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERNâ&#x20AC;&#x201E; WILDS

Versatile rental on Lake Superior! These Poplar River Condos have 3 bedrooms, a sleeping loft, 3 bathrooms, each with a whirlpool tub, three gas fireplaces and amazing rental versatility. The ingenious floor plan allows rental as one, two, or all three bedroom units by guests making it a popular option for couples AND families visiting the resort. You and your family can enjoy a north shore getaway while earning an income. Unit 582 $339,000 Unit 572 $359,000 Unit 562 $379,000 Unit 512 $439,000

These 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Cliff House Townhomes at Lutsen Resort are the perfect Lake Superior getaway. An open concept kitchen, living, and dining area with a gas fireplace and a patio overlooking the lake, affords owners lake living at its best. This is a family favorite for guests of the Resort. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the many activities and amenities a resort property offers to you as a unit owner. Unit 675 $429,000 Unit 673 $399,000

Enjoy visiting Lutsen in your very own lakeside unit while earning an income at Lutsen Resort! The Sea Villas are as close as you can be to the edge of the water which means amazing lake views and access to Lake Superior. This unit has 1 bedroom, plus a sleeping loft, a beautiful bathroom with a full kitchen, living and dining room, wood burning stove and deck facing the big lake. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss your chance and inquire further today! Unit K3 $212,000 Unit G5 $209,000

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

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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

NEW LISTINGS! READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM! MAGNEY LANE CHARMER ON GITCHEE GUMEE! Unwind along the 200+ft of private shoreline along Lake Superior, or watch the storms roll in from the comforts of your home. Pockets of beach rock come and go, rearranging just so after each day’s series of waves do their artwork. Every room looks to the big lake for inspiration and relaxation. Lots of room for everyone in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home.

MLS#6086609 $499,000

NEW! DEVIL TRACK RIVER COBBLESTONE HOME AT MOUTH OF LAKE SUPERIOR! Fully renovated and much loved home, you’ve all seen the outside, the cool looking Cobblestone house on the Lake Superior side of the Devil Track River, just a few minutes east of Grand Marais. While the exterior is interesting, the interior is FANTASTIC! From the warm wood floors to the hand hewn interior beams and trim, this home welcomes you in to the history of the North Shore. Updated everything and move in ready, walk to the beach and up the river for a day of Fly fishing, just incredible home and location. MLS#6086342 $399,000

MOUNTAIN TOP LIVING ON MINNESOTA’S NORTH SHORE! Breathtaking views of Lake Superior are the focus of this home, built by David Salmela. Lofty Red Pines are scattered amongst the boreal forest surrounding this 4 bedroom home while overlooking the wild country of Tettegouche State Park. MLS#6086880

$650,000

D L O S LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO AT CHATEAU LEVEAUX! MLS#6084009 $149,000

FABULOUS HOME ON PIKE LAKE! 3 bedroom 3 bath home sitting on 10.97 acres, with 358ft of shoreline. Large family room and rec rooms give you space to invite everyone over for bbq’s and lake days. Walk out on the deck and soak in the views or sit in the sauna and let the days worries melt away. Great location just 10 minutes to Grand Marais! MLS#6086465 $475,000

LAKE SUPERIOR TOFTE CONDO AT CHATEAU!

Super Cute 1 bedroom 1 bath Getaway with all the Amenities at Chateau!

MLS#6086139 $69,900

LOVELY LAKE SUPERIOR COTTAGE ON CASCADE BEACH RD LUTSEN! Sweet and simple design,

charm dating back to the late 60’s, but nicely updated with newer windows, deck and updated interior living spaces. The kitchen is cute as can be, with nice views of Lake Superior from the kitchen sink. The living room is cozy with a ton of windows, a wood burning fireplace and walk out slider to a fantastic deck. Lofted above the lake, the views are astounding. Wander down the path to the lower level walk out w/ Rec space for your guests to enjoy with a second bathroom and laundry. GORGEOUS ACCESSIBLE SHORELINE. A Must See home! $549,000 MLS#6085991

D L O S

E L A S ING D N E P LAKEVIEW HOME NEAR GRAND MARAIS! Great home for the outdoor enthusiasts: Kadunce and Brule Rivers close by and Hiking trails just North of you. This two bedroom home’s Lake Superior views will blow you away, while the sunrises and sunsets will make your days relaxed and peaceful. Cozy stone fireplace to take away fall/winter chills after spending the day exploring! MLS#6086879 $274,900

LAKE SUPERIOR BUNGALOW, NEEDS TLC BUT WHAT A LOCATION! MLS#6086343 $289,000

E L A S ING D N E P

THE AWAY-FROM-IT-ALL VIBE IS INTOXICATING. 4.4 acres and 455’ of frontage on

Lake Superior, the sheer number of windows is thrilling. The ambiance is all its own, as unique as that Big Beauty Gitche Gumee right outside the door! TWO dramatic stone fireplaces. Come together in the spacious kitchen. Plenty of bedrooms. Large three stall garage.

MLS#6084250 $599,000

MAJESTIC LAKE SUPERIOR HOME- CASCADE BEACH RD IN LUTSEN. Take a step back in time, when family

gatherings were all about the gathering itself. The classic GREAT room: a Carlton Peak Stone fireplace; high Vaulted ceilings; A prow of windows allowing Lake Superior in all its Glory to flow in to the space. 4 bedrm, 2 baths. All need your vision to transform…make this home YOUR family gathering spot. Mesmerizing Lake Superior shoreline, level access you will LOVE.

MLS#6084614 $625,000 REDUCED!

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DECEMBER 2019

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

Winter Adventures are waiting for you Up North! Happy Holidays from TimberWolff!!

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

DREAMING OF LAKE SUPERIOR? ON THE WATER, LAKE VIEWS, OR INCOME GENERATING!

2 PLUS LOFT BEDROOM LUTSEN SEA VILLA! We aren’t sure

NORWOOD SHORES, LUTSEN’S PREMIER LOCALE. This home is so

what’s better about this Villa, the cool rock island and easy access to beach shoreline a few yards from the Villa OR the master bedroom en suite, a rare find for the Villas! A Total of 3 bathrooms, plenty of space for family gatherings that will no doubt flow out on to the Big Lake Shoreline!

close to the lake: a commanding view. Many details are taken care of by the Homeowner’s Association. The lack of any work encourages the mind to wander, relax, ponder life’s mysteries with the inspiring back drop of Superior generating ideas and dreams. Cathedral ceilings, Plenty of elbow room over 3 levels.

MLS#6084391$339,000 REDUCED!

MLS#6083643 $329,500 DREAMING ON THE NORTH SHORE!

BAY BREEZE, A LAKE SUPERIOR HOME-500+ FEET OF SHORELINE!

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 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.

Between the Border and Hovland, find Elegance combined with single-floor living. Views to the big lake soothe the eye in all the main rooms. Family-reunion size deck. En Suite Master bedroom. This home is all comfort and ease. Wild setting, with a civilized domicile.

MLS#6084180 $479,000

MLS#6076479 REDUCED!

LUTSEN LAKESIDE OASIS ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Built before

SURFSIDE #16A ON LAKE SUPERIOR, MINUTES TO LUTSEN MOUNTAINS!

Clean and Crisp Modern Design, this Quarter Share is waiting for those looking to vacation A LOT along the North Shore! Sensible and cost efficient, this Townhome is a Stone’s Throw to Lake Superior! Check out the 3D Virtual Tour at www. TimberWolffRealty.com and walk through the townhome! You’ll see top quality and inviting spaces for you to create family memories!

MLS#6080869 $184,900 FOR YOUR ¼ SHARE!

UNIT 1 AT BLUEFIN BAY RESORT!

the days of lakeshore setbacks, this home is perched just at the edge of the ledgerock leading to Lake Superior. Well designed home allows the Big Lake to be the Big Focus! Kitchen, Dining, Great room and two of the three bedrooms all have excellent views of Lake Superior. One plus car attached garage, Two driveways from the west end of the Cascade Beach Rd, perfect Lutsen location! MLS#6083301 $535,000

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 REDUCED! $339,900

OLD WORLD CHARM AND CRAFTSMANSHIP MEET 300’ OF LAKE SUPERIOR BEACH!

Just over an hour from Duluth, you’ll LOVE this secluded getaway with a timeless Vibe! The main home is just the right size, with a guest cabin, each bedecked in all the little matters that count. Carved birds soar out of the gables, there’s scrollwork, tin filigree, a sauna. The fireplaces! The beach cobbles came in handy, each a masterpiece - roaring delights.

MLS# 6081939 $639,000

AMAZING LAKE SUPERIOR HOME WITH A BEACH HOUSE! BIG VIEWS FROM ALMOST EVERY ROOM! Beautifully updated kitchen w/ center island. Living room wood burning fireplace is perfect for Lake Superior living! All the hard work on updating bathrooms has been done, this home is ready for your enjoyment! Wait until you see the Beach House! Fabulous for a great sense of the Lake! Many fun features! MLS#6083651 $589,000

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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

COME PLAY ON THE NORTH SHORE, THE INLAND LAKES ARE CALLING!

E L SA ING D N PE

A THOREAUVIAN DREAM ON CHRISTINE LAKE IN LUTSEN! The

LODGE STYLE LIVING ON CARIBOU LAKE! Lutsen’s famed Caribou Lake, where mountainous terrain serves as the backdrop to pristine lake waters, just minutes to Lake Superior on the North Shore! Focused on main level living, the home has a real Lodge Style feeling. A grand gathering space welcomes all who enter. This lovely Lutsen lake home has even more to offer, a classic guest cottage that will surprise you with it’s charm and great condition. A three car detached garage allows for storage of the boats and toys! MLS# 6083867 $649,900

perfect little log cabin. Inside is well laid out, tidy like a ship: kitchen for frying up Christine’s walleyes, cozy living room, loft for dreaming, Large screen porch: listen to spring peepers, study the warbler migration, heck sleep out here all summer! Fire pit for contemplation. 204 ft of Lakeshore for kayaking and canoeing! A few modern conveniences Henry David would likely enjoy in the cabin: composting toilet, electric and baseboard heat, fiber optic. Ok, maybe he’d balk at the fiber optic!

Great Peninsula Point location! Fabulous Lake views from cozy living room w/ wood burning fire place! Wrap around deck, 2 car detached.

MLS#6085653 $349,900

MLS#6083457 $155,000

NEW! HAND CRAFTED LUTSEN LOG HOME ON CARIBOU LAKE!

E L A S ING D N PE

NEEDS TLC, A CHARMING CABIN ON CARIBOU LAKE WITH ALMOST 200 FT OF SHORELINE!

Lutsen’s coveted Caribou Lake combined with a spectacular 4 bedrm 3 bath log home. Main level living, gourmet custom kitchen, Great room with prow of windows and stone fireplace and spacious master bedroom and bath. Lower level guest rooms and bath, and upper loft bedroom en suite. Rec room walks out to the lakeshore. Screen porch room and large deck overlooking Caribou Lake. Sweet fireplace close to the lake. Two Plus car detached garage!

MLS#6086239 $550,000

WOW WHAT A GREAT LUTSEN LAKE CABIN! Over

240 ft of Prime shoreline on Tait Lake. Park like setting, this home is nestled in to the Wilderness. Two huge main level bedrm, large bath and separate laundry. Upstairs big loft, sleep the masses or remodel in to a master en suite! Terrific screened three season porch, updated kitchen with quartz counters. LOVE the Great Room and fireplace. 1 plus car garage/workshop. MUST SEE SOON! MLS#6082618

$374,900

COMMERCIAL ON THE NORTH SHORE!

MOUNTAIN RESORT HOMES FALL FUN AT THE MOUNTAIN! HIKE, BIKE, AND ENJOY FAMILY FUN IN ONE OF THESE GORGEOUS RESORT HOMES AT LUTSEN MOUNTAINS SKI AND SUMMER RESORT! 144C Bridge Run, End Unit two levels, two full baths!

MLS#6080922 $139,900 515 Moose Mtn, Holy Smokes Awesome Unit BIG Value!

MLS#6082462 $187,000

Bargain Buy! 120A Bridge Run at Caribou Highlands! Two levels of fun, upstairs bedroom/ bunk space. Must See at this price!

MLS#6084056 $79,900!

124B The Best at Caribou because it is completely updated and has a double deck, gorgeous 1 bedrm condo!

MLS#6032522, $96,900

BARGAIN BUY!! 120A Bridge Run, Ski In Ski Out for a fantastic price! Two levels of fun, upstairs bedroom to sleep the masses! MLS#6084056 $79,900 REDUCED

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

FORMER SITE OF THE CROSS RIVER CAFÉ! Lots of Opportunities, River Frontage and Established site. MLS#6078629 $65,000

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

DECEMBER 2019

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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! LUTSEN LIVING AT ITS BEST!

2 CABINS OUTSIDE GRAND MARAIS, RENTAL OPPORTUNITY. Yes, they need fixing

up but these cabins have a highly desirable location just “Up the Hill” from Grand Marais. Currently generate rental income, use your vision on upgrades! MLS#6085107

$69,000

LOVELY TEMPERANCE RIVER AREA HOME-6 AC SURROUNDED BY MILES OF PUBLIC LAND.

Adjoining bike trail, a ¼ mile from the Temperance River biking and hiking bridge, a minute more to Lake Superior! Head up the Temperance Rd to the tranquil setting of the #8 swimming hole on the Temperance River! Lovingly maintained home. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, plus sun room bunk room! Large garage w/ art studio space? MLS#6084142 $355,000

CLASSIC GRAND MARAIS HOME! You’ll love the

NEW! COMFY AND COZY YEAR ROUND CABIN IN TOFTE! Great location just across from the Bike Trail, minutes to Lutsen Resort and BlueFin Bay. Cute cabin on a beautiful parcel of land. Big garage.

MLS#6085892 $179,000

brand new kitchen, bright and modern! Enjoy dining with large slider to soak up the nice woods surrounding this home. Spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and south facing sunshine! 3 bedrm 2 bath with updated bathroom. The lower level is all about entertaining, large rec room the kids will adore, everyone else can enjoy playing cards or crafting in the family room. Two car detached garage with side covered boat storage, large Sauna house, and lots of parking space. New Septic system, this home is move in ready!

MLS#6083092 $289,900

GUNFLINT TRAIL WILDERNESS HOME WITH VIEWS OF GUNFLINT LAKE! Newer

construction log sided home. 10 acres bordering the Superior National Forest on 2 sides- seclusion! Throw the boat in at the nearby Gunflint Lake landing when you want to hit the water. Newer home has Fabulous lake views, spacious deck. Fabulous stone fireplace, open dining/kitchen area. Gourmet kitchen, granite. Master en suite bedrm, screened porch. Lots of elbow room with the additional bedrms.

MLS#6083975 $279,000

HONEYMOON TRAIL HOME IN LUTSEN!

Nearly new, really nice home in woodsy setting, great recreational area for hiking, biking, and just enjoying some peace and quiet in Lutsen. Two bedrooms, Open kitchen/family room, nice Southern exposure! Big garage, shed. Walk to Christine Lake! MLS#6082440 $249,900

Look to the West at the backside of Ulr Mountain at Lutsen Mountains Ski & Summer Resort! This lodge style home is in an easily accessible location while feeling very serene and peaceful. 5 acres of wilderness bordering Superior National Forest land, a ravine with small creek flows nearby the home. Stylish interior, wood burning fireplace. Master bedrm suite, Super master bath! Two car attached heated garage, plus a detached garage with side covered boat storage. This is a wonderful Lutsen Wilderness home in a fabulous location!

MLS#6083720 $315,000

E SALING D PEN

GARAGE CABIN IN THE WOODS, SCHROEDER! MLS#6086224 $99,900

E L SA ING D N E P

NEW! RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A HOME IN THE COOLEST SMALL TOWN!

Newer SIP Energy efficient construction and fun layout! Wooded land envelopes this 3 bedroom 2 bath home that has some finishing left to do. Light flows throughout the home, Bright and Sunny! MLS#6086612 $229,900

NEW! LUTSEN LIVING, FANTASTIC GETAWAY CABIN OR YEAR ROUND HOME!

Recreational mecca on the Honeymoon Trail, this cabin is designed for main level living while you stick the family and guests downstairs! Vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and living room spaces, with propane fireplace, and tons of windows to enjoy the wilderness setting. 7 miles up the Caribou Trail, where there’s a ton of lakes, biking and hiking opportunities.

MLS#6086021 $189,900

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

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS

Winter Adventures are waiting for you Up North! Happy Holidays from TimberWolff!!

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

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

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! ROCKY WALL outskirts of Silver Bay! Huge Lake Superior Views, Driveway and Campsite in Place! Maple Forest, Electric, Developed Build Site!

$99,900 MLS#6074084

MLS#6029322 $59,900

D SOL

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!

D L O S MLS#2024250 $42,000

NEW! Well-Manicured lot in Lutsen!

30 acres of Prime Wilderness Land with year round access and electric at street with Views of Lutsen’s famed Clara Lake! MLS#2080599 $137,500

NEW! Top of the Ridge Overlooking Tait Lake! 2+ Garage in place sitting on 2.95 acres.

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!

Wilderness land with canoe access to Tait Lake! 3+ ac a stone’s throw to Tait Lake!

Mature Trees In Town! Excellent location for your main level living home, tucked in to the trees while being a minute to Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and the YMCA!

MLS#6080711 $80,000 MLS#6080709 $79,000

Hilltop build site in the Maples-Isak Ridge Rd

10 acres on County Road 7 with Lake Superior views! $125,000 MLS#6086995

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

Coveted County Road 7 location, multiple lots available $59-69,900 MLS#6086990

MLS#6084133 $49,000

MLS#6078839 $42,000

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

MLS#6029115 $33,000

MLS#6077951 $39,000

NEW! LAKE DEERYARD LAKE GETAWAY! 2.30 acres and 175ft of shoreline!

MLS#6029849 $65,000

MLS#6028619 $67,500

MLS#6086735 $29,000

RUSTIC CABINS AND GETAWAYS!

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

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

NEW! Well-Manicured Lot in Lutsen! Driveway and building site in place, 1.75 acres.

MLS#6086473 $48,000

MLS#6082222 $54,900

MLS#6074981 $57,500

MLS#6086718 $59,900

40 ac Sugar Loaf Rd-Hunter’s Paradise, upland and level land. Yr Round Access, minutes to Lake Superior.

Quiet Side of Town Building Site, just off the East 5th Street in the heart of Grand Marais. Walk to East Bay!

MLS#2312987 $119,000

MLS36086735 $29,000

MLS#6077966

NEW! High Ground above Lake Superior, Bloomquist Mountain area! MLS#6085097 $39,000

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

MLS#6086610 $229,000 Wildwood acres lots- ranging from $19-33,000 Great location! MLS#6087233

Crosswinds in Tofte, Walk to Coho! Large pkg lots, Great Value. FROM $45,000

Tucked in the maples with cedar forest surround, 2 parcels at $36,000 MLS#6084131-2

MLS#2309328+ FROM $39,000

15+ acres with Spectacular Views of Lake Superior!

HUNTERS check this out! 40 ac in Finland Near Cramer Lake-fantastic wilderness setting, picnic table in place! MLS#6085096

MLS#6030129 $89,900

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

32 Chester Blvd, build ready with driveway in place and lovely wilderness setting in Tofte, walk to Blue Fin Bay! MLS#6083919 $64,900

30 acres Wilderness, Borders lands next to Little Manitou River! MLS#2309327 $129,000

Sawbill Trail Tofte Lake Superior Views, Mature Spruce forest with driveway and well in place!

MLS#6078781 5 AC $40,000 10 ac site, minutes to Lutsen Mtn’s. $62,500 MLS#6077523

BIG TIME VIEWS of Lake Superior-Tofte, Excellent value at Johannes Toftey

Whitetail Ridge Overlooking Lake Superior! Just off Highway 1, Enjoy Sprawling Lake and Ridgeline views and Rugged Terrain! Yr Round Access, Electric. MLS# 6024856 $99,000

Hansen Hjemstead Rd, level build site with nearby pond! MLS#6084134 $39,900

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

Maples with lots of Elbow Room, Year Round access and nice location between Cross River in Schroeder and Finland! MLS#6028422 $49,000

INLAND LAKE LANDS

MLS#6086435 $174,900

CLARA LAKE IN LUTSEN! Wilderness Lakeshore Site with cleared build site, driveway in place. Electric at road, 200 ft PRIME shoreline.

WHITE PINE LAKE IN LUTSEN

Build ready with drilled well, new septic system, garage and Fabulous Lakeshore bordering Federal land, stroll to the Tait River for Moose Viewing! MLS#6079880

REDUCED BIG TIME! RUSTIC GETAWAY LAKESHORE, REDUCED! $199,000 BIG TIME VALUE! ISABELLA AREA. Mature pines, end of the road $169,000 MLS#6033095 location on Swallow Lake! CHRISTINE LAKE 10 AC bordering Superior MAPLES, CEDARS, LAKE. LUTSEN.

MLS#2300576 $64,900

LUTSEN LAKESHORE ON DEERYARD! Year Round access, elec/broadband.

Maple hillside, Rocky prime shoreline!

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!!

MLS#6076146 $129,900

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

MLS# 6027279 $199,000

MLS#6074179 $180,000 Owner is licensed REALTOR

D L SO

NEARLY 8 ACRES AND 473 FT OF COBBLE BEACH SHORELINE ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Nice Build Sites, Rugged Terrain! Grand Portage area. MLS#6078704 $266,00 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 $185,000 SCHROEDER, JUST OVER AN HOUR FROM DULUTH! Home site just 40

ft from the Big Lake, level easy access, well buffered from Hwy! MLS#6032752 $250,000

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

30 Minutes to Lutsen Mountains, Moments to Solitude! Deep gravel shoreline, south facing. #240 West Deeryard!

WILLARD LANE PIKE LAKE VIEW LAND WITH LAKE ACCESS! Rugged

200’ of frontage each, Pike Lake, on Maloney Dr off Murmur Cr Rd. Solitude, big white pines, crystal waters, power and fiber within site. $139,000 EACH

MLS#6023288 $99,900

elevation, great build site. Shared 20 ft access to Pike Lake for $75,000 MLS#6078799

MLS#6080664 $187,000

TWO BEAUTIFUL LAKE LOTS,

MLS#6082259

LAKE SUPERIOR LANDS LARGE LAKE SUPERIOR PARCEL, JUST AN HOUR FROM DULUTH!

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

MLS#6032772 $499,900 NEW! TOFTE PARK ROAD ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Well buffered

deep lot, Spruce forest and level sprawling ledgerock shoreline!

MLS#6086299 $399,500

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

DECEMBER 2019

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

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 7

Bluefin Unit 18

Bluefin Unit 26

Bluefin Unit 32

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

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

Bluefin Unit 37

2 BR, 2 BA. Upper level unit affords panoramic lake views. Over $60K in rental income. $315,000

SOLD

Bluefin Unit 38

2 BR, BA turn-key rental property. Newly remodeled and tastefully decorated.

Deb Niemisto 218-370-8434

NORTHWOODS REALTY

Lake Superior Condo’s

Come to the Lake and Create Memories Lutsen Resort

3 BD 3 BA Luxury Condo’s •Turn-key Rental.

Unit 535 MLS# 6083130 $399,000

Unit 515 MLS# 6083142 reduced $385,000

Chateau LeVeaux

sold 62

DECEMBER 2019

1 BD 1 BA Condo Great Location Newly Remodeled pool • hot tub • sauna MLS#6084008 $77,520 NORTHERN WILDS

Eric Frost

Sales Agent, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts 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.

218-663-6886 | eric@bluefinbay.com

Nan Bradley 218-370-8433

lockport@boreal.org www.coldwellbankernorthwoods.com Lake Superior Log Home

Lutsen 2 BD 2 BA Home

Cascade Beach Road - Lutsen MLS#6084146 $799,500

Panoramic Views • Bunkhouse • Ideal Location Great Value MLS# 6083872 $269,900

sold Timber Frame Home • Hovland

37 Acres • New Lester Pole Barn MLS 6082907 $247,000

sold

Lutsen 4 Season Retreat

Caribou Highlands Resort Elite Condo • Sleeps 6 • Guest Favorite MLS 6080501 $127,000

CATCHLIGHT

great gray owl Big, fluffy snowflakes add interest to any photograph. I found this great gray owl during just such a weather event in northeastern Minnesota. The owl was perched at nearly eye level atop a young red pine not too far from a road. A dark background helped to accentuate the gently falling snow.—Bill Marchel NORTHERN WILDS

DECEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

24 11am-6pm

25 10am-9pm

26 10am-9pm

27 10am-9pm

28 5pm-1am Thanksgiving

29 6am-10pm Black Friday

30 10am-9pm

1 11am-6pm Pet Photos

2 10am-9pm

3 10am-9pm

4 10am-9pm

5 10am-9pm

6 10am-9pm

7 10am-9pm

8 9am-10pm Caring Santa

9 10am-9pm

10 10am-9pm

11 10am-9pm

12 10am-9pm

13 10am-9pm

14 10am-9pm

15 10am-9pm Disney Jr.

16 9am-10pm

17 9am-10pm

18 9am-10pm

19 9am-10pm

20 9am-10pm

21 9am-10pm

22 9am-10pm

23 9am-10pm

24 10am-6pm Christmas Eve

25 CLOSED Christmas Day

26 10am-9pm

27 10am-9pm

28 10am-9pm

29 11am-6pm

30 10am-9pm

31 Jan 1 10am-6pm 10am-6pm New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day

Jan 2 10am-9pm

Jan 3 10am-9pm

Jan 4 10am-9pm

DECEMBER

Millerhillmall.com 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth MN

DECEMBER 2019

NORTHERN WILDS