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An extra day of winter We’re not sure how you’ll feel about this, but 2020 is a Leap Year. This means that February has 29 days, rather than the usual 28. No matter how you slice it, we’re getting an extra day of winter. Snowbirds may snicker and say it serves us right. What do they know? Most of us live in the Northern Wilds because we know that you get out of winter what you put into it. If you want to grumble out the cold and snow, well, you have an extra day to do so. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be out having fun.
We are especially pleased to include in this issue a story by noted North Country author Mike Link that profiles three lesser known, but no less noteworthy individuals who made a lasting difference for the outdoors and the environment. Mike said there were so many worthy folks to choose from that he wouldn’t mind doing more stories in the future. We may take him up on that. Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner takes a different twist this month (no surprise there!) and writes about a pair of groundbreakers—the first women to become lawyers in our region.
February is the month we kick off the annual Northern Wilds Restaurant Awards Contest
February is the month we kick off the annual Northern Wilds Restaurant Awards Contest, much anticipated by local chefs and their customers. You’ll find a paper ballot in this issue, but you can easily vote online (northernwilds.com/ restaurant-awards). Be aware you cannot vote for the same restaurant in more than three categories or your entire ballot is disqualified. Voting ends March 31. We’ll announce the winners in the June issue and in our annual North Shore Menu Guide. We’ll also select one voter for a $50 prize to be spent at their favorite restaurant.
If you are looking for something to do outside, check out Joe Friedrichs’ guide to winter outdoor activities. This month, a number of folks from these parts head over to northern Wisconsin to compete in the annual “Birkie” Nordic skiing event. Emily Stone reports on how event organizers are planning to carry the event forward. Our favorite musher, Erin Altemus, explains that even though keeping and training a dog team is time-consuming and challenging for a full-time nurse and mother, she isn’t ready to throw in the towel. Shelby Lonne-Rogentine tells us about a little known, yet popular snowmobile racing circuit for kids.
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.
Make the most of our extra day of winter. Get out there, have fun and work up an appetite. Before you know it, spring will be here.—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt
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VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2 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, Joe Friedrichs, Mike Link, Shelby Lonne-Rogentine, Will Moore, Deane Morrison, Rae Poynter, Amy Schmidt, Emily Stone, Chuck Viren, Eric Weicht Copyright 2020 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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The Lake County Demonstration Forest, located near Two Harbors on the Drummond Grade, provides a quiet wilderness away from the bustle of the city. | SUBMITTED
Lake County’s Demonstration Forest TWO HARBORS— Inside the Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest, located approximately 8 miles northwest of Two Harbors on the Drummond Grade, Lake County Forestry strikes a balance between producing forest products and providing recreation. Lake County manages 150,000 acres of forest, with 480 acres designated as Demonstration Forest. Here the county shows how forests can be utilized and what they can provide. These resources include timber and fiber for industry purposes, wildlife habitat, cultural and aesthetic values, recreation purposes and biodiversity, according to documents inside the Lake County Forestry office. “There’s always that tension there between both groups,” said Nate Eide, land commissioner with Lake County Forestry. “That doesn’t go away, but with a little education on both sides, it’s doable.” In the Demonstration Forest, you’ll find 8 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails for hiking and bicycling, as well as a spur of the Superior Hiking Trail. Other already-created trails for ATVs and snowmobiles pass through the forest. Non-motorized trails are groomed in the snow for snowshoes and cross-country skis— hiking boots aren’t allowed in the snow for fear of creating holes that can’t be repaired and could become dangerous to dogs or fattire bicycles.
But wood is still important, both in and outside of the forest. Loggers in the Demonstration Forest use sustainable practices: they’re careful not to damage any water sources, such as federally protected wetlands or streams, said Dave Cizmas, recreation forester. Even the logging itself is carefully monitored.
Besides, if the forest didn’t generate income through logging, it would be sold off as private land and no longer be available for public use, Cizmas said. The logging revenue largely funds the forestry office. Professionals in the office check on logging operations at least once a week. In managing the forest, they create plenty of
Non-motorized trails are groomed in the snow for snowshoes and cross-country skis “We don’t just cut and then walk away,” Cizmas said. In the event of harvesting wood, professionals replant when necessary. When the tree species doesn’t require replanting—such as trees that mostly grow in the roots, or others that naturally seed—professionals still monitor the area. The loggers are also helping the foresters. “Without them, you couldn’t manage the forest,” Eide said. For example, birch trees only live for about 70 years. Insects like the spruce budworm are a threat to spruce and balsam fir trees. “There’s always a fire risk,” Cizmas said. “But in a managed forest, it’s dramatically lower.”
natural space for wildlife, whether that’s new forest growth or a temporary clearing. Hikers and snowmobilers don’t just chance coming across moose, deer or other animals; they may also come across logging in the process. Either hiking trails are closed while loggers are at work, or the staff puts up signs to educate both the people on the trails and the loggers in the forest. If loggers are in the process of cutting down trees, they won’t be hard to find. “Logging equipment isn’t quiet,” Cizmas said with a laugh.
“Some people stop and watch,” Eide said. “They’ve never seen that happen before.” Winter happens to be the busiest season for loggers in the Demonstration Forest. While loggers are permitted to cut trees that grow in the designated wetlands, doing so when the ground is frozen has the least environmental impact. Eide and Cizmas noted that the ground hasn’t frozen as fast this winter as in the past, which loggers have had to work around. It’s hard to say whether this is related to climate change, but the forestry department is considering a possible warmer climate in the future. Cizmas spoke of plans to plant more oak trees, a tree species from a little farther south that already does well in the forest, but would do even better in warmer temperatures. Cizmas said people taking on the trails in the Demonstration Forest can expect an easy hike or ride that’s a lot less challenging than hikes with steeper inclines. The trails also provide a quiet wilderness away from the bustle of the city. To learn more about the Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest, visit: co.lake. mn.us. —Tammy Bain
People on the trails are advised to stay at least 200 feet from equipment in the logging process. In some instances, logging becomes one more demonstration in the Demonstration Forest.
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Viking launches new voyages, including Lake Superior LOS ANGELES—Viking recently announced the expansion of its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages. Viking Expeditions will begin sailing in January 2022 with its first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022, sailing to Antarctica and the Arctic. Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes will bring the newest and most modern vessels ever to explore this region of North America and will mark a major commitment to local tourism and economic development for the states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. As part of an exclusive preview, past Viking guests have been able to book select Viking Expeditions polar itineraries since October 9. As of January 15, all expedition voyages— including the new Great Lakes itineraries—are available to the public for booking. Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose scientists will join expeditions in the Great Lakes to conduct research focused on changes in the region’s weather, climate and ecosystems. NOAA scientists may also offer lectures about the Great Lakes’ unique environment to Viking guests during these voyages. • Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days; Thunder Bay to Milwaukee) – From Northern forests to pristine lagoons, encounter the natural splendor of the Great Lakes. Visit bald eagle and bear habitats that abut charming frontier towns in this remote region of North America; and pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron via the impressive Soo Locks. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,695 per person, with free airfare within North America.
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GRAND MARAIS—The Grand Marais Art Colony has announced a new conference to be held March 6-8 in Grand Marais. The three-day For the Love of It! Conference is focused solely on professional development for artists. “Artists have told us for a long time that they want help with the professional side of their practice: everything from setting professional goals to learning how to price their work. This conference is a great chance to do a lot of that work in just one weekend,” says Drew Digby, director of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, or ARAC. With an organizational mission of facilitating and encouraging arts development in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota, ARAC has been a major supporter of the conference since it was first brainstormed by Grand Marais Art Colony artistic director Ruth Pszwaro in early fall of 2019.
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• Great Lakes Explorer (8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay) – Embark on a true expedition along “the nation’s fourth seacoast,” from Georgian Bay’s granite islands to Thunder Bay’s towering cliffs. Experience the carfree idyllic Mackinac Island, and learn about Indigenous cultures and frontier life along the way. Multiple sailing dates between May and September 2022. Inaugural pricing starts at $6,495 per person, with free airfare within North America. For additional information, visit: viking.com.
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Viking Expeditions will use Thunder Bay as a destination port for its Great Lakes cruises, starting in 2022. | VIKING
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Digby is among the six presenters who will be leading 10 individual sessions spanning the course of the conference. Joining him are Lynn Speaker and Greg Mueller, both career artists and board members of the Art Colony; Paul Lajeunesse, Professor of Art at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth; and Kathleen Durbin, a St. Paul-based musician, composer, and creative coach. The keynote speaker of the conference is Philadephia-based writer and
choreographer Andrew Simonet, who in 2006 founded Artists U, an incubator for helping artists make sustainable lives. Because his organization shares many of the same goals as the For the Love of It! Conference, the Art Colony identified Simonet as an ideal candidate for the conference’s inaugural year. Sharing his thoughts on the struggles many artists face, Simonet says, “There is no roadmap for artists. Our careers and work are mostly self-generated. We create our art, and, at the same time, we build opportunities and resources to support it. This can be thrilling and difficult and isolating. Artists U and this gathering are crucial spaces for artists to connect and learn from each other. Like other professional associations and conferences, we make space for practitioners to swap ideas and strategies. How do you sell your paintings? How did you make a rehearsal space for your dance company? How do you bring community participation into your mural project? Connecting with other artists makes our work stronger, our impact deeper, and our lives more sustainable.” According to Pszwaro, the For the Love of It! Conference pledges to address some of the thorny issues that arise when making a career out of being an artist. Conference sessions include not only practical topics such
as pricing work and grant writing, but also topics such as understanding one’s creative strengths and orienting an artistic practice around such strengths. Each session is priced individually, so attendees can either participate in everything at the conference, or take a frugal approach and select just the sessions in which they’re most interested. While the most comprehensive conference pass will cost $160 (with a discount for current Art Colony members), individual sessions are priced at either $10 or $25 for those interested in tailoring their own schedule. Additionally, once the conference begins, attendees will have the added benefit of being able to sign up for one-to-one appointments with the conference presenters so that each attendee can get direct feedback and advice on any particular topics with which they might be wrestling. The organization hopes for a strong turnout from regional artists and, as Pszwaro says, “Loving a practice and sustaining it inherently go hand-inhand.” Digby adds, “We spend a lot of time helping artists think about their careers and finding the resources to do the work they want to do. We’re excited to help artists live better lives.” Tickets are available now through March 1. To learn more, visit: grandmaraisartcolony.org.
Inspired by Superior, Torkildson’s travels have taken him to places as far reaching as the Himalayan Mountains, as wild as the Amazonian Rainforest, and as spacious as the Saharan Desert. All told he has spent time in 135 different countries and worked as a diver, commercial fisherman, ship navigator, customs and immigration expert, writer, publisher, a fixer in Africa and as a vintner in Sicily. In May of 2019, Torkildson and his wife Siffy decided to move back to the North Shore and make Hovland their “homebase.” Again, Torkildson cited Lake Superior as a source of inspiration, though this time as the inspiration to return home rather than leave it. “Lake Superior was a huge draw, I mean, it’s really wild up here and I like that,” says Torkildson. “Now I’m mushing, trekking and living a sustainable lifestyle that I appreciate in a community that inspires me. We call this place our ‘lighthouse’ and Hovland is our ‘main-base.’ It feels good to be home.” Back in Hovland, Torkildson and Siffy have found the perfect place to continue preparing for the Midgard Expedition. The expedition is set to officially launch from Oslo, Norway in July of 2020, after the crew completes a series of initial sea trials in South Africa.
Built with hand-hewn white oak beams, hand-forged nails, and hand-woven rope, the Midgard Herron and her crew plan to follow ancient Viking pathways as they strive to highlight both modern and ancient models of intelligent, sustainable and integrated life on earth. | SUBMITTED
Hovland man joins Midgard Expedition
“South Africa is where Bjorn Heyerdahl lives,” says Torkildson. “It’s where the boat was built, so that’s why we met there in January.” “The (sea trials) are about the crew getting to know each other, getting to know the boat and getting to know the expedition,” says Torkildson. “Bjorn has created this program for us where we’re going to first visit the model community that he’s developed (in South Africa), than we will get the ship in the water. We will start inland at the Katse Dam, but the hope is to finish by traveling around the Cape of Storms.” In addition to serving as a rower and navigator aboard the Midgard Herron, Torkildson will also be the expedition’s “scribe.” “Basically, I am the writer for the expedition,” says Torkildson, “so I’ll be collecting stories from people, seeking out communities and individuals who are doing groundbreaking work, and also interviewing old timers to see how the environment has changed during their lifetimes.” When asked about the expedition’s mission, Torkildson described it as “finding solutions to society’s current global crisis in the same way that the Vikings had to do so 1,200 years ago.”
HOVLAND— On January 15, Hovland resident Robert ‘Tor’ Torkildson traveled down to South Africa to join the visionary Bjorn Heyerdahl and a collection of crew members from around the globe in a series of sea trials for the much-anticipated Midgard Expedition. With Torkildson’s help, Heyerdahl, grandson of the legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl, has put together an expedition that plans to travel coastal waterways around the globe in a sustainably handcrafted 40-foot Viking longboat named the Midgard Herron. Built with hand-hewn white oak beams, hand-forged nails, and hand-woven rope, the Herron and her crew plan to follow ancient Viking pathways as they strive to highlight both modern and ancient models of intelligent, sustainable and integrated life on earth. To a peripatetic explorer like Torkildson, adventures like the Midgard Expedition are more than a past time, more than a diversion from work and the demands of ordinary life. For Torkildson, the act of exploration is a reason for being, a need rather than a want, whose calling he heard from a young age and has followed ever since.
With Torkildson’s help, Heyerdahl [CENTER], grandson of the legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl, has put together an expedition that plans to travel coastal waterways around the globe in a sustainably handcrafted 40-foot Viking longboat named the Midgard Herron. | SUBMITTED Torkildson was raised on his familys resort in Hovland, where he developed an intimate relationship with Lake Superior and a love for big water. When asked what sparked his decision to pursue the life of an explorer, Torkildson is quick to credit Lake Superior and the ships he used to watch navigate its icy waters as a young child.
“I used to look out across Superior at the ore boats,” says Torkildson, “and from watching them I decided that I wanted to be a sea captain. So, I went off to college, entered the Navy, and was navigating ships all over the place. Then I left the Navy and really wanted to see the world, so that’s what I pursued. I have spent most of my adult life overseas.”
“The purpose of this whole thing is the search for intelligent life on earth, but really it’s all about finding solutions and than broadcasting those solutions to the world,” says Torkildson. “Our ship, the Midgard Herron, is a platform to that end, a platform to go out and interact with the global citizens that are trying to do the right thing and save this planet.” For further information on the Midgard Expedition, its crew, and to follow the Midgard Herron’s progress on each leg of its journey, visit their website: midgardexpedition.com. In addition to his work on the Midgard Expedition, Torkildson is also working on a book of “fictional essays” entitled The Hovland Chronicles: Stories I have heard, overheard, or misunderstood.—Eric Weicht
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Jeremiah Peck helps his son cool off after a cycle inside the Hiki Hut Mobile Sauna in Duluth. | SUBMITTED
Winter heat in Duluth DULUTH— Needing to warm up? Try the Hiki Hut Mobile Sauna in Duluth, owned by husband and wife duo Kelby and Whitney Sundquist. The sauna itself was once an ice-fishing house that the couple purchased and remodeled beginning in late 2017. Adjacent to the sauna is a changing area and entrance with basket cubbies and coat hooks. The couple began taking it on the road in December 2018. “It was Whitney and I and the Internet, learning how to build this,” Kelby said.
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The couple was first turned on to saunas in September 2017. Whitney’s brother, a member of the 612 Sauna Society in the Twin Cities area, invited them to a sauna session. Kelby said he and Whitney weren’t so sure about the sauna experience. “Sauna is for the YMCA and the hotels, and you just get hot,’” he remembers thinking. But Whitney’s brother taught them “how to cycle,” as well as sauna etiquette: “kind of how we’re teaching people now,” Kelby said. The Sundquists follow the Finnish model, in which you sit in the hot sauna for roughly
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15 minutes at a time. A wood-burning stove keeps the sauna heated; the sauna-goers pour some water on the stove’s hot stones to create steam. The mobile sauna reaches between 190 and 200 degrees. A wooden hot room fueled by a wood-burning stove sounds great on a cold day. But you’ll soon become uncomfortably hot. When this happens, Kelby first suggests to create more steam and take in the heat. When you can’t take the heat, get out of the sauna. You may jump in the snow or pour water over your head. You may use one of a variety of essential oils to build and break a snowball. You might even jump in the nearby Amity Creek, where the couple cuts a hole in the ice each Sunday. And when you become uncomfortably cold, Kelby suggests to wait a little longer before heading back in the sauna. He suggests that people who jump in the creek stay in for at least 15 seconds. You’ll cycle in and out of the sauna about three times per a one-hour session, Whitney said. “It’s about getting the endorphins going,” Kelby said, adding that through the cycling, you won’t always feel comfortable. “After you do it, that’s when you benefit.”
After that September 2017 sauna session, the couple felt more relaxed than ever as they drove home. The sauna destressed them from the usual grind of life and work, and they slept better than they ever had. Still, moderation is key—like drinking beer, overdoing the sauna experience defeats the purpose, Kelby said. The Sundquists aren’t the only ones who swear by the sauna. Finnish immigrants brought saunas to the northland, and once here often built their saunas before their own homes. Today, people across the world swear by the sauna. Users sweat out toxins and relax their joints—many of the mobile sauna users come to the chalet after skiing or snow-shoeing, the Sundquists said. The sweating can also help burn calories, or in the short term, improve respiratory conditions. Some studies, from Finland and Germany respectively, have even suggested that sauna users have a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s Disease or the seasonal flu. But the physical effects only make up part of the experience.
The inside of the Hiki Hut Mobile Sauna features wooden walls and a stove where water can be added to create steam, just like in traditional Finnish saunas. | SUBMITTED
“There’s kind of unspoken rules in the sauna,” Kelby said. “You don’t bring your phone in the sauna. You don’t talk politics in the sauna.” With room for six people, you’re bound to sit with some strangers in a space where everyone is vulnerable, yet created equal. In one sauna session, an electrician could be sitting next to a doctor, Kelby said. “It’s a melting pot.” Whitney suggests to keep an eye on a clock on the wall, as she said that two minutes may easily feel like 15. But the hourlong session often forges new friendships. “By the end of the hour, people are swapping phone numbers, chatting about their week or their families,” Kelby said. “It’s a social situation where there is no segregation.” After that September 2017 experience, the Sundquists found that while Finnish immigrants brought their saunas to the northland, there’s a scarce local market of public saunas. They decided to create their own, and knew right away they wanted to make it mobile, to be near Duluth’s water access, trails and other area scenes. At the urging
The Hiki Hut Mobile Sauna sits against a winter scene. The mobile sauna is currently completing a winter residency at Lester-Amity Chalet in Duluth and will also appear at various pop-up events. | SUBMITTED of friends and family, the couple decided to gauge public demand. The mobile sauna has found success. The couple completed seasonal residencies in the Duluth area, attended events like Ursa Minor’s recent Winter Solstice celebration, and joined pop-up events at breweries, parks and other locations. After its winter residency, the couple plans to bring back last summer’s “Cold Water Club,” which proved popular with the public at a time when the couple thought demand would taper off due to warmer weather. Details are still in the works, and people can follow the sauna’s website and Facebook page for updates. “Everyone likes their sauna in different
Down-home Northwoods Atmosphere
On this particular Sunday, she returned with three companions. Price said the group enjoyed time away from screens, in a setting that was both a social event and one that promoted wellness.
places, too,” Kelby said. “Some people, we only see at taprooms.” He added with a chuckle, “some, we’ll never see at taprooms.”
“You’re just sitting there spending time,” she said. “You feel like you’re doing something good for yourself.”
The mobile sauna is brighter in color and lets in more light than a traditional darker sauna. This way it feels as warm aesthetically as it does temperature-wise. The couple wanted to bring nature, quiet, calm and serene themes, Kelby said.
The Hiki Hut Mobile Sauna is completing its winter residency from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays, at The Lester-Amity Chalet in Duluth, near Lester and Amity Parks on Seven Bridges Road.
Return customers and word-of-mouth recommendations help the success, Kelby said. Cara Price had tried a sauna at The Y while living in Grand Marais, but first tried the mobile sauna on her birthday. “It’s super relaxing,” she said in the nearby lodge, where sauna-goers can enjoy a fireplace and tea after their session.
The mobile sauna will return here through the ski season, which typically ends in March, said Whitney. The sauna costs $15 for a one-hour session, and guests should reserve their seats at hikihut.com/reserveyour-seat. Come prepared with swimsuits, towels and water bottles.—Tammy Bain
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When I’m Dreaming, I’m Not Blind: The Listening Owl Theatre Project THUNDER BAY—The room is in semi darkness, as the winter night deepens. Some of the people in the room are wearing specialized eyewear that replicates visual impairment. Those people do so by choice—others do not need the eyewear. In varying degrees, they are blind. The sighted ones are present to hear the stories of those who are blind. And not only blind— “The First Nations Support Group came up with the idea of a theatre project,” says Willow Springs Creative Centre coordinator Judy Vinni, who, along with playwright Eleanor Albanese, artist Jen LaFrance, and sound artist Zoe Gordon worked with the Group under the auspices of the Thunder Bay chapter of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). “They thought it was a bold idea to use a visual form of art to share their stories of vision loss.” In the darkened room, the recorded voice of Indigenous film maker Michelle Desrosiers begins gently reciting the traditional Algonquin tale of The Rough-Faced Girl. It is a story like the more familiar Cinderella, of a young woman of pure heart who is abused by her step-sisters. They desire to have the Invisible One, a great and powerful hunter, as their husband. In pauses as the story enfolds, the First Nations story tellers present in the darkened room quietly share their experiences of blindness.
As Vinni and LaFrance worked over the ensuing months with the Group, the project evolved from a theatre piece into an interactive audio presentation. The Group chose The Bii Zii Dun Goo Ko’Hoo (Listening Owl) Project as the event name and gave input into the design of the event’s logo. The Group also commissioned local Indigenous artist Perry Perrault to create a representative painting for the Listening Owl evening. Some of the stories are fraught. One Indigenous woman speaks of being sexually assaulted during an eye examination. Another relates how his doctor was in tears, telling him, “I can’t do anything for you!” A third speaks of verbal abuse by a city bus driver. Some leave their white canes at home, to avoid being targeted by bullies. Yet others spin their stories in humour. One woman tells of having a one-sided conversation with a bear, before she realized that she wasn’t addressing a human. “I always think everything is funny,” says Wilfred Moonias. “My late wife said, ‘Why don’t you use that humour to help you in your blindness’, so I did!” “We held regular sharing sessions at the CNIB office (over the months),” says Vinni. “Eleanor Albanese used dramatic techniques and prompts that participants could smell, hear, taste and feel to help draw out the
Audience members Dorian (left) and Laurie Kendall with vision-loss simulating eyewear. | PETER FERGUS-MOORE multitude of stories each project participant had to share.” The Rough-Faced Girl, disfigured by torture and by tending the fires to keep everyone warm, hears how each of the sisters fail the test of their suitability to be the Invisible One’s wife. The Rough-Face Girl realizes that she can see the Invisible One and asks if she may take the test. To the scorn and amazement of her tormentors, she is accepted. “In my dreams, everything is colourful,” says Ma-Nee Chacaby. “I can see a number of senses roused. There’s a hidden gift in disability—it will come out and help you. When you don’t see, you got to believe in something to guide you through.” Participants in the When I’m Dreaming evening sit around tables, listening to the stories over an ethereal soundscape. Tea, blueberry jam and bannock are available at every table, for a “kitchen table” atmosphere. Sensory stimulants like sprigs of cedar and fir, spruce and pine cones, and rocks are left in bowls in the centre of each table for anyone to touch and feel. Each table also has a storyteller, to answer any questions.
The evening draws to a close and the lights come up. Hopefully, those sighted ones have had their eyes opened to the reality of those who lack sight.—Peter Fergus-Moore When I’m Dreaming, I’m not Blind took place November 28, at The Art Gallery, Thunder Bay.
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
T
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.
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.
July, 2016
NYSE American: PLM TSX: POM
j 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. 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.
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.
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There Was a Gentle Man
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...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 species of hunting of hunting were, and what on in the day accompanied the frontier. More than Minnesota by 30 photogr Historical Society. 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
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Niskanen. a Book of “I only recently Skills,” a finalist Author of the 2012 for 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
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Sportmen’s Tales fro m 1850-19 00
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ISBN 978-0-57
$19.95 8-485782
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Compiled by Tom Land wehr
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There Was a Gentle Man
Compiled by Tom Landw ehr
Of The Hedstr om Lumber
About the Author
1939 Old North Shore Road Duluth, MN 55804 stephendahl@q.com 218.525.4679
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.
od: 100 Years
Carl
m Lumber Co.
SNOW BUNTING BOOKS
Po et r y of R OB E RT T H OMP S ON
John Steven Redshaw
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 .
polymetmining.com
in Their Blo
Work continues toward a new era of prosperity on the Iron Range – providing the metals for devices critical to our future like hybrid and electric cars, wind turbines, solar cells and energy-efficient appliances.
the Hedstro
Sawdust
A Century of 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 ingenuity able to remain and tenacity. By challenges and adverin their 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 grew, ruined so did the company. in a fire. the company hauled During the 1930s As the within the wilderness, a portable sawmill to and 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 Minnesota. Sawdust the few lumber the Hedstrom mills in Their Blood family’s is try. It also celebrates achievements during 100 years in the a celebration of the North Shore a prominent part, timber induscommunity and which played of which success. a powerful, continuingthey are such role in their
51200
Hunting Adve ntures on the Minnesota Front ier
SawduS ust Their Blo in th od 100 years of
$12.00 ISBN 978-0-578-50522-0
There Was a Gentle Man
WWII Love Letters of John O. Redshaw
To the Family of John and Madge Redshaw:
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.
NORTHERN WILDS
The Rough-Faced Girl, embodying the Indigenous virtues of honesty, courage and respect, answers every question, and is rewarded with marriage to the Invisible One.
I
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.
FEBRUARY 2020
Other participants speak of relatives blind or becoming so, and their anguish as a result. Sighted participants are also given a short talk on how to approach and assist with people with vision loss (e.g: “Never tell a blind person something is ‘over there!’”), and, if one is present, how to interact with a guide dog.
Have a book in you? We’ll help you get it out.
Precious Metals. Promising Future.
10
Sighted audience member Laurie Kendall marvels at the courage and strength of the Group members: “Some of those stories were horrifying!”
Professional editing, design, and printing. 218-387-9475 • print@northernwilds.com
KC PRO-East Ice Racing: Making the most of the ice
rockwoodbwca.com/routes
Rockwood is on Poplar Lake with 3 entry points into the Boundary Waters 47, 48, 49; transport to 43-45, 50-58, 60-66 (and more)
rockwoodbwca.com/canoes KC PRO-East is a snowmobiling, ice racing group for kids, offering 15 different classes for ages 17 and under. | SUBMITTED DULUTH— As temperatures become frigid and the roads become glazed, some of us tend to zone out and hunker down until spring finally emerges. But some folks like (and thrive in!) the ice and snow. That includes the kids in KC PRO-East. KC PRO-East is the Kids Championship Power Racing Organization. It is a snowmobiling, ice race group for kiddos. KC PRO originally came about in 1987 in Thief River Falls. The group split into east and west groups in 1991, with KC PRO-East focusing on the Iron Range area. After that, the group split again later between north and south, as travel was still a concern in the winter (creating KC PRO Ice in the southern part of the state). Coming up, KC PRO-East races on February 22 and 29 in Duluth. The organization has 15 different classes for every age 17 and under (oval ice races are for kids ages 4-14). “Our requirements for each class depend on how you set up your sled, gears, and motors. It also depends on the experience of the child,” said Shawntel Gruba, the KC PRO-East secretary. “It’s all about having fun. Sometimes they’re great at it, and sometimes they’re not, and that’s okay.” Every year the organization has several different races (including the ones in Duluth). They always have a big race, but the name always changes. This year it is the Midwest Championships, hosted by Kids Pro Ice in the Twin Cities area. “They invite everybody to get together and we do our own little state championship races,” said Gruba. “There are cool trailers, cool sleds, fun kids. We’re out on the ice all day long, from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The races start fun and the kids give each other knucks, then they become serious for the race. After it’s over, there’s a lot of ‘Great job, you did great!’” Gruba and her husband Adam (the president of the club) have been involved with snowmobiling their entire lives. “It seems like around here you’re either into hockey or snowmobiling, and our family was into snowmobiling. You’d get home and you’d hop on your snowmobile and go see your friends. [Our group] is like a second family now. I have a huge love and passion for the sport. Our son is now 11, but he started when he was 5,” said Gruba. “We race every Saturday in January and February and for two weekends in March. You don’t take weekends off. It’s not like other sports, there is no practicing really.”
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KC PRO-East not only races, but also raises money for a cause. | SUBMITTED Why do the Grubas do what they do? “It goes back a long way; I love kids,” Gruba said. “I run the board at the beginning of the track. I get to see each kid before they go out there. I don’t want to sit and watch, I want to be out there giving every kid a high five. I know we’re going to be here for a long time. I want to see the club succeed.” The group not only races, but also raises money for a cause. Lately, they’ve really been focusing on local kids who are ill. “The kids can identify with them, because they are all around the same age. We raise money, invite the families to come to the race track, do a lap for them, and give them a jersey. We like to raise awareness for a cause and dedicate what we’re doing to them,” said Gruba. Do you know someone who would be interested in KC PRO-East? “Come play! Check it out, it’s really neat,” said Gruba. “The kids just walk into people’s trailers. Be a spectator. Decide if you want to try this. We have all of the protective gear. Check it out around the track. Experience the intense moments. We love having new members, even if it doesn’t work out, we’re all there to help you. It is a family sport.”
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rockwoodbwca.com/lodge _Original 1932 log lodge _large meeting room _check-in, check-out _hi-speed WiFi (100 mbps!) _picnic shelter with gas grill
To learn more, visit: kcproeast.com.—Shelby LonneRogentine
NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
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Dragonraces
Special Olympics Canada! (Chapples Golf Course); and speed skating (Delaney Arena). The Honorary Chair for the Games—and the first to join the volunteer roster—is Thunder Bay’s Krista McCarville, a well-known national curler for 23 years who has competed on local, provincial and national rinks, like the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the Pre-Trial and Trial Competitions for the Winter Olympic Games.
Hungry Jack Lake
“Accepting the role of Honorary Chair for the Special Olympics Winter Games was a natural decision for me,” said McCarville in a news release. “I feel strongly about spreading the message that just because you may be different, it does not mean you cannot achieve your dreams. I want to assist however I can, to support the Special Olympics athletes in achieving their dreams.”
FEB 15 Registration starts at 11 am Races start at Noon 600, 700, 800, Open and Improved 600 ft Track Castle Danger Brewing Co. will be serving beer
Food specials
Come for the Fun, Stay for the Weekend.
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games comes to Thunder Bay February 25-29. | CELENA S PHOTOGRAPHY THUNDER BAY— National media attention will be on sports in Thunder Bay from February 25-29, when more than 1,200 athletes, managers and mission staff from across Canada will be competing in the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. Added to that will be 60 technical officials, 500 volunteers, 800 friends and family and 50 Special Olympic Canada Family & Sponsors. The national games are the qualifying event for athletes to become members of Team Canada attending the 2021 Special Olympics World Winter Games (originally scheduled for Sweden in February 2021, but another site is now being sought). The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are a multisport national event for athletes with an intellectual disability. The athletes will compete in eight official Special Olympics sports in Thunder Bay: alpine skiing (Loch Lomand); five-pin bowling (Galaxy Lanes); cross-country skiing (Kamview Nordic Centre); curling (Fort William Curling Club); figure skating (Thunder Bay Tournament Centre); floor hockey (Lakehead University C. J. Sanders Fieldhouse); snowshoeing
How did the Special Olympics begin? Well, it’s a cool U.S.-Canada dual story. The Special Olympics movement was founded by American Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of the late President John F. Kennedy, with the first Games held in 1968 at Chicago’s Soldier Field. However, it was the research of Canadian sport scientist Dr. Hayden at the University of Toronto that led him to propose a National sport competition for those with an intellectual disability, an idea that caught the attention of Shriver and inspired the inaugural 1968 Special Olympics. (Dr. Hayden later worked with Shriver at the Washington-based Kennedy Foundation.) Today, the Special Olympic movement has become the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with an intellectual disability and is “dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sports.” Worldwide there are 4.9 million involved in year-round Special Olympic programs and about 1 million coaches and volunteers. In Canada, there are more than 45,000 athletes with an intellectual disability registered in year-round Special Olympic programs, ranging from two-year-olds to adults. At the 2020 Games in Thunder Bay, the youngest athlete will be a 13-year-old alpine skier from Alberta, while the most mature will be a 74-year-old five-pin bowler from British Columbia. Opening Ceremonies for the Games will be held on Tuesday, February 25 at Thunder Bay’s Fort William Gardens, followed the next day by the Family and Friends Dinner, a buffet-style Italian supper at the DaVinci Centre. For more information, visit: specialolympics2020.com. —Elle Andra-Warner
Wolf Ridge goes to China Feb. 22nd & 23rd, 2020
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sled Dog Racing in Ely February 22nd
Art Benefit – Volunteer Appreciation Vet Checks – Musher Dinner
February 23rd—Race Day
Starts at Ely Softball Complex, 9:00 am Art Benefit all day at the Grand Ely Lodge
February 23rd—After the Race Award Banquet at the Grand Ely Lodge
Details at: wolftrackclassic.com or @wolftrackclassic 12
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FINLAND— Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, a nonprofit organization in Finland, is helping non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China expand their environmental education efforts in the country to promote people’s connection to nature. The National Committee on United States-China Relations—a nonprofit that works to build lasting relationships between citizens in the U.S. and China—selected Wolf Ridge to advise Chinese NGOs to help build and sustain environmental education centers in the country. Pete Smerud, executive director at Wolf Ridge, traveled through China and Taiwan from January 2-15 to advise on how China’s environmental NGO’s can create sustainable facilities and educational materials, experiential educational techniques and staff training methods. “I’m honored and humbled to be able to share the wisdom and lessons
learned in Wolf Ridge’s almost 50 years of connecting more than 700,000 students to nature through hands-on field study,” said Smerud. In 2019, the Chinese government began a policy requiring that their nature reserves offer environmental education experiences to help visitors build deeper connections to the natural world. The National Committee on U.S.-China Relations brought Chinese environmental education specialists to the U.S., with the goal of helping them discover what makes our environmental education efforts successful and sustainable. Chen Yang, deputy director of Public Education for six nature reserves in Shenzhen, China, spent four weeks at Wolf Ridge in the spring of 2019. Fully immersed in the outdoor learning that takes place at the center, she lived with the teaching staff, participated in hands-on experiential activities with students, observed classes and teacher training methods, and got a behind-
the-scenes look at what makes Wolf Ridge successful. In total, Chen Yang visited 30 environmental education centers around the world in search of a model to bring home to China. Upon her return, she recommended that China’s NGOs’ environmental education efforts follow the Wolf Ridge model with its focus on hands-on, immersive experiences in nature. “We hope this trip and educational experience will turn into an exchange, and that we will be able to send alums of our nature program to China to assist with curriculum and program development,” said Smerud. Smerud’s travels are managed through the Professional Fellows Program, which is part of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is funding the trip.
Points North Measuring winter by the inch By Shawn Perich
This winter can be easily summed up with two words: snowy and mild. Once again, we have deep snow across the Northern Wilds, but the bitter cold that typically tests our mettle has been mostly absent or of short duration. The snow, on the other hand, started in October and, at this writing, just keeps coming down. While the lack of cold may be a comfort to some folks, others find it frustrating. Frozen lakes, covered with an insulating blanket of deep snow, have been slow to make thick ice and prone to slushy conditions, challenging ice anglers, snowmobilers, skiers and loggers. Mild conditions and a bountiful crop of conifer cones have prompted many of our usual winter birds to remain farther north, which is why you’ve seen few pine grosbeaks, redpolls and pine siskins at your feeders. The northern forest needs cold weather. Brutal cold snaps can devastate some invasive insect pests that damage native vegetation. Deep snow isn’t unusual around Lake Superior. It is often a result of what is called the Lake Effect, where Superior’s expanse interrupts a winter storm’s progress and allows it to gather more moisture, which is deposited as snow. Along the Minnesota shore, where the lake usually remains open most of the winter, less snow falls near the lake, while greater amounts accumulate on the high ridges a few miles inland. This is why white-tailed deer migrate to the lake shore in winter, where large numbers may be seen in your yard or along Highway 61, especially in February and March. Whitetails, which migrated northward into what was traditionally woodland caribou habitat as European settlers altered the landscape through logging and clearing the forest for farming, are not well-adapted to deep snow. Wintering near the lake improves their odds of survival. While caribou have disappeared from all but the northernmost reaches of Lake Superior, another member of the deer family, the moose, has strong, long legs that allow it to navigate deep snow. This winter, I’ve been monitoring snow depths near my home in Hovland for Minnesota DNR Wildlife. The agency shuttered its Grand Marais office a couple of years ago, leaving just the Two Harbors office to cover the entire North Shore. When Two Harbors area wildlife manager Nancy Hansen mentioned to me that no one was measuring snow depths in my neck of the woods these days, I offered to take up the
task. Every weekend, I drive up the Arrowhead Trail with my four-foot steel ruler to measure the snow accumulation. It’s fun. Winter snowfall totals are different than the depth of snowpack that covers the ground. Snowfalls settle and lose depth or melt and settle during thaws. Snowpack is what remains. Up here, by the end of winter the snowpack is usually a deep, dense blanket of white. Following Hansen’s guidance, I’ve found three places in the forest where the snow isn’t blocked by sheltering conifers. Stabbing the ruler into the snow several times, I come up with an average depth. I measure the same spots each week. My first location is about a third of a mile from Lake Superior, where the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a station to monitor precipitation. The next one is about five miles inland among a stand of old growth white pines. The third is perhaps 12 miles inland at the intersection of the Arrowhead Trail and the Shoe Lake Road. For years, I’ve walked dogs on some quiet snowmobile trails at this location and been amazed how deep the snow becomes by March. Leave the packed trail and you’re wallowing in snow that is well over your waist. We’re not there yet, but for this point in winter—the latter half of January at this writing—the snow is starting to get deep. Following a fall of more than a foot of fluffy snow, my most recent measurements were 31 inches at the MPCA site, 39 inches at the Pines and 41 inches at the Shoe Lake Road. I struggled to climb/ crawl over the five-foot snowbank left by the county grader at the Pines. If the snow keeps coming down, negotiating the short distance from the road to my measuring spot will require snowshoes. I’m already looking to replace my four-foot ruler with a longer measuring stick. While I’m curious to see just how deep the snow may become, my interest in deep snow is somewhat perverse. The deeper it gets, the longer it takes to melt in the spring, which can delay the onset of trout fishing by weeks. When the rivers eventually open up, they run cold and extra-high, making for poor fishing conditions. The plus side is that once the conditions improve, good trout fishing lasts well into the summer. Climatologists and a lifetime of winter experience suggest that our snowiest months may still lie ahead. Even “normal” snows will continue to add up. Blizzards around the time of the Minnesota high school basketball and hockey tournaments in March are a tradition. Some may recall in 2013, we received over four feet of snow in April. In fact, this far north, it is unusual to see much bare ground until the end of that month. Sometimes snow cover stubbornly persists into May. Given the mild temperatures so far this winter, perhaps spring will get an early start this year. But I’m not holding my
As the snow piles up north of Hovland, it is nearly time to get a longer ruler. | SHAWN PERICH breath. More likely, when the folks “down below” are welcoming the arrival of spring, I’ll still be heading up the Arrowhead Trail once a week with my trusty ruler. That’s when I’ll start fielding calls from spring-fevered trout anglers from points south seeking river reports. When I tell them there is over four feet of snow on the ground, they
Shawn Perich’s POINTS NORTH online
won’t believe me. They never do. Up here, we’ll be waiting for winter to disappear— inch by inch.
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
NORTHERN WILDS
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KINDS 5
of Winter Fun By Joe Friedrichs
Lakes large and small are great for ice skating, as show here on Deer Yard Lake near Lutsen. | MATTHEW BAXLEY
Looking at an outdoor thermometer in February or March in the Northern Wilds can lead to mixed reactions. A common response could be to toss another log on the fire and slip back beneath a layer of wool blankets. However, these long winter months can provide amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation and should be celebrated as a time to venture in the woods or on the ice. Some opportunities can overlap, such as skiing or snowmobiling across a lake to go ice fishing. Some activities are new to the scene, such as fat tire cycling across the snow. Others, including ice skating, are timeless traditions. 14
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that somewhere in the area there is a race from January to the beginning of April.” As you might imagine, the key to this type of cycling is all in the tires. A tire used for winter trail riding is typically five inches wide, which is nearly double that of even a robust mountain bike tire.
Tires on a fat bike can be upwards of five inches wide. | JOE FRIEDRICHS
Fat Biking It was not long ago that the notion of riding a bike during the winter meant some type of heat wave melted all the snow and ice. Then, along came fat bikes. Now we have events such as the Norpine Fat Bike Classic. An estimated 200 cyclists participate
in the annual bike race every January near Lutsen. “There were literally three races a year for fat-tire racing just a few years ago,” said Grand Marais resident (and mayor) Jay Arrowsmith-DeCoux. “Now it’s literally every weekend
Arrowsmith-DeCoux owns the Fireweed Bike Cooperative in Grand Marais. The local cycling shop is a gathering spot for cyclists from all over the Upper Midwest and Canada who come to ride local trails during the winter months. The Norpine and Pincushion trail systems near Grand Marais have dedicated areas for fat tire bike riding throughout the winter. Near Duluth, the outdoor guiding service Day Tripper offers fat-bike tours for those looking to get introduced to the sport or just learn where to go on a bike during the winter. Ultimately, Arrowsmith-DeCoux said the more places there are to ride a bike during the winter, the more people are likely to give it a go. “Winter riding opportunities and fat tire riding infrastructure are getting better and more abundant every year in northern Minnesota,” he said.
Ice Skating Hockey is the sport most often associated with Minnesota and Ontario. However, a similar, albeit much less intense activity is ice skating on lakes. “There’s a special thrill to skating on (local) lakes because the great ice conditions are so ephemeral,” said Cook County resident Chris O’Brien. “When conditions are right, just a few times per year, lakes like Gunflint Lake freeze over with several inches of smooth black ice for a few days or more.” O’Brien and other regional skating enthusiasts say skaters can fly along for miles on lakes near or in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In addition to the pursuit of ‘wild’ black ice, visitors can also skate on cleared lake ice at some of the lodges along
the Gunflint and at the outdoor public rinks throughout the Northern Wilds. Ice skating on a frozen lake is a far different experience than circling a manmade rink. As with all winter sports, there are certain safety precautions that need to be considered when ice skating on a frozen lake. These include ice thickness, the surface or texture of the ice and one’s ability to turn and stop effectively while on skates. So popular is lake ice skating in Cook County, that a Facebook group was created where skaters can share ice reports from popular lakes, including Hungry Jack, Seagull and Gunflint. With regard to where one can skate throughout the region, the answer is simple: Anywhere there’s safe ice. Rick Mickelson stops at the Trestle Inn in Lake County to warm up while snowmobile riding. | DEAN THOMPSON
Ice Fishing
Snowmobiling
During the past five years, Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis and I have put down more words on the pages of this magazine about ice fishing than all of the other writers combined. Why is that? It’s because we’re both obsessed with this winter sport. Ellis spends his days fishing some of the large frozen bays on Lake Superior. I do most of my ice fishing on lakes in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We both chase trout, with lake, rainbow and brook being our favorite species to pursue each winter. It’s not unheard of that we pursue walleye, northern pike or other fish swimming in local waters as well. But in this part of the world, chasing trout while ice fishing is the main draw. Ice fishing is not for everyone. That being the case, ice fishing is very approachable here in the
The author of this story with a Cook County rainbow trout. | MICHAEL DETERMAN
Northern Wilds. One reason is the sheer abundance of places to find good ice fishing. Find a frozen body of water, obtain an ice auger, drill a hole, put a flashy spoon tipped with a minnow head down the hole and wait for something to bite.
Cross-Country Skiing From Duluth to Thunder Bay there are literally hundreds of miles of groomed cross-country ski trails to explore. Among our favorites are the Korkki Nordic trails just east of Duluth, the Pincushion system of trails near Grand Marais and the Kamview Nordic Centre near Thunder Bay. The Gunflint Trail is home to some of the state’s best ski-trail systems. The breathtaking landscape is covered with old-growth white pine, spruce, aspen and balsam fir. It’s within these forests that you’ll be skiing across the secluded reaches of northern Minnesota and dozens of border lakes. Included in the Gunflint-area trails are Banadad, Big Pine, Aspen Alley, River Trail, Magnetic Rock, Rabbit Run and Lonely Lake Trail. Little Pine ski trail—part of the Upper Gunflint ski system—is lit
It should be no surprise that the tremendous amounts of snow known to fall near Lake Superior makes the North Shore a magnet for snowmobiling. The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail is a 146-mile route that runs from Duluth to Grand Marais. In addition to main routes near the Big Lake, there are many popular snowmobile trails that run inland from Lake Superior as well. From Two Harbors to Thunder Bay, these trails zigzag through remote forest terrain and are maintained by hardworking volunteers and local clubs. Adrian Tessier is president of the Northwest Ontario Snowmobile Trails Association. “If you want wilds and you want wilderness, we have unlimited kilometers of that,” he said. “Get away from the congested trails, traffic,
cell phones and immerse yourself in the beautiful tranquility of snowmobiling in northwestern Ontario.” Sharing Tessier’s passion for riding sleds is Dean Thompson, a board member of the Voyageur Snowmobile Club based in Two Harbors. He said most of the trails in Lake County are maintained by seven local snowmobiling clubs and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “The trails allow visitors the unique experience of remote scenic powder experiences that can’t be reached any other season than the winter,” Thompson said. “Views vary from Lake Superior to scenic forests and majestic overlooks with warm shelters to recover from the brisk temperatures.
every evening from 4-9 p.m. for nighttime skiing. On the Central Gunflint ski system, Golden Eagle has a 1.5km lit trail every evening from dusk to midnight. Bearskin Lodge and Pincushion both offer night skiing, too. The beauty of cross-country skiing in the Northern Wilds is that it has something to offer everyone. Most of the regional ski trails are suited for the intermediate skier. However, there is plenty of good skiing for beginners and some challenging trails for those who like speed, sharp turns and long hauls through dense timber. In Minnesota, don’t forget you need to purchase the Great Minnesota Ski Pass to ride most public trails. This is $10 per day or $25 for the year per person and can be purchased online or at most outdoor shops in Minnesota.
Backcountry skis are often used to help travelers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness during winter. | JOE FRIEDRICHS NORTHERN WILDS
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Northern Elders
Heroes of the North Country by Mike Link It is important to look back at some Elders that have left us a legacy of North Country beauty. As Sigurd Olson once told me, “We would not have the canoe country that we are fighting for if not for all the battles and victories in the past.” The North Country is a breeding grounds for adventurers like Will Steger, Lonnie Dupre, Ann Bancroft and Paul Schurke; it is an inspiration for writers like Sigurd Olson, Helen Hoover, Douglas Wood and Calvin Rutstrum; and a palette of artistic expression for people like Les Blacklock, Craig Blacklock, Ellen Van Laar and George Morrison. Each of these people have contributed to our contemplation and knowledge, but there is another set of people who deserve our reflection—those warriors who have stood up to development, taken criticism, and were willing to be on the front line because they knew it was important. I can only select three for this story so I hope you will join me in celebrating Josephine Mandamin, Willard Munger and Bud Heinselman as three of many who deserve a second look. 16
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Josephine Mandamin Josephine Mandamin, a First Nation water walker from Canada, was a long-term visionary who died in February 2019. She and her Mother Earth Water Walkers went around the perimeter of Lake Superior and then went on to walk around the other Great Lakes. Starting in 2003, Josephine covered more than 17,000 miles. She is from the Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island and Thunder Bay became her headquarters for her walks and the efforts to address water pollution. Kate Crowley and I met with Josephine on Thunder Mountain next to Thunder Bay during our walk around Lake Superior. It was a dark night with the lights of Thunder Bay flowing from the base of the mountain to the shores of the lake. Beyond that was the Sleeping Giant, Naniboujou. In our book, Going Full Circle, Kate describes our meeting—“She wore a fleece jacket and a long skirt. Her long gray hair was clipped up behind her head. We stood at the back of her truck talking about the walk that she had done. She, along with others, had carried a bucket of water traveling on the roads around Lake Superior. She described how the calluses grew on her hands. Then we shared stories from both our walks. “She was a fascinating person whose gentle aura masked her determination and dedication. Born on
Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, she has lived in the Thunder Bay area since the 1970s. She has always lived by the water, is a member of the Fish Clan and was born under the sign of Pisces. She has had dreams of swimming with fish and snakes and in her dreams she can breathe underwater. She seems well suited to call attention to water concerns.” Before we departed Josephine said, “People seem to be sleeping, not paying attention to what is around them. The water is always flowing, it never goes backward.” Today her legacy is in the continuation of the Water Walkers movement in waters around the world. And the big picture is that lakes and rivers, both great and small are essential to the life of the planet and everything on it, but our government and the indifference of people who do not think about where their water comes from threaten the future. We all need to be water walkers in our homes and wherever we live. As she has said, “We’ve known for a long time that water is alive. Water can hear you. Water can sense what you are saying and what you are feeling.”
Willard Munger Willard Munger is not the person you would picture as a political powerbroker. He was a gas station owner by the Duluth Zoo and then a motel owner in the same area of Duluth. He seemed more likely to be in Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon than in the St. Paul land of wheeling and dealing politicians. He was content where he was and focused on what he could do and what needed to be done. By the end of his career, he had been the longest tenured representative in state history (since passed by two others.) John Helland, long a part of the Capital scene, in the critical arena of drafting bills and doing research, worked with many legislators in the house and recalled Willard—“It was interesting. Initially, he seemed a little overwhelmed by being the Environment Chair but settled into the role and later ran the committee with an iron and fair hand. He was totally committed to the environmental cause and would never trade a position for something else he may have wanted.” Willard was a man of integrity and I suffered my greatest embarrassment in the Kelly Hotel when I was walking with my legislator at that time—Representative Doug Carlson—and we met Willard. Carlson was caustic and immediately lashed out at Willard with something so inappropriate I cannot remember it now. Willard did not rise to the bait; he was calm and Carlson moved on, as did I. I could not even make a comment, I was so taken aback, but my image of Willard as a person who had the strength of character to let Carlson’s baiting just wash off and fade away made Willard the stronger by far.
Don Arnosti, environmental consultant, worked closely with him during Willard’s last decade in the office. “I learned how to handle bullies by how Willard handled them,” said Arnosti. In the 1990s there was a push to eliminate the wetland laws or at least to weaken it. Willard was holding up the bill in the committee until a deal could be struck in the Senate and when an agreement was reached at night the committee met at 8 a.m., it took two minutes to pass; but Irv Anderson had made a number of changes from what the Senate had agreed to. Arnosti was in the hall reading the bill and saw the changes—which led to a shouting match with Anderson—Arnosti then met with Willard and let him know what happened. “Willard charged like a bull and called Irv out.” Two bull moose; Willard 85, Anderson 73, and the result was that Willard won out because he stood up to Anderson and would not compromise his principals. “That is the only thing bullies respect.” Arnosti reflected, “Willard told me that he was raised on a farm and listened to the frogs and nature. He was ahead of his time, pushing recycling in the 1950s, long before it became a standard.” Willard was always a leader, “When the deformed frogs were discovered he told the story of the frogs singing and the silence now.” Like another Silent Spring, Willard tried to wake us up.
Bud Heinselman Bud Heinselman was a surprise to me. I met him when he was primarily known as a researcher who had spent years wandering the canoe country with his increment bore. With this instrument used for looking at tree rings he probably got to more remote locations in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest than any other person. Counting rings, matching growth patterns and finding fire evidence he deduced the history of fire in the ecology of the border region forests and mapped a pattern of fire history that demonstrated fire was actually the ecological force that created the mosaic of forest types and ages that make the canoe country such a fascinating and inspiring mix of forest and lakes. My first impressions were of a man who seemed unassuming and perhaps a little nerdish. He had a tremendous ability to understand forest ecology but did not look like a natural leader of an effort that would put the canoe country into wilderness protection and preserve these historic ecological patterns. That is, until he spoke, and let his passion come forth. As Kevin Proescholt, former director of the Friends of the Boundary Waters stated, “Bud combined the analytical mind of a scientist with the passion of an activist. He was also very transparent and without guile. Important people in the Boundary Waters story recognized this nature in Bud—Federal Judge Miles Lord, Rep’s Phil Burton and Don Fraser—and implicitly trusted Bud because they knew he was only interested in protecting the Boundary Waters.” Miron Lee “Bud” Heinselman was born on February 7, 1920 in Duluth,
Minnesota. After serving two years in the U.S. Army during World War II he returned to the University of Minnesota to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1948, and a master’s degree in forestry in 1951. In 1961 he received his Ph. D. degree from the University of Minnesota. And then, if you can imagine, he sought every virgin stand of forest in canoe country, mapped it, aged it, determined its relationship to local fires and put it together in an amazing detailed map of the region. Ultimately his final major contribution came when he challenged the hierarchy of the Forest Service and became an advocate for the landmark 1978 BWCAW Act. It was during this time that I saw the warrior in Bud, the determination and resolve necessary to complete the wilderness designation for the greatest canoe country in the U.S. I was in D.C. with him and I met with him daily as we shared insights and strategy. There was no one more determined than Bud. He took an early retirement from the Forest Service in 1974 in order to become more involved in efforts to save the BWCAW without having to answer to his boss. And this was not a part time commitment; when you got to know Bud, you found that he was that proverbial bulldog, the one that grabs hold and won’t let go. The strategy sessions in Bud’s apartment in D.C. were truly thorough daily assessments of what was said, how people were met, where the opposition was and what to do next. Bud did not want to live in D.C., but he knew that was where the fate of the northern Minnesota’s Boundary Lakes would be decided. NORTHERN WILDS
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By Breana Roy
February Exhibits
This month, we have new exhibits along the shore and must-see exhibits coming to a close. It’s also the annual Ely ArtWalk Feb. 6-16, featuring a window-shopping exhibition of more than 400 pieces of art by artists with direct ties to the Ely area. See our events calendar for artist meet and greets, an arts market, and more. To learn more, visit: elyartwalk.org
Sarah Brokke’s Metamorphose exhibit at the Prøve Gallery in Duluth will be open until Feb. 21. This oil on canvas, titled “A Love Story in Five Parts: Part V,” can be seen on display. | SARAH BROKKE You have until Feb. 23 to see the Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. This piece is an acrylic on paper, titled “Untitled [Together],” 1977. | BENJAMIN CHEE CHEE COLLECTION
Watercolor artist Bonnie Dufresne is one of many artists to participate in the Ely ArtWalk, taking place Feb. 6-16. | BONNIE DUFRESNE
Rita Corrigan will hold an exhibit throughout February at the Tettegouche State Park Visitor’s Center in Silver Bay, featuring paintings like this one, titled “Artists’ Point, Grand Marais.” An opening reception will be held Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. | RITA CORRIGAN 18
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Woodworking artists Michael and Kathy Brennan will also take part in the Ely ArtWalk. Shown here is a cheese cutting board made of mixed woods with turquoise inlays. | MICHAEL & KATHY BRENNAN
Lisa Winter was first introduced to birch bark artwork by local Thunder Bay artist Mac Squires. | LISA WINTER
LISA WINTER
Acrylic Ink on Birch Bark CREATIVE SPACE: By Eric Weicht Inspired by the beauty of northern landscapes, Winter mostly produces forest scenes using black and white acrylic ink on white birch bark pieces that she collects from the surrounding area. | LISA WINTER Until retirement, Lisa Winter never planned on becoming an artist. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Winter spent the first 33 years of her professional life working for the provincial public service before pursuing her late-in-life dream of becoming an artist.
make birch bark bookmarks, something that I still make to this day.” As a mentor, Mac Squires taught Winter how to prepare the birch bark for her work. He taught her how to clean the bark using hot water and a toothbrush, how to bring out different layers of color from the bark by scrubbing, what ink to use when drawing on birch, and what sprays to put on after to solidify the work. However, when it came to developing her drawing skills, Winter turned to a different resource available to her—the Internet.
“I really had no interest in art for most of my life,” says Winter. “I mean, I don’t think I started appreciating the artwork on my wall until I was in my 40s.” When asked about the spark that set her down the road to becoming an artist, Winter credits a need to explore her creative side after so many years spent “pushing paper” behind a desk. “My job with the government required a lot of desk work,” says Winter. “So just prior to retiring, I thought I would try using the other side of my brain for awhile and see what sort of artistic ability was hiding out in there.”
Thunder Bay resident Lisa Winter is a member of the non-profit Artisans Northwest, as well as a participant in craft revivals throughout the Thunder Bay area. | LISA WINTER
Now, five years into her career as an artist, Winter’s success as a commissioned artist, a member of the non-profit Artisans Northwest, and as a participant in craft revivals throughout the Thunder Bay area is testament to the artistic ability that was “hiding out in there.” Best known for her acrylic ink landscape drawings displayed on prepared sections of birch bark, she has recently begun mapping lakes onto birch bark as well as creating mirrors from birch bark and birch twigs.
to the birch bark artwork of local Thunder Bay artist Mac Squires.
Winter’s artistic journey is one of persistence, patience and passion, a journey that started when she was first introduced
“I had purchased a couple of pieces of artwork that had been done on birch bark from Mac,” says Winter, “and I was very impressed by his work. He had been making art on birch bark for 20 years at the time, and I started haunting him a little at craft shows to see if I could get him to teach me his craft.” “There was another lady at the time trying to do the same thing,” continues Winter, “so eventually he agreed to spend an afternoon teaching the two of us how to
“You have to remember, when I started I was attempting to do this without any kind of artistic training,” says Winter. “I first started taking Wednesday afternoon art classes at a local community center, and as much as I learned from the course, what was most important is that it forced me to stay there and work on something for three and a half hours. Honestly, most of the training that I had was from the Internet. Living so far out of town at Hawkeye Lake, the Internet was opportune for me since I didn’t have to go anywhere. It’s amazing what we have access to online these days.” Countless hours of hard work and practice later, and Winter has emerged as the prominent artist that she is today. Inspired by the beauty of northern landscapes, Winter mostly produces forest scenes using black and white acrylic ink on the white birch bark pieces that she collects from the surrounding area.
just so much [birch bark] around up here, especially in the recently logged areas near where I live, that I never need to.” After cleaning each piece of bark, the texture and color of the bark can vary greatly from the original pre-washed piece. Because of this, Winter has found that she tends to only keep about 30 percent of the bark that she cleans, using the rest to “light the sauna.” “My biggest challenge,” says Winter, “is to incorporate the rough plated sections of the white birch bark along with any remaining lichen and mosses into my imagined scenes.” “Maybe I see a hole in the bark and decide to make it a cave where a bear would hibernate, or maybe a texture in the bark makes me think of mountains, so that landscape takes on a mountainous setting,” says Winter. “It’s an interesting challenge, and it gives me a good feeling to produce something that I am proud of and that other people also appreciate.” Winter will be displaying her artwork at the upcoming Thunder Bay Craft Revival on Sunday, May 3. Photos of her work can be found on the Artisans Northwest website: artisansnorthwest.ca. Winter can also be contacted via email at: lisawinter@ tbaytel.net.
“I don’t take any of my birch bark directly off of live trees,” says Winter. “There’s NORTHERN WILDS
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THE LATELYS
Plenty of Soul Along Superior JAMS: By Will Moore Duluth-based band The Latelys pack a tremendous punch. With tight, emphatic performances and upbeat songwriting, the trio brings a vintage energy to the stage that slickly grooves as much as it erupts in a hot run of bluesy beats and emotive vocals. Keyboardist CJ Hanson says their sound is inspired by Motown, along with 60’s rock, pop and soul singers, while vocalist and bass player Jenna Harting says it’s a struggle to pin them into a genre; it’s more about the band’s approach to their music.
“It was really an experience,” says Hanson. “That was the first time I think all of us had been in the studio for an extended period of time, or in a studio of that quality.” “We hammered it out in ultimately five and a half days, just heading down for the weekends, so it was very much like a recording boot camp,” adds Harting.
“There’s a little bit of a blue-eyed soul vibe to it, but I think playfulness is kind of an integral part of our music. Being playful with rhythm, lyrics, and the melody line,” says Harting.
The record, which features Harting’s dog Buddy on the cover, is packed with peppy tunes featuring Hanson on a 70’s Wurlitzer organ, which he says he likes for its “warbly warm kind of bark.” There’s also many driving R&B inspired songs where Harting’s voice soars and screams, and others where they slows things down and her singing goes from smooth to cathartic.
That playfulness comes through on the group’s first album “Waiting For You” which was released last fall. They recorded it at the Terrarium studio in Hanson’s new home city of Minneapolis.
Harting first came to Duluth to study opera at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, but says those days are behind her now. The Latelys formed in late 2016 and she’s been singing with them ever since.
Briand Morrison
Duluth-based band The Latelys consist of [L TO R] CJ Hanson, Jenna Harting and Rachel Riefenberg. | SUBMITTED “I definitely love singing and would find an avenue to be able to do that no matter what,” she says. The group also marks the first time she’s played bass in a band. “Typically I play keys, but CJ is way better than me, so I was forced onto another instrument,” Harting laughs. “I like being part of kind of the backbone rhythm section and locking in with Rachel on the drums and being able to approach with a different kind of creativity.” The trio is rounded out by drummer Rachel Riefenberg, whom Harting says is essential to keep the band fun.
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“She likes to keep it different. She likes to throw in little special moves, and really let her instrument speak loudly for herself,” says Harting. “She has a part that she works on, it’s not just like a slap on the old drumbeat type of thing,” adds Hanson. “She really spends time with it, thinking what other elements can she add to the song or to the section.” Harting says she and Hanson have complementary styles of writing songs. She comes up with a melody and adds lyrics later, while Hanson will come up with words and then adds a chord progression. “And what’s really fun is Jenna can sing anything,” says Hanson. “I can write really crazy melodies that I couldn’t even dream of singing, and just throw it to her and she’s singing it. That’s really fun for me because I get to see songs come to life that normally I wouldn’t.” As for what lies ahead for the group in 2020, Hanson says they’re wasting no time on coming up with some new material. “We’re really hungry to create,” he says. “We’re keeping the live performances on the lighter side so we can kind of get together and hopefully start working on album number two.”
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Art Pick of the Month A self-taught, accomplished artist of many years, Ely resident Joe Baltich, Jr. is one of many artists to participate in the Ely ArtWalk. He’s also the founder and president of Into the Brush, a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide art educational programming in a wilderness setting. This painting is titled, “First Ice.” To learn more, visit: intothebrush.org.
EXHIBITS Thru Feb. 9 Tommy Kronquist: Medium Control Duluth Art Institute
Thru Feb. 15 The North Now: Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru Feb. 16 Along Shifting Surfaces: Snow Drifts and Shoreline Spaces: David Andree Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org
Thru Feb. 21 Sarah Brokke: Metamorphose Prøve Gallery, Duluth
Thru Feb. 23 Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru Feb. 28 The Paintings of Rita Vanderventer Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth
Thru Feb. 29 Kathy McTavish Exhibition Joseph Nease Gallery, Duluth Spaces: Time and Place Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth
Thru March 8 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Photo Exhibit Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, beargrease.com
Thru March 15 5th Annual Fibre Arts Exhibition Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay Acquisitions Through the Years Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth
Thru March 31 Laura Andrews & Paula Gudmundson: Integrated Vision Duluth Art Institute Sharon Dawson Mayor’s Reception Room, Duluth City Hall
Thru April
Feb. 1-29
Moose of the Bold North: Root River Photography International Wolf Center, Ely, rootriverphotography.com
Rita Corrigan Exhibit (Reception Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park Visitor’s Center, Silver Bay
Thru Spring
Feb. 6-March 1
Ceramics by Glenn Nelson Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth Gashkibidaaganag: A Selection of Bandolier Bags Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth
Duluth Art Institute Annual Member Show (Reception Feb. 6 at 5 p.m.) SLC Depot Great Hall, Duluth
Feb. 14-April 12
Thru Aug. 9
Andy Messerschmidt Duluth Art Institute
Art in Conflict: An Exhibition by the Museum of Russian Art Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth
Feb. 21-April 10th Annual Spirit of the Wilderness Community Art Show North Shore Health, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ spiritofthewilderness
Thru Jan. 10, 2021 Asymmetry: ThreeDimensional Works from the Tweed Museum Collection Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth
March 9-29
Jan. 31-Feb. 23
Emerging Photographers SLC Depot Great Hall, Duluth
Winter Plein Air (Reception Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org
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February 9: Screening: Watchers of the Sky (2014) 2pm February 17: Defining Genocide and Responsibility in the Face of Mass Violence Presentation U of MN 1:30pm-3:00pm and 6:30pm-8:00pm Feburary 22: The Holocaust and Me (One Man Musical Play) by Dylan Fresco at Arrowhead Center for the Arts - North Shore Music Association Event 7pm-9pm February 23: Screening: MN Holocaust Survivors Documentaries 2pm March 4: Unconscious Bias Workshop MN Extension TBD April 7: Global Competency Workshop MN Extension 5:30pm-8pm April 28: Understanding the Genocide of Indigenous Peoples Presentation U of MN 1:30pm-3:00pm and 6:30pm-8:00pm May 4: Creating entry points: A tool for finding opportunities for positive change within the system of inequity Workshop MN Extension 5:30pm-7pm May 4: Bring This Conversation Home Workshop MN Extension 7pm-8:30pm May 12th: Understanding Journeys and Identities: critical reading of the news and other media U of MN Streamed Online (Zoom Lecture and Q&A) May 16th: Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities Linsey McMurrin 9am-Noon May 16th: Understanding the Impact of Historical Trauma Linsey McMurrin 1pm-3:30pm TBD: Tolerance MN Learning Through Legacy Presentation by a Holocaust Survivor Decedent More events and registration can be found at: WWW.MYCCHE.ORG • 218-387-3411 PROGRAMS@MYCCHE.ORG
SERVING THE NORTH SHORE AND BEYOND NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
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The annual Hygge Festival in Cook County includes an evening bonfire with SVEA Singers at Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais. | SUBMITTED
NORTHERN DELIGHTS
on Saturday, Feb. 15. Held from 6-8 p.m., the Oberg Mountain Trailhead will be lit with luminaries for this fun, family-friendly event. And enjoy a bonfire, hot cocoa and a cookie either before you leave or when you return, as well as a little conversation from other folks. sugarbushtrail.com
Jan. 26-Feb. 8 Northern Delights is Thunder Bay’s fall and winter culinary festival. Established in 2015 by local restauranteurs, this event is now in its fifth year and is being led by Tourism Thunder Bay. It offers the perfect opportunity for patrons to discover delicious cuisine and celebrate the local restaurant and food scene. During the two-week festival, participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus, some using local ingredients, at $25 or $35. A list of participating restaurants can be found online. visitthunderbay.com/ northerndelights
SNOWMOBILE RIDES
COLD FRONT FEBRUARY
Feb. 1, Saturday Celebrate winter with the 3rd Annual Cold Front February festival in Bayfront Park in Duluth. Held from 10 a.m.8 p.m., this family-friendly event includes outdoor skating, a sliding hill, kids snow play areas, snowflake crafts, live music, hay rides, snoga by Runa Yoga, food and drinks, local vendors, fire pits, and more. A 2-mile run and a 1-mile walk, organized by Tortoise and Hare Footwear, will begin at 10 a.m. DJ Diamond Max will provide music at the skating rink until 2 p.m. The Duluth Children’s Museum will have outdoor activities from noon until 3 p.m. There will be fire dancing by the Spin Collective from 6-6:30 p.m. And luminaries will be lit at sunset. coldfrontduluth.com
CANDLELIGHT SNOWSHOE, HIKE OR SKI
Bundle up for a candlelight snowshoe, ski, skate or hike at one of the various loca-
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Cold Front February in Duluth includes a sledding hill, as well as live music, outdoor skating and snowflake crafts. | WHEREHOUSE PRODUCTIONS tions, happening throughout the month of February. The first candlelight snowshoe and hike is at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park near Beaver Bay on Saturday, Feb. 1. Held from 6-8:30 p.m., this self-guided hike is roughly a twomile round trip, suitable for all ages. Begin at the Trail Center and follow the glowing luminaries to Day Hill. A bonfire and marshmallows await visitors partway through the trail. Afterwards, enjoy a hot beverage and snack at the Trail Center. mndnr.gov/splitrocklighthouse The Ely Nordic Ski Club will hold a candlelight ski on Friday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. Held in Ely, enjoy skiing on a section of the Hid-
NORTHERN WILDS
den Valley Trails with glowing luminaries. Afterwards, hangout with other local skiers in the chalet. This is a free event for all ages. elynordic.org Gooseberry Falls State Park, located near Two Harbors, will hold a candlelight ski, snowshoe or hike on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 6-8:30 p.m. Begin at the Visitor Center and follow the glowing luminaries along the trail. A bonfire and marshmallows await visitors at the Lady Slipper Amphitheater and hot beverages and snacks are available at the Visitor Center. mndnr.gov/gooseberry Head to Oberg Mountain parking lot near Tofte for a candlelight ski, snowshoe or hike
This month, multiple snowmobile fun runs will take place along the North Shore, starting with the 11th Annual Cook County Ridge Riders Fun Run on Saturday, Feb. 1 on the Gunflint Trail. Collect stamps from participating locations, while enjoying a ride on the scenic trails; open to anyone and everyone by snowmobile or car. The main starting point and registration will take place at the groomer shed club house at 9 a.m., located off the Devil Track Road on South Shore Drive. Upon completion, return to the club house by 7 p.m. for music, raffles, food and prizes. And don’t miss the drag races at Hungry Jack Lake on Feb. 15 and at Poplar Lake on Feb. 29. Hungry Jack races start at noon; registration is at 11 a.m. Poplar Lake races start at 11 a.m. with registration at 10 a.m. Classes for both races are 600cc, 700cc, 800cc, open and improved stock. cookcountysnowmobileclub.com The Winter Frolic Vintage Snowmobile will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8 in Harbors. Registration is from 9-10:45 at 815 Airport Road; ride leaves at 11 facebook.com/twoharborswinterfrolic
Ride Two a.m. a.m.
The 16th Annual Finland Vintage Rendezvous Snowmobile Ride will take place on
The Ely Winter Festival features an amateur snow carving contest, as well as a snow sculpting symposium. | SUBMITTED Saturday, Feb. 15, sponsored by the Finland Snowmobile/ATV Club and local businesses. Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the Clair Nelson Center. Afterwards, enjoy music, food and prizes. All sleds are welcome in this family-friendly event. To learn more, find the Finland Snowmobile/ATV Club on Facebook. The Grand Portage Snowmobile Poker Run will be held Saturday, Feb. 22. This free event starts with registration from 9-11 a.m. in the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino lobby, where riders will receive a trail map, scorecard, two raffle tickets, their first poker card and coffee or hot chocolate. The first stop will be at Mineral Center, with a bonfire, more coffee and hot chocolate and the second poker card. Then, head to Skyport Lodge, where they will have food and drink specials and raffle prizes. After one more trailside stop, you’ll finish back at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino to receive your fifth poker card. Celebrate with a karaoke party from 8-11 p.m. with hourly raffle draws for prizes. The winner will also be announced. grandportage.com The Lutsen Trail Breakers Snowmobile Club is hosting its 5th Annual Blast from the Past Vintage Snowmobile Ride on Saturday, Feb. 22. The ride will start and end at Cascade Lodge in Lutsen. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and the ride begins at noon. Afterwards, enjoy food, beverages, prizes and some socializing. bit.ly/lutsensnowmobile
TWO HARBORS WINTER FROLIC
Feb. 6-8 The annual Two Harbors Winter Frolic includes events the whole family will enjoy, such as a medallion hunt, a photo scavenger hunt, a snow building contest, a vendor fair, sledding, and boot hockey. Friday night events include the restaurant chili cook-off, the community curling challenge, the city vs county exhibition curling challenge, and live music. Saturday is also jampacked with events, starting with the pancake breakfast and a winter t-ball tourney. There will also be a bean bag tournament, tug of war, fireman’s kids races, a bonfire with free s’mores, the vintage snowmobile ride, open curling, the frozen t-shirt contest, and more. Pre-registration required for most events. twoharborswinterfrolic.com
ELY WINTER FESTIVAL & ARTWALK
Feb. 6-16 The annual Ely Winter Festival features dozens of family-friendly activities, such as an amateur snow carving contest, a spaghetti feed, live music, a kubb tournament, kicksledding demos, Dorothy Molter Museum tours and a fundraising dinner, snowshoeing, the Great Nordic Beard Fest, a fish fry, candlelight skiing, a medallion hunt, a fishing contest and more. Also happening is the Ely ArtWalk; a window-shopping exhibition and sale featuring more than 400 pieces of art by local and area artists, held at various downtown businesses. On Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. is the Northern Lakes Art Association Downtown Arts Market, held at Amici’s Ceremony Hall/The Art Corner. And on Sunday, from 3-4 p.m., meet many of the participating artists as you sip a free cup of coffee or cocoa; located at Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. elywinterfestival.com
HYGGE FESTIVAL
Feb. 7-16 The Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) refers to the ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures; feeling relaxed, cozy and surrounded by the warmth of family, friends and community. This year’s Hygge Festival in Cook County includes a fireplace tour, mellow snowshoe hikes and a night ski with Lake Superior Trading Post, live music at various locations, the Winter Plein Air Exhibit at Johnson Heritage Post, and an exhibit by David Andree at the Grand Marais Art Colony. Voyageur Brewing Company will host the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra for BEERthoven on Monday. Lutsen Resort will hold a hygge trivia and wine night on Wednesday. The North House Folk School will hold a film screening of “Shepardess of the Glaciers” on Thursday. And Drury Lane Books will host SVEA Singers on Sunday evening with a bonfire and ice lantern fundraiser. visitcookcounty.com/hygge
SNOWARAMA
Feb. 8, Saturday Grab your helmets and winter gear for the 17th Annual Thunder Bay Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids snowmobile fundraiser, held in Grand Portage. Over the past 16 years, the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama has raised over $495,000 for children and youth with phys-
Head to Grand Portage for the annual Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids fundraiser. | SUBMITTED ical disabilities. There is a minimum pledge of $100 to ride. With every $100 in pledges you raise, you will receive a ballot to spin the wheel and win one of 10 Snowarama prize packages. Participants will also enjoy a complimentary dinner and live entertainment Saturday night, featuring Blue Collar Cocktail. Snowarama has two routes to choose from: a long ride that is roughly 120 miles and a short ride roughly 35 miles. Minnesota trail permits are required for those riders who venture off the Grand Portage Reserve trails. snowarama.org
FIBER WEEK
Feb. 11-17 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fiber Week (formerly Northern Fibers Retreat) at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais with an entire week of handson textile exploration. Choose from a dozen multi-day courses in everything from felting and weaving to spinning, dyeing, knitting and more. Also plan to attend Fiber Friday, a new feature this year. On Feb. 14, North House will host a day of speakers, demonstrations, open studios and community gatherings. Meet your fellow students and instructors, expand your interests and enjoy a cozy campus learning atmosphere. Fiber Friday is free for all students enrolled in a class during Fiber Week ($25 for all others). Other activities include film screenings, a chili feed, and a fiber fabrications fair. northhouse.org
NORTHLAND OUTDOORS DEER CLASSIC & THE BOAT, SPORTS, TRAVEL & RV SHOW
Feb. 12-16 The great outdoors is headed indoors for the 54th Annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show, and the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic; two expos in one. This family-friendly event features a variety of fishing and hunting seminars, vendors, workshops, and manufacturers onhand demonstrating and showing off their newest products. New this year is a virtual reality experience, where you can view the wonder and majesty of the ocean through different habitats, or come face to face with some of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet. Take a photo at the all new 3D street art experience, step back in time at the Voyageurs Historic Re-enactment, and stroll through the rainforest animal exhibit.
There will also be free scoring of your deer racks and live fishing at the Rainbow Trout Pond. Kids will enjoy testing their luck with the indoor sling shot, safe archery and the BB gun shooting gallery at Pheasants Forever Youth Village. And there will be free balloon animals and face painting from Cherri Merri Muffin. One ticket gives you admission to both expos, located at the Duluth DECC. minnesotasportshow.com
ELY SKINNY FAT
Feb. 15, Saturday Join the Ely Nordic Ski Club for a fun afternoon and evening of winter events for the whole family, starting with the free 1k and 3k kids races at 2:30 p.m. Parents can ski with kids or let them go alone. There will be a participant prize and s’mores at a bonfire afterwards. Then, at 3:30 p.m., ski the wonderful Hidden Valley trails that roll through the woods on the edge of Ely. Ski at whatever pace suites you, either skate or classic. Stick with family and friends or race against them on this 10k. Finish to a festive atmosphere with a bonfire and food. Afterwards, stay around and watch the fat bike races, or get on your bike and give the same trail a spin with the 10k and 20k night fat bike races at 5:30 p.m. This is your one chance per year to ride the well-groomed ski trails at Hidden Valley. Registration is required. elynordic.org
PINCUSHION SKI FESTIVAL
Feb. 15, Saturday Celebrate over 40 years with the North Superior Ski and Run Club during the Pincushion Ski Festival near Grand Marais. Held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Pincushion Mountain, ski races and tours for skate, classic, woodies and youth will begin at 10 a.m. Food and beverages will be available in the chalet. From 1-4 p.m., the Y-Ski Winter Carnival will include a family ski, snowshoe cruise on the new Pincushion section of the Superior Hiking Trail, skijoring races, a sliding hill, bonfire with s’mores, music and more. The carnival is a fundraiser for Y-Ski, which has 70 children participating this year. Registration for events is required, but spectators are welcome. pincushiontrails.org
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VOYAGEUR WINTER CARNIVAL
Feb. 15-17 A weekend of winter fun awaits the whole family at Fort William Historical Park’s Voyageur Winter Carnival in Thunder Bay. Enjoy the new outdoor winter Zorb Ball snow track and human bowling alleys, tubing hills, skating, wagon rides, axe throwing, carnival games, live entertainment, contests, curling, winter golf, snow graffiti, snowshoeing, and indoor activities including crafts and a science station. The action heats up more with Northern Ontario’s inaugural Ice Dragon Boat Challenge. The thrill of competition will take over the frozen Kaministiquia River as teams race in specially designed dragon boats sporting ice blades propelled by up to 10 paddlers with ice pick paddles. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in both the youth and adult categories. The Voyageur Winter Carnival will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission required. fwhp.ca
BIKE ACROSS THE BAY
Feb. 16, Sunday Head to Washburn for Wisconsin’s most unique fat bike race, taking place on the frozen surface of Lake Superior. Races consist of a 10k and 20k course, starting at noon from the Harbor View Event Center. To participate, 3.5-inch or wider tires are required and studs are highly recommended. E-bikes are prohibited. Afterwards, celebrate at the Harbor View Event Center with music, food, a full cash bar, and an awards ceremony. Race registration required. northcoastcycling.com
DYLAN FRESCO: THE HOLOCAUST AND ME
February 22, Saturday Performed at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais, Dylan Fresco’s one-man musical play “The Holocaust and Me,” is the story of how Dylan came to realize the impact of the Holocaust on his family and his own life, despite his being born decades after it happened. The performance includes songs accompanied by guitar and sung in Ladino, a language based on medieval Spanish and Hebrew that is spoken by many Sephardic Jews. Afterwards, Dylan will facilitate a critical reflection period. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults and $5 youth; for sale in advance online (tix. com) or at the door. northshoremusicassociation.com
Head to Ely for the annual WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race, held Feb. 22-23. | LES CONRAD
FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL
Feb. 17, Monday In Red Rock, skaters enjoy a unique track on the frozen surface of Nipigon Bay within the protected area of the Red Rock Marina. When they get chilly, they can warm up at a cozy bonfire. Held from noon until 4 p.m. Fire and Ice is a collaborative effort between the Township of Red Rock and Parks Canada’s Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. Other Saturday skating events include Skate on the Lake, held from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 29 and March 21, as well as Sparks on the Ice from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. facebook.com/ lakesuperiornmca
WOLF RIDGE FAMILY WEEKEND
Feb. 21-23 Bring the whole family to Wolf Ridge in Finland for a weekend of winter fun and learning. This year offers a one-of-akind dog sledding opportunity. You can also explore the forest on snowshoes by morning, ice fish on Wolf Lake in the afternoon, and go indoor rock climbing in the evening before leisurely heading back to the lodge to cozy up next to the fire with some hot chocolate. Other activities include winter birding, cross-country skiing, winter survival adventures, astronomy, adventure ropes, games and a bonfire. Registration required. wolf-ridge.org
WOLFTRACK CLASSIC SLED DOG RACE
Feb. 22-23 Enjoy a weekend of dog sledding fun with the annual WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race in Ely, featuring two mid-distance races; a 50-mile, 8-dog race, and a 30-mile, 6-dog race. A musher’s dinner will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Vermillion Community College cafeteria, featuring all-youcan-eat spaghetti, a beverage, salad, bread and dessert. The dinner runs from 4-6:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 per adult and $5 youth ages 10 and under. On Sunday morning, spectators will again have the opportunity to mingle with mushers and watch them prepare for the race. Then, at 9 a.m. sharp, the 8-dog teams take off from the Ely Softball Complex, followed by the 6-dog teams. There are several vantage points along the
YOUR GREAT NORTH SHORE GETAWAY!
1-800-543-1384 | grandportage.com
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FEBRUARY 2020
$10,000 PROGRESSIVE DRAWS
17TH ANNUAL SNOWARAMA
VALENTINE’S DAY
Saturday, February 8 Go snowmobiling for Easter Seals Kids. Free Show: Blue Collar Cocktail from 9:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Sweetheart Hot Seats from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Dining Special: Plated Crab Legs or Prime Rib for $40.
Free to participate! Great prizes! Room discount! Karaoke with Raffles!
Progressive $1,000 Cash Draws from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, one winner every hour.
See website for more details.
See website for more details.
See website for more details.
See website for more details.
NORTHERN WILDS
Friday, February 14
GRAND PORTAGE SNOWMOBILE POKER RUN Saturday, February 22
Saturday, February 29
trail for the public to watch the mushers as they cross roads, so bring a camera and cheer on your favorite team. An award banquet will be held at Grand Ely Lodge on Sunday after the races. wolftrackclassic.com
DULUTH WOMEN’S EXPO
Feb. 29, Saturday The annual Duluth Women’s Expo has something for everyone— whether you’re looking to shop, sample, or learn, you’ll find it at this year’s expo, locat-
ed at the Duluth DECC. Visit over a hundred exhibitors, including several craft vendors. There will also be seminars on gardening, yoga and organizing, live music in Pioneer Hall with Women Rock all day, and the popular fashion show at 1:15 p.m. Northern Wilds will be in attendance, so stop by our booth and say hi. The expo will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door; VIP tickets are available online only. duluthwomensexpo.net
ChequamegonBay
on the South Shore of Lake Superior The 25th Annual Apostle Island Sled Dog Race takes place Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Pick your favorite sled dog team and cheer them on from start to finish as they race the hills and flats through the forests of the Bayfield Peninsula. While waiting, keep warm with coffee and hot chocolate beside the bonfire. Races begin at 10 a.m. both days. There are two main races: a 10-dog, 80-mile race and a 6-dog, 60-mile race. There’s also a 40-mile Sportsmens’ Race, a 6 to 8-mile Family Race and a 6 to 8-mile Youth Race (16 and under). Multiple spectator locations are available with amenities, including a warming tent, concessions and fires to keep warm by. Programs with a map and a list of addition events will be available at the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau and on the race grounds. bayfieldcounty.org The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce is challenging its members to participate in the No-Snow Snowman Contest, held Feb. 1-15. Participating businesses must build a snowman out of any material (can include snow) and place it in front of their business. The Chamber will take pictures and upload them to its Facebook page. The winner will be determined by the amount of “likes” each snowman receives. One grand prize winner will receive Chamber dollars. visitashland.com Kill the chill with chili on Thursday, Feb. 6 with the Ashland Historical Society Museum Fundraiser. Held from 4:30-6 p.m., the menu includes chili, cornbread, crackers, desserts and beverages. Enjoy good food and drinks, great conversations with friends, museum exhibits and music. Cost is $5 at the door. visitashland.com Bring the kids to Kreher park in Ashland for the Ashland Bayfield County Sportsmen 18th Annual Kids’ Ice Fishing Contest on Saturday, Feb. 8. This contest is free to all kids ages 5-15, with two age classes: ages 5-9 and ages 10-15. The first 300 kids get prizes. Register at the pavilion; held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. visitashland. com The Ashland Chamber Music Society presents Bay Area Chamber Ensemble and Friends on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Presbyte-
rian-Congregational Church in Ashland. ashlandchambermusic.org The 24th Annual Book Across the Bay will take place Saturday, Feb. 15. Join more than 3,000 racers for this unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10k course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior known as Chequamegon Bay. The event is held at night and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route. Registration required. batb.org The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland will host a Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Get-Together on Feb. 15. Join the local chapter of Trout Unlimited for an afternoon of fly tying demos and telling fish stories. Held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. nglvc.org
Bike Across the Bay will take place at noon on Feb. 16 in Washburn. | SUBMITTED and how to make our landscapes more appealing. You will learn how to integrate native plants and design your gardens to build natural and healthy habitats. Cyndy will show actual projects that she has designed in Bayfield and Madeline Island over the last few years and the healthy pollinator populations that flourish in these gardens. Held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. nglvc.org The Neighborly Bar 2020 Ice Fishing Tourney will take place Saturday, Feb. 29 in Ashland. There will be cash prizes for seven categories, including lake trout, walleye, northern, perch, other trout and
salmon, as well as the crowning of “King of the Bay” to whoever catches the largest fish. There will also be raffles, music, food and drink specials at Neighborly Bar. Registration required. visitashland.com Also on Feb. 29 is the Bargain Hut Gives Back Sale in Ashland. From 9 a.m.1 p.m., items will be for the community to take at no charge. This is open to anyone and everyone within the area. visitashland.com
The annual Bike Across the Bay, hosted by the North Coast Cycling Association, will be held Sunday, Feb. 16 in Washburn. This fat bike race consists of two courses on Lake Superior: a 10k and 20k, starting at noon from the Harbor View Event Center. Registration required. northcoastcycling.com. Visit the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland for a free program by Cyndy Dalzall on Feb. 20, titled From Birds to Bees to Butterflies: How to Attract Pollinators into our Gardens. With declining populations of healthy pollinators for our gardens and crops, we need to look at what pollinators we should attract
E XPL O RE T HE SO UT H SHO RE
For more information on visiting Washburn, WI Washburnchamber.com 715-373-5017
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FEBRUARY 2020
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Northern Wilds Calendar of Events Jan. 26-Feb. 8 Northern Delights Cabin Fever Various Restaurants, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com/northerndelights
Jan. 30, Thursday Try Out Weaving Night: Free 6:30 p.m. North House Folk School Green Building, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Father Daughter Ball 5 p.m. Duluth DECC, fatherdaughterballduluth.org Family Fun Night 5:30 p.m. Summit Chalet, Lutsen Mountains, lutsen.com Candlelight Snowshoe & Hike 6 p.m. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/splitrocklighthouse
DSSO: Obsession: Mendelssohn & Berlioz 7 p.m. DECC Symphony Hall, Duluth, dsso.com
MYsterious Ways 7 p.m.
Northland Figure Skating Competition Amsoil Arena & Duluth DECC, duluthfsc.org
Jan. 30-Feb. 9
Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com Maritime Improv Crew 7 p.m. Fitger’s, Duluth, fitgers.com Duluth Dolls: Cold Days, Hot Nights 9 p.m. Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Steel Magnolias 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Feb. 2, Sunday
Jan. 30-Feb. 15
Groundhog Day
The Birds and the Bees Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com
Community Ink Day 1 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org
Jan. 31, Friday Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Garden Talks: Coffee 101: The Perfect Cup 6 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org Contra Dance 6:30 p.m. North House Folk School Red Building, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
TBSO: Sibelius Sings
7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca
Feb. 6-8 Two Harbors Winter Frolic Two Harbors, twoharborswinterfrolic.com
Feb. 6-15 The Little Prince 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) UMD Marshall Performing Arts Center, Duluth, z.umn.edu/sfatheatre
Feb. 6-16 Ely Winter Festival & ArtWalk Ely, elywinterfestival.com
Feb. 7, Friday
DSSYO: Lollipop Concert
Nighttime Cross-Country Skiing 5:30 p.m. Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Grand Marais, stoneharborws.com
TBSO: Hockey Sweater & Casey
Feb. 7-8
3 p.m. DECC Symphony Hall, Duluth, dsso.com
Quattro, Etc. 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 6, Thursday
Jan. 31-Feb. 1
3:30 p.m. Grassroots Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
The Odyssey 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sat.) St. Patrick High School: Selkirk Auditorium, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/edctheatre
Feb. 3, Monday
Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Briand Morrison 8 p.m.
Feb. 7-16
Jan. 31-Feb. 23
Charlie Parr 8:30 p.m.
Hygge Festival Cook County, visitcookcounty.com/hygge
Winter Plein Air Exhibit (Reception Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org
Feb. 4, Tuesday
Bluefin Bay, Tofte, briandmorrison.com Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Feb. 1, Saturday Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Fun Run 9 a.m. Devil Track Clubhouse & Gunflint Trail, cookcountysnowmobileclub.com Cold Front February 10 a.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, coldfrontduluth.com Twin Ports Brew Fest 4 p.m. Clyde Malting Building, Duluth, twinportsbrewfest.com
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FEBRUARY 2020
Career & Job Fair 10 a.m. Confederation College: Shuniah Building, Thunder Bay, confederationcollege.ca/career-job-fair
Feb. 5, Wednesday One-Time Book Club & Film Screening 1 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
Feb. 5-22 Sister Act 7:30 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/badanaitheatre
NORTHERN WILDS
MYsterious Ways 7 p.m.
Feb. 8, Saturday
Whirlwind! Family Activity Day 11 a.m. Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com Father Daughter Ball 5 p.m. Duluth DECC, fatherdaughterballduluth.org
Duluth Go Red For Women Luncheon 10 a.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org Recycle, Repurpose & Restyle: Mary Mulari 3:30 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, alslib.info
Newsboys 7 p.m.
Feb. 12-16
Briand Morrison 7 p.m. Lutsen
Northland Outdoors Deer Classic &Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show Duluth DECC, minnesotasportshow.com
Duluth DECC, decc.org Resort, Lutsen, briandmorrison.com
Cloud Cult 9:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Feb. 9, Sunday Run for the Northwest Lakehead University Hanger, Thunder Bay, childrenscentrefoundation.ca Craft Revival Full Moon Market 10 a.m. Thunder Bay, thecraftrevivaltbay.com Valentine’s Day Themed FUNdraiser 1 p.m. Oliver Road Community Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/orccthunderbay Sunday Screening: Watchers of the Sky 2 p.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, mycche.org Ely ArtWalk Artists’ Meet & Greet 3 p.m. Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co., Ely, elyartwalk.org Afternoon with the Classical Masters 3 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org
Gene Lafond & Amy Grillo
7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Feb. 10, Monday DSSO 6 p.m. Voyageur Brewing,
Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com
Dan Rodriguez 8:30 p.m.
Two Harbors Winter Frolic Vintage Snowmobile Ride 9 a.m. Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborswinterfrolic
Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids 10 a.m. Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, snowarama.org
Family Night Ski & Dessert Potluck 6 p.m. Pincushion Trails, Grand Marais, pincushiontrails.org
Northern Lakes Art Association Downtown Arts Market 10 a.m. Amici’s Ceremony Hall/The Art Corner, Ely, elyartwalk.org
Feb. 11-17
Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com
Feb. 12, Wednesday
Feb. 11, Tuesday
Fiber Week North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Builder’s Workshop 8 a.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, mycche.org
Feb. 13, Thursday Cook County Memory Café 1 p.m. The Hub/Senior Center, Grand Marais, carepartnersofcookcounty.org NARVRE Meeting: Protecting Railroad Retirement 1 p.m. West Duluth American Legion, Duluth Dorothy Molter Museum Annual Meeting & Fundraising Dinner 5 p.m. Grand Ely Lodge, Ely, rootbeerlady.com Free Film Night: Shepardess of the Glaciers 6:30 p.m. North House Folk School Blue Building, Grand Marais, northhouse.org Celebrity Dance Challenge 7 p.m. Marshall School: Fregeau Auditorium, Duluth, minnesotaballet.org
Feb. 13-16 Almost, Maine 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Lyric Annex, Virginia, MN, lyriccenteronline.org
Feb. 14, Friday
Valentine’s Day Candlelight Ski 5 p.m. Hidden Valley, Ely, facebook.com/elynordicskiclub
Briand Morrison 7 p.m. Lutsen
Resort, Lutsen, briandmorrison.com
Feb. 14-15 I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change 7 p.m. Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Wheeler Burkes Trio
7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
TBSO: La Vie En Rose
7:30 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
Feb. 14-16
Feb. 18, Tuesday
Innovative Events Craft Show Miller Hill Mall, Duluth, facebook.com/millerhillmall
Defining Genocide & Responsibility in the Face of Mass Violence Presentation Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, mycche.org
Feb. 15, Saturday Ely Skinny Fat 3:30 p.m.Hidden Valley Ski Chalet, Ely, elynordic.org Book Across the Bay Ashland, WI, batb.org Pincushion Ski Festival 8 a.m. Pincushion Mountain, Grand Marais, pincushiontrails.org Finland Vintage Rendezvous Snowmobile Ride 9 a.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandsnowmobileandatvclub.com Halfway Ranger Station Open House 11 a.m. Halfway Ranger Station Historic District, Ely, facebook.com/halfwayrangerstation Hungry Jack Drag Races Noon, Hungry Jack Lake, Gunflint Trail, cookcountysnowmobileclub.com Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe, & Hike 6 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe 6 p.m. Oberg Mountain Trailhead, Tofte, sugarbushtrail.org
Briand Morrison 6:45 p.m. Papa
Charlie’s, Lutsen, briandmorrison.com
Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert 7 p.m. Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com
Feb. 15-17 Winter License-Free Family Fishing Weekend Throughout Ontario, ontariofamilyfishing.com Voyageur Winter Carnival & Ice Dragon Boat Challenge 11 a.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca
Feb. 16, Sunday BSC Fishing Contest 9 a.m. Brimson, Facebook: Brimson Sportsmen’s Club Bike Across the Bay Noon, Washburn, WI, northcoastcycling.com
SVEA Singers Concert &
Many Tiny Lights Fundraiser 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks Classic Film Series: It Happened One Night 6 p.m. NorShor Theatre, Duluth, norshortheatre.com
Jim McGowan 7 p.m.
Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Feb. 17, Monday Presidents’ Day
Family Day
Fire & Ice Festival Noon, Red Rock Marina, Red Rock Township, facebook.com/lakesuperiornmca
Briand Morrison 8 p.m. Bluefin Bay, Tofte, briandmorrison.com
Feb. 18-20 Come North Delta Waterfront, Thunder Bay, comenorth.ca
Feb. 20, Thursday Brown Bag Lunch Discussion: Woodturning with Marybeth Garmoe Noon, North House Folk School Blue Building, Grand Marais, northhouse.org Thunder Bay Horticultural Society General Meeting 7 p.m. Oliver Road Community Centre, Thunder Bay, tbayhortsociety.weebly.com
Feb. 20-23
John Gruber 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern,
March 6-8
Feb. 25-26
Nipigon Ice Fest Nipigon, outdoorskillsandthrills.com
Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Energy Design Conference & Expo Duluth DECC, duluthenergydesign.com
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay, specialolympics2020.com
Feb. 27, Thursday Free Open Studio Night at Artisan Development Program Studios 6:30 p.m. Betsy Bowen Gallery & Studios, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
TBSO Soars! 7:30 p.m. Hilldale
Feb. 20-29
Free Cybersecurity Workshop for Grades 6-12 9 a.m. Lake Superior College, Superior, lsc.edu
Colleen Myhre
8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Feb. 21-23 Wolf Ridge Family Weekend Wolf Ridge ELC, Finland, wolf-ridge.org
Feb. 22, Saturday KCPRO-East Ice Racing Pike Lake, Duluth, kcproeast.com Grand Portage Snowmobile Poker Run Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, grandportage.com Trail Breakers Vintage Snowmobile Ride 10:30 a.m. Cascade Lodge, Lutsen, bit.ly/lutsensnowmobile Tettegouche Winter Fest 1 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org
Apres l’ Adventure 3 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Feb. 28, Friday
Feb. 28-29 Cabin Fever Trio 8 p.m.
Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Feb. 28-March 1 Upper Midwest Sports & Collectors Show Miller Hill Mall, Duluth, facebook.com/millerhillmall
Feb. 29, Saturday
Duluth Women’s Expo 9 a.m. Duluth DECC, duluthwomensexpo.com Cook County Ridge Riders Poplar Drag Races 11 a.m. Poplar Lake, Gunflint Trail, cookcountysnowmobileclub.com Skate on the Lake Noon, Red Rock Marina, Red Rock Township, facebook.com/lakesuperiornmca
DSSO: Happy Birthday, Ludwig! 7 p.m. Symphony Hall at DECC, Duluth, dsso.com
TBSO: Live at the Waterfront
Feb. 22-23
7 p.m. Delta Hotels by Marriott, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race Ely, wolftrackclassic.com
March 4, Wednesday
Feb. 23, Sunday Disney Jr. Event Barnes & Noble Court at Miller Hill Mall, Duluth, facebook.com/millerhillmall Sunday Screening: MN Holocaust Survivors Short Documentaries 2 p.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, mycche.org
Live Music 5 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com
Thunder Bay, lochlomond.ca
Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Saturday
Wednesday Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca
Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca
Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Free: Tour the North House Campus 2 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Thursday
Thunder Bay, lochlomond.ca
Open Mic 6:30 p.m.
Free Community Programs North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org/programs
Date Night with Live Music
6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Friday Friday Night Reels: Free 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
Live Music 3:30 p.m. Loch Lomond, Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Sunday Briand Morrison (not Feb. 9) 10
a.m. Moguls Grille: Caribou Highlands, Lutsen, briandmorrison.com Winter FunDays 2 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/winterfundays
Memory Books
Apres l’ Adventure 3 p.m.
Dylan Fesco: The Holocaust
74th Annual Winter Carnival Noon, Oliver Road Community Centre, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca
Live Music 7 p.m. Loch Lomond,
Tastes of the North Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com/dinner
North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
and Me 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com
Monday
Sleeping Giant Loppet Thunder Bay, sleepinggiantloppet.ca
KCPRO-East Ice Racing Pike Lake, Duluth, kcproeast.com
Briand Morrison 6:45 p.m. Papa
Charlie’s, Lutsen, briandmorrison.com
March 7, Saturday
Feb. 25-29
Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
Feb. 21-22
For the Love of It! Conference Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org
Construct Tomorrow Duluth DECC, constructtomorrow.org
Boat Show 10:30 a.m. (10 a.m. Sat. & Sun.) CLE Coliseum, Thunder Bay, cle.on.ca
The Arsonists 7:30 p.m. Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Charles J. Futterer Memorial Open Bonspiel Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, cookcountycurlingclub.com
International Fly Fishing Film Festival 6 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
March 5, Thursday
Preserve your family history with a Memory Book. A perfect gift and keepsake for the ones you love.
Various options to fit your budget. Print only as many as you need. Call to set up your appt. at Northern Wilds Print and Design 218-387-9475 1708 W. Hwy 61 Grand Marais, MN
EATS 6 p.m. Cook County Middle/High School, Grand Marais
March 6-7 Northwestern Fur Trappers Annual Convention CLE Coliseum Building, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/northwestfurtrappers
NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
27
The North Shore Dish Cake Decorating By Chuck Viren
“The winner of this Big Bake and 10 thousand dollars is . . .” Twelve years earlier, as she spun out on glare ice during rush hour in Calgary, Jennifer Riley could not have imagined such a moment. The resulting head-on collision left her with a badly damaged knee, many surgeries, and a 10-month recovery. “ . . . Team Thunder Bake!” The prize was, dare I say it, icing on the cake for Riley and her teammates Nicole Dawson and Julie Einarson. The accolades have been rolling in during the six years she has owned and operated CAKE! By Jennifer Riley in Thunder Bay. Cake art has evolved into a profession where those with a passion for baking and an eye for artistry and invention can devise anything from themed sheet cakes to eye-popping wedding cakes. The three cake artists featured in this article have combined those skills with an entrepreneurial spirit to own and successfully operate their bakeries. It was during her recovery, while watching the show Cake Boss, that Riley had her epiphany. She thought, “I can do this!” And indeed she has. In addition to her victory on national television, she had been named one of the top 10 cake decorators in the world. The images of her succulent cupcakes (cacti) on insider.com have had more than 10 million views.
Jennifer Riley of Thunder Bay has owned and operated CAKE! for over six years. | JENNIFER RILEY
The path to her notoriety was not easy, though. Two weeks into her first job after completing culinary school in Toronto, her employer advised her to seek another profession. She found work at a bakery production site and continued to develop her craft. After yet another surgery, she moved back to Thunder Bay and, with help from a woman’s organization called PARO, she was able to start her own business. As for how she creates her masterpieces, she says it depends on what the client wants. The type of occasion is obviously important. She tries to ascertain the number of guests and the serving sizes for the event. Some cakes may take an hour to produce, others upwards of 60 hours. A simple cake might cost 50 dollars. An extravagant structured wedding cake can run into the thousands of dollars. For myself, I may have to settle for one of those amazing cupcakes. Down the shore in Duluth, Lila Newville studied printmaking in college. Upon returning to Duluth she got a job at Pita Pit. The general manager of How Sweet It Is 28
FEBRUARY 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
[LEFT] Jennifer Riley has been named one of the top 10 cake
decorators in the world by Top Teny. | JENNIFER RILEY
[ABOVE] For Riley, some cakes may take an hour to produce;
others upwards of 60 hours. | JENNIFER RILEY
bakery noticed her window designs and offered her a job. There she apprenticed under then-owner Eileen Brown. About a year ago Newville purchased the business. She strives to continue the legacy Brown created while adding her own artistic flair. The bakery specializes in wedding desserts, but they also provide other delights such as cheesecakes, bars, cookies, macaroons and tartlets. Much like Riley, Newville takes her design lead from her clients. Some clients have very specific designs in mind, others allow her to design based on a theme. Sometimes she works from photographs. To Newville, it doesn’t matter how the design comes about, only that her clients get the perfect cake they desire. While she very much enjoys working on extremely complex cakes, “at the end of the day my favorite ones are the simple cakes decorated with real florals.” In Grand Marais, Hana Crosby also recently purchased a bakery. Baking had been a side business until the spring of 2019, when she quit her day job and opened Crosby Bakery. As with Riley and Newville, Crosby puts her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit to good use. Crosby is a self-taught baker. When she was young, she liked to bake her own birthday cakes. That way she got the cake she wanted. To her, decorating has come secondary to the flavor of the cakes. To perfect her craft, she has surrounded herself with cookbooks and online resources. She has spent hours practicing piping and working with fondant. She, too, is fond of creating wedding cakes. She enjoys the process of working with a couple to create something that is both beautiful and delicious. She also does many sheet cakes for group gatherings and celebrations. Birthday cakes range from cakes with calligraphy to cartoon themes, to carved three dimensional cakes. To her, “Baking and decorating are two sides to the same coin. Baking is chemistry. Decorating involves engineering and artistry. You have to create a solid structure for the art to be displayed.”
Located in Duluth, Lila Newville’s How Sweet It Is bakery offers wedding desserts, as well as cheesecakes, bars, cookies, macaroons and tartlets. | LILA NEWVILLE
Hana Crosby, owner of Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais, is a selftaught baker, offering everything from wedding and birthday cakes to fresh bread, scones, cookies and pie. | HANA CROSBY
LUNCH AT THE TAVERN GUN FLINT TAVERN ON THE LAKE DOWNTOWN GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA
UNDER $10 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 11:00 - 4:00 HOT DAGO
9.95
HOT TURKEY OLD SCHOOL
9.95
PHILLY STEAK AND CHEESE ON A HOAGIE
9.95
MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH KIELBASA
9.95
CHEDDAR TUNA MELT ON FRENCH
9.95
BOWL OF SOUP AND ALL YOU CAN EAT SALAD
9.95
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.**
10%
LOCALS DISCOUNT
Weekend Valentine Specials at Bluefin Grille and Coho Café:
• Grab your sweetie and join us at the Bluefin Grille or Coho Café & Bakery for special dinner menus with wine pairings Friday and Saturday nights of Valentine’s Weekend – Feb. 14-15
• Coho Café & Bakery will have special desserts & sweet treats, and is open all holiday weekend Friday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Bluefin Grille has live music from 8-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday nights • If you prefer to celebrate early, breakfast and lunch also available
Open daily 8 am – 9 pm Bar & Late Night Menu until 11 pm
Open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun. - Thurs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
HWY 61 Tofte • 1-800-BLUEFIN • bluefinbay.com
Organic house roasted turkey served open faced with Tavern mash and turkey gravy, side of cranberry compote Sauteed ribeye strips, green pepper, onions, provolone cheese and horsey sauce.** Baked, bubbly and delicious like grandma would do.
Baked open faced with tomatoes, pickles, celery and onions in our mix .** Your choice of our soup of the day and salad with a chunk of buttered warm bread. Onion, tomato tzatziki sauce and greens
open face with pesto aioli and roasted red pepper drizzle On toasted french, open faced.**
WHAT ELSE?
** choice of greens w/vinaigrette or ripple chips
Add a cup of soup for $5.50 Add a salad for $5.50
HAPPY HOUR
$1
00
WITH YOUR
LUNCH MEAL
MON-THURS 4-7PM
off rail drinks, house wines & tap beers.
FREE CHIPS & SALSA IN THE RAVEN PUB $200 OFF APPETIZERS NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
29
Sweet Treats
SUPPORT VOYAGEUR SNOWMOBILE CLUB IN TWO HARBORS WITH A FUEL PURCHASE 87 AND 91 NONOXY GAS AVAILABLE 24/7
5 miles north of Two Harbors at 2505 Hwy #2 2.5 miles south of the CJ Ramstad / North Shore State Trail.
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP?
Contact gordy44@gmail.com or message via Facebook
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
Wednesday:
$.75 wings | $4 glass wine | $4 whiskey
218-834-7541
Thursday:
$7 cheeseburger and fries basket ( lettuce, tomato, american cheese) $3 rail drinks | $3 domestic drafts | $4 craft/micro drafts
Friday:
Saturday:
$26 Prime Rib dinner
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
1521 Superior Shores Drive, Two Harbors
www.superiorshores.com
Cook County School District #166 Education Foundation presents...
2020
Thursday, March 5 • 6 - 7:30 p.m. Cook County Middle/High School ▶ Partake in a delectable array of tasty samples from Cook County restaurants and food vendors.
Only ets ick 150 t e sold! will b each $25
▶ Bid on quality silent auction items donated by our local businesses and individuals. ▶ entertainment while socializing with fellow supporters of the ISD 166 Cook County Schools. * The Cook County School District ISD 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum. A total of $189,000 in grants has been provided by this foundation. 30
FEBRUARY 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
Tickets available at: Java Moose Blue Water Cafe or from any CCSDEF board member:
Myron Bursheim Leslie Conden Gene Erickson Dave Hanson Autumn Hood Marcie McIntire Karen Obinger Doug Sanders Emma Spoon Ann Sullivan Sharon Van Ruiswyk
Checks can be written to “EATS 2020”
Salted Caramels FROM DELISH.
Cooking spray, for pan 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup sugar Flaky sea salt, for garnish Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray generously with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl combine butter and cream and microwave until butter is fully melted. Set aside. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, combine water, vanilla, corn syrup, and sugar and gently stir to combine. Bring to a boil and place a candy thermometer inside your pan. Cook until the mixture is a deep golden color and reaches 320 F. Slowly add cream mixture into pot, stirring after each addition. This will bring the temperature of the mixture down dramatically. Bring the mixture back up to 240 F and remove from heat. Pour into prepared baking pan. Let mixture cool 15 minutes before topping with flaky sea salt. Let cool 2-3 more hours before cutting into caramels and wrapping in wax paper.
Chocolate Candy Turtles FROM ALLRECIPES.
2 cups pecan halves 2 (12 ounce) bags chocolate chips 25 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 2 tablespoons water 1/2 cup butter, softened Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Arrange pecans on a baking sheet. Bake pecans in the preheated oven until fragrant and lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Melt chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. (You can also melt chocolate in the microwave, cooking for 1 minute and stirring until smooth.) Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; grease with butter.
Combine caramels, water, and butter in a saucepan over low heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted and smooth. Fold in pecans. Drop caramel mixture by the spoonful onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool and harden. Drizzle chocolate over caramel nut clusters. Refrigerate to set, about 1 hour.
Chocolate Fudge FROM ALLRECIPES.
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup butter 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter or margarine in large microwaveable bowl. Zap in microwave on medium until chips are melted, about 3-5 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking. Stir in nuts, if desired. Pour into well-greased 8x8-inch glass baking dish. Refrigerate until set.
! cut
fold more tips for talking
tips for talking
A Mental Illness Is... By Amy Schmidt Mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or income. It is not imaginary, it is not something you can just “get over” and it is not a character flaw. It can be caused by trauma, an imbalance in the brain’s chemistry, genetics or exposure to substances such as alcohol and drugs while in utero. It’s often effectively treated with medication, therapy, diet, exercise and support. And it is extremely common. One in four people will develop a mental illness in their lifetime. In other words, 25 percent of the people you gathered with over Christmas will struggle with some form of mental illness. Maybe your mom, maybe your child, maybe your neighbor, maybe you. So if mental illness is so common, why are we still afraid to talk about it? Probably because mental illness, despite its prevalence, is still shrouded in shame, misunderstanding, negative attitudes and fear of discrimination. Our culture has attached a negative stigma to mental illness. We’ve let ourselves believe that peo-
ple with mental illness are lazy, attention starved, weak or crazy. But the truth is, it’s our culture that’s crazy and when we buy these lies about mental illness, we’re acting crazy, too. No wonder people don’t reach out or admit their struggles. No wonder people hide behind a happy face and say they’re fine when they’re not. No wonder families and communities are blindsided when someone they know and love commits suicide, having shown few outward signs or symptoms of mental illness. No wonder mental illness remains a problem when we’re pretending, at best, that it doesn’t exist and, at worst, that the person suffering is at fault. We need to be honest with the facts and own the reality. We need to normalize what has become abnormal. Mental illness will silently destroy us until we’re no longer silent about it. We need to start seeing each other, really seeing each other and saying, through our words and our actions, “I won’t judge you.” We need to listen to one another, love one another, and accept one another. Make It Okay, a campaign started by Health Partners of Minnesota, is dedicated to get the word out about mental illness. Their website, makeitokay.org, is full of re-
Wondering who to call, where to go or if a service exists? Did you know that both Care Partners of Cook County and our partners at Cook County Public Health & Human Services (PHHS) maintain comprehensive health and other resource directories? These cover everything from senior services, health and wellness to legal aid, housing, food/nutrition to veterans services and more. Solutions for aging well and senior services, along with travel and accommodation resources for out of town medical treatment, and children's mental health and substance misuse needs are strategic priorities for the Health Care Foundation. In 2020, we are collaborating with community partners and actively trying to build capacity to address these critcal needs. If you'd like to be a part of the solution and support the Foundation in this important work or want to support all local Cook County health providers, emergency services and health education in one shot, consider making a donation or purchasing a membership to the Foundation - we support them all through funding, education, leaderhsip and collaboration and advocacy. Both directories can be found online or in print formats from the organizations or through the North Shore Health Care Foundation.
Go to: NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org 218-387-9076
Stop the silence If someone discloses that they have a mental illness, they are opening up to you in a big way. Ask questions, show concern, but keep the awkward silence at bay. Be nice It sounds simple enough, but try to say the right things with openness, warmth and caring. Listen The fact that you are there can make a world of difference, so in your conversation, try to err more on the side of listening. Keep in contact Offer availability by phone, text, email, or time to meet up. Just be there.
Don’t ignore it. Don’t be afraid to ask about the wellbeing of another if you think they might be hurting. Trust your senses. Offer help Everyone is different. They may want very specific help or no help at all. Either way, you can always ask and be open to the answer. Keep the conversation moving It’s ok to talk about other things to keep silent lulls out of conversation; as long as they know you’re completely open to revisiting the topic later. Tell your friends about
Make It Okay, a campaign started by Health Partners of Minnesota, is dedicated to getting the word out about mental illness and eliminating the stigma. | SUBMITTED sources, facts, stories and a podcast meant to help us relearn what culture has wrongly taught us about mental illness. Consider scoping out what they have to offer. Learn what to say when someone you know or love bravely confesses that they’re struggling. Learn what to say when you’re the
one struggling and it’s time to be brave. Learn what you can do to help to eliminate the stigma. And please, if you or someone you know needs help, don’t wait until it’s too late. You are loved and have immeasurable worth.
e t i r o v a F ’s Shore! e n o y r e v E e on the Stor 218-387-2233 • Grand Marais
JoynesBenFranklin
– give us a call to reserve a pet-friendly room. o o We are PET-FRIENDLY 655 Arthur Street W., Thunder Bay, Ontario
Ask Askabout aboutour our Northern Shore Northern Shore Rate Rate–-Hot breakfast and airport shuttle Rate Rate Code Code Wherever Life Takes You. Best Western Is There.® “NORT” “NORT” Each Best Western branded hotel is independently owned and operated
807-577-4241 or 800-265-3253 NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
31
Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss By Eric Weicht A few miles north of the Duluth harbor there is a lighthouse, though not the sort of lighthouse typically associated with the shores of Lake Superior. This unique lighthouse is the Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss. The Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss, or LCVL for short, is a non-profit organization that provides tools, training and support for individuals who suffer from vision loss and other challenges to independence. The organization and its mission have evolved over the years, though its commitment to fostering vibrant lives for people with vision loss has remained strong throughout its existence. At its inception in 1919, the LCVL—originally known as the Lighthouse for the Blind before changing its name in 2011 to better reflect the fact that most of its clients are not completely blind—primarily served the vision loss community by providing employment opportunities at its workshop in Duluth. In addition to the small salary that these jobs provided, the workshop served as an invaluable space for folks to socialize and build community, something equally if not more important for the vision loss community. Over the years, individuals working at the LCVL’s workshops produced a wide variety of products such as rugs, snowshoes and pillow cases, and were trained in technical services like restringing tennis rackets, packaging nails and tuning pianos. During the height of the Gulf War, the LCVL’s manufacturing operation produced roughly 2.5 million rolls of toilet paper per month, an impressive feat for any organization. However, as the needs of the vision loss community evolved, so too did the services provided by the Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss. In 1999 the LCVL ceased its manufacturing operations, committing all of its resources instead to its impressive offering of services that focus on providing clients with the tools and skills they need to succeed and live vibrant lives on their own. Today, the Lighthouse is Minnesota’s most comprehensive vision rehabilitation
center, servicing individuals of all ages from across the state in a variety of ways, depending on each individual’s unique needs. “We are serving people of all ages here at the Lighthouse, literally seven to 97,” says Mary Junnila, executive director at Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss. “We do this by offering a variety of programs targeting the needs of folks from different walks of life.” In terms of youth programming, the LCVL offers their Lighthouse Transition Program to 14-21 year olds who have visual impairment or blindness and are still in school. Participants in the program develop important skills in technology, reading, writing, and living independently, all while having fun with a group of peers dealing with similar challenges to independence. “Even though we are a little organization in the Northern corner of the state, we’re actually serving more teens than any other program in Minnesota,” says Junnila. “Last year we served 34 transition age youth out of the 120-140 kids estimated by the Department of Education to meet that criteria. We literally go across the state picking students up to bring them to our programs.” To help working age adults, the Lighthouse works with state services for the blind, while also offering occupational therapy services for anyone of any age. “Our services go all the way from sponsoring support groups, to working with an individual who might require a thousand hours or more of training,” says Junnila. “For working age adults, the number of individuals struggling with vision loss are fairly low, but the consequences can be extremely high. Only one-in-three working age adults with vision loss actually have a job.” For the one-in-five older adults struggling with vision loss, the LCVL has been doing a lot of work with programs involving technology. Their Technology & Me initiative is specifically tailored for adults age 55 and older, including those without vision loss. The Technology & Me program includes one-on-one trainings, a technology help hotline, device loans and demonstrations, and drop-in hours.
A client and his wife using an Alexa device for recreation and home safety. | SUBMITTED The LCVL will also be hosting a number of Tech Cafes in the Duluth area. The Tech Cafes will be a series of informal get-togethers, some of them literally in cafes, where people can bring their own technology and questions to learn new ways in which technology can help them live safer, more vibrant lives. “I think its common knowledge that technology has huge potential to do things that weren’t possible before to keep people safe and independent and improve quality of life,” says Junnila. “The challenge is, especially with older adults but not just older adults, is it’s hard for folks to know how to utilize this new technology.” With such a wide array of services provided by the LCVL, one of the biggest challenges they face is simply getting the word
out and reaching those that can benefit from their services. When asked about what people can do to help further LCVL’s mission, Junnila responded; “While we’re always looking for volunteers, the main message is if you know someone with vision loss or other challenges to independence, keep us in mind. We can travel to you, and it might be through occupational therapy, might be in collaboration with state services for the blind, or it might be through our technology program, but there is a lot that can be done to help, so don’t give up and spread the word!” For more information, visit: lcfvl.org.
Builder’s Workshop February 12, 2020
The North Shore’s full-fiber broadband network, providing phone & internet service throughout Cook County.
218-663-9030
TrueNorth@arrowhead.coop TrueNorthBroadband.com 32
FEBRUARY 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
Date! AmericInn Lodge and Suites
• Pool with 110 ft. Figure 8 Waterslide • Breakfast Buffet with Waffle Bar • Rooms and Suites 150 Mensing Drive with Whirlpools and Fireplaces Silver Bay, MN • High Speed Wireless Internet 800-634-3444 218 226-4300 • Near State Parks and National Forest silverbay.mn@americinn.com • Snowmobile Trail Access americinn.com from Our Lot
of Silver Bay
For builders, businesses and homeowners DOLI CEU credits pending Instructor Pat Huelman, Cold Climate Housing Program, UMN Designed to offer 7 Continuing Education Credits to area contractors Contact CCHE 218-387-3411, or programs@mycche.org for registration
In cooperation with Cook County Higher Education
D B E S T WI
N
VO
TE
E
Get Outdoors this Winter
T hu rs day Date Nig ht 6-8 p . m . Ap res 3-6 p . m . Feb . 22 & 29
Snowshoeing in the BWCAW. | WALT HUSS
212 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen
northshorewinery.us
Granddaughter hand-feeding a chickadee. | MARY BRISLANCE
BEST DATE
Park Point pondering. | MARIE ZHUIKOV
EVER Friday, February. 14 or Saturday, February. 15
Experience the Zoo like never before on a behind-the-scenes tour with your special someone.
Dale and Oliver at Brighton Beach in Duluth. Oliver is a Collie/English Shephard. He does not like fresh water, but thought this frozen stuff wasn’t too bad. | SANDY DIANOSKI
Learn more on our website
LSZooDuluth.org NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
33
r u o y r o f e t Vo
e t i r o v a F s t n a r u e to win Restca hanc for a $ 50!
Do you have a favorite place to get a coffee, to eat breakfast or take the kids for dinner? The restaurants you vote for must be located in the Northern Wilds coverage area, which includes the North Shore communities from Duluth to Terrace Bay and over to Ely.
2020
Only one ballot per person. Do not choose the same restaurant in more than three categories or your entire ballot will be disqualified (Best server is exempt from this rule). You can mail in your ballot, drop it off at our office or vote online at northernwilds.com. Voting starts February 1 and ends March 31, 2020. Look for the results in the 2020 Menu Guide and the June issue of Northern Wilds.
Official Ballot Which restaurant has the best: Limit 3 entries per restaurant (except for best server) Appetizers ____________________________________________________________ Steak ________________________________________________________________ Burger _______________________________________________________________ Fish _________________________________________________________________ Pizza ________________________________________________________________ Soup ________________________________________________________________ Salad ________________________________________________________________ Breakfast _____________________________________________________________ Baked goods __________________________________________________________ Sweets _______________________________________________________________
Ethnic fare ____________________________________________________________ Northwoods character __________________________________________________ View ________________________________________________________________ “Worth the drive” _____________________________________________________ Kid-friendly menu ______________________________________________________ Vegetarian-friendly menu ________________________________________________ Server or bartender (include full name and restaurant) _______________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Speedy service ________________________________________________________ Take-out ________________________________________________________
Coffee _______________________________________________________________
Mail this ballot to:
Wine ________________________________________________________________ Cocktails _____________________________________________________________
Northern Wilds Media, Inc., P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 or Vote online at northernwilds.com/restaurant-awards
Beer selection _________________________________________________________
Only one ballot per person.
Regional craft beer _____________________________________________________
Name ________________________________________________________________
Happy hour ___________________________________________________________
City _________________________________________________________________
Music venue __________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________________________
Fine dining ___________________________________________________________
Email ________________________________________________________________
Artistic flair from the chef ______________________________________________
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Use of regional ingredients ______________________________________________
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NORTHERN WILDS
Northern Trails Tackle Trends for 2020 By Gord Ellis
As long as there have been anglers, there has been a desire to improve the lures and tackle used to catch fish. This has lead to some truly imaginative lures, and to some stuff that maybe went a bit too far. I have always been fascinated by the idea of some angler looking at your garden variety kitchen spoon, and thinking “Hey, if I cut off the handle, and put on a hook, this could be good for catching fish!” The sheer creativity of that—and the simplicity of it—has stood the test of time. Then there are the lures that were also imaginative, but perhaps lacked something in delivery. Some of you may remember the hollow glass tube lures marketed in outdoor magazines many years ago. The idea was to put a live minnow, worm or nymph inside the tube and fish with this “live bait” lure. Needless to say, there were multiple problems with this approach, not the least of which was the live bait rarely stayed that way for long in a tiny, enclosed tube. Points for ingenuity, though. This year, the lures and baits available for anglers are better than ever. Here are a few of the tackle trends happening in the fishing world.
Ultra-realistic Crankbaits Crankbaits are not new and they have been a go-to for North American anglers since the Rapala minnow made its way from Finland in the early 1960s. However, the paint and finish of the modern crankbait is worlds away from the original lures that used foil to mimic the silver flash of a live shiner. Many of today’s crankbaits are so realistic, a passing glance could make you think you were looking at the real thing. The Live Target company has been at the forefront of this trend. The company has gone the extra mile to make the lures they sell look like actual fish. The detail is painstaking, and they look dynamite in the water. The smelt and redbelly dace cranks this company makes are must-haves for salmon and brook trout respectively.
Paddletail Swimbaits Plastic baits have been a huge thing for quite a while, with the most popular options being the twister, tube and minnow/ shadbaits. You really can’t go wrong with any of those. However, a decidedly old school lure has made a roaring comeback and they are definitely going to be found in every tackle store this year. The paddle tail swimbait is really just a slightly more re-
fined version of the Vibrotail minnow my Grandfather used 40 years ago. The difference now is the softer and more realistic looking plastic coupled with things like holographic eyes. The key to the paddle tail swimbait is the minnow-shaped body coupled with a tightly wiggling paddle tail. You can fish the paddle tail a variety of ways, but they really shine when cast out and then retrieved straight back in. The paddle tail generally is the most effective when not fished erratically; which is not to say that won’t work, as it will. But my experience has been the less angler-imparted action, the better.
Beads At first glance, a plain bead does not look very sexy above a fish hook. It’s no spoon, spinner, swimbait or jig. Beads are generally small, relatively plain and have no inherent action. Sure, when you put a bunch of beads in a row behind a spinner, it’s a whole different ball game. Then beads look like fish jewelry. A single bead is more subtle. In the world of steelhead fishing, there is no hotter presentation than a single bead that’s dead drifted in current or hung under a float. The variety of colour beads available is impressive, with everything from hot pink to opaque pearl. The key to beads seems to be the size and translucent nature of them in water. Beads also carry in current in a very realistic way, moving like a single egg would that had become dislodged from gravel. Plastic beads are buoyant, light and will float higher off the bottom. Glass beads will sink, but can be effective suspended under floats or when fished with floating fly line in fast but shallow water. The bead is normally pegged with a bobber stop an inch or two above the hook, and some anglers will fish two beads in tandem, or with a nymph on a dropper.
Swim baits catch all sorts of different species. | GORD ELLIS
Beads can even be used for live bait walleye fishing. I’ve had great success running a chartreuse, red or glow bead in front of a minnow or nightcrawler. The bead adds a little colour and attraction, and if you are using a plastic bead, there is added buoyancy. Companies like Creek Candy Beads have a jaw dropping array of beads for every possible type of presentation. Try some of these new products this season and find out what all the fuss is about.
Live Target red belly dace are killer on trout. | GORD ELLIS NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
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Northern Connections The Birkie: Saving Skiing and the World more options for dealing with thin spots, bad weather, and whatever the future climate might throw our way.
By Emily M. Stone
In another move toward the future, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation has leased the adjacent former Telemark Resort property with an option to buy the 713-acres when the lease expires in July 2021. Why is acquiring that land significant? “Wisconsin doesn’t have another venue that has snowmaking and hosts a big event,” explained Popp. The Telemark property—once a premier cross-country ski destination with an alpine ski area, too—has been vacant for years. Nevertheless, its 30 kilometers of ski trails are still legendary and still used for several of the Birkie’s events. Plus the property contains wells that feed the new snowmaking equipment. If the Birkie race became contingent on having most of the trail augmented with man-made snow, those trails and wells would be important.
Can cross-country skiing save the world? Ben Popp, executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), has enough energy and ideas to make that hyperbole feel possible. Popp has a more manageable mission, too: ensuring the future of cross-country skiing in the Midwest. But these goals are not unrelated. Skiers united behind the sustainability of their sport may find themselves inspired toward even healthier and greener lifestyles. Ben Popp, executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) shows off two initial offerings from the Birkie Green initiative—a durable gear bag and a reusable silicone cup. The Birkie continues to explore ways to reduce waste and save energy. | EMILY STONE
Every February, Popp and his team orchestrate North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon and its accompanying events. The race course snakes through scenic, forested hills between the rural Wisconsin towns of Cable and Hayward. Skiing the 55-kilometer Birkie race is a big deal, but so is entering either of the two shorter races, or participating in the Barkie Birkie Skijor race, the kids’ races, or being one of the 2,845 volunteers or 40,000 spectators. The entire community benefits economically from the influx of visitors during race week and throughout the year.
only the second time in the Birke’s 46-year history. It was disappointing, but not overly surprising. Hayward’s average winter temperature has risen 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1950. The Birkie is featured right alongside maple syruping and ice fishing on the climatewisconsin.org website as Northwoods traditions that are threatened by a changing climate. Just a little farther south, ski conditions become very sporadic.
The continued success of this world-class ski event is not a certainty. Back in 2017, after days of rain, the race was canceled for
So, Popp and the ski community have their work cut out for them. What infrastructure does the trail system need to en-
sure consistent, quality skiing is available each winter? Soon after the cancelled race, the Birkie purchased their first ever snowmaking equipment using donations from the ski community. A 1-kilometer loop of manmade snow first opened for skiing on November 17, 2018. This past fall, the snowmaking loop opened on November 15. Someday the man-made snow could be made efficiently during a cold spell in January, and stored over the summer. Both of these strategies give the Birkie trail crew
Actually, those trails are already important to many locals and visitors, and Popp wants to restore full public access. When the Telemark property moved into private ownership after a final bankruptcy in 2013, access was restricted. “We feel like the trails and the nature experiences available there are integral to our community, and we want to be part of ensuring that the whole community can use it,” Popp told me. While Popp and the Birkie are taking the lead on bringing Telemark back to life, they aren’t able to do it alone. It’s all about the community, says Popp. Mountain bike, ATV, and snowmobile clubs will all have a part in maintaining their respective trails on the property. The Cable Natural History Museum may help install family-friendly nature trails. That’s the easy part. The Birk-
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FEBRUARY 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
ie is also looking for a partner to deal with the old lodge building and either remove it or remodel it into something that would support the recreational activities. No longer will the lodge be the focal point of the property, “the draw is the amazing nature that’s there,” said Popp.
One of the biggest components of Birkie Green is the new Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center at the OO Trailhead near the halfway point of the Birkie trail system. The beautiful facility boasts passive solar design, an EV car charger, solar lighting, and a water bottle filling station. Its value isn’t limited to showcasing these increasingly common features, though.
So, with snowmaking capabilities, over a hundred kilometers of trails, and a growing community of skiers, the future of the Birkie—and cross-country skiing in the Midwest—is stable, right?
The facility—which sees 100,000 users in a year—makes it easier for skiers of all levels to enjoy the trails and the experience, and to feel like they are part of a community. In addition, book clubs, mountain bike workshops, high school teams, the Nordic Kids club, and more, use this welcoming space. By making active lifestyles fun, easy, and social, the Birkie has a positive impact on the health and well-being of the surrounding communities—and that’s despite the race spreading a highly contagious fever.
Not really. Snowmaking is energy intensive. “If you make 5 kilometers of snow and use fossil fuels to do it, is that really the right thing to do, especially long term?” Popp questioned. “To make snow responsibly takes some real conscious thought and intent.” Popp is exploring ways that their snowmaking could be fueled by solar power. The new Birkie Green initiative embodies that same conscious thought and intent toward reducing carbon emissions and environmental impacts from the ski community. It began with the Birkie Green Gear Bag, which is a durable backpack with ski-friendly features that racers use instead of plastic bags to have warm clothes transported to the finish line. If you don’t want to make the investment, you can still buy a plastic bag, but Birkie skiers have been showing off their packs getting used on adventures all over the world, under the hashtag #BirkieBagAdventure.
ers carry with them to aid stations. The Birkie Tour ski event used stainless steel cups with carabiner handles for the first time in January. Post-race food is now eaten from compostable containers, and beer is served in cans to facilitate recycling. By putting in plenty of forethought, and getting their partners involved, the Trail Run ended up with just a single bag of garbage.
Last summer, the Birkie Trail Run switched to reusable silicone cups that rac-
Popp wants to see the Birkie use its leverage to get vendors and contractors com-
Skiers united behind ensuring a future of their sport have found themselves inspired toward ever healthier and greener lifestyles—with the Birkie Green campaign leading the way. | AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER SKI FOUNDATION mitted to going green, too. For example, the sports nutrition company called GU has a recycling program that accepts the empty single-serving packets from energy gels of any brand. Swix is moving to ski waxes that are healthier for skiers and for the environment. These and more will be highlighted at the Birkie Expo, so that skiers can make educated decisions about the companies they support.
For thousands of folks, Birkie Fever—“a craving for excitement, camaraderie and challenge”—is a real thing. But it’s not just about skiing fast or helping out with a single week of activities; it’s about the energy that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. And that’s where Popp’s power lies. What if the Foundation’s new Birkie Green initiatives could get the ski community to think about sustainability in every aspect of their lives? What if skiers become advocates and ambassadors for green practices? What if Popp really could use skiing to help save the world?
WHY GO: Located west of the Sawbill Trail in Cook County, Four Mile Lake is a good choice for anyone seeking decent walleye fishing. Off the beaten path, yet easily accessible, it is easily fished with anything from a craft from a canoe to a mid-sized boat. The lake lies outside the BWCAW and has no motor restrictions. ACCESS: Reached via Forest Road 170, Four Mile Lake has a concrete ramp and dock with a gravel parking area for six vehicles with trailers. A latrine is available. VITALS: The 593-acre lake has 8.5 miles of shoreline. Nearly all of the lake is less than 15 feet deep, with a maximum depth of 19.5 feet. The water is bog-stained with about five feet of visibility. FISH SPECIES PRESENT: Black crappie, northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, blacknose shiner, central mudminnow, common shiner, creek chub, golden shiner, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, minnows, mottled sculpin, northern pearl dace, and tadpole madtom. WILD RICE: The southwest bay is bordered by bog and lowlands. It contains a healthy stand of wild rice and is designated as a wild rice lake by the state. It attracts waterfowl at times in the fall.
CAMPING OPTIONS: The access site has four U.S. Forest Service campsites, with three additional remote sites located on the lake. Camping is popular in the spring, summer and fall. ABOUT THE FISHING: You probably won’t catch trophy walleyes in Four Mile, but expect to land “eaters” averaging 14-15 inches. In stained waters, a daytime bite is possible. In early summer, look for walleyes along the outside edge of emerging bulrushes. The lake has a self-sustaining crappie population that occasionally produces a strong year class. When it does, you can be rewarded with 10-12 inchers. Yellow perch are more consistent. You can find keepers running nine inches or more. According to Minnesota DNR surveys, Four Mile has a below-average abundance of northern pike. Expect two-pounders rather than 10-pounders, with occasional pike pushing 30 inches possible.
USFS 347 US FS 17 0
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WATCH OUT: Submerged boulders are difficult to see in the bog-stained water. Go slow and pay attention to your electronics if you are unfamiliar with the lake.
View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/ fishingholemaps
NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
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MUSH LAKE RACING DOG BLOG
Breaking the
Cardinal Rules By Erin Altemus In 2003, I signed on with my friend Elissa to be one of the YMCA Camp Menogyn mushers for the winter. Menogyn leases dogs for the winter season. The dogs live on site at West Bearskin Lake and two mushers care for them and run dog tours as part of Menogyn’s winter program. Our experience began with a month living in a yurt at Doug and Deb Seim’s place (from whom Menogyn leased dogs at the time), getting to know the dogs and how to care for them. We moved in late November and there was little to no snow on the ground. Doug was recovering from surgery and unable to do much with the dogs as far as training. But he did hand us several books about mushing and imparted what knowledge and wisdom he could. I remember his first lesson. “There are two rules in mushing,” Doug said. “Never let go of the sled. And never put your hand in a dog fight.” I am not going to tell you that I have never broken these rules. During that first winter at Menogyn, I lost the dog team on our first run on the lake. Later, when my husband Matt and I had our own team of dogs in Wisconsin, I lost the team more than once—partly due to old, faulty equipment (there was the time I went barreling down a steep hill that had a 90 degree turn at the bottom. When the dogs hit the turn, the gangline snapped right in front of the sled and away my team of six ran without me). But that was 10 years ago. Since moving up here, I have been proud of my ability to hang on no matter what. Matt likes to tell new handlers that he would rather be dragged and mangled before losing the dog
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team. I flip the sled frequently and I know how to grip the handlebar and ride out the subsequent slam to the ground—sometimes with snow filling up my parka or recently, pushing my pants to my knees. I’ve torn my clothes, endured skin on ice abrasions and even been dragged by 14 crazy racehyped huskies by a foot caught in the brake until somehow, I get a snowhook in, or the team realizes that they are not able to go as fast as they would like because of the dragging human. The thought of losing the team in the middle of nowhere with no help around is almost enough to make a person quit mushing. So, I have simply committed to hanging on. Several weeks ago, I took a team out for a “fun run.” I planned to do a much longer training run later in the day with the A-racing team. This run was simply going to be short and fast—just wanted to get everyone some exercise. Matt and our daughter Sylvia were gone for a few days. I was on my own. I hooked up 12 dogs. About 8 miles into the run, I stopped as I often do to fix a tugline that was hooked under my leader’s leg. We were on Pine Mountain Road. I stomped in my snowhook and walked forward. I noticed Gabby had already freed herself from the problem tug line so I turned back toward the sled. The dogs lunged and the snowhook popped. Not wanting to take chances I jumped in the sled basket. I couldn’t ride in the sled basket long, so I stood and tried to step around to the back of the sled. In hindsight, I should have been more careful. The sled tipped toward me, and as I hit the ground my arms just gave out. The handlebar wrenched from my grip and it was inches and then feet from me.
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After the ups and downs of a long training season, race day finally arrived. Erin came in seventh in the 8-dog race and Matt came in fifth in the 12-dog race. | LAURA DAHL POPKES The dogs turned and looked back. I yelled “Whoaaaaa,” and without hesitation, they took off. I stood and started running but a 41-year-old in heavy winter gear on a packed snow trail is no match for a team of 12 huskies. They were out of my sight within minutes. All I could do was keep running. I spent the next hour and a half willing my legs to move faster. I ditched my parka behind a tree. Every time I turned a corner on the road, I hoped I would see them waiting
with tails wagging, but there was nothing. I wished a snowmobile would come along. I tried texting the one friend who I thought might be around who could come help but my text did not go through. The danger in losing the team is this: They rely on the musher to keep the line pulled out, so that the dogs in back don’t catch up to the dogs in front and get tangled or in a fight. I knew that if Gabby stopped and the wheel dogs kept going, they could all be on top of each other, and
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Two-year-old Temper led Matt’s fifth-place team in the Gunflint Mail Run, start to finish. Temper has a big future with Mush Lake Racing. | LAURA DAHL POPKES well, it’s easy to imagine the worst. The one small shred of hope I had was that we were pointing toward home. The dogs knew the way. And the sled was on its side, which maybe would be enough back pressure, I thought, to keep everyone from getting bunched. It could also mean the sled would arrive in pieces by the time the dogs dragged it over the twists and turns of our trail. I was 4 miles from home and I waddled my way there as fast as I could, trying to control my heavy breathing, trying to become at peace with the ache that had set into my lungs pushing cold air in and out. I finally came within sight of the dog yard, and they were there, parked in the middle, waiting patiently for me to arrive. When they saw me, they went berserk, as if to say, “what took you so long?” and “we have been waiting a really long time!” I broke the other cardinal rule recently as well and have a few new scars to prove it. The dog fight in this case warranted intervention and it was up to me to extract a dog from an attack that could have rendered her dead. Sled dogs do on occasion display some pack mentality. The fights
are few and far between but in this case, a leader turned the team backwards and the dogs behind her jumped on top. By the time I removed this dog from the fight, I was physically and emotionally battered. The dogs were fine. I have wondered more than once this year if it’s time to hang up our hats as mushers. But then, we make it to race season, and this year in the Gunflint Mail Run, I had an astoundingly fast run with my 8-dog team, watched the Wolf Moon rise on the trail, watched a leader gain confidence with passing and two young dogs fly through the race with enthusiasm and joy that will set them up for a long future of racing. Mushing is the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. For now, I will hang on to my team another day.
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DRURY LANE BOOKS
SVEA Singers Concert
The Holocaust and Me
Many Tiny Lights Fundraiser
Sunday, Feb 16 • 6 PM
Storytelling with Music
Sat., Feb. 22, 7 pm Arrowhead Center for the Arts 51 W. 5th St. Grand Marais
Join us outside around the bonfire for Swedish songs and stories, and a beachfront decorated with ice globe luminaries! Donations accepted for the Grand Marais PTA.
Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat
$10 adults $5 youth.
11 AM - 4 PM
Tickets: www.tix.com & at the door
Open 24/7 Online drurylanebooks.com 12 E. Wisconsin St., Grand Marais
218-387-3370
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Walking the Old Road A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe By Staci Lola Drouillard
University of Minnesota Press, 2019, $21.95
Occasionally a book arrives that shines extra bright among the constellation of titles that comprise the rich historic literature of the North Shore. Reaching into her family’s past, Drouillard tells the story of Chippewa City, the lost Anishinaabe community that predates Grand Marais. Drawing deeply upon oral and written history, she documents the everyday world of the North Shore’s Anishinaabe and the changes and challenges they faced with very readable prose. Drouillard’s Anishinaabe heritage allows her to present North Shore history with an authentic and welcome perspective. —Shawn Perich
Johnny’s Pheasant By Cheryl Minnema
University of Minnesota Press, 2019, $16.95
When Johnny finds a sleeping pheasant in the ditch, he convinces his Grandma to let him bring it home. It’s hard to say who is most surprised by what happens next— Grandma, Johnny or the pheasant. But no one will be more delighted than the reader at this lesson about patience, kindness and respect for nature. Young readers will also enjoy Cheryl Minnema’s other children’s book Hungry Johnny, which was a 2015 Native America Calling book club selection.—Breana Roy
The Trial of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Eyewitness Accounts from the U.S. Coast Guard Hearings By Michael Schumacher University of Minnesota Press, 2019, $19.95
The 729-foot freighter Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975 during a wicked storm, taking her 29-man crew with her. Eight days later, the U.S. Coast Guard’s four-member Marine Board began its investigation into the sinking, hearing testimony from witnesses including those who were also on Lake Superior at the same time. What was it like during the storm? What do they think happened to the Fitzgerald? For example, Captain Cooper of the Arthur Anderson testified, “I firmly believe he [Captain McSorley] had a damaged ship and didn’t know how damaged it was. I believe she was cracked somewhere.” Was she? After researching thousands of transcript pages from the official inquiry, Schumacher has assembled a compelling narrative divided into three parts (The Loss, The Investigation, The Documents) that gives the reader a fresh look at the Fitzgerald tragedy, the search and events that followed. —Elle Andra-Warner
northern sky FEBRUARY 2020 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH
Leap into local radio! REPUBLICAN CAUCUS Courtesy of Dennis Chick
Tuesday, February 25
On the air 366 days in 2020!
A dazzling evening “star,” Venus comes out in twilight and sticks around long enough to outshine all the stars against a dark sky. So bright is our sister planet, it has been mistaken for a UFO. Watch it climb in the southwest throughout the month, and be sure to catch it on the 27th, when a waxing crescent moon appears next to it. The moon takes many partners this month, especially as it tours the group of bright winter constellations now moving onto center stage in the southern sky. On the 3rd, a bright moon covers part of the face of Taurus, the bull, but not Aldebaran, the bull’s eye. On the 6th, a fatter moon will shine near the Gemini twins Pollux (the brighter) and Castor. February’s full moon rises in the late afternoon of the 8th and reaches fullness at 1:33 a.m. on the 9th. This full moon will be quite big and bright, since the moon reaches perigee, its closest approach to Earth in an orbit, only about a day and a half later.
In the morning sky, the three outer planets—Mars, Jupiter and Saturn—are positioning themselves for a spectacular dance in March and early April. All rise in the southeastern predawn sky; Mars first, then Jupiter and finally Saturn, which may be too low to easily see until the last few days of the month. When the three planets are all above the horizon, they will form a nearly straight line, with brilliant Jupiter in the middle.
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The HUB, (Senior Center) 10 Broadway, GM Registration 6 p.m. Meeting 7 p.m. March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Precinct Caucuses Present Platform Resolutions Election Judges, Poll Challengers Elect Delegates/Alternates for CC BPOU Conv March 10th Political Contribution Refund (PCR)
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On the 18th, a thick waning moon passes in front of Mars, making the red planet disappear behind the moon’s illuminated side. Mars may be hard to see next to the moon’s glare, but if you get out by 6 a.m. and the weather is clear, you can witness the event. 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.
SAVE THE DATE
COOK COUNTY
M I N N E S O TA
APRIL 24 & 25, 2020
31st ANNUAL COOK COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES CONFERENCE TRAINING – PRESENTATIONS NETWORKING – SKILL ENHANCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COOK COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, Mike Keyport 218-387-3059, mike.keyport@co.cook.mn.us
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Strange Tales Legal Trailblazers: The First Women Lawyers Law Society of Ontario) to become a law student but was rejected. Why?
By Elle AndraWarner
At the time, the Law Society (which since 1797 has governed and regulated Ontario’s legal profession) would only admit men to the practice of law because women were not considered “persons� under their legislation. Challenging the interpretation, Martin garnered support from prominent people, including Ontario’s Premier Oliver Mowat, to change the legislation. She succeeded. Ontario legislation was passed on April 13, 1892, permitting the admission of women as lawyers. After completing law school and called to the bar, Martin in 1897 became the first woman lawyer in Canada and the British Empire. (Generally, to be ‘called to the bar’ means a person has successfully completed the licensing process to be a lawyer.)
Back 150-100 years ago, becoming a lawyer and practicing law was closed to women pretty well around the world. But breaking barriers is something women are great at doing. Two legal trailblazers in our Northern Wilds didn’t let those barriers stop them. In 1878, Martha Angle Dorsett (1851-1918) became the first female lawyer in Minnesota and in 1902, Eva Powley (1875-1969) from Port Arthur (now part of Thunder Bay) became Canada’s second female lawyer. One can only imagine the tenacity of trailblazers like Dorsett and Powley when, according to author Constance Backhouse in her book Petticoats and Prejudice, “Belief that the professions were not appropriate places for women remained deeply ingrained.� In another book, Backhouse references early newspaper writings in the chapter entitled “The First Path-Breakers:� Opponents labelled the idea of “mawkish maidens� practicing law as “hilarious,� something that was “contrary to all notion of feminine sweeteners, modesty and delicacy. Naysayers claimed that women were neither physically or intellectually capable for rigorous practice and that female lawyers risked destroying their own “homes and womanhood.� Minnesota’s first female lawyer, New York-born Martha Angle Dorsett graduated first from University of Michigan in 1875 with a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a year later, from Iowa College of Law (later named Drake University Law School). She married classmate Charles Dorsett in 1875, both entered the Iowa Bar, relocated
[LEFT] On Jan. 11, 1878 Martha Angle Dorsett became the first woman lawyer
in Minnesota. | BENTLEY HISTORICAL LIBRARY [RIGHT] The first woman to be licensed as a lawyer in the U.S. was Arabella Mansfield in 1869 in Iowa. | WIKIMEDIA to Minneapolis and petitioned to practice law in Minnesota. While her husband was admitted to practice in Minnesota, Dorsett was not. According to Judge Young, the Minnesota statute regarding legal practice prohibited her entry. The law read, “Any male person of the age of twenty-one years, of good moral character, and who possesses the requisite qualifications of learning and ability, is entitled to admission to practice in all the courts of this State.� Refusing to accept the status-quo, Dorsett began working towards changing Minnesota law. And she did. On February 27, 1877, the Minnesota legislature successfully passed the bill opening legal practice to all women in the state, and the Governor signed it into law March 1, 1877. The battle won, the following year on January 11, 1878, Dorsett became the first woman admitted to practice law in Minnesota.
Though the first in Minnesota, Dorsett wasn’t the U.S.’s first female lawyer. That distinction goes to Arabella Mansfield (1846-1911). She was admitted to the legal profession in Iowa in 1869 after successfully challenging Iowa state law which restricted the taking of the law bar exam to “males over 21.� As a result, Iowa became the first U.S. state to admit women to practice law. However, rather than go into law practice, Mansfield concentrated on her college teaching career and was an activist in women’s suffrage movement to get voting rights for women. Meanwhile over in Ontario—while Port Arthur’s Eva Powley in 1902 was Canada’s second woman lawyer—the legal portal was opened five years earlier in 1897 by Toronto’s Clara Brett Martin (1874-1923), the first woman lawyer in Canada and in the British Empire. A graduate in 1890 at age 16 from Toronto’s Trinity College, she applied to the Law Society of Upper Canada (now
But it would be another five years before Eva Powley from Port Arthur became Canada’s second female lawyer. She applied to the Law Society in 1892, admitted as law school student in 1895, undergraduate of Trinity College in 1896, graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School, and in 1902, became Canada’s second woman to be called to the bar to practice law. Powley practiced with a Port Arthur law firm and was well-known within the community. But in 1913, she resigned, sailed to Europe aboard the Empress of Ireland, became involved with the Red Cross Society and, during World War I, was in England with the war effort until armistice. After returning to Port Arthur, she stayed briefly and christened in June 1917 the 251foot Norwegian freighter Ugelstand/Rutenfjell built by Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company—before moving to Winnipeg to manage a large coal company and serve as its company director. In 1951, she made national news when she was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard from the burning 460-foot Danish ship Erria along the Oregon Coast. Powley never married or had children. She is buried in the family plot at Riverside Cemetery, Thunder Bay.
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Illustration by Leah Pratt
Snowboarding Take a picture of your colored masterpiece and tag us on Facebook or Instagram! #NorthernWilds
The Birds And The
Bees Mark Crawford Sex, Love, Science, Family, and the artificial insemination of turkeys!? A laugh-out-loud comedy!
January 30February 15, 2020 19/20
by
Tickets: magnustheatre.com 807-345-5552 | 10 Algoma St S. - Thunder Bay
NORTHERN  WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
43
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 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 SUPERIOR OPPORTUNITY. Bargain on the shore! 575 ft of Lake Superior shoreline on 5+ acres. Property is located 4 miles east of Hovland and includes 2 garages, septic system, paved driveway, and water system. Beautiful, accessible shoreline. Offers encouraged! MLS# 6087505 $267,000 PRICE REDUCED
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
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# 6087574 $749,900 NEW! CUSTOM LAKE HOME – GREENWOOD LAKE. This custom built wilderness lake home features 2 stone fireplaces, quality fixtures, finishes and details throughout. The large and private 2.5 ac lot has expansive 391 feet of shoreline, and adjoining U.S. Forest shore on Greenwood Lake, making for a truly private setting. Pristine views, large floating dock system, complete off-grid solar and generator system, satellite internet and cell service. The large 2-car garage has shop space and power room. The lot is landscaped with a gazebo, fountain and fire pit. There's even a private boat slip to save time and effort launching the boat. MLS# 6087884 $529,000 NEW! BELLA LAGO ON PIKE LAKE. If you are looking for the ideal lake home, you have found it! This 3 bdrm, 2 bath home features whole log construction for that cabin feel. Light a fire in the wood stove and gather friends and family. Year-round adventure awaits! Privacy, water, outdoor firepit, wilderness, recreation, modern conveniences including high speed broadband... they are all here. The overall layout allows everybody to be together with spaces to duck away if you need a little quiet time. Wonderful 12 x 28 screen porch! This property is used as a successful vacation rental. MLS# 6087664 $359,900
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES 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 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 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 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 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
www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 44
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INLAND WATER PROPERTIES 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 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
HOMES & CABINS 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 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 GREAT LOCATION GRAND MARAIS HOME. This solidly built 3 bdrm, 4 bath home in the middle of Grand Marais has lots to offer. Plenty of storage with two garages, basement with great room and recreation room, large laundry, plus a craft/workshop space for your hobbies. This mid-century home is ready for your vision. MLS# 6087562 $287,000 NEW! CHARMING TOFTE HOME – BIG LAKE VIEWS. All the charm of the 1930's with all of the modern conveniences one could want. The current owner put so much TLC into this 3 bdrm home since purchased: Brand new bathroom, newer appliances, a new set of steps to the upper part of the lot (which overlooks its own waterfall!), fireplace improvements, improved/repaired chimney, an absolutely adorable finished shed that was used as a small art gallery, a new fenced-in area, and incredible gardens. The hardwood floors are gorgeous, the layout is ideal and the overall feel is nothing short of cozy and calm. The Lake Superior views are astounding, there is access to the public shoreline just across the road and access to dining, shopping and hiking/biking is right outside the door. MLS# 6087734 $235,900 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
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 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 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 RUSTIC RECREATIONAL CABIN ON 40+ ACRES. Very private recreational 42 acres with rustic cabin and a beautiful, large pond for wildlife. Great grouse hunting and deer hunting. The timber cabin can easily sleep 6 in the loft. Offering to sell furnished! MLS# 6087367 $99,000 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
CONDOS & TOWNHOMES NEW! BEAUTIFUL SEA VILLA ON LAKE SUPERIOR. Updated successful vacation rental sitting just a few steps away from our beloved Lake Superior. 2 bedrooms, a sleeping loft within the 2nd bedroom, 2 bathrooms and views that will blow you away!! The Sea Villa has modern appliances, a woodburning stove, wi-fi, TV, indoor swimming pools/hot tubs, sauna and sits right next to the state bike trail. This gorgeous waterfront townhome is only a short drive away from the ski hills and the Superior Hiking Trail. MLS# 6087735 $326,500
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
www.RedPineRealty.com • (800) 387-9599 Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
45
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
RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE LARGE TRACT WITH CREEK. This 319 acre parcel has ponds & creek frontage on the Flute Reed River. Has been in DNR management program. Great for hunting or homesteading. Access is by unimproved easement from the Camp 20 Road, near county maintenance. The land may be split - take your pick of "40's"! MLS# 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 10 ACRES ON THE FLUTE REED RIVER. Very nice property for your homestead. The Flute Reed River meanders through with a perfect build site about 200 ft from the river. Heavily wooded with mature trees. Great recreational parcel! Electric at the road. MLS# 6087451 $49,500 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
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 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
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LAND/BUILDING SITES 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 $65,000 HIDDEN GEM IN HOVLAND. Explore the 40 acres of seclusion with dramatic views from the south facing bluff. Enjoy the beautiful mixed forest and abundant wildlife. It even has a small gravel pit for your future building needs. The neighbors have electricity and the road has been kept open all winter through a road association. MLS# 6076192 $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 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 – 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 – 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
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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 RECREATION ON POWERS LAKE ROAD. Over 60 acres of wooded land with minimal wetlands, waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Nearly 1,500 feet of road frontage on Powers Lake Road present a range of options for access. Good spot for a rustic northwoods retreat or hunting camp. Close to Esther Lake for great trout fishing. MLS# 6087571 $51,000 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. It’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 – 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 • 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 – 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
SALIENG PE N D
www.RedPineRealty.com • Your easy source for new MLS listings daily • info@RedPineRealty.com 46
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Own a slice of Minnesota’s Favorite Resorts We bring you closer. To the lake, each other and your vacation property dreams.
Surfside on Lake Superior
Bluefin Bay Condos & Townhomes
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
SOLD
2 BR, 2 BA. Upper level unit affords panoramic lake views. Over $60K in rental income. $315,000
Bluefin Unit 38
2 BR, BA turn-key rental property. Newly remodeled and tastefully decorated.
Deb Niemisto 218-370-8434
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
NORTHWOODS REALTY www.coldwellbankernorthwoods.com
Buyer’s, what are you looking for? B) SLopeSide Condo At LutSen Sleeps 6
A) LAke Superior retreAt
$119,000 MLS 6080501
3 BD 3 BA Luxury Living $385,000 unit 515 MLS# 6083142 $399,000 unit 535 MLS# 6083130
Keep your whole family together—Invest in Lutsen NORTHERN WILDS
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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!
E L SA ING D N PE
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
Back Ups Considered! REDUCED!
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
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. MLS#6076479
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
$499,000 BIG VALUE!
LUTSEN LAKESIDE OASIS ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Built before
E L A S ING D N PE 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
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
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
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 $599,900 REDUCED!
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 LAKE SUPERIOR TOWNHOMES/CONDOS
Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!
Local 663 - 8777 • To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7
THE INLAND LAKES ARE CALLING! A THOREAUVIAN DREAM ON CHRISTINE LAKE IN LUTSEN! The
NORWOOD SHORES, LUTSEN’S PREMIER LOCALE. This home is so
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#6083643 $329,500
LAKE SUPERIOR TOFTE CONDO AT CHATEAU!
Super Cute 1 bedroom 1 bath Getaway with all the Amenities at Chateau!
MLS#6086139 $69,900
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!
MLS#6083457 $155,000
FABULOUS HOME ON PIKE LAKE! 3 bedroom 3
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!
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 $449,000
UNIT 1 AT BLUEFIN BAY RESORT!
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
2 PLUS LOFT BEDROOM LUTSEN SEA VILLA! We aren’t
sure 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! MLS#6084391$319,000
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
E L A S ING D N E P
REDUCED!
MOUNTAIN RESORT HOMES CHECK OUT THESE SKI IN SKI OUT CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES AT LUTSEN MOUNTAINS!
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
NEEDS TLC, A CHARMING CABIN ON CARIBOU LAKE WITH ALMOST 200 FT OF SHORELINE! 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
LODGE STYLE LIVING ON CARIBOU LAKE! MLS# 6083867 $649,900
Bargain Buy! 120A Bridge Run at Caribou Highlands! Two levels of fun, upstairs bedroom/bunk space. Must See at this price!
NEW! FAMILY RETREAT ON PIKE LAKE!
MLS#6084056 $79,900!
124B The Best at Caribou because it is completely updated and has a double deck, gorgeous 1 bedrm condo!
Great family cabin with super accessible shared shoreline. Enjoy views of the lake from the living room while cozied up by the fire, or walk out to the Large deck and relax with your coffee and a view!
MLS#6032522, REDUCED $92,900 WOWSER!
#670 MOOSE MOUNTAIN! 5 Bedrm 4 bath MINT townhome with AMAZING VIEWS OF MOOSE MOUNTAIN! MLS#6087455 $319,000
MLS#6087771 $269,000
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND LIKE TIMBERWOLFF R EALTY! NORTHERN WILDS
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Local 663 - 8777 • To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7
LAKE VIEWS! IN TOWN! WINTER WONDERLANDS FOR SALE!
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
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
NEW! MOOSE DEN ON LUTSEN SKI HILL ROAD!
COMFY AND COZY YEAR ROUND CABIN IN TOFTE!
Enjoy this cozy cabin on the highly desirable Lutsen Ski Hill Road, plenty of space for all your gear no matter how many activities you enjoy! Enjoy the large porch and plan your day! 3 bedrooms gives you plenty of space for everyone to visit!
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
MLS#6087881 $239,000
LOVE THIS HOME IN THE COOLEST SMALL TOWN! New Kitchen Remodel,
New Shingles, New Septic System! TONS OF VALUE in this Grand Marais home! Two Car garage with new garage door, Outdoor SAUNA HOUSE! Made for Winter Fun with discounted price! $287,500
MLS# 6083092
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!
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#6082440 $229,000
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
COMMERCIAL UP NORTH! LOW MAINTENANCE RENTAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!
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
WINTER WONDERLAND MINUTES TO LUTSEN MOUNTAINS! Gorgeous home made for
winter recreating! Snowmobile from your front door to the Local Trail system a few minutes away, cross country ski trails even closer! Lutsen Caribou Trail location, incredible master suite, fireplace, fantastic kitchen. Attached and detached garages for toy storage! MLS#6083720
$315,000 SELLER SAYS SELL!
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 NEW! COMMERCIAL VACANT LOT WITH LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS! 4.89 acres with direct access from Highway 61 and leveled building site! MLS#6087649 $220,000
Call TIMBERWOLFF REALTY or visit www.timberwolffrealty.com for more information! 50
FEBRUARY 2020
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Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!
There’s plenty of snow, Visit Up North and Enjoy all the winter activities!
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
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 30 acres Wilderness, Borders lands next to Little Manitou River! MLS#2309327 $129,000 NEW! 2+ car Garage in Place sitting on 3.4 acre lot with 200ft of shoreline on Ninemile Lake!
Sawbill Trail Tofte Lake Superior Views, Mature Spruce forest with driveway and well in place!
MLS#6077523
MLS#6030129 $89,900
Woodland Foothills Build Ready lots, Shared Water & Community Septic from
Maples with lots of Elbow Room, Year Round access and nice location between Cross River in Schroeder and Finland! MLS#6028422 $49,000
MLS#2309328+ FROM $39,000
Heartland of Lutsen, 80 ac at the Foothill on Turnagain Trail, Fabulous Wilderness Build s of Ski Hill ridge, near downtown Lutsen!
15+ acres with Spectacular Views of Lake Superior!
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
Well-Manicured Lot in Lutsen! Driveway and building site in place, 1.75 acres.
Tait Lake area, Legend Trail parcel bordering USFS lands with views of Wills and Williams Lake!
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!
Wilderness land with canoe access to Tait Lake! 3+ ac a stone’s throw to Tait Lake!
Hilltop build site in the Maples-Isak Ridge Rd
5 ac in the heart of Lutsen, just above TimberWolff! Great location for family home or Vaca Cabin!
Wilderness Lutsen location at Tait Lake- backlot with Driveway in place! Yr Round and Electric
Caribou Hillside in Lutsen! Maple hillside above Ward Lake and Caribou Lake, FABULOUS location for summer and winter fun! Must see land!
Hansen Hjemstead Rd, level build site with nearby pond! MLS#6084134 $39,900
$59,900
D MLS#2024250 SOL$42,000
40 ac Sugar Loaf Rd-Hunter’s Paradise, upland and level land. Yr Round Access, minutes to Lake Superior.
MLS#6086473 $48,000
RUSTIC CABINS AND GETAWAYS!
MLS#6074981 $57,500
MLS#6086735 $29,000
MLS#6028619 $67,500
MLS#6077951 $39,000
MLS#6029115 $33,000
$37,000
CLARA LAKE IN LUTSEN! Wilderness Lakeshore Site with cleared build site, driveway in place. Electric at road, 200 ft PRIME shoreline. REDUCED BIG TIME!
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
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
10 acres on County Road 7 with Lake Superior views! $125,000 MLS#6086995 Coveted County Road 7 location, multiple lots available $63-69,900 MLS#6086990
NEW! LAKE DEERYARD LAKE GETAWAY! 2.30 acres and 175ft of WILLARD LANE PIKE LAKE VIEW LAND WITH LAKE ACCESS! Rugged elevation, great build site. Shared 20 ft access to Pike Lake for $75,000 MLS#6078799 RUSTIC GETAWAY LAKESHORE, ISABELLA AREA. Mature pines, end of the road location on Swallow Lake! WHITE PINE LAKE IN LUTSEN
shoreline on Ninemile Lake, great location and sense of privacy! MLS# TBA
MLS#6076146 $129,900
MLS#6029849 $65,000
shoreline! MLS#6086435 $174,900
NEW! BEST OF THE VILLAGE AT NINEMILE! 1800ft of shared
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!!
LAKE SUPERIOR views, Rolling terrain with creek meandering through the land. Beautiful setting less than five minutes to Grand Marais!
INLAND LAKE LANDS
MLS#2300576 $64,900
COME ON! AREN’T YOU A LITTLE TIRED OF SLEEPING IN A TENT? Very near
MLS#6082222 $54,900
MLS#6084133 $49,000
MLS#6078839 $42,000
MLS#6078781 5 AC $40,000
Quiet Side of Town Building Site, just off the East 5th Street in the heart of Grand Marais. Walk to East Bay!
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 Jonvick Creek Runs Through It! Enjoy the Sounds of the Creek running by your future build site, Fabulous Lutsen Location just off the Caribou Trail!
MLS#6077966
NEW! High Ground above Lake Superior, Bloomquist Mountain area! MLS#6085097 $39,000
MLS#2312987 $119,000
Top of the Ridge Overlooking Tait Lake! 2+ Garage in place sitting on 2.95 acres. MLS#6086718
MLS#6087805 $139,000
Tucked in the maples with cedar forest surround, 2 parcels at $36,000 MLS#6084131-2
10 ac site, minutes to Lutsen Mtn’s. $62,500
$169,000 MLS#6033095 CHRISTINE LAKE 10 AC bordering Superior National Forest, Yr Round Access, electric/broadband avail. Hill top build site overlooking mature white pine, cedar lined shoreline on Christine. Serenity Now!
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! $199,000 BIG TIME VALUE! MAPLES, CEDARS, LAKE. LUTSEN. 30 Minutes to Lutsen Mountains,
Moments to Solitude! Deep gravel shoreline, south facing. #240 West Deeryard!
MLS#6080664 $187,000
TWO BEAUTIFUL LAKE LOTS, 200’ of frontage each, Pike Lake on Loon Echo Lane off Murmer Cr Rd, Solitude, big white pines, crystal waters, power and fiber within site. $139,000 EACH MLS#6082259
MLS#6023288 $99,900
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
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
FEBRUARY 2020
51
Grand Marais Area SALE G IN PEND
Lutsen Real Estate Group
Lutsen/Tofte Area SALE G IN PEND
Office 218-663-7971
lutsenrealestategroup.com 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.
Meet Our Awesome Agents!
Grand Marais Country Home.
Sandy McHugh 218-370-7841
Kelsi Williams 218-428-0992
Inger Andress 218-216-7141
Bruce Kerfoot 218-388-0876
Mike Larson Broker 218-370-1536
Steve Surbaugh Broker 218-663-7971
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
Devil Track Lake Cabin.
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.
Drom Hytte on Cascade Beach Rd Extremely well maintained home on
Cascade Beach Road in Lutsen located near Cascade Lodge. “Drom Hytte” is Norwegian for “dream cabin” which delightfully describes the overall property. The home features two bedrooms, 1.5 baths, fireplace, timber frame wood fired outdoor sauna and playhouse. Meticulously maintained grounds spreading over nearly one and half acres and 250+’ of Lake Superior Shoreline. Outstanding Lake Superior Views including a glimpse of the Grand Marais Harbor lighthouse to the east. This home is part of the Cascade Vacation Rental Program with a long history of repeat guests many of whom call this their second home. Call today for a private showing. MLS TBD $599,500
- EARN MONEY WHEN YOU ARE AWAY Place your home in our Vacation Rental Program. Give Andrew a call at 218-264-0497
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Lutsen Real Estate Group
Using a fundamental business approach for all your real estate needs Office 218-663-7971
lutsenrealestategroup.com
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
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. MLS 6085581 $69,000
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 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
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!53
FEBRUARY 2020
Lynne Luban
BUYING OR SELLING Call: 218-591-0985 Email: stphn.carlson@gmail.com or Realliving.com/steve.carlson.
White Tail Ridge Rd 27-5707-33790
27-5707-33730
27-5707-33670
27-5707-33850
27-5707-33910
27-5707-34550
27-5707-34610
Cell: 612-599-6986
Email: lynneluban@mac.com Website: thelegacyminneapolis.com
337 OLD 322 S
Rocky Wall Rd
UPIED
C 80% OC
Lake County, MN Parcel
Lake County, MN Parcel 27-5707-33490
Over 12 years selling downtown MPLS Condo living. Currently representing this developers 10th project PORTLAND TOWER & THE LEGACY. I am available to meet with you in Grand Marais or Minneapolis to go over prices & floor plans.
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LIVE OUT YOUR LEGACY IN NEW CONDOS IN MILLS DISTRICT BY THE GUTHRIE!
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Roads State Hwy
County Forest Rd
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County Hwy State Hwy
Online map disclaimer applies to this resource
26-5639-00010
Township Rd
Contact me for a personal viewing of floor plans photos of construction views and pricing.
1:36,112
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Roads
26-5635-02020
1/16/2020, 1:20:46 PM
Parcels
CLOSINGS ARE BOOKED SOLID FOR AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER , NOVEMBER, DECEMBER!
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Private
Public Viewer Online map disclaimer applies to this resource
This 3.67acre lot is on the ridge above Hwy 1 just north of Silver Bay. Gated entrance must call agent for access. 218-591-0985
10 acre 660x660 with easement for 20 acre lot to the south On Ridge behind Silver Bay
2 NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDO BUILDINGS IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS with quick close and occupancy • Portland Tower ONLY 19 units left!
$57,600
20 acre 660x1320 Views of Lake Superior on the ridge behind Silver Bay $66,700
Steve Carlson 218-591-0985 stphn.carlson@gmail.com Realliving.com/steve.carlson.
www.Realliving.com/Messina
A New Luxury Condo Development 740 Portland Avenue • Downtown Minneapolis
• 17 story New Contsruction • Pet-friendly building • High end standard features • Community and Fully equipped exercise room, and outdoor roof top green space • Climate controlled parking • Just a few blocks from US Bank Stadium • Additional garage stalls available for purchase • Walk the Skyway for all your needs
• Within a few blocks of Lightrail • Close to the Nicollet Mall • Choose from many restaurants close by! • Walk two blocks to the new 9 arce Commons Park that extends from the US Bank Stadium to Portland Avenue. • Choose from many available options to customize your unit.
112 units with 79 SOLD! • 7 units available for immediate occupancy • 40 still available to customize.
Lutsen resort company
Please call for more information or to set up an appointment:
Alyssa Sushoreba • Office: 218-663-6650 • alyssa@lutsenresort.com
Investment opportunity with Lake Superior views!
Enjoy resort living while you’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 • standup paddle boarding • fly-fishing hiking • par 3 golf (and disc golf ) course on property kids camp • kids pizza and movie night snow shoeing • cross country skiing • ice skating door to door ski hill shuttle • game room indoor pool, hot tub & sauna • live music • beach bonfires
& more!
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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 552 $365,000 price reduced Unit 572 $359,000 Unit 562 $379,000 Unit 522 $450,000 new listing Unit 512 $439,000 price reduced
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. Don’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. Don’t miss your chance and inquire further today! Unit K3 $205,000 price reduced Unit G5 $209,000
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
24 County Rd 14
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
8580 W Highway 61
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 6086744 $399,900
MLS 6080232 - $850,000
122 Stonegate Rd
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.
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 $749,000
MLS 6083953 $525,000
Lake Superior Lots
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
XXX BROADWAY AVE Want to live in the country and yet want access to City Sewer & City Water? Check out this oversized lot that is located on the Gunflint Trail in city limits. MLS 6085408 $39,900 REDUCED 1XX COUNTY ROAD 56 Rare opportunity to find a gently rolling 20 acre parcel in the heart of farm country. Lake Superior view and driveway already in place. MLS 6083495 $67,900 Whispering Pine Private lot at the end of Wes Hedstrom Trail, just high enough for a view of Leo Lake. Convenient location midGunflint Trail. MLS 6084939 - $45,000
Lot 8 Silver Fox Rd Beautifully wooded 5 acre lot with year round access, gently rolling topography for an easy driveway and ideal building sites. MLS 6081817 - $49,900 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 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 Railroad Drive Lutsen Sweet 1.7 A building site located in the heart of Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees and easy building site. MLS 6084050 - $39,900
1xx High Ridge Drive Schroeder Jonvick Creek Sites 15 acre lot high on the ridge is 12 lots available from 1.5 ready for your dream home or - 4.8 acres weekend getaway! Views of Lake In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Superior to the south and valley to Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and the north. cedars in varied arrangements will MLS 6082812 - $99,900 make a great back-drop for your home or 310X East Highway 61 cabin. Each property adjoins Nice lot east of town with 5.56 public land making your space Acres; excellent topography lines. seem even more private. Lake Superior Access across the $29,900 - $49,900 road. Owner will Carry a CD. MLS 6086836 - $59,900
Schroeder Lot
D L O S
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.
Land 12XX COUNTY RD 14 Beautiful 40 acres abutting federal land with a Lake Superior view! Located 15 minutes to town. MLS 6084838 $69,900
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 6087722 $439,900
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 - $104,900
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.
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 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 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 6086779 - $39,000
MLS 6086787 - $314,900
County Rd 14 Terrific and extremely affordable pieces of land with good high building sites and interesting game attracting low areas as well. 8XA COUNTY RD 14 MLS 6086957 $38,900 XX LEVEAUX RIDGE Looking for an affordable lot to build your future home? This south facing, year round property has electricity, phone and broadband on site plus it abuts state land. MLS 6086067 $29,900
NEW COYOTE RIDGE LOTS Magnificent views are yours to be had from these 5 acre parcels! Only minutes to downtown Grand Marais or Cascade State 19XX Camp 20 Road Park. Affordably priced 20 acre parcel LOT 6 MLS 6087781 with privacy, situated near Federal $79,900 land to the north. Seasonal access LOT 2 MLS 6087783 off of the Camp 15 Loop Rd in $99,900 Hovland. MLS 6076349 - $24,900
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 MLS 6086562 $49,900
NORTHERN WILDS
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55
Homes
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
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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
Cabins
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
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
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 fulltime 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
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
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 6087721 - $89,900 REDUCED
- 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!
D L O S 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 56
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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
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 - $549,900
Lake
Homes
and
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
Lots
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, twobedroom 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
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!
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
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
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
Squint Lake Mid-Gunflint Trail lot with 2.13A & 221’ shoreline. Gently rolling topography, old white pine trees & abuts USFS! YR access, elec & broadband. MLS 6028920 - $75,000
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
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
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
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 home. MLS 6084251 - $178,900
Condos
Commercial
Bluefin Bay Tofte MLS 6078520 Unit 26, 1BR, 1BA
$259,900 MLS 6074681
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
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
MLS 6087341
22 Temperance Landing
UNIT 202 MLS 6074935 $295,000
$759,900 PENDING
2 BR, 2 BA
(218) 387-2131
•
(800) 732-2131
www.CBNorthShore.com NORTHERN WILDS
FEBRUARY 2020
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Talk to Terry! Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Email: Terry@BacklundRealty.com
Frank Lehto Real Estate Agent Phone: 218-387-4955 Email: Frank@BacklundRealty.com
Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent 553 CTY RD 6 GRAND MARAIS MN
560 HUMPHREY CIRCLE GRAND MARAIS, MN
D L O S
240 BIRCH DR. GRAND MARAIS MN
Priceed c u d e R
7 DEVILS TRACK RD. GRAND MARAIS, MN
Priceed c u d e R
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
5 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 Car Garage Barn/Workshop and Sauna on 10 private acres MLS# 6086606 Price: $337,900
2 Bedroom 1 Bath 2 Car Garage12+ Acres MLS# 6086960 Price: 154,900
15 6TH AVE W. GRAND MARAIS, MN
10 ONGSTAD RD. HOVLAND, MN
9 N BROADWAY GRAND MARAIS, MN
635 CTY. RD. 6 GRAND MARAIS, MN
Rare. Commercial lot on Broadway. 50 front ft. Over 6600 sq. ft. MLS# 6087575 Price: $195,000
2+ Bedroom 2 Bath 1176 sq.ft.home on 5 acres MLS# 6079593 Price: $172,500
Saleng Pendi
Priceed c u d e R
2 Bedroom 1 Bath 1 Car Attached Large yard with lakeview MLS# 6087346 Price: $209,000
338 ft. of Lake Superior on 14.53 acres. 1 Bedroom Cabin, Garage, Dock MLS# 6029532 Price: $289,000
BLACKWOODS DR. LOT 5 BLOCK 3 SCHROEDER,
BLACKWOODS DR. LOT 3 BLK 2 SCHROEDER, MN
New Listing
New Listing
32 acres of maple forest Peaceful rolling parcel MLS# 6083843 Price: $76,500
16 acres of unbeatable privacy Electric and broadband nearby MLS# 6083844 Price: $38,750
New Listing
For results list your property here For more details call or check my website
Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com 58
FEBRUARY 2020
NORTHERN  WILDS
CATCHLIGHT
porcupine I found this young porcupine clinging to a low branch of a sugar maple one winter morning. They are active throughout the snowy season and can be seen year round. Porcupine spend most of their time in the canopy of trees eating bark, buds, leaves and needles of trees. Often their dens can be found in rock crevices and in decaying or hollowed-out trees.—Ryan Pennesi NORTHERN WILDS
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on the Gunflint Trail
Full Day, Multi-Day, and Season Ski Passes Available!
Unspoiled. Serene. Spectacular. Unforgettable.
• Family oriented, year-round resort – ski from your cabin door • 11 fully equipped, modern housekeeping cabins – gas and wood fireplaces, pet-friendly options • Located 30 miles north of Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail • On the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System, over 70km of beautifully groomed trails • Ski passes available to cabin guests at no charge • Ski and snowshoe rental available for all ages • Private use sauna and 1.5km lit trail for night skiing
Golden-Eagle.com 800-346-2203 • 218-388-2203
Trailcam! 60
FEBRUARY 2020
Stay updated on ski trail conditions and snow totals
NORTHERN WILDS