LIVING OFF GRID—WOODWORKING—SAUNAS—PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS—ST. URHO’S DAY
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mar 2017
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volume 14 issue 3
TWO HARBORS BEAVER BAY TOFTE LUTSEN GRAND MARAIS GUNFLINT TRAIL grand portage THUNDER BAY NIPIGON
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At Home in the Northern Wilds Traditionally, this time of year is when publications have a home builders or home improvement issue, which are usually filled with stories about expansive new homes and pricey remodeling projects. Our writers took a distinctly Northern Wilds spin on this topic. In this issue, you’ll find stories about living off the grid, building tiny homes, restoring pioneer homesteads and creating structures from shipping containers. Let’s just say that across the Northern Wilds, rugged individualism never goes out of style. Our self-reliance no doubt explains the abiding interest many folks have in solar power. In this issue, Kim Casey talks with a Nipigon man who has fitted both his home and his camp on a remote Lake Superior island with solar panels. Lucas Will, who set sail from the North Shore to the South Shore, tells us what it is like to go from living in a sailboat to building a tiny home of your own. Recent first-time home buyer Kelsey Roseth offers tips on how to get started with the home buying process. Erin Altemus, who with her husband Matt Schmidt are among the remotest residents of northern Minnesota, tells what it is like to live far off the grid, at least 10 miles from your nearest neighbor. Kathy Toivenen writes about a rural family who incorporated a historic dove-tailed log cabin into
their new home. Julia Prinselaar delves into the traditions of the Finnish sauna. As always, some of our Northern Wilds writers have been out in the woods. Joe Friedrichs goes ice fishing with a Montana man who is a cancer survivor. Gord Ellis gives us the lowdown on a favorite target of March ice anglers: the crappie. Erin Altemus provides an insider’s look at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon with her report on what it is like to be a handler for a racing team. Mike Furtman shares stunning photos of the sea ducks that winter on Lake Superior. Indoors, Casey Fitchett catches up with Thunder Bay musician Rodney Brown. Breana Roy previews the upcoming Kindling Curiosity exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. Maren Webb surveys a selection of spice shops. Kim Falter encourages us to eat more kiwi, while Amy Schmidt explains a healthy diet and exercise may go a long way toward preventing cancer. Be sure to check out the winning photos from our annual photography contest. And vote for your favorite eateries in our restaurant awards contest where you’ll have a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice.—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt
Elder Care correction: North Shore Area Partners In the February issue, our story on Elder Care Options along the Minnesota North Shore did not include North Shore Area Partners (NSAP). NSAP supports independence for seniors by supporting and connecting them to their communities. NSAP
Volunteers help seniors stay at home by providing transportation, housekeeping, free tax help, free legal aid, and health and wellness activities. NSAP serves eastern Lake County, including Beaver Bay, Finland, Isabella, Little Marais, Silver Bay and surrounding areas. For more information, visit: nsapartners.org.
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 breana@northernwilds.com.
Monthly
Photo Contest Enter our monthly photo contest for a chance to win a Northern Wilds cap! Each month will have a photo theme. •
March: Home Sweet Home
Deadline is the last day of each month. We will notify the winner within the following week.
1st place Landscape - Brad Muckenhirn - Mankato, MN
TO ENTER: Submit your photo to the Northern Wilds Facebook page or send it to contest@northernwilds.com. See the Photo Contest page on Northern Wilds website for rules. northernwilds.com/contests/photography-contest
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VOLUME 1 4, I SSUE 3 w w w . n o r t h e r nw i l d s .c o m SE R VI N G T H E N O R T H S HO R E A ND T H E WI L D E R N E S S BE Y O N D PUBLISHERS Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt EDITORIAL Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com Breana Roy, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com ADVERTISING Sue O’Quinn, Sales Representative sue@northernwilds.com
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GRAPHIC DESIGN Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com Drew Johnson • drew@northernwilds.com OFFICE Roseanne Cooley billing@northernwilds.com CONTRIBUTORS Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Kim Casey, Eric Chandler, Staci Drouillard, Gord Ellis, Kim Falter, Casey Fitchett, Joe Friedrichs, Michael Furtman, Deane Morrison, Julia Prinselaar, Kelsey Roseth, Amy Schmidt, Javier Serna, Emily Stone, Kathy Toivonen, Maren Webb, Eric Weicht, Lucas Will Copyright 2017 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)
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5 Along the Shore 20 Spotlight 23 Events 28 Calendar 31 Dining 35 Health 37 Northern Trails 40 Reviews 40 Fishing Hole 42 Dog Blog 44 Northern Sky 45 Wild Traditions 46 Strange Tales
Living off the grid
18 Photo Contest Winners 38 Cancer Survivor Fulfills a Dream Fishing in the Boundary Waters
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REAL ESTATE 47 Superior Escapes, Avista 48 Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty 49 Keller Williams Realty 50 Timber Wolff Realty 54 Coldwell Banker North Shore 57 Lutsen Real Estate Group 58 Red Pine Realty 61 Real Living, Remax, Bluefin Bay 62 Backlund Realty
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Cover
Catchlight
“Up North” by Scott Benson
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South of the Border
M-SAT: 9AM-7PM SUN: 10AM-6PM
C · a · f · e
Breakfast Served All Day Lunch • Homemade Soups We’re Open Before the Fish Bite!
Sherry Watson Professional pet groomer since 1991
Open 5 am - 2 pm Everyday!
Flexible schedule Ask about pick up or drop off options
Grab-n-Go Cooler Dine-in Seating Organic Produce Bulk Foods Humanely Raised Meat & Dairy
1517 Devil Track Rd, Grand Marais
Grooming by Appointment • 218-387-1484 for small and medium-sized breeds
Located at the stop light in Grand Marais
218-387-1505
cookcounty.coop | 218.387.2503 Canadian cash & debit accepted
WINTER ENTERTAINMENT Classical Music & Dinner Sundays 7 – 9 PM Acoustic by the Fireplace Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays 8 – 10 PM
We know good food.
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Everyone Welcome! on the East Bay of Grand Marais, MN
GRAND MARAIS
ART COLONY
WINE SPECIALS 1/2 OFF select house wines during March
ST. PATRICK’S DAY Special Dinner & Cocktail Menu Friday, March 17, 5 – 9 PM See website for details.
10% LOCALS DISCOUNT
MARCH HOURS: Sunday – Saturday 8 AM – 9 PM LATE NIGHT MENU: 9 – 11 PM • Fresh Fish on the Menu DAILY HAPPY HOUR: 3 – 5 PM • Food & Drink Specials
Food & Bar
1-800-BLUEFIN • bluefinbay.com
BEST THING ABOUT A WINTER DAY?
A WINTER NIGHT.
Sometimes, the best thing about a North Shore winter is escaping it for just a little while. Come inside and make yourself at home!
AmericInn.com | 800.634.3444
AmericInn Lodge & Suites Two Harbors 1088 Hwy 61 North Two Harbors, MN 55616 218.834.3000 AmericInn Lodge & Suites Tofte 7231 W Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615 218.663.7899
Free hot, home-style breakfast | Hotel-wide, high-speed Internet | Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub & Sauna | Easy Rewards loyalty program 4
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An old log home built in the 1920s with lumber cladding. | BRENDA RIKKONEN
The Kerley’s new home took roughly two years to complete. | KATHY TOIVONEN
Logs assembled and addition being built. | RICK & KATHERINE KERLEY
Building on a dream KAMINISTIQUIA— Back in the day, some homesteaders in rural areas of Northern Ontario and Minnesota built homes of hand hewn logs. The motivation was, for the most part, practical: a warm dry place to call home—not too big and not too fancy. Often, the log homes were chinked with moss, mud or hair from cows and horses. Barns and outbuildings were made with rough lumber from portable sawmills, and over time, exposure to weather aged the lumber to a beautiful grey to black barn board. Today, vintage logs and barn board is in high demand to make shabby chic décor. An old barn window can be given a new life as a mirror; and weathered lumber is used to make photo frames, coffee tables and even feature walls. Katherine and Rick Kerley had property in Kaministiquia, a rural community west of Thunder Bay. They wanted to build a house that wouldn’t just be accented in barn board—the couple wanted to build their entire home from repurposed, vintage materials. They began to collect supplies, such as lumber from old buildings that could be re-planed and hardwood flooring from their local community centre that was being refurbished. Then they heard of a neighbour in their community who was planning to demolish an old homestead built in the 1920s that was on his property. The young couple asked if they could go and pull any useable lumber off the building before the home was taken down and the owner agreed. When the couple took off the lumber cladding, they saw the beautiful condition of the pine logs and workmanship of the dovetailed ends, so they went back to the owner and asked permission to take the logs. Slowly and methodically, the couple stripped the home of the siding, roof, plumbing, electrical and interior walls. Then they got down to the logs. They labeled the logs using metal prospecting stamps, as they were told by people with past experience that anything like a grease pencil may wear off. They also made a map of the design
[ABOVE] Shadowbox coffee table made
by Kathy Toivonen from barn board and willow. | KATHY TOIVONEN [RIGHT] A view of the Kerley’s newly renovated house. | KATHY TOIVONEN and the location of all the logs. When they put the logs back together, the process was much like building with the children’s toy, Canadian Logs or Lincoln Logs. The Kerley’s property also had an old homestead on it, but the logs were too deteriorated to be of use. So they took down the old building but used the foundation for an addition to the newly located log home. Even though the addition was made of vintage materials or wood produced by local sawyers, it has all the modern conveniences, including in-floor heating. To accommodate the addition, the roof line was changed from the original log home. Finally, in 1997, after two years of moving logs, stock piling materials, and with a lot of help from friends, their new home was done. The Kerley’s had honoured the spirit and hard work of the original homebuilders by putting together their dream home with tenacity, resourcefulness, and by accepting knowledge and help from friends. —Kathy Toivonen NORTHERN WILDS
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Energy Audit: First step to greater energy efficiency GRAND MARAIS— Anyone who dreams of living in a log cabin in the woods should appreciate the work of Mike and Laurie Senty. They have been designing and constructing log homes in Cook County since 1981. Mike’s extensive experience as a builder lends itself well to his work as a certified home energy auditor. Northern Minnesota can be a rough place to live when it comes to heating bills. Whether your house relies on propane, gas or electric heat, our notorious winters can take a toll on your checkbook. And it’s not just the financial concerns; every owner of a leaky house is not only wasting dollars, they are wasting energy and adding to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into our environment. This excess carbon is stored as greenhouse gases, which has been scientifically proven to be the most significant contributor to climate change. The good news is that you can start to reduce your energy footprint by scheduling a home audit through the Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP), one of the ongoing initiatives offered by the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP). Each audit includes a consultation with Mike, who will bring along some key tools in the fight for energy efficiency; a ladder, a flashlight, the components of the blower-door test, an infrared camera and a synchronized computer program that will generate a data report that is specific to you. Using the blower-door test, a process that depressurizes your home, he can determine what your CFM rate is. CFM is the cubic feet per minute, also known as the number of air exchanges per minute. A very leaky space will have a high CFM number; a well-sealed interior will be lower. Mike Senty is a certified home auditor. | VIRGINIA DANFELT
Naniboujou Lodge and Restaurant
Common problem areas often include air leaks at key places in your construction, insulation gaps around your doors, windows and electrical outlets, inefficient furnac-
Patsy O’Brien
Mike Senty uses an infrared camera during a home audit assessment. | VIRGINIA DANFELT es or water heaters and degraded or outdated insulation. Mike has diagnosed a plethora of leaky floor joists, drafty fireplaces and inefficient boiler systems. You just never know what you’ll find until he gets out his infrared camera and starts investigating. Once you have your assessment, you are given a recommended scope of work, a list of local, licensed contractors who can help you complete the improvements, information on tax credits and how to help pay for your improvements. And because your energy needs will decrease, making the switch to solar or other renewable energy sources will be easier and help you make realistic decisions about the kind of system you need to power your home or business. According to REEP, “the cheapest energy is the energy you save.” For more information please visit: cookcountylocalenergy.org.—Staci Drouillard
Dick Hensold
“Ireland’s best kept musical secret.”
REEP
Residential Energy Efficiency Program
“North America’s foremost smallpiper.”
—Irish Examiner
—fRoots
March 4, 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts
51 W. 5th St. Grand Marais Adult: $20, Youth (18 & under): $10 Tickets at tix.com ($1 fee) or at door starting 6:30 p.m. www.northshoremusicassociation.com
Crafting/Fiber Arts Retreat April 20-22, 2017
Jump start your creative juices after a long winter by giving your creative side a Spring vacation! Bring the tools of your craft and set up for a 3-day weekend of fiber arts by the fireplace and paper-or-other-crafting in our sunny solarium. Call for pricing and details.
— Call for Weekend Packages & Dining to March 12 — Located on Highway 61 just 14 miles east of Grand Marais
www.naniboujou.com 218.387.2688
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• Increases the energy efficiency of your home. • Uses energy audits before and after improvement work • Open to all income levels.
Stay with us during recovery.
• Audit cost $400. CCLEP rebate ($300) available with improvements within 18 months of initial audit. • Final audit cost $100 with improvements.
HILL HAVEN Staff is available 24 hours a day for assistance and physical therapy during your recovery from illness or surgery.
Call Becky Stoner for a tour.
(218) 387-9119 · hillhaven@boreal.org 1681-1683 E Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN
Licensed residential housing for seniors www.HillhavenAssisted.com
localenergy@boreal.org
Solar power options NIPIGON— Gas and electric bills keep rising, as well as the frustration of consumers dependent on these public utility companies. It has led many people to seriously contemplate going off the grid. The idea of being able to harness one’s own energy isn’t just about saving money. It’s about freedom of choice in a world where options are becoming more and more regulated. But as alluring as it is to be completely self-sufficient from energy suppliers, there are drawbacks to consider. Over the years, Gary Lange has acquired a lot of knowledge about energy options. Born and raised in Nipigon, he studied electronics in college. And it was while he was working at the Red Rock Paper Mill as an instrument technician that he began installing solar power equipment into local residences and camps. He now owns and operates the Bowman Island Lodge and Charters on a remote Lake Superior island. Except for the freezer, refrigerator and stove, which use propane gas, the lodge runs on solar power. There are eight panels and a large battery bank. He has never needed to use a generator in the summer months, because the batteries store enough energy for those days when there is limited sunlight. When it comes to living off the grid, Lange explained that there are several things to consider. In order to be completely self-reliant, a very large PV-battery system is needed and it isn’t cheap. The
solar panels have to be installed in a large space where they will remain free of snow and can fully access the sun. And once a person’s residence or business is off the grid, they have to carefully monitor how their limited energy is being utilized. Leaving a television or radio on all day is no longer an option. Then there are all those appliances that have phantom loads, such as coffee makers, microwave ovens, alarm clocks and answering machines. When these types of devices aren’t being used for their primary functions, they are still drawing energy. But if they were disconnected from the power source when not being used, a person could cut their energy consumption by 10 percent. “We don’t realize how much energy we waste,” said Lange. Lange installed 36 solar panels to the roof of his residence and eight more are ground mounted. Unlike his remote tourist business, his house is still connected to the grid. And the excess energy created from his equipment is sold back to Hydro One through their Microfit Program. It took him about five years to pay off his initial investment and to see financial benefits. Gary explained it works out to a 10 percent return on your investment, whereas Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC) only offer one percent. The township of Nipigon is using the Mircrofit Program for their community centre and curling rink. It started about
Gary Lange installed 36 solar panels to the roof of his residence and eight more are ground mounted. | GARY LANGE four years ago and they have found that in the warmer months, they receive a reasonable payment from Hydro One. In the colder months, they are breaking even. Lindsay Mannila, chief executive officer, explained that the rate of return on their investment is between 10-15 percent. Something that fits in well with the township’s commitment to going green and keeping costs down.
There is a less costly way to implement solar power and still stay connected to the grid. It‘s called Net Metering. In this program, consumers can reduce their net energy costs by exporting surplus generated energy back to the utility company for credit. Anyone interested in either of these programs should contact the utility company and complete the required application process.—Kim Casey
CONTRACTORS: Erosion Certification required by NPDES Permits
Building Dreams for over 25 years First Class Custom Jobs Erosion and Stormwater Construction Installer Course (6 PDH) 8am - 4pm Tuesday April 11, 2017 Lutsen, MN This one-day course is designed for those who install or inspect erosion and sediment control devices and establish vegetation on construction sites.
Structural Insulated Panels
Enercept Independent Dealer Call Kerry Boen
612-868-3184
www.highmarkenterprise.com
This course is free and includes a free lunch. Space is limited. Please register by April 4, 2017. Register online at www.cookswcd.org or call 218-387-3649. Course funding provided by the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water resources through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment’s Clean Water Fund in collaboration with the Cook Soil & Water Conservation District and Lutsen Mountains.
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Home buying made easy How to get started DULUTH— My husband and I recently purchased our first home after years of living in an old apartment. Buying a home was anxiety-producing and overwhelming at times, but incredibly rewarding. We had no idea where to start. We asked parents and friends for advice, but still struggled to understand how you go from saying “this one’s nice, let’s put an offer down!” to having a set of keys in your hand. If you’re in the same boat, let’s make things easier for you. Here are the first few steps:
Consider Home Stretch Workshops like Home Stretch cover the home buying process from start-tofinish. The objective classes utilize the knowledge of industry professionals and cover topics including, “determining your readiness to buy a home” and “understanding local down payment assistance programs.” Information on financial assistance eligibility, plus financial and educational counseling are available at: • Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency: aeoa.org/housing/ homeownership • One Roof Community Housing in Duluth: 1roofhousing.org
Choose a Realtor “You have to trust your realtor. Buying and selling property, for most people, is a personal or intimate event in life,” said Sheryl Homan, an experienced Edina Realty REALTOR® and part of the organizations “2016 President’s Circle.” She suggested talking with family or friends to see if there’s a realtor they recommend who has strong communication skills. “Trust and communication, like your other relationships in life, are important with your realtor.” Or, you can simply stop by open houses to meet local realtors. When narrowing things down, ask about a realtor’s licensure and the number of deals closed per year to better understand their depth of knowledge. Homan said that a new realtor, however, can be an energetic asset, especially if they are being guided by an experienced mentor.
Get Pre-Approved A realtor can often recommend a mortgage consultant who can help you get pre-approved for a loan. It’s a crucial step to show sellers that you are serious.
Purchasing a new home can be stressful and exciting. Follow these simple steps to make the process easier. | KELSEY ROSETH “Almost, without doubt, those lists will change when you start to look at houses, even if you are an experienced buyer.”
Refine Your Focus Start with a wish list. “You’re probably not going to get everything on your wish list, but you probably will get to a point where you can be satisfied,” said Homan. The wish list is simply a way to help you determine the neighborhood, number of bedrooms, garage stalls, et cetera.
Once you attend a workshop, you’ll know what happens next. Otherwise, your realtor will guide you through the rest of the process. No matter what step you’re on, Homan said the most important thing to do is “read everything before you sign.”—Kelsey Roseth
FAMILY TIME Brought to you by and Hockey practice. Soccer games. Family schedules are hectic, so gathering in the kitchen for a quality meal is always a treat. Johnson Mertz and GE have been helping families slow down their busy days since 1974. With over 40 brands to choose from, including GE, our knowledgeable experts will have your family connecting in your kitchen for years to come. Johnson Mertz. It’s a trusted name.
STORE HOURS
Delivering asnorth far north as Ryden’s Border Store, Grand Portage Delivering as far as Ryden’s Border Store, Grand Portage
Monday & Thursday: 9am – 8pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 5pm Sundays: By Appointment
4 2 5 8 H A I N E S R D , D U L U T H , M N 5 5 8 1 1 | ( 2 1 8 ) 7 2 2 - 5 8 0 3 | E M A I L : J O H N S O N M E RT Z @ J O H N S O N M E RT Z . N E T | J O H N S O N M E RT Z A P P L I A N C E . C O M
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Fly Box & Company in Grand Marais was built using two, 40-foot used shipping containers. | SCOTT SORENSON
Building with used steel shipping containers THUNDER BAY— A cozy house built of steel? Shipping container architecture—using recycled shipping containers of heavy gauge steel as building blocks—is a growing worldwide trend. These containers can carry 30 tonnes of cargo across the oceans, sometimes stacked up nine tall on a ship. And many only travel one-way, because it’s not cost-effective to ship back empty containers. So, what can you do with these 20foot or 40-foot used containers of heavy gauge steel? Plenty. The repurposed containers can be transformed into unique, eco-friendly, durable, stackable structures, from hobby sheds, cabins and homes, to multi-tenant developments and hotels. When the two-storey 60-room Days Inn hotel opened on Dec. 9, 2014, in Sioux Lookout (about 400 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay), it received international media attention as the largest shipping-container-based hotel in North America. It used 120 surplus shipping containers placed Lego-style on a foundation of steel piles. Built by Calgary-based Ladacor and engineered by Steenhof Building Services Group in Orillia, Ontario, it took 13 months to construct. Grand Marais is home to one of Minnesota’s first retail stores to build with shipping containers. Opened in June 2016, Scott Sorenson repurposed two, 40-foot used shipping containers for his Fly Box & Company storefront, a fly-fishing shop that sells fishing tackle, equipment and outdoor apparel, and provides guided fly-fishing trips in Cook County. Containers were converted by cutting steel for windows and doors, insulating the exterior before covering with recycled barn wood, finishing the interior, and spiffing up the thick mahogany floors. “The store was built offsite about 10 miles, hauled to town by a one-ton pickup truck and 40-foot gooseneck trailer, and put in place. Within five hours, a previously vacant parking lot was transformed
The world’s largest container ship, the 1,297-foot-long (395.4 m.) MSC Oscar, can carry a whopping 19,224 shipping containers. The ship was built in South Korea for $140 million, christened January 2015, and is owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company. | WIKI COMMONS into a new retail store in downtown Grand Marais,” said Sorenson. He noted shipping containers are affordable, mobile (he can move the store), manageable for a small proprietor, and a great way to use and repurpose material. Watching TV’s Home & Garden shows on mini-homes using shipping containers led Thunder Bay’s Vesa Venska to launch Sisu Spaces last fall; a company focused on converting used shipping containers into unique structures. One of his first designs was a cabin/ mini-home with a Finnish sauna, bunk beds, rooftop patio, spiral staircase, galley kitchen, bathroom and even a fireplace. “It took our crew one month to convert the shipping container,” said Venska.
The Sugar Tour Saturday, March 11, 2017 10 am - 2 pm Oberg Mountain Trailhead (Forest Road 336) Sugarbush Trail, Onion River Road - Tofte Have fun and continue your ski season at the Sugar Tour! Choose a beginner, intermediate or advanced cross country ski challenge using loops of 5, 8, and 18km. Treats and hot chocolate at the finish line. Great for all ages and families. Proceeds benefit the Sugarbush Trail Association. Register at sugarbushtrail.org or same day at the Oberg trailhead Registration: $15/adults; $10/youth (14 and under)
At the Home Show in Thunder Bay last year, Venska’s cabin/mini-home was particularly popular with young people. “I noticed a trend with younger people. They told me they didn’t want a big house—they want small places and liked the idea of a shipping container minihome,” said Venska.
VisitCookCounty.com #visitcc
Venska’s other current models include a two-car carport/storage unit, garden shed and a craft/hobby shop. —Elle Andra-Warner NORTHERN WILDS
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Tiny home offers freedom WASHBURN— I’ve known a lot of homes, albeit temporary ones. During one stretch, I moved eight times in seven years: truck beds, studio apartments, tents, cabins, canoes and one-bedroom apartments. All of these places have been a home to me in the same way my childhood home was, despite their wildly different characteristics. A home is more than just somewhere to lay my head at night and it’s even more than where my heart is. Home provides comfort, security, freedom; a sanctuary where I can recharge and stay organized. It’s where I dream of adventures amidst a comfortable nights sleep. Years of home sampling, renting and borrowing presented a list of gained insight into what I wanted and didn’t want in my own, permanent home. And when I met my partner, Natalie, we combined our knowledge and desires. We ended up with a sailboat. It was mobile (if only by water), compact, fairly simple, functional and attractive. It served our needs, some desires and supplied us with ample room to reach a few dreams. This served as our testing ground. We couldn’t get away from the mobility aspect. At our stage in life, we know what we want in a home for ourselves and we are ready for our own, we just don’t know where. So we settled on building a tiny home on a 24-foot trailer. One of the main reasons we decided to build small rested in our comfort with taking on the construction ourselves, figuring that building a smaller version of a “real” house must be more easily achievable (ha!). And we didn’t have the money to pay someone else to do it for us. Even though we both work full time, we figured we had more time than money. Given that we were committing to living in such a small (some might say restricted) area, space was at a premium. Everything in the house needed to be intentional and functional; slightly higher countertops to serve my lengthy frame,
When building a tiny house, everything must be intentional and multi-functional. | LUCAS WILL dog-friendly steps, and a comfortable built-in couch with storage underneath. Creating our own layout and design features that worked specifically for us was really important, so purchasing a pre-built one wasn’t an option we considered. To a certain degree, we’ve stumbled through every phase of our build. Learning as we go, usually just in time for the next phase (and occasionally just afterwards) has been commonplace for us. While we recognize, and often agonize over, the significance of order of operations, spontaneity and planning routinely mingle in a mutual and sometimes desperate dance; a dance that has taught us a lot. I didn’t identify as a construction worker, carpenter, wood worker, framer, or any other trade skilled-person before starting. After 18 months and 80 percent of a house later, I still don’t. But despite moments of frustration, we both have learned a lot and find moments to soak in that satisfaction and what it might lead to.
Christine Ordemann
Lutsen Manager/Insurance Sales business • auto • home health • life 5339 W. Hwy 61 #203, Lutsen www.mustybarnhart.com
218-663-0060
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Natalie Jackson and Lucas Will went tiny when building their dream house. | LUCAS WILL We continue to be motivated by our achievement thus far and our desired outcomes. Since moving onto our sailboat three years ago, we regularly purge our un-needed possessions, giving us less to worry about and keep track of. While our tiny house does have some complex systems (solar power, AC and DC wiring, cold climate plumbing), the simplicity and scale of what we have to maintain provides a freedom previously un-experienced. When I left the North Shore, the realization that I’d spent more than $18,000 in rent and utilities over three years motivated me to find a way to invest in myself instead of giving my money to others. As Natalie and I got more comfortable and energized with the idea of “going tiny,” it became a component of our model to become both debt free and independent. To do this, we needed to spend money; an investment into us upfront. As we near completion of our new tiny house, it will have cost us slightly more to
create a home with all of the same creature comforts you find in your own home. Yes, ours sits on three, 5,000 pound axles, and requires a place to park it, but we are at ease with this challenge. The opportunity to easily winterize (drain the freshwater tank) and park it somewhere safe whenever tempted by another one of life’s adventures always sits in our back pocket. Building and living tiny hasn’t been about proving we could do it. More so, about simplifying the clutter in our lives. We didn’t want possessions, obligations and others’ expectations to drive our lives anymore. Our quality of life is too important. Our own expectations are that our tiny house will open up opportunities that we might never have had otherwise. Going tiny might seem like putting all of our eggs into one, uncomfortable basket. But not for our lifestyle; we’ve always got our canoe and tent. Big, tiny, floating, or on a foundation, home is what you make it. —Lucas Will
A bright future for the historic Rock of Ages Lighthouse ISLE ROYALE— Perched atop a knifeedged reef on the western brink of the Isle Royale archipelago, Rock of Ages Lighthouse has stood watch, silently guarding the rocky shores of Isle Royale for more than a century. Standing 10 stories tall with a second-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse is just as striking a sight today as when it was built in 1908. One of the most powerful lights on the Great Lakes with a range of 25 miles, the light serves as an important signpost for ships crossing Lake Superior, and marks the dangerous Rock of Ages Reef. Since 1979, the Rock of Ages Lighthouse has been left to the wind, waves and ice without a keeper to maintain it. The Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society, an all-volunteer non-profit, has partnered with Isle Royale National Park to pick up where the last lighthouse keeper left off. Over the next few years, the lighthouse will undergo restoration with the help of dedicated volunteers, preserving the history of this amazing historic structure. Rock of Ages Lighthouse is a welcome sight to all who journey to Isle Royale, not
just because they have almost arrived, but because it means that the rest of the world has been left behind. “Rock of Ages Lighthouse has a way of protecting all those who pass by from the ever changing craziness that is our modern day reality,” said David Gerth, founder and director of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society. “Those fortunate enough to set foot on the Rock know the overwhelming power of just being there, surrounded by the vast waters of Lake Superior and beauty of Isle Royale.” The restoration of the lighthouse to its 1930s timeframe will allow visitors “to not only experience the beauty of the place, but also to feel what it is like to live the life of an offshore lighthouse keeper.” Full scale restoration work begins this summer with the keeper’s quarters on the fourth floor of the lighthouse. Restoration will be completed by volunteers and funded by the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society through grants and individual or business donations. Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society also accepts material donations for the project;
Located five miles off the southwest corner of Isle Royale, the 10-story Rock of Ages Lighthouse was built in 1907-08 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society will begin full scale restoration of the lighthouse this summer. | CHARLES GERTH Action Floor Systems of Mercer Wisconsin generously donated all of the hard wood flooring for the lighthouse. The lighthouse has a bright future thanks to the society and its supporters.
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The pileated woodpecker Northwood homebuilders NORTH SHORE—Throughout the snowpacked forest, piles of wood chips can be found at the base of rotting trees; pileated woodpeckers have been busy this winter. Large, oblong feeding holes riddle the trunks of punky snags. Signs of the pileateds’ presence far outnumber the actual number of birds in an area. Despite their relative rarity, these large, charismatic birds have an outsized impact on their ecosystem. The rectangular feeding holes we see so commonly in the woods are just one example. Through their forceful foraging habits, pileated woodpeckers feed more than just themselves. Hairy woodpeckers specialize in gleaning smaller insects from pileated trees. Heart rot fungi take advantage of the wounds that pileated woodpeckers open up. The fungi accelerate decomposition that creates important habitat for even more organisms. Likewise, fungi of all kinds go to work on the piles of wood chips, and return important nutrients to the ecosystem. And through their voracious appetites, woodpeckers play an important role in moderating insect outbreaks. The largest feeding holes of pileated woodpeckers can provide shelter for brown creepers, chickadees, and other little birds looking for a cozy spot to spend the night. Bigger animals, though,
Pileated woodpeckers provide nest cavities for other birds, such as chickadees and brown creepers. | EMILY STONE seek out the pileateds’ deeper nest cavities. Each year in early spring, male pileated woodpeckers begin to excavate new nest cavities. The entrance takes the oblong form that we’re familiar with, but the overall hole is 10-24 inches deep. To achieve this, woodpeckers choose a nest
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Pileateds are an important asset to the ecosystem. | LARRY STONE tree with a large diameter, a solid circumference and slightly punky center. Toward the end of excavation, the females assist, and they may take turns climbing into the hole, working away from the inside, and then tossing wood chips out the entrance. Some chips remain inside as the sole nest lining for their young. If you’ve ever marveled at the size of the holes, or the size of the wood chips that came out of the holes, you may wonder how a bird the length of our forearm can inflict that kind of damage on a tree without inflicting similar damage on itself. Just like any craftsman, a woodpecker has a set of specialized tools; starting with the pileated’s long, chisel-like beak. At its base, bristly feathers filter sawdust out of its nose. At its tip, layers of hard bone and flexible tissue distribute force away from its bird brain. A long, barbed tongue gets put to good use in fishing carpenter ants out of cavities, but this complex of bone, muscle and cartilage does even more. The hyoid apparatus, as it’s called, splits into two horns, wraps all the way around the skull, and creates a safety harness for its head. Using these features, in addition to serious neck muscles, woodpeckers are able to take 99.7 percent of the strain energy created through drilling and dissipate it throughout their body. The 0.3 percent of the strain energy that affects their head is converted to heat energy. This could cause a woodpecker’s brain to overheat and result in a different kind of damage, which is why woodpeckers take frequent, short breaks while they are pecking. Although significant time and effort are invested in a nest cavity—each one takes three to six weeks to complete— woodpeckers will not reuse the hole in
subsequent years. This probably serves to protect the babies from parasites, or from mammalian predators who might remember the location from year to year. Once a pair of pileateds abandon their nest cavity (and sometimes even before), a virtual line of squatters form outside the door. The spacious accommodations are coveted by a variety of birds and mammals, including other woodpeckers, ducks, bluebirds, flycatchers, owls, American kestrels, bats, squirrels, mice and pine martens. Roughly 70-80 species of animals have been documented reusing pileated nest holes. On a cold night, the shelter of a tree cavity blocks the wind and provides enough insulation to increase the temperature by 40 degrees F. Birds roosting in tree cavities can see energy savings of up to 38 percent. Flying squirrels and some birds snuggle up in a fuzzy pile to share warmth. Chickadees and the pileateds themselves prefer to roost alone, even on the coldest nights. In fact, pileated woodpeckers often excavate additional roost cavities, which provide even more habitat for their neighbors. With the amount of construction they do, and the number of species they benefit, it’s no surprise that scientists and wildlife managers consider pileated woodpeckers “ecosystem engineers.” They might be the most prolific homebuilders in the Northwoods. Learn more about pileateds and other natural partnerships at the Cable Natural History Museum’s “Better Together” exhibit, opening on Wednesday, May 3 in Cable, Wisc.—Emily Stone
The legend of St. Urho FINL AND — If there is a holy grail for the imaginary Saint Urho, it would be the original hand -written poem, “A Ode to St. Urho. Saint Urho.” | HANNELE KORAMO The poem was phonetically written, so when read aloud it would sound as if speaking with a heavy Finnish accent. The poem was scribed in the mid1950s by Gene McCavic, an employee of Ketola’s Department Store in Virginia, Minn. The inspiration for the prose (and co-author) was fellow employee, Richard Mattson, who spun a tale of a Finnish Saint who had killed all the frogs in Finland. For over 60 years, the poem, which is written on parcel wrapping paper, has been carefully preserved and archived at the Minnesota Discovery Centre in Chisolm. However, while the poem lied dormant in a box, the legend of St. Urho morphed and grew to become the “holiday” that we celebrate today.
The amphibian in the room There are three significant differences from the original tale to the tale today. First, the poem states that St. Urho killed all the frogs in Finland, compared to chasing away grasshoppers. Second, the original poem makes no note of grapes. However, an interview with Richard Mattson in 1998 (also archived at the Minnesota Discovery Center) recounts the day back in 1953 or 1956 (time forgets) where he elaborates on the idea of poisonous frogs contaminating the grape crops during the ice age. And last is the discrepancy of the date, from May 24 to March 16. All three changes seem to have happened at the same time and relatively quickly. A 1956 article written by Clarence Ivonen in the Mesabi Daily News writes, “While the
sons and daughters of Erin are paying their respects to St. Patrick, Mattson was loudly praising the feats of Saint Urho.” Another theory for the changes could be politically charged. Given the political climate during post WWII Europe, one cannot help but make a parallel to our North American Saint Urho and Finland’s revered President Urho Kekkonen, son of a lumberjack, who was elected in March of 1956 and was best known for keeping neutral relations with the Soviet Union (a potential swarm of locusts that could have easily invaded the smaller Finnish country).
The celebrations St. Urho’s Day has become a world-wide phenomenon and is even celebrated by some in Finland. But there is another Finland that has celebrated St. Urho’s Day for over 40 years: Finland, Minn. In 1976, the U.S. government encouraged communities to celebrate community pride for the bicentennial, and the name of the community itself should explain their heritage celebration. Every year since then, State Hwy 1 is shut down to accommodate a parade that begins at the top of a hill and makes its way through the town. Finland’s population of 400 people swells to about 1,000 people over the festive weekend. “People who live far away come here every year if they can. It’s like a big family reunion,” said Honor Schauland, St. Urho event coordinator for Friends of the Finland Community. Then, stories of St. Urho crossed north of the border. The legend of the Saint was first introduced to those in Thunder Bay in the early 1980s when the ORAS Chamber Choir held a celebration at the Finnish Labour Temple (Finn Hall) on Bay Street. St. Urho’s Day is (un)officially March 16, but festivities occur on whatever Saturday falls closest to that date. So when the party for St. Urho was scheduled for March 17, 1984, local Irish citizens protested. In the cover of darkness, they painted a green stripe and shamrocks along Bay Street. And during the celebration, a group of patrons from a local Irish pub pa-
The original “A Ode to Saint Urho” poem was written on parcel wrapping paper and is archived at the Minnesota Discovery Centre in Chisolm. | IRON RANGE RESEARCH CENTER raded through the Finn Hall with banners that read, “Irishmen are #1.” But instead of conflict, the Finns welcomed the Irish, and over a beer the two groups celebrated their Saints. This year, both communities are kicking off their St. Urho Day celebrations on Friday, March 17. Finland will offer a threeday event themed “Urhopalooza.” For
more details, visit: friendsoffinland.org. The Finlandia Association of Thunder Bay party will kick-off with a dance and music by the Finnish Reggae band Conga Se Menne. Visit: thefinlandia.com for more info. The faithful can easily do some cross-border celebrating.—Kathy Toivonen
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Long-tailed ducks flying over Lake Superior. | MICHAEL FURTMAN
Sea ducks on the unsalted sea NORTH SHORE—Just about everyone is familiar with two groups of ducks that frequent the Northern Wilds region—the puddle ducks, typified by mallards, and diving ducks, like the familiar bluebill. But sea ducks? What are sea ducks doing on Lake Superior? Actually, the sea duck group does include duck species that frequent this neck of the woods, though most of us don’t think of them that way. All of the mergansers, common goldeneye and bufflehead are members of the sea duck family, not because they nest near the sea, but because they feed in the ocean in the winter. No, what we’re talking about here are the odd ducks. Ducks that are rarely seen on the Great Lakes, don’t nest anywhere near them, and are typically found along the east or west coast in the winter. Yet sharp eyes have noted several species on the waters of the North Shore. Scoters (there are three kinds: whitewinged, surf and black) are probably the most common vagrants. Unlike some Arctic sea duck species, many scoters migrate north-south, as opposed to following the ocean coasts. In doing so, they sometimes make a stop in our area, and not just on Lake Superior, but other large lakes like Winnibigoshish and Lake of the Woods. Far rarer is the Harlequin duck, a species that nests along fast moving streams 14
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in the mountains of Canada, Alaska and northern U.S. Rockies. The males are strikingly colorful and those that end up on the North Shore (one or two a year) are birds that probably got caught up in a jet stream and landed here by chance. The same is likely true for eiders. Both the king eider and the common eider occasionally appear in our area. Cook County has seen at least eight king eiders since records have been kept. A common eider was spotted with some mallards in the St. Louis Bay in Duluth just two winters ago for over a month. One sea duck that has been appearing more frequently is the long-tailed duck (once called oldsquaw). Three years ago, nearly a thousand of them wintered in Two Harbors. Now, a winter rarely passes without longtails being seen somewhere along the shore. Flocks of many thousands are now common in the lower lakes, and the consensus among scientists is that they’re here because they’ve discovered a new and abundant food source—invasive quagga and zebra mussels. The long-tailed duck holds the record for deep dives—250 feet—and feed almost exclusively on mussels. Seen an odd duck on the big lake? Chances are it’s one of the above. —Michael Furtman
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[ABOVE] Common goldeneyes.
| MICHAEL FURTMAN [LEFT] Harlequin duck. | MICHAEL FURTMAN
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Living off the grid offers peace and solitude on our own private lake. | MATTHEW SCHMIDT
Life in the Deep Woods BY ERIN ALTEMUS My husband Matt and I moved to Cook County almost four years ago, with 25 sled dogs, three vehicles, a storage shed full of belongings and nowhere to call home. We felt we had perused the real estate listings enough to see that there were plenty of properties to buy within our price range. When we put our feet on the ground and started physically going to the properties, we found everything in our price range was either on a really bad road, many miles from town, lacked all basic amenities, consisted of a dilapidated shack or had no structure on it at all. One property visit required the real estate agent to pull us from the mud on our way out—not a great sell.
We keep a tank of water on the stove in the winter as our hot water source. | MATTHEW SCHMIDT 16
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place, however, we found ourselves walking on a four-wheeler trail with no cabin in sight. Several weeks later, the owner brought us to the place, a full mile of rocky, rutted, wet trail that only an ATV or really heavy-duty truck could travel. But road aside, the place had charm—a 600-square foot cabin on a private lake, connected to snowmobile trails and forest roads that were perfect for training sled dogs.
It was not necessarily our dream to live off grid, but it became apparent that off grid living was all we could afford, and we had the constraint of needing to buy a place that was on trails for mushing and in a sled dog-friendly neighborhood.
To be honest, the ‘off-grid’ part of the property didn’t faze us nearly as much as the ‘you can’t drive to the property’ part. We knew there would be challenges, but we decided to go for it. Our situation was becoming all the more urgent as we were living in a canvas tent, and it was October and already snowing; we were starting to get really cold. So we signed the purchase agreement and moved in mid-November, hauling everything we could by ATV and trailer.
One day, I opened the paper and found a for sale by owner listing for a small cabin, sauna and wood shed on 40 acres on Mush Lake, a small and shallow lake tucked on the north side of Pine Mountain and in the hills above the Brule River. It sounded dreamy. The first time we tried to find the
Off-grid living can be very comfortable. I have visited off-grid homes that have every amenity—fully plumbed and wired. Our rustic abode has no well and we must haul in our water either from the lake or from town in five-gallon plastic containers that come in on the Otter sled. In the sum-
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mer, we are able to pump lake water to an outside storage tank, but we still have to haul it into the house by hand. We have an outhouse. After living out of coolers for a period of time, we bought a used propane fridge. We have propane lights and a propane range and stove, but the cabin is also wired, so we are able to run a generator and run electric lights, many small appliances and best of all, a satellite internet system to keep us connected. We heat with wood cut from our property. Our first winter at Mush Lake, we snowmobiled all the way out to the Gunflint Trail where we parked our cars. This was the winter of the polar vortex, when it was below zero every night and far below zero on many nights. Several times the snowmobile wouldn’t start and we had to walk three miles to get home. Without any way to communicate with the outside world at first, we relied on planning. If I worked until 7 p.m., Matt would meet me at the Gunflint Trail with the snowmobile at 7:30 to give me a ride in. One night, when I didn’t show up because my car had died, he finally came driving toward town and we were able to find each other. When we hooked up the satellite internet
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The woodstove and our dog May are the centerpiece of our small cabin. | MATTHEW SCHMIDT and could email each other if the plans needed to change, it felt like we had catapulted ourselves into the modern century. There were winter days you could have seen us snowmobiling toward town with socks and underwear falling into the snow behind the otter sled all the way down the trail. Other days you would have found us
our property to and from the car requires me to watch the flora change day-by-day. It also keeps me in shape. Our nearest neighbor is likely 10 miles away as the crow flies. In the last year and a half, there have been some changes that make our situation not-so-difficult. We were able to improve
I have walked face-to-face with moose on our road, followed fresh wolf tracks down the trail, watched fox sitting outside the kitchen window, and otters swimming at the end of our dock. digging out the snowmobile from wherever one of us had managed to go off the hard pack and into the deep snow on the side, or out on the windswept lake, filling water containers from a hole in the ice to bring up to the house. We took saunas or showered in town. We have hauled in building materials for two sheds by ATV and snowmobile. We rely on a snowmobile and ATV, chainsaw, wood splitter and generator. Sometimes, maintaining all these things—machines that we rely on every day—feels very complicated. It’s common for friends and family to romanticize what appears to be a simple life. It’s actually quite complex. Don’t forget your car keys at home or it’s a long way back to retrieve them. Make sure there is back-up propane. Keep a gas container full at all times for the generator. And yet, it is simple and so quiet. It’s a rare event that we have an unsolicited visitor—just the rare snowmobiler that gets onto our drive and off the Musquash Trail. Most of these folks turn around when they see a few dozen dogs barking in their direction. We have an entire lake to ourselves, that while too shallow to dive in from the dock, makes a great swimming spot in the summer if you paddle out to the middle. I have walked face-to-face with moose on our road, followed fresh wolf tracks down the trail, watched fox sitting outside the kitchen window, and otters swimming at the end of our dock. Walking in and out of
the road into our property most of the way. There is a still an eight-minute walk, but that seems easy to me now. Of course, this also means we must plow our road all the way to the Gunflint Trail. Because of my husband’s job, we also have access to a caretaker house that affords us hot showers and laundry service. I’ve gotten used to the things that make our life challenging, and there are moments I crave something easier—such as waking up on a cold winter morning to find the propane is out before I’ve made coffee, requiring me to find a large wrench to go change it. When the plow truck gets stuck, we are on our own to get it out. Someday, I think I’d like the road to go to my front door. This spring we will be adding another member to our family. Some have asked me if we are really going to raise a child off-grid. I don’t know how long we will live at Mush Lake, or maybe it will only be for part of the year. I do know that people have been raising babies off grid for thousands of years, so it is possible. And in Cook County, we certainly won’t be the first. Since our move to the North Shore, I have met some of the most self-reliant people the world can offer up, living all sorts of lifestyles that seem foreign to many. I believe that those of us living here are in on the secret: It might be difficult, expensive and at times inconvenient, but living up north is definitely worth it.
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1st place Wildlife - David Brislance - Lutsen, MN
1st place Landscape - Brad Muckenhirn - Mankato, MN
2016 Photo Contest Winners
2nd place Wildlife - Walt Huss - Coon Rapids, MN
3rd place Wildlife - Ken Greshowak - Duluth, MN
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2nd place Landscape -Jackie Scherer - St. Paul, MN
3rd place Landscape - Ken Greshowak - Duluth, MN
1st place People - Brad Muckenhirn - Mankato, MN
2nd place People - Katelyn Kotanen - Thunder Bay, Ont.
3rd place People - Bethany Burner - Hovland, MN
1st place Pets - Sandy Updyke - Hovland, MN
2nd place Pets - Sherri Smith - Grand Marais, MN
3rd place Pets - Alison Gimpel - Duluth, MN
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By Breana Roy
Kindling Curiosity
For eight years in a row, Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church has sponsored an art show, asking the community to submit art pieces based on a certain theme. This year’s theme is Kindling Curiosity: Lighting the Creative Spark. Artists of all ages may submit up to two pieces of artwork, Grand Marais artist Howard Hedstrom made accompanied with a brief bio this wood-turned bowl. and statement about the work. | HOWARD HEDSTROM Pieces can be dropped off at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais, March 20-21. The exhibit will open on Friday, March 24 with a presentation.
Glass artist Nancy Seaton teaches at the Grand Marais Art Colony. | NANCY SEATON
Abstract painting by Cook County High School student Samantha Scalise. | SAMANTHA SCALISE
“Geology of Minnesota Eagle Mountain”by Grand Marais artist Tom McCann. | TOM MCCANN
“Aurora Borealis” by Grand Marais Art Colony instructor Kathy Fox Weinberg. | KATHY FOX WEINBERG
Woodworking
Living in the great North Woods, we are surrounded by trees. Since this issue is themed around homebuilding, it seemed obvious focus on woodworking. Here’s a few of my favorites
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Peter Kess, owner of Kess Gallery in Ely, created this orange pine bowl. See more at, kessgallery.com. | PETER KESS
Melinda Wolff creates jewelry from reclaimed wood scraps. Her work can be found at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen. | MELINDA WOLFF
with First Nations students in Mine Centre, he has been a regular figure in schools throughout Canada and Minnesota. “Children have a terrific sense of joy and wonder and they generally love to sing and make music together,” he says. “The focus is always to compose an original song with the class and they perform and record their work. I leave classes with a CD of their song.” After releasing 11 albums, Brown has certainly arrived at a sound he can call his own. Country roots blended with a hint of the boomer music of the 1960s and 70s manifest in songs that reflect a sense of place in the North Woods. “I have quite a few songs about our lake and have always been interested in Canadian history, especially local stories,” explains Brown. “It seemed like a perfect fit combining my love of music and song writing to tell the stories of where I live.”
Rodney Brown will perform at the Port Arthur Legion on March 17, from 8 p.m. to midnight. | RODNEY BROWN
Rodney Brown By Casey Fitchett Canadian singer-songwriter Rodney Brown has had a long and lively career that includes an international tour, sessions teaching youth and appearances on national media. Brown picked up his first guitar at age seven and has been performing professionally since grade eight. Though his whole family sang and harmonized together, he was most influenced by the talent of his father, country and western singer Mel Brown. Listening to his dad play around the house, at family gatherings and at church, ignited a spark in the younger Brown that formed the foundation for his career. “He had a huge influence on my songwriting and I will always have my
country roots,” he said. “I loved the songs he sang; country and western songs by the Singing Brakeman and Hank Snow.” His musical journey has since taken him to the bars, pubs and coffee houses of Northwestern Ontario and across the festival circuit in the late 1970s to promote his first album, “Freedom in Me.” The album was distributed across Canada and eventually to England and Japan. In the span of just a couple years, Brown toured to Newfoundland with the Kam Theater's production of HARVEST, and released another album, “When the Bay Turns Blue.” In the mid-1980s, Brown took a brief break from his busy touring schedule to offer his skills in a new place: the classroom. Since completing a project
Those songs about local Canadian history have gained the musician international recognition and went over well as he toured across Canada, the upper American Midwest and the U.K. Brown was part of The Journey of a Blanket program, which followed the path of a blanket's creation in Witney, England to Fort William. Though he has strummed in-house concerts and soft seat theaters far and wide, recently Brown has been staying closer to home to perform and teach in elementary school classrooms. His steady Friday After Work Party gig at the Port Arthur Legion keeps him entertaining a regular crowd. To learn more about Brown, visit rodneybrown.ca.
Wooden snowshoes, carved by Linda Ottis, member of the Northwoods Fiber Guild. | LINDA OTTIS
EXHIBITS Nov. 10-March 5
Recent Acquisitions to the Collection: Norval Morrisseau Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Dec. 2-March 5
Elizabeth Buset: Swine Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Jan. 13-March 26
Amanda Burk: Stories of Contentment & Other Fables Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Jan. 24-March 26
Pop Evolution Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma
Feb. 23-April 9
Breana’s Pick OF THE MONTH
Carla Hamilton was born in Wrenshall, Minn., but spent almost 18 years in Germany where she studied classic art. After returning to Minnesota in 2012, she turned to mixed media, incorporating repurposed objects like glass, sand, wire and string into her artwork. Hamilton’s artwork addresses political and social issues, based on her life experiences. Her artwork is currently on display at the Duluth Art Institute until April 9, titled Gezielt (Targeted). A community forum to discuss her exhibit will be held at 5:30 p.m. on March 8 at The Underground in Duluth. For more info, visit duluthartinstitute.org.
Elizabeth Kuth: Rooted Expression Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org Carla Hamilton: Gezielt (Targeted) Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org
Feb. 25-March 26
Fiber Arts Exhibition Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca
March 2-31
Youth Art Month Exhibition: Typography Edition (Reception March 2 at 5 p.m.) Whole Foods Co-op, Denfeld, duluthartinstitute.org
March 6, Monday
Sprouting 5 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery, Ely (218) 365-7300
March 24-April 9
Kindling Curiosity: Lighting the Creative Spark Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org
March 25-April 29
Urban Infill: Art in the Core 11 (reception March 25 at 7 p.m.) Thunder Bay Waterfront District, definitelysuperior.com
NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
21
Cook County School District #166 Education Foundation presents...
2017
We Have Pizzas...All Kinds of Pizzas! Thursday, March 9 • 6 - 8 p.m. Cook County Middle/High School Tickets ▶ Partake in a Only ets available at: k delectable array 50 tic sold! 1 of tasty samples Java Moose ill be from Cook County w 25 each Blue Water Cafe $ restaurants or from any CCSDEF and food vendors. board member: ▶ Bid on quality silent auction Shelby Anderson Pat Campanaro items donated by our local Annie DeBevec businesses and individuals. Harry Drabik ▶ Devlin DuVall entertainment while socializing Gene Erickson Hal Greenwood with fellow supporters of the Susan Lappi ISD 166 Cook County Schools. * The Cook County School District ISD 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum. Nearly $102,000 in grants have been provided by this foundation.
Lorelei Livingston Doug Sanders Ann Sullivan Checks can be written to “EATS 2017”
LUNCH AT THE TAVERN GUN FLINT TAVERN ON THE LAKE DOWNTOWN GRAND MARAIS · 218-387-1563
The Uffda, The Vild Vun, The Haviian, Bacon Cheeseburger, Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Mushroom, Pepperoni Green Olive, Haviian BBQ Chicken, Vegie Zah, Beef, Black Olive, Green Pepper, Meat Zah, Shicken & Vild Rice, Margerhita, and on and on!
Try one Today! 218-387-1713 • 9 West Wisconsin St., Grand Marais
Make your own
SPECIAL
UNDER $10 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 11:00 - 4:00 HOT DAGO
9.95
HOT TURKEY OLD SCHOOL
9.95
THAI LETTUCE WRAPS
9.95
PHILLY STEAK AND CHEESE ON A HOAGIE
9.95
MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH KIELBASA
9.95
CHEDDAR TUNA MELT ON FRENCH
9.95
BOWL OF SOUP AND ALL YOU CAN EAT SALAD
9.95
GRILLED SALAMI AND SWISS
8.95
CAPERED EGG SALAD
8.95
We use grass fed beef and pork sausage for our italian seasoned patty, grill it, toast our baguette, slather with our house marinara and melted mozzarella.**
Organic house roasted turkey served open faced with Tavern mash and turkey gravy, side of cranberry compote Baked org. tofu, org. chicken, scallions, crimini mushrooms, walnuts, ginger, cilantro and romaine. Sauteed ribeye strips, green pepper, onions, provolone cheese and horsey sauce.** Baked, bubbly and delicious like grandma would do.
Baked open faced with tomatoes, pickles, celery and onions in our mix .** Your choice of our soup of the day and salad with a chunk of buttered warm bread. On french with honey dijon, tomatoes, onions and greens.** On toasted french, open faced.**
WHAT ELSE?
** choice of greens w/vinaigrette or ripple chips
Add a cup of soup for $4 Add a salad for $4 DOLLAR OFF BREWPUB BREWS with your lunch meal. 1/2 off select bottles of wine all day Tuesdays
HAPPY HOUR
MON-THURS 4-7PM
$100 off rail drinks, house wines & tap beers. FREE CHIPS & SALSA IN THE RAVEN PUB $200 OFF APPETIZERS 22
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
Grand Marais
Buy Any DQ Item GET ANY
DQ Item 1/2 Off
Two Harbors 530 7th Ave Two Harbors, MN
Open Feb. into Dec. 120 W Hwy 61 Grand Marais, MN
Two Harbors Open Feb. thru Oct. 530 7th Ave Two Harbors, MN
limited food menu
Grand Marais 120 W Hwy 61 Grand Marais, MN
Off regularly priced item of equal or lesser value. Excludes $5 Lunch, $6 Lunch, DQ Cakes, and Take Home Boxes of Novelties. Not valid with any other coupons or specials. Limit 1 coupon, 1 per customer. Limit 1 per coupon. Void if copied. DQ logo property of AM.DQCorp Minneapolis, MN, 2011. Expires 12/31/2017
8
00
Not valid with any other Grand Marais Two Harbors coupons or specials. 120 W Hwy 61 530 7th Ave Limit 1 coupon, 1 per Grand Two Harbors, customer. Limit 1 per Marais, MN MN coupon. Void if copied. DQ logo property of AM.DQCorp Minneapolis, MN, 2011. Expires 12/31/2017
This year’s Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Race will include fat bike demos, live music, food and a silent auction. | SPIRIT MOUNTAIN
Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Race March 4-5
Back for the second year in a row, Spirit Mountain and Frost River will host the Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Race on the slopes of Spirit Mountain in Duluth. This two day event, held March 4-5, will bring competitors from throughout the country for fat bike races, live music, bike demos, guided tours, food and drinks, a silent auction and more, with over 300 participants expected. New this year is a cross country Activities include Fat Bike Sunday; lift-served race on Saturday morning, fat biking. | SPIRIT MOUNTAIN as well as a dual head-toMountain. In partnership with Cyclists of head slalom race for skiers, snowboarders and bikers in the eve- Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) and The ning. There will also be $5,000 in cash City of Duluth, the AWT at Spirit Mounand prizes up for grabs. This family-friend- tain would provide Duluth with a biking ly event will be exciting for racers and trail that could be used in all-weather events. This trail would be the first of its spectators alike. kind in the Midwest. The Frosted Fatty provides fund raising for the All Weather Trail (AWT) at Spirit For more information, visit spiritmt.com.
Races will be held throughout the day on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. | SPIRIT MOUNTAIN NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
23
The Genuine. The Original.
PRESENTS
BLUES FEST CANADA’S 150th BIRTHDAY
HEAD DOOR OVER
Overhead Door Company of Duluth 24 hour service
Phone 218-722-2884 www.ohdnorthernmn.com 4214 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811
AMANDA MARSHALL Kim Mitchell . Sam Roberts Band
BARENAKED LADIES
Alan Doyle & The Beautiful Gypsies Powder Blues Band . Lighthouse Barney Bentall & The Legendary Hearts
Birch Grove Community School’s
Saplings Program receives 4 of 4 STARS from Parent Aware!
RANDY BACHMAN Big Sugar . Widemouth Mason
Saplings Program:
AND MUCH MORE!
JULY 7,8 & 9 2017
~Ages 3-5 ~M-F from 7am-5pm Go To: www.birchgroveschool.com under the Community Education tab. See our other great programs too!
MARINA PARK - THUNDER BAY, ON
TICKETS: 684-4444 1-800-463-8817
www.tbayblues.ca www.tbca.com
Celebrating a special occasion? Custom designe so you don’t havd, e to. Y
March 4, Saturday The North Shore Music Association in Grand Marais presents an evening of captivating Celtic fare by folk duo Patsy O’Brien and Dick Hensold. Award-winning singer and guitarist Patsy O’Brien has collaborated with famous musicians Paddy Keenan and Cathie Ryan. Dick Hensold, a master of Scottish reel pipes, whistles and recorder, is the leading Northumbrian smallpiper in North America. The duo will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth; on sale in advance or at the door. northshoremusicassociation.com
son
Class of 2016
m
hildstro
888
8-8 (218) 88
Come Celebrate wi th
January 17th
PATSY O’BRIEN & DICK HENSOLD
Todd A nder
Julia C
our local full-s ervice print shop. • Prompt • Professional • Priced Right!
Folk duo Patsy O’Brien and Dick Hensold will perform an evening of Celtic music in Grand Marais on March 4. | NSMA
Us!
2:00 p.m.
24
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
EATS FUNDRAISER
March 9, Thursday The Cook County School District Education Foundation (CCSDEF) presents EATS; Enriching Academics Through Sustenance. Held at the Cook County Middle/High School, enjoy an array of food samples from local restaurants and food vendors. There will also be a silent auction and musical entertainment. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to attend and only 150 tickets will be sold. Tickets are available at Java Moose, Blue Water Café, and the middle/high school office. Contact a CCSDEF board member for more info.
WINTER MOONRISE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
THOMAS RHETT
March 4, Saturday Country singer Thomas Rhett will bring his Home Team Tour to Duluth, with special guests Kelsea Ballerini, Russell Dickerson and Ryan Hurd. Rhett will perform songs off his new album, “Tangled Up,” including “Die a Happy Man,” “Crash and Burn,” “Playing with Fire,” and his current hit, “Star of the Show.” The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at the AMSOIL Arena. Tickets can be purchased online. decc.org
CABIN FEVER RELIEVER FUNDRAISER Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 218-387-9475 • print@northernwilds.com 1708 West Hwy. 61, Grand Marais
Harbors High School auditorium, featuring storytellers, poets, singers and musicians. This year’s performances include Gail Francis, THUG, Hannah Rey, the Northwoods Band, Meghan Cavallin, Nancy McGibbon, Arna Rennan and Erika Pelach. The Cedar Coffee Company will sell gourmet coffee and treats before the show and at intermission, and there will be free snacks and drinks too. Tickets can be found at various locations in Two Harbors. ktwh.org
March 5, Sunday The Two Harbors Community Radio will host the third annual Cabin Fever Reliever music and entertainment extravaganza at 3 p.m. in the Two
March 10-11 Join North Shore photographer John Gregor and Split Rock Lighthouse site manager Lee Radzak for a twoday photography workshop. Learn about proper photographic technique, lens selection, filtration and how to achieve the sharpest image. Participants must bring a digital camera capable of exposure control and a tripod. The workshop will be held at the Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors. Registration is required. mnhs.org/ event/2373
tricks to get the maximum bang for your buck.” The show will be held at Victoria Inn from 8 a.m.6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. nohe.ca
WOMEN’S EXPO
March 11, Saturday Need a girl’s day? Head to the Duluth DECC for the annual Women’s Expo, featuring speakers, seminars, exhibits, entertainment, samples, screenings, shopping and pampering. Numerous businesses will be attending, such as the Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Sleep Number, Wine Creations, St. Lukes, LuLaRoe, Lake Superior College, Harley-Davidson Sports Center and more. Northern Wilds will also be at the expo, so stop by and say hi. The expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 at the door, or free if you sign up online in advanced. duluthwomensexpo.com
NORTHERN ONTARIO HOUSING EXPO
March 11, Saturday Thunder Bay will host the second annual Northern Ontario Housing Expo, featuring guest speakers, classes, a vendor trade show and prizes. The expo will provide valuable resources and information for current and potential renters and homeowners within northern Ontario. Classes include, “Strategies to use the equity in your home to maximize net worth and pay down debt,” and “The home buyers plan: Tips and
THE SUGAR TOUR
March 11, Saturday All ages and abilities are invited to partake in the Sugar Tour; a cross country ski challenge at Oberg Mountain in Tofte. Categories include a 5k loop, 8k loop and 18km loop. Skiers must reach specific trail intersections to get credit for their accomplishment. There will also be treats, hot chocolate, games and a bonfire. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for ages 14 and younger. Online registration required. All proceeds will benefit the Sugarbush Trail Association. sugarbushtrail.org
DOG DAYS OF WINTER
March 12, Sunday Head to Trail Center Lodge on the Gunflint Trail for the annual Dog Days of Winter, featuring sled dog derbies and kids rides, freestyle skijorning races, a snowman competition, snowshoe games, a bonfire with free s’mo-
Rentals
Retail
Downhill & Cross County Skis Snowboards Snowshoes
Clothing Gloves Hats Cross Country Equipment
Dog Days of Winter will include kid races and rides. | SUBMITTED
BECOME A
hunger Hero
Winter Camping Gear, Hok Ski’s and Trek Fat Bikes 7213 Hwy 61 · Tofte, MN 55615 218-663-7643 www.sawtoothoutfitters.com
Lighting Design & Sales
Help End Hunger In Our Communities
Hunger is a serious “invisible” problem here in Lake and Cook Counties. But together we can take a bite out of hunger. Our goal is to DOUBLE the annual funding of local anti-hunger programs. How? That’s where you come in. It’s a simple challenge: we are asking our members to pledge a monthly donation to our North Shore Hunger Hero initiative.
Because Lighting Matters 30+ years experience On-site lighting design Working with local builders & contractors New home or remodeling project
Lighting done right, the first time
Your part is simple The next time you visit a branch, just tell us you want to be a North Shore Hunger Hero, and how much you’d like to give. Sign a permission slip and we will do the rest. Even easier, sign up online through NSFCU E-Branch under “My Account”. As a team of North Shore Hunger Heroes, we can help end hunger in our communities! How cool is that?
Any amount of support makes a difference – even $1 a month adds up.
In 2017, we’re pledging to match all contributions in March up to $3,000. The bonus is that March is National Food Shelf Month—meaning all the money we raise together will also be matched through national programs. NSFCU will offer additional matching opportunities throughout the year.
Two Harbors | Silver Bay | Lutsen | Grand Marais | Grand Portage TOLL FREE: 800.450.0709 | PHONE: 218.226.4401 www.northshorefcu.org
Contact: Jim Miller, pinecrestomg@boreal.org 218-475-2656 | 218-370-9603 NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
25
A
6-8 p.m.—Miss Helmi Talent and Beauty Contest—various stops around town 8 p.m.-Midnight—Music at the West Branch by the Tom Schramm Band 8:30 p.m.-Midnight—Music at the Four Seasons by Tara Nelson
Saturday, March 18th
8-10:30 a.m.—Finland MN Historical Society’s Pancake Breakfast, and Craft Fair at the Clair Nelson Center Noon—Tug of War across the Baptism River Before and during the parade— - Finland Fire and Rescue will be selling refreshments outside the Finland Fire Hall. - AfterProm will be selling St Urho T-shirts outside the Finland Co-op Noon-1 p.m.—Parade through Finland on Highway 1. Call Cheri Bischoff at 218-220-9947 to register for the parade. 1-3 p.m.—Clair Nelson Center Craft Fair, kids games, Lunch, and music by Casey Aro 1-4 p.m.—Music at Four Seasons by Tara Nelson 1-5 p.m.—Music at Our Place by the Curry Band 8 p.m.-Midnight —Music at the West Branch by the Tom Schramm Band 8:30 p.m.-Midnight—Music at the Four Seasons by Tara Nelson
AY
SO
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ZA
3
Friday night, March 17th
UR
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42N D D
ST. URHO’S D • L UA MARCH 1 AY • NN 7, 1
D, MN LAN , 2017 FIN 19TH & 8,
Finland’s 42th Annual St Urho’s Celebration Schedule of Events
E S & G R ASS
HO
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MARCH 2017
res, hot dogs and hot cocoa, and more. Sled dog derbies include an eight-dog race, six-dog race, and four-dog race. All derbies start at 11 a.m. and cost $20-40 to register. trailcenterlodge.com
AmericInn Lodge and Suites
of Silver Bay
• Pool with 110 ft. Figure 8 Waterslide
150 Mensing Drive • Breakfast Buffet with Waffle Bar Silver Bay, MN • Rooms and Suites with Whirlpools and Fireplaces 800-634-3444 • High Speed Wireless Internet 218 226-4300 silverbay.mn@americinn.com • Near State Parks and National Forest www.americinn.com • Snowmobile Trail Access from Our Lot
Beaver Bay Finland Silver Bay Lutsen * Pay-at-the-Pump * 24-hour card reader * Speedpass Pumps * No Ethanol in our Super Unleaded * Also Diesel at some locations today’s way to pay
“Finland’s Family Restaurant” 218-353-7343 • 6 miles N. of Hwy 61
NORTHERN WILDS
ST. URHO CELEBRATION
THE PEKING ACROBATS
March 14, Tuesday The Peking Acrobats are a troupe of China’s most gifted tumblers, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists and gymnast, accompanied by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments. Since their Western debut in 1986, they have redefined acrobatics with treacherous wire-walking, trick-cycling, precision tumbling, and by performing daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs. This is one family-friendly performance you won’t forget. The show will be held at 8 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. tbca.com
DULUTSEN SKI & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Full Menu • On & Off Sale Liquor
ets are $9 in advance, $12 at the door, or $15 in advance for both nights. Must be 21 or older to attend. lutsen.com
March 17-19 Join the town of Finland for a weekend of fun. This year’s theme for the 42nd annual St. Urho celebration is Urhopalooza: 3 Days of Grapes and Grasshoppers. Festivities will include the Friday evening Miss Helmi beauty and talent competition, the Saturday parade at noon on Highway 1, a raffle, and lots of music, food and crafts. friendsoffinland.org/ st-urho-2017
St. Urho’s Special – Fend off the grasshoppers with $20.00 off all rooms March 17 and 18
Sunday, March 19th
3pm—Door Prizes, 4 p.m.—Raffle Ticket Drawing at Four Seasons Supported by the Silver Bay Area Tourism Association
The Finland St. Urho’s celebration will include a parade at noon on Saturday, March 18. | SUBMITTED
March 17-18 Hit the slopes at Lutsen Mountains for a weekend of skiing and live music, featuring Duluth’s top artists performing at Papa Charlie’s. Friday night’s lineup includes the Black-Eyed Snakes, Rich Mattson & the North Stars, and Sarah Krueger. Saturday’s lineup features Jillian Rae, the Hobo Nephews with Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles, and Brothers Burn Mountain. The first show begins at 8:30 p.m. both nights. Tick-
MINNESOTA BALLET PRESENTS FIREBIRD March 24-25 The Minnesota Ballet in Duluth will perform Firebird, a Russian fairy tale set in a primeval forest and an enchanted garden, filled with monsters, mayhem and magic. Prince Ivan captures the beautiful Firebird, who gives him a magical feather for her freedom. But the Prince will need her help in overcoming the evil sorcerer Kostchei and his troops, who have captured the Prince’s brothers and the princesses. This magical ballet by Igor Stravinsky will entertain the entire family. The show will be held at 7 p.m. at the DECC Symphony Hall. Tickets available online. minnesotaballet.org
URBAN INFILL
March 25, Saturday Experience downtown Thunder Bay transformed with multi-sensory art and unparalleled live performances with the Urban Infill: Art In The Core event, featuring hundreds
WINTER SPECIALS Friday Night Prime Rib Rubbed with herbs and spices and slow roasted to perfection Starting at $19.95
Tues. & Thurs. Wing Night $.50 wings with Sriracha Buffalo or maple BBQ, blue cheese or ranch along with celery. Only available in the Poplar River Pub. (Winter specials available November through April. Not available holidays or with other specials.)
The Urban Infill project in Thunder Bay is celebrating its 11-year anniversary. The outdoor “exhibit” will remain downtown until April 29. | DEFINITELY SUPERIOR of artists, numerous projects and held at multiple locations. The exhibition will kick-off on Saturday, March 25 with an opening reception for all ages in the Wa-
terfront District from 7-11 p.m. Then, stay for the Arty Lounge After Party from 11 p.m.-2 a.m. for ages 19 or older. definitelysuperior.com
DINNER SPECIALS Head to Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay on March 16 for their monthly Third Thursday Food and Wine Dinner, starting at 6:30 p.m. This month’s theme is St. Urho’s. Call for reservations. Third Thursday dinners will continue through June. Cove Point Lodge will also offer a Fire and Flights Food and Wine Weekend: Snowshoe Edition, March 3-5. covepointlodge.com Also on March 16, the Vanilla Bean restaurant in Two Harbors will offer a four-course Wine Dinner. Cost is $55 per person. Reservations are required. thevanillabean.com
Community radio station KTWH will host its third annual fundraiser in the Two Harbors High School Auditorium on March 5. | SUBMITTED
Hwy 61, Lutsen MN 218.663.7212 for Dinner Reservations
Fitger’s in Duluth will once again host the annual Taste at Fitger’s event on Friday, March 31. Over 40 of the area’s finest local restaurants will serve up their tastiest culinary masterpieces and exquisite wines, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Fitger’s Inn. northernlakesfoodbank.org
NEW!
Building a homestead on Great Slave Lake, dogsledding, bush piloting, hunting and fishing, and insights into what a life in the wilderness means. 16 pgs of color photos Softcover, 6”x9” $16.95 plus $6 shipping
www.RavenWords.com P.O. Box 188, Ely, MN 55731 218-365-3375 Find our books at your favorite store, call for a catalog, or visit our website.
NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
27
March
Northern Wilds Calendar of Events Feb. 28-March 6 Wood Week North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
March 1, Wednesday Blood Drive 8:30 a.m. Senior Center, Grand Marais, mbc.org Go Red for Women Luncheon Duluth DECC, northlandgoredforwomen.org Bob Swanson: Grand Portage Arts & Crafts History 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
Masquerade Dance Competition Duluth DECC, masqueradedance.com Thunder Bay Open: Figure Skating Thunder Bay Tournament Centre, scno.net Bayfield Winter Festival Bayfield, Wisc. bayfieldwinterfestival.com Wine, Women and Wolves: Northwoods Winter 5 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org
March 4, Saturday
Gaelynn Lee 8 p.m. Papa Charlie’s,
Sleeping Giant Loppet Thunder Bay, sleepinggiantloppet.ca
March 1-4
FXR Sled for Eternity Snowmobile Ride Fundraiser Kakabeka Falls Legion, teenchallenge.mb.ca
Lutsen, lutsen.com
FIRST Robotics Regional Competitions Duluth DECC, mnfirst.org/frc/duluthregionals
The Full Monty: The Broadway Musical 8 p.m. Finlandia Club, Thunder Bay, cambrianplayers.ca
March 2, Thursday Free Typography Demo 5 p.m. Whole Foods Co-op, Denfeld, duluthartinstitute.org
Trout Derby 9 a.m. Gunflint Lake, Gunflint Trail, cookcountysnowmobileclub.com
Jon Miller 7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Blood Drive 8:30 a.m. Cook County High School, Grand Marais, mbc.org
DJ Beavstar 9 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore
7:30 p.m. The Underground, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org
March 3, Friday Friday Night Reels: The Ardennes 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
March 3-4
MARCH 2017
March 17, Friday St. Patrick’s Day
DSSO: Big Time Swing
Blood Drive 9 a.m. Northshore Mining, Silver Bay, mbc.org
Musical 8 p.m. Finlandia Club, Thunder Bay, cambrianplayers.ca
Viva Knievel 9:30 p.m.
Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Webinar: Boltz’ Birthday 5 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org
March 9, Thursday
March 12, Sunday
St. Patrick’s Day Meal 5 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Dog Days of Winter 11 a.m. Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail, trailcenterlodge.com
March 17-18
DSSO: Lollipop Concert
p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
March 17-19
The Full Monty: The Broadway
EATS 6 p.m. Cook County High School, Grand Marais
7 p.m. Duluth DECC, dsso.com
DuLutsen Ski & Music Festival 8:30
TBSO: Carnival of the Dinosaurs
March 10, Friday
3:30 p.m. Grassroots Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
St. Urho Celebration Finland, friendsoffinland.org/st-urho-2017
Timmy Haus 7:30 p.m.
March 18, Saturday
7:30 p.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org
Choquette 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca
Friday Night Reels: Hell or High Water 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
March 4-5
Harry Potter Trivia Challenge 6:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org
Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Race Spirit Mountain, Duluth, spiritmt.com
March 5, Sunday Fat Bike Loppet Noon, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, tbaycc.ca Wiki Edit-a-Thon for Arts & Equality 2 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, duluthartinstitute.org
March 6, Monday Army of Sass Thunder Bay: Snow White 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
March 3-5
28
March 8-11
Snowmobile Drag Races Noon, Skyport Lodge, Devil Track Lake, cookcountysnowmobileclub.com
Disney’s The Lion King JR! Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles
7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com
Of Human Bondage by Vern Thiessen Magnus Theater, Thunder Bay, magnus.on.ca
Two Harbors 5 & Under Waffle-Spiel Two Harbors Curling Club, twoharborscurling.com
Bernard 8 p.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
March 16-26
Patsy O’Brien & Dick Hensold
March 6-18
Nipigon Icefest Nipigon, Ontario, nipigon.net
TBSO Classical with Violist Mathilde
The Sugar Tour 10 a.m. Oberg Mountain Trailhead, Tofte, sugarbushtrail.org
Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
AMSOIL Arena, Duluth, decc.org
The Big Wu 9:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Hartley Acero: Consumers Driving the Food Industry Bus 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
SHTA Guided Snowshoe Hike 10 a.m. Oberg Mountain Trailhead, Tofte, shta.org
Gordon Thorne 7:30 p.m.
Pollinators & Pop-up Picnic 6 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org
Cabin Fever Reliever Fundraiser 3 p.m. Two Harbors High School, ktwh.org
March 2-11
Artist Talk: Carla Hamilton 5:30 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, duluthartinstitute.org
Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com
Thomas Rhett 7 p.m.
TBSO Pops: Comic Diva Natalie
Fresh Air Series 7 p.m. Lappe Nordic, Kaministiquia, lappenordic.ca
March 8, Wednesday
March 7, Tuesday Youth Watercolor Experimentation 4 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org
NORTHERN WILDS
Bubble Guppies Live! 6:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
March 10-11 Winter Moonrise Photography Workshop Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/event/2373
March 10-12 Charles J. Futterer Memorial Open Bonspiel Grand Marais Community Center, cookcountycurlingclub.com
March 11, Saturday
3 p.m. Duluth DECC, dsso.com
Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
March 14, Tuesday Ruby’s Pantry 5 p.m. Cook County High School, Grand Marais, facebook.com/rubyspantrycc St. Luke’s Orthopedics & Sports Medicine HS All-Star Hockey Game 6 p.m. AMSOIL Arena, kernkompany.com/events The Peking Acrobats 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
March 15, Wednesday Manion’s Wholesale Spring Buying Show Duluth DECC, manionswholesale.com
3 Doors Down: Us and the Night
Lappe Invitational Lappe Nordic, Kaministiquia, lappenordic.ca
Tour 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Northern Ontario Housing Expo 8 a.m. Victoria Inn, Thunder Bay, nohe.ca
March 16, Thursday
Women’s Expo 9 a.m. Duluth DECC, duluthwomensexpo.com Northland Foundation: Child Care Providers Appreciation & Training Seminar 9:30 a.m. Duluth DECC, northlandfdn.org
Beer & Paint Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com Third Thursday Food & Wine Dinner 6:30 p.m. Cove Point Lodge, Beaver Bay, covepointlodge.com Wine Dinner 6:30 p.m. Vanilla Bean, Two Harbors, thevanillabean.com
Cross Quetico Lakes Ski Tour & Reel Paddling Film Festival Little Falls Recreation Center, Atikokan, skibeatenpath.ca AEOA Home Stretch Workshop 8:30 a.m. Wildwoods Land Co, Ely, aeoa.org Xerox-Intaglio Transfer Demo 9 a.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org Glaze-a-thon 10 a.m. Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, duluthartinstitute.org Artist Talk: Good Book Bad Idea: Environmental Activist Art 1 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org Short Shorts Film Festival 7 p.m. The Underground, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org
Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert 7 p.m. Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com
March 18-25 Canadian Ski Nationals Lappe Nordic, Thunder Bay, lappenordic.ca
March 19, Sunday Jim & Michele Miller 7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
March 21, Tuesday
March 31-April 2
Two Harbors Area Chamber Spring Banquet 5 p.m. Clearwater Grille, Two Harbors (218) 834-2600
Mixed Bonspiel Two Harbors Curling Club, twoharborscurling.com
Duluth DECC, dsso.com
April 1, Saturday
24-12-6 Hours of Lappe Lappe Nordic, Kaministiquia, lappenordic.ca
March 23, Thursday Library Scientists: STEM for 1st-3rd Graders 2 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org
Enchanted Tea Party Duluth DECC, kernkompany.com/events
DSSO: Resurrection 7 p.m.
April 1-2
Artist Talk: Elizabeth Kuth 5:30 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, duluthartinstitute.org
TBSO: Sara Davis Beuchner
Performs Chopin 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
March 23-25
Mondays Nature Nook 10 a.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth, hartleynature.org
Live Piano Music 5:30 p.m.
Red Paddle Bistro at Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com
Open Mic 6 p.m. Grandma Ray’s,
Live Music 7 p.m. Castle Danger Brewery,
Songwriter Series 8 p.m. Papa Charlie’s,
Live Music 8 p.m. Kamloops,
Minnesota Ballet presents Firebird 7 p.m. Duluth DECC, minnesotaballet.org
Acoustics by the Fireplace 8 p.m.
Acoustics by the Fireplace 8 p.m.
March 25, Saturday
Tuesdays
Upper Midwest Scuba & Adventure Travel Show 9 a.m. DoubleTree, Minneapolis, umsatshow.org
Open Studio 12:30 p.m. Duluth Depot, duluthartinstitute.org
Paint & Sip Noon, North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Live Music 6 p.m. Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Resort, lutsenresort.com
HOH Celebrity Curling Bonspiel Fundraiser Duluth Curling Club, hohduluth.org
March 24-25
Webinar: Luna’s Birthday 5 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org Family Night 5:30 p.m. Summit Chalet, Lutsen Mountains, lutsen.com
Grand Marais (218) 387-2974 Lutsen, lutsen.com
Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Open Mic Night with Boyd Blomberg
Open Mic 5 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern,
Motorhead Madness 10 a.m. Duluth DECC, motorheadmadnessmn.com
Community Soup Suppers 5:30 p.m. Zoar Church, Tofte, zoarlc@boreal.org
Fat for the Weekend Noon, Thunder Bay, tbaycc.ca
Glensheen Unplugged 7 p.m. Glensheen
March 26, Sunday
Songwriter Series 8 p.m. Papa Charlie’s,
Arrowhead Professional Chefs Association Brunch 10:30 a.m. Duluth DECC, acfarrowheadchefs.com
Thursdays
March 27, Monday
caribouhighlands.com
Artist Reading Group 5:30 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, duluthartinstitute.org
Resort, lutsenresort.com
Community Auditorium, tbca.com
March 30-31 Evergreen Grass Band 7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
March 30-April 8 Spring Musical: Pippin Vermilion College, Ely, northernlakesarts.org
March 31, Friday Banadad Ski Trail Work Day 9 a.m. Gunflint Trail, mnnvc.org Taste at Fitger’s 6 p.m. Fitger’s, Duluth, northernlakesfoodbank.org
Lutsen, lutsen.com
Saturdays Country Market 8 a.m. Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay, thunderbaycountrymarket.com
Company Tour 11 a.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com
Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Rock the Nation 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay
Live Music 9:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s,
Wednesdays
March 25-26
Fresh Air Series: King of the Hill 7 p.m. Lappe Nordic, Kaministiquia, lappenordic.ca
Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Free Art Films 10 a.m. Zinema2, Duluth, duluthartinstitute.org
Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
March 29, Wednesday
Two Harbors, superiorshores.com
7 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Open Skate (through March 15) 3:30 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-3015
Cornmeal with Kind Country 9:30 p.m.
Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com
Historic Estate, Duluth, glensheen.org Lutsen, lutsen.com
Live Music 4 p.m. Moguls Grille, Lutsen, Live Music 6 p.m. Poplar River Pub, Lutsen DJ Trivia 7 p.m. Kamloops, Two Harbors, superiorshores.com
“Making It” Through Winter 7 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Acoustics by the Fireplace 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Dance Party with DJ Beavstar
9 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Fridays Open Skate (through March 17) 3:30 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-3015
Live Music 4 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com
Live Music 4 p.m. Moguls Grille, Lutsen, caribouhighlands.com
Tour the North House Campus 2 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Live Music 3 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Open Skate (through March 18) 3:30 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-3015
Live Music 4 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com
Live Piano Music 5:30 p.m.
Red Paddle Bistro at Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com
Live Music 7 p.m. Cascade Lodge & Pub, Lutsen, cascademn.com
Live Music 9:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Sundays Winter Fundays (through March 19) 2 p.m. Prince Arthurs Landing, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca Open Skate (through March 19) 3:30 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-3015
Classical Music & Dinner 7 p.m.
Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com Free Nature Programs 7 p.m. Caribou Highlands, Lutsen, caribouhighlands.com
Apres Ski 3:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com
Dog Days of Winter Free Family Fun Sun., March 12, 2017 Sled Dog Derbies 8 DOG 20-23 mi., entry fee $40 6 DOG 11-12 mi., entry fee $30 4 DOG 3-3.5 mi, entry fee $20 plus kid races & rides Registration 8 am-10 am Musher Meeting 10 am; Race start 11 am The Race: 8 dog teams first, then 6 dog teams followed by 4 dog teams. Approx 2 minutes between teams and 5 minutes between starts of races
Skijoring 2 MILE RACE, entry fee $10 5 MILE RACE, entry fee $15 Registration 10 am-1 pm Participant Meeting 1:15 Race Start 2 pm The Race: 2 dog max per skier, freestyle races (open to skate skiing or classic skiing). Open to all experience levels The Race Course will take place entirely on Poplar Lake and will be groomed but will not have set classic tracks. Skate skiing should be quite favorable for those seeking speed! Kick Sleds welcome.
Snowman Competition We will supply the snow and a box of accessories. You are welcome to bring your own items. Be creative and be decent.
Snowshoe Games Bonfire Smores Hot Dogs CoCoa Maple Snowcones BBQ
Where? Trail Center Lodge 1/2 way up the Gunflint Trail 7611 Gunflint Trail, Near Grand Marais
For more information: 218-388-2214
dogdaysofwinter.info • dogdaysofwinter.net NORTHERN WILDS
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VIVA KNIEVEL 3/11
FUN MARCH 25
CORNMEAL KIND COUNTRY
SUMMIT CHALET
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
with Special Guests
SATURDAY EVENING 5:30 - 8:30 pm
MAGIC BY CHAZ FACE PAINTING KIDS MUSIC WITH THE BAZILLIONS PIZZA PARTY FIREWORKS ART PROJECTS Dinner, Gondola Ride, Entertainment $20 Adult/$12 Child (age 6-12)* *SAVE 50% with daily lift ticket or season pass
OPEN MIC EVERY TUESDAY
DJ BEAVSTAR EVERY THURSDAY
TIMMY HAUS
3:30-5:30pm | FREe | ALl Ages
Songwriter Series MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS
MAR 06 - The Lowest Pair MAR 13 - Chris Koza MAR 20 - The Pines & Keith Secola MAR 27 - Dusty Heart
FREE | 8:00 PM
MAR 01 - Gaelynn Lea MAR 08 - Jack Klatt MAR 15 - Martin Devaney MAR 22 - Pieta Brown MAR 29 - Phil Haeywood FIND YOUR
FRIDAY 3/10 & 3/24
APRÉS SKI EVERY SUNDAY
MAR 05 - Acoustic Wu MAR 12 - Lehto & Wright MAR 19 - Chris Silver MAR 26 - Pushing Chain
218-406-1320 lutsen.com
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The North Shore Dish Finding Flavor with Herbs and Spices By Maren Webb
Herbs and spices are at the heart of any good recipe and meal. They allow us to transform basic ingredients into everything from an exotic Thai dish to a hearty American staple. So often, we let those little containers sit in our cabinets, aging away and losing flavor. Thankfully, several businesses are striving to get fresh spices and herbs into your kitchen, to add that extra oomph to your cooking. And for those busy nights or for those more complicated flavor profiles, they are also creating spice mixes to make it even easier to achieve that delicious meal. McQuade’s Herbs, Spices, and More opened this past summer, right across from Castle Danger Brewery in downtown Two Harbors. Following in his family’s footsteps, Frank McQuade has brought fresh spices, herbs and custom spice blends to the North Shore after learning the trade from his Grandfather, owner of Herbs Spices and More in Arena, Wisc. The shop in Two Harbors offers bulk herbs and spices, allowing customers to buy what they need. Spice jars are available for a dollar each or resealable bags are also available.
Crazy Good Spices uses raw ingredients from California that have been grown outside, not in a greenhouse, giving the spices a richer flavor. | CRAZY GOOD SPICES vourite, taco seasoning, Citrus-Dillicious and Homestyle Rub. Grace’s Favourite is just that, owner Ward’s favorite that she uses herself. A blend of her favorite spices, red bell pepper, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic, and a few secret herbs and spices, this mix is a versatile way to add flavor to your favorite dishes— from chicken to pasta to bread crumbs. It’s available in regular and salt-free options.
“The great part in selling like this is you can bring in any of your own containers and I can fill those up as well,” said owner Frank. Whether you have a favorite spice jar set you want to refill or start a new set, McQuade’s has you covered. In addition to the traditional herbs and spices for sale, McQuade’s has many custom spice blends available. Some favorites include Potato Magic, Prime Rib Rub, garlic pepper and their own curry powder. potato magic is by far their most popular item, which can top any kind of potatoes, from mashed to baked to French fries. A local restaurant is now using them on its breakfast potatoes and French fries. Owner Frank’s favorite way to use it is by tossing potatoes with olive oil and Potato Magic before roasting in the oven. McQuade’s Herbs, Spices, and More also has a coffee shop in the store, offering espresso drinks and brewed coffee. McQuade’s worked with a Minnesota coffee roaster to create blends for their own Agate Bay Coffee Company. In addition to fresh-brewed coffee and drinks, bags of whole bean and ground coffee are available for sale in the shop with their own roasts: Coal Dock Grog (dark roast), Round
Ward started Crazy Good Spices by planting, harvesting and dehydrating her own herbs and spices. But as the business grew, she needed a larger producer of the raw product. She found a source for her needed spices in California. All the spices and herbs are grown outside, not in a greenhouse. McQuade’s Herbs, Spices, and More sells traditional and custom spice blends. | MCQUADE’S House Roast (medium roast), Breakwater Breakfast Blend (light roast), and Caribbean Cream (light roast with caramel, vanilla and Kahlua flavors). Their blends were developed with good friend Christian Dalbec of Christian Dalbec Photography. Stop in to freshen up your spice rack or for a cup of coffee. The shop is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (632 1st Avenue).
North of the border, Crazy Good Spices is bringing delicious and easy spice mixes to the masses. Founded by Grace Ward, a long-time caterer and cook, she first created spice blends for her family, “wanting a fast and easy way to season meals after a busy day.” Now 30 years in the making, she offers about a dozen spice blends and cocktail rimmers, including the popular Grace’s Fa-
“There’s a difference when the spices soak up the warm Californian sunshine and rich nutrients from the earth that can’t be replicated indoors,” said Ward. The newest product, Caesar Rimmer, may be a new item for American readers. In Canada, the Bloody Caesar is a popular cocktail with vodka, clam nectar, tomato juice, lime, Worcestershire sauce and celery salt. If you say it’s Canada’s version of a Bloody Mary, be cautious, as you will likely be corrected. While the main difference is that the American Bloody Mary uses tomato juice and the Caesar uses clamato
NORTHERN WILDS
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Crazy Good BBQ Ribs
juice (a clam-tomato mixed juice), there is also some national pride in the difference. And from what I’ve heard, Bloody Caesar’s can be quite addicting and hard to find in the states. Using the Caesar Rimmer is the perfect way to experience this treat in Minnesota.
“Ribs are my favourite, it takes five minutes and seeing my family lick their fingers clean is so satisfying,” said Grace Ward, owner of Crazy Good Spices. Ribs: 2 racks of baby back ribs 2 tablespoons Crazy Good BBQ Rub 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups water Sauce: ½ bottle chicken & rib BBQ Sauce ¼ cup maple syrup or brown sugar 1 tablespoon Crazy Good BBQ Rub Cut the ribs to the desired size. Mix the Crazy Good BBQ Rub with olive oil in a small bowl and then rub over all the ribs. Put the ribs in a roasting pan with water. Seal tight with parchment then foil and bake at 350 degrees F. for 2.5 hours. Combine the BBQ sauce, maple syrup or brown sugar and Crazy Good BBQ Rub together to make the sauce mixture.
Mixes from Crazy Good Spices are available across Northwestern Ontario at Maltese, George’s, East Coast Lobster in Thunder Bay, Kupper’s Restaurant & Bakery in Dryden, The Water Buffalo in Red Lake, and many other retailers. For customers south of the border, Crazy Good Spices has an online shop: crazygoodspices.com. Northern Wilds readers get 10 percent off any order with the code “northernwilds” at checkout (shipping is available to the U.S. and Canada). The Mystic Garden in Thunder Bay also offers a wide variety of herbs and spices. With over 450 herbs, 250 spices and 250 teas, you are likely to find anything you need and discover something new. Owner Dawna Harty prides herself on the quality of the products she carries; the ingredients are all organic or wild and harvested from all over the world. You’ll find the basics, like garlic pepper, onion powder and paprika, to the more exotic like lemongrass, plantain and calendula flowers. A wide variety of spice mixes are also available. The Mystic Garden is open seven days a week (41 S. Algoma Street).
The Mystic Garden in Thunder Bay sells over 450 herbs, 250 spices and 250 teas; and all the ingredients used are organic or wild. | MYSTIC GARDEN Looking for other places that sell herbs and spices? In Grand Marais, the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op sells bulk herbs, spices and teas. The Gunflint Mercantile, also in Grand Marais, offers several dip mixes and meat rub spice mixes.
Whether you are looking for your favorite spice or excited to try a new spice blend, these businesses are sure to satisfy and add flavor to your next delicious meal.
Take ribs out of the roasting pan, place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and brush on sauce mixture. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 5-10 minutes, or BBQ on high for 5 minutes.
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MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
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Recipes Kiwifruit The Sunny Peach By Kim Falter With a name like “kiwi” we would assume this fruit originates from the picturesque country of New Zealand, but, the kiwi comes from the Yangtze River Valley and Zhejiang Province of northern and eastern China, where it was called Mihou Tao and Yang Tao, or “sunny peach.” The kiwifruit grew in forests on woody vines that could reach heights of 12 feet and cover an area 15 feet wide. According to a study by Purdue University, “It was cultivated on a small scale at least 300 years ago, but still today most of the 1,000-ton crop is derived from wild vines scattered over 33 of the 48 counties of Zhejiang. The plants may be seen climbing tall trees or...sprawling over low scrub or rocks exposed to strong northeast winds and bearing heavily.” Traditionally, the kiwi was not eaten as we do today, but primarily used as a tonic for growing children and as an aid for women after childbirth. At the dawn of the 20th century, New Zealand missionaries in China discovered this succulent fruit and brought it back with them to their home country. It was there that growers then developed it into the standard kiwi that we see in our grocery stores today. Though the New Zealanders had a rather robust crop, and pretty much cornered the market on kiwi export, it didn’t make its way to America until the 1950s. In its early days, it had many names; melonette and Chinese gooseberry were the most popular. In order to make their healthy crop into something more marketable overseas, the New Zealanders named this fruit the “kiwi” which is a Maori word for the nocturnal, flightless bird unique to their country. It was not until 1970 that the first successful crop of kiwi was established in America. Currently, we rank tenth in global production of this fruit, and although New Zealand and Italy have pretty much run the show when it comes to production, in the past few years China has emerged as the number one grower of the kiwi. This small oval fruit is covered in small brown hairs, is succulent green to pale yellow inside and has tiny black seeds. Although there are over 60 varieties of kiwi, what
we primarily see in the grocery store is the Hayward variety. Unfortunately, kiwis are not a fruit that would flourish in a Minnesota climate, although there are some very small varieties such as the ‘kiwi berry,’ that have proven hardy to colder climates. The kiwi needs plenty of water and is finicky about temperature. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc., they need a growing season that can render 240 frost-free days and they do not like early frost in the fall, preferring a gradual decrease in temperature as opposed to the abrupt drops we see here. Relatively free of pests, it is typically inadequate watering that has the most detrimental effects on growth. One odd pest to the kiwi vine is the common cat. The young shoots smell much like catnip, so cats are prone to rubbing on them, therefore potentially destroying the crop. The kiwi is a tremendously nutritious fruit. It is high in vitamin A, including carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin that have been reported to decrease progression of macular degeneration. The pulp also contains almost all the recommended daily value of vitamin C. In addition, it is a great source of vitamin E and K, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and the seeds contain some omega-3 fatty acids. Kiwi can be served raw (with or without the brown peel, which is edible), juiced or used in baked goods. It’s important to keep in mind that kiwi’s contain the enzyme, actinidin. This enzyme is commercially used as a meat tenderizer, which means it breaks down proteins. This is important to keep in mind when combining kiwi with any dairy product, as it will coagulate if not consumed immediately. It is this action that brands kiwi an aid to digestion as this enzyme can also help break down protein from meat and dairy if consumed in tandem, possibly reducing the bloating or fullness felt after consuming a protein-rich meal. Fortunately for us, kiwis are quite prevalent in our grocery stores year-round. Since it can flourish in both hemispheres—available to us from California starting in November and ripening in New Zealand through May—we are able to enjoy this nutritious fruit almost any time of the year.
Whisk lime juice, oil, shallot, vinegar, honey, salt and cayenne in a medium bowl. Add kiwis, bananas, bell pepper and mint. Toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with cashews. Serves 4.
Banana-Kiwi Salad From eatingwell.com 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon minced shallot 2 teaspoons rice vinegar 1 teaspoon honey ½ teaspoon salt pinch of cayenne, or to taste 4 kiwis, peeled and diced 2 firm ripe bananas, cut diagonally into ½ -inch thick slices ½ cup diced red bell pepper 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint 2 tablespoons chopped cashews, toasted
Brie Glazed with Kiwi From The California Kiwi Commission ½ cup dried cranberries 2 tablespoons currants 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger root ¼ teaspoon allspice, ground ¼ teaspoon dry mustard ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons water 1 California kiwifruit, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons pecan pieces 1 small wheel of Brie
Place cranberries, currants, brown sugar, cloves, ginger root, allspice, mustard and water in a medium saucepan. Cook gently over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture until the cranberries swell and the liquid thickens into a jamlike consistency, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. When cool, stir in the chopped kiwi and pecan pieces. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the whole brie on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Spread cooled kiwi-cranberry marmalade over the top of the brie and coat edges evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the brie round swells. Remove from the oven and gently slide the brie onto a cheese board or plate. Serve immediately with crackers. Serves 12.
Castle Danger Brewery
Loch Sloy Scottish Ale By Eric Weicht Located in downtown Two Harbors, Castle Danger Brewery sits in a pretty cool spot. With windows facing the historic harbor— home to both an operating Taconite Dock as well as the historic ‘Dock No.6’—Castle Danger is a brewery that, in the spirit of the North Shore, brings together the modern and the traditional through the timeless process of brewing beer. Before making the trek down from Grand Marais, I had done my research and knew exactly what two beers I wanted to try. The first, the Loch Sloy Scottish ale, is a traditional Scottish Ale brewed untraditionally with spruce tips and cranberry. The second, the Mosaic Fresh Hop IPA, is an IPA where the hops were added fresh instead of in pellet form (a rare style since fresh hops need to be added immediately after being picked to maintain flavor). Both beers were fantastic, but only one can be the true ‘Beer of the Month’ (such a prestigious title, I know). Thus, the Loch Sloy Scottish Ale wins for the month of March, because of the unique North Shore spin it puts on a classic style and because of its unusual malty-tart flavor. The tartness from the cranberry, spice from the spruce and carmelly-malt flavor from the grain add a layer of complexity that, quite frankly, I’m having a hard time capturing in words. My advice: try it yourself. NORTHERN WILDS
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Vote for your
Favorite Restaurants for a chance to win a $ 50 gift certificate to a local restaurant.
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 Nipigon and over to Ely.
2017
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 ends March 31, 2017. Look for the results in the 2017 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)
Use of regional ingredients? _______________________________________________
Appetizers? _____________________________________________________________
Ethnic fare? _____________________________________________________________
Steak? _________________________________________________________________
Northwoods character? ___________________________________________________
Burger? ________________________________________________________________
View? _________________________________________________________________
Fish? __________________________________________________________________
“Worth the drive?”_______________________________________________________
Pizza? _________________________________________________________________
Kid-friendly menu? _______________________________________________________
Soup? _________________________________________________________________
Vegetarian-friendly menu? _________________________________________________
Salad? _________________________________________________________________
Server or bartender? (include name and restaurant) _____________________________________________
Breakfast? ______________________________________________________________ Baked goods? ___________________________________________________________
Speedy service? _________________________________________________________ Take-out? _______________________________________________________________
Sweets? ________________________________________________________________ Coffee? ________________________________________________________________
Mail this ballot to:
Wine? _________________________________________________________________
Northern Wilds Media, Inc., P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 or Vote online at surveymonkey.com/r/nwilds
Cocktails? ______________________________________________________________ Beer selection? __________________________________________________________ Regional craft beer? ______________________________________________________
Only one ballot per person. Name __________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________________
Happy hour? ____________________________________________________________ Music venue? ___________________________________________________________ Fine dining? ____________________________________________________________ Artistic flare from the chef? _______________________________________________
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NORTHERN WILDS
Phone _________________________________________________________________ Email __________________________________________________________________
An Ounce of Prevention By Amy Schmidt According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), approximately one-third of common cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented by eating healthy, being active and staying lean. That’s an estimated 374,000 cases of cancer that could be prevented. Considering that cancer is now the leading cause of death world-wide, prevention is a worthy goal. What we eat is among one of the most powerful protectors of good health. Fortunately, you don’t have to live off sprouts and kale to positively impact your health. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains and beans, as opposed to one high in red meat, processed food and sugar, is important. This is not to say a burger and malt can’t be enjoyed, but they should be enjoyed as an exception rather than the norm. Daily physical exercise is also important for your over-all health and helps reduce the risk of cancer. This doesn’t mean everyone needs to train for and regularly run marathons. Rather, try to add meaningful, achievable forms of exercise into your routine, like a brisk walk on your lunch break or a bike ride with your kids. A plant-based diet and regular exercise aids in maintaining a healthy weight, an-
other factor in cancer prevention. Stored fat does more than make our pants too tight. Fat cells produce chemicals that increase both cell growth and cell reproduction. The more times a cell divides, the more chances there are for cancer to develop. Maintaining a healthy weight keeps these chemicals, and negative cell division, in check. Commercial tobacco use is another major factor, causing up to 40 percent of all diagnosed cancers. If you are a tobacco user, the most powerful anti-cancer step you can take is to reduce or stop use. Sawtooth Mountain Clinic can connect patients with “Call It Quits,” a tobacco-cessation help line. You can also self-refer and call “Quit Plan” at 800-354-PLAN. Both routes will get callers to the same place: a free and confidential help line where they can get coaching, support and even no-cost nicotine replacement. There are other things you can do to help reduce your risk of getting cancer. Limit your intake of alcohol and sugary beverages. Keep sodium consumption in check by avoiding processed foods whenever possible. Get an annual physical and follow through with doctor recommended screenings and tests. Also, women who breastfeed not only help reduce their own risk of cancer, but that of their children.
Roughly one-third of common cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented by eating healthy, being active and staying lean. | STOCK The threat of cancer can feel like a predator, lying in wait for the ambush. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees or magic potions that will prevent it 100 percent. But being mindful of over-all health and
curbing tobacco use should help keep the threat at a safe distance. More information and creative ways of stay healthy can be found at: aicr.org/reduce-your-cancer-risk.
655 Arthur Street W., Thunder Bay
800-265-3253
Hot Breakfast, free airport shuttle
Ask for our Northern Friends Rate (rates start at $115 CDN)
NORTHERN WILDS
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Northern Trails Winter Crappie in Northwestern Ontario By Gord Ellis
Every once in a while, a few buddies and I pile into a truck and head west from Thunder Bay to fish for crappies. The Rainy River District has some great crappie fishing, and that includes the big waters like Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods. Crappie are fun to catch, slightly exotic compared to walleye and perch, and make a very tasty supper. These panfish also provide some unique challenges to the winter angler.
ELECTRONICS One of the unique things about crappies is that unlike perch and walleye, they often suspend above the bottom. This means that the angler that drops his or her bait directly to the bottom will often leave the lake empty handed. You really need to use some form of electronics to consistently catch winter crappie. Crappie also have some unusual habits. At certain times, they can be very aggressive, attacking the bait as soon as it is dropped into the water. Yet more often than not, they have to be teased and taunted to extract a bite. Using a Hummingbird ICE 55 flasher, I’ve watched crappie follow a small jig and minnow combination up and down in the water column a dozen times before committing. Sometimes, the fish can be triggered by pulling the bait away from them and then letting it slowly drift back down. Other times, holding the bait in front of the crappie’s nose and jiggling it ever so softly will do the trick. These fish can also can be very competitive, hitting the bait only when another crappie appears.
A mess of crappies on the ice. | GORD ELLIS bottom. With your flasher, look both for baitfish and crappies that are schooling in these areas.
TIMING Persistence, patience and mobility are the three keys to consistent catches of crappie. Morning and evenings are usually peak feeding periods for the crappie, but over the years, I’ve caught some of my largest fish at high noon. Crappie will hit in flurries, going hard for several minutes, then shutting right down. Moving around to find biters can often solve the problem. Don’t be afraid to leave and then return to hot holes. Crappie are very mobile and will come back to key areas to feed.
LOCATION The number one secret to success with winter crappies is choosing the right place to fish. It sounds simple enough, but finding the perfect location can be the difference between a nice bag of slabs and a big fat zero. Natural Canadian Shield lakes like Rainy Lake tend to see cyclical periods of crappie action. These cycles can see the crappie population fall into a couple of dominate year classes. Big crappie of 10 to 13 inches might dominate for several seasons with few small fish caught. Then the big ones disappear for a time and eight- to 10- inchers rule. In general, crappie fishermen will always find a few fish to cooperate if they look hard. Prime winter crappie areas will usually be next to structures such as offshore
CRAPPIE TECHNIQUES
Author Gord Ellis with a nice winter crappie. | GORD ELLIS humps. Offshore humps hold the most bait during the fall period and therefore the most crappie. Minnows move into the wood and muck-bottomed bays once the ice covers the lake, and the crappie are right behind them. The best crappie action will occur on the transition from soft to hard
There are many ways to catch winter crappie, but for the biggest slabs it’s hard to beat a small treble and a 2-inch minnow. Use a #12 treble hook and carefully hook one prong of the treble hook just under the dorsal fin of the minnow. With a treble and minnow you will sting even the lightest biting crappie. A balance rig and an ultra-light rod will work well, as will a super whippy “dead stick” rod in a holder. Light line of two- to four-pound- test is key for crappie. In deeper water, I’ve had great success using small slip floats to suspend bait off the bottom. My favourite is the Ice Buster,
a yellow foam float that can be cut to size, snaps on and off your line and won’t freeze up. If you see a movement in the float, don’t strike right away. Give the crappie a few seconds to eat the minnow and set the hook by reeling straight up on the fish. A hard, walleye style hook set will pull the hook right through a crappie’s lip. Another great option is a small jigging spoon tipped with a wax worm. Good spoons include a ¼-ounce Hopkins or Northland Buckshot Spoon. You can tip the wax worm right on the treble or make a 3-inch dropper hook off the bottom of the spoon and put the waxies on that. Crappies are often relating to the mud bottom as they feed on mayfly larva and love the taste of waxies. An artificial lure that works well is a 2-inch white or brown tube. You can sometimes buy these pre-rigged for crappie or panfish. The slow fall and horizontal presentation of a tube will help on days when the bite is off. For crappie, use a jigging rod that is light but not too whippy. There are many panfish type rods on the market. One short jigging and a longer dead stick model will cover your needs. Winter crappie fishing is a fun change from the usual fare of walleye, perch and lake trout. This winter, grab the kids, load up the truck and head to some of Northern Ontario’s crappie grounds. There’s never a dull moment when you are fishing for slabs.
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Cancer Survivor Fulfills a Dream
38 MARCH MARCH2017 2017 NORTHERN NORTHERN WILDS WILDS
[ABOVE] When it’s -26 degrees
F. outside, an ice house comes in handy. [LEFT] During his trip, Haun caught lake trout, rainbows and splake. | JOE FRIEDRICHS
By Joe Friedrichs
In 2010, Montana resident Jonathan Haun was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma at the age of 28. Doctors gave him a minimal chance to survive. Haun grew up and lives in rural Montana. He presently resides in the town of Thompson Falls, a small community about 70 miles northwest of Missoula situated along the banks of the Clark Fork River. A lifelong fisherman and outdoorsman, Haun decided to spend as much time in nature as he could once the prognosis came in. He changed his diet and worked hard to find the positive in a bleak situation. He took on cancer. Despite the odds stacked against him, in 2017 Haun— who stands at 6’7”—is cancer free. This winter, he was able to fulfill the dream of an ice fishing trip to the Gunflint Trail and Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. I had a chance to speak with Haun during his trip.
This was your first trip to Minnesota. What did you think of the Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness? Jonathan Haun: My first time to Minnesota is an experience that I will never forget. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. We’ve been staying at Nor’Wester Lodge right on the Gunflint, so it’s great to be immersed right in the middle of the wilderness area. What amazes me the most is how vast and remote the area really is. It seems like you could fish here your entire life and still not even come close to fishing every lake. The place holds a lot of history and to me seems like a very spiritual place. People who live in the area are blessed to live in such a pristine wilderness.
What did you think of the ice fishing scene up the Gunflint Trail? It’s truly an anglers’ paradise. With just about every species of fish to choose from, the options are seemingly endless. I’ve never been to an area that had such a diverse fish population. But at the same time, ice fishing the Boundary Waters is definitely not for the faint of heart. Anglers in this area tough out grueling temperatures. They walk from lake to lake through the elements. There are added obstacles to making a good day of it, in addition to if the fish are biting. And to me, that makes this place among the best on the planet to go ice fishing.
Michael Determan (left) and Jonathan Haun look over their catch on a Gunflint Trail lake. | JOE FRIEDRICHS upside down. It was the most unexpected thing to ever happen to me. After the surgeries on my leg, groin and back, the prognosis was a 50 percent chance of it coming back. If the cancer came back, my chance of survival was zero percent.
You are used to hiking through the Rocky Mountains and some magnificent country. What did you think of the concept of portage trails that lead from lake to lake? Portaging was something that I’d never experienced. Trekking across these lakes and portaging to another is not as easy as I had anticipated. Living in Montana, I am used to hiking steep and difficult terrain, so the talk of walking and portaging seemed like a piece of cake. As mentally prepared as I was to make these journeys, I found out right away that it was not easy. The first day the temperature dropped to -26 degrees F. and as soon as I began to walk I found myself shedding all of my layers off to avoid sweating, which can be extremely dangerous in those temperatures. During parts of the walk I could feel ice forming on my eyelids and the reality set in that we are on our own out here with no hospital or cell service—if something were to go wrong it could become catastrophic. It made me realize that a person must be careful and properly prepared for any condition or scenario. But after reaching our destination each day to fish, I found myself in awe at the beauty and really appreciated being in such a magnificent location.
You grew up in Big Sky Country where trout fishing is epic and people travel from all over the world to fish Montana’s rivers. What did you think of the trout fishing in the Boundary Waters? The fishing in Montana is good, but it’s definitely not the same. Minus a few high mountain lakes and wilderness areas, most of the fishing can be easily accessed and there really isn’t the option of portaging to another lake. In order to fish lots of different species of fish in Montana
My view on life during this time changed dramatically. I went through stages ranging from selfishness to ‘poor me.’ Death seemed inevitable after doing research.
It’s -26 degrees F. outside. Doesn’t this look fun!? | JOE FRIEDRICHS from where I’m located, one must be willing to travel great distances. And that doesn’t seem to be the case in the Boundary Waters or up the Gunflint Trail.
Did you learn anything about ice fishing on this trip? In Montana I primarily target northern pike when ice fishing. The area that I enjoy to fish has the potential of producing 20- to 30-pound pike. But the technique is simple and pretty much boring: a dead smelt bait on a tip-up and suspended about one foot off the bottom. Being from Montana, oddly enough trout fishing through the ice isn’t something that I had a lot of experience with. It was interesting fishing different species and learning how they feed and strategies to coax them into biting. I like the fishing up here, using strategy or even skill, as opposed to just blind luck.
How did what you overcame with cancer make you appreciate the trip more?
And yet, it has now been six years and I am cancer free. I’ve had doctors tell me flat out that I’m lucky to be alive. There is no doubt in my mind that this was achieved from staying positive and believing without a doubt that I could beat this. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my days feeling sorry for myself. I wanted to enjoy life by being positive and living healthy. Every day I am thankful to be here and I am very appreciative of everything that I have in my life. I no longer take life for granted and coming out on this trip is a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget.
Would you ever come back to the Boundary Waters region? I plan on someday being able to get my entire family to come visit. If I had my way, I would come up two times a year; first in the early summer for the family to experience a camping and fishing canoe trip and the other for ice fishing. I definitely fell in love with the area and I can’t wait to come back. Once the fishing holes were drilled and ice hut was set up, I found myself staring off into the distance enjoying the solitude of such a remote area. I had plenty of time to think about life, my wife, my family and everything I was thankful for. I guess the easiest way to describe this trip is that I definitely fell in love with the area and I can’t wait to come back. In support of his recovery from cancer, Nor’Wester Lodge provided lodging for Haun and his companions during their 2017 winter adventure. Nor’Wester is located 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail on the shores of Poplar Lake.
Finding out that I had metastatic melanoma and it had reached my groin through my lymph nodes turned my life NORTHERN WILDS
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From Blueberries to Blue Seas
This is Not My Life:
A Memoir of Love, Prison and Other Complications By Diane Schoemperlen
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd., $24.99
What is it like to fall in love with a murderer serving a life sentence in prison? This is Not My Life is a candid memoir written by award-winning author Diane Schoemperlen—who was born, raised and educated in Thunder Bay and now lives in Kingston—about her roller-coaster six-year relationship with a convicted murderer. There’s romance, love, humour, joy, laughter, anger, frustrations, heartbreak, challenges and an intimate look inside Canada’s prison system, its bureaucracy and how it affects inmates and the people who love them. “Prison is both like a secret society with its own rules, written and unwritten, and a foreign country with its own culture, customs and language,” writes Diane.
Canoes: A Natural History in North America By Mark Neuzil & Norman Sims
By Curtis C. Bush Savage Press, $19.95
Despite knowing nothing of sailing, author Curtis Bush decided to pursue his lifelong dream and purchased a small 12-foot sailboat named Sea Mouse. After fixing it up and bringing it to a small lake for its maiden voyage with a friend, Bush began learning the ropes. A few upgrades and sailing adventures later, Bush purchased a 26-foot sailboat and single-handedly sailed from Duluth to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway. This fascinating, fun-filled memoir tells the tale of his adventure, from humble beginnings to a dramatic end.—Breana Roy
University of Minnesota Press, $39.95
Ancient records of canoes are found in the Pacific Northwest to the coast of Maine, in Minnesota and Mexico, in the Southeast and across the Caribbean. Weather it’s made of birch bark, carbon fiber or dugout, its silhouette is instantly recognizable. Filled with historical photographs and artwork, Canoes is the story of that singular American artifact—of canoes old and new, the people who made them, and the labors and adventures they shared.—Breana Roy
Woven throughout the book are Diane’s reflections about the influences on her life, including growing up in Thunder Bay. It’s a powerful story of a complex love relationship that consumes Diane’s time and creative energy as she tries to make it work, while balancing the needs of a successful writing career.—Elle Andra-Warner
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ACCESS: Accessing the lake from the Canadian side is the easiest way to get to Mountain Lake—roughly a two and a half hour drive from Grand Marais. From Hwy. 61, you’ll take Hwy. 593, head west on Hwy. 588 and take a left on E. Arrow Lake Road for the final 16 miles. From the American side, the quickest way includes a fourmile paddle or hike down Clearwater Lake via entry point No. 62, and a 90-rod portage with a ridge that is tricky during the winter. “It’s a little bit steeper coming back from Mountain Lake,” said Forrest Parson, of Hungry Jack Lodge. Parson advised against this approach during the winter.
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Portage to Clearwater Lake WHY GO: Mountain Lake is one of the few relatively-easy to access lake trout lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While it’s a lake with a lot of smaller lake trout, it also has the ability to grow giant lakers.
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VITALS: This long, east-west oriented border lake is 497 acres and it has a shore length of 35.69 miles. It’s deep (210-foot maximum depth) and clear (average water clarity is 28 feet). The American portion of the lake sits entirely inside Cook County and the BWCAW. GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Lake trout and smallmouth bass. SOLID LAKER POPULATION: The lake has long been known to put up both numbers of decent-sized fish and also has the potential to produce giants. Minnesota DNR’s 2011 fisheries survey of the lake turned up one fish that was 40.9 inches long. Parson said the lake has a reputation for having pretty nice, average-sized lake trout, say from 22 to 25 inches. The majority of the lake trout in the 2011 survey measured between 15 and 19 inches, and the survey report reads, “Lake trout remained abundant in Mountain Lake in
NORTHERN WILDS
2011, even though the gill net catch was the lowest seen to date … Although low for this lake historically, the 2011 catch was nevertheless above the normal range for the lake class.” All of the fish collected had been produced naturally. The survey said most of the lake trout in the lake have to feed on invertebrates, since only the larger lake trout can feed on most of the lake’s white sucker population. The growth rates of smaller fish are average, according to the DNR, but growth rates for larger fish on the lake are below average. FISHING LAKERS: During the winter and heat of the summer when the fish are deeper, Parson suggests heavy jigs worked vertically. It’s a good lake even during the warm-water season because, while it might get a decent amount of traffic, he said, most of it is not fishing traffic. He likes Little Cleos, jigging spoons tipped with minnows and airplane jigs.
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During the spring, Moose Lake seek out the shallowest water and adjacent midrange depths with in-line spinners, spoons and crankbaits, trolling with plenty of line out behind the canoe (to give fish time to settle down after you spooked them by paddling by) and high-quality ball-bearing swivels to prevent line twist. Setting a line with cisco can also be quite effective. SMALLIES: While smallmouth bass populations have exploded on a number of lakes closer to Parson’s resort, as of 2011, the fishery on Mountain Lake had yet to take off. The species first appeared here in the 1990s, according to the DNR. That 2011 survey turned up eight smallmouth in the 10- to 11-inch range, and growth rates appear to be quite slow. The DNR survey suggests that there has been a dramatic drop in the abundance and diversity of minnows in the lake since smallmouth bass have become established. That could be keeping growth rates low.—Javier Serna
“MAKING IT”
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After years of woodworking practice, determination and experimentation paid off—my hands became more certain and my eyes more observant. | MARYBETH GARMOE
Learning to Work with Wood By Kerry Lambertson It began in a sugar maple grove along the North Shore with a knife, an axe and a saw. I was trying to wrest my living from this northern landscape, and in spite of my inexperience, I could see that wood would be central to the endeavor. I needed to build a cabin to shelter me through the long winter. Billets of birch and maple cut, split and stacked to heat the cabin. A pole and a paddle to push my canoe through wild rice beds and up secret creeks where mallards and northern pike dwell. A spoon to stir the soup pot and a spile to tap the sugar maple trees. As I looked around at the land I had come to call home, it gradually became clear that everything depended upon wood the land in the form of trees and forests. My early efforts in woodworking were clumsy and crude. I admired the native craftsmen and early European trappers who could build a canoe, a cabin, a pair of snowshoes and a sled with only a few basic tools, and I tried to model my woodworking on their example. But these are skills long in the learning, and with my axe, saw and crooked knife, I made a great many items whose eventual resting place was the wood stove. I longed after the sinuous curves and colorful, rich grain of the finished craft items I had seen, and wondered at the seeming ease with which an accomplished craftsman could free a paddle, spoon, or a bowl from a log. Frustration
was my constant companion in those early days, when determination and experimentation were all that I had. Determination and experimentation worked their magic over a period of years. Befriending and learning from many very talented craftspeople played an invaluable role, as well. As I made more shavings, my tools got sharper, my hands more certain, my eyes more observant. I learned to bend the ribs and planks of wooden boats, to cut joinery in furniture and cabinet work, to select trees for riving and trees for sawing. Slowly, I learned the properties and habits of birch, aspen, maple, oak, spruce, fir and pine, and to recognize their grain in a finished piece. I came to understand how skill and understanding builds upon itself. Wooden pieces that once seemed mysterious and daunting became comprehensible. Slowly, cautiously, I began to teach some of what I had learned; first in informal settings to interested friends, then at annual craft gatherings, and eventually at several of the wonderful folk schools in the Upper Midwest. It’s a privilege to be able to pass on some of what I have learned and to observe that learning process taking root in new, aspiring woodworkers. There is a necessary trepidation in learning something completely new, perhaps more so in woodworking. The tools are razor sharp and will cut flesh and bone as easily as the wood they’re intended for, and it is bewil-
dering how one slip of the hand can make the difference between a finished piece and firewood. Still, there always seem to be bold new woodworkers willing to study the secrets of the axe, the knife and the chisel. And to see uncertainty and unease become confidence and inspiration is an encouraging sight indeed.
Northern Landscapes Festival
June 2 - 4, 2017
FEATURING Minnesota Public Radio’s
Paul Huttner
I see myself and my early efforts so clearly in the students I teach. Challenge, frustration, failure, persistence and eventual success. And I believe firmly that the spirit of determination and experimentation (as well as a healthy sense of humor) are more critical to learning the skills of fine woodworking than any other factor. As my understanding of wood and trees and forests has grown, my sense of appreciation and wonder has only deepened. The potential contained in a single tree is astounding—from fine musical instruments, to boats, barns and houses, tables and chairs, and spoons and bowls. Wood as a material is abundant, uniquely workable, and incredibly strong, light and beautiful. Each individual piece tells the story of its life as a tree, seasons of sweet soil and ample rain, and years of drought and bitter gravel. The story is always unfolding and whatever skill I may gain in this craft, I know that there will always be much more to learn and discover. Our region is blessed with vast forests, and the woods therein contain possibility yet unimagined.
20th anniversary
NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL
On the harbor, Grand Marais, MN 888-387-9762 | 500 W Hwy 61
WWW.NORTHHOUSE.ORG
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MARCH 2017
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MUSH LAKE RACING DOG BLOG:
Sleepless in Handler-land By Erin Altemus I’ve heard that the handlers sleep less than the mushers during the Beargrease. During the race, which started on a Sunday morning and ended 72 hours later, I slept eight hours, broken into two-hour increments. I didn’t do an exact tally, but I believe Matt slept about 15 hours. I am not saying that handling is more difficult than standing on the runners for three days. But sleep deprivation has its challenges. Stepping back, the race started on a chilly Sunday morning in a large gravel pit outside of Two Harbors. The handling crew consisted of Andrew, our full time handler for the winter; Annie and Dan who handled at the Beargrease last year; and my mother-in-law. Amidst a few thousand spectators, we maneuvered dogs to the gangline, only to be told there would be a delay to the start. Matt would be the second musher out of the chute, which meant there wasn’t going to be a lot of warning about when to go, so we ended up with the dogs on the gangline far too early. They screamed and hollered for a full 10 minutes before we finally got the team to the chute and down the trail—a relief for musher, dogs and handlers to finally see them on their way. Most of the teams, Matt’s included, kept a fast steady pace to the Finland checkpoint. At Finland, the parking lot was a sheet of ice.
A race vet checks out Nancy at the Grand Portage checkpoint. | ANNIE FONTAINE
When Matt’s team arrived, we quickly stripped all the dog booties so the dogs’ feet would slip less on the ice and maneuvered them down the ice sheet to our truck where the dogs ate, drank and took a short nap before heading out on the trail again. Interestingly, several teams blew through the Finland checkpoint and kept going to Sawbill. There are two mandatory checkpoints later in the race, the others are optional. But a team has to accumulate a minimum of 30 hours rest during the course of the race. Former champions Ryan Anderson and Nathan Schroeder both went through Finland. Our mushing friend and statistician had told us that no one has ever won the Beargrease without
Matt left two hours later for Sawbill, an unassisted checkpoint, so the handling crew drove straight up to Trail Center, parked the dog truck and went to eat and rest at our home nearby. I slept for two hours but then awoke to check the GPS trackers. Matt was back on the trail headed toward Trail Center after a 4.5 hour rest at Sawbill. He looked to be moving at a steady pace. By then I had too many nerves to sleep any longer. We left for Trail Center in the wee hours of the morning to await the team.
resting in Finland on the first day. Would that soon change?
They came smoking into the checkpoint, having passed several teams on the way in. I was worried that Matt was moving too fast early on in the race, but I kept most
of these thoughts to myself—Matt knows what he is doing. The handlers did the usual routine—strip booties, feed dogs, lay down straw, cover the dogs with blankets and relax for two hours, then feed them again. Keep track of time, wake up the musher, bootie the dogs, point the sled in the right direction and fill it with more dog snacks and human snacks, put the dogs back on the line and send them on their way. Next stop, Grand Portage. By this point, a pattern emerged. Ryan Redington, another rookie in the race, but experienced musher who had recently beat Matt in the Gunflint Mail Run by a few minutes, had lept ahead of the rest of the mushers, and he did this by cutting rest early in the race and going fast. Redington
left Trail Center a couple hours earlier and Matt was next. Within minutes however, Matt was trailed by Colleen Wallin, Denis Tremblay, Anderson and Schroeder, all serious contenders for the win. I thought one of these competent folks would pass Matt on the way to Grand Portage, but Matt got there first, achieving the fastest run time on the longest leg of the race. However, Matt didn’t feel good about the run. It seemed several dogs were sick, and running in the heat of the day never makes a musher feel good about his run. When we first arrived at Grand Portage, half of the team didn’t want to eat. Several hours later however, they started eating and drinking again. By the time the eight-hour mandatory rest was over, the team looked refreshed. One dog, Melverne,
Check live webcam for updates on ski trail conditions and snow totals
Golden-Eagle.com • 800-346-2203 28 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais
42 MARCH 2017
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Handling duties involve feeding the dogs, bedding them on straw, and giving them lots of love. | VICKI SCHMIDT
Victory is not quite ready to rest. | ANNIE FONTAINE
would stay behind with a sore wrist.
bedded his dogs down on straw for a rest.
At this point, I noticed another pattern. Redington had left two hours before Matt again, but Anderson, was leaving 10 minutes behind Matt from every checkpoint. Redington was down to a smaller team of dogs by then and we knew he had to catch up on mandatory rest, so even though he was ahead in physical miles, I knew that Matt might actually be ahead of him once the rest was equalized. Anderson however, had 13 dogs like Matt, and put himself in a great position, running just behind him and keeping the competition within sight.
Anderson had stealthily followed Matt out of Sawbill, again, 10 minutes behind and had maybe gained several minutes, so we knew these guys would be seeing each other soon. Matt came into the Finland checkpoint. We swung the team around and sent him back on the trail. He did a head-on pass with Anderson, who also came in, turned his team around and headed back out just behind Matt. Then, much to my surprise, Redington lept up, hooked up his team and took the chase.
On that leg, the teams ran past the halfway point and were on their way back down the shore toward Duluth. My handling crewmates were getting excited about how well Matt was doing. At one point, my mother-in-law with hopeful eyes and a rush of excitement exclaimed, “You mean, he might actually win?” to which I harshly responded that we simply weren’t going to talk about it anymore. If my two times running the marathon taught me nothing else, it’s that you can be having a great run and it can all fall apart in seconds. There were still 150 miles to go and that’s a lot of race. I knew how hard the last two legs could be and I just simply didn’t want to jinx anything by getting too excited or confident about Matt’s position and odds.
Matt and team leaders Beezus and Nancy at the finish. | VICKI SCHMIDT Matt had strong runs into Devil Track and then Sawbill—though he had to carry a dog in the bag going into Sawbill, which slowed the team down in some really tough hills. The real test was about to come in Finland, the “turn and burn.” Redington’s team came in first, now only leading the pack by just over an hour. He
From then on, I could hardly watch the trackers. Anderson eventually passed Matt, but Redington did not, so they came into Two Harbors in that order. Once the rest had been calculated however, Matt would actually have to leave a few minutes behind Redington. Redington had six dogs, Matt had nine. I knew it would be hard for Matt to win the race, but at that point, I thought he might get second.
that was confused. At that point, they were tired, and to make them turn around two times was really hard on morale. It was the right thing to do—carrying a dog would have been worse. But down to a team of seven, Matt’s chances of getting in the top three were done. In the end, Schroeder passed Matt and Matt held on to fourth. Matt told me later that nothing I could have said about the last leg of the race could have prepared him for how hard it was. He ran up every hill, often pushing the sled to get to the finish. By all measures, Matt ran a fantastic race—running with the guys that won is no easy feat. If things had played out just a little differently, Matt could have won. “I enjoyed being in the lead for a hot second,” Matt said at the banquet. Next year, he plans to let me run the Beargrease again.
Unfortunately, things went wrong. As we were leaving the checkpoint, someone told us they thought they saw Matt’s team headed back to the checkpoint. Matt had to drop a dog—Lion decided he just wasn’t going any further and kept lying down on the trail. After leaving Lion, Phoenix decided she didn’t want to run either, so Matt left her as well. Now he left with a team
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MARCH 2017
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northern sky MARCH 2017
By Deane Morrison— MINNESOTA STARWATCH
Fresh air Limitless adventure AND
Last month, Venus began a swan dive into the sunset and in March the brilliant planet completes it. Better look before mid-month if you want to see Venus in full glory, because in the third week of March it will be swallowed by the sun’s glare. On the 25th, Venus glides between Earth and the sun, in the process of becoming a morning planet.
ARE CALLING. FA R W I L L Y O U G O ?
Aric Fishman by Andy Noga
HOW
Jupiter and Saturn are well up in the predawn sky. Jupiter, a yellowish beacon in the southwest, shines below Arcturus, the bright anchor of Bootes, the herdsman. In the south, Saturn hovers over the Teapot of Sagittarius, just east of the red star Antares, the heart of Scorpius. In the evening, the knot of bright winter constellations makes its way westward. Sirius, the brightest of stars, is still fairly high in the south an hour after sunset. If you’ve never beheld the whole panoply of winter constellations, grab a star chart now, because March is the last good month to see them in the evening sky.
3
The full moon arrives at 9:54 a.m. on the 12th. Unfortunately, the moon will have set by then. To see it, look the evening of the 11th, or roughly before 7 a.m. on the 12th. Remember that if you look in the morning, the moon will be in the west. March’s full moon was known to many Algonquin Indians as the worm moon, for the little critters that start to appear with the softening ground. The vernal equinox follows on the heels of the full moon, at 5:29 a.m. on the 20th. At that moment, the sun crosses the equator into the northern sky and our planet is lighted from pole to pole. This is also the time when the sun moves most rapidly northward, bringing increasing day length with it. The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth campus. For more information and viewing schedules, see the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium at: d.umn.edu/planet.
the perfect getaway - it’s in our nature.
visitthunderbay.com Sponsored by Mark D. Consulting, LLC Serving Businesses and Residential Customers. 218-663-7149 Mark@MarkDConsulting.com
44 MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
Wild Traditions The Sauna: Winter’s Soothing, Saving Grace By Julia Prinselaar
As I write this column, Grand Marais is wrapping up its first annual Hygge Festival (Feb. 9-15). Pronounced hoo-gah, hygge is the Danish ritual of “embracing life’s simple pleasures,” particularly those in the snow-covered North. Skiing through treelined trails, a moon-lit night hike, relaxing next to a fireplace to watch a Celtic music show at a local craft brewery—these were just some of the events offered during the festival to savour the splendor of winter in celebration of the North. Life in this region isn’t always comfortable for us Northerners. Winter can be downright bitter. It’s not uncommon to smear Vaseline on our cheeks when we’re walking on a cold, blustery day. Or to bore through 20 inches of ice to reach water and drop a fishing line, only to have it freeze over in minutes (unless you have a handy slotted spoon to scoop out the invading slush). And what compels us to live in—let alone enjoy—a climate that calls us to plug in our vehicle overnight so we can rest assured it starts the next morning? In spite of these challenges, life in the North has its mercies: the heat of an outdoor bonfire, the warmth of a wood stove, or a pile of wool blankets and a pair of cozy slippers. Living in the cold makes us appreciate warmth even more. Tried and true, one such refuge is the hot, steamy sauna. Cultures around the world embrace the ritual of sweating, whether it’s in a ceremonial lodge to meditate and connect with ancestral spirits, or simply to bathe and get clean after a hard day’s work. Sweating in steam opens the skin’s pores, relieves
stress, invigorates the body’s organs and increases blood flow. It’s hard not to feel renewed in mind, body and spirit after a long sauna session. While it’s estimated that the Finnish sauna tradition has been alive for at least a thousand years, the people of Finland brought the sauna to Canada and the U.S. around the 1870s, when immigrants began to settle in northwestern Ontario and northern Minnesota in large numbers along Lake Superior. The community of Finland, Minn. is a testament to this history and Finns currently make up about 12 percent of the total population of Thunder Bay—one of the largest concentrations of this demographic outside of their home country. “We had a sauna at least once a week—it was our main way of having a good wash,” recalls Pekka Torma, age 77, who still routinely saunas with his wife Marilyn in a lakeside home they built together near Thunder Bay. Along with six siblings and his parents, Torma immigrated to the community of Intola on the outskirts of the city in 1952. At the time, he was a teenage boy—old enough to remember bathing in the löyly, the warm envelope of soft-heated sauna steam, at his grandparents’ home in the years before he left Finland. “They had a sauna that was older style, what they call a savusauna, a smoke sauna,” he said. These types of saunas don’t use chimneys. Instead, rocks are heated over a fire in the room and the room fills with smoke as it is warming. “It was built a little different than sauna stoves now. You couldn’t go in there when you had a fire…It was filled with smoke when you were heating it up, and when it got hot enough, somebody would go in there and throw water on the rocks.” The resulting steam created pressure in the room, which cleared the smoke out after a vent was opened in the back. “That’s how those were heated in the early 1900s. And everybody would have to
Taking a sauna can help open the skin’s pores, relieve stress, invigorate the body’s organs and increase blood flow. | STOCK go in at the same time if they wanted to have a good steam. You don’t heat it after— it was kind of a one-time deal.” As Finnish immigrants settled and carved out homesteads along the North Shore, their saunas were among the first buildings erected on the property. They were typically attached to a large dressing room that dually functioned as living quarters. “It was how a lot of Finns built their saunas. I remember in Finland, there was a cook stove in the dressing room beside the sauna, and when we would have a sauna, my mother would often make pancakes,” said Torma. At one time, saunas were revered as a sacred gathering space—the room served much more than a utilitarian function. People took to the sauna for medicine and healing during sickness, and to prepare for rites of passage throughout the course of life: for marriage, to give birth, and even cleansing after death, notes Dalva Lamminmäki, a teacher and practitioner of Fin-
no-Ugric shamanic healing and medicine. After a day on skis, hiking the dog up a snowy trail, or doing anything outside in the winter, retreating to the warmth of a sauna is the epitome of hygge to me.
Simply Northwoods Vacations! Year-round Cabins & Cottages on Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail
Ski - Snowshoe - Snowmobile Fireplaces & Sauna
Relax! 218.388.4454 · 800.533.5814 www.gunflintpines.com 217 S. Gunflint Lk • Grand Marais, MN 55604
Help us save special places!
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www.ParksandTrails.org
Coworking Space Facility in downtown Grand Marais offers:
24/7 access, high-speed wifi, and amenities. $ 2/hr, $12/day, $35/wk, $60/month
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Willard Munger State Trail NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
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Strange Tales When Bombs Dropped on Northern Minnesota By Elle AndraWarner
“There is nothing in the bog anyone wants: nothing to cut, mine, sell or develop so it is a wilderness by default. Bogs grow and disappear at glacial speed, treble with mats of decomposing vegetation and sphagnum, sometimes are deep and are usually freckled with miniature forests of bog willow, tamarack, black ash, sedge grasses and stunted black spruce several hundred years old— mossy grottos of silence.”
The discovery of a bomb casing in a lake in northern Minnesota’s Big Bog—technically named the Red Lake Peatlands—led Doug Easthouse, DNR park manager of the Big Bog State Recreation Area and two other state parks, to research how a bomb got into the bog. What he uncovered was almost 20 years of military history when the Big Bog was used as a bombing and artillery range.
John Henricksson, Gunflint: The Trail, The People, The Stories. Page 105. Adventure Publications, Cambridge, Minnesota. 2003.
Easthouse first heard about the bomb in August 2010 from two researchers who had been studying the ecosystem of bogs since the 1970s. They found the bomb casing in the bog’s two-acre Hillman Lake, while looking for a meteorite they thought had created the lake.
Convair B-36 Peacemaker in flight. | WIKIMEDIA
Sometimes called Minnesota’s last true wilderness, Big Bog, which covers about 500 square miles and is the largest in the lower 48 states, was formed over the past 5,000 years. It is located north of Red Lake in the northern unit of the two-unit Big Bog State Recreation Area. A mile-long (1.6 km) boardwalk with benches and interpretive signs allows visitors to explore the “islands” of stunted spruce within the sprawling bog, which contains open wetlands and unique plants.
In 1953, an Australian newspaper reported in an article from Canada, “Atom Bomb Tests in Minnesota” that the civil defense director of International Falls had said in a ‘secret’ joint meeting with Canadians that B-36 Peacemaker bombers in early 1953 had dropped three separate atomic bombs with the nuclear material removed and detonated them 4,000 feet above Upper Red Lake. The report was denied by the AEC. In his article, “Red Lake Peatland Atomic Fuse Test,” Jesse Olson wrote, “The fuse tested over Upper Red Lake belonged to the implosion-type bomb. This meant that even without the nuclear material, the bomb contained thousands of pounds of conventional explosives.”
In his article “Bombing the Big Bog” in the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer (Jan.Feb. 2016), Easthouse wrote, “...during World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, the roar of low-flying military planes dive-bombing targets rocked this place. So did the rapid fire of .50-caliber machine guns, the bark of howitzers, and the shock of huge explosions in the night sky.” It was during World War II that the U.S. Army established a bombing and anti-aircraft range in the Red Lake Peatland. From 1947 to 1952, pilots flew over this bog, bombing targets all day and into the night with miniature AN MK-23 practice bombs, 100-pound water-filled bombs and .50 sub-caliber aircraft rockets. When the war ended and Cold War began between the West and the Soviet Union, there were fears the U.S. would be attacked by the Russians. Duluth was named the 11th most strategic air target in the U.S., and their National Guard units became anti-aircraft artillery units. Huge convoys of trucks moved troops and howitzers to northern Minnesota to train at the bog during the summer months, from 1948 to 1953. 46 MARCH 2017
Union winters. In 1951, B-36 Peacemakers and B-47 Stratojet bombers flew from bases in New Mexico and South Dakota, carrying the giant Mark IV bomb without is nuclear core. Mark IV weighed nearly 11,000 pounds, was 60 inches in diameter, 128 inches in length, and would be set to detonate about 3,000 feet above a lighted target on Upper Red Lake. It was similar to the atomic bomb dropped in Nagasaki, Japan.
This spruce, stunted from acidic water which lowers the soils nitrogen concentration, is about 30 years old in Big Bog State Recreational Area. | CHRIS TOMPKINS Easthouse wrote in his article, “During weeklong encampments, brave pilots in B-26 bombers flew over the bog, towing targets for guard units to fire at. F-51 Mustang fighters stationed in Minneapolis would rip through the sky to catch B-26s and pepper the targets they towed. Radio-controlled, 8-foot-long unmanned planes darted across the bog as men on the ground tried to shoot them down.”
5,000 moose to find protection from biting insects. In a Letter to the editor in Popular Mechanics 1951, Bill Greer, Lt. Commander, USNR, NAS Minneapolis, wrote about how the project used “heavy weapons of war” to blast holes in the “floating cover of the Red Lake bog area, thus forming new wallows…Twenty-five one-ton bombs and an equal number of 1,000-pounders blasted 50 craters in the bog.”
From 1949 to 1951, a co-operative bombing project called Operation Woosh between the Naval Reserve and the Minnesota Department of Conservation, helped create a habitat for moose by dropping live bombs to create wallowing holes for some
The bog also played a role in Operation Deep Freeze, a project from 1951 to 1955 set up by U.S. Air Force and Sandia National Laboratories. Northern Minnesota was chosen to test fuses for nuclear bombs in cold conditions that were similar to Soviet
NORTHERN WILDS
The atomic bombs were fitted with parachutes so they would slowly fall toward the ground, giving planes time to get away from the area. The altitude fuses being tested would detonate the bomb when they reached the proper height above the ground. Sometime in the 1960s, all military activity ceased and the bog began to heal. Floating mats of sphagnum now cover most of the moose wallows. In 1975, the National Park Service designated the Upper Red Lake Peatland as a National Natural Landmark under the Historic Sites Act.
New Levels of Service
REAL ESTATE SALES MALCOLM CLARK, Broker
Woodland Foothills
•Lake Superior and mountain views •Slab on grade with radiant in-floor heat •2 bedroom 1 bath •Under $150,000 •Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, 2x6” walls with R21 insulation •Energy Star windows and doors •Local contractor built on sit •Hickory kitchen cabinetry •Stainless Steel appliances •Hidalgo oak Pergo Flooring •March move in date Twenty acres of shared open space, Convenient Lutsen location Call to see the home
Onion River Road - $79,000
6 acres of Resort Commercial zoned property Owner Financing with qualified buyer.
Judy Motschenbacher, Broker | 218-370-8940 | motsch@boreal.org
BLANKET ISLAND, ROSSPORT
Your own private island located in the south of Rossport Harbour. Sheltered by the main land, Whiskey Island, and Nicol Island. Approx. 1/2 mile from the town of Rossport. 764 ft of Lake Superior shoreline. Really neat 1 1/2 story cabin with water, shower, cooking facilities with woodstove. Gravity water feed from tank on roof. $199,000 CDN
BLACK BAY SUBDIVISION
Over 2200 feet of Lake Superior frontage, over 15 acres. Sandy beach. Deluxe boathouse with power, kitchenette, bathroom, sauna and loft. Private hiking trails with bridges. Private boat launch. Price is $227,000CDN
NICOL ISLAND ROSSPORT
Tremendous Lake Superior building sites. Lakefront and interior lots for sale with docking facilities. Causeway opened year round. Power and phone.
Starting at $55,000CDN
LAKE SUPERIOR LOTS
Little Trout Bay, 20 minutes north of the Minnesota/Ontario border, 3 large estate-sized lots, very sheltered with southern exposure. Tremendous views. Power and telephone available. Priced beginning at $199,000 CDN
640 Beverly Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 0B5 Canada Phone (807) 344-3232 FAX: (807) 344-5400 Toll Free 1-888-837-6926 Cell: 807-473-7105 mclark@avistarealty.ca www.avistarealty.ca
PIE ISLAND
358 acres with 2 miles of beach front on Lake Superior facing south. Also a 1/2 mile of frontage on Perch Lake. Escarpments, hiking trails, great Lake Superior fishing and boating. Ideal for resort development or your very own private getaway. All amenities nearby. 10 miles south of the Thunder Bay Marina.
$890,000 CDN
SIBLEY PENINSULA
Black Bay. Lake Superior. 98 acre piece with 4700 feet of shoreline facing south. Beautiful property between Superior Shores and Pearl Harbour developments. Seclusion, privacywater access. $189,000 CDN
OLIVER LAKE
North shore. 215.5 acre parcel with 3900 feet of lake frontage. Rugged property-water access. Southern exposure, ultimate privacy. $169,000
CDN
All Issues Available Online Belief in the process, the people and the economic promise Advertising with us guarantees your ad will link to your business website in our online issues. Contact Sue for more information: sue@northernwilds.com • 218-387-9475
www.northernwilds.com
Jamar Company leaders Craig Fellman and Troy Sundbom are excited about PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine that will bring job growth and economic diversification to the entire region, including Duluth. When it comes to protecting the environment, they have confidence that the extensive environmental review completed by state and federal regulators, combined with PolyMet’s commitment to excellence, will ensure the job is done right.
PolyMetMining.com
NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
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Deb Niemisto 218-370-8434
Nan Bradley 218-370-8433
lockport@boreal.org
www.coldwellbankernorthwoods.com
NORTHWOODS REALTY
Lutsen Premier All Seasons Resort
E R E H P L AY
Lutsen Resort Condo 551-553 Poplar River Rd
PRICEED C REDU
• Vacation Home Living • Maintenance Free • Rental Program • Earn Money While Away • Remodeled 2016 • Sleeps 4 • Fireplace • Fitness Center • Pool • Sauna • Restaurant
124B Caribou Highlands Resort MLS 6025581 $119,000
7072 Two Moose Trail Wilson Lake - Finland
Superior Lake Home 23 Norwood East - Lutsen
Experience Solitude on one of the most beautiful lakes around. Acreage with many amenities ready for use & enjoyment. MLS 2294912 $249,000
Furnished 3 BD, 4 BA with attached garage, new W/D and owners suite on main floor. 600’ shared shoreline, small established association with low dues. MLS 6021331 $649,000
Commercial - 126 Airport Rd Grand Marais Airport
Luxury 3 BDRM unit at Lutsen’s premier Lake Superior resort. 3 separate rental units, many resort amenities and much more. MLS 6023424 $399,000
S O L D!
Cute cabin with loft, fireplace, lots of storage, nice kitchen galley, near Surgarloaf Cove, low maintenance. Move-in ready! MLS 6023566 $144,900
BUYERS
Contact Nan & Deb to discuss Commercial hanger, heated, electric, insulated, rental income. MLS 2116969 $249,900
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
Enjoy your days on Lake Superior in Lutsen with this 2 BR, 1 BA four season low maintenance Townhome. MLS 2184109 $229,000
58 Sunrise Dr Cabin Lake Superior Views
invest in life on the shore!
48
1 Norwood Shores - Lutsen Lake Superior Townhome
great opportunities 218-370-8433
Lockport@boreal.org
Sellers - winter is a great time to discuss selling - call us!
Timber Frame Classic 201’ Lake Superior stair access, 4 Bed, 4 Bath, 3000+sq ft, Silver Bay $720,000 MLS#6021593
322’ of Lake Superior Shoreline Power, Driveway, Clearing, Stairs Silver Bay $339,700 MLS# 6021564
600+ of Lake Superior Shoreline Windows Galore - Hovland $699,999 MLS# 6016038
NEW LISTING- FINLAND, MN, NON MLS 101+ Acres, one of the highest pts in the state- Lookout Mountain, 43 homes, trails, and more. Potential abounds! Call for details!
Surfside Townhome- Tofte 3 Bed 3 Ba Great Rental Income History $189,000 MLS# 6025061
NEW LISTING- HOVLAND, NON MLS Main House, Guest House, approx 5 acres, 590’ ft of Lake Superior Shoreline, Sweeping Views
Lake Superior- Croftville Rd! Grand Marais- Driveway, Electric $349,999 MLS# 6017106
NEW- Superior Views Lot Illgen Bluff Rd $74,900- Shared Septic/Well MLS Coming Soon
More LISTINGS on my websites, photo tours, & info. Have a Twin Cities Real Estate need? I can help there too! Let’s talk to discuss how I can help you!
Dave Lilja
call/text: 612-810-8779 email: dog28@me.com www.ThinkMinnesota.com NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
49
Call TimberWolff for Your Spring is in the Air! Get Lucky Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Head North for Springtime Fun on the Shore! Local 663 - 8777 • I n f o @ T i m b e r W o l f f R e a l t y . c o m To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7
SPRINGTIME ON THE SHOR ES OF LAKE SUPERIOR IS FABULOUS! LUTSEN LAKE SUPERIOR HOME!
SALE NG I D N PE
SUPERIOR SENSE OF PLACE! Meander the tree lined driveway along Lutsen’s Rollins Creek
Road, stumble upon the connecting ponds with Fountain and Sculpture celebrating the Sounds of Springtime! Over 8 acres of rolling terrain, experience the manicured path to the ponds, or stroll down the rock steps to the Tumultuous Shoreline, the Waves Pounding the over 600 ft of Rock with plenty of Splash! Inside the Fabulous home your guests will enjoy the Cascade of the Creek to the Big Lake just outside their bedroom window. The master bedroom Welcomes the Sunrises via huge windows overlooking the drooling shoreline… 0r Says Goodnight to the Sun while watching the flickering of the fireplace from bed. All the other parts of the home are Magnificent, from the gazebo with hot tub, to the large library, to the gourmet kitchen with function and charm. See it to Believe it is the Best! MLS# 6019683 $1,197,000
Vaulted Ceilings and Real Rock fireplace are only a couple of the features this home offers! Big views of the Big Lake, enjoy main level living with a finished walk out with two bedrooms/ bath and family room...your guests will love visiting your winter retreat! Two car detached, 300 ft of shoreline!
MLS#2038020 $569,900
AUTHENTIC 1940’S LAKE SUPERIOR CABIN! Step back in time to the early days! Little cabin tucked in to an Amazing piece of Lake Superior on Cascade Beach Rd! Gorgeous accessible shoreline!
MLS#6026064 $324,900
THE ADVENTUROUS CABIN ON LAKE SUPERIOR!
! D L SO
NEW! WATERFALLS ON LAKE SUPERIOR, WALK TO GRAND MARAIS! Stunning home in a Wilderness Setting with Incredible Lakeshore, a combination of
Ledgerock and pebble beach! Awake in the morning to the sounds of the Waterfall cascading in to Lake Superior just outside your bedroom window! This striking home is move in ready, main level living with a sweet master bedroom and bath. Lower level walk out area for your friends and family to enjoy! Two plus car garage, with an awesome Man Cave with views of Lake Superior! Gorgeous Landscape, Gorgeous Lake Superior Home. A Must See, including the Little House! MLS#6026723 $799,900
GORGEOUS SHORELINE WITH RARE SEA ARCH!
The views are from the deck of a ship. A crafters dream home, lots of elbow room, stone fire place for the ages and lower level walk out living space your friends and family will LOVE! Attached Garage!
MLS# 6023379 $549,0000
WOWSER LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTY! Jonvick Creek AND Lake Superior frontage! Lovely LUTSEN home, tons of potential for updating and making this home YOURS! Vaulted ceilings, welcoming warm feel to this Cabin, a Must See! MLS#6026038
$530,000
NEW! SIMPLE LIVING ON LAKE SUPERIOR! A Step up from Thoreau’s Cabin,
Enjoy the peace and quiet this lovely little cabin offers on over 300 ft of Lake Superior Shoreline! Electric, and Nice gas Stove makes this a comfy and welcoming Cabin!
MLS#6026595 $240,000
Designed by the Architect/Owner to be the base camp to all the Outdoor Adventure the North Shore has to Offer! Sweeping views of Lake Superior from the interior of the home, but you’ll want to stroll out to campfire at the water’s edge to really soak in the Big Lake! All you need in your lake getaway…garage, wood fired hot tub, and even a part owner in the Bread Oven! A Must See. MLS#6024683 $467,500
DREAMY LAKE SUPERIOR CABIN, ACCESSIBLE SHORELINE! Tons of Value in this Year Round Lake Superior cabin nestled Among the Mature Spruce of Tofte’s ledgerock shoreline…stroll along the level ledgerock shoreline in the summer and make this your winter Ski Retreat in the Winter! Minute’s to Cross Country trails, Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort or Tofte’s Hockey Rink!
MLS# 2270954 $384,900 REDUCED!
WINTER SKI RETREAT ON LAKE SUPERIOR!
After a Day of Skiing, Relax in the Sauna! Or cozy up to the fireplace while absorbing Incredible Lake Superior views! Or snowshoe down to the Big Lake and enjoy a winter camp fire in the protected Cove on Lake Superior! Mint condition three bedroom, two bath Lake Superior home with two car detached garage and Sauna! Minutes to Lutsen Mountains!
MLS# 6023113 $550,000 REDUCED!
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MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
Call TimberWolff for Your Spring is in the Air! Get Lucky of Homes & Land!!! Head North for Springtime Fun on the Shore! Personal Tour Local 663 - 8777 • I n f o @ T i m b e r W o l f f R e a l t y . c o m To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7 WILDER NESS LAKESHOR E, FOUR SEASONS OF R EST & R ELA X ATION! CRAZY CUTE LOG CABIN ON CHRISTINE LAKE!
FINE LIVING ON CARIBOU LAKE IN LUTSEN! Enjoy
hosting holiday gatherings! Sprawling kitchen, granite counters, island w/ breakfast bar. Opens to the family room overlooking Caribou Lake, Spectacular views! Amazing Owner’s Suite! Pics don’t do this home justice, it’s a Must See! Minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski & Summer Resort!
Located just off a designated Mountain Bike Trail system, enjoy year round access, electric at street and a TOTAL SENSE OF SECLUSION! Canoe on Christine, Fly Fish in the Poplar or just go for a hike in the Superior National Forest! MLS#2308836 $145,000
AT THE WATERS EDGE! Rustic cabin on Gust Lake, a Real Charmer! MLS#6022642
$110,000
REDUCED!
MLS#2313246 $465,000
CUTE, FAMILY CABIN ON POPLAR LAKE.
200’ of level GORGEOUS frontage, secluded, cedars, swimming, walleyes, relaxation. Super Cabin if we didn’t already say it. MLS#6025737
GUST LAKE CABIN IN LUTSEN! Tons of value on a spectacular piece of shoreline! Super fishing cabin on a peninsula point overlooking peaceful Gust Lake and the Boundary Waters a hop skip and jump away.
MLS#6020330 $239,000
SWEET CABIN ON TONS OF PIKE LAKE SHORELINE! End
POPLAR LAKE CABIN ON 440’ OF SHORELINE AT THE TIP OF A PENINSULA! Ensconced in
MLS#6022181 $349,000
$259,000 REDUCED!
of the road, year round living in this Grand Cabin bordering the Superior National Forest!
$219,000
quiet Boreal environment, Cabin sits proudly above the lake for long views over Poplar’s numerous islands! Home needs a little TLC, priced to sell! MLS#2308952
LUTSEN SKI MOUNTAIN RESORT AREA AND LAKE SUPERIOR VACATION TOWNHOMES! AFFORDABLE ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Nice location between Lutsen and Tofte, Chateau LeVeaux Condos provide Amenities like the indoor pool. spa, and sauna! Romantic One Bedroom with Jacuzzi Tub for Two! Own this Gem for Less than you’d pay to Vaca!
ELEGANT AND INCOME GENERATING QUARTER SHARE AT SURFSIDE! at Tofte’s upscale
MLS#6026715 $59,500
Surfside Resort. #7 is a stone’s throw from accessible shoreline you’ll LOVE, this townhome, and it’s affordable with the Quarter Share option! No other end unit compares on price, views or locale to the Big Lake. The interior is right out of the pages of Architectural Digest, total Luxury! MLS#2272709
CONDO IN THE WOODS! Cross Country
Skiers Dream! Centered in the midst of miles of Cross Country Ski Trails, there is a small resort condo on Lake GeGoKa in the Superior National Forest lands off Highway 1 between Lake Superior and Ely! Tons of shared amenities, nice lake views and surrounded by mature pines, this truly is a Winter Wonderland!
MLS#6026214 $119,000
$199,000
AS CLOSE TO THE WATER AS IT GETS!
A lovely one bedrm Condo, Updated Bath and Kitchen! Romantic Setting on Lake Superior, Excellent location at Blue Fin Bay! CONDO #30
LUTSEN LAKE SUPERIOR VACATION TOWNHOME AT LUTSEN RESORT! Enjoy all that
the historic Lutsen Lodge offers…a sandy beach, a cool River, Swimming pool, spa, FABULOUS dining…but enjoy it in STYLE at the Cliffhouse overlooking the historic lodge. Newer construction, Big views, Contemporary Design. Total Comfort. Nice rental income to offset expenses. MLS#6021422
$429,000
WINTER WONDERLAND IN LUTSEN!
A perk to Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort is staying at a Primo Resort like Caribou Highlands! Ski In Ski Out, Overlooking Moose Mountain and Poplar RIver! View pics of each unit by searching MLS# on TimberWolffRealty.com!
108 BRIDGE RUN MLS#6023378 $112,000 128 BRIDGE RUN MLS#2120739 $121,900 526 MOOSE MOUNTAIN MLS#2217205 $128,500 518 MOOSE MOUNTAIN MLS#6023287 $159,900
COZY AND COMFORTABLE LAKE SIDE BLUEFIN CONDO, Very desirable to rent,
street level. Functional kitchen for cooking meals or even better, eat out at the Coho Café or Bluefin Grille, within walking distance. Remodeled bathroom! Tons of amenities, Maintenance free vacation home, nice rental revenues!
MLS#6022978 $237,500
MLS#6026238 $255,000
FIVE BEDROOM 4 BATH TOWNHOME WITH RENTAL INCOME IN LUTSEN! Lovely home overlooking the Mountainous terrain, Ski In Ski Out, and an easy walk to the Alpine Slide, the new Gondola, and miles of trails. The Perfect North Shore Getaway!
MLS#6022881 $299,000
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51
Call TimberWolff for Your Spring is in the Air! Get Lucky Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Head North for Springtime Fun on the Shore! Local 663 - 8777 • i n fo @ t i m b e r wo l f f r e a l t y. c o m To l l f r e e (877) 66 4 - 8777 I n f o @ T i m b e r Wo l f f R e a l t y. c o m NORTHWOODS HOMES AND CABINS, IN TOWN OR IN THE WOODS!
THINK SNOW!
HEY HANDYMAN! Come take a Look at this
Tofte home with acreage! Lots to offer, the home is solid and has a nice flow. The kitchen has been upgraded! Large windows allow for lots of light, and accessory buildings are perfect for a workshop and garage! Curious? Give us a call to see this gem!
MLS#6022904 $189,000 NEW ROOF!
STYLISH NORTHWOODS HOME, SUPER LOCATION! Minutes to BlueFin Bay on
Lake Superior, this home has it all! Gorgeous interior, featuring dream kitchen with tons of cabinetry and spectacular granite counters with built in breakfast bar. A great home for hosting family gatherings, let the kids play on the lower level and enjoy main level living with wrap around deck and upstairs loft bedroom/office space. MLS#6020313 $319,000
GRAND MARAIS FAMILY HOME! Perfect for the growing family,
convenient to school w/ 3 bedrms on main level and additional space on lower level. Large city lot, Chicken Coop in place!
MLS#6022686 $197,500 REDUCED!
NEW! LOG CABIN IN THE MAPLES! Meander on to this 40 acre parcel to see this lovely year round home with electric and broadband! The home features birch flooring, and huge spruce logs, a very welcoming and comfortable cabin. Super location, very close to Ninemile Lake in the Finland area!
MLS#6026826 $199,900
SWEEPING HOME ON MAPLE HILLSIDE, DISTANT LAKE VIEWS AND RAVINE! All you can
BIG VIEWS OF THE BIG LAKE! Tiny Home on a Gorgeous Chunk of land in the Hovland area! Functional, MUST SEE! MLS#6025583 $108,900
RUSTIC LIVING A HOP SKIP & A JUMP FROM GRAND MARIAS!
Charming rustic cabin on 10 acres of south facing forest with distant views of Lake Superior. Bordering public lands, great for hunting or hiking!
MLS#6020031 $85,500 REDUCED!
ask for, acreage, Maples!, and a huge garage with plenty of firewood storage for winter warmth! Newer construction, huge walk around deck and wide open living, Awesome Owner’s Suite, Tons of potential in walk out level! Must See!
MLS#2313265 $289,900 HUGE VALUE!!!
NEW! PRIVACY IN THE PINES!
Secluded, wooded lot in the heart of the Devil Track Lake recreational area! Your new home will be a project; it’s a clean pallet ready for your vision! Much of the hard work has already been done, with refinished or new sheetrock and paint on walls and ceilings, kitchen is ready for your choice of cabinets! Lots of potential! MLS#TBA $109,900
BUNGALOW HOME OVERLOOKING LAKE SUPERIOR, WITH ATTACHED GARAGE AND ACREAGE! Perfect location between Grand Marais and Lutsen, the
best of both worlds! Two bedrooms, open kitchen and family room, with a large deck overlooking the lake! Great for year round living or a perfect low maintenance getaway home! MLS#6025328 $195,000
CUTE LITTLE LOG CABIN IN TOFTE, A MINUTE FROM BLUE FIN BAY!
Year round access, nice land, and a very habitable cabin! Enjoy as year round living or a getaway cabin!
MLS#6026035 $89,900
COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES, LUTSEN AND GRAND MARAIS! GRAND MARAIS 4-PLEX IN THE HEART OF TOWN.
E L A S ING D N E P
Remodeled and well maintained. Big time shortage of rentals in Grand Maraismakes this property a mustsee. Great views over the village to the harbor, Big Lake and Artist’s Point. Currently rented as yr round rental, but could be nice vacation rentals!
MLS#2308951 REDUCED! $279,000 SELLER SAYS SHOW ME AN OFFER!
SUPER OPPORTUNITY TO OWN MOST OF DOWNTOWN LUTSEN!
Approx. 9 ac bordered by Lutsen creek, this hotspot hosts 5 commercial businesses and a lot of apartments with good long term renters! 13 lot trailer park has been established since the 70’s, w/ each trailer owner paying lot rent. GORGEOUS LAND, mature pines, nice setting for future expansion with zero lot line setbacks. New compliant commercial septic system. Rental housing is in high demand in the Lutsen area, all rentals are full with long term history. Potential add’l income from retail space and garage/warehouse space currently used by seller. Seller Financing optional. MLS#2279185 $1,575,000
Call TIMBERWOLFF REALTY or visit www.timberwolffrealty.com for more information! 52
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
Call TimberWolff for Your Spring is in the Air! Get Lucky Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Head North for Springtime Fun on the Shore! Local 663 - 8777 • n f o @ T i m b e r Wo l f f R e a l t y. c o m i n f o @ t i m b e r w o l f f r e a l t y . c oI m To l l f r e e ( 8 7 7 ) 6 6 4 - 8 7 7 7
THINK SNOW!
CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! SILVER BAY TO LITTLE MARAIS TO FINLAND & ISABELLA! Hwy 1 area Hunting Cabin on 10 ac
MLS#2309318 $64,900
NEW! Whitetail Ridge Overlooking Lake Superior! Just off Highway 1, Enjoy Sprawling Lake and Ridgeline views and Rugged Terrain! Yr Round Access, Electric.
MLS# 6024856 $110,000
30 acres Wilderness, Borders lands next to Little Manitou River! MLS#2309327 $129,000 Rocky Wall Overlooking Lake Superior just outside Silver Bay. MLS#2244646 $99,000 Rock Road in Silver Bay area! Great build site with creek frontage! MLS#2308638 $45,000 Lakeshore on Ninemile Lake at the Village, common water and septic, build ready, borders common land! MLS#2309096 $39,000
REDUCED!
SCHROEDER AREA NEAR THE CROSS RIVER! 10 Ac Parcels of Maples! Rolling Terrain of Mature Maples to a Sweet Building site Perched Over a Mixed Boreal Forest. Year Round Access and Electric at Road!
MLS#2024250 $56,900
DRAMATIC Mountain Top Views, Rolling Hills, Maple Forests fading in to Spruce and Pine and year round access. Tons of acreage available, or just pick up a 40 for $70,000! MUST SEE, call Emily today! MLS#6001560, multiple#’s call for full map and prices!
FROM $70,000 MLS#2090628
SCHROEDER AREA NEAR THE CROSS RIVER! Sugarloaf Retreats on High Ridge Drive, Located a hop, skip and jump from Sugarloaf Cove on Lake Superior! Large parcel, with access to the Superior Hiking Trail! Yr Round access and electric to street!
MLS#1598640 $36,200
TOFTE AREA NEAR BLUEFIN BAY RESORT! LeVeaux Mountain, Super Views and Wildlife Ponds!
MLS#2220050 $69,000
Just Up the Sawbill Trail Grab your little piece of the Northwoods, rolling terrain and small community feel with year round access, great build sites!
MLS#2070510 Prices from $24,900!!
Tofte vaag on the Sawbill, Nice Lake Views! Walk to the Coho, great location! FROM $49,900
MLS#1615956
LUTSEN LAKE VIEWS & WILDERNESS LANDS! Woodland Foothills Build Ready lots, Shared Water & Community Septic from
LUTSEN LAKE VIEWS & WILDERNESS LANDS! NEW! Maple Leaf Trail at Jonvick, Maples Galore! Nice elevated build site. Yr Round access, electric.
$19,000 MLS#2309328+
MLS#6024972 $49,000
Heartland of Lutsen, 80 ac at the Foothills of Ski Hill ridge, near downtown Lutsen!
MLS#2312987 $119,000
NEW! Hammer Road East of town! Expansive Lake Superior Views! Great Build Site at $49,900
Over 15 ac of Wilderness on Turnagain Trail in Lutsen! MLS#2216560 $69,500 Prime Build Site(s) just off theCaribou at Jonvick Creek!
MLS#6023586
Five Acres of Boreal Forest, Awesome Birch Drive location just west of Grand Marais! Yr Round access, electric at street. Perfect spot for year round home or getaway cabin, NO Home Owners Assoc!
MLS#2240533 $49,000
Gorgeous 5 acre parcels in the Heart of Lutsen paved Caribou Trail locale bordering USFS lands! MLS#2174799 From
MLS#6025790 $42,000 PENDING!
$54,900 - $77,500
Wowser Lake Superior views on Overlook Tr!
Creek Build Site just off the Caribou Trail at Jonvick Creek! Rare and Unique Build site!
LUTSEN LAKE VIEWS & WILDERNESS LANDS!
30 acres of Prime Wilderness Land with year round access and electric at street with Views of Lutsen’s famed Clara Lake!
MLS#2296509 $79,900
Mature Spruce and BIG Lake Views! Walk to Blue Fin Bay, drilled well in place!
MLS#2272174 $49,900
NEW! Nice parcel bordering USFS land, driveway roughed in, access to Tait Lk!
MLS#6023412 $35,000
High Ground End of Cul de Sac borders Superior National Forest! MLS#6021436 $49,900
GRAND MARAIS LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!
MLS#2289515 $57,500
MLS#2080599 $137,500
80 Ac with Poplar River Frontage on the Honeymoon Tr!
Corner Build Site in Town Walk to Harbor! MLS#2309203 $39,000 PENDING! Cty Rd 7 Murphy Mountain Lake View lands! Bargain Buys in young Poplar Forest, easy clearing for Sweet Lake Superior Views for as little as $39,900! Or Enjoy Hilltop Build Site with driveway in place.
MLS#1599157 $79,900 REDUCED! Lovely parcel just Up the Gunflint Trail, ready to build, mature pines great location!
MLS#6022429 $49,900
MLS#2307399 $95,000
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK
Gorgeous Views of Williams & Wills Lake in Lutsen! Year Round Access, electric, Mountain Top site bordering USFS land. A Wonderful place to build your home! MLS#2107927 $70,000
TimberWolff Realty is Fun!
LAKE SUPERIOR LAND AND INLAND LAKESHOR E BUILD SITES! DREAMY LAKE SUPERIOR. land and
lakeshore! Several acres of privacy and way more than 200 ft of Level Access Lake Superior shoreline in Schroeder, near Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist Area!
MLS#2090420 $275,000 PLENTY OF ELBOW ROOM ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Nearly 800 ft of shoreline and 11 ac. of
rolling terrain, with signs of the past logging roads and Spruce planted forests providing a sweet buffer from all of those pesky worries of the Real World! Driveway installed in to the mid-section of the land to allow you to explore which building site best fits your desires!
MLS#2309271 $799,000 JAW DROPPING LAKE SUPERIOR
Ready to build with long winding driveway to build site, surveyed. Defined build site with Huge Views!! Rare opportunity close to Grand Marais and within walking distance from the Croftville Road, very nice for walks.
MLS#6022564 $325,000
END OF THE ROAD SPECTACULAR
280 ft of cliff shoreline with unobstructed Views across Lake Superior! Little Marais area, Build ready, driveway already in place! MLS#2313255 $265,000
LUTSEN LAKE SUPERIOR CASCADE BEACH RD LAND! Very accessible, build site
close to the water, listen to the waves of Lake Superior lapping the rocky shoreline! Gorgeous morning sunrises over the Big Lake, a must see!
MLS#2308906 $299,000 SWEET CLARA LAKE SHORELINE!
Level Access from Build Site to Rocky Shores.Superior National Forest Lands! Electric, yr round access, Old Cabin in place to use now and build later!
MLS#1600179 $199,000
LAKESHORE 10+ ACRES BORDERING SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST! in Lutsen, year round access with over 10 acres and 200 feet of shoreline! Hilltop building site with cleared path thru cedar forest to Christine Lake, a super wilderness lake great for paddling your days away!
PIKE LAKE SHORELINE, SOUTHERN EXPOSURE! Nice big lake lot: 5+ acres, 225’ of frontage!
Maples, cedars, fir, ash: a diverse mix of thriving Northwoods. The fall color is dreamy, try collecting maple sap in the spring! Shallow lake access, but it’s there, along with yr round access!
MLS#2313068 $167,700
MLS#6023288 $99,900
SWEET PARCEL ON SWALLOW LAKE IN ISABELLA AREA! 220 ft of shoreline, 2.5 ac! MLS#2300576 $64,900 HEY HEY TAKE A LOOK AT THIS SUPER NICE CARIBOU LAKE BUILD SITE!
MAJESTIC WHITE PINES ON TAIT LAKE SHORELINE! Lutsen’s favorite spot for
quiet recreation, this deep lot has 200 ft of shoreline and 3++ acres! Yr round access, electric, only 20 minutes to Lutsen’s Ski Resort! Five minutes to BWCA! Untouched virgin forest, a beauty of a lot! Includes the lakeshore lot and the back lot for TONS of value!
MLS#6025368 $209,900
The original cabin was recently removed, allowing for a nice “established feel” to this lot. Driveway in place, clearing done and electricity available!
MLS#2309132 $150,000 PENDING! 400 FT OF STUNNING LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE
minute’s to the Cross River in Schroeder! Rolling terrain, nice Evergreen stand giving nice buffer from ANY highway noise. Worth the walk through the wilderness to see the AMAZING 400 ft of sprawling ledge rock shoreline!!
MLS#2313305 REDUCED! $450,000
VISIT US AT WWW.TIMBERWOLFFR EALTY.COM FOR PICTUR E SLIDESHOW! NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
53
www.CBNorthShore.com Serving Cook County since 1971
NORTH SHORE
4.10A Lake Superior lot; 280’ shore. Driveway, septic mound, and underground electric already in place. Easyto-walk shingle/small cobble beach.
MLS 2297434
7036 W Hwy 61
4512 Cascade Beach Rd
68 Trailsyde
3BR, 3BA efficiently designed home with magnificent open great room. Wood burning fireplace, main level master BR that opens to huge wrap around deck. 218’ shore.
1000’ of beautifully rugged and secluded shore. 6 lots, house structure; you finish the interior, plus more than 30A of land to ensure ample exclusivity and privacy.
MLS 6020708 $425,000
MLS 6026201 $995,000
2BR, 2BA home on Lake Superior wirh 150’ shore. High ceilings, very open floor plan, & sliding glass doors in the LR leading to the deck.
MLS 6025052 $599,900
MLS 6021928 $269,900 SOLD
Com m e r c ia l
1.30A, very attractive piece of vacant lakeshore located just past Terrace Point. 371’ of stunning ledgerock shoreline, with incredible views of the Grand Marais Harbor and the Sawtooth Mountain Ridge Line. MLS 6020179
4556 Cascade Beach Rd
8 N. Broadway
1708 E Hwy 61
Luxurious 3BR, 2BA Lake Superior home on 1.4A and 200’ shore. Many amenities and expansive face Superior and the dramatic ledgerock shoreline. Excellent rental history.
4BR, 4BA home previously used as a B & B. Walk out lower level with a family room, large bathroom and laundry room. 236’ of Lake Superior shoreline.
MLS 6025899 $569,000
MLS 6023253 $224,900 PENDING
108 Gunflint Trail
4BR, 2BA home right on the Gunflint Trail. This lot is commercially zoned with great visible location at the beginning of the Gunflint Trail. 2.5 car garage could be converted to retail space.
Bluefin Bay Tofte Bluefin Bay has stunning Lake views and accessaward winning amenities and restaurants! Excellent rental potential. 1BR,1BA units with stunning views
MLS 2161688 $199,900
MLS 6026334 $479,500
10 1st Ave West
108-2 Gunflint Trail
Premiere downtown Grand Marais location! Commercial building consists of 1650 square feet with 35’ of street frontage. Flexible layout of building allows for multiple options. MLS 6024812 $224,900
Great commercial location with access off Gunflint Trail and Co. Rd. 7. Additional property available, or purchase with less frontage if you only want the shop building & area.
MLS 6024280 $149,900
Inland Lake Lots Squint Lake
Unit 27 MLS 6022267 $275,000
2.13A with lovely old white pine trees! Mid trail location, 221’ shore, abuts USFS.
Surfside
Unit 17 MLS 6022417 $287,000 Unit 2 MLS 2298984 $319,000
MLS 2308814 $79,900
3BR, 3BA, end units with great views of Lake Superior. Excellent vacation rental history!
Poplar Lake
Convenient mid-trail location with deeded lakeshore access. Building site cleared, driveway in, utilities available.
MLS 6023870 Unit 11A $210,000
MLS 2158160 $52,500
Welcome to our new agent Kali Blomberg We are pleased to introduce our newest agent, Kali Blomberg! She was born and raised in Grand Marais, which gives her insight towards understanding and appreciating all that Cook County has to offer. She has two daughters and they all enjoy spending time up the Gunflint Trail at their family cabin on Birch Lake. If you ask her, Kali might even give you a tip or two on where the fish are biting. Kali’s experience in starting and running her own business for the past 3 years has taught her a lot about what it takes to be successful and the value of prompt & concise communication with customers, which is why she will be a great sales agent and will work hard for you!
MARCH 2017
Tire and Auto Lodge This will work! Cooperative seller is ready to help you take off and build an already successful and established auto repair and tire business. Accumulate equity and grow this business into the future! MLS 2313262 $189,900
Prime commercial property with immediate income. Generate a cash flow with living, rentals, and owner run business space below. Great location for tourism near ample parking.
Condos
54
7310 E Hwy 61
Amazing cabin with cobblestone fireplace, all wood floors & tons of windows, nestled in by the water’s edge. 400’ of meandering ledgerock shoreline on 2.97A.
2884 W Hwy 61 - $327,500
2BR, 2BA units with stunning views
101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com
On Lake Superior
Lake Superior Lots
57XX East Hwy 61 - $89,500
(218) 387-2131 (800) 732-2131
NORTHERN WILDS
Two Island
5+ A of wooded land with 500+’ of shorelinea nd state land on two sides! Year round access; great recreational area.
MLS 6023533 $74,900
Tom Lake
245’ of shore on 1.2A. Shoreline has its own natural boat slip!!
MLS 6024080 $45,000
2.63A, 205’ shore with a healthy mix of trees, including some lovely white pines! Survey done, septic sites id’d.
MLS 6026889 $55,000 New
Birch Lake
Heavily wooded 1.54A, 150’ of frontage on great trout lake. Direct, year round access off the Gunflint Trail.
MLS 2183859 $99,900
Kemo Lake
One of only 4 lots on south shore. Private 2.34A with 200’ frontage on excellent trout lake! MLS 6021433 $139,900
Leo Lake
169’ shore, on 3.70A, mid trail location, with public access to other lakes nearby.
Onagon Lake
Chester Lake
MLS 6022456 $119,900
MLS 6022402 $149,900
MLS 6022455 $49,900
MLS 6023878 $124,900
The only private parcel on Chester Lake. One of a kind opportunity! 40A, 300’ frontage! Rough cabin sold “as is”.
Very nice 5A lot with lots of shoreline on both Cupid & Onagon Lake. Abuts Federal land for added privacy. Very peaceful lot with 222’of shore & shoreline on Cupid Lake. Located in the heart of the BWCA.
Homes & Cabins
319 E 2nd Ave
Purchase three rental units for the price of a single home, or the lower units can be combined leaving a nice little family home with a studio apartment overhead. Or restore home into a two story single family home.
MLS 6024915 $168,000
176 Camp 15 Loop
1044 2nd Ave W
160A with 180+ degree views of the surrounding foothills. Very diverse forest... spruce bogs, cedar swamps, healthy birch groves, spruce, fir and healthy white pine. Owner/agent.
4BR, 3BA lovingly cared for home on 2 full acres of park like beauty. Private but within the city limits. Huge detached 1200 square foot garage for all the toys.
MLS 2313220 $149,900
MLS 6025039 $289,000 PENDING
930 W 4th St
481 Co Rd 60
3BR, 4BA on 20A with amazing views of Lake Superior. Only minutes from town, abuts state land on the north. Energy efficient, in floor heat, gourmet kitchen and huge detached garage!
MLS 6025718 $469,000
2499 E Hwy 61
Quality built 3BR, 2BA home on 9.5A with amazing views of Lake Superior. Combination kitchen and DR, open floor plan. Abuts Federal land to the north Huge additional garage and 1BR apartment!
MLS 6025059 $349,900
1183 Gunflint Tr
381 Moose Valley Rd
Convenient and easy one floor living in a very quiet part of Grand Marais. 5BR, 3BA , well equipped kitchen,heated two car attached garage, plus 26 by 26 detached garage for the toys.
Octagon 3+ BR, 2BA home with open floor plan on 8A. Screened in porch, main floor office, fireplace, full basement, loft and a large deck. Being successfully rented in VRBO.
Easily accessible, nicely wooded, year round 5+A. Abuts Federal land to the west. 24’x24’ garage with two doors providing space to store your toys and tools while deciding what to build.
MLS 6025180 $279,900
MLS 6025633 $259,900 PENDING
MLS 6022762 $55,000
40 Taylor Lane
1911 Camp 20 Rd
332 South Shore Dr
3-4BR home on 7.66A. Lake Superior views, landscaped yard, raised garden beds, huge deck. Full basement with plenty of space for a workshop and family room just 5 minutes from town.
2BR, private but close to town on 8A. Out buildings include an older barn currently housing chickens, a wood burning sauna, a brand new screen house, and a 12 x 28 building that screams possibility.
Fully furnished, private, one room getaway on 40A. Wooded land with a wildlife pond and an abundance of recreational trails. Abuts federal land to the north.
2BR, one level home near Devil Track on 21+A with state land to the south. Stainless steel appliances, in floor heat and garage with man cave and heated workshop. Bunkhouse overlooking pond.
MLS 6026190 $259,900
MLS 6024267 $144,900
MLS 6021725 $69,900
MLS 6026813 $269,900 NEW
260 County Rd 48
L a ke S u p e r i o r V i e w Facebook.com/ cbnorthshore61 Coldwell Banker North Shore
Check out OUR BLOG
1207 W 5th St
4BR, 2BA impeccably maintained home with versatile media room. Extra-large private lot, huge sauna, beautifully landscaped with seasonal views of Lake Superior.
Co Rd 67 $72,000 - $82,000
Check out the views from these properties! 2 .7 - 3.48A with all utilities readily available - electric, broadband & telephone. DNR owned Lake Superior shoreline across the road so you can have the enjoyment of the lake without the cost.
MLS 6024403
at ColdwellBanker NorthShore. wordpress.com
MLS 6026765 $239,900 NEW
Land W Hwy 61
Great location and development opportunities right off Hwy 61! 7.1A, zoned commercial and R-1. Additional R-1 acreage available.
Gunflint Trail Cross country skiers, hikers; this
Silver Fox Rd Two peaceful and quiet 5A pieces close to town with easements onto Federal land.
MLS 2170380 $149,900
property is connected to the Pincushion Cross Country Ski Trail system with the Little Devil Track River flowing through it MLS 2313364 $69,000
4018 County Rd 14 20A nicely wooded year round lot. Electricity and phone, abuts Federal land providing access to incredible amount of land.
Co Rd 67 2.24A, year round access, directly abuts State Land to the east. Fully surveyed and well-built private driveway. MLS 6024406 $39,900
shared driveway only minutes from town. Identified septic sites and fully surveyed! Approx. 430’ of creek frontage. OWNER will consider a Contract for Deed!
North Rd
Casper Hill Rd 19.6A just a few miles from town. Simple lean-to cabin to give you a head start on your get away. MLS 6023494 $45,000
9th Ave W.
MLS 2308865 $59,900
20A, very private, year round access. Power, phone and broadband available at the road!!
MLS 6024552 $39,900
Coyote Ridge Three 5A, private, beautifully wooded parcels close to town. Babbling, gurgling creek for your boundary. MLS 6021224 $45,000 - $65,000
78 Squint Lake Rd 5A surrounded on 2 sides by
Stonegate Rd 2A on public portion of desirable Stone Gate Road with lots of potential uses. Power, phone, and broadband are a stone’s throw away. County Rd 7 Oversize lot on Co Rd 7 but inside the city. The obvious benefits of broadband and other services.
Railroad Drive
Broadway Ave Wonderful location, oversize lot is
MLS 6023743 $49,900
MLS 6025787 $48,000
1.7A in the heart of Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees. Convenient location.
Rosebush Hill Lane Nicely wooded 5.40A with MLS 6024624 $49,900
Lovely .28A, corner, buildable lot in the heart of town. Heavily wooded with a gentle south facing slope. MLS 6026196 $67,900
Gunflint Trail - $97,500
Year round 6.46A on county maintained road with plenty of privacy. The cleared path up the property will help you visualize your future home on the North Shore! Also in close proximity to hiking, biking & skiing trails!
MLS 6026498
Co Rd 7 - $69,900
Beautifully wooded 7.7A, wonderful views of Lake Superior, just minutes from town on a county maintained road. Septic sites id’d, building site has been identified. MLS 6026821
MLS 6022528 $19,900
government land. Convenient mid-trail location.
MLS 6020283 $62,900
MLS 6025690 $39,900 - $69,900
MLS 6024916 $65,000
open to many opportunities for development and use.
NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
55
Inland
Lake
Homes
Tom Lake
Kemo Lake
Poplar Lake
Year-round, custom built, 4BR home on 4+A. 275’ of shore with dock in a secluded bay. Vaulted ceilings, log beams, lots of woodwork. Screen porch on full, walk-out lower level.
Remote lake cabin located close to town! Fully furnished super cute cabin built to accommodate year round usage. 16A, 500’of shore of great trout fishing.
2BR fully furnished cabin, off grid with propane lights, heat and fridge. 220’ of shore with boat house. Nicely wooded lot, easy access to the lake and excellent water clarity.
Charming 2BR cabin tucked away in the trees with cozy northwoods feel. 1.5A, 156' of shore, nice-sized deck and great views of the lake, with BWCAW access. Solid rental history.
MLS 6019286 $599,900
MLS 6022457 $219,900
MLS 2313186 $114,900
MLS 6019270 $229,900
Poplar Lake
Greenwood Lake
3BR, 2BA cabin, open floor plan and 4 season porch. Private boat landing, huge garage, and Wildfire Sprinkler System. Multiple types of off grid operating systems so you can enjoy cell phone, electricity & running water.
6BR, 5BA screened in porch and multiple decks. 1.52A with 222’ shore; great swimming in a quieter bay on the main lake.
MLS 6025773 $314,900 PENDING
MLS 6023530 $569,900
Devil Track Lake
Poplar Lake
2BR, 2BA year round log home with 190’ shore. Stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, open floor plan, peaked wood ceiling, log beams and screened in porch.
MLS 6023210 $349,900
Gunflint Lake
Lovely year round 3BR, 2BA home. Large family room with propane fireplace and a nice sitting area. Also includes an older fixer upper cabin located at the water’s edge
Birch Lake
44A, 800+’ of shore, multiple rustic cabins, with propane lights, stove and fridge. Bordered 2 sides by Superior National Forest. All existing furniture, boats included.
Seagull Lake
3BR, loft, massive rock fireplace, kitchen with birch cabinets and island, walk out lower level with a family room and fireplace. BWCA lake with 400’ shore on 6+A, abuts Federal land.
MLS 6026539 $239,900
MLS 6022641 $489,900
MLS 6022707 $549,900
Lar ge Acr eage 170A+ Camp 20 Rd - $169,900
110A W Highway 61 - $649,900
43A County Road 7 - $299,900
MLS 6022459
MLS 2164180
MLS 2170711
Heavily forested land that has been replanted with many beautiful pine trees. Rolling topography with 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.
Nicely wooded land with varied elevations on the Highway 61 corridor. Year round access via Highway 61 and County Road 7. Many development options with multiple zoning: Far-3, R-1 and commercial.
120A Reason Rd - $109,900
80A Moose Valley Trail - $69,900
MLS 6025476
MLS 6021717
Wooded hideaway that is abundant with trails, wildlife and abuts State land on 2 sides. Located about 1.5 miles from Tom Lake Boat Access. Property is gently rolling and has a nice mix of healthy trees.
Private wilderness with a partial view of Lake Superior. Variety of terrain; high peaks, rolling hills, and a wildlife pond. Year-round living on a county maintained road. FAR-1 and FAR-2 providing ample opportunity to for subdivision.
MEET OUR AGENTS: DAILY UPDATES AT www.CBNorthShore.com
VIRGINIA DETRICK PALMER 387-2131
NORTH SHORE 56
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
BOB CARTER 370-9054
Nicely wooded with excellent development potential. Close to hospital and all the amenities of Grand Marais.. Multiple zoning (R1 & Far 3), survey and wetlands delineation completed in 2007. Electric at road.
HARRY DRABIK 475-2359
101 West Hwy . 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com
Serving Cook County since 1971
RICK AUSTIN 388-9434
JULIE JOYNES CARLSON 370-8068
(218) 387-2131
ERIC FROST 370-1362
•
KALI BLOMBERG 370-9260
(800) 732-2131
www.CBNorthShore.com
Lake Superior Properties
Lutsen In-land lakes Caribou Lake.
Lutsen Real Estate Group Using a fundamental business approach for all your real estate needs Office 218-663-7971
lutsenrealestategroup.com
525 Poplar River Condo. Part of the Lutsen Resort rental program.
MLS 6023499 $409,000
LD O S 6294 Sea Villa Loop J7 MLS 6024480 $169,000
5402 W Hwy 61.
The owner named the property “Viewpoint” with a purpose and reason. This 3 bedroom two bath home has a view from each room and provides outstanding views on the entire North Coast of Lake Superior. Decks compliment three sides of the home including a private deck from master bedroom.Great room with fireplace enhanced by large lake facing windows. Guest cabin, oversized detached garage and new septic compliment the property. All you need is the key for this property! MLS 6023941 $545,000
391 Gunflint Narrows
Mike Larson 218-370-1536
Gorgeous 3 bdrm 3 bath on Sawmill Bay. Immaculate grounds. Simply beautiful. Additional shoreline and acreage available.
A comfortable one bedroom authentic log cabin hand crafted by the owners with a nice view of Gunflint Lake. It located on a nice quiet bay in the northwest corner of Gunflint Lake with very clear water and a rocky shoreline. This property is 3 miles in from the main Gunflint Trail, with an easement along the private Gunflint Narrows side road. MLS 6022476 $229,000
MLS 6024837 $597,750
Caribou Lake.
3 bedroom cabin on private part of lake. Ready to go. New septic and more.
MLS 2020244 $319,900
Outsanding View Properties
48 County
Rd 34. SALE Timeless three G Nbedroom home. I D N PE
Bruce Kerfoot 218-388-2294
Outstanding views
MLS 2251195 $595,000
Steve Surbaugh 218-663-7971
Cabins and Land Superior National Golf Course Homesite. Perfect for new build. Water, sewer, power, broadband at site. (owner/agent)
MLS 602078 $59,000
Tait Lake.
Lot 16 - 2.8 acres. Deeded access to Lake with very nice build sites. (owner/agent)
MLS 6024063 $45,000
5402 (b) W Highway 61
Vacant Lake Superior Parcel in Lutsen. 2.5 acres and 333’ of Lake Superior Shoreline
Heritage Townhomes. Wonderfully appointed 3 bdrm townhomes overlooking Superior Natoinal Golf Course.
MLS 2308961 Starting at $329,000.
90 Hoaglund Drive Tofte
3 bedroom 3 bath 3 level Lindal Cedar Home. Finish detail, flooring and kitchen not yet complete/ perfect for new owner to complete to their own taste. Outstanding Lake Superior Views
MLS 6024998 $395,000
31 Eagle
Mountain. SALE Beautiful Mountain G N I Home at Lutsen D PEN
Mountains. Ski-in/Ski out and so much more.
MLS 2313086 $595,000
MLS 6023980 $349,000
When you visit our website www.lutsenrealestategroup.com you will find additional information on all properties in the area accompanied by multiple photographs for a more comprehensive overview of properties you may be interested in.
EARN MONEY WHEN YOU ARE AWAY BY PLACING YOUR HOME IN OUR VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM. Give Jayson Ernst a call today 218-663-7971 NORTHERN WILDS
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REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor • Sandra McHugh, Realtor • Jack McHugh, Realtor • Larry Dean, 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 EXPANSIVE LAKE SUPERIOR RETREAT. Lake
Superior charm and seclusion awaits on this park-like private retreat property with almost 90 acres, 1793 feet of shore, and 3 classic Aldrich log cabins with outstanding lake views. A rare, unique opportunity! MLS# 6024299 $2,250,000
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, STUNNING SHORELINE.
Elegant and comfortable 3 bdrm, 2 bath contemporary home. Beautifully wooded & private, with dramatic rocks & panoramic lake views on 223’ of easily accessed Lake Superior shore. The great room is shared with the gourmet kitchen, formal dining, & living area centered around the Finnish fireplace. The master suite is a lovely open space with a private office. The master bath suite is exceptional. Upgrades throughout, beautiful maple flooring. MLS# 2308811 $699,900
SUPERIOR AFRAME. This 3,300
sq ft Lake Superior home with original A-Frame was expanded in 2006, adding 2,000 sq ft w/quality finishes. Stunning kitchen with large island, hickory cabinets, granite & lake views. 3 bdr, 3 bath, large gathering spaces and deck. Master bdrm with attached whirlpool/glass shower. MLS# 2313080 $524,900 PRICE REDUCED!
CONTEMPORARY LOG HOME. Every room has
a Lake Superior view! This beautiful home on 6.5 acres features an open living/ dining room with cozy wood burning stove and wraparound deck. The shoreline is accessible with a fire pit and beach platform. The kitchen has a huge granite island and custom hickory cabinets with lots of storage. Extra large garage with room for 4 vehicles.
MLS# 6021770 $539,000 BEAUTIFUL LAKE SUPERIOR HOME.
Totally remodeled! This 3 bdrm, 3 bath home has a cool "Beach House" vibe with bleached wood beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and wall-to-wall patio doors offering expansive lake views. Located near Silver Bay with 200’ accessible shoreline. MLS# 6025439 $449,900
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES GUNFLINT LAKE HOME – SAND BEACH.
SPECTACULAR LAKE SUPERIOR LOT. Framed by palisades, the nicely wooded property has two or more perfect sites on which to build your special lake home. Views are classic old North Shore looking over Chicago Bay. Shared septic system is in place.
MLS# 2308784 $365,000
MLS# 2313294 $329,000 LUTSEN LAKE SHORE.
LOVELY LAKE SUPERIOR LOT – LUTSEN. Great lot with
excellent site for walkout. Surveyed and level open location for your new home. Parcel has a very neat, private cove and meandering 447' of shoreline.
Exceptional Lake Superior property in highly regarded Lutsen area. 150 feet of accessible ledge rock and gravel beach shoreline. Large, level building site surrounded by mature cedar, spruce and fir trees. MLS# 6024548 $299,500 PREMIER LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTY. Beautiful,
very private 1.84 acre residential lot with 240 ft of Lake Superior shoreline in the Chimney Rock Platted Development. Premier quality with stunning elevated and panoramic views of the lake. MLS# 2313197 $249,900
LAKE SUPERIOR, BIG BAY, BIG VIEWS. Dense spruce forest, moss covered boulders and privacy make this a classic Lake Superior lot. 200 feet of shore with partial driveway in place, shared road maintenance, power and Broadband ready to go. MLS# 6022357 $212,500
A UNIQUE AND SPECTACULAR BUILDING SITE ON LAKE SUPERIOR. This site is build-ready
This charming 2 bdrm home sits on 4.62 acres, just 40 ft from the dramatic shore on a point. Many custom features and built-ins, 3-car detached garage with a fantastic upper level apartment, lrg storage sheds, plus a
very unique and rare sand beach! MLS# 6026327 $529,000
LOG CABIN SECLUSION - LOON LAKE. This beautiful log cabin
sits on the secluded north shore of Loon Lake and adjoins forest service land on two sides. The quality log work is impeccable. 2 bdrms, 2 baths, huge loft, wonderful 4-season porch, deck and full walk-out basement. The full stone fireplace is magnificent. The views are pure wilderness and the shoreline is classic Boundary Waters. MLS# 6023186 $439,000
GUNFLINT LAKE HOME & GUEST CABIN. Spectacular
views across the lake to Canada! 2 bdrms + lrg loft, 2 baths, guest cottage with ½ bath & laundry facility. The 200’ of lakeshore is easy to access. MLS#
6021137 $349,500 CHARMING CABIN ON SEAGULL LAKE. Lovely 2
bdrm, 1 bath cabin with 233’ of gentle shoreline with breathtaking views of the lake and islands. Wrap around decking sets only 35 feet from the water’s edge. Sold furnished. Many crafted built-ins and storage space. MLS# 6023785 $355,500 SEAGULL LAKE LOT - BWCAW VIEWS.This 10-acre lot has great views and 489 ft of accessible shoreline. Driveway and power are in place with a nice shed to store your gear. MLS# 6025512 $339,900
CHRISTINE LAKE HOME.
for your dream home plus garage lot. Spectacular views and privacy. All hookups are ready – septic, water, electric, phone & propane. House plans are available. Only 8 owners share this park-like former resort property. MLS 6023745 $92,900
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES WILDERNESS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY.
2000+ acres of Cook County land with 6 lakes. Over 10,000' of shoreline. Various parcels spread across the Superior National Forest, most accessible via forest service roads. The Mark Lake parcel is 159 acres with 200’ shoreline for sale separately: $219,000. MLS#6025545 $3,100,000
SOLITUDE ON TAIT LAKE. Spacious 3 bdrm, 2 bath home
on 2.5 acres features a GREAT great room, gourmet kitchen with all stainless steel appliances. Charming master suite has sliding glass and lake view. Stunning open beamed ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, cozy loft and a huge screened porch. Comfort-
ably sleeps 10-12. Detached garage. MLS# 2312977 $529,000
Immaculate 3 bdrm home on beautiful & quiet Christine Lake. Over 200’ shoreline with private boardwalk to floating dock and 6 acres for privacy. Knotty pine and tastefully painted interior. Deck, balcony and open design allow abundant light.
MLS# 6024054 $319,500 LARGE LOT PRIVACY – POPLAR LAKE. Dense
mixed forest, great views, & classic wilderness shoreline make these two lots perfect for a Mid-Trail lake home. Choose 2 acres with 165’ shoreline, 3 acres with 200’ shoreline, or both! MLS# 6026287 $134,900,
MLS# 6026286 $142,900, both for $245,000. MARK LAKE - 159 ACRES. The only private land on Mark
Lake! Good northern fishing. 200ft. Shoreline, forestry road or snowmoblie access. Motivated Seller! MLS# 6026299 $245,000
NEW! PRIVACY ON PIKE LAKE. Cozy north
woods cabin secluded on almost 6 acres of dense cedar forest with adjoining forestry lands. One bdrm plus loft with plenty of space. Generator power, electric at road. Easy access to 300’ lakeshore and great views! MLS# 6026819 $239,900
www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 58
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
HOMES & CABINS
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES on 180 ft of E. Bearskin Lake. Federal lease property. Awesome views of the lake, level walk to the dock and shore. Includes utility shed, woodshed, aluminum canoe & boat.
bdrm home with calming Lake Superior views. Many recent upgrades, 2 wood-burning fireplaces, and a 2+ car heated garage. Private setting and design, perfect
MLS #6021813 $69,000 SNOWSHOE RUN LOTS. Set along a high ridge
MLS# 6023139 $225,000 WILDERNESS SETTING - TUCKER LAKE.
A perfect place for your cabin or home with unspoiled views and lots of Gunflint Trail privacy. 3.68 acres and 554’ shoreline. Tucker Lake is a protected lake with added setbacks to protect the lake and views. Direct BWCAW access. MLS# 2309237 $224,900
A-FRAME ON POPLAR LAKE. Classic 2 bdrm, 2 bath
A-Frame cabin in a beautiful setting overlooking Poplar Lake. End of the road privacy with year-round access. Very nice, gentle path to the 156’ of lake shore. Nice mix of trees. MLS#
6024438 $187,500 NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN.
Lovely 2 bdrm cabin with sauna. The private 200’ of lake-front lot has gentle shoreline and great views. Remote water only access from the US side of the border. Stunning views and easy access to the border lakes. MLS# 6023214 $179,000
POPLAR LAKE-BWCAW ACCESS. Nice 2.11 acre lot with
beautiful west views of the lake and 244’ of shore tucked in a quiet bay. A small, updated 1 bdrm cabin sits right at the water’s edge. Plenty of room for a main home and garage. MLS# 6021031
overlooking Hare Lake in a mature northern hardwood forest. Yearround plowed and maintained county roads, power at each property and a clear water trout lake. MLS# 6019490 - 6019496,
6019498 Lake lot prices start at $48,800 END OF THE ROAD PRIVACY ON TOM LAKE. This beautiful wooded lot has its own bay/cove. There is a long curved driveway to a nice cleared build site. MLS# 6021553 $47,500
CONDOMINIUMS WELCOME TO LAKE SUPERIOR. Warm &
beautiful light-filled end unit Aspenwood Townhome. The 2-story walkout style leaves you with plenty of options to get outside and close to the Big Lake. This 2 bdrm, 3 bath home includes 98% of all furnishings & personal property. It is also part of a successful vacation rental pool.
MLS# 6022175 $290,000 SUPERIOR LIVING ON THE LAKE. Gorgeous 2
tile counters, wood fireplace and spa-like bathroom. Open concept plan with floating island for flexible dining and food prep. Walk out to a private patio and enjoy morning
6023119 $169,000 SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. These 1-2 acre lots
are located on the south side of Loon Lake and offer great lake views, 152-218’ beautiful shoreline and many nice trees. The main road is in place and power is on the lot line. MLS# 2093855, 2159458,
2309227, 2309228 $159,000 and up CLASSIC POPLAR LAKE CABIN. Sweet, older 2 bdrm cabin on a bay of Poplar Lake with 100’ frontage. Great location! Charm in every room. Potentially a great vacation rental.
MLS# 6023157 $154,500 SUPREME LAND, SUPREME WATER. Over 20 acres
of amazing forest teamed with 300’ of awe-inspiring shoreline that rests at the southeast end of Tom Lake.
MLS# 6023688 $130,000 CARIBOU LAKE - HOME SITE. New price is well be-
low tax assessed value. Magnificent old-growth cedar and maple trees. Great, high build site on Sawmill Bay. 5.34 acres and 185’ lake frontage.
BEAUTIFUL HOME IN THE WOODS.
Fantastic 3 bdrm, 2 bath cabin with sauna and bunkhouse. The 3.78 acres is surrounded by forest with Ninemile Lake across the road. Large kitchen/dining space, incredible master suite, upper level sunroom. Lots of room for guests! MLS# 6026570 $279,900
CLASSIC FARM HOUSE AND 20 ACRES. Simply charm-
ing country home with outbuildings and some pasture for your horse! The 3 bdrm, 2 bath home has a country kitchen/dining room, huge living room, & 3 season porch. A cute log cabin sits near the home, and the land is special with a lrg wildlife pond
& planted pines. More land is available. MLS# 2309191 $279,900
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# 6022886 $269,000
EXTRAORDINARY DUPLEX HOME IN LUTSEN. Beautifully
STUNNING LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO. Quality finishes, granite
AFFORDABLE CABIN ON CLEARWATER LAKE. Cute 2 bdrm cabin on
very special Clearwater Lake with 180’ frontage. Very affordable for up north cabin life. MLS#
for entertaining or escaping. MLS# 6025932 $349,000
REMOTE HIDE-AWAY. Charming custom built 2
bdrm, 2 bath condo with unobstructed Lake Superior views! This unit has had everything redone and replaced. Convenient location with access to many recreational opportunities. MLS# 6026577 $147,000
$169,900
MLS# 2203572 $95,000
BEAUTIFUL LEVEAUX RIDGE HOME. “Mountain top” 3
LOTS ON NINEMILE LAKE. Two beautiful, large lots on Ninemile Lake in Finland. Lots adjoin Superior National Forest and Cabin Creek Unit Roadless Area with excellent shoreline and views. Power and year round access! MLS #6019489 $89,300 &
EAST BEARSKIN LAKE HOME. Charming 2 bdrm cabin
sunrises over the big lake. MLS# 6025851 $82,000
NEW! WALK OUT TO LAKE SUPERIOR. Gorgeous 1 bdrm
SALIENG ND unit updated with quality PE
finishes including cork flooring and a cool spa bathroom with log walls and rainfall shower head. Open concept floor plan with sleeper sofa for guests. Great lake views! MLS# 6026667 $79,900
HOMES & CABINS A GEM IN THE WOODS.
There is quality and detail at every turn in this magnificent 2 bdrm, 2 bath home hidden on 30 acres in the Grand Portage State Forest. Marble stairs and floors, loft, master bath with hot tub & sauna, soaring cathedral ceilings, and 2000 sq ft attached garage. Not your typical home in the woods, this is a rare gem waiting for someone who loves the outdoors, but wants the class of an elegant home at the end of the day. MLS# 6022895 $750,000
maintained 4 bdrm, 2 bath home tucked into its own wooded wonderland. Welcoming, open and updated. Perennial gardens, apple trees, fire pit, and dog kennel/run in place. Trails on the 3 acre property connect to state trails for skiing and snowmobiling. MLS#
6024809 $264,900
HOBBY FARM OR LOTS OF IDEAS.
This large property features open meadows, gardens, orchards, and a beautiful river. The living quarters with 4 bdrms, 2 baths and open living space is located above a 6-stall horse barn. A large pole barn, huge gathering hall, garage and various storage sheds provide lots of sheltered space. Two wells and septic systems. Easy county road access. What's your idea? MLS# 6018972 $259,900
MANY OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN CASCADE STATE PARK. Enjoy being surrounded by and within
the boundaries of Cascade State Park while taking in the amazing views of Lake Superior. This 3 bdrm, 2 bath home has been used as a successful vacation rental, a long-term rental and a primary residence.
MLS# 2309172 $234,900 FANTASTIC GRAND MARAIS HOME. This solidly built
one-level home has 3 bdrms, 2 baths, and attached 2-car garage. Open layout, updated mechanicals, geo-thermal system, new septic, and private wooded back yard with creek. Adjacent lot (MLS# 6022810) also for sale. MLS# 6022803 $225,000
www.RedPineRealty.com • (800) 387-9599 Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
59
REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Sandra McHugh, Realtor • Jack McHugh, Realtor • Larry Dean, Realtor
Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
HOMES & CABINS HOVLAND HIDEAWAY. Charming 1 bdrm home with knotty pine walls, wood floor, & newer appliances. Designed with smart storage spaces. Large shed with wood fired sauna. All furniture included, only 200 yards from Lake Superior! MLS# 6026367 $89,000
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES RENTAL COTTAGES - GOOD HISTORY - GREAT LAKE. Devil Track
Cabins is a long standing seasonal resort on the beautiful north shore of Devil Track Lake. The 5 charming, cozy cabins and owner's cabin each have a private setting and lake view. A wonderful family retreat! MLS#
6026684, 6026686 $387,900 MARKET, DELI, LIQUOR STORE – HOVLAND. A bustling
business in a beautiful rural community on the North Shore. Bakery, deli, pizza, convenience store, and liquor store under one roof. Large seating area & outdoor patio. Expansion/home site possible! MLS#
6023742 $349,900
BIG OPPORTUNITY, MANY POSSIBILITIES. Prime commercial loca-
tion in Hovland, 1000 feet of Highway 61 frontage. Large commercial space with a small 2 bedroom home and 1 functioning rental cottage. Many new improvements and upgrades. Two more small cabins could be rented, and there's room for many more...or other possibilities. Large 2-car garage plus two sheds. MLS# 6026089 $284,900
COMMERCIAL LOT IN GRAND MARAIS. Good opportunity for a commercial building with a nice second story view of the harbor. Level 40 x 50 lot. A two story vacation rental could be built with a harbor view. What is your dream? MLS# 6024992 $53,500
RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE 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
DRAMATIC CASCADE RIVER PROPERTY. River
splits the 20 acre property – never look at a neighbor across the river. Surrounded by public forest lands.
MLS# 6020527 $74,900 WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION.Three 40 acre lots with 600 to
1000 ft frontage on Mons Creek. Also includes deeded access to Lost Lake. Private and secluded. MLS# 6021356 $59,900 or MLS# 6021357
$69,900 or MLS# 6021358 $74,900. LAND ON THE FLUTE REED RIVER. Enjoy privacy and seclusion
in a deep 13 acre parcel with over 300 feet of trout stream in Hovland. Easy access with power, phone and broadband. Nice build sites. MLS# 2313215 $49,900 500’ 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# 6021088 $39,900
LAND/BUILDING SITES HOME SITE OR BUSINESS DREAM. This 13.4 acre property could be a great home site or resort-type business location. Adjoins Pincushion Mtn. hiking/skiing/biking trails. Lake Superior view with more land available. Zoned Resort/Commercial. MLS# 6026068 $214,900
LARGE WILDERNESS ACREAGE - LAKE ACCESS. This 80+ acre parcel includes 400 feet of shoreline on McFarland Lake. Building sites are located across the road on the hillside with potential lake views. Rugged property with high topography and old growth cedar and pine. Easy access to the BWCAW and Border Route Hiking Trail. MLS# 6024602 $203,000 OUTSTANDING LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS Gorgeous 14.69 acre
parcel located within the boundaries of Cascade State park. Rolling hills, a variety of trees, and only 10 minutes from either Grand Marais or Lutsen. Many opportunities, potential for subdivision. MLS# 6023971 $175,000
MOUNTAIN TOP - WILDERNESS VIEWS. Fantastic vistas into the BWCA and surrounding rugged topography near McFarland Lake. Located at the end of the Arrowhead Trail with easy year-round access. The 122 acres has a high ridge and a “mountain top” for you to name. MLS# 6024599 $167,000 BIG LAND, BIG CREEK, BIG TREES. This nearly 100 acre Hovland area parcel is on the "front range" of the Farquhar Hills with a dramatic backdrop of rock cliffs and escarpments. There is a large creek running through the entire property with many fantastic building sites. MLS# 6024136 $138,900 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# 6023211 $150,000
BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE WITH LAKE VIEWS. Four 80 acre parcels located just south of Schroeder and a stone’s throw from Lake Superior! Each parcel features shared access off State Highway 61. The land features a gradual elevation, tiered building sites, beautiful lake views, and the Caribou River is within walking distance. MLS #6020335, #6021914, #6021916, and #6021918 $149,900 each. LARGE ACREAGE WITH WATER FEATURES. The headwaters of Irish Creek! Quality 160+ acres, 5 parcels sold grouped or separately. Many great features incl. old growth white pine, ponds, camping and building areas. MLS# 6023457 $149,500 INTRIGUING PROSPECT. High-quality items already in place include an insulated/heated slab for house/porch, insulated garage slab, electricity, driveway, the well, a time-dosed/heated septic system. Over 18 acres of privacy. MLS# 6021384 $114,900 UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY. Stunning Little Devil Track River frontage and
Pincushion Mtn. trail access make this 6.3 acre property perfect for skiers, hikers and mtn bikers. Zoned Resort/Commercial. MLS# 6026067 $103,900
HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY. Large 45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage. MLS# 6022858 $99,000 RUSTICATE, RECREATE, RELAX. Reclusive Hovland hideaway – 43 acres with new driveway to “base camp” with a nice camper trailer and shed. Trails have been cut throughout the property which adjoins State land. MLS# 2313223 $64,900 PINES & LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW. Large 13+ acre pine filled lot on the hillside above Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center in Schroeder. Great lake views! Power, phone and broadband at the lot. MLS# 2313242 $64,900 GREAT LOCATION, QUALITY FOREST, BUILD HERE. These 10-acre parcels have a mature and mixed forest, southerly exposure, easy county road frontage and just minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 6023274 $64,900, MLS# 6023275 $62,900, MLS# 6023276 $64,900 MAPLE HILL - HOME SITE. Heavily wooded 6.45 acre parcel with great privacy, county rd frontage, power and phone. MLS# 6023465 $64,500 RIDGES, PINES & VIEWS - ARROWHEAD TRAIL. Nice 20 acre parcel with high building sites and huge pines. The surrounding federal land leads directly into the BWCAW. MLS# 6024600 $63,000 RUSTIC WOODED WONDERLAND. Beautiful 40 acres of maple
WOODED HOME SITE This 5+ acre parcel is only 1.5 miles from Grand Marais and ready for your country home. Mixed forest, with forest service land in the back for exploring or hunting. A driveway and culvert are already in place. MLS# 6026053 $59,000
NICE LOT NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Beautiful gardens currently inhabit this lovely lot. Though it rests on Hwy 61 there are nice private niches to rest your home on. Walk to downtown Grand Marais! MLS# 6022810 $55,000 DENSE EVERGREEN FOREST NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Beautiful 5.8 acre property ready for your home plans, with survey and septic sites located, and many good building sites. Heavy trees and open areas. Easy county road frontage with power and Broadband close by. MLS# 6025992 $52,900
PERFECT 5 ACRE HOME SITE. This private and secluded build site is just waiting for your custom plans! Only five miles from town with five acres of great woods bordering public land on two sides. MLS# 6021986 $51,500 30 ACRES - PANORAMIC VIEWS. Rare mountain top property with a 180 degree view of distant Lake Superior and the ridge to the north. Many trails in place with food plots for wildlife. MLS# 6020274 $49,500 PRICE REDUCED! WOODED 10 ACRES IN HOVLAND. North woods seclusion plus electricity and broadband! Great forested parcel. The driveway is in leading to a secluded build site with nice trees. Cute shower house and outhouse. MLS# 6024396 $47,900 BUILDING SITE OVERLOOKING MCFARLAND LAKE. This pine studded 7 acre property has easy walking access to the county beach on McFarland Lake. Nice elevated build site with easy county road access. MLS# 6024601 $47,000 5 ACRES NEAR DEVIL TRACK LAKE. Must look! 5 acres in a diverse forest on the paved South Shore Drive. Private yet easily accessible. Lot borders forest service land. Driveway is in, septic sites identified. Ready for your plans! MLS# 6025167 $45,000 5 ACRES NEAR CARIBOU LAKE. Gorgeous corner lot with colorful maples and majestic cedars. Plenty of privacy. Close to hiking trails and the Caribou Lake boat landing. Year round access with power! MLS# 2279179 $40,000 LAND NEAR LITTLE MARAIS. Nice, large parcel consisting of 13.5 acres
with 1,100 feet frontage on Lake County Hwy 6. Electricity, broadband, and phone available at the road. Views of Lake Superior from the northeast MLS#6025325 $40,000
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Nice 6 acre parcel of mixed forest land only 6 miles from Grand Marais! Shared driveway is in, transformer on the property. MLS# 6024077 $39,900 QUIET AND PRIVATE. Choice 2.31 acre lot at the end of the road in Lutsen, ready to build. Priced to sell! MLS# 2309202 $39,500 WOODED ACREAGE – GRAND MARAIS. Two private 20 acre lots with hiking and ski trails, and abundant wildlife. A high building site offers seasonal views of Lake Superior. MLS# 2313172 $46,000 & MLS# 2313173 $35,000 LAND FOR ESCAPE AND RECREATION. Remote yet accessible 20 acres near Judge Magney State Park. Good mix of trees, high building site, some distant Lake Superior views. MLS# 6025397 $34,900
FIVE SECLUDED ACRES. One of eight secluded wooded 5-acre parcels bordering Govt. land. MLS# 2308827 $28,000 WILDWOOD ACRES IN TOFTE. Consider these affordable lots when you want to build economically in Cook County! Nice wooded +/- acre lots. MLS# 6025292-6025294 $17,500 – $20,000 PRIVATE HOME SITE CLOSE TO SUPERIOR. Very nice parcel with driveway, power and cleared building site. Privacy on dead end road near Silver Bay. MLS# 6023748 $19,900
forest with small rustic cabin bordering Judge Magney State Park. Enjoy the peaceful solitude of Aide Lake, rimmed by an open cedar grove just a short hike from the cabin into the park. MLS# 6025235 $59,900
www.RedPineRealty.com • Your easy source for new MLS listings daily • info@RedPineRealty.com 60
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN WILDS
BUYING OR SELLING
Lynne Luban
Call: 218-591-0985 Email: stphn.carlson@gmail.com or Realliving.com/steve.carlson. Steve Carlson
OVER 4,000 FT FRONTAGE ALONG THE BAPTISIM RIVER
Over 10 years selling downtown MPLS Condo living. Currently representing this developers 9th project PORTLAND TOWER. I am available to meet with you in Grand Marais or Minneapolis to go over prices & floor plans.
Cell: 612-599-6986 Email: lynneluban@mac.com
THere’s a NEW CONDO BUILDING in DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS
One of a kind property on the sought after Baptism River. This 140 acres has over 4,000 feet of frontage on the Baptism just off Mattson Rd near Finland Mn. Privacy is what this is all about. For more information call 218-591-0985, email to stphn. carlson@gmail.com or Realliving.com/steve.carlson.
112 units with 63 SOLD! • 7 units available for immediate occupancy • 42 still available to customize.
MLS# 6007921 $250,000
PINE RIDGE OVER LAKE SUPERIOR
Lot 9 with 3.8 acres and view of Lake Superior, 3 miles north of Two Harbors on Hwy 61. Price includes lot, shell of house, well and septic. (no inside finishing)
A New Luxury Condo Development 740 Portland Avenue • Downtown Minneapolis
MLS# $299,900
• 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
2806 HWY 61 440 ft of Lake superior frontage and 8 acres with small creek beautiful views and lot of privacy. MLS# $440,000
• 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.
www.Realliving.com/Messina
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 SOLD
Bluefin Unit 2
Bluefin Unit 17
2BR, 2 BA. You can’t get any closer to the lake than this.
2BR, 2 BA. Sweeping views. Rent as 1 or 2 units to maximize income.
Bluefin Unit 19 2 BR, 2 BA. A guest favorite. Both BR’s have panoramic lake views.
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 $179K-$225K, includes furnishings.
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.
SOLD
Bluefin Unit 27
Bluefin Unit 41
Bluefin Unit 61
1 BR, 1 BA. Charming unit with brand new bath, kitchen, and fireplace.
2 BR 2 BA upper unit. Incredible lake views & refined interior. Great rental income history.
3BR/3BA newly remodeled. Annual rental revenue over $100K.
218-663-6886 | eric@bluefinbay.com
NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
61
Talk to Terry! Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner
Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent
Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com
GRAND MARAIS
120 W. 8TH AVE. GRAND MARAIS
New g Listin
Sale ng i d n e P
18 PENDANT LAKE TRAIL
3 Bedroom 1 Bath with loft on beautiful 5.25 acres. Open floorplan. Fireplace. Large 30 x 40 garage. MLS# 6026546 Price: $259,900
5 Bedroom, 3 Bath, Office + more. Fabulous kitchen, bath and gardens. Income potential lower level. MLS# 6025967 Price: $319,900
5 CTY RD 44 GRAND MARAIS
204 W. 1ST ST. GRAND MARAIS
Sale ng i d n e P
SOLD
3 Bedroom 3 Bath with 6400 Sq. Ft. Commercial-Apartmenttwo fireplaces on 9+ acres. Residence. Cash streams galore. Large pole barn and two car garage. MLS# 6022592 Price $419,875 MLS# 6026483 Price: $279,000
12TH 1ST AVE. W. GRAND MARAIS
79 CTY RD 44 GRAND MARAIS
Sale g n i d n Pe
2500 Sq. Ft. Commercial. Solid Renters. Great Location. MLS# TBD Price: $319,900
10 acres with 24 x 24 garage with studio apt. MLS# 6026422 Price: $110,000
Talk to Terry! For results list your property here For more details call or check my website
www.BacklundRealty.com
Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com 62
MARCH 2017
NORTHERN  WILDS
CATCHLIGHT
common Eider This common eider had perhaps been blown off course while migrating, or maybe it was just wanderlust; the Twin Ports is not in the eider’s normal range. I heard from some friends that this eider had been seen in a little spot of open water near Barkers Island in Superior, Wisc. Considerably larger than a mallard and with a markedly different bill shape, it was easy to spot in the group of maybe 100 mallards.As far as I know, this eider was alone.—John Heino
NORTHERN WILDS
MARCH 2017
63
ar ye n d! pe n O rou
EXCITEMENT for the
WHOLE FAMILY!
UPCOMING FESTIVALS & EVENTS JUNE ANISHNAWBE KEESHIGUN 10-11
JULY 1
JULY 20-23
CANADA DAY
something for the entire family! From awardwinning historic programs, concerts & festivals, to a science centre with an astronomical observatory – there’s so much to see and do!
KARNIVAL ON THE KAM
an overnight stay at our RV campground!
AUG
BATTLE OF FORT WILLIAM
OCT
HAUNTED FORT NIGHT
19-20
With over 250 acres of fun and activities, there’s
TH-SUN
NOV/DEC
FRI-SUN
NOVEMBER: 24, 25, 26 DECEMBER: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10
For t William Historic al Park 1350 King R o a d • Thunde r B ay 807-473-2344 • w w w. fw hp. c a
2017 NORTHERN WILDS Paid64for MARCH by the Government of Ontario