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Backroads wanderers and community crafters The sounds of September are different this year. September is usually a month when musicians and musical events come to the forefront along the North Shore. It comes as no surprise that nearly all live music events and performances are cancelled this year. The closure of the Canadian border has been extended through Sept. 21, eliminating cross-border entertainment options. On a positive note, we have resumed our Canadian distribution of Northern Wilds. A few of our distribution outlets remain closed, but you can find us throughout Thunder Bay. While indoor and large event entertainment remains on pause, you can still go outside. September is a fine month, maybe the finest, for doing so. Biting insects are uncommon (but keep an eye peeled for stinging yellowjackets) and the weather is often sunny and warm. That said, late September snowfalls are not uncommon. Even so, the weather at this time of year lends itself well to activities like hiking, biking, paddling and fishing. All are enhanced by the colorful backdrop of fall foliage. That’s the primary reason so many visitors flock to the North Shore at this time of year. The hum of activity that has made the summer exceptionally busy is likely to continue into the fall. Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@northernwilds.com.
With a little creativity and a sense of adventure, it’s possible to escape the crowds primarily clustered along Highway 61. Head inland on one of the major arteries leading inland—State Highway 1, the Sawbill Trail, the Caribou Trail and the Gunflint Trail—all of which inter-
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sect with a network of gravel backroads. Many lead to lakes or unexpected vistas. You just may meet a moose along the way. Inside you’ll find a story illustrated with wonderful fall photography from Travis Novitsky about how to create your own backroads adventure. In this issue, we’ve featured some folks who follow their own paths to create products of use and beauty. You’ll meet a Grand Portage sculptor who crafts beautiful works in wood. In Thunder Bay, we’re introduced to a woman who has mastered the little-known art of sound engineering. There’s a Duluth man who paints colorful fishing lures that catch fish, as well as a Thunder Bay man that developed an artistic line of fishing floats. Another Duluth man makes custom canoe paddles. A Grand Marais woman discovers an unanticipated demand for her handcrafted rag dolls. If you’re hungry, columnist Chuck Viren explores the uniquely northern dish of poutine. We’re also proud to share an extraordinary photograph of a North Shore mountain lion. While mountain lion sightings are legendary, rarely are they verified with photos of tracks or the actual animal. We’ll explain what wildlife biologists know about these uncommon and reclusive creatures. There’s lots more good stuff in this issue, but we don’t want to give it all away. Sit down with a cup of coffee and turn the page. Is there a better way to begin September?—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt
walt huss
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SEPTEMBER 2020
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 9 w w w . n o r t h e r nw i l d s .c o m SERVING THE NORTH SHORE A ND T H E WI L D E R N E S S BE Y O N D PUBLISHERS Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt EDITORIAL Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com Breana Roy, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com
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ADVERTISING Amber Pratt, Sales Manager ads@northernwilds.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com Leah Pratt • print@northernwilds.com OFFICE Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com CONTRIBUTORS Elle Andra-Warner, Gord Ellis, Peter Fergus-Moore, Will Moore, Deane Morrison, Rae Poynter, Julia Prinselaar, Amy Schmidt,Joe Shead, Chuck Viren, Eric Weicht Copyright 2020 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax) PRINT & DESIGN print@northernwilds.com
Where can I find Northern Wilds Magazine? Go to: northernwilds.com/distribution
AD DEADLINE September 16
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14 FEATURES 16 Set off on a Backroads Adventure Taking the road less traveled
18 Carved by Hand
Two local artisans craft beautiful works made to last
REAL ESTATE 38 Real Living, Remax 39 Bluefin Bay, Lutsen Resort Company 40 Timber Wolff Realty 44 Lutsen Real Estate Group 46 Coldwell Banker North Shore 50 Red Pine Realty 54 Backlund Realty
Take the North Shore home with you! From Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ont. and beyond, we cover the stories from the area featuring the people and places that make this place unique.
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DEPARTMENTS 7 Along the Shore 14 Points North 20 Spotlight 23 Events 24 Dining 29 Health 31 Northern Trails
Fall Colors by Paul Sundberg
32 Wild Traditions 34 Northern Kids 35 Northern Sky 36 Reviews 37 Strange Tales
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Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery 2020
This year, artists will compete and display their work online or in-person.
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PAGM Comp. Week: September 11 - 18 Exhibit Dates: September 18 - October 11 Virtual Reception: 5 pm Friday, September 18 on Facebook Live
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New Members and Sustaining Members (those who change to our NEW autopay option) will be entered for a drawing for gifts from local businesses.
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Check our website, local news outlets and social media for history stories throughout the month.
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GOLF TO CHAMPION SOLUTIONS
Health Care Foundation Weekend @ Superior National Golf Course Friday & Saturday
Sept 25-26, 2020 Tee Times Between 8 am - 3 pm $40 DONATION, ON TOP OF GREEN FEE GIVES YOU:
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Lunch Friendly competition A beautiful day on the links to support local Health & Emergency Services! 6
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NSHCF@boreal.org 218-387-5700 www.NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org www.SuperiorNational.com
Bad news for bears TWO HARBORS— Drought conditions and poor production of berries and other wild foods has led to a surge of bear complaints along the North Shore this summer as hungry bears wander into backyards and rummage through dumpsters looking for something to eat. Minnesota DNR area wildlife manager Nancy Hanson passed along some information about the food conditions and how to discourage bears from causing problems for people. In mid-August, Hanson said in an email, “My staff has been busy fielding calls and doing site visits on bear issues. North Shore conservation officers Mary Manning and Kylan Hill have been very busy with bear complaints this year. Jon Benson of the USFS in Tofte has tallied a lot of bear complaints from campsite users in the BWCAW too this year. The USFS put a Food Storage Order in place to help prevent bear problems at campsites.” Generally, bear foods in general are better along the North Shore due to the lake effect, but not good farther inland. Hazelnuts are looking good, and raspberries improved late after the rains came. Due to the lack of natural foods, many bears have been attracted to garbage at residences, businesses and community dumpsters. Once they find a food resource, they will return to it. Poor food production leads to more nuisance complaints. Along the North Shore, the DNR received a fair increase in nuisance complaints over last year, as hungry bears become increasingly bold in their quest for food. Folks plagued with bear problems may get some relief due to the upcoming hunting season. Bear baiting began Aug. 14 and bear hunting starts Sept. 1. Poor food production typically leads to higher hunting success, since over 90 percent of hunters use bait. Bears are more reliant on these baits when they are hungry and preparing for hibernation. The DNR has found two factors can reliably predict the bear harvest: the number of hunters and the productivity of three key fall foods—hazelnuts, acorns and dogwood berries. When fall foods are poor, hunting success increases. Assuming food conditions remain the same into the fall, DNR biologists expect an above-average harvest (at least 2,400– 2,600 bears) this year. Hunters can expect good success in areas food conditions are poor. Unfortunately, the harvest of reproductive females increases dramatically in poor food years. Older females are drawn into baits and shot at disproportionally high rates. If a large proportion of the 2020 harvest consists of reproductive females, this could depress the population growth rate for several years. The sharp drop in the bear population 20 years ago, and its unexpectedly slow recovery (even with relatively low harvests) was, in part, caused by an excessive harvest of older females in a very poor food year in 1995. In recent years, the DNR issued fewer hunting permits to build the bear population so it would be more resilient during years with poor foods and above-average hunting harvests.
The DNR has found two factors can reliably predict the bear harvest: the number of hunters and the productivity of three key fall foods—hazelnuts, acorns and dogwood berries. When fall foods are poor, hunting success increases. | SHERRI ANDERSON
DNR ADVICE:
HOW TO BEAT THE BEARS • Cameras Security and trail cameras allow folks to become aware of the wildlife on their property or near their homes’ including bears. The animals may have always been there, but now they are being captured on camera. • Bear Spray Bear spray is highly recommended for BWCAW visitors, hikers, campers, and residents of the northern forest. Business owners (resorts, restaurants, stores, etc.) can have it on hand for staff and guests if bears frequent their property. Bear spray has pretty good range and works very well when used properly (be aware of wind direction). • Garbage Garbage and poorly designed containers have been the biggest bear attractant this year. Many people have learned to put bird feeders away. DNR Wildlife staff can recommend better dumpster or garbage container designs. Even plywood, fence posts and ratchet straps can temporarily protect plastic lids on dumpsters until a replacement dumpster or metal lid is put in place. Properly designed electric fences work very well. • Electric Fences Should be five or six strands of electric wire to be effective; two- or three-strand fences don’t work. Many options available now. Solar powered chargers keep fence charged. Gates and switches to turn off the fence make access easy for people. Signs should be used to warn people the fence is electrified. Fences work well at protecting fruit trees, bee hives, dumpsters, garbage cans, gardens, livestock, and compost piles. DNR Wildlife staff can recommend designs for that or there are many resources out there. • Unwelcome Mats Both sharp or electric unwelcome mats can be used to keep bears from accessing certain areas (like front doors, garbage cans, sheds). Sharp mats can be designed with a hinge to fold shut and be safe when not in use.
Poor food production leads to more nuisance complaints. Along the North Shore, the DNR received a fair increase in nuisance complaints over last year, as hungry bears become increasingly bold in their quest for food. | SUSAN SHOLD NORTHERN WILDS
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It could happen tomorrow. Get fire ready today. Ed Forrestal airbrushes a stickbait blank in his basement workshop. | JOE SHEAD
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FREE BOAT WASH PREVENT THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
Visit Rockwood Lodge 50 Rockwood Rd. Grand Marais, MN 2 mi past Trail Center, 31 mi from Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail for a free courtesy boat wash OR Visit Napa Auto Parts 404 E. Hwy 61 Grand Marais, MN Receive $5 toward a self-serve boat wash at North Shore Car Wash Clean and remove all plants and mud from boats, trailers, and gear Drain all water from boat, live wells. Pull the plug. Dispose bait properly or bring tap water to save your bait
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DULUTH— Ask any Lake Superior charter captain and you’ll quickly learn that lure color can be the difference between a heavy cooler and a tough day on the water. Ed Forrestal has been doing his best to create lures that hook not just fishermen, but more importantly, fish.
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ple passes to create a stronger, more vibrant color. A Facebook group called Brotherhood of Custom Crankbait Painting has been a valuable resource for like-minded individuals to share tips on lure painting. Forrestal was one of the very first members to join the group, which now numbers more than 7,600 painters.
Forrestal, of Duluth, began making his own lures years ago, carving fishing lures out of balsa and using spinner blades as diving lips on the front of his homemade lures. “I kind of got into it because I’m cheap,” he joked. “If I can make it, I’ll make it versus buying it. I’ve always preferred to make my own stuff.” Forrestal works as a maintenance man for a property management company in Duluth by day, but his evenings have gotten much busier in recent years. In his attempt to build a better fish trap, he began buying blank spoons and painting them with his own fish-catching patterns in his basement workshop. About seven years ago, Marine General in Duluth began carrying his spoons, under the name E & M Custom Tackle. But painting fishing lures isn’t as easy as slopping some paint on a blank. Without some type of coating, the paint quickly chips away. Forrestal needed a coating to protect the paint, but finding the right one wasn’t easy.
WORD,
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An “a-luring” business Duluth man paints custom Lake Superior tackle
“I went through I don’t know how many sample bottles of clearcoat and I couldn’t make them work,” he recalled. Some would crack or spiderweb when they dried. Others reacted with the paint. Some were just plain toxic and began to cure on contact with air, making it nearly impossible to re-open
“It’s a sharing site,” Forrestal said, “not a show-off-your-bait site. If you post a bait and don’t explain it, they’ll pull it right off.”
Ed Forrestal started making his own lures years ago. | JOE SHEAD the lid on the jar after use. Finally, he tried a powder coating from a partial bag that had been given to him and it worked wonders. The first spoons he produced for sale were all simply powder coated. Now, he paints the lures first before giving them a powder coat finish. After that, he bakes them at 400 degrees F to cure.
Forrestal got his foot in the door at Marine General with his spoons, but it took a while before he tried his hand at stickbaits. After nearly a year of unsuccessful attempts, he finally came up with a winning pattern. “I was bringing baits in to Corey (Corey Francisco at Marine General) for a year,” Forrestal said. “I walked in the door with this one (pointing to a bright-orange stickbait) and Corey said ‘how much?’” Forrestal said that particular lure had the brightest orange paint Francisco had ever seen, created using a process that he’s unwilling to share.
To keep a consistent pattern, he creates his own templates. He takes a small sheet of thin plastic and heats it. When it is hot, it becomes pliable and conforms to the shape of a spoon. He then cuts holes or channels in this template with a Dremel in order to paint dots or lines on his lures.
When painting stickbaits, Forrestal begins with blank lures that you can actually see through. He tapes the bills with painter’s tape to protect them from stray paint. Then he coats them with two coats of primer, drying it with a hairdryer. The primer dries in seconds. Then the lure is ready to be painted.
Learning to paint lures has been largely an experiment. He said it takes a steady hand to apply paint correctly with an airbrush because the paint he uses is very thin. He makes multi-
The idea for his color patterns? “They just come out of my head,” Forrestal said. “The pattern on it—there are not two alike.” That’s because the lures are all airbrushed by hand, not
A breakthrough came when Forrestal let Capt. Chris Larson of Duluth Sport Fishing try his lures. He began having success and people began seeing the lures in photos and asking about them at Marine General. Forrestal even had people inquiring about test patterns that were not yet meant for production. The joke became Larson had to ask if the lures were “internet safe” before he could post photos with the lures on Facebook. Larson also used to post photos of fish and asked the Facebook community to guess the weight. Forrestal provided lures for prizes. One winner was a man named David Leslie. After winning some of Forrestal’s lures, he tried them out.
Stickbaits in Forrestal’s basement; [L TO R] primed blanks, Wild Redhead (blue with red head), Wonderbread (rainbow), 57 Chevy (orange), and some miscellaneous patterns. | JOE SHEAD with a machine that would give them a uniform pattern.
Nowadays, Forrestal produces both spoons and stickbaits.
Many of Forrestal’s stickbait designs have black blotches—a pattern he creates by dobbing a sea sponge in black ink. This blotching gives the baits even more variability.
“The stickbaits probably are selling more because guys are figuring out they can use them for walleyes—and they work,” Forrestal said.
After the painting and blotching are complete, he adds eyes. Then, each stickbait is dipped in a one-part epoxy. Lastly, the baits have to be cured in a UV chamber, which, not surprisingly, Forrestal built himself. His UV chamber is made out of plywood lined with aluminum foil and featuring black lights. The lures cure in about an hour or so.
Creating his lures was one thing, but getting them to sell was another endeavor. “I can’t tell you how many hundred baits I gave away,” Forrestal recalled. “I’d give them a business card and ask for feedback. People are really good at taking free baits; not so good at giving feedback.”
“The following weekend, he took those baits down the South Shore and slaughtered the fish,” Forrestal said. “He went on 218 Fishing (a Facebook group) and posted pictures of what they caught. E & M Tackle exploded.” The success of his lures has been fun, but it keeps Forrestal busy. “I did not sleep a lot in 2018,” he said. “I was pounding out 25 a night, every night. When I’m down here and focused, I can make 50 to 100 a night.” E & M Tackle is exclusive to Marine General. “I couldn’t keep up with another shop,” Forrestal said. “I can’t say enough about Marine General. Russ (owner Russ Francisco) has always been so good to me. He gave me a shot when I was a nobody. It’s been an adventure, this whole thing.”—Joe Shead
Safe Driveways in Rural Areas Driveway Access for Emergency Vehicles Emergency personnel try their best to respond to calls in a timely manner. Planning for access by emergency vehicles improves safety for homeowners and their families. This is especially important in rural areas where response times may be considerably longer than in cities. Driveway Width, Height & Grade For emergency vehicles to safely access your property, your driveway must have an all-weather surface that can support large, heavy vehicles. Vegetation must be cleared to the following standards: • Have an unobstructed vertical clearance of 14 feet. • Have at least a12-foot wide drivable surface, with a 2-foot clear zone on each side of the driveway (16-feet overall). • Driveway must not exceed 12% grade overall.
Cook County Firewise
411 W 2nd St, Grand Marais, MN 55604 firewise@co.cook.mn.us Phone: 218.235.0899 www.cookcountyfirewise.org
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SEPTEMBER 2020
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‘She was a legend’: Quetico ranger remembered for her guidance, grit By Dan Kraker, MPR News
DULUTH—The longest-serving interior ranger in the history of Quetico Provincial Park has died. For 35 years Janice Matichuk greeted canoeists crossing from the Boundary Waters into Canada at the remote Cache Bay Ranger station—on a small island on Saganaga Lake, at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Matichuk was a legend—for the sage guidance and tough love she gave generously to paddlers—and, for saving the lives of several of them. “Whenever it was windy on Cache Bay, she had her binoculars out and she’d go out on the north side of the island and watch for paddlers bobbing in the wind,” said her longtime friend Deb Mark, who has owned Seagull Outfitters near the end of the Gunflint Trail for more than 30 years. Matichuk may be most renowned for her daring rescues, which she tended to dismiss as just part of the job. But she’s most loved for the friendships she forged with people who paddled to the ranger station to pick up their Quetico permits after crossing into Canada. “She became part of the trip for a lot of people,” said Joe Friedrichs, the news director for WTIP radio in Grand Marais, who’s written a biography of Matichuck called “Her Island: The Story of Quetico’s Longest Serving Interior Ranger,” due out this fall. “They stopped to talk with Janice, they booked an entry point through Cache Bay, because they hoped that Janice would be there that day.” Matichuk first came to remote Cache Bay in 1985 when she was 30, with her 5-month-old daughter Ingela in tow. She had never been there before. But she told Friedrichs last summer on WTIP’s Boundary Waters Podcast that when she arrived for her first day of work, she knew immediately it was home. “I remember walking from the plane up to the cabin,” she said. “I remember it so well, because I just knew this is where I belong. I had such a settling in my bones. Yep, this is where I belong. I just knew it.” Matichuk spent every summer for the next 35 years at that cabin, checking in canoers, handing out permits, and educating people about the wilderness — what she called “the bush.”
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“I really want them to get it,” she told Friedrichs. “I want them to just absorb the importance of how you treat the bush, and you respect the bush. Leave no trace camping... but it goes beyond that. It’s just an appreciation and a respect and a love for the wilderness.” And she never tired of the work. “When I have a good day at the office I’m just pumped, I’m just energized, because I know I got through to them. And that’s one of the biggest paybacks for me,” she said. Carolyn Hipp of Hilbert, Wis., was one of the many people she connected with over the years. Hipp was in her 50s when she met Matichuk, on her first trip to Quetico
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Janice Matichuk greeted canoeists at the Cache Bay ranger station on Saganaga Lake for 35 years. | COURTESY OF DEB MARK with her husband. They would come back every summer for the next 10 years. “I consider her a legend,” she said. “I have 11 good years of going to Quetico and she was responsible for that because there’s no way that my husband Bob and I could have navigated those trips and been able to do what we did without having her knowledge and expertise to guide us along the way.” They became good friends over the years -- and on her last trip, Matichuk greeted Hipp with an ice-cold glass of mint julep tea when she returned to Cache Island. “She was so dedicated,” Hipp said. “And she was really concerned about having you be safe, making sure you knew where you were going, and that you were prepared.”
The Grand Marais Art Colony will have a Studio 21 Open House on Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day), from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. People are welcome to come and see the space. Masks and social distancing requirements will be in place.
A woman in a wilderness more often traveled by men, Janice Matichuk was one of the toughest. “There are a lot of males in this world who don’t necessarily think that a woman out there at Cache Bay really knows what she’s talking about, but she set them straight real easily,” said Deb Mark. Matichuk was diagnosed with brain cancer in June. She died last week at 66. “Hopefully what people take away from Janice Matichuk and her story is that you can do amazing things in really remote, isolated places, that impact so many people all over the world,” said Joe Friedrichs. “You can do amazing things on this earth.”
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Real estate sales have been brisk along the North Shore this summer. | STOCK
A sizzling summer for real estate GRAND MARAIS—When asked how real estate sales were doing this summer,” Grand Marais realtor Terry Backlund of Backlund Realty summed it up with two words. “Crazy, crazy,” he said. “The number one thing I’m hearing from buyer is, ‘If I can work from anywhere, I may as well live somewhere beautiful.’” Low lending rates have prompted buyers to look for homes and cabins on the North Shore. Some are local residents seeking a new home. Others are folks from the Twin Cities and elsewhere who are contemplating moving to the North Shore, because they can work remotely. Some seek a weekend retreat. Others are looking to purchase properties that either are or can be converted into vacation rentals. “Real estate in Cook County is booming,” said Kim Wolff of Timber Wolff Realty. Buyer confidence is very high.” Wolff’s remark may seem counterintuitive in the midst of a pandemic and record unemployment nationwide. However, not everyone is out of work. Travel, especially by air, is very limited due to the pandemic. “People want a vacation place they can drive to rather than fly,” Wolff said. “Most of our buyers are from Minnesota, but we’ve been getting buyer leads from all over the country.” As always, the strongest market is homes and cottages on Lake Superior, which are typically among the most expensive properties on the North Shore. One aspect of the market that has picked up this year are homes and cabins on inland lakes. So, too, have homes in Grand Marais. The flip side of booming activity is a reduced inventory of properties available for purchase. “Residential housing is slim pickings,” said Virginia Detrick-Palmer of Coldwell Banker North Shore. “Prices are going up and we are seeing more multiple offers.” She predicts Cook County may see a small uptick in permanent residents. She’s seeing younger people who are considering relocating to the North Shore, because they can bring their jobs with them.
“Thank God we have broadband,” she said. “It makes a difference for buyers who are considering working remotely.” Vacant land still moves slowly on the North Shore, due to the high cost of construction. “The expense of improving land and then building catches up with us,” said Mike Raymond of Red Pine Realty. The buyers who are looking at vacant land are price shopping.”
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Commercial property is also sluggish. While downtown Grand Marais has a number of vacant lots, they are not attracting much interest, again likely due to the high cost of developing them. “I’ve seen people look at land, then look at the cost of building and then purchase a home instead,” said Backlund. However, one business that appears to be growing is vacation rentals. Realtors remarked that they are seeing buyers who are interested in income-producing properties. Properties that can become nightly rentals are “hot.” The numbers show it’s been a busy summer for real estate sales. Steve Surbaugh of the Lutsen Real Estate Group also sits on the board of directors for Grand Marais State Bank. “This July was the busiest in the last six years, based on the number of transactions,” he said. “Buyers are not just kicking tires. They’re serious.” Surbaugh provided data based on MLS listing for recent years. At the time of this interview in mid-August, he said there were 35 pending sales. All of the real estate action has slowed the time it takes to make a transaction. Appraisals, which typically take two weeks, are taking five or six weeks. This is due to real estate sales, but also the large number of folks who are refinancing mortgages to take advantage of low interest rates. —Shawn Perich
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Zoe Gordon The practice of listening THUNDER BAY— In an open field several kilometres from the city, a film crew made up of director, camera person, assistant, several actors, and the sound recorders sit on the autumn-browned stubble, listening. After close to 10 minutes, one of the sound people switches off their equipment, pipes up, “That’s good!” And the crew gets up, and begins packing away the gear to head back to the city. The sound people had switched on the recorder to take in the ambient, or environmental sound of the field area. This sound will be tweaked and mixed with whatever music, sound effects and dialogue comprise the audio of the scene. Lakehead-born Zoe Gordon is just such a sound recorder, and not only for films. “There are all kinds of sound art,” she says from her north side studio, “like installations, sound art coupled with video, podcasts, story telling. I do many different things with sound myself—my practice is based on listening, both professionally and personally.” Professionally, Gordon’s work underscores a variety of films, most notably those made by Thunder Bay Indigenous film maker Michelle Derosier. In fact, one of Derosier’s films, The Grandfather Drum, presented Gordon with what could be called a good problem to have. “I had created the sound design for The Grandfather Drum, but when it got into Sundance film festival, the sound needed to be 5.1 Theater Mix,” she says. “In a cinema, there are 6 speakers: one behind the screen, two beside the screen, two at the back, and a big sub-woofer on the ground at the front. This is way beyond home stereo, and the film audio has to sound good through all that.” Fortunately, City Center Cinema allowed Gordon to test her mix in one of their auditoriums, and it passed with flying colours. Gordon wanted to be an artist, but her inclination to work in sound came from a chance encounter with the work of Austrian-born Vancouverite Hildegard Westerkamp. It was at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, that the young student was
inspired to seek Westerkamp out and learn from her. “I went to an art gallery and sat and just listened,” Gordon says. “Her work still influences me.” Though Gordon has since returned to the Lakehead to practice her art, she has had to teach herself many of the techniques and use of the equipment involved, owing in part to Thunder Bay area’s relative geographical isolation. “There aren’t many people here doing what I am doing. I am not a music producer as such. I have so much to learn,” she says, “but being in Thunder Bay gives me the work/life balance I want. I work hard when I work, but can take time off as I need. In a big city, the work would swallow you up.” If there is one aspect that seems crucial to her work, it is that of listening. “I have led a couple of sound walks, where you stop and listen to what is around you,” she says. “I try to listen, use my ears to problem-solve. And I practice listening to take that into the studio. That is the basis for what I do, what has helped me shape my profession as recordist.” “I feel passionate about listening to people’s stories,” Gordon continues, “those stories that haven’t necessarily been heard, stories that need to be heard.” As of this writing, Gordon was involved in doing sound recording for a film about a woman whose is struggling with opiod addiction, due for release this summer. Last year, she provided the soundscape for the CNIB event, “When I am Dreaming, I am Not Blind.” “Whichever work I do, I try to help tell the story,” she says. Help to tell a given story means that Gordon has to go where the sound is being generated, indoors and out. “On location, I carry a recorder strapped to me in a harness, a mike on a boom and a
Sound recordist Zoe Gordon at work in her basement studio. | PETER FERGUS-MOORE Lavalier mike,” she says, referring to a small hands-free microphone that is often clipped to the collar of a garment worn by the subject of a scene. “For environmental recording, it’s a whole different setup.”
In her basement studio, half surrounded by an impressive array of equipment, Gordon reflects: “I listen, to try to understand how we all listen, in the personal sense, the political sense, how we perceive the world around us.”—Peter Fergus-Moore
Wherever you go from here, you belong here. Walk into any one of our gazillion convenient locations using our mobile app. It’s the simple, secure way to check balances, pay bills, send payments and more— wherever, whenever. Take the next step at northshorefcu.org/NSFCUApp.
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That Hovland man and his flying machine HOVLAND—Denny Pechacek of Hovland has always wanted to fly like a bird. He became a certified paraglider 22 years ago in the Czech Republic. He has also gone paragliding in the American West. Unfortunately, the heavily forested North Shore landscape doesn’t lend itself to paragliding, so he needed to find another way to take to the sky. Four years ago, he ventured into motor-powered paragliding, purchasing a backpack unit with a motor and a propeller. “You strap it on your back, take a few steps, give it the gas and you are up,” he said. Taking to the sky was easy and fun. However, he had a couple of tough landings, which were made more difficult by his bad hip. So, he looked for another way to go skyward. On a fishing trip to Montana, he met a couple of brothers who were into ultralight flying. They introduced him to motorized trike ultralights. The three-wheeled paragliding contraptions have a seat in front of the motor and prop. “It’s like a flying couch versus a mosquito,” he said, comparing it to a backpack. “Very safe and very comfortable.” He tried to buy an ultralight from the Montana men, but they weren’t interested in selling. So, he took to the internet, even-
tually purchasing a two-seat “trike” with a 50-horse engine built by Six Chuter International. He now flies it on calm days at the Grand Marais Airport, one of the few open places he’s found to take off and, more importantly, land in Cook County. He’s flown the ultralight about a dozen times. Pechacek talks enthusiastically about his time in the sky. Most often he flies over the forests around the airport. Once this summer, he made his way to Pincushion Mountain and then flew down to Grand Marais, where he made a turn over the harbor and then climbed back up to Pincushion and eventually the airport. In the U.S., you don’t need a pilot’s license or special certification to fly an ultralight. The craft, however, must go through an annual inspection with a certified aircraft mechanic. Manufacturers often recommend pilot training or require it prior to sale. Calm skies are needed to fly the trike. Pechacek said that with winds greater than 8 mph it’s difficult to make forward progress. What he finds frustrating is that wind conditions are often calm at his home perched on a hill above Lake Superior while it may be breezy further inland at the airport. It’s hard for him to find good times to fly. Next year, Pechacek hopes to take his backpack paraglider along on an epic adventure. He is working to restore a steel-hulled boat with a cabin that he plans to take down
Denny Pechacek stands next to his ultralight at the Cook County Airport in Grand Marais. | AMY NEILSON the Mississippi River to New Orleans. From there he plans to head into the Gulf of Mexico, following the Gold Coast to Florida and eventually concluding the journey in the Florida Keys. Along the way, he hopes to have some airtime over lonely, wild beaches.
For a man who likes to fly like a bird, it’s a flight that fires his imagination. “If you love flying,” he said, “you dream about it.”—Shawn Perich
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Transforming trash barrels
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Two local artists completely transformed eight new trash barrels to be installed in downtown Grand Marais recently. Ole Sorensen, Grand Marais-based abstract artist and recent graduate of the Perpich Arts High School, completed two barrels. Painter and muralist Sam Zimmerman, Duluthbased artist and Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe direct descendant, completed six barrels that feature a Lake Superior fish and its Ojibwe name. The barrels were donated by Sawtooth Mountain Maple Syrup Company in Lutsen and artists received funding through the Cook County Chamber of Commerce Great Place Project, and a collaboration between the City of Grand Marais, the Creative Economy Collaborative and the Grand Marais Art Colony.
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SEPTEMBER 2020
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Points North A mountain lion makes an appearance By Shawn Perich
Years ago, I was driving across the Shoe Lake Road north of Hovland on a late October afternoon. A fresh dusting of snow, unmarked by tire tracks, covered the road. I noticed a large set of paw prints crossing the road and stopped to investigate them, thinking they were left by a wolf. The tracks were wolf-sized, round and indistinct. Curious, I followed the tracks into the woods a short distance until I came to a place where the critter made a four-point jump onto a fallen log and then walked down the log like a gymnast on a balancing beam. Wolves don’t do that. Cats do. I didn’t have time to follow the tracks any farther, so I walked back to the truck and continued on my way. I don’t know what sort of cat made the tracks, but since then I have seen Canada lynx and their tracks nearby on several occasions. Perhaps the tracks I saw were left by a lynx; an animal with big, furry feet. But it is possible they were left by a mountain lion. In a lifetime spent roaming the wilds of northeastern Minnesota in all seasons, I’ve never seen a mountain lion. I’ve heard plenty of stories about sightings by other people ranging from fleeting glimpses to fanciful accounts of the “black panthers” that “everyone knows” are out there. Most often, these stories are told by folks who spend little time in the woods and are unaware that that melanistic (black color phase) mountain lions don’t exist. The only melanistic big cats are jaguars, which range along the Mexican border, and leopards of Africa and Asia. If either of those cats showed up in the Northwoods, it would have a domesticated origin. From dozens of supposed sightings, I’ve only heard a small handful of mountain lion stories from folks who were credible observers. None of them had photos of the animals or their tracks. Then along came
Shawn Perich’s POINTS NORTH online
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Ryan Pennesi recently captured this image of a mountain lion. When asked about it, he said: “High up on a forested mountainside along Minnesota’s North Shore, large boulders and rocky cliff faces are the remnants of glaciation events, which have formed natural caves and narrow wildlife corridors in some situations. I had set up my remotely triggered motion-detection camera-trap in a strategic location near this cave’s entrance. I knew that these areas attracted cats, particularly bobcats, but imagine my surprise when this cougar showed up! Verified sightings of mountain lions in Minnesota are rare, which I found out when I reported this sighting to local area wildlife officials. I find it exciting to know that these big cats are making use of Minnesota’s wild spaces; often coexisting without a trace. “ | RYAN PENNESI Ryan Pennesi, who captured eight photos of mountain lion at his camera trap in Lake County at 7:44 a.m. July 24. As you can see from the accompanying photo, there is no doubt the animal is a mountain lion. A reforestation technician for the U.S. Forest Service at Tofte, Pennesi has been setting camera traps for eight years. He sets them in locations animals, particularly carnivores, are likely to investigate. He sets the camera, along with two or three flash units, at a place where terrain and vegetation will cause animals to funnel through a pinch point. With batteries lasting about a month, he visits the camera traps infre-
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quently to avoid alerting local wildlife to his presence. The location where he photographed the mountain lion was a small cave in a rocky area that had already proven to be attractive to a range of critters. He’s taken excellent photos of bobcats there, as well as black bear, racoons, porcupines, red squirrels, chipmunks and even a Franklin’s ground squirrel. He didn’t expect his menagerie of photos would include a mountain lion. “I was very surprised,” he said. Pennesi reported his photo capture to Minnesota DNR wildlife staff, who asked him to not give out the specific location where it was taken. He was told mountain lions exist in the state, but are uncommon. Wildlife officials believe the big cats seen in Minnesota originate in the western Dakotas and are young males seeking new territory to claim as their own. He has doubled his camera trapping efforts in the vicinity, but isn’t hopeful that he will capture any more photos. Interestingly, five years ago he found scat he thought was possibly from a cougar that he turned in for DNA testing, which de-
termined it was from a bobcat. He’s also talked with two people who described mountain lion sightings they had in the past five years not far from where he took the picture. Pennesi isn’t the only person to encounter mountain lions in Minnesota this year. DNR large carnivore specialist Dan Stark said he has received nine verified occurrences since January. This tops the eight occurrences recorded in 2018. Only two were recorded last year. This year’s occurrences began with a January report near Nebish in Beltrami County, followed by one southeast of Grand Forks in February. In May, a couple of trail camera images were reported in Ottertail County, with subsequent reports from Itasca and Cass counties. Stark believes some reports may be of the same animal as it roams. Pennesi’s capture is the first recent report on the North Shore, although reports came from Skibo and Hoyt Lakes as well as Grand Marais a few years ago. “We’ve had photos from just about everywhere in the state,” Stark said. “We’ve even had a few mountain lions show up dead.”
Scientific analysis has determined the dead animals, all males, originated in the Black Hills, northwestern Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. The DNR has been keeping track of mountain lion reports since 2007, collecting over 50. In the past, DNR wildlife staff did site verification visits, but as observations become more common and DNR adjusts work priorities at field offices, those visits will be more limited. Stark believes mountain lions just pass through Minnesota and don’t stick around. “We haven’t seen any evidence of a resident population,” he said. The lack of evidence is compelling. Extensive surveys for wolves and other forest predators haven’t detected any mountain lions. None have ever been caught in traps or snares. Also, aside from a very few isolated occurrences, mountains lions don’t turn up as road kills. Stark said that places with small, established mountain lion populations can have dozens of vehicle-kills every year. The DNR doesn’t dispute mountain lion sightings reported by the public, but only verifies physical evidence
such as photos or tracks. There have been reports of deer kills by cats, which are identified by the deer being partially buried. However, when biologists have set up trail cameras at the kill sites, they have photographed bobcats returning to the kill. Stark said bobcats are capable of killing deer and will cache their kill. Because female mountains rarely disperse far from where they were born, Stark believes it will be years, if ever, before mountains lions establish a breeding population in Minnesota. But given their abundance a few hundred miles to the west, it is likely roaming males will continue to be sighted in the state. Pennesi plans to keep setting camera traps and capturing images that add to our knowledge of North Shore wildlife. For instance, wildlife biologists were surprised when he captured photos of a badger. Since then, he has photographed several of the animals. While he does sell some photographs, Pennesi’s camera trapping is more a labor of love than a business.
Rides Volunteers give rides locally or to Duluth. Care Partners offers great mileage reimbursement, a short training, & safety precau�ons. You choose your rides.
Other Ways to Support Community Elders Volunteers with Care Partners provide:
Friendly telephone calls Outdoor chore help Shopping help Call Deliveries
218-387-3788 www.carepartnersofcookcounty.org
“I hope that my work inspires others to seek out their own adventures outdoors and to be curious observers in nature,” he said.
Historic Cook County: Honor the past, enrich the future
Nursing Assistant Program North Shore Health is accepting applications for the Certified Nursing Assistant Program. The nursing assistant program consists of three components; on-line learning, skills lab learning, and clinical experience. The skills lab and clinical components are taught by a Registered Nurse. The program has the flexibility to allow you to proceed at your own pace for the on-line component with scheduled times for skills lab and clinical. You are also eligible to become a student employee once you start the skills lab portion of the course.
COOK COUNTY—The Cook County Historical Society was established in 1924, before the road to Grand Marais was completed and during a time when visitors still arrived by steamship or dog sled. Since that time, the organization has fulfilled its mission to collect, preserve and share the history of Minnesota’s northeastern-most county. Historic Cook County has a current collection of five sites, weaving together tales of the past. Many history and art collections (over 25,000 individual items) are temporarily stored at these locations. A major project on the horizon is the construction of a building for proper storage of these priceless artifacts. Through the month of September, the Cook County Historical Society will be sharing stories from the past. Tune in to WTIP on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the best of “Moments in Time” series. Check the Historical Society’s website each Tuesday evening to connect to live-streamed interviews with elders sharing their memories. Read the Cook County News-Herald for articles from the archives, and follow the Historical
Senior Rides Drivers Needed
The program is offered without cost pending successful completion of the program, passing the registry exam, and employment by North Shore Health as a Nursing Assistant Registered for a minimum of 90 days. The Cook County Historical Society will be celebrating Cook County’s heritage throughout Sept. | SUBMITTED Society on Facebook and Instagram to see more photos and stories. You can also help celebrate Cook County’s heritage this month by becoming a new or sustaining member of the Cook County Historical Society. Anyone who becomes a sustaining
member or a new member this month will be entered in a drawing featuring wonderful prizes from area businesses. To enter, visit: cookcountyhistory.org/ become-a-member.
Once you become a Nursing Assistant Registered you will be eligible for a competitive wage and benefits that are available based on hours guaranteed. Health, Dental and Life Insurance, PERA Retirement, Deferred Compensation, PTO, Holiday pay, and Shift Differential. To apply go to: northshorehealthgm.org/employment
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CONGRATULATIONS TO 2020 SUPER LAWYERS & RISING STARS HONOREES William M. Burns Business
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John D. Kelly Civil Litigation
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NORTHERN WILDS
Scott A. Witty Rising Stars Honoree
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Autumn beauty often awaits on backroads drives, whether you are out on a crisp, sunny day. [ABOVE] or passing through the mist [LEFT].
Set off on a Backroads Adventure! BY SHAWN PERICH PHOTOS BY TRAVIS NOVITSKY Dad started it. When I was a boy, our family would go on what were simply called “rides.” Often, they began with a destination in mind, perhaps a state park or a similar outdoor attraction. Inevitably, the destination became just a waypoint on a spontaneous adventure. At some point, Dad would turn on a side road, saying “I wonder what’s down there,” and away we would go. We explored all sorts of places within an hour or two of my hometown Duluth. This apple didn’t roll far from the tree. Over the years, I’ve roamed a fair bit of the Northern Wilds on both sides of the border. Many backroads and byways still need to be explored. Many more are worthy of revisiting. I guess my work is cut out for me. 16
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Who knows what adventure awaits around the next bend in the road?
Backroads Basics
Backroads adventuring is easy, but you should know a few pointers to stay out of trouble. Some routes are lightly traveled, so you may be on your own if you have a problem. Like the Boy Scouts say, “Be prepared!” Should you drive this road? The two-tracks pictured above are fine for high-clearance vehicles, but exercise caution for rocks and potholes with a standard car. In the bottom photo, your vehicle will be covered in mud when you emerge on pavement Like Dad, I often begin my rambles with a destination. A couple of years ago, I had in itch to visit Forest Center, once a thriving logging community on the edge of what is now the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The buildings were removed long ago. I drove west on Highway 61 and then headed north on the Sawbill Trail, soon leaving the blacktop behind. From there I followed a series of forest roads north and west, eventually reaching Forest Center. I hadn’t been there in over 30 years. What I remembered as a relatively open area where we set up camp while fishing nearby Lake Isabella had been grown over by the forest and then burned by the Pagami Creek Fire in 2011. I wandered around the site with my dogs and made a nostalgic hike to Lake Isabella. It was a great ride, made all the better by some of the stops I made along the way. I checked out a couple of trout streams and made scenic stops. A high point of the day was pulling up beside a roadside flowage with abundant wild rice. Enjoying the bounty was a flock of Canada geese and several family groups of ducks. I enjoyed watching them go about their business. While some of us venture down the backroads year-round, many folks are more likely to go for a ride during the fall color season. For the less adventurous, there are official routes marked with signs. These roads are great places to see spectacular fall color, because they typically lead through maple stands with brilliant colors in September. On the other hand, because they are well-travelled, the of-
ficial routes may not be the best places to encounter wildlife. You’ll have better luck if you wander off the beaten path. If you truly want to encounter a moose, a black bear and other forest critters, it is best to be serious about your quest. You are unlikely to see many animals if you go looking for them in midday, when they retreat into the forest. Hit the road at daybreak, when wild animals are most active, to greatly up your odds of seeing them. Don’t like early rising? Then get out there in the evening when the animals begin to stir. When seeking wildlife, have reasonable expectations. The Northern Wilds is not a park. The dense forests limit how far you can see. This means that all wildlife sightings are a matter of happenstance. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Also, at the conclusion of your drive, recall all of the critters you encountered. Perhaps you weren’t lucky enough to see a moose or a wolf, but you may have happened upon a roadside fox, a beaver swimming in a pond, a couple of ruffed grouse and other animals. When you tally it up, you may be surprised at how much you’ve seen. Backroads driving isn’t for everyone. Some folks don’t like bumpy gravel roads. Others are unable to see the forest for the trees. But if you enjoy wandering off the beaten path, going for a drive in the woods is simple, inexpensive fun. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Carry a paper map and know how to read it. A paper map never runs out of power or gets out of service range. The best one available for the Minnesota portion of the Northern Wilds is the official Superior National Forest map, available at ranger stations. You can also use county maps, including the map of Cook County published by Northern Wilds, or an Atlas. In Ontario, a good choice is the Backroads Mapbooks guide for Northwestern Ontario. Don’t trust Google Maps. Local law enforcement officers have plenty of tales about people who found themselves in a jam because they followed inaccurate directions on Google Maps. Also, cell phone service is patchy or nonexistent. Some folks use mapping apps such as GAIA. You can download the map you need prior to entering an area lacking cell service. A GPS unit will show where you are. However, it won’t show the condition of the roads, which may be anything from well-maintained to minimum maintenance. You will get more accurate information about roads from a good paper map. Know your vehicle’s capabilities. That local guy in the beat-up four-wheel drive can go just about anywhere. That’s not true for the family sedan. You don’t want to bottom out on a big rock sticking up in the road, have your vehicle scratched by overgrown brush or get stuck in a muddy spot. Don’t drive into trouble. Unless you have an appropriate high-clearance vehicle, avoid two-tracks and minimum maintenance roads. Stay off snowmobile and ski trails, which are well-marked with signs. If you come across a large puddle, get out and check the water depth and solidness of the road bed before driving through it. NORTHERN WILDS
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Geoff Vukelich, owner of DAM Goods and Gear in Duluth, has a deep love for the outdoors. | SUBMITTED
Geoff Vukelich Handcrafted outdoor gear
From a young age, Geoff Vukelich began building his own paddles and rods, the beginnings of a craft that his business is focused on today. | SUBMITTED
By Rae Poynter
Geoff Vukelich has a deep love for the outdoors. At DAM Goods and Gear in Duluth, Vukelich creates handmade fishing rods, landing nets, snowshoes and canoe paddles that help people to get outdoors and explore the Northern Wilds. DAM Goods and Gear isn’t just any gear store, however; it’s a business founded on providing a completely personalized experience, protecting the environment, and embodying the fact that stories are what ultimately matter to us most. Geoff Vukelich credits his skill, in part, to growing up with a craftsmen heritage. His father’s side were carpenters and his mother’s side were steel engineers, and he grew up with a mindset of fixing things that were broken rather than throwing them away to buy something new. “We had vintage equipment that got handed down to us—it was utilitarian and worked excellently,” he said. “So many peo18
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ple today live in a throwaway culture, and they forget that old things were made of someone’s time and energy, or that you can make new things out of old stuff.” From a young age, Vukelich began building his own paddles and rods, the beginnings of a craft that his business is focused on today. The creation process begins when a customer reaches out with something they need, and all along the way the process is focused on each individual and their unique needs. Factors such as size, shape, the customer’s goals and hobbies, and incorporating special items are used to create a product that is 100 percent one of a kind. “We can do inlays if someone wants to use a piece of their own special wood, paper, or whatever is the most meaningful,” Vukelich said. “We don’t use patterns—we’re the most custom gear shop in the world.”
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The love of nature and respect for the environment can be seen in every step of the creation process at DAM Goods and Gear. Vukelich does not stock materials; rather, all of the wood used is reclaimed, upcycled, or otherwise salvaged, and the history of wood is one of the things that Vukelich loves about his work. He cuts the wood thinly and bends it the way it wants to bend, and ensures that each piece of gear is durable enough to endure a lifetime of use. When a product is finished and ready for delivery, Vukelich makes the effort to meet up with people or meet halfway to get it delivered, keeping the carbon footprint as small as possible. In addition to new creations, DAM Goods and Gear also offers gear repair, a part of the job that Vukelich especially enjoys. He shared a story of a time when a man approached him about a fishing rod that had snapped in half. The rod once belonged to a family member who had since
passed away, and the rod was especially meaningful to the family. Vukelich was able to cut, segment, and put the rod back together so it could continue to be used for years to come. “This is why I’m in business,” Vukelich said. “It’s not about money; it’s about preserving meaning. I want to repair things that mean a lot to people so they don’t have to throw it out and replace it with something new.” To learn more about DAM Goods and Gear, visit: damgoodsandgear.com.
Donovan Dahmen Carved wood Design
By Rae Poynter The style of wood design that Donovan Dahmen makes can be categorized as intarsia, which involves cutting and fitting smaller pieces of wood together to make a larger design or picture. | SUBMITTED
Up the shore in Grand Portage, artist Donovan Dahmen has also crafted a life of carving stunning wood works by hand. Some may recognize his work from the Spirit Tree installation at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, a massive project that took over a year to create. Throughout all of his work, Dahmen creates art inspired by his Ojibwe culture and roots, and that is both made from and reflects the natural beauty of the North Shore. Dahmen’s interest in art goes back to grade school, when he would create designs for fellow students to color. He went on to art school through the Institute of American Indian Arts, but it was only a few years ago that he got seriously into wood carving. Dahmen said that he was inspired to begin carving when he was looking at a drawing of an eagle, and it reminded him of wood pieces. Equipped with just a few hand tools, he set to work on his first wood design piece and he has been carving ever since. The style of wood design that Dahmen makes can be categorized as intarsia. Intarsia involves cutting and fitting smaller pieces of wood together to make a larger design or picture, similar to how a mosaic does with tile. Dahmen did not intentionally set out to do intarsia; rather, he began creating, and it was only later that another local artist saw his work and was reminded of intarsia, but with a unique style. “My work has its own style,” said Dahmen. “My pieces tend to be more curved, and I like working with hand files—I get more of a feel for and a connection to the wood that way. I once posed a question in an intarsia group to see how many others used hand files, and not many others do.”
Throughout all of his work, Dahmen creates art inspired by his Ojibwe culture and roots, and that is both made from and reflects the natural beauty of the North Shore. | SUBMITTED Some people may recognize Dahmen’s work from the Spirit Tree installation at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, a massive project that took over a year to create. | SUBMITTED Creating such intricate art by hand is no short process. Dahmen starts with an idea, and then over many months works to bring that idea to life. “Most of my ideas come from my Native culture and roots,” he said. “I want to draw upon nature and natural elements, and my culture connects with that.” Once the design is ready, he selects which wood to use, focusing on using as much local wood as possible. Having a variety of colors give each piece depth, and he often works with wood such as black ash, birch
and aspen, as well as sourcing mahogany or other unique colors as needed. He then gets to work cutting and shaping each of the many pieces. Then the pieces are tightly fitted together before being hand-coated with finish. “The Spirit Tree piece took me a year and a half to do, though I didn’t work on it every day,” Dahmen said. “I try to live with the seasons, and take off time for wild ricing and hunting. Still, if I had worked on it every single day it would have taken about seven months.”
Looking ahead, Dahmen has a few new projects in the works. He recently got a commission from a woman who was travelling and happened to see his Spirit Tree installation at the Grand Portage Lodge. He is also working on a project with over 100 pieces, one he describes as a spiritual piece that reflects the renewing presence in the pre-dawn silence. Those who are interested in learning more can visit Donovan Dahmen’s Facebook page.
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By Breana Roy
A Busy Month for Artists
Many artists remain busy this month with over 50 artists participating in Plein Air Grand Marais, held Sept. 11-18, with an exhibition at the Johnson Heritage Post Sept. 19-Oct. 11. Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour in Cook County hosts over 60 artists, held Sept. 25Oct. 4. Visit the Events section to learn more.
Maggie Anderson creates functional and sculptural ceramics. She will be participating in Art Along the Lake and she will be located outside on Cascade Beach Road alongside Mary Bebie, Rebecca Wicklund and Beth Wicklund. To see more from Anderson, visit: clayphoenixceramics.com. | MAGGIE ANDERSON
Jo Wood will be participating in Art Along the Lake virtually this year. Her hand-stitched beaded and felt images are inspired by the life, land and waters of the North Shore. This piece is titled, “Fireweed with Butterfly.” See more of her work at: jowoodbeads.com. | JO WOOD Jewelry artist Quay Flom is new to Art Along the Lake this year. She is one of three guest artists at Yellow Bird Fine Art. Flom creates jewelry of all kinds, such as this Lake Superior beach glass mosaic necklace, wrapped with copper wire. See more from Flom online at: quayann.com. | QUAY FLOM
Stillwater artist Kami Mendlik is one of many artists participating in Plein Air Grand Marais. Her deep passion for exploring and capturing nature with paint came at an early age. This piece is titled, “Greenwood Lake Gunflint Trail.” To view more of her work, visit: kamipolzin.com. | KAMI MENDLIK 20
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Jewelry artist Brittany Foster is one of five guest artists participating in Art Along the Lake virtually with Art of the Elements Gallery. This necklace is from her new North Tower collection, which focuses on using strong, geometric lines and brass accents. See more from Foster at: bmfjewelry. com. | BRITTANY FOSTER
Lesli Higgins has always been a crafter, dabbling in resin jewelry making, birch bark art, wood carving, and more. But her most recent artistic endeavor is doll making. | SUBMITTED
Lesli Higgins: A lifelong crafter CREATIVE SPACE: By Eric Weicht Cook County artist Lesli Higgins has been a “crafter” her whole life. Already in charge of her own photography business, Falon Photography, Higgins recently followed her passion for craft, a passion with deep familial roots, into her newest venture—doll making. Born in California, Higgins moved to Cook County in 1990 at the age of 8 with her mother in what she describes as a “move back home.” “My great grandparents on my mom’s side, Kristian and Ida Hammer, moved [to the North Shore] with their families from Norway,” says Higgins. “They were married in Hovland in the 1920s and homesteaded there.”
Higgins gives customers the option to customize their dolls by selecting skin, hair and eye color to make them more personal. | SUBMITTED
of the crafts I’ve pursued over the years.” Today, Higgins has jumped head-first into her most recent artistic endeavor, doll making, and is creating beautiful, one of a kind dolls using fabric and yarn for folks in the community on an on-demand basis. Higgins’ foray into doll making all started when one of Higgins’ twin girls came home from school one day talking about a rag doll that her friend had gotten recently from Lithuania.
“Kris was a commercial fisherman,” con“She requested that I make [a rag doll] tinues Higgins. “Their fish house is the red one right by the Hovland dock. My grand- for her,” says Higgins, “and I figured, ‘I mother, Edna Bowen, was born here and know how to sew’, so I gave it a shot.” my mother, Sandy Petty (Suck) also grew up Soon after the conversation with her here, so basically we moved home in 1990.” daughter, Higgins had created three dolls, Inspired by her grandmother’s knack for one for each of her kids, and already recraft and a childhood that was “covered in ceived a request to make two more for a glitter, paint and fabric,” Higgins grew up couple of her preschool dancers. After that knowing from a young age that she wanted the requests just kept coming. to pursue some sort of craft as an adult. She Each doll is crafted unique using a patjust didn’t know which craft to choose. tern that Higgins came up with herself af“I started my business Falon Photogra- ter feeling less than satisfied with what she phy in 2010,” says Higgins, “but I always was finding online. She likes to give peocame back to crafting in one way or an- ple the option to customize their dolls by other. Cross stitch, resin jewelry making, selecting skin, hair, and eye color to help wire-wrapped jewelry, rock painting, birch “make them personal to the person receivbark art, and wood carving are just a few ing them.”
Whenever possible Higgins uses locally-sourced fabrics and yarns in her dolls, often times finding her best material at home or in her mother or mother-in-law’s “stashes,” with an eye for vibrant and exciting colored materials to help each of her creations stand out. “Since there isn’t usually a large amount of any one fabric or yarn,” says Higgins, “every doll is truly unique. It’s what keeps making them fun!” While Higgins has plans to start an Etsy shop and a Facebook page for her doll making business, she has been so busy with “requests from amazing locals” that she hasn’t felt the need to tackle those projects yet. To request a doll, the best way to get in touch with Higgins is via Facebook. “Since each doll is literally hand stitched and one of a kind,” says Higgins, “they do take time. I’m currently booked up through September, but I am always happy to add people to the waitlist. The way things are looking, if someone wants to order one for Christmas now would be the time to order.” Additional photos, information, and updates on where to find Higgins’ dolls can be found on Facebook by searching for Lesli Higgins.
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CHRISTOPHER DAVID HANSON
Hard Rock from the Deep Woods Fall Studio Tour Sept. 25-Oct. 4 SHOP OUR ONLINE SALES frykmanart.com
fused glass
2183871949
JAMS: By Will Moore Not many recording musicians can say that they got into music by mistake, but for Christopher David Hanson, that’s exactly what happened. As a kid, he wanted a guitar not to learn songs, but to use for making crazy-sounding prank calls. He had a friend with a Fender Stratocaster and a phaser effect pedal, and they’d hook it up to a phone to freak out random people. “We just thought it was the greatest thing on earth,” he says. “So, I went to my parents. I was like, I need to get a guitar and amp and some pedals.” His parents obliged and got him his first guitar...but nixed the pedals, and instead signed him up for weekly lessons.
Fall Studio Tour
Sept. 25-Oct. 4
Betsy Bowen Studio & Gallery
“I just wanted it for the prank calls!” laughs Hanson. “It totally backfired.”
301 First Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 218-387-1992 Open Daily 11 am-5 pm
Visit woodcut.com for online shopping.
museum and nature center
Chik-Wauk Museum is Open! Come explore the Chik-Wauk Campus this summer!!
COVID-19 guidlines will be in place. Limited number of visitors in the buildings at one time Face masks will be required.
Open through October 18
Museum open daily 10 am to 5 pm, Nature Center & Watercraft Building days fluctuate during the week call ahead to confirm. Admission fee.
28 Moose Pond Drive, Grand Marais, 55 miles up the Gunflint Trail.
218-388-9915 info@chikwauk.com www.chikwauk.com
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Even if it was unintentional, it blossomed into a lifelong passion. When he’s not DJing music shows on WELY radio, Hanson has cultivated a unique blend of “old rock ‘n’ roll, kickin’ country, swing and soul” with his eponymous band, comprised of himself on guitar, Brent Saari on keys, Jim Pietila on drums, and Josh Palmi on bass. The group are prolific performers and creators, with five albums released since 2014. Earlier this summer, Hanson released a sixth album, a solo record under his own name entitled In the Distance. He says a lot of the songs on it were leftover material from their last album in 2019. “It was B-side stuff. Not stuff that was second rate that I didn’t like, I loved it,” says Hanson. “It’s just, there’s some things that you know work well with a four piece.”
Earlier this summer, Hanson released a sixth album, a solo record under his own name entitled In the Distance. | SUBMITTED He worked on the new album at his home, a third-generation family lake house between Ely and Babbit which he’s repurposed into a recording studio out in the middle of the woods. Hanson also says that staying home during the Covid-19 lockdown became a perfect time to revive the songs. “I’ve got nothing to do. I’m stuck in my house,” he says. “I’m like, ‘I’m going to just produce these cuts, put them together and drop an album in the middle of this.’ And that was why the title was In the Distance.” Many of Hanson’s songs tell stories, and he says those types of songs have
Breana’s PICK OF THE MONTH Two Harbors ceramic artist Jennifer A. Murphy creates everything from wall sculptures and large sculptural works to smaller works that she calls her creatures. “My creatures are a reminder to take myself less seriously,” she says. New in her creature collection this year is the Stationary Stone. According
to Murphy, “These creatures stopped to think about things for just a second and couldn’t get moving again.” To see more from Murphy, visit: jamceramicart.com.
a specific process of being written. “I always start with an anchor point and it’s lyrically based,” he says. “So, I don’t even usually have a chord progression. The anchor word may be something like ‘hillside.’ Then I come up with a background story for it. I’ll write out the story, and then it kind of turns into a crossword puzzle.” Apart from new music, the Christopher David Hanson Band has been gigging sparingly, with a show at the Voyagaire Lodge in Crane Lake on Sept. 5. And now Hanson has an entirely new musical venture—tailor making songs by request. He says they’re often for weddings or for a specific family member. Employing more of that storytelling songwriting, he asks clients to share two stories about the subject of the song, and is able to build a tune from there. “Lengthy paragraphs with lots of details,” he says. “So, if it was that their grandpa passed away, what color pants they wore; what color car they had; where they lived. Things that, when they listen back to it, are going to connect with them.” Hanson says the response to his new service has been surprising. “It’s almost like being a therapist in a way because the songs that come in are so personal,” he says. For inquiries about personalized songs, you can email Hanson at: hambone612@gmail.com.
This year’s Unplugged festival will feature Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson. | SUBMITTED
VOX POPULAR MEDIA ARTS VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL
SEPT. 10-20 The 16 th Annual Vox Popular Media Arts Festival in Thunder Bay (originally known as the Bay Street Film Festival) will take place virtually this year, consisting of over 50 local and international films available for free online during the duration of the festival. Films include “All it Gives,” “Nadia’s Song,” “Throat Singing in Kangirsuk,” “Fairy Tail,” “Caribou in the Archive,” “Brave Little Army,” and “A Series on Surviving.” Films range in genres from drama and comedy to music, thriller and documentary. A full list of the films shown each day can be found online. voxpopular.ca
PLEIN AIR GRAND MARAIS
SEPT. 11-18 Plein Air Grand Marais is a 17-year-old tradition bringing outdoor painters to the North Shore for a week of painting, competition, learning and camaraderie. This year’s festival will be largely virtual, with many of the 60+ participating artists painting in place. The actual competition on location begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 and goes through Friday, Sept. 18. Other activities include a live-streamed juror presentation from Kathie Wheeler at 11 a.m. on Sept. 17 via the Johnson Heritage Post (JHP) Art Gallery Facebook page, followed by the quick paint competition from 3:30-5 p.m. An exhibition will be held at the JHP Art Gallery Sept. 18 through Oct. 11, and a virtual reception will take place at 5 p.m. on Sept. 18 via Facebook Live. Artwork from participating artists can be found and purchased on the new Plein Air website, with new artwork updated weekly by artists participating off-site. pleinairgrandmarais.org
VIRTUAL NORTHSHORE
Sept. 11-20 The annual NorthShore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest is going virtual this year, with participants completing race distances on their own course between Sept. 11-20. Once completed, racers must enter their time directly into the online results page. Finishers will then be mailed their bib number, finisher shirt, and finisher medal. Make it even more fun by racing with a quaran-team. Online registration is required to participant; registration closes on Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m. northshoreinline.com
RADIO WAVES MUSIC FESTIVAL
SEPT. 12, SATURDAY This year, the annual Radio Waves Music Festival, usually held at Sweethearts Bluff in Grand Marais, will be changed from an in-person concert to a full day of live music performances that will be broadcast live on WTIP Radio throughout the day, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (music can also be heard in it’s entirety on WTIP’s website). This marks the 13th year of the annual festival and WTIP is celebrating with 13 Minnesota musical acts, including Kilborn Quartet, Aho Family, Eric Frost, One Less Guest, Portage, Jim McGowan, Red Lips, Bump Blomberg, Colleen Myhre, and more. Leading up to the start of the live music at 9 a.m. will be a musical introduction from the North Shore Community Swing Band, keeping the tradition of the group’s kickoff alive. wtip.org
UNPLUGGED: BRINGING IT HOME
SEPT. 18-19 For almost 20 years, the North House Folk School in Grand Marais has celebrated craft, community and music on campus with the Unplugged Festival.
Plein Air Grand Marais will be largely virtual this year, with many participating artists painting in place. | SUBMITTED But this year, North House is bringing it to your house with a live streaming show. The show will kickoff with the Plucked Up String Band while the community gathers, and then begins with Beth Dooley showing you how to mix a signature cocktail for the evening. Later, enjoy the feature presentation by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, followed by a live auction and Fund-a-Need opportunities. Then, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson will take the stage as the featured musical performance. Tickets begin at $50 per household, with option bonus levels. northhouse.org
of the Elements Gallery, Grand Marais Art Colony and Sivertson Gallery. For a full list of participants and locations, got to: visitcookcounty.com/fallstudiotour.
ART ALONG THE LAKE: FALL STUDIO TOUR
RUN THE NORTH
SEPT. 25-OCT. 4 Fall in Cook County is a time of tumultuous beauty, so take some time to explore the colors and meet artists during the Fall Studio Tour. Stops include home studios, as well as galleries with guest artists. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an online component has also been added, with some galleries and locations participating virtually only. All locations that are open to the public will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Masks are required and some studios may limit occupancy. This year includes over 20 locations participating, such as JNS Gallery, North House Folk School, Betsy Bowen Studio, Yellow Bird Fine Art, Tall Tale Shop, Art
SHUNIAH FORTY MINER XC RACE
SEPT. 26, SATURDAY The Blacksheep Mountain Biking Club will hold the 5th Annual Shuniah Forty Miner XC Race on Sept. 26 at Kinsmen Park in Trowbridge Forest in Thunder Bay. The race will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with a 60-racer cap and social distancing will be in effect. Registration required. blacksheepmtb.com SEPT. 26-OCT. 4 United Way of Thunder Bay, Indigenous Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards and Wasaya Airways will host the first ever Run the North event, created in lieu of the annual Wasaya United Way Plane Pull which was cancelled due to Covid-19. Individuals from all across Northwestern Ontario are invited to this virtual non-competitive 1k or 5k race. Participants can run, bike or walk and the whole family can participate. All participants will receive a race kit including a medal and race bib, with a safe pickup location in Thunder Bay the week of the event. There will also be prizes. Cost to participate is $25 per person; register online. uwaytbay.ca
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The North Shore Dish Poutine—A Canadian Classic from Quebec By Chuck Viren
During this time when the U.S./Canadian border is closed, many of us on the southern side of the border miss the opportunity to explore, shop and dine in Ontario. While many international cuisines are available, some are distinctly Canadian. One such dish is poutine. It produces a fairly decadent and somewhat addicting taste sensation combining much of what we already love—fries, cheese and gravy. The origins of poutine are somewhat in dispute but have been traced back to Quebec in the 1950s. Poutine seems to have been the result of customers asking for cheese curds to go along with their fries and gravy. The restaurant owners took note and added the dish to their menus. Now, poutine is an iconic Canadian dish that has spread south of the border as well. Chef Brigitte Tremblay envisioned opening a poutine restaurant at age 19 while in her native Quebec. It took many years and a marriage that brought her to Ontario before that dream was realized. Homesick for her beloved Montreal, Brigitte opened La Poutine in 2016, and has not looked back since. She brings an authentic Montreal style poutine to the area, and Thunder Bay residents have taken notice. Brigitte is as passionate about poutine as she is creative. Each week she introduces a new poutine, and at the end of the week, that version in gone forever. Her favorite was the Caesar poutine. It was served in a mason jar. The rim of the jar was salted, and it contained a vodka sauce, onion rings and bacon. Brigitte is not one to let a holiday go by without a special poutine either. She feels there is no limit to what can be created. The restaurant boasts 32 different poutines on the menu. Among them are the Big S’mac, with ground beef, mac sauce, lettuce, red onion, pickles and toasted sesame seeds; the Taco, with taco beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and crushed nacho sauce; and the Montreal smoked meat poutine. There are vegan and vegetarian options as well. Brigitte dedicates a separate fryer for her gluten free products. However, all that creativity was not manifest before she had mastered the basics of traditional Montreal poutine. One important distinction is that she uses a poutine sauce, not gravy. She has refined her own blend of sauce over 25 years. Her sauce is thinner and lighter than gravy so that it coats the fries but is not soaked by 24
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Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth has their own version of poutine topped with bacon and fresh jalapeños. They sell around a hundred plates per week. | CHUCK VIREN
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them. The sauce enhances the flavor of the fries. Her sauce is also not made from meat products, though its composition remains a trade secret. In her restaurant she now uses eight different varieties of sauces. She is careful to use cheese curds from Quebec, which she says melt better. Her specialized ingredients create a distinction similar to the “difference between dry pasta and pasta made by an Italian.” The Classic (fries, cheese curds, and her special sauce), is her best seller. When she is on the floor, though, Brigitte uses her people skills and her extensive knowledge of poutine to recommend various varieties. “I love it,” she says. “This is not work. This is the dream come true. I sell happiness. It’s not just a dish.” La Poutine is located at 16 St. Paul Street in Thunder Bay. South of the border, poutine appears more frequently as a side dish. However, at Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth, their version is a big seller. According the Marcy Wojick, they sell around a hundred plates per week. It is loaded with flavor. They use a beer gravy made from their Lighthouse Golden Ale. Their cheese curds are from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Wisconsin. To this they add bacon and fresh jalapeños. The gravy is light and complements the fries. The cheese curds are pleasantly melted and add a tinge of saltiness. The bacon, of course is a welcome addition, and the peppers add lot of pop. It is clear why this dish is so popular and would pair well with your favorite Brewhouse draft. A look at area restaurants reveals a number of places that offer poutines. My Sister’s Place in Grand Marais sells a poutine with mozzarella and gravy. In addition to Fitger’s Brewhouse, other Duluth restaurants have poutine on their menus. The Crooked Pint Alehouse combines their pub
POPLAR H AUS G U N F L I N T
T R A I L
........................................................ Chef Brigitte Tremblay of La Poutine in Thunder Bay introduces a new poutine each week, such as this Doritos poutine. | BRIGITTE TREMBLAY fries with cheese curds, ranch dressing, bacon crumbles, green onions and beef gravy. The Boat Club Restaurant offers a seafood poutine with lobster, crab, beer batter fries, lobster bechamel, smoked gouda, lemon zest and fresh herbs. At Shorty’s Pizza in Superior, one can purchase a poutine with the standard cheese curds and gravy or add their Montreal smoked meat for an additional fee.
Takeout Outdoor & Indoor Dining Wednesday-Sunday 12pm-8pm
Those customers in the 1950s really hit on something when they added cheese curds to their fries and gravy. Poutine is an addicting comfort food that will definitely satisfy any appetite. This tasty dish has traveled throughout Canada and found its way across the border. That’s a good thing for us, as for now the border remains closed.
Drive & Dine PICK UP
RESTAURANT GUIDE
South of the Border Cafe
Breakfast Served All Day • Lunch • Homemade Soups
Stop in for a GREAT BREAKFAST before you head out. We’re Open Before the Fish Bite! Open Everyday 5 am - 2 pm Located at the stop light in Grand Marais • 218-387-1505
Don’t forget to stop by The Gunflint Trail’s
ONLY
Liquor Store
11am-8pm Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm Sunday www.poplarhaus.com 218.388.2222 7890 Gunflint Trail NORTHERN WILDS
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Loggin’ Food at its Finest
Lakeside Dining Food Served: Mon
Full Bar
nner! wi
- Wed 4-8 pm, Thurs - Sun 2-8 pm
No Breakfast • Loggers Lounge hours same as Dining
Lakeside Cabins Campground Tents
Water & Electric Hook-up
Watercraft Rental
Kayak
Fishing Boat
Canoe
E
TE
D B E S T WI
N
VO
5th-wheel
2020
Date Nights Thursdays 7-9 p.m. Daily Noon-7:30, Thursday 2:30-9 p.m., Closed Wednesdays
Pontoon
202 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen northshorewinery.us
Loon Lake Lodge
ORIGINAL LOG CABINS BUILT IN THE 1920'S Pet Friendly
218.388.2232
Boat Rentals
Restaurant Take-out Only
ICE CREAM SANDWICHES & TAKE-N-BAKE PIZZAS- ALL DAY EVERYDAY Call ahead for Breakfast 8-9:30am. Call by 2pm for Dinner served between 5-7pm. Check our website for take-out menu. Restaurant Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
www.visitloonlake.com
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Restaurant is Drive Up only Order from our online menu or paper menu provided in parking spots. Pay online or in person. Phone and some picnic tables available. No need to call ahead, our new menu is fast!
218-388-2214 www.trailcenterlodge.com
Open 7 days a week, 8 am-9 pm A few of our NEW items on the menu Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese Creole Shrimp and Grits Deep-fried Clam Po Boy Tater Tot Hot Dish Burger Fresh Fruit Chicken Pot Pies Homemade Mac and Cheese with Shrimp or Steak Breakfast Taco The Pie Place Maple Sausage Strawberry Shortcake Homemade Pop Tarts Tater Tot Nachos 7611 Gunflint Trail 28 miles from Grand Marais, MN
Two Locations Grand Marais
120 W Hwy 61
Two Harbors
530 7th Ave
(Limited food menu)
Buy Any DQ Item Get Any DQ Item
Any Two Blizzards
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 12/31/2020. Grand Marais, MN and SEPT Two Harbors, MN locations only.
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 12/31/2020. Grand Marais, MN and SEPT Two Harbors, MN locations only.
1/2 Off
8
$
NORTHERN  WILDS
50 (sm or med)
SEPTEMBER 2020
27
Canning for Fall
Buck's has you covered!
Dry ‰ Freeze ‰ Can Preservatives Lids ‰ Jars Stock Pots Wax Tools
Blueberry Apple Butter FROM ALLRECIPES.COM 8 large cooking apples – peeled, cored and sliced 8 cups fresh blueberries 2 cups white sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 9 eaches (1 pint) canning jars with lids and rings, or as needed Place apples in a slow cooker. Cook on high, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and broken down, about 3 hours. Add blueberries, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves; stir to combine. Lower temperature to low. Simmer until apple butter is thickened, stirring often, 8 hours.
Food Dehydrators Peelers Food Mills Food Savers & Bags
Bait · Tackle · Gas Rods & Reels Minnows · Maps www.buckshardware.net · BIG CITY PRICES ... SMALL TOWN SERVICE 218-387-2280 · Open 7 Days A Week · Downtown Grand Marais 28
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Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack apple butter into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary, to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 15 minutes. Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood sur-
face, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.
Crisp Pickled Green Beans FROM ALLRECIPES.COM 2 1/2 pounds fresh green beans 2 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar 2 cups water 1/4 cup salt 1 clove garlic, peeled 1 bunch fresh dill weed 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Sterilize 6 (1/2 pint) jars with rings and lids and keep hot. Trim green beans to 1/4 inch shorter than your jars. In a large saucepan, stir together the vinegar, water and salt. Add garlic and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. In each jar, place 1 sprig of dill and 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Pack green beans into the jars so they are standing on their ends. Ladle the boiling brine into the jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the tops. Discard garlic. Seal jars with lids and rings. Place in a hot water bath so they are covered by 1 inch of water. Simmer but do not boil for 10 minutes to process. Cool to room temperature. Test jars for a good seal by pressing on the center of the lid. It should not move. Refrigerate any jars that do not seal properly. Let pickles ferment for 2 to 3 weeks before eating.
Trust Your Gut By Amy Schmidt When faced with a difficult decision, we’re often told to listen to our gut. Fine advice, maybe even good advice, but what does it actually mean to listen to your gut and more importantly, how do you do it?
a situation based on all the other situations you’ve ever had. If you have had previous experience or knowledge that relates to this difficult decision, your brain may very well make the right decision. On the other hand, if this decision is outside the realm of your experience or knowledge, that “gut
Ask yourself, “What is my gut saying?” First off, let’s clarify that you aren’t actually listening to your stomach when you listen to your gut. Listening to your stomach is a good idea when you’re trying to decide whether you should have two chocolate malts or one, but when you’re trying to decide whether to accept a job offer, the stomach offers little help. This classic expression isn’t talking about your literal stomach but rather, an internal instinct or voice that comes from your brain. The “gut feeling” is an instinctual response from your brain based on a mental map the brain has constructed of every experience you’ve ever had and everything you’ve ever learned. This map is the foundation on which your brain makes decisions. When you get a gut feeling, you are actually getting your brain’s opinion about
feeling” could be leading you astray. So how do you know if you can trust your gut? Every situation and challenge is different. Your job is to evaluate your capacity, based on your knowledge and experience, to handle the decision. To make the best choices, observe your sensations as well as our thoughts so you can read what your reactions are telling you. When you have a reaction—changes in heartbeat, breathing, and muscle tension— stop, notice the reaction in your body, and be curious about why it occurred. Take a deep breath in and observe the chatter in your head and ask yourself whether you agree with this story or if there is something else you need to consider.
When you feel anxious, impatient, or confused, there are a few steps you can take to interpret your gut reaction. | STOCK When you feel anxious, impatient, or confused, take these steps to interpret your gut reaction: Breathe and relax your muscles. Ask yourself, “What is my gut saying?” Ask, “Does my gut reaction match what I most value? Am I too scared to say or do what my gut is saying?” You don’t need to act now, just notice. Explore the context. Are other people telling me what I should do but my gut is rebelling? What social rules are hindering
me from listening to my gut? Tell your gut what you now choose. Declare your choice out loud and see if your gut tightens or relaxes. Consider soliciting wisdom from trusted individuals and resources. But don’t overdo it. Sometimes more opinions only muddy the waters. Ultimately, the decision is yours. You can’t know how everything will turn out, but you can strive to be clear on why you made your choice. Then you can use the outcome of your choice to help you decide what to do next.
Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics
For adults and kids 9 and over. No walk-in shots at SMC this year.
Chiropractic • Massage Downtown Lutsen, MN (218) 277-8175 northlakewellness.com Meets all COVID-19 regulations. Please stay home if you are feeling ill.
Tax Services Silver Bay
30 Shopping Center PO Box 68 Silver Bay, MN 55614 218-226-4383
Two Harbors
Drive-Thru insTrucTions: • Wear a face covering. • Remain in your car. • Wear clothes that allow easy access to upper arm. • Bring insurance card, a check made out to SMC, or $20 cash.
FLU SHOTS will be offered at the following OUTREACH LOCATIONS: Tues, Sept 15 7:00 - 10:00 am 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Grand Marais Fire Hall Enter on 5th Ave. W Exit onto Creechville
Sat, Sept 19 1:00-4:00 pm
Grand Marais Fire Hall Enter on 5th Ave. W Exit onto Creechville
Thurs, Sept 24 8:00-9:30 am 3:30-5:30 pm
Birch Grove Clinic
Can’t make it to a drive-up event, or would you like to catch up on other vaccines that you need? No Problem. Call SMC to make an appointment! 218-387-2330
526 7th Street PO Box A Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-834-3600 www.sawtoothmountainclinic.org • 218-387-2330 • 513 5th Ave West, Grand Marais NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Take the North Shore home with you! From Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ont. and beyond, we cover the stories from the area featuring the people and places that make this place unique. You will find upcoming events, arts coverage, outdoor activities, dining, community news and more.
Cabins – Campground – Boats/Motors Canoes – Kayaks – Pontoons
Paddle on Golden Water this Autumn.
Gunflint Trail, MN
218-388-2203 www.Golden-Eagle.com
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SEPTEMBER 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
COOK SWCD
Northern Trails Wes Bender: Superior Floats By Gord Ellis
There comes a time in many angler’s life when the run of the mill factory gear just isn’t doing it any more. It may be a fly angler who wants a rod that has a better grip, or a reel with smoother drag. The spinning rod enthusiast may want a personalized logo, or a more expensive type of rod guides. For Wes Bender of Thunder Bay, his entry in the custom float business was simply one of necessity. Bender is an avid steelhead angler and his primary tool was not cutting the mustard. “Basically, when I went steelhead fishing, I got tired of wrecking floats,” he said. “Most floats on the market get beat up and look like they have been chewed up by a herd of angry beavers. I decided to make something a little more robust.” In 2012, Bender decided to make his own floats and went about designing some he thought would be the most useful for the North Shore of Superior. The key things he wanted were more profiles for varying water conditions. In big, fast water, he wanted a big, fat float. Something that will stay on top with the current pushing it around. He noted most streams on the North Shore are medium depth waters, so he designed a float that would ride higher and sink faster. This type of slender float he calls a “loafer” and it is his favourite. It has also proven to be the most popular style of his ever-expanding custom float business “Superior Floats.” While Bender wanted better profiles, he also really wanted nice looking floats. And anyone who has seen some of his products knows there is nothing ordinary about the skin his floats are wrapped in. They vary from brook trout, to flames, to decidedly oriental-looking designs. Many of the floats are customized with the angler’s name, favourite sports team or favourite saying. “The very first float I made had a wrap on it that featured a steelhead and a pattern,” says Bender. “I made those for the McIntyre crew.” For the record, the crew he speaks of are four anglers who take part in a co-operative steelhead tagging program in Thunder Bay. All are keen float fisherman. “I made them as a memento of the time we put in each spring,” he said. In 2014, Bender began selling his float designs under the name “Superior Floats.” What started as a small side line quickly expanded as local steelhead anglers saw the sexy looking floats in use. They looked good and fished well. But best of all, they
A giant Superior Float with some of Bender’s original fish art. | SUBMITTED
Wes Bender of Superior Floats with a few of his products. | SUBMITTED lasted. His float designs are utterly distinctive and all come from his hand. “The designs and graphics are all done on the PC,” he says. “Then they are printed out on a decal, which I have to seal, then I cut them out and apply them to the float body. Once applied I do touch ups with paint before the clear coat goes on.” One of the most distinctive things about Bender’s floats is the beautiful fish art that is often displayed on them. The intricate steelhead, brook trout, brown trout and salmon are both colorful and life like. All these fish are originals, painted by Bender. “If a design has a fish on it, or some kind of artwork on it, it is 99 percent of the time mine,” he says. “I do dabble in acrylic paintings and my favorite subject is fish. So, if I get one that is pretty decent, I scan it into a digital format and work with it.” Bender turns his floats on a lathe and primarily makes them out of balsa. He says he also occasionally uses cork and rigid foam,
depending on the style of float. Recently, he has added a duplicator attachment to his lathe so that he can reproduce all sizes of float more quickly. He says he can typically turn a float in under three minutes Bender has done just about every custom design float you can think of, but he is especially proud of a set he made that’s based on a game of chess. Each float is an individual chess piece and the game is played on a custom board. “That was made for my son Nathan and I,” he said. “Nathan loves to play chess.” Thanks primarily to social media, Bender’s unique and artistic float work has become popular outside of northwestern Ontario. He says he’s sold his product from coast to coast, in Canada and the United States. He has also sold floats to anglers in Ireland and Scotland. With word of mouth about “Superior Floats” spreading internationally, there is no sign that interest in his product will slow down any time soon.
Superior Floats chess board made by Wes Bender. | SUBMITTED “The busy time for me is usually from September to March,” says Bender. “But what used to be my slow time is now also busy. I’m often backed up by 8 weeks due to the demand.” Despite the growth of his business, Bender has no plans to out-source. He wants to make every float by hand, and says he still enjoys making them, even though the company has grown beyond his wildest dreams. “It’s still fun,” he says.
NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Wild Traditions Porphyry Island: History and new partnerships By Julia Prinselaar
Some say the most unique travel destinations are the ones most difficult to access. There is truth to this claim for a far-flung place like Porphyry Island. Extending into Lake Superior as the farthest point in a chain of islands along the North Shore’s Black Bay Peninsula, Porphyry gets its name from the quartz and feldspar crystals, or porphyries found in volcanic rocks of the late Precambrian era. After nearly two hours of travel skippered by our guide, Rod Swatton of Sail Superior, who offered plenty of stops to view wildlife and historic points of interest, our zodiac approached the rugged shores of Porphyry on a calm, windless morning. A mosaic of bright orange lichen clung to a backdrop of cliffs and boulders jutting out of the water. And the island’s iconic lighthouse, constructed in the late 1800s and later restored, served as a reminder that we were in a remote, wild place. Paul Morralee is the managing director of Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior and spends his summers on Porphyry. For four months of the year, he connects tourists, students, artists-in-residence and other visitors with the island’s marine history, conservation initiatives and unique geology. “We’re on a volcanic island—go figure. You think you’re supposed to be in Hawaii when you talk about volcanic islands, but here we are in Northwestern Ontario,” he explains as we walk along a forested trail toward the island’s lighthouse. The trail is flanked by woodland plants, from lichen-covered black spruce to soft
The rocky shoreline of Porphyry Island. | ECOSUPERIOR sphagnum moss dappled with creeping bedstraw, strawberries and bunchberries. As a protected nature reserve on the southern margin of the Boreal forest, Porphyry Island also hosts a number of species that are uncommon to the area. The rocky volcanic shores, rich in calcium, support arctic-alpine disjunct plants and more curiously, a cluster of devil’s club. According to Ontario Parks, populations of this thorny shrub on Porphyry and its adjacent islands are the only known occurrences east of the Rocky Mountains in Canada. The island’s lighthouse emerged from a
clearing as we approached the end of the trail. Erected in 1873, it was the second lighthouse constructed on Lake Superior, serving as a critical navigation aid for shipping and commerce throughout the Great Lakes. Before the shift to automation in the 1980s, Government-sponsored lightkeepers were stationed at lighthouses across Canada. Without immediate access to provisions and medical assistance, life in remote locations was challenging. “Sustaining and surviving on the lake here and on these islands wasn’t a trait that
the white man first had,” explains Morralee. “He had to reach deep and connect with our First Nations brothers and sisters here who helped to shape the opportunity for the white man to settle Canada.” One example was Scotsman Andrew Dick, one of the earliest lightkeepers who married an Indigenous woman from the area. For 30 years, they lived on Porphyry Island with their children. “The homesteaders had to fish and they had to pick berries. It’s a story of survival but it was required so they could move the commerce back and forth from Fort Wil-
WE’RE OPEN! ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY • Unique Daily Programs • Live Ambassador Wolves • Wolf Den Gift Store • Discover Wolves! Exhibit 32
SEPTEMBER 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
1396 Highway 169, Ely 55731 Visit to purchase tickets and view daily program schedule
T B AY ON
A view of Porphyry Island, taken from the top of the lighthouse. | ECOSUPERIOR mer, including a two-week artist-in-residence program where participants develop art and share it with visitors. “At first, we didn’t really understand the full effect of what it would be like to bring in an artist in residence, and what we can say now is that [they] help to tell our story through their eyes, through their lens,” Morralee says. This summer, Porphyry Island is hosting two youth for OceanBridge Direct Action, a field-based program for in-depth learning and engagement with marine conservation efforts across Canada.
The Porphyry Island Lighthouse was the second light station constructed on Lake Superior. | KAREN KERK liam and Port Arthur and move it through the Great Lakes to other ports around the world,” says Morralee. “Canada would not have gotten a toehold had it not been for the First Nations.”
Guided by EcoSuperior and other partner organizations in Thunder Bay, Kelsey Herglotz and Simon Boudreault will spend two months collecting local climate data and adding to the island’s inventory of flora and fauna. Personal nature connection work and forest therapy are also part of the residency curriculum.
CURL UP AT HOME AND WE’LL SEE YOU SOON FRIENDS
“We’re seeing another level,” says Morralee. “One of helping to conserve our environment, and also considering that our provincial government doesn’t really have much to do with the provincial park nature reserve here at Porphyry, we’re actually amplifying that through this program to share it with more people.”
Today, Porphyry Island hosts excursions, events and programs throughout the sum-
e t i r o v a F ’s Shore! e n o y r e v E e on the Stor
STAY HOME & STAY SAFE VISITTHUNDERBAY.COM
218-387-2233 • Grand Marais
JoynesBenFranklin NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
33
Illustration by Leah Pratt
What will I paint today?
End of Season Clearance Sale! LODGE & CANOE OUTFITTERS
Join us Thursdays 5-6:30 pm through October 1st! Under the Pavilion at the Clair Nelson Center, 6866 Cramer Road, Finland
Check out our new website!
Precious Metals. Promising Future.
www.finlandfarmersmarket.com
Vendors: 1st week is free! Fee: $5/week or $50/season More info or to register call
218-353-0300
Farmers markets are essential services, so they are allowed to continue during the pandemic. We offer ample hand washing stations, encourage social distancing with our layout, and masks are required. We also have an online ordering system and multiple in-person payment options, including EBT. Learn more at www.finlandfarmersmarket.com
Work continues toward a new era of prosperity on the Iron Range – providing the metals that are key to surgical instruments, hospitals and sustainable devices like hybrid electric cars, wind turbines, solar cells and energy-efficient appliances. polymetmining.com NYSE American: PLM TSX: POM
1 WILDS 3469227_8_PolyMet_2020_PromFuture_NWN_Sept_Ad.indd SEPTEMBER 2020 NORTHERN 
8/7/20 10:38 AM
We are able to accept credit cards, EBT and SNAP
10% STORE WIDE
WITH 25%, 50% AND 60% MARKDOWNS ON SELECT MERCHANDISE.
218-388-2252
norwesterlodge.com On Poplar Lake, 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail
NORTHERN SKY
SEPTEMBER 2020 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH
September gets right down to business with a full moon the night of the 1st. It makes a solo journey across the night sky, there being no bright stars close to it. Only lonely Fomalhaut, the mouth of Piscis Austrinus, the southern fish, will glimmer below the bright lunar disk.
tember. Get out your star chart and look for the fall “water” constellations Capricornus, the sea goat; Pisces, the fishes; and Aquarius, the water bearer. Or even dim Piscis Austrinus. And watch the Great Square of Pegasus make its grand entrance in the east.
But the full moon will be about midway between bright planets. Off to the west, brilliant Jupiter and dimmer Saturn are high in the south at nightfall. Off to the east, Mars climbs over the horizon a couple of hours before midnight, its ruby orb waxing to rival Jupiter as Earth catches up to it in the orbital race.
In the predawn sky, a last quarter moon shines high on the 10th. Look to the east on the 14th, when a crescent moon appears close to luminous Venus and the dim but lovely Beehive star cluster.
The night of the 5th, a waning moon rises close to Mars. The moon will be reddened like a rising sun—or the planet that appears ready to ride the moon across the night sky. By the predawn hour, however, the moon and Mars will have shifted positions, with the moon now higher than the red planet.
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The evening sky will be moon-free for about two weeks in the middle of Sep-
Fall arrives with the autumnal equinox at 8:31 a.m. on the 22nd. At that moment the sun crosses the equator into the southern sky and an observer in space would see Earth lighted from pole to pole. Also, from then until spring, the days shorten as we go farther north. The University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses have been curtailed due to the pandemic. For more information and viewing schedules, visit: d.umn. edu/planet.
Sponsored by
Mark D. Consulting, LLC Serving Businesses and Residential Customers. 218-663-7149 Mark@MarkDConsulting.com
NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Gunflint Pines Cabins & Camping Boat /Canoe/Kayak/ Fishing Pole Rentals Gift Shop & Grocery Pizza & Ice Cream Open to the Public
DRURY LANE BOOKS
Available at Drury Lane Books!
218.388.4454 www.gunflintpines.com 217 South Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, MN 55604
The Genuine. The Original.
OPEN
Mon - Thurs 11 AM-4 PM Fri & Sat 10 AM-5 PM Please bring a mask if you’d like to browse inside, walk-up window and curbside pickup also available!
218-387-3370
HEAD DOOR OVER
Overhead Door Company of Duluth 24 hour service
Order Online:
Phone 218-722-2884 www.ohdnorthernmn.com
@drurylanebooks
4214 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811
drurylanebooks.com RS-Ad_ 2.33x5.78_F_print.pdf 1 4/26/2020 3:39:47 AM
IT’S A FREE CONCERT!
Thru-Hike the Superior Hiking Trail
Planning, Resupplying, Safety, Bears, Bugs, and More By Annie Nelson North Shore Press, 2020, $14.95
While written as a guide to thru-hike the Superior Hiking Trail, this book offers valuable information for everyone. Author Annie Nelson does a great job providing valuable insight on many topics, including the best safety gear to choose, how to navigate the trails, where to stay, what to bring, how to meal prep and how to resupply. She includes detailed tables and charts on miles between campsites, as well as the distance from the trail for resupply locations. The guide wraps up with a detailed list of nearby businesses and their contact info for each town along the trail, helpful knowledge when planning your resupply.— Breana Roy
The Journal of Otto Peltonen
A Finnish Immigrant Story By William Durbin University of Minnesota Press, 2020, $9.95
After journeying across the Atlantic with his mother and two sisters, young Otto Peltonen joins his father in the iron ore mines of northern Minnesota, experiencing the harsh labor conditions that were common at the time, as mining companies cared more about making a profit than for their workers’ safety. Written as a historical fiction for young adults, the story is told in the style of journal entries and includes authentic photos, creating a vivid picture of what life was like for a Finnish immigrant in Minnesota during the early twentieth century.—Breana Roy
Dog Leg Left
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By Dave Saari
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Self-published: davesaari.com, 2020, $9.99
CM
Join us on September 12 for a
MY
LIVE, ON-AIR FESTIVAL!
CY
13 performances by 13 acts in 13 hours — 9am to 10 pm
CMY
K
North Shore Community Radio 90.7 FM Grand Marais 90.1 FM Grand Portage 89.1 FM Gunflint Trail Listen online at
wtip.org
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SEPTEMBER 2020
NORTHERN WILDS
Local author Dave Saari’s fourth mystery novel again features rising-star golfer Samantha Williamson and her caddie/lover Terry Hatchett. The story begins with the duo playing golf at the Gunflint Hills Golf Course in Grand Marais. After a startling discovery in the rough on Gunflint’s par-four, Sam and Terry find themselves on another mysterious adventure, stumbling into a tangled web of smuggling, drugs and murder. Taking place at various North Shore locations, with likeable, quirky characters, Dog Leg Left is a fast-paced mystery novel, perfect for both golf fanatics and North Shore enthusiasts alike.—Breana Roy
Strange Tales Saving History by Restoring Artifacts By Elle AndraWarner
What does one do with a rusty derelict tugboat—once an important working warping tug hauling log booms on rivers and lakes—sitting in your yard? Thunder Bay’s Sandy Smith, owner of Garden Lake Timber, had such a tug, the Dryden 3, sitting on his property in the Mount Baldy area. So, what did he do? He offered to donate the historic artifact to the non-profit Lakehead Transportation Museum (LTM) in Thunder Bay which gladly accepted the tug and made plans to restore and add it as a new static display near their museum ship, the former Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker the Alexander Henry which was built in Thunder Bay. To get the tug to the museum site, Tower Light Limited and the G. Lorenston crew generously donated their time and equipment including a flatbed trailer and crane to pick up, transport and lift into place the tug at the LTM’s waterfront site. Logging had a vital role in the economic development of communities in Northwestern Ontario and northern Minnesota. Tugboats towed and hauled log booms of logs down rivers and lakes to paper mills. And one of the tugs used by the paper mill in Dryden, Ontario was the Steelcraft warping tug, Dryden 3, one of five tugs that up until 1981 were used to haul log booms to Dryden. The Dryden 3 tug was built at Owen Sound in 1947 by Russel Brothers Limited, a steel boat builder that started in Fort Frances, Ontario in 1907 before moving to Owen Sound in 1937—it ceased operation in 1994. “They built some very different and very tough boats back then,” said Rob Farrow of the LTM tug restoration crew, author and featured as “Outdoor Rob” on YouTube Channel. “Designed to push or pull logs and log booms down slow-flowing rivers and lakes, the Dryden 3 carried a large winch that held 5/8-inch cable about a mile in length. It could go ahead and drop its 450-pound anchor and then go back and hook up to a large boom that corralled the logs. It would then winch itself forward pulling the log boom with it. This was part of the river drive to get the trees from the forest to the local mills.” Farrow feels it’s important for people to see and learn a bit of the history of the log drives. “The process of getting the logs to the paper mills employed a lot of people back then and was the staple of industry that brought us to where we are now,” he says.
The Dryden 3 is a new static display at the Lakehead Transportation Museum’s waterfront site. To get the tug to the site, Tower Light Limited and the G. Lorenston crew donated their time and equipment. | DONNA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY needs to be painted and we’ve reset the cabin into place, since it had been loosely put back in.” Two additional historical artifacts for outside static displays on the grass boulevard have been recently donated to LTM: a decommissioned 9.5-foot (6 m) Bell-Buoy transported and set by crane on site by the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Samuel J. Risley and a German-built lifeboat from the lake freighter Cartierdoc of the former N.M. Paterson & Sons fleet. The red-and-white steel buoy and bell, anchored by heavy chain to a 10-ton block of concrete, was used as an aid to navigation on the Great Lakes. The buoy on display was the same type that the Alexander Henry would have handled and set in the lakes during its operational days. This decommissioned steel Bell-Buoy is one of three new static displays donated to the Lakehead Transportation Museum site. It was once used as an aid to navigation on the Great Lakes. | ELLE ANDRA-WARNER In May, once the Dryden 3 was on the LTM site, the museum’s volunteer restoration crew (Farrow, Matt Carlson, Mike Wolowich and Reiner Fisker) set to work, including painting the tug in blue and white special paint. “The Dryden 3 has seen better years and would require a ton of work to get it seaworthy again, but for a static display for all to see, she is perfect,” said Farrow. “The hull is in decent condition but the cabins are rusting badly. In order to slow the de-
cay, some scraping and painting was required. We scraped the hull and the cabins the best we could and applied marine grade paint which will last longer than normal paint in the elements. The crew is in the process of cleaning and painting the interior. She still has the winch but is minus an engine. We would like to put the side winder wheel, which was used to wind the cable on to the drum evenly, onto the main wheel stand since the steering wheel disappeared many years ago. The deck still
The other new ‘old’ artifact—the German-built lifeboat from the Cartierdoc—received a makeover of new paint (white and orange) and lettering. The ship was built in Hamburg, West Germany and launched in 1959 as the Ems Ore. Acquired by Paterson & Sons in 1988, she was renamed Cartierdoc, reconstructed as a 730-foot (222.5 m) lake freighter, sold in 2002 to Canadian Steamship Lines and scrapped in Turkey in 2019. As for the logging boats like Dryden 3, Farrow says, “These boats are still being scrapped and the numbers dwindling each year, so it is important to save at least a bit of this history.”
NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Ready to Make Your Move? Find the latest real estate listings in Northern Wilds. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to view them online. Visit www.northernwilds.com to subscribe to our print edition.
Lynne Luban
BUYING OR SELLING
Over 12 years selling downtown MPLS Condo living. Currently representing this developers 10th project PORTLAND TOWER & THE LEGACY. I am available to meet with you in Grand Marais or Minneapolis to go over prices & floor plans.
Cell: 612-599-6986
Call: 218-591-0985 Email: stphn.carlson@gmail.com or Realliving.com/steve.carlson.
Email: lynneluban@mac.com Website: thelegacyminneapolis.com
White Tail Ridge Rd
15 LEFT LIVE OUT YOUR LEGACY IN NEW CONDOS IN MILLS DISTRICT BY THE GUTHRIE! CLOSINGS ARE BOOKED SOLID FOR AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER , NOVEMBER, DECEMBER!
Contact me for a personal viewing of floor plans photos of construction views and pricing.
Rocky Wall Rd Lake County, MN Parcel
Lake County, MN Parcel 27-5707-33490
27-5707-33790
27-5707-33730
27-5707-33670
27-5707-33850
27-5707-33910
27-5707-34550
27-5707-34610
27-5707-34490
27-5707-34790
27-5707-34730
26-5700-35550
27-5707-34670
27-5707-34850
27-5707-34910
26-5700-35610
15 Left at Legacy • 4 left at Porltand tower
A New Luxury Condo Development 740 Portland Avenue • Downtown Minneapolis
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SEPTEMBER 2020
• 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
26-5631-04070 26-5631-04190 26-5631-04030
26-5632-04210 26-5632-04390
26-5607-03310
26-5607-03250
26-5632-04460 26-5632-04160 26-5607-04191
26-5607-04130
26-5607-03070
NORTHERN WILDS
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26-5635-01065
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Roads
Township Rd
Townships Sixteenths
County Forest Rd
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• 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.
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27-5707-33860
26-5639-00010
2 NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDO BUILDINGS IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS
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This 3.67acre lot is on the ridge above Hwy 1 just north of Silver Bay. Gated entrance must call agent for access. 218-591-0985
Steve Carlson 218-591-0985 stphn.carlson@gmail.com Realliving.com/steve.carlson.
10 acre 660x660 with easement for 20 acre lot to the south On Ridge behind Silver Bay
$57,600
20 acre 660x1320 Views of Lake Superior on the ridge behind Silver Bay $66,700
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
New townhomes, total coastal luxury right on the shore of Lake Superior. 3,000 s/f, 3BR, 3BA. Quarter-share ownership w/ exibility for personal use & rental income. Excellent family retreat or investment property. Prices from $174K-$215K, includes furnishings.
Bluefin Unit 7
Bluefin Unit 18
Bluefin Unit 26
Bluefin Unit 32
3 BR, 2 BA. Recent $130K elegant remodel. Only a few feet from shore. $419,900 SALE PENDING
2 BR, 2 BA floorplan. Unique to the whole resort. A guest favorite. $340,000
2 BR, 2 BA. Upper level unit affords panoramic lake views. Over $60K in rental income. $315,000
Sales Agent, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
1 BR, 1 BA. Charming unit with brand new bath, kitchen, and fireplace. $50K in Rental Income. $275,000
1 BR/1 BA. Ideal location. Exceptional value and solid investment at reasonable price. $259,900
Bluefin Unit 37
Eric Frost
SOLD
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.
Bluefin Unit 38
218-663-6886 | eric@bluefinbay.com
2 BR, BA turn-key rental property. Newly remodeled and tastefully decorated.
Lutsen resort company
Please call for more information or to set up an appointment:
Alyssa Sushoreba • Office: 507-340-6189 • alyssa@lutsenresort.com
Enjoy resort living while you’re here! When you purchase a unit at Lutsen Resort, you get so much more. The historic resort offers an extensive list of amenities and activities! kayaking • standup paddle boarding • fly-fishing hiking • par 3 golf (and disc golf ) course on property kids camp • kids pizza and movie night snow shoeing • cross country skiing • ice skating door to door ski hill shuttle • game room indoor pool, hot tub & sauna • live music • beach bonfires
& more!
Versatile rental on Lake Superior! These Poplar River Condos have 3 bedrooms, a sleeping loft, 3 bathrooms, each with a whirlpool tub, three gas fireplaces and amazing rental versatility. The ingenious floor plan allows rental as one, two, or all three bedroom units by guests making it a popular option for couples AND families visiting the resort. You and your family can enjoy a north shore getaway while earning an income. Unit 582 $339,000 Unit 552 $365,000 price reduced Unit 572 $359,000 Unit 512 $439,000 SOLD!
Enjoy visiting Lutsen in your very own lakeside unit while earning an income at Lutsen Resort! The Sea Villas are as close as you can be to the edge of the water which means amazing lake views and access to Lake Superior. This unit has 1 bedroom, plus a sleeping loft, a beautiful bathroom with a full kitchen, living and dining room, wood burning stove and deck facing the big lake. Don’t miss your chance and inquire further today! Unit K3 $199,000 SOLD!
NORTHERN  WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777 DREAMING OF LAKE SUPERIOR? ON THE WATER, LAKE VIEWS! Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
DEVIL TRACK RIVER COBBLESTONE HOME AT MOUTH OF LAKE SUPERIOR!
Fully renovated and much loved home, you’ve all seen the outside, the cool looking Cobblestone house on the Lake Superior side of the Devil Track River, just a few minutes east of Grand Marais. While the exterior is interesting, the interior is FANTASTIC! From the warm wood floors to the hand hewn interior beams and trim, this home welcomes you in to the history of the North Shore. Updated everything and move in ready, walk to the beach and up the river for a day of Fly fishing, just incredible home and location. MLS#6086342 $399,000
MOUNTAIN TOP LIVING ON MINNESOTA’S NORTH SHORE! Breathtaking views of Lake Superior are the focus of this home, built by David Salmela. Lofty Red Pines are scattered amongst the boreal forest surrounding this 4 bedroom home while overlooking the wild country of Tettegouche State Park.
E L A S ING D N PE COTTAGE ON CASCADE’S LAKE SUPERIOR! Simple
Living, Small Footprint 3 bedrm Lutsen Lake Superior home, with large deck Overlooking Lake Superior. Accessible sprawling ledgerock shoreline. Lower level walks out with some overflow guest space and workshop area. $549,000
MLS#6088471
MLS#6086880 $650,000
500+ FT ON LAKE SUPERIOR WITH LODGE STYLE HOME!Used as a Vacation
Rental, Bay Breeze is all about comfortable style with spaces designed for entertaining from the Great Room to the Lakeside Deck! A must see home! MLS#6084180 $479,000
OLD WORLD CHARM AND CRAFTSMANSHIP MEET 300’ OF LAKE SUPERIOR BEACH!
E L A S ING D N PE
Just over an hour from Duluth, you’ll LOVE this secluded getaway with a timeless Vibe! The main home is just the right size, with a guest cabin, each bedecked in all the little matters that count. Carved birds soar out of the gables, there’s scrollwork, tin filigree, a sauna. The fireplaces! The beach cobbles came in handy, each a masterpiece - roaring delights.
MLS# 6081939 $579,000 REDUCED!
E L A S ING D N PE AMAZING LAKE SUPERIOR HOME WITH A BEACH HOUSE! BIG VIEWS FROM ALMOST EVERY ROOM! Beautifully updated kitchen w/ center island. Living room wood burning fireplace is perfect for Lake Superior living! All the hard work on updating bathrooms has been done, this home is ready for your enjoyment! Wait until you see the Beach House! Fabulous for a great sense of the Lake! Many fun features! MLS#6083651 $589,000
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Itching to See a Home? Take our 3D Walk through Virtual Tour of any Home listed here!
Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!
Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777
Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
LAKE SUPERIOR TOWNHOMES/CONDOS
E L A S ING D N E P NEW!! LUTSEN TOWNHOME ON THE EDGE OF THE BIG LAKE! MLS#6092040 $239,000
E L A S ING D N E P
THE INLAND LAKES ARE CALLING! FISHERMAN’S DREAM GETAWAY ON GREENWOOD LAKE, Walter is Waiting! End
E L A S ING D N E P
LAKE SUPERIOR TOFTE CONDO AT CHATEAU! MLS#6086139 $64,999
of the bay bordering USFS lands and some Super Shoreline! Call today for details!
MLS# 6027279 $199,000
NEW! ESCAPE TO THE CABIN ON GUST LAKE!
Enjoy one of the best kept secrets in Lutsen: Gust Lake! Great potential to dial this property in and make it your own vacation spot! Elctricity and broadband bought in, new roof, and tons more updates! 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with walk out lower level and don’t forget the 150ft of shoreline! Large Sunroom with access to deck, Bunk house and large detached garage top it off! See it today and start enjoying the North Shore! MLS#6091883
$289,000
SURFSIDE #16A ON LAKE SUPERIOR, MINUTES TO LUTSEN MOUNTAINS! Clean
UNIT 1 AT BLUEFIN BAY RESORT!
$179,900 FOR YOUR ¼ SHARE!
MLS#6077000 $329,900 REDUCED!
and Crisp Modern Design, this Quarter Share is waiting for those looking to vacation A LOT along the North Shore! Sensible and cost efficient, this Townhome is a Stone’s Throw to Lake Superior! Check out the 3D Virtual Tour at www.TimberWolffRealty.com and walk through the townhome! You’ll see top quality and inviting spaces for you to create family memories! MLS#6080869
Excellent Vacation getaway on the North Shore, this 2 bedroom Condo has modern design with vaulted ceilings and TONS of Lake Superior views, just a stone’s throw to Lake Superior! Super rental revenues, excellent amenities!
MOUNTAIN RESORT HOMES BIG VALUES AT CARIBOU HIGHLANDS, FANTASTIC SUMMER FUN ON THE MOUNTAIN!
MOOSE MOUNTAINS VIEWS!
E SAL ING D N E P NEEDS TLC, A CHARMING CABIN ON CARIBOU LAKE WITH ALMOST 200 FT OF SHORELINE! MLS#6085653 $325,000
E SAL ING D N E P FAMILY CABIN ON PIKE LAKE, GRAND MARAIS! MLS#6086465 $449,900 BIG VALUE!
3 bedrm 2 bath Lovely Townhome, TONS OF VALUE at an all time low price of $171,000 MLS#6082462 Ask for #515!! SALE PENDING
JUST LIKE THE OL’ LAKE CABINS FROM YOUR YOUTH! Rustic but
BARGAIN BUY!
120A Bridge Run at Caribou Highlands! Two levels of fun, upstairs bedroom/bunk space. Must See at this price! MLS#6084056 $79,900! SALE PENDING
comfortable, located on awesome Pike Lake with nice views and sense of wilderness while being part of a small lake community. Tons of value with the cabin and garage. Spend your days fishing on Pike and your evenings on the deck overlooking Pike Lake! $269,000
124B THE BEST AT CARIBOU
because it is completely updated and has a double deck, gorgeous 1 bedrm condo! MLS#6032522, REDUCED $91,500 WOWSER!
MLS#6087771
#670 MOOSE MOUNTAIN! 5 Bedrm 4 bath MINT townhome with AMAZING VIEWS OF MOOSE MOUNTAIN! MLS#6087455 $319,000
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND LIKE TIMBERWOLFF R EALTY! NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
41
Itching to See a Home? Take our 3D Walk through Virtual Tour of any Home listed here!
Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!
Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777
Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
WILDERNESS HOMES, LAKE VIEWS, AND IN TOWN…READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM! NEW! PEACEFUL HOME, JUST UP THE HILL FROM LAKE SUPERIOR’S BLUEFIN BAY IN TOFTE. Gorgeous
setting- a nice creek meandering along a portion of the back yard. Move in ready, meticulously maintained home! Open concept living, Vaulted ceilings, and tons of windows allow light to flow through the home. Walk out level is fabulous, large rec space. Easy walk to Carlton Peak parking, Brighton Peak, bike trail system, cross country ski trails and Lake Superior...all within minutes from your front door! MLS#6091384 $275,000
D SOL NEW! NESTLED IN THE TREES MLS#6090291 $174,900
E L A S ING D N E P
E SAL ING D N E P
with nice views of the ridge and Baptism River. Home was moved and rehabbed from Cliff and Shore Resort, was the middle section of the building. Great home for year round living or just having it as a cabin with perfect location. Very charming open floor plan with lots of natural light in the living area. Master Bedroom and guest bedroom are in the west wing and living room with open floor plan to the kitchen in the East. Nice separation for entertaining and relaxation. All one level living! The large deck and spacious yard completes the whole North woods package! Borders public land to North and Baptism River is across the Cramer Road, many hiking and snowmobiling opportunities nearby!
cabin in Lutsen with a modern feel sitting on 5 acres! The Wood stove will take any chill off while you enjoy this 1 bedroom cabin, with enough room for a pull out couch to sleep four. Maintenance free deck wraps around three sides and the sauna has a changing room and beautiful cedar walls inside. The cabin is roughed in for electric and plumbing for the future! Great location to enjoy peace and quiet. MLS#6090139 $134,900
home in a wilderness setting very near to Blue Fin Bay on Lake Superior! Spacious eat in kitchen, 2 bedrm 1 bath Mint home with large deck for relaxing after a day of Hiking at Oberg, just minutes away.
MLS#6088871 $219,900
Superior National Forest lands, this gem is minutes from the BWCA with yr round access, electric and fiber optic to the cabin. One bedrm insulated NICE cabin, with electric storage heat. Drilled well on site to haul your own water and an Outhouse. Minutes to the BWCA, make this your base camp for wilderness adventures! MLS#6089964 $147,500
NEW! YEAR ROUND HOME IN FINLAND! Great elevation and 10 acres to play on
NEW! AWESOME LUTSEN RETREAT! Newly constructed off grid
NEW! DREAMY TOFTE LOG CABIN-NEW CONSTRUCTION! Lovely
NEW! SMALL FOOTPRINT GETAWAY! Surrounded mostly by
MLS#6090618 $189,000
E SAL ING D N E P
GUNFLINT TRAIL WILDERNESS HOME WITH VIEWS OF GUNFLINT LAKE! Newer construction log sided home. 10 acres bordering the Superior National Forest on 2 sides- seclusion! Throw the boat in at the nearby Gunflint Lake landing when you want to hit the water. Newer home has Fabulous lake views, spacious deck. Fabulous stone fireplace, open dining/kitchen area. Gourmet kitchen, granite. Master en suite bedrm, screened porch. Lots of elbow room with the additional bedrms.
MLS#6083975 $269,000 REDUCED
2 CABINS OUTSIDE GRAND MARAIS, RENTAL OPPORTUNITY. Yes, they need
fixing up but these cabins have a highly desirable location just “Up the Hill” from Grand Marais. Currently generate rental income, use your vision on upgrades!
MLS#6085107 $69,000
E SAL ING D N E P
WALK TO GRAND MARAIS! This home is a must see, from the new kitchen to the super functional layout with three bedrms/bath on upper level and the lower level designed for fun times with additional bunk room and bath. Family room is bright and sunny, a Must See home! New Roof, detached garage and Sauna house! MLS#6083092 $287,500
LOVELY TEMPERANCE RIVER AREA HOME-6 AC SURROUNDED BY MILES OF PUBLIC LAND.
Adjoining bike trail, a ¼ mile from the Temperance River biking and hiking bridge, a minute more to Lake Superior! Head up the Temperance Rd to the tranquil setting of the #8 swimming hole on the Temperance River! Lovingly maintained home. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, plus sun room bunk room! Large garage w/ art studio space?
E L A S ING D PEN
MLS#6084142 $355,000
Call TIMBERWOLFF REALTY or visit www.timberwolffrealty.com for more information! 42
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Itching to See a Home? Take our 3D Walk through Virtual Tour of any Home listed here!
Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!
Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777
Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! 30 acres Wilderness, Borders lands next to Little Manitou River! MLS#2309327 $129,000 NEW! Lake Superior Views in Tofte! 4+ acres with a creek! MLS#6090659 $79,000 SALE
PENDING
Crosswinds in Tofte, Walk to Coho! Large pkg lots, Great Value. FROM $45,000
MLS#6077966
10 Ac Parcels of Maples! Rolling Terrain of Mature Maples to a Sweet Building site Parcels Over a Mixed Boreal Forest. Year Round Access and Electric at Road!
MLS#2024250 $42,000
40 ac Sugar Loaf Rd-Hunter’s Paradise, upland and level land. Yr Round Access, minutes to Lake Superior. MLS#6086473 $48,000 South Sloping land in Tofte, Seasonal Lake Views in beautiful setting at LeVeaux Mountain. Easy access, electric, fiber…build ready! Ask for 2xx and 3xx LeVeaux Ridge MLS#6089001 AND 6089003
$67,000 EACH
Maples with lots of Elbow Room, Year Round access and nice location between Cross River in Schroeder and Finland! MLS#6028422 $49,000
RUSTIC CABINS AND GETAWAYS!
E SAL ING D PEN
Jonvick Creek Runs Through It! Enjoy the Sounds of the Creek running by your future build site, Fabulous Lutsen Location just off the Caribou Trail!
Wildwood acres lots- ranging from $19-33,000 Great location! MLS#6087233
MLS#6074981 $57,500
Well-Manicured Lot in Lutsen! Driveway and building site in place, 1.75 acres.
Tait Lake area, Legend Trail parcel bordering USFS lands with views of Wills and Williams Lake!
Wilderness land with canoe access to Tait Lake! 3+ ac a stone’s throw to Tait Lake!
Hilltop build site in the Maples, Isak Ridge Rd. Nice Lake Superior Views with Superior National Forest lands across the Road. Perfect for a Walk Out Home Design! MLS#6084133 $49,000
MLS#6028619 $67,500
MLS#6086735 $29,000
MLS#6078839 $42,000
5 ac in the heart of Lutsen, just above TimberWolff! Great location for family home or Vaca Cabin!
Wilderness Lutsen location at Tait Lake- backlot with Driveway in place! Yr Round and Electric
MLS#6077951 $39,000
Caribou Hillside in Lutsen! Maple hillside above Ward Lake and Caribou Lake, FABULOUS location for summer and winter fun! Must see land!
MLS#6029115 $33,000 SALE PENDING
MLS#6078781 5 AC $40,000
Hansen Hjemstead Rd, level build site with nearby pond! MLS#6084134 $39,900
Woodland Foothills Build Ready lots, Shared Water & Community Septic from
Tucked in the maples with cedar forest surround, 2 parcels at $36,000 MLS#6084131-2
Heartland of Lutsen, 80 ac at the Foothill on Turnagain Trail, Fabulous Wilderness Build s of Ski Hill ridge, near downtown Lutsen!
NEW! Views Views Views of Tait Lake Pines! 2.27 acres of privacy with deeded access to Tait Lake -
MLS#2309328+ FROM $39,000
MLS# 6090031 $50,000
NEW! 2.64 acres of Wilderness with deeded access to Tait Lake! MLS#66092302 $31,900
MLS#2312987 $119,000
High Ground above Lake Superior, Bloomquist Mountain area!
MLS#6085097 $39,000
NEW! 2160 Cty Rd 7-Gorgeous 5 acres with creek meandering along west border, partial driveway in place. Easy access to Grand Marais, no Covenants!
MLS#6091367 $69,900
Quiet Side of Town Building Site, just off the East 5th Street in the heart of Grand Marais. Walk to East Bay!
MLS#6082222 $59,000
LAKE SUPERIOR views, Rolling terrain with creek meandering through the land. Beautiful setting less than five minutes to Grand Marais!
MLS#6029849 $65,000
Mature Trees In Town! Excellent location for your main level living home, tucked in to the trees while being a minute to Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and the YMCA!
MLS#6080711 $80,000 MLS#6080709 $79,000
Coveted County Road 7 Location! Two 5 acre parcels remain, with creek meandering along the border. Nice boreal forest, high elevations!
MLS#6086990 $63,000 MLS#6086993 $65,000
INLAND LAKE LANDS
NEW! DEERYARD LAKE: Back to the Basics LAKE DEERYARD LAKE GETAWAY! with 2.4 acres and 175ft of shoreline on Deeryard Lake! 2.30 acres and 175ft of shoreline! MLS#6086435
MLS#6090377 $172,000
$174,900 SALE PENDING
NEW! SUNSHINE ON PIKE LAKE! Prime shoreline on the “Lutsen” side of Pike Lake. Gentle southern slope to the lakeshore, enjoy wading in to the water from a nice rocky beach area. Only 20 minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort. A must see lake parcel for your future dream home in Lutsen!
BEST OF THE VILLAGE AT NINEMILE! 1800ft of shared shoreline on
Ninemile Lake, great location and sense of privacy!
MLS# 6087908 $37,000
CLARA LAKE IN LUTSEN! Wilderness Lakeshore Site with cleared build site, driveway in place. Electric at road, 200 ft PRIME shoreline.
MLS#6091546 $176,000
WILLARD LANE PIKE LAKE VIEW LAND WITH LAKE ACCESS! Rugged
elevation, great build site. Shared 20 ft access to Pike Lake for $75,000 MLS#6078799 CHRISTINE LAKE 10 AC bordering Superior National Forest, Yr Round Access, electric/broadband avail. Hill top build site overlooking mature white pine, cedar lined shoreline on Christine. Serenity Now!
MLS#6023288 $99,900
$169,000 MLS#6088357
COMMERCIAL UP NORTH! FORMER SITE OF THE CROSS RIVER CAFÉ! Lots of Opportunities, River Frontage and Established site. Enjoy solid long term rentals, self-sustaining solid local MLS#6078629 $55,000 REDUCED businesses. Highway frontage and Room to Expand Up! NEW! COMMERCIAL VACANT LOT WITH Support the Local Economy and Enjoy some passive LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS! 4.89 acres with direct access income, Buy Now and bring your ideas for expansion! from Highway 61 and leveled building site! MLS#6087649 MLS#6028366 $324,900 $220,000 LOW MAINTENANCE RENTAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!
NEW! CLASSIC GARAGE CABIN ON PIKE LAKE ROAD! Long winding driveway,
with cleared build site area. 2017 built garage with electric and fiber used as a SWEET summer cabin getaway! Porta Potty on site! MLS#6088829 $89,900
JUST NORTH OF SILVER BAY, PALISADE VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR! Gorgeous Lakeshore, Priced
Way Below Tax Assessed Value! Gorgeous Views down the Coastline and Well buffered from Hwy.
MLS#2313255 $185,000 SALE
PENDING
NEW! ENJOY 3.83 ACRES WITH 255FT OF LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE! Great site overlooking level access to Lake Superior! MLS#6092322 $249,900
LAKE SUPERIOR LAND NEW! DREAMY LAKE SUPERIOR ACREAGE WITH 7.5 ACRES AND NEW! MEANDER THROUGH A NEARLY 500 FEET OF LINEAL SPRUCE FOREST TO FIND THIS AWESOME 3.72 ACRES WITH 240FT SHORELINE! Level access from a few different build sites, decide if you want to nestle your home site in OF LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE!
Easily accessible shoreline allows for great lake views and access! MLS#6092323 $249,900
to a mature White Spruce forest or in to a small hillside for nice walk out level to an existing boardwalk to the lake. Either way, you’ll have plenty of elbow room!
MLS#6032773 $449,900
VISIT US AT WWW.TIMBERWOLFFR EALTY.COM FOR PICTUR E SLIDESHOW! NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Grand Marais Area
Gorgeous log home tucked into the perfect spot in the Superior National at Lutsen golf community. Open concept w/cobblestone FP & four-season porch in a woodsy setting. Perfect layout for entertaining, with peninsula bar & stainless appliances. 3 bed, 3 bath, incl main flr owner suite with separate tub/shower. Main floor laundry. 2 add’l bedrooms on upper level w/full bath & loft. In-flr heat w/elec boiler & propane FP for dual fuel savings. Wraparound deck facing Lk Superior with outdoor gear closet. Oversized, detached dbl garage & cool firepit. Wellmaintained home with great curb appeal. Well-managed HOA with shared state-certified water/waste systems. Perfect location to enjoy all of the activities the North Shore has to offer. Close to restaurants, shops and within walking distance of North Shore Winery! MLS 6088120 $464,900.
Office 218-663-7971
lutsenrealestategroup.com
S A L EN G I PEND
Meet Our Awesome Agents! Tucker Lake Executive Estate Home. This property is a designer built executive
Inger Andress 218-216-7141
Kelsi Williams 218-428-0992
Bruce Kerfoot 218-388-0876
retreat in the boreal forest along the Gunflint Trail, north of Grand Marais on Tucker Lake on nearly 5 private acres with over 600’ of shoreline. The beautiful 2 story timber frame main building includes 3 bedrooms, 3 baths (two with steam showers), great room of living area, dining and kitchen, large office, sauna, big screened in porch, sun porch, 3 fireplaces (1 wood and 2 gas), in floor heat, and attached double garage. Extensive custom designed cabins are built into the bathrooms, kitchen and storage areas. The master bath has a large walk in closet. All counters are marble. The gas stove is a Wolf with 5 burners with a recirculating filter. All the faucets in the building are Rohr. The home great room has a new solid oak floor. An outbuilding has an additional single garage, and a large work shop for tool storage and work projects. A modest wood shed stores the firewood for the porch fireplace. The extensive grounds include a small pond with fountain, a rock flower garden, a large garden area with 14 vegetable beds and a raspberry patch. A nicely designed foot path leads to the waterfront with a new floating dock and a boat lift. A wild fire sprinkler system provides excellent wild fire protection on all the buildings and adjacent land. Seller is owner/agent. MLS 6091571 $1,100,000
Steve Surbaugh Broker 218-663-7971
Fully-furnished, turnkey DevilTrack Lake Home. Updated 2-story home located on Devil Track Lake, just 8 miles up the scenic Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais. Modern decor with a flare of up north touches. Lake-facing deck and LL patio allowing you to enjoy the spacious backyard that leads up to the lake. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, spacious master suite on the main level. Two living areas, full sized kitchen and dining room. Unique artwork and carefully selected furnishings. Wall to wall windows to take full advantage of the Devil Track Lake views year round. This home is the ideal place to set up your year-round base for adventure while being just minutes away from beautiful downtown Grand Marais. Part of the Landing at Devil Track Homeowner’s Association providing year round access, snow removal, maintained road and driveway, lawn care and covenants designed to protect your investment. This home is currently part of the Cascade Vacation Rental program. New owners can elect multiple options how best to use and enjoy their new vacation property. Seller is a licensed real estate agent in the State of MN. MLS 6089182 $399,900
Stunning Superior Property.
Beautiful and wellmaintained home with unparalleled views of Lake Superior from most rooms. Light pours into this 2-bed, 2-bath home, accenting the Scandinavian-looking aspen paneling with vaulted ceilings. A stunning accent is the Vermont Casting Wood Stove installed a year ago. The kitchen has a JennAir stove top with easy conversion to a grill top. Large floor-to-ceiling windows brings the glorious outdoor foliage and woods into your dining experience. The wet bar extension gives extra room for the chef. Magnificent location with accessible ledge rock. Perfect spot for a camp fire, or Tofte fireworks watching! Dining in the gazebo is a surreal experience of being surrounded by the professionally-landscaped yard; no need for a lawn mower. All of this plus a double, detached garage. This is a must-see property! MLS 6088709 $699,900
Croftville Road Charmer.
Private Lake Superior Shoreline. Turn key....no looming projects. Any questions? This home is well taken care of. New roof, new insulation, new flooring, new septic with certificate of compliance, new furnace, new stove, and so much more. Basically, it’s perfect. Property is sold with furnishings,
Lake Superior Poplar River Condo. Poplar
River unit 552 is part of the Lutsen Resort vacation rental program and provides a unique opportunity for multiple rental options with room - lock-out considerations. This unit is perched hillside resting adjacent to the Poplar River Cauldron’s and falls, with Lake Superior views. This 3 bedroom, 3 master bath units offer an open air living/dining/ kitchen concept in the main unit with deck offering views and comfort. Each break-out room has a wet bar. The unit also provides the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor rec programs offered by Lutsen Resort and the convenience to enjoy fine dining, the Poplar River pub, large indoor swimming pool and of course nearby Superior National at Lutsen golf course, Lutsen Mountains and the Gitchi-Gami trail. MLS TBD $359,000
Aspenwood on Lake Superior. Gorgeous lake
views from every level of this sharp Lake Superior condo. Quality finishes including granite, wood & tile floors, maple cabinets, with a cool, modern vibe. Multiple spaces to hang out in this spacious, three-level unit with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Large windows for wide-open views of the big lake. Vacation rental revenues help to offset the cost of ownership. Enjoy your time on the North Shore without any pesky chores. Just enjoy lake living, and all of the activities this area has to offer: golfing, skiing, hiking, biking, beach combing, music, shops & restaurants, plus more. Seller is a licensed real estate agent in the state of MN, unrelated to listing agent. MLS 6085503 $299,900.
Lutsen Townhome.
Own a townhome at the famed Lutsen Resort! Stunning Cliff House unit with amazing Lake Superior views. 3 bed, 3 bath, two-level townhome. Open concept great room, with oversized windows and big lake views. Cozy up to the fireplace with a book, or hang out with friends and family. Walkout onto deck and sit amongst the pines, breathing in that fresh Superior air and watching the sparkling waters. Main floor bedroom with full bath. Two upper bedrooms with two more baths. Spa room with jetted tub looking out at the lake and sky. Participate in the many activities and amenities available through the resort, plus world-class dining. Full ownership with rental revenues helping to offset expenses. Unit is being sold fully-furnished; all you need is the key. Seller is a licensed real estate agent unrelated to listing agent. MLS # 6091798 $369,000
- EARN MONEY WHEN YOU ARE AWAY Place your home in our Vacation Rental Program. Give Andrew a call at 218-264-0497
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S A L EN G I PEND
fixtures, kitchen ware, pots and pans and even the pizza cutter. Some family heirlooms and personal story pictures are excluded but otherwise all a new owner needs is the key. Large deck sits seaside along Lake Superior combined with well taken care of grounds. Call today for to schedule your private showings MLS 6091324 $359,900
S A L EN G I PEND
Spectacular Devil Track Home.
Mike Larson Broker 218-370-1536
NEW ! PRICE
Gorgeous Lutsen Home.
Lutsen Real Estate Group
Sandy McHugh 218-370-7841
Lutsen/Tofte/Grand Marais and Lake Superior
Lutsen Real Estate Group
Using a fundamental business approach for all your real estate needs Office 218-663-7971
lutsenrealestategroup.com
Real Estate is serious business, and we understand that.
From the Gunflint Trail, to the shores of Lake Superior- we have full time agents ready to assist you in selling and buying. Our agents live here, work here and are defined by service and expertise.
Give us a call today!
Inland Lake Lots
Gunflint Trail S A L EN G I PEND
Cozy, Private Loon Lake Cabin Comfortable, seasonal lake home
on beautiful Loon Lake, in a bay along the southern shore. This one bedroom home includes an adjacent bunkhouse (4 person sleeping capacity), a newer two stall garage and a dock on the waterfront. The main home is a wood frame building with one bedroom and one bath, a common room living/dining/kitchen, ¾ bath, washer/dryer, gas water heater, and wood fireplace stove for heat and ambience in the living room. Electric baseboard heat in the bedroom. The outside porch on south side of the home overlooks the lake. Adjacent bunk house with double bed, bunk beds and a ½ bath. Wood frame building on wood post footings. Heavily forested 1.53 acre lot with old growth white cedar and white pine, and 315’ of lakeshore. Dock is 10’x12’ on solid wood cribbing. Wild fire sprinkler system covers the buildings and grounds for state of the art wild fire protection. Seasonal access via private gravel road around east end of Loon Lake, 1 mile from the paved Gunflint Trail (Scenic Byway-County Road 12) and about 40 miles from Grand Marais. MLS 6090829 $299,000
Tait Lake, Lutsen
This gorgeous Tait Lake property waterfront lot is a must-see! Enjoy 208 spectacular feet of shoreline and 3.83 wooded acres situated on either side of a private association-owned road which is accessible year-round. You’ll love the scenery as you approach the lake: the picturesque drive, mature trees, and rolling hills. Paddle, fish, snowshoe, hike, and more from this scenic location! Just 12 miles away from Lutsen area activities and a short 30 minute drive from the great shops and restaurants in Grand Marais. This serene lot is ready to be your retreat! MLS 6084736 $209,000.
S A L EN G I PEND
Poplar Lake Lot. Make your dreams come true on this beautiful
lot overlooking scenic Poplar lake. Enjoy incredible views of the bay and majestic sunsets. A building site at the crest of a plateau is cleared and ready for a walkout or slab. There is a high quality garage built in 2011 ready and waiting for you to store your car, cabin toys, and materials while you build. Enjoy the surrounding trees and wooded hiking trail down to your own 200+ ft of pristine shoreline. Do you like to camp, fish or canoe? Poplar Lake provides four access entry points into the BWACW. Tired of being in the wilderness? You are only 30 minutes from town. Better yet, take a 5-10 minute walk (or paddle across the bay) to the nearby Trail Center Lodge for a delicious meal, full service bar, and essential groceries. So quiet you can hear the loons calling. All of the Northwoods wildlife sights and sounds await you. MLS 6091640 Price $169,500
Lake Superior Parcels Coveted Stonegate Rd. Build-ready Lake Superior parcel. Driveway, power & septic already in place. Private setting with no hwy noise. Accessible shoreline, cleared build site, surveyed. Make this beautiful spot your new Lake Superior homesite! Seller is a licensed real estate agent in the state of MN, unrelated to listing agent. MLS 6082793 $229,900
Other Vacant Land Parcels Sugar Loaf Road ‘Eighty’
This wooded ‘untouched’ property is secluded yet has year round public road access that is snow plowed and maintained for you... approximately 1/4 mile of frontage road access. Only less than 30 minutes away from Lutsen Mountain’s ski hill and Superior National golf course. For the outdoor enthusiast, it is close to several destinations, the Sugar Loaf Nature Trails and Center, Caribou Falls, Temperance River and the Superior National Hiking trail. This is a generous eighty-acre parcel, with many older cedar trees that would be an ideal place to build a forest home, cabin for hunting or to have a piece of pristine nature! MLS 6085833 $129,900
Devil Track Lake Lots Great location for second home, primary residence, or cabin. Wooded shoreline with many potential building and driveway locations. Ample space for septic and well. Pristine shoreline, plus close proximity to Grand Marais and many area activities. MLS 6081021, 6081022, 6081023, 6081024. Priced from $99,900 to $149,900.
Superior National Golf Course Homesites Few Golf Courses have been built on land as spectacular as Superior National. And more recently the golf course just completed its nearly $4.5 million course improvement project on the River and Canyon Nines. The homesites listed below are tucked within the Cedar Forest along River 6 fairway and River 6 green. With water, sewer, power and broadband available, combined the sounds of the Poplar River just across the fairway and so much more beauty, the value offered simply is unbelievable. Lots 1 and 2, Block 1. Outstanding location. These lots lay adjacent to River #3 fairway, near the green. Lots 1 and 2 are the only golf course lots that are independent of all other golf course lots and therefore nicely private. Walking distance to Gitchi Gami bike and walking trailhead. Minutes to Lutsen Mountains. Common Water and Sewer hook-up available thru HOA. Seller is an owner/agent. MLS 6090570 $79,500. Lot 4 Block 2. This lot sits adjacent to #4 fairway on River 9 at Superior National Golf Course. Very nice build site with easy access from Ski Hill Road. Water, Sewer, power and broadband available curbside. This is an excellent value. MLS 6089187 $59,900 Lot 6, Block 5. Very nice golf course lot adjacent to the 6th green at the newly renovated Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course. This lot is set up nicely adjacent to green #6 and directly across the fairway is the Poplar River. The orientation of this lot and build site will provide good sun all day long and all year long. A very nice building area has been sited. Broadband, water and sewer curbside. The property is within an HOA which provides water and sewer to homeowners within the association. MLS 6090267 $94,500.
Lake Access Without Lakeshore Prices!
Hwy 61 Frontage Convenient Build Site.
Great parcel of land conveniently located just 2.7 miles east of Grand Marais. Well already in place. Located on Hwy 61; perfect place to build a new home. 2.29 acres. MLS 6081081 $55,600
Tait Lake Outlots. Priced nearly 30% below current assessed value. Motivated seller! This is a large parcel on beautiful Tait Lake, consisting of 6.1 acres with deeded access to a nearby private Association boat landing (a couple blocks) on Tait Lake, and no pricey lakeshore taxes. Towering white pines, multiple build sites and a corner lot ideallysituated for convenient ingress and egress from two sides of Caps Trail so that you can trailer your boat in and out with ease! Located just 13 miles from Lutsen, adjacent to the Caribou Trail. Power & broadband at the road. HOA handles road maintenance and plowing giving you year-round access! Seller is a licensed real estate agent in the State of MN. Please let listing agent know if you intend to walk the property, but you’re welcome to do so! Make an offer today – one of the best values in all of Cook County. MLS 6092246 Price $64,500
Outstanding Lake Superior NORTHERN WILDS
Value!45
SEPTEMBER 2020
(218) 387-2131 (800) 732-2131
www.CBNorthShore.com
101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com
Serving Cook County since 1971
On Lake Superior 16 Tamarack 1614 Trail Croftville Peaceful and private Road Lake Superior retreat
140053 _ NORTH SHORE
with 200 feet of shoreline on a park-like 2+ acre setting. Best of all worlds with gorgeous views of the big bay and easy access to town. This split-entry, 3-bedroom home takes full advantage of its southern exposure and views of the lake. Large garage.
MLS 6089858 $399,500 Manitoo Trail
D L SO
Lovely 4BR/2BA home. 113’ Lake Superior shoreline on the coveted Manitoo Trail. Soothing sounds of lake, privacy of the forest, smells of the northwoods beckon you to forget your worries and relax— or entertain on the huge patio!
MLS 6089314 $449,900
Ultra-charming one plus bedroom home within feet of the Big Lake on the popular Croftville Road. Designed by the original owner, this unique home has pleasant surprises everywhere.
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MLS 6090948 $389,000 45 Mossy Hollow Point
Looking for the dream cabin nestled in by the lake? This 2BR/2BA is the perfect size with 1128 sq. ft. of one level living. Gas fireplace, custom maple cabinets & solid wood floors. Gazebo, decks & benches make it easy to appreciate the 261 ft. of ledgerock shoreline.
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MLS 6087722 $439,900
Your Luxury Property Expert
G N I D
N E P 122 Stonegate Rd
3 bedroom, 3 bath comfortable, elegant home on 218 feet of Lake Superior shoreline. Open concept, large window, gas fireplace, high quality home. Huge heated attached garage and workshop. Plus private rustic guest cabin in a wilderness wonderland.
MLS 6086682 $749,000
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NORTHERN WILDS
22 E Rosebush Lane
Marvel at the views of Artist Point from this stunning 4 bedroom, 4 bath premier home located west of Grand Marais. Must see to appreciate the custom tile work, built-ins, floor to ceiling windows, cobblestone fireplace, decks and expansive gourmet kitchen & much more. Home is complete with AC, back-up generator & oversized garage. Private 2.96 acre lot with 243’ of gravel shoreline.
MLS 6080232 - $749,900
Homes
NEW 19 8th Ave W Here it is! A 4BR, 2BA home with Lake Superior views in Grand Marais and just a short walk to the harbor! Situated on a huge corner lot. Take a tour and see it for yourself. MLS 6091887 $239,900
&
Cabins
NEW 510 Humphrey Circle Need more space?! 7 BR, 4 BA plus a 3 stall garage could be just what you’ve been looking for. Lower level could make a great mother-in-law apartment with a kitchen, 4BR and 2 BA. MLS 6091991 $319,900
NEW 1620 E Highway 61 Truly unique 4 BR, 5 BA home with a Lake Superior view and only a couple miles from Grand Marais! A former B&B, lower level has its own kitchen and a great master bedroom with luxury bath. MLS 6092279 $289,900
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G N I D N PE NEW 214 9th Ave W
A must see 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with an open layout, updated kitchen, nice sized bedrooms, walk-out basement, heated 2 stall garage, new roof and new furnace. MLS 6091818 $279,000
2499 E Highway 61 Beautiful 3 BR, 2 BA home with an open floorplan, stunning rock fireplace, gorgeous kitchen and a southern wall of windows, perfect for viewing the ore boats! Large detached garage, complete with a lovely YR apartment. MLS 6090664 $339,900
1189 Pike Lake Rd Watch the moose from the sunny family room in this attractive 2 BR, 2 BA country home! Beautiful property, great views & close to many outdoor trails. Includes a heated garage, guest cabin, sauna & storage building. MLS 6089685 $339,500
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11 Wildflower Lane Beautiful 4 BR, 4 BA home with lots of special touches- gourmet kitchen, hickory floors, fireplace, eagle nest style loft, custom tilework and a separate w/o apartment, Lake Superior views, large deck all on 6+ acres. MLS 6085210 - $489,900
2371 County Rd 7 Here is a turn-key, charming and rustic cabin getaway on 12 + acres. It is close to town on a paved road, but feels like a secluded forest cabin you can escape to. The old Backlund farm’s milk house served as the bones for the cabin. MLS 6089300 $139,900
1041 Gunflint Trail Bright and cheery two bedroom, two bath home is just minutes up the Trail. The open floor plan invites gathering of friends and family. A huge porch makes a relaxing spot to enjoy the outdoors and the beautifully maintained gardens. MLS 6091557 $169,900
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D L SO 28 Tall Timber Trail Breathtaking 4 BR, 3 BA, one level home is situated on the 5th Fairway with Lake Superior Views! Open floorplan, vaulted ceilings, natural rock fireplace & much more. Det’d 3 car garage with upper level. MLS 6090238 $479,900
2021 County Rd 7 The interior is as cute as can be with gorgeous, nicely finished wood floors, an efficient kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a laundry room all on one floor!!! Perfect starter home with a little TLC and sweat equity. MLS 6084603 - $99,000
101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com
1815 W Highway 61 Absolutely charming 3 BR, 3BA country home with city amenities. Large .57 acre landscaped lot, with gardens & towering pine trees. Detached garage. Zoned C/I -VRBO is a permitted use. MLS 6090494 $269,900
(218) 387-2131
•
(800) 732-2131
www.CBNorthShore.com
140053 _ NORTH SHORE
NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Inland
3823 Arrowhead Trail Cedar log cabin nestled in the trees, overlooking McFarland Lake with 311’ frontage. 2BR, 3/4 bath, cathedral ceilings, wood floors and lots of windows. Complete generator/solar panel system, well, septic, all designed for year round usage. MLS 6089517 $329,900
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Lake
Homes
NEW! 493 South Shore Drive Elegant, quality built 3BR, 2BA Devil Track Lake home with 200’ of easily accessible shoreline situated on over 3 acres. This home has all the convenience you expect! Open concept, tall ceilings, large windows, infloor heat, broadband, gas fireplace, and patios. MLS 6092236 $599,900
NEW! 1050 Devil Track Rd Here is an immaculate, well loved and cared for 2 BR/ 2 BA year around home on perhaps the nicest lot with 2.37A on highly prized Devil Track Lake with 204’ of shoreline. MLS 6091780 $424,900
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241 Loon Lake Road Do you have vision? Fix it up or tear it down! Either way, you end up with a nice lot on the shores of Loon Lake with great views and plenty of privacy. Lot features 145 ft of shoreline and .82 acres. MLS 6090962 $105,000
14 Shorts Road Incredible opportunity! Sweet 1 BR, 1 BA cabin on the north shores of Clearwater Lake. Beautiful lot with 158’, 1 acres and views of the Palisades. Seasonal bunk house and boat house. MLS 6091103 $229,900
100 Sag Lake Trail Primary cabin features 2 BRs, 1BA with a spacious open floor plan. Adorable guest cabin with knotty pine woodwork, bath & kitchenette. Large garage! All of this on 1.3A with 150’of shoreline & dock. MLS 6090284 $359,000
G N I D N PE 159 N Pike Lake Rd 297’ of lake shore only a few yards from this charming 3+ bedroom, 2 bath year round cabin on pristine Pike Lake. The large lot curves along south facing accessible shoreline. Only 20 minutes from town this is a great peaceful getaway. MLS 6089686 $249,900 REDUCED
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33 Wilderness Trail Escape to this beautiful piece of north woods paradise with 200” of shoreline on Tom Lake. Includes a shed, outhouse, outdoor shower with hot water. Shoreline accommodates a great dock and excellent swimming hole. This unfinished, fully furnished cabin is waiting for someone to make it there own! MLS 6088040 $159,900
145 Island Road Beyond charming cabin and guest house on 274’ of Seagull Lake. You will think you’re in heaven when you arrive by boat to this property and step back to a simpler time. MLS 6091253 $249,900
G N I D N PE 42 Soderberg Lane SERIOUSLY! Check out one of the only grandfathered-in Boat Houses in Cook County. This lot features 412 ft of shoreline on Birch Lake with 3+ acres. Property includes an older rustic cabin, is fully surveyed, year round access. MLS 6088180 - $232,000
601 South Shore Drive Exceptional 223’ of Devil Track Lakeshore and 2.5 A of land in a south shore bay. Rustic 1 BR cabin with open living spaces and fabulous 275 sqft wrap-around deck. This furnished cabin has all you need for a true Northwoods experience. MLS 6089460 $249,900
101 West Hwy . 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com 140053 _ NORTH SHORE
48
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1544 Greenwood Lake Road Fantastic 3+ Acre lot on beautiful Greenwood Lake. 225’ of shoreline with expansive vistas. Cabin features a great fireplace. With some updating and finishing, you will have a charming lake home. MLS 6090792 $199,000 REDUCED
(218) 387-2131
•
(800) 732-2131
www.CBNorthShore.com
Large Acreage Camp 20 Rd 170 acres that has been replanted with pine trees. Rolling topography, many building sites and hiking trails. Gravel pit and a small wildlife pond. State land to the south & east. MLS 6074422 - $149,900
Commercial
47X Camp 12 Road Check out this property - one of the best deals in the market! Over 200A mature trees, gently rolling topography, wildlife trails and logging roads, practically all surrounded by State and Federal land. MLS 6090490 $99,900
Condos East Bay Suites Check out these condos
located in the heart of Grand Marais on the shores of Lake Superior. Great property if you are wanting a 2nd home or an investment property.
UNIT 210 MLS 6082642 $299,900 3BR, 2BA PENDING UNIT 202 MLS 6091932 $295,000 2BR, 2BA
1st Ave West
8 N. Broadway
Prime commercial property has immediate income. Two upper level apartments with space for more, plus storefront, and grounds rental. For Grand Marais the location could hardly be better for tourism and traffic potential.
MLS 6029037 - $437,900
Great opportunity in the downtown business district! This building is located on 1st Avenue West close to the harbor, Wisconsin Street, and Highway 61. Busy retail area year round--heavy foot traffic all summer long! A cafe, jewelry store, and t-shirt shop have all prospered at this location-what is your dream business?
MLS 6084360 - $199,900
610 E 5th Street
Commercial lot in Grand Marais with a great location. Just over 100 feet off the Gunflint Trail on East 5th Street with over 10,000 square feet to develop
Inland
MLS 6091598 $52,500
Lake
Poplar Lake Exceptional 1.65 acre lakeshore lot on the shores of Poplar Lake with 144’ of shoreline, located mid-way up the Gunflint Trail. Year round access, 240 sq ft boat house, dock and driveway. MLS 6090960 $159,900
Lots Tom Lake Tom Lake lot with over 200 feet of frontage and an easy slope to the lake! There’s a shed and a dock waiting for you to start your adventure. MLS 6083377 - $69,900 Tom Lake Affordably priced Tom Lake property with over 600’ of shoreline and 34+ wooded acres. Wide trail to the dock to enjoy your evening sunsets over the palisades and catching fish! MLS 6090489 $109,900
Bearskin Lake It is a rare opportunity to find a lakeshore lot with panoramic views of West Bearskin AND have easy access to 160+ feet of lakeshore with 1.45 acres and abutting USFS land for the ultimate retreat. MLS 6091106 $159,900
Squint Lake Mid-Gunflint Trail lot with 2.13A & 221’ shoreline. Gently rolling topography, old white pine trees, YR access & abuts USFS! MLS 6028920 - $75,000
Greenwood Lake Gorgeous south facing 2+ acre with 276’ of shoreline. Features YR access, driveway in, picnic area and walking trails. Development shared ownership includes private boat launch and surrounded by federal lands. MLS 6089975 $149,900
Devil Track Lake 5.9 acres to make your dreams come true on the popular north side of Devil Track Lake! 340 feet of shoreline to enjoy all the fun things to Pike Lake do on the water! MLS 6085879 $164,900 Pristine Pike Lake lot with 190’ of rocky shoreline on the north west Clara Lake side of the lake. Easy year round access off of the Caribou Trail, Tom Lake With 200 feet of south facing lake shore surrounded by Forest lands electricity & broadband available. Affordable AND attractive lot on Tom Lake, complete with a solid this lot is a wonderful escape from the outside world, yet only 12 miles MLS 6084251 - $178,900 driveway and cleared building site. Very private with 1.6 acres and 189 from the Lake Superior shore. ft of shoreline. MLS 6090351 $64,900 MLS 6085959 $99,900
Land 13XX Mineral Center Road Talk about privacy. Nine nicely wooded acres completely surrounded by tribal land. This is truly getting away from it all. MLS 6091085 $49,900
COYOTE RIDGE LOT 6 Magnificent views are yours to be had from these 5 acre parcels! Only minutes to downtown Grand Marais or Cascade State Park. MLS 6087781 $84,900 REDUCED
West Hwy 61 Attractive & affordable building site with 3+ acres & easy access right off of Hwy 61. Minutes from town and Close to Cascade River State Park MLS 6086779 - $35,000
1XX Timberwolf Lane Check out this stunning 4.6 acre lot with stunning views overlooking 5 Mile Rock. Mature trees, great topography, surveyed - ready for you to build your home or cabin! MLS 6090694 $89,900
XX OLD SKI HILL ROAD 3+ acres just minutes from town on a quiet county maintained road with a nice mix of trees. Easy access to snowmobile trails and fun at Pincushion Mountain. MLS 6088343 $45,000
14x Bloomquist Mtn Rd Ten acres of mature trees including huge White Pines! Sloping lot with lots of southern exposure for sunshine all year long. MLS 6075850 - $47,500
NEW 13XX County Road 7 Want to be in Grand Marais, but have the space and privacy of a country lot? This 6 acre lot is it!! The driveway is already in waiting for you to build your dream home MLS 6092002 $69,900
XYZ Maple Hill Rd 6+ acres with quick and easy access to all the charm of Grand Marais with excellent build sites. This NEW 1X South Shore Drive parcel features nice tree cover and a roughed in path/ So many options with this 5+ acre lot! Mature driveway. MLS 6089729 $44,900 trees in a country setting close to popular Devil Track Lake, the airport, and only minutes to Grand 1xx High Ridge Drive Schroeder County Rd 14 Marais. 15 acre lot high on the ridge is ready for your dream Terrific and extremely affordable pieces of land MLS 6091923 $45,000 County Road 67 Lots home or weekend getaway! Views of Lake Superior with good high building sites and interesting game Looking for Lake Superior Views AND close to to the south and valley to the north. attracting low areas as well. NEW 2X South Shore Drive town? Lovely lots with a solid, private road & all MLS 6082812 - $99,900 MLS 6086957 $38,900 Location is everything! This 5+ acre lot is just utilities are readily available. State owned Superior minutes to Grand Marais with a country setting yet shoreline, perfect for morning walks. Jonvick Creek Sites 12 lots available STROBUS LAKE RD - LUTSEN close to the action. Easily accessible from County Lot D 3.48A, with Lake Superior views from 1.5 - 4.8 acres 10 beautiful acres less than 10 miles from Lutsen maintained roads. MLS 6086070 - $69,900 In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. and only a short drive to the Grade and multiple MLS 6091924 $45,000 Lot E 2.7A, all utilities readily available Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements access points to the BWCA. Close to trails, fishing MLS 6086072 - $82,000 will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. and more. MLS 6086562 $49,900 NEW XX Foothill Blvd Lot F 2.24A, year round access Each property adjoins public land making your Gorgeous 5 acres situated above Caribou Lake. MLS 6086085 - $39,900 space seem even more private. 47X Camp 12 Road Great Lutsen location just minutes from Caribou $29,900 - $49,900 Check out this property - one of the best deals Lake public access, Lutsen Mountain Ski Area, and Railroad Drive Lutsen in the market! Over 200A mature trees, gently Superior Hiking Trail. Sweet 1.7 A building site located in the heart of XX Boulder Point Rd rolling topography, wildlife trails and logging roads, MLS TBD $37,500 Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees and Attractive YR building site with 3.22 A; private practically all surrounded by State and Federal land. easy building site. driveway; seasonal creek and gentle southern slope MLS 6090490 $99,900 MLS 6084050 - $39,900 with some partial views of Lake Superior. MLS 6086785 - $59,900 Coyote Ridge Lots Six five acre lots available. These beautifully wooded lots have the benefit of being close to all the amenities Grand Marais has to offer and all the privacy of a secluded acreage in the woods. $39,000 REDUCED
XXX Broadway Ave Want to live in the country and yet want access to City Sewer & City Water? Check out this over-sized lot that is located on the Gunflint Trail in city limits. MLS 6085408 $39,900
NEW 12XX County Road 7 5+ acres on County Rd 7 only a half mile from the hospital. You can have the privacy of a country size lot and the convenience of being in the city of Grand Marais. MLS 6092003 $54,900
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REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor
Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES NEW! GORGEOUS LAKE SUPERIOR HOME This lake shore
SALIENG PE N D
property located on Stonegate Road in Hovland has both a Main House (1982 sq ft) and a Guest House (1000 sq ft). Great for vacationing, rentals, full-time home, investment - opportunities are endless. Private retreat setting with 300' ledge rock shoreline. Architect (Mulfinger) and builder (Kemp) have emphasized top quality. MLS#
6091090 $895,000 SUPERIOR LOCATION, WATERFRONT IN GRAND MARAIS.
Situated on 160 ft of stunning shoreline with awesome views of the east bay and Artist Point, this early homestead has great commercial potential, or use as a residential home. The large 2 bdrm, 3 bath home would have many options for an Inn or B&B. Two garages, one with living space above, plus a charming shed. The half acre parcel is adjacent to downtown commercial businesses for visibility, but also feels tucked away and private. MLS# 6090933, MLS# 6091122
$699,000 PRICE REDUCED STUNNING LAKE SUPERIOR HOME.
Beautiful, completely remodeled home that is entirely impressive in every way. Brand new roofs, windows and sliding door, siding, hardwood floors, kitchen cabinetry with soft-close doors, granite countertops, bathroom fixtures/shower(s)/cabinetry, interior doors/trim, luxury vinyl floors in the kitchen/laundry/bathrooms, 16' x 16' composite deck, septic mound, gutters, lighting and furnishings. The bunkhouse transformed into a 2 bdrm suite. Nice level lot makes it easy to get to the water's edge. Just a few minutes from downtown Grand Marais!
MLS#6088834 $599,500 PANORAMIC LAKE SUPERIOR. Gorgeous 10 acres with
panoramic views on Lake Superior. 545 feet of beautiful sand/gravel beach with a stream running through the property. Located only 1.5 miles from Gooseberry State Park. Septic hook up is at the road.
MLS#6031490 $399,000 ADORABLE CABIN ON LAKE SUPERIOR. This
stunning 5 acre property features a Lonnie Dupre Dovetail cabin built in 2017, situated on 272 feet of shoreline. Everything in one easy to maintain space with a working kitchen, a 3/4 bathroom, a sleeping loft, and a covered front porch.
MLS# 6091363 $325,000 PREMIER LAKE SUPERIOR LOT. 332 ft of ledge rock shoreline!
Spectacular views of the big lake from a slightly elevated build site. Very secluded and private, a one of a kind opportunity. Right in the neighborhood of Lutsen Mts., Superior National Golf course, dining and recreation. MLS#
6090125 $299,000
HOVLAND CABIN ON SUPERIOR. This
property has over 340 feet of shoreline on Lake Superior, and 120 feet of additional shoreline on Carlson Creek! The cabin features vertical Aspen half-log exterior, with wood panel interior. There are a few tweaks needed here and there, but this place is very cozy, and begs for someone to inhabit it. Additionally, the creek flowing through the property gives you your own spot to hook some spring steelhead. MLS# 6090311
$280,000 CROFTVILLE ROAD PARADISE. A rare find!
Enjoy a view of Lake Superior from this well built, spacious 1+ bdrm home. Solid front deck, hard oak floors, accessible private beach, and room for a new garage. Add your own finishing touches and enjoy your piece of this iconic area. MLS#6086969 $279,000 PRICE REDUCED
NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR LOT AT CHIMNEY ROCK.
Very desirable, private location, great views, and stunning crashing waves on the beautiful ledge rock shoreline. Shared septic already in place for you to connect to your site of construction. Sensible and protective covenants in place. Make an unforgettable home for yourself on this outstanding lake lot. MLS#
6092089 $265,000 BIG VIEWS ON FIVE ACRES. This cabin sits on
almost 5 acres of land and includes 543 feet of Lake Superior shoreline in the Big Bay area of Hovland. It has a nice grouping of old pine trees along the shore and a few cedar. The views are spectacular and whether or not you are looking to build your dream home or use this as is for a getaway you will have some amazing views on the Big Lake. MLS#6086940
$259,000
LAKE SUPERIOR – ENCHANTING BIG BAY.
Tucked in the corner of beautiful Big Bay, this lot has great lake views, and looks east to the ridges running up the coast. An old cabin could be renovated and is situated right along the shore. There are nice home sites with access to power and Broadband. The woods is deep and enchanting with large spruce and moss covered boulders. End of the road privacy. This is a unique spot for your home or cabin. MLS#
6088024 $248,000 NEW! STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEWS.
Beautiful, very private residential lot on Lake Superior in Chimney Rock Platted development. Premier quality with stunning elevated and panoramic views of the big Lake. An engineered driveway is in for immediate construction of your home. The over sized septic in and paid.
MLS# 6092289 $204,500
LAKE SUPERIOR, BIG BAY, BIG VIEWS. Dense spruce forest,
moss covered boulders and privacy make this a classic Lake Superior lot. 200' shoreline with partial driveway in place, shared road maintenance, power and Broadband. Easy access from Hwy 61, yet private and secluded feeling.
MLS# 6082864 $172,500
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES LARGE TWO ISLAND LAKE RETREAT GRAND MARAIS. This
46+ acre property includes a beautiful peninsula with outstanding lake views. Wide creek and tons of wildlife. Privacy assured with over 1600 ft of lake front, plus over 2000 ft of creek. Mostly US Forest lands surrounding you - literally walk to the BWCAW. Charming 4-season, 2 bdrm cabin with large dock and easy lakeshore access. Large stone fireplace and screen porch. Property can be subdivided. A rare gem located just 20 minutes from Grand Marais. MLS#
6087574 $799,500
CUSTOM LAKE HOME – GREENWOOD LAKE.
This custom built wilderness lake home features 2 stone fireplaces, quality fixtures, finishes and details throughout. The large and private 2.5 ac lot has expansive 391 feet of shoreline, and adjoining U.S. Forest shore on Greenwood Lake, making for a truly private setting. Pristine views, large floating dock system, complete off-grid solar and generator system, satellite internet and cell service. The large 2-car garage has shop space and power room. The lot is landscaped with a gazebo, fountain and fire pit. There's even a private boat slip to save time and effort launching the boat. MLS#6087884 $529,000 PRIVATE LAKESHORE WILDERNESS LAKE. Eggers Lake is surrounded by the Superior National Forest and has only one private land owner on its shore. This 160 acre island of private property sits within the scenic and rugged Misquah Hills with remote privacy plus a large wildlife pond. MLS# 6085583 $349,900
NEW! TOM LAKE ESCAPE. This is not your run
of the mill remote cabin. It boasts 195 ft of gorgeous shoreline on Tom Lake, manicured lawn, and covered deck space on two sides of the house for relaxing and entertaining! Complete with a eat-in kitchen, living room, main floor bdrm and a loft. Lake draw water, a mound septic system and generator power give you the capability of enjoying this property year round. Additional land and lakeshore available for purchase. MLS# 6092306 $339,000
BWCA AT YOUR DOORSTEP. The
cabin you have dreamed of! Perfectly cared for 3 bdrm home with many inviting windows and a huge composite deck. Half a mile paddle to the BWCA with great fishing. Solar panels and propane generator. Dream kitchen with propane oven and antique wood stove. Custom cabinets, solid wood flooring, and even a fireplace in the master suite! The large garage could hold an RV and more! MLS#6086867 $329,000
SALIENG PE N D
www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 50
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DEVIL TRACK LAKE – REMOTE CABIN. This
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda HOMES Garrity, Realtor & CABINS
Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor THE BALLY LOON LAKE
Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 GETAWAY.
quality 2-bedroom cabin was built in 2012 featuring large windows, cathedral ceiling in the great room, loft, and beautiful kitchen. There is a new well, and a compliant outhouse. The location is unique, being at the far end of the South Shore Dr of beautiful Devil Track Lake, in an area surrounded by state and USFS lands. The 150 feet of lake frontage is in a protected and sheltered bay. The 4.78 acre parcel adjoins thousands of acres of remote public lands for exploring.
MLS# 6088269 $235,000
CEDAR LOG CABIN MCFARLAND LAKE. Two
bedroom cabin, large deck, cathedral ceiling and open floor plan. With new stain and roof. Log guest cabin, storage buildings, log sided sauna and new outhouse to code. Wilderness views from 150 feet of shore, good for swimming, newer dock. Comes partially furnished.
MLS# 6090709 $229,000 QUALITY GARAGE ON WILSON LAKE. The perfect
place for your north woods dream. The Timberland garage is well built and provides an excellent cabin while you build your dream home on a great walleye lake. Knotty pine, wood burning stove, outhouse, and dock. Year round access. MLS#6089028 $209,900 LEVEL LOTS, NICE WOODS, EASY SHORE. These Devil Track Lake lots have easy access from a county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200+ ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here! MLS# 6033181, 6078259 -
$198,900 Each CABIN WITH BWCAW VIEW ON MCFARLAND.
This super 2 bdrm cabin has great views of the Palisades and the west end of McFarland Lake. Just a stone’s throw from the BWCAW! Comes furnished including fishing boats, canoe, dock, and two Onan generators. MLS#6029644 $184,900
NEW! UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY ON TOM LAKE.
Three adjacent Tom Lake lots along an entirely quiet and secluded stretch of shoreline. One lot has the boat house, one has the seasonal A-frame, and one has a classic seasonal cabin. Power/broadband is "in the neighborhood.” There is propane on site and the cabins are nothing short of classic. MLS#
6091716 $160,000 NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN. Only
a lucky few get to own cabins here. Remote water access from the US side, or drive in to the landing on Ontario side. Stunning views, easy access to the BWCA. The 2 bdrm cabin is one of the nicest remote cabins you'll find. Includes a great sauna.
MLS#6023214 $139,900 NEW! TWO EXCEPTIONAL TOM LAKE LOTS.
These special properties offer opportunities. One lot is a beautiful forested peninsula with cove, and the other has a nice mix of tree cover and open build sites. Accessible, yet away from it all. Build your dream here!
Twenty acres on beautiful Lost Lake, a private, remote wilderness lake with only a few parcels on the water. It holds the mystique of a hidden lake full of hungry trout. Privacy is guaranteed because all lots are 20 acres in size. This outstanding lot has huge white pines, a cabin site on a knoll looking south over the whole lake, and great accessible shoreline for your dock. Seller is looking for offers! Reduced by $10K. MLS#
6083646 $119,000 SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. Four great lots on the south
Poplar Lake, complete with BWCA access and views to blow your mind! Highly functional cabin yet retains the rustic style with a composting toilet/outhouse and a separate shower house. Broadband and power in place, well and septic could be added. Incredible spot. MLS#
6091016 $179,900 TOM LAKE LOT WITH DOCK. Imagine owning over 650
feet of shoreline on a fantastic walleye lake! The driveway is in and the dock is at the shoreline. Gentle slope with nice building sites. Electric and broadband are nearby, year round access. MLS#6083761
$169,900
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MLS# 6092307 $97,000, MLS# 6092308 $129,000 WOW – LAKE PRIVACY AND REDUCED PRICE!
WATER'S EDGE CABIN – POPLAR LAKE. Welcome to
HOUSE B&B. Seeped in deep history and an abundance of charm and class, The Bally House Bed & Breakfast is now available. Not only does it have 4 guests rooms (each w/ their own bathroom), but the owner's home/quarters is spectacular itself. Absolutely turn-key. Updated throughout and lovingly maintained. Massive garage, lovely little stone garage, garden shed, unbelievable grounds. All within walking distance to downtown Grand Marais. MLS#6084663, 6084813 $649,000 PRICE REDUCED! MOUNTAIN TOP VIEWS – LOG HOME.
Unbelievable views with an unbelievable price on the Gunflint Trail.387-9599 Lovely furnished,• Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com (218) well built A-frame POonBox cabin pristine938, Loon 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604 Lake. Includes a newer 1 bdrm addition, cozy loft, open living/dining room, sturdy deck, and 24' dock on 142' shoreline. Cabin easily sleeps 6. Lakewater system, septic holding tank, TV and wireless, storage shed, room for more! MLS# 6089440 $169,000
side of Loon Lake. Fantastic shoreline, beautiful views, many nice trees. Located near the Gunflint Trail on a private road. Driveway in with power on the lot line. MLS# 6089603-06 $88,000 – 100,000 PRIVATE TOM LAKE LOT. 25 acres and 671 ft of shoreline on a great walleye lake! Nice white pines, fantastic rock outcropping for your dock. Remote access - no road easements are in place. You can visit this spot by boat or snowmobile. Look for the flagging and sign.
MLS#6083597 $99,999 LARGE TOM LAKE LOT. Gently sloped 4.34 acre lakeshore
lot with some incredible views. Situated in a quiet and peaceful bay that offers privacy and peace. Tom Lake is a good fishing lake and one can access power/electric and broadband as well if they wish. MLS#
6091084 $87,900 ESCAPE TO NINEMILE LAKE. Nice, quiet lake between
Tofte and Finland known for its recreational opportunities. 2.9 acres very near the BWCAW. Good snowmobile access to the Tomahawk Trail and miles of trail riding. MLS#6085601 $59,900 GREAT PRICE LAKE LOT. Deep woods, seclusion and nice views from this Tom Lake lot. This is the desired west side of the lake with access from the Camp 20 Rd. Enjoy a peaceful lake property with good access. Great back roads to explore. Adjacent land available.
MLS#6085287 $43,900
The ultimate wilderness retreat 160 acres surrounded by gov't lands. No one will find you here! The log home is masterfully built and lovingly cared for. Incredible views, you can see for miles! Solar power, well and septic. Super nice sauna building. Solitude awaits from this mountain-top retreat. MLS# 6089634 $479,000
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HOME WITH HIKING, BIKING, SKIIN, SKI-OUT.
Long established 5 bdrm, 6 bath lodging business has direct access to the Pincushion Mountain recreational trails. Extensive recent upgrades, new 2-car detached garage, yurt rental, full solar system, HUGE decks, Lake Superior views, and river frontage! Private and secluded yet close to Grand Marais. More land available.
MLS# 6091297, 6091325 $474,900 CLASSIC LOG HOME – SCENIC MOOSE VALLEY. Beautifully crafted, 4 bdrm log home on 81 acres with a mountainlike setting. Large kitchen, large walk out basement, huge heated garage with work shop, two historic cabins used for storage, small creek and thousands of acres of adjoining state forest to explore MLS#6089088 $446,000 GORGEOUS LOG HOME ON 10 ACRES. This is the log cabin you have been dreaming about! Immaculate 3 bedroom log cabin only 6 miles from Grand Marais. 10 acres of private forest to explore with beautiful seasonal Lake Superior views. MLS# 6091593 $376,000
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HOMES & CABINS COMMERCIAL REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor
• Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor LARGECathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor REMOTE HIDEBIG CONTEMPORARY A-WAY. Charming OPPORTUNITY, GRAND MARAIS custom built 2 bdrm, 2 MANY HOME. This home/ bath cabin tucked in the POSSIBILITIES. studio is ready for your woods overlooking a Commercial location in (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 info@RedPineRealty.com vision! Over 4200 sq ft of beaver pond.•A screened Hovland with 1000 ft of living space (including porch for summer dining. Hwy 61 frontage. Large PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604 studio) on 2+ floors The living room is open commercial space with with many large dbl a 2 bdrm home and and includes the kitchen rental cottage, cabins, thermopane windows! and dining. A cozy garage & sheds. Many Plus a cozy 1 bdrm apt on Franklin stove warms the improvements and main floor with its own full whole building. The full upgrades! MLS# size kitchen and fireplace. basement is a complete 6089543 $299,900 SOLIDLY built with dry basement, covered deck, garages and more! guest space. Generator power and over 100 acres to explore. NEW! GRAND MARAIS OPPORTUNITY. This is a rare MLS# 6085626 $365,000 MLS# 6029349 $244,000 opportunity to acquire vacant commercial property in Grand Marais, and EXCEPTIONAL RUSTIC your business options are nearly endless! Zoned Service Commercial/ GRAND MARAIS HOVLAND Industrial, any type of business is possible here. Property includes a HOME. Located on RETREAT. A small paved driveway and frontage on Highway 61. MLS# 6092309 a corner lot right in the log cabin on 40 acres $168,000 highlighted by rolling heart of Grand Marais LARGE GRAND MARAIS LOT. Nice 3.60 acre commercial hills and some mature with beautiful gardens, lot with potential for multi family housing subject to city approval. Good white pines. Use it as fruit trees, flowers location on the west end of Grand Marais just off Hwy 61. Easy access to a base camp for hiking - all professionally the bike trail. MLS# 6089284 $149,500 and fishing outings, landscaped. Wrap or have a retreat away PRIME COMMERCIAL LOTS IN LUTSEN.Two acrearound decks (682' from a fast paced sized lots with Highway 61 frontage-road access and great visibility sq.feet), seasonal lake lifestyle. This is a very in downtown Lutsen. Nice creek borders the east property line, nice view. Loads of living pretty property near mature forest. Great location for a small gallery, retail or restaurant. A space, 4 bdrm, 3 baths, 3 fireplaces - 2 gas and one wood burning. Devil Fish Lake. Real residential lot is available adjoining to the north. MLS# 6088430 log construction in this simple, yet functional cabin. And it is very quiet out Wonderful large kitchen with big windows and patio door to the deck. $97,900 • MLS# 6088431 $89,900 here. MLS# 6090303 $89,000 PRICE REDUCED! Living/great room with open stair to the maser suite upstairs. The cozy room is flooded with light, has a wood fireplace and patio door to the GETAWAY RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE deck. All the windows are Anderson "Eagles" for comfort all seasons. COTTAGE The office/den could be the 5th bedroom. The garage is 2 car but half NEAR DEVIL LARGE TRACT WITH CREEK. This 319 acre parcel used by the seller as a heated shop. Easily converted back. Endless TRACK RIVER. has ponds & creek frontage on the Flute Reed River. Has been in DNR possibilities! MLS# 6088560 $349,900 This little cottage management program. Great for hunting or homesteading. Access is by needs some good BEAUTIFUL, unimproved easement from the Camp 20 Road, near county maintenance. TLC, but it's a start for ENERGYThe land may be split - take your pick of "40's"! MLS# 6081432 someone who wants EFFICIENT $258,000 a seasonal getaway HOME. This NEW! SWEET at an affordable newer construction HIDE-A-WAY price. Spacious 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath ON CREEK. yard, surrounded by home with detached Sit on your screen towering pines and garage sits on 10 acres porch overlooking poplars. Property boundary is steps away from Devil Track River. MLS# and abuts hundreds the Carlson Creek 6085486 $94,000 of acres of federal valley and listen to land. Open concept RUSTIC the babbling brook. floor plan, quartz Cute 2 room cabin RECREATIONAL kitchen counters, lots of windows, and seasonal views of Lake Superior. + loft is simple CABIN ON 40+ and designed as an Designed for energy efficiency with casement windows, maintenanceACRES. Very private easy retreat with no free siding & in floor heat plus wood burning stove. Only 10 mins from recreational 42 acres power or cell phones, Grand Marais! MLS# 6088994 $349,000 with rustic cabin and a just nature and the flowing creek. Warm wood stove and updated kitchen beautiful, large pond for LARGE HOME with beautiful hickory cabinets. Carry-in your water and keep life simple. wildlife. Great grouse WITH LAKE MLS# 6091758 $130,000 hunting and deer hunting. VIEWS. Updated 4 SUGARBUSH, BEAVER, TROUT. Remote 80 acres ,10 bdrm, 3 bath home sits on a The timber cabin can miles from Grand Marais with easy access. Surrounded by public land. 700’ private corner lot adjoining easily sleep 6 in the loft. of Durfee Creek frontage. MLS# 6024638 $129,999 state land. Creek and great Offering to sell furnished! lake views. New outdoor BRULE RIVER RETREAT. Remote 40 acre parcel with small MLS#6087367 wood/propane boiler, bunk house, covered camp shelter and outhouse. Walk the path to the $75,500 kitchen tile, appliances,
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Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599
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bathroom tile, interior paint, landscaping and more. The 5-car garage has in-floor heat, efficiency apartment, 3/4 bath and cedar sauna, plus a washing bay for your car. MLS# 6090719 $349,000
NEW! HOMESTEAD IN THE WOODS. A
beautifully crafted Timber Frame home, a monster-size pole barn with a rec room inside, a wood burning sauna, a charming wood shed... all on almost 40 acres of wonderful wooded land. Very close to the Superior Hiking Trail, inland lakes and rivers, and the BWCA. MLS# 6091718 $264,900
CONDOS & TOWNHOMES QUIET LAKE SUPERIOR SEA VILLA. Entirely cozy, comfortable and close to the edge of our beloved Lake Superior in Lutsen. Fully furnished, this Sea Villa has one bedroom plus loft with two twins. Located in a quieter part of the grounds, but still near the pool/sauna building and the playground. Pet friendly! MLS# 6088117 $199,900
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river with 660' shoreline where you can launch your canoe and fish this placid stretch. Surrounded by wildlife and thousands of US and State Forest land. MLS# 6076495 $99,900 HIKE, BIKE, SKI-IN, SKI-OUT. Little Devil Track River and the Pincushion Mountain Recreational Trail system make for a unique location. Excellent place to build your dream home or retreat with great north woods seclusion on 6 acres. Trail easement runs thru property with covenants to protect the trails. Zoned Resort/Commercial! MLS#
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# 6089089 $69,900 or
MLS# 6089091 $59,900 or MLS# 6089090 $69,900 NICE HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Nice
elevation and views from this 6.75 acre lot off of County Rd 6 just minutes from town. Frontage on Little Devil Track River, with lowland and highlands. Nice forest and privacy for your home or cabin in the woods.
MLS# 6031740 $51,000
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REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor
Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
New listings are coming in daily - visit redpinerealty.com for our latest! RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE 10 ACRES ON THE FLUTE REED RIVER. Very nice property for your homestead. The
Flute Reed River meanders through with a perfect build site about 200 ft from the river. Heavily wooded with mature trees. Great recreational parcel! Electric at the road. MLS# 6087451 $49,500
NEW! GREAT RECREATIONAL PARCEL. Exceptional recreational parcel. Seller used
for deer hunting, home base for fishing and hiking the area. There is a 1000' driveway that is brushed open, an open cleared space with a 30' Dutchman trailer. 1500' of Mons Creek runs the length of the property. Quality recreational property ready for your enjoyment.
MLS# 6092273 $47,500 500’ ON MOHNS CREEK. Mixed topography
of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites on 25 acres. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Abuts state land. MLS# 6029353 $37,000
LAND/BUILDING SITES ACREAGE ADJOINS WILDERNESS LAKE ACCESS. This 42 acre parcel includes 400
feet of shoreline on McFarland Lake. Building sites are located across the road on the hillside with potential lake views. Easy access to the BWCAW and Border Route Hiking Trail. MLS# 6085112 $169,000 SPECTACULAR LAKE VIEW. Expansive lake views and enchanting forest make up a unique 13 acre parcel. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, and a short walk to Lake Superior's shore. Privacy and dense forest make for a truly great building site for your home or retreat. Power and Broadband are available. Shared driveway leads almost to the property line. MLS#
6090230 $132,000 INCREASINGLY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully
surveyed. The perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. MLS# 6029820 $129,000
LARGE WOODED ESCAPE. A rare 80 acre retreat or home site just off county road with power and Broadband nearby. Great location in remote area of Cook County with close proximity to Lake Superior and miles of trails and back roads to roam. Many good building sites and room to situate for maximum privacy. MLS# 6090145 $119,900 LARGE PARCEL NEAR LUTSEN. Over 65
acres of astounding beauty and opportunity to create your own wooded oasis. These two parcels are ready for someone to execute their vision of a Northwoods experience. Surrounded by public lands for privacy with power and broadband at the road. Partial driveway in place, with proximity to lakes, the BWCA, trail systems and Lutsen. MLS# 6088177 $114,900
LAND/BUILDING SITES LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE.
128 acres with good road access and an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road, power is possible here. The 3 forties may be split - take your pick.
MLS# 6081431 $111,000 HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY. Large
45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage.
MLS# 6083920 $90,000 MATURE WOODS, LAKE VIEW, CLOSE TO GRAND MARAIS. Great 20
acre parcel on County Road 14 with mature forest and Lake Superior views. Good area for a home or recreational property. Could be subdivided.
MLS# 6086641 $89,900 LARGE PARCEL NEAR SHORE. This
heavily wooded 12 acre parcel is within a short walk to the shore of Lake Superior. Great lake affect and plenty of privacy. Rough shared driveway in place. Close to Broadband and power. Older travel trailer included.
MLS# 6090231 $87,900 LAND NEAR WILSON LAKE. A special
piece of the Northwoods – 16 acres with deeded access to Wilson Lake! USA-owned forest is your backyard. Driveway, electric, and a small bunkhouse/shed are in place. MLS# 6028685 $80,000
NEW! 10 ACRE LOTS NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Four 10 acre lots only a few miles from
Grand Marais on County Rd 48 and Bally Creek Rd. Some Lake Superior views and potential for more! Several driveways are in with buried electric along the northern border. New culverts, nice build sites, new survey. MLS# 6091811, 6091819,
6091822, 6091826 $59-79,000 TWO INCREDIBLE LUTSEN PARCELS. Driveway, electric/broadband, survey
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and a cozy camper/RV are all set on Lot 3, while Lot 4 offers unending privacy as it abuts federal land. Christine Lake public boat landing is within walking distance with Poplar and Tait rivers nearby as well.
MLS# 6080792 $75,000 FORTY WITH PONDS – COUNTY RD FRONTAGE. This 40 acre parcel has beaver ponds,
adjoining federal land and easy access with frontage on County Rd 14. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, this would be a great large home parcel, or rec land with 1000s of acres of USFS lands on the west border.
MLS# 6076727 $65,000 HIDDEN GEM IN HOVLAND. Explore
the 40 acres of seclusion with dramatic views from the south facing bluff. Enjoy the beautiful mixed forest and abundant wildlife. It even has a small gravel pit for your future building needs. The neighbors have electricity and the road has been kept open all winter through a road association. MLS#6076192 $68,000
GREAT LOCATION FOR YOUR HOME. 7.5 acres located just 5 miles from Grand
Marais on County Rd 7 blacktop. Some lake views, good building sites, driveway and a tiny cabin set up for your camp outs until you build. MLS#6090492
$64,900 LARGE LAND, POND, LAKE RIGHTS.
Densely wooded 60 acre parcel with beaver ponds and access to Lost Lake. Good seasonal road access, many great building sites and southerly exposure. Lots of elbow room, privacy, and miles of forest roads to explore. MLS#6086104 $63,900
LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS – GREAT LOCATION. Five heavily wooded acres with
driveway to a beautiful building site. Great lake view! Only minutes to Grand Marais. Nice mix of trees, quiet dead-end road, south exposure, power and Broadband nearby. Perfect for your home in the woods.
MLS#6086767 $63,000 LARGE LAND, MAPLES, LAKE ACCESS. This 67 acre parcel has high maple
ridges, a pond, and an easement to walk to Tom Lake. Good seasonal road access, many nice building sites. A perfect escape property in an area with many trails to ride and forest to explore. MLS#6085291
$59,900 DEEP WOODS AND PRIVACY 20 ACRES. Remote with access to modern amenities,
this acreage has a nice elevation with some views, some maples, other nice trees and a small creek. Road frontage on an old DNR road in good shape. Power and Broadband are nearby. MLS# 6085875
$59,900 DENSELY WOODED, HIGH GROUND – 20 ACRES IN HOVLAND. Great location not too far off the beaten path, potential lake views, nice forest and feels remote and private. Just off Jackson Lake DNR Forestry Road. Great area for hiking the nearby SHT, biking or four wheeling the many trails and old logging roads. Potential off-grid home site or cabin site. MLS#6085963 $54,900 END OF THE GUNFLINT. Your piece of paradise 1/2 mile from Saganaga Lake landing. These 3.62 acres could be your daytrip headquarters for hiking, fishing and berry picking! Access the BWCA without the lakeshore prices. Potential building sites overlooking the Gull Lake watershed. Broadband and electric at the road with year round access. MLS#
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6089034 $54,000 RECREATION ON POWERS LAKE ROAD. Over 60 acres of wooded land with minimal
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wetlands, waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Nearly 1,500 ft of road frontage on Powers Lake Road presents a range of options for access. Good spot for a rustic northwoods retreat or hunting camp. Close to Esther Lake for great trout fishing. MLS# 6087571
$51,000 20+ ACRES IN HOVLAND. Heavily
wooded property with a rustic, wood-heated cabin, in the midst of a sled-dog neighborhood. Driveway minimally maintained; a 4 wheel drive vehicle is a good idea. Lots of recreational opportunities nearby.
ROLLING LAND, PINES, HOME SITES. Two 10 acre parcels of heavily wooded land
within 10 minutes of Grand Marais. Great location with remote feel near trails and thousands of acres of Federal land, yet close to town and the big lake. County road with utilities. MLS# 6076524, 6076539
$47,900 - $49,900 WOODED PROPERTY NEAR GRAND MARAIS. 10+ acres with nice trees, hills and a sm. creek. A great place for a home or deer camp. Adjacent lot also for sale (MLS#6082090).
MLS# 6082089 $46,900 BUILDING SITE OVERLOOKING MCFARLAND. This pine studded 7 acre
property has easy walking access to the county beach on McFarland Lake. Nice elevated build site with easy county road access. MLS# 6085111 $43,000
ACREAGE IN GRAND MARAIS.
Wonderful, large wooded lot inside city limits, and conveniently located just 1 mile from downtown Grand Marais. Plenty of space here to build a house, stretch out a bit and maybe lay down some roots...with a garden perhaps! MLS# 6088336 $43,000 GREAT LOCATION HOME SITES. Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7 are two 5+ acre lots with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites. MLS#6079612
- $42,900 • MLS#6079615 - $64,900 GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE.
Wooded home or cabin site near Devil Track Lake. The 1.72 acre lot has nice trees and maybe a view of the lake from a second story. The boat landing is just down the road, as are many other lakes and trails.
MLS#6091152 $34,900 NEW! AFFORDABLE LOT NEAR LAKE SUPERIOR. Two acres of mixed forest
with spruce, poplar and birch. Two great building sites separated by a creek. The roads are plowed by the association. The covenants do NOT have minimum house size requirements. Come and claim your piece of the Northland! MLS# 6092140 $33,000
AFFORDABLE FORESTED LOT.
This beautiful .90 acre parcel nestled in the Wildwood Acres development near Tofte features mature trees and seasonal wildflowers. A minimal road association fee keeps the road plowed in the winter with electricity and broadband available. Cute (A-Frame) tiny house on the property could be purchased separately. MLS#
6091360 $22,000
MLS#6086501 $50,000 WILDLIFE HAVEN. Fairly flat 5.92 acre
property despite being located on a hill. Nice mix of poplar, pines and birch trees. Lots of wildlife activity - deer, grouse and wolves. Potential distant Lake Superior view. Adjacent property available (MLS #6082089). MLS#6082090 $49,900
WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND MARAIS. Several great wooded
lots on the west side of Grand Marais, a mile from down town. Close to the bike trail with privacy on a dead end road. Septic and wells allowed, power and broadband available. MLS# 6087223, 26, 28 $49,900
– 58,500
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Talk to Terry! Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Email: Terry@BacklundRealty.com
Frank Lehto Real Estate Agent Phone: 218-387-4955 Email: Frank@BacklundRealty.com
Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent 2685 E HWY 61 GRAND MARAIS, MN
New Listing
20X VICTORY LANE GRAND MARAIS, MN
XXX W 2ND ST. GRAND MARAIS, MN
New Listing
2 Bedroom 1 Bath 2 Car Garage 20 extra private acres. MLS# TBD $279,000
635 CTY. RD. 6 GRAND MARAIS, MN
SOLD
20 beautiful and private acres. MLS# TBD $29,900
Two lots for the price of one. In town lots. Driveway in. MLS# 6090864 Price: $67,500
2700 Sq Ft Home 3+ Bedroom 3 Bath 2+ Garage 7+ Park like acres on the edge of Grand Marais MLS# 6090044 Price: $369,900
10 ONGSTAD RD. HOVLAND, MN
XXX BIG BAY POINT HOVLAND, MN
40X E COYOTE RIDGE GRAND MARAIS, MN
Saleng Pendi
Saleng Pendi
New Listing
New Listing
2+ Bedroom 2 Bath 1176 sq.ft.home on 5 acres MLS# 6079593 Price: $172,500
338 ft. of Lake Superior on 14.53 acres. 1 Bedroom Cabin, Garage, Dock MLS# 6029532 Price: $289,000
212 ft of Lake Superior shoreline on 1.79 acres. The perfect canvas for your dream home or weekend getaway. Price: $185,000 MLS# 6091723
XXX BLACKWOODS DR. SCHROEDER, MN
X20 CTY RD 6 GRAND MARAIS, MN
9 N BROADWAY GRAND MARAIS, MN
20 Acres close to Grand Marais. MLS# 6090858 Price: $64,900
Rare. Commercial lot on Broadway. 50 front ft. Over 6600 sq. ft. MLS# 6087575 Price: $195,000
184 rolling acres of maples, dotted with ponds and streams. MLS# 6090784 Price: $299,500
2059 W HWY 61 GRAND MARAIS, MN
40 Acres. 360 degree view of Cook County. Amazing Lake Superior view. Price: $400,000 MLS# 6091729
Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com 54
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I Love Listings!
CATCHLIGHT
red fox Back in October, a friend and I came across this fox after visiting the former mining town of Silver Islet, Ontario. We found it along the main road within Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The fox likely had interactions with humans before, as it didn’t seem timid or afraid. I used a 200-500mm lens to ensure that I didn’t get too close to the animal. We photographed the cute fox for 10 minutes before it took off into the woods. —Chris McEvoy NORTHERN WILDS
SEPTEMBER 2020
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Mike’s Holiday Station Store in Grand Marais, MN
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99¢
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