Northern Wilds January 2023

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Get Up and Move

It’s a new year, which means it’s time to fulfill those resolutions. While resolutions vary from person to person, wanting to live a healthier and more active lifestyle tends to be a pretty popular one. That’s why this issue is all about movement. Of course, if that isn’t your resolution, have no fear—the issue is filled with plenty of other stories to keep you entertained.

When it comes to outdoor activities, you won’t find any stories on snowshoeing, ice skating or snowmobiling this month. Instead, Chris Pascone takes us on a river skiing adventure, embracing winter’s “corridors of life.” If you’ve never gone river skiing before, it’s definitely worth a try. As Pascone says, “It’s about accessing a world few people ever see.” However, don’t go alone—always go with a group of people—and be sure to pack extra clothes and rope.

For those who would rather stick with downhill skiing or snowboarding, North Shore Dish columnist Virginia George has you covered with some great slopeside dining options after a full day on the mountain. On the contrary, those who don’t want to strap wooden planks to their feet can also enjoy the food and slopeside views.

In Thunder Bay, Peter Fergus-Moore talks to two different Ukrainian dance groups who are exercising their passion, as well as their root culture: the Zorya Dance Association and the Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group. In Duluth, Casey Fitchett brings us a different kind of dancing. For over 30 years now, the Tamarack Dance Association has been encouraging people of all

ages to come together once a month for an evening of folk dancing.

Looking for a workout routine that doesn’t feel like a chore? Rae Poynter writes about Carmen Skildum, owner and founder of Lynx Fit in Grand Marais. Skildum offers personal training and group strength training classes that focus on making movement enjoyable. Each class is about 45 minutes long, with plenty of flexibility for each person to go at their own pace.

Getting back outdoors, Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis talks about the new era of electric ice augers—no more gas to mix and spill, and no more yanking cords. Speaking of fishing, Joe Shead covers T Lake in Lake County for this month’s Fishing Hole. According to Shead, “If you’re looking for a fun lake… T Lake will suit you to a T.” In his Points North column, Shawn Perich discusses the various issues that are changing Lake Superior’s fish populations. According to Perich, “It is possible the Lake Superior that exists 100 years from now will be nearly unrecognizable to the people who enjoy the lake today.”

Last but not least, be sure to check out the winners of our 2022 photo contest on pages 18-19, and be sure to keep an eye out for our 2023 photo contest, coming this summer.

You’ll find all this and more in the pages ahead. Now, on we go to 2023. On behalf of everyone at Northern Wilds, have a happy New Year!—Breana Johnson

2022 Northern Wilds photo contest winner Jean Brislance

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2 0 2 3 m a r k s t h e 3 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e N o r t h S h o r e H e a l t h C a r e F o u n d a t i o n . T h r e e d e c a d e s o f c a r e f u l , s t e a d y g r o w t h a n d b e i n g a l i g h t f o r h e a l t h a n d e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s i n C o o k C o u n t y .

W e a r e p r o u d t o c o n t i n u e t h i s m i s s i o n a n d d o m o r e t h a n e v e r t h i s y e a r , b u t w e n e e d y o u r h e l p !

T h e F o u n d a t i o n c h a m p i o n s s o l u t i o n s t h r o u g h f u n d i n g , e d u c a t i o n a n d a d v o c a c y . S o l u t i o n s f o r t h e c r i t i c a l h e a l t h c a r e w o r k f o r c e s h o r t a g e a n d p r o t e c t i n g o u r f u n d a m e n t a l h e a l t h c a r e s e r v i c e s w i l l t a k e p r e c e d e n c e f o r t h e i m m e d i a t e f u t u r e . T h i s i n c l u d e s o u r a m b u l a n c e s e r v i c e a n d t h e C a r e C e n t e r a t N o r t h S h o r e H e a l t h H o s p i t a l . W i t h o u t t h e s e v i t a l h e a l t h s e r v i c e s , e v e r y o n e w h o l i v e s a n d v i s i t s o u r c o m m u n i t i e s i s a t r i s k

Y o u c a n h e l p m a n y h e a l t h p r o g r a m s a n d o u r e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s t h r o u g h o n e g i f t t o t h e H e a l t h C a r e F o u n d a t i o n .

T h e N S H C F h a s n o w a w a r d e d o v e r $ 1 1 6 m i l l i o n i n g r a n t s s i n c e 1 9 9 5 , a n d h a s d e v e l o p e d c r i t i c a l p r o g r a m s w h i c h a d d r e s s g a p s i n h e a l t h s e r v i c e s s u c h a s C a r e P a r t n e r s o f C o o k C o u n t y a n d t h e O r a l H e a l t h T a s k F o r c e , w h i c h h a v e b e n e f i t t e d t h o u s a n d s l o c a l l y .

T o m a k e a c h a r i t a b l e c o n t r i b u t i o n , s c a n t h e Q R c o d e o r g o t o :

N o r t h S h o r e H e a l t h C a r e F o u n d a t i o n . o r g / F r i e n d s

Grab a partner and cut a rug

DULUTH—The Tamarack Dance Association of Duluth has been encouraging residents and visitors to put on their dancing shoes and shake off the winter cobwebs at their folkdance gatherings for over 30 years. With a welcome and inclusive ambiance, the grassroots organization arranges dances that are taught by a caller and include contras, reels, circles, jigs and squares.

Duluth resident and folk-dance enthusiast Terrence Smith is one of the founding members of the organization.

“Right around 1979 we started doing dances. I met my friend who plays the fiddle,” he explains. “We started doing regular family dances and community dances at a variety of halls by 1984, taking breaks in the summer.”

As the years passed, the group began to consider the benefits and possibilities that would be afforded to them if they incorporated. After being granted 501(c)3 status, they were able to apply for funding from different sources, one being the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. These grants have helped with the costs of hosting regional artists and callers, as well as supporting the group’s inclusivity initiative.

“We want our events to be a chance for all to gather together,” says Smith. “Simplicity and accessibility are very important to us. Having a sliding fee for admission to our dances for adults and families supports that goal.”

The association has a very close relationship with the Duluth Folk School and hosts its regular monthly dances there. The Folk School, which was founded in 2016, is focused on building community through providing a space to learn traditional and interesting crafts and skills. Through hosting music and parties like the Tamarack Dance Association third Saturday dances, they are increasing the unique opportunities for fun in the Twin Ports.

The monthly dances are immediately preceded by a twohour old-time jam session with community musicians. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer and bass players are

encouraged to bring their respective instruments and learn new tunes. Those who aren’t as musically inclined are still invited to join the fun; simply listening and dancing along are also welcome.

The organization is run by a working board of nine dedicated individuals. These board members come from a variety of backgrounds and includes a mix of dancers who attend regularly and people who play in the band and callers. Beyond the monthly dances at the Duluth Folk School, the Tamarack Dance Association leaders also help organize two larger events during the course of the year: Barn Dance in July and Woolsock in late December. These weekend-long events bring people together from throughout the region to share meals, learn at cooperative workshops, and of course, dance.

As is the case with many grassroots organizations, creating connections and bringing together like-minded people is a cornerstone of their ‘why.’

“We are sister cities with Thunder Bay and are just getting ready to have their folks play for our dance. Musicians from Upper Michigan, southern Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities also come to play. It’s really nice to have that cross-fertilization with other organizations and places,” says Smith. “For the families that come, it’s a chance to have that cultural connection to the community through participatory dancing. It’s hard to beat that.”

The Tamarack Dance Association is still finding its footing with all of the changes brought about by the pandemic. Prior to 2020, they would usually have a membership of 40-50 people. Smith sees potential for the organization’s growth and development as the situation with the pandemic evolves. In addition to reconsidering the membership structure, the leadership team is hoping to continue to expand the number of opportunities for dancers.

“We are trying to make that first Saturday a more specialized one for workshops and learning, followed by a dance specifically for families, one for the entire community, and

The association has a very close relationship with the Duluth Folk School and hosts its regular monthly dances there. | BRYAN FRENCH

lastly, a relaxed, houseparty-type atmosphere,” he explains. “No matter what, we aim to be accessible to all ages and abilities.”

For the full updated schedule of events, he encourages readers to check out the organization’s website and Facebook page.

Casey Fitchett

For over 30 years, the Tamarack Dance Association of Duluth has been encouraging folks to put on their dancing shoes and shake off the winter cobwebs at their monthly folk-dance gatherings. | BRYAN FRENCH

Past to present North Superior Coast Guard Station

GRAND MARAIS—There is one thing that is common along the North Shore of Minnesota, and that is change.

And a significant change to the North Shore in 2022 was the closing of the North Superior Coast Guard Station in Grand Marais. The two-story white building in the Grand Marais harbor is a daily reminder of the town’s innate historical past and the industries that once fueled it.

Stemming from the late 1880s and well into the turn of the century, Grand Marais and numerous North Shore communities prospered on a thriving logging and commercial fishing lifestyle.

During this period, there were limited modes of transportation, and in the summer months, the North Shore was primarily accessed by boat. According to the St. Louis County Historical Society, before the building of Highway 61, several small gas-powered boats comically coined the “Mosquito Fleet” operated out of Two Harbors and serviced the fisherman along the North Shore.

Simultaneously, the Grand Marais harbor acted as a port to distribute pulpwood, gravel and other forest products across Lake Superior. The North Shore was a booming hub for commercial fishing and shipping.

As both industries expanded in the early 1900s, the need for a Coast Guard station became evident following multiple accidents and fatalities on Lake Superior. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson approved constructing and staffing a Coast Guard station in Grand Marais. However, it wasn’t until nearly a decade later, in 1929, that the station officially opened.

The newly formed Coast Guard station proved to be a valuable asset for the North Shore. Not only did the station ensure safety for the local residents and commercial fishermen on Lake Superior, but the crew and their wives became integrated as members of the small community.

Nonetheless, a shift occurred in the

1970s that set the station’s longevity on an uncertain path.

With the dwindling of commercial fishing and shipping industries, Grand Marais’ economy slowly transitioned towards tourism. In addition, navigation technology increased, and the federal government was looking to exercise budget cuts. As a result, the need for a Coast Guard station became less pertinent.

The shift that began in the 1970s still lingers to this very day. The federal government announced on June 9, 2021, that the North Superior Coast Guard Station would close, leaving a 1,500 square-mile stretch that extends from the Ontario border south to Schroeder and out to the Michigan border to the responsibility of the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Grand Portage tribal government.

The Coast Guard said the decision to close the Grand Marais station was due to a lack of calls per year. In addition, with the continued advancement in navigational technology, well-crafted boats, and the reduction of fishing and shipping industries along the North Shore, there was no longer a need for a Coast Guard station.

The Coast Guard also stated that consolidating the Grand Marais station with the nearby station in Duluth would result in a more robust response system by increasing staffing levels and capacity.

While the closure of the Coast Guard station might be seen as a consolidation of resources and an increase in efficiency, it has left members of the community and the Cook County Sheriff’s Department uneasy.

Following the official closure of the North Superior Coast Guard Station last summer, members of the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Grand Portage tribal government approached the Cook County commissioners and Grand Marais city councilors for support.

“We’ve been left high and dry here, and we need some help,” Pat Eliasen, Cook County sheriff, said during an Oct. 12 meeting.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Department currently has an 18-foot open vessel to respond to water rescue calls, but the boat is not equipped or designed as a rescue craft. Meanwhile, the Grand Portage tribal government has relied on the Minnesota DNR fisheries and conservation officer vessels to respond to recent troubling water rescue calls.

The Grand Portage tribal government expressed concern for an uptick in rescue calls amid the pandemic as individuals unsuccessfully attempted to navigate to nearby Isle Royale National Park. The recent increase in outdoor recreation experienced nationwide and along the North Shore has added another layer to the complex equation.

During the October meetings, local officials stressed the need for adequate resourc-

es if an accident on Lake Superior occurs. The Cook County Sheriff’s Department is actively seeking funding from the federal government to outfit the county with two 30-foot safe boats with navigational and safety equipment. The funding request is nearly 1 million dollars.

In the meantime, the responsibility of on-water rescues falls on the back of the Cook County Sherriff’s Department, the Grand Portage tribal government, and the willingness of a good Samaritan or local charter captain.

What lies ahead for the future of the two-story white building on the Grand Marais harbor is uncertain. But for the foreseeable future, it will remain a remnant for individuals to reflect on the past and a symbol of the change yet to come along the North Shore.—Kalli Hawkins

The Coast Guard said the decision to close the Grand Marais station was partly due to a lack of calls per year. | KALLI HAWKINS

Duluth Armory A tribute to

DULUTH—This January, move to the be-bop music of the late 1950s at the Buddy Holly Tribute Concert. Hosted by the Armory Arts and Music Center, the event will be held on Sunday, January 29 at the Clyde Iron Event Center in Duluth from 6-9 p.m. This annual concert honors the historic night when “the music died.”

The winter of 1959 impacted the history of music. Known as some of the biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll at the time, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper were victims of a tragic plane crash. It happened shortly after performing at the National Guard Armory in Duluth as one of the stops on the Midwest Winter Dance Party Tour.

This year, local musicians Todd Eckart and his band will bring the music back to the stage. The band is made up of lead guitarist Jimi Cooper, George Ellsworth on base, drummer Mathew Groom and Eckart on vocals. In addition to remembering and honoring the talent of the rock ‘n’ roll superstars, this event is a fundraiser to support the historic Armory and continue its legacy of celebrating and inspiring young artists.

Eckart has been transforming into Buddy Holly for the past seven years as the fundraiser’s headliner. He has been a fan of the late 50s music since he was an elementary student after his uncle introduced him to the sounds of The Beatles. After watching the Buddy Holly Story in the 1980s, he was hooked on the rock-a-billy rhythm. Eckart says Holly was “a pioneer in music.” Sadly,

his career lasted only four years and was cut short by his death.

The Armory has been a site of great inspiration throughout its history. It was built in 1915 at roughly five times the average cost of other armories of that era. It served as a military training facility for the Minnesota National Guard and Naval Militia.

In 1978, it was purchased by the city and its use as an armory was discontinued. Since 2000, the Armory has been threatened with demolition. The nonprofit Armory Arts and Music Center (AAMC) acquired the building in 2003 and has been working to rehabilitate it as a cultural venue, including investing nearly $5 million to establishing a firm foundation for the nearly $35 million proposed

restoration project. In 2021, Sherman Associates was secured as the developer of the project and other key engineers, architects and contractors have also come on board. AAMC’s executive director, Mark Poirier, says it has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes and is thrilled “we are at the point to really see something happen.” For the most current updates, follow Historic Duluth Armory and the Music Resource Center Duluth Armory on Facebook.

The Duluth Armory was listed on the National Record of Historic Places in 2011 for its state-level significance in the theme of military history, as well as the building’s important role as the cultural and entertainment hub of the Duluth region. In addition to Buddy Holly, other famous performers have appeared at the Armory, including Harry Truman, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, Bob Hope, and the Beach Boys. Two Harbors

resident Larry Furo recalls attending events in the early 1960s, saying “the place would be packed—you could literally feel the floor bouncing from all the dancing!”

So put on some bobby socks and grease back that hair to bring the music alive during this special tribute concert. Eckart and his band promises to deliver an entertaining and interactive performance. Historical footage of those who graced the Armory stage will be featured on a slide show as the backdrop of the stage. Between sets, Eckart will share facts and stories of Holly, Valens and the Big Bopper. There will also be a costume contest for prizes. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and can be purchased online (dulutharmory.org) or by calling 218-428-9686. All proceeds support the students of the AAMC’s Music Resource Center program. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m.—Michelle Miller

“the day the music died”

A rendering of the revitalized Duluth Armory’s historic stage. | SUBMITTED

The historic Duluth Armory is located on London Road. | SUBMITTED

Buddy Holly at the Duluth Armory.

| SHARRON JOHNSON

GRAND MARAIS—Cook County couple James Coleman and Teri Chilefone had a very busy 2022.

On March 7, Coleman and Chilefone sold the Mountain Inn to Odyssey Resorts, a hotel that they managed to flip into a “charming little inn” over the course of three years.

“We bought the Mountain Inn from Mike Larson in December 2018,” says Chilefone, “and then, literally, with our own two hands, James and I renovated the place inside and out to turn it into the boutique-style hotel that it is today.”

“We put a lot of work into all 29 rooms,” continues Chilefone, “painted the exterior, created new outdoor and indoor gathering spaces, redid the front desk, put in a gift shop, a pantry, and eventually took our average rating from 2.3 to nine stars. My sister has different murals on all the walls—it’s really a sweet space.”

Selling the Mountain Inn—a business that Coleman and Chilefone invested so much time and energy into— was not an easy decision to make. It took persistence on Odysseys part and a little bit of “charming” by Odyssey’s CEO Kirk Schultz to win the couple

Once the Inn was sold, however, Coleman and Chilefone were both eager to find something new to pour themselves into, eager to explore new ways to stay active in a community that they feel has given them so much.

on turning the property into vacation rentals, so we looked at the numbers and all that, but it wasn’t until we heard Bill and his wife Marybeth’s story that we knew [purchasing] was the right choice.”

“Keeping the cabins as long-term rentals,” says Chilefone, “that was Bill’s thing.”

“When other [property owners] started converting their properties into vacation rentals,” continues Chilefone, “Bill really went hard the other way. It’s my understanding that he really helped a lot of people out.”

As far as the Blue Moose storefront is concerned, Coleman and Chilefone hope to make the shop their own without changing its underlying spirit.

Not that the two of them didn’t already have a lot on their collective

James runs a contracting business, Boulder Point Services, in addition to being heavily involved with the Lutsen Fire Department and Cook County EMS. Chilefone, on the other hand, manages her own massage studio, LutZen Massage, that currently has two locations within the county and employs five different massage therapists.

Regardless, on June 17 of the same year, Coleman and Chilefone purchased the Blue Moose in Grand Marais from long-time owner Bill Doucette.

“It was our friend Linda Garrity who first asked if we’d be interested in purchasing the Blue Moose,” says Chilefone. “Apparently, there were a couple of interested buyers who planned

“Everyone we ever talk to,” continues Chilefone, “comes to tears when they reminisce about these two and how they impacted the community. They left a bit of a legacy with this place and it is our hope to do the same, to continue what Bill started.”

Today, there are seven cabins on the property in addition to the Blue Moose storefront, though, according to Coleman and Chilefone, two of them are considered “complete tear downs.”

Being the dynamic duo that they are, Coleman and Chilefone have already renovated one of the cabins, and, according to Chilefone, she and her husband plan to renovate the other four salvageable existing cabins before adding to the property by building five more. All 10 cabins will be rented out as long-term rentals.

“The Blue Moose is just a sweet little shop,” says Chilefone. “Like our other businesses, James and I plan on putting our flair on the shop, but I think we’re going to keep those ideas on the ‘D-L’ a little longer.”

“Rene Swadberg has been the general manager of the Blue Moose for 15 years,” continues Chilefone, “and she has done an amazing job. She is in her seventies, but has agreed to keep running things for another year, maybe two, and our hope is to find someone to mentor under her before she goes.”

The Blue Moose is open May-October, though now is a great time to put in “Bare Root Orders” for the 2023 season.

For further information on the Blue Moose and all that there is to discover in the shop, visit their website at: thebluemoosemn.com.—Eric Weicht

Cook County couple James Coleman and Teri Chilefone are the new owners of the Blue Moose in Grand Marais. | SUBMITTED

Ukrainian dance: Movement and passion

THUNDER BAY—Dance is one of the most disciplined of the arts, and its practice is more than enough to bring out groups of people to different locations in the south ward of Thunder Bay, when most people are home watching tv. Ground-breaking celebrated Ukrainian choreographer Pavlo Virsky (1905-1975) would smile approvingly at the hard work of the dancers of the Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group and Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association, who are exercising their passion as well as their root culture.

“I am 62 years old and I still dance,” enthuses Chaban’s artistic director Cathy Paroschy-Harris, as she watches over the Veselka and Ensemble practice session on a Sunday evening. Zorya’s dance school coordinator/director Alice Chony would emphatically agree.

“I want to get more flexible!” exclaims Zorya’s 10-year-old Emma, when asked why she wants to learn the challenging movements of Ukrainian dance. Seven-year-old fellow Girls’ Technique student Ashlen adds, “I want to learn Ukrainian dancing and singing and be part of my culture.”

Chaban’s practice facility, the Ukrainian National Hall, like the gymnasium at First Wesley United Church where Zorya practices, features a wall of mirrors some two metres high, and ballet and technique barres used in dance exercises. The professional equipment and the manifest concentration of the dancers belies something equally evident as the dancer’s spin, leap and kick: joy.

“I started dancing at age 3. I tried almost every type of dance,” explains Chaban’s Viktoriya Dyukaryeva, “but I love the athleticism of Ukrainian dance, the costumes, the regions, the styles—I never stop learning.”

“I’ve been doing this most of my life,” says Zorya’s Marnie Wolowich. “When Zorya was formed, I had to ask my parents to use their basement as we didn’t have a place to practice. I never dreamed then that 19 years later, we would be taking part in a dance workshop at the Virsky Dance Studio in Kyiv.”

“I like to move,” she adds. “I like Ukrainian dance, with lots of people on the stage, the (dancers’) smiling, the ribbons and costumes.”

The Ukrainian culture, in all its variety and dynamism, is never far away from a discussion of dance. Chaban and Zorya, for example, are not only involved in dance but in the art of pysanka, the decoration of hens’ eggs with unique cultural motifs.

“The focus is to share as much as we can about the beautiful Ukrainian culture,” Paroschy-Harris explains.

“The Easter egg decorating teaches about the colours and the symbols, their meaning,” agrees Chony. “We are slowly bringing back the culture.”

Chony’s remark speaks to a historical phenomenon among many immigrant groups coming to settle in Canada and finding themselves up against a dominant, not always friendly culture, with a foreign (to them) language. Many individuals and families chose to try to leave their root culture and language behind, to try to blend in with the dominant society as they saw it. In more recent years, immigrant nationalities are striving to retain their original cultural identity and language, and to strike a balance

between living in an ever-evolving Canadian culture and living the identities and customs they have brought with them from abroad. Ukrainian Canadians are no exception to this phenomenon.

“We are building capacity in our dance troupe,” says Wolowich, “to continue our cultural traditions.”

Wolowich points to one aspect of Ukrainian dance as an example.

“Lots of folk dances—and Ukrainian dance—have a gender orientation, with the roles portrayed in the dance.”

Over at Chaban, the male dancers execute the bochka, or barrel spin. The female dancers, especially instructors, watch closely. The instructors then practice the same maneuver.

“This is a men’s step, but they want to master it for themselves,” says Paroschy-Harris. “They might be teaching this step to little boys.”

“Girls who are maturing into women wear the vinok, the headdress with ribbons down the back,” says Wolowich. “And then there’s the iconic red boots.”

As with many nationalities, there is also a rich variety in customs, traditional dress, and language in Ukraine, which itself borders no fewer than seven other European countries and is made up of 27 administrative regions. Both groups occasionally bring in guest choreographers, which helps keep the dance fresh and evolving. Dyukaryeva, herself from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, is delighted to learn the cultural offerings of other Ukrainian regions:

“Every village has its own style,” she says.

The cultural encounter is not one way, as Wolowich and other Zorya members have performed in Ukraine. Wolowich herself vividly remembers dancing in Dyukaryeva‘s home city on one such occasion, while Chaban has performed a few times across Ukraine.

Both groups have been involved in fundraising performances, with an increased focus recently on the needs of Ukrainian refugees in Canada, and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Obviously, to share Ukrainian dance at its best on such occasions and at other performances, the dancers must keep up a regimen of strenuous weekly practice. And practice they do, smiling as they experience the discipline of dance, the feel of their culture and the benevolent influence of master Virsky.—Peter Fergus-Moore

Members of the Zorya Dance Association ensemble in performance. | SUBMITTED

Points North

Lake Superior’s Changing Fishery

By Shawn Perich

The fish population of Lake Superior experienced extraordinary changes over the past 100 years or so. Starting in the 1890s, the arrival of commercial fishing efforts greatly increased fish harvests of native fish species. New technology allowed for the capture of fish at greater rates than the native harvesters, which had survived on fish for thousands of years. As transportation improved, it became easier to transport Lake Superior fish to larger markets.

During the same era, non-native fish species entered Lake Superior, some intentionally and some unintentionally. One of the first intentional additions was the rainbow trout, which was native to the Pacific watersheds of the U.S. and Canada. The rainbow was popular with anglers and became an important species in the sport fishery. However, the rainbow really didn’t take off in abundance until the crash of the native lake trout and whitefish, caused by the arrival of non-native smelt in the 1950s. The rainbow is able to at least partially fill the void left by the collapse of lake trout and whitefish.

Other changes were caused by other reasons. Black Bay in Ontario once supported a significant native population of walleyes, northern pike and yellow perch. This population was destroyed in the mid-1900s by heavy commercial fishing pressure, opening up additional water for steelhead. Here again, steelhead were able to thrive, creating good rainbow fishing in a number of Black Bay tributary streams. Significant populations appeared in rivers such as the Wolf and the Black Sturgeon, as well as numerous smaller streams. Beginning about 15

years ago, the walleye, northern pike and perch populations began to recover due to the reduction in commercial fishing harvest. As the native fish returned, the steelhead population began to crash. One small stream where steelhead research had occurred, the population of this non-native species dropped from over 1,200 fish during the spring run to around 100 fish today. It is unlikely Black Bay steelhead fishing will recover.

Just south of Black Bay is a body of water known as Thunder Bay. While walleyes are migrating into Thunder Bay into the summer, then returning to Black Bay in the fall to spawn, they don’t seem to be affecting Thunder Bay’s steelhead populations. The reason is that most of Thunder Bay is comprised of deep water, which is not good habitat for walleyes. However, north of Black Bay is Nipigon Bay, which contains the Nipigon River, the largest body of water

flowing into Lake Superior, as well as numerous other tributary streams. In Nipigon Bay, there is extensive shallow water habitat, thus the expansion of walleyes appears to be having a much greater affect on steelhead populations. The Nipigon River, which as recently as 15 years ago supported an extensive steelhead population, appears now to have reverted to a walleye fishery. My friend Gord Ellis, who spent 30 days last summer guiding and fishing on the lower Nipigon River said he only landed two steelhead. He is concerned that very popular steelhead rivers lying to the east of the Nipigon River, such as the Jackpine, Cyprus and Gravel, may suffer a similar fate since they too enter shallow bays in Lake Superior. If this occurs, it will have a broad effect on steelhead fishing on the western end of Lake Superior.

The Canadian coast is not the only place where steelhead populations may be making major drops. Recently, I talked to an angler who told me it appeared the rivers east of Grand Marais were also experiencing a steep decline in steelhead numbers. While these rivers are in my backyard, it is hard for me to make a judgement on the quality of the fishery currently since we just experienced two years of drought, followed by a high-water event last spring. The fishing conditions simply weren’t conducive to good fishing. However, one large change did occur during that same time period—there was a significant increase in commercial fishing efforts along that portion of coastline of Lake Superior. While the commercial effort is targeted at lake trout and herring, perhaps steelhead and other fish species are appearing in the bycatch of that effort. Because these rivers are small, and even in the best of times support only limited numbers

of steelhead, it would not take much of a decline in populations to have a significant effect on fishing quality. Even without the commercial fishing effort, it is likely that catch and release fishing, at least in some of the smaller creeks, is leading to catch rates that exceed the actual number of fish running the streams. How could this be? Anglers are actually catching and releasing some fish more than once. We truly don’t know what affect this may have on the survival of steelhead.

On the other end of the Minnesota coast near Duluth, other factors may affect steelhead survival. The harbor of the St. Louis River estuary has long supported a healthy population of walleye, northern pike and perch. As such, it has never been a steelhead fishery. However, the rivers heading up the North Shore from Duluth all support steelhead populations. In recent years, the Minnesota DNR has changed stocking regimes in these streams. For a long period of time these rivers were stocked with a rainbow trout strain known as the Kamloops. In recent years, they decided this strain may crossbreed with the so-called wild strain of steelhead the lake supports. Dropping the Kamloops stocking, they began stocking offspring of the native strain instead. It remains to be seen how well the new stockings will survive. If the new stockers prove less effective than Kamloops, it may reduce the number of steelhead available to anglers in the Duluth area. While it is too soon to know what will occur, some Duluth area anglers believe steelhead numbers are already beginning to decline.

Perhaps the largest overriding issue facing all fish species in Lake Superior is the rapidly changing climate. We already know that water temperatures in Lake Superior are warming at faster rates than many other nearby locations. This is likely to have a significant influence on fish populations over short and long term. Since most of the fish currently surviving in Lake Superior are cold water species, we could see growth of fish species that prefer slightly warmer water, such as smallmouth bass. The overall effect on the lake’s ecosystem during the coming century is likely to be significant. It is possible the Lake Superior that exists 100 years from now will be nearly unrecognizable to the people who enjoy the lake today. Due to the extensive amount of deep water in the lake, species such as lake trout, whitefish and herring may continue to thrive in offshore waters, but we can only wait and see what will happen in waters both deep and shallow in nearshore areas. It’s very likely few of us will not appreciate the changes that occur.

The days of catching lots of steelhead like this one may be slowly coming to an end, due to changing conditions in Lake Superior. | SHAWN PERICH

Strength, community and fun with Lynx Fit

GRAND MARAIS—It’s no secret that movement is good for us. For many people, the new year brings an increased focus on wellness, including exercise. However, sticking to a workout routine can be challenging when working out feels like a chore. But what if movement wasn’t just a resolution, but the most fun part of your day? Carmen Skildum is the owner and founder of Lynx Fit, a Grand Marais area business that offers personal training and group strength training classes that have a focus on making movement enjoyable.

“I want people to enjoy movement because one of the big reasons people stop doing something is because it’s not fun, and a huge part of what movement should be is fun,” Skildum said.

Skildum started her journey into the world of fitness when she began weight lifting in her late 20s. Her love for fitness led her to becoming a certified personal trainer, and she started working with clients one-onone from her home gym. Word got out, and now she offers a variety of classes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT), strength and conditioning classes, and oneon-one training.

Lynx Fit classes vary from class to class and day to day, but a few elements remain the same: each of the sessions is about 45 minutes long and strength-based, with a structure that aims for a full-body workout. Skildum said that her style is interactive, and that coming up with new workout routines is her creative outlet. Even with group classes, Skildum is focused on the individual, with plenty of flexibility for each person to go at their own pace.

“If someone’s never lifted before that’s totally okay,” Skildum said. “There’s no pressure, and we have people practice the motions without using the weights yet. Everyone is welcome to do whatever they’re comfortable with on a particular day.”

Strength training provides a myriad of benefits, from developing stronger bones to

improving cardiovascular health to decreasing your risk of injury from other activities.

Strength training, too, is beneficial for people of all ages–Skildum said you’re never too old to start weight training, and that weight training can help with mobility and increasing strength after past injuries. Strength training also benefits the mind and mood just as much as the body.

“One of the benefits I also stress is the benefits of movement for mental health,” Skildum said. “Endorphins are like the magic pill people don’t know that they should take for their mood. And in a group setting there’s so much positive energy you need, especially in the winter and living up here where we’re so isolated. Physical benefits aside, the mental benefits are really where it’s at. It makes a big difference.”

Hayley Scott is a Cook County resident who has experienced firsthand the difference that movement can make. Scott lives in Schroeder and found out about Lynx Fit when Carmen Skildum was teaching classes in Tofte. Scott started attending classes regularly, and when Skildum stopped teaching classes in Tofte, she and a few other West End friends started making the trip to Grand Marais to continue attending her classes.

“Her classes were life changing for me,” Scott said. “It’s taught me to be stronger and to take care of my body in ways that I never thought that I could.”

Scott said that among the many things she likes about Lynx Fit classes, she appreciates the instruction on form and the atmosphere that’s welcoming to people of all levels, including total beginners. For beginners, one of the biggest upsides of working with a trainer or joining a group exercise class is becoming more comfortable with strength training. Walking into a gym full of equipment can be daunting for someone with no

experience, but having someone there to introduce you to proper form and use of the equipment can help ease that process.

“I think people can be intimidated when you don’t know how to do exercises,” Scott said. “I didn’t know much about exercise or weight lifting until I started with Carmen, and now I’m confident that I can go to the gym and do deadlifts, squat racks, and all of those exercises because she taught me how.”

Altogether, both Scott and Skildum emphasized the importance of community, laughter and fun during the process.

“It’s a fun time, which I think is the most important thing,” Skildum said. “I try to help you leave feeling good and have a good time connecting with your body, connecting with other people, and surprising yourself a little bit.”

Those interested in learning about Lynx Fit, including class schedules and passes, can find more information at: lynxfitmn.com. —Rae Poynter

Strength training benefits the mind and mood just as much as the body.

| BECCA ORF OF STIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Lynx Fit owner and founder Carmen Skildum. | BECCA ORF OF STIR PHOTOGRAPHY

RIVER SKIING: Embracing Winter’s “Corridors of Life”

BY CHRIS PASCONE

North Shore tributaries of Lake Superior are constantly changing corridors of life. They reflect the four seasons, becoming mighty torrents in spring and trickles in late summer. Exploring rivers always means embracing change and experiencing the ephemeral nature of water and life.

Perhaps these ever-changing characteristics are what continuously draw people to the North Shore in all different seasons. Steelheaders come in droves in April and May to try to hook into the beautiful chrome fish making its spawning run up from Lake Superior. Hikers file up and down hiking trails along the Split Rock, Gooseberry, and Caribou Rivers all summer and fall, looping the banks of these undeveloped rivers cascading through Minnesota’s fabulous state parks.

But for river skiers—those hardy souls who explore stream beds when they freeze and get covered in a blanket of snow—winter is the supreme season. Winter is when rivers give themselves up to easy travel. This is your chance to traverse your favorite river from its headwaters to the mouth at Lake Superior, gliding your way down the river’s chutes and falls, navigating the water body in its endless course towards the sea. Sure, you can try canoeing or kayaking some of these rivers, or maybe wade them on a hot summer day. But only in the coldest throes of winter do rivers open their beds to modern-day explorers waiting patiently to experience them in their full splendor.

River skiing is about accessing a world few people ever see.

“A lot of rivers have trails alongside them, but there are other parts of rivers that are inaccessible in summer unless you scale down a cliff and walk right in the creek bed,” says John Oberholtzer, an experienced river skier from Lutsen. “With river skiing,

| CHRIS PASCONE

you get right down into the stream bed, and get all kinds of sights and sounds that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience. It’s such a pristine, cool environment that’s now easy to get down to.”

So how do aspiring Nansens, Amundsens and Shackletons get started exploring North Shore riverbeds that can be ice one day, and open water the next?

Is it worth the risk? Or is it the risk itself that makes river skiing so appealing to some? Oberholtzer lists “adventure” as a top reason to try river skiing.

“It’s not going to be for everyone, but I think a lot of people assume it’s going to be more dangerous than it really is,” he says. “The sense of adventure of skiing down all kinds of whoopties and frozen waterfalls—it’s awesome. The river is un-groomed, untracked, and you have to make your own adventure.”

Once you’ve got the determination to go try river skiing for yourself, you’ll need some basic equipment. You can get by on your skinny classic skis designed for groomed tracks, but a better bet (especially when skiing upriver) is to use metal edged backcountry skis. These wider skis give you more control, both when making sharp turns, and when ascending steeper pitches. Backcountry skis provide extra flotation, making for fun descents down frozen waterfalls. Keep in mind that these heavier skis can become tiresome when pushing upriver. Ideally, wear tall, durable backcountry ski boots—you’ll likely be breaking trail through deep powder come mid-winter. Properly-sized ski poles are a must too, and provide a small measure of safety as a tool for poking at unsure ice. Backcountry ski equipment can be rented for a day from local shops like Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais, or from the Outdoor Pursuit programs at UMD and St. Scholastica in Duluth (open to the public).

Oberholtzer says that river skiing is not about athleticism, proper waxing or technique.

“I tell beginners all the time, ‘You can take your skis off at any time and go down on your butt. Don’t worry about that. This is about the beautiful thing you’re going to do down on the river. You’ll find your own way,” he says.

Skiing the Split Rock River provides a challenging, yet rewarding way to get “inside” the river canyon. | ADRIANA PASCONE

Stunning scenery is good for the soul. Meanwhile, skiing right up to the base of a gushing waterfall gets your blood pumping.

The

| CHRIS PASCONE

The key to a successful river ski is to take a buddy, or three. Skiing down a flowing river promotes socializing, as well as teamwork. This is not something you want to try solo. Getting a crew of people together who share a love for wildness makes a day on the river even more special. You form bonds as you take turns navigating the untouched snow. One person breaks trail, leading the way, and you rotate guys and gals through the guide position, thereby spreading out the exertion of establishing a route through fresh powder. Then, take a break together and listen to the river rushing right below you.

For Buck Benson of Grand Marais, the constant downhill motion of river skiing establishes a palpable rhythm for skiers.

“The rivers here are all rushing to get down to the [Big] Lake,” says Benson. “That’s the way the geology is. The rivers have cut big swaths through the rock over the years and created those beautiful canyons that you ski through. It’s nature at some of its finest, and that adds to the conversation.”

Another benefit of going with friends is carpooling. Sure, you can ski up many North Shore rivers from Highway 61, and you’ll have to do so on rivers like the Split Rock or the Gooseberry, which don’t have roads crossing their upper stretches. But, when skiing upriver, Benson notes, “You’ll struggle to get up some of the rapids and falls without slipping and sliding. You’ll eventually have to take your skis off.” So, for the ultimate in backcountry luxury, organize a group trip and have one person leave their car by Highway 61, then shuttle everyone up to a starting point at a higher elevation in the second vehicle. This carpool system can work well on the Cascade River, for example, by leaving the upper car on the Pike Lake Road and skiing down to Lake Superior.

Being together with friends helps to properly evaluate safety as well. Changing river ice demands a constant focus on safety. For Oberholtzer, “You have to kind of figure it out. You have to stop and assess things, and not be foolish about it. It’s on you and your friends to figure out if the ice is safe or not.”

Benson concurs: “It’s common to have open water

at various moments on your route down the stream. Of course, you’re thinking, ‘OK, where do I go to get around this?’”

Benson points out that knowing when to walk around a section, or turn around completely, is an important skill.

“Sometimes you need to be able to say ‘Hey, maybe the river’s not really ready now. This might be a turnaround time.’ There’s nothing wrong with that— to turn around and go back. Judging those kinds of conditions will keep you out of trouble,” he says.

Having your ski mates with you makes a quick rescue possible should somebody fall through the ice.

“People get wet. It just happens,” Benson explains. “It’s good to have a dry bag in your pack, carrying some extra clothes, an extra pair of socks, gloves and bottoms, and a rope that you can toss to your friend in the event that they’re struggling to get out.”

Benson adds that most of the water in North Shore rivers won’t be over a person’s head, especially in winter. Still, “when things do happen, you want to have the things you need to remedy your situation.”

River skiing is rarely fast and furious. It’s contemplative. Benson gushes over the dramatic surroundings: “There are so many things to look at, like the tannin-stained foam bubbling out of the rapids, and the tracks of animals. Streams and wetlands are full of life. Even in the dead of winter, there’s a lot of life that happens around a river.”

Oberholtzer says hearing running water as you ski can be disconcerting at first, but also promotes reflection.

“I’m really thinking about the journey of water, about how snow melt eventually has to find its way out to the ocean,” he says. “You can complete the whole journey of water on rivers like the Brule, or Devil Track, and put your pole right into Lake Superior.”

Benson recommends “relaxing into the river, rather than racing it.” This isn’t about perfect grooming and maximum efficiency. It’s about slowing down and observing the root-beer colored flow gurgling underneath you. It’s about examining the gorgeous ice falls coming out of the canyon walls.

With winter now embracing the Northland in its icy grip, river skiers are watching their favorite streams closely. Benson recounts the anticipation brought on by deep freezes and heavy snow, saying “Somebody has to make those first tracks on a river. Just like powder skiers out west, there’s a lot of people in this neck of the woods who look forward to making those first tracks.”

Make it your New Year’s resolution to go explore these wild North Shore riverbeds accessible only in this special season.

Contemplating the river flow is a mesmerizing and uplifting practice. The “speech” of rushing water will make any winter doldrums quickly disappear. | CHRIS PASCONE

play between open water and solid ice is one of the most appealing parts of river skiing. Choosing the right line is always a gamble, but at spots like this you can confidently admire the river.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE NORTH

PHOTO CONTEST

2022 WINNERS

We received over 650 entries for our annual photo contest. This year’s first and second place winners were chosen by professional photographers James Smedley, David Johnson and Paul Sundberg. With so many incredible photos to sort through, it took them many rounds of voting to determine the winners. Third place winners were voted on by our readers. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. The 2023 photo contest will begin later this year.

MACRO

1st Place

WILDLIFE

1st Place

Jean Brislance

2nd Place Alison

People’s Choice

2nd Place Marcus De Los Reyes Awesome fox leaping.

People’s Choice

Mary Glass Preparing for winter on the North Shore.

Backlit bunny: Snowshoe hare silhouette taken in Lutsen of June 2022.

Edward Lee

Two fritillary butterflies.

Carr

Waterdrop refraction of a zinnia flower.

Grace Burns

Rock stack on the shores of Lake Superior at Leif Erikson Park.

A

LANDSCAPE

1st Place

Ken

The

2nd Place

Vicki

People’s Choice

Nancy Reilly

Haunted grain bin.

1st Place

Ann Karrick

Our westie Bear loves to go kayaking on lakes up the Gunflint Trail.

2nd

Place

Karen Ramsdale

Ernie on a foggy morning on the shore of Lake Superior at Mink Mountain, Neebing, Ontario.

People’s Choice

Ted Armstrong

The art of camouflage; my granddaughter hiding from us.

Harmon

John Beargrease dog sled team crosses Poplar Lake with a hoarfrost-covered shoreline.

Willet

perfect image of Split Rock Lighthouse.

PEOPLE & PETS

By Breana Johnson

New Year, New Exhibits

A new year means new artwork and exhibitions in galleries all along the shore. This month, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery has three new exhibits on display and the Duluth Art Institute has four, as well as one in Grand Marais and one in Grand Portage. Be sure to check them outꟷyou won’t be disappointed.

| CARL GAWBOY

| SUSAN HENSEL

Laura Manney’s exhibition, Midwest, will be on display Jan. 12-March 26 at the Duluth Art Institute. This giclee print is titled “Tree.”

| LAURA MANNEY

This painting by Carl Gawboy, titled “Shooting the Wintermaker,” is part of the PeopleBehindNorthernNights, StarrySkies exhibition at the Grand Portage National Monument.

Susan Hensel’s exhibition, BendingTowardBeauty, is on display now until March 13 at the Duluth Art Institute. This piece is titled “I Can’t Help But Think of all the Sea Plastic.”

An exhibit by Cree Metis visual artist Jason Baerg will be displayed at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery from Jan. 13-March 19. This oil on canvas piece is titled “Red = South and Black = West.” | JASON BAERG

“Quiet Night in the Maple Forest” by photographer Travis Novitsky. This piece is also part of the PeopleBehindNorthernNights,StarrySkies exhibition in Grand Portage, which ends Jan. 31. | TRAVIS NOVITSKY

This watercolor piece, titled “Mystic” by Beverly Turpin, is part of the NOW, NOW Juried Exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. It will be on display from Jan. 13-March 19. | BEVERLY TURPIN

Mike Jacques MJ Metalworks

CREATIVE SPACE: By Eric Weicht

Old saws, tools and scraps of metal; long forgotten in a shed, a backyard, or out in the woods.

Everyone sees something different when they look at a pile of “scrap.” The same rusty can that I think looks cool on the living room book shelf, my wife might argue would look much better in the recycling.

When Mike Jacques of MJ Metalworks in Thunder Bay looks at a piece of old metal, however, what he sees is potential.

“As a metal artist,” says Jacques, “what I do is I repurpose old material—whether that’s a grandparent’s sawblade or the end cuts of 4x8 sheets of metal—and bring them back to life in ‘unconventional’ ways.”

“I get most of my material donated to me,” continues Jacques, “so everything that I create is quite literally one of a kind. My girlfriend, Kelly Lalanode, chalks designs onto the material, then I hand-cut the metal with a plasma cutter before buffing, grinding and coloring each piece, depending on what I’m going for, eh?”

According to Jacques, MJ Metalworks is very much a two-person operation.

“Kelly is 100 percent integral to the business,” says Jacques. “I tell everyone that my art would not be what it is without her touch as well.”

“Us working as a team,” continues Jacques, “is part of what makes the art ‘work.’”

Jacques has lived in Thunder Bay his whole life, and has been a full-time metal artist for about three years. Jacques started out working in the automotive industry, then spent time working as a brick layer, but it wasn’t until he took a job as a cook that things really started to ‘click.’

“Leaving the automotive industry,” says Jacques, “was just something that I had to do. When it came down to it, I wasn’t doing what I loved and it showed.”

“So,” continues Jacques, “I quit my job

and started cooking 32 hours a week at a small restaurant near my home, and, for whatever reason, stepping back in this way opened up space in my mind to discover and start creating metal artwork. Before long I was filling all of my spare time—my evenings and whatever time I had during the day— practicing metal artwork. Then, about three years ago, I decided to go for it and pursue my art career full-time.”

At first, Jacques’ works mostly focused on cutting designs—usually trees—into old hand-saws, something that was in high demand by his friends, family and early clients.

“My ‘saw trees’ were definitely the foundation for me when I first started,” says Jacques, “but since then my work has evolved to include all sorts of different projects.”

“I’ve started making Christmas ornaments,” continues Jacques, “as well as signs for homes, cabins and camps. Some of my most exciting works now are the ‘custom collaborations’ I have been doing, where people have an idea of what they’re looking for and we work together to bring this idea to life.”

According to Jacques, most of his art is inspired by the things that he sees around him, whether that’s in the city of Thunder Bay, “puttering around” on Lake Superior in his 23-foot sailboat with his girlfriend and daughter, or venturing out into the surrounding forests.

Jacques has recently been making a conscious effort to explore Lake Superior in order to better understand the lake that inspires so much of his work—the place he considers home.

“There’s just something about the [Big] Lake,” says Jacques, “something unique, something powerful.”

All of that being said, for Jacques, the meaning behind MJ Metalworks goes well beyond the physical pieces of art.

“The meaning,” says Jacques, “the true mission of my work, is to share my story and, with it, my belief in the importance of art and doing something that matters.”

“MJ Metalworks has helped me overcome an addiction,” continues Jacques, “it has helped me find my own way in life as a human being. My goal in everything that I do, with every person that I share my art with, is to bring light to people’s lives, because doing that brings light into my own. That’s why I sign every piece of art with a message that says ‘Good Vibes.’”

| SUBMITTED

You can find MJ Metalwoks on Instagram @mj_metals. At the time this article was written, Jacques was still planning out his calendar for 2023, but upcoming shows will be posted on the MJ Metalworks Instagram page once the dates are set in stone.

Also, keep an eye out for an exhibition of Jacques work at the Thunder Bay Public Library in 2023.

[ABOVE] When Mike Jacques of MJ Metalworks in Thunder Bay looks at a piece of old metal, he sees potential. | SUBMITTED

[LEFT] MJ Metalworks is a two-person operation. Kelly Lalanode, Jacques’ girlfriend, chalks the designs onto the material before Jacques hand-cuts the metal with a plasma cutter.

NORPINE FAT BIKE CLASSIC

Jan. 1-7 Cycling fanatics will brave the cold at the annual Norpine Fat Bike Classic in Lutsen this month with four options to choose from: the Long Pine Race (25 miles), the Short Pine Race (14 miles), the Classic Tour (14 miles), or the Classic Full Moon Tour (6-8 miles). The Long Pine and Short Pine races take place on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m., both starting and finishing at Cascade Lodge. The Classic Tour, which also starts and ends at Cascade Lodge, is a non-competitive individual or group ride that can be completed anytime between Jan. 1-6. The Full Moon Tour will be held on Friday, Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m., starting and finishing at North Shore Winery. The Winery will also host a day of fun on Jan. 6. Starting at 2 p.m., there will be a fat bike expo, bike demos, music, mulled wine, the Crazy Pine Criterium, race registration and number pickup. Race registration required. superiorcycling.org

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

Jan. 6-7 The Banff Mountain Film Festival (BMFF) returns to Duluth Jan. 6-7 at the Decc Symphony Hall. Held at 7 p.m. and hosted by the Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club, the BMFF is a compilation of high-energy outdoor films and documentaries with

environmental messages. The film competition is held in Banff, Alberta every fall, followed by a world tour featuring the winning films. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and there will be booths from local sponsors, gear demos, a raffle and drinks. Tickets are

$20 and can be purchased online or in-person at the Decc ticket office. The festival will also be at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (tbca.com) on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. duluthxc.com

GNDWIRE RECORDS SKI PARTY & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jan. 6-7 The annual Ski Party and Music Festival returns to Lutsen Mountains with performances by Fenixdion, Early Eyes, Night Moves, Lanue, Charlie Parr, and Mae Simpson. This is a weekend ski, snowboard and music festival curated by the folks at GNDWIRE Records. Concerts will be held at Papa Charlie’s. Performances begin at 9 p.m. each night, starting with Fenixdion on

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will take place Jan. 29-31, starting in Duluth and ending in Grand Portage. | HEIDI PINKERTON

Held in Lutsen, the Norpine Fat Bike Classic has four options to choose from, including a non-competitive ride. | SUBMITTED

Friday and Lanue on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door (if available). Must be 21 or older to attend the concerts. lutsen.com

GUNFLINT MAIL RUN

Jan. 7, Saturday The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race is a continuous race consisting of two legs of equal distance, separated by a mandatory layover. There are two classes in the race: a 12-dog, 100-mile race, and an 8-dog, 65-mile race. Races will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Trail Center Lodge, located on the Gunflint Trail. Spectators can find great viewing spots at Trail Center Lodge, Big Bear Lodge and Rockwood Lodge. Remember to leave your own dogs at home. gunflintmailrun.com

DENNIS WARNER & THE D’S

Jan. 14, Saturday The North Shore Music Association in Grand Marais will kick off their 2023 season with a concert by Dennis Warner & the D’s on Saturday, Jan. 14. Folk and Americana singer/songwriter Dennis Warner and his band “the D’s” perform

Folk Festival songwriting awards, Dennis Warner has collaborated with many noted musicians, including Bobby Vee, J.D. Steele, Prudence Johnson, and Peter Ostroushko. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased in advanced or at the door, starting at 6 p.m. Mask wearing is encouraged. northshoremusicassociation.com

The Gunflint Mail Run will start at 8 a.m. at Trail Center. | SUBMITTED

rides, a craft fair and market, snowshoeing, MIRA racing on the ice next to the S.S. Meteor, food and drinks, a kubb tournament, kite skiing demos, ice skating, a kids zone, full-sized stock car races on the ice in Allouez Bay, a community art collaborative, the Humane Society of Douglas County Canine and Feline King and Queen Contests, a bonfire with s’mores, fireworks and more. Add a little fire to your festival experience with the Sterling Silver Fire Twirlers, performing at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. A full schedule of events can be found online. lakesuperioricefestival.com

RIDGE RIDERS DRAG RACES

Jan. 21, Saturday Join the annual Drag Races on Devil Track Lake, held by the Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club. Race registration starts at 11 a.m. and the races start at noon. Classes include 600, 700, 800, 850, Open, Improved and Outlaw. Prizes will be awarded inside Skyport Lodge after the races. Then, mark your calendars for the annual Fun Run on the Gunflint Trail, held Saturday, Feb. 4. Also coming up is the annual Hungry Jack Drag Races at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

JOHN BEARGREASE SLED DOG MARATHON

Jan. 29-31 Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. It’s also a qualifier for the famed Iditarod in Alaska. There are four races for mushers of all experience levels to enter: the full distance marathon, the Beargrease 120, the Beargrease 40, and the Beargrease 120 Junior Class. The races start on Sunday, Jan. 29 at Billy’s Bar in Duluth. The full distance marathon will finish at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 31. beargrease.com

ELY WINTER FESTIVAL & ARTWALK

Feb. 2-12 The annual Ely Winter Festival features dozens of family-friendly activities, such as snowshoe hikes, live music, a free hot cocoa bar and apple cider with Save the Boundary Waters, Dorothy Molter Museum tours and a fundraising dinner, more than 400 pieces of art on display, a snow sculpting symposium, the End of the Road Film Festival, a variety of classes at the Ely Folk School, a spaghetti dinner, and more. A full schedule of events can be found online. elywinterfestival.com

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru Jan.

1

Cook County Potters: Does It Pour? Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Thru Jan. 6

Group Art Exhibition 10 a.m. Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, aicho.org

Thru Jan. 12

Christmas Tree Recycling Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/christmas

Thru Jan. 31

The People Behind Northern Nights, Starry Skies Grand Portage National Monument, Grand Portage, visitcookcounty.com/events

Thru Feb. 24

Martin DeWitt: Our Common Origins: Color Variation + Hybrid Forms (Reception Jan. 12) Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru March 13

Susan Hensel: Bending Toward Beauty (Reception Jan. 12) Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Jan. 1, Sunday

First Day Hike 1 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org

Jan 1-7

Norpine Fat Bike Classic Lutsen, superiorcycling.org

Jan. 3, Tuesday

Historic Cook County Trivia Night 6 p.m. GunFlint Tavern, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Jan. 5, Thursday

Jigsaw Puzzle Swap 4 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Jan. 6, Friday

Snow Much Fun! 2 p.m.

Semer’s Beach Park, Ely, ely.org/events

Jan. 6-29

Deep Winter Dreaming: North Shore Community Art Show (Reception Jan. 6 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

January 6-31

Artist of the Month: Annie Young (Reception Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org

Jan. 7, Saturday

Gunflint Mail Run 8 a.m. Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflintmailrun.com

Northwoods Winter Trail Marathon & HalfMarathon Championship 9:30 a.m. Lester Park, Duluth, facebook.com/duluthwintertrailseries

Free: Intro to Ice Fishing 10 a.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org

Winter Living Skills for K-5 1 p.m. Semer’s Beach Park, Ely, ely.org/events

Consortium Aurora Borealis: Martin Blanchet Jazz Quintet 8 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

Jan. 8, Sunday

Jan. 9, Monday

Brave Art: Youth Exhibition Opening AICHO, Duluth, aicho.org

The Northern Lights Trail is Going to the Dogs 4 p.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com

Jan. 12, Thursday

Get Crafty: Snowflake Crafts 3 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

The Call of the Wild: Monthly Poetry Night 6 p.m. Northern Grounds, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Jan. 12-March 26

Laura Manney: Midwest (Reception Jan. 12) Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Jan. 12-Spring 2023

2023 Emerging Photographers Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Jan.

13, Friday

Duluth Wedding Show 10 a.m. Decc, Duluth, duluthweddingshow.com

Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Spirit of the Lake Community School, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com

Dennis Warner & the D’s 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Jan. 16, Monday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jan. 18, Wednesday

North Shore Swing Band 6 p.m. North House Folk School: Red Building, Grand Marais, facebook.com/northhouse

Jan. 20, Friday

Snow Much Fun! 2 p.m. Semer’s Beach Park, Ely, ely.org/events

Jan. 20-21

TBSO: Northern Lights: Rise with Sara Kae 7:30 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Jan. 21, Saturday

Father Daughter Ball Decc, Duluth, fatherdaughterballduluth.org

Wild Winter Wipeout 5k 9 a.m. Spirit Mountain, Duluth, facebook.com/duluthwintertrailseries

Cook County Snowmobile Club Ridge Riders Drag Races 11 a.m. Skyport Lodge, Devil Track Lake, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Snowshoe Hike Along the Baptism River 1 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org

Winter Living Skills for K-5 1 p.m. Semer’s Beach Park, Ely, ely.org/events

Makers’ Market & Mixer 2 p.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org



NOSTALGIX: Super Fly Tour 10 p.m. Atmos, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/atmostbay

Jan. 6-7

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 7 p.m.

Decc: Symphony Hall, Duluth, duluthxc.com

Daylin James: Elvis Forever 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Jan. 8-March 19

Winter FunDays 2 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca

GNDWIRE Records Ski Party & Music Festival 9 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com





TBSO: Hilldale Classics: Luminous 7:30 p.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Jan. 13-March 19

NOW, NOW Juried Exhibition (Reception Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Jason Baerg: A Path or Gap Among the Trees (Reception Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Jan. 14,

Saturday

Virtual Writers Café 9:30 a.m. lakesuperiorwriters.org

Family Festival 6 p.m. Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Darrin Rose: Drinking in Public Comedy Tour 7 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, campfirecomedy.ca

Jan. 24-May 21

Duluth Fiber Guild Exhibition Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, tweed.d.umn.edu

Jan. 26-Feb. 11

Dock Spider Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

A frosty squirrel on a cold morning. | GARY PETERSON

Jan. 27, Friday

Culture Crawl 5 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

N O RT H WO O D S B O O KS



TBSO: Hilldale Classics: Mozart & Calla Lilies 7:30 p.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Jan. 27-28

Lake Superior Ice Festival Barkers Island, Superior, lakesuperioricefestival.com

Jan. 29, Sunday

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Races Starts 10 a.m. Billy’s Bar, Duluth, beargrease.com

Beargrease 40 Finish “The Pit,” Two Harbors, beargrease.com

Buddy Holly Tribute Concert 6 p.m. Clyde Iron Event Center, Duluth, dulutharmory.org

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Jan. 30, Monday

Beargrease 120 Finish Trestle Inn, Finland, beargrease.com

Tony Yayo of G-Unit with Peter Jackson 8 p.m. NV Music Hall, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Jan. 31, Tuesday

Beargrease Marathon Finish Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, beargrease.com

Feb. 1-28

Ely ArtWalk Ely, elyartwalk.org

Feb. 2-12

s h o p . n o r t h e r nw i l d s . c o m

A comprehensive guide to the lighthouses and navigational beacons from Duluth, Minnesota to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Learn about the storms and shipwrecks that led to their construction, the lonely lives of the keepers and the role lighthouses play in present-day maritime navigation. $22.95

The Scandinavian lifestyle and job skills well-matched the challenge of homesteading on the North Shore. Amply illustrated with photos, The Lake is Your Life tells the Fenstad family history from pioneering at Little Marais in 1883 to the beginning of the “New Era” in the 1950s. $19.95

Feb. 4, Saturday

Ridge Riders Snowmobile Fun Run 9 a.m. Gunflint Trail, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

From wilderness waters teeming with trophy walleyes to secluded ponds stocked with brook trout, this guide contains data about fish populations and access for 366 lakes. Contour maps for 68 popular fishing lakes are included. $14.95

Ely Winter Festival Ely, elywinterfestival.com

Boundary Waters Boy



TBSO: Pops: Music of John Williams 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

Tuesdays

Locals Night with Live Music 4:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Zen Meditation Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. First Congregational Church UCC, Grand Marais, grandmaraisucc.org

Wednesdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

Thursdays

Sunrise Coffee 7:30 a.m. Decc: Symphony Hall, Duluth, decc.org

Craft ‘n’ Chat 2 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Date Night at the Winery 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Saturdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

Join the authors on the trails that lead to the magnificent waterfalls of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Maps and directions to over 150 waterfalls are included in this unique guide. $19.95

$14.95

One

ThruHike HikingSuperiorTrail

Seventeen-year-old

$14.95

Veteran long-distance hiker Annie Nelson compiled the information and advice you need for a successful thru-hike adventure on the 310mile Superior Hiking Trail. $16.95

BY ANNIE NELSON

The Legendary Great Lakes Shipwreck

Elle Andra-Warner

THE ALEC BOOSTROM STORY

By Jack Blackwell

Jack Blackwell joined his grandfather, Alec Boostrom, on his northern Minnesota wilderness trapline. There he learned the story of his grandfather’s life of wilderness adventure on Lake Superior’s North Shore and deep within the canoe country.

devastating day in November, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald succumbed to gale-force winds, plunging to the bottom of Lake Superior and leaving no survivors. This haunting tale looks back to one of the most legendary, mysterious and controversial shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. $9.95

Bob Olson discovered the North Shore and Gunflint Trail in the 1950s. Driving a Ford Model A truck, he roamed the lonely north, meeting the resourceful characters who lived there, eventually making his home on a Gunflint Trail lake. Hop in with Bob and take a ride to adventure!

The North Shore Dish Slopeside Dining

By Virginia George

Winter is a complicated time of year. Some people love the beauty of snow, the cool, crisp air, and sweater weather. Others don’t. I live in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes and two seasons: winter and road construction. Ok, we have spring, summer and fall too, but road construction generally encompasses those other three. A few years ago, my husband and I were talking about our four seasons, and we came to the realization that the best way to survive our long winters, soggy springs and short summers, is to find something we like to do in each. If I remember correctly, this conversation was specifically around filling our springtime with maple syruping, but it holds true for winter in particular. For some people, this might mean taking up an indoor hobby in the winter, like quilting, woodworking or reading. Of course, you can engage in these pastimes any time of year, but sometimes the cold weather and unexpected snowstorms are an excuse to stay inside and do fun and creative things.

Alternatively, there are many wintertime outdoor activities to adopt. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and skiing are just a few. Skiing has an interesting history, as there are many types of skiing: water, cross-country, downhill—did you know you can even ski down sand dunes?! Anyway, people have been strapping boards to their feet and letting gravity help them down mountains for thousands of years. My research suggests the first chairlift was installed in 1936 in Idaho, which then allowed skiers to make multiple trips down a mountain in the same day.

Over the years, ski technology and designs have changed and undergone multiple iterations to become the light, strong, and resilient equipment we use today. In the 1980s, snowboarding began gaining traction and popularity. Ski hills continue to work to become family friendly, adding tubing hills for young ones, and of course, offering food. Having onsite dining helps skiers to enjoy a full day on the mountain without packing and preparing food. Here in the Northland, we’ve got several options for slopeside dining at Lutsen Mountains, as well as further south in Duluth at Spirit Mountain.

Lutsen: Papa Charlie’s Tavern

Named one of the best après-ski bars in the Midwest by On the Snow, Papa Charlie’s

is located at the main entrance of Lutsen Mountains. With a spacious seating area, enormous ceilings, and large windows giving you a slopeside view of the ski hill, Papa Charlie’s has space for everyone. You may want to sit with your family by the windows and catch a view of the hill, grab a drink at the bar top with friends, watch a game on the big screen, or shoot some pool to loosen up after a long day on the slopes. Papa Charlie’s also features live music and some fun events, like their annual Ski Party and Music Festival in early January.

Of course, you don’t have to actually go skiing to enjoy a meal at Papa Charlie’s. You can just saunter in and grab a table if you feel like it. As of the writing of this article, the winter menu is not out. The fall menu includes some basic starters, like walleye sliders and cheese curds, as well as your pizza and burger fare. If you’re staying nearby, feel free to grab some Papa Charlie’s to go.

Lutsen: Summit Chalet

The Summit Chalet is located right where you might imagine. . . at the summit of Moose Mountain. You can take the gondola to the top and catch the wonderful views. My husband and I took a trip up there this fall during the peak of the colors, and the views were breathtaking. They are equally impressive in the winter.

Inside, you’ll find high ceilings with rustic décor and a giant fireplace to keep you toasty warm. The Summit Chalet is open for lunch, with soups, sandwiches and snacks.

Grab a meal and catch a view—you won’t regret it. You can sit indoors by the large windows or outdoors on the deck. In any case, you’ll find stunning views of Lake Superior.

Lutsen: Moguls Grille & Tap Room

Moguls Grille and Tap Room is located just outside of the Lutsen Mountain ski area in Caribou Highlands Lodge. Moguls Grille boasts access either the traditional way, by car, or you can ski there. Simply divert off the run to take advantage of their unique ski-in ski-out access. Incidentally, if you’re into one of those “other” winter sports like snowmobiling or hiking, you can get there too.

Moguls has fantastic mountain views and serves a variety of food. The menu is very inclusive, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available and clearly marked on their menu. Moguls has lighter options like soup, salads and sandwiches (with gluten-free buns available), and they also have heartier platters with your choice of pulled pork, smoked chicken, brisket, or rib tips. All of their tap beer and cider are Minnesota or Wisconsin-brewed, and they have an extensive wine list as well. If you’re looking for a to-go option, pizza and wings are at your service.

Spirit Mountain: Riverside Bar and Grill

Spirit Mountain will not be open seven days a week this year. Make sure to check

their hours before you pack up and head to the hill, but don’t let that stop you from getting out there. The Riverside Grill offers a variety of options, many recognizable, but with sassy names. I’m a fan of Avenue Tacos, much like street tacos but served on Grand Ave. Riverside also serves salads and flatbreads like the Sprung-a-Leek, which is ironically garnished with scallions. Riverside offers Happy Camper meals for the kids, appropriately sized and appropriately priced.

Spirit Mountain: Mountain Top Café

The Mountain Top Café is a great place to take a minute and grab lunch or a snack mid-day. Mountain Top serves easy lunches like burgers, chicken and sandwiches, providing grab and go snacks as well. It is open daily during operations, so make sure to stop in if you’re needing some refreshments.

Skiing is a wonderful winter activity to get yourself out of the house and catch some vitamin D and fresh air during the long winters. Each of these restaurants is here to serve you and make sure you’re properly fueled for the occasion. On the other hand, if you don’t want to strap wooden planks to your feet and you just want dinner with a slopeside view, Lutsen Mountains and Spirit Mountain both provide the views and food you are looking for.

Moguls Grille has fantastic mountain views and serves a variety of food. | SUBMITTED

Mon-Sat: 11am - 9pm

Closed Sunday

Hearty Winter Soups

Italian Lentil Soup

FROM ALLRECIPES.COM.

INGREDIENTS ƒ

1 tablespoon olive oil ƒ

4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces ƒ 3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces ƒ

1 medium onion, cut into large chunks ƒ 1 tablespoon minced garlic ƒ

1 cup dry lentils ƒ 4 cups water ƒ 2 (15 ounce) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes ƒ

3 cubes chicken bouillon ƒ 1 bay leaf ƒ

1/2 cup small pasta ƒ

1 medium zucchini, cut into large chunks

ƒ 1 medium yellow squash, cut into large chunks

ƒ

ƒ

1 teaspoon dried basil, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup

FROM ALLRECIPES.COM.

INGREDIENTS

ƒ 1 serving nonstick cooking spray

ƒ 1 cup diced onion

ƒ 1 cup diced bell pepper

ƒ 2 teaspoons salt, divided

ƒ 2 cups chicken broth

ƒ 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles

ƒ 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

ƒ 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles

ƒ 2 tablespoons oil

ƒ 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

ƒ 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

ƒ 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

ƒ 1-pound skinless, boneless chicken breast

ƒ

Ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté carrots, celery, onion and garlic until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, rinse lentils. Combine water, tomatoes, bouillon, and bay leaf in a large pot on medium heat. Add carrot mixture and lentils. Simmer for about 7 minutes. Add pasta and cook for 3 minutes. Add zucchini and squash; cook until tender but not mushy, about 5 minutes. Add basil, oregano and pepper.

Remove soup from heat and let sit for 30 minutes, covered. Enjoy!

ƒ 1 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese, softened

DIRECTIONS

Spray a slow cooker with cooking spray. Add onions, bell pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, condensed soup, and chiles.

Combine oil, taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, cumin and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Cook on low until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 2-3 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 F (74 C). Remove from the slow cooker and shred.

Add Neufchatel cheese to the slow cooker and stir until melted. Return chicken to the slow cooker and cook until warmed through, 20-30 minutes more. Enjoy!

By Hartley Newell-Acero

If you’re lucky, you can gobble up any food you like without concern about allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances. For some people, consuming the wrong foods or drinks can result in uncomfortable, or even life-threatening, reactions. These reactions differ from each other in that they happen in different systems of the body.

Allergies happen in the immune system. For unknown reasons, the body will identify a food as an allergen and then treat it like a dangerous invader. The body mounts an attack and produces antibodies that then cause other cells to release chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be caused by consuming even a minuscule amount, touching it, or simply inhaling microscopic particles from the air. Symptoms usually start within minutes and can include:

• Skin reactions (hives, itchiness, swelling)

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath or wheezing)

• Anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction that may include: difficulty breathing, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.

Injected epinephrine and medical care are immediately required.

Food allergies happen most commonly in babies and children, but they can appear at any age. It’s even possible to develop an allergy to a food that has been eaten for years without any problems.

Food sensitivities can cause immune reactions that generate symptoms across body systems: joint pain, stomach pain, fatigue, rashes, and/or brain fog. Some people may be “cross-reactive,” meaning they react to foods that are related to each other.

Food intolerances happen in the digestive system and occur when someone’s body can’t properly digest a food. Symptoms of intolerances may take hours to show up as the food moves through the digestive tract and can include:

• Abdominal (belly) pain, gas, or bloating

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Headaches or migraines

• Heartburn

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Skin rashes

Management and Treatment of Allergies, Sensitivities and Intolerances

ALLERGIES

The primary way to manage food allergies is to avoid consuming foods that cause a reaction. This involves diligent label-reading, but not all consumables are required to list potential allergens. Eating out can be especially challenging. Restaurant staff may not know all the ingredients of every dish that they serve. Depending on a person’s level of sensitivity, even walking into a restaurant could cause a reaction.

Not only can it be difficult to know what allergy-causing ingredients are in foods, but someone that has previously experienced only mild symptoms can, without warning, experience anaphylaxis. People with diagnosed food allergies should have an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times. It is the only treatment for anaphylaxis.

SENSITIVITIES

Elimination diets can help identify food sensitivities. This is the process of carefully experimenting, observing, and documenting both foods and the reactions that they may cause. Over a period of weeks, foods are first removed, and then reintroduced—one by one. This is best done with the guidance of a physician or registered dietician. They can help you understand the limitations of this experiment and avoid potential difficulties.

INTOLERANCES

Identifying food intolerances is also done by using an elimination diet. Some people may be able to consume small amounts of a food and have only minor reactions. The symptoms may be helped by taking overthe-counter medications such as lactase enzymes. Dietary changes may need to happen for intolerances to be properly addressed.

IgG Food Sensitivity and Other Tests

There are direct-to-consumer tests that claim to be able to spot food sensitivities by checking for immunoglobulin antibodies, typically one called IgG. A positive IgG test simply shows that someone has been exposed to that food in the past; it doesn’t show an allergy to food.

Many other tests allege to be able to identify food allergies or sensitivities (even “hidden” ones—whatever that means). They have no scientific validation, lack quality control, and should not be used to diagnose

food allergies. Examples of invalid and unreliable tests include, but aren’t limited to:

• Applied Kinesiology

• Hair Analysis Testing

• Pulse Test

This is a condensed version of Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s “Topic of the Month” newsletter. Read the full version and access all the resources used at: sawtoothmountainclinic.org.

Northern Trails

Going Electric: Ice Augers

By Gord Ellis

It was a snappy January morning on the ice, with the temperature down in -25 C (-13 F) territory. It was cold enough that it had been a struggle to get our snowmachines running. Typically, that cold temperature would have also been bad news for a gas-powered auger. However, this morning we had some new technology to try out.

Chanelle’s Christmas present had been a brand new, 10-inch electric Strikemaster 40v ice auger. I’d seen some electric augers in use before and had been impressed, but that was in milder weather. This was a classic northern winter day, with the kind of cold that can make electronics grumpy. Gas motors don’t like the cold much, but neither do batteries. So, when Chanelle lifted the bag containing the electric auger out of the sled, I had questions.

“Let’s see what she can do,” said my son Devin as he unzipped the nylon bag. The thing looked like a garden variety power auger, with a big power head and spiral auger. The only clue that we had a different beast here was the lack of a pull cord and no gas tank. The blade covers came off and Devin stood the unit up.

“Here we go,” he said.

As Chanelle and I watched, Devin pressed the power button and squeezed the throttle.

The auger quietly came to life and the auger immediately began to bite the ice.

“See what it can do Dev-man,” I said, and he did, pressing the throttle in. The blade disappeared and in a matter of seconds he was in water. That electric auger had flawlessly cut a 10-inch hole through thick ice in just a few seconds. Never has cutting a hole in the ice been so easy and quiet.

The Electric Auger Revolution

The arrival of the electric augers a few

years ago was heartening. No more gas to mix and spill. No more yanking cords. Truthfully, I didn’t initially embrace the new technology. For starters, there was a lot of sticker shock. The first wave of electric augers was quite a bit more expensive than most gas augers. Then there was concern about batteries in the cold. If you live in the north, you already knew what cold could do to a car battery. So how would this translate to a battery travelling on a frozen lake in -30 C (-22 F)?

Electric augers have proven much more dependable than gas augers with few of the

starting issues. The electric augers are also generally lighter which is a bonus, thanks to lithium batteries. Keep in mind batteries for an electric auger need to be fully charged and insulated from the cold as much as possible. An auger bag is a good option and some anglers transport batteries separately in an insulated cooler bag. Investing in a spare battery is also a good idea, especially if you want to be as mobile as possible. Spare lithium auger batteries are not cheap, however, and will run into the 100s of dollars. Overall, the electric auger will cost you more, but is easier on your ears, your body and the environment (although lithium for

Cutting holes with a Strikemaster electric auger. | GORD ELLIS

batteries has to be mined). They are also much more dependable. If these factors are important to you, an electric auger is the way to go.

The Drill Auger

Another very cool option for the ice angler looking for a non-gas alternative is the drill powered auger. I’d seen these in pictures but was always skeptical of how well they would work in thick ice. Last winter, Razr Ice Augers, from Minnesota, offered me an 8-inch drill auger to try out. It would be up to me to buy a drill that would be powerful enough to push the auger blade through ice. I settled on a 20-volt Dewalt brushless drill—that was an expensive purchase. The bonus was I’d now have a high powered, fully rechargeable power drill that was useful for household tasks. So, I killed two birds with one stone.

While researching the auger drills, I came across a Facebook discussion about an aftermarket drill plate made by the Clam corporation. This drill plate is fitted between the auger and drill and provides a more stable platform for the drill, plus two handles and a throttle bar. The plate was purchased from Clam, as was a power drive gear box said to

| GORD ELLIS

enhance the torque of the drill. From what I read, turning an 8- or 10 inch-auger with a drill was much easier with the addition of the gear box. With all the tools now in place, I spent an evening putting my drill auger together. To make a long story short, the drill powered auger worked quite well and could cut holes in 2 feet of ice. It took longer than the regular power auger, but it got the job done. There was ample power to cut northern ice.

The best thing about the auger drill was the weight. It was about half the weight of a regular battery powered auger, and a third of a gas auger. The drill auger won’t be my go-to for thick, late season ice, but it is perfect for early ice, shack fishing and back country “walk in” lakes.

The electric auger has revolutionized ice fishing and there is no doubt it’s the way of the future. If you are still yanking on a starter cord, it’s probably time to look at the electric option. It will make your ice fishing experience a lot more pleasant and serene.

Electric augers have proven much more dependable than gas augers, with few of the starting issues.

Dewalt

brushless drill

Clam plate. | GORD ELLIS

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: If you’re looking for a fun lake that’s out of the way and has a good population of walleyes, T Lake will suit you to a T!

ACCESS: T Lake is accessible only by portage; there’s no direct access. However, for the motivated, carrying a canoe for a short hike will get you away from the crowds and into some good fishing. You can access the lake two ways. From Finland, travel east, then mostly north on Lake County Highway 7 for approximately 30 miles. The road takes a few jogs, but just stay on 7. There’s a small parking lot with a 0.5-mile portage trail to the lake off Lake County Road 7. In some places, the trail is steep and dotted with boulders. The easier access is via a 0.2-mile portage trail from the east side of Silver Island Lake. Snowmobile use is permitted on these trails, but ATV use is not.

VITALS: T Lake encompasses 295 acres and has a maximum depth of 15 feet. Two campsites accessible only by water greet the ambitious. These free sites are available to the first ones to claim them each day.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch and lake whitefish.

WALLEYE: “T is kind of a nice lake that has a good, naturally reproducing walleye

NORTHERN SKY

JANUARY

By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

The new year opens with Venus climbing out of the sun’s afterglow. On Sunday, January 22, Saturn drops past Venus as Earth’s orbital motion sends the ringed planet tumbling into the sunset. Look for the pair of planets very low in the southwest just as the sky darkens.

If you catch Venus and Saturn, also turn your eyes to Jupiter, the beacon high in the southwest, and high-flying, reddish Mars, the second-brightest object in the knot of winter constellations in the east. With the right timing, you can simultaneously view Venus—the brightest planet—and Sirius, the brightest star (after the sun) and the last of the iconic winter stars to clear the eastern horizon.

January’s full moon arrives on Friday, the 6th. It rises over Grand Marais at 3:51 p.m. and becomes full at 5:08 p.m. After nightfall it shines to the right of the Gemini twins Pollux (the brighter) and Castor. Between about 9 p.m. and midnight on Friday the 30th, you’ll have plenty of time to watch a

waxing moon of the next cycle glide close below Mars.

In the predawn sky, the Northern Cross lies on its side below brilliant Vega, the jewel of Lyra, the lyre. On the 18th, a thin waning moon rises close to Antares, the heart of Scorpius.

Earth reaches perihelion, the closest point to the sun in its orbit, at 10:17 a.m. on the 4th, when our planet reaches its top speed. Changes in Earth’s speed go largely unnoticed, but they show up in the length of the seasons. Because Earth goes so fast in the middle of its journey from the September to the March equinox, the combined fall-winter season is about seven days shorter for us than for our friends in the Southern Hemisphere.

The University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses have been curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, visit: d.umn.edu/planet

population,” said Dean Paron, Finland Area Fisheries Supervisor. “Numbers bounce up and down from a little below average to a little above average.” The latest survey in 2019 found the highest walleye numbers of the previous seven surveys at 10 walleyes per gill net. Walleyes tend to be on the small side. Average size was 12.8 inches, but only 16 percent of the walleyes surveyed were over 15 inches. However, Paron said the walleye fishing is pretty good. “T is managed for a remote walleye experience,” he said, “with decent numbers and a very catchable population.” The lake’s shallowness makes it relatively easy for anglers to find fish. “Because it’s a little harder to get to, it doesn’t get as much fishing pressure as Silver Island or Windy,” Paron said. However, he noted that he’s heard reports of people using ATVs to access the lake, which isn’t permitted.

BLACK CRAPPIE: Crappies aren’t super abundant in the Finland area, but crappie anglers may find some good fishing on T. “Average size is good,” Paron said. “The population could be better than our gear shows. There have been some reports of anglers having some good crappie fishing.” The latest survey certainly looks promising for crappie anglers. Average size in the latest survey was 11.6 inches and 40 percent of the catch was over 12 inches. Paron noted that

T LAKE

natural reproduction tends to be sporadic with crappies, so the population may cycle up and down.

NORTHERN PIKE: “Generally pike are kind of a bycatch,” Paron said. Pike numbers are usually low and their size is small. The last survey turned up only 13 pike with an average size of 19.3 inches, which was skewed upward by the catching of one pike that measured nearly 33 inches. You may catch a few pike while fishing for walleyes, but don’t expect the fishing to be fantastic.

LAKE WHITEFISH: Historically, lake whitefish were present in good numbers in T Lake. However, numbers seem to be declining, and in 2019, only one whitefish was found. At 15 feet deep max, the lake is quite shallow to support whitefish.

YELLOW PERCH: Yellow perch dwell in T in average numbers and serve as good forage for walleyes and northern pike. Generally small, few of them reach sizes big enough to interest anglers.

View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps

Moose habitat planning effort receives grant

ST. PAUL—A new federal grant award will fund collaborative planning by the Minnesota DNR to further large-scale moose habitat restoration in northeast Minnesota.

The award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, through the new America the Beautiful Challenge, will provide $443,600 to the DNR for the planning effort, with a goal of an implementation plan for moose habitat restoration on three areas of 10,000 to 50,000 contiguous acres each.

“This grant is great news for efforts to address the long-term moose population decline in Minnesota,” said Kelly Straka, wildlife section manager. “This grant supports an effort that has broad support from a number of tribal, federal, county and non-governmental partner organizations, and all are critical players in planning for long-term habitat improvements.”

Tribal, federal, county and non-governmental partner organizations helped develop the planning approach and signed letters of support for the DNR’s grant application, which was one of 55 chosen nationwide from more than 500 applications.

The patchwork of tribal, federal, state, county and private land in northeast Minnesota makes large-scale habitat restoration particularly challenging. The grant will fund a series of workshops with tribal, federal, state, county and non-governmental partner organizations in 2023 and 2024 to identify the challenges facing large-scale moose habitat restoration, find strategies to address the challenges, identify areas for large-scale habitat restoration and create an implementation plan for the restoration. The implementation plan will also identify potential sources of funding to complete the agreed upon large-scale habitat restoration.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation along with its public- and private-sector partners announced a total of nearly $91 million in grants through the America the Beautiful Challenge (nfwf.org/programs).

By Art

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded Minnesota DNR $443,600 to fund planning efforts for large-scale moose habitat restoration in northeast Minnesota. | CHUCK OLSEN

Making Love with the Land

By Joshua Whitehead University of Minnesota Press,

2022, $24.95

In his first nonfiction book, with the Land author Joshua Whitehead ex plores the relationships between body, lan guage and land through a range of genres, including creative essay, memoir, notes and confession. Beautifully written and deeply vulnerable, Whitehead reflects on his life experiences, opening up about his eating disorder, sexual assault, queerness, being Indigenous, and more. Full of striking, powerful quotes, this thought-provoking book is both heartbreaking and awe-inspir ing.—Breana

Johnson

Buck Tales

Stories from the Deer Stand

By Joe Shead

Shed

Antler

Press, 2022, $18.95

If Joe Shead ever decides to write a book about deer hunting, it will probably be a good read. Wait a minute, he did and it is a good read. Shead’s book is a combination of stories ranging from straight up hunt ing techniques to just spending time in the woods with friends and family. This mix ture of hunting knowledge is what makes the book such a great read. Too many of today’s hunting books are based strictly on hunting techniques, leaving out what may be the most important aspect of hunting, which is spending time the outdoors. Most of Shead’s stories occur in Wisconsin and Michigan, which makes them very accessi ble to the readers of Northern Wilds. Not all of his hunts end with the taking of a trophy buck. In fact, more often they do not. This doesn’t make Shead a poor hunter, it makes him an honest one.—Shawn Perich

Snowshoe Country

By Florence Page Jaques Illustrated by Francis Lee Jaques

University of Minnesota Press, 2021, $14.95

When Snowshoe Country was first pub lished in 1944, readers were charmed by its enchanting portrayal of the wilderness of northern Minnesota. Years later, this clas sic book and its companion, Canoe Coun try, are back in print as paperback editions. After falling in love with the region, au thor Florence Page Jaques’ decided to write about her and her husband’s journey to the area. Stories include the excitement of traveling by snowshoe and dogsled, the an imals and people they encountered, and the

BY ERIN ALTEMUS

Teamwork is the Dreamwork

Two feet of fresh snow in mid-November put us on sleds a month earlier than last year. Due to freezing rain before the snow fall and then heavy snow, we spent several days clearing trails, packing the snow, trying to make a passable trail for the dogs to run. Creeks and ponds were not yet frozen, so short loops were all that was possible for the first few weeks of sled season.

The last part of November into December is crunch time. Lack of daylight withstanding, we are burning the candle on both ends trying to get everything accomplished that needs to be done in a day. I gave up on cleaning the house, it is not possible.

My husband Matt and daughter Sylvia left for Thanksgiving so I took over the training, feeding and grooming operations. Wednesday, I ran a team 26 miles by doing three of the same loop. Then I fed dogs and went to work. Thursday, I groomed and cleared the trail on the snowmobile, ate Thanksgiving dinner until I was busting full and went home to run a dog team 26 miles in the dark. Friday I again ran a team in the morning, then buzzed off to work. Saturday, I groomed and cleared more trail, then ran a team. I thought a long weekend at home was going to be quiet and restful and instead I never went to bed before 10 p.m. and I was sore and exhausted. The trail was getting harder and faster by the day. I started out the stretch with 10-dog teams, but by Saturday I dropped down to an 8-dog team. A little fresh snow would have been welcome.

Somehow over the course of the weekend I managed to do the dishes. It was a relief to go back to my day job on Monday.

We have two sets of leaders. Some leaders are a little better at following directions than others. I find Itsy and Keith to be fast but very stubborn. One day at the beginning of a longer run, we ran to the Kimball Campground where we have a nice big turnaround. From there we either split off toward Trout Lake Road or return back where we came from. As we neared the split, the dogs picked up speed. I yelled, “haw!” They went gee. I was back to a 10-dog team on this day, one that pulled me so hard around a 90-degree turn I flipped, smashing my knuckles into brush on the side of the trail. Now, at this campground split, they out-powered me. I couldn’t stop them with my brake and within seconds we had bypassed the split and were heading towards home. I wanted a longer run, so I made the 8-mile loop and turned back towards the campground again. This time I was determined to not let the dogs have their way. We approached the split and the team picked up speed. I yelled, “haw!” and they turned gee. I desperately tried to brake and threw my snow hook in

the ground. Braking pulled my sled to the inside of the turn where there were a bunch of pipes sticking out from the ground. My sled runners caught these pipes and the dogs were unable to pull me any further. I dragged the leaders over to the trail I wanted. But my sled was hung up and the dogs were pulling, pulling, pulling. I was a bit afraid either my runner was going to break or I would lose the sled once it was free, but somehow, I heaved it off the pipe—the dogs lurched and I went face first into the snow. Just hang on, I told myself. By the time I was upright, I had lost my phone in the snow.

We continued on, having a marvelous run and somehow, I glimpsed my phone when we came back through the campground. I snatched it up and continued on my way.

Other exciting moments in the past month include:

• Wallaby got loose just as Matt was leaving with a dog team. I ran up and grabbed Wallaby and dragged him off the trail, only to have Matt’s leaders swing over and try to start a fight. Luckily, between the two of us, we straightened everyone out and Matt went on to have a good run.

• Matt’s brake snapped during a run. He was in front of my team and just disap-

peared. I went on to try all my males in lead while Matt tried to get home with an amped team, worsened when he had to pass another dog team ending up in a tangle. I too had to pass that dog team with my never-led-before yearling, which didn’t go well at all. Everyone eventually made it home.

I think it’s fair to say we are in over our heads this year. We are training up a lot of dogs. We almost ran two 12-dog teams in the Mail Run until figuring out that we don’t have room to haul that many dogs to the race, and with a couple questionable dogs, it made more sense for me to switch to the 8-dog team. The dogs are acting like it’s spring break in Miami all the time. Their energy level has never been so high—perhaps from the warmer-than-usual temperatures or maybe the adults are getting egged on by the puppies. We look set to receive another huge dump of snow this week, which means that by mid-December we will have as much

snow as we do for many entire winter seasons. I’m not sure if I should dance or cry. As Matt says, “there is nothing we can do about it.”

Instead, we just continue the routine: Erin thaws meat, digs out dog houses, scoops, Matt feeds, we take turns running. Matt plows, Erin straws the dog houses. We get Sylvia to school, we get Sylvia from school, then play, play, play. One of us does books and bedtime, the other stokes the boiler. Dishes…. maybe tomorrow. It’s definitely teamwork, sometimes it’s dreamwork. In a few short weeks, we will pack up for our first race.

A mid-November storm had us clearing and grooming trails for sleds. This is the most snow we have received this early in our mushing career.

| ERIN ALTEMUS

Strange Tales

Multi-Millionaire John Jacob Astor & Captain Kidd

By Elle AndraWarner

John Jacob Astor—the first multi-millionaire in the U.S.—claimed he made his fortune as a fur-merchant, but did he get some help from Captain Kidd’s pirate treasure?

Born in Germany in 1763, the son of the village butcher, Astor moved to London, England at age 16 to work for his uncle making musical instruments. After learning English, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1793 with little money and seven flutes to sell.

On board was a fur dealer who advised Astor to get into the fur-selling business. So, he sold his flutes to buy his first furs and shipped them to Europe to sell.

In Montreal, he became friends with the famous New Jersey-born fur merchant Alexander Henry the Elder (1739-1834), who introduced Astor to Lake Superior and the Great Lakes fur trade. He even secured Astor a seat on a voyageur canoe travelling along Lake Superior’s North Shore to Fort William, the inland headquarters of the Montreal-based North West Company (NWC).

Beginning in 1787, Astor made annual visits to Montreal, staying at Henry’s home and with his help, securing furs from various Canadian sources to sell in the U.S. and Europe. The two also partnered in deals, like NWC’s first fur-business venture into China taken in 1792, in which Henry and two other Canadians held 50 percent interest while Astor held the other 50 percent with a U.S. partner. The second China voyage in 1793 had an outbound cargo of 40,000 beaver skins going to China, returning with goods such as silks and teas.

In 1794, Henry proposed that Astor become a full-fledged partner in NWC, responsible for NWC’s fur trade to China and Europe, but NWC rejected the proposal. Astor did join the 1790s Canadian fur-traders, like Henry, in purchasing Canadian lands along the U.S. border and then selling them quickly for a profit.

By 1800, Astor was a leading fur-merchant, having made $250,000 (2022 equivalent of $5.9 million). He later established the American Fur Company (1808), Pacific Fur Companies, Southwest Fur Company and Fort Astoria, Oregon (which he eventually sold to NWC).

So, what’s behind the story to suggest that it was Captain Kidd’s secret pirate treasure

worth $1.4 million that financed Astor? The news made headlines, like “Captain Kidd loot basis for Astor fortune” (Idaho’s Daily Star-Mirror, June 7, 1923) and “The Story of How John Jacob Astor Obtained His Great Wealth” (The Ottumwa Courier, Feb. 4, 1904).

As the story goes, in the early 1800s, an employee of Astor’s discovered an iron box, engraved with the initials W.K., buried in a cave on Deer Isle near Maine. He gave it to Astor and inside the box was reportedly the hidden pirate treasure of Scottish-born Captain William Kidd, known to have sailed

along the coast of Maine and plundered enemy ships.

The treasure reportedly included ancient Spanish and French coins, plus gems and jewelry, including a bracelet stolen years before by Kidd. Astor supposedly secretly sold the treasure in London, depositing $1.4 million (2022 equivalent of $32.8 million) in a New York bank.

In reality, Captain Kidd was a privateer with an officially-commissioned Letter of Marque from England’s King William III to attack and capture enemy merchant shipping vessels. However, as reported in The Ely Miner on July 8, 1927 (“Captain Kidd” by Jean Newton), “When after sailing forth in his famous galley, the Adventure, he did not return with ships, it rumoured he himself had turned pirate and was roving the seas with his stolen treasure.”

Hearing the rumours, Kidd arrived in Boston harbour to clear himself but was arrested, sent to England, put on trial for piracy, sentenced to death and hanged May 24, 1701. Prior to his death, he allegedly handed his wife a card, quickly confiscated by guards, on which he had written the number 44106818. In the summer of 1894, an astronomer visiting Deer Isle owner’s home near the buried treasure cave, found the site to be latitude 44 degrees, 10 minutes

and longitude 6818. Was it a coincidence the astronomer’s numbers were the same as on Kidd’s card?

Adding to the lore, banker and lawyer Franklin Harvey Head wrote in 1898 and privately-published a fictional funny pamphlet about Deer Isle, Kidd’s treasure and Astor. Newspapers got wind of it and sensationalized the story as being true. Most historians consider the tale as a grand hoax, fueled by the fictional pamphlet. Or is it?

Was Captain Kidd even really a pirate? In a July 29, 1921 article “Captain Kidd Not a Pirate” by John H. Edmonds, the state archivist for Massachusetts (The Brownville Daily), wrote that Captain Kidd was a privateer of good repute from New York, not a pirate. “Yet the great American public persists in calling Captain Kidd a pirate and in searching for his treasure which does not exist.” His hanging was to “satisfy political exigencies of the time,” and the British Admiralty suppressed evidence that would have cleared Kidd.

Astor left the fur trade in 1834, and built the first U.S. commercial vessel to sail on Lake Superior, the 77.8-foot-long brig John Jacob Astor, used for fishing and transport. Astor died in 1848, leaving an estate worth $20 million, a 2022 equivalent of $754 million.

In this oil painting reproduction from the series “The Pageant of a Nation,” Captain Kidd is shown in New York harbor welcoming women on his galley ship Adventure. | PUBLIC DOMAIN

John Jacob Astor immigrated to the U.S. in 1793 with little money and seven flutes to sell. | PUBLIC DOMAIN

SALE PENDING

NEW! ARCHITECTURAL GEM ON THE SHORES OF TUCKER LAKE!

Design and quality materials meet elemental beauty and the deep, wild woods of the Gunflint Tr. The result? An architectural gem on Tucker Lake. A one of a kind getaway –simultaneously contemporary and age-old with warm wood paneling, slate tiles, wood stove, sylvan beauty aplenty! The home was conceived by Minnesota’s own, the Cabinologist himself, Dale Mulfinger. Dale’s getaways dot the landscape around the wilds of this country, finding one for sale is a rare bit of luck. Tucker is three miles long, 40’ deep and all the walleyes are above average. The west end of the lake is in the BWCA! Two nice bedrooms, and a cute little storage area that the current owners have a bed in for overflow. One full bath so nicely appointed – luxury. The kitchen is perfect, you just have to see the living room to believe it. The glassed-in porch is a cool triangle of relaxation and contemplation. Head up or down the Gunflint a short drive for several fun restaurants. Return to a Northwoods Classic. Or enjoy the 363ft of shoreline on Tucker Lake, which is three miles long, 40’ deep and all the walleye are above average. Visit today and start enjoying the wilderness on the Gunflint Trail!

MLS#6106391 $749,000

SALE PENDING

FUN TIMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS ON DEVIL TRACK LAKE!

Here on a sprawling lot, on the shiny, big water of Devil Track Lake is a class-act home. The home has been well-loved and maintained, nothing to do but move in and enjoy. Two baths, Three bedrooms, Terrific kitchen, all high end and ready for gatherings, stories, memories, and frying up walleyes or Devil Track’s white fish. The living room is spacious with vaulted wood-paneled ceilings, dramatic wood burning fireplace, and views to the lake and beckoning deck. Out on the deck the world is your oyster: grill it up, relax with a cold one, tell some tales, hear the loons, the owls, take it all in! Or wander the 3 acres and 300ft of shoreline. Attached two car garage gets you in and out of the rain or snow, but wait, detached garage has three more stalls and a workshop/kennel. Fill it all up with the extras that bring this country to life: canoes, kayaks, ATVs, snowmobiles, fishing boat, store your pontoon. Visit today and create your life on the North Shore! MLS#6104817

Welcome to your future North Shore Getaway! Previous owners have done updates from the windows, the roof and siding, but the charm of the days gone by is still there from the original wood floors to the door handles on the closets. This home has stood the test of time, back from when Grand Marais was a small fishing and logging town. Enjoy the sunshine from the large window in the Living Room and create your indoor garden in the large window of the dining room. Upstairs you have 3 bedrooms giving you plenty of space for friends or family to visit or create your home office or crafts room. Wander outside and enjoy the large fenced in yard, perfect area to build a kids play area or give your furry friends a place to run. Sitting on two city lots you have plenty of room to build a garage if you like! This home is close to downtown so you will be able to enjoy the restaurants and the Big Lake, but far enough away you can enjoy the quiet. This home is move in ready or you can take the time to give it a little TLC to update it and make it yours. Check it out today and start living the North Shore Dream!

NORWAY PINE LOG HOME IN GRAND MARAIS!

Terrific Log Home on a peaceful corner in Grand Marais. 3 Bedroom, 3 bath, 2500+ square feet. Classic, Norway Pine logs bring warmth and a timeless quality to the home. Light streams in through the many windows, with views to a well-forested lot providing a sense of being in the woods. Yet, all that Grand Marais has to offer is within walking distance. Walk inside and enjoy the natural light flowing from the Family Room into the open Kitchen, start a fire in the woodstove to take away the fall/winter chills. Lower Level features a large Rec Room and a great office space. Guest bedrooms on lower and main levels. Head up a log stairway for the ages to the primary bedroom that snoozes under a lofted ceiling – private and away from it all with plenty of space to relax. The attached bath up there is incredible. Top it all off with an oversized 2 car garage! Just across the road is a handy access point to the snowmobile trail system. That’s life in one of America’s Coolest Small Towns! All that is missing is you!

NEW! RAVEN’S RIDGE!

Nestled on a rocky hillside high above Gitchi Gumee and tucked below LeVeaux Mountain, here is a place of respite with long views over the Big Lake. A forested environment of outcrops and sylvan tranquility where calm predominates. Inside all is cozy, Design and embellishment were the prevailing focus as this class act home was finished off. Plenty of space here, three bedroom, two bath. The great room is for gathering, under cathedral paneled ceilings and warm wood floors. Access the sprawling deck from numerous glass doors where the Northwood’s Breeze introduces itself and you invite it in - a cheerful and loquacious guest. The kitchen is spacious, fully equipped and high end. The tastefully designed detached workshop awaits your inspiration and includes a spacious lean-to for additional exterior storage. At nearly 3 acres, there is plenty of elbow room to explore the granite outcrops, boreal woods, get a fire going, share space with the furry neighbors! Lutsen Mts and Superior National Golf Course are about 5 minutes away! MLS#6106476 $675,000

NEW! OLD TIME CHARM IN GRAND MARAIS!

Call TimberWolff

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! LUTSEN AREA

SILVER BAY TO SCHROEDER AREAS

SCHROEDER PARCEL UP THE CRAMER ROAD! This is a rare opportunity to be able to put some sweat equity into clearing this lot and building your dream home or cabin getaway. Nicely wooded parcel will make a great homesite. You can enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities from this great location just a few miles up Cramer Rd like the Superior Hiking trails, ATV trails, snowmobile trails and many inland lakes. MLS#6105228 $39,900

TOFTE AREA

LAKE VIEWS IN TOFTE! Enjoy the views of Lake Superior from this beautiful parcel at Birch Cliff, located between Lutsen and Tofte so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Dine at Bluefin Bay or Ski the day away at Lutsen Mountains. Great build site with Lake Superior views and of Carlton Peak in the distance and LeVeaux Mountain to the North. The property extends across the road to the North and has a potential build area, talk about potential! Bordering the Superior National Forest to the East you have plenty of room to wander and explore right from your yard! Perfect for your yearround home or North Shore Getaway! Close to many Hiking and Biking Trails and just a hop skip and jump from Lake Superior. The options for fun times and recreation are endless. Visit today! MLS#6105249 $114,900

BRING YOUR DREAMS OF A NORTH SHORE GETAWAY TO LIFE ON THIS NICE TOFTE LOT IN WILDWOOD ACRES!

Located just a little ways up the Sawbill Trail you will be close to all your favorite outdoor activities like Hiking the Superior Hiking Trails or Snowmobiling. Year round road access via a simple association, electric at the road and a driveway in place means you can start building as soon as you’re ready! Visit today and start making your dream of owning a North Shore getaway come to life! MLS#6102865 $30,000

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST DREAM20 ACRES IN LUTSEN!

This is the perfect location to create your own homestead with direct access to Cross Country Ski and Snowmobile Trails and the Superior Hiking Trail Or use the space to build your own trails! This is a rear parcel surrounded by Federal land on three sides, the only neighbors you will have are the wildlife that enjoy the woods. Ideal spot for building a rustic cabin for an adventure home-base. There are multiple building sites with great solar power potential. Enjoy the beautiful forest with a great mixture of maples, evergreens, pine trees, and birch. Great potential to establish your outdoor permanent campsite or build your Up North off grid getaway and enjoy the North Woods.

MLS#6105389 $135,000

BEAUTIFUL LUTSEN LAND!

Enjoy all the North Shore has to offer from this property in the Heart of Lutsen. This 3+ acre lot is close to almost all recreational activities you enjoy or sit back and enjoy the surrounding while still only being a minute from Lake Superior or a quick drive to the many inland lakes. As part of the Turnagain Trail Development you will have year-round access via the Association’s access road. Electricity and broadband are at the road. Visit today and start planning your dream getaway!

MLS#6105929 $49,999

BEAUTIFUL OLD PINES AND VIEWS OF TAIT LAKE, THE SURROUNDING FOREST, AND ALL THE WAY TO EAGLE MOUNTAIN!

This 5+ acre lot is a Northwoods gem. A diversity of tree species creates a lovely sylvan vibe with plenty of elbow room. The lot comes with deeded access to Tait Lake at two landings: one peaceful and just right for a canoe or kayak or a developed ramp for a bit of evening cruising in a motor boat. Select a building site along the south line of the lot to maximize the views. Not far from Lutsen, about a half hour to Grand Marais, yet a feeling of being deep in the woods. Come have a look, do a walkabout and fall in love with your own acreage Up North!

MLS#6103685 $79,000

LUTSEN AREA

NICE PARCEL IN THE HEART OF LUTSEN! Great place to build your dream cabin or permanent home, with plenty of space to enjoy the quiet woods atmosphere. Close to all Lutsen has to offer and many inland lakes in the area which are a quick drive away. There is year round accessibility via association road. Visit today and start planning your dream getaway!

MLS#6102890 $94,900

LUTSEN BUILD SITES WITH SHARED SEPTIC AND WELL JUST WAITING FOR YOUR LITTLE CABIN IDEAS! Looking for a site to build without spending an arm and a leg? These sites are it! Well and Septic in place, just Build and Enjoy!

MLS#2309328 $39,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK ABOUT MINK RANCH!

GRAND MARAIS AREA

BEAUTIFUL 15 ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS! Bordering National Forest to the south you will have plenty of space to explore! Parcel has been surveyed and corners are flagged. Dreamy building spot near a group of pine trees, even a bubbly creek to create a magical setting!

MLS#6103293 $129,000

ENJOY BIG VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR FROM THIS GORGEOUS PARCEL, JUST MINUTES WEST OF GRAND MARAIS! 5+ acres gives you room to build your dream getaway but close enough Grand Marais to enjoy everything town has to offer!

MLS#6103292 $129,000

4907 Hwy 61 E

Affordable commercial opportunity in Hovland! Or Lake Superior view building site! Or both!? There is room to have home and business. Create the quintessential North Shore home with that Lake Superior view, easy access from a paved road, and State-owned beach right across the road. Trails, lakes, streams, and parks await your outdoor adventures as well. Invent your future here!

MLS 6104724 $179,900

1142 Camp 20 Rd

170+ acres of heavily forested land that has been replanted with many beautiful pine trees, poplar & cedar trees. Features gravel pit and pond and abutting State land. Seller is licensed real estate agent in MN.

MLS 6102798 $149,900

1X Brandon Lane

49XX North Road

40 wooded acres on a well-maintained county road can be yours to build your dream house, your hunting cabin, or pitch your tent. Here is a great base from which to explore the Arrowhead Region or just hike your acreage. Make it your own wildlife refuge.

6103079 $169,900

218-387-2131 800-732-2131

101 West highway 61 grand marais, mn 55604

1315 E Highway 61

Incredible commercial opportunity at City Limits! Current use includes a 3BR rental unit, professional office, and huge home! Cathedral ceilings, partially finished second floor, beautiful custom designed kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite and private patio access. Bring your idea and make your dream come true!

MLS 6104280 $1,500,000

LAND

Beautiful lot just outside Grand Marais. Fall River runs through this property. Dramatic frontage!

MLS 609581 3 $62,000

XXX Reason Road

If you’re looking for a remote property with access to recreation, this is the one for you! 120 acres of mature trees, varied topography, and wildlife. Make trails to explore the area and let your adventure begin.

MLS 6103087 $119,900

4XX E 5th St

An affordable lot with City water & sewer and a paved street make it convenient and cost effective place to build your home or vacation getaway. Nicely wooded with a gentle slope within walking distance of shopping, schools, and amenities.

MLS 6105242 $64,900

4XX East 5th St.

Here is an affordable place to build a home or a vacation getaway right in Grand Marais. City water & sewer and a paved street make it convenient and cost effective.

MLS 6105272 $64,900

Jonvick Creek Sites

5 lots from 1.5 - 4.8 acres

In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. Sites adjoin public land.

$44,900 - $56,900

TBD Cedar Grove Lane

Grow your commercial enterprise on this 1.44A lot. Paved road, city water & sewer, electric, driveway and partial building pad. Establish your business and even your personal residence. Lake Superior view.

MLS 6105145 $69,900

X13 Murphy Mountain Trail

Nicely wooded 5 acre lot at the end of a cul-de-sac with views of Lake Superior! Great location--just minutes from Grand Marais

MLS 6102645 $129,900

1100 Old Shore Road

A rare Lake Superior find, this exquisite 3+ bedroom home has beautiful beach, great privacy, and is conveniently located on the edge of the Grand Marais city limits. 194 feet of accessible private beach fronts this 1 acre property. A large garage with a heated shop space completes this golden opportunity. Call today!

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When you’re ready to buy or sell a new home or commercial property, contact us to discuss the current conditions and how it impacts your bottom line. Give us a call, email or even drop in. We can’t wait to be of service!

SAFE HAVEN The North Shore is a SAFE HAVEN FOR climate migrants

Research has found our North Shore climate moderate and mostly neutral to major climate stressors. Because of that, we've been seeing an understandable increase in

climate migrants, people who elect to leave their principal place of residence because of climate stressors, to find comfort and security here on the North Shore.

LAKE LOVER’S PARADISE

Whether you are standing on one of the potential building sites on 31+ acres, perched on a wooded cliff edge, or tucked away in one of the coves that weave in and out of the 510 feet of rugged shoreline, your view of Lake Superior will take your breath away. In addition to the dramatic cliffs and mature, radiant birch that characterize this property, there is also acreage that sits like a crown high above the north side of Hwy 61, with potential lakeview building sites to discover. It is conveniently located within a 25 minute drive of many local attractions.

MLS#6105910 $497,900

SALE PENDING

GREENWOOD LAKE LUXURY

HOME

Exquisite architectural masterpiece created on 4.8 acres on gorgeous Greenwood Lake. Artfully nestled in a white pine forest, meticulously maintained and professionally landscaped, with flagstone and rock walkways to the main home, carriage house, and log cabin. Open concept with durable White Oak wood flooring throughout the main floor. Living room features vaulted ceilings, stone surround fireplace with a custom mantle, and the view of the lake from this room is truly something special! Easily accessible lake shore for swimming and boating. Pristine lake is clear and cool. Greenwood lake holds the state record for lake trout, but you can catch small mouth bass and rainbow trout off the dock.

MLS#6103823 $1,895,000

ISLAND LIVING –WILDERNESS LAKE

Large island in Greenwood Lake offers isolation, wilderness views and wildlife.

Comfortable small home is set up for your retreat lifestyle, large shop building has upstairs guest quarters.

Owners lived on the island for over 15 years. Off grid

solar and generator power, new peat-moss septic system, lake water and satellite provide the comforts you desire. Air boat, pontoon and fishing boats included, and provide access with a protective cove and docks for easy landing and loading. One-of-a-kind property. Over 2000 feet of shoreline with 6.82 acres. MLS#6104980 $595,000

HUGE PINES, PRISTINE VIEWS, GUNFLINT LAKE

This large, densely wooded lot has 171 feet of shoreline on big water Gunflint Lake. Direct BWCA access, huge white pines, classic wilderness boulder shore and vast views of Canada across the lake. Nice building site with easy access to the water. Good year-round road access with power and Broadband at the parcel. Build your dream lake home on this outstanding lake lot. MLS#6099440 $284,900 REDUCED

EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CABIN

This spot is about as close to being in the Boundary Waters as you can get, land right across the lake is in the BWCAW. Home needs work. Renovate existing structure or build new. Septic installed in 1999. Lake draw water system. Gravel driveway in place & access down to the lakeshore for easy boat access. One room cabin w/ bunk area, kitchen, dining & living areas. All personal property stays except for vintage outboard motors.

MLS#6104096 $199,900

WALK OR PADDLE INTO THE BWCA

35 acre property abuts Federal land & the BWCAW. It has 314 feet of shoreline on McFarland Lake w/ direct canoe access into the wilderness. Border Route Trail is a short walk away. Arrowhead Trail splits property w/ potential to have a small structure on the lake side, and a full cabin in a beautiful cedar, spruce and pine forest w/ high overlooks to the wilderness. There are not many opportunities like this still available!

MLS#6103514

HOMES & CABINS

2 HOMES & AN APARTMENT

– LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

Unique property consists of TWO well-maintained houses with road frontage on the Croftville loop, spacious decks & Lake Superior views. Houses share a well & a compliant septic system, but have separate driveways off of Hwy 61. Main house (1804) is equipped w/ wheelchair ramps & a stair lift. In addition to 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths upstairs, there is a 1 bed, 1 bath apartment in the basement w/separate entrance for a renter. It has been rented out for the past 3 years & could continue to provide extra living space for long/short term rental. The second house (1810) was built in 1935 and has a nostalgic North Shore feel to it with vaulted ceilings & square timber posts. Includes 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, all on one level. This would make a nice VRBO or an extended family compound, just 3 miles east of Grand Marais. Property is walking distance from pebble beaches on Lake Superior, the vast Superior Hiking Trail, or fly fishing on Devil Track River.

MLS#6105848 $1,250,000

SOLD SOLD

and guest cabin. MLS#6105918

NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN

Unique Northwoods escape off the "road" less traveled. The Boundary Waters is your backyard as the western property boundary abuts the BWCA. Accessed by plane, boat, canoe, or a Canadian boat landing. North Fowl is a Border

Lake on the 200 mile water border route. Comfortable off-grid seasonal cabin has open floor plan & sleeping loft w/ unique diamond willow rails. Wood heat & appliances run off of propane w/ solar electric. Over 200’ of sandy shoreline w/ beautiful views & gradual slope to lake.

MLS#6104291 $150,000

SILVER BAY HOME

CHARMING GRAND MARAIS CABIN

COMMERCIAL

MULTI-USE PROPERTY HOVLAND

This 2.3 acre property has a great home site with lake views, great well and septic, and an existing structure used as a local store and food business. Building had a new patio in 2008 and new addition in 2010. Many options exist here from residential, rental, cottage industry, retail shop or continue its present use.

Perfect set up for a move-to-the-Shore life change. Live and run a business in this peaceful location. Bring your idea and start the dream from here.

MLS#6103739 $339,000

LUTSEN

COMMERCIAL

SITE

Lutsen "downtown" location.

Hwy 61 frontage-road access, 3.3 acres and 389 feet of frontage overlooking the highway, with some limited Lake Superior views. Nice creek borders the east property line, mature evergreen forest.

Great location for retail, restaurant or art gallery with great visibility off the North Shore Scenic Highway. LTGC zone district (Lutsen Town Center General Commercial) allows many options. Three separate lots could be split. Located just minutes from Lutsen Mountains Ski Area, Superior National Golf Course, many lodges and recreational opportunities.

MLS#6105204 $220,000

SALE PENDING

LARGE GRAND MARAIS LOT.

Nice 3.60 acre commercial lot with potential for multi family housing subject to city approval. Good location on the west end of Grand Marais just off Hwy 61. Easy access to the bike trail.

MLS#6089284 $159,500

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

CASCADE RIVER FRONTAGE LOT

This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the very few privately owned lots on the scenic Cascade River! Over 440 feet of private river frontage offers peaceful calm and gives rise to creative dreaming. Build an off-grid compound with rustic cabins or a custom log home, or keep it wild for camping. There's plenty of space here to spread out with 26.6 acres, and seemingly endless public land to the south and west for hiking, hunting and other north woods enthusiasm.

MLS#6105797 $350,000

REMOTE PRIVACY, LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

This "80" acre property has high ridge views of the big lake. The property adjoins Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Easements in place for road access on old logging trails. Ultimate privacy!

Mixed, mature forest of evergreens and maples, creeks and pond. Walking distance to Brule River. There are many unique aspects to this beautiful and recreational property. MLS#6104623 $99,000

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

MONS CREEK AND VIEWS

1000 ft of Mons Creek frontage & a great view from a high build site. Easy road access, but lots of privacy. 40 acre property w/ private deeded access to Lost Lake, a short drive away. Private lake w/ limited use, a true wilderness feel. Perfect cabin retreat location w/ added bonus of private wilderness lake access. Homeowners association stocks lake w/ brook trout. Walk-in landing provides easy access for canoe or small boat. Roads are gated for security & privacy. Lost Lake Retreats is a truly secluded & private wilderness escape. MLS#6089090 $60,000

DEEP WOODS, MONS

CREEK.

Nice “40” with good tree cover and creek frontage, where you could launch your canoe. There's a great building site overlooking Mons Creek from a high point. Good road access, but private and secluded. The property has private deeded access to Lost Lake, which is a short walk away. Wilderness feel. New trail cut into the property so you can see the potential!

MLS#6089091 $52,900

ROLLING TERRAIN & POND

Deep woods and private access to Lost Lake. Good road access and many building site options. Beautiful beaver pond and creek split the 20 acre property. Lost Lake is a tuckedaway gem with limited private property and no public access. Good trout fishing and moose sightings. This is a remote retreat property with the added bonus of lake access on a pristine wilderness lake. MLS#6098652 $41,900

LAND/BUILDING SITES

LARGE, REMOTE ACREAGE – PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

This over 80-acre tract has some high ground with views of the hills to the south. Good road access. Some young planted pine trees. It adjoins a Private Conservation Easement area. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity. MLS#6103975 $74,900

SOLD

WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND

MARAIS.

Great wooded lot on west end of Grand Marais. Build your home within a short distance of the bike trail & a mile walk/drive into town, with privacy on a dead end shared road. Mature evergreen forest, nice building sites & good lake effect, only a quarter mile off of Lake Superior. Small creek adds charm when it's running. Really secluded feeling location. Private sewer & water, city power. MLS#6087228

LAND/BUILDING SITES

LARGE, REMOTE ACREAGE – PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

This over 80-acre tract has some high ground with views of the hills to the south. Good road access. Some young planted pine trees. It adjoins a Private Conservation Easement area. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity. MLS#6103975 $74,900

WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND MARAIS.

SOLD

Great wooded lot on west end of Grand Marais. Build your home within a short distance of the bike trail & a mile walk/drive into town, with privacy on a dead end shared road. Mature evergreen forest, nice building sites & good lake effect, only a quarter mile off of Lake Superior. Small creek adds charm when it's running. Really secluded feeling location. Private sewer & water, city power. MLS#6087228

LUTSEN MAPLE FOREST LOT

Beautiful 5.24 acre wooded lot, covered in Maple Forest. In the fall this beauty will be ablaze with stunning colors. Caribou Lake Public Access nearby, hiking trails, Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, Gitche Gumee bike trail and all the things the North Shore has to offer. MLS#6101916 $68,500

CARIBOU HILLSIDE LOT

Beautiful 5+

HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS

Nice 5 acre property close to town on black-top county road. power and phone at the lot. Broadband available. Dense woods and potential Lake Superior Views. Close to hiking,

LAND/BUILDING SITES

REMOTE ACREAGE, ADJOINING FOREST LANDS-PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

This 43 acre tract has adjoining federal land and state park within walking distance. Good road access, with an old "logging road" into the property. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity. MLS#6103979 $46,900

REMOTE 43 ACRES –LOST LAKE ACCESS

This secluded 43 acres adjoins federal land and is located on a private gated road. There's a seasonal pond, existing "logging" road into the property for immediate use of the land. The property comes with shared private access to Lost Lake, a lake with no public access. Plenty of privacy! MLS#6103978 $46,900

BRULE VALLEY LOTS

These remote, off-grid parcels with deeded access to the Brule River could be your own seasonal retreat; whether you're looking for a place to pitch a tent for a few nights, or if you want to build your dream cabin, there is a good canvas here for your creation!

Lot B (40ac) MLS#6102969 $43,000; Lot C (42.82ac) MLS#6102971 $46,000; Lot D (43.82ac) MLS#6102970 $44,000

MLS#6098276 $54,900

GREAT LOCATION

HOME SITE.

Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7, a 5+ acre lot with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites.

MLS#6094099 $45,900

GREAT LOCATION FOR HOME OR CABIN

Just minutes west of Grand Marais on a black-top county road with power at the site, Broadband nearby. Five acre parcel with southern exposure. Potential Lake Superior views. Very affordable building site! MLS#6096700 $45,900

REMOTE PEACE & QUIET

Hide away in this beautiful dense forest, with remote trails and private lake access to Lost Lake, a limited private property lake with no public access, and trout! Twenty acres of rolling topography and nice building sites for your cabin retreat. MLS#6098653 $39,900

REMOTE WOODED HIDE-A-WAY

This 20 acre parcel is remote and has nice southerly exposure. Deeded access to Lost Lake gives you a place to fish and listen to the loons. It’s a lake with limited private property and no public access. Great area for ATV’s and miles of roads to explore. Lot C.

MLS#6098654 $38,900

HUNTER’S PARADISE

Hunter’s paradise or remote solitude? 24 acres situated currently off grid (electrical hook up at Devil Fish Overlook). Mix of deciduous and pine trees with mature pines in the SW corner of the property, clearing areas for camper or possible build. The southern border neighbors State land. Additional acreage available.

MLS#6103981 $36,780

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

red fox

This red fox showed up under our deck at our cabin on Hungry Jack Lake. I took the photo on the deck as the fox looked up at me with his beautiful winter coat. I think it smelled our cooking through the kitchen exhaust fan.—Dennis Chick

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