Northern Wilds July 2023

HOVLAND, MN

Exceptional Lake Superior lots! Gorgeous building sites, very private desirable locations, some level to lake, some elevated. Gravel, accessible ledge rock & boulder shoreline, NE and SE facing sites to pick from. 18 miles to Grand Marais, 4 to Brule River for trout & salmon fishing & Devils Kettle Falls, 15 to Isle Royale ferry, 22 to Canada. Beautiful trees, protective covenants, community septic, electricity & survey.

“The finest Realtor I’ve ever worked with in my life.”

-Tim K.

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Stepping into History

The North Shore is filled with history, and this month we’re going back in time to the late 18th century when the North American fur trade was at its peak and French-Canadian men could be found traversing the Great Lakes in their heavy birchbark canoes. We know these men as voyageurs, and to say they were hard workers is an understatement.

Let’s start in the Along the Shore section, where Tom Watson breaks down what the voyageurs ate, what they wore, and how they delt with the tormenting mosquitoes. Thank goodness we have mosquito repellant nowadays. Chris Pascone provides us with a brief history of voyageurs and the two fur trading companies: Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. Of course, we can’t talk about voyageurs without including Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, and this year marks the historical park’s 50th anniversary. Known for “bringing life to history,” Pascone provides us with a feature story on the park’s history, as well as information on their upcoming Great Rendezvous Celebration, held July 8-16.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run an ultramarathon, or compete in a 100-mile bike race? Or, if you’re like me, you wonder who these folks are that are capable of such an incredible feat. Kalli Hawkins has the answer for us in her latest feature story, chatting with participants in the Superior Fall Trail Races and Le Grand Du Nord gravel cycling races. Not up to that kind of a biking challenge? No worries, Rae Poynter tells us where we can rent an e-bike and why they’ve soared in popularity in recent years.

Looking for something fun to do? Summer is filled with all kinds of outdoor, family-friendly events, including Silver Bay’s Music in the Park free concert series at City Center Park. Held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 1, the season kicks off with local favorite Charlie Parr, performing on July 14. Also occurring this month is the Hovland Arts Festival July 1-2, the Grand Marais Arts Festival July 8-9, and the Blueberry/Art Festival in Ely July 28-30. Check out the Spotlight section for a sneak preview of a few participating artists.

Thinking of going walleye fishing? Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis suggests using a spinner, either store bought or home tied. But before you go, read the health section, where Hartley Newell-Acero breaks down the DEET-ails of using deet to protect against unrelenting mosquitos.

Of course, spending all that time outdoors means you’re bound to get hungry. Have no fear, North Shore Dish columnist Virginia George has you covered with some great food truck options, from tacos and eggrolls to wood fired pizza and smoothie bowls.

On a different note, our annual For the Love of the North photo contest starts this month, featuring four categories: Landscape, Wildlife, Adventure Lifestyle (People/Pets), and Macro. See below for more details and be sure to enter.

From all of us here at Northern Wilds, we hope you are enjoying your summer!. Breana Johnson

ENTER YOUR PHOTOS AND WIN PRIZES!

CATEGORIES: Landscape, Wildlife, Adventure Lifestyle, and Macro. Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos per category. Winners will be announced in the January 2024 issue of Northern Wilds.

ENTER BY SEPT. 30

WEBSITE: BIT.LY/LOVEOFNORTH

photo contest

Meet our Judges!

Photo Tip of the Month:

After composition, having a sharp image is what makes for an awardwinning photograph. It might be inconvenient to haul around, but tripods are the number one way of making sure the camera doesn’t move. Secondly, if you’re photographing wildlife, adjust your setting so that you are focusing on the eye. Many cameras now have “eye focus” settings. —Paul Sundberg

James Smedley’s wiry frame regularly labours under a heavy pack of camera gear in search of fish, photos and outdoor adventure. His contributions to U.S. and Canadian books, magazines and newspapers have earned him an arm load of National and International awards. He currently resides in Wawa, Ontario with his wife Francine.

David R. Johnson is a photographer from Grand Marais. A fourthgeneration resident of the area, he grew up exploring the area’s vast forests, lakes, rivers and streams.

“I travel the back country all the time taking photos of anything that catches my eye; the northern lights are my favorite, followed by wildlife,” he says.

Sponsored by:

Paul Sundberg has done landscape and wildlife photography since the early 1970s. Paul and his wife Karla moved to the North Shore in 1976 managing several State Parks until his retirement in 2010. Paul and Karla currently reside near Grand Marais where Paul continues to pursue his passion for photographing Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters.

PUBLISHER

Amber Graham

EDITORIAL

Breana Johnson, Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

Destry Winant, Sales Representative ads@northernwilds.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Mike Lee • production@northernwilds.com

OFFICE office@northernwilds.com billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Casey Fitchett, Virginia George, Kalli Hawkins, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Rae Poynter, Joe Shead, Chuck Viren, Tom Watson, Sam Zimmerman

Copyright 2023 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published

July

GREAT RENDEZVOUS THE

Fort William Historical Park

Fort William Historical Park is celebrating 50 years (1973-2023) of bringing life to history. This summer, enjoy a variety of exciting activities that celebrate the rich history of Fort William Historical Park.

July 8-9: Celtic Days

July 10: Northern Nature

July 11: Farm & Food

July 12: Art & Music

July 13-16: Historic Re-enactment

Plan your visit at fwhp.ca

@FortWilliamHP

Empowering Indigenous youth through music and community support

THUNDER BAY—In a remarkable effort to address the educational and social challenges faced by Indigenous youth from First Nation communities, a group of dedicated individuals in Thunder Bay initiated a transformative project called Wake the Giant. This groundbreaking initiative aims to create a sense of belonging and support for these young students who leave their homes to pursue their high school education in urban centers. By connecting the youth to local businesses, providing cultural awareness training, and organizing an impressive annual music festival, Wake the Giant is empowering Indigenous youth and fostering a welcoming environment in Thunder Bay.

The inspiration for Wake the Giant stemmed from a desire to address the feelings of exclusion expressed by Indigenous students arriving in Thunder Bay. These students often face the challenge of leaving their close-knit communities to pursue education, as the local schools in their regions only go up to grade 9 or 10. Recognizing the need for support and connection, the organizers sought to bridge the gap between the students and the community.

Sean Spenrath, a Thunder Bay local, works as a First Nations Student Success Program Coordinator and also volunteers his time to help coordinate the Wake the Giant project.

“We knew there were a lot of businesses in Thunder Bay that wanted to help these youths and make them feel more welcome. We wanted to connect them with those businesses,” he explains. “So, we started Wake the Giant. At the same time we had that idea, we were recording a song with July Talk and doing an orientation for these kids up north separately. And we thought, why don’t we put all this together and we do a massive orientation with a music festival at the end. We can bring in all these connections that we’ve made and utilize them. Make these kids feel more welcome in the city.”

The heart of Wake the Giant lies in its comprehensive orientation program. Over 300 Indigenous youth participate, allowing them to familiarize themselves with Thunder Bay and the various resources available to them. The orientation begins with an engaging activity called the Amazing Race, where students navigate the city, visiting Wake the Giant-associated businesses and essential services. They also attend workshops hosted by local businesses, renowned artists, and sports teams, ensuring an immersive and informative experience. The orientation culminates in a vibrant music festival, where the students perform alongside professional artists and receive a warm welcome from the community.

In its fourth year of having an in-person concert, Spenrath is hoping they can sell 6,000 tickets.

“All the money that we make from the festival rolls over so it just continues to grow the festival and grow the orientation,” says Spenrath. “From deadmau5 to Dean Lewis and X Ambassadors, we have a banger lineup this year that we are all really excited about. The kids also wrote a song that they will be performing; that’ll be really cool.”

In addition to the annual orientation and music festival, Wake the Giant is developing online cultural awareness training for businesses. This training aims to educate and sensitize employees about Indigenous culture, fostering inclusivity and understanding. This innovative approach allows Wake the Giant to extend its reach beyond Thunder Bay and impact businesses across the country.

The impact of Wake the Giant on Indigenous youth is profound. Witnessing the transformation of shy and reserved students into confident performers is a testament to the program’s efficacy. The program aims to continue this positive trajectory by expanding career fair opportunities, connecting students with potential employers, and offering yearround engagement with local businesses.

Looking ahead, the organizers envision further growth and impact for Wake the Gi-

ant. They plan to develop a week-long career fair to provide students with a platform for job opportunities. Additionally, they aim to deepen the integration of local businesses into the students’ educational journey, creating ongoing partnerships that benefit both parties.“

“This year we had our biggest career fair in 10 years. Both our gyms were full,” Spenrath says with pride. “That’s always been a big goal for us to provide these kids with job opportunities. I think we don’t get a lot of attention on that throughout the school year. We actually use these businesses; they will come in and do financial literacy and tech classes for the youths for example. It doesn’t just stop at the orientation.”

Wake the Giant stands as an initiative that exemplifies the power of music, community support, and cultural awareness in transforming the lives of Indigenous youth. By bridging the gap between Indigenous communities and Thunder Bay, this program has provided a welcoming and empowering environment for students pursuing their education away from home. Through their efforts, the organizers have not only built a successful music festival but also fostered a sense of pride, confidence, and belonging within Indigenous youth, paving the way for a brighter future. To learn more, visit: wakethegiant.ca —Casey Fitchett

Wake the Giant is a cultural awareness project in Thunder Bay aimed at creating a more welcoming and inclusive city for Indigenous people, youth and their communities. | SUBMITTED

This year’s Wake the Giant Music Festival in Thunder Bay will take place Saturday, Sept. 16. | SUBMITTED

The impact of Wake the Giant on Indigenous youth is profound. | SUBMITTED

Voyageurs and the fur trade

NORTH SHORE—It’s the late 18th century, and the North American fur trade is approaching its peak. Voyageurs are making trips back and forth along the Great Lakes and further west by canoe, transporting furs from the boreal forests back to Montreal. Fur trading companies are then shipping the pelts to Europe to supply the latest fashions.

The Hudson’s Bay Company has been actively trading European goods for furs in North America since the 1600s, while a newcomer—the North West Company, owned by Highland Scots—has gained a foothold since being founded in 1779. The North West Company uses its depot at Grand Portage, as the key meeting place for its wintering partners and its Montreal agents to conduct fur trades.

There is fierce competition going on between the two companies, to the point where they are close to a fur trade war.

Looking back on this history today, it’s easy to be fascinated. A commodity as basic as beaver pelts drove Europeans to a frenzy, and turned the Lake Superior region into a multinational trading hub. The big annual fur trading event, called Rendezvous, combined business with colorful celebrations, and could go on for weeks.

The romanticism of the fur trade lives on to this day thanks to people like Spencer Johnson, current president of La Compagnie des Hivernants de la Riviere Saint Pierre—a historical society based in Minnesota that conducts “living history” events on fur trade

subjects. La Compagnie celebrates the voyageur lifestyle by re-enacting the voyageurs’ way of life through reproducing their dress, customs, and the foods they commonly ate.

The voyageurs were workers associated with licensed fur traders. They travelled extensively by canoe. The voyageurs faced many hardships as the “delivery drivers” of their day, travelling great distances using only human-powered means. They were the lowest caste in an industry that Johnson equates to today’s oil industry. “The fur trade was a huge global industry. There was a lot of money involved, and it went all over the world. There was power in these fur companies.”

Johnson explains that the North West Company outperformed the Hudson’s Bay Company right away upon establishment because they were “coming to the people,” rather than inviting the Indigenous people to transport their furs to far-away trading posts, as their Hudson’s Bay Company rivals did. The North West Company met the Indigenous on their own ground and worked closely with their Indigenous allies.

This influx of North West Company traders into the interior led to social changes in the societies of both the Indigenous trappers, and the European traders. In Johnson’s words, “It was very common for fur company traders and employees to marry into the local Indian tribes. Anytime you’ve got people mixing together, there’s going to be marriages.” The resulting mixed ancestry people were called Métis.

Johnson recounts that there were already three or four generations of mixed blood people in the Northern Wilds region by the time the North West Company and Hudson’s Bay Company eventually compromised on a merger in 1821. “The voyageurs would have French and Ojibwe, or French and Dakota, or French and Cree children. It was common for the fur companies to have employees who were bilingual or trilingual.”

The golden age of the fur trade came in the 1780s-90s. The North West Company established its trading post at Grand Portage

in 1784, on land that today is the Grand Portage Indian Reservation.

A Grand Portage National Monument brochure details the significance of this fur trade post to voyageur customs: “A water network linked Montreal, capital city of the Great Lakes fur trade, with western Canada’s fur-bearing animals. Where streams were unnavigable, canoemen carried boats and cargo over a portage, or trail. Named Kitchi Onigaming by the Ojibwe and ‘The Great Carrying Place’ by French explorers and missionaries sometime after 1722, the

Voyageurs faced many hardships as the “delivery drivers” of their day, travelling great distances using only human-powered means. | SPENCER JOHNSON

Grand Portage bypassed rapids on the lower Pigeon River. It was the throughway to Canada’s prime fur country. To transport furs the company hired a backwoods navy of voyageurs.”

The original Grand Portage fur trading post, built where the 8.5-mile-long Grand Portage trail ends on the shore of Lake Superior, didn’t even last 20 years. The North West Company moved up the shore to present-day Thunder Bay, in 1803, and established a different trading post at Fort William.

Why the move? Johnson explains. “Nobody knew exactly where the boundary was between the U.S. and Canada. Some surveyors were sent out, and it turned out the North West Company’s trading post wasn’t in Canada. The surveyors figured out that the Pigeon River was the boundary, so now you’ve got a British post that’s 10 miles south of the border. They dismantled the whole thing and rebuilt it in present-day Winnipeg.”

The legacy of the fur trade is alive and well today. Minnesota middle schoolers learn about Minnesota fur trade history as part of their sixth-grade curriculum. Volunteers at historical museums like Fort Snelling, Snake River Fur Post, and Grand Portage, as well as Forts Folle Avoine in Wisconsin and Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, provide us the opportunity to look back in time through historical interpretation of the fur trade period. These outdoor museums teach school children and families about the fur trade era in living colors.

So just how daring and hard-working were the voyageurs, whose reputation suggests almost superhuman physical powers? While critical thinking would suggest that many voyageur tales are embellished, Patrick Shifferdecker, site manager of the Minnesota Historical Society’s Snake River Fur Post open-air museum in Pine City, Minn., suggests some of their exploits were real. “There was an express canoe that left Montreal and went out to Fort William, or vice versa, a distance of about 1,400 miles, and they covered the route in 12 days. That was a select group of paddlers carrying nothing other than provisions. More typically, this route would take the voyageurs four to six weeks.”

This summer is a great chance to experience voyageurs culture for yourself. Fort William Historical Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an open-air museum. There, passionate historical interpreters recreate the times of the voyageurs.

Shifferdecker and Johnson find joy and pleasure from reproducing fur trade culture, down to the smallest details. For Johnson, “Re-enactors want to get it right. They take it seriously. They dress up accurately. It’s fun to do that, and do it well. I think we’re giving the voyageur period its due credit today. It’s a big piece of our culture here.”

You can learn more about the voyageurs at reconstructed fur trade posts throughout the Northern Wilds region.— Chris Pascone

NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL

The romanticism of the fur trade era continues today thanks to re-enactors.

| SPENCER JOHNSON

The life and lore of the legendary voyageur

NORTH SHORE—For anyone even vaguely familiar with the history and lore of Lake Superior, it’s hard to look out across its expansive waters and not conjure up an iconic image of a heavy, cargo-ladened birchbark canoe powered by a cadre of rugged, but stylish paddlers—the voyageurs—tirelessly traversing the waters of the Great Lakes.

In today’s modern paddling world of ultra lightweight Kevlar canoes, graphite paddles, freeze-dried instant meals and ultra compact, bombproof gear, romantic images of these historic paddlers clash unimaginably with the day-to-day realities of being a voyageur in 18th-19th century North America.

As early as 1670, the French had established the Hudson’s Bay Company and other posts along water transportation and portage routes as part of their cargo-shipping network to satisfy demands for furs in Europe. Those shipping routes grew as trading goods from Europe were transported inland westward from Montreal, while furs and other commodities were carried east, transferring cargos at trading post bases such as the North West Company, formed on Lake Superior in the late 1770s.

These cargo networks were paddled by French-Canadian men recruited by the trading companies to keep the exchange of commerce flowing via water and portage routes back and forth across the Great Lakes region of the continent and beyond.

We know these men as voyageurs. Stout of physique, most voyageurs were only about 5 feet, 4 inches tall and were re-

quired to carry several cargo bundles (each weighing 90 pounds) over miles of portages. Huge, birchbark-covered canoes would weigh 300 pounds. Over the course of the

12-16 weeks it would take to bring goods to transfer points, it was not uncommon to lose a voyageur to drowning, or suffer broken limbs, hernias and damaged limbs.

Meals were taken twice daily, consuming foods high in calories; provisions that could be preserved indefinitely. Typically, breakfast came after a sunrise departure and three hours of paddling. The meal consisted of pork, beans and a biscuit that was prepared the night before. Because of the amount of fat included in most meals, voyageurs were often referred to as “pork eaters.”

Pemmican (a mixture of meat and fat) was a large part of the voyageur diet, providing nearly 5,000 calories, per day, per voyageur. Native American tribes prepare pemmican for trade by pounding slices of game meat or sturgeon into thin, spongy portions that could be eaten raw or cooked, or even enhanced with sugar or serviceberries.

Voyageur canoes came in two sizes: the large ‘Montreal’ canoe used to bring goods from the coast across the Great Lakes to Lake Superior, and the ‘North’ canoe for routes through rapids and swamps further inland.

Canoes were constructed of a birchbark ‘skin’ stitched with tree roots and sealed with pine pitch—all over a pine or cedar framework. Seats were fashioned from narrow, 4-inch boards and the entire outside of the canoe sealed by daubing or “gumming” the surface with pitch. A “repair” kit consisting of a roll of birchbark and a quantity of gumming was carried in each boat and used daily to repair leaks in the hull.

Due to the weight of the cargo and the fragility of the hull, long poles were arranged along the keel to support the weight of the 90-pound cargo bundles, as well as to prevent damage to the fragile sides of the canoe. The larger Montreal vessels could support 10 thousand pounds of cargo, one-third of which was the weight of the crew and their provisions.

Paddles came in various lengths, from only 2 feet long for middlemen crews in Montreal boats, to a slightly longer paddle used by the steerman and the longest paddle reserved for the foreman (used to guide the canoe through rapids). Each voyageur also had a 10-foot-long setting pole fashioned with an iron ferrule (with a line attached to each end) for lining canoes through rapids.

An article written in Appleton’s Journal, 1878, entitled “A Voyage With The Voyageurs” cites the type of bedding used: “…after being untied from its protecting oil-cloth, …consists of three blankets and a pillow…” The use of oil cloth as a waterproof outer wrap for gear was common throughout the region. A large, oilcloth ‘tarp’ was often attached to an overturned canoe to serve as a shelter for several voyageurs.

The water environment required that clothing dry quickly, making cotton, linen, and wools the preferred fabric over treated animal hides. Long waist coats, cinched with a long sash, trousers or leggings, and a variety of hats made up the traditional wardrobes worn throughout the course of the voyageur era.

One challenge that has continued from the voyageurs to the paddlers of today is the tormenting by mosquitoes. For lack of modern insect repellants, paddlers would “besmear their face with butter or grease” or “have large kettles constantly smoking in our boat to keep them away.”

The romantic notion of the voyageur lives on in many north country paddlers. Tales of their exploits and daily drudgery add to their mystique and provide yet another invaluable aspect to the lore of Lake Superior and beyond.—Tom

Watson

Pemmican (a mixture of meat and fat) was a large part of the voyageur diet, providing nearly 5,000 calories, per day, per voyageur. |

KARL KOSTER

Making the canoe your “pack”

NORTH SHORE—Everyone loves the pain and suffering of portaging a heavy canoe on their shoulders, right? It’s part of the voyageur mystique of canoe camping. When you carry your boat through a rocky, root-filled portage, with endless climbs and steep descents, you’ve essentially earned your badge of honor as a canoeist.

But just hypothetically speaking, have you ever wondered if there are any alternative methods to get your canoe to those hard-to-reach lakes? Maybe you’re eyeing the map, wishing you could access some lakes tucked far in from the nearest parking area… But how would you ever make it out there? And if you’re like me, how would you get all your endless fishing tackle (camping gear, whatever you like to bring) out there too? Tired of double (and triple) portaging with my large family, I decided to take the plunge, and give portage wheels a shot.

Immediate disclaimer—portage wheels are forbidden in most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (they are still considered “mechanized” by the Superior National Forest). And I get it—modern wheeled carts are a violation of the heritage and canoeing culture that is so important to the BWCAW. I will never give up portaging a canoe on my back when in this holy place.

Let me also mention, I used to view portage wheels as “cheating.” You’re not going to win any purist points with portage wheels. Was I going to be a “traitor?”

Still, I was determined to see if portage wheels could expand my range. That was the benefit I sought—how to go to places that I just wouldn’t get to otherwise. Specifically, I had two fishing lakes in mind in Tettegouche State Park that have ATV trails or access roads leading to them, but which don’t allow cars. Both lakes are over a mile and a half in from any parking area. I hypothesized that these lakes are rarely fished.

I sprung for the 16-inch wheel portage cart made by Spring Creek Manufacturing in Mountain Iron, Minn. Here’s how it works: First, you place the back end of your canoe right-side-up between two “bunks” attached to a raised aluminum axle bar. You want the bar to be about a third of the way from the back of your canoe. Tighten the two tiedown straps, which hold the canoe firm to the cart. Then, tow the boat by pulling from the front handle of the canoe. The tires will roll forward and you’re heading to the lake.

The transformations are many.

For one, the canoe now becomes your pack: fill it with everything you need for your trip. Life jackets, paddles, fishing rods, tackle boxes, lunches, packs… the proverbial kitchen sink can go directly in the upright canoe as you pull it. No more snagging fishing rods in tree branches, tripping on loose life jacket straps, or dropping loose items, never to be found again.

Transformation two: you can actually see where you’re going. You no longer have a huge roof (canoe) over your head as you walk through the beautiful forest. Everything is instantly more visible. This makes for easier, safer navigation.

Transformation three: you can actually hold a conversation while you portage. The wheels are a beneficial tool on “roads” (often not open to car traffic) where two people can walk side by side. It’s a nice change of pace to hold a conversation with your buddy or partner as you head into the wilderness.

So, what about the “cheating” aspect? Can you live with yourself after this?

“I didn’t feel like it was cheating at all. It’s a non-motorized, muscle-driven way to get into a remote lake,” says Jeff Hall, a fellow fisherman and previous wilderness canoe guide.

Hall points out that only the final third of the canoe is actually transported by the wheels.

“Just because you have wheels doesn’t mean the work is done for you—it’s only one axle, and you still have to ‘carry’ the front part of the canoe,” he says.

Hall says that portage wheels won’t work everywhere—if the trail is too rocky, or too narrow, you’re better off carrying the canoe on your back. Hall considers the wheels just

another option in the canoeist’s arsenal.

“Any way to get a canoe in that’s non-motorized, whether it’s wheels or on your shoulders—that’s where it’s at. There’s no right or wrong. It’s a win-win.”

Hall also warns of the trouble that would ensue if you popped a tire in the wilderness with all the individual items stashed in the canoe. Still, he says the risk is worth it.

“It’s nice to have the wheels, because then you can throw everything in the canoe

and use it as a pack on a portage, as well as a canoe on the lake. You can throw everything in and haul it.”

Portage wheels serve a particular purpose very well; they are an alternative method to get you (and all the loose gear you bring) into lakes previously considered the realm of snowmobilers and ATVers only. Portage wheels break down barriers. All of a sudden there are a lot more lakes on the map that fit the “can’t-carry, but will-pull” description. I’m hungry for more.—Chris

Pascone

Portage wheels won’t work everywhere—if the trail is too rocky, or too narrow, you’re better off carrying the canoe on your back. Remember, portage wheels are illegal in most of the Boundary Waters. | CHRIS PASCONE

A creative haven in the wilderness

Unveiling Isle Royale National Park’s artists-in-residence program

ISLE ROYALE—The dimpled Portage Lake Lava bedrock, the dense boreal forest, and the elongated barrier bars of Isle Royale National Park are a 132,300-acre representation of nature’s artistic and talented hand.

Carved out by glaciation and erosion over millions of years, Isle Royale is a masterpiece of nature’s finest artwork that draws many first-time and returning visitors to its shoreline and surrounding waters.

Isle Royale National Park, located 20 miles offshore from Grand Portage, and over 61 miles from Houghton, MI, is one of the least-visited U.S. national parks. The remote island location on Lake Superior provides a challenge for individuals to access without a boat or ride on a ferry. The remoteness and decreased visitor numbers contribute to the island’s uniqueness. The national park has averaged 21,267 visitors annually for the past 10 years.

Due to its uniqueness, diverse landscape, and wildlife, Isle Royale hosts several visitors who spend long stints of time on the island conducting research, developing personal and professional work, or enjoying nature and simply having fun. During the early 1990s, Isle Royale National Park adopted a program that many other national parks across the U.S. offer to creative individuals.

The artist-in-residence program at Isle Royale began in 1992 and allows professional artists to spend two to three weeks immersed in Isle Royale’s isolated landscape. The opportunity provides artists uninterrupted time to embark on a transformative voyage of self-discovery and reflection. It also serves as a canvas for individuals to write, draw, photograph, or create meaningful work in their medium.

“You feel sort of like you’re given the keys to a national park,” Andrew Gottlieb, an artist who participated in the artist-in-residence program at Isle Royale in 2003, said.

While on the island, artists live in Dassler Cabin, a former summer cottage of the Dassler family from Leavenworth, Kansas. The small off-grid cabin is in Tobin Harbor, on the eastern side of Isle Royale, near Rock Harbor.

Gottlieb said the artist-in-residence program with the national parks is intended for artists to “make work created by, impacted by, and informed by, the park itself.” He added, “And that’s just so special.” As a poetry fiction writer, Gottlieb said the opportunity allowed him to embed himself in the natural landscape and create fictional poems focused on the outdoors and the intersectionality between humans and nature in the landscape.

Twenty years after his time at Isle Royale National Park, Gottlieb still carries with him his experience at Isle Royale. He often reflects on finding moose and fox tracks, watching mergansers swimming in Lake Su-

The artist-in-residence program at Isle Royale began in 1992 and allows professional artists to spend two to three weeks immersed in Isle Royale’s isolated landscape. | KALLI HAWKINS

Artwork by landscape architect Cecil Howell. | CECIL HOWELL

GUNFLINT TRAIL GRAND MARAIS, MN

perior, witnessing an American redstart on the island, and “that sense of time and space and being alone.”

Not only has he stayed in contact and exchanged annual Christmas cards with the artist-in-residence caretakers, Dick and Mary Scheibe, but the experience he gained influenced his life’s work for the past two decades.

“Isle Royale has remained really close to my heart,” Gottlieb said. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Since the 1992 inception of the artist-in-residence program at Isle Royale National Park, over 100 artists specializing in writing, storytelling, painting, playwrights, mixed media, and music have been involved in the program. The national park states the program is open to all art forms except those that would manipulate or disturb the park’s environment. After receiving the annual applications in January and February, a panel of art professionals and a national park representative select the finalists based on a handful of qualifications.

In addition to the qualifications, the selected artists are required to donate a finished piece of artwork to the park that is representative of their Isle Royale residency. “It’s a great opportunity for artists who are newer, younger, or more under the radar,” Gottlieb said.

A trip during the summer of 2018 to Isle Royale National Park was the catalyst for applying for the artist-in-residence program for Cecil Howell, a landscape architect from New York. “I went to Isle Royale and was on the boat, saw the cabin that the artists get to stay in, and I was like, oh, no, no, I’m applying right away,” she said. “That is too good.”

Cook County, MN

After immediately applying, she landed a spot in the program the following year, in 2019. As a landscape architect, Howell said she is naturally drawn to maps, cartographic studies, and artistic approaches to architecture. She is intrigued by “things that are typically left off of maps and how one could start to convey them.”

While staying on Isle Royale, her focus and intention were to observe the small intricacies of the landscape, such as wave movements, sounds of the forest, or rock textures, and create art to help visualize the place from perspectives often not considered in traditional cartography. “I felt like Isle Royale is really suited for that kind of very slow, deep observation,” Howell described. “You could spend all day really honing in on certain places. Which I absolutely loved.”

Howell put her observations and writings into artistic action using charcoal, pastels, watercolors, copper ink, and printmaking once returning to New York after her Isle Royale residency. “That was when I started to really flush out some of the ideas and think about these ideas of cartographies of movements and cartographies of time, how those two things would frame my experience.”

About six months after returning from Isle Royale National Park, Howell said the COVID-19 pandemic began, and she suddenly had ample time to dedicate to creating her work.

Gottlieb and Howell said their experience as the artist-in-residence at Isle Royale National Park exceeded their expectations. They both dream of returning to the remote and rugged island. Howell said, “It’s one of the most magical places, I think.”— Kalli Hawkins

While on the Island, artists live in Dassler Cabin. This small, off-grid cabin is in Tobin Harbor on the eastern side of Isle Royale, near Rock Harbor. Since the inception of the artistin-residence program, over 100 artists specializing in writing, storytelling, painting, playwrights, mixed media, and music have been involved.

| ANDREW GOTTLIEB, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Silver Bay’s summer outdoor concert series unveiled

SILVER BAY—When traveling up the North Shore, you will encounter several small towns—each with their own charming personality and hidden gems to discover. Silver Bay, located an hour out of Duluth, is one to visit this summer.

A community built on the mining and railroad industries, located right on the shores of Lake Superior, Silver Bay was a bustling town at its peak in the mid-1950s, continuing through the late 1980s. Today, the town of over 1,800 people offers gorgeous views of the great lake, miles of recreational trails to accommodate bikers, ATVs and hikers, as well as several state park attractions within just a few miles. You can also immerse yourself in the art and cultural side of the community by attending a show, or two, with the summer outdoor concert series.

Rocky Wall Productions, based in Silver Bay, began the concert series in 2021, and after a successful debut, have invited a variety of performers for an enjoyable lineup again this season. Attendees can choose from blues, country, Americana, and more— the mixture of genres are sure to engage music lovers of all tastes. Kicking off the 2023 season on July 14 is local favorite, Charlie Parr. All performances are held on a Friday at 7:30 p.m. and are free and family-friendly.

Founder and president of Rocky Wall Productions, Nelson French, created the out-

door music series after being part of Rocky Wall House Concerts.

“We wanted to share our love of music with the community and create vibrant late summer Friday nights in Silver Bay. We designed the Silver Bay Music in the Park Concert Series to start up each summer after the conclusion of the annual Bay Days mid-summer celebration,” French explained.

An all-volunteer nonprofit, their mission is to produce high quality live music concerts and events in the city of Silver Bay and on the North Shore, from Duluth to Grand Portage. In addition to bringing in an event like this for visitors and residents to enjoy, French wanted to focus on bringing regional and national acts to perform on the North Shore.

Pat Donohue and the Prairie All Stars—a Minnesota-based band whose members were the house band for A Prairie Home Companion weekly radio show, created and hosted by Garrison Keillor—continue to tour together for occasional local gigs. They will take the summer concert series stage on August 11.

Donohue, lead vocalist, is a 2004 Grammy winner with his contributions on “Pink Guitar,” an instrumental CD featuring several other artists. He is also an American standard with his fingerpicking acoustic guitar style, verses using a pick. Donohue discovered his passion for music when he was

around 10 years old, and music has been a part of his life for decades now. He jokes, “People say I am retired but it’s really only until the next gig.” He has also had success in songwriting, with Chet Atkins and Suzy Bogguss recording some of his work.

The summer concert series is held downtown Silver Bay at City Center Park, near City Hall. Concertgoers should bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the view on the hillside. Parking is free and restrooms and food are available onsite. This year’s lineup ranges from jazz and bluegrass to singer-songwriter, folk, and rock and roll.

Blues-inspired artist Tommy Bentz will take the stage July 21. Born and raised in River Falls, Wisc., Bentz welcomes every opportunity to play on the North Shore. Bentz describes the band’s sound as “Van Morrison meets the Allman Brothers.” They concentrate on their own original material

and mix in a few covers, digging a bit deeper for songs that are not usually heard at live performances. The band is comprised of Bentz on guitar and vocals, Alex Burgess on drums, Clark Thaldorf on bass and vocals, and Doug Rohde on keyboard. Bentz has been reviewed as having a “killer tone” and he says with every album, the songs get more refined. “When the crowd is into it, it is a great vibe,” Bentz shares, adding “they are putting in the work and having a good time.”

The concert series runs July 14 through September 1 and the full lineup can be found on Eventbrite, Facebook, and at: rockywallproductions.org.—Michelle Miller

Join in. Shine on.

On July 17–21, fun activities plus cool prizes and freebies await more than 12,000 Shining Examples at each of our seven branch locations. More at: northshorefcu.org/member-appreciation

Silver Bay’s free Music in the Park Concert Series runs every Friday at 7:30 p.m. from July 14 through Sept. 1 in City Center Park. | DON J. OLSON

KNIFE RIVER, TWO

SILVER BAY, BEAVER BAY, FINLAND

GHOST PIPES

BIKE ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR

Either bring your own bike or rent one and take the bike trail along Lake Superior on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. The trail is still a work in progress, but will eventually be an 89mile paved recreational trail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais. Enjoy the completed parts of the trail in Lake County between Gooseberry State Park and Silver Bay. Enjoy traveling over rivers, beautiful Lake Superior views, wooded areas, and even a view of Split Rock Lighthouse. Don’t forget your helmet!

SPOKENGEAR CYCLERY & OUTDOOR

Whether you have a bike, need a bike, or want to rent one for your visit, this is the place to go. This independently owned bike shop strives to build community fueled by biking, adventure, and coffee. That’s right, not only can you get your bike serviced, you can also fuel up at their coffee shop Cedar Coffee Company, right in the same building!

This translucent wildflower surely is aptly named. The ghostly white coloring of the stem and flowers indicate a lack of chlorophyll, the compound that makes most plants green. Chlorophyll is what drives the process of photosynthesis in other plants—so how does the Ghost Pipe get by without it? These wildflowers get their nutrients from the roots of trees by partnering with fungus in the soil! Each plant only blooms for one week of the year between June and September and spends the rest of the year underground.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

You don’t have to celebrate “Christmas in July” for this to be a great souvenir. You don’t even need to celebrate Christmas at all to find joy in the many ornament options that can be found at the gift shops throughout Lake County.

Tip of the Month:

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE

This advice rings true anywhere, really, but especially on the North Shore. The Scenic Route of Highway 61 connects Duluth and Two Harbors and is home to beautiful overlooks and amazing restaurants and gift shops. Why rush when you’re on the North Shore?

TIMBER COFFEE COMPANY

You can’t miss Silver Bay’s first ever coffee shop! This relatively new addition to the North Shore certainly feels like a cozy, woodsy, and welcoming environment for visitors and the local community alike. You’ll want to be sure to order one of their homemade bagels or any of the other fresh-baked goods they offer that day.

Check Out Cook County, MN

BERRIES AND BEARS

MOST SUNDAYS IN JULY

Skyport Music By the Lake

JULY 23

Timothy Cochrane Author Talk

JULY 13-16

Lutsong Music Festival

Check out our full events calendar on page 32.

July marks the start of berry season in the Northwoods which means black bears and humans alike will be enjoying a variety of juneberries, strawberries, blueberries, and eventually raspberries. A good year for berries means the bears will be well fed and tend to avoid human visitors. When the berries are small or few and far between, it is good to be even more “bear aware” than usual. Either way, be sure to harvest responsibly by only taking what you’ll use, stay on paths where possible, and don’t pick unripe berries.

CASCADE

Cascade Lodge and Restaurant serves up a mean breakfast with a nice view. Be sure to order an extra side of hollandaise for your eggs benedict so you can dunk your potatoes. More of a sweets person? Definitely add blueberries and locally made syrup to your pancake order— you’re in the North afterall!

Did you know?

The translation for "blueberry pie" is one of the longest words in Ojibwe:

Miina-baashkiminasiganibiitoosijigani-bakwezhigan

Visit the Chik-Wauk campus and find blueberries on the Blueberry Hill trail!

gunflinthistory.org

NALGENE WITH STICKERS

Not only is this a great way to remember all of the cool places you stop at and events you attend, but you can also stay hydrated! Almost every business up here sells stickers to adorn your trusty nalgene that you can take with you on all of your future adventures.

SWEETWATER COMPANY

This fairly new retail boutique is a unique addition to Grand Marais offering trendy clothing, accessories, and gifts, as well as beauty products and home decor, all curated by co-owners Brooke and Kelsi. Shop online or stop in the shop right in town.

CARIBOU ROCK TRAIL

Enjoy a serene drive to the trailhead about halfway up the Gunflint Trail. Go past the towering pines, past a couple of lakes, and hang a right at the sign for Hungry Jack. If you see a moose, you’ve gone too far (kidding!). The trailhead and parking are a little under 2 miles up Hungry Jack Road. This out-and-back hike has three overlooks and a waterfall, depending on how long you want to hike. The entire trail spans about 7 miles leading into the Border Route Trail. Whether you want to do a couple of miles and enjoy the overlooks, or plan an all-day adventure and make it to Rose Falls, this is definitely a hike you won’t want to miss.

Top Tip for July:

FIRE SAFETY 101

Fire safety is important every summer, but this year is particularly dry. Do our amazing volunteer firefighters a favor and be fire wise. Fires shouldn’t exceed the size of your fire ring; don’t burn trash; and be sure you’re able to touch the coals with a bare hand after dowsing the fire with water, after enjoying your smores. Of course, respect any fire restrictions in your area.

EXPLORE THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF

EXPLORETHECULTURALHERITAGEOF

Cook County

Cook County

Stopbyany heritagecenter ormuseumin CookCountyto receiveyourfree Passportbooklet. Visitanyorall18 sites,collectyour bookstamps, andlearnabout therichhistoryof CookCounty!

Stop by any heritage center or museum in Cook County to receive your free Passport booklet. Visit any or all 18 sites, collect your book stamps, and learn about the rich history of Cook County!

•SugarloafCoveNatureCenter(Schroeder)

•CrossRiverHeritage&InformationCenter (Schroeder)

• Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center (Schroeder)

weddings

•NorthShoreCommercialFishingMuseum (Tofte)

• Cross River Heritage & Information Center (Schroeder)

35 miles from Grand Marais up the scenic Gunflint Trail, 372 Hungry Jack Rd. www.hungryjack.com

•VisitCookCountyInformationCenter(Grand Marais)

• North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum (Tofte)

•CookCountyHistoryMuseum(GrandMarais)

•Chik-WaukMuseum&NatureCenter (GunflintTrail)

• Visit Cook County Information Center (Grand Marais)

•GrandPortageNationalMonument& HeritageCenter

• Cook County History Museum (Grand Marais)

• Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center (Gunflint Trail)

• Grand Portage National Monument & Heritage Center

Formoreinformation-visitonlineat: www.cookcountyhistory.org/passport-to-the-past-program

• Grand Portage State Park & Welcome Center

Programfundedinpartby VisitCookCounty

•GrandPortageStatePark&WelcomeCenter Program

For more information - visit online at: www.cookcountyhistory.org/passport-to-the-past-program

Explore the shore on an e-bike rental

NORTH SHORE—There’s no denying that the North Shore offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. There’s also no denying the fact that electric bikes, or e-bikes, have soared in popularity in recent years, quickly becoming a new favorite way to get outdoors and make the most of the warm months. Several locations along the North Shore offer e-bike rentals, giving more people than ever the ability to enjoy the region’s bike trails.

One of Cook County’s e-bike rental businesses is Electric Trails, which is currently located in Schroeder in the former North 61 building. Electric Trails began operating in Cook County in 2022; previously, they were operating out of a shipping container in the Grand Marais area, but have moved into their new location in Schroeder as of this year. With their fleet of Super 73 bikes, folks have rented Electric Trails’ e-bikes for all sort of adventures, from exploring the Gitchi-Gami trail to taking backwoods adventures along Forest Service roads with their custom GPS map.

“There’s not a single person who hasn’t come back smiling,” said Emma Sievers, Electric Trails’ Marketing Manager.

E-bikes are so called because they are equipped with a small electric motor that powers the pedals, a feature known as pedal assist. E-bikes are sorted into different classes based on their capabilities, with Class 1 e-bikes having only the pedal assist feature. Class 2 e-bikes also have a throttle that propels the bike up to 20 mph without the need to pedal at all. (There are also Class 3 e-bikes that can go faster, but these are not allowed on non-motorized bike trails.) But no matter what kind of e-bike you choose, the motor works to ease the strain of biking and makes it more accessible for people of different ability levels.

“The e-bike industry has taken off for sure. What we love is that it allows a lot of people to reconnect with biking,” said Patrick Reeves, Owner and General Manager of Temperance Traders in Schroeder, which is home to North Shore eBike Rental. “Most of us have fond memories of biking as kids and a huge smile isn’t far off once you start accelerating on one of these bikes. Traditional biking can be difficult for a lot of people as we age and the electric assist of an e-bike helps people to overcome some of those barriers that prevent people from bike riding altogether. It’s a wonderful thing and allows a group of folks of varying ages or different fitness levels to bike together.”

Help Wanted Magazine Distribution Contractor

Seeking a reliable contractor(s) for monthly distribution

• Duluth, Superior, Two Harbors

• Beaver Bay through Grand Marais

This position requires availability upon magazine arrival, a vehicle capable of carrying the weight, and the ability to lift 25 pounds. Refresh runs and recordkeeping are necessary. Contractors should be selfstarters.

EMAIL: office@northernwilds.com and indicate preferred location(s). Equal opportunity employer.

North Shore eBike Rental sits on the Gitchi-Gami bike trail in Schroeder. Those interested in renting from their fleet of bikes can take their bikes right from Temperance Traders and onto the trail, which connects as far north as Lutsen. Reeves said that other popular destinations include taking bikes inland to Trestle Inn or to the North Shore Winery, with whom they have a partnership.

“There are all the wonderful scenic destinations between Schroeder and Lutsen for people to enjoy; hiking, overlooks, State Parks and waterfalls. We offer a more traditional bike option for our rentals, but our bikes have eight speeds, a front suspension and they have fat tires, which is a hoot to ride but also means they can go up the dirt roads as well as on the bike trail,” Reeves said.

Farther down the shore, Duluth also offers myriad places to explore by e-bike. Among Duluth’s e-bike rental businesses is Continental Ski & Bike, which offers both city and mountain e-bike rentals.

“The city bikes are super fun in town, since we have a bunch of bike lanes and trails to explore within the city of Duluth,” said Peter Brinkmann of Continental Ski & Bike.

“They could also take the Lakewalk Trail, the

Munger Trail, or Gitch-Gami Trail. Then with the mountain bikes, people can go and ride any trail or trail system around here, like at the Hartley Nature Center, Chester Park, or Lester Park.”

According to Brinkmann, the e-bike charge typically lasts a full day of riding, but overnight and multi-day rentals come with a charger so people can recharge the bikes after a day of use. Continental Ski & Bike also sells their e-bike rentals at the end of the season, so people who have tried them out and like them have the ability to take an e-bike home for good.

Like Reeves, Brinkmann also said that the accessibility of e-bikes is something that has been the most special to see. “There’s been some really cool stories with the e-bikes, such as people with heart conditions who had to stop biking but can with an e-bike. Bringing families together is neat too—older folks can get on a bike and keep up with their kids or grandkids and do the same ride which is super, super cool.”—Rae

Poynter

E-bikes are equipped with a small electric motor that powers the pedals, a feature known as pedal assist. | ELECTRIC TRAILS

From Pedals to Footsteps Exploring Gravel Cycling & Ultra Marathon Running on the North Shore

By Kalli Hawkins

With the abundance of trails and gravel roads through the Superior National Forest and the surrounding wilderness, northern Minnesota presents an expansive playground for adventurous ultra-marathon athletes.

For decades, the Superior 100 Trail Race, and the Minnesota Voyageur 50-mile Trail Ultramarathon, among many others, have captured the attention of athletes of all ages, experiences, and styles across Minnesota.

Started in 1991, the Superior 100-mile Fall Trail Race, historically termed the ‘Superior 100,’ was founded by Harry Sloan of Minnesota. Sloan’s passion for running and competing in ultramarathons across the U.S. for the past three decades has contributed to developing the ultramarathon culture along the North Shore.

The Superior 100 follows the technical terrain of the single-track Superior Hiking Trail that overlooks the immense Lake Superior along the ridges of northeastern Minnesota. The footing is often challenging, and at times, so are the weather conditions.

Although Sloan was instrumental in getting the Superior 100 off the ground, it wasn’t until 2015 that Sloan, at 67 years old, raced in the Superior 100 for the first time.

“He’s still one of the oldest finishers of the race,” Jeremy Storkamp, the race director of the Superior Trail Races, said.

Storkamp explained there’s a healthy mix of 67-year-olds currently in competition participating in the race each year, Sloan being one of them.

In addition, Storkamp said, “Year after year, we’re getting one or two 70-yearolds that will toe the start line.” While the 70-year-olds have yet to make it across the

finish line, a dedicated few continue to show up and strive to be the first.

Joining the 60 and 70-year-olds at the starting line are many younger racers in their late teens, 20s, and 30s. In recent years the Superior Trail Races has experienced an increase in participation from female and younger runners. “There’s no comparison between now and even 15 years ago. That trend of younger people is really noticeable,” he said. In addition, Storkamp explained that very few professional athletes are in trail and ultra running. The culture of the Superior 100 and the more recently added 50-mile and 26.2-mile distances consist of families or parents who are busy and have a lot of things going on but want to be involved in a hobby for fun and entertainment.

Storkamp started as a volunteer for the Superior Trail Races in 2005 before taking over as race director in 2012. Despite his nearly two-decades-long involvement with the Superior 100, he has never competed in the race. However, one day, after stepping away from the race director position, he says he will compete, perhaps in his 60s, like Sloan. Although Storkamp doesn’t run in the Superior 100, he trains and participates in other ultramarathon races. He participated in the Bighorn Trail Race in mid-June, a 100-mile mountain endurance race through the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. He explains that his underlying motivation for ultramarathon running is multi-faceted, but the driving factor is the mental health benefits. “Feeling good, being active, and enjoying beautiful places outdoors is really a special thing,” he said.

Storkamp said he stays active year-round and incorporates cross-training into his daily life to prepare for the Bighorn Trail

Started in 1991, the 100-mile Superior Fall Trail Race follows the technical terrain of the single-track Superior Hiking Trail that overlooks Lake Superior along the ridges of northeastern Minnesota. | CARY JOHNSON

Le Grand Du Nord participant John Cron with his wife after the 2019 gravel cycling race in Grand Marais. | JOHN CRON

Race and other ultramarathon races. In the winter, he enjoys cross-country skiing and weightlifting; in the warmer months, he enjoys roller skiing, hiking, backpacking, and biking.

The Superior Fall Trail Races, taking place this year Sept. 8-9, has undoubtedly grown and expanded, so much so that a Superior Spring Trail Race option was added in 2003 with 12.5km, 25km, and 50km distances. Many Cook County residents, including April Wahlstrom and Joey Chemlik, participated in the 2023 spring race in May. Chemlik won the 25km distance, while Wahlstrom won the women’s division of 12.5km.

“We do have a really strong trail and ultra running scene here in Minnesota,” Storkamp said. “It is big and as vibrant as anywhere.”

The vibrancy of the ultramarathon culture extends beyond trail running along the North Shore. Gravel cycling is another outdoor activity to take hold in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Sloan was instrumental in expanding the ultra-running scene in northeastern Minnesota, Jeremy Kershaw has been instrumental in gravel cycling. After competing in numerous bike racing events in Minnesota and the U.S., he felt like the North Shore needed an ultramarathon bike race.

So, in the early 2000s, he spent months pouring over maps, driving and riding gravel backroads, and assembling a route in the Duluth area. “The first year, we had about 40 to 50 riders, and it was all very illegal and grassroots,” Kershaw said. After coming up with a more solidified plan and support, Kershaw held the first legal race with help from his partner Avesa Rockwell with three racing options, a 20-miler, 56-miler, and a 105-miler, coined the Heck of the North in Two Harbors, in 2009.

“In the last five years, I’d say, it’s really boomed,” Kershaw said. “We’re very proud of the fact that we’ve continued to grow, but we’re still kind of run from our kitchen table.” He explained that while the event’s

popularity has risen, he strives to maintain the feel of a small personalized event for riders of all experiences. “It’s a balance of welcoming new riders and our veteran riders too, but not getting so ginormous.”

The smaller feel of the race events allows race directors, Storkamp and Kershaw, to build relationships with participants, some of whom have left a lasting impression. While the fastest runners or cyclists are to be admired for their endurance and stamina, both Storkamp and Kershaw mentioned that they thoroughly enjoy watching the less competitive racers. “As the saying goes, if you’re going to be slow, you gotta be tough,” Kershaw said. He has spent many nights in the race’s final hours waiting for riders in their 70s to emerge from the dark before deploying search and rescue crews. “Those are the amazing stories,” he said. “They’re the ones I talk to after the event, and we stay in contact.”

The relationships and connections built during training or the Heck of the North event are why Susan Perala-Dewey keeps returning to the challenging ultramarathon scene. “I feel grateful to know Jeremy and Avesa. They are kind, supportive and encouraging. These races take so much energy to put on and provide an outstanding opportunity to see wild places up close and in community with others,” she said. “The two of them are very humble and deserve much gratitude from our community.”

Perala-Dewey entered the gravel cycling world two years ago and competed in the 20-mile Heck of the North. “I just feel like it’s a fun activity to participate in.” She added, “I really love biking now. My body really loves biking.” She recently participated in the 26-miler Le Grand Du Nord, another gravel cycling race hosted by Kershaw and

going uphill on gravel.” Thankfully, Perala-Dewey’s energy was restored after being graciously handed an Embark maple sugar energy pouch. “It puts something into your body that gives you a little more go power to get up the next hill.”

At 60 years old, Perala-Dewey is working her way up to compete in the 56-mile Heck of the North race on Sept. 30. She made sure to mention that she will have a few extra maple sugar energy pouches stashed for safe measure.

The Heck of the North race draws many cyclists who participate in the event for various reasons. John Cron’s motivation to participate in the 105-mile event was mainly due to living near the Two Harbors starting line. “I just feel like it’s a neat event for Two Harbors to host, and I want to be a part of it,” he said. “It also keeps me motivated to train and ride on a regular basis.”

Training for a 105-mile cycling race takes a substantial time commitment, Cron said. Carving out three to seven hours during a busy work week for a long-distance ride has

its challenges. “You really have to be able to set aside blocks of time to do it.” Cron has raced in the 105-mile event since the Heck of the North’s inception in 2009.

In 2022, however, he switched and competed in the 56-mile event, breaking his long-established 105-mile streak. At 56 years old, he said he’s starting to feel the after-effect of riding over 100 miles. “It takes several days to recover and feel kind of normal after that.” He describes the experience of racing in the 56-mile event versus the 105-mile event as, in some ways, “more fun and a lot easier.” He’s debating whether to remain in the 56-mile category or return to the larger 105-mile event this Sept.

After many years of participating in the event, Cron describes the gravel cycling community as having “a lot of good camaraderie.” During the race, participants frequently stop to help with mechanical problems or cheer each other on. “Almost everyone has a smile on their face when they’re out there.”

“It was challenging,” she said. “I now know that you don’t want to spend all your energy the first five miles or however long it is before you actually get on gravel because you really need energy stores when you start

the Heck of the North Productions in Grand Marais on May 27.

This year’s Superior Fall Trail Race, held in Lutsen, will take place Sept. 8-9. | MIKE WHEELER

This year’s Le Grand Du Nord took place Saturday, May 27. Held annually, it offers 100-mile, 54-mile, and 26-mile race options. | EVAN FROST

Fort William Historical Park Bringing Life to History for 50 Years

STORY & PHOTOS By Chris Pascone

Louis Felix has an incredible talent for making you feel like you’re right there on the bank of Kaministiquia River in 1815, even though it’s currently 2023. He mocks me as I take photos left and right with my cell phone. “We don’t know what those picture boxes are that you all carry around,” he says.

He goes deep into the lifestyle of the Montrealers and the winterers. “The winterers like to consider themselves a cut above us Montrealers. And although I’m a Montreal voyageur, I do have to give it to the wintering voyageurs. The winterers have a three-toseven-year contract with the company. And during that time, they will only be living in the interior of British North America, which is a brutal frozen wasteland at this point.”

This interpretive play of the guides at Fort William is just one of the many ways the historical park delivers you 200 years back in time. Another way is the striking period dress worn by all staff at Fort William: it’s colorful, flamboyant, and amazingly detailed. The fort itself, with dozens of period buildings reconstructed within its palisades, is a stunner as well. So how did this living history museum re-enacting the rich legacy of the voyageurs and their Anishinaabe allies in our region come to be?

Fort William Historical Park is celebrating its 50year anniversary this year. The original fort was built at the mouth of the Kaministiquia River on Lake Superior. This original site is now in the CP rail yard

in modern day Thunder Bay’s east end. The plan to rebuild Fort William gained momentum in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial. Early excavations by a team of archaeologists from Lakehead University in the 1960s uncovered the foundations of the Great Hall, palisade posts, and other North West Company remnants. That discovery launched a process of reconstructing the fort, but at the new location of Pointe du Meuron, 14 kilometers upriver on the Kam. On July 3, 1973, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip officially opened Old Fort William (named Fort William Historical Park today).

The new historical park was moved from the original fort’s site in Thunder Bay’s east end because Pointe du Meuron’s location and natural landscape offered a break from modern distractions and noise,

“Bonjour, my name is Louis Felix, I’m a Montreal Voyageur with the North West Company. Mr. Taitt has asked me to take you around the Fort, and see if I have the making of a wintering voyageur,” our intrepid historical interpreter tells me and my daughters as we begin our tour of Fort William Historical Park, a sprawling “living” park in Thunder Bay.

Louis Felix has an incredible talent for making you feel like you’re right there on the bank of Kaministiquia River in 1815, even though its currently 2023.

Fort William’s historical interpreters get an intensive initial orientation where they get specific training in their role, whether it be in the Indigenous camp, or bourgeois/voyageurs trades.

So, what is a voyageurs rendezvous, exactly? According to the park’s website, “Rendezvous is a re-creation of the annual summer gathering held at Fort William over 200 years ago when it was the inland headquarters of the North West Company, which, at the time was the world’s largest fur trading enterprise with posts stretching across North America. During Rendezvous, French-Canadian voyageurs, Scottish businessmen, Indigenous peoples, and others from various places around the world would gather at Fort William to discuss business, share news, and renew friendships.”

Carr says it’s been many years since the last Great Rendezvous was held at Fort William, and describes the event as “huge.” Carr highlights the community partners who will be coming to Fort William, including musical performers, climatologists, and special guest speakers on farming in the 1800s. Fort William has a farm on site outside the palisades, with breeds of sheep and chickens that were common during the original fort’s time.

Plan a whole day when you go to Fort William—there’s that much to see and do there.

allowing visitors to feel as though they’ve been transported back in time. Construction began with the Naval Shed, Taitt’s House, and Boucher’s House, which were completed for the park’s official opening in 1973. The final historic site building to be opened was the Great Hall in 1981.

As we begin our tour, my daughters and I need a few minutes to adjust to Louis Felix’s incredibly real character role play. Fort William’s historical interpreters get an intensive initial orientation where they get specific training in their role, whether it be in the Indigenous camp, or bourgeois/voyageurs trades. “The interpreters get character booklets which teach them about the real lives of their character. Did they live at the fort? Were they travelling? All the interpreters research and learn a way of life from the 1800s,” explains Emily Carr, Communications Officer at Fort William. “We have the original journals of people who lived during the fur trade era, which our interpreters can base their own interpretations on. It’s fun.”

The role playing by Fort William interpreters everyday compliments the incredible work done over the years to reconstruct the extensive fort. Today, Fort William features 46 buildings, all furnished with historic details representative of the years around 1815. For example, Louis Felix took our

family into the fort’s operating open-hearth bakery, run by his good friend Paul Marseillais. We sampled the steaming hot, delicious bread baked with the same techniques that were used 200 years ago.

Plan a whole day when you go to Fort William— there’s that much to see and do there. Besides tours, during summer hours guests are welcome to simply wander the park and sample activities that interest them. If you’re over 13, you can even fire a period musket using real gunpowder.

And then there’s the park’s 50th anniversary bash this summer—the party of the year in Thunder Bay. The Great Rendezvous Celebration will take place July 8-16, and will feature guest speakers, art and music, and heritage farming and foodways. The celebration will culminate in the Great Rendezvous Historic Re-enactment from July 13-16.

Here, re-enactors from the general public will be living the true lives of the voyageurs. People taking part are responsible for supplying and maintaining their own historic costumes, which must be worn at all times while camping on the historic site or participating in re-enactment activities. The period depicted in the dress of rendezvous participants must fall within 1650 to 1840 and portray the North American fur trade. Get your souliers de boeuf (oxhide shoes) and your ceinture fléchée (woven wool sash) ready!

For another immersive experience, get your groove on at the Beaver Ball, to be held at Fort William Historical Park at McGillivray’s Landing on Thursday, July 13. The Beaver Ball is being presented by the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre “on behalf” of William McGillivray, Chief Director of the North West Company, in celebration of Fort William Historical Park’s 50th anniversary. Tickets are $100 CDN per person, and include a symposium and dinner. Historic attire is optional.

In today’s society, with our hyper focus on what’s new and modern, Fort William is a healing place. According to Carr, “We’re encouraging people to put their phones down and live in the moment.” Dive in! You can also bring your tent or RV and camp out at the park to extend your visit. There are portable bathrooms and showers at the campground, and the campground is not far from other amenities like grocery stores and restaurants.

Fort William is a branch of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and park guests are treated like royalty at this incredible historical facility. So, whether or not you trap beaver, wear a bright red sash around your waist, or eat lard and lye corn every day, get ready to be transported back to the authentic fur trade era at one of Canada’s premier historical destinations.

The interpretive play of the guides at Fort William is just one of the many ways the historical park delivers you 200 years back in time.

By Breana Johnson

Art Festivals

There’s no shortage of art festivals and exhibits along the shore, especially in the summer. This month, we start with the Hovland Arts Festival, held July 1-2 at the Hovland Town Hall. Next up is the Grand Marais Arts Festival, July 8-9. Last but not least is the Blueberry/ Art Festival at Whiteside Park in Ely, July 28-30.

Mosaic artist Sherri Kruger-Kukowski of Winding River will be at the Blueberry/Art Festival in Ely. | SHERRI KRUGER-KUKOWSKI

This acrylic piece by Gina Adams is titled “Chickadee on Vintage Black Gold Rimmed Teacup.” Adams will attend the Hovland Arts Festival and the Grand Marais Arts Festival. | GINA ADAMS

Elise Kyllo of Works in Wool will have a variety of pieces for sale at the Grand Marais Arts Festival, including wall hangings, sculptures, purses, scarves, and puppets. | ELISE KYLLO

“Common Loons Taking Off,” is an acrylic piece by Karl Bardon. See more from Bardon at the Grand Marais Arts Festival. | KARL BARDON

Rebecca Barrett of The Wilder Woodshop will be at the Hovland Arts Festival and the Grand Marais Arts Festival. Shown here is a travel-sized cribbage board. | REBECCA BARRETT

Cole Nyquist of Nyquist Photography and Woodworking will also attend the Blueberry/Art Festival. Shown here is a black walnut serving board with runic inscriptions. | COLE NYQUIST

The Big Time Jazz Orchestra Plays On CREATIVE

SPACE:

By Eric Chandler

Jazz was invented in America, and if you want to hear some of that music in the Northern Wilds, look no further than the Big Time Jazz Orchestra (BTJO). From their very first rehearsal in 1989, they have been spreading the gospel of this uniquely American music ever since. Randy Lee and his wife, Mary, were in that founding group of musicians, and I recently talked with Lee regarding BTJO.

“The Big Time Jazz Orchestra is made up of the finest big band jazz musicians in the greater Twin Ports region, including college and school jazz teachers, [Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra] members, retired military musicians, and many occupations,” said Lee. “It is an artistic jazz ensemble playing music of jazz masters (Ellington, Basie, Akiyoshi, Schneider, Kenton, G. Evans, Rich, Herman, T. Jones, etc.), as well as performing new creations.”

Not long after they started as a band, they also became a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of promoting big band jazz music in the Northland. “I was a jazz lover and practitioner before starting the band,” said Lee. “With the retirement of a local prominent jazz band leader, some of us saw the impetus to start a top shelf large ensemble jazz group. We wished to make it professional level and as accessible, visible, and marketable as possible, and saw the collaboration route and the non-profit trail as important steps for the ensemble.”

One unique feature of the band is their focus on collaborating with other charitable groups and music programs through the donation of their concert proceeds. For example, the BTJO has an upcoming concert in August that will benefit the Lake Superior

Zoo. “We’ll have a great time playing outside at the Public Library and the Zoo in August and will feature diverse styles, new music, and many talented soloists. There will be powerful music as well as very peaceful approaches,” said Lee. “We’re also proud to say

we’ve played over 100 benefit concerts for charitable causes and we’ve performed for and/or with every regional college and high school jazz band.”

Also in August, BTJO will play a concert free to the public at the Duluth Public Library. In both this one and the concert that supports the zoo, several members of his family will be joining the band. His wife Mary, son, brother-in-law, and nephew will all be playing with the ensemble. “It’s quite special to have a professional level saxophone section within the family,” said Lee. “I’ve performed many times with various members but only once did nearly all of us play together and that was a family wedding. My son and nephew are both talented so it’s a thrill to play high level music with them. And my multi-talented wife, Mary, co-founder of BTJO, has done many, many gigs with me over the years. She’s been part of BTJO for most of its 33 years.”

The BTJO is in its fourth decade of playing jazz. Lee shared how his feelings about this uniquely American art form have changed over the years. “I’ve become even more ‘philosophical’ about the music and its traits and offerings. I think when I was younger, I saw myself as ‘a player’ and enjoyed all the rest that came along with that, but over time I think more of a leader, hopefully in the better qualities of that position, and a shepherd for the band and its music. And only in my last 10 years do I actually consider it therapeutic as it often tells a story, plus practicing is therapeutic for me.”

The BTJO fundraiser at the Lake Superior Zoo will take place Friday, August 4, from 6-7 p.m. They will play a free concert at the Duluth Public Library on Thursday, August 10, from 6-7 p.m. “We are very proud that the band often plays at a really high level that is about as fine a big band sound and presentation as you will find,” said Lee. But don’t just take Lee’s word for it—come to the concerts and hear for yourself.

If you can’t make it to the gigs, the band has recorded two CDs of original compositions and jazz standards. You can hear sample tracks of those recordings and learn more about Big Time Jazz Orchestra on their website: bigtimejazz.org

Big Time Jazz Orchestra, comprised of musicians in the greater Twin Ports region, is in its fourth decade of playing jazz. | SUBMITTED

Not long after they started as a band, BTJO became a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of promoting big band jazz music in the Northland. | SUBMITTED

Randy Lee of Big Time Jazz Orchestra. | SUBMITTED

HOVLAND ARTS FESTIVAL

July 1-2 The annual Hovland Arts Festival, held at the Hovland Town Hall, will showcase 40 artists, featuring everything from jewelry, paintings, and pottery to carvings, photography, and woodwork. There will also be live music, storytelling all day, and food provided by Trinity Lutheran Church and Bad Seed. The festival will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. facebook. com/hovlandartsfestival

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

July 4, Tuesday Head to Tofte for a full line-up of family-friendly events, beginning with the Tofte Trek 10k Trail Run at 9 a.m. at Birch Grove Community Center. Then, head to the Tofte Town Hall/Park at 11 a.m. for bouncy houses, minnow races, craft vendors, music by Southpaw, a beer garden, food vendors and more, followed by a parade at 2 p.m. There will also be hotdogs and brats at Zoar Lutheran Church at 5 p.m. At roughly 10 p.m., find a spot in either Grand Portage, Grand Marais, Tofte, Silver Bay, Two Harbors, or Ely for the fireworks show. Or, head to Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park for Fourth Fest—gates open at 4 p.m. followed by live music at 5 p.m. This year’s lineup includes Derek Jones & the 50 South Band, Wild Horses, Erik Koskinen, and Black River Revue. There will also be food, beverage and craft vendors. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Admission is free.

TWO HARBORS HERITAGE DAYS

July 6-9 The annual Two Harbors Heritage Days features four days of family fun. Activities include live music and entertainment, a medallion hunt, pancake breakfasts, kids’ activities, a street dance, food vendors, helicopter rides, a dunk tank, Edna G tours, a walk/run fundraiser, art and craft vendors, a lutefisk toss, and more. A kiddie parade will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, followed by a free ice cream social and kids’ games at Thomas Owens Park. On Saturday is the car show at Danny’s Auto from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Also on Saturday is the full parade at 1 p.m. A full list of events can be found online. facebook.com/twoharborsheritagedays

BAY DAYS

July 7-9 This year’s Bay Days Festival, held in Silver Bay, features live music, craft and food vendors, kids’ games and activities, a golf scramble, raffle drawings, morning

yoga, pancake breakfasts, a street dance, a bean bag tournament, a book sale, a silent auction, class reunions, a lighted boats display, a magic show, a BMX show, and more. A parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday and fireworks will be held at dusk. The Bay to Bay Run/Walk will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by the golf scramble and Scottish Highland games. The Classic Car and Motorcycle Show will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday. bay-days.org

GRAND MARAIS ARTS FESTIVAL

July 8-9 The annual Grand Marais Arts Festival, held in downtown Grand Marais, will feature over 60 local and regional juried artists, showcasing their unique, handcrafted work. Enjoy a selection of artwork,

such as jewelry, photography, woodcarvings, ceramics, glasswork, watercolor paintings, fiber art, and more. The festival will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. grandmaraisartcolony.org

GREAT RENDEZVOUS CELEBRATION

July 8-16 Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In honor of this milestone, a Great Rendezvous Celebration will be held from July 8-16, featuring a variety of programs and activities that celebrate the people who helped build Fort William Historical Park and its fur trade history. Enjoy themed days, including Celtic Days, July 8-9; Northern Nature, July 10; Farm and Food, July 11; Art and Music, July 12; and the Great Rendezvous Historic Re-enactment, July 13-16. Rendezvous is a re-creation of the annual summer gathering held at Fort William over 200 years ago when it was the inland headquarters of the North West Company, which, at the time was the world’s largest fur trading enterprise with posts stretching across North America. The historic re-enactment will include daily workshops, contests, guest speakers, art and music, and more. fwhp.ca

Head to Tofte on July 4 for a day of family fun, culminating in fireworks at roughly 10 p.m. | SUBMITTED

See the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at the Duluth Airshow, held July 15-16. | LARRY GRACE

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LUTSONG MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 13-16 The second annual Lutsong Music Festival, held on Ski Hill Road in Lutsen, will feature four days of live music. Twenty acts are scheduled to play at Caribou Highlands Lodge and the North Shore Winery, including Dusty Heart, The Scarlet Goodbye, Wild Horses, Humbird, Jeffrey Foucault, Vlad Messing, Storyhill, and more. Alongside the music, attendees will enjoy a vendor village, a bronze metal pour demonstration, campfire jam sessions, a Saturday morning hike, food and beverages, and more. Tickets can be purchased online. lutsongmusicfestival.com

WEST END GARDEN CLUB FLOWER SHOW

July 15, Saturday The West End Garden Club’s annual flower show will be at a new location this year. It will take place at the Waves of Superior Café Surfside Resort ballroom in Tofte on Saturday, July 15 from 1-5 p.m. This year’s theme is Grandma’s Attic and all are invited to enjoy dozens of beautiful flower arrangements. In addition to WEGC members, anyone is welcome to display an arrangement, which should be brought to the ballroom between 9-10 a.m. Master gardeners will also be on hand to answer questions and complimentary refreshments will be served.

LAKE SUPERIOR SALMON CLASSIC

July 15-16 The annual Lake Superior Salmon Classic fishing tournament, hosted by the Silver Bay PTSO, will take place in the Silver Bay Marina. There are three contest divisions, with five place winners per division: coho salmon, king salmon, and lake trout. The tournament will take place from 4 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and from 4 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. An air horn will announce start and stop times. The entry fee is $25 per person. There will also be a raffle drawing with cash prizes—first place gets $1,000—as well as other prizes. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the marina during the tournament. silverbay-marina.com

DULUTH AIRSHOW

July 15-16 Minnesota’s largest airshow, the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo, presented by Essentia Health, will return to Duluth International Airport July 15-16. This year’s headline is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Other performers and attractions include aerobatic pilots Craig Gifford, Kyle Fowler, and Britt Lincoln, the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, a B-25 Bomber, various Warbirds, a U.S. Air Force F-16, the After Shock Jet Truck, a B-52 fly-by, and more. There will be aircraft displays and vendors, food and drink vendors, a kids’ zone, and more. Gates will open at 9 a.m. both days. Tickets can be purchased online. duluthairshow.com

GUNFLINT TRAIL CANOE RACES

July 19, Wednesday The annual Gunflint Trail Canoe Races, which began in 1976, is a fundraiser for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. Held at the Gunflint Lodge waterfront on Gunflint Lake, activities will be held from 4 p.m. to dusk. There will be multiple canoe races for all ages and abilities, as well as teams from various Gunflint Trail outfitters/resorts competing for the Trail Cup Trophy. There will also be food, t-shirt sales, and a benefit raffle. Raffle tickets are $10 and will be sold during the races. visitcookcounty.com

Enjoy four days of live music and vendors at the Lutsong Music Festival in Lutsen. | SUBMITTED

FESTIVAL BY THE LAKE

July 22, Saturday Held at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Festival by the Lake is a family-friendly event filled with food, live music, vendors, crafts, a kids’ area, and more. The festival will take place from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and this year’s music lineup includes The Jane Gang, Sidestreet Detour, Sydney Hansen, Born Too Late, and more. The Irving Community Center Kids Area will be a hub of excitement with bounce houses and live entertainment by family favorites Dan the Monkey Man and the magic of Kelvin Saline’s Magic Village Shows. Last but not least,

there will be a wide variety of food vendors, including gluten free and vegetarian options. Admission to the festival is $5; kids 12 and under are free. festivalbythelake.com

Gunflint Trail Canoe Races

FESTIVAL OF INDIA & COLOURS

GUNFLINT

July 22-23 Held at Marina Park on July 22, the annual Festival of India in Thunder Bay is a celebration of culture, arts, music, and food. Festivities include a chariot parade, live music and dancing, henna tattoos, art and cultural exhibits, a yoga show, free Indian food, and more. The festival is free and

GUNFLINT TRAIL

takes place from 3-8 p.m. Then, take part in the Festival of Colours on Sunday, July 23, also at Marina Park. With roots in ancient India, the Festival of Colours is a joyful reminder to cast away bad feelings and throw worries to the wind. Join the crowd of people laughing, dancing, playing, eating, and filling the sky with clouds of bright colours. Held at 3 p.m., there will be interactive dances, live Kirtan bands, DJ’s, yoga, food, colour throwing, and more. The colours used are plant-based, non-toxic, and environmentally-friendly. Open to all ages. facebook.com/festivalofindia.thunderbay

ELY BLUEBERRY/ ARTS FESTIVAL

July 28-30 Ely’s signature summer event, the Blueberry/Art Festival features roughly 270 juried artists and crafters selling their hand-crafted items, as well as 15 food vendors. Held at Whiteside Park, the festival includes a beer garden, live music, activities for the kids, and fresh baked blueberry pies, as well as delicious burgers, brats, pork chops on a stick, seafood, kettle corn, waffles, and more. The festival will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. ely.org

Gunflint Trail Canoe Races

GUNFLINT

Wednesday,

The Gunflint Trail Canoe Races offers multiple canoe races for all ages and abilities. | SUBMITTED

Held at Marina Park in Thunder Bay, the Festival of India and Festival of Colours will take place July 22-23. | SUBMITTED

BUSKERS FESTIVAL

July 29-30 The annual Bay and Algoma Buskers Festival in Thunder Bay is a two-day, family-friendly street festival that features live music and entertainment, artists and crafts, food and drink vendors, kids’ activities, games, and more. Located in the Bay and Algoma neighbourhood, the festival will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. buskersfestival.ca

FISHERMAN’S PICNIC

Aug. 3-6 This year marks the 94th annual Fisherman’s Picnic festival in downtown Grand Marais, and there’s lots to look forward to. There’s bingo, live music, food and artisan vendors, the fish toss and loon calling contests, kiddy rides, blacksmithing demos, a trail run, pancake breakfasts, a raffle drawing, and of course, the fishburger stand. There will be multiple contests and races, including the Big Fish Contest held July 31-Aug. 6, sponsored by Bucks and Northern Wilds. Don’t miss the fireworks over the harbor at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday and the parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday. grandmaraislions.com

FISH CONTEST

94 th Annual Fisherman’s Picnic

August 3-6 Grand Marais, MN

WEDNESDAY, August 2

10 AM-6 PM Paint a Piece of Pottery by Grand Marais Pottery. Betsy Bowen Gallery, 301 1st Avenue West. Paint a piece of pottery, fired and ready for pickup Saturday morning

WISE “Buffet in a Box ‘’ with all the traditional favorites: Lena’s fishcakes, baked ham, Swedish meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, delicious sides, and homemade desserts. Must pre-order online, $25 per meal at www. wisenorth.org. Choose your pick-up time: 11:30 am-1:00 pm lunch and 5:006:30 pm supper. WISE is a non-profit that was formerly the Lioness Club. This is a fundraiser for service and education in Cook County.

THURSDAY, August 3

9 AM Crazy Daze Sales – visit local merchants around town

10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

10 AM-2 PM Craft and Bake Sale - The Hub, 10 N Broadway Ave

10 AM-5 PM Kids Rides open – Senior Center Parking Lot - 10 N Broadway

10 AM-6 PM Paint a Piece of Pottery by Grand Marais Pottery - Betsy Bowen Gallery, 301 1st Avenue West

11 AM Fishburger Stand opens – Harbor Park

11 AM- UNTIL FOUND “DQ Medallion Hunt” - rules and new daily clues at Dairy Queen, $100 prize to the first person to find it – sponsored by Dairy Queen

11 AM-12:30 PM Fred Anderson and Ben Olinger - Harbor Park Stage

NOON Bingo Tent opens –1st Ave. W & Hwy 61- sponsored by The SONS

1-2:30 PM Bug Lite - Harbor Park Stage

2 PM-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

3-6 PM tbd - Harbor Park Stage

5 PM Dairy Queen Cornhole Tournament - Stop by ahead of time at Dairy Queen to sign up and see official rules.” Bring boards and bags if you have a set. If not just bring yourself.

5:30-6:30 PM Stories That Matter - Sharing the History of Cook County Women - Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, 115 W Wisconsin St.

7-9 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Shout! The Mod Musical”

- The Arrowhead Center for the Arts - 51 West 5th Street, www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com

7-10 PM Street Dance - Open Stage hosted by Zulu Link (call Pete 612275-3875 to sign up) – Harbor Park Stage

FRIDAY, August 4

9 AM Crazy Daze Sales – all over town visit local merchants

9 AM-3 PM Cook County Market - E Wisconsin St.

10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

10 AM-2 PM Craft and Bake Sale - The Hub, 10 N Broadway Ave

10 AM-5 PM Vendor and Craft Show - 1st Ave W.

10 AM-5 PM Kiddy Rides open – Senior Center Parking Lot - 10 N Broadway

10 AM-5 PM Fun Games and Inflatables - Wisconsin St.

10 AM-6 PM Paint a Piece of Pottery by Grand Marais Pottery - Betsy Bowen Gallery, 301 1st Avenue West

11 AM Fishburger Stand Opens – Harbor Park

11 AM- UNTIL FOUND “DQ Medallion Hunt”, rules and new clues daily at Dairy Queen, $100 prize to the first person to find it – sponsored by Dairy

Queen

11 AM-12:30 PM Jim McGowan - Harbor Park Stage

11:30 AM World’s Best Donut Bingo – Donut Shop - corner of Wisconsin St and Broadway Ave. – sponsored by the World’s Best Donut Shop

NOON Bingo opens – 1st Ave. W & Hwy 61 - sponsored by The SONS NOON Minnow Races – Beaver House, Corner of Wisconsin St and Broadway Ave., sign up at Lions info booth

1-2:30 PM North Shore Swing Band - Harbor Park Stage

2-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

3 PM DQ Upsidedownright Thick Blizzard Race - maximum of 10 teams with up to 4 racers each, register at Dairy Queen prior to race - 2nd Ave W. – sponsored by Dairy Queen

3 PM-4:30 PM CCHS Alumni Baseball Game registration–Cook County High School Ball Field

3-6 PM Drew Heinonen Trio - Harbor Park Stage

5 PM CCHS Alumni Baseball Game – Cook County High School Ball Field, behind school

6-6:30 PM Minnesota State Loon Calling Championship – Preliminary Round – Harbor Park Stage, sign up at Lions info booth

7-9 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Four Old Broads” - The Arrowhead Center for the Arts - 51 West 5th Street, www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com

7-9:30 PM Street Dance - Evening Stars – Harbor Park stage

SATURDAY, August 5

Fisherman’s Picnic Trail Run. Pincushion Mountain Trails – 2 miles north of Grand Marais off the Gunflint Trail, Co. Rd 12

8 AM-8:45 AM Race packet and bib pick-up

9 AM Kids Races ¼ mile Walk/Run or 1 mile Walk/Run $10 (parents can run with kids)

9:30 AM 5 mile Walk/Run or 5K Walk/Run $35

Register at: wwwpincushiontrails.org through Friday, Aug 4th until 5 pm No race day registration

9 AM Hoopin’n in the Harbor registration 3-on-3 Tournament –Wisconsin St.

9 AM-10 AM Oula Dance Class – Harbor Park, -Sponsored by YMCA

9:30 AM Hoopin’n in the Harbor 3-on-3 Tournament – Wisconsin St.

10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

10 AM-3 PM Cook County Market – E. Wisconsin St.

10 AM-5 PM Vendor and Craft Show – 1st Av W.

10 AM-5 PM Kiddy Rides open – Senior Center Parking Lot - 10 N Broadway

10 AM-5 PM Fun Games and Inflatables - Wisconsin St.

10 AM-6 PM Paint a Piece of Pottery by Grand Marais Pottery - Betsy Bowen Gallery, 301 1st Avenue West

11 AM Fishburger Stand opens – Harbor Park

11 AM- UNTIL FOUND “DQ Medallion Hunt”- rules and new clues daily at Dairy Queen, $100 prize to the first person to find it – sponsored by Dairy Queen

11AM-12:30 PM Roxann Berglund and Briand Morrison - Harbor Park Stage

NOON Bingo Tent opens –1st Ave. W & Hwy 61 - sponsored by The SONS NOON Minnow Races - Beaver House - Corner of Broadway Ave and Wisconsin St., sign up at Lions info booth

1 PM Rock Skipping Contest (all ages) – Harbor Park, sign up at Lions info booth

1-2:30 PM Josh Schmidt - Harbor Park Stage

1-4 PM Bally Blacksmith Demonstrations – Bally’s Blacksmith Shop, corner of Broadway and 1st St. – sponsored by Historic Cook County

2-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

2:30 PM Citizen of the Year Award – Harbor Park Stage

2:30-5 PM Kids Tractor Pull (ages 4-11) – Wisconsin St. – sponsored by Mike’s Holiday Station Store and Bernick’s Pepsi

3-6 PM The Splints- Harbor Park Stage (5 pm Rock painting contest announced)

5:30-6 PM Minnesota State Loon Calling Championship Finals –Harbor Park Stage

6:00 PM Cutest Puppy Contest – Harbor Park Stage, -sponsored by Lake County Veterinary Clinic – sign up at Lions info booth

7-9 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Shout! The Mod Musical”, The Arrowhead Center for the Arts - 51 West 5th Street, www. grandmaraisplayhouse.com

7-9 PM Street Dance – Mysterious Ways – Harbor Park Stage

9:45 PM Fireworks over the Harbor – co-sponsored by Visit Cook County & Grand Marais Lions Club

SUNDAY, August 6

9:30 AM Waterfront Worship – Harbor Park Stage

10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

10 AM-6 PM Paint a Piece of Pottery by Grand Marais Pottery - Betsy Bowen Gallery, 301 1st Avenue West

11 AM- UNTIL FOUND “DQ Medallion Hunt” - rules and new clues daily at Dairy Queen, $100 prize to the first person to find it – sponsored by Dairy Queen

11 AM Fishburger Stand opens – Harbor Park

11 AM-5 PM Vendor and Craft Show – 1st Ave W

11:45 AM Fish Contest Winners Announced – Harbor Park Stage

NOON Bingo Tent opens - 1st Ave. W & Hwy 61 - sponsored by The SONS

NOON-1 PM TBD - Harbor Park

1 PM Fisherman’s Picnic Parade, Downtown Grand Marais, Route starts at Elementary School Park Lot, down Broadway Ave. Right on Wisconsin St. and ends at Hwy 61. Send email to gmlionsclub@gmail.com to register parade entries - sponsored by Marathon Gas Station

1:30-2 PM Briand Morrison – Harbor Park Stage

2-2:30 PM AAD Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps., Duluth – Harbor Park

2 PM-5 PM Kiddy Rides reopen – Senior Center Parking Lot - 10 N Broadway

2-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour - Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $90 per person. Kayak around harbor area

2:30-3 PM Briand Morrison – Harbor Park Stage

3-5 PM TBD – Harbor Park stage

3-5 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Four Old Broads” - The Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West 5th Street, www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com

3:30 PM Lion’s Fish Toss – Wisconsin St., sign up at Lions information booth

5 PM Grand Prize Drawing $10,000.00 - Lions Info Booth - corner of Wisconsin St. and 1st Ave W

6-7 PM Prize Winners Posted - Lions Info Booth - corner of Wisconsin St. and 1st Ave W. Prizes can be claimed at Info Booth on Sunday night. Starting at 10 am Monday morning prizes can be picked up at the Cook County News Herald – 1st Ave W

Big Fish Contest

JULY 31 – AUGUST 6 – $10 entry fee (proceeds go to Lion’s Club) – Rules and Registration online at BucksBigFish. com. Winners announced, and prizes awarded on Sunday, August 8 at 11:45 am on the Harbor Park stage. Prizes are $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place and $50 for 3rd place for each category: Lake Trout - Salmon - Walleye - Brook TroutNorthern - Smallmouth Bass.

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru July 2

Godspell 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Thru July 14

Jeffrey Kalstrom: New Work Nordic Center Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org

Thru July 16

Neechee Studio 10th Anniversary: Oh, My Creator! Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru August 26

Air-Openness: Summer Exhibition Grand Marais Art Colony: Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Thru Sept. 12

Keren Kroul: Atlas of the Mind Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Matthew O’Reilly: Shed Self Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Sept. 17

Helen Pelletier Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Ziibaaska’iganagoodayan: The Jingle Dress: Christian Chapman Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru Sept. 18

Cassandra Quinn Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Oct. 31

Now That Summer Has Ended: An Exhibit

About Winter Activities During the Fur Trade Era Grand Portage National Monument, visitcookcounty.com/events

June 30-July 23

Lee Englund: Oil Paintings from Life (Reception June 30 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Gallery, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

July 1, Saturday

Canada Day

Free Open House 9 a.m. Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland, wolf-ridge.org

Guided Hike: Rossini Road to West Branch Knife River 9 a.m. Rossini Road Trailhead, Two Harbors, superiorhiking.org

Canada Day Celebration 11 a.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca Schreiber’s Canada Day Celebration 11 a.m. Downtown Schreiber, Ontario, facebook.com/townshipofschreiber

Porphyry Island Lighthouse 150th Anniversary Celebration Noon, Point Porphyry Island, Lake Superior, clls.ca

Canada Day on the Waterfront 1 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

The Baptism River Cascades with Change 1 p.m. Tettegouche State Park: Visitor Center, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

Terrace Bay Canada Day Celebrations 4 p.m. Terrace Bay Beach, terracebay.ca

Aaron Kloss: Summer in the City: Opening Art Reception 4 p.m. Siiviis Gallery, Duluth, facebook.com/siiviisgallery

Rock the Park 5 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, ely.org/events

Universe in the Park 8:30 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

DJ “Birthday Gurl” 9 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, Facebook: Up Yonder

July 1-2

The Fox Bikepacking Race 8 a.m. Finland Community Center, heckofthenorth.com

Objects to Crave Grand Opening 9 a.m. Objects to Crave Gift Shop, Hovland, facebook.com/objectstocrave

Hovland Arts Festival 10 a.m. Hovland Town Hall, facebook.com/hovlandartsfestival

July 1-9

License-Free Family Fishing in Ontario Throughout Ontario, ontariofamilyfishing.com

July 1-31

Monthly Exhibit: Sam Zimmerman Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

Monthly Show: Heidi Pinkerton (Reception

July 1 at 1 p.m.) Art & Soul Gallery & Gifts, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

July 3, Monday

Hairball with Fabulous Armadillos

3 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontfestivalpark.com

July 4, Tuesday

Indep endenc e Day

Ely 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks (Parade at 1 p.m.) Ely, ely.org/events

Tofte Trek 10K Trail Run 7:45 a.m. Birch Grove Community Center, Tofte, sugarbushtrail.org

Tofte 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks 11 a.m. (Parade 2 p.m.) Tofte Town Hall/Park, facebook.com/toftetownship

Duluth Fourth Fest 4 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontfestivalpark.com

An Evening with KT Tunstall 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Fourth of July Fireworks 10 p.m. Grand Marais Harbor, visitcookcounty.com

July 5, Wednesday

Old Time Dance Practice 7 p.m. Colvill Town Hall, colvillcommunityclub1936@gmail.com

July 6, Thursday

Historic Cook County Trivia Night 6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Tommy Wotruba 6 p.m. Skyport Lodge & Raven Rock Grill, Devil Track Lake, skyportlodge.com

July 6-9

Two Harbors Heritage Days Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborsheritagedays

July 6-29

Mama’s Country Record Collection

Magnus Theatre: Outdoor Stage, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/magnustheatre

July 7-8

Bally Blacksmith Shop Tours Bally Blacksmith Shop, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

A Walk Through Time 10 a.m. (11 a.m. Sat.)

Gooseberry Falls State Park: Visitor’s Center, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

July 7-9

Bay Days Silver Bay, bay-days.org

Thunder Bay Salmon Derby Thunder Bay, tbderby.com

July 7-31

Artist of the Month: Eric Klepinger (Reception

July 7 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park: Visitor Center, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

July 8, Saturday

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

Larsmont Rummage Sale 10 a.m. Larsmont Little Red Schoolhouse, larsmont.org

Blacksmith Demonstration 1 p.m. Bally Blacksmith Shop, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

A Day at the Lake 1 p.m. Tofte Lake Center, Ely, toftelake.org

Suessical Kids 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Vermilion Fine Arts Theatre, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

All About Loons 3 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Trampled By Turtles 6 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontfestivalpark.com

July 8-9

Grand Marais Arts Festival 9 a.m. (10 a.m. Sun.) Downtown Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

July 8-16

Great Rendezvous Celebration Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

July 10, Monday

The War on Drugs 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

July 11, Tuesday

Teddy Bears Picnic Noon, Vickers Park, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Tina: Simply the Best 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

July 12, Wednesday

Old Time Dance Practice 7 p.m. Colvill Town Hall, colvillcommunityclub1936@gmail.com

July 12-14

Sidewalk Days 9 a.m. Downtown Duluth, downtownduluth.com

July 12-17

Celebration Talent: National Competition Decc, Duluth, decc.org

July 13, Thursday

Park Point 5-Miler & 2-Mile Walk 6:30 p.m. Park Point Beach House, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

Beaver Ball 6:30 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

July 13-16

Lutsong Music Festival Lutsen, lutsongmusicfestival.com

Duluth Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show Decc, Duluth, decc.org

July 14-15

BrewHa Festival 4 p.m. Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay, brewhafestival.com

North Shore Water Festival 10 a.m. Grand Marais Harbor, stoneharborws.com

July 14-30

Kinky Boots NorShor Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

July 15, Saturday

Lutsen Lutheran Church Rummage Sale 9 a.m. Lutsen Lutheran Church, lutsenchurch.org

A Walk Through Time 11 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park: Visitor’s Center, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival Noon, Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontworldmusic.com

West End Garden Club Flower Show 1 p.m. Waves of Superior Café: Surfside Resort Ballroom, Tofte

Author Talk with Cary Griffith: Killing Monarchs: A Sam Rivers Mystery 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Free Concert: Gene LaFond & Amy Grillo 7 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org

Under the Big Top: 1st Annual Spiritwood Foundation Concert 7 p.m. Veterans on the Lake Resort, Ely, spiritwoodfoundation.com

Community Dance 7 p.m. Colvill Town Hall, colvillcommunityclub1936@gmail.com

Animal Skull Mysteries: Karen Kobey 7 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Zulu Link 8:30 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, Facebook: Up Yonder

July 15-16

Lake Superior Salmon Classic 4 a.m. Silver Bay Marina, silverbay-marina.com

Duluth Air & Aviation Expo 9 a.m. Duluth International Airport, duluthairshow.com

July 16, Sunday

The Buzz Ryan & Half Buzzed Triathlons 9 a.m. Island Lake, Duluth, buzzryantriathlon.com

Sam Zimmerman: Following My Sprit Home 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

July 17, Monday

Author Visit with Darrell Pedersen: Campfire in the Basement 3:30 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/twoharborspubliclibrary

July 17-30

Locals Only Group Art Show Ely’s Historic State Theatre, northernlakesarts.org

July 18, Tuesday

Kids for Kids Concert 10:30 a.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

July 19, Wednesday

Duluth Women’s Club Tour of Home & Gardens 10 a.m. Duluth, duluthwomansclub.com

Presentation: Beaver Float Planes Used by the Superior National Forest 10:30 a.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Gunflint Trail Canoe Races 4 p.m. Gunflint Lodge Waterfront, Gunflint Trail, visitcookcounty.com

Hunger Hero Golf Scramble 4:30 p.m. Silver Bay Golf Course, silverbaygolf.com

Wednesday Night at the Races 6 p.m. Superior High School, Superior, yaf.grandmasmarathon.com

July 20, Thursday

Pop Up Exhibition: Mobiles: Sculpting with Line & Volume 4:30 p.m. Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Free Anokaajigan (Craft) Night 6 p.m.

Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, facebook.com/aichogalleries

Joe Miller 6 p.m. Skyport Lodge & Raven Rock Grill, Devil Track Lake, skyportlodge.com

North Shore Swing Band 7 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, Facebook: Up Yonder

July 20-23

Schreiber Heritage Days Schreiber, Ontario, facebook.com/townshipofschreiber

July 20-30

Songs for a New World 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.)

Vermilion Fine Arts Theatre, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

July 20-Aug. 13

Summer Theater Festival: Shout! The Mod Musical & Four Old Broads 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com

July 21, Friday

Bubble Wonders 10 a.m. Silver Bay Public Library, alslib.info

Bubble Wonders 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, alslib.info

Culture Crawl 4 p.m. Cook County History Museum, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

July 21-23

Lilypad Picnic Whiteside Park, Ely, lilypadpicnic.com

Country on the Bay Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, countryonthebay.ca

The Wolf Bikepacking Race 8 a.m. Donald Ferguson Demonstration Forest, Two Harbors, heckofthenorth.com

July 21-Aug. 13

Biggest Blueberry Contest Gunflint Trail, visitcookcounty.com

July 22, Saturday

Aicho Summer Food & Art Market 9 a.m. Aicho, Duluth, aicho.org

Range FanCon 10 a.m. Mountain Iron Community Center, lyriccenteronline.org/rfc

Bubble Wonders 10:30 a.m. Grand Marais Public Library, alslib.info

Festival by the Lake 11 a.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, festivalbythelake.com

Garden Treasures Flower Show Noon, Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com

Festival of India 3 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, indianfestival.ca

North Shore Swing Band 7 p.m. Clearwater Historic Lodge, Gunflint Trail, facebook.com/clearwaterhistoriclodge

July 23, Sunday

“Cars & Cocktails” Car Show 1 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, Facebook: Up Yonder

Timothy Cochrane: Making the Carry 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

Festival of Colours 3 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, festivalofcolours.ca

Whiskey Myers 7 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org

July 24, Monday

Bubble Wonders 3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, alslib.info

July 24-31

Bowfest Mont du Lac Resort, Superior, bowfest.com

July 25, Tuesday

Artist Talk with Adam Swanson 5 p.m. Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

July 26, Wednesday

FinnFest Celebration 10 a.m. Larsmont Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Bubble Wonders 10 a.m. Mt. Royal Branch Library, Duluth, alslib.info

Bubble Wonders 1 p.m. West Duluth Branch Library, alslib.info

Estate Planning with Kelly Klun 5 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Wednesday Night at the Races 6 p.m. Hermantown High School, Hermantown, yaf.grandmasmarathon.com

July 26-30

FinnFest Decc, Duluth, finnfest.us

Superior Theatre Festival Thunder Bay, superiortheatrefestival.com

Inspiraatioita: Finnish Art & Design in Minnesota (Reception July 28 at 7 p.m.) Nordic Center Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org

July 27, Thursday

Bubble Wonders 4:30 p.m. Duluth Public Library, alslib.info

Historic Cook County Trivia Night 6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

July 27-30

Greenstone Art-a-Palooza 10 a.m. Miner’s Dry Building, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

July 28, Friday

Universe in the Park 8:30 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

July 28-29

Blueberry Bazaar 10 a.m. Ely Senior Center, ely.org/events

July 28-30

Ely Blueberry/Arts Festival 9 a.m. (10 a.m. Sun.) Whiteside Park, ely.org/events

July 28-Aug. 20

Four Local Artists: Glass, Wood, Paper, Fiber (Reception July 28 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Gallery, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

July 29, Saturday

Women-Made Art & Gift Fair 10 a.m. Peace Church, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com

Kraft: A Waterfront Beer & Artisan Market Noon, Marina Park, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Launch Event: “The Seeker” Self-Guided Audio Story Project 1 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

All Pints North 3:30 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, mncraftbrew.org

FinnFest Concert: Samuli Edelmann 8 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Universe in the Park 8:30 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

July 29-30

Buskers Festival 10 a.m. Bay & Algoma Neighbourhood, Thunder Bay, buskersfestival.ca

July 30, Sunday

Donuts at Dorothy’s 11 a.m. Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

Lonnie Dupre: Greenland Then and Now 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

Grayson Masefield 2 p.m. Harrington Arts Center, Superior, worldofaccordions.org

A Hard Day’s Night 6 p.m. Zeitgeist, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

July 31-Aug.6

Big Fish Contest Cook County, buckbigfish.com

Aug. 2, Wednesday

Bon Iver 5 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontfestivalpark.com

Aug. 3-6

Fisherman’s Picnic Downtown Grand Marais, grandmaraislions.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays

Wild Strides 9 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo

Beach Knitting 9 a.m. Harbor Park Beach, Grand Marais, dappledfernfibers.com

Tuesdays

Kids’ Day: Free Admission 11 a.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

Hillside Farmers Market 2 p.m. 503 E. 3rd St., Duluth, facebook.com/hillsidefarmersmarket

Ely Farmers Market & Arts in the Park 5 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Locals Night with Live Music 5:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

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

Wednesdays

Wild Strides 9 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo

Duluth Farmers Market 2 p.m. Duluth Farmers Market, duluthfarmersmarket.com

USFS Nature Talks 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

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

Live on the Waterfront (Begins July 12) 6 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Concerts on the Pier 6:30 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, facebook.com/glensheenestate

Thursdays

Bird Banding 7 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Lincoln Park Farmers Market 3 p.m. Harrison Community Center, Duluth, facebook.com/lincolnparkfarmersmarket

Thursday Night Art 4 p.m. Joy & Company, Grand Marais, facebook.com/joyandcompanymn

Grand Marais Farmers Market 4:30 p.m. Cook County Community Center Parking Lot, Grand Marais

Finland Farmer’s Market 5 p.m. Clair Nelson Community Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com

Date Night with Live Music 7 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Fridays

Renegade Friday Nights 10:30 p.m. Zeitgeist, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Meat Raffle 5 p.m. American Legion Post 109, Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborsamericanlegion

Music in the Park: Free Concerts (Starts July 14) 7:30 p.m. City Center Park, Silver Bay, rockywallproductions.org

Movies in the Park: Free At Sunset, Leif Erikson Park, Duluth, downtownduluth.com

Saturdays

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

Duluth Farmers Market 8 a.m. Duluth Farmers Market, duluthfarmersmarket.com

Rooftop Yoga 9:30 a.m. Voyageur Brewing Company, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Cook County Market 10 a.m. The Hub Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ccfarmandcraft

Two Harbors Farmers Market 10 a.m. Burlington Station, Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborsfarmersmarket

Saturday Fiber Circle 10 a.m. Dappled Fern Fibers, Grand Marais, dappledfernfibers.com

Children’s Story Hour 11 a.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

“Meet the Artist” Exhibition Series 11 a.m. Two Loons Gallery, Duluth, twoloons.mn

Live Music 6 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, facebook.com/gunflinttavern

Chester Creek Concert Series 7 p.m. Chester Park, Duluth, chesterbowl.org

Sundays

Sunday Skates 10 a.m. Marina Skatepark, Thunder Bay, femaleboardercollective.ca

Clover Valley Farm Trail Noon, Duluth to Two Harbors, clovervalleyfarmtrail.com

Weekend Wine Down with Live Music

3:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Music by the Lake 4 p.m. Skyport Lodge & Raven Rock Grill, Devil Track Lake, skyportlodge.com

Open Mic Night 5 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, Facebook: Up Yonder

Be part of our caring crew in a supportive working environment. Connect with our community and take advantage of our sought -after location. There is nothing like it if you love the outdoors: Lake Superior, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, waterfalls, nature and wildlife!

We are seeking (2) Full-time and (1) Casual Registered Nurses for our 16 bed critical access hospital. Pay range starts at $35.96 per hour. Receive up to $2,000 Sign-On Bonus. Full-time position offers a comprehensive benefit package including PERA and more

The North Shore Dish Meals on Wheels: The Charm of Food Trucks

By Virginia George

One of my most memorable food truck experiences was during the pandemic shutdowns. To get us all out of the house my husband and I took our five kids on a bike ride on the Lakewalk. We parked on the north end of Duluth, with the intent to cycle down to Canal Park and back. Grabbing our packed lunches, we set off. When we got to the Rose Garden, we stumbled upon (cycled upon? I mean, no one had fallen… yet) the Rambler. Knowing our lunches were a little light, we stopped to get a little prelunch, which we ate in Leif Erickson Park, overlooking the lake, before heading to Canal Park where I snapped a photo of the kids with their Uncrustables on their heads in an attempt to entice seagulls to eat them.

Food trucks have made their way to the North Shore, despite our unpredictable weather and their limited season. One unique feature of a food truck instead of a standard storefront is the ability to be mobile and to go where the people are. Food trucks have become staples at music festivals, community events, and breweries, and provide a unique dining experience for customers who want more than standard concession fare at these events. Of course, this means a more seasonal gig than a standard storefront, but there’s something lovely about adjusting our lives with the rhythm of the seasons instead of being caught up in the monotony where one day is the same as the next. That said, weather changes make the food truck industry a complicated one, but this month we’ve got a few businesses to share with you who seem to have it figured out: Emma’s Kitchen, Log Home Wood Fired Pizza, and Shook Smoothies.

Emma’s Kitchen, Two Harbors

I had the opportunity to catch up with Emma G. Heikkila, owner of Emma’s Kitchen, one afternoon outside of Deluxe Insurance Group in Duluth. She is part of their regular food truck schedule, though her home base is in Two Harbors, and can often be found outside of Castle Danger Brewery.

Heikkila has always had a passion for cooking, and after growing up in the Philippines and spending 17 years working in Saudi Arabia, she truly is a global chef. For years, Heikkila has done small batch cooking, selling her homemade pies, empana-

das, and eggrolls to friends, family, and acquaintances, until last year, when she had the opportunity to purchase her little blue food trailer—and she hasn’t looked back.

All of Heikkila’s food is made from scratch, from smoking her taco meat to grinding her own spices. She refuses to serve anything that she hasn’t been intimately involved in creating, so you can be sure every dish you receive comes from her heart. You won’t find a better shawarma anywhere in town, thanks to Heikkila’s Saudi experience. She also offers tacos, eggrolls, and more. Because she makes everything from scratch, Heikkila knows exactly what is in her food, so if you have any questions, always feel free to ask.

Heikkila’s food is plentiful, flavorful, and made with passion and care. You’ll find her around town at businesses and festivals, and she is available for catering as well. You can find a schedule for Emma’s Kitchen on Facebook under: Emma’s Global Delights LLC and Emma’s Kitchen.

All the food at Emma’s Kitchen, owned by Emma G. Heikkila, is made from scratch, from smoking her taco meat to grinding her own spices. | VIRGINIA GEORGE

Emma’s Kitchen is based in Two Harbors and can often be found outside of Castle Danger Brewery. | VIRGINIA GEORGE

Often found in Duluth, Log Home Wood Fired Pizza offers pizzas made to order and cooked in a 900-degree wood fired oven. Their pizza selection includes buffalo chicken, the Log Cabin cheese pizza, brisket and tots, and even dessert pizzas. | VIRGINIA GEORGE

Log Home Wood Fired Pizza, McGregor

While McGregor isn’t on the North Shore, Log Home Wood Fired Pizza has a consistent presence in Duluth. You’ll find them outside many Duluth Huskies games as the “Official Pizza of the Duluth Huskies,” and traveling the brewery and cidery trail through Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

At their core, Log Home Wood Fired Pizza is passionate about food that expresses who they are, and where they’re from. Both their wild rice and maple syrup are harvested locally, and their food represents the north woods and the community that thrives there. An educator at heart, Rick Herman, and his business-savvy wife Nancy Herman, have had the opportunity to assist others in their mobile food truck businesses, and really believe in paying it forward. They operate their food truck in both McGregor and Duluth, and hire accordingly. They also opened a storefront in McGregor, where you can see other family members working from time to time. A labor of love, Nancy and Rick love what they do—meeting people and playing with fire.

Pizzas are made to order and cooked in a 900-degree wood fired oven, and include pizzas like buffalo chicken, the Log Cabin cheese pizza, brisket and tots, or if you have a sweet tooth, they even serve dessert pizzas. Stay connected with their schedule by following their Facebook page: Log Home Wood Fired Pizza, or visit: northwoodspizza.com.

SHOOK Smoothies, Grand Marais

I don’t know about you, but when I think of Grand Marais I think of beautiful Lake Superior, and I think of exploring. Jordan Plummer of SHOOK is a traveler and an adventurer, and what is more important

to a successful adventure than nutrition?

SHOOK was born out of a passion for flavorful plant-based food on the go, with a focus on ingredients that both taste good and serve to fuel an active lifestyle.

SHOOK offers more than smoothies: their poke bowl features smoked salmon from Fisherman’s Daughter, and if you’re in the mood for a smoothie but not a “traditional” smoothie, try a smoothie bowl. They also offer protein-rich options in their shakes, and of course, standard smoothies with mango, strawberry, or dragonfruit.

Shook Smoothies is deeply invested in the community, and you will find them at community events throughout Grand Marais. You can also order online for next day pickup. Keep track of SHOOK’s adventures on their Facebook page: SHOOK.

Food trucks truly provide a unique dining experience, which allows patrons to be present in their communities in ways that differ from traditional restaurants. They allow us the opportunity to connect with other patrons, or to gather with friends socially in untraditional ways. It felt serendipitous to find a food truck parked in our path that cool, April day, and I’ll never forget the small feeling of community I felt at The Rambler, when the world felt uncertain. Food brings us together—and food trucks bring us together out in the wild. So, get out there, and maybe I’ll catch you in line.

“Food brings us together—and food trucks bring us together out in the wild.”

The DEET-ails on DEET

By Hartley Newell-Acero

In the 1940s, the U.S. Army and the Department of Agriculture were on a mission to find something that would effectively protect soldiers from mosquito bites. After testing thousands of chemicals, they found DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to be one of only a few that worked. It’s been available to the general public since 1957 and is so effective that it continues to be the standard against which all other insect repellents are judged.

DEET is safe and can be used by people of all ages for protection from mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, fleas, and other insects. Since 1960, the EPA has identified only 46 seizures and four deaths that could have potentially been linked to DEET exposure (an incidence rate that is about one per 100 million uses). Most of those cases were caused by using it incorrectly, such as drinking a DEET containing product. When applied according to label directions, it can safely be used by most everyone, including pregnant people and children over the age of 2 months. If instructions are followed and reasonable precautions taken, health risks from using DEET are virtually zero.

While DEET is the most effective repellent, there are other options that also work well—but the protection they offer is not as long-lasting.

• Picaridin is a chemical that is similar to a molecule in pepper plants. Look for products with at least 20 percent picaridin. There isn’t as much research on it as there is on DEET, but the data does indicate that it’s safe. It repels insects, ticks, and chiggers.

• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is not an essential oil; it’s a refined oil extracted from an Australian plant (Corymbia citriodora). Choose products with 30 percent OLE. It’s effective against mosquitos and somewhat effective against ticks. However, it should not be used on children under the age of 3 years.

When thinking about DEET and other repellents, remember:

• More isn’t better. Higher concentrations of DEET impacts how long protection lasts, not how well it works. Testing by Consumer Reports indicates that prod-

ucts with 25-30 percent protect for at least several hours. Reapply according to label directions.

• Avoid sunscreen/insect repellent combos. Sunscreen needs to be applied more generously and more frequently than DEET, and blending the two reduces the efficiency of both. The CDC recommends that you first apply sunscreen, let it dry, then apply DEET.

• There is no such thing as a “chemical-free” insect repellent. For instance, even though it’s extracted from a plant and often advertised as “natural,” OLE contains up to 100 different volatile organic chemicals. In reality, everything is made up of chemicals. If you see something labeled “chemical-free,” it’s a meaningless marketing term, and labeling something “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s safer.

• Anything (including insect repellent) applied to the skin can potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction. If this happens, wash with soap and water. After the irritation has cleared, try one of the other repellent options.

• Wash off repellents when returning indoors or at least before bedtime. (This is a good general tick precaution too.)

• Apply repellents to exposed skin and clothing, but avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and open wounds. Don’t apply to skin that’s covered by clothing. Never spray directly into the face. Instead, first spray on your hands, and then apply to your face. Repellents should not be applied to the hands of young children, as they may put their hands in their mouth or eyes.

• Repellents may stain some fabrics.

• Not using repellents carries its own risks. Insect bites cause itching, irritation, and can become infected and can also lead to contracting diseases (West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, etc…) that can cause serious health problems. The upshot: When used according to label directions, DEET is safe and the most effective insect repellent on the market. Don’t let biting bugs get between you and the exploration of our Northern Wilds.

S e p t 2 9 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 3

T e e T i m e s B e t w e e n 8 a m - 3 p m

H e a l t h C a r e F o u n d a t i o n W e e k e n d @ S u p e r i o r N a t i o n a l G o l f C o u r s e

Appropriate for all levels of play

Book a Tee Time Now and mention Golf for the Good!

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F r i d a y & S a t u r d a y S e p t 2 9 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 3

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Lunch & refreshments throughout the day

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day S

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F r i e n d l y c o m p e t i t i o n Lunch & refreshments throughout the day

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Northern Trails

Walleye & Spinners: A Perfect Match

By Gord Ellis

As spring gives way to summer, walleye patterns start to change. The fish are not moving as slowly, so a jig and minnow, or a live bait rig and leech, become less effective. The explosion of food, especially young perch, shiners and minnows, mean walleye are on the prowl for fast moving food. The fish are looking less and striking more. Triggering a hit works better than teasing a fish. It’s time to bust out the spinner.

I’m not sure there truly is a perfect spinner rig. There are just too many options and so much to consider. However, a well-made, properly executed spinner rig can out-fish just about every other tactic under the right conditions. Here are a few things to consider when it’s time to tie on a spinner.

Store Bought Spinners

Few walleye anglers don’t have at least a few commercially bought walleye spinner rigs in their tackle box. Most of these spinners are made pretty much the same and are what I would call “industrial strength.” These spinners are tied on short leaders of heavy monofilament, with heavy gauge hooks and large, often gaudy blades of bright orange or chartreuse green. There is nothing wrong with a basic commercial spinner, and they have caught millions of walleye.

Not all commercially made spinners are crude. Northland Tackle, Berkley and Brecks, Blue Jay Tackle, and many other companies have a variety of pre-made walleye spinners that are of a high quality. I’m a big fan of a single blade Northland Rainbow spinner and have found them great for trolling with minnows. Nothing covers water more effectively than a trolled spinner rig.

Make sure you have a selection of different spinner sizes in a variety of colours. When

the water is dirty or the rivers flooding, it can be truly amazing just how many more strikes are elicited by a large spinner blade.

Another good trick is to run two smaller blades together. There are commercial spinners that come with two blades, but it often pays to make your own. If you are fishing waters that have a lot of crud on the bottom, add a corkie or other floater to your spinner rig. This will keep your bait off bottom. Yet there are ways to improve on the basics.

Home Tied Spinner Rigs

When you tie your own spinners, you can adjust the rig to suit your needs. Things like using longer leaders of lighter weight monofilament or fluorocarbon can make a huge difference. For instance, in clear water, or when fish are spooked, a smaller diameter blade of silver or brass is generally better than an oversized blade.

On the flip side, in dark dingy water you can bump the blade size up. Bead place -

ment is crucial in a spinner, and you can add or subtract beads of different colour and size. Make sure the blade is not too close to the hook. Add a rattle bead or a floating corkie to the rig if you want to get off the bottom a bit—this is especially useful in rivers. It also pays to include a quickchange clevis on your rig, as that makes changing blades a snap and your spinner rig even more flexible.

Different spinner blade shapes will change the vibration and lift of the presentation. Adding a floater or corkie gives the spinner lift. | GORD ELLIS

A happy spinner fisherman. | GORD ELLIS

Hooks and Bait

Spinner rigs that have large hooks are ok for minnows, but not so good for leeches and nightcrawlers. Minnow hooks tend to be #2 or #4 Carlisle, but you need to gauge the size of the hook with the size of the bait you are using. Too big a bit with too small a hook will end with disappointment. The perfect leech hook is a black or red #6 Octopus hook. A set of two or three similar sized bait holder hooks is best when fishing worms. In situations where the spinner rig is being trolled in open water, a small treble can be used to replace a single hook. The small treble can increase hook ups, especially when used with a crawler. When trolling through weeds consider a Tru Turn hook as they are especially good at shedding greenery. It is amazing how many walleye can hide in a cabbage bed, but it is the rare angler that will pull a spinner through weeds. A #6 Tru Turn with a small brass blade and small minnow has put many fish in my boat.

When the walleye bite is really hot, don’t be afraid to try plastics on spinner rigs. You will often catch just as many fish, but will have to change baits about one-quarter as often. I’ve had good luck with a pink Berkely power crawler on a multi-hook spinner rig.

Make sure you have a selection of different spinner sizes in a variety of colours.

Spinner Rig Hook Sets

Too many anglers strike as soon as a fish touches the spinner rig. Use a longer rod with a lighter tip when spinner rig trolling, and let the fish take the tip back a bit. When the fish is solidly on, sweep the rod forward. A little lag between the strike of the fish and the set usually buries the hook well. Walleyes are remarkably adept at pulling minnows and worms off spinners if the hook is set too soon.

Trolling Spinners in Rivers

One of the deadliest ways to catch walleye in rivers is with a spinner rig that is pulled behind a bottom bouncer. A bottom bouncer is a lead weight coupled with a wire bent at a 90-degree angle. There is an eye at the bend where the main line is tied on, and another eye where a leader is connected. The lead weight is poured around the wire and the free end is what touches

itat to increase habitat complexity along the shoreline,” Hallam said. Bass can also be found lurking in the lake’s ribbon leaf pondweed and watershield.

| GORD ELLIS

bottom. The wire ticks the bottom and is relatively snag free. Bottom bouncers tend to be on the heavy side, averaging between 2-5 ounces.

Spinners have all the flash, vibration, and appeal that walleye love. Try them this season and learn the power of the spinner for yourself.

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: Salo Lake has a diverse fishery, with both largemouth and smallmouth present, which is unusual in the area. The lake also produces better-than-average-sized northern pike. You’ll also find good bluegill and crappie populations and a few walleyes.

ACCESS: Salo Lake lies north of the tiny burg of Rollins. To reach the lake from Two Harbors, head north on Lake Co. Hwy. 2 for 11 miles. Turn left on Wales Road, which turns into Two Harbors – Brimson Road as you enter St. Louis County. Follow this road for about 10 miles until you come to a T intersection with St. Louis Co. Hwy. 44. Turn right onto County 44 and proceed north for 5 miles. Turn right onto Township Road 6210 (Salo Lake Road) and proceed about .75-mile, then turn right toward the boat launch and picnic area.

VITALS: Salo Lake encompasses 140 acres and has a maximum depth of 20 feet. It’s a quiet lake with only a few cabins. The dayuse area has two picnic tables, a grill, a vault toilet, a dock and a concrete boat ramp. No camping is permitted.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.

NORTHERN PIKE: You might find something a little larger than hammer handles if you try pike fishing in Salo Lake. “Fifty percent of the fish sampled were 24 inches plus,” said Alisha Hallam, assistant area fisheries supervisor in Duluth, about the last DNR survey conducted in 2020. She noted that the largest pike in the survey was 36 inches, but seven fish topped the 30-inch mark.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Salo has quality fisheries for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, although largemouths are more numerous. No electrofishing was done during 2020 because of the pandemic, but the 2014 assessment turned up 18 largemouths per hour of electrofishing. Hallam noted bass exhibit average growth rates and over half of the ones surveyed by electrofishing were 14 inches or greater, with the largest measuring 19 inches. Bass, as well as panfish, benefitted from a habitat project conducted in 2014 when trees were felled and bundled together to create, “large woody debris hab-

BLACK CRAPPIE: Black crappies exhibit consistent natural reproduction in Salo Lake, which is somewhat unusual because usually crappie year-class success is more sporadic. They are somewhat slow growing, but keepers are out there.

BLUEGILL: Bluegill numbers are pretty good. Average size is about 6 inches, but few top the 8-inch mark. You’ll likely encounter a lot of borderline keepers.

WALLEYE: The lake is managed for walleyes, although walleye numbers aren’t robust. Fingerlings are stocked every other year. The walleye population is largely dependent on stocking, although some natural reproduction has been documented. If you find a walleye, it’s usually of good size.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallmouth bass aren’t as abundant as largemouths in Salo, and there aren’t a lot of smallmouth lakes in the area. Electrofishing in 2014 produced two smallies per hour. Still, they’re out there and they tend to be of decent size.

YELLOW PERCH: Perch are present, but don’t grow very large. They’re more suited as prey for pike than for anglers.

10th. By August, all will be lost in the sun’s glare.

At nightfall the Summer Triangle of bright stars rides high in the southeast to south. Its brightest star is Vega, in Lyra, the lyre. The lyre, often associated with the mythical Greek musician Orpheus, is represented by a parallelogram of stars below Vega. The next brightest Triangle star is Altair, in Aquila, the eagle. The third Triangle star— Deneb—forms the tail of Cygnus, the swan, and the “head” of the Northern Cross. Grab your binoculars and explore these stars and the whole Triangle area.

In the predawn sky, Saturn and Jupiter appear low in the southeast and east, respectively, on July 1. As the month goes by, both planets drift higher and westward. Low in the northeast is the brilliant star Capella, in Auriga, the charioteer.

The evening of the 2nd, July’s full moon rises in the Teapot of Sagittarius, a star grouping that looks exactly like its name. The moon follows a low trajectory across the night sky and sets in the west half an hour before sunrise on the 3rd, shortly before reaching perfect fullness. The waning moon visits Saturn on the 7th and Jupiter on the 11th and 12th. On the 15th, an old moon, along with Jupiter and Capella, will make a pretty sight. The star to the right of the moon will be Aldebaran, the eye of Taurus, the bull.

On July 6 Earth reaches aphelion, the farthest point from the sun in its orbit. At that moment our planet will be 94.5 million miles from its parent star.

For more information on the University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses, visit: d.umn.edu/planet.

WTIP North Shore Community

Northern Gardening

Killing Monarchs

A Sam Rivers Mystery

By Cary J. Griffith

Adventure Publications, 2023, $16.95

Award-winning writer Cary J. Griffith brings back Sam Rivers for his third mystery novel in Killing Monarchs. As a special agent for the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Sam has researched and studied a variety of animals. While visiting sixth graders at Hopkins Elementary to share photos of the monarch butterfly, he brings along his drug-sniffing wolf-dog, Gray, to give a demonstration of his partner’s skills. Not only does Gray find the sample drug packet, hidden by Sam, but he also leads Sam to a utility room where they find the school’s janitor dead. Though the police write it off as a drug overdose, Sam suspects foul play. Filled with action, suspense, greed, and vengeance, Killing Monarchs is a gripping page-turner.—Breana Johnson

The HikingSuperior Trail Story

The Trek Continues, Expanded Content

By Rudi Hargesheimer

North Shore Photo Art, 2023, $39.95

A sequel to the 2020 Superior Hiking Trail Story, this newly expanded book provides us with lots of new content, including new stories about volunteer projects and “super hero” volunteers, a photo spread of trail animals, more “sentiment from the heart” quotes, an update on the latest trail improvements, and more. New and longtime hikers will enjoy the rich history of how the trail grew from nothing in 1986 to over 300 miles in length today. Filled with Hargesheimer’s stunning photography, this 200-page hardcover coffee table book is perfect for any North Shore enthusiast.

Breana Johnson

The Donut Lady & the World ’s Best Pet Chicken

By Merieta Altrichter

Minnesota Children’s Press, 2023, $14.99

Written by the late Merieta Altrichter, founder of the beloved World’s Best Donut Shop in Grand Marais, The Donut Lady & the World’s Best Pet Chicken tells the tender story of Merieta’s fondness for her pet chicken Emmy. Though many people knew Merieta for her donuts, many didn’t know that after working a long day she would go home to care for her small farm of animals. Over time, she developed a unique relationship with Emmy, a small black rescue chicken. Filled with whimsical illustrations by Merieta’s daughter, Donna Wilson, the book also includes an intro about Merieta, as well as old photos. This cute, fun, and touching story will have you falling in love with Merieta and Emmy.—Breana Johnson

Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan

Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Obimiwidoon mashkikii a’aw ajijiaak

The Crane Carries Medicine

By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman

When I lived on the east coast and found myself with a  nigashkendam (heavy heart) and manidoo (spirit), I would giiwe (go or come home) to my doodem (clan/ family) in Minnesota and  Gichi-onigamiing  (Grand Portage). It was with coming home and sitting  agamiing (on the shore) of  Gichi-gami (Lake Superior) that I would give up my worry and stress before returning back east. I was driving home a few weekends ago when an  ajijaak (sandhill crane)  bimibide  (flew along) my car and it reminded me of the  mashkawizii (strength),  nibwaakaawin (wisdom), and zaagi  (love) of my  aanikoobijiganag (ancestors) that I carry. I painted this piece to remind me of this fact.

The  ajijaak (sandhill crane) has returned to the shores of  Gichi-gami (Lake Superior) carrying this medicine from the  aanikoobijiganag (ancestors). There are  niizhwaaswi (seven)  zhingobiiwaatigoog  (pine trees) in the background representing the grandfather teachings.

Follow my studio on Facebook and Instagram @CraneSuperior or if you have ideas for a North Shore painting, you can email me at: cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.

Splashing Through Summer

Known as the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota has no shortage of water. And between Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters, not to mention some pretty spectacular rivers and waterfalls, the Northern Wilds is arguably the best place to enjoy all things water-related. Whether you’re fishing, skipping rocks, kayaking, swimming, or just enjoying a lakeside view, here’s to a hot summer on the water.

TOP, L TO R: DONNA ROSS, SUSAN FREI, KATHLEEN SCHLEMMER.

MIDDLE, L TO R: ANDRA JOHNSON, DENNIS CHICK, KELLY SKABAR.

BOTTOM, L TO R: BRENDA HADRICH, MICHAEL BURBUL, JULIE LUCHSINGER.

Wa n t a G o o d R e a d ?

One 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

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

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

Wilderness anglers will find this book an invaluable resource for where to find the fish and how to catch them. $14.95

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 ALEC BOOSTROM STORY

By Jack Blackwell

$14.95

Join Shawn Perich on the North Shore of Lake Superior where everyday experiences, from an encounter with a curious coyote to a wilderness search for a lost hiker, become lively stories and the stuff of adventure. $14.95

Seventeen-year-old 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. $14.95

Rock paintings, called pictographs, were created by Indigenous people. This book contains a description of every known pictograph site in the Boundary Waters and Quetico, complete with maps and directions to find them. $14.95

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

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

From Andrew Hedstrom’s humble start sawing lumber on the banks of the Devil Track River north of Grand Marais, the Hedstrom family survived a century to become the modern, no-waste sawmill operation of today. $19.95

The Scandinavian lifestyle and job skills wellmatched 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

Hiking Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Route

Chik-Wauk

Presentations

July 16, Sunday 2-3 p.m.

Sam Zimmerman

Following my Spirit Home –Sharing the Story

July 23, Sunday 2-3 p.m.

Timothy Cochrane, Author, Making the Carry: The Lives of John and Tchi-Ki-Wis Linklater July 30, Sunday 2-3 p.m.

Dupre

USFS Talks

My preferred mode of wilderness travel is definitely by canoe. However, not all routes or destinations are along waterways or accessible by canoe, so at times I find myself compelled to strap on a backpack and travel overland. Don’t get me wrong; I love to hike. Rather, I am not partial to the minimalist camping backpacking requires, specifically with respect to food. The physical challenges of a long slog over rugged terrain are not sufficiently rewarded by a meal prepared by boiling water and throwing it into a bag of dried food. So, when a backpacking friend proposed a hike along Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Route across England, my interest was piqued. What could be better than finding oneself seated at a pub after many miles on the trail?

In the end I experienced 16 fairly grueling days hiking from St. Bees on the coast of the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay along the North Sea, 192 miles in all. And yes, I was rewarded by a pint and a hot meal, usually in a pub, at the end of each day.

Initially, the trail follows the coast for about 4 miles. On one’s left are fabulous views of the Irish Sea from atop St. Bees Head; on the right: sheep. The cliffs along the shore are rife with the sounds and flight of thousands of nesting seabirds. All the while, intrepid hikers get their first taste of traversing farmland and quickly learn the futility of trying to avoid sheep droppings and the intricate dance of passing through fence after fence, most with “kissing gates.” These gates are rather like half a revolving door with a small rectangular enclosure. One must enter the enclosure, open the gate, which is usually spring-loaded, pass through the gate, then close and latch the gate. Some of the enclosures were clearly not designed for backpackers, certainly not for a stocky Scandinavian with a fairly large pack. At times I had to climb the fence in order to clear the gate. At other times there were jutting stones to be used as steps to climb over the fences. After we turned our backs to the ocean and strode inland, we still had another 10 miles of hilly terrain before we reached Ennerdale Bridge and our first stop.

Thirsty we were and grateful for respite as we reached the Fox and Hounds, where we had permission to pitch our tent in their beer garden. The much anticipated first draught came with a bit of a surprise, as I had momentarily forgotten that the British serve their ale at room temperature. Nonthe-less, I happened upon what would be my favorite: Black Sheep Bitter. It’s dark amber color, an initial sweetness and maltiness, followed by the classic bitter finish, won me over. The 14-mile hike may have influenced my perceptions a bit. We also got our first taste of the pub menus of this region. Wherever we went, we were sure to find plenty of

meat and potatoes served with fresh vegetables, usually peas. There was always at least one meat pie, perhaps a shepherd’s pie, some sort of chicken, often roasted, fish, sometimes wild game, a curry dish, and often pasta. The portions were usually fitting for one who had walked 14 miles or so.

We also learned that we had to reserve a table when we arrived, reserve breakfast for the next morning, and order a bag lunch.

Ennerdale Bridge is at the gateway to the Lake District. The Lake District should really be called the Mountain District, since it mostly consists of mountains, with pastoral views of lakes cradled between the peaks.

The Lake District is also the first of three national parks we would cross on our journey. Because it is a national park, the trail markings did not designate whether or not we were on the Coast to Coast Route, which is not an official trail but a route along many existing trails. Here, trails intersected our

intended path frequently. We consulted our map book often, which was not to the scale of a Boundary Waters map, and managed with only a couple of minor mishaps. We had a guidebook as well, which offered useful advice. One of the difficulties in navigating across England is the terminology for geographical features. The list of unusual, yet very specific, terms include, wood, dale, fen, tarn, crag, col, gil, beck, fell, moor, pike, water, knot, burn, tongue, cape, how, ghyll, force, scar, mere, and copse. We mentioned this to a couple we befriended on the trail and they laughed quite heartily and admitted that the terms were so local and specific they were confusing to everyone.

On the third day, we reached Grasmere, which was a highlight for me because the poet William Wordsworth lived there and was inspired by his treks throughout the region. We also had reserved a room at a hostel and were able to shower and sleep in a bed. Nice.

Photos and story by Chuck Viren

The Irish Sea from atop St. Bees Head in northwest England.

[LEFT] Kathy McClure with our new friends, Dave and Lil. [RIGHT] A strange collection of huge rock structures called the Nine Standards, lined like sentinels atop a hill.

An explanation about English breakfasts is in order. Every establishment offered what was called a full breakfast. Its make-up was amazingly consistent along the route, and we generally ordered this for simplicity’s sake—though we later learned we could exclude items we didn’t want. A full breakfast includes sausage, bacon, an egg or two made to order, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, coffee or tea, and black pudding. Black pudding is a cross between blood sausage and oatmeal. Or rather, it is a blood sausage with oats. It arrives on your plate sliced into circular patties. It’s an acquired taste, but one that I acquired.

After four lovely but grueling days, we descended sharply from the Lake District. Much of the middle section of the hike cut through the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There we followed the River Swale and were treated to amazingly pastoral views of the British countryside. There were still plenty of elevation changes and quite a number of boot-sucking bogs to contend with. Along our way was an abandoned abbey, an ancient castle, the remnants of a Roman road, and a strange collection of huge rock structures called the Nine Standards, lined like sentinels atop a hill.

One of the delights, as time and opportunity permitted, was the opportunity to stop for tea and scones. On the path from Reeth to Richmond there is a farm with a tea shop named Elaine’s, known for its award-winning scones. It was a delightful stop amid an otherwise unspectacular hike, and the scones were wonderful. Elaine was delightfully accommodating and offered us advice for navigating the trail as well as her home

remedy for blisters—raw wool. Its natural oils contain lanoline, and when put under one’s socks, it provides both cushion and relief.

Lastly, we entered the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. This region featured lots of elevation changes and wonderful vistas. By the end of our hike, the heather was beginning to bloom, so we were treated to the wonderful maroon blossoms and a variety of other wildflowers. The moors are boggy, as is much of England, and our feet were seldom dry.

Perhaps the highlight of this section was our stop at the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge. This is a 500-year-old inn initially established by the Order of the Crouching Friars. I’m not sure if there is a connection, but the doors were little more than 5 feet high. The food there was excellent, and the portions were ridiculously large. I ordered the lamb chops and got six. We were tenting it outside with the sheep (it’s small wonder lamb was so abundant). The inn was situated

high up with fantastic views of the moors. Throughout the evening, many fancy cars arrived along with stylishly chic individuals. It turns out they were shooting a Dracula movie just down the road.

Finally, we descended toward the North Sea. It was a welcome sight after so many miles. The last miles followed the coast into the town of Robin Hood’s Bay. There we limped through town to the terminus of the trail and a photo op and pint at Wain-

wright’s Bar. That evening, we returned there for their famous fish and chips and a final chance to socialize with many of the people with whom we had shared the trail.

Kathy McClure, Chuck Viren, Phiul Deering, and Randi McClure at the end of the 192-mile Wainwright Coast to Coast route.

View of Shap Abbey.

Strange Tales

Mythology of Hidden Folk—Or Are They Real?

By Elle AndraWarner

Recently I came across an online CBC news article posted in 2014 about a northern Ontario explorer, Bill Steer, who suggested that there may be fairies on the remote Fairy Point (named for fairies) on Lake Missinaibi as depicted in more than 100 pictographs over a rock face of 40 metres.

“Mischievous sprites,” known as Memegwaysiwuk, “live within the crevices along the sheer rock face,” said Steer. “It is those playful, prankish, tiny beings who emerge from their rocky refuge to steal your camping supplies or rock your canoe for no apparent reason.” Steer compared the sprites and fairies to the “wee people” of Ireland and said to be on the lookout for “diminiutive beings linked to the metaphysical” of most Native cultures.

“There are too many legends and beliefs in these little people to ignore the possibility of their existence,” he said.

Steer’s comments echoed those of Norwegian-born author and authority on ‘little people’ Lise Lunge-Larson. In his book Gunflint: The Trail, the People, author John Hendrickson quotes Lunge-Larson as saying, “I think they have withdrawn into an elusive world, parallel but not easily accessible to ours. In our civilized world, most people have lost touch with nature and aren’t capable of seeing the beings that live there.”

In his book, Hendrickson also introduces his readers to Ellefolk, the resident little people who live in the bogs of northern Minnesota. Who are these Ellefolk? According to Henrickson, they originally lived in the bogs of Denmark, moved to Nor-

way, and came to the Gunflint region with some Norwegian immigrants. He writes that Minnesota’s Ellefolk are “light” beings (benign), “not dark” (nasty), and can “travel with great ease through air, fire, wood, water, and stone.”

A woodcut from an old English book— Fairies dancing in a ring near a large mushroom and a hill with a doorway.

Then there’s the tale of fairies and leprechauns in Slate River in Ontario across the Minnesota-Ontario border, as told by Patrick “Paddy” MacFarlane (1833-1903) from Ireland. As the story goes, he became known as the “hermit of Slate River.” He re-

sided on the mountainside to the west of the Munro homestead and would stop by there when going to the grocery store.

In his book, Over the Years, author J. Alex Munro writes that MacFarlane would tell “about the fairies or leprechauns that he claimed dwelt on his rock-strewn place,” as well as what he called “fairy races” on moonlight nights. And in winter, MacFarlane saw them from his window riding on snowshoe hares over snow-covered areas, but the fairies vanished when he stepped outside for a closer look.

The Northern Ontario Travel website, features a story about the “Little People of Doghead Mountain” (known as Memegwesiwijiw and translated to “mountain of the little people”) who live at the base of the mountain near Nipigon. Described as tricksters, they are also mischievous and like to tease humans.

Over In Canada’s northern Manitoba, the story goes that the Huldufólk—Iceland’s ‘hidden people’—live in Gimli, the largest

Jewelry old and new:

Native American turquoise, amber, agate, coral, pearl, estate jewelry and cameos, vintage Mexican silver, jade, rhinestone and more!

‘Fairy Islands’ from the book Elves and Fairies 1916 by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite. | PUBLIC DOMAIN

Fairy by Charles Edmund Brock (1870-1938). | PUBLIC DOMAIN

| PUBLIC DOMAIN

Icelandic community outside of Iceland. When Icelandic immigrants came to the Gimli region, the Huldufólk hid in suitcases and came along. For a time, according to folklore, they lived in Gimli store before moving to a school’s attic where they still live.

Speaking of Iceland, experts claim that there are more than 50 different elves that reside in the island country, with the Huldufólk being the most common. Icelanders believe the elves live in caves, hills, canyons, and under/inside large rocks. Elf houses are all over the country, built by Icelanders to advise of the presence of elves in the area. Even the construction of roads are apparently built around known elf buildings.

According to Icelanders, the Huldufólk are invisible supernatural spiritual beings who live in nature in a parallel world (though they can make themselves visible). There’s an elf palace in eastern Iceland (said to be the home of the Elf Queen); an elf cathedral in western Iceland; the rock walls of Asbyrg Canyon, known as the elves’ capital city; an elf museum (where you can learn everything you want to know about elves); and in Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, there’s an elf school where people can learn about elves from trained scholars.

Imaginary Tales or Real?

Believers of the small folk world have included authors like C.S. Lewis and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes fame). And in 1927, when the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh made history with his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, he said benevolent small beings helped him navigate. (Lindbergh’s childhood home was in Little Falls, Minn.)

and myths about invisible small folk. In England there are fairies known as Brownies, Hobs, Hob

goblins and Cornish Pixies. Grogans, Spunkies and Doonies reside in Scotland. The Irish have Aos Si and Finnish Hiisi. Iceland has 50 different tribes of fairies and elves. Canada’s Indigenous peoples have beliefs in little folk—various spellings include Memegwesi, Mamakwasesak, Mimikwisiwak (little rock people)—that live along riverbanks, rocks, caves, and sand hills by large lakes.

These days, we are hearing from scientists about the concept of “parallel universes,” where perhaps different versions of us exist in those parallel universes (admittedly, it’s a bit complicated for me to completely grasp). But, if parallel universes exist, could the mythical invisible ‘little or hidden folk’ also exist in those other universes?

Miniature of an old Icelandic farmhouse near Strandakirkja in south Iceland. | CHRISTIAN BICKEL

Álfaborg, the castle of the fairies near Borgarfjörður, Iceland. | SCHORLE

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

DEVIL TRACK LAKE HOME – ESTATE SALE

WATERFRONT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Beautiful waterfront commercial property in downtown district of Grand Marais, which includes 2 apartments overlooking Lake Superior, and a retail/rental business. Also included in the sale is a 5 acre parcel on County Road 7, with a 52' x 42' warehouse for boat and other inventory storage and deliveries.

MLS#6103262 $1,950,000

LAKE SUPERIOR PRIVATE RETREAT

A unique private place - a park-like preserve all your own. The 2000 feet of rugged lakeshore and dense boreal forest create a place to immerse oneself in the magic of the ancient shore. The 19 acres is accessible by way of a quarter mile of boardwalk and deck overlooks. Decide as you walk among moss-covered boulders and evergreen forest, which path to follow - the higher overlook or the gentle beach. The long driveway leads away from highway noise and thoughts of the outside world. Power and phone are waiting for your choice of building sites. You may choose just to camp here, and keep the unique place as a preserve. Or use it as a group retreat or multiple family compound. The many moods of Superior can all be enjoyed here. Dramatic points protect the private views. A small extra drive from Grand Marais will feel well worth it once you turn off the highway and enter this place of true privacy.

MLS#6107927 $1,750,000

ICONIC LAKE SUPERIOR HOME

This is the Lake Superior home people dream of. Absolutely incredible shoreline. Views of the Grand Marais harbor lights to the east and the Sawtooth ridges to the west. The full width deck is 75 feet from the water. Gently sloping ledgerock shoreline with a pebbly beach perfect for launching a sea kayak on calm days or be daring and plunge in! A neighborhood eagle soars along the shoreline and lakers float by the horizon. The home features a bedroom suite on each level, in floor heat, a gas fireplace and main floor laundry. Don't miss the two-story insulated garage waiting for your finishing touches.

MLS#6107623

This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home sits on 2 acres of dense forest and has 200 feet of shoreline on the coveted north shore of the lake. Qualitybuilt 1981 home has recent updates. New kitchen has slate tile floors, granite countertops and new cabinets. The windows and roof have been replaced recently. There are hardwood floors, lofted ceilings, large windows and an expansive deck. The long-term owner has left their 38-year estate here for you to inherit. There is a large amount of personal property included for the buyer to sort through. Some gems are included. There is a 2-car attached garage, and a second detached 2-car garage. Dock and lift are included. Don't miss this chance to get on Devil Track Lake. And, with a little effort you can make this your own long-term lake home.

MLS#6108491 $689,000

HOME WITH SPARKLING WATER & SUNSETS

Custom built, single level lake home on pristine Wilson Lake. Known for crystal clear water and excellent walleye fishing. Tucked deep inside the Superior National Forest, you can relax in the peaceful beauty of a BWCA-like experience. But here, you enjoy the modern conveniences of a four season, wheelchair accessible lake home with fiber optic internet. One level living, large great room, three bedrooms, two accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, in-floor heat, slate and wood flooring, attached heated garage, and large deck and boardwalk down to the lake and fire pit. Open floor plan offers space for gathering along with two separate wings for privacy. Large windows throughout the home offer a panoramic view of the natural beauty surrounding the property.

MLS#6107163 $679,900

WILDERNESS LAKE ISLAND HOME

Live off-grid with comfort and spectacular scenery on a 6.82 acre island on Greenwood Lake, Minnesota's highest lake.

Most of the 2000 ft shoreline is US Forest Service land.

It's a jewel and you get the protection of your own island, offering isolation, wilderness views and wildlife. Comfortable small home is set up for your retreat lifestyle. Present owners built the home and large shop building with guest quarters, and have lived on the island for 15+ years. Off grid solar, generator power, new peat-moss septic system, lake water and satellite provide the comforts you desire. Air boat, pontoon and fishing boats included, providing access with a protective cove & docks for easy landing/loading.

MLS#6104980 $595,000

GREENWOOD LAKE PANORAMIC VIEWS

Thoughtfully positioned to take in the commanding views of Greenwood Lake, property offers the best of lake life and the north woods experience. Entering at ground level you are greeted by a large foyer which allows access to a bedroom, attached two stall garage and staircase leading to the main living area. Vaulted living area, open kitchen and dining area offer unobstructed lake views from nearly every angle. Two bedrooms with ample closet storage flank either side of the living area along with a full bathroom. Clear railing system on the deck allows you to sit in your comfortable seating arrangement and still take in the panoramic views of Greenwood. A short walk from the cabin leads you to the lakefront along part of the shared harbor and along the beach facing the big water. Off-grid living with the amenities of solar power, custom water collection system and propane fuel. Seasonal access due to road not being plowed during winter months.

MLS#6108310 $595,000

LAKESIDE SANCTUARY

Beautiful, secluded property features 9.89 acres of land and 255' of level and park-like shoreline on Devil Track Lake, only 20 mins from Grand Marais. Tucked away among the trees, enjoy solitude and privacy with a bonfire by the lake. Property features a newly- constructed 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin with a newly installed septic and well! Turn-key and fully furnished, everything in the cabin is new and ready for your enjoyment. Currently off-grid but power and broadband are slated to be brought in this fall.

MLS#6108306 $485,000

Drop in your boat and turn on the inverter to power up your updated and turn-key cabins! Property has been customized and meticulously maintained for optimal ease of use. Fully operational solar powers all the comfort and convenience of home for you and all your guests. Behind main cabin, 2-bedroom bunkhouse with half-bath and a game room & a garage for your ATVs and toys. A back-up generator is included, so no worries about running out of power! Internet and electric is coming to Brumbaugh Road in 2025! Maintenance-free steel roofing on all five buildings including sauna, tool shed and the heated outhouse! Nearly 4 acres with a large parking area and over 300 feet of shoreline on Tom Lake. If you have a day or a week to play with, just drive to the cabin, push a few buttons to power up, and get busy enjoying the dark sky country, where you can literally walk by starlight to see the northern lights and listen to howling wolves and mystical loons!

MLS#6108657 $425,000

BIRCH LAKE SEASONAL CABIN

Stunning lake lot on desirable Birch Lake. Fabulous views of the length of the lake. Seasonal cabin with one bedroom and one bathroom. A trophy rainbow fishery and very near the Boundary Waters Area Canoe Wilderness. A gentle walk to water's edge. Use the cabin for a relaxing get-away or as the jumping off place for your next adventure. Property includes a detached garage, gazebo and a sleeping loft

MLS#6108048 $339,000

TOM LAKE CABIN

CHARMING OFF-GRID HOMESTEAD IN ENCHANTED FOREST

COMMERCIAL NEW!

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

TOM LAKE PEACEFUL HAVEN

A beautiful drive through the forested hills of the Hovland area takes you to this peaceful haven on Tom Lake. Tom Lake is known for walleye fishing and the surrounding area has many ATV and snowmobile trails.

Upper portion of 32+ acre parcel is full of deciduous trees with little understory allowing many options for a building site and creating trails through the woods. There already is a view of Tom Lake and the surrounding valley. With some selective clearing, the views could be even better. At the ridge, the forest turns to mature evergreens down to the lakeshore. The parcel south of the road is easily walkable with gently rolling topography which rises to the southern border. Enjoy summer sunsets across the open water and morning sunrises over the peaceful channel.

MLS#6108188 $225,000

POPLAR LAKE LOT

Over 300 feet of private shoreline on Poplar Lake and just under 2 acres of land. Lots of spruce, cedar, tag alder and diamond willow creates a haven for moose and other wildlife. Bring rubber boots and a camera to check this one out. Beautiful shoreline in a friendly neighborhood!

MLS#6108233 $199,000

TOM LAKE LOT

There really are places that are still wild, with clear air and starry nights away from the sounds of civilization. Enjoy this untouched lake lot with 214ft of shoreline on a fairly even heavily wooded lot. Whatever you enjoy is available here from relaxing at the lake, dipping your fishing line in the water or enjoying the area's many miles of ATV and snowmobile trails. Property has been surveyed and staked. Brumbaugh Road is private with a public landing at the north end of Tom Lake. No homeowners association here. Building plans subject to county approval.

MLS#6108312 $150,000

This unique home is tucked deep in 40 acres of mature cedars and pines, adjoining large tracts of public land. Follow the long winding driveway to a truly magical place. The main house is a straw-bale home with recent bedroom/bath addition, and a bright, outdoors-feeling 4-season porch/livingroom. Home features include tile and bamboo floors, pine paneling and stucco walls with deep window wells reflecting the straw bale design, giving a romantic old-world feel to the main kitchen/ dining area. The large kitchen has custom cabinets, stained concrete countertops and a wood burner stove with oven. The main bedroom is two large upper rooms with lots of light and space. The large second bedroom has bright morning light, a small wood stove, and door to a private deck. Comfortable spaces and quality material and design are evident everywhere. This home is for those seeking simplicity and nature. Remoteness and independence are mandatory. Yet, it's a short drive to the main roads and a quick trip into Grand Marais for groceries.

MLS#6108193 $429,900

NEWLY REMODELED SILVER BAY 4 BEDROOM HOME

This lovely 4 bedroom, 2 bath home has been remodeled from top to bottom with all new mechanicals including washer & dryer, refrigerator & dishwasher. Nice open floor plan with 2 bedrooms upstairs and 2 downstairs. Make this your home and basecamp for all your Northshore adventures. Silver Bay is conveniently located only an hour from Duluth with plenty of State Parks nearby.

MLS#6108044 $339,000

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES HOMES & CABINS COMMERCIAL

MULTI-USE PROPERTY HOVLAND

2.3 acre property has great home site with lake views, great well & septic, and an existing structure used as a local store & food business. New patio in 2008 & new addition in 2010. Many options exist, from residential, rental, cottage industry, retail shop or continue its present use. Perfect set up for a move-to-the-Shore life change. Bring your idea & start the dream from here.

MLS#6103739 $379,900, MLS#6104735 $479,900 (Includes existing business)

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

RENEW/BUILD A BUSINESS IN GRAND MARAIS

1.27 commercial zoned acres on Highway 61 in Grand Marais. Rent space potential. Includes a shop/storefront with some good bones! Great location for many types of ventures! Make an offer and build your business in a popular tourist area!

MLS#6107939 $249,900

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

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

Over 40 acres within 10 miles of Grand Marais, with a creek running through and 1300 feet of County road frontage. Some very nice potential building sites in this parcel, and ample room to spread out. West and south property boundaries are abutted by Federal land as well. Zoned FAR-3, this could be subdivided if one desired.

MLS#6108229 $330,000

40 ACRES PIKE LAKE RD

40 partially developed acres await your vision! Less than 20 minutes from downtown Grand Marais. Property has been improved with a gravel driveway, selective tree and brush clearing, and newly planted pines/ maple seedlings. It is hard to visit this property without getting carried away by all the possibilities. Beautiful secluded living space surrounded by nature. There is a lovely hilltop where a home could be built and provide year-round panoramic bluff views. On the west side of the property is a tributary to the Cascade River, highlighted by fragrant cedar stands, wildflowers and mosses.

MLS#6108391 $189,000

40+ ACRES ON COUNTY RD 14

MAGNEY PARK AREA RIDGE TOP WITH LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

This remote and secluded "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 recreational property.

MLS#6107790 $129,000

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

POND, WILDLIFE

& TWENTY ACRES

This property has private access to Lost Lake as a bonus! Good road access and many building site options. Beautiful beaver pond and creek split the property. Good south exposure and view of the pond. Lost Lake is a tucked-away gem with limited private property and no public access. Good trout fishing and moose sightings. This is a remote retreat property with access to miles of trails. Seasonal road, off-grid now, but power and Broadband are slated to be installed here soon.

MLS#6098652 $41,900

40 ACRES– STONES THROW TO TOM LAKE

40 acres with an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road to within 1000 feet, power is possible here. Driveway easement granted to build shared access. Many great building sites. Easy access to trails and other lakes.

MLS#6095114 $60,000

WOODED 64 ACRES –ACCESS TO PRIVATE LAKE

This large wooded retreat property is within walking distance to a shared landing on Lost Lake - a private access lake. Good road access and many nice places to build a cabin. Privacy on top of restricted private road access makes this a unique opportunity for wilderness seclusion.

MLS#6103974 $59,900

2+ ACRES CLOSE TO GRAND MARAIS

Great location a few miles north of Grand Marais. Plenty of spots nearby to enjoy the cool breeze of the Big Lake! Or hop on the Superior Hiking Trail nearby and enjoy a walk in the woods. Property has a driveway in, build site has been cleared and is ready for your vision. With some selective clearing, there's potential for lake views!

MLS#6108217 $89,900

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

PEACEFUL TAIT LAKE PINES

You'll appreciate the private & peaceful 1.93 acre location in Lutsen, MN, complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views, finely maintained roads, yearround accessibility, access to power, a calm overall vibe and deeded lake access to Tait Lake! One of the most gorgeous drives one can find, up the Caribou Trail and around Tait Lake. Close to the Superior Hiking Trail, inland lakes, including BWCAW access & trails, Lutsen Ski Resort, Superior National Golf Course and access to food/beverage.

MLS#6106368 $55,000

HOME SITE WITH BEAVER PONDS

Beautiful Moose Valley parcel with over 11 acres, creek with ponds and views of the ridges surrounding this charming location. County road frontage with power and Broadband. A great home site in the Hovland area, close to Lake Superior access and the Arrowhead Trail.

MLS#6107876

LOOKING FOR WILDERNESS?

Are you among those who want to own remote acreage where your neighbors don’t tarnish your dream? 40 acre parcel within a 1100 acre unit, bordered by federal, state park and private ownership on parcels which cannot be less than 20 acres. Unique property extends north from Lost Lake Rd to a creek meandering through a large wetland with no development in sight. Launch your canoe below a great building site overlooking Mons Creek from a high point above the creek. New trail is cut to this overlook. Private deeded access to Lost Lake, a short walk south on a trail. Homeowners’ association has defined covenants & a conservation easement of 44 acres along the south side of Lost Lake prohibiting any development. Lake is a natural environment lake with 150 ft setbacks.

MLS#6089091

MAPLE FOREST LOTS

Beautiful 5+ acre wooded lots, covered in Maple Forest. In the fall these beautiful lots 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#6108144, 6108145 $65,000 each

TAIT LAKE PINE LOT

Welcome to Tait Lake Pines! You'll appreciate the private & peaceful location in Lutsen, MN, complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views/settings, finely maintained roads, year-round accessibility, access to power, a calm and serene overall vibe AND deeded lake access to Tait Lake!! It'll keep you close to the Superior Hiking Trail, many more inland lakes and trails, Lutsen Ski Resort, Superior National Golf Course & access to food/beverage.

MLS#6098276 $54,900

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 $49,900

LAND/BUILDING SITES

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

SALE PENDING

REMOTE, ENDOF-THE-ROAD PRIVACY

This deeply wooded 20 acre parcel is remote and has nice southerly exposure and creek frontage on Mons Creek, a trout stream. It also comes with deeded access to Lost Lake, a private access lake with limited private property.

A place to fish, listen to the loons and watch the sun set. The private area is gated and maintained by an association. The main road access is seasonal, but Broadband and power are slated to come here soon. This is a great area for ATV’s with miles of roads to explore.

MLS#6098654 $38,900

SALE PENDING SOLD

REMOTE PEACE & QUIET, PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS

Hide away in this dense forest, with miles of remote trails to explore, and private lake access to Lost Lake. Twenty acres of rolling topography and nice building sites for your cabin retreat. The area is part of an association with gated access to Lost Lake, a limited private property lake with no public access, and great trout fishing and wildlife viewing!

OFF GRID SOLITUDE

24+ acres of quality Northwoods land at high elevation. Many ATV and snowmobile trails in the area. Parcel features a mix of deciduous and pine trees with some rather large mature pines in the SW corner of property, as well as some clear areas for a camper, tent or possible build. Southern border of the property neighbors state land.

MLS#6108263

$36,000

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

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

MLS#6098653 $39,900

BRULE VALLEY LOTS

These three, 40+ acre adjoining parcels are connected to a vast amount of Federal and State land, and are the perfect place to get away from snaps, feeds and notifications. Everyone needs a quiet respite, and this place provides that wholly. Towering Pines, poplar, birch and evergreens, ponds, creeks and rolling hills all for you, and for the wildlife therein. Seasonally, it is about a 50 minute drive from Grand Marais. Check it out this summer and make it your own.

MLS#6102969 $43,000 - Lot B

MLS#6102971 $46,000 - Lot C

MLS#6102970 $44,000 - Lot D

MLS# 6108066 $129,000 - Includes all 3 lots

We'd love to help you sell your property, or if you're buying we would like to make your North Shore dreams come true.

RECENTLY SOLD AND LISTED PROPERTIES

POPLAR RIVER CONDOMINIUMS, UNIT 582

Beautifully appointed 3 bedroom/3 bath with bonus loft overlooking Lake Superior.

Sold in 7 days.

POPLAR RIVER CONDOMINIUMS, UNIT 585

Original owner with unit in immaculate condition.

Sold in 23 days

LUTSEN CLIFF HOUSE TOWNHOME

Outstanding 3 bedroom/3 bath perched “Cliffside” over Lake Superior.

Sold in 2 days

LUTSEN SEA VILLA UNIT C-1

Two story end unit with Lake Superior lapping at your front door and deck

Sold in 4 days

NEW LISTINGS OF THE LUTSEN REAL ESTATE GROUP

Inspiring views of Lake Superior while listening to the Poplar River rapids resonate along the wooded pathways leading to the ledge rock Lake Superior Shoreline. This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom luxury condominium is tucked away on a wooded lot in the heart of Lutsen. Completely furnished combined with beautiful updated flooring ready for your use and enjoyment while also having the opportunity to earn income through rentals.

MLS 6108238 // $ 499,900

Fall in love with this sweet little cabin on a 5 acre parcel! Enjoy the Big Lake views from the deck and large yard, or take a walk down to nearby Sugar Loaf Cove nature center. Spend rainy days playing games in the pine paneled great room or tucked away in the sleeping nook or loft bedroom with a book. The kitchen is set up for hauled water and plenty of space for vacation snacks. Electricity and fiber optic internet mean you can work remotely!

MLS 6108326 // $199,000

555 POPLAR RIVER ROAD

84 SUNRISE DRIVE

I have never worked with such an OUTSTANDING TEAM of real estate professionals in my 35 years of real estate like our current team at Lutsen Real Estate Group and Cascade Vacation Rentals. NEVER.

—Mike Larson, Associate Broker

NEXT STEPS

LOOKING TO SELL? Reach out about our Free Market Analysis.

LOOKING TO BUY?

No time better than the present.

JUST STARTING? No problem...we are here to help you navigate both the buying and selling process.

FREE MARKET ANALYSIS

Give one of our “Awesome Agents” a call today to learn more about why it remains a good time to sell. Our team of experts will provide you with a FREE Market Analysis on your home and/or property and outline why Lutsen Real Estate Group is your BEST CHOICE when considering listing your home for sale.

MOLLY O’NEILL | Agent (218) 370-2079 | molly@lustenrealestategroup.com

STEVE SURBAUGH | Broker

NINEMILE LAKE HOME

Enjoy this Fabulous vacation or year-round home at Ninemile Lake! This 3 bedroom home doesn’t disappoint with floor to ceiling windows and vaulted ceilings in the Great Room, a spacious Kitchen and even a covered porch this home has everything you need to relax and unwind! Shared access to 1800ft of shoreline on Ninemile lake and close to close to many inland lakes, plus direct access to snowmobile, ATV and hiking trails means you can enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities! Visit today and start planning your summer Up North!

MLS#6107181

PRICE REDUCED $409,000

NEW! SUNSET COTTAGE ON TOM LAKE!

Ready to get away from it all? To go deep in the woods and enjoy lake life for a while? Your dream has come true, this cabin is it! Enjoy the sounds of the Loons and water hitting the 148+ft of shoreline on Tom Lake from the large deck overlooking the lake. Inside the cabin you have plenty of space with 2 bedrooms and the perfect kitchen for cooking cabin meals. Relax in the family room watching the sunset and plan your next day’s activities. And While there is no electricity, the Solar/Battery system will provide you with the power you need for lights! All that is missing is YOU!

MLS#6108255 $299,999

NEW! LIVE WHERE KIMBALL CREEK MEETS THE BIG LAKE!

Can you imagine enjoying the sounds of Lake Superior AND Kimball Creek while relaxing on your covered porch? This 3 bedroom log home has just that and so much more! From the Large Family room with tons of natural light to the open Kitchen just waiting for you to cook for the masses. Sitting on 3 acres this home has plenty of space for all your needs from the Large 2 car garage and workshop to the Guest Cabin. Close to Grand Marais but “Out-East” where its quiet. Enjoy the 180ft+ of pebble beach shoreline on Lake Superior or wander up Kimball Creek and enjoy some Trout Fishing. Visit today and start enjoying the quiet life on the North Shore!

MLS#6108139 PRICE REDUCED $639,900

NEW!! KIVI TALO, THE “STONE HOME!”

A classic North Shore home along the shores of the Big Lake. This one goes way back, built by those who knew the best spots and craftsmanship. For years it was THE place to stop for a chat and shop for diamond willow walking staffs. Cozy one bedroom and loft, all very manageable –tiny home before its time. The current owners have shined and loved it up, adding a sturdy log barn for the ages! The remodeled fish house across the road sits on miles of public beach. 8+ acres of Northwoods to explore. Cleared area for gardens, firepit, and chillaxin’!

MLS# TBA $375,000

SALE PENDING

Enjoy everything Grand Marais has to offer in this NEW home! Welcoming interior, bright and sunny with tons of windows! Open living room lined with large windows and patio door allowing for lots of natural light to flow through the room. Open concept design, the kitchen island anchors the space and the gorgeous stone fireplace is a beautiful focal point to the Kitchen and Living spaces. Bright Kitchen, awesome pantry, and coffee counter, you’ll love the kitchen! Main level has 2 bedrooms convenient to hallway bath with custom shower and double sink, as well as an office/craftsroom. Upper level is a large owners en suite with skylights! PROPERTY

NEW! SOAK IN THE HARBOR VIEWS FROM THIS GRAND MARAIS HOME!

SALE PENDING

Walk in and feel at home, from the large kitchen to the Great Room with vaulted ceilings. Maybe it’s the 4 bedrooms you can imagine full with family or friends, or the Kitchen and Dining room space that you see being used for get togethers. This home checks all the boxes from Storage to detached garage. Relax in the Great Room and soak up the sunshine while the Free-standing Fireplace crackles in the background. Or create a reading nook in the Loft and watch the harbor while you unwind. Walk outside and enjoy the large deck and all the work the previous owners put into the landscaping. From Maple trees to Honey Crisp Apple Trees and many perennial flowers that will keep fresh flowers on your table all summer. Ask agent about the Solar Panels that have basically eliminated the Electric bills for the current owners. Visit today and make the Up North Dream your reality!

MLS# 6107430

$535,000

SALE PENDING

NEW! OLDIE BUT A GOODIE IN FINLAND!

Are you looking for your next project? This is the home for you! It needs some TLC but the bones of the structure are still in good shape. Sitting on 3 acres the location is ideal with the sounds from the Baptism River across the road. Very functional layout with an open kitchen, dining and living room and 3 bedrooms on the main floor give you plenty of space. Outside you have plenty of space to store all the tools and building supplies in the large Pole Building. Maybe park your camper in there while you work on the house this summer? Wander over the pond in the yard and create a peaceful oasis to relax by at the end of the day. Visit today and start your next project on the North Shore!

MLS#6108139 $139,900

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE!

FINLAND AREA

NEW! BUILD YOUR VACATION GETAWAY AT NINEMILE LAKE!

.18 acres with 1800ft of shared shoreline on Ninemile Lake! With septic, water and electric all on site all you have to do is hook up to it! Easily start your project and be able to enjoy your time Up North!

MLS#6107242 $60,000

NEW! LAKE VIEW LOT! GREAT OPPORTUNITY

TO BUILD A LAKE HOME AT THE VILLAGE AT NINEMILE!

Fish the day away from the 1800ft of shared shoreline on Ninemile Lake or travel to one of the many inland lakes that are close by. Snowmobile from your front door! All the important infrastructure is there: Septic, water and electricityall you have to do is hook up to it! Start making your dream Up North home a reality today!

MLS#6107243 $60,000

NEW! START ENJOYING YOUR INLAND LAKE DREAM AT THE VILLAGE AT NINEMILE!

This .60 acre lot was recently created by combining two lots so it offers plenty of room to build your dream cabin or home with an amazing lake view and direct lake access! Great opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast with snowmobile and ATV trails right outside your door! 1800ft of shared lake frontage on Ninemile Lake and infrastructure in place for Septic, Well and Electricity, all you have to do is hook up to it. You will be ready to relax and unwind before you know it!

MLS#6107241 $150,000

TOFTE AREA

LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW LOT IN THE MIDDLE OF TOFTE!

This 3.61 acre lot is a dreamy location to build your North Shore home. With multiple south-facing building sites giving you great views of Lake Superior, electricity conveniently located at the road and Year Round accessible thanks to the Home Owner’s Association you will be able to build your getaway and enjoy it in all the seasons. There is quick access to snowmobile trails, many hiking trails and Cross Country skiing all close by. Visit today and make your dream of a North Shore Home a reality!

MLS#6107193 $149,900

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW LOT IN TOFTE!

LUTSEN AREA

NEW! LUTSEN, LAND AND LOCATION!

Great location to build your getaway Up North! Located in the heart of Lutsen you will be close to your favorite outdoor activities from skiing to hiking. 3.38 acres with driveway in place, just waiting for you!

MLS#6107596 $62,900!

GRAND MARAIS AREA

NEW! RARE OPPORTUNITY IN THE CITY OF GRAND MARAIS!

Large parcels don’t come up for sale very often, especially within the city of Grand Marais, this is your opportunity! There are many possibilities to develop this 2+ acre parcel, The Property was just surveyed and there is a designated 33 ft wide easement on the east side to build a road to this parcel from E 5th ST. The location couldn’t be any better with schools, YMCA, and the Community center within walking distance. Easily get to the Gunflint Trail, just a block away, and spend the day fishing at one of the many close inland lakes. Hiking trails, Biking trails, Cross Country Ski Trails and Snowmobile Trails are just a minute away, you will always have access to the different seasons adventures. Visit today and start planning your getaway Up North!

MLS#6107788 $199,900

MLS#6107607 $99,000

This is a rare parcel with tons of possibilities! The land borders Federal to the North giving you plenty of room to wander the woods or you could just walk down your driveway to get to Ray Berglund Wayside State Park and enjoy the MN Dot Lake Superior shoreline across the Highway. Nice mixture of trees, exposed rock, and beautiful Lake views! This parcel is unique – long and narrow, giving you many options of where and what to build. Great location with Lutsen Mountains Ski Area is just a minute drive away, along with Superior National Golf Course and the paved Gitchi Gami State Bike Trail is across the highway. Build your cabin and enjoy the North Shore –maybe work remotely or move up here!

MLS#6107607 $99,000

Classic 2BR, 1BA cabin sits at the edge of 240’ of rocky shore, with 1.6A and loads of privacy. The wrap-around deck is ideal for enjoying the many seasons, sounds and expressions of the lake, whether it is a sunrise or a sunset.

MLS 6107951 $899,900

384X Highway 61 E

Exceptionally stunning Lake Superior property, perfect for building your ultimate North Shore retreat, with over a thousand feet of shoreline! This 5+ acre lot has officially been subdivided into 2 independent lots and is part of the aptly named Paradise Beach. Imagine owning this beautiful cobblestone beach, that is surrounded by government owned land & provides extensive beach walking opportunities? The views of Marr Island are amazing, especially when you are enjoying a spectacular sunrise or relaxing and listening to the lapping waves – it will take your breath away

MLS 610784

$1,200,000

NEW 78 Troll’s Trail

Affordable Lake Superior! Over 300’ of shared lakeshore and over 7 acres of shared land! Great opportunity to build a cabin or year round home. Forested area, firepit picnic area, lawn area--sit back and relax while someone else takes care of the plowing and lawn care.

MLS 6108596 $149,900

INLAND LAKE LOTS

Caribou Lake

Build your dream home on the shores of the coveted Caribou Lake. Lot directly abuts USFS to the north, features 213’ of shoreline and 3.5A of wooded land.

MLS 6108084 $348,900

Greenwood Lake

Dramatic views and 202’ of shoreline. 1A parcel already has a driveway in place and trails through mature trees to the waterfront. Build overlooking this impressive lake.

MLS 6107777 $169,900

NEW Squint Lake Lot 4

234’ of shoreline, nicely wooded--

Great mid-Trail location, close to restaurants, lodges, and community center. Squint Lake offers privacy with the option to be as active as you’d like!

MLS 6108302 $129,900

NEW Squint Lake Lot 5

Peaceful lot, dead-end private road, with 225’ of Squint Lake shoreline. Close to all the mid-Trail has to offer. Make your dreams come true.

MLS 6108303 $134,900

4648 Cascade Beach Road

HOMES & CABINS

NEW 2246 County Road 7

Fantastic, sunny, tastefully finished 4BR, 4BA home on 16A with Lake Superior views! Finished walk-out could be rented as a 1BR unit with full kitchen and bath. Attached and detached garages, garden area, decks, patio, 4-season sunroom, pond, and more.

MLS TBD $849,900

5541 E Highway 61 E

Charming 3BR home on 34.5A of forested land to explore the Northwoods. Lake Superior access, which is perfect for getting out on the water and enjoy a day of kayaking.

MLS 6107983 $379,900

PENDING

1134 Pike Lake Road

Charming 2BR year-round Northwoods log cabin tucked away on 31 acres in the heart of the boreal forest. Insulated bunk house and the sauna/spa house could be used as a guest cabin.

MLS 6107985 $439,900

NEW 2817 Highway 61 E

Looking for a Big Lake getaway near Grand Marais? Impressive views of Lake Superior high on a bluff with a perfect sandy-pebbly beach down below. Open concept rustic cabin for you to choose the layout.

MLS 6108131 $229,900

REDUCED 40 County Road 44

Looking for quintessential Northwoods home? This 3BR, 2BA, custom built, log-sided home oozes charm & character and sits on over 8 acres. There is an insulated garage with workshop space.

MLS 6107949 $599,900

296 Cramer Rd

Enjoy the Lake Superior views and the privacy of 5 acres! 4BR/2BA home with open concept kitchen, good sized pantry, breakfast nook, and great room. Park your car and store your toys in the 20x24 garage! This is a great location for many outdoor adventures!

MLS 6107103 $319,900

Beautiful 20 acres overlooking Lake Superior! Prime spot for a deer camp as this area is known for excellent hunting or a secluded cabin in the woods.This property is currently without access, but one could obtain an easement.

MLS 6107462 $39,900

Lake Superior view 5A lot situated along the forested ridge line. Just a 1/2 mile away is Sugarloaf Cove for easy access to Lake Superior and a couple minutes up the road is the Superior Hiking Trail.

MLS 6107842 $149,900

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

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

MLS 609581 3 $62,000

183

Linnell Rd

Wonderful 5 acre lot on a quiet county maintained road with drilled well and partial driveway in place. Perfect distance from town for some country living yet close to all Grand Marais has to offer. Potential lake views!

MLS 6106867 $89,900

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

12XX Highway 61 W

RARE opportunity to find almost 6A of mixed use located in the heart of Grand Marais, with city sewer and city water. This property has approximately 825’ of frontage on Highway 61 and access off 1st Street.

MLS 6107103 $789,900

Unique opportunity to find a 1A lot in the heart of Grand Marais. Directly abuts Highway 61, with commercial usage, perfect for someone considering a home for their business or wanting to build short-term rentals.

MLS 6108208 $199,900

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 6108125 $189,900

1315 E Highway 61

Incredible commercial opportunity at Grand Marais City Limits Current use includes a 3BR rental unit, office, and home! Cathedral ceilings, partially finished second floor, custom designed kitchen, main bedroom with ensuite & patio access.

6104280 $1,500,000

X13 Murphy Mountain Trail

86 Sunrise Drive

XXX Highway 61 E

1X Brandon Lane

11XX Highway 61 W

1142 Camp 20 Rd

XXX Reason Road

INLAND LAKE HOMES & CABINS

NEW 488 E Bearskin Road

2+ bedroom cabin on the edge of the BWCA of East Bearskin Lake. This Forest Service leased lot covers approximately 1.13 of private wooded acres and 180’ of accessible shoreline. Every room is light and airy due to large windows and skylights in every room. The bunkhouse is comprised of a cozy sleeping room for guests, a sauna with shower, and a workshop. This is the perfect base for all your outdoor adventures!

MLS 6108589

$349,900

261 Caps Trail

Serenity awaits you in this turn-key charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath, year-round cabin on Tait Lake. The property features 190 ft. of shoreline with 2.9 acres and is in a peaceful bay on the north side of the lake, with the Tait River gently running along the western edge of the property. Access to HOA maintained hiking & biking Trails.

MLS 6107953

$599,900

NEW 44 Carbine Road

Imagine the ultimate northwoods experience--this rustic, two-bedroom cabin is 15 feet from the shore of McFarland Lake at the end of the Arrowhead Trail. Good fishing! Neighboring Pine Lake, Little John, and the BWCAW. Enjoy your day on the water swimming, boating, canoeing, and fishing then relax on the dock and enjoy the sounds of nature. Relax, unwind, and enjoy this pristine area!

MLS 6108337

$199,900

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Grey Tree Frog

Our flower garden is close to our pond and every summer, for about a month, grey tree frogs show up to feed off the insects that are attracted to the flowers. The immature ones are always a bright green, like this little guy who is less than an inch long. Mature grey tree frogs change color from gray to green and lots of colors in between. It helps them to blend in with the background.—Paul

Sundberg

W elcome to Golden Eagle Lodge, a family oriented, year-round resort located on the Gunflint Trail of Northeastern Minnesota, only 30 miles north of Grand Marais. As the only residents on Flour Lake, and nestled in the 3 million acres of the Superior National Forest, you can look forward to the quiet and solitude offered only from a true wilderness setting.

Each season has something special to offer; excellent fishing, canoeing, and hiking in summer and nationally-renowned cross-country skiing in winter. Visit our website to find in detail how each season can help shape your vacation.

We offer fully equipped, modern housekeeping cabins to ensure comfort during your stay in the North Woods. These lakefront cabins each have their own private dock and beautiful lake views as well as high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected.

We know much time, effort, and expense is invested in a vacation and we would be honored if you considered us as your vacation destination.