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A Maritime Shore? Referring to the North Shore as a maritime coast is somewhat of a stretch because the term is generally applied to seas and their coasts. But Lakes Superior is often called an inland sea, because of not only its massive size and depth, but also due to its direct connection, via the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, with the distant Atlantic Ocean. Evidence of this can be seen by the passage of sea-faring freighters that carry midwestern goods all over the world and the recent arrival of tourist cruise ships that have added voyages to the greatest of lakes to their itineraries. Using this definition, it is not hard to then include everything that floats, from the mighty ore carriers, which never leave the Great Lakes, to the venerable canoes that have been paddled on these waters for thousands of years. That is what we have done in this maritime issue.
Share Your Thoughts Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@ northernwilds.com.
Rae Poynter’s feature story Journey to the Past: Lake Superior’s Historic Maritime Locations travels along the North Shore with brief stops at places where you may learn more about the Lake Superior-based use of watercraft past and present. Beginning at Duluth, the first stop is at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center near the Aerial Lift Bridge, which spans the canal leading into the Duluth Harbor. The museum within the Visitor Center displays the history of commercial shipping on the lake. Among many stops along the shore, the feature also covers the famed Split Rock Lighthouse, the former iron ore port of Taconite Harbor, the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum, the ancient to modern native history displayed at Grand Portage National Monument and Thunder Bay’s decommissioned
Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, the Alexander Henry. Northern Wilds’ favorite regional historian, Elle Andra-Warner, takes us back to the 1800s to look at the commercial ships of the 19th century, sailing craft that were the primary means of transport for Lake Superior communities and the wild lands beyond. The 19th century was also an era of both maritime growth and tragedy as the region’s population grew to support the primary industries of copper and, later, iron ore mining, commercial fishing and timber harvest. Trade and travel by water preceded development of railroads and roads. Of course, no issue of Northern Wilds is focused on various aspects of just one topic. You will be introduced to Gunflint Trail fishing guide “Little” Vince Ekroot by Eric Weicht. Speaking of fishing, Gord Ellis has the latest on fishing scents and Joe Shead takes us to Alton Lake off the Sawbill Trail. Tom Watson tells us how to make kids “lost-proof” when you take them on outdoor adventures. Writer Cheryl Lyn Dybas and photographer Ilya Raskin introduce us to the black bears that drop by for a bite at the Vince Shute Bear Sanctuary. If you are hungry, Virginia George knows some hot spots for burgers from Duluth to Thunder Bay. Craftsman Jarrod Dahl explains how he learned the art of creating wooden utensils, a skill he teaches at the North House Folk School. You’ll find this and more with every turn of the page in Northern Wilds. So, sit down, pick up your copy and get started.—Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt
Enter photos and win prizes! Categories: Landscape, Wildlife, People and Pets, and Macro. Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos per category. Winners will be announced in the January 2023 issue of Northern Wilds. ENTER BY SEPT. 30 northernwilds.com/contests/photography-contest
Meet our Judges!
Photo Tip of the Month:
For a more pleasing wildlife photo, I try and compose the image so that there is more background in front of the subject than behind it. That way the subject is not centered, but looks like it is moving into the photo. —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.
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.
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VOLUME 19, ISSUE 8 w w w . n o r t h e r nw i l d s .c o m
SERVING THE NORTH SHORE A N D TH E WI LDE R N E SS B E Y ON D PUBLISHERS Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt
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EDITORIAL Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com Breana Johnson, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com ADVERTISING Destry Winant, Sales Representative ads@northernwilds.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com OFFICE Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com
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FEATURES 16 A Frenzy of Black Bears
Copyright 2022 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers.
It’s Hyperphagia Season at Minnesota’s Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary
18 Journey to the Past Lake Superior’s Historic Maritime Locations
Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)
Cover
DEPARTMENTS 7 14 24 29 37 39 41
Along the Shore Points North Spotlight Events Dining Health Northern Trails
Afternoon Arrival by Ken Greshowak
42 43 44 45
Fishing Hole Northern Sky Reviews Following the Ancestor’s Steps 46 Strange Tales
Take the North Shore home with you! From Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ont. and beyond, we cover the stories from the area featuring the people and places that make this place unique. 4
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CONTRIBUTORS Elle Andra-Warner, Jarrod Dahl, Gord Ellis, Peter Fergus-Moore, Casey Fitchett, Virginia George, Cheryl Lyn Dybas, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Rae Poynter, Joe Shead, Tom Watson, Eric Weicht, Sam Zimmerman
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Vince Ekroot with his wife Christine Angelo. Ekroot has fished the lakes, rivers, streams and creeks of northeastern Minnesota for most of his life, and he has been operating Little Vince’s Guide Service on the Gunflint Trail since 1987. | SUBMITTED
Fishing with Little Vince GUNFLINT TRAIL— When it comes to guided fishing trips, every guide has their own way of doing things. A lot of guides have a favorite lake or two where they like to take people and a triedand-true method in a specific spot that is sure to catch fish. The client books a date with the guide and the guide takes care of deciding where to go and what to fish for based on what they know will work. While that style of guiding may work for some, it is not how Vince Ekroot likes to run his guiding business. For Ekroot, it is all about making the trip right for the folks that he is with. “When people call me,” says Ekroot, “I start by asking them what they’d like to fish for. If they have a specific fish in mind and it’s been working, then that’s what we do. If it’s not working, I tell them so and let them know what has been working.” “I try to work with [my clients] and provide them with as many options as possible,” continues Ekroot, “because ultimately what we fish for is up to them. If they want walleyes, for example, I see if they’re willing to fish from a canoe—a short portage makes a huge difference when fishing for walleye.” Ekroot has fished the lakes, rivers, streams and creeks of northeastern Minnesota for most of his life, and he has been operating a professional guiding business—Little Vince’s Guide Service—up the Gunflint Trail since 1987. Ekroot is known as being one of the premier, if not the only guide on the Gun-
flint Trail who will take folks out fishing for stream trout on lakes. Rainbow trout and splake are the trout that he fishes for most these days, but he knows how to “do well” on 2-5-pound lake trout all summer long and how to catch brook trout in the spring and fall on “difficult to get to lakes” for anyone up for an adventure. If clients are looking for something other than trout, however, Ekroot is happy to target more traditional species of lake fish like bass, walleye and bluegills. While the goal is usually to “put people on large numbers of eating-sized fish,” catching a trophy-sized fish is never out of the question on one of Ekroot’s trips. “Little” Vince Ekroot was born in Duluth on April 23, 1958. Ekroot grew up in Duluth just up the hill from the hospital where he was born, attending Munger Elementary through the 6th-grade before being uprooted to the Gunflint Trail in 1969 when his parents purchased the Windigo Lodge (present day Poplar Haus). “I started fishing at a very young age,” recalls Ekroot. “As a kid living in Duluth I would often walk up to Chester Park and fish for trout in the ponds and creek.” “My father and his friends showed me basic fishing techniques,” continues Ekroot, “but I was pretty well self-taught on fly fishing.” The move to the Gunflint Trail would prove life changing for Vince. While Ekroot’s dad was initially the one most excited for the family’s new life on Poplar Lake, it was Little Vince who took full advantage of his new home in the woods.
“[My dad] thought he’d have more time to fish after buying the lodge,” says Ekroot. “Unfortunately, it didn’t really work out that way. I, on the other hand, had way more time to fish, and would get my father to give me a ride down to the Greenwood River area to fish the creeks for brook trout.” For a while, fly fishing for brook trout along remote creeks and streams in and around the BWCAW was Ekroot’s favorite way to fish. That is, until his father’s friend Ben Larsen introduced him to lake fishing for trout. According to Ekroot, after catching his first big brook trout with Larsen, he “pretty much lost interest in fishing for those little guys.” To date, Ekroot has caught five brook trout over 5 pounds, and “well over a hundred” that weigh more than four. Moving to the Gunflint Trail is also what got Ekroot his start as a guide. At 12 years old, Ekroot was already taking out clients to some of his favorite brook trout spots, carrying their canoes across portages and casting from the shore with either a spinner or bait while his clients went out fly fishing. “Even at that age,” recalls Ekroot, “I’d generally out fish them by a pretty big margin.” In the fall of 1976, Ekroot moved back to Duluth to attend college at UMD. After a tough four years in Duluth that ended without a degree, Ekroot married Christine Angelo and, in need of a job, decided to enlist with the Army and became an anti-tank gunner with the rank of specialist four.
One year of active-duty service later, Ekroot returned to school and finished his degree in 1984 at Bemidji State through the Army’s ROTC program. Ekroot then spent three more years of military service as a 2nd Lt. Military Intelligence and a year of teaching at Superior Senior High School before making a permanent move back north with his wife Christine to start a new life. “When I returned north in May of 1987,” says Ekroot, “guiding became my full-time job and has been since. I made a decision that life was too short to be in a job that you didn’t love. Money wasn’t nearly as important as loving what I did, and I’ve always loved fishing.” Despite loving his work and making a living in what some might consider a “dream job,” Ekroot is quick to point out that it is still, in fact, a job. “It is not an easy job,” says Ekroot, “especially the way that I do it. I always like to go places a little off the beaten path, which often means portaging 12-foot alumacraft boats into lakes by myself.” “Some people think that guiding is just going fishing every day and that every day is beautiful,” says Ekroot. “I’ve had to fish in pouring rain, strong winds, snow storms, 100-degree heat without a breeze… it’s not always rosy. Like I said, it’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.” After 35 years of “putting people on fish” Ekroot still loves his work and has no plans to stop any time soon. To book a trip and limit out with Little Vince, give him a call at: 218-388-9942.—Eric Weicht
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Breakfast Served All Day Lunch • Homemade Soups
We’re Open Before the Fish Bite! Open 6 am - 2 pm Mon, Wed-Sat 6 am - 12 pm Sun Closed Tues Located at the stop light in Grand Marais
218-387-1505
Radio Waves 15 September 9 - 11
Fireworks will light up the sky at Terrace Bay’s 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 20. | SUBMITTED
Terrace Bay turns 75 TERRACE BAY—This August, the North Shore town of Terrace Bay is temporarily traveling back in time to the 1940s. “We’re hosting a ‘retro night’ at the Michael King Hall, “says Gary Adduono, “given that our community was founded in 1947.”
See you in the park!
22
Great, local acts! $30 weekend passes! Kids 12 and under Free! On-site food vendors!
North Shore Community Radio 90.7 FM Grand Marais 90.1 FM Grand Portage 89.1 FM Gunflint Trail Tickets available at
wtip.org
when Ontario Hydro diverted the nearby Long Lake flow southward, to provide electricity for the new project. At its peak, Terrace Bay’s population was nearly 3,000 people, but like many resource-extraction based communities, it has experienced periods of economic growth and shrinkage.
Saturday, August 20, is slated as Beach Day at the town’s new waterfront pavilion at Terrace Bay Beach. In other words, the town is celebrating 75 years of existence and all are welcome to the party. The town’s celebrations take place from August 18-21. Adduono, who chairs the 75th anniversary committee, estimates that some 750-1,200 people will attend the weekend festival. Terrace Bay is named for the unique terrace-like rock formations left over from the glacial creation of Lake Minong, whose water levels shrank until what we now call Lake Superior was formed some 10,000 years ago. The town itself, however, owes its existence to a familiar and more recent human activity: Longlac Pulp and Paper (later Kimberley Clark Forest Products) built a mill and townsite on the present township area in 1947,
Now, the town will look back and look forward, beginning with a full day on Thursday, August 18. “There’ll be an outdoor market, three bands, inflatables for the kids, and a movie night in the park behind Simcoe Plaza (inland north of the highway),” says Adduono. “The Thunder Bay band The Sensational Hot Rods will be playing at our street dance and beer gardens Friday night. Then Saturday night, the country band Back 40, also from Thunder Bay, will be down at the waterfront, followed by fireworks at dark.” Saturday, August 20, is slated as Beach Day at the town’s new waterfront pavilion at Terrace Bay Beach. Sunday, after an ecumenical worship service at the Pavilion at
Celebrations for Terrace Bay’s 75th anniversary will include live music, an outdoor market, inflatables for the kids, a movie night in the park, and more. | SUBMITTED 10:30 a.m., the event’s closing ceremonies will take place at noon. At around the same time, Parks Canada may be hosting a grand opening of their new stores and office facility. The pandemic-driven barriers to travel that persist for many kept the anniversary committee on its toes in the early stages of planning. With a number of restrictions lifted, however, the committee expects a healthy turnout, especially given the rise in local tourism that the community has experienced in recent years. With that in mind, a temporary museum space will help guide visitors through the town’s past. “One of the most labor-intensive elements of our celebration will be our pop-up museum hosted at the Terrace Bay Community Centre,” Adduono says. “Volunteers have been sorting through hundreds of photos, particularly from the last 25 years to help complement the displays created 25 years ago for the 50th anniversary. We look forward to our visitors and residents taking some time to commemorate and reminisce about the past at this attraction.” “The mission statement for the anniversary is ‘Commemorating our Past, Celebrating our Future,’” Adduono says. “Each event and activity is aimed at doing just that. We believe there will be something for everyone from all generations to enjoy.” —Peter Fergus-Moore
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New at Tettegouche State Park SILVER BAY— Minnesota is home to 67 state parks, including the must-see Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay. Located just a little over an hour drive from Duluth, it is a beautiful trip along Highway 61. The majority of the route hugs the shores of Lake Superior with many rest stops to take in the views. The state of Minnesota acquired the 3,400 acres of land in 1979, which was added to the Baptism River State Park and later renamed Tettegouche, coming from the Tettegouche Club, an association which purchased the park in 1910. Since then, many additions, improvements and expansions have been made to meet the needs of visitors. Most recently, in 2014, a visitors’ center was built to better serve the community and overall programming needs.
museum and nature center
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center
Presentations
Educational programs are offered yearround and for all ages. One of the highlights, unique to Tettegouche, is the Baptism Summer Stream Study. Participants wade in the river water with nets, encountering a variety of river life. Interpretive naturalist Kurt Mead says this program offers a Tettegouche exclusive—“Tettegouche earrings for the adventurous visitors.” Mead explains that if the timing is right, a crawfish may be found and can gently be coaxed to latch on to an earlobe. Mead has been employed with the DNR for eight years, moving up to the North Shore in 1996. He holds a B.S. Degree in biology and a B.F.A. in art. Providing a rich schedule of programs is a large part of his responsibility at the park. The state park system has many resources for “tried and true” curriculums, yet he also utilized the seasonal interns to develop fresh topics throughout the summer. It is part of their school requirement to develop and teach presentations. Mead encourages students to find something they are passionate about and go from there. “It is a great way for me to explore a topic I may not have had time or knowledge to make into a good program,” Mead says. Visitors can expect fun programming this summer with one of the themes being all things squirrels. A state park staple are the nature carts set up near the visitor center or along the trails. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors with a full agenda to interact and learn something new in a short, simple program introduction. The full events calendar and details can be found on their website: dnr.state.mn.us/ state_parks. Art exhibits are another highlight unique to Tettegouche. Mead was able to combine
Saturday, August 13, 8 - 11 pm
Dark Sky Caravan 2022 on Site! Sunday, August 14, 2 - 3 pm
Climatic, environmental, and social justice issues in Indian Country: How science leads to justice by Dr. Seth Moore
Sunday, August 21, 2 - 3 pm
Educational programs for all ages are offered year-round at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay. | SUBMITTED both of his degrees and interests when developing the juried art exhibits program. Each month, a Minnesota artist is featured on the main common area wall in the visitor center. Mead explains this space was originally designed to have permanent nature stock photos hanging. He came up with the concept of highlighting local artists on a rotating basis and turning the space into a true gallery. An artist’s reception is held the first Friday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. to meet and welcome the new artist. August will feature Minneapolis-based painter Thomas Dimock. He is an award-winning artist whose work covers diverse themes, yet he is most passionate about en plein aire (outdoor landscape) techniques. Staying true to the parks goal to continue providing innovative and new opportunities for visitors, a nature play area is in the works, with the goal to open next summer. The
Friday, August 26, 2 - 3 pm
plan is to provide several areas that actively engages kids with nature and its elements. The overall design will provide opportunities for physical activity, social and imaginary play. This project is one of the many supported by the volunteer group, Friends of Tettegouche State Park. New members are always needed and welcomed. To find out more, visit: friendsoftettegouche.org, or call 651-308-6510. In addition to the state, employees and volunteers continually updating and changing the grounds and programs, nature also takes it’s turn at providing visitors with a fresh experience. The landscape is in constant change, creating a different natural topography along the pebbled beach and river banks. The park is open daily from 9 a.m.4 p.m.—Michelle Miller
Gunflint Pines
50 years on the Gunflint (told in one hour) with Betty Hemstad
Sunday, August 28, 2 - 3 pm
Lee and Florence Jaques in the Boundary Waters by Don Luce
Tuesday Kids’ Day Every Tuesday in August 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Held all day on Chik-Wauk Campus! Children under the age of 18 can visit free of charge. Chik-Wauk staff will offer a variety of hands-on activities all related to the unique history and nature of the Gunflint Trail.
• Museum • Nature Center • Watercraft Building • Cabin Exhibit
Cabins & Camping Boat /Canoe/Kayak/ Fishing Pole Rentals Gift Shop & Grocery Pizza & Ice Cream Open to the Public 218.388.4454 www.gunflintpines.com 217 South Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, MN 55604
The Secret Lives of Mushrooms by Teresa Marrone
28 Moose Pond Drive, Grand Marais 55 miles up the Gunfl fliint Trail (Hwy 12).
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gunfl fliinthistory.org NORTHERN WILDS
AUGUST 2022
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Making kids “lost-proof” NORTH SHORE— Not only can you weather-proof your gear or make you camp bearproof, you can also help your kids become “lost-proof.”
Tori Finnish Marketplace & Music Fest
Kids get lost; adults get lost, too. Kids need to know that it’s something that can happen to the best of outdoorsmen and women—reassure them how easy it can be to become lost in the back-country and what they can do to be found again. Don’t be an alarmist, but reassure them that dealing with becoming disoriented/lost in the woods is all part of being a good, self-reliant outdoors person.
Saturday August 13
According to Search and Rescue (SAR) statistics, over 80 percent of lost victims are found within 12 hours. Nearly 60 percent became lost in the immediate vicinity of their campsite.
at the Finland Heritage Site in Finland, MN 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
• Crafters and Vendors • Silent Auction • Food Booths • Historic Buildings open • Games • Blacksmithing • Cash Raffle at 5:00 p.m. Continuous music all day: THUG, Lindula Brothers, John Agacki & more!
Sun. Aug. 15, 8-10 a.m. Pancake Breakfast! Sponsored by the Finland MN Historical Society
5653 Little Marais Rd or Cty Rd. 6, Finland 3 1/2 miles from Hwy 61 or Hwy 1 on Cty Rd 6 (Little Marais Rd).
ICE CREAM SOCIAL Celebrating Care Partners’ Volunteers
Sunday, August 28, 2-4pm at Sydney’s Frozen Custard
One of the best ‘lost-proofing’ programs is “Hug a Tree,” developed by SAR experts in British Columbia many years ago. It’s a list of tips and processes that help teach children what to do when lost. Here’s a breakdown of some of the ways you can help children to either prevent becoming lost, or steps to take towards surviving harsh conditions and being found:
STAY ON THE TRAIL/PICK OUT LANDMARKS
Encourage kids to stay on trails; don’t wander off. Teach kids to remember landmarks along the trail (big or unusual trees, rock outcroppings, other notable land features)—something to help them remember where they are if they become lost. If they can’t quickly find a landmark, teach them to stay put and hug a tree.
WEAR BRIGHT CLOTHING
Bright clothing makes them easier to be seen by searchers. Brightly-colored clothing/gear can be waved as a signal, too. Consider such clothing as part of a child’s own special outdoor wardrobe.
Kids need to know that getting lost can happen to even the best outdoorsmen and women—British Columbia experts developed ways to reassure them on how easy it can be to become lost in the woods and what they can do to be found again. | BOBBY MARKO
CARRY A PLASTIC YARD BAG (A BRIGHT ONE!)
Help kids make their own tent/raincoat from a huge plastic yard bag and encourage them to always carry it with them as their own personal emergency shelter. Tape a few heat packets to the bag for emergency warmth.
Here’s the Scoop!
• Enjoy a Sydney’s Frozen Custard and support Care Partners.
STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING SHELTER
They must keep dry and warm. Teach them how to make a simple shelter from a big pile of leaves or grass.
MAKE NOISE
Kids (and adults) should always carry a whistle—not as a toy but as a signal they can use to make noise, louder and longer than they can by yelling. Let kids hear three loud blasts from a whistle to learn what that signal for help sounds like to searchers.
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DON’T BE AFRAID OF ANIMALS
Animals are usually always more afraid of people and will run off. Teach them that if they hear or see an animal, to stay still and make loud noises to scare them away.
MAKE A FOIL/PHOTO FOOTPRINT
Which footprint is your child’s? Have kids wear a select pair of shoes when outdoors and take a photo of each sole. You can also cut a piece of aluminum foil and lay it on a medium soft surface. Have your child step squarely onto the center of the foil to make a distinct impression. To distinguish the sole from others, cut an identifying notch into a section of the tread. This image can be photographed and filed. Searchers can use this footprint to compare it against others found in the area.
Outdoor & Casual Clothing, Footwear & Equipment According to Search and Rescue statistics, over 80 percent of lost victims are found within 12 hours. Nearly 60 percent became lost in the immediate vicinity of their campsite. | TOM WATSON
Guided Tours & Rentals for all Seasons Open Daily, Year Round On the East Bay in Grand Marais 218.387.3136 • stoneharborws.com
DON’T TALK TO “STRANGERS?”
All parents warn their children to never talk to strangers. Let them know that someone trying to find them is a friend, and will know their name and be calling it out. Come up with a special nickname or “secret word” to share that only someone who is trying to help them will know.
ORGANIC, LOCAL & N AT U R A L G R O C E R I E S Making a foil or photo footprint of your child’s shoe can help you track them if they become lost. | TOM WATSON
Kids wander off for many reasons, and some evade searchers because they fear punishment for being lost in the first place. It’s important to reassure children that if they become lost, people will be looking for them—and you just want them to be safe. Part of introducing your child to the great outdoors is helping them become comfort-
able and confident in that diverse environment. Show them how being brave, calm and using their heads is very important. Helping kids understand the outdoors and teaching them how to be self-reliant goes a long way to building confidence in scary situations.—Tom Watson
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Renowned bear biologist Dr. Lynn Rogers and his wife Donna Marie (Glass Rogers) founded Ely’s North American Bear Center in 2007. | SUBMITTED
Telling the tales of bears ELY— Currently residing in relatively undisturbed forested regions of North America, the black bear has attracted intense curiosity and interest throughout human history. With a typical male weighing between 125500 pounds, an unexpected encounter with these animals is an intimidating thought to many who recreate in the wilderness. Their portrayal in the media has led to misunderstandings about the prevalence of attacks and their normal demeanor. Combating these myths through extensive education is one of the main goals of the hardworking staff at the North American Bear Center and Northwoods Ecology Hall in Ely.
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With six full-time employees, five or six seasonal employees, and a dozen interns from around the world, the Bear Center is well-equipped to welcome the 30,000 guests that come through their doors during the six months they are open during the year. This staff also facilitates the educational museum’s multiple daily programs and live online broadcasts. Between the revolving door of visitors and keeping the four ambassador bears happy and healthy, the North American Bear Center is always bustling with activity. The resident bears Ted, Lucky, Holly and Tasha
spend their days recreating and relaxing on 2.5 acres of natural forest. Lucky attendees of their most popular program, the Behind the Scenes Tour, get an up close and personal look at the daily lives of the bears as they learn more about their habits and environment. One common misperception the guides like to dispel is related to their diet. “A lot of people don’t realize how heavily they rely on vegetation,” explains Spencer Peter, a biologist at the Bear Center. “In the Ely area, about 90 percent of their diet is made up of vegetation. That leaves 10 percent for animal protein, the majority of
which is actually insects. Black bears themselves don’t do a lot of hunting.” Within their enclosure, the bears can forage for wild hazelnuts, berries, greens, and other foods that the caretakers disperse around the pond at the edge of the forest. Searching for these foods simulates bear activity in the wild. “Our bears may be captive, but they’re still allowed to be as wild as a captive bear can be. That’s key to us. The big thing is exposing people to bears so they can understand that the bears out in the wild aren’t any different than the bears we have here,” says Senior Director of Operations Scott Edgett. “Maybe the guest is out on a Behind the Scenes talk and one of the bears may bluff charge or get into a scuffle with another bear that’s next to him. That’s all-natural stuff that they’re doing that they would do out in the wild.” Renowned bear biologist Dr. Lynn Rogers and his wife Donna Marie (Glass Rogers) founded the North American Bear Center in 2007. Having senior-authored more peer-reviewed scientific articles on black bears than anyone, Dr. Rogers has conducted numerous studies and extensive research in over 50 years studying wildlife behavior and ecology. In its 15 years of operation, the Bear Center has undergone its share of changes. In 2011, they opened the Northwoods Ecology Hall, with the completion of the physical addition in 2015. Although their main focus is on educating the public about black bears, the Northwoods Ecology Hall is dedicated to understanding the holistic picture of the full environment in which the bears live. “To fully understand any particular animal that lives up here, you also need to under-
Resident bear Holly sits on a log. | SUBMITTED
It its 15 years of operation, the Bear Center has undergone its share of changes. | SUBMITTED stand the other animals and wildlife and natural things it interacts with,” explains Peter. “We’ve kind of dedicated that building to the other really cool things about the northwoods that are nature related, such as other iconic species like the moose and the wolf.” The Bear Center has the ability to turn even the most skeptical guests into believers after a short visit. The passion that the staff has for the bears and bear education shines through to ensure that everyone
leaves with a memory that they will carry with them. “The vast majority of the guests say, ‘Wow! We were totally not expecting that,’” notes Edgett. “They tell us it was a great time and value for the dollar.” “We have a really fun and educational work culture. I love being here and working with the guests and the bears, every day,” says Peter.
Even visitors who have recently visited the Bear Center will notice changes and updates happening frequently. Starting this fall, the Bear Center will be working on redoing their enclosure to give guests better interaction with the bears. They are also hoping to get the facility ready to get a cub, which would undoubtedly be exciting for staff and visitors alike. Bear and northwoods nature enthusiasts can get involved with the North American Bear Center through volunteering, donating to the 501(c)(3) organization, purchasing treats for the bears through the Amazon wish list, tuning in to the live cams and broadcasts on social media, and visiting the center. More information can be found on their website: bear.org.—Casey Fitchett
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Points North The Sweet Pails of Summer had them mixed with blueberries in a pie. I doubt most folks would notice any difference in the flavor or appearance of the final result. Thimble berries are a late summer treat enjoyed by many hikers along the Superior Hiking Trail. Generally found about knee- to thigh-high above the forest floor, they resemble a large strawberry. Some folks think they are delicious. To me they are bland and never numerous enough to merit picking to bring home. On the other hand, I enjoy stumbling upon the bushes that produce high bush cranberries, after they have been touched by frost. Another wild crop I just pick and munch, high bush cranberries give you a double punch of vibrant flavor and thirst quench. Mostly I trip upon them while grouse hunting, although I still pick them early winter, when they are frozen. The cranberries that grow close to the ground, similar to the domestic versions you have at Thanksgiving, are uncommon here, at least in my experience. I remember picking enough to make a small batch of sauce while picking blueberries in a mossy bog near Duluth as a kid. The sauce was delicious. I’ve kept an eye out for them ever since, but rarely seen more than a few.
By Shawn Perich
It was more than 50 years ago when Grandpa Casey walked with me from the Casey home on Skyline Parkway up to the barren rock outcrops that supported the Antenna Farm overlooking Duluth. The “antennas” were actually sky-tickling transmission towers which, back then, were primarily for local radio stations. We weren’t interested in the towers’ radio signals so much as the wild strawberries that grew amidst the sparse grass beneath them. Grandpa gathered enough of the tiny treats so Grandma could make a batch of wild strawberry jam, which may be the most delectable food on the planet. It takes an awful lot of the miniscule berries to make jam. I doubt my contribution to the basic ingredient amounted to much. The second most delectable food on the planet is a wild strawberry plucked from the vine, so few of my pickings reached the pail. Every spring since, I’ve found enough wild strawberries to pick at least a handful or two. That’s when I know summer has finally arrived in the North. My second introduction to summer’s wild treats was blueberries, although I have so many early memories of picking them that it is hard to know which time was the first. For sure, it occurred either in the sand plains of northwest Wisconsin or somewhere north of Duluth. Wild blueberries are at best about half the size of the domesticated ones you buy at the market, but their flavor is much better than commercial berries. That’s why seeking the wild ones remains so popular. The size and abundance of wild blueberries greatly depends upon the timing of the last frost and the amount of precipitation the plants received during the growing season. Both can lead berry pickers to pronounce whether a given summer is a poor or a good berry year. Blueberries grow in a variety of habitats, although it is best to look for them in open to semi open areas with gravelly or sandy soil. They are often especially numerous for a few years following a wildfire, until regrowing trees and other vegetation block sunlight from reaching the low-growing blueberries. They appear later than wild strawberries, although the timing depends upon the location and latitude. The folks with whom I have picked blueberries over the years were never the hard cores who measured their take in gallons or bucketfuls and returned day after day to the patch. Instead, my picking companions were satisfied with enough berries for a pie or a couple batches of muffins. This task can be completed in an hour or two, which we considered enough time to be bent over be-
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These days, my favorite wild crop grows not on a bush or shrub, but emerges from the ground. I have become an avid fan of lovely chanterelle mushrooms. They don’t grow everywhere near Lake Superior, but chanterelles are beloved by those who know them. Trumpet shaped and butter yellow, they are easy to identify once you know what you are looking for. They are more abundant and easier to spot than the better-known morels, which are uncommon along the North Shore. However, even if chanterelles are easier to find, don’t expect any pickers to give up their spots any more often than morel afficionados do. That’s because chanterelles are equally delicious.
After a lifetime of berry picking, the author discovered chanterelles and dinners haven’t been the same. | SHAWN PERICH neath a hot sun, gathering tiny berries. If you are willing to spend more time at this task, more power to you. I’ve long found picking wild raspberries more pleasurable, because you can do it standing up, the berries are bigger and, at least to my palate, better tasting. For a number of years, I spent many evenings picking raspberries in a patch shared only with the bears. The berries grew along the edges of a road through a logging job. The late Vikki used them in muffins, sauces and pies. Packages of frozen raspberries carried us through the winter and were thawed far more frequently than the blueberries with which they shared freezer space. Some folks thought we were foolish or had mixed up taste buds. Sometimes we had blueberries left over the following summer. When I was a kid, we picked pails of chokecherries for jelly or wine. Both my father and his brother made chokecherry wine. The dark, rich wine wasn’t bad at all, but it took a fair amount of effort to make a batch.
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Dad gave it up when a couple of bottles containing not-fully fermented wine exploded like bombs in the basement. Not only was it a mess to clean up, but the smell of chokecherry wine lingered long in the basement. Chokecherries are generally abundant where you find the bunches of shrubs, because they grow in clusters along the edge of human forest openings such as gravel pits or meadows. Another cherry shrub that is perhaps more widespread in the area is the pin cherry, which also grows in openings and along roads. The pin cherry looks and tastes more like a commercial cherry. Unfortunately, you generally don’t find even a handful of ripe ones, if you are lucky, because they are especially sought by chipmunks, as well as many birds. Another common crop that grows on shrubs are juneberries or, as Canadians call them, saskatoons. Similar in appearance to blueberries, juneberries are flavorful and can be abundant if you find a cluster of shrubs. I generally eat them off the bush, although I’ve
Since I’ve picked nearly everything out there at one time or another, sometimes I wonder if personal tastes for what you like just run in a big circle. On what I believe was Vikki’s last berry picking adventure before she was taken before her time, we went to her favorite blueberry patch. We set out in separate directions, as we always did. When we met at the truck for a well-deserved break, she had very few blueberries. I asked why. She looked at me with big eyes and said “strawberries.” Then she held out her hand and showed me the biggest wild strawberries I’ve seen. Even though the strawberry season was long past, for some reason this patch nestled beneath young jack pines was at it’s prime. Vikki told me to go enjoy the special strawberries, while she picked some blueberries. I did, eating my fill as she had. You can call me a mystic, but I have come to believe things occur for a reason. All I know is less than two years later, I sprinkled some of her ashes in that berry patch. It was the right thing to do.
Want a Good Read? Check out our bookstore online New
!
The Scandinavian lifestyle and job skills wellmatched the challenge of homesteading on the North Shore. Amply illustrated with photos, The Land 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
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
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. $14.95
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
THE ALEC BOOSTROM STORY
Boundary Waters Boy
By Jack Blackwell
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
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
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
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! $14.95
Sawdust SawduSt in Their Blood their 100 years of the Hedstrom Lumber Co.
On July 14, 1914, North Shore pioneer Andrew Hedstrom began sawing lumber on the banks of the Devil Track River north of Grand Marais, Minnesota. A century later, the Hedstrom Lumber Company remains a familyowned business operating at the same location. This is the company’s story from its humble start in a pioneer settlement during the tall-pine logging era through several transformations into the modern no-waste sawmill operation of today. Throughout the years, the Hedstrom family has met challenges and adversity with problem-solving ingenuity and tenacity. By their pluck, they were able to remain in business when other mills failed and became a North Shore institution. In the remote settlement of Scandinavian immigrants, Andrew Hedstrom first began sawing lumber to meet the needs of his carpentry business using a sawmill he purchased and rebuilt after it was ruined in a fire. As the demand for lumber grew, so did the company. During the 1930s and 40s, the company hauled a portable sawmill to winter logging camps deep within the wilderness, where teams of horses were used to haul massive logs to the mill. Later, when the advent of mechanization and the development of a forest road network made it possible to deliver logs greater distances, the family returned to a new, permanent mill on the Devil Track River.
Carl
This is a story of perseverance. Even today, it isn’t easy to run a business in a location as remote as Grand Marais. Andrew and his sons faced many challenges, including several devastating fires. Yet they always recovered from adversity by making the mill better and more efficient than it was before. Today, Hedstrom Lumber Company is one of the few lumber mills remaining in northern Minnesota. Sawdust in Their Blood is a celebration of the Hedstrom family’s achievements during 100 years in the timber industry. It also celebrates the North Shore community of which they are such a prominent part, and which played a powerful, continuing role in their success. About the Author Jim Boyd is a retired journalist who lives in Cook County with his wife, Jetty St. John, and his dog, Scarlett. He currently serves as executive director of the Cook County Chamber of Commerce.
Phil
Wilderness anglers will find this book an invaluable resource for where to find the fish and how to catch them. $14.95
Sawdust in Their Blood: 100 Years Of The Hedstrom Lumber Co.
A Century of Perseverance
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
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
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
shsh oopp..nnoorrtth rn wiilld dss..ccoo he er nw mm
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A Frenzy of Black Bears It’s Hyperphagia Season at Minnesota’s Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary By Cheryl Lyn Dybas Photography by Ilya Raskin Dust, winds and waters. Bears and people. All swirl together on an August afternoon at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in Orr, Minnesota. A dry spell has turned dirt roads into arid trackways. Hints of autumn’s cool breezes blow from the north. Stealing beneath jackets, they run chill fingers up spines. The 500-acre sanctuary, where you can observe black bears in their natural habitat, is some 50 miles from the Canadian border, as the bear roams. In a summer season there, staff members see 300 to 400 different bears. Last August, Ilya Raskin and I visited the sanctuary, a rare place for bears. Biologists call late summer hyperphagia season, the time when black bears go into an overeating frenzy to build up their fat reserves before hibernating for the winter. Acorns and other bear treats, such as raspberries, are at their peak in the northern forest then; for female bears, successfully having cubs in spring depends on finding enough to eat the previous summer and fall. Bears may spend 20 hours a day foraging, consuming 15,000 to 20,000 kilocalories in a 24-hour period, scientists have discovered. The weight a bear gains is regulated by the fat reserves it accumulates— once those reserves reach an adequate level, a biofeedback mechanism returns the bear’s appetite to normal.
Inside the Magic Circle From May through August, more than 80 bears at one time frequent the sanctuary. They forage for food in an open meadow surrounded by northern spruce-tamarack, or boreal, forest. The meadow is referred to as the Magic Circle; there the bears nose around in hollow logs laden with nuts and berries left by sanctuary staff members. 16
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“We’re continuing a tradition of feeding bears that started decades ago,” says Stephanie Horner, Vince Shute Sanctuary director for the 2021 season. “We don’t suggest others do it, however.” Black bears in the wilderness are just that: wild. Decades ago, Horner explains, “logger Vince Shute, who has now passed on, lived in this clearing.” Shute and fellow loggers once shot bears that came into their camps looking for food. Then they realized: to stop break-ins at the cabins, all they had to do was share their food, especially if it was berries or nuts. From that time, loggers and bears lived side-by-side. Eventually the logging camp closed, and in 1995 the land was formally dedicated to the bears under the auspices of the American Bear Association and its Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. “This past spring [2021], we had to hit the ground running,” says Horner. “The bears showed up a month or more early, in April.” Cheeky, the sanctuary’s dominant male, was among the first to appear. Bears lose 30 to 50 percent of their weight during hibernation, “so it’s common for them to arrive looking quite lean,” Horner says. But Cheeky was far from starving. “In November and December of 2020, there was an unusual warm-up followed by an early spring,” says Horner. “That likely made a lot of the bears’ natural foods available longer in the fall and/or earlier in the spring.” On summer afternoons and evenings, the public is invited to visit the sanctuary to watch bears like Cheeky. The Magic Circle is visible from a raised, 25-foot-high boardwalk. Bears and cubs often climb trees inches from the platform, paying little attention to gawking human onlookers. Last year, the sanctuary hosted more than 17,000 human visitors. “People learn that bears follow their own path, whether to food or another bear or a
“Bears are made of the same dust as we; they breathe the same winds, and drink of the same waters.” —Naturalist John Muir den,” says Horner. “Unless we provoke them, bears are not all that interested in what we’re doing.” As if to make the point, an adult bear passes within feet of a group of human sanctuary visitors. The bear ambles along an old logging road over a bridge, making its way to a small pond. Slipping quietly into the water, it swims for a few minutes then emerges, shaking like a wet dog. People are largely ignored throughout. In the Magic Circle’s center, a bear named Jasper is holding court. At age 22, he’s one of the sanctuary’s longest-lived bears. The oldest is Peanut, who turned 31 last January. The sanctuary’s matriarch, her favorite food is peanuts-in-the-shell. “Peanut is old for a wild black bear,” says Horner. “Black bears can live into their 30s, but their life expectancy is closer to 15 to 20 years.” Although Peanut has slowed down with age, Horner says that “she’s still as feisty as ever with bears of all ages and sizes who get too close to her food.”
Outside the Magic Circle On the other end of the sanctuary bears’ age spectrum is a yearling named Bean. Bean was separated from her mother in May, 2020. Vince Shute staff members reconstructed and insulated a den to increase Bean’s likelihood of survival. Ultimately, however, she opted for other housing. “She may have left the sanctuary with another mom and her cubs,” says Horner. “She had spent a lot of time foraging with them. Adoption in wild black bears is not uncommon, so we were hopeful she would be taken care of.” Staff members were amazed to see Bean return in May, 2021, “looking healthier than ever,” says Horner. “She came by herself and was plump for a yearling. We saw her in her favorite tree for a few weeks in May and then again for a few weeks in July, but she didn’t spend a significant amount of time at the sanctuary.” Bears, Horner says, “never cease to amaze us. It seems that a bear that was orphaned would rely more on our food and spend time in the safety of our trees, in a place that was familiar to her. But for whatever reason, that was not the case.” It’s possible, says Horner, that although Bean’s time with her mom in 2020 was short, it was enough to learn where to find food outside the Magic Circle, in the wild.
To discover where Vince Shute bears go when they’re not at the sanctuary, biologists at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) placed tracking collars on six bears there from 2016 through 2019. “Generally, the bears stayed near the sanctuary most of the summer, but a few traveled long distances to den in the fall, much like other bears in Minnesota,” says Andy Tri, the DNR’s black bear biologist. “However, the bears we collared at the sanctuary had home range sizes that were a fraction of the home ranges of bears collared outside the sanctuary.” The easy availability of food at Vince Shute may be an explanation.
Black Bears: Winners in Climate Change Roulette? Minnesota is home to more black bears than anywhere in the U.S. but Alaska—some 12,000 to 15,000. Someday it may be much easier for the bears to find food, the result of a shifting climate. Minnesota’s woods are slowly changing, says Lee Frelich, a forest ecologist at the University of Minnesota. Stands of spruce trees are turning into deciduous woodlands. Increasing numbers of native deer and invasive European earthworms are moving in, preventing the growth of spruce and other coniferous tree seedlings. Deer browse on saplings, and earthworms change the soil so it’s inhospitable to far-northern trees. Frelich paints a picture of the future North Woods. Deer thriving. Bobcats, cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits replacing lynx and snowshoe hares, which need long winters with deep snows. In the Russian roulette of climate change, black bears may be big winners. As oak trees take root farther north, more acorns, a bear favorite, may be available. “If spruce-tamarack forests become mature oak woodlands that produce acorns,” says Tri, “that would be a net gain of bear food.”
A Black Bear and You in the Forest Bear attacks on humans rarely happen, biologists have found. It’s a very unusual situation that would lead a black bear to go after a human, according to Tri. Never run from a bear. Running triggers an attack response. “It’s an invitation to play tag,” writes Dave Taylor in Black Bears: A Natural History, “and you can’t outrun a bear.” Always face the bear. Most bears are averse to head-on confrontations. Talk to the bear quietly. Let a bear know you are there. A calm, even tone works best. Back up slowly, but always keep your eyes on the bear. Black bears, studies have found, much prefer flight to fight. If a black bear thinks you are far enough away for it to run into the forest, it will vanish from sight.
Like us, for good or otherwise, bears, even those at Vince Shute, won’t escape the changes wrought by an altered climate. Bears and other North Woods mammals, including humans, are made of the same dust, breathe the same winds, drink of the same waters.
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JOURNEY TO THE PAST
Lake Superior’s Historic Maritime Locations By Rae Poynter
Agate Bay in Two Harbors has been a shipping port since the 1880s. | SUBMITTED
In a region so defined by Lake Superior, it is no wonder that the North Shore is steeped in maritime history. From birchbark canoes to modern freighters and everything in between, traversing Lake Superior has been essential to the livelihoods of the many people who have called this place home. While every inch of the shoreline may be connected to maritime history in some way, here are a few places to stop to learn more about the region’s seafaring past.
Duluth’s Canal Park When the State Lock at Sault Ste. Marie opened in 1855, Lake Superior opened up to ship traffic from the rest of the Great Lakes. As northern Minnesota was so rich in natural resources such as iron ore and timber, this made Lake Superior a prime highway to ship iron from Minnesota to steel mills in Detroit and along the East Coast. The Duluth canal was dug in 1871 to allow ships to access the Duluth harbor. However, the creation of the canal cut off access to Park Point, meaning people had to access Park Point by ferry. To solve this problem, the precursor to the Aerial Lift Bridge–the Aerial Ferry Bridge–was com18
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pleted in 1905, and brought cars to and from Park Point on a gondola. However, this design was not able to keep up with traffic, and the bridge was converted to the current lift bridge design in 19291930. Visitors to Canal Park can visit the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center to learn all about the Twin Ports’ maritime history, and can watch ships entering and exiting the harbor under the lift bridge. Nearby, the William A. Irvin gives a glimpse into life on an ore boat, with tours taking guests aboard to see what being on a freighter is really like. Across the highway, the St. Louis County Historical Museum has more information about the history of Duluth, including the USS Duluth display that has the 19-piece silver set from the ship.
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Agate Bay, Two Harbors
Coast Guard, and in the late 1980s the light became automated by the Coast Guard station in Duluth.
At Agate Bay, visitors can catch a glimpse of Lake Superior’s past and present maritime activity. Agate Bay has been a shipping port since the 1880s, when the Duluth and Iron Range Railway needed to transport the iron ore mined inland to Lake Superior where it would be shipped out to become steel. The bay is still the site of operating loading docks.
Today, the Lighthouse Museum is open to guests as a museum and as a bed and breakfast, though it is still considered an active navigational aid.
Also in Agate Bay is the Edna G, a tugboat built in 1896 to help ore freighters in and out of Agate Bay. Called “the tug that helped build America,” the Edna G pulled ships and broke ice until her retirement in 1981. Now owned by the City of Two Harbors, the Edna G is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the nonprofit Friends of the Edna G is championing a restoration effort.
On November 28, 1905, a dangerous storm blew across Lake Superior, either damaging or completely destroying almost 30 ships across the lake, including four ships near where Split Rock Lighthouse currently stands. The need for a lighthouse was evident, and the owner of the four ships–the Pittsburgh Steamship Company–began to lobby for a light station to be built on what was then called Stony Point. The lobbying efforts paid off, and Split Rock Lighthouse was completed in 1910. Since its completion, no ships have sunk off of its shores.
Crowning Agate Bay is the Two Harbors Lighthouse, Minnesota’s oldest operating lighthouse. After Agate Bay’s loading docks were built, the U.S. Lighthouse Service and the Vessel Owners Association asked that a lighthouse be built to help guide the ships entering and exiting the bay. Construction was completed in 1892, and the first lightkeepers moved in. The light was lit by oil until 1921, when it was changed to electricity. Eventually the U.S. Lighthouse Service merged with the U.S.
Split Rock Lighthouse
The light station included the lighthouse itself, along with living quarters for the lightkeepers, a fog station, and storage buildings. Until 1924 there was no road to the lighthouse, meaning that the lightkeepers had to access the site by boat. (As did the builders constructing the lighthouse!) Once the road opened, Split Rock
Visit – Halfway between Duluth & Two Harbors –
Lou's FISH HOUSE The Duluth canal was dug in 1871 to allow ships to access the Duluth harbor. The current Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth was built in 1929-1930. | SUBMITTED quickly became a tourist attraction, and it remains a focal point for visitors on the North Shore to this day.
Fenstad’s Resort Fishing on the North Shore was a tough occupation, and not usually one that made a lot of money. Many of the fishing families of the early 20th century looked to other ways to supplement their income, including tourism. In fact, many of the North Shore’s original resorts were mom-and-pop operations run by commercial fishing families. One such example is Fenstad’s Resort, located on Lake Superior in Little Marais. The Fenstad family settled in Little Marais 1883, and in 1936 Ben and Agnes Fenstad started the resort, building cabins to rent alongside their commercial fishing business. As time went on, the commercial fishing industry dwindled, but tourism didn’t. The ownership of the resort passed to the next generations, who built more cabins. Today, almost 90 years later, the resort is still operated by the Fenstad family, and guests of the resort can see the historic boathouse which still stands on the property. More information about the history of the resort can be found in the
book The Lake is Your Life: The Fenstads at Little Marais by Art Fenstad, available at: shop.northernwilds.com.
Taconite Harbor Just west of Schroeder on Highway 61 is Taconite Harbor, a loading dock and former town built in the mid-20th century by the Erie Mining Company. Taconite Harbor was built to transport taconite pellets mined at Hoyt Lakes. The pellets were brought by train to the Taconite Harbor loading dock, where they were loaded onto freighters to be shipped across the Great Lakes to make steel. To house the dockworkers, the neighborhood of Taconite Harbor was built, with prefabricated homes, a community center, and a fire hall lining Taconite Harbor’s two streets. The little community thrived until the 1980s when the Erie Mining Company scaled back operations and eventually told the remaining families that they would be selling the homes.
World Famous
SMOKED FISH SMOKED SHRIMP ICE CREAM
- TWO HARBORS -
. 8 museum buildings . original & authentic logging equipment . feed tame animals . rainbow trout . nature trail & gravity house
. over 60 styles of moccasins . fantastic jewelry selection . local pottery and art . wild rice and native syrups and jams . t-shirts, gifts and souvenirs – Open Daily May - Oct. – www.tomsloggingcamp.com • 218-525-4120 5797 North Shore Dr., Duluth MN 55804
DULUTH, MINNESOTA | EST. 2012
Today, Taconite Harbor is home to a boat launch and a small outdoor museum. As you drive in from Highway 61, keep an eye out for the former streets of the village. Visitors to the area can learn more about Schroeder’s history at the Cross River Heritage Center.
Great! Lakes
Candy Kitchen Family recipes from over 100 years of tradition.
Summer Hours: 9 am - 6 pm daily
Handmade, Old Fashioned Chocolates and Candies Nutty Ice Cream Bars Caramel Apples Fudge, Turtles & Toffee
223 Scenic Drive • Knife River, MN • 218-834-2121
AWARD-WINNING CRAFT BEER, GREAT FOOD, AMAZING VIEW ON THE SHORES OF LAKE SUPERIOR NORTHERN WILDS
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Jeweler of the North Shore
In Downtown Lutsen - 5339 W Hwy 61, Ste 101 218-370-9648 • www.jewelerofthenorthshore.com
Hwy 61 & Main Street, On the Harbor • 218.387.9400
Stop in to our outdoor shop for its last season & wish Ann a happy retirement! Open through Aug. 14, 8am - 4 pm
ys a D t es The B at Buck’s B eg i n
Serving anglers in Grand Marais since 1946
Gas Maps Sporting Goods Bait Pet Supplies Gardening Housewares Paint & more
WWW.BUCKS.STORE · BIG CITY PRICES ... SMALL TOWN SERVICE 218-387-2280 · Open 7 Days A Week • Downtown Grand Marais
Oddz &Endz
Check out our Maritime book section, and so much more!
A non-profit resale store
2066 W. Hwy 61 1 mile west of Grand Marais on Hwy 61 218-370-0615 Hours: Mon., Fri., Sat 10-4
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A fish house replica, located in Grand Marais on the harbor. | SUBMITTED
North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum When Scandinavian immigrants moved to the North Shore, many of them turned to commercial fishing to make a living, selling their catches of Lake Superior fish to the A. Booth Packing Company. At the height of the Scandinavian fishing period in the early 20th century, over 400 commercial fishermen lived and fished along Lake Superior’s North Shore. The North Shore’s commercial fishing history is chronicled at the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum in Tofte. The museum is run by the Tofte Historical Society, and the building itself is a replica of a fish house that was located where Bluefin Bay Resort now stands. Visitors to the museum can learn all about the boats, materials, and techniques used in commercial fishing operations, as well as what life was like for the area’s local fishermen.
Cook County History Museum Run by the Cook County Historical Society, the Cook County History Museum is housed in the old lightkeeper’s house, and includes an exhibit dedicated to the maritime history of Cook County. Visitors to the museum will learn all about the history of Grand Marais and its close ties to the water. The Ojibwe name for Grand Marais is Gitchi-Bitobig, meaning “duplicate waters,” a name referring to the two natural bays; the Anishinaabe have lived and fished near Gitchi-Bitobig since the 1500s. Before the 1920s there was no road connecting the North Shore, so boats were essential, both as a means of travel and for receiving cargo and mail. Since Grand Marais’s two bays formed a natural safe harbor, it has been a hub for all sorts of maritime activity. The harbor was
In the early 20th century, over 400 commercial fishermen lived and fished along Lake Superior’s North Shore. | SUBMITTED dredged in 1879 to accommodate ships, and the first breakwaters were constructed in 1883 and 1901. Over the years, Grand Marais has been the site for all sorts of maritime activity, from barges carrying pulpwood from nearby lumber mills to steam ships such as the America and Dixon, to the herring skiffs built by Scandinavian fishermen. In addition to visiting the museum, those wanting to learn more about Cook County’s history can participate in the Passport to the Past program, a joint endeavor between the county’s several historical societies and Grand Portage. Visit any museum or Heritage Center in Cook County to pick up a passport and start collecting stamps.
The Hovland dock was originally built in 1905 and was a stop for cargo and passenger ships. | SUBMITTED
Visitors can learn about the North Shore’s earliest human history at the Grand Portage National Monument. | SUBMITTED
Grand Marais Harbor
time of its building, the original lighthouse was the only light station between Duluth and Port Arthur. As you walk to the present-day lighthouse, keep an eye out for names carved in the rocks beside the breakwater. These carvings date back to the early 1900s, when passengers waited for steamers such as the America to arrive at the harbor.
A walk around the Grand Marais Harbor reveals many pieces of the area’s maritime history. In the Grand Marais Recreational Park, visitors can find the fish house of the Nee-Gee, a historic fishing tug built in the winter of 1936-37 by the Scott family. The Scott family were commercial fisherman and also built the historic Jim Scott Fish House, located on the North House Folk School campus. Fish houses such as the Scott Fish House used to be found all along the Grand Marais Harbor at the height of the commercial fishing era
of the early to mid-20th century. To see what one of these fish houses looked like inside, visit the Cook County Historical Society’s fish house replica, located next to the Nee-Gee. On the east side of the harbor is the Grand Marais Lighthouse and Coast Guard building. The North Superior Coast Guard Station was completed in 1929, and in addition to the current buildings, the station also included a lookout tower located on Artist Point, where Coast Guard staff watched for boats in need of help.
To learn all about the Grand Marais Harbor’s history, the Cook County Historical Society offers Harbor History Walking Tours on Saturdays at 1 p.m., weather permitting.
The Grand Marais Harbor has been home to a lighthouse since 1885. At the
NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL TRADITIONAL CRAFT ONLINE LEARN TRADITIONAL CRAFT & ON THESHORE HARBOR ON THE OF
Studio & Gallery 301 First Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 218-387-1992
New for 2023 A Year of Trees
BOOK YOUR SAIL ON LAKE SUPERIOR ABOARD HJØRDIS TODAY!
Mike’s Holiday
museum and nature center
Watercraft Exhibit
Open Daily 10 am - 4 pm
Shop online for books, cards, and prints
NORTHHOUSE.ORG
Lake Superior’s shores used to be studded with commercial docks. One that remains is the Hovland dock, located on Hovland’s Chicago Bay. Built in 1905, the Hovland dock was a stop for cargo and passenger ships. Local dockworkers lived in nearby cabins and unloaded the cargo of ships en route between Duluth and Canada. (The bell at the base of the dock was used to announce incoming ships.) The dock was covered in concrete in 1925, and although parts of it have broken off, the majority of the concrete has withstood nearly a century of Lake Superior waves.
Betsy Bowen
Open Daily 11 am-5 pm
LAKE SUPERIOR
Hovland Dock
Come check out historic canoes, boats & motors. Plus, more Gunflint culture & history on the Chik-Wauk campus!
www.woodcut.com
Lake Superior Trading Post
Your One-Stop Shop! Bait & Fishing Gear, Licenses, Locally Made Gifts, Ready to Eat and Take and Make Treats, Groceries Galore
5 off/ 3 off/ Gallon with Gallon with coupon, coupon, ¢
cash only
¢
debit or credit
Coupon good at the Grand Marais Holiday.
Grand Marais • 218-387-1043
• Gifts • Clothing • Toys • Camping Supplies • Maps • Books • Jewelry • Snowshoe Rental • Hiking Pole Rental A Grand Marais tradition since 1971 Open Year Round 7 Days a Week
www.LSTP.com • (218) 387-2020 10 S. 1ST AVE W., GRAND MARAIS, MN
28 Moose Pond Drive, Grand Marais 55 miles up the Gunfl fliint Trail (Hwy 12).
218-388-9915
gunfl fliinthistory.org
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Grand Portage National Monument At the Grand Portage National Monument, visitors can learn about the North Shore’s earliest human history and the region’s original boat: the birchbark canoe. Grand Portage derives its name from the 8.5-mile trail that links Lake Superior with the Pigeon River. Kitchi Onigaming, or “the great carrying place” has been used for thousands of years by the Indigenous people of the region. The Anishinaabe built canoes using birchbark, cedar planks, black spruce root, and spruce pitch–these canoes were lightweight and were used both for fishing on Lake Superior and navigating inland lakes and rivers. When Europeans arrived in the region, Grand Portage became the hub for voyageurs from the North West Company, the largest fur trading company in the world at the time. Grand Portage was perfectly situated between Montreal, the home base of the North West Company, and the lands rich in furs to the northwest of Grand Portage. The Anishinaabe traded with the fur traders, who adapted the birchbark canoe to create the Montreal canoe. Montreal canoes were about 36 feet long and could carry up to three tons of cargo alongside a dozen paddlers. The fur traders used these canoes to traverse Lake Superior and reach Montreal with their furs before the winter freeze-up. After the fur trade ended, the local economy turned to fishing, which many of the Anishinaabe along the North Shore were a part of. From 1834-1842, the American Fur Company started a large-scale commercial fishing operation on the North Shore, catching and shipping out Lake Superior whitefish, which were then sold throughout the country. They had several fishing camps along the North Shore, one of which was at Grand Portage. Today, the Grand Portage National Monument has the distinction of being co-managed between the Grand
Isle Royale is steeped in maritime history and is home to four lighthouses, including the Rock Harbor Lighthouse. | SUBMITTED Portage Band and the National Park Service, the longest continually co-managed park in the country.
Isle Royale Isle Royale is steeped in maritime history, from fishing to copper mining to modern-day navigation. Minong, the Ojibwe name for Isle Royale, has long been a location for fishing for the Anishinaabe, who used gill nets to harvest fish such as lake trout, herring and whitefish. When Europeans began to move to the area, Isle Royale continued to be a hub for fishing. According to Tim Cochrane, former superintendent of the Grand Portage National Monument and author of several books on the history of Isle Royale, the early 1900s saw the peak of fishing by Scandinavian families on Isle Royale. By 1915, around 100 fishermen lived and fished on the island, heading out on Lake Superior two to a boat. Being a fisherman on Isle Royale was a tough life, with many supplementing their income by opening cabins to tourists or working in lumber camps over the winter. Fishing declined in the decades to follow, accelerated by the creation of Isle Royale National Park in the 1930s and the explosion of the sea lamprey population in the 1950s, which decimated the lake trout population. Visitors to Isle Royale can learn more about the island’s folk fishing history at the Edisen Fishery, a restored fishery that includes a fish house, net house, cabins and historic boats. Isle Royale is also home to four lighthouses, most of which were constructed during the copper mining era in the mid to late 1800s. The restored Rock Harbor Lighthouse is located near the Edisen Fishery. The Passage Island Lighthouse to the northeast of Isle Royale is important because freighters traveling between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie still travel between Isle Royale and Passage Island today.
Thunder Bay North of the border, Thunder Bay is an active port city, and there are several places where visitors can learn about its maritime history. The Thunder Bay Museum is run by the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society, and the museum includes exhibits that showcase the early days of the city and its harbor. The Alexander Henry is a Canadian Coast Guard ship, launched in 1958 and working until 1985 as an icebreak22
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The inside of a fish house replica in Grand Marais. Fish houses used to be found all along the Grand Marais Harbor at the height of the commercial fishing era of the early to mid-20th century. | SUBMITTED er and buoy tender. The ship was named after Alexander Henry, an early-19th century fur trader who led expeditions from what is today Thunder Bay. After the ship’s retirement, it became a museum in Kingston, Ontario, before the Lakehead Transportation Museum Society of Thunder Bay purchased the ship in 2017 and returned it to Thunder Bay. Those boarding the Alexander Henry for a tour can see what it was like aboard this icebreaker. The region is also home to several historic lighthouses, including the Welcome Island Lighthouse, the Porphyry Lighthouse, and the Shaganash (Island No. 10) Lighthouse.
DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THE WATER
visitthunderbay.com NORTHERN WILDS
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By Breana Johnson
August Art
Many of this month’s events will include artists showcasing their beautiful work. As far as festivals go, don’t miss the annual Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Fair in Two Harbors, held Aug. 12-14, as well as the annual Art in Bayfront Park festival, held Aug. 20-21 in Duluth. Check out the events section for more information.
Duluth artist Quay Flom will show off her jewelry at the Two Harbors Art Fair, Aug. 12-14. | QUAY FLOM
Also taking part in the Two Harbors Art Fair is April Westman of Sweetwater Jewelry Designs. This bracelet is created with beach glass. | APRIL WESTMAN Printmaker Carrie Schaefer will take part in Duluth’s Art in Bayfront Park festival. This silk screen print on archival cardstock is titled “Unsalted Sea.” | CARRIE SCHAEFER
Erin Welch of North Country Craft specializes in handmade, unique cribbage boards inspired by the Northwoods. She will be at Art in Bayfront Park. | ERIN WELCH 24
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Wendy Smith is the artist behind this acrylic painting. She will be attending the Two Harbors Art Fair. | WENDY SMITH
Carli Rae Vergamini creates all of her goods from repurposed materials. This pink bag is made from vintage fabric scraps. She will also be at Art in Bayfront Park. | CARLI RAE VERGAMINI
Jo Wood
Painting with a Needle and Thread
Jo Wood uses a needle and thread to bring to life the colorful northern landscapes that inspire her work. | SUBMITTED
CREATIVE SPACE: By Eric Weicht Jo Wood paints, but not with a brush. Instead, she prefers to use a needle and thread to bring to life the colorful northern landscapes that inspire her work. By sewing tiny glass beads onto felted backgrounds that she needles herself, Wood creates colorful, visceral “paintings” that speak to a life well lived, creating with fiber and engaging with the natural world. “They all have a story,” says Wood, referring to her beaded works, “a lot of times it’s something that I see while out in the woods, something that sparks my imagination or feels like it needs to be memorialized.” It is not just felting and beadwork that defines Wood’s work as an artist. Wood got her start on the North Shore in the 1980s and 1990s sewing leather and fur, and first got into beadwork out of a desire to add color to her fur and leather wares. She continues to practice the fur and leather making craft by teaching courses each year at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. Her Expedition Footwear: Making Hide & Canvas Mukluks course is extremely popular, and books up fast the two to three times a year that she offers it. “[Making Hide & Canvas Mukluks] is all about understanding leather, learning a few things about sewing leather, and the pattern making process,” says Wood. “It’s important that the pattern my students make for their mukluks fits them, because it’s a process that they can use to make other things like slippers and other forms of leather footwear.” “If it wasn’t fun for me, I wouldn’t do it,” adds Wood. “It’s just like beadwork. I love what I do because if I didn’t, I would do something else. It’s how I know that I have the right job.”
Wood was born in Berwyn, Illinois in 1952, and spent her early years exploring the woods in her own backyard. “Where I grew up in Illinois,” says Woods, “we had a forest preserve right out the back door. I always loved being in the woods, with the trees, the flowers, with all the animals. It was, and has always been, the pull of my life.” Creating with a needle and thread also played a pivotal role in Wood’s early upbringing. The passion for fiber inspired in her by her mother and grandmother is one that would guide Wood through the rest of her life. “I come from people who sewed,” says Wood. “As a young girl I watched my mother sew, I watched my grandmother sew, knit and crotchet, and being around all of that as a kid I just couldn’t wait to get a needle and thread and start doing it myself.” Wood’s first job out of high school was working at a leather shop, where she first learned to sew leather. Wood loved her work sewing the “long fringes” of the 1960s, and after a few years she decided to go back to school to study weaving and studio arts at Northern Illinois University in 1970. Despite her Illinois upbringing, Wood always knew that her true home lay somewhere farther north. “Pretty much all my adult life, starting when I was a teenager,” says Wood, “I felt like I was going to move north. I don’t know what it was, but it was always there, this feeling that I would go north someday.” Today—35 years since Wood first moved to Cook County—she continues to live out
her dream as an artist on the North Shore. She lives in a small home that she designed herself on 20 acres of land just north of Grand Marais, a home that is, according to Wood, “just what she needs,” with the downstairs serving as her living area, the upstairs as her studio, and her backyard the forest. When Wood first moved to the North Shore, she made ends meet by partnering with a friend who had been making musher hats and mittens and had a “line on some fur.” Wood loved the work, but she regretted the lack of color involved in the process. “I [sewed leather and fur] for quite a while,” says Wood, “but the whole time I wanted more color. So, I thought, ‘I really like the native, floral beadwork, maybe I’ll try something like that?’ which I did, but what I really wanted to bead were the flowers that I saw in the woods.” “So, I started beading flowers,” continues Wood, “and I decided that if I could bead flowers, then I could bead a tree, and if I could bead a tree, then I could bead the whole forest, and off I went.” Given how hard it is to sew beads onto leather, Wood started using wool as the “canvas” for her beadwork. For several years, Wood was able to source her color-
Cook County artist Jo Wood paints, but not with a brush. | SUBMITTED ful felted backgrounds from a lady in Illinois. As her friend grew older, however, she stopped felting, so Wood had to figure out how to do that herself too. “After [my friend] stopped felting,” says Wood, “I learned to do my own needle felting—both dry and wet—and realized what freedom it gave me to make the backgrounds for my pieces exactly how I wanted them.” “Dry felting is kind of like painting,” continues Wood, “where you’re using little colored wool fibers to get the background that you want. Wet felting, on the other hand, looks a little more watercolor-like and has a more blended feel than needle felting.” In addition to her classes at the North House in both leathermaking and felting and bead embroidery, Wood will be opening her home during this year’s Art Along the Lake Studio Tour, Sept. 23-Oct. 2, to show her work and “help people understand the process, if they care to.” For more information on Jo Wood’s art, her classes and upcoming exhibitions, visit her website at: jowoodbeads.com.
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You are cordially invited to
Tuesday, August 23rd from 6-9 PM Our fundraising gala will take place in the new event space at the former Harbor Light, 1615 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais. Drinks and appetizers start at 6 PM Program at 7 PM featuring local historian Dan Helmerson Music, dancing, games, and more fun will follow! 20s Attire Welcome! | Tickets $75 | Parking Available
For tickets, sponsor information, or to donate to the event, please visit www.cookcountyhistory.org/2022-gala or call 218-387-2883
GOLF TO CHAMPION SOLUTIONS
GOLF
Health Care Foundation Days @ Superior National Golf Course Friday & Saturday Sept 30-Oct. 1, 2022 Tee Times Between 8 am - 3 pm
A safe, fun way to golf for the NSHCF! Appropriate for all levels of play. Book a tee time now and mention Golf for the Good! www.SuperiorNational.com or (218) 663-7195 $45 donation, on top of green fee gives you: Multiple fun contest holes Chances for outstanding prizes A beautiful day on the links to support local health & emergency services! Friendly competition Lunch & refreshments Learn more: www.northshorehealthcarefoundation.org/events
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Art of the Elements
Gallery
at Frykman Art Studio Open 10am - 5pm Thursday - Saturday
As a woodturner, carver and maker/designer of wooden housewares, Jarrod Dahl has focused intensely on the history and use of woodenware. | SUBMITTED
A wooden handled cup by Jarrod Dahl. | SUBMITTED
The Beauty of Woodenware BEHIND THE CRAFT: By Jarrod Dahl
Just a few hundred years ago, even our tableware was made from trees—large wooden bowls for mixing and serving, small bowls and plates to hold our food, wooden spoons for cooking, stirring and eating, cups for our drinks. As a woodturner, carver and maker/designer of wooden housewares, I have focused intensely on the history and use of woodenware. My research took me to Borås, Sweden, the land of my ancestors and namesake. For hundreds of years beginning in the late 1600s, Borås and the surrounding area was an important woodturning region.
Because of poor soils and large Beech tree forests, the inhabitants couldn’t farm, so they began turning wood into items they could peddle to feed their families. Each year, a hundred or so families produced tens of thousands of bowls, plates, and lidded boxes for export. I visited museum collections of these wooden items to learn how they were made. I wanted to see and feel a well-used bowl and plate made by someone who made thousands of them. How thin were they? Were there tool marks or were they smooth? What I learned informed the design of the plates and bowls I make today. In search of wooden cups, I visited the Jorvik Center where the Coppergate archeological site is. Vikings settled in York, England for almost 100 years between 866-954 A.D. and one of the largest finds of wooden objects was discovered at this site, including wooden cups and bowls. Those cups were turned on human-powered lathes just like in Sweden hundreds of years later. I saw what a wooden cup was like from an era when their use was common place. They were finely made and thin walled. It was amazing to see the tool marks left by skilled turners from a thousand years ago.
A few hundred years later, modern people surrounded by technology and readymade items are trying to reconnect to the natural world. I feel that wooden tableware connects me to the forest and to the physical world around me. It’s a local renewable resource and connects me to the past in a direct way. Woodenware is warm and quiet—no clanking—and it’s strong—a wooden plate can drop without shattering. This probably sounds like a sales pitch because it is. Try using woodenware—you may like it. Surrounding yourself with beautiful handmade things brings beauty into your life. And wood is beautiful. Jarrod Dahl is a lead instructor at North House Folk School, where traditional craft is taught on the shore of Lake Superior.
kilnworked glass Sharon Frykman
Exhibiting 12 regional artists Frykman Art Studio Co 45
road closed
Hwy 61 Lutsen
Hwy 7 Hwy 7
In the forested lands around the world, trees have provided an important resource for millennia. Even in barren lands like the Arctic, wood that was washed up on shore was a key resource. We often forget that the trees around us provide abundance in our lives. The electricity that runs our homes is supported by wooden poles. The concrete foundations of our buildings were formed with wood. Our homes themselves are framed with and covered with wood.
Woodenware is warm and quiet—no clanking—and it’s strong. | SUBMITTED
I studied woodenware in Japan as well, a place where wooden tableware has been used since the Stone Age, but I’ll save that for another time. In earlier times it was common to own not much more than the clothes on one’s back, a wooden bowl and spoon, and a knife. Metal utensils, glassware and fine ceramics were expensive and reserved for the wealthy. However, during the years of the Industrial Revolution when more modern methods of production and transport were developed, along with the rise of democracies and with it capitalism and new technologies, things that were reserved for the wealthy were now affordable and readily available to commoners. So wooden tableware in the west was eventually abandoned. This new era changed the lives of common folks in many ways.
Co 44
As I sit down to dinner with my wife Jazmin each evening, I am surrounded by treasures. On my dining table, made of hundred-year-old Chestnut boards, beeswax candles in turned wooden candlesticks cast a warm light. We serve ourselves with hand carved wooden ladles from bowls made by fellow woodturners and local potters, filled with tasty local produce and meat onto wooden plates and bowls. We drink from wooden cups and glassware, use linen napkins, thrifted or woven by Jazmin, and eat with wooden forks and spoons, carved fine and thin for effortless use. This scene full of handmade work feels as luxurious as it stands out for how uncommon it is. Ironically, wooden tableware, used day in and day out by our ancestors, was common not so long ago.
Grand Marais
306 County Rd 44
frykmanart.com 218-387-1949
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93 nd Annual
Fisherman ’ s Picnic August 4 - 7 Grand Marais, MN Please act responsibly and follow Covid19 regulations including social distancing and mask wearing where necessary.
WEDNESDAY, August 3
WISE Buffet in a Box with all the traditional favorites including Lindquist Fishcakes, baked ham, Swedish meatballs, delicious side dishes and homemade desserts. Drive thru pickup at Cook County High School. Pick up times: lunch 11:30 am-1:00 pm and supper 5:00-6:30 pm. $25 pre-order on the WISE website, www.wisenorth.org. 9 AM-5 PM Broadway Art Park – 6 N Broadway Ave. Art sales, kids projects, music, seating 9 AM-5 PM Grand Marais Pottery – 6 N Broadway Ave. Paint a piece of pottery, fired and ready for pickup Saturday morning
THURSDAY, August 4
9 AM Crazy Daze Sales – Visit local merchants around town 9 AM-5 PM Broadway Art Park – 6 N Broadway Ave. Art sales, kids projects, music, seating 9 AM-5 PM Grand Marais Pottery – 6 N Broadway Ave. Paint a piece of pottery, fired and ready for pickup Saturday morning 10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 per person. Kayak around harbor area 10 AM-5 PM Kids Rides Open – Senior Center Parking Lot – 10 N Broadway 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 – Harbor Park Stage NOON Bingo Tent Opens – 1st Ave. W & Hwy 61. Sponsored by The SONS 1-2:30 PM Bug Dope – Harbor Park Stage 2 PM-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 per person. Kayak around harbor area 3-6 PM Common Ground – 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. 6-7 PM Early Days on the North Shore: A Collection of Stories – Presentation by Brian Tofte, Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, 115 W Wisconsin St. 7-9 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Little Shop of Horrors” – The Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West 5th Street, www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com 7-10 PM Street Dance: Grand Marais Jammers(open stage jam) – Harbor Park Stage
FRIDAY, August 5
8 AM-10:30 AM Pancake Breakfast – Adult - $10, kids - $5. (12 and under) Community Center - 317 W 5th St. Proceeds support Cook County Youth Hockey Program 9 AM Crazy Daze Sales – All over town visit local merchants 9 AM-5 PM Broadway Art Park – 6 N Broadway Ave. Art sales, kids projects, music, seating 9 AM-5 PM Grand Marais Pottery – 6 N Broadway Ave. Paint a piece of pottery, fired and ready for pickup Saturday morning 10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 per person. Kayak around harbor area 10 AM-3 PM Cook County Market – E Wisconsin St 10 AM-4 PM The Library Friends Used Book Sale – Oddz & Endz store, 2066 W Hwy 61 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. 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 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 Tent 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 the Lions Info Booth. 1-2:30 PM Portage Band – Harbor Park Stage 2 PM-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 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 Brother’s in Arms– Harbor Park Stage 4-6 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Little Shop of Horrors” – The Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West 5th Street, www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com 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 the Lions Info Booth. 7-10 PM Street Dance: Evening Stars – Harbor Park stage
SATURDAY, August 6
8 AM-10:30 AM Pancake Breakfast – $10 for adult and $5 child (12 and under). Community Center - 317 W 5th St. Proceeds support Early Childhood and Community Education 8 AM-10:30 AM Toy Swap – Community Center - 317 W 5th St. Help kickstart Toy Library project Fisherman’s Picnic Trail Run Pincushion Mountain Trails – 2mi. north of Grand Marais off the Gunflint Trail, Co. Rd 12. No race day registration. Pre-register at www.pincushiontrails.org through Aug 5th until 5 pm. 9 AM Pre-teen, 8 yrs and under - ¼ Mile, 9-12 yrs – 1 Mile 9:45 AM 5 Mile Walk/Run 9:50 AM 3 Mile Non-Competitive Walk ENTRY FEE: Pre-register $30 for 5 mile run/walk, $10 kids race, $20 three mile walk. (More info on back page) 9 AM-10 AM Oula Dance Class – Harbor Park, Sponsored by YMCA 9 AM Hoopin’n the Harbor Registration – 3-on-3 Tournament, Wisconsin St. 9 AM-5 PM Broadway Art Park – 6 N Broadway Ave. Art sales, kids projects, music, seating 9 AM-5 PM Grand Marais Pottery – 6 N Broadway Ave. 9:30 AM Hoopin’n the Harbor – 3-on-3 Tournament, Wisconsin St. 10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 per person. Kayak around harbor area 10 AM-3 PM Cook County Market – E. Wisconsin St. 10 AM-4 PM The Library Friends Used Book Sale – Oddz & Endz store, 2066 W Hwy 61 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. 11 AM Fishburger Stand Opens – Harbor Park 11 AM Children’s Storytime with author Margi Preus – 12 E Wisconsin St. Sponsored by Drury Lane Books 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 Cross Cut Saw Competition Registration – Lions info booth – Wisconsin St. & 1st Ave W 11 AM-12:30 PM Joe Paulik– Harbor Park Stage 11:30 AM Cross Cut Competition – Wisconsin St. Sponsored by Hedstrom Lumber Co 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 the 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 PM-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 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 4:30 PM Rock Skipping Contest (all ages) – Harbor Park Sign up at the Lions Info Booth. 5 PM Grand Marais Harbor Rock Painting Contest Winners Announced – Harbor Park Stage Sponsored by Joynes Ben Franklin 5:30-6 PM Minnesota State Loon Calling Championship Finals – Harbor Park Stage
For sc th e Mos t up-to -date 28
AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
6:00 PM Cutest Puppy Contest – Harbor Park Stage. Sign up at Lions information booth. Sponsored by Lake County Veterinary Clinic 7-9 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Little Shop of Horrors” – The Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 West 5th Street, www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com 7-10 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 7
9:30 AM Waterfront Worship – Harbor Park Stage 10 AM-1 PM Morning Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 per person. Kayak around harbor area 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 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 North Shore Swing Band – Harbor Park Stage 1 PM Fisherman’s Picnic Parade, Downtown Grand Marais. Route starts at Elementary School Parking Lot, down Broadway Ave., right on Wisconsin St. and ends at Hwy 61. Send email to gmlionsclub@gmail. com to register parade entries. 2-2:30 PM AAD Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps - Harbor Park Stage 2-5 PM Kiddy Rides Reopen – Senior Center Parking Lot, 10 N Broadway 2 PM-5 PM Afternoon Kayak Tour – Stone Harbor, 22 E 1st St., $75 per person. Kayak around harbor area 2:30-5 PM Pete K and Friends – Harbor Park Stage 3-5 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Little Shop of Horrors” – 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 the Lions Info 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.
Big Fish Contest JULY 29 – AUGUST 7 – $10 entry fee (proceeds go to Lion’s Club) – Rules and Registration online at BucksBigFish. com. Winners announced, and prizes awarded on Sunday, August 7 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 Trout Northern - Smallmouth Bass.
*Get
Your collectible button! It’s your pass to participate in events all weekend long!
buy a raffle ticket
10,
tickets $5 at local businesses and from Grand Marais lion’s Club members - They’re the ones in the yellow vests
www.gr an dmar aislions.co : t i s i V , m h ed u le
Duluth’s annual Bayfront Blues Festival, held in Bayfront Festival Park, will take place Aug. 12-14. | SUBMITTED
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
July 28-31 & Aug. 4-7 The Grand Marais Playhouse will be performing Little Shop of Horrors July 28-31 and Aug. 4-7 at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. Based on the film by Roger Corman, this Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names Audrey II after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth, and $50 for a household (up to five people). grandmaraisplayhouse.com
FISHERMAN’S PICNIC
Aug. 4-7 This year marks the 93rd annual Fisherman’s Picnic festival in 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, the Friends of the Library book sale, 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 27-Aug. 3, 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. facebook.com/grandmaraislionsclub
FESTIVAL OF SAIL
Aug. 4-7 This year’s Festival of Sail on Lake Superior will take place at Agate Bay in Two Harbors. Previously known as the Tall Ships Festival, the Festival of Sail offers you the
Bring the whole family to the Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival, held Aug. 5-7. | SUBMITTED rare chance to catch a glimpse, step aboard and even set sail on some of the grandest ships of yore. There will also be live entertainment and art, food and beverage vendors. Tickets can be purchased online. lakesuperior.festofsail.com
KRAUS-ANDERSON BIKE DULUTH FESTIVAL
Aug. 5-7 Whether you’re a road biking spandex warrior, free-riding adrenaline junkie, or a family craving adventure, good times are guaranteed with the Bike Duluth Festival.
Held at Spirit Mountain, this family-friendly festival will include races of various distances and categories, including a chainless downhill race, long and short enduro races, a kids fun course, a youth downhill race, an advanced downhill race, and more. Other weekend highlights include live music, kids and youth activities, a silent auction and raffle on Saturday, an expo village and demo town, food and drinks, and an awards ceremony. The festival and kids activities are free to attend, but registration is required to race. bikeduluthfestival.com
LIVE FROM THE ROCK FOLK FESTIVAL
Aug. 5-7 Held in Red Rock, Ontario, the annual Live From the Rock Folk Festival is a music and arts festival that is run almost 100 percent by volunteers. The festival offers world class music on four daytime workshop-style stages, as well as an evening festival concert stage. This year’s performers include Cassidy Houston, The Honest Heart Collective, Al Simmons, Aerialists, Jamie Smith, Rodney Brown, Jake Vaillant & the
NORTHERN WILDS
AUGUST 2022
29
FAT GUYS ANNUAL CAR SHOW
Pre-Order Now!
Pick-up August 3
Reserve your Buffet in a Box at our website:
Pick up your box from a friendly WISE member at: Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 51 W 5th Street, Grand Marais
www.wisenorth.org
What’s in Buffet in a Box?
A meal for one person that includes:
• Lena’s fishcakes with homemade tartar sauce • Swedish meatballs with gravy • Baked ham • Potato salad • Buttered corn on the cob • Dinner roll • Homemade dessert bars
Only $25!
All proceeds stay in Cook County: • Grants to teachers for student enrichment projects at all Cook County Schools.
Leaf Rapids will perform at this year’s Live From the Rock Folk Festival in Red Rock, held Aug. 5-7. | SUBMITTED Town, Leaf Rapids, Mimi O’Bonsawin and more. There will be food and drink vendors, an artisan market, community led workshops, onsite camping, and more. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. livefromtherockfolkfestival.com
• Two $1,000 college scholarships for graduating seniors. • Local non-profits.
Prepared in CC High School’s Culinary Kitchen. Individually packed for pick-up.
ELY WATERCROSS RACE
Get Ready for the Finland Farmers Market 2022! June 16th — October 6th
Re-enactors from across the U.S. and Canada will gather together for the annual Rendezvous Days and Pow-Wow in Grand Portage. | SUBMITTED
Every Thursday 5-6:30 pm
Aug. 5-7 See snowmobiles racing on water at the annual Ely Watercross Races, held at Longbranch in Winton (near Ely). Sponsored by the Ely Watercross Association, racing starts at 11 a.m. daily. There will also be food and drink concessions. Admission is $25 for the weekend or $15 for a day pass—ages 12 and under are free. Race registration is required. Then, enjoy two full nights of rock concerts, starting at 6 p.m. Concert tickets are $15 on Friday and $30 on Saturday. facebook.com/ely watercross
Under the Pavilion at the Clair Nelson Center, 6866 Cramer Road, Finland
Vendors: 1st week is free! Fee: $5/week or $50/season
50Theatre
More info or to register call
218-353-0300
or check out our website at
www.finlandfarmersmarket.com We want to offer community learning experiences related to food at the market, so it’s time to get creative. Want to be involved? Have an idea? Contact us! 218-353-0300 or email katee@friendsoffinland.org
See You Soon!
We are able to accept credit cards, EBT and SNAP 30
AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
Aug. 6, Saturday Hosted by Fat Guys Auto Parts in Thunder Bay, the annual Fat Guys Auto Parts Car Show is back in-person this year. One of the biggest and best cars show in northwestern Ontario, there will be classic cars, street rods, rat rods, antiques, muscle cars, and more. Other highlights include a mechanical bull (in support of George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation), the Sleeping Giant beer garden, glitter tattoos for the kids, and food from Fox on the Run, Union Jack’d Bustraunt, and Epic Cones. This year’s special guests are Avery Shoaf and Constance Nunes. Avery is a Canadian television personality known for his appearance on the Netflix series Rust Valley Restorers. Constance is a custom car builder, model, and lead mechanic on Netflix Car Masters: Rust to Riches. The car show will take place at Fat Guys Auto Parts and the surrounding neighborhood, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free; registration required for those showing a vehicle/bike. fatguyscarshow.com
CLE FAMILY FAIR
Aug. 10-14 The annual CLE Family Fair in Thunder Bay features all kinds of fun activities, including Midway rides, games and concessions, and kiddie rides. There will also be a Kid’s World, daily cooking show demonstrations, craft exhibits, hands-on educational stations, a fish pond, face painting, live entertainment, and exotic reptiles. Entertainers include hypnotist Terrance B, Kim Mitchell, Trooper, Honeymoon Suite, Who Made Who, Streetheart, illusionist Tyler Biloski, and more. And don’t miss the fireworks on Sunday at 11 p.m. The fair will be held at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition from noon to midnight, daily. Admission and ride wristband prices can be found online. cle.on.ca/the-fair
LAKE COUNTY FAIR
Aug. 11-14 The Lake County Fair in Two Harbors provides four days of non-stop fun, from a 3k Dirty Dash obstacle race and a watermelon eating contest, to live music, the Midway Carnival, and the annual Amateur Talent Contest. There will also be kids games and activities, daily prize drawings, food vendors and commercial booths, 4-H shows, MWA professional wrestling, free bingo with prizes, ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak, a pie auction and contest, a human tractor pull team contest, a hay bale toss and frying pan toss contest, a blindfolded lawnmower race, and more. thelakecountyfair.com
drink dorothy's and discover her story with us!
OPEN DAILY Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
Three historic cabin exhibits, nature trail & monthly events www.rootbeerlady.com
magnustheatre.com
218.365.4451 info@rootbeerlady.com MEMBER & MILITARY DISCOUNTS
The 22nd Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Gooseberry Falls State Park. | SUBMITTED
RENDEZVOUS DAYS & POW-WOW
Aug. 12-14 Re-enactors from across the U.S. and Canada gather together during the annual Rendezvous Days and Pow-Wow, sponsored by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Visitors and tribal members alike are invited to watch and participate in the ceremonial pow-wow and dances. The event will also include artisan vendors, recreational activities, bingo, a raffle drawing, music and dancing, craft demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and more. The event will take place in Grand Portage; admission is free. visitcookcounty. com/events
BLUEBERRY BLAST FESTIVAL
July 28-31 Aug 4-7 val Park, this year’s performers include Little Wing with Sue Orfield, Ruthie Foster, Mud Morganfield, Tommy Bentz, Scottie Miller, Ken Valdez, Katie Henry, Lamont Cranston, the Phil Kitze Band, Donna Herula Trio, and more. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. bayfrontblues.com
Aug. 12-14 The annual Blueberry Blast Festival will take place in downtown Nipigon in front of the Paddle to the Sea Park. This is a fun-filled family event with guided blueberry picking tours, food and craft vendors, informational and interactive booths, live entertainment, a blueberry pancake breakfast, a blueberry social featuring the Dorion Band, a guided mushroom foraging walk, and more. For more information, find the Nipigon Blueberry Blast Festival on Facebook.
UNDER THE SPREADING WALNUT TREE ART FESTIVAL
Aug. 12-14 The 28th Annual Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival will take place over the course of three days in Two Harbors and feature roughly 30 local and regional fine artists. Held on the grounds of the P.K. Anderson House, the festival will include artwork of all kinds, from ceramic, photography and mixed media, to glass, jewelry, paintings and more. Folk musician Thea Ennen will provide live music on Saturday and Sunday. The festival will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found on Facebook under “Two Harbors Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival.”
BAYFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL
Aug. 12-14 The annual Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth features more than 20 acts on two stages at one of the region’s most beautiful open-air venues. Held in Bayfront Festi-
grandmaraisplayhouse.com NH FS 25
U N P LU G G E D 2 0 2 2 TORI FINNISH MARKETPLACE & MUSIC FEST
Aug. 13, Saturday The 21st Annual Tor Finnish Marketplace and Music Fest in Finland is fun for all ages. This year’s music lineup includes the Two Harbors Ukulele Group, Gene LaFond and Amy Grillo, Lindula Brothers, Bill and Kate Isles, and Josh Agacki. There will be artist and blacksmith demonstrations, art and craft vendors, a silent auction, food booths, make-and-take art projects, and games for the kids (and those young at heart). There will also be a cash raffle, with prizes awarded at 5 p.m.—top prize is $500! The festival will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Finland MN Historical Site. And don’t miss the pancake breakfast on Sunday, Aug. 14 from 8-10 a.m. facebook.com/finlandmnhistoricalsociety
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL WITH MUSIC, CRAFT, & COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER 22-24 Two nights of music featuring Justin Vernon, Anaïs Mitchell, Phil Cook, Sean Carey, Mike Lewis, Joe Rainey Sr., and more Flannel Formal gala featuring dinner by Chef Scott Graden of the New Scenic Café and special guests Kevin Kling and Jon Vezner Free family concert featuring the Okee Dokee Brothers
TICKETS GO ON SALE AUGUST 1
LEARN MORE: NORTHHOUSE.ORG NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604 NORTHERN WILDS
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LAKE COUNTY
FAIR August 11-14, 2022 Thursday
Free gate for Senior Citizens and Veterans Free Bingo ! Amateur Talent Contest 3K Dirty Dash Obstacle Race
Friday
Free Gate, Games and Drawings for Kids 12 and under 4-H Horse Show ! Ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak MWA Professional Wrestling
Saturday
RRSC Open Barrel Race Ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak MWA Professional Wrestling ! Live Music
Sunday
Hay Bale & Frying Pan Toss Contest Watermelon Eating Contest Human Tractor Pull Team Contest Doug Ohman-Bringing MN History to Life
Visit Barker’s Island in Superior for the annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, held Aug. 26-27. | KARL EVERETT
WAWA SALMON DERBY
Aug. 19-21 The 40th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby in Wawa, Ontario, will be held Aug. 19-21 on Lake Superior. Known as “Wawa’s Superior Sporting Event,” the contest includes multiple categories, a parade of lights, pancake breakfasts, a fish fry, and prizes and activities for the whole family. The winner of the largest salmon wins $3,000 in cash. There is also a five-day pre-fishing contest held Aug. 13-17. Derby headquarters are located in Buck’s Marina. Registration fee required. wawasalmonderby.com
More information and a full schedule can be found at
www.thelakecountyfair.com
TERRACE BAY’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Aug. 18-21 Terrace Bay is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, from Aug. 18-21. There will be a number of celebratory festivities, including live music, reunions, kids activities, the burying of a time capsule, a waterfront beach party with a DJ and fireworks, a retro themed night, inflatables for the kids, a two-day market, the annual Lighthouse Festival, and more. Help Terrace Bay commemorate the past and celebrate the future. terracebay.ca
GGTA NORTH SHORE BIKE RIDE
AmericInn Lodge and Suites
• Pool with 110 ft. Figure 8 Waterslide • Breakfast Buffet with Waffle Bar • Rooms and Suites 150 Mensing Drive with Whirlpools and Fireplaces Silver Bay, MN • High Speed Wireless Internet 800-634-3444 218 226-4300 • Near State Parks and National Forest silverbay.mn@americinn.com • Snowmobile Trail Access americinn.com from Our Lot
of Silver Bay
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AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
Aug. 20, Saturday The 22nd Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. The recreational ride will offer 55-mile, 34-mile, and 28-mile route options, as well as an 8-mile family ride on the trail, all starting at Gooseberry Falls State Park near Two Harbors. Refreshments will be provided at rest stops and after the ride. The 8-mile ride will also provide treats and special events. All adult riders will receive t-shirts and younger riders will receive a water bottle. Registration is required; kids ride free with a paid/registered adult. ggta.org
fessional ribbers, as well as local food and drink vendors, all in support of Our Kids Count. This family-friendly event will also include artisan vendors, live music, various competitions, games, and more. Ribfest will begin at 11 a.m. daily. facebook.com/ribfestthunderbay
CARE PARTNERS ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
held on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 2-4 p.m. at Sydney’s Frozen Custard in Grand Marais. A $5 donation gets you a delicious sundae, plus the opportunity to relax, connect with friends and neighbors, and help Care Partners provide support and companionship for those on the journey of aging and serious illness in Cook County. carepartnersofcookcounty.org
Aug. 28, Sunday The annual Care Partners Annual Ice Cream Social is back. It will be
Enjoy a weekend filled with barbecue at Thunder Bay’s annual Ribfest. | SUBMITTED
LAKE SUPERIOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Aug. 26-27 Head to Barker’s Island in Superior for the annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. Watch or participate in the races, feast on fantastic food, and take part in the 5k Fun Run. There will also be live entertainment, a team tug-of-war competition, beer and food trucks, and more. Race registration is required. superiordragons.org
THE TRIBUTE FEST
ART IN BAYFRONT PARK
Aug. 20-21 Held on the beautiful Lake Superior waterfront in Duluth, Art in Bayfront Park features over 100 juried artists, as well as demos, food and drink vendors, a culinary arts market, and more. Artwork includes jewelry, ceramics, metalwork, photography, painting, glass, wood and more, by local and regional artists. The festival will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday at Bayfront Festival Park. artinbayfrontpark.com
Aug. 26-27 Founded in 2008, Tribute Fest in Duluth was set up to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans in Minnesota using the power of music. Held in Bayfront Festival Park, the festival features two nights of tribute bands on the main stage. Tribute bands include Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Eagles, Alanis Morisette, Guns ‘N Roses, AC/DC, Bob Marley, Tom Petty, Iron Maiden, and more. A portion of all proceeds goes to homeless and jobless veterans. Tickets can be purchased online—veterans, active duty and their families can attend free. thetributefest. com
RIBFEST
Aug. 26-28 The aroma of fresh barbecue will fill the Thunder Bay air during the annual Ribfest, held Aug. 26-28 at the CLE grounds. All weekend long, enjoy saucy creations from some of North America’s very best pro-
The Genuine. The Original.
HEAD DOOR OVER
Crafts Music -Fun! Saturdays 10-2 through October
The Hub Parking Lot Grand Marais
Overhead Door Company of Duluth 24 hour service
Phone 218-722-2884 www.ohdnorthernmn.com 4214 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811
Find your place on the North Shore No matter where you find yourself in Grand Portage, there will always be a place for you.
1-800-543-1384 GrandPortage.com NORTHERN WILDS
AUGUST 2022
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NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thru Aug. 3
Fine Arts Show 10 a.m. Ely Arts and Heritage Center, elyartsandheritage.org
Thru Aug. 14
Living Color: Lake Superior Watercolor Society Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org Biggest Blueberry Contest Gunflint Trail, visitcookcounty.com
Thru Aug. 27
75th Anniversary Historical Display Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org 7-5 Summer Exhibition Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org
Thru Sept. 5
Christopher Harrison: Contemporary Visions Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org
Thru Mid-Sept.
Wynn Davis: Salvaged Memories Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org
Thru Sept. 25
Naomi Harris: I, Voyageur: In Search of Frances Anne Hopkins Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Woodland POP! Group Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru Sept. 30
George Morrison: Connections Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center, nps.gov/grpo Steven Lemke & Kelsie Ward: Dislocation Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org
Thru Oct. 15
Francis Lee Jaques Paintings: Renowned Wildlife Artist 10 a.m. Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder, crossriverheritage.org
July 29-Aug. 7
Buck’s & Northern Wilds’ Big Fish Contest Cook County, bucksbigfish.com
Aug. 1, Monday
Fresh Air Trail Run 6 p.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com
Aug. 3, Wednesday
Buffet in a Box Pick-Up Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, wisenorth.org Beach Party & Water Safety Awareness Noon, Park Point Beach House, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Live Music with Pat Eliasen 6 p.m. Raven Rock Grill, Grand Marais, facebook.com/skyportlodge
Aug. 4-6
Spirit Valley Days West Duluth, spiritvalleydays.com
Aug. 4-7
Fisherman’s Picnic Downtown Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmaraislionsclub Little Shop of Horrors Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com Festival of Sail 10 a.m. (11 a.m. Thurs.) Two Harbors, lakesuperior.festofsail.com
Aug. 5, Friday Aug. 5-6
Aug. 9, Tuesday
Show 5 p.m. Ely’s Historic State Theater, elystatetheater.org
City on the Hill Music Festival Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, cityonthehillmusicfest.com “Pop-Up” Used Book Sale 10 a.m. Oddz & Endz, Grand Marais Thirsty River 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Aug. 5-7
Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival Spirit Mountain, Duluth, bikeduluthfestival.com Live From the Rock Folk Festival Red Rock, Ontario, livefromtherockfolkfestival.com Day Out with Thomas North Shore Scenic Railroad, Duluth, duluthtrains.com Ely Watercross Racing & Live Music 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Longbranch, Winton, facebook.com/elywatercross
Aug. 5-14
Aug. 2, Tuesday
Aug. 6, Saturday
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AUGUST 2022
Brewhouse Triathlon 8:30 a.m. Minnesota Power Pavilion at Island Lake, Duluth, brewhousetriathlon.com Bloody Bash on the Hill Noon, Skyline Social & Games, Duluth, skylinesocialandgames.com Fisherman’s Picnic Parade 1 p.m. Downtown Grand Marais Root Beer Kids Triathlon 1:30 p.m. Minnesota Power Picnic Area, Duluth, rootbeerkidstri.com 90th Anniversary Open House 2 p.m. Larsen’s Lakeview Cabins, Grand Marais, larsenslakeviewcabins.com
Jukebox Time Machine Multi-Media Tribute
Story & Play in the Park 9:30 a.m. Memorial Park, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Music in the Park: Jim Miller Noon, Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais, thegmmc.org Movie: The Perks of Being a Wallflower 2 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org
Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais, thegmmc.org Chalk Fest 4 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, northernlakesarts.org Chamber Connect Networking Event 5 p.m. Clearview General Store, Lutsen
Aug. 7, Sunday
Aug. 8, Monday
Disney’s High School Musical
Music in the Park: John Gruber Noon,
Pamela J Davis Open House: Beads and Baskets 1 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery & Gift House, Ely, elyartandsoul.com Mixed Precipitation’s Pickup Truck Opera Presents: The Magic Flute 4 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, mixedprecipitation.org Fisherman’s Picnic Fireworks 9:45 p.m. Grand Marais Harbor
Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Aug. 5-31
Thomas Dimock Exhibit (Reception Aug. 5 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park Visitor Center, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org Monarch Waystation Garden Tours 10 a.m. First United Methodist Church (Coppertop Church), Duluth, Facebook: Duluth Monarch Buddies AICHO Indigenous Food & Art Market 11 a.m. One Roof Community Housing Parking Lot, Duluth, aicho.org/markets Fat Guys Annual Car Show 11 a.m. Fat Guys Auto Parts, Thunder Bay, fatguyscarshow.com
NORTHERN WILDS
Story & Play in the Park 9:30 a.m. Enger Park, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks The Summer Sparkler 5:30 p.m. Historic Scott House, Carlton, loonopera.org
Aug. 10, Wednesday
Busker Stroll on the Lakewalk 5 p.m. Canal Park to Fitgers Complex, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks
Aug. 10-14
CLE Family Fair Noon, CLE, Thunder Bay, cle.on.ca/the-fair
Aug. 11, Thursday
Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail 5:30 p.m. Skyline/ Highland Trailhead, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks One Book, One Minnesota: Virtual Discussion with Author William Kent Krueger 7 p.m. thefriends.org Full Moon Hike 9 p.m. Piedmont, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks
Aug. 11-14
Lake County Fair Two Harbors, thelakecountyfair.com Math in Motion: Reflections Dance Concert 5 p.m. (1 p.m. Sun.) Minnesota North Fine Arts Center, Ely, northernlakesarts.org
Aug. 12, Friday
Culture Crawl 5 p.m. Cook County History Museum, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org Mixed Precipitation’s Pickup Truck Opera Presents: The Magic Flute 7 p.m. Hovland Town Hall, mixedprecipitation.org Black River Revue 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Movie Nights in the Park After Sunset, Carrick Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights
Aug. 12-13
Atikokan Bass Classic Atikokan, Ontario, atikokanbassclassic.ca
Aug. 12-14
Rendezvous Days & Pow-Wow Grand Portage, visitcookcounty.com/events Blueberry Blast Festival Paddle to the Sea Park, Nipigon, Facebook: Nipigon Blueberry Blast Festival Day Out with Thomas North Shore Scenic Railroad, Duluth, duluthtrains.com Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival 10 a.m. (3 p.m. Fri.) P.K. Anderson House, Two Harbors, Facebook: Two Harbors Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival Bayfront Blues Festival 11 a.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontblues.com
Aug. 12-21
Clue Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Aug. 13, Saturday
WineOh! Festival Prince Arthurs Landing, Thunder Bay, breakwaterevents.ca Story & Play in the Park 9:30 a.m. Merrit Park, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Tori Finnish Marketplace & Music Fest 10 a.m. Finland Heritage Site, Finland, facebook.com/finlandmnhistoricalsociety Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Spirit of the Lake Community School, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com Concert in the Park: Shoot’n the Breeze 6 p.m. Tettegouche State Park Amphitheater, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org Mixed Precipitation’s Pickup Truck Opera Presents: The Magic Flute 7 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com Dark Sky Caravan 8 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, gunflinthistory.org
Aug. 14, Sunday
Music in the Park: Chris Gillis Noon, Bear Tree
Park, Grand Marais, thegmmc.org Mixed Precipitation’s Pickup Truck Opera Presents: The Magic Flute 1 p.m. Finland Heritage Site, mixedprecipitation.org Music in the Park: Don Bauer 1:30 p.m. Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais, thegmmc.org Dr. Seth Moore: How Science Leads to Justice 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, gunflinthistory.org
Aug. 15, Monday
Story & Play in the Park 9:30 a.m. Portland Square, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks
Lake County Chamber of Commerce Golf Scramble 10:30 a.m. Lakeview National, Two Harbors, lakecounty-chamber.com
Aug. 15-21
NLAA August Art Show: Leah Reusch 3 p.m. (Noon on Mon.) Whiteside Park, Ely, northernlakesarts.org
Aug. 16, Tuesday
Down by Downtown Celebration 4:30 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, downtownduluth.com Fresh Air Trail Run 6 p.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com Women Hike Duluth 6 p.m. Lincoln Park, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks
Aug. 17, Wednesday
Live Music with Pat Eliasen 6 p.m. Raven Rock Grill, Grand Marais, facebook.com/skyportlodge
Aug. 18, Thursday
North House Artisan Development Program Open Studio 5 p.m. Betsy Bowen Gallery, Grand Marais, northhouse.org The Fish Heads in Concert 5:30 p.m. Gary New Duluth Rec Center, Duluth, facebook.com/gndcommunity North Shore Swing Band 6 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org Cocktails at the Cabin 6:30 p.m. Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com
Aug. 18-21
International Ukulele Carnival Two Harbors, twoharborsukulelegroup.com Terrace Bay’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations Terrace Bay, Ontario, terracebay.ca
Aug. 19, Friday
Library Anniversary Summer Dance 6 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org Music in the Park: Fredy Argir & Sarah Burton 7:30 p.m. City Center Park, Silver Bay, Facebook: Rocky Wall Productions Movie Nights in the Park After Sunset, West Thunder Community Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights
Aug. 19-20
Space Monkey Mafia 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Aug. 19-21
Wawa Salmon Derby Wawa, Ontario, wawasalmonderby.com Vatican Unveiled: An Exploration of Legacies 9 a.m. (10 a.m. Sun.) Duluth Decc, vaticanunveiled.com
Aug. 19-Sept. 11
Alexa Carson Exhibit: Yearning (Reception Aug. 19 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org
Aug. 20, Saturday
GGTA North Shore Bike Ride 9 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, ggta.org AICHO Indigenous Food & Art Market 11 a.m. One Roof Community Housing Parking Lot, Duluth, aicho.org/markets Billy Johnson 3 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
Aug. 20-21
Art in Bayfront Park 10 a.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, artinbayfrontpark.com Anishinaabe Keeshigun 10 a.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca Great Northern Ontario Road Show 10 a.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, gnor.sciencenorth.ca
Aug. 21, Sunday
Kakabeka Falls Legion Half Marathon & 8k 6 a.m. Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, facebook.com/runkbfalls Music in the Park: Briand Morrison Noon, Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais, thegmmc.org
Music in the Park: Roxanne Berglund 1:30 p.m. Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais, thegmmc.org Teresa Marrone: The Secret Lives of Mushrooms 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, gunflinthistory.org
Aug. 22, Monday
Music in the Park: Michelle Miller Noon,
Sept. 3, Saturday
Sept. 4, Sunday
REO Speedwagon & Styx 6:45 p.m.
Life is Water Festival 1 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, decc.org
Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org Monroe Crossing 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com
Aug. 23, Tuesday
weekly events
Aug. 25, Thursday
Mondays
Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais, thegmmc.org Historic Cook County’s Roaring 20s Gala 6 p.m. Harbor Light, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail 5:30 p.m. Haines Road Trailhead, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks
Aug. 25-28
Blithe Spirit 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com
Aug. 26, Friday
Betty Hemstad: 50 Years on the Gunflint (Told in One Hour) 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, gunflinthistory.org Music in the Park: Alexander Craig 7:30 p.m. City Center Park, Silver Bay, Facebook: Rocky Wall Productions An Evening with Cory Chisel 7:30 p.m. Ely’s Historic State Theater, elystatetheater.org Movie Nights in the Park After Sunset, Vicker’s Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights
Aug. 26-27
Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival Barker’s Island, Superior, superiordragons.org The Tribute Fest Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, thetributefest.com
Aug. 26-28
Embarrass Region Fair Timber Hall, Embarrass, MN embarrass.org Ribfest 11 a.m. CLE, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ribfestthunderbay
Aug. 27, Saturday
Electronic Recycling Collection Event 9 a.m. Cook County Recycling Center, Grand Marais, retrofitcompanies.com Hillside Makers’ Market 10 a.m. Perception Coaching LLC, Duluth, facebook.com/hillsidemakersmarket Tim Stouffer & Joey Kenig 7 p.m. Tofte Lake Center, Ely, toftelake.org
Aug. 28, Sunday
Care Partners Annual Ice Cream Social 2 p.m. Sydney’s Frozen Custard, Grand Marais, carepartnersofcookcounty.org Don Luce: Lee & Florence Jaques in the Boundary Waters 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, gunflinthistory.org
Aug. 30, Tuesday
5th Annual Run for Reijo 6 p.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com
Aug. 31, Wednesday
Live Music with Pat Eliasen 6 p.m. Raven Rock Grill, Grand Marais, facebook.com/skyportlodge
Sept. 1, Thursday
Movie Nights in the Park After Sunset, Current River Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights
Sept. 1-4
Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Throughout the Twin Ports, duluthsuperiorpride.com
Sept. 2-5
Nipigon Fall Fishing Festival Nipigon, Ontario, nipigonfallfishingfestival.com
Walk and Talk Book Group Noon, Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com Free Outdoor Concert Series (No Concert Aug. 29) 6:30 p.m. Waverley Park, Thunder Bay, Facebook: The Coalition for Waverley Park
Tuesdays
Butterflies, Bugs & Bees 10:30 p.m. Caribou Highlands, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com Kids’ Day: Free 11 a.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org Sawmill Tours 12:30 p.m. Hedstrom Lumber Company, Gunflint Trail, hedstromlumber.com Summer Fun at Bayfront 4 p.m. Bayfront Family Center, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Happy Hour Market (No Market on Aug. 16) 4 p.m. Blacklist Brewing, Duluth, downtownduluth.com Ely Farmers Market 5 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, ely.org Locals Night with Live Music 5 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Chester Creek Concert Series (No Concert Aug. 30) 6:30 p.m. Chester Park, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Zen Meditation Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. First Congregational Church UCC, Grand Marais, grandmaraisucc.org Loons: Facts & Fables 7:30 p.m. Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, visitcookcounty.com The Amoosing Moose 7:30 p.m. Lutsen Resort, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com
Wednesdays
Happy Hikers Group Hikes 9 a.m. Meet at Grand Marais Tennis Courts, visitcookcounty.com/events Explore the Shore 10:30 a.m. East Bay Suites, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com USFS Nature Talks (Thru Aug. 24) 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org Duluth Farmers Market 2 p.m. 1324 E. 3rd St., Duluth, duluthfarmersmarket.com Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Summer Fun at Bayfront 4 p.m. Bayfront Family Center, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Concerts on the Pier 5 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.org Music in the Park 6 p.m. City Park on River Street, Cook, MN, nwfamn.org Minnesota Wild! 7:30 p.m. Grand Marais Recreation Area, visitcookcounty.com Leave It to Beavers 7:30 p.m. Bluefin Bay, Tofte, visitcookcounty.com Live on the Waterfront Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca
Thursdays
Nature of Oberg Mountain 10:30 a.m. Oberg Mt. Trailhead, Tofte, visitcookcounty.com Pop-Up Play 4 p.m. Various Parks, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Group Mountain Bike Ride 4:15 p.m. Bearskin Lodge, Gunflint Trail, facebook.com/bearskinlodge Local Food Market 4:30 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, facebook.com/thursdaylocalfoodmarket
Finland Farmer’s Market 5 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com Earth Rider Beer Garden 5 p.m. Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org Date Night at the Winery 7 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Carnivorous Plants & Bots in Minnesota 7:30 p.m. Eagle Ridge, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com Dark Skies & Bright Stars 7:30 p.m. Lutsen Resort, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com
Fridays
Sawmill Tours 10 a.m. Hedstrom Lumber Company, Gunflint Trail, hedstromlumber.com Make a Dreamcatcher 10:30 a.m. Eagle Ridge, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com Willow Springs Market 3 p.m. Willow Springs Creative Centre, Kaministiquia, facebook.com/willowspringscc Indigenous: The Art of Shaun Chosa Exhibition 4 p.m. AICHO Galleries: Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, facebook.com/aichogalleries Local Produce Stand 5:30 p.m. Outside North Shore Area Partners, Silver Bay, facebook.com/finlandfoodchain Wolves! A Cry in the Night 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com Fire! A Frenemy of the Forest 7:30 p.m. Blluefin Bay Resort, Tofte, visitcookcounty.com Live Music 8 p.m. Bar Polonia, Thunder Bay, Facebook: Bar Polonia Movies in the Park At Sunset, Leif Erikson Park, Duluth, downtownduluth.com
Saturdays
Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Morning Yoga: Free 8 a.m. Enger Park, Duluth, duluthmn.gov/parks Duluth Farmers Market 8 a.m. 1324 E. 3rd St., Duluth, duluthfarmersmarket.com Kakabeka Farmers’ Market 9:30 a.m. Kakabeka Legion, Kakabeka Falls, kakabekafarmersmarket.ca Rooftop Yoga 9:30 a.m. Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com Cook County Market 10 a.m. Senior Center (The Hub) Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ccfarmandcraft Two Harbors Farmers Market 10 a.m. 320 7th Ave, Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborsfarmersmarket Wildflower Walk 10:30 a.m. Cascade Lodge, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com Children’s Story Hour 11 a.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks Nature of the Point 1:30 p.m. Artists’ Point, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com Minnesota Wild! 7:30 p.m. Sawbill Lake Campground, Tofte, visitcookcounty.com Black Bears: American Original 7:30 p.m. Caribou Highlands, Lutsen, visitcookcounty.com
Sundays
North Shore Geology Walks 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org Weekend Wine Down 3:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Music by the Lake 4 p.m. Raven Rock Grill, Grand Marais, skyportlodge.com
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35
Take the North Shore home with you! From Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ont. and beyond, we cover the stories from the area featuring the people and places that make this place unique. You will find upcoming events, arts coverage, outdoor activities, dining, community news and more.
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Mail this form with your check to: Northern Wilds Media, P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 Subscribe online at http://bit.ly/NWSub Single issues also available. 36
AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
The North Shore Dish Finding the Best Burgers By Virginia George
The idea of meat on bread is nothing new, and in fact can be traced back to a Roman cookbook in the first century C.E. Throughout history there have been many iterations of the burger, from hamburger steak and bread to hamburger steak on a bun. While many have claimed to be the first, it seems that the origin of the hamburger was likely a natural culinary progression, which over time has become an American icon. Burger and fries. Burger and beer. The burger is a staple in American culture from pubs, burger joints, and fast-food restaurants, to the backyard barbecue. Burgers are almost an expected part of American cuisine. Conveniently, they are also highly customizable, making them a great choice for cookouts and gatherings, whether eating at home or out on the town. There are several critical elements of a good burger. The bread or bun, the patty itself, the toppings, the sides, and the environment in which you enjoy it. Each of these elements is an important factor in determining where to get a good burger, thus, it is impossible to get a consensus on which is the best. So, maybe today we won’t crown the Best Burger in the Northland, but we can talk about some darn good ones. What you’ll see below are a handful of interesting burger joints, that will provide you with a dining experience that will be unmatched in most other places. In addition to traditional burgers, three of the restaurants below offer vegetarian options. Even if your favorite burger joint isn’t on the list, you’re bound to find a new burger to enjoy.
Dubh Linn Brew Pub, Duluth The Dubh Linn Brew Pub is a classic Irish pub located in a historic building in downtown Duluth. The atmosphere is lively, and the pub offers free darts, shuffleboard and pool all day every day. Additionally, Dubh Linn holds weekly trivia nights on Wednesdays and comedy shows most Saturday evenings. The menu at Dubh Linn’s is classic pub fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. From the fish to the vegetables to the bread, Dubh Linn purchases much of their “fine Irish food with [a] family twist”
The Ely Steak House is home to the famous Bucky Burger, consisting of a half-pound of chargrilled lean ground beef with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions and topped off with their famous Bucky sauce. | ELY STEAK HOUSE NORTHERN WILDS
AUGUST 2022
37
from locally recognizable businesses. Dubh Linn also has a popular 15-minute lunch promise; if your lunch isn’t delivered to your table within 15 minutes, your entrée is free! Burgers at Dubh Linn’s are 1/3-pound, locally sourced ground beef. The menu includes basics, like the standard California and bacon cheeseburgers, but Dubh Linn’s also offers unique twists like a spinach artichoke burger, jalapeno burger, and a (pretty tasty, if I say so myself) veggie burger.
and Bonobo’s is committed to including local suppliers in their menu choices.
My Sister’s Place, Grand Marais Lastly, let’s talk about My Sister’s Place. This restaurant may have a special place in my heart since it was the first meal I ate after getting off the trail in the winter of 2004. We had attempted to build an igloo and there wasn’t enough snow, so we improvised and had a pretty chilly night. My Sister’s Place is a unique conglomeration of North Shore and outdoor paraphernalia, and serves up some seriously good grub.
Ely Steak House, Ely The Ely Steak House is a favorite of many Boundary Waters paddlers. After a week of dehydrated food and filtered lake water, nothing sounds much better than a real burger—and air conditioning. Of course, it’s a steakhouse, so you can get yourself a mighty fine steak as well, but notably, the Ely Steak House is home of the famous Bucky Burger. The Bucky consists of a “chargrilled half-pound hand-pattied lean ground beef, [with] bacon, cheddar, grilled onion,” and it’s finished off with their famous Bucky sauce. They say that if it’s your first, it won’t be your last. In addition to steak and burgers, Ely Steak House offers a variety of other foods that would be expected at a steakhouse. Appetizers, soup, salad, sandwiches, baskets, and traditional “supper” dishes are all on the menu. They also have a thorough kids’ menu to satisfy those ages 12 and under. Ely Steak House offers free pool to all patrons and this fall, they will celebrate 25 years in business. Ely Steak House has de-
When it comes to burgers, choose between ground chuck, grass-fed free-range bison, or chicken for any of their standard burger combinations. My Sister’s Place has a vegetarian wild rice burger, as well as stone oven cooked pizza from scratch, calzones, soups, salads, and fresh locally caught fish. The menu at Dubh Linn’s in Duluth is classic pub fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. | VIRGINIA GEORGE licious food that locals and tourists alike can rely on.
Bonobo’s, Thunder Bay Bonobo’s isn’t your traditional burger joint. In fact, some may be surprised to see it on this list, as Bonobo’s is a plantbased restaurant and serves no meat at all. An internet search of best burgers in Thun-
der Bay will, however, bring up Bonobo’s, among herbivores and carnivores alike. Everything at the restaurant is vegetarian, and can be made vegan by switching the cheese, which provides a great alternative for those seeking a plant-based diet who want to get in on a solid burger. In addition to their burgers, Bonobo’s has what I would call a café style menu, with soup, salad, sandwiches, and a light kids’ menu. Evidently their poutine is legendary,
No matter whether you prioritize the atmosphere or the food itself, there are some great burgers to choose from here on the North Shore. Dubh Linn Brew Pub offers pub fare, the largest whiskey collection in Minnesota, and free games all day for a fun dining experience. Ely Steak House has a cozy dining experience with delicious food and free pool all year long. Bonobo’s provides a strictly vegetarian dining experience, with burgers so yummy even the carnivores sing their praises, and My Sister’s Place has been a reliable Grand Marais staple since 1998. Which one will you try first?
SAWMILL TOURS Hedstrom Lumber Co. will be offering FREE tours of the Sawmill and Planing Mill
Two Locations
JUNE 21 - AUGUST 26
Indoor & Outdoor Dining
TUES. 12:30-2 PM | FRI. 10-11:30 AM
Wed-Sun 12pm-9pm
TOUR TIMES:
Grand Marais
With a view of Poplar Lake
120 W Hwy 61
Two Harbors
RSVP REQUIRED
530 7th Ave (Limited food menu)
Register for tour times online:
hedstromlumber.com/ sawmill-tours Questions? Call
218-387-2995
HEDSTROM LUMBER COMPANY 1504 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN
38
AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
Buy Any DQ Item Get Any DQ Item
Any Two Blizzards
Off regularly priced item of equal or lesser value. Excludes $5 Lunch, $6 Lunch, DQ Cakes, and Take Home Boxes of Novelties. Not valid with any other coupons or specials. Limit 1 coupon, 1 per customer. Limit 1 per coupon. Void if copied. DQ logo property of AM.DQCorp Minneapolis, MN, 2011. Expires 12/31/2022. Grand Marais, MN and AUG Two Harbors, MN locations only.
Off regularly priced item of equal or lesser value. Excludes $5 Lunch, $6 Lunch, DQ Cakes, and Take Home Boxes of Novelties. Not valid with any other coupons or specials. Limit 1 coupon, 1 per customer. Limit 1 per coupon. Void if copied. DQ logo property of AM.DQCorp Minneapolis, MN, 2011. Expires 12/31/2022. Grand Marais, MN and AUG Two Harbors, MN locations only.
1/2 Off
Home of the Gunflint Trail's ONLY Liquor Store Open daily @ 11am
900
$
(sm or med)
Hidden Home Health Hazards By Hartley Newell-Acero
If we are fortunate, our homes are safe places to which we can retreat, rest, recharge and share that comfort with the people we care about. Too often though, our homes have hazards that put our well-being at risk. Uncovering these hidden hazards saves time and money, and protects everyone that lives in or visits that house. Slipping, Tripping and Falling—Anyone can take a tumble, but older people are especially at risk. Every year, people 65 years of age and older make more than 3 million trips to emergency rooms because of injuries related to falls. Getting Zapped—Make sure that you have GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets in your kitchen and bath. They’re the ones with reset buttons, and they stop the flow of electricity if they detect variations in normal current. Be on the lookout for signs of hidden electrical problems, and call an electrician if you discover any. Getting Clobbered—Heavy furniture tipping over sends almost 20,000 people a year to the ER. Use anti-tip kits to anchor furniture and mount TVs to the studs in the walls, not drywall anchors or toggles. Soggy Situations—Leaky pipes behind walls can be causing damage long before you notice it. Blistering paint, warped walls, damaged wallpaper, cracked or buckling floor, loose tiles, and mold or mildew are signs you should call a plumber. Keeping Warm—Here in the Northland, keeping warm is a priority for much of the year, and we’ve got multiple options for that.
Space heaters can take the chill off, but nearly 1,700 house fires are caused by them every year. Never leave one unattended or near flammable materials. Anything that uses combustion to produce heat (fireplaces, wood stoves, boilers, furnaces, or portable gas heaters) produces Carbon Monoxide (CO)—a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Inhaling it can lead to CO poisoning—meaning that CO has built up in the bloodstream, replacing oxygen. This can lead to tissue damage or even death. Fireplaces and woodstoves can be the ultimate in coziness, but unseen creosote buildup can lead to chimney and house fires. Operating out of sight and often out of mind, boilers and furnaces can have unnoticed problems too. Check for a yellow or jumpy pilot light, and watch especially for cracked, rusting, and/or leaking flue pipes. Protect yourself and your family from hidden heating dangers by installing CO detectors and having your heating system checked and cleaned by a professional at least once a season.
Revealing Radon Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that drifts up from the soil. It’s produced when naturally-occurring uranium and radium break down. Differences in the air pressure between the home’s interior and the underlying soil can pull the radon up and inside the building, where it can then accumulate. Unfortunately, two in five homes in Minnesota have high radon levels, and our
cold weather necessitates that buildings be closed for much of the year. This increases radon exposure for the people inside. Radon Health Risks—Radon is the number-one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the second most common cause of lung cancer in smokers. About 20,000 deaths a year are caused by breathing radon. The longer someone is exposed to radon, the greater the risk of cancer, and the combined risk of smoking and radon exposure is even higher. Revealing Radon—The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all homes be tested for radon. The Cook County Environmental Health Department provides free short-term radon tests. Stop by and pick one up.
Mitigating Radon Exposure—Radon concentrations inside a building can be reduced by mitigation systems. Sealing cracks and installing a fan and pipe that vents the gas above the edge of the roof, away from windows, are two possible interventions. Licensed radon mitigation specialists can help you determine which system would work best with your foundation type. This is a condensed version of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s “Topic of the Month” newsletter. Want to learn more? Visit sawtoothmountainclinic.org to read the full issue, listen to the audio version, access the resources cited, and explore our entire library of newsletters.
Down-home Northwoods Atmosphere
Mon-Sat: 11am - 9pm Closed Sunday
BEER &
WINE
GREAT FOOD CRAFT BEER AMAZING VIEW
300 CANAL PARK DRIVE, DULUTH MN, 55802 Canal Park Brewing Company
Regional Beer on Tap!
MySistersPlaceRestaurant.com
Order Online! 218-387-1915 401 E. Hwy 61, Grand Marais NORTHERN WILDS
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4/11/2022 10:23:07 AM
Northern Trails The Juice on Using Scents for Fishing By Gord Ellis
“What do you think about using scent for fishing?” This is a question I’ve been asked countless times while fishing, guiding and in seminar situations. It is a good question and one that I’ve answered quite differently over the years. Using scent when fishing is complicated, as not all fishing types and situations are the same. There are times when scent will help and times when I personally don’t think it does much. My introduction to using scent while fishing occurred several decades ago. The product was called “Dr. Juice” and when it appeared on the scene it caused quite a stir. The fish attractant was developed by Dr. Gregory Bambenek, a psychiatrist from Minnesota who had grown up in an outdoors family. At the time, my main passion was chasing steelhead (migratory rainbow trout) and the primary presentation was drifting yarn or cut sponge in current. Although the colours used were very attractive, it became popular to douse everything in Dr. Juice. The smell of the stuff was undeniably fishy, like a cross between fish eggs and cod liver oil. It also seemed to work, especially in colder water where the fish required a slower, more subtle presentation. It did not, however, out-fish spawn bags, which were rainbow trout eggs wrapped in mesh. Yet, for those of us who didn’t like tying spawn bags, the addition of “the juice” was a good option. The one down-side of using Dr. Juice was the inevitable leakage that occurred from the bottles. In those days, every steelhead wore a vest, and you could almost smell the other anglers before you saw them. The smell of Dr. Juice that had leaked into a vest could not be missed. But that didn’t stop many of us from relying on the stuff.
Knowing how and when to apply scent to lures can improve your chance of catching fish. If you haven’t tried scents or scented baits, give them a whirl. | GORD ELLIS
It was also in the 80s that a guy named Charlie White became famous for an underwater film he did in British Columbia called the “Salmon Spectacular.” Using waterproof cameras attached to downriggers, White was able to film the reaction of salmon to a variety of presentations, lures and baits. One of the most fascinating experiments shown in the film had to do with scent. White had side-by-side footage of two identical lures. One lure was scent free and the other lure had various things added including human scent, cigar smoke, the residue from a greasy rag and—famously—a dip into the boat’s bilge water. White named the lures in that final experiment
For me, the real game changer in the use of scents was the appearance of impregnated plastic lures. Up until the appearance of impregnated plastic, the addition of scent to a lure required adding it to the outside of a presentation. Over time, that scent would slowly dilute and wash off. Yet, when Berkely Power Bait appeared in the mid-1980s, it featured scent that was built into the plastic. This allowed fish attracting smells to be released over a long period of time. The early scent impregnated lures ran the gamut, from cherry flavoured to things that verged on “hockey bag.” I recall in the early 1990s, leaving an envelope full of
“Mr. Clean” and “Bilgewater.” The salmon showed a definite preference for the “Bilgewater” tainted spoon. Even when the lures and fishing areas changed, the oily, nasty spoon caught the most salmon. Many eyes were opened by how the salmon reacted to the dirty, greasy, smelly lure as opposed to the squeaky clean one. The “Salmon Spectacular” was ground-breaking and began the craze of spraying WD40 onto salmon lures, a tradition that continues to this day. The Charlie White movie lives on via YouTube and is worth your time if you are a salmon fishing aficionado.
scented Berkley “Power Slugs” for the fish crazy editor of the local newspaper. The editor was on vacation and, somehow, the envelope was misplaced and left close to a radiator. Reporters in the newsroom began noticing an odor from a certain area and tracked it down to the envelope in question. From what I understand, the envelope was delivered to the trash and the editor never got my gift.
So, are there situations where scents, don’t make sense? My feeling is that adding an artificial scent to live bait works against the natural aroma of the minnow, worm or leech being used. Adding scent to a minnow seems the same as putting ketchup on prime rib. You are wrecking the natural goodness of the item. That is my opinion, but I have yet to see a good argument otherwise.
Nowadays, there are a huge array of scented plastics. Popular bass lures like the Yamamoto “Senko” are primarily infused with salt. Some, like Berkely “Gulp” are also water soluble and biodegradable. All these lures have proven to be popular with anglers and catch fish. The add-on scent market also continues to thrive. Legacy brands like Dr. Juice remain in the game, but there are all manner of other scent additives including “Bait Fuel,” “Liquid Mayhem” and “Procure Super Gel,” to name just a few. Some scents are more fishy smelling, while a few could easily be mistaken for a food additive. I recently guided someone who had a garlic fish scent that was both pungent and long lasting. A couple errant drops made it into the carpet of my boat and lived there for some time.
I also don’t use scents when fly fishing. That may have more to do with my own values around fly fishing, but I just can’t see oozing scent onto a streamer or nymph. It might work, but I’ll never know. Overall, knowing how and when to apply scent to lures can improve your chance of catching fish. If you haven’t tried scents or scented baits, give them a whirl this season.
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DNR seeks comments on Finland area fisheries management plans FINLAND—The Minnesota DNR invites anglers and others to comment on fisheries management plans for several lakes in the Finland fisheries work area. In Cook County, the Four Mile Lake plan will include an update of fisheries information and a review of sampling frequency. In Lake County, the Eighteen Lake plan will include an update of fisheries information and a review of walleye stocking; the South McDougal Lake and Highland Lake plans will include an update of fisheries information and a review of sampling frequency. The DNR will use comments and suggestions from the public as it updates fisheries management plans that identify specific management activities planned for these lakes over the next five to 20 years. The plans include a variety of fisheries information including summaries and evaluations of past management activities and regulations; background information such as water chemistry and water temperature; and species presence, stocking, and historic catch rates from previous fisheries surveys. The plans also may identify biological and social factors that might limit a fishery’s potential and seek to address limiting factors by prescribing science-based management
tools when biologically, fiscally and socially appropriate. Comments and suggestions from the public are important in identifying angler values and social considerations to include in the plans. Public input is most useful before plans are finalized. Anyone can request infor-
mation and share thoughts about fisheries management by contacting the Finland area fisheries office by email at finland.fisheries@ state.mn.us, or by phone at 218-328-8855.
considered when those plans are due for review. More information about Finland area fisheries is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/areas/fisheries/finland).
Comments and suggestions for managing other lakes and streams in the Finland work area are welcome at any time and will be
Minnesota’s draft wolf plan update is ready for public review ST. PAUL—The Minnesota DNR welcomes comments through 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, on a draft of Minnesota’s updated wolf management plan that incorporates the diverse views of Minnesotans and will guide the state’s approach to wolf conservation once finalized. “Wolf conservation is a high priority for the DNR and we expect this updated plan to help ensure Minnesota’s wolf population remains healthy,” said Dr. Kelly Straka, wildlife section manager. “Thank you to those who have already contributed to the extensive
public and tribal engagement that helped create this draft. We are now asking folks to review the draft and share their thoughts with us.” The updated plan includes summary information about Minnesota’s wolf population and the history of wolves in the state. It details the diverse and changing public attitudes about wolves, the legal status of wolves, tribal perspectives on wolves, and ways to support a healthy and resilient wolf population, while minimizing conflicts between humans and wolves. The draft plan
also sets out a framework for future decision-making about whether to hold a wolf hunting or trapping season. To learn more about wolves in Minnesota and review and comment on the draft plan, visit the DNR wolf webpage: dnr.state. mn.us/wolves. The DNR expects to finalize the wolf management plan in the early fall.
ALTON LAKE BY JOE SHEAD WHY GO: Alton has a good smallmouth bass and walleye fishery in a picturesque setting. The lake is in the Boundary Waters, but it’s accessible via a short, well-maintained portage from Sawbill Lake. Because of its quality fishing and easy accessibility, it’s a popular day-use lake for anglers who want to fish the Boundary Waters without the burden of hauling in camping gear. ACCESS: From Tofte, travel 23 miles up Highway 2 (Sawbill Trail) to the Sawbill Lake Campground at the end of the road. Launch at the Sawbill Lake boat access and paddle northwest to the portage trail to Alton Lake. There is a wide, well-maintained 30-rod portage to Alton. Sawbill Lake has a carry-down access with a rustic outhouse and parking for 100 vehicles. Alton Lake has 14 campsites. Self-registration day-use passes are available at the Sawbill Lake Campground, however, you’ll need to apply for a permit in advance during the summer season for an overnight stay within the BWCAW. VITALS: At 963 acres and with a maximum depth of 72 feet, Finland area fisheries supervisor Dean Paron described Alton Lake as “a lake trout lake without the lake trout.” Alton is deep and clear, with 14-foot water clarity. The DNR actually did experiment with lake trout stocking decades ago, but the fish didn’t survive and the program was discontinued. “For a Boundary Waters lake, I do think it receives a fair amount of pressure,” Paron said. “It’s a quick, easy portage from Sawbill.” 42
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GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and tullibee. SMALLMOUTH BASS: “I’ve always considered Alton a good lake for targeting smallmouths,” Paron said. “I personally find Alton a little bit harder to fish, especially during the summer. The good water clarity, combined with fairly high fishing pressure, may have something to do with the tough summer fishing, so Paron recommends anglers visit in the spring and fall. The bass are there, however. The lake has good numbers of smallies. The average size in the 2018 DNR fisheries survey was a respectable 14 inches, with bass up to 18 inches sampled. Paron recommends trying around the islands and anywhere you find a sharp drop-off for smallmouths. WALLEYE: You’ll find above-average numbers of walleyes in Alton, and they are usually eater-sized. The lake has a long history of steady walleye recruitment. Trolling a crankbait or jigging with live bait will often net you an evening fish fry, but there’s always a chance of connecting with a respectable walleye in the 25-inch range. They’re not numerous, but they’re out there. The perch population is low, but Paron said walleyes likely prey on minnows or some of the lake’s numerous suckers. Larger walleyes may take down pelagic tullibees as well. Rocky points and drop-offs abound, providing plenty of good walleye structure. NORTHERN PIKE: Alton isn’t a destination pike lake. Northerns are present in low numbers and are usually just a bonus (or an an-
NORTHERN WILDS
noyance) for bass and walleye anglers. TULLIBEES: Historically, Alton has had a robust tullibee population, with a lot of fish topping 15 inches. However, the 2018 fisheries survey netted just one fish. Is there concern about the tullibee population? Paron said hopefully not. He noted that there was a tullibee die-off in the summer about eight years ago. Tullibees have strict temperature and dissolved oxygen requirements. During the heat of summer, they need to find a band of water that is deep enough to provide cool temperatures, yet still containing enough oxygen to sustain them. Paron noted the one fish caught in the last survey was caught in the deepest net and he thinks perhaps the crew just didn’t place nets deep enough to sample tullibees. He said nets will be set deeper during the next survey to more adequately sample these deep-dwelling fish. If tullibees are indeed still present in good numbers, with a high average size, they would be worth targeting.
View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/ fishingholemaps
NORTHERN SKY AUGUST 2022 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH
Walleye Growth Decreases After Spiny Water Flea and Zebra Mussel Invasion Results based on a recent study by Hansen et al. (2020)
• Spiny water fleas (SWF) invade a waterbody • SWF reproduce by the millions • SWF eat zooplankton (microscopic animals), an important food source for first year Walleye • SWF drastically reduce the amount of zooplankton in a lake In the predawn hour, four planets—Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn—are still strung in that order from left to right. But now the line of planets stretches all the way across the sky. A beacon in the northeast, Venus rises later each morning. But so does the sun, so our sister planet doesn’t climb very far before sunrise. On the 1st, Mars and Jupiter will be well up in the southeast and south, respectively, and Saturn will be lower in the southwest. As August goes by, Jupiter and Saturn head westward. By month’s end, Saturn will have set by the time Venus appears. Saturn officially moves from the morning to the evening sky on the 14th, when Earth laps it in the orbital race. On that day, Saturn will be almost exactly opposite the sun in the sky, so it will be up all night. On the evening of the 11th, we get to watch the rising of another “supermoon.” It’ll be not only much closer to Earth, and brighter, than usual, but also about as round as it gets, since perfect fullness occurs close to the time of moonrise. Saturn
accompanies this gorgeous moon across the night sky. The night of the 14th, Jupiter accompanies the moon. On the morning of the 19th, a last quarter moon appears between Mars and the Pleiades star cluster. And on the 25th, Venus rises below an aging crescent moon. This year’s Perseid meteor shower is predicted to peak in the predawn hours of the 12th or 13th. However, the moon will wash out all but the brightest meteors. In the second half of the month, we’ll have at least an hour of moon-free star watching after nightfall. Take your binoculars and enjoy the rich star fields of the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle of bright stars, which is now well up in the east. The University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses have been curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, visit: d.umn. edu/planet.
• Zebra mussels invade a waterbody • Zebra mussels reproduce by the millions • They feed on phytoplankton (microscopic plants), the main food source for zooplankton • Zebra mussels may reduce the amount of phytoplankton and zooplankton in a lake
How SWF and Zebra mussels affect Walleye • First-year Walleye eat zooplankton because they are readily available and easy to consume • Fewer zooplankton mean Walleye switch to eating other prey items, some of which are harder to consume and lower quality food • Feeding on prey that is difficult to eat requires more energy spent on less nutritious food • Result - first-year Walleye have a slower growth rate *First-year Walleyes living in SWF infested lakes are 12% smaller than Walleyes in un-infested lakes *First-year Walleyes living in a zebra mussel infested lake are 14% smaller
Why slower growth rate in first-year Walleye could be a problem • Higher mortality due to increased predation on first-year Walleye • Lower energy reserves leading to lower winter survival • Delayed access to a more diverse, energy rich diet due to their smaller size • Smaller and fewer Walleyes surviving to the next age class *First-year Walleyes living in lakes infested with both SWF and zebra mussels are 25% smaller than Walleyes in un-infested lakes
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*The publication upon which this is based (Hansen et al. 2020), summarizes a study of spiny water flea and zebra mussel effects on Walleye growth in nine Minnesota lakes. The dataset used in the study spans 35 years, from 1983-2018. Funding was provided by the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). For more information visit: https://link.springer.com/ article/10.1007/s10530-020-02198-5 NORTHERN WILDS
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Finding Grace
A Novel By Maren Cooper She Writes Press, 2022, $16.95
When Caroline, a gifted ornithologist who wants a life of travel and adventure, gets pregnant against her wishes, her husband, Charlie, assumes she will change her mind. She doesn’t—and as their daughter, Grace, grows up, she falls through the devastating schism that has grown between them. Told by all three of the characters and set against the backdrop of Lake Superior in Two Harbors, Finding Grace is a thought-provoking, poignant read that will keep you engaged. It’s an intimate look at a dysfunctional family that will tear at your heart, while also capturing heartwarming, beautiful moments.—Breana Johnson
The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever By Beatrice Ojakangas
University of Minnesota Press, 2022, $29.95
Whether you refer to it as a hotdish, covered dish, or a casserole, James Beard Cookbook Hall of Famer Beatrice Ojakangas has put together over 500 one-dish meals for every season and occasion. At over 600 pages, this impressive cookbook is filled with lots of tasty recipes, as well as a chapter on casserole basics. Other chapters include pasta casseroles, fish and shellfish casseroles, beef casseroles, no-knead casserole breads, vegetarian casseroles, breakfast and brunch casseroles, casseroles for kids, dessert casseroles—the list goes on. This book is a great addition to your kitchen.—Breana Johnson
The Heartbeat of Trees
Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature By Peter Wohlleben Greystone Press, 2021, $26.95 ($32.95 CAD)
Can trees “see” and if so, how? Is a tree aware when you’re talking or hugging them—can people communicate with trees? Do trees breathe oxygen? How are electrical fields generated from trees? Do plants have self-awareness and intelligence, and can they process information, make decisions, respond to attacks, and store memories? How does water get to the top of trees? And does a tree have what might be called a heartbeat? Seem far-fetched? According to the author, it’s not and he uses scientific discoveries and examples to explore those questions and more in his book, writing in an easy-going style. He notes that Charles Darwin, who studied plant roots, theorized that tips of roots might have ‘tiny brains.’ These days, some academics suggest plants should be at the top of the hierarchy of natural order and humans at the bottom. This was a fascinating and thought-provoking read.—Elle Andra-Warner 44
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NORTHERN WILDS
Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan Following the Ancestor’s Steps
Gookomisag Niimi She Dances for her Grandmothers By: Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik Niimi (She dances) has come to me a few times over the past few months, but I couldn’t see the whole picture she was telling me. When I was in Voyageur National Park, my nookomisag (grandmothers) and the feeling of their absence sat with me under the dibikad (night) giizhig (skies). I miss their wisdom, humor and what they meant to our families. I’ve never painted a piece to honor them. There are 147 anangoog (stars) in the giizhig (sky) for their total ages when they journeyed on. The anangoog (stars) in the maskwe (shawl) hold my age. I added the madoodiswan (wigwam) constellation as I feel them with me when I’m in nature in prayer. Niimi (she dances) is dancing with an ishkode (fire) honoring gookomisag (her grandmothers). This is my first niimi (she dances) piece in a year.
Follow my studio on Facebook and Instagram @CraneSuperior or if you have ideas for a North Shore painting, cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.
CROSS RIVER HERITAGE CENTER
Be Ember Aware.
MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP Open thru October 15, 2022
ON DISPLAY THIS SEASON
Francis Lee Jaques Paintings
Wildfire embers can get into small areas, underneath decks, open foundations, and vents.
Renowned Wildlife Artist This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Reprinted with permission of the Jaques Art Center.
Visit Cook County Information & Explore MN Welcome Center 24/7 Outdoor Kiosk Photo by Don Seabrook, Wenatchee World
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10 am – 4 pm Closed Sunday - Tuesday 7932 W Hwy 61, Schroeder • 218-663-7706 crossriverheritage.org
Learn how to protect your home from embers. cookcountyfirewise.org
COOK COUNTY
M I N N E S O TA
Cook County Firewise, 411 W 2nd St, Grand Marais, MN 55604 firewise@co.cook.mn.us • 218.235.0899 • www.cookcountyfirewise.org NORTHERN WILDS
AUGUST 2022
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Strange Tales Early Vessels on Lake Superior Fourteen years later on November 14, 1816, the Invincible left the Soo headed for Whitefish Bay on her way across the lake to Fort William. She was transporting an armed troop forced to deal with the Fort’s seizure in August by England’s Lord Selkirk, part owner of HBC. Once in the open waters of Whitefish Bay, a brutal early winter storm with snow, ice and sleet smashed on the ship, making her unmanageable. She sank about two miles south of Whitefish Point but no lives were lost as everyone made it to shore and back to Soo. To this day, no trace of the Invincible has been found.
By Elle AndraWarner
What does Stannard Rock Lighthouse, Isle Royale, and St. Ignace Lighthouse (Canada’s first lighthouse on Lake Superior, which was lit on July 1, 1867, the same day Canada became a self-governing country) have in common? Well, the connecting link is to captains of the early schooners on Lake Superior. And here’s a snapshot look at some of those vessels back in the 1800s.
Around 1835, economic activities on the lake shifted over to commercial fishing. To meet the need, HBC built a new vessel, Whitefish, to begin commercially harvesting and selling Lake Superior fish. Built in 1837 at Point Aux Prins, she was a 40-ton, woodhulled, one-deck schooner. Legendary Captain Thomas Lamphier sailed her for 13 years doing regular tours of various fish stations along the lake’s eastern north shore, until Whitefish was replaced in 1851 by the 86-ton, wood-hulled Isabel, which Lamphier then sailed for another eight years.
In 1809, the schooner Recovery was built for the fur-trading North West Company (NWC), which had its inland headquarters at their post Fort William (present-day Thunder Bay). When the War of 1812 began between the U.S. and the British, to prevent capture of the vessel by the U.S., her Captain Robert McCargo stripped her spars, covered her with brush and hid the Recovery in a narrow cove (later named McCargo Cove) on the northeast side of Isle Royale. (Canada was British territory until July 1, 1867 when it officially became Dominion of Canada). Later, after the 1821 merging of NWC with its rival Hudson Bay Company (HBC), a new schooner named Recovery II was launched in 1823 by HBC at Fort William. She was chartered by the British government for Royal Navy officer and hydrographer Lieutenant Henry Wolseley Bayfield, as his supply ship during the summers surveying Lake Superior. After the three-year survey was completed in 1825, the schooner was laid up at Fort William until put up for sale in 1828.
Captain Charles Stannard of the Astor was the discoverer of Stannard Rock, which became the location of the remote Stannard Rock Lighthouse in 1883. | WIKIMEDIA
The first U.S. commercial vessel to sail Lake Superior is the John Jacob Astor, launched in August 1835 for the American Fur Company (AFC) and named for the company’s founder. The 72-foot-long, two-masted schooner was assembled at the Soo from timber and planks brought up from Charleston, Ohio. In 1839, Astor’s topsail rigging was changed to square sail brig and in 1844, her passenger quarters were refitted. Like HBC’s Whitefish and Isabel, the Astor did commercial fishing stops, ferried supplies to outposts, and freighted barrels of salted fish to market. Her commander was Captain Charles Stannard, who discovered Stannard Rock located about 25 miles from shore, on which the remote Stannard Rock Lighthouse was constructed and completed in 1883.
Recovery II’s “For Sale” read: “The fine and fast sailing schooner Recovery, upwards of 100 tons burden, well-built and of excellent material, now on Lake Superior, and belonging to the Hudson Bay Company, will be put up for public sale, at Sault Ste. Marie on or about the 20th of June next.” (Cleveland Herald, March 1828). After a run down the Sault rapids in 1828, she was back in service the following year on the lower Great Lakes. The unfortunate distinction of being the first known commercial shipwreck on Lake Superior goes to the 60-foot by 18foot schooner Invincible. Built for the NWC using prefabricated timber frames from the British Naval Yards in southern Ontario, she was transported to Point Aux Pins north of Sault Ste Marie (“Soo”) where the two-masted, wood-hulled schooner was assembled, launched in 1802 and christened the Invincible. 46
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But it was his working as the second of three successive lighthouse keepers of the St. Ignace Lighthouse on Talbot Island— the Lighthouse of Doom—which has made Lamphier part of the lake’s legend and lore. Lamphier took on lighthouse duties in 1868 and a residence was built for him and his wife Jane to stay year-round on the island. Unfortunately, in mid-winter of 1871 Lamphier died, leaving Jane alone on the remote island; she wasn’t rescued until spring. He is buried on nearby Bowman Island, his gravesite marked with a white cross. After all three lighthouse keepers died, one after the other, the lighthouse was decommissioned and closed in 1872.
This is a replica of the schooner Invincible, built in 1802 for the North West Company. She was wrecked off Whitefish Bay on November 14, 1816. | JOTACARTAS
NORTHERN WILDS
According to the Detroit Free Press (July 14, 1847), the vessels on Lake Superior in 1847 were nine schooners, one steamboat and one propeller.
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218-387-2131 800-732-2131 101 West highway 61 grand marais, mn 55604
INLAND LAKE PROPERTIES
PENDING
PENDING
21 Voyageur Bay
4 6 Devils Point Rd.
This sweet 2BR, 1BA cabin is surrounded by towering pine trees and located on Gunflint Lake. The cabin is situated on a USFS leased lot. MLS 6102806
$309,900
Get away to this delightful 3BR, 1BA cabin nestled on a wooded lot with 180+ feet on Devil Track Lake’s north shore. It is so peaceful and secluded. MLS 6103495
NEW 1 726 Gr eenwood L a ke R d Off-grid, remote, living at its best! This light and airy three bedroom home has a top-of-the-world view of majestic Greenwood Lake! Designed to capture the views, this home is sure to impress. Shared lakeshore/boat harbor. MLS 6104029
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PENDING
N E W Sag L ak e Trail
Cari b ou Lake
NEW Tom La ke
NEW Tom L ake
345’ of gorgeous Saganaga lakeshore frontage. Well built and cared for main cabin with great lake views and historic log cabin.
Rare opportunity to find a lake lot to build your dream home on the shores of Caribou Lake. Lot abuts USFS, features 213’ of shoreline and 3.5 acres.
Listen to the loons and enjoy the waves gently swelling on the shore of this Tom Lake lot with over 200 feet of frontage! With an easy slope to the lake.
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MLS 6103447
$399,900
MLS 6104147
$74,900
MLS TBD
$269,900
CONDOS G rand Marais Condominiums 209 1 st Ave. E., Unit #11 Carefree living is yours in this 2-bedroom, one bath condo in the heart of Grand Marais within walking distance of everything you need. It has been totally renovated including door & trim, cabinets, appliances, and floor coverings. There is a Lake Superior harbor view and a garage in this move-in ready unit.
MLS 6102598
$299,900
reduced
w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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1 1 0 0 Ol d Sh ore Roa d A rare Lake Superior find, this exquisite 3+ bedroom home has beautiful beach, great privacy, and is conveniently located on the edge of the Grand Marais city limits. 194 feet of accessible private beach fronts this 1 acre property. A large garage with a heated shop space completes this golden opportunity. Call today!
MLS 6103709
$1,395,000 6838 Tw o Mo o s e Trai l The log home is the perfect complement to this 5.8 acre property on a peaceful 330 feet of Wilson Lake shoreline. This stunning 3 bedroom 3 bath Senty-built log home seems connected to the lake by walls of windows welcoming the view and capitalizing on all that natural light. A second building is more than a garage with its 2-stall garage/shop space plus an attic room with plenty of natural light plus a ground floor finished room. Top it off with an open porch for relaxing as you watch the sunset. The lake life awaits!
SO
LD
MLS 6102630
$799,900
7 1 1 0 E Hig h w a y 6 1 Amazingly beautiful Lake Superior shoreline is matched by this gorgeous 2 bedroom, 2 bath home. View the lake from every room! Almost 600 feet of shore with a mix of rock and some gravel beach. A second dwelling has a great studio space flanked by two separate apartments. The possibilities are endless!
MLS 6103676
$1,200,000 w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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HOMES & CABINS
5038 E Highway 61
It’s time to dream big with this property--what an opportunity for you! Land is split zoning: commercial and residential! Main home, multiple cabins, garage, and a seasonal commercial building. You could live in the two-bedroom home and decide what type of business would benefit the Hovland area. MLS 6102913
$289,900
NEW 51 Mort Meadows Amazing property with investment possibilities! 10-acres of mature forest, Lake Superior views, previous site of Gunflint Gardens. Large 4BR home, fabulous studio apartment with its own entrance, detached sweet rental cabin, 3-stall garage, greenhouse, pond, gardens, and more! Plan to take your time when you visit this lovely home. Dead-end road for privacy. MLS TBD
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$459,900
3 066 County Rd 7
Amazing cabin situated on 5 acres and abutting State land. Just minutes from town with all the privacy you desire. This well built and well maintained cabin offers 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a loft for sleeping quarters. MLS TBD
$349,900
N EW 2 5 Gustav Lane
NEW 9 89 Devil Track Road
Here is your chance for country living, minutes from Grand Marais. 2BR/2BA,1 1/2 story home is located at the end of a private road and has seasonal Lake Superior views.Attached and detached garage. This one-of-a-kind home has great potential!
3BR, 3BA fixer-upper on 4.5A has tons of potential. The house with walkout basement has been partially remodeled. Most of the materials, including all new appliances, are on-site. Large pole building will house all your vehicles and recreational gear. Whether you make it your home or an investment project.
MLS TBD
$299,900
MLS TBD
$199,900
w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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AUGUST 2022
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LAND 1 1 42 Ca mp 20 Rd
XXX Reason Road
Jonvick Creek Sites
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.
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.
5 lots from 1.5 - 4.8 acres In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. Sites adjoin public land.
MLS 6102798
$169,900
64 X C o u nty R oad 6 Here is a your space in the country. It is 4.87 acres of healthy birch,balsam, pine, and spruce gently rolling southern exposure that will create a wonderful building site.
S
OLD
MLS 6098184
$57,900
49 X X N o rth Road 40 wooded acres on a well-maintained county road can be yours to build your dream house, your hunting cabin, or pitch your tent. Here is a great base from which to explore the Arrowhead Region or just hike your acreage. Make it your own wildlife refuge. 6103079
$209,900
1 X B ra nd o n L an e Beautiful lot just outside Grand Marais. Fall River runs through this property. Dramatic frontage! MLS 6095813
$62,000
MLS 6103087
$119,900
$44,900 - $56,900
Two I sland Ri ver Road
623X L ittl e Marais R oad
Large acreage! The lovely piece of land consists of 160 acres and is surrounded by the USFS. It is heavily wooded with some trails, gravel, wildlife pond - something for everyone!
Build your North Shore getaway on this large parcel! Located high above Little Marais with views of Lake Superior, perfect blend of peaceful forest and easy access to the area.
MLS 6103734
MLS 6102257
$199,900
X 1 3 M ur p hy M ountain Trail
5WX S. Shore Rd 2.8 acre buildable lot set on the peaceful and paved South Shore Drive just off Devil Track Lake. Short drive to Grand Marais, its the perfect base for your North Shore adventures. MLS TBD
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
$59,900
G ustav Lane
$129,900
2 9X 1 HWY 61 W
Beautiful 8.89 acre parcel, located minutes west of Grand Marais. This gorgeous lot with excellent Lake Superior views at the building site, with some tree removal! Directly abuts Federal Land to the north.
Beautiful 3+ acres on a peaceful private road. Ideally located close to Superior Hiking Trail and CC Snowmobile Trail. Country living close to Grand Marais. MLS TBD
$159,900
$64,900
MLS 6103733
$149,900
COMMERCIAL
1 2 XX H i gh way 61 W
RARE, I repeat, RARE opportunity to find almost 6 acres of Commercial acreage, located in the heart of Grand Marais, with city sewer and city water. This property has approximately 825 ft. of frontage on Highway 61 and also has access from 3 different points off of 1st Street. MLS 6103253
$989,900
NEW 1 315 E Highway 61
Incredible commercial opportunity at City Limits! Current use includes a 3BR rental unit, professional office, and huge home! Cathedral ceilings, partially finished second floor, beautiful custom designed kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite and private patio access. Bring your idea and make your dream come true! MLS TBD
$1,500,000
w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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Talk to Terry! Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Email: Terry@BacklundRealty.com
T.C. Backlund Real Estate Agent Phone: 651-373-5504 Email: Ty@BacklundRealty.com
Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent X470 BIRCH DRIVE GRAND MARAIS, MN 4.70 acres. Birch and poplar with a small ravine meandering through. MLS# 6103423 Price: $64,900
X5 CTY RD 7, GRAND MARAIS, MN
5.9 acres close to town. Ready for your dreams. MLS# 6099380 Price: $62,500
Newe Pric
For results list your property here!
7 W WISCONSIN ST, GRAND MARAIS, MN
Priceed c Redu
3700+ sq. ft. Commercial building on mainstreet. Exposure to high volume pedestrian and vehicle traffic. MLS# 6100518 Price: $499,900
X475 BIRCH DRIVE GRAND MARAIS, MN 4.75 acres. Close to Grand Marais. Awaiting your home. MLS# 6103426 Price: $79,900
902 W 5TH AVE W GRAND MARAIS, MN
Saleng Pendi
Cozy home on a large private lot. MLS# 6103176 Price: $199,000
We have buyers looking for homes
Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com 54
AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Cathy Hahn, Assoc. Broker, ABR/GRI. Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor • Sue Nichols, Assoc. Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI
Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES 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.
MLS#6103262 $2,000,000
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES NEW! GREENWOOD LAKE LUXURY HOME
Luxury in Paradise! Exquisite architectural masterpiece on 4.8 acres on gorgeous Greenwood Lake. Artfully nestled in a white pine forest, meticulously maintained and professionally landscaped, flagstone and rock walkways to the main home, carriage house, and log cabin. Open concept with durable White Oak wood flooring throughout main floor. Living room features vaulted ceilings, stone surround fireplace with a custom mantle, and view of the lake. Easily accessible lake shore.
MLS#6103823 $2,200,000 MILLION DOLLAR WILDERNESS VIEWS
GREENWOOD LAKE GEM
Unique in appearance, rare in its lakeside setting, Scandinavian designed cottage of glass, steel and wood calls you to nature. Wilderness enters the living space and makes you part of the experience. Indoor galley-like kitchen spills outdoors to large cooking area and patio space. Knoll above cottage has amazing views. Build site waiting for a main home, overlooks lake. Pines, rocks and wilderness shoreline surround private point, 740' of meandering lakeshore w/ almost 4 acres, protected cove for your boat. Outhouse with carry-in water make rough-it lake retreat, expand into whatever your dreams entail.
MLS#6103446 $699,900
WILSON LAKE HOME
SALIENG PE N D
Beautiful home in the woods w/ high-speed internet, located on pristine Wilson Lake, known to be among the best walleye fishing in Lake County. Watch the sunrise from the master bedroom & end your day watching the sunset by the fireplace. Custom beauty throughout: Hubbardton Forge lighting, Country Maple wood floors, slate & travertine flooring, hand-carved wood features inside & out. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances & granite countertops, opening to a great room overlooking the lake. MLS#6102669 $689,900
NEW! SUNSETS, PINES AND WILDERNESS
Single level lake home located on pristine Wilson Lake, known to be among the best walleye fishing in Lake County. Relax in the peaceful beauty of a BWCA experience, while enjoying modern conveniences of a 4-season, wheelchair accessible lake home w/ gig-speed fiber optic internet. One level, all accessible living w/ a large great room, 3 bedrooms with skylights, 2 accessible bathrooms w/ roll-in showers, in floor heat, attached heated garage, a large wood deck and boardwalk down to the lake and fire pit.
MLS#6104282 $679,900
Luxury home on edge of BWCA on scenic McFarland Lake. Wall of windows brings stunning scenery into all 3 levels, 6 bdrms, 4 baths, full lower level kitchen. Custom built home, 2 fireplaces, sunroom, large loft, sauna & laundry room. Spend summer evenings on expansive deck or in the screen house. Floating dock system, garage w/ workshop & generator room, and a 4-stall garage. Fully furnished. MLS#6102693 $799,000
SALIENG PE N D
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES
CLASSIC DEVIL TRACK LAKE CABINS
Remarkable opportunity on iconic Devil Track Lake w/ 4 classic cabins that have been well maintained & rented out from June to October. Cabins come fully furnished w/ many new furnishings, appliances, & bedding. Owner’s cabin has been updated for a 5th sleeping cabin. Reservations & business inventory is yours after closing. High speed internet is ready to go. Dock & boat/canoes/kayaks are part of the purchase. Septic system recently upgraded & has a letter of compliance. MLS#6103183
SOLD
TWO ISLAND LAKE LOT
400ft of beautiful shoreline on Two Island Lake ready for camping this summer or start making plans for your ideal lake home. Approx. 3.5 acres of land along the shoreline w/ added bonus of about 16 forested acres across the road on some of Minnesota's highest land. Easy 20 mile drive from Grand Marais & only 3.5 miles to Eagle Mountain. The Grade is plowed in the winter for year round access. MLS#6103095
NEW! BIRCH LAKE GET-AWAY CABIN
Here's a great getaway cabin located mid-Gunflint Trail on the north shore! Close to restaurants, plenty of hiking, XC Ski and snowmobile trails. Birch Lake is a unique lake right on the Laurentine Divide, with great fishing and access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. MLS#6104093 $325,000
HUGE PINES, PRISTINE VIEWS, GUNFLINT LAKE
This large, densely wooded lot has 171 feet of shoreline on big water Gunflint Lake. Direct BWCA access, huge white pines, classic wilderness boulder shore and vast views of Canada across the lake. Nice building site with easy access to the water. Good year-round road access with power and Broadband at the parcel. Build your dream lake home on this outstanding lake lot.
MLS#6099440 $294,900 REDUCED
NEW! EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CABIN
This spot is about as close to being in the Boundary Waters as you can get, land right across the lake is in the BWCAW. Home needs work. Renovate existing structure or build new. Septic installed in 1999. Lake draw water system. Gravel driveway in place & access down to the lakeshore for easy boat access. One room cabin w/ bunk area, kitchen, dining & living areas. All personal property stays except for vintage outboard motors.
MLS#6104096 $225,000
PREMIER LOT GREENWOOD LAKE
POPLAR LAKE CABIN
Here is your quintessential Northwoods cabin! Located just off the Gunflint Trail & close to the BWCAW. Enjoy views of Poplar Lake from the large picture window in the living room. Get out on the lake, catch some fish, then pull right up to the dock or use the natural cove to store your boat. Nice, level short walk to the lake from the cabin.
SOLD
MLS#6103018
SOLD
This is a premier lot on stunning Greenwood Lake with 4.24 acres. The lot was selected for the peninsula lake front with 300 feet of lakeshore. There are excellent build sites with lovely views of the big lake There is a stubbed in driveway to park and a brushed walking corridor to the lake. There is a sign at the drive.
SALIENG PE N D
MLS#6102583 $225,000 REDUCED
www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS
AUGUST 2022
55
REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Cathy Hahn, Assoc. Broker, ABR/GRI. Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor • Sue Nichols, Assoc. Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI
Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
INLAND WATER PROPERTIES WALK OR PADDLE INTO THE BWCA
35 acre property abuts Federal land & the BWCAW. It has 314 feet of shoreline on McFarland Lake w/ direct canoe access into the wilderness. Border Route Trail is a short walk away. Arrowhead Trail splits property w/ potential to have a small structure on the lake side, and a full cabin in a beautiful cedar, spruce and pine forest w/ high overlooks to the wilderness. There are not many opportunities like this still available! MLS#6103514 $152,900
SALIENG PE N D NEW! NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN
Unique Northwoods escape off the "road" less traveled. The Boundary Waters is your backyard as the western property boundary abuts the BWCA. Accessed by plane, boat, canoe, or a Canadian boat landing. North Fowl is a Border Lake on the 200 mile water border route. Comfortable off-grid seasonal cabin has open floor plan & sleeping loft w/ unique diamond willow rails. Wood heat & appliances run off of propane w/ solar electric. Over 200’ of sandy shoreline w/ beautiful views & gradual slope to lake.
HOMES & CABINS GRAND MARAIS HOME
Well maintained 3 bedroom home with a huge 3 car garage. House is on 2 lots & has a quiet, woodsy feel even though it is in the city limits. Enjoy spacious great room, with cozy fireplace & large pantry. Open design in kitchen/dining room is a wonderful place for those who like to entertain. Current owners remodeled w/ new wood accents, composite flooring & a fully remodeled master bath. MLS#6103932 $333,500 REDUCED
SALIENG PE N D
SALIENG PE N D
LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW HOME
Comfortable house conveniently located 3 miles east of Grand Marais. Home is accented w/ aspen paneling & hardwood floors. Ample deck space between house & garage to enjoy the outdoors, grilling or picnicking. Lots to explore w/ hundreds of public acres abutting north side of property and the Devil Track River nearby. Garage has plenty of room for vehicles & tools, includes a workshop area and unfinished studio apt. upstairs for guest room/rental space. MLS#6102062 $399,999 REDUCED
LARGE GRAND MARAIS LOT.
PRIME COMMERCIAL LOTS – LUTSEN
MAJESTIC 4 BEDROOM HOME
Original custom built Octagon home located just 4 miles from Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail. The totally renovated home has bright sunny spaces, and cozy warm areas for separating a large family or guests. Quality is evident throughout, with beamed ceilings, gas fireplace, gas "wood stove", new hardwood floors, plus new mechanicals/appliances. 2-car detached garage w/ one side used as heated shop space. 8 acres of woods provides privacy & room to roam. Potential to split home into 2 units. MLS#6102705 $459,900
This 2.3 acre property has a great home site with lake views, great well and septic, and an existing structure used as a local store and food business. Building had a new patio in 2008 and new addition in 2010. Many options exist here from residential, rental, cottage industry, retail shop or continue its present use. Perfect set up for a move-to-the-Shore life change. Live and run a business in this peaceful location. Bring your idea and start the dream from here. MLS#6103739 $339,000
MLS#6089284 $159,500
HOMES & CABINS
LARGE 4 BEDROOM HOME NEAR GRAND MARAIS
NEW! MULTIUSE PROPERTYHOVLAND
Nice 3.60 acre commercial lot with potential for multi family housing subject to city approval. Good location on the west end of Grand Marais just off Hwy 61. Easy access to the bike trail.
MLS#6104291 $150,000
WELCOME HOME! Majestic 4 bedroom home 1 mile from Grand Marais with Lake Superior views. Master suite with whirlpool. Check out the large dream kitchen with granite countertops and custom black ash woodwork. Efficient (dual fuel) in-floor heat, exquisite landscaping. MLS#6103486 $785,000
COMMERCIAL
NEW! BARN ON 18+ ACRES
18+ acres adjoining federal land close to Grand Marais & Cascade River State Park, includes a creek running through backside of property, a rolling field & a pond. Bring your vision to the 40'x30' barn w/ a poured concrete floor, 16'x10' bunkhouse, hoop garage & multiple sheds. Property sold as is, includes everything on site, some building materials, tools, mower etc. Power & water to the property, broadband internet at the road.
MLS#6103548 $325,000
Highway 61 frontage-road access, nice forested lots (.95 acres & 1.05 acres). Great visibility in downtown Lutsen. Would make a great location for a small gallery, retail or restaurant. Another commercial 1.3 acre lot is available adjoining to the north, making potential for a large site.
MLS#6099360, 9361 $97,900 each
RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE
NEW! LUTSEN ENERGYEFFICIENT HOME
GUNFLINT TRAIL PARCEL
Brand new energyefficient home in Lutsen. Open concept, easy one level living. Features durable waxed concrete floors with in-floor heat, maintenance free LP Smart Siding, Pella Impervia energy-efficient windows. Close to downtown Lutsen and restaurants, Superior National Golf Course & Lutsen Mountains Ski Hill. Access to hiking and biking trails nearby. Come check it out and make it yours! MLS#6103738 $309,000
SILVER BAY HOME
Here's your chance to own a home on the North Shore and create your space with this fixer upper. Silver Bay is located an hour north of Duluth. Includes 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a detached garage. Close to Split Rock State Park, Gooseberry Falls and plenty of activities along the North Shore.
MLS#6102239 $99,900
Enjoy the feeling of deep seclusion right in the hub of the Gunflint Trail. Over 22 acres w/ a nice mix of open space & forest. There are 2 cleared sites ideal for camping or building. SW portion has nice views of Poplar Creek & can be accessed through the MN DNR helibase. Lot split possible as there are 5 acre & 200' lot width minimums.
SOLD
MLS#6103224 MONS CREEK WILDLIFE
40 acres w/ easy road access, good building sites, mature trees & open water views of Mons Creek. Lots of moose & waterfowl inhabit this 600 ft section of Mons Creek! You can canoe for some distance in the creek. Includes deeded access to Lost Lake, private wilderness lake, only a short walk away. Homeowners association stocks lake w/ brook trout. Walk-in landing provides easy access for canoe or small boat. Gated roads for security & privacy. Lost Lake Retreats is a truly secluded & private wilderness escape. MLS#6089089 $60,000 REDUCED
www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 56
AUGUST 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGEREALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Cathy Hahn, Assoc. Broker, ABR/GRI.
Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor • Sue Nichols, Assoc. Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI
SERVING BUYER'S AND SELLER'S NEEDS Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 IN COOK AND LAKE COUNTY. (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
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 REDUCED DEEP WOODS, MONS CREEK.
Nice “40” with good tree cover and creek frontage, where you could launch your canoe. There's a great building site overlooking Mons Creek from a high point. Good road access, but private and secluded. The property has private deeded access to Lost Lake, which is a short walk away. Wilderness feel. New trail cut into the property so you can see the potential! MLS#6089091 $52,900 REDUCED
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.
SALES ARE STILL STRONG. If you're considering selling, contact us for a market consultation about your property. LAND/BUILDING SITES
ROLLING TERRAIN & POND
Deep woods and private access to Lost Lake. Good road access and many building site options. Beautiful beaver pond and creek split the 20 acre property. Lost Lake is a tucked-away gem with limited private property and no public access. Good trout fishing and moose sightings. This is a remote retreat property with the added bonus of lake access on a pristine wilderness lake. MLS#6098652 $41,900 REDUCED
LAND/BUILDING SITES LARGE PARCEL ADJOINING PINCUSHION TRAILS
COYOTE RIDGE LOT
This 5-acre wooded lot is conveniently located close to Grand Marais but out of town just enough to have that woodsy feel. A quiet setting, close to biking and hiking trails. Enjoy all the North Shore has to offer! MLS#6102976
CARIBOU HILLSIDE LOT
Beautiful 5+ acre wooded lot, covered in Maple Forest. In the fall this beauty will be ablaze with stunning colors. Caribou Lake Public Access nearby, hiking trails, Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, Gitche Gumee bike trail and all the things the North Shore has to offer.
MLS#6101915 $87,900
This 14 acre parcel of mixed tree cover and rolling topography has all the great location aspects you desire. Just minutes from Grand Marais, close to the ski trails, hiking trail and wilderness access. Some lake view possible. Great location for your home or North Shore retreat. MLS#6103099 $219,000
SALIENG PE N D LUTSEN MAPLE FOREST LOT
Beautiful 5.24 acre wooded lot, covered in Maple Forest. In the fall this beauty will be ablaze with stunning colors. Caribou Lake Public Access nearby, hiking trails, Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, Gitche Gumee bike trail and all the things the North Shore has to offer.
MLS#6101916 $88,900
LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW LOT
SOLD
Conveniently located only 3 miles from Grand Marais and all the North Shore has to offer! Enjoy views of the "Big Lake" from the upper portion of the lot. The Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail is nearby with miles to ride. Great spot to work remotely with access to broadband internet. Wildflowers, blueberries, Birch and Pine scattered across this 6.43 acre lot, what's not to love! MLS#6103135
NEW! LARGE, REMOTE ACREAGE – PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS
This over 80-acre tract has some high ground with views of the hills to the south. Good road access. Some young planted pine trees. It adjoins a Private Conservation Easement area. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity. MLS#6103975 $74,900
WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND MARAIS.
$70,000
Great wooded lot on west end of Grand Marais. Build your home within a short distance of the bike trail & a mile walk/ drive into town, with privacy on a dead end shared road. Mature evergreen forest, nice building sites & good lake effect, only a quarter mile off of Lake Superior. Small creek adds charm when it's running. Really secluded feeling location. Private sewer & water, city power. MLS#6087228 $69,500
PRIVATE WOODED HOVLAND PARCEL
SALIENG PE N D
Northwoods seclusion with electricity & broadband. Driveway leads to a secluded build site w/ poplar, spruce and birch. Site is walking distance (250 yds) from a rural school bus stop! Flute Reed Road is a private drive maintained by residents who live further up. Current owners have used it as a summer camp, complete with a cute shower house (bring your own water) & a county compliant outhouse.
MLS#6103451 $64,000
SALIENG PE N D
GRAND MARAIS VACANT LOT
Nicely wooded parcel on quiet street in the west end of town. Three full city lots facing south with city street, curb and gutter, utilities nearby. Build your home here and enjoy a quiet location within short walking distance to the harbor.
MLS#6102018 $62,500
www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS
AUGUST 2022
57
LAND/BUILDING REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker •SITES Cathy Hahn, Assoc. Broker, ABR/GRI. Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor • Sue Nichols, Assoc. Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI CITY LOT HOMESITE
Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599
LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE
Nice south facing lot on blacktop street. City utilities in the street. Quiet, dead-end (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com location.
40 acres near year round road access and power. An easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Shared easement granted to build driveway into property. Many great building sites. Great recreational area. Easy access to trails and other lakes.
MLS# 6103522 PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604
SOLD
MLS#6095113 $60,000 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 NEW! WOODED 64 ACRES – ACCESS TO PRIVATE LAKE
NEW! HUNTER’S PARADISE
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
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#6103974 $59,900
MLS#6103978 $46,900
BRULE VALLEY LOTS
Nice lot only 4 miles from Grand Marais on county road. Potential Lake Superior views from a high lot with dense forest. Great location for your home or cabin. Close to trails and all the recreational opportunities in the area. MLS#6096711 $58,900
HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS
Nice 5 acre property close to town on black-top county road. power and phone at the lot. Broadband available. Dense woods and potential Lake Superior Views. Close to hiking, bike trails and all the wilderness adventures you desire.
(20ac) MLS#6102968 SOLD; Lot B (40ac) MLS#6102969 $43,000; Lot C (42.82ac) MLS#6102971 $46,000; Lot D (43.82ac) MLS#6102970 $44,000
MLS#6103981 $36,780
NEW! 20 PEACEFUL ACRES
Peace and tranquility or base camp for hunting and recreation. 20 acres of moderately wooded land with areas suitable for clearing (currently off grid, closest electrical hook up Devil Fish Overlook). The parcel features a mix of Mountain Ash, White Cedar and other deciduous trees. Road access on two sides of the property. Additional acreage available. MLS#6103983 $32,780
15.71 acre parcel just 3 miles east of Grand Marais. Good Lake Superior views from multiple building sites. Resort Commercial zoning. Property has been surveyed and wetlands delineated. Subdivision potential. Access driveway on west boundary line is in place. Great location!
SOLD
MLS#6098504
LARGE RECREATIONAL HOVLAND PARCEL
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
GREAT LOCATION FOR HOME OR CABIN
TAIT LAKE PINE LOT
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
REMOTE PEACE & QUIET
$45,900
Hide away in this beautiful dense forest, with remote trails and private lake access to Lost Lake, a limited private property lake with no public access, and trout! Twenty acres of rolling topography and nice building sites for your cabin retreat. MLS#6098653 $39,900
REDUCED
Increasingly rare, large recreational parcel accessed by Powers Lake Road (logging road system). Fully surveyed. This 234+ acre property would be a perfect retreat, church camp, ATV and Quad playground, or outdoor learning center. Rich variety of trees, ponds, high & low lands, some meadow land & wetlands. Property is bound by USA lands to the west and south and State lands to the East.
SOLD
$45,900
MLS#6096706 $56,900
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 $55,900
Hunter’s paradise or remote solitude? 24 acres situated currently off grid (electrical hook up at Devil Fish Overlook). Mix of deciduous and pine trees with mature pines in the SW corner of the property, clearing areas for camper or possible build. The southern border neighbors State land. Additional acreage available.
ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES LOT
These remote, off-grid parcels with deeded access to the Brule River could be your own seasonal retreat; whether you're looking for a place to pitch a tent for a few nights, or if you want to build your dream cabin, there is a good canvas here for your creation! Lot A
WOODS, VIEWS AND PRIVACY
This 20 acre parcel is remote and has nice southerly exposure. Deeded access to Lost Lake gives you a place to fish and listen to the loons. It’s a lake with limited private property and no public access. Great area for ATV’s and miles of roads to explore. Lot C.
MLS#6098654 $38,900 REDUCED
NEW! REMOTE ACREAGE, ADJOINING FOREST LANDS-PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS
NEW! REMOTE 43 ACRES – LOST LAKE ACCESS
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.
REMOTE WOODED HIDE-A-WAY
MLS#6102555
SPECTACULAR LAKE VIEW.
Expansive lake views and enchanting forest make up a unique 13 acre parcel. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, and a short walk to Lake Superior's shore. Power and Broadband are available. Shared driveway leads almost to the property line.
SOLD
MLS#6090230
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Summer is here on the North Shore! Time to play in the woods and enjoy the sunshine! Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
LIVING THE BIG DREAM ON THE BIG LAKE!
SUPERIOR’S CROWN JEWEL! Architectural Tofte Masterpiece! Dramatic, Gitche-Gumee Ledgerock, easily accessible. Including a protected pool for launching kayaks, or for the brave, a quick dip (be sure the sauna is fired up. 5 bedroom, 4 bath, to die for kitchen! Inside, the home is endless, room for everyone! Within all that space are: nooks with fireplaces, a recessed seating area for those important conversations that only the Big Lake can stir, a whole lower level that can function on its own with kitchenette, family room, a couple bedrooms, bathroom. Carleton Peak granite stone columns soar through the home. The Master bedroom has it all: private balcony, gas fireplace, spacious walk-in closet, large private bath with Jacuzzi tub. A sprawling deck overlooks the yard and shore. An awesome property in the Northwood’s!
MLS#6102646 $1,615,000
NEWER CONSTRUCTION LAKE SUPERIOR CABIN IN LUTSEN! Have you been waiting for you own piece of Lake Superior? Here it is. Built in in 2016 this home was well thought out with an open floor plan to enjoy the views of the big Lake. From the large kitchen to the relaxing Living Room, you will never miss out on the views. Walk out and soak in the sounds of the lake hitting the 144ft of Lake Superior shoreline or cozy up next to the fireplace and unwind. Two bedrooms gives you space for friends and family to visit. Close to Lutsen Mountains and only minutes to many hiking trails and Inland Lakes!
MLS#6102607 $699,000
D L SO
D L SO NEW!! SUPERIOR STUNNER! High-end, quality built home on the Shores of Gitche Gumee. Lightly used, with finish details rarely seen on the North Shore. Built-In cabinetry throughout, gorgeous tiling, granite counters. Right between Splitrock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls. Commanding view over the lake, and sweet little beach. 3 Bed, 3 Bath with additional workshop/studio. Sold with gorgeous furnishings. Bike Path right at the driveway entry. Iona’s Beach Scientific Natural Area and State Access Protected Harbor about a ¼ mile away. This is a Stunner!
MLS#6101781 $1,300,000
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Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777
Summer is here on the North Shore! Time to play in the woods and enjoy the sunshine! Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
HOMES, HOMES, HOMES, READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM!!
E L SA ING D N PE
NEW! RELAX IN LUTSEN! This home has been lovingly cared for, Easy to just show up and start living a Northwoods life! Surrounded by 6+ acres with gorgeous boreal forest surrounding: cool and leafy in the summer, a pageant of colors in the fall. Just a ¼ mile or so up the Caribou Tr, conveniently located to all the fun of the Lutsen area and an easy 20 minutes to Grand Marais. Inside is an ideal layout of ease for family life, or friends or just make it your own with one of the two bedrooms becoming an office. The kitchen is the picture of utility with a plethora of original birch cabinets. Breakfast bar is handy, Laundry room with additional storage. The living room is spacious and spills onto the deck via a large sliding glass door. The deck is roomy and ready for BBQ, a hammock, reading or just zoning out. The best for last - charming guest cabin built way back in the day awaits your vision: studio, yoga/ meditation retreat, she-shed, man cave? Come and get it!
MLS#6103902 $295,000
E L A S ING D N E P
BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED LUTSEN HOME! Nestled downtown Lutsen with seasonal Lake Superior views, a nice yard, and a cool raised garden. The main level has a flowing floor plan with a kitchen, dining area, and nice size living room with a cozy stove and new deck. Check out the sunroom – perfect for plants, morning yoga, or an amazing home office with a view! 3 bedrooms and a recently added bathroom upstairs! Super nice detached garage used as a workshop, resided, insulated, and heated.
MLS#6102794 $289,900
CONTEMPORARY LUTSEN LIVING! Newly built 2 bedroom home in the Lutsen area only minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski area, Superior National Golf course, the Gitchi-Gami bike trail, snowmobile trails and many lakes. Nicely thoughtout floor plan throughout home. Two bedrooms upstairs and an attached 1 car garage, what more can you ask for? Sitting on 5 acres you will have plenty of room to wander and enjoy the Northwood’s!
MLS#6102458 $389,000
D L SO
LAKE STYLE HOME WITH HARBOR VIEWS! This home is all about enjoying Lake Superior views. Great Location within walking distance to downtown Grand Marais and all it has to offer. Unwind and relax while enjoying the Lake Superior breezes on the sprawling deck and plan your next adventure. Quiet street location and tons of space for everyone to enjoy with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Detached garage completes the package!
D L SO
MLS#6101923 $349,900
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NORTHERN WILDS
Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777
Summer is here on the North Shore! Time to play in the woods and enjoy the sunshine! Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
INLAND LAKESHORE OPPORTUNITIES!
NEW! BEAUTIFUL LUTSEN LIVING WITH CARIBOU LAKE ACCESS! Are you disappointed with the high cost of lakeshore living in Lutsen? Tired of looking at your neighbors right next door on the lake…maybe a little seclusion while entertaining on the deck would be nice? Take a look at this Gorgeous Lutsen Caribou Lake home, featuring a trail to Caribou Lake where you can install your own dock, this is NOT shared access, but your own lake easement. The home affords you peace and quiet, surrounded by a maple forest with tons of space for year round living, an oversized two car detached garage for all the toys. Peninsula Point Trail location, minutes to Lutsen Mountains and Lake Superior!
MLS#6103652 $650,000
E L A S ING D N E P
NEW!! CARIBOU LAKE GETAWAY! Classic cabin home, lovingly maintained on a parcel of land with awesome shoreline, the kind a person could get back in the day. 240+ feet of it! A permanent crib dock is the site for all the lake action and there is even an old-school boat ramp, so handy for getting the watercraft in and out. Step inside to charm, spaciousness, comfort, oak floors, pine paneling, vaulted ceilings! 4 bedrooms, two full baths, living room that sits right behind a commanding pane of glass. The kitchen has the cutest cabinets! 1.5 stall garage is all you really need. Small shed to contain the garden tools, etc. Plenty of land here for a lake lot, 1.56 acres!
MLS# 6103720 $650,000
Considering Selling? Curious what your home or land is now worth? Follow the recommendations of our many satisfied clients….call TimberWolff for your updated Comparative Market Analysis TODAY! NORTHERN WILDS
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Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777
Summer is here on the North Shore! Time to play in the woods and enjoy the sunshine! Info@TimberWolffRealty.com
CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! SILVER BAY TO SCHROEDER AREAS Enjoy the wilderness on 24+ acres! Year round access with electricity at the street! Plenty of space to create your up north getaway! Only 6 miles up the Cramer road from Schroeder you have close access to many inland lakes and trails. MLS#6101541 $79,000
TOFTE AREA NEW!! Bring your dreams of a North Shore Getaway to life on this nice Tofte lot in Wildwood Acres! Located just a little ways up the Sawbill Trail you will be close to all your favorite outdoor activities like Hiking the Superior Hiking Trails or Snowmobiling. Year round road access via a simple association, electric at the road and a driveway in place means you can start building as soon as you’re ready! Visit today and start making your dream of owning a North Shore getaway come to life! MLS#6102865 $30,000 Beautiful parcel at Birch Cliff, located between Lutsen and Tofte, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds! Dine at BlueFin and Ski the day away at Lutsen Mountains from this lovely corner build site with decent Lake Superior views and views of Carlton Peak in the distance. LeVeaux Mountain is to the North, wowser setting! MLS#6099657 $75,000
LUTSEN AREA NEW! Looking for a great affordable lot with lake access? Look no further, this lot has that plus more. With a driveway in to a cleared build site you can easily envision your getaway cabin or year round home on a backlot at Tait Lake. While the property isn’t waterfront you can launch your boat at one of the two association boat landings just down the road and enjoy the lake fishing or relaxing Year round access, electric at street, build ready! MLS#6103719 $49,900 SALE PENDING!
LUTSEN AREA
LUTSEN AREA
NEW! Beautiful Old Pines and Views of Tait Lake, the surrounding forest, and all the way to Eagle Mountain! This 5+ acre lot is a Northwoods gem. A diversity of tree species creates a lovely sylvan vibe with plenty of elbow room. The lot comes with deeded access to Tait Lake at two landings: one peaceful and just right for a canoe or kayak or a developed ramp for a bit of evening cruising in a motor boat. Select a building site along the south line of the lot to maximize the views. Not far from Lutsen, about a half hour to Grand Marais, yet a feeling of being deep in the woods. Come have a look, do a walkabout and fall in love with your own acreage Up North! MLS#6103685 $79,000
Lutsen Build sites with shared septic and well just waiting for your little cabin ideas! Looking for a site to build without spending an arm and a leg? These sites are it! Well and Septic in place, just Build and Enjoy! MLS#2309328 $39,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK ABOUT MINK RANCH!
NEW! Lutsen Maple Forest bordering Superior National Forest! Looking for a peaceful spot close to some beautiful inland lakes? This 6+ acres is it! Tucked away in the wilderness but still only 15 min from downtown Lutsen. Close to Christine Lake, White Pine Lake and Barker Lake, you will have plenty of options when you want to go fishing or canoeing. Take the Caribou Trail to the Honeymoon Trail, to Lund Road. The Honeymoon Trail is on the Fall Leaf Tour, beautiful Maples, and this lot has plenty! A mature canopy of trees, including maples, birch trees and pines brings with it a wide arrangement of wildlife and will make a beautiful view to enjoy once you create your getaway. Check it out today! MLS#6103934 $85,999 8+ acre parcel in the Heart of Lutsen with Lake Superior views! Great place to build your dream cabin or permanent home, with plenty of space to enjoy the quiet woods atmosphere. Close to all Lutsen has to offer and many inland lakes in the area which are a quick drive away. There is year round accessibility via association road. Visit today and start planning your dream getaway! MLS#6102890 $164,900 PRICE REDUCED
GRAND MARAIS AREA
NEW! Enjoy all the North Shore has to offer from this property in the Heart of Lutsen. This 2+ acres of Boreal Forest is just a minute from Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort and Lake Superior! Well buffered from Highway 61 on Turnagain Trail! Year Round Access! MLS#6102750 $51,900 SALE PENDING!
Beautiful 15 acres near Grand Marais! Bordering National Forest to the south you will have plenty of space to explore! Parcel has been surveyed and corners are flagged. Dreamy building spot near a group of pine trees, even a bubbly creek to create a magical setting! MLS#6103293 $129,000 SOLD Enjoy big views of Lake Superior from this gorgeous parcel, just minutes west of Grand Marais! 5+ acres gives you room to build your dream getaway but close enough Grand Marais to enjoy everything town has to offer! MLS#6103292 $129,000 SOLD
HOVLAND AREA This Nearly 40 acres is a great recreational area for the outdoor enthusiast! Remote and secluded land, perfect for hunting or hiking, wild life viewing or planting trees and camping. Judge Magney State Park is close by – featuring the Devil’s Kettle and scenic hikes. The historic Naniboujou Lodge is also nearby and worth to visit! MLS#6098693 $69,900
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CATCHLIGHT
snapping turtle I spotted this algae- bace k d snaping turtle in northcentral Minesota as it lumbered from one e w tland to another. I used a mid - leng th telephoto lens to photograph the big reptile from the front so I could get a close up of its head. I nd its odd - colored eyes fa scinating. I snaped a few images and let the turtle be on its a w .y —Bill Marchel NORTHERN WILDS
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on the Gunflint Trail
Unspoiled. Serene. Spectacular. Unforgettable.
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. Try our 9-site campground which offers the same quiet and personal service as our cabins; each site comes equipped with water and electric hookups. We go out of our way to ensure every aspect of your visit will convince you to come back and see us again. 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. You won’t be disappointed!
218-388-2203
Golden-Eagle.com
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