Northern Wilds June 2024

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Celebrating 20 Years

Gosh, 20 years. How did that go by so fast?

As we celebrate two decades of Northern Wilds Magazine, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible team, including the dedicated staff who make Northern Wilds what it is today. Their hard work and passion have been instrumental in our journey, and I am grateful for their commitment to bringing you the best stories from the North Shore. (See page 16 to meet our current staff.)

We’ve also been fortunate to collaborate with some of the most curious and dedicated writers, who have brought to life the stories, faces, and places that make this region truly special. Their contributions have allowed us to paint a vivid picture of the Northern Wilds, capturing its essence in every issue. Please turn to page 18 to meet the talented individuals behind our stories. As a special treat, we also have a profile of our Strange Tales writer, Elle Andra-Warner, on page 8.

So much has happened over these 20 years. Steve Fernlund has chronicled some of the most pivotal moments on page 11. We’ve witnessed

remarkable changes, from contentious presidential elections and a global pandemic to the more personal milestones many of us experience— weddings, births, raising children, moving, illnesses, and loss. Throughout it all, the steady passage of time has been marked by the changing seasons, reminding us of the continuity and resilience of life on the North Shore.

In addition, we have more stories and adventures in this issue to share—there’s downhill mountain biking, sailing, the upcoming Hovland Arts Festival, citizen scientists, the importance of always wearing a life jacket, and plenty more. Be sure to check out this month’s Creative Space piece on the talented multimedia painter Anna Hess (page 25). She designed this month’s cover photo to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary. The image will also be made into T-shirts, sweatshirts, and more, available for preorder soon.

Here’s to the next 20 years of storytelling, exploration, and celebrating the unique charm of our beloved Northern Wilds. To our readers, advertisers, and contributors: thank you all for being a part of our journey.—Amber Pratt

REAL ESTATE

PUBLISHER

Amber Graham

EDITORIAL

Breana Johnson, Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

Amber Graham ads@northernwilds.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jessica Jacobsen Smith Leah Pratt production@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Barbara Fisher April Fredrick office@northernwilds.com billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Gord Ellis, Steve Fernlund, Virginia George, Kalli Hawkins, Jennifer Janasie, Dana Johnson, Eric Kaira, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Rae Poynter, Joe Shead, Naomi Yaeger, Sam Zimmerman

Copyright 2024 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc.

Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $32 per year or $60 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern

(218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)

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June 10

“Gravity riding”—as downhill mountain biking is sometimes called—is an exhilarating, high-speed sport that’s all about the descent. |

Gravity riding the North Shore highlands

NORTH SHORE—Best known for its waterways and vast stretches of wilderness, it’s no secret that the North Shore is a great place to paddle, fish, camp, and hike.

Mountains, on the other hand, are less often associated with our neck of the woods, but ask anyone who has spent time recreating at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Lutsen Mountain in Lutsen, or the Loch Lomond Ski Resort in Thunder Bay, and they will tell you just how real the mountains are along the world’s largest lake.

Despite topping out at 2,301 feet above sea level at Eagle Mountain, there are plenty of places along the shore that offer 700-plus feet of vertical drop, making these forested, southeast facing slopes perfect for a form of recreating that has seen a recent surge in popularity—downhill mountain biking.

Downhill mountain biking is an exhilarating, high-speed sport that involves riding down the gnarliest lines with the biggest features at the highest speeds.

“Gravity riding”—as downhill mountain biking is sometimes called—is all about the descent, and the heavy, full-suspension bikes that gravity bikers choose to ride are tailor made for that purpose. Pedaling back to the top of a trail is an inconvenience that is avoided whenever possible.

When it comes to downhill riding, there are two resorts leading the charge on the North Shore—Spirit Mountain in Duluth, and Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior.

Spirit Mountain—the larger of the two resorts—boasts an impressive selection of 24 downhill trails that range from beginner friendly flow to expert-only technical descents. Spirit runs its main chairlift Thursday-Sunday during the summer season, cutting out the need to pedal up its brutal return

trail, The Puker, and giving riders an opportunity to cram in as many laps as possible.

A complete list of trail descriptions is available on Spirit Mountain’s website, as well as dates and details for their rad MTB summer camps for youths, like the Lil Rippers MTB Camp, and the more advanced Downhill Lift Access Camp for kids ages 9-15.

Ski Hut also recently opened their new Adventure Center across the street from Spirit Mountain—a full-service bike shop that will be renting out their line-up of Santa Cruz and Juliana full-suspension mountain bikes all summer long. The new Adventure Center will provide visitors with a great opportunity to experience the Spirit Mountain trails on a proper, high-end mountain bike.

Across the St. Louis River in Wisconsin, Mont Du Lac is the other North Shore resort that offers lift and shuttle service in the summer to its MTB trails. Though not quite as expansive as Spirit Mountain, the Mont Du Lac trails are equally rowdy and well worth the visit.

And then, of course, there’s Mont Du Lac’s Big Kahuna Water Park and Beach Bar which makes for a nice cool down after a long day of riding.

More information on season passes, daily rates, and all of the other summer adventure that can be had at Spirit Mountain and Mont Du Lac this summer can be found on their websites: spiritmt.com and mdlresort.com respectively.

For riders that are willing to earn their descent with a little uphill pedaling, there are plenty of downhill lines to be had elsewhere along the North Shore.

The Piedmont/Brewer systems in Duluth are known for their technical terrain, and a

Spirit Mountain boasts an impressive selection of 24 downhill trails that range from beginner friendly flow to expert-only technical descents. |

proper downhill rig will feel right at home on trails like Mejumpolis, DM, and Admiral Rockbar. COGGS—the nonprofit that manages and maintains the singletrack trail systems in Duluth—will be hosting the Duluth Enduro Series again this summer, starting June 4 at the Hawks Ridge Trail. These events are a great opportunity to test your downhill riding skills with other dedicated community riders.

More information on the Enduro Series can be found on the COGGS website: coggs.com.

Up towards Two Harbors, the Split Rock Wilds system is full of technical lines and features, but come prepared with tools, food, and proper first aid as the trails are significantly more remote than the riding elsewhere along the shore.

In Grand Marais, the Piedmont Trail system provides riders with opportunities to experience some quintessential old-school technical riding, on trails like Till-Ta-Whirl, The Back Eighty, and Canadian Shield.

Thunder Bay recently revamped the Trowbridge Trail system with a $1.5 million dollar investment into the trails, and will be hosting the 2024 Canadian National Cross Country Marathon this September. For more information, visit: blacksheepmtb.com.

As trail systems continue to expand and develop between Duluth, Thunder Bay, and everywhere in between, the shore is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the premier mountain bike destinations in the Midwest, if not the country.

I recently talked with a bike mechanic at Continental Ski & Bike in Duluth, who moved from Sedona, Ariz.,—one of the best mountain bike locales in the U.S.—to Duluth this past summer for the mountain biking. He said that his steel full-suspension Starling felt more at home in the boreal forests then it did out ripping through the desertscapes of the Southwest.

It is an exciting time to be a mountain biker on the North Shore.—Eric Kaira

HIGHER BASE MEDIA

HIGHER BASE MEDIA

Two decades of Strange Tales

THUNDER BAY—For two decades, readers have flipped through the pages of Northern Wilds to uncover the intriguing world of northeastern Minnesota and Thunder Bay, through the curious eyes of writer Elle Andra-Warner and her Strange Tales column.

With approximately 240 published column articles, Andra-Warner has taken readers on an explorative journey, unveiling the untold and overlooked peculiarities of the people, lifestyle, and landscape along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Her stories have ranged from the first female mayors to underwater archaeology, unique family traditions, Lake Superior UFO enigmas, and even intriguing pets (moose and beavers) and their owners. More recently, she has delved into the life of Dorothy Arnold, the Duluth-based Hollywood actress and first wife of New York Yankees baseball star Joe DiMaggio.

“I have never struggled to find topics for the column because there are so many interesting stories out there,” Andra-Warner said.

Her fascination with interesting stories derives from her 30 years of experience as an award-winning travel journalist, columnist, and best-selling author in Thunder Bay. In addition to being a columnist for Northern Wilds, Andra-Warner is a published writer for various publications, including National Geographic, Lake Superior Magazine, Thunder Bay Seniors, Above & Beyond, and Up Here.

“When you’re a travel journalist, you’re looking for interesting things to take your readers on the journey,” Andra-Warner said. “You’re looking for quirky things.”

Andra-Warner’s journey with Northern Wilds began in the early 2000s, long before the creation of the iPhone. It started with a

phone call from the late Shawn Perich, the former co-owner of Northern Wilds. After some discussion, she agreed to join the team as a writer. Little did she know, this decision would lead to a lasting friendship with Perich and a two-decade-long tenure as a contributor for Northern Wilds, including the creation of the Strange Tales column.

“That’s how it started with me 20 years ago,” Andra-Warner said. The Strange Tales column wasn’t officially created until a few months later, and she began submitting interesting and quirky stories that left the readers and the Northern Wilds editing staff saying, “That’s interesting. I didn’t know that.”

Twenty years later, she has continued to intrigue readers and the staff of Northern Wilds with her fascinating stories of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Since beginning at the magazine, she has remained a steadfast and valuable asset to the Northern Wilds team by entertaining readers and instilling a sense of curiosity about the unknown history, culture, and landmarks along the North Shore.

In addition to keeping readers entertained each month, Andra-Warner and her husband, Glenn Warner, have helped to distribute the Northern Wilds magazine to various vendors in Thunder Bay for the past eight years. More recently, a close friend, Dave Van Wagoner, has stepped in to help Glenn Warner distribute.

She said Wagoner and her husband frequently encounter eager readers waiting at the stands for the magazine to be delivered. “Because people just love it so much.”

She attributes the success of the Northern Wilds magazine to the quality and diversity

of stories, the style of writing, and the visual appearance and layout. “The writing is professional, the imagery, the photographs, and the design is nice,” she said. Another significant key to the magazine’s success throughout the past 20 years, Andra-Warner said, is the continuity of staff, particularly the current and founding co-owner Amber Graham, Editor Breana Johnson, and, for the better part of the two decades, Perich.

“It’s been a really big part of my writing for Northern Wilds,” she said.

In the early days, when Perich drove to Thunder Bay to distribute the magazine, he frequently stopped at their house for dinner. On one occasion, the Northern Wilds staff traveled across the border to take a tour with the Warner’s of the Alexander Henry Museum Ship. The historic Lake Superior

ship, built in 1958 and commissioned as an icebreaker the following year, made an appearance in Andra-Warner’s October 2018 Strange Tales column.

From time to time, Andra-Warner fills in writing Along the Shore articles and feature stories for the various monthly Northern Wilds issues. But, her main passion is finding interesting tidbits from historical stories or topics that will fascinate the reader. She credits Perich and Graham for allowing her the flexibility to pick her topics each month and to continue writing about the things that intrigue her along the North Shore.

Make sure to flip the page and find out what quirky story Andra-Warner has explored in this month’s Strange Tales column. —Kalli Hawkins

Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner has been with Northern Wilds since it began. Elle’s husband, Glenn Warner, and their friend, Dave Van Wagoner (far right), help distribute the monthly magazine in Thunder Bay.

SUBMITTED

Featuring roughly 50 artists and entertainers, the semi-annual Hovland Arts Festival began as a small gathering of local artists 18 years ago. | SUBMITTED

Hovland Arts Festival celebrates local artists

HOVLAND—The North Shore is widely known for its artistic community, with numerous galleries, shops, and fairs to enjoy throughout the year. Grand Marais is one notable destination, though a scenic 18mile drive northeast during the first weekend of July will lead you to a fun and special event—the Hovland Arts Festival.

Hovland is a small, unassuming town with a decidedly “quirky” vibe. Scandinavian fishermen founded the community in the late 1880s, and it’s now home to a variety of folks who enjoy life away from it all, including many creatives.

Featuring approximately 50 artists and entertainers, the Hovland Arts Festival (HAF) began as a small gathering of local artists 18 years ago, slowly growing to a size now rivaling the annual art show in Grand Marais.

“The Hovland Art Festival is all about the Hovland artist,” says Rachel Rae Klesser, head of advertising and organizer for the event. “We feel it’s a well-balanced art festival with so many different mediums represented that it would be hard to list them all.”

Klesser is an artist herself—all the organizers are also vendors at the festival. She has

been selling her art at the HAF since 2015, and serving as a co-organizer for eight years. In addition to her work for the HAF, Klesser manages Joy and Company in Grand Marais.

Like many local artists, Klesser finds great inspiration in the north woods. “I love the small town, arts community, and the nature/ lake,” she says. “I paint a lot of paintings of ravens, which are plentiful here.”

The HAF takes place at the historic Hovland Town Hall, providing plenty of space for vendors and events, both indoors and outside. “There is painting, pottery, fiber, wood, rocks, and much more,” Klesser recalls. “The festival is the time to go meet and greet your friends and see what they have been doing all year.”

In addition to artist booths, food vendors will be available with a variety of options, and visitors will enjoy live music performances and storytelling happening throughout the weekend. Last year, there were even horseback rides provided by Hovland local Amy Neilsen.

Running a festival is not an easy task, and it requires teamwork. “We have a core group which helps write the grants, do the adver-

tising, and decides our budget,” Klesser explains. “We also hire a music coordinator to handle the entertainment.”

Making the festival happen involves sending invites to artists, grant writing, and budgeting for improvements. “Visit Cook County gifted us a grant for $1,000 to help us replace tables at the Hovland Hall,” Klesser recalls. Another generous grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council pays the musicians for their performances.

The HAF is a semi-annual event. The summer show takes place the first weekend of July, and the winter show is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving in November. Unlike the Grand Marais Arts Festival, where vendors are chosen through an application process, the HAF is invitational.

“Summer is a big festival with some outside (of Cook County) artists, but all the artists in the festival have ties to Cook County or Hovland in particular,” Klesser explains, “which means that most of the money spent at HAF is money that stays in Cook County. The winter show is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is more limited on space, so Hovland residents are selected first for that show.”

“The original founding members thought of the festival as more of a family reunion, and we try to keep that flavor still,” Klesser says. “It is not uncommon to have to look for an artist to buy something from their booth, as they are usually visiting with their friends at another part of the festival...and that’s ok. This is for us, the artist[s], as much as it is for our visitors and customers.”

The summer festival takes place July 6-7. Follow the Hovland Arts Festival on Facebook for updates.—Dana Johnson

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Exploring the small wonders of summer

NORTH SHORE—June offers amazing opportunities to watch the North Shore summer unfold. It is a marvelous time of growth, amid long, warmer, often wet days, according to Larry Weber, author of Backyard Almanac. This makes for family-friendly fun, with adults and children alike delighting in small wonders of summertime biological phenomena. Children are especially fascinated with small worlds, according to David Sobel’s Childhood and Nature. Families can expand this idea to enhance adventures, searching for small natural things that bring joy.

Using senses to notice small wonders, such as flower blooms, can help families nurture a human-nature connection while they participate in phenology. Phenology studies cyclical events in the lives of animals and plants, offering valuable learning opportunities, according to the Minnesota Phenology Network. By paying close attention to seasonal changes, families can use phenology as their natural tour guide.

Co-president Sue Fuad of the Minnesota Master Naturalists North Shore Chapter recommends Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center in Schroeder as one unique stop where families can practice phenology. Families may enjoy Sugarloaf’s bird banding; focused on the nesting period, it offers a firsthand account of the appearance of brood patches—bald belly patches that develop on nesting mamas (and some dads), according to naturalist Dominique Menard. “Since the feathers on a bird are generally helping to insulate them, having this open space does the opposite and helps birds that are nesting to better transfer heat to eggs or young chicks,” she says. Check out Sugarloaf’s online calendar for details.

Bird watching is another way to observe small wonders, nurturing a sense of concern for Earth’s creatures and offering discoveries about their habitats and movements. Families can familiarize themselves with area species by learning fun facts from Sugarloaf’s Bird Watch book. Discover how and where ruby-throated hummingbirds and American goldfinches build their nests. A quick preview: cobwebs, moss, spider silk, thistle down, and other small trail materials are involved.

Egg laying frequently occurs in June (like for hummingbirds) and continues into July for some species (like goldfinches). Bird nest sites range from on the ground to high in trees, according to Weber. Some “owners of

usually love pretending to be frogs; think frog jumps!

Frogs call from vernal ponds into July, yielding tadpoles—frogs in their aquatic, larval phase. Families might spot these tadpoles in various stages. “On the rocky shores of Lake Superior, puddles are formed by spray and rain water. Such small water worlds are the abode of tadpoles of chorus frogs,” says Weber.

these nests sing territorial ownership proclamations for much of the day,” Weber says. These songs are a true treat for families indulging in the pleasure of a listening session. Closing your eyes will help you focus on the songs, and children can make toilet paper tube binoculars for viewing.

Beginning in June, families may experience signs of other egg laying activities. “… gray tree frogs call as they go to their place of origin to lay eggs in water. Nights are often filled with their calling,” says Weber. At this point, spring peeper frogs have already been calling, but will continue to amaze with an auditory performance. “I love just driving slowly along backroads (in late spring) with the windows rolled down in the early evenings to listen for spring peepers and other frogs. Going for hikes that take you near vernal pools, ponds, or small water bodies are also great ways to get out looking for frogs,” says Cook County Extension Educator/Community Center Director Sarah Waddle.

To enhance frog frolicking, families can listen to calls on the Amphibian and Reptile Survey of Minnesota’s website. Children

Exploring families can watch other baby animals too. One such animal quite skilled at jumping, like children and frogs, is the snowshoe hare. Children can pretend to be brave baby hares out discovering their new world.

Snowshoe hares differ from eastern cottontails, whose babies are born hairless, blind, and generally helpless, according to Menard. “A newborn hare is precocious: … born with … eyes open and fur, and will be able to hop around within a few hours of birth.” she says. Snowshoe hares have multiple summer litters, offering several chances to spot young hares, according to Menard.

Noticing beautiful things like fluttering butterfly wings can also evoke a wonder-filled experience. Consider asking children what beautiful things they notice along a hike. Find butterflies along sunny trails and habitat transitions, on non-windy days above 55 degrees F. In June, our largest butterflies (monarchs and Canadian tiger swallowtails) appear, according to Weber.

Also in June, “insect predators, the dragonflies, emerge from aquatic lives and take to the air,” Weber says. Menard has witnessed dragonfly nymphs climb from water onto reeds or grasses, shed their skin, and become adults. “The wings are so iridescent when they first emerge it’s incredible,” she says.

Crab spiders wait for insect prey in June’s open flowers, and families can find first appearances of circular orb webs, according to Weber. As July webs increase, get out early for delightfully dewy spiderweb viewing.

Some shade-tolerant forest flowers are left for June sightseeing, like Virginia bluebells (important early pollinator food). Fields are brushed with purple and pink lupines and yellow buttercups, according to Weber. “On the Lake Superior rocky shores, a couple of unusual flowers bloom: bird’s-eye primrose and butterwort,” he says. These are arctic relicts, according to Fuad.

July roadside fireweed and milkweed burst in pink, purple, and orange. August goldenrod is ablaze in gold, providing monarchs late season food after they transform from caterpillars dining on milkweed hosts.

Viewing flowers through magnifying glasses is an enchanting exercise, but please leave flowers growing in their habitats for others to enjoy.

These are just some of the many small wonders that await families open to exploring North Shore phenology this summer.

—Jennifer Janasie

The nest of a chestnut-sided warbler. | LARRY WEBER

Try spotting dewy orb webs early in the morning this summer.

| LARRY WEBER

Two decades of change in the Northern Wilds

NORTH SHORE—A baby born in 2004 went from diapers through puberty to the working world of adulting—in two decades filled with change, good and bad.

Residents and visitors to our Northern Wilds have seen fundamental changes in the last 20 years, good and bad—depending on perspective.

In 1990, the combined population of Cook and Lake counties was 14,307. By the beginning of this century, it had increased to 16,226, growing more than 13 percent. Estimates for 2023 put the number of fulltime residents only slightly higher.

Lake Superior and the Arrowhead region offer unparalleled beauty and accessible wilderness. Still, four notable changes have occurred in the last 20 years to impact the region’s culture and environment.

While locals and visitors warmly embraced some of these changes, others have met with less enthusiasm, highlighting the region’s diverse opinions and experiences.

TRANSPORTATION

Minnesota Highway 61, an All-American Road scenic byway, is the main artery through the Arrowhead that starts in Duluth and terminates at the border with Canada near Grand Portage. Its 150-mile route was commissioned almost a century ago and was fully paved by 1940. It carries products from groceries to building supplies between communities along the North Shore, and countless automobiles.

Over the last 20 years, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has resurfaced the highway, straightened the most dangerous stretches, and improved its ability to handle increasing traffic.

Bypass lanes at turnoffs to the seven state parks in the region keep traffic moving smoothly. Frequent wayside rests built along the roadway provide needed stopoffs for weary travelers. Shoulders have been created in many sections and widened along much of the road to allow safe exit from traffic lanes. Bridges have been replaced and updated.

Not to be outdone, the Minnesota DNR has constructed safe harbors of refuge for boaters along the North Shore. The DNR also spearheaded the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, a non-motorized, paved recreational trail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais alongside Highway 61. Several seg-

ments of the trail, totaling over 34 miles, are complete. When finished, the trail will be 89 miles long.

TOURISM

Improved highway transportation means easier access to Arrowhead destinations.

Tourism has always been a part of the northland’s economy. Small, family-owned resorts dotted the many lakes in the region, attracting fishermen, hunters, and families looking to escape the pressures of city life for a week or two.

Local developers built motels and hotels in cities and towns from Duluth to Thunder Bay to accommodate travelers looking for lodging on the shoreline.

By 2010, Visit Cook County became the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the county’s tourist businesses. Lovin’ Lake County serves the same role. Funded by lodging taxes earmarked explicitly for tourism promotion, both DMOs have put the North Shore near the top of favored

destinations in Minnesota.

Many people claim the Arrowhead as their favorite place to visit.

Rebecca Wainscott of Wisconsin first discovered Grand Marais in the early 1980s and visits it a few times yearly. “Artist Point is a sacred place for me,” Wainscott said.

The most significant difference she has seen in the last 20 years is the number of people visiting at any given time. She plans to arrive early in the week when visiting and always stays on a Sunday to avoid traffic delays.

She doesn’t resent the crowds. She’s happy to see more people enjoying what she enjoys. “I will adapt to the people,” Wainscott said. “For me, it’s that special along the shore.”

Keith Kuckler, a retired cabinet maker and long-time resident of Grand Marais, sees a mixed bag when he looks at tourism. He walks daily with his beloved Corgi, Daisy, on the Gitchi-Gami Trail. Like many residents of the towns along the shore, he is selective about when he goes into town to minimize or avoid the aggravation of congestion.

Kuckler is nostalgic for the days when lake cabins were small, mostly seasonal places, while acknowledging that he made a living over the last two decades working on highend, year-round homes that replace many old cabins.

“I guess the biggest thing is the shift in scale the last 20 years,” Kuckler said. “From family-owned resorts to industrial tourism and from cabins to McMansions.”

Larry Dean, a retired realtor living in Grand Marais, sees the positive side of tourism. “I like the energy of the crowds,” he said. “During the summer, I often take my evening walk through the Recreation Park road loop. Watching families sitting by the fire or throwing rocks in the lake makes me smile.”

FIBER OPTIC CONNECTIVITY

Around 10 years ago, Arrowhead Electric in Lutsen started building a high-speed, fiber optic network to connect all its Cook County members to the worldwide web. Much of the area is connected, but not all. Arrowhead is building out its fiber network to the remote regions of the northeast part of Cook County this summer.

Whether shopping online, connecting on social media, or streaming content, people

who call Northern Wilds home have seen a profound change. During the pandemic, schools and parents found widespread internet access enabled teaching to continue online.

High-speed internet in Cook and Lake counties means there is an explosion of opportunities to work from home, making living and working in the Arrowhead a feasible lifestyle choice.

Along with a proliferation of cell phone towers, making mobile phone service available almost everywhere, access to the internet has been a significant change in the last 20 years.

“THE HALO EFFECT” OF TOURISM

Tourism scholars have coined the phrase “The Halo Effect” to describe people who decide to invest in a second home or relocate to the place they love after visiting as tourists.

The halo effect of our Northern Wilds attracts three types of newcomers: those buying to add vacation rentals, mid-career professionals who can work from home, and people looking to get out of the city and retire or semi-retire to the woods and lakes of the North Shore.

According to the Minnesota State Demographic Center, in 2003/4, the median sale price for a home in Cook County was $174,000; in Lake County, it was under $100,000. Twenty years later, the median sale price in Cook County more than doubled, increasing 126 percent. Lake County saw an even more significant increase, up 150 percent in 20 years.

NORTHERN WILDS MAGAZINE

Founded by the late Shawn Perich and current publisher Amber Graham, Northern Wilds is a monthly magazine celebrating the lifestyle of Lake Superior’s North Shore, the Boundary Waters, and northwest Ontario. It features news, a calendar of events, monthly columns, and some of the best outdoor photography.

Change is a fact of life, and most say we don’t like it.

The babies born this year will proceed from Pampers through puberty to adulthood in the next two decades. Stay tuned to Northern Wilds. We’ll be here through all the changes. —Steve Fernlund

| DAVID SPIES

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WILDFIRES

Spoonfuls of solutions Duluth Poppins eases parental worries with seamless nanny matches

1. HOME IGNITION ZONES

Limiting the amount of flammable vegetation, choosing fire-resistant building materials and construction techniques, along with periodic exterior maintenance in the three home ignition zones - increases the chances your home will survive a wildfire when exposed to embers and/or a surface fire. The zones include the Immediate Zone: 0 to 5 feet around the house; Intermediate Zone: 5 to 30 feet; and the Extended Zone: 30 to 100 feet.

2. LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE

To reduce ember ignitions and fire spread, trim branches that overhang the home, porch and deck and prune branches of large trees up to (depending on their height) 6 to 10 feet from the ground. Remove plants containing resins, and ensure mulches in the Immediate Zone (0 to 5 feet around the house) are non-combustible options like crushed stone and gravel. Maintain vegetation annually.

FIRE RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION

3. ROOFING AND VENTS

Class A fire-rated roofing products offer the best protection. Examples include: Composite shingles, metal, concrete and clay tiles. Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry.

4.

DECKS AND PORCHES

Never store flammable materials underneath decks or porches. Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks/porches and between deck board joints.

5. SIDING AND WINDOWS

Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite combustible materials; radiant heat from flames can crack windows. Use fire-resistant siding such as brick, fiber-cement, plaster or stucco and dual-pane tempered glass windows.

6. EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACCESS

Ensure your home and neighborhood has clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet, for emergency vehicle access.

BE PREPARED

Always evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay – don’t wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened from the fire.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Store firewood away from the home • Mow the lawn regularly

• Prune low-hanging tree branches • Landscape with fire-resistant plants

• Create small fuel breaks with hardscaping features

DULUTH—A new nanny agency has popped up in the Duluth area. Named after the iconic Mary Poppins, Duluth Poppins endeavors to streamline the process. The agency is the brainchild of Karin Kvam, who has been a nanny herself. She hopes to make the search for the perfect nanny as effortless as swallowing a spoonful of sugar.

“Childcare is just really hard to find,” Kvam said. With the success of her first agency, Rochester Poppins, which catered to medical professionals, Kvam saw an opportunity to expand her services to Duluth. She serves as a matchmaker for families, nannies, and sitters.

Tracy Ramsay is a realtor who helps people relocate to the Duluth area. She reached out to Kvam and asked her to bring her nanny matchmaking service to Duluth.

“I first met Karin when she was a UMD student serving as a nanny for a dear friend of mine; she was professional, caring, and competent,” said Ramsay. “Seeing what she was able to accomplish in Rochester (serving Mayo Clinic staff and medical visitors) and what we needed in Duluth, it felt like a natural, mutually beneficial fit.”

When families use the Duluth Poppin’s app, they don’t have to worry about thinking they made a connection only to never hear from the nanny again. Kvam says that on some of the other major online apps, there is an issue of not hearing from anyone. “A family may reach out to multiple nannies and just never hear anything on those big platforms, which can be extremely frustrating. We take that out of the equation,” she said.

Nannies are extensively vetted, including passing a CPR class, a background check, a motor vehicle check, a social media check, and having four references.

Kvam helps families write contracts, including how much nannies will be paid—the going rate in Duluth is $18 per hour. The contracts break down the nitty-gritty of the job duties and responsibilities. Some families need a household manager or someone to cook and clean. Other families have rules about using smartphones while watching their children or posting photos of their children on social media.

Sometimes, families might not think about a contract. However, in the nanny realm, template contracts lay out the minimum requirements and expectations.

Jeff Adolf is a father living in Rochester. He said looking for a nanny before finding Rochester Poppins was a “crap shoot.” He and his wife had a nanny, but she was ready to retire.

Through a recommendation from a mutual friend, Adolf and his wife reached out to Kvam, and the response was swift. “Karin did all the weeding out,” Adolf said. He said he appreciated the thoroughness of the vetting process and the convenience of the paperwork provided. “We called on Monday morning, and Karin had recommended two choices. Both were good, and by Wednesday, we had a nanny.”

Heather Gerlach, who has an undergraduate degree in psychology and is now in school to pursue a master’s in counseling, is a nanny in Rochester. “One of my friends and coworkers had worked with [Karin] before, and so I let her know I was looking for a side job.”

Gerlach has a full-time job working with adults, however, she missed working with children.

“I feel Karin personally tries to get to know nannies and families… making sure the personalities are matched and the nanny is able to meet the family’s needs,” Gerlach said.

Gerlach said using the app provides her the opportunity to work with a variety of families. The fact that the families must be vetted and go through paperwork also comforts her. “I appreciate that the families are going above and beyond to be vetted to be on the app,” she said.

Gerlach also listed ghosting as an issue with some other babysitter apps. “They’ll book me, and then they’ll cancel at the last minute, kind of thing.” One thing she likes about the app is that families can see when she is available for babysitting gigs. “So, the communication is easier.”

Hannah Schepp is another nanny. She started her first nanny job with Kvam in 2022. “She had someone who really needed help ASAP and felt I would be a good fit. She introduced me to them, helped build the contract, and helped negotiate pay and set up payment,” Schepp said. “She also checked in through the contract with both me and the family.”

Visit: duluthpoppins.com to learn more. —Naomi Yaeger

Karin Kvam. | SUBMITTED

Honoring a North Shore artist

KNIFE RIVER—Driving along the North Shore is always a highlight of the summer season. However, as travelers begin to venture out again on the old Scenic 61 this year, an obvious vacancy on the route will be noticed. The North Shore lost a one-of-a-kind artist and special human this winter: Ron Dietman, owner and operator of the Hidden in the Rocks Gallery, passed away unexpectedly in February. Visitors to his gallery, located on the shores of Lake Superior just a couple miles out of Knife River, were welcomed with a variety of unique works of art each summer season.

Ron was inspired by the abundant natural materials found along the beaches of the big lake and the nearby woods. His sculptures and windchimes were inspirational pieces of driftwood, rocks, moss, and shells. His signature paintings were vibrant acrylics featuring loons, moose, and other wildlife set in beautiful landscapes. The outdoor gallery was filled with hand-cut granite plant holders, whimsical wall hangings, and miniature and infamous life-sized sculptures. The paintings were produced from a variety of old metal objects, driftwood, and salvaged vintage barn lumber. Each visit to this roadside gallery would ensure something new to be discovered, and it was worth stopping often.

Ron was a granite designer by trade and owned AHE Granite in a small community outside of St. Cloud before retiring in the Northland. The business focused primarily on memorials and headstones, which he eventually passed on to his sons. Art had always been a big part of his life and his

brother, Steve Dietman, remembers even as a child he would often be found drawing and sketching. “He would use any loose paper, cardboard, or other materials to capture his ideas down in detail, and trust me, there were many of them,” says Steve.

Ron’s love of art and creativity spilled into how he lived his life. Anyone who encountered him would be welcomed with a smile and a joyous laugh. His friends nicknamed him “Rock’n Ron,” as he was always up for checking out a fun outdoor music festival. He was quick to invite you to join him in his

studio for a sneak peak of his latest creation, and to talk about art and look through his newest treasures collected during his adventures up and down the shore. Chances are, if time was spent with Ron, even brief, engaging in the joy of creation, a gift was given and the recipient was now considered his friend. His generous spirit was contagious, and friends would often share their unique finds with him, knowing he would be thrilled to turn it into a special piece of art. His art style could be called ingenious.

In addition to being multi-talented in the fine arts, Ron had a mechanical background, which added an innovative edge to his work. He once rescued an old Ford Mustang V-8 engine and converted it into an air compressor to sandblast rocks. No surface or material was off limits for his creativity. Utilizing his granite etching experience, he designed and etched a breathtaking scene into the back window of his truck and was known to create amazing, stained granite-top patio furniture.

Ron was born in St. Cloud, Minn., and graduated from Rocori High School. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, being most at home in nature. These passions are highlighted in much of his art. Ron was a loving family man with three sons and seven grandchildren, whom he adored. He was a Vietnam veteran and was proud to say he had served his country in the navy, stationed on the US Okinawa

Wherever he went, Ron made an impression and more than likely, at least one new friend. He will be dearly missed.

—Michelle Miller

Ron Dietman. | SUBMITTED

OVERHEAD DOOR

Door Company of Duluth 4214 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811 24 hour service Phone 218-722-2884

Guardians of the waters How citizen scientists preserve Minnesota’s

lakes and streams

NORTH SHORE—Because scientists can’t be everywhere, they depend on volunteers. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has used citizen scientists for more than 50 years. For some bodies of water, volunteer monitoring provides the only data available, making this work indispensable.

www.ohdnorthernmn.com

1 3 th — October 3rd

Every Thursday 5-6:30 pm

Under the Pavilion at the Clair Nelson Center, 6866 Cramer Road, Finland

Vendors: 1st week is free!

Fee: $5/week or $50/season More info or to register call 218-353-0300 or check out our website at

“No experience is required. So literally anyone can join the program,” Waverly Reibel said. Reibel is the volunteer water monitoring program specialist for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

The MPCA offers volunteers basic equipment and online training. According to her, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and various community groups are the program’s most frequent volunteers.

“A lot of high schoolers love to do the stream monitoring program; they can get extra credit opportunities in school, so really anyone can do it. Volunteers measure water clarity or transparency. That’s kind of like taking the blood pressure of the water body,” Reibel said.

This aids scientists in monitoring water body health by estimating algae and sediment levels, crucial for maintaining optimal conditions. Excessive algae or sediment can disrupt light penetration, harming aquatic life and recreational activities.

The impetus of the water monitoring program originated from a 1963 spill in the Minnesota River near Mankato, which ultimately feeds into the Mississippi River.

Volunteer Kit Arnquist’s canoe gently rests by the water’s edge, ready for action. While some volunteers opt for watercraft, those inspecting streams choose a different approach. | MPCA BY KIT ARNQUIST

MPCA VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM FAST FACTS

a creek, they have come to know it and love it, and if they’re walking by that area anyway, there are easy things to do to contribute data to try to keep those areas beautiful.”

We are able to accept credit cards, EBT and SNAP www.finlandfarmersmarket.com

“With the amount of water we have to monitor in the state, it is impossible without these dedicated citizen scientists,” said Mike Kennedy, watershed project manager for the MPCA at NE Regional Office. “Their local knowledge and contributions help us understand the water systems in their yard much better.”

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 market@friendsoffinland.org

Beth LaVigne lives in eastern Duluth and usually walks near a creek. In 2010, she started volunteering as a water monitor with the MPCA. “The sampling itself is really very easy to do in about five minutes,” she says.

LaVigne is a former Duluth high school teacher. Now she teaches students who are majoring in elementary or secondary education at the College of St. Scholastica. Still, she says you don’t need an education

• 1,104 lake and stream volunteers

• 717 lakes monitored

• 530 streams monitored

• Data used to determine water quality trends

In Minnesota:

• More than 12,000 lakes

• 92,000 miles of streams

to volunteer. “I began (water monitoring) as an example to practice what I preach to my students,” she said of her motivation.

For those who haven’t completed high school, she says, “Chances are if they live near

For the past decade, Bruce and Shirley Tode have been monitoring West Twin Lake, also known as Bass Lake by the DNR. Bruce has frequented the area since 1954, fishing Lake Vermilion for 69 years. The couple’s interest in water monitoring was piqued when they observed excessive algae growth one year.

“Here’s all this algae, which we never had before,” Bruce said of an event 10 years ago. “I think ‘that’s our water source for our drinking water,’” he added.

That began their journey into water monitoring, armed with nothing but a simple tool called the Secchi disk, affectionately dubbed by them as “the white disk.” This disk is supplied by the MNPC. Their method is simple yet effective: They drop the disk into the

[LEFT] These are tubes that volunteer water monitoring program specialist Waverly Reibel sent to volunteers in mid-April. [RIGHT] This is a Secchi disk supplied by the program. Those checking streams have a smaller disk. | MPCA

lake’s depths, gauging clarity and depth with each measurement.

Sometimes, their adult sons in their 50s, grandchildren, and neighbor children help them with the monitoring. “We just love our lake,” Shirley said.

HEADED TO THE BOUNDARY WATERS?

“MPCA staff can’t get there as much, so it’s great to have more Boundary Waters volunteers,” said Reibel. As you paddle

through the lakes you stop and take a Secchi clarity reading. It’s not at any specific site on the lake. The MPCA will provide everything for it, like waterproof data cards to draw a little map of the lake you’re on, where you took the reading, and what the reading is. Then you send it all back in the postage-paid envelope.

If you’re interested in learning more, please call or email Waverly Reibel at 651-757-2110, waverly.reibel@state.mn.us. Or visit the website: pca.state.mn.us.—Naomi Yaeger

MONITORING CRAYFISH IN THE BWCAW

Many agencies welcome citizen scientists. In Cook County, Amanda Weberg, aquatic invasive species program supervisor with the Cook County Soil and Conservation District, is looking for volunteers visiting the Boundary Waters to help monitor rusty crayfish.

Rusty crayfish are an invasive species in Minnesota. They are native to the Ohio River Valley and are larger than our native crayfish. “They kind of bully the native crayfish,” Weberg said. “They like to ‘lawn mow’ the native vegetation, and that can be problem atic, especially with our wild rice beds.”

They kick the native crayfish out of their homes, and predators like fish and otters can easily find them, but the rusty crayfish are harder for predators to eat.

“Rusty crayfish also impact walleye and trout, swimming, and recreation. If you have your feet in the water, they will pinch your feet,” she said.

Contact Weberg if you are interested in volunteering in this program. You don’t have to live in Cook County. She will send you lightweight mesh equipment and instructions. Contact her at: amanda.weberg@co.cook.mn.us or 218-877-8559.

SUMMER SOLSTICE & WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL

Reflections on Reaching the 20th Anniversary

By Kalli Hawkins

For the past two decades, Northern Wilds magazine has captivated its readers by showcasing and connecting with the intricacies of life, the rugged scenery, the diverse culture, and the remarkable individuals inhabiting Lake Superior’s North Shore.

While the Northern Wilds staff and contributors have ebbed and flowed throughout the years, the creative vision of founders Amber Pratt and the late Shawn Perich has remained the same. In the past 20 years, the magazine has highlighted in-depth profiles of regional and outdoor news, small businesses, community events, and the dynamic arts and culture scene stretching from Duluth to Thunder Bay.

Behind the writing, beautiful photographs and drawings, and local business advertisements, is a tight-knit staff of Northern Wilds editors, graphic designers, production artists, and office managers who grease the wheels to produce a genuinely remarkable magazine that reflects the diverse voices and communities of northeastern Minnesota and Thunder Bay.

In the following few pages, we’ll meet the Northern Wilds staff, writers, and contributors, and celebrate and reflect on the significance of the magazine reaching the 20th-anniversary milestone.

Meet some of the faces behind each issue of Northern Wilds [LEFT TO RIGHT]: Jim Boyd, April Fredrick, Barbara Fisher, Amber Pratt, Breana Johnson, and Jessica Jacobsen Smith.

Meet the Northern Wilds Staff

OFFICE STAFF

Barbara Fisher and April Fredrick

The efficient skills of an office manager are paramount to keeping operations running smoothly. Barbara Fisher and, more recently, April Fredrick have kept the Northern Wilds team afloat by handling subscriptions, assisting the production artists, and filling in where needed to produce and publish the monthly magazine.

Fisher moved to Grand Marais two years ago to be close to family and began working for Northern Wilds shortly after. In the last two years, she said she has mainly enjoyed the camaraderie in the office and, as a relative newbie to the North Shore, learning

about the area through the diverse range of stories in each monthly issue. “I’ve learned a lot of different places,” she said. Fisher is in the process of transitioning into retirement, and April Fredrick, a new staff member, has recently stepped into her position.

She wanted to join the Northern Wilds team because, “I’ve heard really good things about everyone and everything here and how it works.” Outside of her new office manager job, Fredrick is the Tofte town clerk, and like many other North Shore residents, she enjoys spending her time outdoors. When she’s not exploring one of the many trails, she said she likes to dabble in painting, drawing, and exercising her vocal cords, sometimes at her desk.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jessica Jacobsen Smith

Another relatively new staff member to join the Northern Wilds ranks is graphic designer Jessica Jacobsen Smith. She joined the team in September 2023 and assists with the visual components, production, maps, and special projects. “I like the flexibility, but also the collaboration and seeing faces because so much has gone digital and remote,” Jacobsen Smith said. “It’s nice to be able to come to the office and talk to people face-to-face.” When she’s not in the office collaborating with the Northern Wilds team, she enjoys spending time with her family and kids.

REAL ESTATE

Leah Pratt

While Northern Wilds magazine offers a wide range of stories, profiles, and stunning photographs, the real estate section is a highly desired asset. Each month, Leah Pratt puts together a comprehensive assortment of Cook County real estate listings so readers can stay abreast of the real estate market. Regardless if readers are looking for a Lake Superior property, a home within city limits, or a remote cabin on an inland lake, the Northern Wilds real estate section is the go-to spot for the latest listings, and it wouldn’t be possible without Pratt’s expertise.

DISTRIBUTION

Jim Erickson

Many staff members and contributors’ introduction to Northern Wilds derives from co-founder Perich, and Northern Wilds distributor Jim Erickson’s story is no different. After moving to Cook County, Jim Erickson met Perich and instantly became friends. Shortly after, in July 2023, Erickson began distributing the Northern Wilds magazine to various Grand Marais locations and on the West End of Cook County. He said the monthly magazine has been his “go-to publication” for North Shore events and activities since moving to the North Shore. An added benefit of distributing the magazine each month, Erickson said, is the opportunity to be out in the community and stay in tune with county happenings.

EDITING/PROOFING ASSISTANT

Jim Boyd

Jim Boyd’s history with the magazine dates back to the days of Highway 61, a separate precursor of the existing Northern Wilds magazine. Although his involvement with the magazine has tapered off in recent years, he still assists Editor Breana Johnson with editing and proofing. “It’s fun for me to awaken skills I had used for a career at the Star Tribune,” Boyd said. He said he enjoys being in the office, editing copy, and suggesting monthly story ideas. The significance of Northern Wilds reaching the 20-year milestone after a difficult couple of years “reflects steadfast courage that they have gotten through that and are now looking to the future,” he said. “Bravo to Amber, Breana, and the current crew for keeping it going and looking ahead to making it stronger.”

PRODUCTION ARTIST

Katie Viren

Katie Viren, production artist and knitting extraordinaire, has played an integral role in the success and longevity of Northern Wilds magazine. For the past 11 years, her attention to detail and creative eye has enchanted readers with her visually appealing designs, advertisements, and layouts.

Her skills came in handy when the magazine was restructured and redesigned in 2014, joining the then-separated North Shore Highway 61 publication with Northern Wilds.

In addition to her magazine tasks, Viren has also worked alongside the Northern Wilds staff to produce and publish books, an additional service the small business offers. Throughout the past decade, she has enjoyed reading the history of the many families, cultures, and landmarks along the North Shore. Some of her favorite published books are Boundary Waters Boy by Jack Blackwell, The Lake is Your Life: The Fenstads at Little Marais by Art Fenstad, and various others. “It’s been really fun to see all the different histories come out,” Viren said. “There have also been some really fun books to read.”

Viren has mostly attempted to retire from Northern Wilds in the past year and has been successful on most fronts. While she spends more time relaxing at home, crafting eclectic knitting designs, and playing video games, she still lends her time and expertise to the Northern Wilds team as needed. As Northern Wilds reaches the 20-year milestone, Viren said it’s impressive that the magazine remains such an inherent part of the North Shore community. “It’s impressive,” Viren said. “The fact that we’re still viable after 20 years, growing and growing, means we obviously fulfill a desirable niche that people like.”

EDITOR

Breana Johnson

The desirable niche that Northern Wilds has cornered on Lake Superior’s North Shore is partly due to the editing leadership and talent of Northern Wilds editor Breana Johnson.

For the past 13 years, Johnson has helped craft the look and feel of the monthly magazine by managing and overseeing the work of the Northern Wilds writers, photographers, and contributors. The magazine’s strength, she said, is the wide variety of stories showcased each month, ranging from the outdoors to dining, arts and culture, music, community events, and more. She said she frequently receives emails from subscribers and readers expressing their enjoyment of a particular story or the magazine’s overall monthly feel. “I’m very proud of it.”

In her early days working for the magazine, Johnson worked closely alongside Perich and appreciated the lessons and editing tips he passed down. Johnson remembers Perich always emphasizing the importance of avoiding recording the past and looking toward the future when selecting story topics. “So we’re not a newspaper in terms of reporting on what has already happened. It’s always forward.”

“Everything I know how to do, I learned from him,” Johnson said. “He taught me how to be a better writer and editor, and be more confident in all aspects.”

With Perich’s legacy ingrained in the pages of Northern Wilds, Johnson and owner Pratt have continued to grow and expand the magazine’s reach since his passing. “I see it only getting bigger,” she said. “Everybody loves it. I hear it all the time.”

As the magazine continues to evolve and grow, she said the significance of reaching the 20th anniversary is remarkable. “Thank you. We want everybody to know how much we’ve appreciated them,” Johnson said.

PUBLISHER Amber Pratt

From the early days of dial-up to the era of artificial intelligence, Northern Wilds owner Amber Pratt has navigated the last 20 years of the print media business with relentless devotion.

Since its inception in 2004, Northern Wilds has remained dedicated to giving readers an inside look at the numerous small-town communities and individuals along the North Shore, stretching from Duluth to Thunder Bay. For the last 20 years, founders Pratt and Perich have been unwavering in their dedication to covering and including Thunder Bay and its surrounding region. Early on, they coined the term “blur the border” and have included stories, features, events, and writers from Thunder Bay in each issue since the beginning. “We just don’t see a differentiation,” Pratt said. “They are part of the community, too.”

The values set forth by Pratt and Perich in the beginning years still remain true 20 years later. Despite the nearly one-year absence of Pratt’s business partner, she has persevered and remained determined to continue their original vision. But she admits, it hasn’t been easy at times. Fortunately, she said, “I have a wonderful staff and a really good team.”

Pratt and her talented staff have dedicated their time to growing the magazine’s readership. On average, Northern Wilds prints approximately 15,000 issues each month, depending on the time of year. “So that’s a readership of about 30,000 a month,” Pratt said. With the dynamic range of features and community-focused stories, Northern Wilds has experienced steady growth in demand each year, showing no signs of slowing down.

Pratt said the advertisers, readers, writers, and Northern Wilds staff make it all possible. “I feel blessed. Especially with the transitions of the last few years. I’m extremely grateful.”

As the Northern Wilds team adjusts to the increased growth and recent changes, Pratt has begun long-term strategic planning as the business sets its eyes on the next 20 years. With an unwavering commitment to keeping the magazine going, the future looks promising for Northern Wilds. “We’re glad that people find it so relatable and that they enjoy picking it up,” Pratt said. “And that we can be part of their life.”

Erin Altemus

Meet the Northern Wilds Writers

Elle Andra-Warner

Chris Pascone

A musher, writer, editor, and nurse, Grand Marais-based Erin Altemus is a woman of many trades. Northern Wilds readers may recognize her name as the author of the Dog Blog column, where she takes readers on a behind-the-sled look at life as a northern Minnesota musher each month. While many may know her through her mushing career and column, Altemus’ history with Northern Wilds extends far beyond her column. She began nearly a decade ago as the managing editor for the magazine, working alongside the late Shawn Perich. Reflecting on her time as editor, she said, “Working alongside him in the office will always hold a special memory.”

While she transitioned from that role years ago, she still fills in as editor when needed. Later this summer, she will step in as Breana Johnson’s temporary interim editor while Johnson is on maternity leave. Throughout the past 10 years, Altemus has been a valuable member of the Northern Wilds staff, and she commends owner Amber Pratt for navigating the challenges and remaining committed to the North Shore magazine.

“I’d like to say a special congrats to Amber. You are a strong, resilient, smart, courageous woman to stick with this dream of a business for all these years,” Altemus said. “The community is lucky to have this magazine and business.”

Steve Fernlund

As one of Northern Wilds’ newest writers, Steve Fernlund has brought a fresh business-focused perspective to the magazine’s pages. A retired business owner and former publisher and editor for the Cook County News Herald in Grand Marais, Fernlund enjoys telling the stories of people and places in the Northwoods region. “I’m most interested in stories of regular people who chose to live or visit here,” Fernlund said. “Those stories show we all have more in common than we may realize.”

In his recent articles, he has highlighted numerous business and economic development projects, including the Boathouse Bay project in Silver Bay and, in last month’s issue, the under-construction Grand Marais City Hall and Liquor Store.

Apart from his work in Northern Wilds, Fernlund’s writing and wit shine in other North Shore publications, such as The Northshore Journal and Boreal Community Media. With his decades-long experience as a journalist, editor, and business owner, he recognizes the significant accomplishment of reaching a 20-year milestone. “Congratulations to the professionals who built and managed this vital institution that serves an international community.”

As a veteran Northern Wilds writer, Elle Andra-Warner has delighted readers for two decades with her fascination with the interesting and quirky stories of northern Minnesota and Thunder Bay. As an award-winning travel journalist based across the border in Thunder Bay, Andra-Warner has an abiding curiosity for all things unusual. Her monthly column, Strange Tales, covers everything from UFO sightings to historical oddities.

Kalli Hawkins

Kalli Hawkins is a writer and outdoor enthusiast who grew up in Grand Marais. She enjoys sharing her passion for history, education, and the outdoors through storytelling. When she’s not writing or scheming her next outdoor adventure, she enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her two pups.

Hartley Newell-Acero

Since 2021, Hartley Newell-Acero has enlightened Northern Wilds readers with her informative health and wellness lifestyle insights.

“I’m eternally curious about what it means to be healthy and well,” she said. “That fascination has fueled me through decades, degrees, certifications, and changes in my life.”

As an owner of a coaching practice based in Grand Marais, Newell-Acero focuses on the various health-related topics that matter most to people in each monthly Health column, while highlighting simple methods readers can use to benefit from that information. In past articles, she has highlighted the importance of self-care, how to provide first aid to our furry loved ones, and how to walk your way to a healthier life. Although Newell-Acero has written for Northern Wilds for over three years, she said she still “gets a thrill to see my name on the Health column.” As she reflects on the significance of Northern Wilds reaching the 20-year mark, she said, “No organization stays around 20 years unless you’re doing something right. Northern Wilds does more than simply shine a light on what’s special about our area; they are one of those special parts.”

With a passion for outdoor adventures with his family, Chris Pascone has a knack for covering in-depth fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation topics in Thunder Bay and northeastern Minnesota. Pascone joined the Northern Wilds team in 2021, and his attention to detail, storytelling skills, and diverse topics have been a welcomed addition to the Northern Wilds pages.

"Writing and adventuring go hand in hand, and they both drive each other," Pascone said. Throughout the years, a few of his most memorable Northern Wilds articles are the Sleeping Giant Loppet: Thunder Bay ski tradition, Mt. Baldy: Revitalizing skiing north of Thunder Bay, Ontario Winter Games, Squeers Lake Winter Fishery, and Fort William Historical Park.

When he's not immersed in writing for Northern Wilds and various other Minnesota publications, Pascone and his family are out in the wild, skiing, biking, canoeing, and winter camping in the Boundary Waters and beyond. His connection to the northern region runs deep. "Even though I reside in Duluth, my heart truly belongs to the wild north."

His connection to the northern Minnesota landscape is evident in each article he contributes to Northern Wilds. "It's an incredibly proud feeling for me every time I interview someone to say, ‘I write for Northern Wilds magazine, published in Grand Marais,’" Pascone said. "It makes me proud to contribute knowledge and story-telling about our northern region."

As the Northern Wilds staff celebrates the 20-year milestone, Pascone said, "Thank you to Shawn Perich and Amber Graham for creating this magazine that exposes all readers to the real outdoor lifestyle of the north that we are lucky to embrace up here."

Gord Ellis

Since 2009, outdoor columnist Gord Ellis has captivated Northern Wilds readers with his in-depth knowledge and understanding of the wildlife and natural world surrounding Thunder Bay. In each issue of his Northern Trails column, he shares his stories and insights about hunting and fishing with readers. From walleye fishing to moose and whitetail hunting, Ellis features the best outdoor recreational opportunities Ontario offers.

“I’ve really enjoyed writing for the Wilds the past 15 years. It has a very keen readership who appreciate the outdoors and the north. I’m always impressed at how diverse the readers are and how closely they read each column and article. I love hearing from Northern Wilds readers and I welcome their input, thoughts, and story suggestions via my website.”

Eric Kaira (Weicht)

With an unwavering desire for adventure and paddling, Eric Kaira brings a flavorful and unique perspective to the pages of Northern Wilds. After graduating from Colgate University in New York with a degree in Philosophy, he grabbed his trusted 15-foot kayak and essential gear, and spent a summer solo circumnavigating Lake Superior. The trip eventually led him to spend more time along the North Shore of the Big Lake before moving to Grand Marais, and shortly after, he began writing for Northern Wilds. His passion for paddling and outdoor recreation, along with his zest for reading and academics, has provided Northern Wilds readers with a nice balance of outdoor and personal interest stories. Whether he is writing Along the Shore articles about the BWCAW, local North Shore artists or authors, or longer feature articles about surfing in Lake Superior, Kaira has been a welcomed Northern Wilds writing team member.

Sam Zimmerman

Michelle Miller

Since becoming a Northern Wilds writer, Michelle Miller, who lives in Two Harbors, has inspired readers with her love for the arts and culture of Lake Superior’s North Shore. With her background as an arts education business owner, she is drawn to the creative nature of the many individuals and organizations along the shore. Besides her Northern Wilds contributions, Miller writes a monthly arts column in the Lake County Press and volunteers as a morning show host on Two Harbors Community Radio.

Rae Poynter

Sam Zimmerman, a Duluth-based painter, has brought vibrancy and artistic flair to Northern Wilds magazine’s pages since 2020 with his monthly column Following the Ancestor’s Steps. In each issue, Zimmerman showcases his latest painting featuring various Northwoods wildlife and landscapes with accompanying English and Ojibwe names. Each painting captures a particular story of his experiences outside along the North Shore. When he’s not painting, Zimmerman enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, or sketching along the shores of Gitchi Gami.

Naomi Yaeger

Virginia George

As the author of the North Shore Dish column, Virginia George brings readers on a tasty journey as she explores the unique restaurant gems along the North Shore of Lake Superior. From Thunder Bay to Duluth, she highlights delicious recipes and the creative and devoted individuals, organizations, and businesses behind them. As a North Shore transplant, George has a dedicated fascination for the people and culinary world surrounding Lake Superior. When she isn’t exploring restaurant menus or savory dishes, she enjoys hiking and exploring all the North Shore offers.

Rae is a writer who is happiest in the woods. Her most notable accomplishments include saving a sheep in Ireland, keeping an ever-growing menagerie of succulents alive, and writing a small handful of novels. Originally from rural Wisconsin, she lives near Grand Marais and loves helping local artists and entrepreneurs share their voices with the world.

Dana Johnson

Dana Johnson, a writer for Northern Wilds who hails from Grand Marais, draws endless inspiration from the boreal forest along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Her writing centers on animals, art, nature, and outdoor recreation—a specialty that has been a fundamental aspect of her life since an early age.

As a long-time reader of Northern Wilds, Naomi Yaeger was thrilled to join the team as a writer less than a year ago, in November 2023. Her articles highlight stories about the valuable people who contribute and are helpful community members. As a Duluth-based writer, her first few articles featured the places and people in Duluth who are making a difference in their communities. Her writing extends beyond the pages of Northern Wilds, and she frequently writes sustainability-focused columns for her United Methodist Church. She is working on a historical manuscript about living in the 1930s and 40s. Since joining the Northern Wilds crew, Yaeger said she has loved “getting to know others in the community who are passionate about family activities and the environment.”

Deane Morrison

In each Northern Wilds issue, Deane Morrison educates readers on the fascinating world of constellations and the Northern Sky. Morrison tailors her monthly Northern Sky features to the seasonality of the region’s visible stars and moon phases. Before venturing into the BWCAW or exploring the outdoors, readers frequently turn to the Northern Sky column for Morrison’s guidance in spotting new constellations or planets.

Johnson began writing for Northern Wilds in the early days of the publication, but stepped away to focus on college and other opportunities. However, this last fall, she rejoined the writing team and has since enjoyed feeling closer to the local community. She said she is thrilled to be a part of the team as the magazine celebrates its 20th anniversary. “I know we all wish Shawn Perich were here to celebrate with us,” Johnson said. “The Northwoods newspaper he and Amber created together has grown into an incredible and important publication, enjoyed and appreciated by locals and visitors alike. It also wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing team of people who make it happen—there is much to be proud of!”

Sailing for All

THE DULUTH-SUPERIOR SAILING ASSOCIATION

By Chris Pascone

It was a moment of temptation, terror, and trust: I was taking my unsuspecting mom and three children out in a 19-foot sailboat in 15 knot west winds on the Duluth-Superior Harbor. My previous sailing experience? A couple lessons with an instructor, and a few family sails on calm nights, with my savvy wife doing most of the sail trimming.

Whitecaps were frothing alongside the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association (DSSA) pier at the end of Park Point on this August afternoon. Either we were going to swamp in seconds, or make a miracle run: no matter what, we were going to gain the REAL sailing experience I so craved.

DSSA Waterfront Director Zach Lange looked me in the eye as we loaded into the O-Day Mariner (“a relatively stable and easy-to-handle” boat, according to the DSSA website), and asked if I was truly ready for the challenge ahead. “Of course,” I lied through my teeth, secretly hoping my two daughters, who had done the DSSA’s week-long Novice Sailing Camp earlier that summer, would miraculously get us out of trouble.

With the fierce wind blasting down the Duluth hillside,

sweeping the length of the harbor, and smashing into the pier, the biggest challenge would come right off the bat— launching from the pier’s lee side, then doing a 270 degree turn around the pier and into an upwind position.

Prayers wouldn’t cut it—we were going to learn to sail or die trying.

Lange pushed us off, my first-mate Vanessa and I started pulling the sheets (ropes), and at that moment our whole family went hurtling right towards the cement pier at warp

DSSA staff member Pawel Waszczuk (in the blue hat) teaching a sailing lesson with the DSSA pier in the background. | DSSA

Raising the sails in the Flying Scot. The DSSA gives instruction, but also turns you loose to try everything hands-on. | CHRIS PASCONE

speed. To this day, I don’t know how we managed, but Vanessa got the boat to make a last-second 90 degree turn when we were inches from striking the pier, and we proceeded to get the Mariner into an upwind, controllable position.

After the initial shock, tears still wet on our faces, we proceeded to make an incredible upwind run (something I never thought was possible in a sailboat, until we were doing it), straight towards Duluth. Vanessa and I got into a groove handling the sails. It was an awesome feeling—harnessing the fearsome winds to our own advantage. We turned around 30 minutes later, and flew back to the pier, just as the waves were getting even higher.

The final test—docking the boat—went exceedingly well. Lange complimented us on our wonder ride, without a single collision of any kind. We jumped on the dock, ready to kiss solid ground. Never had sailing (or practically anything else in my life) felt so invigorating and encaptivating.

Continuous Development

The DSSA is a community sailing program that provides these kinds of formative experiences to everyone. Indeed, the DSSA’s mission is “to offer the joy of sailing to the entire Duluth-Superior community, regardless of skill level, physical capabilities, or financial means.”

Jim Sharrow, president of the DSSA’s board of directors for 22 years running, encapsulates this philosophy. “My commitment is to make the sport of sailing available to the general public through mentoring and inexpensive access,” explains Sharrow, only the second president of the board in the DSSA’s 29-year-existence as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

He was proceeded as president by Scott R. Anderson, a sailor paralyzed from midchest down from the age of 16. Anderson took part in the DSSA’s adaptive sailing pro-

Learning the points of sail can feel like studying a foreign language. The DSSA teaches all the new terminology. |

gram, and was a DSSA member who sailed just like any other member.

When Sharrow came on as DSSA board president, the City of Duluth had just stopped funding the organization in 2001. The DSSA had only one staff member, and an annual budget of $3,500.

Today the DSSA has grown in multiple directions. “We have 10 certified staff, not just one. We run a program seven days a week. We teach adults. We have all-day long summer camps for kids at market rates. We also seek ways to let anyone take part in our program. We don’t turn anybody away,” recounts Sharrow.

Sharrow is particularly proud of the DSSA’s community role during COVID. “We got handless walkie-talkies for our staff, and a louder bullhorn, and all the kids at sailing camp were able to use solo boats. We were

DSSA staff use a colorful spinnaker (a lightweight sail) for downwind sailing. | DSSA

The DSSA’s location in the Duluth-Superior Harbor provides a combination of industrial and recreational settings. | DSSA

CHRIS PASCONE

Sailing can easily bring multiple generations together. Sailing doesn’t have to be overly physical, yet it is still challenging. | CHRIS PASCONE

one of the only summer camps open during COVID, and we were completely full.”

Today, DSSA members (a family membership costs $200 per year) can take an array of classes to start their sailing journey. More advanced sailors can take the American Sailing Association levels 101, 103, and 104 classes with DSSA instructors. Other options include open sailing, youth camps, and private lessons. The DSSA also partners with Northland Adaptive Recreation to provide sailing experiences and lessons for sailors with physical limitations. This well-rounded program has something for everyone.

Prized Staff

Zach Lange became a DSSA employee while still a student at UMD in 2017, and is now in his sixth year as DSSA’s waterfront director. Lange says the DSSA is “just like Duluth—it has a homey, Midwest vibe.” Lange invites everyone down to Park Point: “Our mission is sailing for all in Duluth and Superior, but we’re open to everybody—outsiders too.”

Lange not only manages boats and sailing lessons, but also the DSSA’s staff. “I’ve been so lucky to find instructors from different family backgrounds that grew up in the DSSA, and are now instructors,” recounts Lange.

Remembering my crazy day on the harbor with my family last August, Lange said his team is equipped to handle whatever comes their way. “Our staff have the skill levels, and the tools, to manage a crazy day. So somebody like you can take your family out, even though you’re a little on edge, and feel safe.”

Another long-term DSSA staff member is Pawel Waszczuk, who learned to sail in Poland. “My parents are both sailors, and from a very young age they started signing me up for sailing camps in Poland, very similar to the sailing association here. Then, when I

got old enough, I started doing sleep-away camps on sailboats, and learning navigation,” explains Waszczuk.

Earning his first instructor certification at age 16, today Waszczuk is qualified to teach ASA classes. “Here at DSSA, we’re backed by the American Sailing Association, and what we teach at camp or during private lessons is the safest way to sail. There’s a lot of different ways to do things on a sailboat. We really try to teach people the safest way first.”

In his free time, Waszczuk is usually out riding a surfboard. He sees endless parallels between surfing and sailing. “Surfing and sailing go hand in hand. They complement each other incredibly well. Both sports require a lot of knowledge about the environment, about the water we’re swimming in, and sailing in, and about weather conditions.”

Waszczuk also notes the “limitless, floating experience” obtained in both sports. Waszczuk finds that being a surfer has made him a better sailor. “Just being more comfortable in the water. As a surfer, I’m comfortable being submersed in the water at all times. It’s not rare for sailors to not be comfortable being in the water.”

All of the DSSA’s staff (and students) will likely agree with Waszczuk that the ultimate purpose of sailing is “serenity.” Waszczuk describes this serenity as “feeling like I’m a part of something greater. Really being submersed in the elements. That is something that just allows my brain to become silent, to really pay attention to the moment, what’s going on right now. To me, that’s what life’s about.”

Dream Boats

Buying a boat is the cheapest and easiest part of owning a sailboat. It’s the storage, maintenance, and repairs that are an incredible amount of work, and oftentimes a lot of money as well.

Enter the DSSA—your ultimate “turnkey” sailing solution. The DSSA owns a diverse fleet of trainers, racers, day-sailers, and cruisers that it maintains and stores on the money paid by members for their annual memberships.

There’s a boat for everyone at the DSSA. Youngsters learn on Optimist Prams, 2.4 Meters, and Olympic Class Lasers. Families can take out the O’Day Day Sailer, Interlake 19, O’Day Mariner 19, Flying Scot, and Yngling 21. Finally, the DSSA’s Catalina 2 2, Soling 27, Cal T/4, and Catalina 25 can all be taken on the open waters of Lake Superior by members certified to use them.

Most of the DSSA’s boats have been donated over the years. Lange describes these donations as “incredibly fortunate” for the DSSA. “It’s super special. I don’t even know where we would be if we didn’t have so many of these boats donated. We’ve been able to put so many people on the water and teach so many people with these boats.”

And when winter comes? As a member, you won’t need to figure out how to wrap and store a 25-foot boat, or pay for all the maintenance that a season of use incurs. Being a DSSA member is like having your own boat, without all the hassle.

Idyllic Location

The DSSA’s idyllic location adds to its unique vibe. The Duluth-Superior Harbor is the world’s largest freshwater port, and the DSSA has a unique spot on it. Its waterfront

operations take place on a small point that projects into the harbor just off Minnesota Avenue, on Park Point’s eastern end. There is a DNR public boat launch at the same location, as well as canoe and kayak storage offered by the City of Duluth.

“We’re in such a special spot down there, on Park Point,” says Lange. “It’s a perfect combination of having a controlled environment, for the most part, in the harbor, to get your skills down, and then we can transfer you to the lake, and teach you all the ins and outs to get onto Lake Superior.”

Lange notes that ships come from around the world right past the DSSA pier. Another Park Point neighbor is the Sky Harbor Airport, where small planes regularly take off and land. All this surrounding transportation revs up the energy level at the DSSA waterfront.

Waszczuk also notes the harbor’s contrasts. “On one side of the harbor is Park Point, which is strictly residential and recreational land. Then on the other side there’s a lot of industry going on. So it’s a very interesting and dynamic space, which is not something that sailors can experience on inland lakes.”

Ultimately, the DSSA’s protected location is key to its programming. “We’re protected from the amazing power of Lake Superior, so we can teach novice sailors,” explains Waszczuk. “At the same time, when people progress to a point where they can manage themselves, and they have the experience to be safe out on the big lake, it’s very easy to get out to Lake Superior.”

Come See For Yourself

The DSSA will be hosting its annual Open House on June 8 this year from noon to 6 p.m. The event always takes place the weekend after Duluth schools go on summer break, and is meant to introduce families to sailing.

“We want to promote the program and give free sailing rides,” says Lange. “You can come down and talk to me, talk to board

members and other staff, and we’ll take you out for a cruise. It’s like an intro to sailing. We’ll teach you a few things, and let you get on the tiller.”

Open House is for members and non-members alike, so come see what incredible sailing opportunities await you. Everyone is welcome.

DSSA members/volunteers preparing the fleet of Optimists for the upcoming season. | CHRIS PASCONE

By Breana Johnson

The Group of Stephen

The Group of Stephen, 14 artists creating together under the tutelage of renowned artist and photographer Stephen J. Krasemann, will showcase and sell their work at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery throughout the month of June. An opening reception will take place at the gallery on Friday, June 7, from 7-9 p.m., with the artists present.

“Garden Gift” is an oil painting created by Lauren McKinnon.

| LAUREN MCKINNON

This oil painting by Stephen J. Krasemann is titled “A Fire Within.” | STEPHEN J. KRASEMANN

Created by Brenda Hurley, this painting is titled “Coneflowers 2.”

| BRENDA HURLEY

This piece, aptly named “Rooster,” was painted by Rupert Klein. | RUPERT KLEIN

Anne Turner is one of 14 artists creating under the Group of Stephen. | ANNE TURNER

Created by Nicole Sutherland, this oil painting is titled “North Shore.”

| NICOLE SUTHERLAND

Preserving Memories

Multimedia Painter Anna Hess

CREATIVE SPACE: By Rae Poynter

It’s a well-accepted fact that memory starts with attention—the moments we’ll remember in the future are the same ones we pay attention to today. For an artist, noticing and capturing moments—both ordinary and extraordinary—is the basis of the creative process. One artist who exemplifies this is Anna Hess, a multimedia painter based in Lutsen. Hess’s work blends the beauty of nature with the playfulness of the imagination, capturing the everyday magic of life in the north.

Hess began expressing her inner world through art from a young age, whether it was drawing in the mud with sticks or playing with fingerpaints in the bathtub. This bent toward creative expression stuck, and she went on to get a degree in studio art. After finishing her degree, Hess began her career working for a screen-printing shop before finding work at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais. It was this job that Hess credits to launching her career as an artist— in addition to doing framing at the gallery, she began showing her paintings there, and more and more people discovered her work.

As a painter, Hess cites two primary sources of inspiration—nature and color. After falling in love with the North Shore and making it her permanent home, Hess has devoted countless hours to exploring the region, and her time spent outdoors is a source of both peace and intrigue. Colors, Hess said, are not merely a creative tool but a language unto themselves, and can be used to express complex and hard-to-name feelings that words can’t quite capture.

“It’s easier for me to describe something with paint than to use words,” Hess said. “Painting is a way for me to put my person-

ality on paper, and other people understand and connect with the emotions that I express through paint.”

Hess employs a variety of paints including watercolors, oils, and acrylics; occasionally, she even swirls in bits of dirt or sand that she collected from time spent outdoors. Amidst the variety of materials she uses, Hess’s art has a distinctive and congruent style, with evocative colors and vibrant, whimsical scenes that echo the magic of the natural world. Some recurring motifs in her paintings include birds, plants, and the lakes and rivers of the North Shore. As a self-described “bear-aholic,” bears make frequent appearances in Hess’s yard and subsequently make frequent appearances in her paintings.

“Bears can almost seem to talk to you with the look that they have,” Hess said. “I like watching bears, anthropomorphizing them, and painting them.”

And while the techniques and practical elements are an important part in any creation process, all art starts in the mind. Hess reflected on the role of presence and stillness in the life of an artist, and the cyclical nature of creative work; not only does an artist’s lived experience manifest in their work, but their work in turn influences their

perception. In Hess’s case, her closeness with nature and the time she spends on her art shapes how she sees and interacts with the world.

“I can’t sit in an environment and not be seeing and recording,” she said. “Painting is a way for me to preserve memories—an exciting trip, a particular light, a moment in the woods. It’s a way of being aware and more present, and it makes a person more reflective when you take the time to slow down, relax, and experience each moment for what it is.”

This year, Hess used her gift for preserving memories as part of Northern Wilds’ 20th anniversary celebration. She designed a commemorative art piece featuring some favorite woodland creatures of the north, used as this issue’s cover photo. That same art piece will also be used to create t-shirts, which will be available for pre-order soon.

“It’s a really neat piece,” Hess said. “I’m so grateful to have my home here and to be part of this supportive community of artists. Visitors know when they come up here that they can find a variety of work from the artist community here, and I love being a part of that.”

As a painter, Hess cites two primary sources of inspiration—nature and color.

| ANNA HESS

Hess employs a variety of paints including watercolors, oils, and acrylics. | ANNA HESS

Lutsen artist Anna Hess. | ANNA HESS

The annual Lutsen 99er also has youth races (registration required) on Friday, June 28,

May 31-June 2 Learn about the birds, wildflowers, and insects of the northern landscape at this annual North House Folk School festival in Grand Marais. This year’s course offerings allow nature-lovers the chance to explore the North Shore and learn more about the local ecology and geology. Discover the language of birds, forage for spring wild edibles, and learn the identifications and uses of many local plants. Festival highlights include a dozen

course offerings (registration required), a film at 7 p.m. on May 31, titled A Sea Change for Superior: The Warming of the World’s Largest Lake, and a presentation on June 1 at 7 p.m. titled “How We Care for the Water and Wild Rice,” with Grand Portage Tribal Council member April McCormick. The film and presentation are free and open to the public. northhouse.org

POLLINATOR MARKETPLACE

June 8, Saturday Join the Duluth Monarch Buddies for the sixth annual Pollinator Marketplace, held at the Coppertop Church (First United Methodist) in Duluth from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shoreview Natives, from Two Harbors, will be selling milkweed and other native pollinator plants. There will also be information tables and vendors, a monarch garden tour, experts available to answer all your questions, monarch-themed merchandise, and activities for the kids. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated. duluthmonarchbuddies.org

SHENANDOAH “REVIVAL TOUR”

June 14, Friday Calling all country music lovers— Shenandoah is coming to Two Harbors on Friday, June 14. Fueled by Marty Raybon’s distinctive vocals and the band’s skilled musicianship, Shenandoah became well known for delivering such hits as “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” and “Next to You, Next to Me,” and achingly beautiful classics, such as “I Want to Be Loved Like That,” and the Grammy-winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” duet with Alison Krauss. The boys will perform their Revival Tour from 6-10 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) at the Lake County Fairgrounds, with Rafe Carlson as the opening act. General admission tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. lovinlakecounty.com

at Superior National Golf Course. | SUBMITTED

PRIDE CELEBRATION

June 15, Saturday Presented by the Cook County Pride Committee, the annual Pride Celebration in Grand Marais will feature a variety of family-friendly events throughout the day, all in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy free yoga with Carly Puch in Harbor Park at 9 a.m. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., meet at the Hub for community crafts and sign making, followed by a drag queen story hour at 11 a.m. and a presentation from OutFront MN at noon. Then, head to Harbor Park for a free oula dance class and live music from 3-4 p.m., followed by a pride rally and march at 4 p.m., and a free dinner and social hour from 5-8 p.m. Other activities include an author talk at Drury Lane Books from 6-7:30 p.m. and a DJ dance party at the Raven’s Nest (upstairs Gunflint Tavern) from 9:30-11:30 p.m. cookcountypride.org

THUNDER BAY MINING DAY

June 15, Saturday Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Marina Park, the ninth annual Thunder Bay Mining Day, offers fun for the whole family with games and prizes for kids, career information for big kids, and education for all. There will be gold panning, lots of exhibitors, metal detectors, interactive displays, rocks, large mining equipment, and more. There will also be a geologist on hand to answer questions, and food will be provided by Women in Mining BBQ, with proceeds going towards their mining scholarship. Mining Day is held rain or shine, and admission is free. thunderbayminingday.com

GRANDMA’S MARATHON WEEKEND

June 20-22 Tie up your shoelaces for the annual Grandma’s Marathon race, held on Saturday, June 22. Totaling 26.2 miles, the race will start at 7:45 a.m. in Two Harbors and end in Canal Park in Duluth. The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (13.1 miles) will also take place on Saturday, and the William A. Irvin 5k and youth Whipper Snapper races (free: ages 14 and under) will take place on Friday. Other weekend events include the traditional Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner at the Decc from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, the YAF Festival for Kids from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Bayfront Festival Park on Friday, and the Essentia Health Fitness Expo at the Decc June 20-21. View over 100 booths showcasing the latest products, services, and technology in the athletic industry. The expo will run from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday. Admission is free; open to everyone. Grandma’s Marathon weekend will also include live music Friday and Saturday with the Rock the Bayfront Celebration in Bayfront Festival Park. This year’s lineup includes The Reckoning, PopRocks, Chris Kroeze, Sydney Hansen, Boxcar, Rock-a-Billy Revue, and more. grandmasmarathon.com

Betsy Bowen

Studio & Gallery

301 First Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 218-387-1992

Open Daily 11 am-5 pm

Shop online for books, cards, and prints

June 21-22 Held at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, the Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival features a bit of everything. There will be handmade and unique watercrafts on display, family drop-in crafts, a popup craft market, live music, tours of the campus and new building, the Make More Meaning Auction, a poetry slam, a community paddle/row/sail in the harbor, a community

contra dance, a Lions Club BBQ and ice cream social, family games and activities, workshops, guest speakers, craft demonstrations, and more. On Saturday, June 22, don’t miss the free Summer Solstice Pageant with the Good Harbor Hill Players, starting at 8 p.m. This family-friendly presentation features larger-than-life handmade paper mâché puppets and live music. northhouse.org

HIGH NOON 24-HOUR TRAIL RACE & RELAY

Jun 22-23 The third annual High Noon 24-Hour Trail Race and Relay will take place at the Kamview Nordic Centre in Thunder Bay. The goal is simple: challenge yourself to cover as much distance as you can in 24 hours. Your final distance is up to you. Run, walk, or crawl. This is your race and a chance to test your true grit in a welcoming and fun place. Starting at 9 a.m., choose between the solo category, four-person or eight-person relay. Then, follow a 3.38km loop on cross country trails with rewarding views. Portions of the course will be unlit, so when the sun sets, have your headlamp ready. If you’re age 15 and under, you can participate in the four-hour solo race, held from 1-5 p.m. Participants will enjoy a complimentary breakfast at 9:05 a.m. on Sunday, followed by an awards ceremony. Registration required. upriverrunning.com

SUMMER SOLSTICE & WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL

| TBAY ALIVE

LUTSEN 99ER RACES

June 29, Saturday Held at the Superior National Golf Course, the annual Lutsen 99er is an ultra-marathon mountain biking event in Lutsen. Riders can choose between four distances: a 29-mile, 45-mile, 69-mile, or 99-mile race. The course consists of snowmobile and ski trails, Forest Service roads, and a bit of pavement and single-track. The first race will start at 7:30 a.m. and an afterparty with live music will start at 4:30 p.m. at Caribou Highlands, followed by an awards ceremony. For those not racing, Fika Coffee is hosting a watch party. And don’t miss the festivities on Friday, June 28, at Superior National, including live music, food and drinks, and the Little Niners races at 5:30 p.m. (registration required). lutsen99er.com

CHUM SUPER RHUBARB FESTIVAL

June 29, Saturday The 50th annual Chum Super Rhubarb Festival in Duluth is fun for all ages. This free event, held at the Stella Maris Academy, offers your favorites like rhubarb brats, pies, crisps, and sweet treats. Alongside the food will be live music, arts and crafts, booths, kids’ activities, games, and more. Rhubarbara the mascot will also make an appearance, challenging some of the local mascots to a foot race. The festival will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. facebook.com/chumduluth

PARK POINT ART FAIR

June 29-30 An iconic community event, enjoy a free weekend of original arts and crafts in a stunning setting near Lake Superior in Duluth. Held at Park Point Recreation Area, the 52nd annual Park Point Art Fair will feature over 110 juried artists from the Midwest region displaying and selling fine art and crafts, including photography, ceramics, prints, paintings, metal, glass and wood sculptures, jewelry, fiber, and more. There will also be live music, food trucks, beer tastings, art making activities for kids, and demonstrations. The event takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. parkpointartfair.org

2 – 3 pm

June 16 – Teresa Marrone Dehydrating camp food

June 23 – Lee Frelich

Future of the Boreal Forest

June 30 – Dr. Seth Moore Indigenous Co-Stewardship of Moose Events can be found at www.GunflintHistory.org/calendar

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru June 2

Peter and the Star Catcher Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Thru June 16

Kim Gordon Exhibition Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Sam Ash: People of the Eyes (Reception May 31 at 7 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Sarah Link: River Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Ziigwan: New Acquisitions to the Permanent Collection Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru June 29

Paddling Film Festival World Tour 6 p.m. Ely’s Historic State Theater, ely.org

Thru Aug. 10

From Where They Came: Portraits from Ukraine by Katherine Turczan Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, tweed.d.umn.edu

John Hitchcock: Blanket Song Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, tweed.d.umn.edu

The Company of Trees Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, tweed.d.umn.edu

Thru Aug. 31

Summer Exhibition: Embodying the North Shore Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Thru Sept. 9

Ukrainian Matrix Exhibit Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com

Thru Oct. 6

Indian Day Schools in Canada: An Introduction Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com

May 29-June 1

Sleuth 7 p.m. Cambrian Players, Thunder Bay, cambrianplayers.eventbrite.com

May 31-June 2

Northern Landscapes Festival North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

May 31-Sept. 3

After the Burn Exhibition: Matt Kania (Reception June 6 at 6 p.m.) Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org

June 1, Saturday

Walk for Animals 9 a.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, animalallies.net

Rock Talk on the Beach 10 a.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

WTRCAT Trail Cleanup & Education Day 10 a.m. Prince Arthurs Landing, Thunder Bay, thunderbaywaterfronttrail.com

Ruck Life 11 a.m. Mont Du Lac Resort, Superior, 23rdveteran.org

Spring Wildflower Walk 11 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Artist Demo: Nancy Scheibe 1 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery & Gift, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

Meet the Weasels! 1 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche Atomic Lodge Open House 1 p.m. Atomic Lodge, Ely, ely.org

Chasing Waterfalls Tour 1:30 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

June 1-29

Sarah Seidelmann: Making Love Visible (Reception June 1 at 1 p.m.) Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

June 1-30

The Group of Stephen (Reception June 7 at 7 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Musings: Adam McCauley & Sue Rauschenfels (Reception June 13 at 4 p.m.) Lizzards Art Gallery, Duluth, lizzards.com

Artist of the Month: Travis Novitsky (Reception June 15 at 10 a.m.) Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

June 1-Oct. 31

The Seeker Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

June 2, Sunday

Skulls Nature Cart 10 a.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

Primitive Fire Starting 1 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

Popcorn, Pretzels, & a Pint Fundraiser 2 p.m. Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

June 4, Tuesday

Bears in the Yard! Nature Cart 1 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Jimbo’s Drag Circus World Tour 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

June 5-8

Chicago the Musical 7:30 p.m. Trinity Hall Theatre, Thunder Bay, applauzeproductions.com

June 6, Thursday



Unplugged Vibes: Tommy Wotruba 6 p.m. Raven Rock Grill, Devil Track Lake, facebook.com/skyportlodge

The Macgillivray Pipe Band 7 p.m. Bethammi Nursing Home, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/themacgillivraypipeband

June 6-9

Cirque Italia Water Circus Miller Hill Mall, Duluth, visitduluth.com

June 7, Friday

A Welcome Nuisance 11:30 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Scott Stowell Book Signing: Back Road Grace 1 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery & Gift, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

Legacy of Lava 2:30 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Two Harbors, lovinlakecounty.com

June 7-8

Duluth-stämman: Nordic Folk Music & Dance Festival UMD and Chester Bowl, Duluth, nordiccenterofduluth.org

Minnesota Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic 5:30 a.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

June 7-9

The Last Five Years 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

June 7-30

Artist of the Month: Laura Ahola-Young (Reception June 7 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

June 8, Saturday

Free Parks Day Minnesota State Parks, mndnr.gov/freeparkdays

Community Rummage Sale 8 a.m. Two Harbors, lovinlakecounty.com

Gunflint Clean Up & Celebration 9 a.m. Schapp Community Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflintcleanup.wordpress.com

Demonstration: Realism to Abstraction 10 a.m. Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Pollinator Marketplace 10 a.m. Coppertop Church, Duluth, duluthmonarchbuddies.org

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

Falcons, Live! 10 a.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

Author Meet & Greet: Tove Conway & Kari Vick: Northern Sights 11 a.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Artist Demo 1 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery & Gift, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

Falcons, Live! 2:30 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Author Talk: Sam & Travis Zimmerman: How the Birds Got Their Songs 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

June 8-9

Quilts at the Village 10 a.m. (11 a.m. Sun.) Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park, Slate River Valley, canadapaulabrasil.ca

June 9, Sunday

Kite Festival 11 a.m. Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/kitefestival

Trans Joy Fest 11 a.m. Park Point Rec Area, Duluth, facebook.com/transnorthland

June 10-Aug. 30

Maya Washington Exhibition (Reception June 8) Aicho Galleries, Duluth, facebook.com/aichogalleries

June 11, Tuesday

Landowner Meeting 10 a.m. Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland, northshoreforest.org

Hunger Hero Golf Scramble 4:30 p.m. Gunflint Hills Golf Course, Grand Marais, northshorefcu.org

June 12, Wednesday

Arrowhead Cooperative Annual Meeting 3 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, arrowheadcoop.com

Artist Talk: No Need to Fear Color 5 p.m. Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

June 13, Thursday

Oskar’s Voyage Book Discussion: Laura Purdie Salas & Kayla Harren 11 a.m. Lake Superior Maritime Museum, Duluth, lakesuperiorwriters.org

Wild Wild West Fundraising Dinner 5 p.m. Miners Dry House, Ely, northwoodspartners.org

The Macgillivray Pipe Band 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Pioneer Ridge, facebook.com/themacgillivraypipeband

June 13-15

The Minnesota Quilt Show 8:30 a.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

June 14, Friday

Bears in the Yard! Nature Cart 10:30 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Lutsen Block Party 5 p.m. Downtown Lutsen

Shenandoah “Revival Tour” 6 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds, Two Harbors, lovinlakecounty.com

La Boheme 7 p.m. UMD: Marshall Performing Arts Center, Duluth, loonopera.org

Frequency Rising 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

| DENIS BRESOLIN

June 14-15

Park Point Rummage Sale 8 a.m. Park Point, Duluth, parkpointcommunityclub.org

June 14-16

Peter Mitchell Fun Days Babbitt, Facebook: Peter Mitchell Fun Days

June 14-Sept. 15

How To Write a Poem: Rhyme, Rhythm, & Repetition in the Permanent Collection (Reception June 22) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

June 15, Saturday

VendorFest Markets 8 a.m. CLE Heritage Building, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Pride Celebration 9 a.m. Downtown Grand Marais, cookcountypride.org

Thunder Bay Mining Day 10 a.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbayminingday.com

Walk to End ALS 10 a.m. Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Thunder Bay Pride Parade 11 a.m. Hillcrest Park, Thunder Bay, thunderpride.ca

“Cars & Cocktails” Car Show Noon, Up Yonder, Grand Marais, upyonderon61.com

Thunder Bay Pride Festival Noon, Waverly Park, Thunder Bay, thunderpride.ca

Artist Demo: Pamela J. Davis 1 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery & Gift, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

Author Talk: Brian Malloy: After Francesco

6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Free Live Music: Gene LaFond & Amy Grillo 7 p.m. Tettegouche State Park Amphitheater, Silver Bay, lovinlakecounty.com

June 15-16

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

June 16, Sunday

Father’s Day

Teresa Marrone: Dehydrate & Pack Your Own Pack Meals 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

La Boheme 3 p.m. UMD: Marshall Performing Arts Center, Duluth, loonopera.org

Sara Evans with Tigirlily Gold: Unbroke Tour 6:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

June 17, Monday

ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. McQuade Small Craft Harbor, Duluth, alslib.info/bookmobile

June 17-30

James Ellis Exhibition: Past & Present Ely’s Historic State Theater, northernlakesarts.org

June 18, Tuesday

Give Words: A Poem of Sublime Proportion Noon, Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

June 19, Wednesday

Juneteenth Day

Evening Bingo 4 p.m. Two Harbors Community Center, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

June 20, Thursday

Summer Solstice

Coffee & Conversation 1 p.m. Two Harbors Community Center, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

Author Talk: Travis Novitsky: Spirits Dancing 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Game Night 6:30 p.m. Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance 25th

Anniversary Tour 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

The Macgillivray Pipe Band 7 p.m. Southbridge Pinewood, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/themacgillivraypipeband

June 20-21

Essentia Health Fitness Expo 4 p.m. (10 a.m. Fri.) Decc, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

June 20-30

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

June 21, Friday

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

5:30 a.m. Anemki Wajiw, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/nadtbay

Science on Deck 11 a.m. Pier B, Duluth, visitduluth.com

Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner 11 a.m. Decc, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

YAF Festival for Kids & Kids Whipper Snapper Races 11 a.m. (Races at 2 p.m.) Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

William A. Irvin 5k 6 p.m. Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

Full Moon Reading: Danny Klecko: A Bakeable Feast 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

June 21-22

Summer Solstice & Wooden Boat Festival North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Rock the Bayfront Festival Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

June 21-23

SheRides: Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic Lutsen, superiorcycling.org

Geraldton Walleye Classic Geraldton, Ontario, gcfi.net

June 21-July 14

Karen Owsley Nease Exhibition (Reception June 21 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

June 21-Sept. 15

Jim Oskineegish: Keep Yourself Alive (Reception June 22) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca LOoooNLOOONLOONN: Owls, Loons & Birds: Norval Morrisseau (Reception June 22) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

June 22, Saturday

Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon 6 a.m. Scenic Hwy 61 to Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com Grandma’s Marathon 7:45 a.m. Two Harbors to Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

Beermosas, Shopping & Donuts 8 a.m. Hoops Brewing, Duluth, facebook.com/hoopsbrewingco

Electronic Recycling Collection 9 a.m. Grand Marais Recycling Center, retrofitcompanies.com

Demonstration: Woodcut Printmaking 10 a.m. Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Best Ball Charity Golf Tournament 10 a.m. Agusabon Golf Course, Terrace Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Artist Demo: Nancy Ensley 1 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery & Gift, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

Invasive Species Brewery Event: Purple Loosestrife Edition 2 p.m.

Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcountyinvasives

Summer Solstice Pageant 8 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Jun 22-23

High Noon: 24Hr Trail Race & Relay 9 a.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, upriverrunning.com

Finding Nemo Kids 1 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com

June 23, Sunday

Dorothy Day: Open House Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

Taste of the Trail Picnic Adventure 11:30 a.m. Gunflint Trail, northshorehealthcarefoundation.org

Waverley Park 150th Anniversary Celebration 1 p.m. Waverley Park, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Lee Frelich: The Future of the Boreal Forest 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

June 26, Wednesday

Lunch & Learn: Elder Abuse Noon, Cook County Higher Education or Zoom, Grand Marais, mycche.org

The Macgillivray Pipe Band 7 p.m. Chartwell Glacier Ridge Retirement Residence, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/themacgillivraypipeband

June 27, Thursday

Character Creation Camp Final Presentation Noon, Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

The Macgillivray Pipe Band 6:45 p.m. Hogarth Riverview Manor, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/themacgillivraypipeband

Ely Area Photographic Collaborative 7:30 p.m. Ely Folk School, ely.org

June 28, Friday

Little Niners Race 5:30 p.m. Superior National Golf, Lutsen, lutsen99er.com

June 28-29

Ride the Shore Silver Bay, mnatvriders.com

June 29, Saturday

Lutsen 99er Races 7:30 a.m. Superior National Golf Course, Lutsen, lutsen99er.com

Chum Super Rhubarb Festival 9 a.m. Stella Maris Academy, Duluth, facebook.com/chumduluth

Artist Talk: Regan Golden-McNerney & Jeremy Lundquist 10 a.m. Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Free Open House 10 a.m. Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland, wolf-ridge.org

Artist Demo 1 p.m. Art & Soul Gallery & Gift, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

Poetry Night: Queer Showcase 5 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

June 29-30

MWCA Duluth Gun Show 9 a.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Park Point Art Fair 10 a.m. Park Point Recreation Area, Duluth, parkpointartfair.org

June 29-July 6

Rock the Park Music Whiteside Park, Ely, ely.org

June 30, Sunday

Dr. Seth Moore: Indigenous Co-Stewardship of Moose 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

July 1, Monday

Canada

Day

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

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays

Thunder Bay Police Pipe Band 7:30 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Tuesdays

Hillside Farmers Market (Starts June 11) 2 p.m. 503 E. 3rd St., Duluth, communityactionduluth.org

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

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

Wednesdays

Weekly Game Day for Adults 1 p.m.

Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

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

USDA Forest Service Nature Talks (Starts June 19) 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m.

CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Beer Garden at Glensheen 5 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.org

Colvill Dance Practice & Lessons 7 p.m. Colvill Town Hall: 2963 Hwy 61

Thursdays

Lincoln Park Farmers Market (Starts June 13) 3 p.m. Harrison Community Center, Duluth, communityactionduluth.org

Grand Marais Farmers Market (Starts June 20) 4:30 p.m. Community Center Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmaraisfarmersmarket

Finland Farmers Market (Starts June 13) 5 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com

Bingo Night 5:30 p.m. Poplar Haus, Gunflint Trail, poplarhaus.com

Date Night with Live Music 6:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Fridays

Renegade Late Night Improv 10 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Saturdays

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

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

Cook County Market 10 a.m.

The Hub Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ccfarmandcraft

Two Harbors Farmers Market 10 a.m. 320 7th Ave., Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborsfarmersmarket

Thunder Bay Farmers’ Market (Thru June 15) 10 a.m. North End Recreation Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/t.bay.farmersmarket

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

Music in the Park (Starts June 18) 6:30 p.m. Chester Park, Duluth, chesterbowl.org

Sundays

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

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

Weekend Wine Down 3:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

TRAIL TASTE OF THE TRAIL PICNIC ADVENTURE PICNIC ADVENTURE

Navigate the beautiful Gunflint Trail on a scenic and tasty adventure, collecting multiple courses from iconic Trail venues, complete your passport and enjoy live music at the final destination to raise funds for the North Shore Health Care Foundation. We're proud to host this flexible adventure which benefits our health and emergency services in Cook County - make it take out, picnic along the way or join others at the the Gunflint Lodge (the final destination) to enjoy your meal, prize draws and live music from Sheriff Pat Eliasen.

Start at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais, or at the Schaap Community Center/Mid-Trail Fire Hall (11:30 start time), where you'll pick up your picnic adventure bag and passport, make your way at your own pace to each food stop, ending at the Gunflint Lodge by 4 pm. Get out and explore, enjoy delicious food and support health and emergency services in Cook County! We are there for them, so they can be there for you!

The North Shore Dish Legacy of Taste and Tradition

By Virginia George

Legacy is an interesting thing. As individuals, our legacy is the influence we hope to leave behind when we are gone. The love and wisdom we shared, the choices we made, and the way the world was changed because of our presence in it.

For a business, legacy can mean something a little different. Perhaps, the reliability and stability of a restaurant within its community, creating a consistent space to meet and gather and dine with those we love. Businesses also leave a financial impact by providing employment and sometimes changing the face of a community.

Legacy. Tradition. These things mean something to us as humans. Grandma’s Saloon and Grill has forever changed the landscape of Canal Park, and has continued to be a part of family traditions and stable employment for almost five decades. Dorothy Molter was an individual whose interactions with the world around her left people with a sense of care, and a pretty solid root beer, and whose legacy continues today.

Grandma’s Saloon and Grill, Duluth

Few restaurants in the region have the legacy that Grandma’s has, and the origin story of Grandma’s Saloon and Grill is fascinating. In 1976, acquiring a liquor license meant purchasing it from another business, so the Sand Bar sold to Mick Paulucci and Andy Borg, and their vision for Grandma’s Saloon and Grill gained traction. The restaurant was officially opened in February 1976 in the same building that Rosa “Grandma” Brochi operated out of from 1869 until she returned to Europe in 1944. Grandma dealt in other forms of customer service, but her hard-working demeanor and smart business practices became legendary, and her cheeky, hard-working ethic became a foundation of Grandma’s Saloon and Grill.

At the time, Canal Park was a junkyard and warehouse district that brought little appeal to foot traffic, far from the bustling mecca of tourism it is today, but it didn’t take long until the restaurant was gaining attention and turning away hundreds of customers per day. Over the years, Grandma’s has constantly adapted in order to find their niche, including opening and closing stores in the Twin Cities and Carolinas. (Apparently the wild rice we adore did not go over so well in the low country of the Carolinas.)

Borg and Paulucci began in the antique business, and if you really want a glimpse of North Shore legacy, all you need to do is walk through Grandma’s. The restaurant is decorated with vintage tools, trinkets, stained glass, neon signs, and salvaged tin

signs from northern Minnesota junkyards. It is an eclectic décor that keeps your eyes and your mind continually intrigued.

As for the menu, Grandma’s Saloon and Grill has always had an interest in unique and delicious cuisine. Today, you will find

| VIRGINIA GEORGE

You may also be familiar with Grandma’s name via the 10th largest marathon in the United States: Grandma’s Marathon. Interestingly, the marathon’s first year was 1977, just a year after Grandma’s Saloon and Grill opened. Grandma’s was the only business willing to sponsor the Grandma’s Saloon in Duluth is filled with antiques and vintage neon signs, and their menu offers delicious cuisine. Shown here is the Rosa ‘N Reuben, an original Grandma’s sandwich, with some original stained glass in the background.

several of the original menu items still offered, like the Tricycle Burger or the Rosa ‘N Reuben. A Minnesota-born restaurant, Grandma’s has found a variety of ways to include wild rice (or swamp grass, to the Carolinians). From stuffed wild rice mushrooms to wild chicken salad (complete with cranberry wild rice toast) and Grandma’s wild rice burger, Grandma’s Saloon and Grill has found interesting and delicious ways to incorporate our beloved manoomin into their cuisine.

skihillcabins.com

When Wednesday, June 12th

Registration starts 3 p.m.

Bring the registration coupon from your annual report to receive a $10 credit on your electric bill and to register for door prizes.

Reception 3-4 p.m.

Meeting Call to Order 4 p.m.

This a great opportunity to learn about the Cooperative’s plans for 2024 and to ask questions for the board and management.

Where Arrowhead Center for the Arts

event, which thus bore its name. You will find nods to the marathon within the walls of the restaurant, but after the race outgrew what the managers of the restaurant could support, it was turned over fully to the race’s founder and the nonprofit that accompanied it. Currently, the marathon and affiliated races draws 18,000 runners to the Twin Ports from all 50 states and as many as 44 countries.

The Root Beer Lady, Ely

While we’re talking about legacy, let’s take a slight diversion from our normal format, and talk about Dorothy Molter, “The Root Beer Lady.” For 56 years, Molter lived an isolated life on the Isle of Pines in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. She moved to the Boundary Waters in 1930 and became the owner of the Isle of Pines Fishing Camp in 1948. Of course, it was not the BWCAW as we know it now, but its pristine waterways and clear rivers have not changed much.

In 1964 the BWCAW was made part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and Dorothy was told to leave. A tenacious woman who refused to leave the home she loved, in 1978 Molter was finally granted permission to remain at the Isle of Pines until her eventual death in December of 1986. Molter was a registered nurse, but is best known for her expertise in making root beer.

Dorothy became well-known among travelers in the Boundary Waters, and many paddlers made their way to her every year. Some came to Dorothy for aid in bandaging up their wounds, making splints for broken bones, and once, saving the lives of a father and son who were struck by lightning in a sudden storm. Still others came to buy her root beer. Dorothy made root beer out of the pristine waters of Knife Lake, and chilled it with ice she cut from the lake in the winter. Dorothy brewed and sold as many as 12,000 bottles of root beer annually, and in order to get the supplies

for her root beer, traversed more than 15 miles of water and land, all by herself.

After Molter lived out her life in the Isle of Pines, the cabins from were removed from the BWCAW and placed in Ely, where you can visit the Dorothy Molter Museum and learn more about a woman who truly left a legacy. The museum holds monthly open houses in the summertime, and offers classes to make your own jug of Dorothy’s Isle of Pines Root Beer.

Dorothy’s Isle of Pines Root Beer is available in select restaurants and grocery stores around Minnesota, so you don’t have to travel across the pristine waterways of the Boundary Waters in order to try some for yourself. Potential product availability and class schedules are on the Dorothy Molter Museum website, where you can donate to the museum and even become a member. But even if you had to paddle out to the Isle of Pines for a cold, refreshing drink, Dorothy would just tell you to Kwitchurbeliakin.

Grandma’s Saloon and Grill and Dorothy Molter do not have a lot in common at face value, but as we celebrate Northern Wilds’ 20th anniversary this month, I am reminded that legacy and tradition have a variety of meaning. Grandma’s has provided employment, entertainment, full bellies, and took a chance on a little race that has become a worldwide name. And Dorothy Molter, Minnesota’s own Root Beer Lady, had the courage to live her life the way she wanted, to willingly and freely provide care to those who did not have access to it, and she left us a darn good drink to boot.

Happy Anniversary, Northern Wilds, and cheers to 20 more!

Dorothy Molter’s Isle of Pines Root Beer is available in select restaurants and grocery stores around Minnesota. Or visit the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely to learn how to make your own root beer. | VIRGINIA GEORGE

Circadian Rhythm Keeping Your Inner Clocks on Time

By Hartley Newell-Acero

“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” —Steve Martin

…and so, a night without darkness must be like, you know, day? If this strikes you as both goofy and confusing, spare a moment to pity your circadian rhythm. Its job is to keep your internal clocks running smoothly. Often, though, its efforts are disrupted by mixed-up signals.

Most living things, including humans, have circadian rhythms. They’re like builtin clocks that help us adjust to changes in our surroundings and stay in sync with the Earth’s 24-hour cycle. These rhythms don’t just control when we sleep and wake; they also affect things like hormone levels, digestion, body temperature, immune system function, metabolism, and how well we think.

Imagine you have an internal timekeeper that makes adjustments to these clocks based on cues that it receives from your environment. The two most powerful cues are the amount of light and darkness to which you’re exposed. Others include the timing of meals and exercise, social interactions, daily routines, and stress.

When our internal clocks are out of sync with our daily lives, it can cause serious problems:

Fatigue and Sleep Problems: Off-kilter circadian rhythms can mean days with low energy and fogginess and nights with difficulty falling or staying asleep. If frequent enough, this misalignment can contribute to the development of insomnia.

Performance Issues, Accidents, and Errors: Sleep deprivation can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty focusing,

memory issues, or difficulty with tasks that require precision (like driving or doing other work that requires attention to detail).

Emotional and Social Difficulties: Being chronically tired makes it more difficult to regulate your emotions and manage stress, and can lead to mental health issues and relationship conflict.

Health Problems: A wide range of health problems can be linked to circadian rhythms that are out-of-sync, including obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Fortunately, there’s much you can do to help your Timekeeper keep your internal clocks in rhythm:

Make sure your night is sufficiently dark: Keep your sleeping area as dark as possible. This helps your brain produce melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy. Sleep masks can help block light that you can’t eliminate. Motion-activated night lights provide soft lighting only where and when you need it.

Get plenty of bright light during the day: When light comes into your eyes, it tells your brain, “It’s daytime. Stop producing melatonin!” Switch off melatonin production by going for a morning walk and being in bright light during the day. Pull back the drapes, open the shades, and let the sunshine in.

Avoid long naps late in the day: They can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. If you must nap, make it earlier in the day, and set an alarm so that you “power nap” for no more than 15-20 minutes.

Get physical activity during the day: Our bodies rest better at night when they have something to rest up from. If you’re just getting started, check in with your healthcare

provider and be gentle with yourself. Remember: something is better than nothing. You don’t have to go all out to benefit from movement.

Stick to a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine: Changing schedules and routines throws the Timekeeper off rhythm. Getting up and going to bed at about the same time every day, and sticking to a predictable routine, helps keep it synced up.

Minimize the impact of electronics: It’s common for people to use electronic devices before bed (TV, smart phone, tablet, e-reader, game consoles, etc.). While research indicates that the blue light they emit isn’t as problematic as once thought, using elec tronics can still harm sleep. Be sure to turn

off notifications, choose content that’s calming and positive, and shut them down at a time that lets you get plenty of rest.

Be careful about caffeine, and skip the nightcap: Different people clear caffeine from their system at different rates. Limiting it to the morning, or cutting it out altogether, may help you sleep better at night. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain activity. Drinking may cause you to feel sleepy initially, but later on in the night, it disrupts the sleep cycle and causes poor sleep quality.

Our modern world is “always on,” but humans aren’t built for that. We’re creatures

Prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. Prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species.

 Drain Your Water Drain all water from boat, live wells & bait buckets. Pull the plug.

 Clean Your Rig Remove plants, water and mud from boats, trailier and gear.

 Dispose Unwanted bait

become invasive. Dispose of unused bait properly.

Northern Trails Always Wear a Personal Flotation Device

By Gord Ellis

The morning fish had been slow, and the early afternoon wasn’t going much better. So, my father, Gordon Sr., my eldest son Devin and I made the decision to pull the pin. Our total travel time across the lake would be a half an hour or less—or so we thought.

As we headed towards the launch, I noticed something far off in the water. At first, I thought it was a deer swimming. Then, it dawned on me what I was actually seeing. Someone was waving their hand above the water to get our attention. My heart sunk.

Moments later, we found three men clinging to a 12-foot boat. One man was able to speak, the other two were not. They’d all been in the water for at least an hour and hypothermia had set in. The next couple hours were among the scariest I’ve ever experienced. My dad, son and I had to get the three large men out of the water, warmed up, and comfortable enough for a slow boat ride. We then had to get them back to safety across 7 miles of big water in a badly overloaded craft.

The story had a happy ending as we were able to call for ambulances to meet us, but it could have easily gone the other way. None of the three men had been wearing life jackets. There had been one small life jacket tied to a rope that was attached to the boat. I shudder to think what would have happened had we not seen them. That incident 13 years ago reinforced what I’ve believed for decades: Wearing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) in a boat is the easiest way to avoid a needlessly tragic incident on the water.

I haven’t always felt this way about life jackets. For many years, I rarely, if ever, wore a PFD while in a boat. When I look back at early fishing pictures, there is rarely a life jacket in sight. My buddies and I each had a “flotation cushion” as our life jacket, not that it would have done much had we capsized. There were times I did wear a PFD, mainly on Lake Superior, where a floater jacket would keep you warm. But for the most part, a PFD was not worn, even in relatively risky situations like early season trout fishing in a canoe. The fact that I’m not a great swimmer and I don’t float didn’t stop me from going life jacket free.

The transformation from sitting on the PFD to wearing it was a subtle thing. The

main trigger was the arrival of children.

The kids had to have them on, so I wore one too. There was no way I was going to risk a drowning. I needed to be both an example, and able to help them if the boat did go over. On family outings, we all wore life jackets all the time. My wife, a trained lifeguard, had been urging me for years to wear a PFD in the boat. Yet it took having children for the eureka moment to happen.

Thirty plus years later, I wear a PFD at all times when I’m in a boat or canoe. The good news is that PFD’s have become more comfortable than ever. Wearing a bulky keyhole life jacket is not the greatest if you are actively fishing, and it can get in the way. Thankfully, there are many better options. The standard life jacket is now softer, lighter, and better fitting than the old ones were. The variety of PFD’s available is breathtaking, and most are quite affordable.

My go to PFD these days is an auto inflating model that will deploy as soon as you hit the water. The thing is basically two fat

straps that go over either side of the chest and rests partially on the upper back. It snaps across the front and can be snugged up or loosened depending on clothing. The active ingredient is a cylinder of compressed gas connected to a firing pin. This pin is engaged when the mechanism is immersed in water. If this mechanism does not fire automatically after immersion, the user can pull the manual inflation lanyard to activate the firing pin. There are also “manual only” versions of these inflatable life jackets that require pulling a rip cord for inflation. This is better than wearing nothing, but it won’t work if you are unable to pull it due to being knocked out or disoriented by shock. That’s why my preference is the automatic version. The auto-inflaters can be a bit pricey, but are still less money than a high-end rod and reel combination. Keep in mind, a nice fishing rod can’t save your life.

Why certain people still don’t or won’t wear a PFD has been the centre of much discussion among health and enforcement

agencies. Sadly, there’s a certain segment of the population that will not wear a life jacket, no matter what. A conservation officer friend of mine says that only about 30 percent of anglers he checks every season have a PFD on. That’s a frighteningly low number. He says women are only slightly more willing to wear one compared to men. It’s not exactly a scientific sample, but my observations on the water are much the same. I often see families fishing where the adults have no PFD’s on and the kids do.

At present, the law requires a boat in Ontario to have a PFD for each occupant. It does not require you to wear it. At this point, there is no reason to think that law will change, although I think a good case can be made for implementing one. Every time I hear of a drowning, and the news reader ends the story with “the victim was not wearing a life jacket,” I think of how different it might have been if they had one on. Please have a safe summer on the water, and please consider wearing your PFD.

You should always wear a life jacket, or Personal Floatation Device, when you’re in a boat, regardless of your age—it could save your life if an accident occurs. | GORD ELLIS

NORTHERN SKY

JUNE 2024 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

Spring gives way to summer this month. The surest sign is the spring constellation Leo, the lion, tipping down in the southwest, as if the lion is completing a pounce as it heads toward the western horizon.

High in the south blazes Arcturus, the brilliant orb in the constellation Bootes, the herdsman. When it’s this high, it’s easiest to see the shape of the constellation, which looks like a kite. Below Arcturus, Spica dominates the large but dim constellation Virgo, the maiden.

Far to the south, Scorpius seems to scrape the horizon. The scorpion’s heart is the reddish star Antares. If it’s hard to find, the moon will be close to Antares on the 19th.

In the east, the large Summer Triangle of bright stars has cleared the horizon and is gaining altitude. Its three “corner” stars are Vega, in the constellation Lyra, the lyre; Deneb, the tail of Cygnus,

the swan; and, lowest of the three, Altair, in Aquila, the eagle. Vega is almost as bright as Arcturus, the brightest star in the northern hemisphere of sky.

Jupiter slips into the morning sky in the last few days of the month, joining Saturn and Mars. Look for the giant planet close above the northeastern horizon, below the Pleiades star cluster, as dawn starts to break. Mars appears as a tiny reddish dot higher in the east, and Saturn a still higher and slightly brighter dot in the southeast. The three planets fall in an almost straight diagonal line. The waning moon visits Saturn on the 27th, following a course that will take it “over the heads” of Mars and Jupiter in early July.

The summer solstice arrives on the 20th, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The night of the 21st, June’s full moon traces a low arc across the night sky.

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

WHY GO : If you’re looking for a fun little adventure without the exertion of long paddles and portages in the Boundary Waters, Northern Light Lake just might be the ticket. It requires a fairly short paddle down the Brule River to reach the lake, where you’ll discover an undeveloped, unspoiled lake with good fishing just off the Gunflint Trail.

ACCESS: The lake lies 14 miles up the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Hwy. 12) from Grand Marais. Just turn right into the gravel parking lot when you see the sign for the lake. There’s a shallow gravel boat launch suitable for small boats on the Brule River. From there, you’ll need to travel down the Brule River about 1.4 miles to reach the lake. Although a motor boat can reach the lake, a canoe is probably your best bet because the river is rocky and shallow, particularly in the summer.

VITALS: Northern Light Lake has an interesting layout. There’s a marshy delta where the Brule River flows into the lake. Weave your way through it and you’ll discover a shallow, marshy lake spanning 378 acres, with a maximum depth of 7.5 feet. There’s no development on the lake and no accommodations.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: ern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed sunfish.

NORTHERN PIKE:

low, weedy layout it perfectly suited to north ern pike. The fish are abundant here and they grow large. The latest DNR survey turned up fish up to 38 inches, with five fish topping the 30-inch mark. Expect to catch a lot of pike in this lake. In fact, a shallow-running crankbait or a spinner allowed to sink down a few feet would be an effective general pre sentation that would not only catch pike, but probably walleyes and smallmouths as well.

WALLEYE: find them in decent abundance here, and they tend to be of nice size. A majority of fish the last sur vey were 16 inches or larger, with the big gest taping out at over 24 inches. If you’re able to find them, they’re usually keepers.

NORTHERN

Dead Catch

A Sam Rivers Mystery

By Cary J. Griffith

Adventure Publications, 2024, $16.95

In this fourth novel in the series, Sam Rivers, a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, must solve a case concerning his childhood friend Holden Riggins, an expert outdoorsman and a known poacher. The story begins when two conservation officers find Holden nearly frozen to death in the bottom of his fishing boat, anchored beside an illegal walleye net. Twisted and tangled in another nearby net is the dead body of their missing colleague. After saving Holden from hypothermia, the suspected murderer will only talk to Sam. Filled with fast-paced action and suspense, Dead Catch is a gripping read for all mystery and wildlife lovers. —Breana Johnson

Forest Mamas & Babies

By Stan Tekiela

Adventure Publications, 2024, $9.95

Forest Mamas & Babies is part of a board book series titled Mamas and Babies. Naturalist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela introduces young kids to mamas and babies who live in or near forests, with the rest of the series exploring lakes, mountains, and prairies. The book covers 10 critters commonly found in forests across North America, including moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, gray wolves, red foxes, and porcupines. Little ones will enjoy learning fun facts about each critter, featured alongside colorful photographs of both the mama and baby. —Breana Johnson

The Northland Beckons

An Illustrated Haiku Journey

By Sandra Hisakuni

Beaver’s Pond Press, 2024, $22.95

LEARN ABOUT

Written by Sandra Hisakuni and illustrated by her daughter Sofia Hisakuni, The Northland Beckons will take you on a journey to the Boundary Waters, exploring nature and the animals who call the area home. Filled with haiku poetry, as well as author commentary and vibrant illustrations, Sandra and Sofia draw upon their extensive experience of living in Japan and camping through the canoe country of northern Minnesota and Canada. This beautifully written short book is both awe-inspiring and captivating, and is a great read for all ages. —Breana Johnson

Strange Tales

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Ontario’s Second Oldest Park: Waverley Park

By Elle AndraWarner

Have you ever been to an old-fashioned picnic in a beautiful park with a big band (Roy Coran’s Big Band, in this case) playing entertaining music from a band shell?

Well, on Sunday afternoon, June 23, you can experience some of that old nostalgia. Head to Waverley Park in Thunder Bay’s Old Town (Port Arthur) between 1-4 p.m. to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Waverley Park, the second oldest municipal park in Ontario.

Waverley Park was designated a parkland in 1871, just four years after Canada’s Confederation in 1867 created the Dominion of Canada, and 13 years before the pioneer town of Port Arthur was incorporated (now part of the city of Thunder Bay). At the time, the combined population with neighbouring Fort William was just above 500.

It could be said that the 5.2-acre parkland owes its existence to road construction that didn’t work out. According to the Waverley Park Heritage Conservation District Study (1986), Simon Dawson’s road construction crew in 1871, “had cut a road west along the present route of Waverley Street, but that horses pulling heavy loads would not be able to negotiate the hill. A second road was built along the alignment of the present Red River Road [formerly Arthur Street]. The dirt lot between Arthur and Waverley Street was designated as land to be used for park purposes by Ontario government.”

In the article Waverley Park: Park of the People (1984), Marlene Stirrett wrote, “In its very beginning, Waverley Park was just a large oval-shaped dirt lot located in the centre of the town of Port Arthur, then known as Prince Arthur’s Landing. Since then, it has become one of Thunder Bay’s most striking parks, owing to the stubborn will of the Port Arthur people. Through their persistence, the land was developed and became a place of restful beauty and a source of pride to all citizens.”

The parkland remained undeveloped for over a decade after its designation in 1871, until sports teams, like the Thunder Bay Cricket Club (1880), began using the park. Then there were times the business community lobbied to privatize the parkland, including letting a hotel company build at the park, or the time there was talk of building a city hall on the parkland site.

But the pushback from citizens forced the projects to be abandoned.

Though the ‘dirt lot’ was designated to be parkland in 1871, it wasn’t until 1906 that ownership was transferred from the Ontario government to the city, making Waverley Park a municipally owned property.

Moving forward to 2024, Waverley Park continues to be a restful place to relax. There’s also plenty of parkland for it to be a

in Thunder Bay, Waverley Park was designated a parkland in 1871. A big draw to the park is the 234-year-old Hogarth Fountain, built in England in 1790. The park’s 150th anniversary will take place Sunday, June 23 from 1-4 p.m. | SUBMITTED

gathering space for people, and be a hub for an eclectic mix of community activities.

“More and more the park is being used for everything from weddings to graduation ceremonies, to dance classes, to exercise, yoga, and Tai Chi,” said Keith Nymark, of the Coalition for Waverley Park, incorporated in 1995 as a coalition of groups and organizations wanting to prevent the site from being privatized. The Coalition and the Thunder Bay Musician’s Association hold a free concert series on Monday evenings in July and August showcasing local singers and musical groups.

A big draw to the park is the 234-yearold Hogarth Fountain, built in England in 1790. Originally it was a part of the Luton Hoo Mansion in the town of Hitchen, Herfordshire, England. Weighing 18,843 pounds, the fountain was transported across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the ship S. S. Francesca Sartori in four heavy wooden boxes to Thunder Bay, and was unveiled at Waverley Park on June 5, 1965. The water of the fountain pours from the mouths of lions mounted above leaves, which deflect the water away from the centre and out into the pond. Hogarth Fountain was donated to the city of Port Arthur in memory of Major General Donald McDonald Hogarth

And 110 years after Waverley Park was designated as a parkland, it became part of Canadian history when, during the 1981 Canada Games, the park hosted cultural events and became part of “Canada’s first full-length cultural program attached to the Canada Games,” Stirrett wrote. “The performances included music, dance, drama, visual art displays, and arts and crafts. Both local residents and the many visitors to the city during the Canada Games were delighted with the entertainment by the various cultures from across Canada, set within beautiful Waverley Park.”

By the way, you might be wondering why the 150th anniversary wasn’t celebrated in 2021. Due to the COVID pandemic at the time, the anniversary celebrations were rescheduled to 2024.

The 150th anniversary celebration is open to everyone. Join in with a picnic, food, live music, and good times held the old-fashioned way.

(1879-1950) by his wife Madge Hogarth.

Located

Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan

Gichi-onigamiing

Waagosh

Grand Portage Fox

By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman

I saw a  miikawaadad (beautiful)  waagosh (fox) a couple weeks ago when I was coming down Highway 61 zhaawanong (south of) Gichi-onigamiing (Grand Portage), but I couldn’t stop fast enough to take a picture. I asked my  niwiijiwaaganag (friends) to share any  waagosh  (fox) photos they had to help me capture this beautiful  manidoo (spirit). The flash of its fur against the  wiigwaasaatigoog (birch trees) and the new  ashkibagaa (green leaves) of  ziigwan (spring) was striking. It was like a dancing ishkode (fire) through the trees. I always zaagitoon (love, treasure it) when these little manidoog (spirits) appear and share their lives with me.

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

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GULL LAKE CABIN

HOMES & CABINS

boil. Imagine a gentle snowfall while you enjoy the wood-fired sauna. Located just 25 minutes away from Grand Marais.

MLS#6112870 $469,000

COZY LOG CABIN ON 83 ACRES

Come see this 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kit log cabin perched atop 83

HOMES & CABINS

OFF-GRID CABIN

doors, roof and much more. Attached screened porch with a nice west-facing view of the forest and sunsets.

MLS#6111180 $159,900

5+ ACRES KELLY’S HILL RD

A short 15 min drive from Grand Marais sits this beautiful 5+ acres!

TAIT LAKE PINES LOTS

Welcome to Tait Lake Pines! A private and peaceful location flecked with old growth white pine in Lutsen, MN. Complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views, finely maintained roads, year-round accessibility and access to power and broadband! Take your pick from two lots, both with deeded access to Tait Lake! Eagle Mountain is nearby along with access points into the Boundary Waters!

MLS#6112700 $62,000 – 2.17 acres

in place for road access on old logging trail. Ultimate privacy! Property has a mixed, mature forest of evergreens and maples, with creek and pond.

MLS#6113513 $129,000

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.

MLS#6103975 $74,900

SEASONAL LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW LOT

This 2.91 acre lot is located within the old Tofte Airport Plat. Located at the end of a Cul de sac with seasonal views of Lake Superior what's not to love! A great location minutes from Temperance River State Park, hiking trails, and a 15 min drive to the Ski Hill & Golf Course area of Lutsen!

MLS#6111839 $72,000

MLS#6112701 $65,000 – 2.64 acres

40 ACRES– STONES THROW TO TOM LAKE

NEW 73 Troll’s Trail

Indulge in the panoramic view of Lake Superior and the sounds of cascading waters of the Reservation River from this 2BR/2BA home. Enjoy the park-like setting including 300’ of shared Lake Superior shore.

MLS TBD $489,900

LAND

78 Troll’s Trail

Affordable Lake Superior! Over 300’ of shared lakeshore and over 7 acres of shared land! Great opportunity to build a cabin or year round home.

MLS 6108596 $129,900

Honeymoon Trail

Rural, private, 10A forested land (mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees) and close to Lutsen lakes: Caribou, White Pine, Christine, Pike, and more.

MLS 6108969 $114,000

NEW 120 Birch Drive

Embrace the splendor of Lake Superior from this magnificent 5.29A parcel, Situated just a few miles west of Grand Marais.

MLS 6113604 $239,900

Modern amenities meet classic style in this quality-built Clarence Kemp/Dale Mulfinger designed 3-bedroom home! Capturing panoramic Lake Superior views with 223 feet of accessible ledge rock, this home is all about comfort and tranquility. The quintessential covered porch beckons “Welcome Home”--enter and be mesmerized by the mood of Gichi-Gami; dark and stormy or peaceful and calm, the freshwater sea is front and center! You’ll appreciate the high-quality workmanship and consistency in every room.

Unit 5 - Share A

A 3BR/3BA unit on the edge of Surfside on Superior’s resort property, offering unparalleled privacy with sweeping views of Lake Superior. Incredible opportunity to own a quarter-share.

MLS 6111523 $275,000

COMMERCIAL

12XX Highway 61 W

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

MLS 6108209 $789,900

11XX Highway 61 W

Unique opportunity to find a 1A lot in the heart of Grand Marais. Directly abouts Highway 61 with commercial usage.

MLS 6108208 $199,900

1315 E Highway 61

Incredible commercial opportunity. Current use includes a 3BR rental unit, office, and home! Cathedral ceilings, ample parking and great location!

6104280 $1,250,000

HOMES & CABINS

New 1188 Golf Course Road

Quality 4-bedroom chalet-style home 4 miles from Grand Marais. Redpine forest, seasonal creek, and valley views. 9-foot cedar ceilings, custom cabinets, oak staircase, hardwood floors, infloor heat. Intentionally designed for comfort and beauty.

MLS TBD $699,900

1815 W Highway 61

This delightful 3BR/2BA home is zoned C/I, so you can use it as your home, a VRBO or create a professional office space. Sits on half acre lot with two stall garage.

MLS 6113079 $399,900

New 1473 Gunflint Trail

Fabulous hideaway located on the Gunflint Trail! This onebedroom cabin is perched on the Devil Track River and Elbow Creek. Listen to the babbling water as you relax.

MLS 6113527 $179,900

New 407 W 3rd Ave

Charming three-bedroom home on a large, level city lot. Main bedroom on the first floor, two bedrooms upstairs. Great location close to everything Grand Marais has to offer! The private backyard is perfect for outdoor activities. Deck in front for morning sunshine. Shed for storage, hobbies, or work area.

MLS TBD $264,500

2307 County Road 7

3BR/3BA home near Grand Marais on over 10A. Heated 2-stall garage and 30 x 50 insulated and heated pole building. South-facing living room filled with natural light.

MLS 6111812 $499,900 REDUCED 5273 W Highway 61

REDUCED 54 Banks Blvd

3 bedroom move in ready home with many recent updates! New kitchen cabinets, counters, backsplash, updated bathroom and flooring throughout.

MLS 6112924 $169,900

Charming 3BR/2BA home, nestled in the heart of Lutsen, boasts 1,123sqft of living space. The recent quality renovation showcases quality craftsmanship.

MLS 6112485 $424,900

New 5517 HWY 61 E

Want a place to enjoy not just a beautiful view of Lake Superior, but the sound of the waves on the shore too? This 1.5-acre parcel has an old unfinished cabin

MLS 6113421 $139,900

4919 North Road

Main floor living with this 2BR/2BA home. Gorgeous guest cabin is lovely – so many options. 22A abuts County land and the Flute Reed River flows through the property. Superior workmanship in this well constructed home is evident, whether it is in the design features, the craftsmanship or the quality of materials.

MLS 6112887 $689,900

INLAND LAKE HOMES & CABINS

NEW 1480 Devil Track Road

Enchanting two-story, 4BR3BA lakeside retreat is situated by the water’s edge on the north shore of Devil Track Lake and provides a blend of Northwoods charm and modern comfort, with phenomenal views from practically every room. Spacious screen porch for dining or stargazing in the large hot tub, just a stone’s throw from the lake. Insulated and heated workshop & garage. Experience the epitome of lakeside living in this exceptional home.

MLS 6113412 $699,900

REDUCED 619 Clearwater Road

This is a very rare opportunity to find a year-round cabin on West Bearskin Lake! This charming log cabin and bunkhouse are situated on the east end of the lake, featuring some of the most spectacular sunset views. The main cabin is close to the water’s edge and sits on a rise, that has a gently sloping trail leading to 398 coveted feet of accessible shoreline. This lovely property has direct BWCA access.

MLS 6111766 $527,500

261 Caps Trail

Serenity awaits you in this turn-key charming 3BR/2BA, year-round Lutsen home, located on Tait Lake. 190’ of shoreline with 2.9A in a peaceful bay on the north side of the lake, with the Tait River gently running along the western edge of the property, providing tons of privacy.

MLS 6110362 $499,900

11 Poplar Creek Dr

Picturesque haven nestled next to the serene beauty of Little Ollie Lake, just off the Gunflint Trail. This enchanting property, formerly known as the Boundary Waters Inn, offers an exceptional opportunity to own a versatile retreat with endless possibilities. This unique property is situated on 7.2 acres of pristine land, with 309’ of shoreline that abuts the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

MLS 6109270 $699,900

218 Brumbaugh Road

Absolutely charming Tom Lake cabin has it all and is being sold turnkey so all you have to do is show up and start enjoying lake life! Situated near the water’s edge, on a beautiful 2.4A lot with stunning views and is in a protected harbor with approximately 300’ of shoreline. Main cabin features knotty pine woodwork and sitting room surrounded by windows. There is also a combination guest house and garage and wood fired sauna.

MLS 6112837 $379,900

77 Wilderness Trail

This sweet, half-log sided cabin has all your modern conveniences, and loads of privacy on a spectacular Tom Lake lot!

MLS 6111205 $389,900

NEW 6X Wilderness Trail

Your own secluded cove with 242’ of wooded Tom Lake Shoreline and 1.2A. A newer driveway provides a start to developing your waterfront retreat.

MLS 6113529 $99,900

CALL FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS

Give one of our agents a call to learn more about why IT’S A GOOD TIME TO SELL. If you’re unsure if you want to move forward in the buying or selling process, our agents can give you the information you need to make the best decision for you. Sellers are given a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS to learn about:

Trends in property values

Recent sales data for comparable area properties

Local market demand + inventory levels

Valuable insights about the current state of the North Shore real estate market

Through our market analysis, you can gain a BETTER UNDERSTANDING of the potential value of your property, the competitiveness of the market, and the optimal pricing strategy for listing your home for sale. Our hope is to help you identify opportunities and challenges that may impact your selling process, allowing you to make more informed decisions.

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CLAIR NALEZNY Co-owner

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Time to invest? Vacation in a place to call your own. What are you waiting for?

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Seamless integration? Sure thing. It's a no-brainer when our team can take you from purchase to rental considerations with an easy handoff and coordinated communications from your start to our ongoing management.

Looking to buy a property for a vacation rental? Through our sister company, Cascade Vacation Rentals, we have gained incredible knowledge about what North Shore visitors are looking for. We are happy to use that information to help guide you in purchasing a property that is not only a good fit for you, but will also increase your chances of high rental income.

NEW! CEDAR SHORES RETREAT ON LAKE SUPERIOR!

Leave it all behind as you meander down the driveway to this gorgeous Lake Superior home tucked away on the Cascade Beach Road in Lutsen. The home was custom built by local craftsman Norman Moe and his crew in 2018 to capitalize on the Views, and wow is it Beautiful! A fun and fanciful layout, enjoy different living spaces throughout the home. Open concept Kitchen and dining. The cozy family room space is just around the stairs. The upstairs is perfect for guests, with a loft den/office area (or overflow bunk space), two large bedrooms with big windows and tons of natural light. The home has just over 100 ft of prime level ledgerock shoreline, perfect for launching a kayak on calm Lake Superior waters! This is a must see home, call for your showing today! MLS# 6113553 $1,350,000

CARIBOU LAKE PARCEL IN LUTSEN!

Rare opportunity to acquire a lake lot on the coveted Caribou Lake in Lutsen! Nestled in the quiet Sawmill Bay, this lot offers a unique opportunity to build your dreamy cabin or home. Climb up to the top of the knob to see the views stretch out before you! Work with the layout of the land to create a magical and one-of-a-kind place! Located at a cul de sac, this parcel is accessed by privately year-round maintained road with electricity at the road! 1.71 acres and 242 ft of rugged shoreline can explore the best area for your future dock to enjoy the lake. Plenty of room for you to play and relax!

MLS#6111272 $329,000

NEW! CARIBOU LAKE PEACE IN THE MAPLES! Wind back into the Lutsen woods navigating a hill above Caribou Lake amongst the sugar maples. Here is a home with 185ft of shoreline on Sawmill Bay, a quiet, little known corner of Caribou Lake. Four bedroom, 2 bath- Lots of options for hosting company. Lovely, large, lakeside windows fill the living room with Northwoods light and loon calls. Spacious kitchen with updated appliances, perfect for cooking up Walleyes fresh from the lake! A three-season gazebo of timbers is accessed off the living room. Family room downstairs is great for movies, the kids area, exercise room, Upstairs are two quiet bedrooms for those that need a bit more rest in the AM, or those night owls listening to spring peepers. Spacious, two-car garage is mission critical. Lutsen, Caribou Lake, Privacy, Well-Maintained Home – ‘Nuf said! MLS# 6113628 $799,000

missing is you!

MLS# 6112746 $310,000

COZY CABIN ON CARIBOU LAKE IN LUTSEN! Cozy Cabin on Caribou Lake in Lutsen! Built in 1942, this cabin has all the charming characteristics you are looking for! Walk inside and you will be greeted by the vaulted ceilings and the large stone fireplace, perfect for the cool fall and winter days. In the summer enjoy the 3-season porch, perfect for bug season! The cabin has 1 bedroom but close by is a newer bunkhouse that can sleep additional guests! Walk outside and enjoy the Tall pines of White, Red and Cedar that abound this 1.1-acre property to the 199ft of shoreline! Meander down the path to the lake to your large dock, jump on your pontoon and head out for the day enjoying lake activities. Come back to the cabin to enjoy your daily catch, sit around your firepit to tell the tall tales of the day! Detached Garage and a separate storage building is perfect for the overflow of toys! This one won’t last long, Caribou Lake properties and homes rarely come on the market. MLS#6113258 $525,000

in the winter. Close to Schroeder Bakery and Temperance River State Park. 15 minute drive to Lutsen Mountains and Superior National Golf Course. Visit Today and start relaxing on the North Shore!

MLS# 6111108

$278,900 PRICE REDUCED

BEAUTIFUL LOG HOME NEAR CHRISTINE LAKE IN LUTSEN! Enjoy this beautiful Log home in Lutsen just a minute from Christine Lake! Vaulted Ceilings and large Log Beams give you the ambiance of a cabin in the Northwoods, while the Open Floor Plan gives you all the space you crave. Enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen with room for all your cooking accessories or walk out onto the deck to enjoy a BBQ. 3 bedrooms gives you space for everyone to unwind after the day’s adventures. Amazing location with 1.90 acres and surrounded by State and Federal land. Enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities just outside your door from biking to boating! Oversized garage gives you room for all your gear AND 2 cars. All that is missing is you! Visit today!

MLS#6111584 $589,900 PRICE REDUCED

NEW!! HIDEAWAY IN THE MAPLES IN GRAND MARAIS!

Running from the Cascade River is a ridge of maples, glorious in the fall and sap for syrup in spring! At the end of this ridge is 7.5 acres of Home Sweet Home. The coveted Pike Lake Rd area, close to the XC ski and snowmobile trails, and near to peaceful, fish-ful Pike Lake. All just 11 miles from Grand Marais. In the main home you have two bedrooms, a light-filled living room facing southwest, A sunroom for contemplating seed catalogs in the winter and plowing through novels any time of year. A spacious deck adjoins the sunroom and an upper whimsical deck provides a commanding view, a place to sun-worship, dream, talk it all out. A shed near the home is pure purpose, compartmentalized: wood storage, gardening tools, machine storage (rototiller, snowblower..), all the seasonal necessities of a northern life. Garage down the hill set up for storage and projects! And a cute little bunkhouse tops it all off!

MLS#6113432 $430,000 SALE PENDING

NEW! UNWIND IN SILVER BAY!

Do you crave space ? Look no further! Including a new furnace and some appliances, this home has been taken care of and has plenty of room for everyone! $ bedrooms gives you the opportunity to have the crafts room you have always wanted, or maybe a nice home office? The options are endless! The Kitchen has a ton of cabinet space, plenty of room for all your cooking tools and the Living Room has a ton of natural light from the large windows. Or walk outside to enjoy the landscaping. From the Peonies adorning the front yard to the large backyard with more landscaping and Rhubarb! There’s enough yard here to throw up a screen porch, a firepit, and a games area. And don’t forget the large 2 car garage to keep your cars out of the weather and store your outdoor gear! The place is movein ready. Just show up, unpack, and get to living that new life!

MLS#6113209 $189,000

Summer has ARRIVED! Get out and Enjoy

the Sunshine!!

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

LUTSEN AREA

NEW! CARIBOU LAKE PARCEL IN LUTSEN! Rare opportunity to acquire a lake lot on the coveted Caribou Lake in Lutsen! Nestled in the quiet Sawmill Bay, this lot offers a unique opportunity to build your dreamy cabin or home. Climb up to the top of the knob to see the views stretch out before you! Work with the layout of the land to create a magical and one-of-a-kind place! Located at a cul de sac, this parcel is accessed by privately year-round maintained road with electricity at the road! 1.71 acres and 242 ft of rugged shoreline can explore the best area for your future dock to enjoy the lake. Plenty of room for you to play and relax!

MLS#6111272 $329,000

8+ ACRES OF MAPLES AND BIRCH IN LUTSEN! Enjoy the brilliant green forest in the summer and brilliant colors in the fall in this Boreal Forest with Public Land on two boundaries. The hard work is already started with the driveway in place, and the start of a building pad! Sensible Homeowners Association and Year-Round Access! Visit today and start imagining your life Up North!

MLS#6112620 $81,900

START UP AT TAIT LAKE! Are you ready to have your own place on the North Shore, Build the cabin or home of your dreams and start creating memories? Located in a great location near Tait Lake, away from the hustle and bustle this lot already has the driveway and building site in place. Deeded access to both boat launches you will be able to fish the day away with ease. And Lutsen is just 20 minutes away for Golfing, Skiing, Restaurants and Shopping. Eagle Mountain is only 10 minutes away for a hike to the highest point in Minnesota!

MLS#6108876 $67,000

ENJOY THE VIEWS FROM ABOVE! Imagine waking up every morning to a view of Lake Superior. This property could give you that! Located at the top of a hill you could be overlooking Lake Superior while drinking your morning coffee! With a driveway in place (needs a little TLC) and a circle turnaround you have the first steps in place to build the getaway of your dreams! We think the best building site is right off the driveway, but you will have to explore to decide for yourself. Great location just outside of Silver Bay giving you close access to all the Hiking, Biking and ATV Trails. Or maybe you just want to enjoy the abundant wildlife that also wanders around the 9-acre parcel. All that is missing is you!

MLS#6108926 $108,000

LUTSEN AREA

49+ ACRES WITH 1600 FT OF SHORELINE ON BIGSBY LAKE IN LUTSEN! Have the wilderness at your fingertips and STILL have room to create your own Up North Home Base for all your favorite outdoor activities! Watch the wildlife all around you as you sit back and let the stress of the world melt away. Beautiful setting with mature cedar trees and a mixed forest, perfect place to enjoy nature and wildlife. Ward Lake public access is nearby, take the walking path carrying your canoe and Caribou Lake Public Landing is only a few minutes driving distance, great place to spend the day fishing! This is the Ideal parcel to build your North Woods adventure base and create multiple trails, take a snowmobile or ATV ride or just relax by the lake, perfect for an outdoor adventurer!

MLS# 6110674 $249,900

TOFTE AREA

NEW! LAKE VIEWS LOT ON THE NORTH SHORE! Gorgeous 5 acres parcel, located between Lutsen and Tofte on the North Shore! Perfect spot for to build a dream vacation or year-round home with nice views of Lake Superior from your deck and gorgeous backdrop of cliffs in the back! There are several possible sites on this wide lot to develop. Close to the end of the road, makes for a peaceful setting with a nice mixture of trees! This lot is gently sloping and offers southern exposure. There is access to broadband internet and electricity at the road for when you decide on your building location! As part of the Birch Cliff plat the road is maintained by the Association and currently plowed to the last residence on the road. There are reasonable Covenants within the HOA and there is an option to rent short term, following the vacation rental requirements by Cook County. Or just keep it for yourself and family!

SALE PENDING

FINLAND AREA

NEW! AFFORDABLE LOT AT NINEMILE LAKE! Lake view lot ready to build, with 1800 ft of shared shoreline on Ninemile Lake! This is a great opportunity to build a lake cabin or home. The Village at Ninemile Lake has all the infrastructure ready to go with shared septic and well, electricity at the lot. County Rd 7 is year round plowed road and the Association plows the roads within the development. Don’t worry the HOA dues are super affordable. Great opportunity for you to build your dream Lake home and enjoy for years to come!

MLS#6113406 $60,000

NEW! ENJOY THE VIEWS AT NINEMILE! Start enjoying your Inland Lake Dream! This lot was recently created by combining two lots, so it offers plenty of room to build your dream cabin or home with an amazing lake view and direct lake access! Shared Septic System and Well already in place, 1800ft of shared shoreline on Ninemile Lake- all that is missing is you and your plans for a dream getaway!

MLS#6113407 $150,000

GRAND MARAIS AREA

NEW! “LOT” OF DREAMS! Quiet, wooded city lot in the heart of Grand Marais. Hop, skip and a jump to The Big Lake, Angry Trout and all Grand Marais has to offer. Yet, quiet, so peaceful and quiet the snowshoe hares hang there awaiting snow to hide their changing coats. 66 x 135’ assures plenty of room to get your vision on! Cute little bungalow to reinvent your life. Or go big with a second floor and perhaps Gitche Gummi comes into view! Lots like these are hard to come by in America’s Coolest Small Town. Easy to stroll or bike all around town.

Hurry, come and get it!

MLS#TBA $79,900

MLS#6113327 $129,900

FINLAND AREA

NEW! ENJOY LAKE LIFE! What a great spot for your vacation getaway cabin!! This lot has great view of Ninemile Lake in the Village at Ninemile planned development. The infrastructure is already there: electricity, shared well and septic, all you have to do is hook up to it. Shared ownership of approx 1800 ft of shoreline on Ninemile Lake, perfect for Summer time fun!

MLS#6113405 $60,000

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Canada Goose

This little gosling was out with its family in Two Harbors, foraging for grubs and eating grass, while Mother Goose kept a close eye on her brood. Before she lays her eggs, the male goose will stand guard as mom eats, waiting to eat later. They are so adorable at this stage, so fluffed out and fuzzy. The goslings will stay a year with their parents, then they become independent and may group together with other young goslings, called “gang broods.” Canada geese mate for life.— Roxanne Distad