Northern Wilds May 2024

FOR THE NORTH OF THE LOVE

TWO HARBORS

SILVER BAY

TOFTE LUTSEN

GRAND MARAIS

GUNFLINT TRAIL

GRAND PORTAGE

THUNDER BAY

NIPIGON

HOVLAND, MN

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

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

-Tim K.

Share Your Thoughts

Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@ northernwilds.com.

Spring Awakening

Well, I think it’s safe to say that spring has finally sprung, and with it comes the joys of longer days, garden prepping, flowers blooming, critters returning home or awakening from their slumber, and baby animal sightings. There’s definitely a buzz in the air.

This month, we start in Two Harbors where Anderson’s Greenhouse, a community staple since 1956, is under new ownership: Scott and Savannah Krech are now at the helm. Back in Grand Marais, Steve Fernlund highlights the many construction projects happening around town this spring and summer, including a new welcome center at the North House Folk School, the addition of Crosby Bakery downtown, and a new city hall in place of the old one. Things are definitely changing.

Speaking of change, Chris Pascone writes about helping nature adapt to change, specifically North Shore watersheds. He interviews Dean Paron, Minnesota DNR stream habitat coordinator. Paron’s team’s climate adaptation plan is going on 10 years of promoting climate resiliency in Arrowhead stream life. And Cheryl Lyn Dybas, alongside photographer Ilya Raskin, brings us a story on spruce grouse on the border of climate change.

While it’s not a new change, Kalli Hawkins talks about the loss of OB care in many remote rural areas, such as Cook County, requiring most expecting mothers and families to adapt by traveling 110 miles

to Duluth for some prenatal care and to give birth. And speaking of giving birth, springtime means a new generation of wild critters are emerging. We’ve got a cute photo feature to help your baby fix.

Need to destress? Dana Johnson suggests using meditation as medicine, alongside other healthy practices like yoga and massage therapy. And health columnist Hartley Newell-Acero reminds us of the importance of self-care—for if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t properly take care of others.

Check out our events section and you’ll see there’s a lot going on this month. Don’t miss the Spring Craft Revival in Thunder Bay on May 5 (see my Spotlight section for participating artists), the annual Cook County YMCA Dance Recital May 9-11, the Superior Spring Trail Races in Lutsen May 18, Duluth’s Dylan Fest May 21-26, and the Le Grand Du Nord bike races in Grand Marais on May 25— just to name a few.

It’s also Minnesota Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11. Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis recommends using a slip bobber when fishing for walleyes, and a fixed float when fishing for trout. And Joe Shead brings us to Loon Lake on the Gunflint Trail in his latest Fishing Hole column.

Spring has finally arrived. Here’s hoping for many sunny, warm, bug-free days this month.

—Breana Johnson

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

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

Elle Andra-Warner

PUBLISHER

Amber Graham

EDITORIAL

Breana Johnson, Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

Garrett Eckman, Sales Representative 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, Laura Durenberger-Grunow, Cheryl Lyn Dybas, Gord Ellis, Steve Fernlund, Virginia George, Kalli Hawkins, Dana Johnson, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Rae Poynter, Joe Shead, Sam Zimmerman Copyright

AD DEADLINE

May 13

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

Locally, visit cookcountyfirewise.org, or email firewise@co.cook.mn.us

Anderson’s Greenhouse under new ownership

TWO HARBORS—A staple of the Two Harbors community is under new ownership. Scott and Savannah Krech are now at the helm of Anderson’s Greenhouse.

The greenhouse has been providing floral arrangements to North Shore residents since Jerry Anderson opened the business in 1956. The previous owners, Jim Shogren and Jeff Peterson, began working at the greenhouse when they were in high school, and after a two-year transition, they took over full ownership in 1979. The Krechs have had a similar breaking-in period since November of 2022, officially taking over at the beginning of this year, although Shogren and Peterson continue to help.

“They’ve been a huge asset to us,” Scott Krech said of the former owners.

“We didn’t have any intention of doing this at all,” Krech continued, “but just in talking with Jeff I thought maybe we could make something work. We bit the bullet and now we run a greenhouse. Now we’re trying to figure out how to run two businesses.”

Krech has been running a sawmill for the last five or six years. Previously, he had worked in a lab for over 20 years.

“[The sawmill] was really my endgame. That’s what I thought I was going to do,” he said. “It’s a lot nicer spending your winters in [a greenhouse]. Now I think this is my endgame.”

The Krechs have immersed themselves in the business. They, along with their three adult children, all work there.

“It feels like home because I never go home anymore,” Krech said.

Including Shogren and Peterson, Anderson’s Greenhouse has about 20 employ-

ees. The company boasts more than 8,500 square feet of greenhouses, which are heated year-round. Three furnaces are employed as needed to keep portions of the greenhouse 60 degrees all winter long.

The greenhouse grows some plants from seeds and others from plugs. Trees are started bare root. Shogren built a reputation for his poinsettias and geraniums. In fact, Krech said Shogren expects to grow 1,000 poinsettias this winter, 350 of which will be sold by high school students in Two Harbors.

“Jim’s well-known for his poinsettias and geraniums,” Krech said.

“If it grows, we’ll sell it,” he added. Cus-

[LEFT] Jane Soukup prunes geraniums. She’s been working seasonally at the greenhouse for 28 years. | JOE SHEAD

[BELOW] Rows of started plants and hanging basins await the spring rush.

| JOE SHEAD

tomers can buy started plants or beautiful floral arrangements, and delivery is available. The store also offers gifts, candles, balloons, a full line of gardening equipment and tools, potting soil, and other essentials, and a full line of animal feed.

In addition, Anderson’s fulfills online orders from Teleflora and maintains flowers in Two Harbors.

“We do all the flowers around town,” Krech said. “All the flowers you see hanging around town, we care for all of them. That’s the main focus here—supplying plants for the community to beautify the world.”

That includes Lakeview Memorial Cemetery, just across the road. In addition to flowers, this year, Krech said the greenhouse will be supplying wreaths to the cemetery for the Wreaths Across America program.

“They supply you with the means to put a wreath on every single veteran’s site,” Krech said. “It’s like 1,000 Christmas wreaths. It’ll be a big undertaking.”

Krech said geraniums are the top seller, but whether you’re looking for flowers or trees, he’s got it. Diversity has been the key to success at the greenhouse.

The busy season is obviously spring. “But that only lasts a couple months, so you have to do something the other 10 months to fill the void,” Krech said. “That’s what enabled [Peterson and Shogren] to keep the doors open all year round. Now we’re trying to figure out the next direction.”

Animal feed has been a major help to the business. “We sell a boatload of dog food,”

Krech said. “We get a lot of people that come up from Duluth because they like the drive. They like the small-town feel. They like the dogs here.” At any given moment, you’re likely to find resident dogs Stella and Z roaming around the store.

To add to the small-town feel, Krech said he’s made the store sort of a coffee klatsch.

“I want to push that and make it a safe zone for old-timers,” he laughed. “People pull up, the garage is open and they can just drink their coffee and talk about the weather.”

If you stop by, be sure to check out the massive orchid cactus, which sports large red flowers when in bloom.

“People come from all over the place just to look at it and I so hope we don’t kill it,” Krech said. The plant is about eight years old and is frequently cut. The leaves are planted and for about $10, you can take home your own started orchid cactus, “So people can take a bit of Anderson’s Greenhouse home with them,” Savannah said.

Although the Krechs haven’t been running the business for long, they’ve got some good ideas, including a pumpkin patch this fall and Christmas trees next winter.

Although growing and maintaining plants is no small order, Krech said he enjoys the social aspect of interacting with his customers. “I get paid to talk to people for a living,” he said.

Anderson’s Greenhouse is located at 1403 7th Ave. in Two Harbors. For more information, visit:  andersonsgreenhouseth.com —Joe Shead

Scott Krech, Savannah Krech, and Jim Shogren in front of numerous plants.

| JOE SHEAD

Scott Krech stands in a cooler with flowers in full bloom. | JOE SHEAD

Adjusting to reduced OB care

mothers learn to adapt in rural North Shore towns

GRAND MARAIS—Remote rural areas of northern Minnesota, like Cook County, offer residents a unique balance of advantages and disadvantages. While most enjoy convenient access to nearby trailheads, boat landings, and vast national forests, the trade-off is often limited specialty healthcare services or higher-priced goods at the local grocery store.

Nearly 10 years ago, in 2015, the small rural North Shore town of Grand Marais lost a critical healthcare service: birthing and obstetrics (OB) care. Since the change nearly a decade ago, most expecting mothers and families have had to adapt by traveling 110 miles on Highway 61 to Duluth for prenatal care and to give birth.

In 2015, the Board of Directors of the Cook County North Shore Health Hospital voted to discontinue elective OB delivery services. The decision originated from a Nov. 2014 report from Coverys, the medical malpractice/professional liability insurer at the time. The report determined that the hospital did not meet the standards of care for OB services.

The North Shore Health Board said the quality of care was not the issue or reasoning behind the decision; instead, the insurer report identified a requirement based on liability concerns to have emergency cesarean section services available. The small rural hospital then determined it was financially and logistically unable to meet the requirement, effectively discontinuing OB services.

Malorie Brazell, a Grand Marais resident and recent first-time mother, said the limited healthcare options and loss of the OB services is one of the realities of living in a rural location, like Grand Marais.

Brazell, who worked as a laboratory technician at North Shore Health during the change, said she sees the loss of OB services at the local North Shore Health Hospital as just one of the many trade-offs of living in her rural hometown.

As the OB services change took effect, Brazell said she understood the reasoning behind the decision. “I understood the safety aspect part of it.”

In the event of a pregnancy complication, Brazell said the hospital was not equipped to conduct an emergency cesarean section, creating a liability. Instead, a pregnant mother would have to be flown via Lifeflight or

put in an ambulance to make the two-hour trip down the shore to Duluth. “If things do go wrong, time is of the essence.”

For Brazell, that proved to be the case when she gave birth to her daughter Morgan five months ago, in December 2023.

As a first-time expecting mother, Brazell chose to visit St. Luke’s in Duluth for her prenatal care and checkups. Early on in her pregnancy, she discovered her daughter had a marginal placenta attachment, an abnormal attachment of the umbilical cord that can lead to various pregnancy complications.

“She needed additional ultrasounds and monitoring throughout the pregnancy in case that became an issue,” Brazell said. Throughout the nine months, Brazell and her husband frequently drove the four-hour round-trip to and from Duluth for her appointments. She said she was fortunate that her current employer, Visit Cook County, was willing to accommodate her appointments and provide flexibility in her schedule throughout her pregnancy.

Then, in December, during labor, Brazell experienced additional complications that led doctors to conduct an unexpected cesarean section. She said she felt incredibly thankful she was surrounded by a knowledgeable and supportive staff of OB doctors throughout the 29-hour labor and six days in the hospital.

“So, if I didn’t have a cesarean section available, it could have been detrimental to my and her situation,” she said. “If I wasn’t in Duluth, it could have been a bad situation.”

She said if she had given birth in Grand Marais when the complications arose, it would have been a “completely different experience.”

Despite the complications, lengthy labor, and time spent in the hospital afterward, Brazell’s experience at St. Luke’s “was awesome.” She said all of the providers and staff provided a five-star birthing experience. “All the staff in the OB unit were amazing.”

For many expecting mothers along the North Shore, like Brazell, St. Luke’s is a safe and trusted option for pregnancy care and services. It requires more of a time and transportation commitment, but for firsttime mothers or mothers with pregnancy complications, Brazell said it is an excellent option. Another great option in Duluth is Essentia Health.

While Brazell chose to travel to Duluth for all of her pregnancy care, she acknowledged that expecting mothers can access services at the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in Grand Marais.

The Sawtooth Mountain Clinic offers various family planning services, prenatal care, and, if needed, referrals for mothers with pregnancy complications.

“Somebody can start with us at any part of their journey,” Hannah Miller, the parent-child health nurse at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, said. “Having somebody here at home that you can trust and see and have built that relationship with over time is really valuable just from an access standpoint.”

Miller said in the early stages of pregnancy, the frequency of needed visits can be a transportation burden for mothers and families. If time or transportation to Duluth is limited, she said the accessibility of nearby care and services is “really important.”

To help fill the prenatal care gap in rural communities, another growing avenue for expecting mothers in recent years is a midwife. A certified professional midwife assists with and provides prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum care. A certified midwife is another viable option for expecting mothers without complications and those seeking a home birthing experience. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health found that in rural maternity hospitals, midwives practiced alongside obstetricians in 86 percent of hospitals and alongside family practice physicians in 44 percent of hospitals.

Despite the loss of OB services at North Shore Health Hospital in Grand Marais and numerous other rural hospitals across Minnesota and the U.S., expecting mothers in rural communities seem to be learning to adapt and accept the trade-offs of living in a remote small town.

—Kalli Hawkins

Jorey, baby Morgan, and Malorie Brazell at St. Luke’s during labor and unexpected complications. | SUBMITTED

A World of Accordions Museum

World-renowned accordion museum features premiere documentary

SUPERIOR—Nestled in Superior, Wisc., lies a haven for accordion enthusiasts, music lovers, and history lovers alike: the A World of Accordions Museum (AWAM). Founded in 1993 by Dr. Helmi Strahl Harrington, this museum boasts one of the world’s biggest and most comprehensive collections of accordion-family instruments, showcasing over 2,250 pieces spanning nearly 200 years of musical history.

The museum offers a truly immersive experience. Visitors can explore over 130 displays that trace the evolution of the accordion family, highlighting instruments from various countries, their specific uses, and quality classifications. One part of the museum, known as the Duane Sellman Special Exhibits Area, features displays honoring those who have made an impact on American performing arts, and whose estates are contained in the museum.

However, the AWAM goes beyond static displays. It’s a vibrant center for music education with the on-site Accordion-concertina Repair and Technicians’ School (ARTS); the 1,000-seat Hanni Strahl Concert Hall, which hosts musical artists from all over the world; a 60-item collection of instruments included in the AWAM Traveling Museum, which offers demonstration workshops at national conventions and festivals; the Accordion Concertina Music Studios, where students of any age can take lessons in a variety of instruments, with locations in Burnsville, Minn., Duluth, and Superior; and an Accordion Resource Center Libraries, a treasure trove of cultural and historical documents, recordings, and books related to the accordion. “The extensive collection of documentation, which covers the evolution of the technology and aesthetic value of these instruments, is something that really sets AWAM apart from other similar museums,” Dr. Helmi shared.

THE BEGINNING

Dr. Helmi’s vision for a musical instrument repair program started at Red Wing Technical School in 1991. She developed an original curriculum and even created a popular instrument display that attracted visitors from around the world. However, budget restructuring at the legislative level in 1993 forced the closure of her department.

Dr. Helmi’s contributions and achievements at Red Wing Technical School brought in lots of publicity, which resulted in a long list of prospective students. That same year, she founded the ARTS school in Duluth. This new higher-education school offered a unique program where students could learn

from Dr. Helmi’s impressive 450-piece instrument collection.

The instrument collection grew rapidly, becoming its own entity (named AWAM) in 1998. As both the school and the museum collection expanded, it became difficult to house them together in Duluth. Eventually, the museum relocated to a larger space in a former church in Superior.

By 2002, with its growing subsidiaries, the entire organization adopted the name Harrington ARTS Center.

—Laura Durenberger-Grunow

THE ACCORDION FESTIVAL

For over 20 years, AWAM has hosted an annual two-day event featuring concerts, workshops, talks, and even a polka service. This festival caters to a wide audience, welcoming both accordion aficionados, those curious to discover the versatility of this unique instrument, or even those who simply enjoy music.

The festival will take place May 2-5 at the Harrington ARTS Center in Superior (1401 Belknap Street), and feature live music (including one performance with music from The Beatles), workshops, a free nondenominational polka service, a free family concert, and more.

CELEBRATING WORLD ACCORDION DAY

The first full day of the festival, May 4, will honor World Accordion Day (which technically falls on May 6). May 6 is an important day for accordion lovers because it marks the day the first patent for the instrument was filed by Cyrill Demian in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Helmi said that the day is all about celebrating accordion artists and musicians from all over the world.

THE DOCUMENTARY: WORLD PREMIERE

This year, May 4 also brings a very special event: the world premiere of a new documentary titled A World of Accordions Museum…A Harrington Legacy, sponsored by the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International. “The board had been working to get resources together to turn the contents of the museum and its story into a documentary, and we are finally able to show the finished piece during the AWAM Festival,” Dr. Helmi shared. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to watch the documentary for the very first time. As for when and where people can watch the documentary after the festival, that is still being determined.

DR. WILLIAM A. PALMER FESTIVAL

The second full day of the festival (Sunday, May 5), celebrates Dr. Willard A. Palmer, who developed the free base accordion (and who also happened to be Dr. Helmi’s instructor at one point in her education journey). AWAM was also fortunate to be the recipient of Dr. Palmer’s musical estate in 2013, including a 10-foot harpsichord, which is the focal point of the Hanni Strahl Concert Hall. “It’s the only one on the continent,” Dr. Helmi added.

For more information about A World of Accordions Museum or the festival, visit: worldofaccordions.org, or facebook.com/aworldofaccordions.

in Superior was founded in 1993 by Dr. Helmi Strahl Harrington. In the photo to the right is Dr. Helmi with a 10-foot harpsichord, filming the documentary. | SUBMITTED

TOUR APP

Inherent resilience

Helping nature adapt to change

NORTH SHORE—Native brook trout ought to live a glorious life in crystal cold streams of the North Shore. That’s how we picture them, darting from pool to pool chasing underwater mayfly larvae, inhaling wayward grasshoppers, breathing oxygen-rich water. It would be a dream life, except that our changing climate keeps pulling dramatic surprises on them.

These surprises include summer droughts that drop water levels so low, fish can’t access cooler upstream water, or deeper pools. Fish have had their naturally shady forest habitat exposed to direct sun as streambank spruce and balsam succumb to spruce budworm. Then there are later and later warmer autumns that confuse brookies’ natural reproductive instincts.

How concerned should we be in these times of change for nature’s creations? And what are we, as humans stewards of the natural world, doing to support flora and fauna facing increased fluctuations in their living conditions?

Dean Paron, Minnesota DNR stream habitat coordinator, has been protecting river systems by removing barriers to fish movement and restoring watersheds in the Finland area and beyond since 2014. His team’s climate adaptation plan is going on 10 years of promoting climate resiliency in Arrowhead stream life.

BUILT-IN RESILIENCY

Paron notes that nature has built-in resiliency: “One of the very important principles of ecology and population level dynamics is that at a population level, any one event, like a forest fire, or flash flood, is usually overcomeable. There will be short

term impacts, but generally populations have the ability to respond.”

That said, the really concerning issue for Paron is the trend in change: “When you see continuous trends in timing, like say three out of four years you see an earlier spring, that’s when you start to get concerned. It’s the sustained trend over the years that will really have an impact at the population level.”

WINDOWS OF TIME

In nature, all events are interconnected. Take the annual hatch of fish eggs. Brook trout, for example, lay their eggs in the fall, and their eggs hatch the following spring, producing fry (emergent fish). Paron explains the significance of this timing: “Fry hatch at a critical window. If they hatch too early, there may not yet be any food available for them to eat. If they hatch too late, other predators may have grown ahead of them, and they may be more susceptible to being preyed on. When you start shifting the phenology of a food web, it can throw things out of whack.”

In the short term, a negative effect on one “year class” of brook trout can be overcome in the following year’s hatch. But it won’t take many “off” windows in a row before the population cannot sustain itself.

ENHANCED DATA

Finland Area Fisheries is home to some of Minnesota’s most famous watersheds. Names like the Baptism and Manitou inspire awe and respect in those who love exploring these watery corridors of life. But Paron and his scientists go beyond just recognizing the beauty and natural history of these famed rivers.

The MN DNR plan calls for protecting

High-flowing North Shore rivers enable the springtime spawning runs of steelhead trout, thereby providing a ritualistic recreation opportunity for fisherfolk. | CHRIS PASCONE

The Baptism River, which flows through Tettegouche State Park, is a prized stronghold of North Shore biodiversity. The Minnesota DNR and many partners have planted trees in 110 stream miles of the watershed to help the river adapt to climate change. | CHRIS PASCONE

intact river systems, and those systems predicted to be most resilient, thereby providing the best refuge to coldwater fish species, like brook trout. Paron and his crew spent years doing landscape analysis of watersheds in their management area, as well as studying land use cover and types. They have also conducted extensive watershed temperature monitoring, to collect the necessary data for making informed habitat restoration project decisions. These results are used to refocus restoration projects in strategic areas, and

also to obtain conservation easements in key cold water areas.

Paron points out that studying the effects of climate change is always very complex, with a lot of nuances. “It’s very hard to say X will happen because of an earlier spring. What we do know is that things will probably be different. We don’t actually know all the components. We’re getting better, and we’re trying to look at a lot more rivers and lakes, and more long-term data, with robust information.”

WATERSHED RESTORATION

Combating climate change is a daunting task. Thankfully, our region is rich in scientists and partners who understand the need for human intervention on behalf of natural resources. “One positive thing is that there’s a lot of restoration work being done out there to keep watersheds resilient, and to implement adaptation strategies to at least allow pockets of strong populations,” recounts Paron.

One way in which humans can positively impact riverine environments is to replant trees along rivers that have been decimated by the spruce budworm. The current spruce budworm outbreak has affected over 700,000 acres of balsam fir and white spruce to date across northeastern Minnesota.

In response, the Nature Conservancy (lead), MN DNR Fisheries Finland Area, MN DNR Forestry, USFS, Trout Unlimited, and Lake and Cook County SWCDs have all partnered to plant climate resilient longlived conifers and other tree species to promote long-term forest resilience in North Shore watersheds. These projects address the spruce budworm outbreak in high-priority riparian areas, and enhance forest resilience to future stresses, including future pest and disease outbreaks, wildfire, and a changing climate.

Paron notes the project’s accomplishments: “To date, 110 stream miles of riparian area have been planted in the Baptism River watershed, over 86 miles in the Manitou River watershed, and 8.5 miles in the Two Island Watershed.” Once these trees grow, they will play an important function in keeping North Shore streams colder thanks to shade made from their limbs and foliage.

Yet another example of human-led restoration is reinstallation of better stream culverts. The MN DNR Fisheries Finland Area, Lake County SWCD, Trout Unlimited, MN DNR Forestry, Lake County Highway Department, and Crystal Bay Township have removed over 17 undersized culverts that were fish barriers, and were causing stream water quality impacts. The partners replaced them with larger, bottomless culverts to allow for fish migration and sediment transport (an important river component). These projects have opened many miles of connection to important stream habitat that provides thermal refuge to fish, as well as access to better survival and spawning areas.

RESILIENCY REIGNS

The streams and rivers of Lake Superior’s North Shore have been identified in multiple assessments as important strongholds for biodiversity. They provide habitat for a variety of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, including native brook trout.

Paron retains his optimism despite the present-day challenges coldwater species face. “One thing to keep in mind is that nature, and fish species, are extremely resilient,” Paron suggests.

Still, this strong natural resiliency can be more expressed when coupled with a human planning touch. “Adaptation planning, in my opinion, plays an active role in natural resource management. We need to make sure we’re making the right choices, and collecting the right data today, so that we will have populations that we enjoy in the future,” summarizes Paron.—Chris

Pascone

JOIN IN!

Whether you are participating, volunteering or cheering someone on, there are many ways to engage with upcoming Cook County events. We invite you to join in!

VISITCOOKCOUNTY.COM

museum and nature center

Explore the Chik-Wauk Campus this summer!

• Two gift shops with locally made items

• Kids nature activities

• Hiking trails, picnic area, wildlife viewing

• Temporary Exhibit: Plants of the Forest

• Museum • Nature Center

• Watercraft Building

• Exhibit Cabin • Trapper Shack

Open

May 25 to October 20

28 Moose Pond Drive, Grand Marais

55 miles up the Gunflint Trail (Hwy 12).

Construction boom in Grand Marais

GRAND MARAIS—A national travel magazine, Travel and Leisure, recently named Grand Marais “America’s Best Small Lake Town.” Over the coming months, it will be buzzing with construction.

Road construction projects dominated the scene in Grand Marais the last few summers, causing problems for parking and pedestrians. This year, unprecedented construction activity across the village on the harbor will also eat up some parking spaces and sidewalks.

Some of these projects started last fall and are just finishing up, and some in the downtown area are just breaking ground.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS SCHOOL

Great Expectations School (GES), located on the east side of town at 550 East 5th Street, began a significant expansion project last October after years of planning and fundraising. GES is a charter school serving students in grades K-8. The expansion maximizes space and will allow for expansion in a second story as the school grows. The project includes six new classrooms and a new kitchen for school meals.

According to the general contractor for the project, local contractor Jerry Starr, school building permits are the most sophisticated you can get. As a school board member, Starr happily works for very little compensation.

The 17,000-square-foot project has an engineered foundation and new water, sewer, and gas line infrastructure. Its total cost is $3.5 million.

“And we’re about 50 percent done,” Starr said. He stated the building will be complete when school starts again this fall.

Most of the building’s materials are bought from a local building supply company. “Cook County Home Center bent over backwards to help us out,” Starr said.

NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL

An educational facility of another kind, North House Folk School, is finishing what it calls a “new front door” at its Grand Marais campus.

North House is building a two-story timber-frame welcome center at the entrance to its campus. According to Executive Director Greg Wright, the building includes the front office and an expanded school store fea-

A rendering of the new Grand Marais city hall. Construction should begin in early May. | SUBMITTED

turing the works of artisan instructors. An upstairs classroom offers sweeping views of the Grand Marais Harbor, and a lake-level classroom connects students with

North House veteran and timber frame builder Peter Henrikson designed the project and worked with Tom Healy, one of the first North House instructors, and dozens of volunteers to cut 270 pieces of timber. The two men have worked with a crew of professional timber framers to raise the structure.

The new welcome center will be completed over the summer. Coursework in the building will begin early in the fall, and the building will be dedicated during the folk school’s Unplugged event during the weekend of September 19-21.

GRAND MARAIS CITY HALL

The city hall and municipal liquor store were built in 1948. They were expanded in 1957 to accommodate the fire and police departments, a county jail, and city council chambers. The liquor store addition and additional office space were built in 1975.

A decade ago, the city retained the architectural firm CR-BPS to assess the structure for needed improvements. At the time, CRBPS recommended that the cost of rehabilitating the building would exceed the cost of demolishing and rebuilding.

The existing building has approximately 11,000 square feet under the roof, some of which are the old garage space that housed fire trucks and the jail’s sally port. The new building will be slightly smaller overall, but more efficient in its use of space.

The current building’s elevation is at or below street level, placing it in harm’s way when periodic flooding occurs in the area. The new building’s elevation is several feet above the flood stage, protecting its con-

The original Grand Marais city hall, shown here, was built in 1948, and then expanded in 1957 and 1975.

| COOK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

tents from water damage.

Before demolition began, the liquor store opened in its temporary location, the Beaver House on Broadway.

Demolition of the current building will follow asbestos remediation, and construction should begin by early May. McGough Construction of Duluth is the project’s general contractor.

According to Mike Roth, city administrator, the project, which will cost $8.5 million, will be completed in December. Once complete, the new liquor store will double its retail square footage.

During the construction period, city staff will work out of the public works building on the city’s west side. That building is not open to the public. People who need to interact with city staff should contact them by phone and arrange a meeting at another location.

All public meetings will be at the Cook County Courthouse.

The project will use the parking lot on the south side of the building as a staging area. The vehicle charging stations will be relocated to the Rec Park. On-street parking surrounding the building will be closed to create temporary pedestrian walkways.

FIKA COFFEE

Fika Coffee is a coffee roaster and retailer located in Lutsen. It has acquired a lot in the Cedar Grove Business Park in Grand Marais and is building a 2,500-square-foot building for its roasting business. A studio apartment will be attached to the building to provide worker housing.

Josh Lindstrom has owned Fika Coffee for 11 years. Fika closes its Lutsen retail location three days a week to roast and package coffee for its wholesale customers, online orders, and retail store.

the rest of the campus.

“The new building will enable Fika to grow,” Lindstrom said. “Our Lutsen location is constrained.”

Local contractors Jeff Attleson and Woody Seim are managing construction.

Lindstrom paid cash for the lot in the business park in 2022. Financing combines Northland Foundation grants, SBA, and friend/family loans.

Although the Grand Marais location will not have retail space, Lindstrom said the area in the roasting space may resemble a coffee shop. It will be the roastery’s lab, and Fika’s wholesale customers will be hosted for sampling sessions.

In addition, Lindstrom envisions hosting roastery tours and potential pop-up events.

CROSBY BAKERY

Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais has operated out of a small kitchen in an old church building at 301 West 1st Street for several years. Owner Hana Crosby grew up in Grand Marais and has been baking her entire life. She built Crosby Bakery into a successful wholesale and special order bakery. Now, she is building a full-service retail bakery.

In the fall of 2021, Hana and Tom Crosby purchased vacant land on Wisconsin Street next to Blue Water Cafe. In December last year, construction began to create a full-service retail bakery with a short-term vacation rental unit above.

Hana expects the retail bakery to open this summer.

MAYHEW II

In April 2020, across the street from the

Crosby Bakery site, a wind-fueled fire raged through and destroyed three commercial buildings housing retailers White Pine North, Picnic and Pine, and Crooked Spoon.

Since then, the property has been cleared of debris, and Sydney’s Pizza and other food trucks use the vacant land.

Joel Saint John, owner of the Mayhew Inn in Grand Marais, has acquired the parking lot at the corner of Wisconsin Street and 1st Avenue West and the three adjacent lots along Wisconsin Street and will build what is known as Mayhew II starting this fall. Mayhew II will be a 10,000-square-foot building with a restaurant, event space, retail spaces, 10 lodging units, and a rooftop patio.

The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) was recently granted $400,000 from the Minnesota

Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) for infrastructure and site work for the Mayhew project.

SYDNEY’S PIZZA

In April of last year, Sydney’s Pizza experienced a devastating fire at its Broadway location. With a short couple of months before its season was due to begin, Sydney’s owner and local contractor, Bruce Block, acquired two marine-type containers, secured space at 19 Wisconsin Street, the site of Mayhew II, and built a movable restaurant that opened early last summer.

Block said that he would be rehabilitating the fire-damaged remains of the original structure on Broadway this summer and will move the containers, his current pizza kitchen, to the original Sydney’s site by the end of August.

HOUSING

A 36-unit, three-story apartment building with underground parking will be built on a three-acre parcel east of Up Yonder along Hwy 61. The Cook County Real Estate Fund (CCREF) developed the project. CCREF has 41, mostly local, investment partners. Last year, CCREF renovated the former Birchbark Gifts building in downtown Grand Marais.

Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Jason Hale said construction will commence on The Heights this summer. Hale was instrumental in getting an IRRR grant of $630,000 for CCREF to offset construction costs.

—Steve Fernlund

Grand Marais is buzzing with construction. New projects include an expansion at GES charter school, a new welcome center at North House Folk School, and the addition of Crosby Bakery downtown. | SUBMITTED

Stress less Meditation as medicine

NORTH SHORE—Life seems to be moving at a faster pace these days. The technology we hold in our hands allows us to connect and share information around the world, yet we’ve become disconnected from ourselves and our surroundings.

The stress and pressure set upon us by our busy modern lifestyle takes a mental and physical toll, and if left unchecked, we suffer. Through the practice of meditation, we can learn to reconnect with our basic nature to relax, reduce anxiety, and heal ourselves.

“Meditation is an ancient practice of self-discovery, a tool for cultivating inner peace, and a powerful technique for promoting holistic well-being,” explains Brigette Nies, healing practitioner and owner of Ancient Traditions Healing in Grand Marais. “For me, meditation is about observing things the way that they are, without judging or overthinking. Having a regular meditation practice helps keep me centered, balanced, and anchored in the present moment.”

There are many kinds of meditation practiced by cultures all over the world. Some popular types are progressive relaxation, mindfulness, spiritual, focused, movement, mantra, loving-kindness, and visualization meditations. Not all types work for all people, but there is no barrier to entry—anyone can try them, find a method they enjoy, and reap the health benefits.

“I most often use a form of mindfulness meditation, where you simply sit in stillness and observe without attachment your thoughts and feelings,” Nies says. Mindfulness began as part of Buddhist philosophy and has been practiced for 2,500 years. When you’re mindful, you become aware of your senses in the present moment, and your natural curiosity guides you.

Nies also enjoys focused meditation using breathwork like Pranayama, an ancient breathing technique that originated in India. “I find that this style of meditation, as well as mantra meditation, can be a good starting point for those new to meditation because it gives the mind something to do, focusing on the mantra or the breath pattern,” she says. “Moving meditations can be great practices as well, especially for those who find it difficult to settle into stillness.”

The positive effects of meditation are far reaching. Reduced anxiety, lower blood pressure, better sleep, improved memory and

Meditation alone can be incredibly healing, though it pairs very well with other healthy practices like yoga and massage.

| ANCIENT TRADITIONS HEALING

focus, and even pain reduction are among the benefits. Growing research suggests that regular meditation can actually physically restructure our brains, eventually boosting neuron density and brain volume.

“Meditation can benefit the mind-bodyheart connection,” says Rebecca James Alsum, a certified qigong trainer and yoga instructor at Svälja Yoga (pronounced “svehl-yah”) in Duluth. “It can be beneficial to bring awareness to sensation in the body, emotional states, and curiosity towards the human experience.”

“Sometimes meditation can be used to connect to stillness and peace, working with compassion and gentleness,” she continues. “This can be a breath of fresh air in a fast paced, instant gratification culture. It can be a tool to find grounding energy that roots us in a way that offers us connection, perspective, and presence.”

Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient healing strategy of Chinese origin that combines meditation with gentle movement and breathing techniques. “In qigong meditation, we are working with the wisdom

of our life force energy to bring healing and balance to our bodies,” Alsum explains. “We bring our awareness inward, connecting to our heart, and use the power of our visualization and breath to open energy channels. We use meditation to nourish our bodies.”

“For me, as a qigong and yoga practitioner, meditation grounds me in my own inner wisdom,” Alsum continues. “It is a way I can nourish my being, connect to my imagination, and my energy. I carry energy medicine within me, and meditation can be a way to access this medicine and offer it back to myself for healing and living into the fullness of my life experiences.”

Meditation alone can be incredibly healing, though it pairs very well with other healthy practices like yoga and massage. “I feel that when we combine modalities that there is the possibility for greater benefits with longer lasting results,” says Nies. “Because yoga and meditation can be practiced at home, I think they’re both great tools for maintaining the relaxation achieved during massage and managing discomfort between sessions.”

If you’re intimidated by meditation or find it difficult, don’t stress it. “Try and be patient with yourself—just like any new skill, it can take time to develop the practice,” Nies as-

sures. “Have an open mind and try to let go of any expectations you might have about what it should look or feel like.”

While meditation can be learned and performed alone at home, it’s helpful to have guidance, especially when you’re just starting out.

“We welcome beginners to our classes,” says Alsum. “If you are new to meditation, we invite participants to take it slow, welcome in self-compassion, and to do your best. We are not a studio focused on performance, but connection to one’s self.”

Svälja Yoga offers trauma-conscious healing support through meditation, yoga, qigong, and fitness classes. Workshops, class schedules, and much more information can be found online at: svalja.yoga.

Ancient Traditions Healing offers massage therapy and bodywork, healing arts, yoga classes and one on one instruction, handcrafted herbal products and education, plus workshops and retreats covering a variety of holistic health topics. Sign up for the newsletter for information about a free introductory class on meditation and mindfulness: ancienttraditionshealing.com.

—Dana Johnson

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays

Open Daily Starting May 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tingsha finger cymbals. | SVÄLJA YOGA

Gichi Onigaming Mooz Grand Portage Moose

By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman

Some of my favorite memories are sitting around with imbaabaa (my dad) and  nimishoomeyag (my uncles) listening to different versions of how family  mooz (moose) hunting trips actually happened. There is nothing better than waking up in Gichi-onigamiing (Grand Portage) with family having makademashkikiwaaboo (coffee) and chili, and then loading up the trucks and heading out to find a mooz (moose) on a gisinaa (cold) binaakwe-giizis mookise (October morning).

One story that stands out from the others is when  imbaabaa (my dad) and  nimishomenh (my uncle) had found a naabe-mooz (bull moose) up past Taylor Lake in Cook County. The naabe-mooz (bull moose) was standing in the ziibiins (stream). A couple cousins showed up to encourage nimishomenh (my uncle) to take the shot. Imbaabaa  (my dad) was using other ‘language’ to tell  nimishomenh  (my uncle) to not take the shot. There is nothing fun about pulling a mooz (moose) out of nibi (water). Nimishomenh (my uncle) took the shot and the mooz (moose) went down. Our cousins took off and other cousins showed up to tie ropes around the mooz (moose) to pull him from the stream.

This story has had many of us in my family laughing for years. To honor nimishomenh (my uncle) and the  niibin mooz (water moose), I painted this mooz (moose).

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.

Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Northland Newcomers

Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to be on the lookout for the latest generation of critters living in the Northern Wilds, from bear cubs and moose calves, to coyote pups, fox kits, and ducklings of all kinds. Throughout the years, our annual photo contest has received loads of baby wildlife pics—and while it was hard to narrow it down, we managed to pick a few of our favorites to share with you. Be prepared for cuteness overload. Happy springtime!

[RIGHT] Wildlife sharing: Baby ducks and a turtle, all sitting on a big rock.

| EDEE CONNER

[RIGHT] An adorable coyote pup.

| LYNDA STONE

A bald eagle with babies. | STEVE HARRI

A mallard duck with her many babies. | SUSAN FREI

[ABOVE] A family of moose, photographed last spring.

| RYAN HILL

[LEFT] A bear cub sitting pretty in a tree.

| CAROL & ROY TOEPKE

Baby geese at Mission Island conservation area in Thunder Bay.

| MICHELLE KEY

A merganser mother using her traditional method of safeguarding her chicks. They attach to her back, keeping them all together while making a hasty retreat, giving her a large profile from above and below. | BRUCE SYMINGTON

Great horned owl siblings about 3.5 months old, just days after they fledged and left the nest. | ED LEE

This multi-fox den had one cross fox father and two mothers, with kits of different ages. It was astounding to watch the older kits take care of the smaller, younger kits under the watchful eye of the parents. | CHRISTINE JOHNSTON

A doe and her fawn. | DOUG STROM

A loon protecting its baby from mergansers nearby. | DENNIS CHICK

Spruce Grouse  on the Border of Climate Change

By Cheryl Lyn Dybas

Photos by Ilya Raskin

Not so long ago, a moose caused an uproar on the U.S.-Canada border when it became trapped in a canal. The swimming moose was caught in the Soo Locks, where Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources biologists rescued it.

The errant moose is one of countless wildlife species that make their way north across the international line each year. Most slip through unseen. Usually it’s a lone moose, maybe a pack of wolves. Not a veritable animal caravan. Now, however, pressure is building on at least one species to border-cross en masse. No one is sure whether it will sneak through the woods or drop in from the air. But, like the first cold snap of autumn, coming it likely is: the spruce grouse (Falcipennis canadensis).

Spruce grouse, also fittingly called Canada grouse (as well as fool’s hens for their docile nature), subsist solely on spruce needles for much of the year. Spruce and other boreal, or northern, conifers fare best in regions with long, cold winters and short summers. It’s the same for spruce grouse.

Scientists at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) are tracking the grouse’s movements, binoculars up and hiking boots on, through the black spruce-jack pine forests these shy birds depend on for food and cover. With warming temperatures, boreal conifers are moving yet farther northward. “As the boreal forest shifts to the north with climate change, spruce grouse are expected to shift with their habitat,” says MN DNR lead grouse biologist Charlotte Roy.

Today spruce grouse live in the conifer forests of northern and western North America, according to Jodie Provost of the North American Grouse Partnership, a group that promotes the conservation of grouse species and their habitats. “The future of spruce grouse depends on healthy and connected coniferous forests, especially as the southern edge of their range shrinks northward,” says Provost.

In Canada, surveys suggest that spruce grouse populations have increased since 1970. “At the moment,” states a Government of Canada report, “there do not appear to be any pressing conservation concerns for this species.”

A short distance south, however, it’s a different story. Minnesota is one of the grouse’s last U.S. strongholds. On an MN DNR map of the state’s spruce grouse breeding sites, the 15 or so red dots marking those locations trace the Canadian border. The dots are warning signals of a species that’s mov-

ing ever-closer to climate defection. MN DNR biologists are bushwhacking through the boreal forest, looking for clues to when that might happen.

INTO THE DEEP, DARK FOREST

Late October near the border, pitch-black in the hours before dawn. Rain comes down sideways, making Minnesota State Highway 11 out of Baudette almost invisible from our 4x4. At the wheel is Scott Laudenslager, a wildlife biologist at the MN DNR. It’s 4 a.m., and he’s leading us on a wild grouse chase.

After a dozen or more miles, we turn into the Beltrami Island State Forest and rattle down a deserted, rutted side road that seems to go on forever. But that remoteness is how our quarry prefers it. We’re in search of the spruce grouse. We might as well be looking for a needle in a haystack.

“Finding spruce grouse in the forest is a tall order because they’re so secretive,” says Laudenslager as the track ends and he skids to a stop. Doors open with a muffled click, and we slide our way down a bramble-lined trail that’s slippery with wet leaves, headlamps on in the pre-dawn darkness. A mile or more in, a small cabin looms out of the blackness. We silently approach the front door, and are welcomed by Martin Kehoe, the cabin’s owner.

After a brief greeting, Kehoe whispers: “We need to be very quiet, and if we’re lucky the spruce grouse will start coming in right at dawn.” Spruce grouse plural? Coming in? It would be just as surprising to see forest-dwelling Hobbits.

Kehoe has owned the hut since 1986; owners before him were deer hunters and loggers. The property sits near 40 acres of public land, much of it “deep in the northern Minnesota forest,” says Kehoe. “Today’s cabin was likely built in the 1930s as an outbuilding for the original cabin, which rotted away for lack of a metal roof. I’m pretty enthralled by where it is, and it seems the spruce grouse are, too.”

According to a 1994 issue of the newsletter Fool-Hens Forever, published by the Spruce Grouse Society (an organization that’s now “extinct”), spruce grouse in Minnesota and Michigan are usually found in jack pine forests, while Wisconsin spruce grouse, like those in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, are more likely to live in spruce swamps. Here at Kehoe’s dwelling, jack pines stipple the landscape.

“FOOL HENS” A-PLENTY

“I don’t know many spots where you can find spruce grouse as reliably,” says Laudenslager. As if on cue, we hear scratching. Peering out a cabin window and through the rays of first light, we make out 10, perhaps 15, low shapes parading their way around the pines and along a “landing strip” in front of the hut.

The strip is where Kehoe places grit— small stones or pebbles. Spruce grouse need grit to grind food in their gizzards,

and to change from a fall diet of berries and leaves to a winter diet of fibrous spruce needles. In autumn, adults and young pick up grit in the early morning along roads, streams and lakes.

The sky turns sunrise-pink and the low shapes become more than a dozen spruce grouse. Kehoe’s grouse have appeared every fall, searching for grit. “This was an especially good morning,” says Kehoe. “I hope the grouse come back long into the future, but who knows?”

ANSWERS

IN FEATHER DNA

For now, the birds are faring well enough in Minnesota that the state still allows a spruce grouse hunting season. In past such seasons, the MN DNR encouraged hunters to submit wing or tail feathers, says Roy, along with GPS coordinates of harvest locations, for a DNA study of the birds’ habitat. “We’re using grouse genetics [from the birds’ feathers] to identify changes in their

habitat connectivity over time,” Roy says.

In the MN DNR study report, Spruce Grouse as Indicators of Boreal Forest Connectivity, released in 2023, Roy and other researchers report that “genetic data indicate that spruce grouse exist as a single interconnected population in Minnesota, with coniferous forest land cover and lower average temperatures at the time of spring dispersal [from winter roosts] the best predictors of gene flow. Therefore, climate change could threaten the persistence of this interconnected population.”

The biologists also found that the cooler northwestern and northeastern parts of the state’s spruce grouse range might provide climate “refugia”; the central region may be the most vulnerable to warmer conditions. Roy says that the research “highlights climate change and associated changes in conifer forest cover as important considerations for spruce grouse population connectivity at their range periphery”—such as Minnesota just south of the Canadian border.

A CAUTIONARY TALE

The spruce grouse has a close relative in the Russian Far East, the Siberian grouse (Falcipennis falcipennis). It may offer a crystal ball look into the North American spruce grouse’s future. The Far East species is in sharp decline due to warming temperatures and coniferous forests shifting northward, an international team of biologists discovered. They reported their results in 2022 in the journal Avian Research.

“Climate change has influenced the distribution of Siberian grouse dramatically,” the scientists write, “causing the species to lose most of its habitat and live in a small refugium.”

Whither cold temperatures and conifer trees, whether in the Russian Far East or in the northern U.S., thence the spruce grouse.

As coniferous forests shift northward in warming temperatures, spruce grouse may move north with them.

Spruce grouse are also called fool’s hens for their docile nature. This male is displaying for females.

The cooler northwestern and northeastern parts of Minnesota’s spruce grouse range may be climate “refugia” for the birds.

By Breana Johnson Spring Craft Revival

Shop from over 100 artisans in over 15 locations at the annual Spring Craft Revival in Thunder Bay, held Sunday, May 5 in the Waterfront District. This fun event takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and will also feature live music and entertainment. See our events section for more info.

Thunder Bay painter Barbara Dlugosz is one of over 100 artisans displaying her craft at the Spring Craft Revival on May 5. To see more of Dlugosz’s work, visit: facebook.com/bdlugosz.ca.

| BARBARA DLUGOSZ

| LORRIE WALSH

Also in attendance will be Katie Lemieux, a ceramic sculpture and illustration artist. For more info on Lemieux, visit: facebook.com/artistkatielemieux.

| KATIE LEMIEUX

|

Fire of Beltane owner Derek Kobayashi Grizans creates handcrafted jewelry. See more at: facebook.com/firebeltane.

| DEREK KOBAYASHI GRIZANS

lotsadotsbylisa.ca. | LISA DAMPIER

Sibley Stoneworks & Art, owned by Thunder Bay artist Lorrie Walsh, specializes in Lake Superior beach stone jewelry and original artworks that showcase the beauty and boldness of the north. For more info, visit: sibleystoneworks.com.

Thunder Bay artist Nora Logan, of Logan Art Creations, brings the splendor of Canada’s northwestern Ontario to life in her pieces. For more info, visit: loganart.ca.

NORA LOGAN

Located in Thunder Bay, Lisa Dampier, owner of Lotsa Dots by Lisa, creates uniquely designed and hand-painted mandala art. To learn more, visit:

Gina Joyce

Sparking Joy and Whimsy in Grand Marais

CREATIVE SPACE: By Rae

If you’ve driven Highway 61 through Grand Marais this year, you might have spotted a curious little cabin behind the Harbor Inn. That cabin is Roam & Whimsy Co., a pint-sized gift shop with a fairytale charm (and what might possibly be the coolest roofline in all of Cook County). The artist behind Roam & Whimsy Co. is Gina Joyce, a multi-talented maker and entrepreneur. Her store is home to her two other brands: Marais Made, a handcrafted gifts brand; and MinneCafe, a cottage food brand focused on gourmet cookies. Together, they form what Joyce calls a “whimsical wandering gift shop,” intended to spark joy and curiosity in all who stop by.

While creativity has always been a part of Joyce’s life, life as a small business owner and artisan wasn’t a career path she originally planned to follow. Coming from a corporate background, Joyce’s creative work fell by the wayside until the birth of her daughter in 2022—an event she said caused her creativity to come rushing back. Joyce left the corporate world to start her own creative businesses, initially selling her cookies and crocheted items at the Cook County summer markets.

“The purpose of what I set out to create with Marais Made and Roam & Whimsy Co. is to spark joy, and I hope my customers find whimsy wherever they roam,” said Joyce.

Under the Marais Made brand, Joyce creates a variety of handmade gifts and household items, with a focus on crocheted goods. Some of the items she crochets are chickens, succulents, mushrooms, and coffee mugs. As a self-taught artist, her creative process is rooted in discovery and exploration; her sources of inspiration include her surroundings on the North Shore, the many visitors she encounters, and her daughter, whose middle name happens to be Marais and who can always be counted upon to get curious about and test Joyce’s creations. In addition to crocheted toys and decor, she also makes jewelry and household goods like baskets.

As part of a new generation of small business owners in downtown Grand Marais, Joyce’s story highlights the power of community in helping a creative business come to life. Her journey into crochet itself began when she visited Dappled Fern Fibers, another Grand Marais business that opened within the last five years.

“I actually started crocheting when I first moved here. I went to the fiber circles at Dappled Fern, but I didn’t know how to knit, so I thought I’d try crochet. That inspired me to keep going every Saturday—I continued to learn and get better and the community and interest just built from there,” Joyce said. “I came from a corporate industry that was very male-dominated, and to see so many

Poynter

| SUBMITTED

female entrepreneurs and artists here lit my spirit to go for it.”

And how did the building itself wander into the picture? After seeing the support her craft received at the 2023 summer market, Joyce decided to create a (somewhat) permanent presence in town. She knew of a builder in central Minnesota who made garden sheds and decided to give him a call. The building they designed together is a work of art itself, built on a trailer from almost all reclaimed and salvaged materials.

“Roam & Whimsy is a fitting name for it because not only is it whimsical, but it’s on wheels so the shop could roam anywhere and you stumble across it while you’re roaming,” Joyce said.

In addition to her own creations, Roam & Whimsy is home to a selection of items that Joyce curates from other makers.

“Our 60 square foot shop may be small, but she’s mighty! In the four short months since we’ve opened, I’ve had the honor of not only selling my Marais Made goods, but also carrying work from 25 female artists and entrepreneurs, six local Grand Marais artisans, six Minnesota makers, three Latina cooperatives, and a handful of international vendors…and counting! It’s an honor to share their amazing work and see these cherished goods bring our customers joy,” said Joyce.

To learn more about Roam & Whimsy Co., visit: roamwhimsyco.com.

Under

Located in Grand Marais, Roam & Whimsy is home to Joyce’s two other brands: Marais Made and MinneCafé. | SUBMITTED

the Marais Made brand, Joyce creates a variety of handmade gifts and household items, with a focus on crocheted goods.

Roam & Whimsy owner Gina Joyce.

Justine Kerfoot Memorial Endowment Fundraiser

4TH 4TH ANNUAL ANNUAL

TASTE OF THE TRAIL TASTE OF THE TRAIL PICNIC ADVENTURE PICNIC ADVENTURE

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 - 11:30 - 4 PM

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 - 11:30 - 4 PM

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 an 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!

$75/PERSON

$125/COUPLE

For more information and tickets, go to:

NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org 218-387-9076

SUBMITTED

HOMEGROWN

MUSIC FESTIVAL

April 28-May 5 The Homegrown Music Festival is an annual community celebration of the original and diverse music of Duluth and its surrounding communities. What started in 1999 with 10 acts has matured to an eight-day community-wide local music, arts, and cultural extravaganza. The festival kicks off on Sunday, April 28 with live music and fun activities at various locations. More information can be found online. facebook.com/duluthhomegrown

FOLKLORE FESTIVAL

May 4-5 Travel the world in 48 hours at the 51st Folklore Festival, held at Fort William Gardens and Curling Club in Thunder Bay. Presented by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, there will be tantalizing international foods, imported wines and beers, incredible entertainment, “shop-the-world” booths, a free activity-packed children’s area, exhibits and displays, and local artisans onsite. The festival will take place from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors, and $1 for children ages 4 to 12—kids under age 4 are free. facebook.com/folkloretbay

SPRING CRAFT REVIVAL

May 5, Sunday The annual Spring Craft Revival, held in the Waterfront District of Thunder Bay, will feature more than 100 artisans in over 15 locations, live music and performances, activities for the kids at the Waverley Library, delicious food and beverages, and more. You’ll find items to suit any style, from home décor, clothing, and jewelry, to baked goods, photography, paintings, and more. Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., this is a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss. craftrevival.ca

COOK COUNTY YMCA DANCE RECITAL:

SUNNY DAY

May 9-11 Over 110 dancers of all ages will perform in the 8th annual Cook County YMCA dance performance, titled Sunny Day. The recital features ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop dances, choreographed by Christine Curtis, Breana Johnson, Clare Shirley, and Lesli Higgins. The recital will be held at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Thursday) at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for youth ages 3 and up. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. facebook.com/cookcountycommunityymca

GRAND MARAIS OLE OPRY VII

May 18, Saturday The North Shore Music Association presents the Grand Marais Ole Opry VII! This popular showcase offers a lively mix of classic country, oldtime, and bluegrass music. This year’s Opry features headliners Honky-Tonk Jump, playing Texas dance hall music in the tradition of Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Ernest Tubb, and Spade Cooley, with a sprinkling of Hank Williams and other early honky-tonk legends. The duo Dusty Heart (Barbara Jean Meyers and Molly Dean) opens the show, combining rich vocal harmonies with intimate layers of guitar, fiddle, and banjo. Rounding out the evening are local talents guitarist Mark Zierath, and Bump and Grace Bloomberg. The fun starts at 7 p.m. on May 18 at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. Tickets are general admission, $18 for adults, $10 for youth ages 18 and under, and can be purchased online or at the door starting at 6 p.m. northshoremusicassociation.com

The annual Run Smelt Run parade and party will take place Sunday, May 26 in Duluth. |

| THROUGH GLASS IMAGES

Take the North Shore home with you!

SUPERIOR SPRING TRAIL RACES

May 18, Saturday Located in Lutsen, the Superior Spring Trail Races traverse the Sawtooth Mountain Range on the Superior Hiking Trail. Runners will face extremely hilly, rugged terrain, crossing rivers and streams through the boreal forests. Courses include a 50km starting at 7 a.m., a 25km at 8 a.m., and a 12.5km at 9 a.m. The 25km and 50km start and finish at Caribou Highlands Lodge, and the 12.5km is point-to-point, finishing at Caribou Highlands Lodge. Aid stations are pro -

vided for the 25km and 50km races, and spectators are welcome. Race registration required. superiorspringtrailrace.com

FIRE FIGHTERS TEN MILE ROAD RACE

May 20, Monday The Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race has been a Thunder Bay tradition since 1910, promoting an active, healthy lifestyle for runners of all skill levels. This in-person race will be held on Simpson Street. Individual runners will start at 9 a.m., followed by relay teams starting at 9:10 a.m. The route is an outand-back with a loop through Marina Park; aid stations provided. Afterwards, an awards presentation with door prizes will be held at noon at the Columbus Center. Registration required to participate. 10mileroadrace.org

DULUTH DYLAN FEST

May 21-26 Head to the Twin Ports to celebrate Minnesota’s native son Bob Dylan. This year’s Duluth Dylan Fest will kick off on Tuesday, May 21 with a free acoustic jam session with host Lesli Black at Carmody Irish Pub in Duluth from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Other festival activities throughout the week include a singer-songwriter contest, a tour of Bob Dylan sites, lots of live music, various lectures, and more. Admission is required for certain events. More information can be found online. duluthdylanfest.com

Grand Marais Ole Opry

headliner Honky-Tonk Jump

May 18th 7:00 PM

Arrowhead Center for the Arts 51 W. 5th St., Grand Marais

$18 General Admission Tickets for sale in advance at northshoremusicassociation.com and at the door starting at 6:00 p.m.

The Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race has been a Thunder Bay tradition since 1910. | GERIANNE JOHNSON

| KEVIN LANGTON

WIZARDS DEMO DAY

May 25, Saturday Visit the Cook County Home Center in Grand Marais on Saturday, May 25 for Wizards Demo Day, featuring cars, motorcycles, and coffee. See demos by a Wizards factory rep of all the products in the Wizards line. There will be buffing and cleaning demos, detailing advice, metal polishes, leather cleaners, moisturizing products, free headlight restorations, free scratch and rub removals, and more. They also have products to keep matte and denim paint looking like new. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. cookcountyhc.com

LE GRAND DU NORD

May 25, Saturday Up to 800 gravel grinders will take to (mostly) unpaved routes on fat-tire bikes, starting in Grand Marais. Held by Heck of the North Productions, the Le Grand Du Nord offers three events for cyclists: a 110-mile, 54-mile, and 26mile route. With more than 5,500 feet of climbing and a decidedly remote feel, the 110-mile course is beautifully challenging. The 54-mile course has plenty of climbing and miles of forested roads. The 26-mile “marathon” route is a Le Grand-worthy introduction to gravel cycling with its mix of paved and gravel roads, climbing, and great Lake Superior views. The first wave starts at 8 a.m. and spectators are welcome. Riders 18 and younger ride for free with an adult. Registration required. heckofthenorth.com

NORTHERN LANDSCAPES

FESTIVAL: MAY 31-JUNE 2

HJØRDIS SAILS RETURN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

500 W HWY 61, GRAND MARAIS, MN 218-387-9762 · NORTHHOUSE.ORG

RUN SMELT RUN

PARADE & PARTY

May 26, Sunday The Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe will hold their annual parade and party on May 26 in Duluth. This free, family-friendly event begins at 3:30 p.m. with the presentation of the Smelt Queen on the lawn in front of the Maritime Visitor’s Center (next to the Aerial Lift Bridge). The parade will then proceed down the Lakewalk, featuring live music by the Twin Cities brass band the Brass Messengers, a stilt walking royal guard, an energetic school of silver smelt puppets and mask dancers, and more. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear silver. After the parade, head to Zeitgeist Arts Café for a smelt fry and party. Those interested can also participate in free parade workshops prior to the event to help create puppets, costumes, parade art, and more. More details can be found online. magicsmelt.com

NORTHERN LANDSCAPES FESTIVAL

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

Open Daily11-5

beginning May 16

With Fresh Art!

Betsy painted birches all winter, come check them out , along with pottery, jewelry, and much more by local and regional makers.

Enjoy lots of live music during the annual Duluth Dylan Fest.

| MICHAEL K. ANDERSON

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru May 5

Lakehead University Honours Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru May 10

Lauren Faherty: Interlaced Prove Gallery, Duluth, provecollective.org

Thru May 12

Paintings: Damon Dowbak Co.Lab Gallery & Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, colabgallery.ca

Thru May 19

Tanya Piatz: Species of Special Concern Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Thru May 28

The Hanna Collaboration: Ink Drawings by John Hanna & Paintings by Cherry Hanna Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org

Thru June 16

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

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

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

April 28-May 5

Homegrown Music Festival Duluth, facebook.com/duluthhomegrown

May 1-31

Artist of the Month: Natalija Walbridge Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

May 2, Thursday

Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day 6 a.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Trivia with Cook County Historical Society 6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcountyhistoricalsociety

Free Concert for Mental Health Awareness 7 p.m. Ely’s Historic State Theater, ely.org

May 2-5

World Accordion Festival Harrington Arts Center, Superior, worldofaccordions.org

May 3, Friday

Gooseberry River Water Walk 11:30 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Chasing Waterfalls Tour 1:30 p.m.

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry

Toast to Tails: 1920s Costume Party 6 p.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, lszoo.org

Lady Prom 6 p.m. Aad Shrine Event Center, Duluth, glitteratievents.com

TBSO: Noondaagotoon! 7:30 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

May 3-8

Spring Into Art Exhibit & Sale Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, facebook.com/tbay55pluscentre

May 3-31

Artist of the Month: Lance Wurst (Reception May 3 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

May 4, Saturday

Sports Cards & Collectables Show 9 a.m. Ramada Hotel, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Cook County Winter Market 10 a.m. The Hub, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com/events

Kam River Ultimate Duck Race 1 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, ourkidscount.ca

Art in Motion: Standing Ovation 2:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Book Release Party with Joe Friedrichs: Last Entry Point 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Angelique Francis 7 p.m. FWHP: McGillivray’s Landing, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiant.ca

DSSO: MW7: Empress of the World 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, dsso.com

Jason Rouse: The Dark Side Comedy Tour 8 p.m. The Industry, Thunder Bay, campfirecomedy.ca

May 4-5

Folklore Festival Noon, Fort William Gardens & Curling Club, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/folkloretbay

May 5, Sunday

Everyone Can Bird! Spring Migration 9:30 p.m. Chambers Grove Park, Duluth, northlandadaptive.org

Spring Craft Revival 10 a.m. Waterfront District, Thunder Bay, craftrevival.ca

May 6, Monday

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

May 7, Tuesday

Free Presentation: Iditarod Mushers Erin Altemus & Anna Hennessy 7 p.m. North House Folk School: Red Building, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

May 8, Wednesday

Walk and Bike to School Day GES & Cook County Schools, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcounty

Spring Bonfire 5 p.m. Semer’s Park Beach & Pavilion, Ely, elyfolkschool.org

Lakehead Choral Group Spring Concert: New Beginnings 7 p.m. St. Agnes Church, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/lakeheadchoralgroup

May 9, Thursday

Breakfast for Heroes 8 a.m. American Legion Post 109, Two Harbors, lakecounty-chamber.com

Author Talk: Mary Seifert 2 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/twoharborspubliclibrary

Fay Gleeson Dance Centre: “66 It’s the Remix” 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 9-11

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10 a.m. (4 p.m. Thurs.) Lake View Hospital Community Room, Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborspubliclibrary

Cook County YMCA Dance Recital: Sunny Day 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Thurs.)

Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcountycommunityymca

May 9-12

What She Said Play Festival 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

May 9-25

Liars at a Funeral Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

May 10, Friday

Spirit of Thunder Bay 6:30 p.m.

Victoria Inn, Thunder Bay, lakeheadrotary.com

Silver Sound Concert: Caught in the Rhythm 7 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/silver.sound.choir

May 10-11

LitFest Thunder Bay, nowwwriters.ca

May 11, Saturday

Minnesota Fishing Opener

Premier Home Style Tour 9 a.m. Thunder Bay, premierhomestyletour.com

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

Book Release Meet & Greet with Staci Lola

Drouillard: A Family Tree 11 a.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Zorya Ukrainian Dancers 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

CAB: The Brilliance of Baroque Organ 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

Unfortunate Specials: The Sports Balls Show 8 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

May 11-12

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

May 12, Sunday

Mother’s Day

May 13, Monday

Author Talk: Elin Anna Labba: The Rocks Will Echo Our Sorrow Noon, Zoom, mycche.org

International Dance Academy Recital 6:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 13-16

River Quest Duluth/Superior, stlouisriverquest.org

May 13-26

Minnesota’s Communities in Detail: Isaiah Okongo Ely’s Historic State Theater, northernlakesarts.org

May 14, Tuesday

Free Tree Planting Workshop 1 p.m.

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

May 15, Wednesday

History Happy Hour 5 p.m. Boathouse Lookout Lounge, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

Free Houseplant Swap & Seed Exchange 5 p.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org

Dialogue in Action: Author Robert P. Jones 5:30 p.m. First Lutheran Church Sanctuary, Duluth, bit.ly/dialogueinaction

May 16, Thursday

Artist Talk with Tanya Piatz: Species of Special Concern 5 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello 6 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Dance Dynamics: The 24th Eras Finale 6:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

North Shore Swing Band 7 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, upyonderon61.com

May 16-19

The Great Benjamins Circus Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay, benjaminscircus.com

May 17, Friday

Dinosaur World Live! 6:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 18, Saturday

Superior Spring Trail Races

Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen, superiorspringtrailrace.com

City-Wide Rummage Sale Ely, ely.org

VendorFest Markets 8 a.m.

CLE Heritage Building, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Community Rummage Sale 10 a.m. Cook

County Community Center, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com/events

The Depot Steam Festival 10 a.m.

St. Louis County Depot, Duluth, experiencethedepot.org

Indigenous Writer Series: Gwen Westerman & Linda LeGarde Grover 2 p.m.

AICHO’s Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, aicho.org

Duluth Dance Center Recital 6 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Grand Marais Ole Opry 7 p.m.

Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Unfortunate Specials: The Sports Balls Show 8 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

May 18-19

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

May 19, Sunday

218 Dance Project Recital Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Beyond the Reel: VPC Film Fundraiser 3 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, violencepreventioncenter.org

The Simon & Garfunkel Story 7:30 p.m.

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 20, Monday

Victoria Day

Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race 9 a.m.

Thunder Bay, 10mileroadrace.org

May 21, Tuesday

Annual Meeting of North Shore Federal Credit Union 7 p.m. Reunion Hall, Silver Bay, northshorefcu.org

May 21-26

Duluth Dylan Fest Duluth, duluthdylanfest.com

May 22, Wednesday

Lunch & Learn: Understanding & Addressing Vision Loss in Older Adults Noon, CCHE or Zoom, carepartnersofcookcounty.org

Lakehead Music Festival Gala 7 p.m.

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 23, Thursday

Pioneer School Day Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Ely Area New Neighbor Hike 1:30 p.m.

Boundary Waters Connect, Ely, ely.org

Full Moon Reading 6 p.m.

Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Travis Zimmerman & Sam Zimmerman: How the Birds Got Their Songs 6:30 p.m.

Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

Willie Nelson & Family 7 p.m.

Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontfestivalpark.com

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

May 24, Friday

Summer Exhibition Opening Reception: Embodying the North Shore 5 p.m.

Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

May 24-June 2

Peter and the Star Catcher Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

May 24-June 16

Kim Gordon Exhibition (Reception May 24 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

May 25, Saturday

Le Grand Du Nord Gravel Cycling Classics Grand Marais, heckofthenorth.com

Wizards Demo Day with Cars, Bikes & Coffee 8 a.m. Cook County Home Center, Grand Marais, cookcountyhc.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

Smelt Fry 11 a.m. The Green Door, Beaver Bay, facebook.com/baptismriverbbq

Author Joe Friedrichs: Last Entry Point 1 p.m. Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

Blues Blast 2024 3:30 p.m.

DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbaybluessociety.ca

Author Talk with Dianna Hunter: Clouded Waters 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Roy Orbison Ultimate Tribute By David K & Band 7 p.m. Greysolon Ballroom, Duluth, visitduluth.com/events

May 26, Sunday

Hike for Hospice 9 a.m.

St. Ignatius High School, Thunder Bay, hospicenorthwest.ca

Music of the Night: The Concert Tour 2 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Run Smelt Run Parade & Party

3:30 p.m. Duluth, magicsmelt.com

May 27, Monday

Memorial Day

Legacy Dance Studio: In My Legacy Era 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 30, Thursday

Trivia with Cook County Historical Society 6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcountyhistoricalsociety

May 31, Friday

A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Barn Quilt Trails with Jay Grammond 1 p.m.

Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/twoharborspubliclibrary

Bachelors for Hope Charity Gala Auction 6 p.m. Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/healthsciencesfoundation

May 31-June 2

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

June 1, Saturday

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

WEEKLY EVENTS

Tuesdays

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

Wednesdays

Weekly Game Day for Adults 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

Thunder

3:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

Thursdays

Thursday Night Art

&

facebook.com/joyandcompanymn

Creative Movement

Kayla (not on May 16) 5:30 p.m.

Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/twoharborspubliclibrary

Date Night with Live Music 6 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

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

Sundays

Female Boarder Collective Sunday Skates 10 a.m. Cinema 5 Skatepark, Thunder Bay, femaleboardercollective.ca

July

Lake Superior and just up Ski Hill Road from Lutsen, comes the 3rd annual Lutsong Music Festival! Rain or shine. Kids under 12 free. Dog friendly, or other leashed creature. Food and Drinks will be available for purchase.

4

The Education Department at North Shore Health provides learning and development opportunities for the community of Cook County

Community CPR classes can be arranged through the Education Department. American Heart Association CPR and First Aid classes are offered in a blended-learning format, where on-line learning is completed before a hands-on skills session with an instructor.

Nursing Assistant Education The program is a 75 hour on -line learning, skills lab and clinical site learning with an instructor. Once the program is complete, the student is eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Test and placed on the Nursing Assistant Registry once passing the state test. A student who successfully completes the program and takes a nursing position at North Shore Health will have the cost of the program waived. Apply on our Careers page: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org/careers.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Education is designed as a 15 week course. Online learning, lab experience with direct teaching and practice of skills by experienced NSH Paramedics and EMTs, Ambulance Department/ER on-site learning comprise your blended learning experience. A student who successfully completes this program is eligible to take the examinations to become a Nationally Registered EMT.

Three Pathways: (1) Sponsorship by a local EMS service (2) North Shore Health Student EMT to employment; apply on our Careers page: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org/careers (3) Pay tuition out of pocket.

Contact the Education Department for more information at 218-387-3295, or by email: Education.NSH@northshorehealthgm.org.

EMS Service Leaders, to register people for the program please email the Education Department for the registration form: Education.NSH@northshorehealthgm.org.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR Refresher) EMR initial and refresher first responder courses will be hosted by North Shore Health in the Fall of 2024.

515 5th Ave West, Grand Marais, MN 55604 218-387-3040 / NorthShoreHealthgm.org

The North Shore Dish The Rebellious Paradox of Spring

By Virginia George

Spring. Even though we don’t pass our official last frost date for a couple more weeks, it’s probably safe to say that spring is really here.

That said… what a winter. We nearly broke winter precipitation records two years in a row—last year for the highest ever snowfall at 140 inches (356 cm), and this year for the least, but a final March snow pushed us above our previous record low of 36.5 inches (93 cm). You could say it was a rebellious winter. American Thanksgiving brought a real bite in the air for our postfeast walk, while mid-December brought us 48-degree temperatures (9 Celsius) and a brown Christmas.

The Winter That Never Was felt a little like a paradox, but here I sit with the trees budding, my beehives pulling in loads of pollen, and the sun burning the chill out of the air. Finally, maybe. What a strange and rebellious year.

As an ode to the coming of spring after a barely-winter-but-still-cold-enough-Iam-ready-for-sunshine-and-vitamin-D, we are going to throw out all the rules and talk about a couple restaurants that are unapologetically themselves. They do what they want, just like Mother Nature. They’re rebellious, and paradoxical.

REBEL Salad, Thunder Bay

REBEL Salad is a passionate place. They are passionate about salad, of course, but also about community, connection, and sustainability. A woman-run business in Thunder Bay, REBEL Salad was established in July 2017 and has been slinging salads ever since, following a “build your own” model. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose your base. This can be a blend of greens, kale, or organic brown basmati rice.

2. Choose your fixings. There is an extensive list to choose from, but a basic salad will get you three vegetables (like marinated mushrooms, roasted beets, or baby tomatoes), one topping (like feta cheese, bacon, or homemade croutons), a homemade salad dressing, and two proteins (such as thunder oak gouda, hard-boiled egg, or roasted chicken or tofu).

3. Choose your side of fresh baked bread or corn chips.

4. Devour. A woman-run business in Thunder Bay, REBEL Salad has been slinging salads since July 2017, following a “build your own” model. | REBEL SALAD

It’s a simple model yielding delicious results. REBEL Salad has worked hard to curate a creative menu with flavorful profiles and infinite possibilities. Each of the 11 salad dressing choices are created from scratch, and from fresh and local ingredients whenever possible. Further, REBEL Salads are served in biodegradable “to go” containers. If you would like to further reduce waste, REBEL Salad runs an eco-container program where patrons purchase a reusable plastic container that they simply exchange with their next salad order.

You’ll find the REBEL Salad café, located in the Bay Algoma District, to be bright and relaxed, with local art hanging on the walls. The open space is a lovely place to sit your rebellious self down for a lovely salad, or you can take your food to go. Online ordering is available, with limited delivery capabilities over the lunch hour.

Burger Paradox, Duluth

The Burger Paradox is, intentionally, a little paradoxical. At first glance, the place is kind of a dive with a plain storefront and graffiti down the side of the building in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. A closer look, however, reveals the paradox. The graffiti is beautifully stylized, and the motif of brightly painted walls continues inside with edgy art spanning the length of the building, and an underlit bar adds to the ambiance. It’s almost… classy.

The menu is just as carefully planned, and defies any idea you might have of a “dive bar.” Ironically, the burgers at Burger Paradox are called Smashies, and each comes with your choice of fries, chips, or KBBQ

Brussels sprouts: deep fried Brussels sprouts with Korean BBQ, soyoli, and fresh cilantro.

The Paul B’Onion is one of their signature burgers, with all beef patties, cheese, Top the Tater, potato chips, and pickled onions all piled onto a pretzel roll. A far cry from golden arches, you may want to try the McDowell, featuring all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a brioche bun. No sesame seeds… it hits different. And vegans, do not despair!

The Mission Impossible with its sun-dried tomato aioli, vegan patty, and pickled red onions is here for you. Gluten free buns are also available.

At the time of this writing, Burger Paradox is the newest member of the Duluth Grill family, and it feeds all sorts of crowds, from families with kids to more “mature” folks, and they strive to make every experience special. From their website, they do not serve hundreds of customers a day—they serve one customer at a time, hundreds of times a day. Burger Paradox is open late, from 4-11 p.m. daily, so stop in, and grab a Smashie and a cookies and cream malt or a salted caramel hard malt, or dilly cheese curds and ranch, and catch Lincoln Park’s night life!

Crafting good food is an artistic endeavor, as you bring together elements of taste and texture to create something that pleases the senses. This is something both REBEL Salad and Burger Paradox strive to do. Their food is art, both in presentation and in taste.

And now that spring has arrived, it’s time to dig out of our hibernation holes and experience all it has to offer.

Open Year-Round

Hungry Hippie Hostel

Book

The burgers at Burger Paradox in Duluth are called Smashies, and each comes with your choice of fries, chips, or KBBQ Brussels sprouts: deep fried Brussels sprouts with Korean BBQ, soyoli, and fresh cilantro. | BURGER PARADOX

The Importance of Self-Care

By Hartley Newell-Acero

If you’re a fan of the TV show Parks & Recreation, you probably remember the “Treat Yo-Self” scenes shared by Donna and Tom: “Treat. Yo. Self. Once a year, Donna and I spend a day treating ourselves. What do we treat ourselves to? Clothes. Fragrances. Massages. Mimosas. Fine leather goods. It’s the best day of the year.” They’re hilarious scenes, but they demonstrate a limited definition of “self-care.” Taking care of yourself is different from, and way more important than, simply treating yourself.

In the book Set Boundaries, Find Peace, therapist Nedra Tawaab defines self-care in this way:

• It’s a mental, spiritual, emotional, or physical practice.

• In some way, it rejuvenates, relaxes, and enhances your life.

• It can be done in response to feeling overwhelmed, or it can be used preventatively.

• It looks different for everyone.

A tricky aspect of self-care is that to be true to its name, it can’t have hidden harms attached to it. Here are some examples of behaviors that on the surface can look like self-care, but in reality, they cause other problems:

• Watching just one more episode of your favorite show. Actually, it’s going to cost you sleep and make you feel tired the next day.

• Purchasing that special something that you’ve been wanting, but you know that it’s outside of your budget and will negatively impact your finances.

• Taking a rest break during the day and

scrolling through social media. Except that you end up feeling bad about the time you’ve spent and depressed about the posts you’ve seen.

• Going to a big party, but you’re exhausted and are only going so that the hosts don’t get their feelings hurt if you decline.

Healthy self-care can only happen within the context of healthy boundaries, and healthy boundaries require setting and honoring healthy limits, both with other people and with yourself. Tawaab provides examples of caring for yourself by honoring healthy boundaries:

• Saying “no” to things that you don’t like, that don’t contribute to your growth, or that rob you of valuable time.

• Having media limits that benefit you: turning off devices so that you can get enough sleep, setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb” after 8 p.m., assessing your social media use, and taking a break if needed.

• Sticking to a monthly budget, paying bills on time, going on affordable vacations, and purchasing “treats” when you can truly afford them

• Taking regular breaks and refraining from working to exhaustion.

• Spending time around emotionally healthy people who lift your mood, and reduce contact with people who drain you.

• Finding a good balance between caring about and being involved in other people’s lives and minding your own business.

• Investing energy in decluttering or cleaning your space.

• Taking care of your physical health (like going to the doctor, taking medication as prescribed, eating nourishing food most of the time, minimizing or eliminating harmful substances such as alcohol and commercial tobacco, getting enough sleep and rest, moving your body in a way that feels good, etc.)

• Taking care of your mental health (ex. by going to therapy or talking with someone you trust, allowing yourself to feel your feelings without judging them as good or bad, practicing positive selftalk, speaking as gently to yourself as you would to a friend, forgiving yourself when you make a mistake, etc.)

A common thread runs through each of these examples: saying “no” to something that doesn’t benefit you, so that you can instead say “yes” to the things that support your emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Sometimes we need to say no to other people, and that’s not inherently mean or selfish. Paying attention to your needs and then honoring them isn’t self-centered. Ultimately, you cannot do a good job of taking care of others if you don’t give yourself opportunities to rest and recharge.

Additionally, we sometimes have to say no to ourselves about smaller things so that we can say yes to treating ourselves in ways that are in line with our greater values. This prevents us from momentary acts of self-betrayal and self-sabotage and provides the path that will move us closer to what we say we want for ourselves.

Boundaries are part of everyone’s personal “user’s manual.” They are the rules we have about how we treat ourselves and the cues that we give other people about how they’re allowed to treat us. Having healthy boundaries leads to feeling safe, loved, peaceful, and respected. And isn’t that what true self-care is all about?

Northern Trails Slip Bobber Walleye, Fixed Float Trout

By Gord Ellis

Fishing with a float or slip bobber is a classic and deadly way to angle. The great thing about the two techniques is they really level the playing field when it comes to detecting a bite. With a float or bobber, you don’t have to feel the bite, because you can see it. When the bobber is down, you are likely getting bit.

Spring is a great time to enlist both slip bobbers and fixed floats into your fishing. Here are two prime methods.

Slip Bobber Walleye

The idea of using a bobber for walleye may draw a snicker from some folks, but there are times when it will take more fish than any other technique. It requires patience, but there is something very exciting about seeing that pear-shaped bobber slip under the surface. That excitement is true for young and old alike, but it’s a great way to get kids into fishing as it is so visual.

This set up requires a slip bobber (the line runs through it) and a “stop” that keeps the bobber at a specific depth. To set the depth, simply slide a bobber stop up the main line the same distance as you want your bait to hang below the surface. The stop is where the bobber will be. There are different types of stops including neoprene beads that slip on the line, and pieces of thread that knot on the line. I’ve used knotted up rubber bands as well. The stop should be firm but still able to slide somewhat freely. A plastic bead can go on the line before the slip bobber to cushion it from the stop. The main line is then threaded through the hollow centre of the slip bobber. Finally, the hook is attached, and a bit of weight is added. Adjust where you want the float to sit by moving the stop up the line. Use enough weight—or a lead head jig—so that it will cock the bobber. If it is lying sideways on the water, you need more weight. A live minnow, worm, or leech on a #6 Octopus hook or jighead will do the bait delivery job well.

You can fish a slip bobber from boat or shore. Generally, an anchored boat works better than a moving one, as you can let the float drift with the current or wind, and keep a close eye on it. From shore, you will want to be able to reach a decent depth without making too much of a cast. Shore fishing a river mouth works well as the current takes the float and bait to the fish.

When you get a bite and the float slips

under water, wait a few seconds, then gently reel and increase pressure on your line until you feel weight. Then, set the hook. The bobber creates an angle between you and the walleye, so there will be slack line if you attempt to set the hook without reeling it tight. A longer spinning rod is best for taking up slack and sinking the hook.

Fixed Float Trout

The fixed float is different from the slip bobber in that it is “fixed” to the line. This makes it more sensitive to bites from steelhead and trout in cold water. Where the slip bobber is moving on the line, the fixed float is stuck to the line using either a neoprene or rubber sleeve that the line goes through. The pointy ends of the float go in the sleeves and the line is snugged up. You can then move the float up and down the line to adjust it. To adjust how the float runs, you set up your leader, sinker, and hook in such a way that they are running just off the bottom. This is critical, especially when you are using the float in a river where snags are more common and there is a current. There will be some trial and error with a fixed float, and it can be frustrating to lose them to snags.

Fixed floats tend to be narrower and ride higher in the water. They are often more colourful as well, so they’re easier to see in fast moving water. Typically, fixed floats are used by steelhead anglers in the springtime in long pools and runs. The float and bait are

A box of floats, bobbers, and accessories.

|

GORD ELLIS

cast upstream and then the angler lets the float go down stream, watching it for any movement on the float.

One key element when fishing a fixed float is to keep your line tight so that when the float goes under you can set the hook quickly. Line control is key and is one of the reasons some float anglers use what are called center pin reels. These types of reels allow line to play out smoothly down the river.

Fixed floats come in all sorts of different sizes and this allows the angler to use more

or less weight, depending on the situation. Typically, the weight used for fixed floats is split shot. Proper weight is especially critical in currents because you want to have your roe bag or fly down near the bottom.

Fixed floats can also be used in lakes, especially for brook trout that might be hanging off a beaver house or near the face of a beaver dam. Adjust the float so that the bait is just off the bottom or halfway up. If the float is lying sideways on the water, you have too much line under it. A live minnow or worm hung off a fixed float is strong medicine for brook trout in lakes.

The final thing I’ll mention is that you can switch these techniques around. There are times you can use a slip bobber for steelhead and trout, or a fixed float for walleye. Different fishing situations may require a slightly different presentation. But perfect these two techniques, and no fish will be safe.

Gord Ellis with a spring walleye caught on a slip bobber. | GORD ELLIS

NORTHERN SKY

MAY 2024

By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

In May, the evening sky ushers out the bright winter stars and nudges Leo, the lion—the most prominent spring constellation—toward the western exit. Nightfall comes late, but when it does it reveals the second and third brightest stars in our night sky.

High in the southeast blazes is Arcturus, the brightest star in the northern hemisphere of sky. Only marginally dimmer, brilliant Vega shines lower in the northeast to east. Both stars climb throughout the month, along with their constellations. At 37 light-years distant, Arcturus anchors kite-shaped Bootes, the herdsman, while Vega, at 25 lightyears, dominates the small constellation Lyra, the lyre.

In the second half of May, Spica—the only bright star in Virgo, the maiden— will be almost due south at nightfall, below and slightly west of Arcturus. Spica contains two stars, both larger than the sun, separated by just 11 million miles,

or 12 percent of Earth’s distance from the sun. These stars orbit their common center of mass in just four days. It’s thought that their intense mutual gravity deforms both stars into an egg-like shape.

The moon begins the month in the morning sky. Just before dawn on the 3rd, it appears close above the eastern horizon, to the right of Saturn. After beginning a new cycle on the 7th, it visits the Gemini twin stars on the 12th; Regulus, in Leo, on the 15th; and Spica on the 19th. The night of the 22nd to 23rd, May’s full moon traces a low arc across the sky.

The waning moon appears in the middle of the Teapot of Sagittarius in the predawn hours of the 26th. On the 31st it shines below Saturn, which is rapidly moving up and westward through the morning sky. Far to the lower left of the ringed planet, a barely visible Mars is slowly gaining altitude.

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.

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: Loon Lake is a classic Canadian Shield lake nestled along the Gunflint Trail near the Canadian border. It has a decent population of naturally reproducing lake trout, some better-than-average northern pike, and plenty of smallmouths. It’s even got a decent bluegill population, which is uncommon for the area.

ACCESS: It’s easy to get to Loon Lake, but you’ll have to drive 43 miles up the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Hwy. 12) from Grand Marais. Then turn right onto Forest Road 1347 and follow it to the access at the end of the road. There’s a concrete ramp there, a rustic outhouse, and parking for about six trucks and trailers.

1,095 acres and there is a single rustic National Forest campground on the northwestern part of the lake that is accessible by boat.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, rock bass, cisco, and walleye.

LAKE TROUT: Most anglers visiting Loon Lake are probably in search of lake trout. With its deep, clear, rocky waters, Loon is ideally suited for lake trout. There’s a decent population of lakers here and consistent natural reproduction is enough to carry the fishery. Young lake trout grow slowly at first and the DNR suspects this is because juvenile fish compete with a robust cisco population for insects. In fact, according to the latest DNR survey, 4-year-old lake trout averaged just 8.4 inches, compared to an area aver

LOON LAKE

large enough to prey on ciscoes, these longlived, slow-growing fish are capable of reaching lengths in excess of 30 inches.

NORTHERN PIKE: You won’t find an abundance of northerns in Loon Lake, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for in size. That combination of an ample cisco forage base, combined with access to cool water and the lack of competition from numerous other pike is the perfect recipe for growing lunkers. DNR surveys regularly find fish in excess of 35 inches here, and there are likely fish over 40 inches. You’ll go a long time between bites, but this lake could truly produce the pike of a lifetime.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Smallies are quite numerous, but they are slow-growing and their size leaves something to be desired. You’ll catch a lot of them fishing shoreline rocks, but expect to catch a lot of

6-inchers, with few over 10 inches. There are some fish over 15 inches out there, but don’t expect to catch a lot of this size class.

PANFISH: You wouldn’t normally expect to catch a lot of bluegills in a lake that plunges to more than 200 feet deep, but there’s actually a decent bluegill population here. You won’t catch any real slabs, but there are a fair amount of fish in the 6- to 7-inch range where you might consider keeping them. In addition, rock bass are at home in this rocky lake and you’ll find plenty of them in that same size range.

CISCO: Big schools of cisco roam the depths of Loon Lake. They provide excellent forage for lake trout, pike, and large walleyes. They grow big enough to fish for, but unfortunately, most contain tapeworms in the flesh, making them unsuitable for eating.

WALLEYE: This is not a destination walleye fishery. Walleyes are found in the lake in low abundance, but like pike, large specimens feed on ciscoes. If you catch a walleye by accident, it’s usually a pretty good one, but specifically targeting them is usually futile.

Last Entry Point

Stories of Danger and Death in the Boundary Waters

By Joe Friedrichs Minnesota Historical Society Press,

2024, $19.95

In Last Entry Point , experienced paddler and journalist Joe Friedrichs gathers true stories from the Boundary Waters region, interviewing people who confronted danger and walked away, as well as those whose loved ones didn’t make it. He also talks with search and rescue teams and considers what it means to calmly troubleshoot problems as they present themselves, or to be left behind when an adventurer in your life does not return home. Broken down into four parts, such as Water and Lightning, and Still Out There, Last Entry Point is filled with danger and death, as well as perseverance and strength.

—Breana Johnson

Impermanence

Life and Loss on Superior’s South Shore

By Sue Leaf

University of Minnesota Press, 2024, $19.95

Part memoir, part travelogue, and part natural and cultural history, Impermanence is a journey through the South Shore’s story—from the early days of the Anishinaabe and fur traders through the heyday of commercial fishing, lumber camps, and copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula, to the awakening of the Northland to the perils and consequences of plundering its natural splendor. Author Sue Leaf’s lifelong connection with the area imbues these essays with a passionate sense of place and an abiding curiosity about its past and precarious future. This is a great read for anyone interested in Lake Superior and climate change.

—Breana Johnson

Good Morning, Mother Nature

By Lucas Alberg Adventure Publications,

2024, $16.95

Written as a companion to Goodnight Great Oudoors, this new children’s book, set in the forest, presents another warm, rhyming tale by Lucas Alberg: “Good morning world. Good morning light. Good morning critters peeking into sight.” The final pages of the book includes interesting facts for the 12 forest critters found in the story—did you know that a fawn is born with roughly 300 white spots? Accompanied with playful and whimsical artwork, Good Morning, Mother Nature is a fun and heartwarming read for kids of all ages. —Breana Johnson

LEARN ABOUT

Strange Tales

From Duluth to Hollywood: Dorothy Arnold

By Elle AndraWarner

So, what’s the connection between the legendary New York Yankees baseball star Joe DiMaggio and a Duluth-born Hollywood actress?

While it’s well-known that Joe DiMaggio married Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, much less known is that his first wife and the mother of his only child was Dorothy Arnoldine Olson.

Dorothy was born in Duluth on November 21, 1917, to Northern Pacific Railway’s Victor Arnold Olson and Clara Kolbak, the daughter of Norwegian immigrants to Duluth. By age 12, she was singing and dancing at Duluth’s Lyric Theatre, and later performing song-and-dance numbers with her friend Dorothy Tetzman as part of “Dot and Dot (With a Little Bit of Dash).”

After graduating in 1935 from Denfield High School, Dorothy left Duluth, headed for Chicago to join the Band Box Revue as a singer/dancer. She then changed her stage name to Dorothy Arnold and moved on to New York where she attended Paramount School of Acting. According to the biography Dorothy Arnold: Joe DiMaggio’s First Wife , written by her sister Joyce M. Hadley, “...she worked at NBC and as a [radio] singer, posed for shots in magazine stories, modelled for ladies’ wear in ads, modelled clothes, and was in short subject films.”

Dorothy later told Hollywood columnist Paul Harrison, “As a kid in Duluth, I was an awful tomboy—always playing baseball and football with sandlot boys. But that was only until I got to be in night clubs...I went into vaudeville with a song and dance specialty. I tried little theatre work and stock, and tried to crash Broadway. I almost starved, and sometimes I sang with cheap dance orchestra.”

Hollywood’s Universal Studios signed her to a movie contract in 1937 and she began a film career spanning over 20 years, starting with the short film Freshies (1937) and ending with the movie Fräulein (1958). Between 1937-1939, she appeared in 15 films.

In 1937, Dorothy met Joe DiMaggio on the movie set for the musical comedy Manhattan Merry-Go-Round . She was a movie extra and Joe—who was gaining celebrity fame as a New York Yankees baseball player—had some speaking lines in the movie. After dating for two years, they were engaged in July 1939. Joe expected Dorothy to give up her film career once they married,

“Everything depends on what happens in the next few months. After all, you have to play your cards as they come, don’t you, even in love?”

Well, 22-year-old Dorothy and 25-yearold Joe got married on November 19, 1939, in Joe’s hometown of San Francisco at the Church of Saint Peter and Paul. The wedding was a huge event. Police estimated around 30,000 people had gathered to see the celebrity couple.

And as per Joe’s wishes, Dorothy gave up her movie career, with regret. Years later, her sister wrote in her book, “He left her at home and he always wanted her there. A wife had to be on his beck and call. That went over like a lead balloon for Dorothy.”

Their son, Joseph Paul “Joe Jr” DiMaggio III, was born on October 23, 1941—the same year that his father set the baseball record of a 56 game-hitting streak, a record that still stands today, almost 83 years later.

Within a year after their son’s birth, Dorothy sought a divorce from Joe. They reconciled, split, and reconciled, telling the press they were in love and wanted to be together. It didn’t last. In October 1943—when Joe was in the U.S. Army Air Force (1943-44)—they separated again and were divorced in May 1944. Dorothy was awarded a $14,000 one-time payment from Joe (today’s value, over $248,000), $500 monthly support (today’s value, over $8,800), and $150 for child support (today’s value, over $2,600).

But their love story wasn’t over yet. In 1946, Dorothy married George Schubert, a New York stockbroker. When they divorced four years later, Joe and Dorothy seemed to reconcile, and rumours began that they might remarry. When asked by the media, both said ‘maybe.’

They had remained good friends since their divorce in 1944, but that all changed in 1952 when Joe married the legendary Marilyn Monroe on January 14, 1952 (they divorced within a year.) In the meantime, Dorothy briefly revived her movie career (two movies Lizzie and Fräulein , plus some TV show appearances, including Dragnet).

Married for the third time in 1970 to Ralph Peck, a WWII Navy veteran, Dorothy died on November 13, 1984 in Ensenada, Mexico, while receiving cancer treatment.

Joe DiMaggio, recognized as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, died on March 8, 1999, and their son, Joe Jr., died five months later on August 6, 1999.

however, Dorothy wasn’t so sure about giving up her rising stardom.

In a Connecticut newspaper article (Waterbury Evening Democrat, July 24, 1939), journalist Ruth Millet wrote, “It is Dorothy Arnold who admits that if things keep on going right for her in Hollywood, she might find it pretty hard to give up acting for a life of sitting in a ball park biting her nails. Dorothy Arnold isn’t sure yet what she ought to do.” She told the journalist,

While Dorothy is gone, she’s not forgotten in Duluth. At the city’s downtown boutique hotel, The Oliver Inn, the 13 rooms at the Inn recognize unique Duluth personalities and room 12 is named for Dorothy Arnold.

Poster for The Phantom Creeps, originally released in 1939.

PICTURES

In her sixth feature film The Phantom Creeps (aka The Shadow Creeps), Dorothy Arnold has the role of Jean Drew, acting with Bela Lugosi.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

This 1939 image of New York Yankees baseball player Joe DiMaggio was taken the same year he married Dorothy Arnold.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

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.

lutsenrealestategroup.com // (218) 663-7971

STEVE SURBAUGH | Broker

SARENA CROWLEY | Agent

New 54 Banks Blvd

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

MLS 6112924 $175,000

New 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.

MLS 6112887 $689,900

72 Chimney Rock Road

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.

MLS 6111288 $1,199,500

New 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

pending pending

New 218 9th Ave W

Welcome to this hidden gem nestled on a quiet corner lot. Captivating 2BR/2BA home is a cozy haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

MLS 6112913 $499,900

MLS 6112485 $424,900

Bluefin Bay Unit 41

This upper-level, south facing unit affords unimpeded views of Lake Superior. Unit can be locked-out into two separate units offering flexibility in rental and owner use.

MLS 6112653 $489,000

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 and wonderful tree coverage.

MLS 6111766 $599,900

11 Poplar Creek Dr

Amazing opportunity to own a private getaway on 309’ of Poplar Lake. The 4BR/5BA house is currently operating as a B&B on 7.2A with BWCA access and is only about 30 miles from Grand Marais. The BWCA, hiking trails, bike trails, and miles of ski trails!

MLS 6109270 $699,900

261 Caps Trail

NEW 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! 2.4A with approx.. 300’ shoreline.

MLS 6112837 $379,900

pending pending

LAND

NEW 185 Boulder Point Road

Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forested hills and stunning Lake Superior on this 5.32A property. Solid driveway and a cleared building site.

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

X43 HansenHjemsted Road

MLS 6113077 $189,000 pending pending

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

Great opportunity to find a lovely 2.67-acre lot in Lutsen, perfect for a home or cabin. Abuts Federal Land on 2 sides for added privacy.

MLS 6112448 $59,900

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

77 Wilderness Trail

This sweet, half-log sided cabin has all your modern conveniences, and loads of privacy on a spectacular Tom Lake lot! The lot is gently rolling, features 189 feet of Tom Lake shoreline, has incredible views, mature trees, and lots of sunshine.

MLS 6111205 $389,900

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

SALE PENDING

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

ENCHANTING

LUTSEN LAKE

SUPERIOR HOME!

Sprawling and accessible 200ft of ledge rock shoreline is perfect for toe dipping! Lutsen Cascade Beach Road location, charming 2 bedroom with loft, ready for your own updating! Stroll around the accommodating lakeside deck, listen to the waves lapping the shoreline from this magical spot. Such a fantastic location, a short 15-minute drive to the Harbor town of Grand Marais on Lake Superior. Less than ten minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort! The options are endless; Visit today and start living your dream on Lake Superior! MLS#6112170

$899,000

PRICE REDUCED

NEW! COZY HIDEAWAY ON THE GUNFLINT TRAIL!

At the confluence of the Devil Track River and Elbow Creek in Grand Marais is a smart, well laid out home. Carefree living, musing on the ways of water flowing to the Big Lake. Carefree days with vinyl siding, new roof, recent updates. One bedroom and some little lofts, a place resting easily on the land. Heart of Maple Hill Neighborhood. Five minutes to downtown Grand Marais. A mile to George Washington Pines for XC Skiing and hiking. Trout filled waters beckon. ¾ spacious bath. Woodstove keeps the bills down and spirits up! A few decks for chillaxin. Sheds for the all the extras. Paths, apple trees, raspberries, garden areas, an old creek terrace to hike up on. All that is missing is you!

MLS# 6112746 $310,000

Clients

us and We will work for you!

PURE,

COOL, PRISTINE, SUPERIOR!

MLS#6108922

$949,000

NEW! 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

HOMES, HOMES, HOMES, READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM!!

GOOD LIVING IN SCHROEDER

Just over thirty minutes to Grand Marais, tucked away on the hill of the Cramer Road in Schroeder is this cute 2-bedroom home. With a large yard and 3+ acres to explore, you will have plenty of space to enjoy the seasons. Walk inside from the large deck overlooking the yard and enjoy the open layout. From the entryway giving you space for all your seasonal gear (that means no mud in the house!!) to the open Kitchen and Living room with a ton of natural light, you will be able to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Even a Large Deck overlooking the yard and detached garage! Located just a minute drive from Highway 61 you have easy access to all your favorite places like Schroeder Bakery or Temperance River. Or travel further on the Cramer Road to many inland lakes and spend the day fishing! All that is missing is you!

MLS# 6111108 $279,900 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

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 move-in ready. Just show up, unpack, and get to living that new life!

MLS#6113209 $189,000

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!

LUTSEN AREA

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

GRAND MARAIS AREA

SOLD SOLD SOLD SALE PENDING

MLS#6108876 $67,000

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

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

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

LAKE SUPERIOR PRIVATE RETREAT

Unique private place - a park-like preserve all your own. The 2000 ft of rugged lakeshore and dense boreal forest create a place to immerse oneself in the magic of the ancient shore. The 19 acres is accessible by a 1/4 mile of boardwalk and deck overlooks. Dramatic points protect the private views. Power and phone are waiting for your choice of building sites.

MLS#6107927 $1,750,000

DOWNTOWN GRAND MARAIS COMMERCIAL BUILDING

This is a remarkable building with great potential for retail, lodging, and many other services. Envision your own business here! Located in downtown Grand Marais with 100 feet of waterfront on Lake Superior.

MLS#6111835 $1,500,000

PRIVACY ON LAKE SUPERIOR – NEW STRUCTURES IN PLACE

Deeply wooded lot on Big Bay has great views of the lake and hills along the coast. Privacy on the 500 feet of shoreline with its own long driveway from Hwy 61 and a buffer of state land. A charming guest cottage is just being completed, so you have a place to start while you finish renovation of an old cabin that sits right on the shore by variance from the county. The contractor is ready to go. Plenty of room for a larger home-build on the 1.9 acre lot.

MLS#6112175

$525,000 PRICE REDUCED

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES SOLD

DEVIL TRACK

LAKE HOME

Three bedroom, 3 bath home on 2 acres of dense forest and 200 ft of shoreline on coveted north shore of the lake.

Quality-built 1981 home has many recent updates, including windows and roof. Updated kitchen with new slate tile floors, granite countertops, cabinets and appliances. Open floor plan on main floor with hardwood floors, lofted ceilings, large windows and expansive deck accessed by 2 patio doors. Primary bedroom has lake views and a private bath with walk-in closet. 2-car attached garage and a detached 2-car garage. Dock and lift included.

MLS#6108491

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

GREENWOOD LAKE PANORAMIC VIEWS

Greenwood Lake property offers the best of lake life and the north woods experience. Vaulted living area, open kitchen and dining area offer unobstructed lake views from nearly every angel. Cabin has 3 bedrooms with ample closet storage. Clear railing system on the deck allows you to take in the panoramic views. A short walk down to the wind protected harbor & swimming beach. Off-grid living with amenities of solar power, custom water collection system and propane.

MLS#6108310 $549,000

NEW! GULL LAKE CABIN

Own a beautiful cabin on coveted Watters Point near the end of the Gunflint Trail with direct access to the B.W.C.A.W. Charming cabin sits on 1.7 acres on Gull Lake with many other lakes nearby to explore. Hop into your boat or canoe for some serious evening fishing! This area has been designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary creating opportunities to enjoy all the night sky has to offer. Cabin features an open concept layout with a spacious loft area, a wood burning stove to take the chill out of the air and a 3-season screened porch just off the living room!

MLS#6113038 $419,000

POPLAR LAKE LOT

GREENWOOD LAKE LOT

Spacious, wooded lot gently sloping to the waterfront. There are very nice views here of the majestic Greenwood Lake, with 338 feet of shoreline and 3.65 acres.

MLS#6112437

$349,900

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

MLS#6108233 $199,000

HOMES & CABINS

3 BEDROOM LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW HOME

Large 3+ bedroom multilevel Grand Marais home with Lake Superior views and a detached 2-stall garage. Turnkey home has had many updates including new windows and doors, complete remodel of the kitchen and all 3 bathrooms, new carpet in the bedrooms as well! Enjoy the feeling of privacy with a fenced-in backyard. Stay warm in the cold months with the Carlton Peak granite fireplace. Take a short walk down the street & enjoy views of the harbor or nearby restaurants and shops. A great location in the picturesque town we all love.

MLS#6112236

NORTHWOODS SANCTUARY HOME

SOLD SOLD

Stunning home tucked away on 89 gorgeous acres. Includes 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with all the privacy features, maintenancefree siding, a metal roof, vaulted ceilings with pine tongue and groove, a stone fireplace and custom hickory cabinets. A Northwoods sanctuary, with views all around. Solar system leaves you with minimal utility bills. Power & broadband are slated to arrive.

MLS#6109126

NEW! UPDATED

2 BEDROOM TIMBER FRAME HOME

Beautiful 2-bedroom timber frame home nestled on 37 acres with a view of Lake Superior. Fresh updates to the home include completely remodeled bathroom, kitchen and bedrooms.

Private, quiet and peaceful location. Property is flecked with Maple Forest, perfect for creating your own Maple syrup boil. Imagine a gentle snowfall while you enjoy the wood-fired sauna. Located just 25 minutes away from Grand Marais.

MLS#6112870 $469,000

NEW! CHARMING TOFTE COTTAGE

Charming cottage in Tofte on the North Shore with seasonal views of Lake Superior. Home was completely remodeled in 2008. Includes 2 bedrooms, office, 1 bathroom, fireplace and a 1-car garage with a studio space. Complete with a creek, a bridge and a fire pit. Add’l bonus with adjacent lot to the east included in the sale! New water system, on demand water heater, stove and microwave. Owner has made $25,000 in improvements in the last 2 years.

MLS#6112828 $350,000

HOMES & CABINS CONDOS

COZY OFFGRID CABIN ON 83 ACRES

Well-loved, kit log cabin perched atop 83 acres, bordered by MN

State land. Being this deep in the woods, it is a treat to catch a glimpse of Lake Superior on a clear day from the south facing bedroom window.

Interior is accented by beautiful diamond willow railings and custom ironwork. Cozy off-grid cabin with propane lights, refrigerator and cooking range reduce utility expenses.

MLS#6112373 $289,000

SALE PENDING

SERENE AND PRIVATE WOODS WITH RUSTIC LOG CABIN

Mature white pine and cedar are the backdrop for this log cabin in the woods. The 12-acre property lies up against the towering cliffs and hills of the Farquhar Peak plateau, with adjoining federal land and Lake Superior modified climate. The rustic 2 bedroom classic log cabin was set up for a simple lifestyle. It's in need of love and repair, but has been a full time home recently. Solar electric system, and passive solar, composting toilet, dug well, stone fireplace and newer wood stove. Private dead-end road and loads of privacy. Just a half-mile away from the big lake, near Hovland and Horseshoe Bay.

MLS#6111983 $159,500

OFF-GRID CABIN

Sweet little off-grid cabin on 20 acres with knotty pine and a wood burning stove.

SALE PENDING

Property is wired for power when it becomes available on the road, and has a hand pump well on the driveway. Septic sites have been verified. Freshly updated with new windows, doors, roof and much more. Attached screened porch with a nice west-facing view of the forest and sunsets.

MLS#6111180 $159,900

SALE PENDING

5+ ACRES KELLY’S HILL RD

A short 15 min drive from Grand Marais sits this beautiful 5+ acres! With plenty of room to expand, this property features raised garden beds and trails throughout! With some selective clearing you could open it up to a lovely view of Lake Superior! Power and high-speed internet are on site along with a 12x20 storage shed. Superior Hiking Trail access just down the road.

MLS#6112878 $150,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES

BUILD JUST 10 MILES FROM GRAND MARAIS

A nice 1.84 acre lot across the highway from a Lake Superior beach. Within walking distance from Kadunce Creek, where hiking, beach combing and fly fishing are frequently enjoyed. Just 10 miles from Grand Marais, this is a convenient location to build a home stead or a vacation home.

MLS#6112295

SALE PENDING

MLS#6112070

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

40+ ACRES ON COUNTY RD 14

Over 40 acres with a creek running through

can maintain the elbow room with your own beautiful, private homestead.

MLS#6108229 $330,000

TOFTE LOT WITH CREEK

This 2+ acre lot is located within the old Tofte Airport Plat. Seasonal views of Lake Superior and a nice size creek meandering through the property. 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#6111840 $70,000

LARGE PARCEL WITH CREEK, LOST LAKE DEEDED ACCESS

Nice 41 acre parcel with good slope to southern exposure, frontage on Mohns Creek with ponds, and deep forest. Easy access with frontage on Camp 20 Road. Deeded private lake rights to Lost Lake. A remote escape with easy access and soon to have power and broadband access.

MLS#6110761

LAND/BUILDING SITES

HILLTOP SANCTUARY HOME SITE – 360 DEGREE VIEWS

Awe-inspiring views from this remote 40-acre wilderness parcel. Lake Superior view is almost 180 degrees. You can see Isle Royale to the east and the Swamp River flowage to the west. Millions of acres of State Forest wilderness surround you. Wolves and moose are frequent visitors. Step directly onto the Superior Hiking Trail, or roam the many trails and old roads. As remote as it feels, you can be on the highway to town within minutes. Site-prep, trails and landscaping are done, all you need to do is pick the best view to build your isolated mountain-top retreat.

MLS#6112490 $799,000 PRICE REDUCED

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

NEW! 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, yearround 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

MLS#6112701

$65,000 – 2.64 acres

40 ACRES– STONES THROW TO TOM LAKE

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

MLS#6095114 $60,000

PEACEFUL TAIT LAKE PINES

You'll appreciate the private & peaceful location in Lutsen, MN. Complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views, maintained roads, year-round accessibility, access to power, calm and serene overall vibe. Deeded lake access to Tait Lake! Additional lots available.

MLS#6106368 SOLD

MLS#6098276 SOLD

REMOTE ACREAGE, ADJOINING FOREST LANDS-PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

43 acre tract has adjoining federal land and state park within walking distance. Good road access, with an old "logging road" into the property. Property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, limited access lake with shared carry-in landing.

MLS#6103979 $46,900

REMOTE, END-OF-THE-ROAD PRIVACY

Deeply wooded 20 acre parcel, remote with nice southerly exposure and creek frontage on Mons Creek, a trout stream. Deeded access to Lost Lake, a private access lake with limited private property. A place to fish, listen to loons and watch the sun set. Private area is gated and maintained by association. Main road access is seasonal. Broadband/ power slated to come soon.

MLS#6112002 $41,400

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Mergansers

I was canoeing with my son early in the morning last spring. As we rounded a corner, there on a rock was a common merganser mom with 18 babies. I couldn’t get them all in the photo, but what a sight to see with all the little heads pointing in the same direction, waiting for mom to give the signal to swim. Seconds after taking this image, they hit the water and swam faster than we could canoe.—Paul Sundberg

Saturday, May 25

8AM to 2PM

See demos by a Wizards factory rep of all the products in the Wizards line!!

Buffing demos, cleaning demos, detailing advice, metal polish’s, leather cleaners and moisturizing products!!!

We also have products to keep matte and denim paint looking like new!!

See the new Wizards Select Pro System!!!! A body shops dream for fast cut and no swirling, EVEN ON BLACK FINISHES!

Wizards Products is a Minnesota-made company from Hanover, Minnesota

AND COFFEE ALL DAY LONG!

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the cars and motorcycles!!

We are looking for vintage car, classic car, hot rod, street rod, rat rod pro built, exotics, motorcycles (vintage and new) and show bikes.

Wizards will be happy to demonstrate on anything from a Model T to a McLaren!!!! And any motorcycle!!

Any car’s headlights can look like new.

We can also show you what the “big throw” can do on faded paint

If you are a body shop pro, restoration specialist, show car owner, motorcycle lover and owner, or you just want to keep your everyday drive looking good you should attend!!!!!