Northern Wilds November 2024

“The

-Tim K.

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Embracing Change

November brings many things. Most years, along the North Shore, it brings the beginning of winter. This year, it brings a big election and, for many of us, that brings a lot of anxiety and anticipation because it could bring a big change…or not. Here at the magazine, you will soon read about a change of ownership. For me personally, I have been fortunate to step back into a role I once held ten years ago when I first moved to Grand Marais. Shawn Perich and Amber Graham hired me as their managing editor, and I would indulge Shawn with my stories of living off grid in my cabin off the Pine Mountain Road with 30 sled dogs. At that time we couldn’t even drive to our cabin in the winter, and some days I’d show up to the office late with some harrowing story of a snowmobile stuck in the trail or a car that wouldn’t start. Shawn had a lot of grace for me. I was here when his partner Vicki became ill and passed, delivering the papers when Shawn couldn’t. But not long after I left this job to become a nurse.

Through the past 10 years though, I’ve enjoyed writing my dog blog, helping edit issues of Northern Wilds when they’ve needed me to, and now stepping in so that editor Breana Johnson could enjoy some time with her newborn baby. Now, Breana will step back into her role again. I will go back to my one-job nursing life, and mushing of course, with monthly dog blogs as long as Northern Wilds will publish me.

I offer Amber my congratulations on the sale of Northern Wilds and in her endeavors going forward. Twenty years is a long time to do anything. Northern Wilds is a vital and vibrant part of our community, and I think we can all say we enjoy reading about the events each month along the shore, the wonderful things people are doing, the columns that our columnists write and the stories that come out of our communities. I look forward to seeing the magazine continue and flourish.

This month, Kalli Hawkins writes about the resorts on the Gunflint Trail and what they do in the shoulder season to prepare for the winter or to simply rest up. Chris Pascone writes about the Duluth Dolphins and what makes swimming in Lake Superior so breathtaking year-round. Jim Boyd takes us to Lutsen Mountains and gives us the run-down on improvements happening there and a bit about the Skinner family who owns it. Gord Ellis gives us the tricks to catch a monster fall pike while Elle Andra-Warner extolls upon coincidences and the many she has had internationally over the years. The Dog Blog is back along with events, the art spotlight, and a creative space about all the wonderful places that kids can make art along the North Shore.

Enjoy. It has been my pleasure.—Erin Altemus

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11 www.northernwilds.com SERVING THE NORTH SHORE AND THE WILDERNESS BEYOND

PUBLISHER/CEO

Barb Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Amber Graham

EDITORIAL INTERIM

Erin Altemus, Editor editor@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING Sue O’Quinn sue@northernwilds.com

ART DIRECTOR

Lauren Harrigan lharrigan@ntmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jessica Jacobsen Smith production@northernwilds.com

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com

OFFICE

Barbara Fisher office@northernwilds.com

Nadine Seitz accounting@ntmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Erin Altemus, Jim Boyd, Gord Ellis, Virginia George, Kalli Hawkins, Mike Lein, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Ryan Pennessi, Rae Poynter, Joe Shead, Naomi Yaeger, Sam Zimmerman

Northern Wilds magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission by the publisher. ©2024 Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Prepress services and printing by Forum Communications, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Unsolicited material must be accompanied by return postage. Northern Wilds magazine assumes no liability for damage or loss.

Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc 400 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-729-4471

Grand Marais Office: 1708 W. Highway 61, P.O. Box 447,

55604

Changing Seasons

Nei-Turner Media Group purchases Northern Wilds Magazine

Twenty years ago, driving up the Gunflint Trail with my former business partner, Shawn Perich, and his puppy Tanner, we had a dream to tell the stories of the Northern Wilds through a printed newspaper magazine. Over the years our magazine grew into a small media company providing additional advertising opportunities: the Cook County Map, North Shore Dining Guide, and In-room Guest Directories. We built up a book publishing division helping authors self-publish their titles, and even operated a small print shop.

Then Covid-19 happened. This was a stressful time. Potentially contaminated in-room guest books were ripped out of heavily-sanitized hotel rooms, the need for printing services evaporated, and we really didn’t know how long our customer businesses would stay open. Thankfully, Northern Wilds Magazine seemed to fill a hole providing a sense of community in the chaos. We made it through that first year with enduring support from our advertisers, social distancing, and keeping to our small friend and family circles.

As long-time readers know, Shawn was diagnosed with brain cancer in the fall of 2021. The Northern Wilds team did a tremendous job keeping the monthly publication chugging along. After the first year, it became clear that Shawn needed to step down. Instead of closing, I decided to take full ownership, giving me time to contemplate the future of Northern Wilds. I decided to search for a new owner who not only would be able to carry on the tradition of Northern Wilds Magazine, but also bring new energy, support for growth, and the ability to navigate the ever-changing media landscape.

On September 18, I sold Northern Wilds Magazine and the Cook County Map to Nei-Turner Media Group, a publishing company near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Nei-Turner has more than two dozen publications with a team of 25 talented staff. Their diverse team, small-town resort culture, and additional resources will extend Northern Wilds’ abilities to better serve readers, advertisers, and the community. They will be able to provide administrative support, giving the local Northern Wilds team the ability to better serve the area with great content and creative promotions.

I’m grateful for the 20 years I have been able to serve the community in this capacity. I will remain a part of the Northern Wilds team in an advisory role moving forward. I’d like to extend the warmest welcome to the amazing team at Nei-Turner, and I’m looking forward to seeing where you take the magazine. And thank you to all of you—our staff, readers, advertisers, and community—for all of your support: we wouldn’t be here without you.

—Amber (Pratt) Graham

Shawn Perich and Amber Graham paddling on Lake Superior in Rossport, Ont. during an excursion in 2009 . | JIM BOYD

[LEFT TOP] Barbara Krause and Amber Graham [LEFT] Amber Graham and Shawn Perich [ABOVE] Northern Wilds staff; Jessica Jacobsen Smith, Barb Fisher, Amber Graham, Sue O’Quinn, Breana Johnson

Winterize Your Home Six Steps to Save Energy This Winter

NORTH SHORE–As winter approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your home for the chilly months ahead. Not only does this ensure a cozy atmosphere, but it also helps reduce energy costs and prevent costly repairs. Here are six practical steps to effectively winterize your home.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes. One of the biggest risks in winter is frozen pipes, which can lead to bursts and significant water damage. Insulating exposed pipes with foam sleeves or wraps is a simple but effective way to protect against freezing temperatures. By taking this precaution now, you can avoid a major headache later.

2. Clean Out Gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to serious issues, including water overflow that damages your home’s foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures proper drainage and prevents water from pooling around your house, this can cause foundation problems. This simple maintenance task can save you from costly repairs down the line.

3. Get Your Fireplace Inspected and Cleaned. Before lighting your first fire, make sure your fireplace is safe and efficient. Schedule a cleaning and inspection to remove creosote and soot buildup, which can lead to dangerous chimney fires. A professional check ensures that your fireplace operates smoothly, providing warmth without compromising safety.

4. Mulch Flower Beds. Don’t overlook your outdoor plants! Applying mulch to flower beds acts as an insulator for the soil, helping plants survive the freezing and thawing cycles of winter. This extra layer protects root systems and retains moisture, ensuring your garden remains resilient throughout the colder months.

5. Check for Drafts. Drafty windows and doors are notorious for letting heat escape. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks, keeping cold air out and warm air in. This straightforward step not only enhances comfort but also contributes to lower heating bills.

6. Keep Rodents Out. As temperatures drop, rodents often seek shelter inside homes. According to pest control company Orkin, around 21 million homes in the U.S. experience rodent invasions each fall. To deter these unwelcome guests, seal any holes and weatherstrip around doors and windows. Additionally, store firewood away from exterior walls and move any upholstered furniture indoors to prevent nesting.

UNDERSTANDING WINTERIZATION VS. WEATHERIZATION

Cameron Kadlubowski, a community energy transition specialist at Ecolibrium3 in Duluth explains the difference between winterization and weatherization. While winterizing involves seasonal preparations like cleaning gutters and insulating pipes, weatherization focuses on enhancing your home’s energy efficiency year-round. This can include air sealing and insulation upgrades.

Kadlubowski recommends an energy audit prior to deciding where to weatherize. Ecolibrium3 offers energy audits for those paying out of pocket and those who fit within their low income guidelines.

This service helps pinpoint where energy is being lost, leading to long-term savings and increased comfort.

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE WEATHERIZATION

Chris O’Brien, president of the board of the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP), emphasizes that the first step to reducing heating costs is identifying where heat escapes. He also recommends hiring an energy consultant to perform a home energy audit, which often includes a “blower door test.” This is the same type of test that Kadlubowski recommends. This test pressurizes your home to detect leaks, particularly in areas where walls meet the roof and around electrical outlets.

For homeowners using electric heat, benchmarking tools available through your electricity provider can help compare consumption against similar homes. Those using propane heat can find similar resources from their propane dealer.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

If you opt for an energy audit, you might find costs manageable, as many providers offer incentives. For instance, Senty Construction in Grand Marais, charges approximately $650 for a complete audit, and homeowners can claim a $150 federal tax credit for the audit. Additionally, weatherization expenses may qualify for a federal tax credit of 30%, or up to $1,200. Eco3 does energy audits for all income levels. The cost of an assessment can be offset by utility rebates and other incentives or free to those that meet income guidelines.

REAL-LIFE SUCCESS STORIES

Rebecca Bischoff and her partner, Matt Morgan, purchased a century-old home in

2021. After conducting an energy audit, they identified drafty areas that needed sealing and insulation. The audit revealed that an addition to their home was particularly drafty. They also added insulation in the crawlspace of the addition.

In other areas of the home, they also sealed areas between the foundation and floor joists in the basement and put plastic on the windows. “We also have things that need to be fixed or replaced,” Bischoff said, but for some repairs they are waiting until they can afford to make them or balancing energy efficient updates with keeping the historic character of the house.

WHERE YOU CAN GET HELP

By taking these proactive steps to winterize and weatherize your home, you can significantly reduce energy costs and ensure a cozy living environment. Whether you own or rent, implementing these strategies will help you stay warm and comfortable during the winter months. With a little effort now, you can enjoy the season worry-free and contribute to a healthier, more energy-efficient home.

For more information visit Cook County Local Energy https://www.cookcountylocalenergy.org/ or Ecolibrium 3 https://www. ecolibrium3.org/energy/

If you live outside of these two areas contact The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency https://www.aeoa.org/energy-assistance-program —Naomi Yaeger

Mulching perennial flowers and shrubs with straw, leaves, and compost will help these plants retain moisture and survive the winter. | MATTHEW SCHMIDT

New owners join Paddle and Portage

Bear Paulsen, Ann Possis and Joe Friedrichs now make up the ownership of Paddle and Portage, a media company that brings us news and story-telling from the Boundary Waters.

PADDLE AND PORTAGE

GRAND MARAIS–Paddle and Portage media has announced new ownership and management, while maintaining its current core team of contributors.

Paddle and Portage was founded in January by local journalist and author Joe Friedrichs and has been well-received by the BWCA Wilderness and broader paddling communities. The

company offers a unique perspective on the intersection of news, adventure, and storytelling from the Boundary Waters, as well as other paddling destinations across North America.

As the company continues to grow and expand, Friedrichs is now joined by two additional owners who are well positioned to take Paddle and Portage

to a wider audience: Bear Paulsen and Ann Possis.

Paulsen is the longtime general manager for Northstar Canoes, one of the top canoe manufacturers in North America. He is an accomplished paddler and outdoorsman, with decades of adventures and expeditions that have taken him all over the continent. Paulsen has extensive knowledge of the BWCA Wilderness, the businesses that rely on it, and the outdoor industry. He lives in Chisago City.

Possis has expertise in writing, editing, and marketing, and worked for many years at WTIP community radio, in a variety of roles both on- and offair. She lives in Grand Marais. Possis paddles rivers in Texas and lakes in the BWCA Wilderness annually, and supports many organizations aligned with wilderness conservation.

“Having Bear and Ann involved with Paddle and Portage is huge news for the company and for paddlers everywhere,” said Friedrichs. “They both bring different perspectives on canoes, paddling, the Boundary Waters, and media. Their background and experience are what we need to take our vision to the next level.”

Paddle and Portage offers a number of ways to engage with their content: a twice-monthly podcast hosted by Friedrichs and M Baxley and online content, including a digital magazine and the company’s engaging website. Paddle and Portage is expanding both its podcasting and online content in 2025.

The headquarters for Paddle and Portage is in Grand Marais, at 121 1st Ave W.

In addition, Paddle and Portage opened an office this month in Ely, to better reflect and serve the Ely community and the west side of the BWCA Wilderness. Paddle and Portage will work out of both offices moving forward.

For more information about Paddle and Portage, go to the website at:  paddleandportage.com

9”x12”

Coming around to copper

NORTH SHORE—Change can be a difficult thing. Especially if you are a Medicare eligible deer hunter who sees no need for a shiny new rifle in the hottest new caliber. I sporterized a Husqvarna brand Swedish military rifle about 25 years ago. It’s been used to take deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope in three different states. It’s accurate and efficient, even in my hands.

So why even consider a change? Maybe because change is sometimes a good thing and not as radical as first thought.

I usually process my own deer and have often dug pieces of lead out of the meat, remnants of bullets that fragmented after impacting the animal. I’ve also participated in the Minnesota Extension’s Services “Offal Watching Project” by placing trail cameras over the gut piles of deer I shot. These cameras recorded eagles, hawks, tweety birds, and all sorts of furry critters dining on the remains—remains that likely included unhealthy lead fragments.

Maybe it was time for a change—a change to non-toxic copper bullets.

The switch wasn’t as easy as I hoped. Factory loaded copper ammunition has become readily available and relatively inexpensive for common deer hunting calibers such as 30.06 and 243. But my old rifle is a metric caliber, 6.5x55. I searched stores big and small, looking for factory loaded lead-free ammo, stubbornly refusing to switch to a more common caliber. I like that old Husqvarna. It’s a sentimental tribute to my Uncle Fred, one of my main hunting mentors. I know many hunters that have resisted the change for similar reasons.

My years of personal and professional experience have taught me that many outdoorsmen and women will share their knowledge and skills when asked. At my age, I’m not afraid of looking or sounding stupid. I asked for help on the Facebook feed of the Minnesota Chapter of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, one of the many conservation groups I belong to. Several members took up the pursuit of non-toxic ammo on my behalf. They struck out too.

These guys then asked—“Why don’t you just reload ammo?”

I have resisted taking up another time and gear intensive hobby for reasons including boats, Labrador retrievers, a lake cabin, and hunting trips to exotic places like Montana. But BHA member Benjamin Pena challenged me to make the switch. He offered the use of his equipment, expertise, and some reloading components. I already had empty shell casings, so I rounded up a set of reloading dies, a box of “Barnes” brand TTSX 120 grain copper bullets, and a box of primers.

Given the limitations of my 80-yearold rifle, Ben and I consulted a handloading manual and chose a middleof-the-road velocity load of 48 grains of “Hodgden 1000” powder topped with the 120 grain copper bullets. I got hands-on experience in priming used shell cases. Ben ran the powder scale, filled cases, and educated me in

ramming bullets into the filled cases. Tall hunting tales were swapped in the process of producing 50 rounds of custom ammunition.

I headed out to the gun range and brought along my oldest son’s gun for comparison. Andy shoots another uncommon rifle—a sporterized German Mauser in 8x57. It was Grandpa’s gun, complete with built-in stories and memories. He had been lucky enough to find factory-loaded “Nosler” E-tip copper bullets.

With premium 140 grain lead ammo, my gun is capable of shooting 1-inch groups at 100 yards. Ben and I had loaded lighter 120 grain copper bullets with a similar velocity. The copper reloads proved to be accurate and im-

pacted only 2 inches higher than lead at 100 yards. The chronograph reported a 2,675 foot-per-second (fps) velocity, very close to our 2,700 fps goal. Andy’s Mauser shot 175 grain factory Nosler E-tips much higher than lead. They were off the paper target at 100 yards but easy to correct and proof that practice is a good thing.

Both these guns went along on our annual trip to Montana in October. I shot two of those copper reloads. One found a mule deer at 240 yards, broke both shoulders, and exited leaving a big clean hole without blowing apart and leaving fragments spread throughout the meat. The antelope buck I shot at 25 yards wasn’t much of an accuracy test, but again there was no significant meat damage. Andy shot only one of his factory copper rounds. That mule deer dropped in place at 100 yards.

So how would these new-fangled bullets fare in the Minnesota woods in November? My youngest son found out. Steve likes the old Husqvarna and uses it since I often sit out the rifle season to save my tag for the late muzzleloader hunt. He shot a heavy weight Northwoods buck at point blank range—less than 10 yards. It was a quick, clean kill that resulted in a recovered bullet from just under the hide on the opposite side of the deer. The bullet expanded as advertised and expended all its energy in passing through both shoulders. It did not fragment and still weighed 120 grains after being recovered.

I am now a big fan of this newfangled ammunition in my old-fashioned rifle and won’t be going back to lead. In this case, change has been a good thing. I made new friends, learned new things, and don’t have to worry about who or what is having lead for dinner. —Mike Lein

Copper bullets are less likely to be toxic to the animals that feed on leftover carcasses and also leave cleaner wounds within the animal making that meat more usable. | MIKE LEIN

I am now a fan of copper ammo.

| MIKE LEIN

Lutsen Mountains comes back strong

LUTSEN—Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort is beautiful this fall. Part of that is the natural warm colors of autumn, of course. But something else also is at work: The buildings and grounds, even those still in the throes of an upgrade, exude care, pride, and anticipation.

And that is remarkable: The resort, its owners, and staff have endured a number of severe blows over the past several years: The collapse of the economy during the covid pandemic; the fire that claimed Papa Charlies, which served as restaurant, music venue, and nerve center for the resort; a significant adjustment in resort ownership; a generational transition in management and the no-snow winter of 2023-24. To see it recover with such grace is gratifying. The health of the resort is essential to the health of the Cook County economy. Plus, it’s just nice to see it looking so well.

In an interview at the resort, owner Charles Skinner explained the evolution of Lutsen Mountains as it escapes the shadow of this difficult recent past. Over the last year, Charles has adjusted to becoming sole owner; in line with a long-standing agreement, he purchased the share of the resort owned by brother-in-law Tom Rider.

Charles and his family also own Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau, Wis., and Snowriver Mountain Resort in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which together are branded as “Midwest Family Ski Resorts” (midwestfamilyskiresorts.com). With his daughter and designated successor Charlotte, Charles has been developing a company that spans all three resorts. Much of the administration, he says, is centered in Wausau, which is much less remote than the other two and has more housing available for staff.

The strategy, Charles said, is to build a regional destination of resorts that can appeal to skiers from the metro areas around Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. “Most ski days for Midwesterners are spent at midwestern resorts,” Charles said, “not at western resorts. Where a trip to Vail might cost $5,000, a trip to Lutsen Mountains might cost $1,000.”

The Skinners have been upgrading all the resorts, adding two high speed chairlifts last year, including the new Raptor 6 lift at Lutsen and the new Voyageur 6 lift at Snowriver, the first and only high-speed lift in the Upper Peninsula. At Snowriver, improvements have also involved pretty much a total overhaul of the buildings, which had been allowed to deteriorate.

At Lutsen Mountains, the most urgent improvements have focused on replacing the facilities and capacity lost when Papa Charlie’s burned in June 2023. Large expansions and improvements are underway for the building the Skinners now call the “Scandinavian Chalet,” which will serve as the restaurant, bar, seven-day-a-week music venue, and get-out-of-the-cold center for skiers. The new Papa Charlie’s, for which construction started in early October, will come online next spring, Charles said. It will occupy the same spot as the old building.

The new building, Charles said, will not include an entertainment space beyond room for one or two musicians; the main music venue will remain at Scandinavian Chalet. In addition to offering dining and space for relaxing in the traditional lodge style, the new building will include eight studio lodging units, “the nicest on the North Shore,” Charles said.

A central element to the improvements at Lutsen Mountains is a new and consistent design and color scheme for all the buildings. The old ski school building has been remodeled into a ski ticket sales booth on one side

JIM BOYD

and a lodging reception center on the other. The building’s mixture of materials and color scheme will serve as a model for the entire resort. “I would like to recruit about four painters to come here for the year and just do it all at once to supplement all the carpentry and rock work that we will do inhouse,” he said.

A traditional saying about skiing at Lutsen is that there must be three or four inches of snow on the ground in Minneapolis before metro minds turn to skiing at Lutsen Mountains; otherwise, folks in Minneapolis are getting out their golf clubs. Charles says he thinks that is changing as the climate warms: Twins Cities skiers no longer need “snow on the ground here” to ski; rather, they expect “snow in the mountains up there,” similar to some western communities where people are can play in the snow without having to live in it.

Lutsen Mountains has continued to invest in additional snow-making capacity so it can offer increased skiing terrain, but Charles also is expecting the winter of 2024-25 to be a good one for snow. “Last year’s no-snow year was an El Niño year,” he said, “the worst by far I’ve ever seen. Typically, those years are warmer, so last winter we got rain instead of snow. This year is La Niña, which can bring more cold and snow, brutal cold if it’s a really strong La Niña.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a La Niña for this winter, but in recent days has adjusted that forecast from “moderate” to “weak.”

Skinner plans to open more of the Lutsen Mountains terrain earlier this winter, he said, aided by the investment in additional snow-making infrastructure. In early October, visible work was being done on new pipelines bringing snow-making water and electricity to new areas of the resort. “We’ll open the Raptor high-speed lift first this year,” he said. “That’ll open more terrain earlier in the season.”

High-speed lifts are a big emphasis for Skinner. “We have the biggest and most modern ski areas in the eight midwestern states,” he said. “We’ve got five of the six high-speed lifts over 500 vertical feet, the Midwest’s only gondola, and six high-speed chairlifts in total offering 492 to 800 vertical feet each, much more than other midwestern resorts.”

Lutsen Mountains is one of the resorts opened post-World War II by veterans of the famed Tenth Mountain Division, which trained in the mountains of Colorado and fought in the mountains of Italy. Visionary George Nelson, whose family owned Lutsen Resort, opened Lutsen Mountains in 1948 with one lift and two runs. His ski area predated Vail Resort by 14 years. The Nelson family continued to grow Lutsen Mountains until 1980, when it was sold to Charlie Skinner, a ski-resort pioneer and early snow-making expert. Charlie sold the resort to son Charles and son-in-law Tom Rider in the 1990s. Charles and Tom oversaw a substantial expansion and modernization of the resort over the years, including installation of the impressive Summit Express Gondola in 2015.

In 2024, even as Charles Skinner is focused on rebuilding and refurbishing Lutsen Mountains, he’s also setting in place a new, young management team. Daughter Charlotte, who lives with her husband near the Wausau resort, serves as chief operating and financial officer for Midwest Family Ski Resorts. Jim Vick, who served as marketing director cum factotum-in-chief for three decades and then general manager, has been replaced by young Zak Trimble, who serves as chief operating officer at Lutsen. “I think

The old ski school has been remodeled into a ski ticket office on one side, a lodging reception area on the other. The color scheme and landscaping of the building are planned for replication throughout the resort.

| JIM BOYD

we are developing a good, young team to carry the company forward,” said Charles, who at 66 recognizes that time is fleeting. The outlook for Lutsen Mountains appears strong. Investments are being made and plans developed to inject new vigor into the resort and continue its successful operation long into the future. That is very good news for the people of Cook County, who count on Lutsen Mountains to be a key element in their tourism dominated economy.—Jim Boyd

JANUARY 11

Charles Skinner, Zak Trimble, Charlotte Skinner

SUPPORT OUR NONPROFITS

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Give Thanks

Give back to North Shore nonprofit organizations that dedicate time and resources to ensuring that North Shore communities are housed, fed, supported, and thriving in every way. The work that they do is only made possible with your support.

Duluth Area Family YMCA

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Each year, the YMCA provides financial assistance and community support to families and individuals in our region. Your gift ensures that everyone in the community has access to vital programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

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Our Vision: A Healthy Community for All in Cook County. We are an independent nonprofit benefiting health care and emergency services in Cook County. We proactively identify opportunities to expand equitable health care and healthy living and champion solutions through funding, education, and advocacy. Supporting us means supporting a variety of programs which assist children, families and seniors, local health care agencies, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, and Search & Rescue, our schools and CCMN Restorative Justice. Make your dollar go farthest and make a positive impact on thousands of lives in a single donation by giving to the Health Care Foundation.

North House Folk School

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North House Folk School enriches lives and builds community by teaching traditional crafts on the harbor in Grand Marais. Donor support fuels unique events, local school programs, scholarships, and so much more! Become a member and get involved.

Grand Marais Playhouse

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The Grand Marais Playhouse has been building community through theater since 1971. It provides high quality theater productions and educational opportunities with and for Cook County residents and visitors. We value artistic challenge and growth, diversity, equity, community, and collaboration.

North Shore Music Association

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Hamilton Habitat

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Hamilton Habitat builds affordable housing for the Cook County workforce. Seven homes have been built and sold at or near cost and more are in the works. To do this work we rely on donated land, materials, and funding from people who care to help combat the local housing crisis.

HAMILTON HOUSING

Inspiring lives and creating community by offering exceptional live performance and artistic diversity, engaging all ages with opportunities to experience, learn, and participate… for the love of music.

Grand Marais Art Colony

Grandmaraisartcolony.org

The Grand Marais Art Colony, established in 1947, fosters the exploratory growth and experimental power of artists through classes for all ages and skill levels, studio access in its five studios, and community events.

Gitchi-Gami Trail Association

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The GGTA works with MnDNR and MnDOT to promote and plan for a premier paved trail connecting the communities, state parks, and points of interest along the North Shore of Lake Superior from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. With your help, we can support this great trail on our great lake!

Cook County Care Partners

Carepartnersofcookcounty.org

Care Partners supports residents on the journey of aging and end-of-life, and fosters a community that is fully supported to navigate that journey together. Our services include care coordination, caregiver support, volunteer visits, senior rides, chore assistance, and community education/advocacy.

Arrowhead Animal Rescue

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Arrowhead Animal Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue serving Cook County, MN. We care for abandoned, neglected, and stray animals in foster homes. Our most vital need is fundraising for an animal shelter – help us help local animals in need!

North Shore Artist League

Northshoreartistsleague.org

The League is ‘by artists for artists’ – to provide a social and collaboration artist network, to be a source of inspiration, to bring art to communities, to seek opportunities for artist engagement, and to enhance the business of art.

Gunflint Trail Historical Society

GunflintHistory.org

The GTHS serves to preserve the cultural history of the Gunflint Trail, to acknowledge the significance of the natural environment and its influence on Indigenous people to recent inhabitants, and to provide opportunities for exploration and education at Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. A membership to the GTHS is a key part of the success of ChikWauk Museum and Nature Center.

Cook County Higher Education

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CCHE empowers residents to earn a certificate, diploma, or degree for livingwage jobs while continuing to live, work, and raise families in our community. We offer FREE tutoring for K-12 and post-secondary students. Support CCHE by donating through our website.

WTIP

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WTIP is a dynamic, local media resource that connects, reflects, and builds community on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Your donation supports local journalism and helps WTIP focus on real people, telling their own stories, in their own voices.

Historic Cook County

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Historic Cook County manages five historic sites dedicated to sharing our local history and culture. Visit our website to learn about our blacksmith shop, history museum, Chippewa City Church, fish house, and historical art gallery. Become a supporting member today!

11:11:11

NORTH SHORE—If you are in the United Kingdom or other places in the Commonwealth, including Canada, at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, you would likely hear… nothing. It is tradition in the British realm to pause for two minutes and silently honor all who have served in national defense, most especially those who died. Originally called Armistice Day, it now is the Day of Remembrance. World War I ended at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. In the Commonwealth, Remembrance Day is now observed on the second Sunday in November, but the two-minute silence continues at 11:11:11.

In the United States, Nov. 11 is called Veteran’s Day, and it honors all living veterans of service in the U.S. armed forces. Memorial Day is reserved for honoring all those who died in service to the nation, whether in peacetime or war.

In the Commonwealth, it’s pretty difficult to escape honoring those who served with at least those two minutes of silence.

For many Americans, Veteran’s Day is just a day off work to play or shop or relax. That’s normal, understandable human nature. It’s also regrettable.

Collectively, Americans make a sacred pact with those in the nation’s military forces. The soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, marines, Coast Guard members, and those of other military units pledge to serve our nation and its communities in times of travail and calamity, and to put their lives on the line without hesitation when they are called to confront and defeat our enemies.

The nation’s citizens pledge in return to celebrate those who serve, to bury with honor those who die, and to care with dedication those who are wounded.

Whether Remembrance Day or Veteran’s Day, that’s what it’s all about: Honoring bravery, honoring sacrifice, honoring service.

Observances of Remembrance/Veteran’s Day come in many forms, locations, and times across the territory of the Northern Wilds. Perhaps you might consider seeking out your local ceremonies or spending a couple minutes in silent appreciation. If you are fortunate enough to live near Indigenous people, you might wish to attend their always-impressive warrior-honoring events.

—Jim Boyd

Transitioning Seasons

How Gunflint Trail Lodge Owners Prepare for Winter During the Quiet Shoulder Season

After a busy summer and fall, the shoulder season in Grand Marais and along the North Shore of Lake Superior is a time for many residents and business owners to take a deep breath and transition into a slightly slower pace.

For Gunflint Trail lodge owners, while the flow of tourists slows following peak fall colors, the work doesn’t necessarily stop. The shoulder season, typically starting mid-October, quickly becomes a crucial time for lodge owners to prepare for the cold and busy winter. The various tasks include tackling maintenance projects, winterizing cabins, sneaking in a vacation if possible, and finding time to spend with friends and family.

During this brief shoulder season lull, lodge owners often focus on tasks such as deep cleaning cabins, fixing roofs, stocking firewood, prepping snowmobiles and groomers, pulling docks, and setting up equipment for winter activities. While the to-do list is long, it is also an opportunity for lodge owners to recharge personally and enjoy the temporary quieter lifestyle along the Gunflint Trail.

Borderland Lodge

Owners Stephanie Shea and Dave Catlette

As the fall colors and leaves fade, the owners of Borderland Lodge on Gunflint Lake are busy preparing for winter by

By Kalli Hawkins

tackling numerous maintenance tasks and trying their best to catch up on unfinished summer projects.

“We’re focusing mostly on tree and brushwork, gutters, and just cleaning out the property,” said owner Stephanie Shea. Whenever they have a spare hour or two, Shea said, they are busy clearing out vegetation to make way for new growth and planting more drought-tolerant native species.

To help accomplish the numerous tasks, Borderland Lodge closes in November and reopens at the start of December. The month without commitments to guests or dining service allows Shea and her husband, Dave Catlette, to finish projects and sneak away for much-needed family time.

“This year, we’re closing up for November,” Shea said. “My mom has a birthday in early November, so I plan on surprising her for dinner and a family portrait session since we rarely (are) in the same place at once.”

In addition to surprise birthday parties, Shea and Catlette spend the shoulder season visiting friends, catching up on TV shows and movies, and tinkering with the never-ending winter projects. A big focus this November will also be testing recipes as Borderland Lodge plans to expand its evening dining service. Shea said she is “looking forward to cozy evenings with a beer testing out recipes.”

Many Gunflint Trail lodge owners, including Shea and Catlette, felt the impact of the minimal snow conditions during the 2023-24

winter season, as guest bookings and recreational winter activities were down. With less than a month to go until their winter season begins, Shea said she is optimistic for the upcoming winter. “I think people will be really itching to get out this year,” she said. “We just need the snow to show up.”

Gunflint Pines

Owner Shari Baker

Across Gunflint Lake at Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground, owner Shari Baker spends her November and shoulder season months accomplishing similar maintenance and winter prep tasks. Other fall to-do list priorities are catching up on bookkeeping and ski trail clearing. As a member of the Upper Gunflint Ski Trail System, Baker begins clearing ski trails of downed trees and brush in late September.

“As soon as it starts to slow down a little bit with guests, we start trying to take care of those tasks,” she said.

As fall temperatures drop into the 30s overnight, Baker also pulls boats out of the water and winterizes equipment. With numerous ongoing maintenance and a growing to-do list, the Gunflint Pines owner stays relatively busy during the slower shoulder season.

Despite her busy schedule, Baker said she makes an effort to spend time outdoors and with family in November, similar to other Gunflint Trail lodge owners. This year, how-

ever, might only be a week or two compared to the entire month of November last year.

“This year, I’m probably going to try to take a week, but I don’t know,” Baker said. “I might just keep going because winter was a little hard last year.”

Although the minimal snow conditions provided Baker a mental and physical break, given that snow shoveling and plowing were almost non-existent, she said, “There was a bit of a monetary hit.”

While guest bookings may have been down last winter, the guests staying at Gunflint Pines made the best of the situation and enjoyed walking trails rather than skiing. “They made the best of the outdoors,” said Baker. “I was really impressed by that.”

While the cross-country skiers had a difficult time last winter, the ice fisherman took advantage of the thick ice and minimal snow conditions. “We had enough ice, so a lot of the fisherman didn’t really get impacted that much,” Baker said. “So, while it was a monetary hit, it was probably less disastrous than it could have been.”

As winter approaches, there is only one wish Baker has: “Hopefully, there’s snow.”

She said, “I am looking forward to snow again and getting out grooming. I don’t want too much snow, so I’m careful what I wish for. A little bit of shoveling, but not a lot.”

Golden Eagle Lodge owners Zach Baumann and Ruth Wagner with their older Pisten Bully trail groomer.

| GOLDEN EAGLE LODGE

The Gunflint Pines dock and pontoon boat will get pulled from the water before the lake freezes.

| GUNFLINT PINES

Borderland Lodge Owners

Stephanie Shea and Dave Catlette.

| BORDERLAND LODGE

Golden Eagle Lodge

Owners Zach Baumann and Ruth Wagner

The time frame for what owners of Golden Eagle Lodge considered the shoulder season has gradually evolved in recent years. The ”shoulder” or “quiet” season typically started around Sept. 15 and now begins after MEA weekend.

The change, owner Ruth Wagner said, was because Golden Eagle Lodge recognized there was room for improvement within the fall months and focused efforts to increase guest bookings and fall activities.

With a busy summer and fall in the rearview mirror, Wagner said it felt like business had returned to normal after a busy few years during the pandemic. “We were busy, but it was a more manageable busy, with more of our typical customer base,” she said. “Camping has been down across all three of our campgrounds this year, but cabins have remained very full.”

As Wagner and her husband, Zach Baumann, transition from summer to winter operations, a significant area of focus is mowing ski trails in preparation for early winter grooming. “Both ourselves and Bearskin Lodge spend the months of August and September mowing the trails in preparation for early winter grooming,” Wagner said.

Golden Eagle Lodge recently purchased a 2023 Pisten Bully 100 trail groomer and has enjoyed breaking in the new equipment. Unfortunately, snow conditions proved to be minimal last year, which allowed for some creative opportunities. Wagner said the lack of snow on the trails didn’t hinder grooming operations. Instead, the owners plowed snow on the property and then blew the snow onto the Flour Lake ski trails to create a groomable base.

“Our level of commitment to fighting through and making something out of nothing paid off for us,” Wagner said. “We had weekends when the parking lot was

packed with guests out skiing our 10k loop on the lake.”

Although overall winter business was down and the normal 70km of ski trails weren’t open, Wagner said, they made the best of the situation. While Wagner and Baumann remain dedicated to adapting to whatever Mother Nature throws at them, she said, “There is nothing any of us would love more than to get 24 inches of snow on December 10 and then get 2-3 inches of additional snow twice a week for the rest of the winter.”

“That’s all probably too much to ask,” Wagner said. “But a good base early in the season would be a great start!”

Before grooming and ski season ramp up, Golden Eagle Lodge closes for the month of November. Sometimes, Wagner said, they spend the time escaping to the south to enjoy camping, hiking, and mountain biking with the dogs for a couple of weeks. A few months ago, in September, Wagner traveled to Germany for a fall vacation. As a Gunflint Trail lodge owner and Piston Bully enthusiast, it was no surprise that one of her stops included the world-famous Kässbohrer World Headquarters to drool over the latest and greatest snow grooming equipment.

Once the snow starts to fly, Wagner and Baumann will fire up the Piston Bully and hit the ski trails for the long winter months ahead.

Nor’Wester Lodge & Outfitters

Owners Carl and Luana Brandt

Less than 6 miles away, over at Nor’wester Lodge & Outfitters, owners Carl and Luana Brandt are settling into the shoulder season with many of the same tasks as those of her Gunflint Trail lodge neighbors.

And a very similar optimistic wish for the upcoming winter season.

“I would love a booming, absolutely incredible winter,” owner Luana Brandt said. “We need it.”

Between dreaming of a booming winter season, the Brandts stay busy deep cleaning and repairing the cabins. “We start cleaning like mad and doing repairs that we couldn’t get to during the summer,” she said. “And making plans for what needs to be repaired next spring in cabins that will not be used over the winter.”

Nor’Wester shuts down a handful of their less energy-efficient cabins during winter and operates four larger townhome-style units with full kitchens for larger parties. It’s typically a busy fall as the Brandts pull docks, drain the cabin water lines, take equipment inventory, and, last but not least, prep the plow truck.

“October is frenetic activity,” said Luana. “It’s just getting everything prepped and ready to go.”

Luana said that even though she has been in the lodge industry for nearly five decades, something on the winter prep to-do list gets forgotten each year. One year, Carl forgot to turn a valve off underneath a cabin, resulting in a blown plumbing line. Despite the fairly consistent missed task each year, Luana maintains an upbeat attitude. “You have to laugh because otherwise you have tears streak down your face all the time.”

For the Brandts, Luana said, November is a time to sleep in a little later, entertain friends and family, and sit down with a “darn good book and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and watch the snowfall.”

One of the dogs at Golden Eagle Lodge. | GOLDEN EAGLE LODGE

Nor’Wester updating windows in Cedar Villas. | NOR’WESTER LODGE

A room at the Gunflint Pines. | GUNFLINT PINES

Cold Water Dolphins Turn

Ice Water into Energy

By Chris Pascone

Does lounging with friends in Lake Superior’s 35°F water in the middle of winter sound attractive? Welcome to the world of the Duluth Cold Water Dolphins, a group of courageous (outrageous?) souls who practice cold water immersion in frigid Lake Superior year-round. This out-sized natural resource offers more water than any other swimming hole on earth, yet ironically many of us can’t even get in. It’s too cold! The world’s largest ice bath is notorious for its freezing temps in every season. The Dolphins, meanwhile, embrace this quality: these hardcore health advocates pursue the benefits of Superior’s readily accessible liquid therapy. The Dolphins experience “enhanced connection with people,” “increased vivacity,” and “energizing peace that lasts all day” through group cold water immersion—and you’re invited to join them. So, throw your inhibitions out the window and let’s see what cold water immersion can do for you.

Loralee Pasley founded the Duluth Cold Water Dolphins in 2020. She started the group as a response to the pandemic. “I just had this innate calling to go to nature during covid,” recounts Pasley. “I wanted to go to the cold water. I was called to it.”

Pasley knew she couldn’t go in ice cold water alone. It was too dangerous. “I was going with my kids at first. I always thought that safety and support were really important,” says Pasley.

As she built up her cold-water stamina, Pasley found herself feeling more and more invigorated. She noticed herself getting a dose of mega immunity as well. “I never got sick during covid,” Pasley recalls. “The cold water boosted my immunity because it wakes up the mitochondria in your cells. Your body says, ‘Hey, what’s going on here?’ Everything wakes up.”

When Pasley saw her kids getting tired of accompanying her to the lake to take photographs and watch her, she knew it was time to start a group of like-minded “dolphins.” With an invitation to plunge extended to four original members, the group was born. Pasley then started a Facebook page in October 2020 for “anyone in Duluth, or visitors, who want to experience the benefits of ice water immersion.”

Pasley says she has always been intrigued by dolphins, thus her optimistic group name choice. Dolphins are very social animals, and their Duluth morphotype is no different.

“The connection to other members of the Cold Water Dolphins community is huge,” explains Libby Gaalaas, a devoted Dolphin. “I meet people here I probably never would have met anywhere else, and I love that.”

This connection is formed through shared experience and mutual support. “There always seems to be at least one person who lifts up the group if others aren’t as excited about getting in,” Gaalaas notes.

The Duluth Cold Water Dolphins don’t have to go far from downtown to find their preferred frigid dipping conditions. | LORALEE PASLEY

So what, exactly, is the point of traumatizing your body with Superior’s icy waters? It may seem counterintuitive, but Pasley insists that cold water immersion brings a flood of energy. “Scientific studies have found cold water immersion drives up to a 250 percent increase in the body’s dopamine levels. That’s the chemical of motivation, inspiration, and energy. That’s why it feels empowering and invigorating,” notes Pasley.

Dolphins get oxytocin in mass amounts too. “Cold water generates a huge release of oxytocin. That’s why the Dolphins, all of us, we just love each other,” affirms Pasley. “Oxytocin is the bonding hormone, the love chemical. We are all a family.”

Nobody knows cold water’s transformative properties as well as Sveta Vold, who’s in her 14th season of promoting cold water immersion in Minnesota. Hailing originally from Belarus, where she dipped in frigid waters from a young age, Vold is one of Minnesota’s biggest proponents of cold-water immersion today. She transported the practice with her to the Twin Cities when she moved there in 2010, founding the Night Water Butterflies group. “The first few years a few people joined me, but not so many. People were saying ‘Oh, crazy girl.’ I didn’t believe it would become popular,” laughs Vold.

But Vold kept cutting her plunge hole in the ice on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. Then, about 7 years ago, Wim Hof, the Dutch breathing guru, took off in popularity. Vold says she was inundated with questions. “Everyone kept asking me, ‘Oh, do you know about Wim Hof?’ I told them, ‘You know, I’ve been doing this since 2004, and it’s part of my culture, and my education. I graduated from university in the field of sports medicine. Cold therapy was part of

our classes. I knew about breathing systems long before Wim Hof.”

Vold’s Night Water Butterflies group gained traction, and Pasley came all the way to Minneapolis from Duluth to take part. The experience propelled Pasley to create a similar group of like-minded supporters in Duluth, using Vold’s model of openness and community.

“I started the group for support, safety, and inspiration,” says Pasley. “This is a place where people can gather; where they’re loved and accepted. We’re all like-minded, healthy individuals.”

Unlike Vold’s Butterflies, the Dolphins don’t have to cut a hole in the ice to get their cold-water fix. The Dolphins have hallowed Lake Superior for their home court.

Of course, Lake Superior brings its own complications: “Due to its ever-changing waves, and the weather that we have here, we really take safety, and ice formation, into consideration,” explains Pasley. “We don’t cut holes in the ice like they do in the Twin Cities or other areas. We find open water. Our location may change depending on the day. We keep close track of wind speed and direction, to be able to find the best location to go in the water.”

This task can be difficult to solve come February, when ice often starts forming on Superior. Therefore, flexibility is a key Dolphin trait, with corrections made to location and time through a WhatsApp chat.

Today, the Dolphins group page counts well over 1,000 devotees, all hungry to learn group plunge locations and dates.

So, let’s say you build up your courage, the big day comes, and you have to face your de-

mons and overcome your fears. Will you go in? How do you make that initial bone-chilling plunge?

Start out with a simple goal, say Pasley, Gaalaas, and Vold. “I have a goal of at least two minutes in the water per trip, which is easy this time of year,” suggests Gaalaas (speaking in October). “But on a frigid February morning, it’s not always so easy. So sometimes I reach two minutes and I’m like, ‘I’m out of here. I’m done.’ I may not reach the calm state that I’m trying for. But I still get in, and even after just two minutes I feel good about having done it.”

Breathwork, mindfulness, and consistency are the keys to ice plunging success.

“It took me a while,” says Pasley. “I wanted to put together a goal. I wanted to go in Lake Superior once a week for the entire year. I achieved that goal, and actually went in probably two or three times every week. The more consistent I got, the more I craved the cold water, and the more mental and physical health benefits it gave me.”

Of course, the dolphins don’t have a monopoly on Lake Superior plunging. Groups hit the water from Two Harbors to Grand Portage, and up the Canadian shore. The key to all these groups is camaraderie and mutual support. Going with friends and supporters helps ease the shock, and provides a needed safety element.

This winter, embrace the energy and positivity of ice water. Lake Superior is a health resource open to all. And who knew it had dolphins?

By Erin Altemus November Artwork

Art Shows pick up again this time of year in anticipation of the holidays and gift giving. Check out the Events Section for more information on the specifics of each show mentioned here.

“Bear” by watercolor artist Jess Lindell is available at the North Country gift shop in Lutsen. | JESS LINDELL

A flaming box elder burl bowl by Marcel Tardif will be part of “Celebrating Artists Past and Present” | MARCEL TARDIF

“Lake at Sunset” by Lissa Grover. Grover participated in the Spirit of the Wilderness show at the Johnson Heritage Port Gallery in 2023.

| LISA GROVER

Artist Lynn Becotte will also have work at “Celebrating Artists Past and Present” in Thunder Bay.

| LYNN BECOTTE

“Sushi Plates” by Mary Bebie. Bebie participated in the Spirit of the Wilderness show at the Johnson Heritage Port Gallery in 2023. | MARY BEBIE

Creative Spaces for Kids

CREATIVE SPACE: By Rae Poynter

It’s no secret that the North Shore is a hub of creativity—over the years, we’ve featured countless regional artists in the pages of Northern Wilds. All artists have to start somewhere, and many local organizations offer programs designed to nurture Lake Superior’s youngest artists.

Engaging School-Aged Children in Art

From its earliest days, the Grand Marais Art Colony has helped foster art opportunities for youth, from programs with the local school districts to summer youth camps. This year, the Grand Marais Art Colony is continuing the tradition of offering after-school clubs through the fall and winter. These clubs take place during the window of time between the end of the school day and the end of the work day—an opportunity for kids to have a safe and creative space while supporting families.

“We are a small communal ecosystem here in Cook County and this is one way we can both inspire kids to continue using their imagination and also support working parents,” said Art Colony Director Ruth Pszwaro.

The Art Colony’s after-school clubs meet over the course of several weeks, led by artist instructors. The programs introduce students to mediums such as ceramics and printmaking, and typically culminate with a pop-up show where family members and friends can come see the students’ work.

“Kids bring such great energy and enthusiasm to their creative work and into the studios and I love that we can provide opportunities for kids to get out of the box and explore materials and their imaginations,” Pszwaro said. “There are so many studies that show how arts engagement improves self-esteem, well-being, and allows for multiple narratives.”

Farther up the shore, the Thunder Bay Art

Gallery runs PA Day Art Camps for schoolage children throughout the year. According to Marcoms Coordinator Bob Gravelle, these day-long camps offer kids the opportunity to enjoy the Gallery’s exhibitions, learn new skills, and cultivate creativity.

“Each PA Day Art Camp offers a variety of mediums that can include painting, printmaking, sculpting, collage, sgraffito, and more,” Gravelle said.

The next PA Day Art Camp is scheduled for November 15. The Gallery also offers programming throughout the year, which includes thematic exploration with multiple mediums or skill development using a specific medium.

Nurturing the Youngest Artists

While many art programs are geared toward older children, it’s never too early to start experimenting with art. One person who knows this well is Alison Kilpo, the owner of Growing Little Loves in Duluth. Growing Little Loves is a children’s process art studio, with programs for kids as young as eight months. In a world where art is often seen as a product, process art takes a different approach, and allows artists of all ages to explore the world and their surroundings through creativity. For young children, this type of exploration combines creativity with other important skills like motor skills, social development, and problem-solving.

“Process-based art is freeing, allowing the little artists to engage in the materials as they desire which usually ends up with a piece of art they are proud of and own,” Kilpo said.

Kilpo said that Babe Group, for kids aged 8 months to 2 years, has a free-flowing format that follows each little artist’s pace. Children get to explore collaborative art, sensory bins, water play, and more. At

each session, the young artists add a layer to their individual art projects, which they take home at the end of six weeks.

As an art therapist and a parent, this process-based form of art was something that Kilpo saw a need for in the community—not only for children but for their caregivers as well.

“Growing Little Loves is obviously built for little artists, however it’s also created for caregivers to have the opportunity to socialize as well,” Kilpo said. “Many friendships have started in the studio. Many Babe Group kiddos have had their first interactions with other kiddos in the studio. Growing Little Loves offers a place for families to get out of the house year-round, in all weather, and to socialize in a safe and engaging setting thoughtfully created for kiddos.”

Art for All

While the Lake Superior region has a robust art scene, not all students in the area have access to the same art opportunities. Meeting that need is something the Duluth Art Institute (DAI) strives to do through free programming for kids and teens.

One of these programs is the Teen Open Art Studio, which meets as an after-school option. This grant-funded program is open to youth age 12 to 16, and has a self-directed format—art supplies are provided, and teens are encouraged both to express themselves and their creativity and to build new connections with their art community.

Christina Woods, executive director of the DAI, said, “We have seen all sorts of creativity, from comic book illustration, to crochet, to sculpting-clay figures at open studios.”

In addition to the open studios, the DAI also hosts periodic events called Free ArtDAI. These all-ages events are often focused around a season or holiday, and offer a welcoming way for families and youth to dip their toes into making art while enjoying free snacks and beverages.

“Everybody at the DAI is passionate about removing barriers to arts access, so we are thrilled to host free activities like Free ArtDAI and Teen Open Studio to bring more arts opportunities to young people that may not have much visual art in their school days,” Woods said.

All artists have to start somewhere. | GROWING LITTLE LOVES

All along the shore, there are many places youth can take classes in many forms of art. | THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY

45 MIN FROM THE CANADIAN BORDER!

DULUTH JUNK HUNT

Nov. 8-9 Love antique shopping and searching for goodies? Take part in the semi-annual, two-day Duluth Junk Hunt at the Decc, featuring vintage, antique, and repurposed treasures from more than 150 of the area’s finest vendors. There will also be a farmer’s market with fresh flowers, bakery treats, and local makers. Those who pay admission for the Early Bird price ($15 at the door) can shop from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Friday. General admission tickets are $7 at the door (both days) and are good from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. duluthjunkhunt.com

CHAMBER MUSIC UP NORTH

Nov. 9, Saturday Third Coast Chamber Collective, in partnership with North Shore Music Association and Nordic Center Duluth, present Chamber Music Up North. The 2024 inaugural edition of Chamber Music Up North offers a unique combination of classical and folk music rooted in Scandi-

Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” takes place at Bayfront Park in Duluth from Nov. 23-Dec. 28, and has become a tradition of the holiday season for many Minnesotans. | SUBMITTED

navian tradition and a new perspective on classical contemporary music that incorporates and imitates folk musical material. The Festival will feature an exciting repertoire that combines traditional Swedish fiddle music and Danish, Norwegian and Finnish folk music arranged for a classical string quartet. The aim of this event is to bring the North Shore communities together to celebrate their Nordic roots and traditions, and bring attention to their rich cultural heritage. Chamber Music Up North will perform at 7 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais on Saturday, Nov. 9. For more info, visit: northshoremu-

sicassociation.com. Chamber Music Up North will also perform on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Nordic Center in Duluth. To learn more, visit: nordiccenterofduluth.org.

ARTISANS NORTHWEST ART & FINE CRAFT SHOW

Nov. 9-10

The not-for-profit Artisans Northwest group in Thunder Bay will celebrate their 49th annual Art and Fine Craft Show Nov. 9-10 at the Valhalla Inn conference centre. This year’s juried show will feature a variety of media by multiple artists, from paintings and ceramics to fiber arts and woodworking. The show will be held from

10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Sunday. artisansnorthwest.ca

EDMUND FITZGERALD MEMORIAL BEACON LIGHTING

Nov. 10, Sunday Held at Split Rock Lighthouse near Two Harbors, this annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the loss of her 29 crew members on Nov. 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse, fog signal building, and visitor center will be open and guides will greet visitors and provide historic site and shipwreck information. Throughout the day, visitors can view a film about the Edmund Fitzgerald in the visitor center, or join a guided tour exploring the history of the Fitzgerald’s final voyage. At 4:15 p.m., the lighthouse will close temporarily while the names of the crew members are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell, with a rendition of the Naval Hymn. Following the ceremony, the beacon will be lit and the tower will be open again to tour until 6 p.m. mnhs.org/splitrock

EMPTY BOWLS

Nov. 14, Thursday Empty Bowls is a community event that is held in collaboration with the Grand Marais Art Colony to raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in Cook County. All funds generated by this event are distributed among community organizations that offer hunger programs, including the Cook County Food Shelf, local schools, Cook County Public Health and Human Services, the Violence Prevention Center, and more. This year’s event will be held at Up Yonder and will feature a simple meal of soup and bread, provided by local restaurants (cost is $8: kids 10 and under are free). There will also be a sale of hand-

On Nov. 10, Split Rock Lighthouse will commemorate the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald with a ceremony and lighting of the lighthouse beacon. | SUBMITTED

Winter’s Gathering at North House Folk School includes classes, speakers, dancing and even a poetry slam, but mostly, it’s about community. | NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL

crafted bowls made at the Grand Marais Art Colony, and you can buy a quart of soup to take home for $15. After your meal, satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade treat from the bake sale. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and dinner will be from 5-7 p.m. facebook.com/emptybowlsgm

CELEBRATING ARTISTS

PAST AND PRESENT: SHOW & SALE

Nov. 16-17

Conceived and coordinated by Thunder Bay artist Biljana Baker, the Valhalla Inn Ballroom in Thunder Bay will be transformed into a magical art gallery featuring more than 30 booths, hosting 50 artists from the past and present, all from the Thunder Bay region. There will also be a special representation from the talented art students from both Superior High School and Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, as well as a collective of 55 Plus Centre’s member artists. You’ll find everything from watercolor paint-

Third Coast Chamber Collective presents

ings, mixed media artwork, and fiber arts, to photography, jewelry, and metal works for sale. The show and sale will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. For more info, contact Biljana Baker: biljanabaker@shaw.ca.

JUNIOR LEAGUE FESTIVAL OF TREES

Nov. 16-17 Mark your calendars for the 36th annual Junior League of Duluth’s Festival of Trees, held Nov. 16-17 at the Duluth Decc. In the past, this event has included over 150 of the area’s top crafters and vendors showing their wares. Other highlights include JLD toffee, beautiful hand-decorated trees, free photos with Santa, a raffle, live music, and more. This holiday arts, crafts, and gifts show will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 on Saturday, $5 on Sunday; kids 12 and under are free. Shoppers that bring a non-perishable food item donation will receive $1 off their admission. juniorleagueduluth.org

HYMERS FAIR

HOLIDAY MARKET

Nov. 17, Sunday Enjoy a day of holiday shopping at the Hymers Fair Holiday Market, held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. Taking place at the Delta Hotel in Thunder Bay, shop from more than 60 artisans and vendors, selling everything from paintings, fiber arts, and holiday decorations, to ceramics, jewelry, and treats. Admission is free (donations will be accepted for a local charity). facebook.com/hymersfallfair

WINTERERS’ GATHERING & ARCTIC FILM FESTIVAL

Nov. 22-24 Celebrate the crafts, customs, landscape, history, and stories of winter travel and traditional life ways in the north. Featuring winter-centric coursework, a winter tent camp, gear sale, film festival, demonstrations, a community contra dance, speakers, a poetry slam, a chili feed, and more, this is a classic event to welcome the start of the chilliest season. Held at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, this year’s special guest instructor is Niilá Omma, who will teach a knifemaking course. northhouse.org

BENTLEYVILLE

“TOUR OF LIGHTS”

Nov. 23-Dec. 28 Located in Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Bentleyville “Tour of

“City Jungle” by Biljana Baker will be part of Celebrating Artists Past and Present, a show and sale in Thunder Bay. | BILJANA BAKER

Lights” invites guests to stroll under the glow of over 5 million lights, while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa or coffee, cookies, popcorn, and roasted marshmallows. Kids can also visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (kids 10 and under will receive a knit winter hat). Bentleyville is free (though donations are appreciated) and opens at 5 p.m. daily: parking is $10 per vehicle. Guests are also encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or new unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Army for those in need. Remember to dress for warmth as Bentleyville is an outdoor event. bentleyvilleusa.org

HOLIDAY CRAFT REVIVAL

Nov. 24, Sunday The Craft Revival is once again taking over the Waterfront District in Thunder Bay, celebrating their tenth year. For one day only, prepare to shop and dine while keeping it local. Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., you’ll find one-of-a-kind items from over 150 artisans and local businesses—everything from jewelry, fiber art, and photography, to paintings, ceramics, soaps, candles, and sweets. There will also be live music and performances, and horse-drawn carriage rides. facebook.com/craftrevivaltbay

OH OLE NIGHT

Nov. 29, Friday Grand Marais will once again host the quirky small-town Oh Ole Night Christmas parade at 5:30 p.m. downtown. Those wanting to take part in the parade should meet in The Hub parking lot at 5 p.m. Following the parade will be a tree lighting ceremony in Harbor Park, then fireworks over the harbor. After the fireworks, Murray the Moose will be taking photos with attendees at the holiday tree. And at 6 p.m., don’t forget to tune into WTIP’s special one-hour program, Oh Ole Night: The Radio Special. visitcookcounty.com/events

HOVLAND WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL

Nov. 30, Saturday The Hovland Town Hall will be packed with various local artists on Saturday, Nov. 30 for the Hovland Winter Arts Festival. Held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., you’ll find works of all kinds, from ceramics and fiber crafts to jewelry and paintings. facebook.com/hovlandartsfestival

Santa’s Sleigh

aT GrandsTay

5, 2024 3 pm - 8 pm

Do your Christmas shopping locally and conveniently this year!

Local businesses will be setting up mini-stores at the Black Beach Inn of Silver Bay. Come to one location and get all of your shopping done with a variety of businesses, crafters and artists. Rooms available for $50.00 plus tax for shoppers who want to spend the night.

Jesse Anderson - Creating My Journey, Custom Vinyl, Etc.

Debbie Ahlbeck - Jewelry, Paparazzi

Melody Baerg and Janice Daniel - Filiipino Food and Snacks

Jessica Berger - Mars Co, Cocoa Infused food enhancers and goodies

Tina Buus - Home Decor and Events Planning

Catherine Choi - Homemade Kimchi

Sarah Dahle - Norwex; chemical free cleaning products

Roger Deloach - Self Authored Books, Classic Car photography

Cindy Dohmeyer - Custom Baseball Hats, Carly Closet of MN

Maria Gilbertson - Suds N’ Wicks

Cindy Gustafson - Tie One On, Jordan Essentials

Jeannie Johnson - Epoxy Resin Crafts and Gifts

Michelle Ketola - Children’s Books

Jamee Kloster - Mary Kay makeup and cosmetics

Rebecca Kobes - Blankets, slippers, Christmas Decor and Novelty

Laurie Larson - 100% North Shore Rock Art

Diana Lax - Thirty One Bags, Quilting and Crafting Items

Jan Lillis - Suncatchers, Jewelry, Resin Art

Molly Lisor - Sipology by Steep Tea and Wine Shop at Home

Donna McCurdy - Avon & Color Street Nails

Bev Mell - Mittens from Sweaters

Allison Packard - Acrylic. Poured Art, Hand Crafted Jewelry

Cindy Rowlee - Pampered Chef, Cooking utensils, Cookware

Gloria Stern - 30-1 Gifts

Lyz Wagner - Tupperware

Care Zylka - Quilted Items, Etc.

Black Beach Inn

SILVER BAY, MN

On Nov. 24, the Holiday Craft Revival will take over the Waterfront District in Thunder Bay. | SUBMITTED

Hand crafted bowls will be available for purchase at the Empty Bowls Benefit on Nov. 14. | BETH KENNEDY

November

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru Nov. 2

North Shorror 10 a.m. The Depot, Duluth, Facebook: North Shorror

Thru Nov. 3

The Thin Place 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Thru Nov. 5

Seven Summers Paintings from Bøverdalen by Arna Rennan Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org

Thru Nov. 11

An Aquarist’s Field Guide: Miranda Rinne Exhibit Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org

Thru Nov. 16

The Nordic Folk Art Collection of Mike & Dawn Conlan (Art Talk Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.) Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterofduluth.org

Thru Dec. 20

Chimakwa Nibaawi Stone and Kate Lou Muzquiz Exhibit AICHO Gallery, Duluth, aicho.org

Thru Jan. 5

Colin Davis: Steel, Grease, Gasoline Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Petal, Clay, Berry, Leaf: Natural Inks, Dyes and Pigments of Northern Ontario Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Collections Remix: Robert Markle & Clifford Maracle Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Everlasting Garden: Karly Huitsing Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru Jan. 6

Brian Boldon: Scatter, Gather Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Tom Rauschenfels: 34 Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Nov. 1, Friday

Duluth Armory Wine Reception 4:30 p.m. Duluth Armory, Duluth, facebook.com/dulutharmory

Remembrance Dinner 5 p.m. St. Louis County Depot, Duluth, thehistorypeople.org

All Hikers’ Eve: SHT Fundraiser 6 p.m. Grand Superior Lodge, Two Harbors, lovinlakecounty.com

Ely’s Got Talent 7 p.m. Ely’s Historic State Theater, northernlakesarts.org

Artist Talk with Colin Davis 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Haunted Harbor 8 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Nov. 1-2

Fall Food & Wine Lovers Weekend Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Two Harbors Curling Club Open House 6:30 p.m. Two Harbors Curling Club

TBSO: Disney Adventure 7:30 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Nov. 1-3

Magickal Discoveries: Thee Witchy Con of the North Clyde Iron Works, Duluth, visitduluth.com

Nov. 1-30

Artist of the Month: Gailyn Holmgren (Reception Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

Nov. 2, Saturday

Get Great Stuff Local Art & Gift Fair 10 a.m.

Peace Church, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com

Duluth All Souls Night 4:30 p.m. Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, lsrm.org

Harvest Moon Gala 5 p.m. American Legion, Two Harbors, ktwh.org

World Ballet Company: Swan Lake 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Derek Seguin: Life of Leisure Tour 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Nov. 3, Sunday

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Sweater Weather Market Days: Vintage Market 10 a.m. Enger Lofts, Duluth, visitduluth.com

Stepping Out for Foot Health 1 p.m.

Intercity Shopping Centre, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Nov. 5, Tuesday

Craft Nights at North House 5:30 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Nov. 6, Wednesday

Barenaked Ladies with Toad The Wet Sprocket 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Nov. 7, Thursday

Call of the Wild Poetry Night 5 p.m. Ely Folk School, northernlakesarts.org

Nov. 8, Friday

Fall Friday Tastings 4:30 p.m.

Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop, Grand Marais, facebook.com/thebiglakelife

Art Night Out with Brian Boldon & Tom Rauschenfels 5:30 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Chamber Music Up North 7 p.m. Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterofduluth.org

TBSO: Caretakers 7:30 p.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Nov. 8-9

Gales of November Duluth, lsmma.com

Duluth Junk Hunt 9 a.m. Decc, Duluth, duluthjunkhunt.com

Christmas Craft Mart 6 p.m. (10 a.m. Sat.)

Oliver Road Community Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/orccthunderbay

Nov. 8-10

Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Waves & Wellness Weekend Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Nov. 8-Dec. 1

Spirit of the Wilderness Community Exhibit: Love Your Neighbor (Reception Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Nov. 9, Saturday

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

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

Holiday Boutique 10 a.m. Ely Senior Center, ely.org/events

Creative Writing Workshop “Nature & the Creative Process” Facilitated by Author Anna Farro Henderson 10:30 a.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Dennis E. Staples and Jesse Switters: Passing Through a Prairie Country Book Reading and Presentation 2 p.m. Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, aicho.org

Diwali Celebration 5 p.m. West Thunder Community Centre, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Author Talk with Anna Farro Henderson: Core Samples 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Beyond Hunger Gala & Auction 6:30 p.m. Best Western Nor’Wester, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/tbaygrowingproject

Chamber Music Up North 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Nov. 9-10

Artisans Northwest Art and Fine Craft Show 10 a.m. Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay, artisansnorthwest.ca

Nov. 10, Sunday

Ifetayo Ali-Landing: Cello 3 p.m. Mitchell Auditorium: College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, matineemusicale.org

Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting 4:15 p.m. Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

The Jeweler of the North Shore 1 p.m. North Shore Winery, jewelerofthenorth.com

Nov. 11, Monday

Veterans Day

Remembrance Day

Nov. 12, Tuesday

Craft Nights at North House 5:30 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Zenith Reads 6 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com

Steve-O 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Nov. 14, Thursday

Empty Bowls 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, facebook.com/emptybowlsgm

Nov. 15, Friday

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

Full Moon Bike Ride 6 p.m. Real Canadian Superstore Parking Lot, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/justbiketbay

Warren Miller’s 75: Ski Film 7 p.m. Clyde Iron Works, Duluth, chesterbowl.org

TBSO: Katherine Nemec 7:30 p.m. DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Nov. 15-16

Murder Mystery on the North Shore Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com/events

Christmas Craft Mart 6 p.m. (10 a.m. Sat.) Oliver Road Community Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/orccthunderbay

Nov. 15-17

The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com

Nov. 16, Saturday

Children’s Story Time: Just Us 10:30 a.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com

DSSO Masterworks 3: Bruckner’s Te Deum 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, dsso.com

Bryan Callen Live 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Consortium Aurora Borealis Concert: An Elizabethan Garland 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

Nov. 16-17

Junior League Festival of Trees 9 a.m. (10 a.m. Sun.) Decc, Duluth, juniorleagueduluth.org

Celebrating Artists Past and Present: Show & Sale 10 a.m. Valhalla Inn Ballroom, Thunder Bay, biljanabaker@shaw.ca

Nov. 17, Sunday

Hymers Fair Holiday Market 9 a.m. Delta Hotel, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/hymersfallfair

Holiday Movies 11:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. West Thunder Community Centre, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Finland Winter Farmers Market 12:30 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com

Sleeping Giant Folk Music: Danny Michel & Steve Poltz 7 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiant.ca

Nov. 18, Monday

Ely for Ely 9 a.m. Grand Ely Lodge, boundarywatersconnect.com

Nov. 19, Tuesday

REO Speedwagon with Loverboy 7 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org

The 80s Club 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Take It With You 7:30 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts Building, Duluth, takeitwithyou.org

Nov. 20, Wednesday

Lunch & Learn: A View on Aging with Collette Pederson Noon CCHE or Zoom, Grand Marais, cche.org

Thanksgiving Potluck 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org

Demonstration: Clay Handbuilding 5 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Nov. 20-30

Of Marriage Minded Misses 7 p.m. Cambrian Players, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/cambrianplayers

Nov. 21, Thursday

Give to the Max Day Minnesota, givemn.org

Nov. 22, Friday

Fall Friday Tastings 4:30 p.m. Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop, Grand Marais, facebook.com/thebiglakelife

Christmas City of the North Parade 6:30 p.m. Duluth, facebook.com/christmascityparade

Nov. 22-23

Moana Jr. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Nov. 22-24

Winterers’ Gathering & Arctic Film Festival North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com

Nov. 23, Saturday

Market at the Moose 11 a.m. Moose Hall, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Up on the Yonder Holiday Market 11 a.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, facebook.com/thebiglakelife

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Nov. 23-24

Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair 10 a.m. (9 a.m. Sun.) Clyde Malting Building, Duluth, facebook.com/glitteratievents

Nov. 23-Dec. 28

Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” 5 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bentleyvilleusa.org

Nov. 24, Sunday

Holiday Craft Revival 10 a.m. Waterfront District, Thunder Bay, facebook. com/craftrevivaltbay

Nov. 25, Monday

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Nov. 27, Wednesday

Drinksgiving 8 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Nov. 28, Thursday

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Potluck 11 a.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org

Craft Night 6:30 p.m. West Thunder Community Center, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Nov. 28-Dec. 21

Elf: The Musical Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

Nov. 29, Friday

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

Oh Ole Night 5:30 p.m. Downtown Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com/events

TBSO: Symphonic Spotlight 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca

Drinksgiving 8 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Nov. 29-Dec. 31

Holiday Art Underground Betsy Bowen Studio, Grand Marais, woodcut.com

Nov. 30, Saturday

Wrap Up Holiday Market 8 a.m. CLE Coliseum Building, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

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

Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

Tuesdays

Locals Night with Live Music 5 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 Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE

Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

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

Thursdays

Makers Mornings 9:30 a.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org

Story Time 10:30 a.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Thursday Art Nights 3:30 p.m. Joy & Company, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ joyandcompanymn

Drop-In Modern Dance Class 5:30 p.m. Community Center Log Cabin, Grand Marais, humanpracticesomatics@gmail.com

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

Fridays

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

Saturdays

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

Farmers Market 10 a.m. North End Recreation Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/T.Bay. FarmersMarket

Sundays

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

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The North Shore Dish Eating at the Thunder Bay Country Market

By Virginia George

My Grandma Irene was a good cook. She rarely used a recipe – only for baking and even then just barely – but some of my favorite childhood meals came from her table. Chicken noodle soup with homemade egg noodles was one of her specialties. After mixing the dough she would roll it out to a rectangle, not too thin, flour the top a bit, and then roll the dough up into a log, making thin slices, but not too thin, that would then be unwound and dropped one by one into the boiling pot. It was one of my favorite things to help grandma by unrolling and dropping the noodles into the pot, amazed that they didn’t stick together, and pleased when I got a good thick noodle on my plate. For some reason she always served this soup on plates.

The only negative thing I can say about Grandma Irene’s cooking is that she didn’t use spices. Like… at all. She used salt and pepper, and sage at Thanksgiving. In fact, I think she bought a new sage every Thanksgiving for her stuffing but never used it in between, nor did she purge her old spices. I’m relatively confident there were vintage sage tins from the 1980s in her cupboard when she died in 2016.

A child of the Depression, salt and pepper (and the occasional sage) was all she needed I suppose, but fortunately for us there is a whole world of flavor out there if one is willing to adventure beyond the basics. The North Shore is full of hidden gems that tickle your taste buds just right. And if you’re lucky enough to make a visit to the Thunder Bay Country Market, you just might get to experience a whole bunch of them in one place.

The Thunder Bay Country Market, 425 Northern Ave., is a sort of indoor farmer’s market where everything is made, baked, or grown within the Thunder Bay community. (Their vendors change a little with the seasons, but you can always find an updated map and directory on their website: thunderbaycountrymarket.com) Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, patrons are welcome to shop for items to take home, or eat some fresh and local fare right on site.

Finnish: Hoito Restaurant

The Thunder Bay Country Market hosts the current location of the Hoito Restaurant, which has been a local Finnish favorite for more than 100 years. The Hoito experienced a series of hardships and closed

The bakery case at Petite Marie French Baking is a feast for the eyes. | PETITE MARIE FRENCH BAKING

its doors in December 2021, but in early 2023 they found their new home at the Market. Hoping to reestablish their own freestanding location, the Finlandia Coop is supporting the Hoito and contributing to the rebuilding of its presence in the Finnish-Canadian community.

At the Market, you will find the Hoito on the first floor, with seating available for a delicious hot breakfast of Finnish pancakes and coffee. They also offer eggs, bacon, and sausage from local farms, and if you would like a taste of Hoito at home, you can pick up some pancake mix and impress your friends and family with delicious Finnish pancakes at home.

Indian: Swaad – Taste of India

If you are looking for authentic Indian food, you need to look no further than Swaad – Taste of India. Their dishes are carefully curated to represent the rich diversity of tastes found across India. Swaad can be found on the first floor of Thunder Bay Country Market, with both ready to eat and frozen menu items. Their Chicken Curry is a fan favorite, as is their Butter Chicken.

Swaad also maintains a location separate from the Market, where you can eat Monday through Saturday, and even hire their catering services. Swaad prides themselves on bringing the diversity of Indian cuisine to their community with experienced chefs, sustainable practices, and fresh ingredients.

French: Petite Marie

French

Baking

Petite Marie is home to some of the most beautiful pastries your eyes will ever behold. From a Praline Éclair with perfectly piped filling to a deliciously flaky Pain au Chocolat or an aesthetically balanced Berries Tart, you are sure to find something that catches your eye at this bakery. Found on the second floor of Thunder Bay Coun-

try Market, their bakery case is truly a feast for the eyes, as well as the taste buds. You will find a variety of tarts and eclairs, as well as swiss cheese pretzels, croissants, and more.

Ukranian: Lucy Q Perogies

Perogies are among the most perfect starchy comfort food, if you ask me, and Lucy Q is a perogy specialist. Lucy’s perogies are a wonderful juxtaposition of traditional Ukranian recipes and modern takes. Of course you can get a traditional potato & cheese perogy, but Lucy has also developed pizza perogies with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, jalapeno perogies, and recently reintroduced greek perogies. If you contact her ahead of time, you might even be able to score some blueberry cheesecake dessert perogies.

It would be impossible to include everything that the Thunder Bay Country Market has to offer. It is, after all, a market, a hub for all things local; so, in addition to ready-to-eat foods, there are many ingredients and sides to bring home with you. The Market changes with the seasons, and is full of fresh produce in the summertime and harvest in the fall. You will find an assortment of canned goods and preserves, and artisanal breads from local bakers in addition to farm-to-consumer dairy and meat products.

I think you will find the Thunder Bay Country Market a lovely blend of readyto-eat foods, ingredients to include at your own table, and community that is unrivaled in other spaces, especially indoor spaces that are accessible throughout the long, cold winters. You will also find textiles, jewelry, and art. It is a wonderfully diverse slice of all that Thunder Bay has to offer, and expands the possibilities and your palate to a whole lot more than salt and pepper (with the annual sage).

Finnish pancakes, bacon and eggs can be found at Hoito on the first floor of the market. | HOITO

Deer Hunting and Your Health

By Hartley Newell-Acero

November is the month that deer hunting, and everything that goes along with it, starts taking center stage in the lives of many folks in the Northland. The main goal of all this activity is a freezer full of venison, but the benefits can be far greater than simply having meat on hand.

From a nutritional perspective, venison is a stand-out. It’s lean and a good source of protein, with 9 grams per ounce. That’s more protein than the same amount of beef, but with about one-fifth of the fat, and what fat venison does have is largely unsaturated. It’s a source of thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), iron, Vitamin K, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.

Deer hunting is a great opportunity for physical activity. Walking long distances over uneven terrain absolutely counts as the “moderate to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity” recommended by the CDC. Since hunting, field dressing, and processing deer requires stamina, strength, and good balance, it’s in a hunter’s best interest to go into the season as fit and strong as possible. Keep

Rehabilitation Department at North Shore Health

up the aerobic workouts, resistance training, and balance exercises throughout the year, so that when hunting season starts, you’re ready to go.

Hunting provides mental and emotional workouts too. Planning, coordinating details of the hunt, and staying current with changing rules all require sharp thinking before the sharp shooting can start. Emotional control is a skill that can be developed in the deer blind. Learning to calm the body and mind when “buck fever” (racing heart, nerves, shaking hands) strikes has benefits far beyond hunting season.

Spending time outdoors can also reduce feelings of depression, lower blood pressure, and diminish levels of stress. Spending time with others can strengthen social ties and provide connection to family and cultural traditions. Conquering tough terrain, managing uncomfortable temperatures, and outlasting inclement weather all take grit. Missing a shot, learning to accept that reality, and planning ways to improve chances of success for next time are all skills of resilience.

How do you define the difference between the professions?

Speech Therapy is the practice of helping you communicate better, understand and function better by bringing your thoughts to speech, along with eating and swallowing. Occupational therapy focuses on improving deficits and barriers that limit your ability to perform daily activities safely. Occupational therapy is holistic in that it addresses mental, physical and cognitive health. Physical Therapy works on restoring your body’s joints with range of motion, building strength, and returning back to work or the activities you love. The three professions, known as the allied professions, work seamlessly to help you improve so you can succeed. All three professions see patients from birth to elderly.

What is the education of our therapists? Speech Therapy is a Master ’s program while Physical Therapy is a Doctoral level profession. Occupational Therapy is transitioning from a Master’s program to a Doctorate level profession, and you may meet a combination of the two at any given time. We also have therapists with decades of wisdom that bring knowledge and experience to the table fostering growth across the ages. This ensures that the care you receive here at NSH is of the highest quality.

How can you begin care with a therapist? Minnesota is a Direct Access state, and you can see your Physical or Occupational Therapist without a referral unless you have Medicare for your insurance. A referral is needed for Speech Therapy services. If you are unsure, ask your doctor for a referral to see one of our therapists. You can call 218 -387-3040 or your insurance provider for clarity on if you need a referral. NSH accepts all insurances. Our team is here to help you achieve your goals and we can’t wait to see you. For more information, visit: www.northshorehealthgm.org.

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

Community Access to Compassionate Care

Here are some additional tips to keep you safe and healthy this hunting season:

Take steps to prevent falls. Falls can easily happen if the stand has deteriorated, or when a hunter is in a tree stand and is startled by an animal. The average fall distance from a tree stand is 15 feet. Injuries sustained from that height can be severe or even deadly. Check equipment integrity, use safety belts, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Avoid alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. This includes some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They all diminish hunters’ ability to make quick, safe decisions and make them more susceptible to injuries like frostbite and hypothermia.

Let someone know where you’ll be hunting. Two-way radios are a good idea or at least carry loud whistles. It’s important that someone be able to locate you if needed.

Be CWD aware. Chronic Wasting Disease is an always-fatal brain disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. While there is currently no evidence that humans can be infected from eating contaminated meat, it is safest to avoid that possibility. Do not eat meat from animals that appear thin or sick, or animals exhibiting unusual behavior. Take precautions when field dressing and processing deer, and consider having your deer tested. Learn more about Chronic Wasting Disease at: mndnr.gov/cwd.

Brush up on your basic first aid and follow the rules of firearms or archery safety:

• Treat every firearm or bow as if it’s loaded.

• Always keep the gun or bow pointed in a safe direction.

• Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.

• Keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

• Be positive of your target—what’s in front of it, near it, and beyond it. If you’re not sure about any one of these, don’t shoot.

• Protect your ears and eyes with safety glasses and hearing protection.

• Remember to wear blaze orange so that others can see you. Treat venison with the same care you would any other raw meat. Wrap or seal to keep the juices from contaminating other foods. Keep it cold, 41°F (5°C) or colder. Use within a couple of days. Wrap tightly when freezing and thaw safely.

Cook to safe temperature: whole cuts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and ground to a minimum of 165°F (74°).

Use as you would beef: steaks, roasts, ground, jerky, sausage, etc.

Deer hunting is an important tradition in many peoples’ lives, and the benefits can extend far beyond what’s on the plate.

Hunting can be a great way to spend time outdoors which has benefits far beyond hunting season alone. | SIMON BERGER UNSPLASH

A Slog, a Buck, and a Car Door

By Joe Shead

The day before deer season, I wrestled my climbing stand though the woods to the tree I had picked a few weeks earlier. I thought it prudent to climb the tree and see if any limbs needed clearing before opening morning. I clanked my way up the tree and looked around. My eyes instantly fell onto a distant ridge. In my mind, angels strummed harps and sang ethereal songs. Just look at that ridge! How could I have missed it?

Even from a quarter-mile away, I knew the ridge was my destiny. The strip of aspens created a natural runway, and I was sure if I sat there, I would kill a buck.

It was an unusual opening morning. I did my due diligence and sat in my pre-selected tree, but all I could think about was that ridge. I decided to stick it out in my opening morning spot until noon before I moved. But I only made it to 11.

At midday, I climbed down and set a course for the ridge. Easier said than done. I had already fought my way along a creek, scampered up a steep hill on hands and knees at times, then bushwhacked through a fortress of trees and brush more impenetrable than Fort Knox. And all while wearing a climbing tree stand on my back. Moving through the woods with that stand was like trying to swim through a net. Every low-hanging branch grabbed the stand and spun me around. And the bungee cord designed to hold the seat back against the trunk snagged every possible vine and bramble, going taut, and at times, snapping back at me. By the time I had made it the half-mile to the original stand site, I was cut up, dripping sweat and reeking so badly any deer that didn’t flee at the sound of clanking aluminum had certainly at least winded my stench. In my mind, I envisioned the tree stand manufacturer coming out with its latest model, then going on an expensive hunt to “field test” it. I suspected the hunter walked down a manicured trail leading to a food plot, never passing within 20 feet of a single limb until strapping the stand to a tree. After hunting from the perfectly delimbed tree and shooting a monster buck, the company declared the stand a success and brought it to market. I was ready to write the company a scathing letter – no, better yet, I’d send them an invite to hunt in some real woods with their new stand! That would teach them!

It was a half-mile from my truck to my opening day tree. And the ridge was another quarter-mile beyond that. After fighting the stand through another quarter-mile of brush and uttering some unmentionable phrases (which also served to scare deer) I finally got set up on the ridge.

My distant vision was correct. It really did look promising, and a lot better than my original spot. I don’t know how I missed it, but this was before Google Earth, smart-

A thought occurred to me: what if I actually shot a deer? | VISTA PRINT IMAGES

phones and the like. The only high-tech equipment I carried was a bare-bones GPS with no background map.

It took me two minutes to scale a birch tree. It took me two hours to stop panting from my arduous struggle with the stand through the woods. A thought finally occurred to me: what if I actually shot a deer? Then I’d really have my work cut out for me.

I didn’t see a deer that afternoon. I left the stand at the base of the tree overnight. It was still a long hike to my truck in the dark, but at least I didn’t have to fight my way through the woods with a stand on my back!

The following morning, I did indeed shoot a buck from atop that ridge. I was excited, of course, but I really dreaded the task of removing the stand and now a buck from the woods. I decided to haul out the stand and my hunting gear first and then come back for the deer.

I sighed, shrugged my shoulders and began the agonizing slog back to my truck, through the brush, through the trees, down a hill that was as bad to go down as it was to go up, and then ultimately uphill along the creek. After finally reaching the truck, I huffed and puffed as I rested on my tailgate, utterly exhausted, but with only one trip complete.

There had to be an easier way! And then my mind replayed a sound I thought I’d heard earlier that morning. As I sat in my tree in the dark, waiting for first light, an unusual sound reached my ears.

“Was that a car door?” I thought. I decided this sound merited further investigation. Where there are car doors, there are roads. I retrieved an atlas from my truck and took a closer look at the area. Indeed there was a road – a faint, lightly maintained road – about a mile south of where my truck was parked. If that road actually existed, it had to be much closer to where my buck was.

I headed south, and lo and behold I found that little road, which was a scant 200 yards from my buck! I felt like an idiot, for sure, but that slamming car door saved me from one heck of a brutal drag through the woods.

Northern Trails

A Guide to Fall Pike

By Gord Ellis

The boat was moving slowly over the shallow water, as I guided the trolling motor via the foot control along the edge of a reed line. Looking down into the water, I could just make out a few cabbage weed tops spiraling upwards. A slight ripple from a cool fall wind broke up the surface, making it difficult to see down into the weeds. However, that ripple would keep the pike we were chasing a little less nervous in the barely 6 feet of water. At the bow of the boat was my father, Gord Senior, who was chucking a weedless spoon. I was at the back, throwing a #5 Mepps Musky Killer spinner and twister. We were fan casting the weed beds, trying to entice some big pike out of the salad. I made a long cast and started to reel the spinner quickly back to the boat. At about the halfway point, a long, silvery shape roared out of the weeds and inhaled the spinner.

“Got him,” I said, as the fish took off. My fishing rod was a heavy action bait caster, yet this big pike had it bent over.

“Looks like a good one son,” said Senior, who was now holding the oversized net. I turned the fish, but it was not ready to give up and hit the air, gills flared and mouth wide open.

“Holy Crap,” said my dad. “That’s a pig.” The fish finally gave up and Senior scooped the deep bodied pike into the mesh of the net. We laid it out on the measuring board and it said 44 inches on the nose. After a few hero shots, the pike was carefully released back to Lake Superior, where it likely went back to terrorizing the perch, suckers, whitefish, and herring that made it fat to begin with.

What To Use

Fall pike fishing has been a passion of mine for many years. More than three decades ago, a buddy and I would go camping in the dying days of fall and just target big pike. What we learned was that trophy pike were often lurking back in the shallow waters we had chased them in during the spring. We also discovered that we were nearly always alone. Few people seemed to target pike after Labour Day weekend. It’s always surprised me that fall pike don’t get more love. They are extra fat and ornery as the water cools.

Fall Pike Location

As the end of open water season nears, big pike go on the prowl. Large pike appreciate cooler water and move into the last green weeds they can find. Sometimes these shallow weeds are in or near back

bays. These weed beds can also be found near the edge of drop-offs. I’ve located large cabbage beds by trolling large flats and marking the weeds with sonar. As often as not, if the weeds are green, there will be pike. Pike will also gravitate to the mouths of rivers that flow into lakes. Pike

are drawn by the whitefish and herring that will be spawning in the vicinity of these rivers. Fall pike will also hang out in lake narrows with currents for the same reason, especially if there are rocky shoals or weeds in the area. Deeper bay edges with standing reeds have also proven to be great

Rapala weedless minnow spoon with twister. | GORD ELLIS

Jeff Melby and a fat fall pike that hit a weedless spoon. | GORD ELLIS

fall pike spots. These spots seem particularly good if there is a wind blowing in on the reeds. Fall pike won’t always be clustered up in groups, but it’s not uncommon to find a couple fish on one piece of good structure. Cover as much water as you can to locate the biters. Fall pike on the prowl will rarely be denied.

The key to fishing fall pike is to use lures that have flash, are relatively weedless and cover a lot of territory. My go-to lure for much fall pike fishing is an oversized spoon. The classic pike spoons, like the Eppinger Daredvle and Len Thompson Five of Diamonds, are both legendary lures for a reason. These lures both wobble and roll in a most enticing way. Other spoons I’d not go pike fishing without include the Lucky Strike Toronto Wobbler, Canoe Spoon, and Williams Whitefish. The long, slender profile of the Canoe Spoon and Williams Whitefish mimic a herring extremely well. Weedless spoons such as the Johnson Silver Minnow and Rapala Minnow Spoon will be extra deadly in thicker weeds. Weedless spoons have a single hook that is protected by a weed guard. This allows the spoon to snake through the thick stuff without gathering salad. Having weeds on your lure is always bad for business.

My other go to fall pike presentation is an oversized in-line spinner. The buzz of a spinner blade is something very few pike can ignore. The #5 Mepps Musky Killer is near the top of my list, especially if the blade is silver. In fact, having a silver or gold spin

silver blade and black bucktail

ner blade or spoon is rarely a bad choice for pike, period. The Blue Fox Vibrax spinner is another time tested and approved pike spinner. The high vibration blade on the Vibrax “Super Bou” is especially deadly. One other

My largest ever fall pike, a 46-inch Lake Nipigon monster, ate that spinner many years ago off a deep weed bed.

One small pro tip I will add: Nearly every

or 5-inch white scented twister on its hook. The twister adds scent appeal, buoyancy, and extra action. I’m convinced it gives you more hook-ups.

Give fall pike a try and experience the

Buchertail.

Gord Ellis with a large fall pike. | GORD ELLIS

KEKEKABIC LAKE

Pike caught on a mepps musky killer. | GORD ELLIS

Core Samples

A Climate Scientist’s Experiments in Politics and Motherhood

By Anna Farro Henderson

University of Minnesota Press, 2024, $18.95

Writer Anna Farro Henderson is a mother, scientist and policy advisor, and she brings these experiences and more to her essays that travel from a nuclear test site to a Juneau Icefield. Her writing is both personal and researched, funny, complicated and honest. She writes about her experiences as a climate scientist and as a mom and working with Senator Al Franken and Governor Mark Dayton, even as the #MeToo movement broke. She will be in Grand Marais for a creative writing workshop at the Grand Marais Public Library on Nov. 9th at 10:30 and for an author reading at Drury Lane Books that evening at 6 p.m.— Erin Altemus

The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book

100 Best Recipes from the Star Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest

By Lee Svitak Dean

and Rick Nelson Photography by Tom Wallace University of Minnesota Press, 2024, $29.95

Celebrate the life of loved ones during the holiday season and help Care Partners support end of life care

Light Up a Life Tree Lighting Ceremony

Johnson Heritage Post Thursday, December 12, 5:30 pm All are welcome! For more information ww w.carepa r tnersofcookcount y.org or call Care Pa r tne rs at 218-387-3788

Each donation will help light up the Memory Tree located by Johnson Heritage Post!

If you are into holiday baking, this book is an absolute must. Filled with recipes from the Star Tribune’s popular holiday cookie contest and mouth-watering pictures to go along with them, you are sure to have inspiration for years to come. There was a 2018 version of this book (how did I not know?), and this new version includes 35 more recipes. I have been a little lackluster in my holiday baking the last few years and I am telling you, this is about to change. Inspiration has arrived. This would also make a great gift for any baker in your life.— Erin Altemus

100 Things to do in Minnesota Before You Die & 100 Things to do in Minnesota Northwoods Before You Die

By Julie Jo Larson

Reedy Press, 2021, $22.50

This pair of books will have you covered for things to do in Minnesota for the next few years. One book covers all of Minnesota while the other covers the Northwoods more specifically. Activities range from taking in specific state park sights, specific restaurants to take in (Poor Gary’s Pizza in Moose Lake) and what to order, and events to attend such as the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. In the back there are suggested itineraries and activities by season. If you are one that needs ideas about things to do to spark your activities, these are the books for you! — Erin Altemus

SAWTOOTH RACING DOG BLOG

Taking a “Rest” Year

BY ERIN ALTEMUS

We had a rather long break between our last run of winter 2024, which was on the ice of the Yukon River in Alaska, and our first run in the fall of this new season. We could have hooked up the dogs to the ATV when we returned from Alaska, but the toll of so much ATV training last winter had eaten away at our gusto, so we didn’t. And this year, summer came in September. When our first hook-ups came, on a cool morning in late September, my mojo was back, and needless to say, the dogs were ready to run.

I thought about the Yukon ice though, even as we rolled through a forest of maples. Did the dogs remember what it was like to lose their pep? Look at them now, eager to pull, every tug tight, some dogs screaming to go for a quarter mile, their enthusiasm so great. We all needed this. We all wanted to be here, no pressure, having fun. Easy.

After leaving Alaska last spring, my emotional rollercoaster ran the highs of racing in such an inspiring landscape, in a place made for dog mushing, where mushing is the state sport. I wanted, and still want another chance at reaching Nome with a dog team. But as the days and then months separated us from those days on the Iditarod trail, I lost my urgency to go back right away.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to take a year off, recuperate, sleep easy, train up the twoyear-olds in the Beargrease Marathon and see what they can do. By mid-summer, this decision felt like the right one.

And so, somehow, what used to be our all out full training schedule for Beargrease and other 200-plus mile races has now become a rest year. This doesn’t mean we won’t work hard, in fact, I’m already up early each morning, catching the morning “cool” before temps rise above fifty degrees to get the morning training run in, then doing all the other parts of my day, which as of late has included two jobs. One wonderful addition to the Sawtooth Racing team is a new handler, Kendra, who has some experience working with dogs at Camp Menogyn and also running tours on the glaciers of Alaska, and she is looking forward to working with racing dogs here this winter.

Our future success at this time lies within our two-year-olds. We have eight of them. Last year they all ran many miles in front of the ATV in hopes of racing, but when the snow never came, their racing dreams didn’t come to fruition, a condition shared by many mushers in the lower 48. These younger dogs all stayed home last winter when the

rest of the kennel went to Alaska. This year is different. They are part of the main team.

Che’, a son of our leader Temper, I discovered on a short run last winter, is a natural leader. I have him running side-by-side with his dad, and he doesn’t falter. Will he run lead in Beargrease as a two-year-old? His brother Dino, named for Sandino, is one of the most handsome hunks of a young dog I have ever seen, and yet, has this look of complete stoicism when everyone else is going crazy on the line. I am quite curious to see how he turns out.

Brothers Monster and Riot are so hard to harness, they are clearly trying to live up to their energy drink names, they are writhing, thrashing, heaving creatures, impossible to get a hold of. But once on the line, they focus that energy into forward movement and a straight tug.

New to us is a dog named Modica, also two, who came from my mushing friend Sally Manikian, and of similar lines as many of our dogs. He’s all black, has a beautiful trot, and is cross-eyed, so I can’t quite tell if he actually sees me or not.

Our race schedule and training plan won’t differ much from previous years, with the exception of our hope to add a race called “Race to the Sky” in Montana. I am greatly looking forward to running a much lighter sled than what I ran in Iditarod, having some help at most checkpoints and while anything can happen, I think the trails down here are a bit easier as well. Easy. I may come to eat that word, but for now, I’m training like it’s hard, and resting easy at night.

Watching the leaves turn color in October was especially enjoyable this year. | ERIN ALTEMUS

Two-year-old Dino is a stoic young dog, rather quiet on the line compared to the maniacal Monster and Riot who never stop writhing. | ERIN ALTEMUS

Niibin Nigig  Summer Otter

By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman

I was up in Gichi-onigamiing (Grand Portage) for nimiwin (powwow), burning bashkodejiibik (sage) jiigibiig (on the shore) looking for lake glass and cool rocks when I saw a wadikwan (tree branch) in the nibi (water). Well then it moved oddly and I thought it was a maang (loon) diving underwater. Turns out I was wrong twice - it was a sweet sweet little nigig (otter) just watching me.

Newest one to honor this little niiji (friend).

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.

Strange Tales Coincidences Guideposts, Flukes, or Myths?

By Elle AndraWarner

In his book, The Best Travel Writing 2010: True Stories From Around the World, editor-writer Michael McGee had an interesting observation. He wrote, “When travelling, coincidences seem to pile up.” Deepka Chopra has written that coincidences are like guideposts: “Coincidences are not accidents but signals from the universe.”

However, Dr. Bernard Beitman, founder of The Coincidence Project, defines it as “two events coming together with apparently no casual explanation.”

It set me thinking about the ones that I’ve come across in my travels, or simply in life.

One of the more surprising coincidences happened years ago at Disneyland Paris in France. While having breakfast at our on-site hotel, a server came over to us after recognizing we were Canadians (she said the “eh” in our speech gave us away). She was from Denmark, and one of her best friends lived in Canada. She wondered if we knew her. My immediate thought was whether she realized how vast Canada was, but then she went on to say her friend lived in Thunder Bay, and she gave her friend’s name. Well, suddenly Canada didn’t seem so big after all. Not only did her best friend live in the same city that we lived in, but lived just down the street from us and was a close friend of my oldest daughter! (The server had become close friends with her friend when both had attended the summer Concordia Language Schools in North Dakota.)

Another coincidence that also stands out was back in 1996 when I was in Tallinn, Estonia, and walking around the 13th century medieval cobblestone Town Hall Square. Bordering the square are shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. And just as I was wishing I could meet up with someone in this crowded square that I could sit and have a beer with, there sitting alone was a Canadian-Estonian friend from Toronto, the late Laas Leivat. He had often visited Thunder Bay in his role with Estonian organizations in Canada. We chuckled at the coincidence of meeting up in Tallinn as we downed a few beers. (Leivat was later Estonia’s Consul General in Toronto.)

Then there was the time in Barcelona, Spain, while attending the summer 1992 Paralympics (my daughter Tami Saj was representing Canada in swimming). While she was busy at the Paralympic Village, we took time to spend an afternoon at the famous Sagrada Familia, a gothic church now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While exploring the church, we chatted with a woman from

Montreal, who asked if we knew her friend, Kathryn Rutherford in Thunder Bay. Well, yes! And we told her that Kathryn was also currently in Barcelona, representing Canada in the Paralympics, a swim teammate with our daughter Tami. We relayed the ‘hello’ message to Kathryn. Synchronicity!

Looking back though, one of my alltime favourite travel coincidences involved a hair-raising speed drive with a stranger between Gatwick and Heathrow airports

in London, England. We had been on a 10day trip to England, our last night being in Aylesbury on the outskirts of London, and flying home the next day with Air Canada. About an hour before flight time, we arrived at Gatwick Airport, a bit tight but still OK (this was pre-September 11, 2001). Then, horror of horrors—we had gone to the wrong airport! We should have been at Heathrow, a 40-50 minute drive away. Overhearing our dilemma about the wrong airport, a wom-

an suddenly yelled out from the crowd, “I’ll drive them to Heathrow!” We hurried to her car (which she couldn’t find at first in the parking lot), set off at high speed and made it to Heathrow with about 10 minutes to spare until flight time. Thankfully, a kind Air Canada person called our flight gate to hold the flight for us as we ran through the airport. And who was our mysterious ‘angel’ driver? What’s the coincidence? Well, the stranger turned out to be the British aunt of a Thunder Bay manager I knew quite well and served on some committees with.

About six years ago—closer to home but spanning two continents—an interesting coincidence happened thanks to the co-owner of Northern Wilds and my friend, the late Shawn Perich. He called me to say that he saw on Amazon that a book—The Brother, written by Estonian author Rein Raud—had been translated into English. Shawn thought I’d be interested in it, given my Estonian heritage. I noted the author’s name, but didn’t place an order at the time. The coincidence? Well, a year or two later while digging deep into family research on my father’s side, there appeared a huge surprise—that Estonian author and I shared the same Estonian great-grandparents. We were cousins and have now connected. Thank you, Shawn!

So, are they random coincidences, guideposts, flukes, myths, or coincidences with connecting deeper meanings from the universe? The jury is still out on the answer.

Andra-Warner has had many chance meetings all over the world, but are they really chance? | CREATIVE COMMONS

Town Hall Square Tallinn, Estonia, where Andra-Warner ran into a friend from Toronto. | CREATIVE COMMONS

Andress REALTOR Licensed in MN 218-216-7141

IngerAndress@edinarealty.com edinarealty.com/inger-andress-realtor Exceptional PropertiesNORTH SHORE

Home Staging to Sell, Expert www.homestagingexpert.com/minnesota

NORTHERN SKY NOVEMBER 2024

By Deane Morrison MN STARWATCH

Shore Homes | Luxury | Lake Shore | Land | Cabin

In November, the bright winter constellations that have been lighting up the morning sky begin climbing over the eastern horizon during the

By mid-month all will be up before midnight. Traveling with these stars are brilliant Jupiter, shining above the hourglass form of Orion, the hunter; and rapidly brightening Mars, bringing up the rear below the Gemini twins.

The assembly enters an evening sky marked by relatively dim fall constellations like Capricornus, the sea goat; Pisces, the fishes; and Aquarius, the water bearer. If you’re not familiar with these constellations, you’ll need a star chart to find them.

But Saturn can help. The ringed planet is somewhat low in the southeast to south at nightfall. Now in Aquarius, Saturn sits in the cascade of water falling from the Water Jar, a small, roughly Y-shaped group of four stars above the planet.

Aquarius is usually taken to represent Ganymede, a youth fancied by Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, who took him to Mount Olympus to serve as cup bearer to the gods. Also a moon of Jupiter, Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system. It is the only moon known to have its own magnetic field, which generates auroras in its polar regions.

Immediately east of the Water Jar is a ring of stars called the Circlet of Pisces. It’s a pretty sight, but you may need binoculars to find it. Above the Circlet are the four stars of the Great Square of Pegasus, which represents the torso of the mythological winged horse.

Rising the evening of the 15th, November’s full moon will be the year’s last big, bright supermoon. But the night of the 17th to 18th, the still bright waning moon will play spoiler during the peak of the annual Leonid meteor shower. The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses. For more information on Duluth, visit: d.umn.edu/planet.

Red Pine Realty

UNIQUE VACATION RENTAL

The “Little Lost Containers” has been crafted with skill to create a unique vacation rental. Situated on a ridge above Lake Superior, it captures magnificent views over Chicago Bay and Chimney Rock. It is all about the view with each room, 3 levels of decks, and the fire circle providing a place to soak in the beauty. Living room includes custom-made furniture that converts to a 2nd bed and the efficient kitchen provides everything for a relaxing stay.

MLS#6116437 $299,900

PRIME LAKE LOT –PORTAGE LAKE

Two acre lot, 361 feet of shoreline, driveway and site prep has begun, septic sites located. Lot adjoins federal land. High view looking down the lake. Portage Lake feels like the BWCAW, which is a portage away. Premier site waiting for great home or cabin.

MLS#6116511 $249,000

PORTAGE LAKE –MID-TRAIL LAKE LOT

Wilderness serenity surrounds you. Direct access to the BWCAW, or just enjoy it from your deck. 5.13 acre lot, 400 feet of accessible lakeshore, nice building sites amid typical boreal forest landscapes. Huge rock faced cliff guards a pond, deep forest and pristine lake views.

MLS#6116512 $209,000

CARIBOU HIGHLANDS CONDO

Experience life at Caribou Highlands with a view of Moose Mountain from your deck. An entire renovation of the unit was completed in September. Alpine unit features a great room style floor plan with a loft bedroom. Enjoy your condo as often as you like and defray costs by participating in the optional rental program.

MLS#6116213 $275,000

CARRAGE HOUSE/GARAGE – PORTAGE LAKE

Mid-Gunflint Trail lakeshore, 1 bedroom apartment above garage on 5.24 acres. Apartment is ready to move in. The 233 feet of shoreline is ready to launch your wilderness adventure. Portage Lake has direct access to the BWCAW by portage, good trout fishing, and no easy public access.

MLS#6116510 $285,000

PEACE AND SERENITY – BWCAW-ADJACENT LOT

Large lot on Portage Lake, dense forest, rolling terrain and accessible shoreline for launching your wilderness adventures. 5.86 acre lot, over 500 feet of shoreline. Mid-Gunflint Trail location is remote and private. Your stress level will dissolve here, surrounded by the peaceful setting.

MLS#6116513 $239,000

Pristine 20 acres, 2500+ feet of Portage Lake shore, unique Mid-Gunflint Trail location. Surrounded by Superior National Forest & BWCA. Beautiful full-log home, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, porch, 2-car garage and gardens. Peninsula, privacy and views. Pristine location on quiet wilderness lake.

MLS#6115290 $849,000

ISLAND GET-AWAY ON GREENWOOD LAKE

You need to see the 6+ acre island and cabin to appreciate the solitude, sunrise and sunset views, 2,000ft of shoreline and Greenwood Lake! Cabin and guest area above the workshop are set-up with off grid solar, generator power and septic system. Motorboat, pontoon, canoe, airboat and 4-wheeler included.

MLS#6113672 $589,900

SPACIOUS 3+ BEDROOM HOME

Check out this spacious 3+ bedroom, 2 bath home! Home sits on 6+ acres, very close to Cascade River State Park and only a 12 min drive to Grand Marais. Many recent updates with a finished basement and plenty of room to spread out! The property feels very private! The large yard around the house is quite beautiful!

MLS#6116568 $405,000

SPACIOUS GREENWOOD LAKE LOT

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

Mature White Pines and a seasonal creek set this property apart. Owners have done cleanup of deadfall to open up more lake views.

MLS#6112437 $259,000

SPECTACULAR LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

This could be the most impressive private land in Cook County. Situated 300 feet above Lake Superior, the views rival those at Pincushion Mountain. The 40 acres is surrounded by county & federal land with the Superior Hiking Trail running through the SE corner. Historically known as the Jagerhaus Bed & Breakfast. An opportunity to create something new after a fire in 2023. The foundation and other buildings remain. Visitors are required to be accompanied by licensed real estate agent.

MLS#6116536 $600,000

compliant outhouse, sun shower and a cozy woodstove. Dovetail log cabin is a work of art; designed and hand built by the owner. Cook County Short Term Rental license

Canoer's cabin on Gunflint Lake for BWCA adventures, time in the woods and relaxation. Federal lease lot with one-room cabin offers a kitchen, dining table, bunk bed and fireplace. It is a "dry" cabin with no running water. Clean up in the small sauna. Power and fiber optic internet included.

MLS#6114311 $139,000

MODEL HOME

Perfect 20 acre off-grid getaway in the woods! Well cared for, one bedroom, park model home. Solar power with option to connect a generator. The large screened-in porch is a perfect place to hang your hammock or have fun with friends or family! During the colder months you can cozy up and enjoy the fireplace!

MLS#6116292 $125,000

$250,000

GUNFLINT LAKE CABIN

SECLUDED GREENWOOD LAKE

HOMES AND CABINS

COZY LOG CABIN ON 83 ACRES

One bedroom, 1 bathroom, log cabin on 83 acres, bordered by MN State land. Catch a glimpse of Lake Superior on a clear day from the bedroom window. Interior is accented by beautiful diamond willow railings and custom ironwork. Propane lights, refrigerator and cooking range reduce utility expenses.

MLS#6112373 $279,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES

SCHROEDER HOME ON 6+ ACRES

Bring your ideas to finish off the inside of this 2-bedroom, 2 full bath home. In-floor heat both upstairs and down. Home has lots of natural light from 2 sliding glass doors in the open concept living space. Work from home with Broadband while tucked away on 6.44 wooded acres.

MLS#6115374 $210,000

3 BEDROOM HOME WITH PRIVACY AND WOODS

Here is an opportunity to own a home with privacy and woods within a few minutes of downtown Grand Marais. Close to Devil Track Lake. Solid home, well-loved and ready for your personal touch although there is nothing wrong with moving right in and continuing the funky vibe!

FEATURED LISTING SALE PENDING

MLS#6114013 $350,000

3 BEDROOM GRAND MARAIS HOME

Located in a quiet neighborhood and an enjoyable walk away from everything in Grand Marais! Three bedroom, 2 bathroom house has a newer roof and gutters. A brand-new deck and exterior stairs! Zoned Permanent Resident, so make this your own residence or rent it out long-term.

MLS#6114935 $290,000

CHARMING TOFTE COTTAGE

Charming home in Tofte with seasonal views of Lake Superior. Includes 2 bedrooms, office, 1 bathroom, fireplace and a 1-car garage with shop or studio space. New water system and on demand water heater. Owner has made $25,000 in improvements in the last 2 years.

MLS#6112828 $304,900

LAKE HOMES & CABINS

22 Austin’s landing

Experience luxurious log home living on 300+ feet of Poplar Lake shoreline. This custom 4-bedroom, 4-bath home features a gourmet kitchen, inviting living spaces, a spacious library, and a bonus room. Enjoy breathtaking lake views, direct BWCA access, and prime dining nearby.

MLS 6116128 $1,595,000

42 East Bay Lane

Discover your dream lakefront retreat on stunning Greenwood Lake, just a scenic drive up the scenic Gunflint Trail. Nestled amidst 20 acres of shared Association lands, this private property promises tranquility. Enjoy shared access to the pristine waters via a boat launch. Off-grid yet equipped with modern amenities including solar power with battery backup, this spacious log-sided home boasts panoramic lake views, a wood-burning fireplace, sauna, and expansive deck. With electric service and broadband coming soon, this is the perfect opportunity to embrace lakeside living.

MLS 6114196 $849,900

11 Poplar Creek Dr

Picturesque haven just off the Gunflint Trail offers an exceptional opportunity to own a versatile retreat. This unique property is situated on 7.2 acres of pristine land, with 309 feet of shoreline that abuts the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

MLS 6114875 $599,900

REDUCED

218 Brumbaugh Road

Charming Tom Lake cabin is being sold turnkey so all you have to do is show up and start enjoying lake life! Situated near the water’s edge, on a beautiful 2.4A lot with stunning views and is in a protected harbor with approximately 300’ of shoreline.

MLS 6112837 $349,000

185/187 Sag Lake Trail

Discover this exceptional 4BR/3BA home nestled along the scenic Gull Lake, with 467’ of frontage and approximately 5A of land, complete with rock outcroppings, pine trees, stunning views, and plenty of privacy. Ideal for the buyer wanting to enjoy paddling from their dock into the BWCAW. This meticulously maintained property features a back-up generator system, attached heated garage, HUGE spacious heated garage, and workshop along with two charming rustic sleeping cabins.

MLS 6114568 $1,500,000

6006 Rollins Creek Road

Rare property for sale for only the 2nd time in 90 years. Where can you find almost 5 acres with 460’ of Lake Superior frontage? Rollins Creek Road is a premier location in Lutsen, on one of the only paved roads with homes on the lake and right on the Gitchi Gami Trail. Enjoy the recently built 2-bedroom, 1-bath house and the 3-season 3-bedroom, 1-bath vintage guest cabin. Or build your dream home on this spectacular site and use the 2003 house as your guest house. This stunning property offers plenty of privacy and exceptionally breathtaking Lake Superior ledgerock shoreline.

MLS 6115081 $1,495,000

257 Seagull Lake Rd

Exceptional Seagull Lake property with tons of privacy. 10+A with over 480’ of lakeshore ranging from a sandy beach to ledgerock outcroppings. Brand new floating dock, camper in mint condition, and 960’ oversized insulated garage.

MLS 6113853 $539,900

73 Troll’s Trail

Panoramic views of Lake Superior from this 2BR/2BA home with 2-stall tuck-under garage on a park like setting with 300’ of shared Lake Superior shoreline and Reservation River frontage.

MLS 6113682 $399,900

HOMES & CABINS

reduced

845 county road 14

3BR/2BA home on 10A offers 1,846 square feet of inviting living space, blending seamlessly with nature. Features include vaulted ceilings, a woodstove, spacious deck, and a 2+ stall garage.

MLS 6115762 $450,000

49 Overlook Trail

Charming carriage house-style garage on 2.17 acres with Leveaux Creek flowing on west boundary and a network of groomed walking trails winding through the trees.

MLS 6116044 $199,900

XX Murphy Drive

Discover your sanctuary among five lush acres of dense forest, located minutes from downtown Grand Marais on an end of road location to increase your privacy.

MLS 6114679 $69,900

Elegant 3BR/2BA Mid-Trail home on 5 wooded acres blends sophistication withnature. Features an open-concept main level, woodburning fireplace, in-floor heat, patios, and a 3-season screen porch.

MLS 6115793 $599,000

LAND

120

Sugarloaf Road

6+ acre property with a driveway already in place and a spot to park your camper. Seasonal lake views.

MLS 6116322

$129,900

11xx highway 61 w

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

MLS 6114985 $169,900

tom lake

Discover serenity in your own secluded cove with 242’ of wooded Tom Lake shoreline and 1.2A with a newer driveway.

MLS 6113529 $84,900

Beautiful 2BR/2BA log home with a 2 car attached garage perfectly placed on 40 acres! Overlooking a large pond full of wildlife, you’ll have a front row seat with the expansive southern facing windows. MLS 6114189 $699,900

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 on the North Shore.

MLS 6114283 $109,900

Greenwood Lake

Stunning lakeshore lots nestled in majestic pines, birch and balsam, abutting federal land with driveway in place. Power and broadband expansion is slated for 2024/25 adding to the appeal of these already truly desirable lots.

MLS 6114339 - $199,900

1.14 Acres, 200’ Lakeshore

MLS 6114337 – $229,900

1.53 Acres, 240’ Lakeshore

MLS 6114336 – $279,900

1.4 Acres, 265’ Lakeshore & 80’ Greenwood Creek

Discover your dream home on nearly 5 acres at the end of road location, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Superior, and abutting State Land within 5 miles of downtown Grand Marais. MLS 6116243 $699,900

1315

E Highway 61

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

mls 6104280 $995,000

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 6114986 $689,900

PENDING

LUTSEN LAKE SUPERIOR HOME

Experience the beauty of Lake Superior with this exceptional three-bedroom, three-bath home, nestled on 430 feet of accessible ledge rock shoreline. The property includes two private beach areas, perfectly tucked beside the serene canyons of Jonvick Creek, offering ultimate privacy and tranquility.

A recent 20’ x 20’ addition features a master bedroom, master bath, and a third-level loft with comfortable sleeping quarters. Every room in this home showcases breathtaking views of Lake Superior.

The expansive deck extends toward the lake, ideal for relaxing or entertaining, while the well-appointed kitchen is perfect for hosting gatherings. Impeccably maintained and move-in ready, this home invites you to experience Lake Superior in its fullness.

MLS 6116204 // $1,250,000

STEVE SURBAUGH Broker and Co-owner

CLAIR NALEZNY Co-owner

RECENTLY SOLD AND LISTED PROPERTIES

ONAGON LAKE GUNFLINT TRAIL LAKEFRONT // $179,900

Rarely does an opportunity like this come along—a private lakefront parcel on the scenic Gunflint Trail, just beyond Seagull Lake. This serene 3.5-acre property on Onagon Lake offers over 400 feet of pristine shoreline, perfect for your dream getaway. Whether you envision it as a base for year-round BWCAW adventures or your own secluded retreat, this property delivers. The parcel has been surveyed, soil tests completed, and features several prime build sites with easy access to the water.

SOLD

CHRISTINE LAKE HOME // $359,900

This quintessential rustic dovetail cabin is nestled among ancient white pines. Relax on the screened porch to the sounds of wind, the rushing water of Tait River, and the haunting cries of loons.

Simplicity at its best, this cozy cabin has electricity for lights and appliances, and broadband for staying connected. The baseboard heat keeps the space comfortable in mild weather, and the wood stove offers plenty of cozy heat in even the coldest of winters.

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. 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.

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

toys and a new septic system area for your future new lake home. This lakeshore has a very cool vibe and is a must see for any buyer looking to build new on Caribou Lake in Lutsen!

MLS#6116407 $395,000

ENJOY THE WOODS WITH DEEDED ACCESS TO TAIT LAKE! Are you looking for a place to get away from it all? This backlot at Tait Lake in Lutsen is it! 2.51 acres with plenty of space for you to build the getaway you have always dreamed about. The work has already started with a driveway in place, a great 12×12 shed/workshop to store the stuff you need while you work and an outhouse. Fiber and electric are at the road! Enjoy all the bonuses of being on an inland lake without the cost with 2 shared association boat launches into Tait Lake, perfect way to get out and enjoy the day catching walleyes and northerns!

MLS#6116121 $73,000 SALE

SOLD SOLD

The Gales of November are Here! Time to watch the Big Lake put on a show!

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

FINLAND AREA

ENJOY LAKE LIFE!

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

MLS#6113405 $60,000

AFFORDABLE LOT AT NINEMILE LAKE!

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

MLS#6113406 $60,000

ENJOY THE VIEWS AT NINEMILE!

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

MLS#6113407 $150,000

GRAND MARAIS AREA

NEW! ENJOY THE WILDERNESS ALONG THE KADUNCE RIVER IN GRAND MARAIS!

20 Acres of Elbow Room in the Great Northwoods. Old rustic cabin with a storied past is in place for what amounts to a “wooden tent.” Use it while you dream up the next structure. Or love it up and give it another century of use! The wild Kadunce River runs through the property! A dreamy bit of woods to explore, make trails, snowshoe, collect mushrooms, harvest some firewood. Head out into the abutting public land for bigger adventures and wanderings. Grand Marais is only about 15 minutes away when the urge for a bit of community arises. Come have a look, see if this is where the dream becomes reality.

SALE PENDING

MLS#6116476 $134,500

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR PURCHASING OVER 2 ACRES IN THE CITY OF GRAND MARAIS!

You don’t have to give up solitude to live in the city of Grand Marais, this is a perfect fit for a home with a great location. The YMCA and school are within walking distance and just a hop, skip and jump to the Gunflint Trail to access numerous trails for hiking, biking and snowmobiling and MANY inland lakes. This property has so many possibilities! Build your dream home, with access to all the comforts of the city of Grand Marais! Visit today and start your dream of enjoying the North Shore!

MLS#6114386 $123,500 PRICE REDUCED

GRAND MARAIS AREA

REMOTE 80 ACRES OFF THE GUNFLINT TRAIL IN GRAND MARAIS!

Looking for a truly remote property? Here are 80 acres surrounded by federal land just south of the South Brule River and a bit west of the Gunflint Tr. Crossing the South Brule River is necessary in route to property, No formal access exists currently. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact the US Forest Service regarding establishing a special use permit for a path once they own the property. Moose tracks are plentiful. Wild, pure forest pulses along here – undisturbed, quiet and beautiful. The northern forty acres rolls and is a mix of upland and some lowlands. Go south, begin to climb, pass some giant ole’ aspens heading to some terrific views! Near to BWCA entry points and the Twins, Kemo and Pine Lakes. Halfway between Grand Marais and Trail Center. Plenty of elbow room to expand the mind and soul. Get away from it all!

MLS#6113905 $62,000 PRICE REDUCED

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Flying Squirrel

One winter morning I was walking in the woods when I found a dead standing tree. There were several excavated cavities in the tree that looked suitable for wildlife. Live and dead trees, especially aspen, are excavated for nests by woodpeckers--other creatures including marten, fisher, flying squirrels, bats, kestrels, and small owls may also make use of the hollow after the woodpeckers move on. This hollow looks like it could have been created by a broken-off branch that rotted-out. I knocked a few times on the trunk of the tree with a stick and this flying squirrel poked its head out briefly. —Ryan Pennesi