Northern Wilds September 2023

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A Tribute to Shawn Perich

My business partner and dear friend, Shawn Perich, passed away August 3 after a heroic battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. We had a lot of adventures creating and publishing Northern Wilds Magazine over the past 20 years.

In this issue, we pay tribute to Shawn and look back at his legacy. He was not only a talented writer/reporter, but also a mentor, advocate for outdoor conservation, avid outdoorsman, and loyal friend—all of which come through in the various stories told by a few of his friends and colleagues who contributed their reflections and memories of Shawn in this issue.

I have many memories of Shawn. There were sales and area familiarization trips, distribution runs, conventions, trade shows, and even the taping of a segment for Bizzare Foods with Andrew Zimmern. There were trips to Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Duluth, Ely, the Twin Cities, Bayfield, Michigan, South Dakota, and Utah. Many hours were spent together planning issues and promotions, and discussing opportunities, politics, culture, family, friends, and life. There were also some fishing trips, sightseeing excursions, blueberry picking trips, and chanterelle hunts, not to mention a few Great Big Sea concerts.

Shawn loved getting to know people. There was always someone stopping by the office—sharing stories, catching lunch, meeting up for a hunting or fishing trip. He’d come back after a weekend and share stories about someone he met at the boat landing or had run

into at the gas station. He gleaned a lot of information and delightfully held his fishing spots close to his vest.

He also liked a good joke. When we first started the magazine, we shared a small office in downtown Grand Marais. He came into the office a little late one morning, and with a disgusted look on his face, he asked what that awful smell was. I told him I didn’t smell anything. He came closer to me, sniffing, and said “Don’t you smell that?” To which I replied, “What? No? Do I stink?” He then picked up my garbage can, put his nose in it and smelled it. “Really, you don’t smell that?” He took out a rag and admitted he had put skunk scent in my garbage can next to my desk. His prank was a bust.

I recall Shawn talking about when his partner, Vikki, passed away. He said he could feel the difference in time and space, sense the veil between the dimensions of life and death. On my way down to see him the day he passed, there was a dead skunk on the highway up ahead. I braced myself for the impending smell. There wasn’t one. Nothing. It immediately brought to mind that memory from when we first started the magazine. If anyone was going to make sure he sent a message from the beyond, it would be Shawn. He passed two hours after I told him goodbye.

Something else he told me was to “pick the cherries in life.” Shawn had many, many good friends—people he truly enjoyed. If you were someone in his life, you can consider yourself a cherry.—Amber Pratt

ENTER YOUR PHOTOS AND WIN PRIZES!

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

ENTER BY SEPT. 30

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Shooting from a standing position often yields mediocre results because we are so used to seeing things from this angle. Try crouching down, or even lying down, in front of your subject for a change in perspective that can lead to strong images shot from an uncommon angle.

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

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

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

—James Smedley

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

SEPTEMBER 2023

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Amber Graham

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Breana Johnson, Editor breana@northernwilds.com

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Destry Winant, Sales Representative ads@northernwilds.com

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Mike Lee • production@northernwilds.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Eric Chandler, Staci Drouillard, Gord Ellis, Sarah Ferguson, Casey Fitchett, Joe Friedrichs, Michael Furtman, Virginia George, Kalli Hawkins, Al Lutkevich, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Rae Poynter, Julia Prinselaar, Joe Shead, Rhonda Silence, Tom Watson, Sam Zimmerman

Copyright 2023

by Northern Wilds Media, Inc.

Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers.

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September 11

Lake Superior Harvest Festival

Celebrating local agriculture, sustainability, and food resiliency

DULUTH—As summer fades from the North Shore, many local farmers are busy harvesting produce and preparing goods for the 29th annual Lake Superior Harvest Festival in Duluth on September 9.

The event, held each year at Bayfront Festival Park, is not only a highly anticipated event for farmers looking to showcase and sell their goods, but for residents and visitors of the North Shore to enjoy the vibrant tapestry of colorful vendor booths filled with pumpkins, gourds, tomatoes, jams, apples, and artisanal creations.

“I love seeing people walking around with huge flower bouquets and boxes of tomatoes,” said Julie Allen, the chapter coordinator for the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association. “People are so excited to be there. And it’s just really beautiful.”

While the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association is involved in various community-based stewardship initiatives focused on supporting a farmer-to-farmer network, Allen said the September Harvest Festival is the organization’s most significant event. Started nearly three decades ago, the festival aims to highlight the diverse local farmers in the Lake Superior region of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, and promote sustainable local food production.

The festival draws interest outside the immediate farmer network and includes live music, food trucks, educational demonstrations, and nonprofit exhibitor booths. “There are 120 vendors that we curate,” Allen said.

The Harvest Festival also prides itself on promoting sustainability practices and is proud to be a zero-waste event. In addition, this year, a renewable energy fair will feature electric vehicles and panel discussions. The fall festivities occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bayfront Festival Park on September 9.

As the Harvest Festival takes center stage for the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association in September, Allen said the organization wrapped up a busy summer of educational events and in-person field days. “Our field days are really excellent because you can read all the books you want, but just going to another person’s farm and hearing about what they have tried and what worked and didn’t work is just priceless.”

The Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association educational field days include farm visits to learn about a wide range of sustainable practices, including beekeeping, silvopasture, agritourism, soil health tech-

niques, greenhouse management, and more.

“The traditions and the knowledge that is being carried on with that and passed down to future generations is super important,” Allen said.

She explained that the small yet impactful organization experienced an uptick in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic as individuals encountered disruptions in the global food supply chain and searched for locally available food. The nonprofit organization now consists of 130 member households and is primarily operated on a volunteer basis, with Allen as the only paid employee. “We’ve been stronger and bigger since the pandemic,” she said.

The organization’s primary mission is to learn from each other, help share tools and knowledge to build markets, and increase food resiliency in the Lake Superior region.

“A rising tide will lift all boats,” Allen said. “That’s what we do. We focus on farmer-to-farmer education and networking, research, and demonstration.”

The northeastern Minnesota landscape

and more extensive Lake Superior region are not traditionally known for large-scale agriculture like the southern regions of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The varied topography, and dense forests, paired with shorter growing seasons, provide opportunities for farmers to focus on creative small-scale production and contribute to the local food market and economy. “The region is just very well suited for the small-scale farms,” Allen said. “Circulating our dollars locally, over and over again, builds economic vitality within our own communities.”

The Lake Superior chapter consists of a dedicated and diverse mix of northland farmers. “There’s a wide variety, from different types of animals, chickens to cows, fruit and vegetable production, hay and pasture, tree crops, and everything in between,” Allen said. “That’s why for events each year, we try to cover a lot of different topics in the region because there’s a lot going on.”

In addition to her position as the Lake Superior chapter coordinator and Harvest Festival director, Allen operates a small farm

between Duluth and Two Harbors, where she raises chickens and grows mainly fruit and vegetables. She enjoys producing and harvesting her own food and deepening a connection with the land. While there is a growing momentum of individuals joining the Lake Superior chapter interested in starting a small-scale farm or homesteading practices, she said there is always room for more.

“We could happily grow the number of farmers in our region by 5,000,” she said. The increase in small-scale farms would help make a dent in reducing the number of food purchased from out of state and increase the economic longevity and resilience in small communities. If the Lake Superior region experienced an increase in farmers, Allen said the organization could host a farmers’ market that resembled the annual Harvest Festival every weekend in the summer. “It would just be so cool for our farmers, the community, and the city.”

Hawkins

The 29th annual Lake Superior Harvest Festival will take place Sept. 9 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. | SUBMITTED

The Lake Superior Harvest Festival draws interest outside the immediate farmer network and includes live music, food trucks, educational demonstrations, vendor booths, and more. | SUBMITTED

“WE’RE OPEN”

OPEN”

DULUTH RIVER TRAIN

DULUTH RIVER TRAIN

Community Action

Duluth

Making food accessible to all

DULUTH—What is food justice? Let’s say you live without a car, and there are no grocery stores within miles of your home. How are you going to buy food? What if you live in housing without a full kitchen? Or you’re a senior with mobility issues?

One outstanding social service organization that works to help these folks is Community Action Duluth. This non-profit organization has a mission of empowering and engaging the community to eliminate poverty. How do they accomplish such a herculean task?

Kayla Pridmore, manager of Seeds of Success (the food program at Community Action Duluth), says the organization’s approach to combatting hunger is multi-pronged. “The best thing we can do to combat hunger is to get people out of poverty, and get them higher-paying jobs, and secure housing. So, we take a multi-pronged approach with our transitional employment services, getting people affordable health insurance, and getting people the skills they need to improve their credit, and get secure housing—all of these things are going to support better food access for people.”

But Community Action goes beyond assisting people with jobs, housing, and health insurance. They also create community in another important way: through food access.

One way they do so is with their Mobile

Market—a refrigerated van which visits Duluth neighborhoods to sell local produce, dairy, and canned and dried goods at cost. They pop up in places without grocery stores, and/or very low-income places in the city.

So how do they know where to go?

Pridmore says her team does a participant needs survey every two years. “We know that there’s huge chunks of folks in Duluth that have all sorts of barriers to food access. We’re popping up where we see concentrations of people reporting that they are having a hard time accessing food.”

Another way they create food access is with their weekly farmers markets in the Central Hillside and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. Pridmore calls the Mobile Market and farmers markets the “stop gaps” that can assist people struggling to get the food they need right now.

“We bring the food to the people,” says Pridmore. “We offer delivery for homebound folks. We’re out there every single day, talking to people, hearing what they need, and connecting them to our colleagues, and people in other organizations, making it work for folks.”

One of the main ways Pridmore and her Seeds of Success crew make food truly accessible is by raising grant money and contributions (such as the register round-up at the Duluth Whole Foods Co-Op), and then con-

Community Action Duluth’s Lincoln Park Farmers Market on a busy Thursday in August. The market is open through Sept. 28. | CHRIS PASCONE

“WE’RE OPEN”

“WE’RE

verting these charity donations into Power of Produce (PoP) tokens that can be distributed as free money for kids and seniors to spend on fresh, healthy produce at Community Action’s two weekly farmers markets. The PoP program offers $4 in tokens to elders over 60 and to kids under 18 to spend on produce. That’s right—all kids and seniors get free money to spend on locally grown fruits and vegetables.

So, you’ve brought your family of five to the Lincoln Park Farmers Market, and your kids have just bought a beautiful bunch of carrots, a pint of raspberries, and a head of lettuce, all grown in the local community. You’re supporting local business. Community Action Duluth has given your children their PoP tokens on the house, because otherwise they might not get to try delicious sweet peas, or experiment with a huge head of fennel that can’t be found in any convenience store. This is food justice.

But there’s more to the equation than just giving people access to high-quality, local food. There are the producers who benefit as well. In 2022, Community Action Duluth’s PoP program distributed over $8,800 dollars to youth and elders to spend on fresh fruits and veggies provided by local small business owners. Over 25 business owners were supported throughout the season.

Another jolt to local folks’ spending power are SNAP benefits (money that can be spent on food, distributed by the state of Minnesota). As Community Action Duluth says, “If your food budget isn’t going far enough, let us help you enroll in SNAP.” The organization has two “SNAP navigators” on staff to help community members apply for SNAP.

Joe Murphy, one of these SNAP naviga-

tors, says SNAP benefits are dependent on household size and income level, and that it’s worth checking if you qualify. But Murphy also aims to go beyond just solving food injustice. “I’m a firm believer in providing holistic help to people. I’ll say, ‘By the way, have you also thought about seeing if you qualify for other programs? Maybe you’re a person who’s houseless—let’s get you over to One Roof Community Housing. Have you called 211? Let’s get you into the St. Louis County housing crisis shelter.’ Things like that—trying to point people in the right directions.”

Murphy says Community Action Duluth serves about 2,000 people a year in the greater Duluth area to answer their SNAP questions.

SNAP benefits can be used at the Seeds of Success Farmers Markets, and in fact SNAP participants receive up to a $15 match to spend at the markets. Murphy says the match is a great way to take people who are already qualified and enrolled in SNAP and get them to a farmers market, connecting them to their community while doubling their spending. As Murphy says, “Economically, you’re keeping those dollars local. You’re getting whole, healthy foods into your household. You’re encouraging your family to try new recipes.”

There’s more to the Seeds of Success Farmers Markets as well—this year Pridmore secured funding to hire local musicians to perform live music every week all season at the markets. There are also tables set up at the markets with toys for kids to play with. Pridmore describes the significance of these market features: “We’re creating that social zone in the middle, because that’s one of the things that poverty can steal from people, right? That sense of community, and belong-

ing. It’s also something that the pandemic really impacted. So, we are really trying to make those social connections.”

Between the Mobile Market, two weekly farmers markets, and SNAP navigators, Community Action Duluth fulfills a huge role at increasing food access in Duluth.

See the magic at the Hillside Farmers Market every Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. at the Es-

sentia Health Campus on the corner of E 3rd St and N 5th Ave E. Then, take your family to get more local produce every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. at the Harrison Community Center, 3002 W. 3rd St. Both markets run through the end of September. The Mobile Market schedule for the Duluth and Proctor areas is available at the Community Mobile Market page on Facebook.—Chris Pascone

Sam Lindblad, food justice specialist at Community Action Duluth, runs the Community Mobile Market, which delivers food to districts of Duluth and Proctor in grocery store deserts. | CHRIS PASCONE

Lutsen • Tofte • Schroeder

WTIP celebrates 25 years of community-powered radio

GRAND MARAIS—In Grand Marais, a dedicated group of volunteers came together in 1991 with a vision to establish a community radio station. These individuals worked tirelessly for seven years to raise funds and bring WTIP to life. Through their determination and passion, they successfully erected towers and launched the station’s signal, marking the beginning of a new era in community broadcasting.

Little did they know that their efforts would pave the way for the thriving institution that WTIP has become today. Reflecting on the organization’s growth over the past 25 years, Executive Director Matthew Brown highlighted the ways in which WTIP has been shaped and affected by the northeastern Minnesota community.

“We try to build community by reaching out and listening to everybody,” says Brown. “We bring timely information, news, and weather. A lot of what our listening members say is that they just like the fact that it’s local news and local weather, and along Minnesota’s North Shore we’re the only ones that give that to you on a daily basis through the airwaves. We are pretty proud of the fact that if you live in northeastern Minnesota, we’re the ones to tell you exactly what’s going on every day.”

One of the key elements that make WTIP truly unique is its dedicated team of volunteers. Each week, around 25 volunteers contribute their time and passion to bring diverse programming to the airwaves. These volunteers, hailing from the local community, act as producers, engineers, and hosts, curating a rich tapestry of music and content that resonates with listeners. This collaborative effort ensures that WTIP offers a wide range of programming that reflects the diverse tastes and interests of the community. Whether it’s hosting a show, assisting with technical aspects, or contributing in other capacities, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to get involved.

“All of these volunteers bringing you the music they love are your friends, your workers, your neighbors,” says Brown. “We like to say that if you don’t like the music right now, just wait for a song because it’s going to change. We have so much eclectic music. I like to say that it’s a volunteer-powered radio station because there is no way, without these volunteers, that we would be able to bring you the diverse programming that we do.”

In recent years, WTIP has expanded its reach beyond traditional radio broadcasting to embrace the world of podcasts. The station now hosts several podcasts, including the

successful Boundary Waters Podcast. Notably, a group of seventh-graders from Great Expectations School is preparing to launch their own podcast called “Otter Pods,” where they discuss pressing world issues and propose solutions.

Significant technological advancements have shaped WTIP’s operations in the past two and a half decades. Upgrading the transmitter, electrical equipment, and transitioning from analog to digital have been instrumental in maintaining the station’s quality and relevance. The shift from outdated equipment, some of which was already 20 years old at the station’s inception, to state-of-the-art digital systems has allowed WTIP to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving media landscape.

WTIP has become a beloved fixture in the region throughout its existence. To honor its momentous 25th birthday, WTIP has celebrated with special events and programming throughout the year. The festivities kicked off with a spring membership drive in April, followed by a birthday membership drive in May. The parties continued with a summer membership drive in July, and will culminate with the much-anticipated Radio Waves Music Festival in September. The festival, set to take place Sept. 8-10, promises to be a grand finale for the year-long birthday celebration.

As WTIP looks to the future, the organization is focused on remaining relevant in the face of changing listening habits and emerging technologies. Recognizing the need to attract and engage younger generations, the station is exploring ways to make its content accessible on various devices and platforms. By continuing to emphasize podcasts, on-demand content, and online archives, WTIP is adapting to changing expectations. No matter what else may change, their commitment to community building, local content, and embracing new technologies will be at the heart of its future endeavors.

By reaching out to the station and expressing their interest, community members can actively contribute to the growth and vibrancy of WTIP. To learn more about programs, events, and how you can get involved, visit their website at: wtip.org.

—Casey Fitchett

One of the key elements that makes WTIP truly unique is its dedicated team of volunteers. Each week, around 25 volunteers contribute their time and passion to bring diverse programming to the airwaves. | SUBMITTED

New direction for Schroeder’s Temperance Traders

SCHROEDER—In days gone by, many small towns across the country had a village general store, a shop that carried a variety of things that people needed to live their dayto-day lives. In Schroeder, one business is becoming just that sort of one-stop-shop: Temperance Traders. A longstanding business in Cook County, Temperance Traders has undergone recent changes under the new ownership of Patrick and Christina Reeves. A couple whose vision is grounded in a desire to strengthen the local community, the Reeves have spent the last 10 years running Superior Properties in Lutsen. It was through owning that business that they became familiar with a problem that most Cook County residents know all too well: a lack of workforce housing.

“We always wanted to be able to do something with housing—to create housing that people could live in and could afford,” Patrick said.

In 2020, the opportunity to do just that arrived. Temperance Traders was for sale. A property with over 20 acres, a retail building, and four cabins, it was just the sort of place that could make the Reeves’ vision of creating workforce housing a reality. They purchased the property in May of that year and got to work transforming the cabins, which had previously been rented on a short-term basis, into long-term rentals for their employees.

“We started working on the cabins right away and had people renting as early as August,” Reeves said. “And we still have the original four renters—no one’s moved out since.”

But along with the property came the retail business, Temperance Liquor. The previous owners wanted to see the liquor store survive into the future, so the entrepreneurial Reeves got to work on that side of the business too, reopening the liquor store in the fall of 2020. But the property had a lot of potential, and the Reeves knew there was more that could be done with it.

“It took us a while to figure out what the right next step would be,” Patrick said. “We decided for more retail, and one of our employees was already running a thrift store out of the other half of the building on her own. It was something she was really good at and it was starting to take off, but it was just her. So we decided to roll the shop into

the mix so it could be open all of the time, which gave her a full-time job to develop, manage, and put more resources into that.”

That was the start of Temperance Traders becoming what it is today: a one-stop shop where people can find everything from local beer to secondhand goods to house paint. After adding onto the building, the Reeves added a camp store in May, a hardware store in July, a U-Haul store and rental, and an eBike rental called North Shore eBike. (The plan is also to add a UPS store to the business too.) Not only does the store benefit visitors to the area looking for some outdoor adventure, but it’s also a boon for nearby residents who otherwise have to travel to Grand Marais or Silver Bay for necessities.

“For the hardware store, we order a lot of our inventory through the Cook County Home Center,” Patrick said. “I shop with

them a lot as a contractor, and they were getting customers driving all the way to town from Silver Bay to get stuff. The extreme West End of Cook County needed something more.”

While Temperance Traders has many different facets to the business, what unites all the different angles is the Reeves’ passion to serve the community, both by providing services that are in need and also by strengthening the local workforce. While the lack of local workforce housing makes it harder for people to take job opportunities, a lack of stable, year-round jobs also makes it harder for workers to secure housing and put down roots in the area.

“Like with Superior Properties, our focus at Temperance Traders is on providing yearround employment,” Patrick said. “We don’t want to close and lay people off in the winter or do anything seasonal. We try to create stable, good-paying jobs that allow people to live here and stay here, because we want people to be able to rely on us and hopefully add value to the whole area.”

Altogether, Patrick said that he and Christina are grateful for the fact that they’re both carrying something forward and starting something new with Temperance Traders.

“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback and we’re really excited to see what the future holds,” Patrick said.—Rae

Poynter

Raptors

Autumn soar above our shore

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY MICHAEL FURTMAN

It may come as a surprise to some readers of Northern Wilds that the North Shore of Lake Superior is one of the best places in North America to watch the autumn migration of raptors—birds of prey. Among birders, it is internationally famous, especially Hawk Ridge in Duluth. But what makes the North Shore special in this regard?

The autumn raptor migration begins in early September and lasts into November.

Lake Superior, with it’s vast, cold expanse presents a formidable barrier. Although lack of food and resting places certainly make up part of the reason these birds choose not to cross the big lake, the real reason is water temperature. Yes, the birds don’t like the cold water, and not for the reason you might think. All raptors utilize thermal updrafts on which they can glide during their journey. But these updrafts are only created where there is warm air, and as any resident of the shoreline knows, there’s no warm air over the big lake.

What causes thermal updraft? Updrafts are caused by the sun heating the ground. The warm surrounding air then begins to rise. The rising pockets of hot air are called thermals. And when these thermals bump up against steep hillsides, they concentrate and become even stronger, rising above the peaks at the top.

And that brings us to the second reason why the North Shore is so ideal for hawk watching—a rapid change of gradient just inland from the lake. Unwilling to fly across the cold lake, and with a series of peaks and a nearly continuous ridge from northeast to southwest, hawks, eagles, and falcons can ride thermals for miles at a time with barely a flap of their wings. They can, and do, often create “kettles” of soaring hawks, rising, rising, rising in circles until mere specks, at which point they begin their long glide to the next promontory and its rising thermals.

Bird migration, raptors or not, really isn’t about fleeing cold weather. Most northern birds are well adapted to survive cold weather as long as they have access to food. Indeed, it is exactly that—food is the central reason for bird migration, and this is true of raptors. Osprey need open water to catch fish. Hawks that feed on songbirds, like the sharp-shinned hawk, need to follow those seed eating sparrows. Insect eating falcons, like the American kestrel, need to go where there are insects. You get the idea.

The autumn raptor migration begins in early September and lasts into November. The first raptors to migrate are those that eat a lot of insects, like the kestrel. This beautiful, tiny, falcon follows the migration of dragonflies (yes, some dragonflies migrate too!), like wolves might follow a herd of caribou. They, and their food, travel in sync. The other early migrants are the sharp-shinned hawk, which is the smallest member of the accipiter group of hawks, which includes the Cooper’s hawk and northern goshawk, and the merlin, a small falcon. Both merlins and sharp-shins prey upon small songbirds, which not coincidentally, are also migrating. Again, the predator follows its prey.

By the third week of September, and continuing into October, the medium and large raptors show up. These raptors include broad-winged hawks, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, peregrine falcons, osprey, and a few strays from the prairie—Swainson’s hawks. As the month progresses, more northern goshawks appear, the small early raptors become rare, and the late migrating raptors take over. While a few members of these species can be seen earlier in the au-

tumn, the main push of bald and golden eagles, as well as rough-legged hawks, close out the end of the fall migration in November.

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, located on a ridge above eastern Duluth, is famous for the viewing it provides because as the raptors fly south from Canada, they hit the big lake at various points along the North Shore. Here, they turn southwest and accumulate towards the end of the lake. At times, the numbers at this location can be astounding—on just one day (September 15, 2003)

101,698 broad-winged hawks were seen!

However, you don’t have to travel to

Duluth to watch the migration. Any peak or cliff inland within a mile or so from the lake, that has a clear vista, can provide good viewing. Carlton Peak, Pincushion Mountain, Oberg Mountain, Britton Peak, and other high points along the shore are all good places to scan for raptors.

Weather makes a big difference in the movement of these birds. Watch the forecast for northwesterly winds (which drive the birds to the lake) and warm (for that time of year) temperatures, which create the thermals. If the wind is off the lake, stay home. Sky-high viewing is best from 10 a.m. until about 2 p.m. as the birds take advantage of the warming, rising air. But if you’re a pho-

tographer, or just want to see a few of these birds up close, get out a little after sunrise.

Having roosted in trees during the night, the raptors begin their day by hunting for breakfast. As they do so, they frequently fly from perch to perch along the ridgeline, scanning for prey. Although you won’t see nearly as many raptors during this early flight, those you will see will be fun to observe and photograph.

And if you must pick just one week to get out and watch the flight, you couldn’t go wrong by venturing forth the third week in September. Enjoy the show, and don’t forget your binoculars.

Bird migration, raptors or not, really isn’t about fleeing cold weather—it’s about food.

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, located on a ridge above eastern Duluth, is famous for the viewing it provides. However, you don’t have to travel to Duluth to watch the migration. Any peak or cliff inland within a mile or so from the lake, that has a clear vista, can provide good viewing.

Check Out Lake County, MN

KNIFE RIVER, TWO HARBORS, SILVER BAY, BEAVER BAY, FINLAND

Fall Nature BROAD-WINGED HAWK

Business Spotlight FINLAND COOPERATIVE

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT 22-24

Check out our full events calendar on page

MIGRATION

Broad-winged hawks are one of many raptors that migrate through Lake County in September. These hawks in particular are known for their large-scale migration from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. During this migration, they form large groups called “kettles” that contain hundreds or even thousands of hawks!

Tasty Treat

GREAT! LAKES CANDY KITCHEN

Over 100 years of tradition and family recipes flow through third and fourth generation candy makers along the Scenic Drive in Knife River. All of their candy is handmade the old-fashioned way, hand stirred in copper kettles. Not only do they have a considerable selection of sweets, but the drive along the Scenic Route between Two Harbors and Duluth is pretty sweet too!

Fall Color Activity

ATV RIDE Guided ATV tours, like those offered by Timber Ghost Tours in Beaver Bay, are a great way to experience the Sawtooth Mountain range any time of the year. Of course, fall is a particularly picturesque time to hit some secluded trails on the North Shore.

This fine Finland fixture is known for being Minnesota’s oldest continuously operating co-op. They have been a crucial part of the Lake County community for over 100 years, providing essentials from fresh groceries to outdoor goods and hardware.

Souvenir of the Month

JOURNAL

Bring a journal or buy one at one of the local shops and use it to keep track of your trip. A lot of visitors to the North Shore find their experiences up here to be very cathartic. A journal is a great way to document those experiences. Not here to feel your feels? A journal is still a great way to track wildlife sightings, plant discoveries, or even recipe ideas inspired by local dishes you try!

Drink of the Month

MALT FROM 5TH ST MALT

SHOPPE

This small, but sweet, outdoor shop in Two Harbors is a great way to make the most out of the above-freezing days we have left. They are known for their delicious malts, of course, but you can also enjoy other frozen treats like ice cream sundaes, dipped cones, and shaved ice.

TWO HARBORS—The North Shore along Highway 61 boasts many amazing natural views, and committed residents, organizations, and businesses, from Duluth to Grand Portage, do their part in making sure it stays that way. Across Minnesota, the Department of Transportation (MnDOT) supports the Adopt-a-Highway Program.

The program began in 1990, when Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich visited Texas to meet with Lady Bird Johnson about their “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign to keep their state roadsides clean. Impressed with the program, Perpich charged state officials to implement a similar campaign in Minnesota. Now in its 33rd year, the program has grown with 900 segments of highway available to adopt throughout the state. The northeast region makes up 61 of those sections, each 2 miles long.

Adopt-a-Highway is a state agency program and is tax funded through the MnDOT budget. This funding is not a separate budget line item. Before 1990, MnDOT crews were tasked with the trash cleanup along the highways. Now, over 1,860 volunteer groups take over the job and in 2022 spent 88,100 hours keeping Minnesota roads beautiful. Over 38,000 trash bags filled by these volunteers were picked up along state roadways last year. Anne Meyer, a spokesperson for MnDOT, says it’s a “win, win for us. It allows crews to focus on other areas of road safety and keeps things moving.” Priorities such as fixing potholes and replacing fallen or damaged signs can be addressed in a more efficient manner, Meyer adds. Forty-eight other states also participate in a roadway cleanup program.

There are two different options for interested groups and individuals to get involved. The first is to adopt a section of highway or rest area with a two-year minimum commitment. Or, you can pick a specific section of highway for a onetime litter picking activity. All the guidelines and directions for signing up can be found online. The benefits, in addition

to personally contributing to a cleaner environment, include providing a public service project for groups or families, saving taxpayers money, and showing that Minnesotans care about their state.

Two Harbors Community Radio (THCR) has been part of the Adopt-a-Highway Program since 2019, adopting the expressway section south of Two Harbors by Ryan Road. Volunteer organizer, Paul Hanson, shares “MnDOT works very well with the highway cleaning volunteers, and the signup process was quick.” MnDOT sends the group interested in volunteering a form asking basic questions, which includes contact information for a designated group coordinator. Instructions are then given on how to properly clean a 2-mile portion of a road. A two-year commitment is requested, and volunteers generally choose to manage their sections twice a year—in the spring and fall. Hanson adds that, “the MnDOT coordinator is readily available for questions.”

MnDOT supplies the garbage bags, safety vests, and coordinates the pickup of trash once the job has been completed. If there are large or hazardous items, just let them know and crews will take care of those, as well. Groups are also recognized by a sign posted on their portion of highway, displaying what year they became a member. Many groups have been involved since the beginning. “It is really a testament to Minnesota’s commitment,” says Meyers. Meyer also notes, “you may see signs with different designs. That’s because individual cities and counties also have their own version of the program for the roadways they are responsible for.”

Hanson sums up the program. “The THCR world looks better, which is more or less part of its mission to improve the community that it serves. A portion of the Two Harbors Expressway looks great, and garbage and debris are eliminated from the environment.”

More information on the Adopt-a-Highway Program can be found online at: dot.state.mn.us/adopt.

—Michelle Miller

Check Out Cook County, MN

SCHROEDER, TOFTE, LUTSEN, GRAND MARAIS, GRAND PORTAGE

Trivia Night

at Loon Lake Lodge

EVERY TUESDAY

THROUGH OCTOBER 10

Unplugged:

A celebration of music, craft, & community

SEPT 14-16

Nirmala Rajeskar

The Classical Music of South India

SEPT 23 7PM

Fall Color Activity

GONDOLA RIDE The gondola at Lutsen Mountains isn’t only for skiing. The gondola also makes for an unbeatable view of the fall foliage. You can even get a bite to eat at the top before riding or hiking back down the mountain.

Drink of the Month

ANY COCKTAIL SERVED AT POPLAR HAUS Poplar Haus serves up such delicious hand crafted cocktails that we couldn’t choose just one to highlight. Whether you’re a cocktail purist and go with the Haus Old Fashioned or try one of their seasonal concoctions, just know it will be mixed to perfection and served with a smile and a great view.

Fall Nature

TAMARACKS Tamaracks are a deciduous conifer, also known as the eastern larch tree. They thrive in the northwoods, especially on the Gunflint Trail and in other parts of the area that are wet and boggy. Unlike other conifer trees, tamaracks shed their needles following a vibrant, golden fall display.

Souvenir

NORTHWOODS BOOKS Whether you’re here for the history, the nature, or the art, reading regional books is a great way to connect with the area during and after your visit. We are, of course, partial to our own publications like Boundary Waters Boy and Lighthouses of Lake Superior’s North Shore, but there is a wide selection of regional titles to choose from at many of the gift shops and bookstores.

Business Spotlights

Tasty Eats

Check out our full events calendar on page 36. EXPLORE

LOCKPORT MARKET in Lutsen serves up classics for breakfast and lunch daily. One of their specialties is the Finnish pastie, made using an Upper Michigan pastie recipe from owner, Deb’s, Finnish grandmother. Never had one? Pasties (past-ees) are a savory pastry filled with ground beef and root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onion, and rutabaga).

Did you know?

Fall has historically been a crucial time for fur traders to hunt and trap animals like beaver, otter, and martens. Their fur is at it's prime as they prepare for winter.

gunflinthistory.org

The Best Days Begin at Buck’s

ODDZ & ENDZ AND FIRST & SECOND THRIFT STORE Cook County is pretty lucky to have two fantastic nonprofit thrift stores. It really is impressive that a relatively small community is able to keep them stocked with such great finds ranging from clothing to camping equipment to collectibles and antiques. Not only do they provide impressive selections for shoppers, but they both use the proceeds from all sales to support other community nonprofits. So, your spending at either thrift store is essentially guilt-free!

OF

EXPLORETHECULTURALHERITAGEOF

Cook County

Cook County

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

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

•SugarloafCoveNatureCenter(Schroeder)

•CrossRiverHeritage&InformationCenter (Schroeder)

• Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center (Schroeder)

•NorthShoreCommercialFishingMuseum (Tofte)

• Cross River Heritage & Information Center (Schroeder)

•VisitCookCountyInformationCenter(Grand Marais)

• North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum (Tofte)

•CookCountyHistoryMuseum(GrandMarais)

•Chik-WaukMuseum&NatureCenter (GunflintTrail)

• Visit Cook County Information Center (Grand Marais)

•GrandPortageNationalMonument& HeritageCenter

• Cook County History Museum (Grand Marais)

5th-wheel Tents Water

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

•GrandPortageStatePark&WelcomeCenter

• Grand Portage National Monument & Heritage Center

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

• Grand Portage State Park & Welcome Center

Programfundedinpartby VisitCookCounty

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

A Change of Seasons

As it does every year, summer seems to have flown by—seriously, where does the time go? But as quickly as it went, so too will the beauty of fall. As the air becomes crisp, the leaves will change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

It’s a beautiful time of year to explore the Northern Wilds and all its splendor.

While you’re exploring, be sure to snap a few photos and enter them into our Northern Wilds Photo Contest, open now until Sept. 30: bit.ly/loveofnorth

[TOP, L TO R]: Edward Lee, Josephine Baynton, Judy Trousdell.

[MIDDLE, L TO R]: Greg McDougall, Marcus de los Reyes, Hayes Scriven.

[BOTTOM, L TO R]: Karen Ramsdale, Flavia Alvarez, Nance Roy.

In Tribute to Shawn

Northern Wilds Magazine co-founder and author

Shawn Perich passed away on August 3 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Not only was he an amazing writer, but he was also an avid outdoorsman and a fierce advocate for conservation. Shawn made a big impact in the outdoor and editorial community, and he will be greatly missed.

to the following sponsors for helping us honor Shawn and the influence he had on so many people. He was truly one-of-a-kind. THANK YOU

Casting Memories

55 Years of Fishing, Hunting, & Friendship

By Al Lutkevich, reprinted with permission

Too soon my friend, too soon.

I met Shawn on the first Saturday in May, 1968, at Engwalls pond in Duluth. I was 7 years old, and it was the first time my parents let me ride my bike the mile-plus trip, from our house to the pond, unsupervised. I loved fishing and it was the opener of inland trout season. I was the only one there catching fish, so two slightly older guys came over to figure out why. The older one, Dan Parkinson, introduced me to the younger one, “Perch.” I don’t think I knew his real name was Shawn for quite some time. But I guess if your last name is Perich and you fish all the time, “Perch” is a likely nickname. We hit it off from the beginning.

There was one summer that Shawn and I fished every single day that we possibly could. We switched to catch-and-release early on, because we caught too many fish to eat. By age 12, we were catching summer browns on Engwalls pond with size 18 mosquito larvae imitations that we tied ourselves. Trout have always had a special connection for Shawn and me. Generally, when you’re fishing for trout, it’s in a beautiful place. Trout can also be hard to catch, so any you get are rewarding, and they’re beautiful fish.

Catching steelhead took us more time to figure out than it should have—I didn’t land my first steelhead until I was in my twenties. We spent a ton of time on the Bois Brule in our late teens and lost a few nice fish. It’s hard to believe it took us that long, but we never asked for help. Eventually, we got the hang of it.

For us, fishing only lasted about half the year. In the fall and winter, we chased rabbits and grouse with our recurve bows in the woods near our homes in Duluth—probably illegal, even in 1973. Whatever; we were almost never successful—hitting a flying grouse with a bow and a flu-flu arrow is hard. When we could finally drive, we hunted grouse and rabbits further from home with shotguns and 22s.

Shawn’s deer camp was over near Cotton. I hunted by Canyon with my dad. Shawn had more early success than I did, but our dads showed us the right way to hunt deer and move in the woods. We also learned a bunch from each other. We were very compatible in the woods.

In high school, we went on summer fly fishing trips to wherever the Federation of Fly Fishermen conclave was held, with Perry Rowlison, a civics teacher and local fly

fisherman. Our group consisted of Shawn, myself, and our friends Pat, Ed, and Tim. During that first trip, we fished around West Yellowstone in the park, near Jackson Hole, the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, the Tetons in Idaho, and in Spearfish, South Dakota, on the way home. I remember Shawn and I hammered tons of small rainbows on the Gallatin our first day alone. He and Pat had a great day on the south fork of the Madison, and we all had a bang-up time on the Teton River that year, except for the bull that took exception to Pat crossing his turf. Thankfully, Pat was able to climb a fence quickly. Shawn and I talked about those memories recently on one of his drives to Rochester Mayo. All these experiences were a big part of our development as fly fishers and outdoorsmen.

In the early 1980s, after college, we both lived in the Twin Cities—Shawn was working for Fins and Feathers magazine. Living there allowed access to the Kinnikinnick, Willow, and other streams near the border. We mostly fished dry flies back then, but he also started fishing subsurface more. He knew an old friend of his aunt who chased huge browns with big wets on those southeast Wisconsin streams. From then on, he was a better wet fly guy than me. I think I’ll make a point of getting better at it in his honor.

When Shawn and I first started chasing steelhead in Ontario, he was the reconnaissance guy. He got lots of info that probably saved us some time, but also had us fishing places like Ozone Creek. Over time, we figured things out. We found places where we could fish the way we liked to. The Cypress before the floods was heaven. After the flood, we started fishing further east a lot, not that the Jackpine didn’t warrant some of our time. Because we would rather have a river to ourselves than actually catch fish, we always gravitated towards remote locations versus big name rivers. We found some good ones over the years.

Shawn has always had a dog as an adult. While living in Georgia, Shawn and Vikki got Rebel. He was a great dog. Sadly, an untimely accident took Rebel, so Shawn and Vikki got Casey. He was a devil in a dog suit, but he loved ducks and pheasants. Then, Vikki got Abby so she could have her own dog. And dang if she didn’t learn to hunt and demand to go along! Lots of miles in the pheasant fields behind a Lab and a shepherd. As the two dogs aged, Shawn and Vikki added Tanner to the mix. Abby ruled.

Vikki was second. The boys towed the line, Shawn included.

Shawn’s dad Dan loved to fish and hunt as much as any of us. As kids, he took Shawn and me into Greenwood Lake camping. At one point, we had a hatch coming off, lake trout rising, and one fly rod in the boat to share. Dan broke off three flies before we took the rod away. Watching those lake trout come up from the depths to take his fly was too much for his nerves.

rious Vikki’s health issues were, or at least not early enough. By the time Shawn told us they were heading to Mayo, it was almost the end. Hospice was short.

Losing Vikki was hard on Shawn, but he toughed it out and moved forward. Shawn and Vikki had agreed he would get a new puppy after she was gone. Enter Rainy River Romeo.

Tanner and Rainy got along like brothers. He was a pup the first time we took him up the Cypress (after the flood) from the highway. I have pictures of him laying on Shawn’s jacket on the bank, watching everything that was happening. Both dogs loved catching steelhead and chasing grouse and pheasants.

Dan, Shawn and I took many memorable trips throughout the years, and we spent many years deer hunting together. In fact, Dan and I often hunted without Shawn, when he had to go to work. When Dan got sick, Shawn and Vikki dropped what they were doing to help his mother through it. Deer season in 2004 wasn’t the same without Dan.

After Dan was gone, Shawn and I started going further east in our Ontario steelhead trips. Wawa to Sault Ste Marie was added to our repertoire.

Tanner joined the team while Casey and Abby were still active. Lots of time in the fields and woods ensued, in Minnesota and the Dakotas. After a while, Casey and Abby were gone and there was only Tanner.

I don’t think Deb and I grasped how se-

Shawn and I have had lots of adventures throughout the years, big and small. Steelheading the Gold River on Vancouver Island was big; arriving in Victoria, B.C., the day that Canada beat the U.S. Olympic hockey team for gold was a once-in-a-lifetime event. All those trips with Perry in high school. The many pheasant and duck trips to the Dakotas. Steelheading Lake Superior streams on both shores, and even time spent on Lake Michigan streams. A turkey hunting trip to the Black Hills one spring, when there was no water in the rivers for steelhead.

How do you roll 55 years of friendship into a few paragraphs? You can’t.

So, here’s to you, my friend. We’ve had some great times together. There will be a huge piece missing whenever I go where we went and do what we did. I can go alone, but then I’ll be alone. I can go with others, but that’s not the same. But I’ll think of you every time—of that I can assure you.

Steelhead fishing on a Lake Superior tributary in Ontario. | AL LUTKEVICH

How do you roll 55 years of friendship into a few paragraphs? You can’t.

Fishing Adventures, and Misadventures, with Shawn

By Sarah Ferguson

I met Shawn in the spring of 2019. We became fast friends based on our shared love of fly fishing and trout. We quickly realized, after a couple multi-day North Shore steelhead outings, that we had a compatibility that’s not always easy to find with other anglers. In the short time since then, we managed to fit in a lot of campfires, laughs, discussions, adventures, some misadventures, and most importantly, time on the water. Eventually we built, not just a fishing partnership, but, a close friendship.

Our dogs, Frank, a pug, and Rainy, a Lab, were also good pals and loved getting out together on our fishing and camping trips. Frank seemed to get ‘big dog energy’ whenever he would hang out with Shawn and Rainy. One time, Frank disappeared off the island I was fishing from, which seemed impossible since he will go out of his way to avoid puddles to stay dry. To my surprise, I saw Shawn and Rainy crossing the river and a tiny pug bringing up the rear. Frank had braved the water to follow his buds.

One of my favourite trips with Shawn was on the Nipigon River in the summer of 2019. It involved my personal best, a 25-inch brook trout, and an unexpected encounter with some kind strangers. Shawn wrote about it in a September 2019 Northern Wilds article, so I will save you the details here and let you

Conversations with Shawn

By Rhonda Silence

I always enjoyed talking with Shawn Perich, whether it was reminiscing about our respective stints at the Cook County News Herald, or debating some controversial outdoor topic.

I smile when I think of one of our silliest arguments. I had stopped by the Northern Wilds office to chat about something and I noticed Shawn’s sturdy coffee mug. It was white, but the inside was a deep coffee-colored brown. I suggested that he should give his mug a good scrubbing. Sacrilege! Shawn explained that his mug was seasoned. The coffee would not taste right in a sparkling clean cup. After some discussion, we agreed to disagree.

The last conversation I had was serendipity. I was calling someone else and misdialed. As I began to apologize for the wrong number, I realized I knew the voice on the other end of the line—it was Shawn. We had a wonderful conversation about Cook County happenings— and about illness, life, and the importance of appreciating every day.

I’m so glad I fumbled on my phone and had the chance to talk to Shawn one last time. Thanks, Shawn, for the reminder to appreciate the little things—like wrong numbers in a small community.

refer to his more eloquent and engrossing account of the story. One part he left out, though, was how he temporarily became a wanted man by the Nipigon police. He realized while we were fishing that he had filled up with gas that morning but forgot to pay. As soon as we arrived back to Nipigon that evening, we went to the gas station to settle up. It turned out they had called it into the police that morning, who had been out patrolling, looking for his truck. So, our next stop was the police station to clear his name! We had a good laugh about that one.

Another memorable trip was in the fall that same year. We’d headed out with hopes of coho or early fall steelhead. After two days of fishing, all we’d managed was a single coho. As a last effort, Shawn wanted to try the mouth of the Steel River. It was quite windy when we arrived, waves crashing against the shore and pushing water up-river. I wasn’t feeling very hopeful at this point and decided to sit this one out with the dogs on shore. Shawn marched out, thigh-deep into the surf, and began casting a streamer fly. Within a few casts, he had hooked into the most perfect, chrome steelhead. It was a perfect ending to our weekend.

I will miss our adventures greatly, but I will cherish the memories we made in the short time we had.

Honoring Shawn Editorial Legacy

By Tom Watson

I met Shawn at an Outdoor Writers Association of America conference in Utah where he was among a panel of editors introducing their publications and inviting freelance inquiries. That meeting resulted in having several articles published by Northern Wilds over the next several years. Shawn’s openness to ideas and his kind, personal and professional demeanor—and to his editorial leadership among his capable staff—made him one of the most enjoyable editors I’ve ever had the pleasure of writing for.

May his legacy be passed down through all of us who continue to represent Northern Wilds in our submissions as we feel him looking down from that big editorial desk in the sky.

Frank, a pug, and Rainy, a Lab, loved getting out together on our fishing and camping trips. | SARAH FERGUSON

Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods learned about ruffed grouse from Shawn Perich during his visit to the North Shore. | STAFF

Thank You for the Memories

By Elle Andra-Warner

Many years ago—a short time after Northern Wilds published its first issue—I received a phone call from Shawn Perich, asking if I’d be interested in writing for the publication as their Canadian feature writer. My answer was yes—and it was the start of a long friendship with Shawn that lasted until his passing.

At the end of each month, Shawn would bring the latest issue to our place (in Thunder Bay) for distribution in the region. Sitting around our dining room table, we’d have interesting conversations—sometimes debates—about an eclectic mix of topics: from writing and story ideas to life, family, fishing, and yes, occasionally even politics. We talked about the latest news, life’s challenges, and world situations (we didn’t solve any, but had fun discussing them). We laughed at funny stories and jokes (he chuckled at my trouble in ‘understanding’ jokes),

and we shared both happy times and not-so-joyful happenings in our lives.

He had a wonderfully keen sense of humour and a mischievous side to him. Like the time he brought me a big ‘gold star’ for getting my story to the editor by deadline, something that was rare.

Shawn’s late life-partner Vikki would sometimes come with him to Thunder Bay, as well as his co-owner Amber Pratt. At times, I’d make a dinner meal; other times we’d head out to a restaurant. And seven years ago, it was an unexpected honour to have Shawn drive up to attend my surprise birthday party.

Shawn was always supportive and offered opportunities to expand and grow as a journalist and author.

He fought a strong battle in the last few years. Rest in peace Shawn, and thank you for the great memories.

Eternal Echoes

Sensing Shawn’s Guiding Presence

By Eric Chandler

After Shawn’s surgery, my wife Shelley made him some food. We brought it to his mom’s house in Duluth where he was staying. We talked in the kitchen and I stole glances at the scar on the side of his head. He said the doctors were optimistic. When I think of that moment, I realize I only saw Shawn in person a handful of times over the 17 years I knew him.

When you’re near the ocean (or in our case, Lake Superior) you might not be able to see it, but you can sense where it is. I always knew Shawn was up there in the Arrowhead, just like you know the big lake is there through the trees, even when it’s out of sight.

Northern Wilds had a 10th anniversary celebration in Grand Marais in 2014. I had already been writing for them for seven years and it was the first time I met him. I stopped by the Northern Wilds office a few times on my way to some outdoor activity and saw him. He convinced me to join the

Outdoor Writers Association of America. I hung around with him for a few days at the OWAA annual conference that was in Duluth in 2017. I went to a couple editorial calendar planning meetings where his team treated me like a family member, even as a freelancer. Those were all the times I looked him in the eye. The rest of the time, he was like a voice in my head emanating from somewhere in the woods.

Shawn and Amber got ahold of me when I only had a dozen articles to my name. Since 2007, they’ve published around 100 of my pieces in Northern Wilds. They gave me room to grow and become a better writer. Shawn challenged me to learn new things, like how to write journalistic pieces in the third person, where the story was more important than my presence in it. He let me write a beer review column for a year. (I wrote off beer on my taxes. Ha!) I learned how to interview people by talking to the brewers. He asked me to write a column for Veterans Day, which was a little out of the

box for his publication. They let me write a piece that teased the reader for being an “industrial tourist” in a magazine designed to be read by tourists. I once read that writing can’t be taught, but it can be learned. Shawn and everybody at Northern Wilds let me learn for almost two decades.

By some miracle, three years ago, I was wise enough to thank Shawn directly for everything he’s done for me. It was via email, so yet another time where I didn’t see him in person. But now, as before, he will be a presence like Lake Superior out of view past the trees. I can’t see him, but I can sense he’s there.

Shawn and Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner, who is notorious for getting her stories in late. | STAFF

Part of the Northern Wilds crew: Eric Chandler is at the end on the far right. | STAFF

Shawn and his partner Vikki Elberling, in the Black Hills. Shawn and Vikki were together for over 30 years before she passed away in 2014. | STAFF

Minnesota Dreams A Journey Inspired by Shawn Perich’s Words

By Chris Pascone

I first got my hands on Shawn Perich’s books through interlibrary loan. I was 13, maybe 14 years old. Minnesota was a long way away from my tiny western Massachusetts town, and I was going through a wicked phase of fantasizing about cold-water lakes, snow-covered backcountry ski routes, and sublime North Shore brook trout that could be found precisely in Shawn Perich’s world. I had Minnesota Fever, and Shawn was to blame.

Shawn’s books kindled my deep interest in all-things Minnesota when worn-out New England just wasn’t cutting it for me. His writing brought me to a place where wilderness was real, where fish and game were a part of daily living, and a person could thrive in tune with wild nature.

First it was his The North Shore: A Four-Season Guide to Minnesota’s Favorite Destination, published in 1992. I was determined to learn more about this idyllic midwestern place, and Shawn’s writing beckoned me with his realistic descriptions of gigantic Lake Superior, its oversized fish, and the adjacent wilderness. I was longing for a place where life could unfold in wild places, and Shawn had my number. He made good outdoor living so real, so tangible, so worthwhile. Shawn’s writing, along with the Piragis mail-order catalog, and the Twins’ two World Series victories, got me through some tough teenage years. There was something different out there in Minnesota that I could hope for, strive for, and dream about.

As the years went by, Shawn kept writing more books that transported me to these better, wilder places. His Fishing Lake Superior: A complete guide to stream, shoreline, and open-water angling had me drooling on every page. Coho salmon? Steelhead trout? Shawn knew all about how to catch them, and I was a wannabe. His vivid descriptions made catching these rare fish seem downright likely. I was hooked.

Then came his seminal Backroads of Minnesota , with stunning photography by Gary Alan Nelson. The book literally made the entire state seem like an endless adventure waiting to happen, a land of milk and honey where getting lost in the middle of nowhere was a worthy goal.

Then the poor Minnesota librarians shipped a copy of Shawn’s Wild Minnesota to my hometown library. It was another Perich bullseye fired at my East Coast disillusionment.

The interlibrary loan folks were racking up the miles on these cross-country book

deliveries. Finally, I released them from their misery and moved my whole family to Duluth in 2014. We hit an incredible jackpot here—it was just the way Perich wrote it up. I’m proud to say I eventually got to meet my literary hero in person, and even got the pleasure of visiting him at his home in Hovland.

Shawn showed me his canoe that day, and discussed with me the rowing mechanism he had installed to make it easier for him to handle the canoe solo while fishing. I couldn’t believe I was standing there in his driveway, talking canoeing with the man himself, observing the very writer who had done so much to give me a dream to follow in life.

Thank you, Shawn.

A Principal of Journalistic Principle

By Staci Drouillard

Shawn Perich and I were on opposite “sides” of the debate about copper nickel mining in the Lake Superior watershed— at least that’s what I suspected. And when that argument was fresh and emotions were raw, it seemed that everyone was taking sides. But Shawn never used his Northern Wilds forum to influence public opinion on that issue. If he had, we might never have become friends, and I might never have met with him in his office to discuss the precarious nature of writing local history and the complex nature of tribal sovereignty—a topic that he knew a lot about.

We talked for two hours that day, and afterwards, he wrote some of the earliest analysis of  Walking the Old Road. He also broke the story when a portion of Chippewa City beachfront was returned to the Grand Portage Band.

Shawn knew that great journalists don’t ever place themselves inside a story, regardless of the topic or degree of contentiousness. And yet, he was completely generous with his personal insights, observations, and sharing of outdoor adventures set in our beloved Northwoods. Our community is stronger and more cohesive today, because Shawn always knew how to keep himself out of the story.

Reflections on Shawn Perich

By Joe Friedrichs

Shawn Perich thought I was a bit of a prick. It was part of our professional relationship, you might say.

I would brag about all the big fish I’d been catching, or how I scooped Minnesota Public Radio or the Duluth News Tribune on an important story “once again,” and Shawn would typically respond with either a blank stare or a causal shrug of his shoulders. “Okay,” he would nonchalantly say.

Perich and I didn’t always see eye to eye on a variety of issues, but I wouldn’t be fishing across the Northern Wilds, or a journalist and writer making a living here, without his help. He gave me an opportunity when I had little credibility to lean on in this region, at least in terms of knowledge of the area. In 2013, I showed up on the Gunflint Trail with few connections. I knew how to fish and I’d published some newspaper articles in Montana and Oregon. That was it. That’s what I arrived with.

During the winter of 2014-15, Perich asked me to write an article about the dwindling moose population in Minnesota. It was to be a cover story of sorts, a 2,000-word news feature that took time to research and put together. “This won’t be easy,” Perich told me.

He gave me a chance on a big story and I delivered the goods. About a month later, a woman named Deb Benedict sent me an email. She was the station manager at WTIP at the time and was looking for a news reporter to join the station. It was the article

about moose that Perich assigned me that put me on WTIP’s radar. I was hired at WTIP a couple months later. I’ve been making a living as a journalist here ever since. It all ties together.

I only went fishing with Perich a few times over the years. Fishing alone is something we both found rewarding. The act of going fishing—loading up the gear, driving to the spot, walking in, listening, casting, hoping—is more important than catching fish most of the time. It is for us, anyway. You don’t need others around, rambling on. And you don’t always have to bring home fish. Perich understood this.

When it came to his writing and reporting, I appreciated Perich’s use of the short quote. He knew how to keep things sharp on the page. Narrate, report, explain, drop a short quote. He was brilliant with this technique.

About two years before he passed away, Perich walked over from the Northern Wilds building to the community garden at WTIP. That afternoon, I was tending to (stealing) some tomatoes from a friend’s plot in the garden. Shawn and I talked some local politics, and then the conversation changed to fishing.

“I’ve been nailing them at this lake,” I told him, naming the body of water.

“You talk too much, Joe,” he said. And then he walked away.

Shawn and Joe Friedrichs at a writer’s meeting many years ago. | STAFF

Lessons from the Land

A Tribute to Shawn Perich

By Julia Prinselaar

I caught my first brook trout with Shawn at the granite-slabbed mouth of the Mackenzie River. I’ll never forget that day, but I wouldn’t call myself a natural angler.

After a half hour of practice casting on the beach, Shawn deemed me “ready” to try fly fishing farther upstream. No later than my second cast did I get a bite.

“Fish on!” I exclaimed, struck with that instant rush of adrenaline that all anglers know and love. By then I was so focussed that everything beyond my immediate surroundings had completely dissolved. Shawn was somewhere in the background watching, observing.

Removed from its habitat, the brookie’s pink, orange and blue halos of skin caught flickers of sunshine as it danced above the water. Being so green I hadn’t rehearsed how to land this lively creature, so I simply started reaching for the end of the line to get after this fish. But this fly rod—it was so long, so delicate and flimsy that I was nowhere near the trout—it felt miles away. In desperation I began moving my arms along the length of the rod, going hand over hand until I finally reached my catch.

As it dangled from my line, I proudly turned toward Shawn, searching his face for a reaction. He was bright-eyed and smiling, and so I smiled back. Then both of us turned to the rest of the rod and reel which lay completely abandoned in an eddy, bumping between some rocks and swirling toward the rapids. My excitement switched to surprise and then sheer dismay as both of us tried to salvage his precious, eye-wateringly expensive gear. While I babysat my catch and fiddled with pliers to remove the hook, Shawn calmly waded into the water and retrieved his rod. He never did tell me what the damage was. And he didn’t scold me for my unwitting behaviour, either. Instead, he chuckled in a way that reassured me I hadn’t done anything wrong. In his mind perhaps I had done everything right.

Shawn probably enjoyed that day as much as I did. Not because he caught any fish, but because of the way I lit up with unbridled delight when I landed and later released that trout.

That is the way of mentors. They speak through their actions to the greater purpose of humanity’s existence, as people within place. When I ask myself, what is the older generation’s role for younger people? How must they carry the weight of their experience? It’s a complicated question consider-

ing the current state of our planet, but the answer can be simpler than we think. Mentors like Shawn show us how to live with the land in a good and meaningful way. They pass down their skills and observations to those who come after them, in the hopes that we watch and listen and learn. They facilitate rites of passage that have become somewhat muddled and even forgotten in the context of our modern world, but are no less valuable than they’ve ever been. Together, we’ve inherited a duty to uphold the greatest law in nature: to live in reciprocity. For all that we take, we must give back.

As a devoted conservationist and advocate for public lands, Shawn understood the importance of being a set of eyes, ears, and a voice for the Northern Wilds. For its sake and for ours.

As David Suzuki puts it, “Without a sense of wonder, we don’t have that sense of obligation or responsibility” for the natural world. In turn, our species is culturally and spiritually richer for it. We have people like Shawn to thank for that.

A Story in Wood

By SAM ZIMMERMAN

Shawn and I first met sitting outside of Northern Wilds office with Amber and Breana, after my completion of a public art project for downtown Grand Marais. Our conversation that day was about art, authors, nature conservation, Indigenous representation, and the beauty of the North Shore. I shared my own experiences and what had brought me back to Minnesota after so much time away. What began as a conversation on a beautiful day led me to accept the invitation to contribute a monthly column, Following the Ancestor’s Steps, where I would share my paintings and the story alongside in English and Ojibwemowin.

I had only been home for about a year and a half when I decided to purchase a home and build a studio in Duluth. During the Covid pandemic, many people were doing home projects, leading lumber prices to soar. I posted on Facebook that I was looking to salvage wood from the North Shore that I could use to build my library and shelves in my home office. Not even an hour had passed before I got a call from Shawn, asking me if I would be interested in coming to his home to help him remove old shelving. He said that I was welcome to any wood that I wanted for my own renovation projects. I was grateful and appreciative of the offer.

A few weeks went by and I was finally able to assist him. As we worked side by side, we

swapped stories and jokes. I shared what fish or animals I was currently painting, and we talked about the quality of craftsmanship that we were now dismantling. After several hours of work, we had the shelves down and disassembled, only to realize that the pieces were too long for my own vehicle. Shawn offered to bring them down the following week, as he was visiting his mother in Duluth.

Shawn was one of the first visitors to my new home. After we unloaded the wood, we toured the studio construction in progress and he offered me tips and recommendations as a new homeowner. He was generous with his time, stories, and friendship. After he left that day, I would keep him updated on the studio construction. When the bookshelves and cabinets were finally completed, I sent him pictures of the gifted wood, which had housed his own books and now housed my father’s books that I was gifted. Of course, he knew right away that I did not build them, but hired a master woodworker to get them just right.

In such a brief time—a matter of a year or so—Shawn shared so much without hesitation. His absence from the North Shore communities will be felt by so many who, I am sure, also enjoyed the gift of Shawn’s teachings.

Minawaa gigawaabmin Niiji.

The completed bookshelf in my home office, made with wood gifted to me from Shawn. | SAM ZIMMERMAN

Shawn loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. | SUBMITTED

A Guide to Harvesting &Preserving Bountiful Garden Harvests

By Kalli Hawkins

With a decent amount of snow still on the ground in early April, I scrolled gardening websites and found myself walking a tad slower by the seed and gardening aisle at Buck’s Hardware.

As the spring days faded away and summer neared, I finalized my list of items to grow in the garden, making sure to add something new this season. By the afternoon of May 2, my kitchen countertop was covered with nearly 80 sets of biodegradable peat pots, and the gardening season had officially begun.

It’s an exciting time of year. Not only to see your plants begin to sprout but to witness the return of life to northern Minnesota in numerous forms. After a lengthy gloomy winter, it fills you with a sense of much-needed rejuvenation. A mere 33 days later, I was transporting a significant portion of my plants to my community garden plot and enjoying the long-awaited feel of gritty soil on my hands.

The gardening season is short in Minnesota’s northern regions, typically starting after the last frost in mid-May and wrapping up before the frost creeps back into the northland in early fall. But during those glorious few months, many gardeners, myself included, pack as many vegetables, potatoes, herbs, and fruit into garden plots hoping to produce and harvest home-grown goods for sustenance and savoring throughout the summer and winter months.

Tending to a garden requires rigorous attention and effort to support and nurture the plants as they grow, particularly in the early stages. But it is gratifying once harvesting season rolls around, and the

small tiny sprouts you once spent time talking words of encouragement to suddenly begin to metamorphose into a 13-inch zucchini.

The harvesting season slowly comes to fruition in July and August for a handful of vegetables, sun-ripened fruit, and fragrant herbs. As this happens, it is time to pull out the recipe book and the canning or dehydrating equipment. While I have a few tried and true recipes, I like to find a new style each year to enjoy my delicious garden vegetables. Earlier this summer, I ventured outside the recipe lines with one of my favorite early summer garden items: rhubarb.

For many along the North Shore, June and early July is typically a time to harvest rhubarb and enjoy preparing jams, rhubarb crisp, or other tasty desserts. By early July, I found myself swimming in an abundance of rhubarb from my second garden. Harvesting rhubarb at this time provides a nice balance to the season, allowing someone to reap rewards mid-summer with minimal invested effort.

Every few days, I would head out to the garden and cut a dozen ruby-red stalks and begin preparing jam in the crockpot or whipping up a batch of rhubarb bread. I have a trusted banana bread recipe that I frequently use, and this year, I discovered substituting rhubarb for bananas worked quite well. I decided to soften the rhubarb’s tartness by adding a 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, a handful of oats, and a couple of dashes of cinnamon.

With my abundance of rhubarb, I also prepared a rhubarb and blueberry jam in the crockpot. Rhu-

barb breaks down easily when cooked and is a tasty option to use for jam. Once finished, the jam can be put in jars and stored in the refrigerator or canned to be enjoyed on toast or over vanilla ice cream during winter.

Another great way to harvest and save rhubarb during this time is by chopping it into small pieces and using a vacuum sealer to store it in the freezer. Using a vacuum sealer will help eliminate freezer burn and increase the shelf life compared to traditional ziplock bags.

As summer progresses, gardeners who grow garlic can begin to harvest garlic scapes, the long green shoots that extend from the garlic bulb. Garlic scapes are a delightful complement to omelets and pasta, or great sauteed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

“I like to roast them whole for 10 minutes, just olive oil and salt,” Patty Doherty, a Grand Marais resident and my community garden neighbor, said. “I also have cut them up and put them in a stir fry. They have a nice tempered garlic flavor.”

Doherty has been growing hardneck garlic for the past 10 years. A friend of hers first introduced her to the world of growing garlic, and she has been hooked ever since. “I love growing it,” she said. “I think I have maybe 60 heads of garlic in my garden.”

As late summer arrives, Doherty casually begins to pull one or two garlic from the garden to use in an evening dish or to make pesto. “Making pesto is really simple,” she said.

Tending to a garden requires rigorous attention and effort to support and nurture the plants as they grow, particularly in the early stages, but it is gratifying once harvesting season rolls around. |

KALLI HAWKINS

Doherty puts the ingredients in a blender and then pours the finished pesto into ice cube trays to freeze. During the winter months, she said she enjoys pulling out one or two cubes from the freezer to enjoy with a pasta dish. Doherty uses the following Moosewood Cookbook pesto recipe:

Moosewood Pesto Recipe

MOOSEWOOD COOKBOOK BY MOLLIE KATZEN

ƒ 3 packed cups fresh basil leaves (removed from stems)

ƒ 2 large cloves fresh garlic

ƒ 1/2 cup pinenuts, walnuts, almonds, or a combination

ƒ 3/4 cup (packed) fresh chopped parsley

ƒ 3/4 cup fresh-grated Parmesan

ƒ 1/2 cup olive oil

ƒ 1/4 cup melted butter

ƒ Salt to taste

Doherty preserves the remainder of her garlic by braiding three or four heads and hanging it in her front porch entryway for a couple of weeks to dry. Afterwards, she said she preps and cleans the garlic cloves and stores them in a paper bag in the coolest corner cupboard of her kitchen. “And it lasts me all year. It’s great.”

As Doherty was busy prepping pesto in August, I was busy harvesting my first green beans and zucchini from my garden. While I decided to enjoy the green beans immediately, sauteed with some olive oil, garlic scapes, and seasonings, I began prepping the zucchini for the freezer using my vacuum sealer. I like to have a variety of sliced zucchini to use for a vegetable stirfry and shredded zucchini to use for bread during the winter.

In addition to canning and using the vacuum sealer, pickling is another way I love to preserve my garden harvests. For gardeners who grow cucumbers, beets, carrots, green beans, or other fruits and vegetables, pickling is a simple option to preserve harvested goods. Below is a family favorite pickling recipe:

Womack House’s Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes Recipe

FAMILY RECIPE

Combine cucumbers, onion, tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, water, salt and pepper, oil, and mint; mix well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

ƒ 3 medium cucumbers sliced 1/4-inch thick

ƒ 1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings

ƒ 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

ƒ 1/2 cup of white vinegar

ƒ 1/4 cup sugar

ƒ 1 cup water

ƒ 2 teaspoons salt

ƒ 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

ƒ 1/4 cup vegetable oil

ƒ 1 teaspoon chopped mint

The gardening season will, unfortunately, come to an end here shortly, but by properly preparing and preserving my harvests, I can savor and reminisce the warm summer afternoons spent digging in the dirt and talking to my plants. The ability to grow and harvest my food gives me a profound sense of joy and fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction. The ultimate reward, whether during or after a garden season, is to share my harvest bounties with friends and family.

At the end of the season, I will harvest every last green bean, pea, and potato and prep the garden for the following season by removing and composting the plants and weeds. Many gardeners add manure or soil amendments afterward to add nutrients and enrich the soil. For garlic growers like Doherty, she replants her garlic in October and covers it with straw during the winter. Come spring, half of her garden is already sprouting, and a few months later, she is back to replenishing her pesto supply.

Canned salsa made with tomatoes from the garden. | KALLI HAWKINS

By Breana Johnson Art Tours & Festivals

There’s a lot going on this month, starting with Ely’s Harvest Moon Festival Sept. 8-10. Next is a Fall Art Fair and the Lake Superior 20/20 Studio and Art Tour, both held Sept. 22-24 in Two Harbors. And don’t miss Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour, held Sept. 22-Oct. 1 throughout Cook County.

40 artists

participate in the Lake Superior 20/20 Studio

This acrylic piece, titled “She Scatters Sunshine,” is by Kristin Webster. See more of Webster’s work at the Harvest Moon Festival in Ely. | KRISTIN WEBSTER

Cooper Ternes creates wooden bowls out of birch, cherry, and walnut. He will be a guest artist during Art Along the Lake. | COOPER TERNES

Chuck Smith of Lion Heart Clay will attend the Two Harbors Fall Art Fair. | CHUCK SMITH

Jeff Boutin is one of many artists represented at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais during Art Along the Lake. This painting is titled “A Walk with the Kids.” | JEFF BOUTIN

“Sea the Howly Moon,” by jewelry artist Sarah Flicek. See more from Flicek during the Lake Superior 20/20 event. | SARAH FLICEK

“Embrace” is a wedding broom by Marybeth Garmoe, who will participate in Art Along the Lake. | MARYBETH GARMOE

More than

will

and Art Tour in Two Harbors, including Carl Gawboy. This watercolor piece is untitled. | CARL GAWBOY

The Diverse Artistry of Paula Sundet Wolf

CREATIVE SPACE: By Rae Poynter

What’s at the root of creativity? Ask a hundred artists where they find their inspiration and motivation and you’ll end up with a hundred different answers. But one common thread seems to weave its way through many artists’ lives: curiosity, and a willingness to follow that curiosity where it leads.

Paula Sundet Wolf is a multi-talented artist and craft artisan based in Lutsen. As both a lifelong learner and a longtime craft instructor, her work in basketry, oil paintings, and furniture making exemplifies the magic that happens when creativity and curiosity collide, and the power of continuing to explore new mediums as an established artist.

While artists start creating at all stages of life, Sundet Wolf’s love for art goes back to childhood. Raised by artist parents, she learned to draw as a child and recalls spending hours learning to draw from a set of binders with drawing exercises that her mother had ordered. This interest in drawing ignited a lifelong passion for creativity. She later started experimenting with painting, finding a love for oil paints and how the colors blend together. From there, her journey evolved even further when she started exploring a new form of artistry: basketmaking.

“When my kids were little, I began learning how to make baskets, first to use for myself but then later I was able to start selling them. I was actually selling them in Duluth at the Duluth Pack store,” she said. “I would drive down to deliver a car full of baskets—it was pretty neat that they had asked me to make baskets for them.”

This foray into basketry opened a path for Sundet Wolf as a craft artisan and teacher,

and also for a greater connection with nature. As she continued to hone her craft, she began to experiment with coiled baskets, using local materials such as pine needles and sweetgrass to weave unique, spiral stitched baskets. Around this same time, North House Folk School in Grand Marais was getting started, and they asked Sundet Wolf if she would be interested in teaching basketry at the school. She said yes, and has since become one of North House’s longstanding instructors, sharing her love of basketry with curious students of all backgrounds.

For Sundet Wolf, her role as a teacher informs and inspires her craft, and vice versa. One example is her signature agate-bottomed coil baskets. She started ordering slices of agate set in resin to use as a base for coil baskets, in part because basketry can be difficult on the hands, and having a base to

start with made the craft more accessible to some of her students.

“When you’re teaching, you’re sharing your knowledge but you’re learning from the students as well—learning different ways of thinking about things and approaching things,” she said.

What is perhaps most fascinating about Sundet Wolf’s work is its diversity; not one to feel bound to one particular medium, Sundet Wolf has forged an artistic career not out of sticking to one specialty, but out of exploring the mediums that call to her, even if they’re new to her. This, combined with a tenacity and a drive to always keep improving, makes her creative story particularly compelling to follow. Her most recent endeavor has been making twig furniture; Sundet Wolf creates beautiful chairs, tables, and more from locally harvested materials such as willow and alder.

“I’ve also expanded into doing stone and mosaic work with the twig furniture. I like pushing my learning and am always learning new things about my craft,” she said. “And with all the artwork I do, I like it to feel connected to this area. I love being able to go out and gather my material myself, whether it’s the twigs and brush for the furniture or the materials for the baskets. It feels really powerful to me to go out and gather things

While artists start creating at all stages of life, Sundet Wolf’s love for art goes back to childhood.

and then be able to use them.”

As an artist who works in multiple different mediums, Sundet Wolf has to balance each of her pursuits; while some of that is dependent on her teaching schedule or commissioned work, there’s also a seasonal rhythm to her work. Living next to a meadow, she cites the changing landscape as one of her biggest inspirations for her paintings. Summer brings materials for basketry, while fall is when she gathers twigs for her furniture work.

“It’s nice being retired as I can move from project to project depending on what I feel like and what’s inspirational,” she said.

And along with nature, there’s one other place that Sundet Wolf finds inspiration on her creative journey: the local arts community in Cook County.

“It actually makes it challenging to sell art because we have so many phenomenal artists in this area,” she said. “But that pushes me to excel, to improve, and I appreciate the helpful support and critiques that I get from other artists. It’s really special to be in this area for that particular reason.”

Paula Sundet Wolf’s work can be found on her website: wolfmeadows.com. She is also available by appointment for those interested in learning more about her work.

Paula Sundet Wolf has become one of North House Folk School’s longstanding instructors, sharing her love of basketry with curious students of all backgrounds. | SUBMITTED

Sundet Wolf is a multi-talented artist based in Lutsen. | SUBMITTED

OLD-FASHIONED PIE SOCIAL

Sept. 3, Sunday Join the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center for their annual pie and ice cream social, held from noon to 4 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5 per slice of pie, with ice cream, and a beverage. The day also features the annual Chik-Wauk “sidewalk” sale, which offers steep discounts on many gift shop items, and live music on the front porch by the North Shore Swing Band. All proceeds help with the daily operational costs of the ChikWauk Museum and Nature Center, located on the Gunflint Trail. gunflinthistory.org

HYMERS FALL FAIR

Sept. 3-4 Every year, the village of Hymers, located near Thunder Bay, hosts a true classic country fair. There will be live musical entertainment, various contests and prizes, horse and cattle shows, a farmer’s market, artisan vendors and exhibits, lots of good food, a kid’s zone, and more. The fair will be held from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday. Admission is $10 adults, $5 seniors (age 65+), and $5 (or $1 with a sunflower or zucchini) for kids ages 6-12; ages 5 and under are free. hymersfair.ca

SHUNIAH FORTY MINER FESTIVAL

Sept. 8-9 The Shuniah Forty Miner, presented by Tbaytel, is a mountain bike marathon cross country race, held at Kinsmen Park in Thunder Bay. The course will feature a 12km loop that will be repeated several times, depending on which race you register for. This two-day event starts Friday, Sept. 8 with a race kit pickup, and a showing of the latest Anthill Film, The Engine Inside. Then, the races start at 11 a.m. on Saturday with the 48km event, followed by the 24km, the 12km, and the mini-miner race for kids. After the races there will be music, food, festival games, and a beer garden. Race registration required. shuniahfortyminer.com

SUPERIOR FALL TRAIL RACES

Sept. 8-9 This challenging foot race, held on the Superior Hiking Trail, offers distances of 100, 50, and 26.2 miles. If the distance isn’t challenging enough, the terrain is. It is a rugged, rooty, and rocky trail with near constant climbs and descents. The 100-mile race will begin at Gooseberry Falls State Park at 8 a.m. on Friday; the 50-mile race starts at the Finland Community Center at 5:15 a.m. on Saturday; and the 26.2-mile race begins on Cramer Road in Schroeder at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Each race will finish at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen. Race registration required. superiorfalltrailrace.com

RURAL HERITAGE DAYS

Sept. 8-9 The 91st Annual Rural Heritage Days Slate River Plowing Match, sponsored by the Rural Heritage Agricultural Society, will take place Sept. 8-9 in the Slate River Valley near Thunder Bay (Hwy 130 and Piper Drive). There will be tractor and farm exhibits and displays, plowing competitions, live music, food vendors, demonstrations, tractor rodeos, a children’s area, an antique tractor parade, antique cars, a $1,000 raffle drawing, and more. Gates open at noon on Friday and at 9 a.m. on Saturday. slateriverplowingmatch.ca

HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL

Sept. 8-10 Enjoy autumn in Ely with the 30th Annual Harvest Moon Festival, filled with arts and crafts, food vendors, and fun for the whole family. Held at Whiteside Park, there will be over 100 original juried artists and crafters showcasing their work in everything from paintings, turned bowls, and apparel, to pottery, photographs, and jewelry. There will also be a food court with everything from barbecue to blueberry pie. The festival will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. ely.org/harvestmoon

The Superior Fall Trail Races offers distances of 100, 50, and 26.2 miles. | IAN CORLESS

The 91st Annual Rural Heritage Days Slate River Plowing Match will take place Sept. 8-9 in the Slate River Valley near Thunder Bay. | SUBMITTED

UNPLUGGED MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sept. 14-17 Celebrate community, music, craft, and storytelling at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. Thursday and Friday will feature two unforgettable nights of music with the talented Pieta Brown, Sean Carey (S. Carey, Bon Iver), Joe Rainey Sr., Dylan Bizhikiins Jennings, Jeremy Ylvisaker, Mike Lewis (Bon Iver, Happy Apple), and Barbara Jean Meyers (Dusty Heart). On Saturday morning, enjoy a free family concert with Justin Roberts. Other highlights include an online auction, a folk artisan marketplace, featured speaker Kelly Church, and the Flannel Formal dinner. Tickets can be purchased online. northhouse.org

| SUBMITTED

RADIO WAVES MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sept. 8-10 Area residents and visitors of all ages are invited to come together for three days of music at Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Grand Marais Rec Park, as part of WTIP’s 16th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival. The music festival will start at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, with musical acts continuing all day Saturday and Sunday. This year’s lineup will include some new performers, such as Stone Bridge Singers, Humbird, Southpaws, Adam Kirsch, Eli Bentley, David Huckfelt and Jeremy Ylvisaker, and Morningbird. Vendors will be onsite with food and beverages, but outside food and drinks are accepted on the grounds, too. Admission is available online or at the gate; $20 a day, $40 for the weekend, and free to children 12 and under. wtip.org

LAKE SUPERIOR HARVEST FESTIVAL

Sept. 9, Saturday For 29 years, the Lake Superior Chapter of SFA (Sustainable Farming Association) has put on the Harvest Festival, connecting producers and consumers. Located in Bayfront Festival Park in downtown Duluth, the festival features one of the largest farmers’ markets in the region, along with live music, art and craft vendors, educational exhibits and demos, a nonprofit expo, a food court, family activities, an energy fair, and more. Practice weaving with the Duluth Fiber Guild, enjoy blacksmithing demos, try maypole dancing, and pet some chickens. The festival will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free; $10 for parking. sfa-mn.org

FALL STREET MARKET

NORTH SHORE INLINE MARATHON & SKATE FEST

Sept. 15-16 Take part in one of the most iconic inline skating events in the U.S. by joining the 27th Annual North Shore Inline Marathon in Duluth. No matter if you skate, run, or rollerski, the North Shore Inline has a race for you. This year’s races consist of half and full marathon skating, a 21k and

12th Annual

Two Harbors, MN

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

September 22, 23 & 24, 2023

Hours 10-6 Friday and Saturday 10-5 on Sunday

Fall

Sept. 10, Sunday The 42nd Annual Terrace Bay Fall Street Market is one of the largest arts and crafts show on the top of Lake Superior. Held from noon to 4 p.m. at Simcoe Plaza, this event attracts residents, individ uals from surrounding communities, and tourists who are passing through Terrace Bay. Featuring unique vendors, community groups, artists, and artisans from across the Lake Superior region, the Fall Street Market is the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience the many local flavors and cultures of the North Shore region. terracebay.ca www.lakesuperior2020.com

More than 20 musical acts will perform at Radio Waves.

Pie Social!

September 3, 12-4 pm

Celebrating the 2nd annual pie competition!

DULUTH OKTOBERFEST

Sept. 15-17 The 4th Annual Duluth Oktoberfest, held at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, will feature food, games, arts and craft vendors, and fun for the whole family. There will be authentic German bands and musicians performing, as well as local bands. Bring the kids to Der Kinderplatz for inflatables, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, a petting zoo, kids tug of war, barrel rolling, a kids stein holding contest, and more. Other games include corn hole, stein holding contests, barrel rolling, a barrel toss, a dachshund derby, and more. The main Bier Hall will feature dancing, live music, and various biers of Bavaria. You’ll also find a variety of authentic food, including brats, sausages, schnitzel, strudel, funnel cakes, and roasted almonds. Tickets can be purchased online. duluthoktoberfestival.com

PLEIN AIR COMPETITION

Sept. 15-22 Plein Air Grand Marais is a 20year tradition bringing outdoor painters to the North Shore of Lake Superior for a week of painting, competition, learning, and camaraderie. Plein Air Grand Marais welcomes artists of all ages and abilities. The competition class consists of invitational and juried painters, and the open class consists of registered artists. The annual Birney Quick Paint competition at Artist’s Point will take place on Thursday, Sept. 21, and an opening reception for the competition class will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibit will be on display until Oct. 15. outdoorpaintersofminnesota.org

Jewelry old and new:

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

Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday 10 to 5. Anytime by appointment.

Presentations

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2 – 3 p.m.

Animal Skull Mysteries by Karen Kobey

Northwoods classes offered in September and October check the calendar at GunflintHistory.org for dates.

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A Feast for the Community. Swedish meatballs with Gravy and mashed potatoes, Fishcakes and Tartar sauce, vegie, rolls, relishes and desserts are on the menu!

The Unplugged Music Festival will take place Sept. 14-17 at North House Folk School. | SUBMITTED

655 Arthur Street W., Thunder Bay, Ontario 807-577-4241 or 800-265-3253

Breakfast and airport shuttle

Wherever Life Takes You. Best Western Is There.®

WAKE THE GIANT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sept. 16, Saturday Held in Thunder Bay, Wake the Giant is a cultural awareness project aimed at creating a more welcoming and inclusive city for Indigenous people, youth, and their communities. The music festival brings cultures, music, and festival fans together, while promoting Indigenous artists. Held from 11:30 a.m. to midnight at the Thunder Bay Waterfront, the music festival will also include a live art installation, an Indigenous craft market, yummy local eats, cultural experiences, and a kid’s

zone. This year’s headliners are Canadian DJ deadmau5, X Ambassadors, Dean Lewis, Ruby Waters, MattMac, Sagatay, Sara Kae, and Thunder Spirit. Tickets can be purchased online. wakethegiant.ca

LAKE SUPERIOR 20/20 STUDIO & ART TOUR

Sept. 22-24 As crisp, fall air fills the atmosphere, you know it’s time for the 12th Annual Lake Superior 20/20 Studio and Art Tour, located at various studios and galleries in the Two Harbors area. This year’s tour will feature over 40 artists at 16 host sites,

The 15th Annual Heck of the North races takes place Sept. 30.

including four host farms. Artists include Joan Bellin (mixed media), Dave Gilsvik (oil painting), Carl Gawboy (watercolors), Christian Dalbec (photography), Michael Kapsos (jewelry), Liz James (pottery), and more. The tour runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. A PDF printable map of the tour is available online. lakesuperior2020.com

ART ALONG THE LAKE: FALL STUDIO TOUR

Sept. 22-Oct. 1 Fall in Cook County is a time of tumultuous beauty, so take some time to explore the colors and meet artists during the Fall Studio Tour. Stops include home studios, as well as galleries, with guest artists. All locations will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. This year includes 30 locations participating, such as Neil Sherman Studio, Jo Wood Bead Art, Andy Ness Studio, Birds on a Cup, Lou Pignolet Bowls, Hannah Palma Ceramics, Sannerud Studios, The Big Lake, Sivertson Gallery, Studio 21, Betsy Bowen Studio, Joy & Company, North House Folk School, and Grand Portage Lodge & Casino. A full list of participants and locations can be found online. visitcookcounty.com/fallstudiotour

ELY MARATHON

Sept. 23, Saturday Signup for one of three races in Ely during the Ely Marathon. Races include the 5k Color Glow Run at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 (open to all ages and abilities); the 26.2-mile Ely Marathon at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday; and the 13.1-mile Highland Bank Half Marathon at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Those wanting a bigger challenge can portage a canoe for the entire marathon or half marathon races. There will also be a kid’s marathon, coined the Dorothy Molter Root Beer Run; kids are asked to run 25 miles prior to marathon day. Then, on race day, they will run the remaining 1.2 miles of the course. Other activities include an awards ceremony, food trucks, a beer tent, and a bounce house extravaganza, all at Whiteside Park. Race registration required. elymarathon.com

NIRMALA RAJASEKAR: CARNATIC MUSIC

Sept. 23, Saturday Nirmala Rajasekar is one of the premier Saraswathi veena players in the world today. An established vocalist and well-known composer, she is seen internationally as a “Carnatic Ambassador” and leader in forging new paths on the Saraswathi veena. Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Nirmala began performing at age 13. A celebrated composer, Nirmala has written traditional and collaborative music for orchestras, choruses, theater, and chamber ensembles in Indian and Western classical music. She has been awarded the highest civilian award for the arts by the Government of Tamil Nadu, India, the prestigious Kalaimamani Award. She is the first Indian musician to receive the Bush Fellowship and the McKnight Fellowship. Nirmala will perform alongside her daughter, Carnatic vocalist Shruthi Rajasekar, at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 ages 18 and under. northshoremusicassociation.com

Sept. 30, Saturday The 15th Annual Heck of the North gravel bike races will start and finish on the East Alger Grade, North Shore State Trail parking lots (north of Two Harbors on Hwy 2). There will be three course options: a 105-mile course, a 55-mile course, and a 20-mile course. The races will take place in waves, starting at 8 a.m. with the 105-mile race. The 55-mile race will begin at 8:30 p.m., followed by the 20-mile race at 9 a.m. Race registration is required (riders 18 and younger ride free with an adult). heckofthenorth.com

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru Sept. 9

Sara Pajunen Exhibition

Joseph Nease Gallery, Duluth, josephneasegallery.com

Thru Sept. 12

Keren Kroul: Atlas of the Mind

Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Matthew O’Reilly: Shed Self

Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Sept. 17

Botanical Forays:

Jo Wood, Cheryl Larsen, Corrie Steckelberg

Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Helen Pelletier: Wiigwas Manidoog Descendants

Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Christian Chapman:

Ziibaaska’iganagoodayan: The Jingle Dress

Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Man from the Bear Totem

Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Are These Things Not a Dream?

Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru Sept. 18

Cassandra Quinn

Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Sept. 25

Behind Racism: Challenging the Way We Think Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com

Thru Sept. 29

Indigenous Expressions: Love, Culture & Reinvention

AICHO Galleries, Duluth, facebook.com/aichogalleries

Thru Oct. 14

Out There: Saabe Dream Exhibition

Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru Oct. 31

Now That Summer Has Ended: An Exhibit About Winter Activities

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

Aug. 31-Sept. 4

Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Twin Ports, duluthsuperiorpride.com

Sept. 1, Friday

Free Music in the Park: Eric Koskinen 7:30 p.m. City Center Park, Silver Bay, rockywallproductions.org

The Sons of the Grey Street Gang Concert

7:30 p.m. Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

Sept. 1-4

Nipigon Fall Fishing Festival Nipigon, Ontario, nipigonfallfishingfestival.com

Sept. 1-30

Artist of the Month: Lonnie Broden Tettegouche State Park: Visitor Center, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

Monthly Exhibit: Thomas Spence Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

Monthly Show: Marissa Saurer Art & Soul Gallery & Gifts, Ely, elysartandsoul.com

Sept. 2, Saturday

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

Author Meet & Greet: Nancy Carlson

11 a.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Author Talk with Pamela Carter Joern: Toby’s Last Resort 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Sept. 2-30

Nordic Reflections in Fiber:

50th Anniversary of Duluth Fiber Guild (Reception Sept. 8 at 5 p.m.)

Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org

Sept. 3, Sunday

Old Fashioned Pie Social Noon, Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org

Free: Summer in the Park Concert Series

2 p.m. Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay, chippewapark.ca

Sept. 3-4

Hymers Fall Fair

9 a.m. Hymers, Ontario, hymersfair.ca

Sept. 4, Monday

Labor Day

Sept. 6, Wednesday

Power Up the Plaza

10 a.m. The Plaza, Duluth, downtownduluth.com

CCHE Fundraiser: Royal Tea Talk 4:30 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, mycche.org

Rockin’ Recovery Celebration

5 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ thunderbaydrugawarenesscommittee

Concerts on the Pier: Babie Eyes

6:30 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, facebook.com/glensheenestate

Sept. 6-7

Duluth Bethel’s 150th Birthday & Concert for Recovery Duluth, duluthbethel.org

Sept. 7, Thursday

Historic Cook County Trivia Night

6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Tommy Wotruba

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

Cheers to Chester 6 p.m. Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, facebook.com/chesterbowl

Jim Jefferies: Give ‘Em What They Want Tour

7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Sept. 7-10

Root Beer Lady: The Musical Ely’s Historic State Theater, rootbeerlady.com

Vox Popular Media Arts Festival

Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/voxpoptbay

Sept. 8, Friday

Minnesota Mile Race

6 p.m. Enger Park, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

Sept. 8-9

Shuniah Forty Miner Festival Kinsmen Park, Thunder Bay, shuniahfortyminer.com

Superior Fall Trail Races North Shore, superiorfalltrailrace.com

Rural Heritage Days: Slate River Plowing Match Noon (9 a.m. Sat.) Slate River, Ontario, slateriverplowingmatch.ca

Sept. 8-10

Franco-Festival Francophone Centre, Thunder Bay, francofestival.com

Harvest Moon Festival 9 a.m. (10 a.m. Sun.) Whiteside Park, Ely, ely.org/harvestmoon

Radio Waves Music Festival 10 a.m. (2:30 p.m. Fri.) Grand Marais Rec Park, wtip.org

Sept. 9, Saturday

Free Parks Day

Minnesota State Parks, mndnr.gov/freeparkdays

Virtual Writers’ Café

9:30 a.m. lakesuperiorwriters.org

Lake Superior Harvest Festival

10 a.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, sfa-mn.org

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

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

2 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

LSRM 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

5 p.m. Duluth Depot, lsrm.org

Free Concert: Two Harbors Ukulele Group 7 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org

Ricky Nelson Remembered: Starring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Sept. 9-10

ThunderCon CLE Grounds, Thunder Bay, thundercon.org

Sept. 10, Sunday

Mark Out Addiction Paintball Big Game 10 a.m. Paintball Mountain, Thunder Bay, teenchallenge.tc West Thunder Corn Roast & Vendors Market 11 a.m. West Thunder Community Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ westthundercommunitycentre

Fall Market

Noon, Simcoe Plaza, Terrace Bay, terracebay.ca Duluth Wedding Show: Fall Showcase Noon, Decc, Duluth, duluthfallweddingshow.com

Sept. 12, Tuesday

Art Night Out 5:30 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Sept. 13, Wednesday

Power Up the Plaza

10 a.m. The Plaza, Duluth, downtownduluth.com

Sept. 14, Thursday

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

Sept. 14-17

Unplugged Music Festival North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Sept. 15, Friday

Spirit of the Times 6 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com Learning & Libations at the Library 6:30 p.m. Duluth Public Library, duluthlibraryfoundation.org

Sept. 15-16

North Shore Inline Marathon & Skate Fest Duluth, northshoreinline.com

Grand Portage Fishing Tournament Grand Portage, facebook.com/grandportage

Sept. 15-17

Hawk Weekend Festival Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Duluth, hawkridge.org Duluth Oktoberfest 11 a.m. (4 p.m. Fri.) Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, duluthoktoberfestival.com

Sept. 15-22

Plein Air Competition Cook County, outdoorpaintersofminnesota.org

Sept. 15-Oct. 1

Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Sept. 16, Saturday

Thunder Grinder: Gravel Cycling Ride

Thunder Bay, tbaycc.ca

Cook County Airport Annual Fly-in/Drive-in

Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m. (Awards at 10 a.m.)

Grand Marais Airport, 218-387-3024

AICHO Summer Food & Art Market

9 a.m. AICHO, Duluth, aicho.org

Chester Bowl Fall Fest 9:30 a.m. Chester Park, Duluth, chesterbowl.org

Wake the Giant Music Festival 11:30 a.m.

Thunder Bay Waterfront, wakethegiant.ca

Karen Kobey: Animal Skull Mysteries

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

Author Talk with Bart Sutter:

So Surprised to Find You Here

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

Latin Night Fundraiser 6:30 p.m.

DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, latinnight.ca

DSSO: Across the Northern Sea

7 p.m. Decc: Symphony Hall, Duluth, dsso.com

The Age of Elegance 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

Sept. 16-17

Minnesota Model Railroaders: Free-Mo Exhibit 10 a.m. Duluth Depot, lsrm.org

Sept. 17, Sunday

Terry Fox Run 1 p.m. St. Ignatius High School, Thunder Bay, terryfox.org

Sept. 18, Monday

Arrowhead Library System’s Bookmobile

4:30 p.m. McQuade Small Craft Harbor, Duluth, alslib.info

Relive the Music:

50s & 60s Rock N’ Roll Show

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

Sept. 19, Tuesday

Take It With You: A Fairy Tale: Part 2

7:30 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Sept. 21, Thursday

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

Sept. 22, Friday

Visit the Bally Blacksmith Shops 1 p.m.

Bally Blacksmith Shop, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour 7 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org

5K Color Glow Run 7 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, elymarathon.com

Sept. 22-23

Museum Fundraiser: Root Beer & Beer Garden Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

Sept. 22-24

WWF’s Race for Wildlife 8 a.m.

Throughout Canada, fundraisers.wwf.ca

Lake Superior 20/20 Studio & Art Tour

10 a.m. Two Harbors, lakesuperior2020.com

Two Harbors Fall Art Fair 10 a.m. (2 p.m. Fri.) 731

7th Avenue, Two Harbors, Facebook: Two Harbors

Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival

Sept. 22-Oct. 1

Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour

10 a.m. Throughout Cook County, visitcookcounty.com/fallstudiotour

Sept. 22-Oct. 15

Culture Days

Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/culturedays

Sept. 22-Oct. 21

Muse 12x12 Exhibition

(Reception Sept. 22 at 3:30 p.m.) Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Sept. 23, Saturday

A Series of Unfortunate Specials

Zeitgeist Arts: Renegade, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Dorothy’s Root Beer Run: Children’s Marathon Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

Ely Marathon & Half Marathon

7:30 a.m. Ely, elymarathon.com

Northland Heart Walk

9 a.m. Leif Erikson Park, Duluth, northlandheartwalk.org

Bienvenue Coffee Fest

10 a.m. Duluth Depot, experiencethedepot.org

Kam River Ultimate Duck Race

11 a.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, ourkidscount.ca

Electric Vehicle Show

11 a.m. CLE Coliseum Building, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/norontarioev

Bally Blacksmithing Demonstrations

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

Light Duluth Teal Gala

5:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, mnovarian.org

Nirmala Rajasekar: Carnatic Music: The Classical Music of South India 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Sept. 23-24

Petlandia: Pet Event of the North 10 a.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Jewelers: Billy & Barry Demos in the Backyard 10 a.m. Joy & Company, Grand Marais, facebook.com/joyandcompanymn

Sept. 23-Oct. 15

Plein Air Exhibition

(Reception Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.)

Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Sept. 24, Sunday

Raag-Rung Music Circle Dinner & Concert Fundraiser 5 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, raag-rungmusiccircle.com

Sept. 25, Monday

Lake County Chamber Fall Golf Classic Noon, Silver Bay Golf Course, lakecounty-chamber.com

Sept. 26, Tuesday

Author Visit with Jess Morgan: Too Many Hats 6 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/twoharborspubliclibrary

Sept. 28, Thursday

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

Sept. 28-Oct. 21

Meet My Sister Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

Sept. 29, Friday

Annual Harvest Dinner 5 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, 218-387-2227

Sept. 29-30

Golf for the Good 8 a.m. Superior National, Lutsen, northshorehealthcarefoundation.org

Sept. 30, Saturday

A Series of Unfortunate Specials Zeitgeist Arts: Renegade, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com Heck of the North 8 a.m. Two Harbors, heckofthenorth.com

Autumn Rendezvous 10 a.m. Slate River Valley, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Author Talk with Peter Kero: Minescapes: Reclaiming Minnesota’s Mined Lands

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

Summer Series: Boats of Longing

6 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, Hovland, trinitylutheranhovland.org

Gryphon Trio: Celebrating 30 Years!

7:30 p.m. Trinity United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

Sept. 30-Oct. 29

Pumpkinfest 11 a.m. Gammondale Farm, Slate River Valley, gammondalefarm.com

Oct. 6, Friday

Lumberjack Bash 6 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays

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

Music in the Park

1:30 p.m. Downtown Grand Marais, thegmmc.org

Tuesdays

Hillside Farmers Market

2 p.m. 503 E. 3rd St., Duluth, facebook.com/centralhillsidefarmersmarket

Ely Farmers Market & Arts in the Park

5 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Trivia Night 5 p.m. Loon Lake Lodge, Gunflint Trail, visitloonlake.com

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

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

Wednesdays

Happy Hikers Weekly Hikes

9 a.m. YMCA Parking Lot near Tennis Courts, Grand Marais, boreal.org

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

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

Thursdays

Lincoln Park Farmers Market

3 p.m. Harrison Community Center, Duluth, facebook.com/lincolnparkfarmersmarket

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

Grand Marais Farmers Market

4:30 p.m. Cook County Community Center

Parking Lot, Grand Marais

Finland Farmer’s Market

5 p.m. Clair Nelson Community Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com

Date Night with Live Music

7 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Fridays

Meat Raffle 5 p.m. American Legion

Post 109, Two Harbors, facebook.com/ twoharborsamericanlegion

Renegade Friday Nights

10:30 p.m. Zeitgeist, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Saturdays

Thunder Bay Country Market

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

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

Rooftop Yoga

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

Cook County Market

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

Two Harbors Farmers Market

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

“Meet the Artist” Exhibition Series

11 a.m. Two Loons Gallery, Duluth, twoloons.mn Harbor History Tour

1 p.m. Cook County History Museum, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Sundays

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

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

Music in the Park

1:30 p.m. Downtown Grand Marais, thegmmc.org

Weekend Wine Down with Live Music

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

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

The North Shore Dish Decoding Food Labels

By Virginia George

Sustainably sourced. Locally grown. You may have seen these words out in the wild at a local restaurant or grocery store, and while these words seem to have pretty clear definitions, you may find yourself wondering what they really mean, in the practical sense. We live in a world where we are bombarded with advertising about everything, and now, more than ever, conscious consumers are echoing the words of the great Inigo Montoya, saying “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Let’s figure out what it means.

If you haven’t heard the phrase before, greenwashing is an advertising strategy where companies use buzzwords or phrases that make their product seem environmentally conscious, whether or not they actually are in practice. This can mean redesigning a label to look natural, adding misleading verbiage to food labels, and using terms that have flexible meanings. Some greenwashing critics assert that large conglomerates spend more money on advertising their compliance with environmental endeavors than on actually shifting their product to be more environmentally friendly. It is important to remember that most of these greenwashing terms have no universal definition, and thus can be used loosely in advertising to consumers, leaving us guessing as to what they mean in each individual context.

But Virginia, you say, this is a food column, not a commentary on the cultural and ethical implications of advertising in the food industry. You’re right, but stick with me. This is a food column, and as conscientious consumers, it is important that we understand what the words mean so that we can make informed choices when it comes to eating both inside and outside of the home. Grocery stores, co-ops, and restaurants alike use some of these terms, and my goal is that the next time you see these words in those places, you have a better idea of what they may (or may not) mean.

Sustainable

Sustainable might be one of the more confusing terms when used in advertising.

Merriam-Webster tells us that this means “a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” Sustainability means different things in different industries. It means not overfishing an area, so that the population remains healthy enough to not

only reproduce, but to support the natural food chain. It means putting effort into building rich and fertile soil without over irrigating and harming local water sources like lakes, rivers, and aquifers. It means being conscious of the problems of deforestation and cultural conflicts that arise as a result of stripping the land of its resources, animals of their habitat, and a people group of their home, resources, and livable labor.

Locally Grown

Locally grown and locally sourced are two phrases that can be used relatively interchangeably, and seem to be straight for-

ward. The food you see advertised as locally grown was grown… locally… right? Maybe. As I said earlier, these terms are not regulated in any way, which means there is no set criteria for what “local” means. Locally grown foods could be grown at the farm down the street, across town, or two states over. Foods that are locally grown generally incur fewer travel miles, making their transportation cost less, and the subsequent environmental impact of that travel is smaller than that of food that comes from across the country. Some restaurants openly disclose the farms where they source their foods, and during the harvest season, it is not uncom-

mon to see signs at the grocery store sharing the name of the farm where their produce was grown.

Wild Caught and Farm Raised

Given our proximity to the great Gitche Gumee, a wonderful source of trout, whitefish, smelt, and more, farmed versus wild caught fish is a nuanced and underdiscussed topic, and one without a clear right and wrong. Wild caught fish are fish that are caught in the wild. Generally speaking, this requires a boat to motor out into the water, catch the fish, and bring them back to be processed. The benefit of wild caught

As

conscientious consumers, it’s important that we understand what words like sustainably sourced and locally grown mean, so that we can make informed choices when it comes to eating both inside and outside of the home.

| LIZ STROHMAYER: SOLFED FARM

With a basic understanding of what these greenwashing terms mean, you can make food choices that align with what is most important to you.

VIRGINIA GEORGE

fish is that the fish are usually eating a diverse and natural diet, making the resulting meat leaner and higher in minerals. The down side, of course, is that this requires fossil fuels to get to the fish and often to transport it from where it is caught to where it is sold. Overfishing is also a very real risk, and fish caught in the wild often contain higher levels of mercury. Farm raised fish are a more sustainable fishing option, are cheaper to produce, and have a higher risk of contaminating the waterways in which they are raised, contain lower levels of Omega 3, and are often fed prophylactic antibiotics to keep the fish from getting sick.

What Can You Do?

With a basic understanding of what these terms mean, you can make food choices that align with what is most important to you. If fossil fuels are a concern, you may opt for locally grown foods and farm raised fish. If nutrient density is important to you, you may buy vegetables from a farm focused on composting and crop rotation, and opt for wild caught fish. Below you will find a few other ways to promote sustainability in real and practical ways.

Invest in Your Community

There are many benefits of consuming locally produced foods, but one often overlooked benefit is the way this allows us to invest in our local economies: eating local keeps money

within our communities. Rather than trucking in food from across the nation, diluting our food dollars between the farmer, wholesaler, distributor, transportation, and the local market or restaurant, items produced and purchased within our communities keeps that money local, to then be spent and reinvested within the local economy. It is a powerful way to enrich the lives of your neighbors.

Eat Seasonally

If you are reading this, you probably live in a society where you have yearround access to all your favorite foods. We can go to our favorite restaurant to order our favorite meal, banking on and appreciating the reliability of the menu. Before the advent of mass farming, the railroad, interstate highways, and in-home refrigeration, people’s diets shifted with the seasons, and this is something we can lean into even today. We can know the produce that is available in our area, and alter our diets to consume those things when they are in season. This doesn’t mean never having a tomato out of season, but simply leaning into the seasonal nature of harvest, which leads me to my last tip…

Know Your Farmer

There are so many wonderful, resilient, and passionate farmers all around us. One way we can support our local economies, reduce fossil fuel use, and eat truly deliciously fresh food is to

just look around. Find a farmer’s market in your area, and in the springtime, consider joining a CSA (community supported agriculture, basically a subscription box of vegetables from a local farmer). In some cases, small farms join together to form an alliance that supports one another. For example, in the Duluth/Two Harbors area you can find the Clover Valley Farm Trail, where farm stands are stocked twice a week along the side of the road, and passersby can simply stop in and see what’s in season and in stock. This barely scratches the surface of the topic of sustainability within our food supply, but I hope that, unlike Vizzini, you can use the words “sustainably sourced” and “locally grown,” and have a fair idea of what they mean, and what they don’t mean. For most of us, it isn’t realistic to purchase only local foods, to bring back the Victory Garden and stock our root cellars full of home-preserved and locally grown foods, but we can take some steps, big or small, toward prioritizing the aspects of sustainability that are most important to us. For some, that’s shopping at a farm stand for weekly vegetables. For others, dining at restaurants that purchase foods from local farms may be the priority. Whatever your values, I hope you will feel empowered to make purchasing decisions you feel good about.

This day also features the annual Chik-Wauk “sidewalk” sale which offers steep discounts on many gift shop items. It will be a fun way to wrap up the summer and say “So long till next year,” to our friends and neighbors. All proceeds help with the daily operational costs of the Museum and Nature Center.

28 Moose Pond Drive, 55 miles up the Gunflint Trail (Hwy 12)

Watch Out for Washing

By Hartley Newell-Acero

When shopping, we all like to think that we’re making the choices that are best for us, and for many people, it’s also important that their purchases minimally impact the environment. Unfortunately, the tactics of “greenwashing” and “science-washing” can prevent us from doing either of these things.

The idea of greenwashing has been around since the 1980s. It describes actions that some companies take to make their products seem more environmentally friendly than they really are. They may create elaborate advertising campaigns and/or clever packaging to create the illusion of environmental responsibility. Science-washing is a more recently minted term. Similar to greenwashing, companies use scientific-sounding terminology and mannerisms to try and convince consumers that their products are somehow better than their competitors.

Neither greenwashing nor science-washing are intended to provide you with useful information that will help you make an educated choice. They’re both simply advertising ploys designed to take advantage of well-intentioned consumers. While common in the food, beauty, cleaning, and health industries, almost any kind of product can be green- and/or science-washed.

Since we can’t all become experts in everything, how can we protect ourselves from being exploited by savvy, but shifty, marketing? We can learn their language and tactics. Then, instead of being drawn in by the siren-song of slick advertising, we’ll be alerted to an attempted “washing.”

Ways to Avoid Getting Washed

In the beauty and health departments, be on the lookout for vague phrases that describe what the product does, such as “aids,” “promotes,” “supports,” “stimulates,” “boosts,” and “optimizes.” In other departments, watch for descriptions such as “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” or “green.” These are ambiguous terms that can’t be measured, so there’s no way to determine if what they’re claiming is true. “Clean” is another word with no consistent meaning. Ask yourself, “Who defines what is clean and what is dirty? Why did they label this product the way they did?”

Also in the supplement and beauty aisles, watch out for phrases like “clinically tested,” “research-backed,” “doctor recommended,” “evidence-based,” and “significant improvement.” These terms need context in order to be meaningful, and they should spur us to ask further questions: Who did the research? What was its quality? What were the results? Is the researcher or the endorser an actual authority in the area being addressed, or are they hiding behind credentials? Assuming the research cited shows an improvement in some area, is it a real-world, impactful improvement or simply a measurable, but small, statistical change?

When choosing products or protocols to improve your health, find out what specific information can be provided by respected professional associations (American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, etc.), public health organizations (NIH, CDC, etc.) and research/education associations (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, etc.).

Don’t be mesmerized by an impressive sounding ingredient list. That list won’t tell you anything about the ingredients’ quality, stability, quantity, or how they interact with each other, but all of that impacts how well the product works. Remember: dosages used in research (especially in animal studies) are generally much larger than what would be used in everyday life. Just because something caused a change in cells in a petri dish or in laboratory animals, doesn’t mean that it will benefit people when used in lower amounts.

Links to “scientific research” are often liberally sprinkled throughout green- and science-washed marketing material, but just referencing studies doesn’t mean that they are relevant and have robust methodology. Are they actual good-quality studies of the product itself, and not just single components? Do they show that the product is effective? Has the research cited been cherry-picked, ignoring other research that indicates the product is ineffective, or even worse, dangerous?

Dodge greenwashing by paying attention when you encounter the term “natural,”

“chemical-free,” or “non-toxic.” Just because an ingredient is lab-created doesn’t mean it’s bad for you, and just because something can be found in nature doesn’t mean that it’s healthy. The origin of an ingredient has nothing to do with its toxicity. Everything in the world is made up of chemicals, so nothing can be “chemical-free,” and anything, including water and oxygen, can be dangerous, depending on how much we ingest.

Do an online search of the product plus the words “review,” “complaint,” and “scam.”

The products that we purchase impact our lives, and the manufacturing of those products impacts our planet. By avoiding greenand science-washed products, we save ourselves money and support businesses that are transparent and truthful. Learn more at: tinyurl.com/24rpkr8d.

Don’t Let Your Lake Get These Fleas!

Spiny water fleas are tiny crustaceans ⅛ - ¼ inch long with a long tail native to Europe and Asia. They were introduced into the Great Lakes by ballast water discharged from ocean going ships.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

PREVENTION IS KEY!

LEARN to recognize spiny water fleas on fishing gear

CLEAN gelatinous material from anchor! ropes and fishing lines, especially where they meet a swivel, lure or downrigger ball connection (plucking the line like a guitar string helps)

DRAIN water before transporting boats, live wells and bait container

REPORT new infestations

IMPACTS OF SPINY WATER FLEAS

Spiny water fleas eat small animals called zooplankton that are important food for larval and juvenile fishes. Fish do not feed on spiny water fleas because their sharp spine tends to puncture through the stomach...ouch!

For anglers, these invaders can clog the eyelets of rods, damage a reel’s drag system and prevent fish from being landed.

Boaters and anglers can inadvertently spread egg carrying females to new waters because spiny water fleas easily attach to fishing gear. Adults will die out of water, but their eggs remain viable due to resistance to drought, heating and freezing.

Caribou Lake (BWCA)

DevilFIsh Lake,

Devil Track Lake

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Lake Superior

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McFarland Lake

North Fowl Lake

Pine Lake

Saganaga Lake

South Fowl Lake

Trout Lake

NORTH SHORE CAR WASH

400 WEST HIGHWAY 61 Offering FREE self-serve boat wash abilities with 110°F water. Stop into NAPA during business hours to receive $5.00 towards washing your watercraft.

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Photo: Darren Lilja

Northern Trails

Remembering Shawn

By Gord Ellis

I’m not exactly sure when Shawn Perich and I first crossed paths. It was certainly sometime in the mid-1980s, when my top priority was getting in as much steelhead fishing as possible. Shawn and his buddy Al Lutkevich were regulars on the North Shore streams in Ontario, so we knew each other in passing. But, our first longer interactions took place in the late 1980s. My writing career was just getting started, and I was a sponge. There were not a lot of people that wrote about the outdoors for a living in those days, but Shawn was one. He had experience under his belt writing and editing articles, magazines, and books. He provided advice freely while being realistic about the chances for making a go of it (low). Over time, we developed a friendship built on mutual interests and respect.

In the 1990s, Shawn was instrumental in getting me a column writing gig with Minnesota Outdoor News. He was already a popular columnist at the paper, and was known for his unflinching critiques of certain politicians and their conservation policies. He was always even and thorough, but you knew where he stood. I admired his guts and learned a lot from reading his work. We also worked together on a few projects, including a tourism related book. We began talking every week on the phone, sometimes for long periods of time. These were wide ranging chats, usually about the outdoors, but also about music, relationships, politics, and writing. This is when I learned what a deep thinker Shawn was. I also learned he was not one to back away from a good argument. He could be a little prickly about some things, but we usually agreed. Shawn was always interested in the conservation policies in Ontario and took a special interest in steelhead management, and the plight of the Nipigon River and its brook trout. When conservation policies in northwestern Ontario tightened and the trout fisheries turned around, he trumpeted it in his columns.

It was in the early 2000s where Shawn and I spent the most time together outdoors. I was getting offered trips and needed a compatible travel partner who could also offer a separate media outlet for the client.

Our first big excursion together was an amazing trip to northern British Columbia in the summer of 2000. In those days, I’d developed a relationship with some tourism folks in B.C., and they offered a trip

to a floating lodge north of Prince Rupert. This adventure would include a stop in Vancouver, and a white sturgeon fishing trip on the Frazer River. I asked Shawn if he wanted to go, and he was more than ready. That trip was incredible, and we both saw and did things that blew our minds. We caught white sturgeon, saw killer whales, and fished for chinook salmon and halibut in amazing places. Shawn would travel back to B.C. several times afterwards.

In 2001, he and I did a wild turkey hunt together in southern Minnesota. I’d been hunting turkey for a couple of years in southern Ontario, but was not successful. Hunting turkey with Shawn was a game changer. He understood the wild turkey game and I shot my first bearded bird with him by my side. A year later we hunted turkey again,

but this time his father Dan came along. What a hoot that trip was. Dan, Shawn, and I also did a fly-in trip together to Blue Fox Camp in northeastern Ontario. That trip spawned a hilarious column by Shawn, the focus of which was how Dan had purposely flipped me out of a canoe. Shawn’s interactions with his dad made it clear why he was so passionate about the outdoors.

In 2003, Shawn was a keynote speaker at an Outdoor Writers of Canada Conference in Thunder Bay. After the conference, we traveled together to Webequie, a First Nation community near the Winisk River. We stayed in a cabin on an island and fished for walleye and brook trout with local guides on the Winisk. On the last day of the trip, we were the guests of honour at a community feast where a goose was cooked. Shawn

was fascinated and humbled by this experience and mentioned it frequently in the years to come.

Around this time, Shawn began to talk about Amber, a woman he met who had a brilliant mind for business. When he told me he was going into the magazine business with her, I was genuinely amazed. We had often joked about how hard the print industry was. But Shawn and Amber both had a vision of creating a magazine that could echo the entire North Shore of Lake Superior. Shawn had always seen himself as a resident of the north, and he was unbelievably comfortable with Canadians, despite living south of the border.

During the formative years of Northern Wilds, I saw Shawn a lot less. We were both busy. He and his partner Vikki came to see

[LEFT] Shawn and his guide in a canoe at Blue Fox camp in northeastern Ontario. He would end up mounting this brook trout. [RIGHT] Shawn was excited to catch this 80-pound halibut. | GORD ELLIS

[LEFT] Shawn kissing a rockfish at Wilp Syoon Wilderness Lodge in northern B.C., in 2000. [RIGHT] Shawn with his personal best brook trout, caught on the fly. | GORD ELLIS

my band a few times in Thunder Bay, and we still spoke often on the phone. Shawn also had a regular seat at my table for the annual North Shore Steelhead Association’s dinner auction, but our trips together had stopped.

In 2013, when my newspaper column ended in Thunder Bay, Shawn and Amber proposed I write a column for Northern Wilds. I’d also started to guide anglers in the summer, something that surprised him as much as his taking on the role of a

magazine publisher surprised me. Yet, my guiding led to us fishing together again.

In 2017, Shawn, and the owner of Quebec Lodge, Ray Rivard, spent the day with me on the Nipigon River. Shawn caught his personal best brookie that day and even allowed me to pose him for some photos (he was not big on photos). The next year, I took Shawn and his buddy Dan Johnson out for a day of fly fishing on the Nipigon River. That, too, was a memorable outing.

When Shawn messaged me a couple years ago that “he had news” I had no idea he was going to tell me he had glioblastoma brain cancer. He had always been as fit as a fiddle. Shawn was as philosophical and determined as ever, but understood what the diagnosis meant. During what would be our last conversation this past spring, we talked about life, deer, steelhead, friends, family, health, environmentalism, and the swift passage of time.

“This is the weirdest conversation we’ve ever had,” he laughed—and it was.

When I got the news Shawn had died, I was on a stretch of the Nipigon River that he and I had fished several times. My two clients had just landed a rare double header of unusually large brook trout. There had been much joy and rejoicing in the boat as both fish were released and swam off. I’d taken a few pictures on my phone and saw the message.

Maybe the timing was just a coincidence. Or perhaps it was a parting gift from someone who truly loved brook trout.

God bless you, Shawn. ‘Til we meet again.

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: Boulder Lake has an abundant walleye population, with some nice bonus crappies and perch. You’ll find good fishing on a lightly developed lake with a wilderness-like atmosphere just a short drive north of Duluth. Plus, you’ll find opportu

A public access is located near the dam, while another fee launch is available at the Silver Fox Resort. To reach the public access, take Rice Lake Road (St. Louis County Highway 4) north from Duluth. Shortly after crossing the bridge over Island Lake,

turn left onto Boulder Dam Road. Proceed about 4 miles to the boat access at the end of the road. The access has a restroom and parking for about 15 rigs. Minnesota Power operates 18 free primitive campsites and four group campsites on the reservoir, which are available on a first-come basis.

VITALS: Boulder Lake is a 3,259-acre reservoir managed by Minnesota Power. It has a maximum depth of 18 feet. The lake is aptly named. In fact, there’s a large boulder just out from the access. Water levels fluctuate and navigational hazards aren’t marked, so proceed with caution.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch.

BOULDER LAKE

WALLEYE: Dan Wilfond, Duluth area fisheries specialist, said that for decades after the reservoir was created, water levels fluctuated widely, which made it difficult for fish to spawn successfully, and the lake was dominated by bullheads. In the 1990s, a new policy was put in place that tamed those large fluctuations and the walleyes responded, feasting on bullheads to the point that there are few bullheads left. Walleyes do well and they are entirely reliant on natural reproduction. “We’ve been able to create a pretty nice fishery with exceptional natural reproduction,” Wilfond said. During the last survey, Wilfond said the average walleye was about

14 inches, with some fish up to 27 inches sampled, although large fish are uncommon. Boulder’s walleyes are relatively slow growing, but there are a lot of them and there’s plenty of favorable rock and gravel habitat to sustain them.

NORTHERN PIKE: Pike numbers are relatively low, Wilfond said, and the fish are generally on the small side. Pike averaged 19 inches in the survey with the largest only reaching 25 inches. “Water level fluctuations can be problematic for pike spawning,” Wilfond said. He noted that low pike abundance probably benefits the walleye population.

BLACK CRAPPIE: “Crappies are cyclical, but when they’re up, they can be there in reasonably high abundance. Boulder’s crappies are nice when you find them, often topping 12 inches. There are some areas of downed timber that can hold crappies at times.

YELLOW PERCH: The 2018 survey found perch averaging just under 9 inches. More than 25 percent of the perch sampled were over 10 inches, with some approaching 12 inches. “It’s a nice bonus when people are walleye fishing,” Wilfond said.

NO BASS: Despite what would seem to be excellent smallmouth bass habitat, and despite the fact that adjacent Island Lake is a good bass lake, there are no bass in Boulder Lake.

View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps

[LEFT] Shawn and I at Wilp Syoon Wilderness Lodge in northern B.C., 2000. [TOP RIGHT] Quebec Lodge owner Ray Rivard and Shawn on the Nipigon with me in 2017.

| GORD ELLIS

NORTHERN SKY

By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

SEPTEMBER 2023

In September, the fall constellations move to front and center in the south. They include Aquarius and Pisces, which are famous but dim. On the bright side, this year Jupiter joins Saturn in the evening sky.

On the 1st, Jupiter won’t appear until somewhere around 11 p.m. But that night a fat waning moon helpfully positions itself midway between Jupiter, the object very low in the east, and Saturn, the somewhat higher object in the southeast. Jupiter appears earlier every night, and both planets are drifting westward.

Grab a star chart and look for faint, scraggly Aquarius, Saturn’s current constellation of residence. Also find the Great Square of Pegasus and the Circlet of Pisces, a rather dim ring of stars below and slightly west of the Great Square.

And don’t forget the Summer Triangle. September is the best time to see these three bright stars, because they now appear high in the south at nightfall. If you have no binoculars, it should still be easy to find the Northern Cross stretching southwestward from Deneb, the star at the Triangle’s northeast corner.

In the predawn sky, Venus appears below the Gemini twins— Castor and Pollux—and Procyon, in Canis Minor, the little dog. A waning moon hangs near Pollux on the 10th, and closer to Venus the next two mornings. Note how Venus, the brightest planet, compares to Sirius, the brightest star. Sirius shines to the right of Venus, and at nearly the same altitude, all month.

The evening of the 28th, the third super moon in a row rises, becoming full at 4:57 a.m. the next morning. As the second full moon in a calendar month, it’s also a blue moon.

Fall arrives with the autumnal equinox at 1:50 a.m. on the 23rd. At that moment, the southbound sun officially crosses the equator, and Earth will be lighted from pole to pole.

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

Gunflint Trail, MN

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More info or to register call 21 8-353-030 0 or check out our website at

experiences related to food at the market, so it’s time to get creative Want to be involved? Have an idea? Contac t us! 218-353-0300

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Saturday, Sept. 30th, 6 p.m. Peter Kero Minescapes

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Too Much Sea for Their Decks Shipwrecks of Minnesota’s North Shore and Isle Royale

By Michael Schumacher University of Minnesota Press, 2023, $24.95

Too Much Sea for Their Decks is an intriguing account of ships lost in Lake Superior’s North Shore, including shipwrecked schooners, wooden freighters, early steelhulled steamers, passenger vessels, whalebacks, and bulk carriers. Minnesota’s three biggest storms are also featured—the 1905 Mataaafa storm, 1913 hurricane on the lakes, and 1940 Armistice Day blizzard—and their dramatic stories of loss, rescues, and shipwrecks. The brave and heroic actions of the ship crews under harrowing conditions are a compelling read. There’s 13 chapters of haunting tales, like the small schooner Stranger in 1875, which drifted from Grand Marais into the open waters of Lake Superior and was never seen again.—Elle Andra-Warner

A Fisherman’s Journey

A Lifetime of Angling Adventures from Northern Wisconsin to Northwest Montana, 1950-2020

By Charles Zucker

Sweetgrass Books, 2022, $19.95

Author Charles Zucker admits from the onset that he is no master fisherperson, but A Fisherman’s Journey is the chronicle of Zucker’s lifetime of fishing adventures. He recalls seven decades of fishing experi ences, from Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Carolina, Texas, Idaho, Wyoming, Mon tana, and Alaska. He even has a section dedicated to pursuing walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and brook trout on the North Shore. While the central theme is about fishing, the stories dive much deeper. Other stories under the Minneso ta section include “Mosquitos: The Unof ficial State Bird,” and “Black Bears of the Superior National Forest.” Filled with black and white photos, and stories of interest ing people and adventures, A Fisherman’s Journey is a fun read for any fishing enthusiast.

Nana and Abuela

By Monica Rojas

Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2023, $17.95

In Nana and Abuela, jas recounts a story from her own child hood. When her grown-ups are away, Lu na’s two grandmothers, Nana and Abuela, come over for a fun evening filled with food, stories, and laughter. However, while asking for her favorite food, Luna mixes her English and Spanish together, confus ing Nana and Abuela. After a bit of a ker fuffle, they finally decipher Luna’s words and make the most of the evening. This bi lingual children’s story about love, commu nication, and family is both cheerful and funny, and the illustrations are beautiful.—Breana Johnson grandmaraisartcolony.org/readers-writers

Celebrating literary arts and engagement with the written word on the shores of Lake Superior.

Come learn how we can reclaim our mined lands. Author to answer questions and sign copies afterward.

Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Ode’imini-giizis Maang Strawberry Moon Loon

By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman

Recently, my  niiji (friend) and I were sitting by the  nibi (water),  maada’ookii (sharing) stories about growing up  niizh manidoowag (two spirited), when  niizh (two) maangwag (loons) began to swim by. We continued talking, watching them—one would  niimi (dance) and then the other. The bangishimo  (sunset) was also  miikawaadendaagwad  (beautiful), from the smoke blowing down from  Zhaaganaashiiwaki  (Canada). This piece features the maang (loon) constellation hidden in the giizhig (sky). I worked on this piece all ode’imini-giizis (June Strawberry Moon), coinciding with gay pride.

This piece captures this beautiful memory my friend  miinigoowizi (gifted me), my first  maang  (loon) painting in  midaaswi (ten) months.

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

UFO Enigma and Dr. McDonald

By Elle AndraWarner

Are we alone in the universe? Are extraterrestrials spying on us? Just what are those unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in our skies? In recent years, these kinds of questions are in the spotlight again, including news about the U.S. House Oversight Committee’s national security subcommittee hearing on UFOs on July 26, 2023.

Back in the late 1940s, the popular name for unidentified flying objects was “flying saucers.” Then it evolved into UFOs, and in December 2022 the U.S. government renamed them UAPs, an acronym for “unidentified anomalous phenomena” (but many people still refer to them as UFOs).

Two years ago on June 25, 2021, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an unclassified nine-page Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena defining UAPs as “airborne objects not immediately identifiable.” The report’s Executive Summary noted that some UAPs “reportedly appeared to exhibit unusual flight characteristics” and “clearly pose a safety of flight and may pose a challenge to U.S. national security.”

Seventy years ago, in 1953, was it a UAP (then called a UFO) that flew over Lake Superior, leading to the disappearance of a U.S. Air Force F-59 Scorpion jet and its two pilots?

On the evening on November 23, 1953, radar operators at the Kinross U.S. Air Force Base detected a UFO, flying at about 500 mph over the Soo Locks in restricted airspace a few miles south into Michigan. In response, an F-89 Scorpion jet—piloted by Lieutenants Felix “Gene” Moncla, Jr. and Robert Wilson—was dispatched to intercept the object.

The fighter-interceptor jet reached 30,000 feet, flying across Lake Superior to catch up to the UFO. Guided by radar operators at the base for about 30 minutes, the F-89 descended to 7,000 feet about 100 miles north of Kinross over Lake Superior in Canadian waters.

Then, a strange thing happened. The two blips—the UFO and the F-89 Scorpion—appeared to ‘merge’ and become a single radar blip. At the same time, the jet’s radar and radio communication stopped. The UFO blip flew off in another direction, while the jet blip had disappeared.

An extensive search covering about 29,000

square miles was carried out by Canadian and U.S. search teams. Five days later on November 28, the search was called off. The F-89 Scorpion with its two-man crew had vanished after radar showed it merged with the UFO. Today, the disappearance remains a mystery.

A memorial plaque for Felix Eugene “Gene” Moncla, Jr. (1920-1953) at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Moreauville, Louisiana includes the words, “Disappeared November 23, 1953, Intercepting a UFO Over Canadian Border as Pilot of a F-89 Jet Plane.”

So, what’s the connection between a Duluth-born scientist and the UFO story? Well, Dr. James Edward McDonald, born on May 7, 1920, in Duluth, became an internationally known and respected physicist who believed UFOs were real.

At the time of his mysterious death in 1971—an alleged suicide in the desert—the 51-year-old Dr. McDonald was Senior Physicist at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona, as well as a

professor in its Department of Meteorology. He had been appointed in 1956, three years after the UFO Kinross incident over Lake Superior.

In the 1950s and 1960s, he challenged government reports on UFOs, and campaigned in support of expanding UFO studies. He believed UFOs were real and probably came from outer space on reconnaissance missions. He felt the U.S. Air Force was “blissfully unaware of the serious problem that it had on its hands.”

In his written “Statement on Unidentified Flying Objects” submitted to the U.S. House Committee on Science and Astronautics at the Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects on July 29, 1968, he wrote:

“The possibility that the Earth might be under surveillance by some high civilization in command of a technology far beyond ours must not be overlooked in weighing the UFO problem. I am one of those who lean strongly towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis.”

Dr. McDonald noted in the report that he shared the view of the former American CIA Director, Vice-Admiral R. H. Hillenkoetter, which was “it is imperative that we learn where the UFOs came from and what their purpose is.”

In 1969, McDonald was the speaker at the American Association in the Advancement of Science, UFO Symposium. He delivered a lecture, “Science in Default,” about some UFO cases defying conventional science interpretations. Jerome Clark, a well-known ufologist from Canby, Minn. called the lecture “one of the most powerful scientific defenses of UFO reality ever mounted.”

In the authorized biography Firestorm: Dr. James E. McDonald’s Fight for UFO Science (2003) by author Ann Druffel, he is referred to as “one of the great unsung heroes of American science” and “among great pioneers in ufology.”

In her book, Druffel documents strange happenings surrounding McDonald in his final years. These include a missing briefcase containing UFO papers and interview tapes that were later returned after having being rummaged through, stolen UFO slides, and instances of unmarked cars with no license plates following him. Druffel also writes about his mysterious ‘alleged’ suicide, noting that “the circumstances of his death have led to speculation in the UFO community that perhaps it was not self-induced.”

Lieutenant Felix Eugene Moncla, Jr. was one of the F-89 Scorpion pilots to disappear over Lake Superior on Nov. 23, 1953, after trying to intercept a UFO. | GORD HEATH/WIKIPEDIA

In the late 1940s, the popular name for UFOs was “flying saucers.” | STOCK

A memorial plaque for Felix Eugene Moncla, Jr. at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Moreauville, Louisiana. | GORD HEATH/WIKIPEDIA

A comprehensive guide to the lighthouses and navigational beacons from Duluth, Minnesota to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Learn about the storms and shipwrecks that led to their construction, the lonely lives of the keepers and the role lighthouses play in present-day maritime navigation. $22.95

Join Shawn Perich on the North Shore of Lake Superior where everyday experiences, from an encounter with a curious coyote to a wilderness search for a lost hiker, are the stuff of adventure. Whether he is fly-fishing for brook trout, playing hide-and-seek with fox pups, or being outwitted by wily whitetails, his lively stories appeal to a wide range of readers. $14.95

Seventeen-yearold Jack Blackwell joined his grandfather, Alec Boostrom, on his northern Minnesota wilderness trapline. There he learned the story of his grandfather’s life of wilderness adventure on Lake Superior’s North Shore and deep within the canoe country. $14.95

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

Join the authors on the trails that lead to the magnificent waterfalls of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Maps and directions to over 150 waterfalls are included in this unique guide. $19.95 Hunter

The Scandinavian lifestyle and job skills wellmatched the challenge of homesteading on the North Shore. Amply illustrated with photos, The Lake is Your Life tells the Fenstad family history from pioneering at Little Marais in 1883 to the beginning of the “New Era” in the 1950s. $19.95

Outstanding lot on the 5th fairway of the River Nine of the recently renovated Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course.

NEW LISTINGS OF THE LUTSEN REAL ESTATE GROUP

Outstanding Lake Superior views from this nearly one acre - 150’ Lake Superior parcel is now for sale. Located between Lutsen and Tofte, this parcel provides the best of locations. Road access is already in place making the build process so much more cost effective and convenient. This parcel sits adjacent to the Gitchi Gami Bike Trail and is super convenient to Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course, Lutsen Mountains, Superior Hiking Trail, XC ski trails at Oberg Mountain, single track mountain bike trails at Britton Peak and so much more.

Not too often does a private lake vacant lake shore parcel become available for sale. Located just past Seagull Lake on the historic Gunflint Trail, this private parcel on Onagon Lake covets nearly 3 1/2 acres and over 400’ of shoreline. It is a perfect base camp location for BWCAW year-round adventures notwithstanding serving as its own private destination. The vacant parcel is adjacent to an award winning designed home by David Salmela. Parcel is surveyed with soil tests completed with several nice build sites and access to lakeshore.

Looking

TALL TIMBER TRAIL

991 WARD LAKE ROAD

Pristine Lutsen wilderness with Murmur Creek private swimming/fishing hole! Off-grid turnkey living at it’s finest.

LAKE SUPERIOR VACANT LOT // LUTSEN-TOFTE

MLS Forthcoming // $349,900

ONAGON LAKE

MLS 6109158 // $ 189,900

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

NEW!! SUGAR MAPLE DELIGHT ON THE SHORES OF DEERYARD

LAKE! Wander back into the Lutsen woods, away from the hustle and bustle to a bit of peace and quiet on a dreamy lake. Well, more than a bit: 2.3 acres and 175’ of frontage on a clear, healthy, rocky, walleye-filled boreal lake. This 4 bedroom home is sided in Montana hand-hewn white pine, the roof is just a few years old and it has a brand new sprawling class-act deck. Inside a dramatic row of oversized windows brings the maple woods and lake-life spilling into the living room – uffda what a view! Fall color here is mind-blowing, next-level! Woodstove in the corner whispers on a cool, rainy day and roars at 20 below or Heat up and relax any time of year in the sauna. The family room below is movie central when the weather acts up. Above is a roomy, lofted space for reading Or, just take a nap! Tandem, large, detached garage, has attic room truss for storage or finish it off. Let the mind and body reconnect to nature, leave the screens. Groove into forest time, forest ways, pure waters, sylvan winds.

SALE PENDING

MLS#6109862 $755,000

NINEMILE LAKE HOME

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

MLS#6107181

PRICE REDUCED $382,500

SALE PENDING SALE PENDING

SUNSET COTTAGE ON TOM LAKE!

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

MLS#6108255 PRICE REDUCED $289,999

PURE, COOL, PRISTINE, SUPERIOR!

This Post and Beam Lindal Cedar Home has all the bells and whistles! The living room’s wall of glass displays each big-lake moment and the woodstove adds ambiance. The kitchen is class-act and off the kitchen is a sunroom, a good place for deep thought or a deep snooze! Plenty of room here: three bedrooms, three baths, A loft to sneak away to for a good book or everyone cuddled up for movie-night. The primary bedroom is dreamy under lofted ceiling with an ensuite bath. Down below is a spacious family room with impressive views of the lake. Big ‘ol garage with stairs up to a room that is great for storage. Outside is a sprawling deck, perfect for BBQ’s! The locale is a strategic basecamp for North Shore Fun: Lutsen and Grand Marais aren’t far, Splitrock just down the road. Or, bring enough groceries for a month! Hole up among the cool air, pristine forest, and neighboring 3 quadrillion gallons of freshwater, better known as Superior!

MLS#6108922

$989,000

MLS#6109134 $325,000

SOLD SOLD

UNWIND IN SILVER BAY!

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

MLS# 6109171 PRICE REDUCED $235,000

NEW! ENJOY SUNRISES AND SUNSHINE IN SCHROEDER

SALE PENDING

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

MLS#6108780 $375,000

NEW! HOME ON A HILL IN THE SILENT WOODS!

Up the Sawbill Trail in a vast stretch of Superior National Forest is a home on a hill. Built by the current owners it is a home of simplicity on 40 acres! Windows are oriented to take in warm winter sun and sweeping views. A sweet deck overlooks it all, including lady slippers in early summer and a pond at the bottom of the hill, spring fed and pure. It’s made for off-grid living with solar panels and a back-up generator. Inside, the home is about comfort and oneness with its locale: indigenous stones surround the capable wood stoves, beams from a pioneer horse-barn support the roof, cabinets from a caring neighbor provide character. Propane heat is available when the wood stoves cool. Two bedrooms and additional rooms for the office or your vision. The earth sheltered home includes a root cellar to store the food: perhaps blueberry jam from your own berries. A three-season porch is just the thing when the skeets are hungry or a place to nod off after harvesting the garden. Explore in all directions: flyfish or head out on a mountain bike along miles of forest roads. BWCA entry points are close. Tofte and Lutsen are nearby. Or stay home and enjoy the quietness the woods provide!

MLS#6109669

Walk into the small footprint cabin and relax next to the woodstove giving you that extra ambiance or cook a quick meal in the kitchen while planning your next day adventures. The loft area is large enough to have your bed and a quiet reading nook. Walk out enjoy the views of the Boreal Forest and distant Lake Superior! Outside you can enjoy all the spring/summer/fall days under the covered porch, perfect for BBQ’s or just listening to the birds sing. Full basement accessed outside gives you plenty of space to store all your seasonal gear. This home sits on 4.90 acres giving you plenty of space to create your own trails and places to explore. Located close to Sugarloaf Cove, the Superior Hiking Trail and Temperance River State Park! Get a quick meal at the Schroeder Bakery and take it down to the beach by the mouth of the Temperance to enjoy the sounds of the lake. Or just hideaway at your Up North Cabin and enjoy having the stress melt away.

$269,000

MLS#6110010 $425,000

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

TOFTE AREA

LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW LOT IN THE MIDDLE OF TOFTE!

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

MLS#6107193 $149,900

FINLAND

AREA

BUILD YOUR VACATION GETAWAY AT NINEMILE LAKE!

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

MLS#6107242 $60,000

LAKE VIEW LOT!

GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD A LAKE HOME AT THE VILLAGE AT NINEMILE!

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

MLS#6107243 $60,000

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

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

MLS#6107241 $150,000

SILVER BAY AREA

LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW LOT IN TOFTE!

This is a rare parcel with tons of possibilities! The land borders Federal to the North giving you plenty of room to wander the woods or you could just walk down your driveway to get to Ray Berglund Wayside State Park and enjoy the MN Dot Lake Superior shoreline across the Highway. Nice mixture of trees, exposed rock, and beautiful Lake views! This parcel is unique – long and narrow, giving you many options of where and what to build. Great location with Lutsen Mountains Ski Area is just a minute drive away, along with Superior National Golf Course and the paved Gitchi Gami State Bike Trail is across the highway. Build your cabin and enjoy the North Shore –maybe work remotely or move up here! MLS#6107607 $99,000

LUTSEN, LAND AND LOCATION!

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

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

MLS#6107596 $62,900!

GRAND MARAIS AREA

GO WITH THE FLOW ALONG THE CASCADE!

It’s not often you find large parcels of land away from it all like this 27 acres! A river runs by it, the Cascade to be precise. Previous owners provided a solid start: brand new garage on one portion of the property complete with a room above. An outhouse rounds out the basic needs. Over by the river, is a simple, solar powered, wee cabin. Everything you need to get started! Diverse mix of trees and lots of upland. This is way-out there country, yet Grand Marais is close enough for easy resupply, a brew, take in some music. Access to Pike Lake is just over yonder. Snowmobile, hiking and cross country ski trails are handy!

MLS#6108873 $164,900

RARE OPPORTUNITY IN THE CITY OF GRAND MARAIS!

MLS#6107607 $99,000

LUTSEN AREA

NEW!! MAPLE FOREST IN LUTSEN! Imagine having your own place on the North Shore to get away to, a place to call home base while you enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities- this is it! Electricity and broadband at the road, Potential for a driveway along the Southwest property line – highest point of the land! Great spot to build your dreamy walk out cabin or home. Potential for Lake Superior view with some tree clearing. Easy maintenance – the Association takes care of the plowing of the road! Lutsen location is great for all the seasonal activities like hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing and snowmobiling! Lutsen Mountains and Superior National Golf Course are close by! Bordering Outlot owned by the association to North and West providing a great buffer. All that is missing is you! Visit today and start living the Dream at Jonvick!

MLS#6109822 $97,500

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

MLS#6107788 $179,900 REDUCED!

SALE PENDING

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

$108,000

MLS#6108926

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

MLS#6108876 $67,000

LAKE SUPERIOR 16 Skratthult Trail

A 3 bedroom, 2 bath home overlooking an absolutely phenomenal 228’ of Lake Superior ledge rock shoreline. This split entry house comes with a cozy fireplace for those chilly nights and an amazing sunroom big enough for entertaining and taking in all the sounds and sights of the big lake. The multi-level deck offers even more space to enjoy the natural beauty of this spectacular property. Over 3 acres keeps it private. Sunrise to sunset and moon reflected on sparkling water, this place is special!

MLS 6110004

$799,900

384X Highway 61 E

Exceptionally stunning Lake Superior property, perfect for building your ultimate North Shore retreat, with over a thousand feet of shoreline! This 5+ acre lot has officially been subdivided into 2 independent lots and is part of the aptly named Paradise Beach. Imagine owning this beautiful cobblestone beach, that is surrounded by government owned land & provides extensive beach walking opportunities?

MLS 610784 $1,200,000

78 Troll’s Trail

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

MLS 6108596 $149,900

COMMERCIAL

12XX Highway 61 W

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

MLS 6107103 $789,900

1315 E Highway 61

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

6104280 $1,250,000

HOMES & CABINS

500 W 5th Street

Great location for a home or investment property! Duplex potential for rental income. Close to everything Grand Marais has to offer. Well built 2 bedroom, 1 bath, split-entry home ready for your special touches! Add flooring and some final details to complete this home.

MLS 6109678 $349,000

REDUCED 2393 W Highway 61

Home on 6 acres of forest with seasonal Lake Superior views--potential for year round views! This 2BR/1BA gem is tucked away high on the hill just west of Grand Marais. Unfinished, walk-out basement with egress windows ready for your design. So much to offer in a small footprint--full-time home or North Shore getaway!

MLS 6108705 $399,900

REDUCED 5541 E Highway 61 E

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

MLS 6107983 $339,900

40 County Road 44

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

MLS 6107949 $549,900

2246 County Road 7

Fantastic, sunny, tastefully finished 4BR, 4BA home on 16A with Lake Superior views! Finished walk-out could be rented as a 1BR unit with full kitchen and bath.

MLS 6108758 $699,900

2817 Highway 61 E

Looking for a Big Lake getaway near Grand Marais? Impressive views of Lake Superior high on a bluff with a perfect sandy-pebbly beach down below.

MLS 6108131 $219,900

REDUCED 2390 County RD 7

Charming 3BR/1.5 bath country home tucked away on an incredibly nice 5A lot, with seasonal Lake Views, and it abuts State land to the south.  Full, walk-out lower level, that can be completed to your tastes.  There is a detached 2 car garage that is perfect for the tools and toys.

MLS 6109661 $399,900

126 County Rd 6

Out in the country, but close to all the activities in Grand Marais! This peaceful 10 acre parcel will have you dreaming of easy living in a rural setting.

MLS 6109786 $199,900

REDUCED Squint Lake Lot 5

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

MLS 6108303 $129,900

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

MLS 6107777 $169,900

TOM LAKE

Affordable, south facing lakeshore lot! This sweet little lot features 102’ of shoreline and nicely wooded with a great mix of healthy trees. Lot is surveyed, close to YR access, electricity & broadband.

MLS TBD $59,900

REDUCED Moose Valley Rd

Large parcel on the County-maintained Moose Valley Rd!  80A of topographical, natural, and wildlife glory!  This lot has dramatic bluffs, rolling hills, and ponds.

MLS 6108970 $260,000

NEW 294X County Rd 7

Fantastic 10A Cty Rd 7 location, which is a paved, YR maintained and only 7 miles from Grand Marais. Federal land to the east.

MLS 6109818 $119,900

Beautiful piece of land with a healthy forest, a Lake Superior view, and 10 minutes from Grand Marais.  Features a screen house, solid driveway with a nice open area that is perfect for weekend use.

MLS 6108990 $127,900

1XX

Whippoorwill Ln

Large Parcel with easy yearround access! 40A lot is heavily wooded for maximum privacy and about hundreds of acres of Federal Land.

MLS 6109109 $89,900

11XX Highway 61 W

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

MLS 6108208 $199,900

Honeymoon Trail

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

MLS 6108969 $119,000

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

MLS 6108084 $348,900

Onagon Lake

Enjoy the natural beauty of forested lands on this affordable 1.62A Onagon Lake front lot, located at the end of the historic Gunflint Trail. Over 200’ of lake shore, providing plenty of privacy for your Northwoods getaway.

MLS 6109045 $94,900

Hwy 61 E

Beautiful 20 acres overlooking Lake Superior! Prime spot for a deer camp as this area is known for excellent hunting.

MLS 6107462 $34,900

23XX County Road 7

Looking for the hard to find homesite on County Road 7? This lovely 5A lot is nicely wooded and gently rolling, creating an easy site for building.

MLS 6109044 $79,900

10 Murphy Drive

Caribou Lake

Greenwood Lake

INLAND LAKE HOMES & CABINS REDUCED 11 Poplar Creek Dr

Amazing opportunity to own a private getaway on 309’ of Poplar Lake. The 4BR/5BA house is currently operating as a B&B on 7.2A with BWCA access and is only about 30 miles from Grand Marais. The BWCA, hiking trails, bike trails, and miles of ski trails including the Banadad system all provideendless opportunity for outdoor adventures. The area is rich in wildlife. Make it your ideal north woods escape or dream business or both rolled into one!

MLS 6109270

$749,900

REDUCED 1376 Devil Track Road

Great home on Devil Track Lake with a huge metal pole barn! Two bedrooms on the main level with 1+ bedrooms in the lower level walk-out. 210’ of shoreline with boat launch. Detached garage next to house and giant garage on the top of the hill (46x 60) with a shop, electric, running water (even a bathroom). This is a must see property to appreciate the value!

MLS 6108992

$699,900

NEW 181 South Shore Drive

Charming 2BR/2BA Devil Track Lake, YR home, conveniently located off South Shore Drive. This fabulous lot is like a park, complete with beautiful & mature trees; a rare, protected harbor, canopy for your boat; over 100’ of shoreline; a level lot for easy access; and a dock for enjoying stunning sunsets & sunrises.

MLS 6109729

$599,900

REDUCED 261 Caps Trail

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

MLS 6107953 $599,900

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

WATERFRONT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

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

MLS#6103262

$1,950,000

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

GREENWOOD LAKE PANORAMIC VIEWS

STUNNING LAKE SUPERIOR HOME

Stunning Lake Superior home sits on 4+ acres with over 370' of accessible shoreline, perfect for launching a kayak or take a cold plunge after a session in the sauna! 3 Bedroom, 2 bath home with updates throughout including new flooring in the upper-level, black leather honed granite countertops and a propane cookstove. Large decks around the house overlooking the lake.

MLS#6109612

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

DEVIL TRACK LAKE HOME

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

MLS#6108310 $549,000 PRICE REDUCED!

LAKE SUPERIOR PRIVATE RETREAT

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

MLS#6107927 $1,750,000

Three bedroom, 3 bath home on 2 acres of dense forest and 200 feet of shoreline with loads of privacy, on the coveted north shore of the lake. Quality-built 1981 home has many recent updates, including windows and roof. Updated kitchen with new slate tile floors, granite countertops, cabinets and appliances. Open floor plan on the main floor is perfect for entertaining. There are hardwood floors, lofted ceilings, large windows and an expansive deck accessed by 2 patio doors. Primary bedroom has lake views, a private bath and walk-in closet. Upstairs bath includes a laundry area. 2-car attached garage and a second detached 2-car garage with storage space. Dock and lift included. Shoreline has a gradual drop with gravel bottom, perfect for swimming and fishing from the dock.

MLS#6108491 $689,000

WILDERNESS LAKE ISLAND HOME

LAKE SUPERIOR HOVLAND HIDE-AWAY

Privacy and sunset views fill this warm 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on Big Bay. The home has been well cared for and provides the comforts and attributes of a classic North Shore Retreat. Stone fireplace and handsome wood mantle, custom kitchen cabinets and granite counter tops, with charming old wooden boat hanging over the great room. The floor to ceiling windows bring the moods of Superior into the living space. A large 4-season porch with wood stove and adjoining cedar sauna. Plenty of outdoor patio space. Oversized 1-car detached garage. 3.44 acres of dense forest with 202 feet of accessible shore.

MLS#6109902 $969,000

Live off-grid with comfort and spectacular scenery on a 6.82 acre island on Greenwood Lake, Minnesota's highest lake. Most of the 2000 ft shoreline is US Forest Service land. It's a jewel and you get the protection of your own island, offering isolation, wilderness views and wildlife. Comfortable small home is set up for your retreat lifestyle. Present owners built the home and large shop building with guest quarters, and have lived on the island for 15+ years. Off grid solar, generator power, new peat-moss septic system, lake water and satellite provide the comforts you desire. Air boat, pontoon and fishing boats included, providing access with a protective cove & docks for easy landing/loading.

MLS#6104980 $589,900

HAND CRAFTED GUNFLINT LAKE COTTAGE

Rather than having a time-crunched stay at the rental, you should get away to the Mile O Pine cabin this year! The northern lights were unprecedented this past winter, dazzling the imaginations of wide-eyed night-owls and those scarce few who ventured out with stocking feet, beckoned by the cold whisper of nature's call. Perhaps you, too, can capture some dark sky and star dust from the front row of not just one of the many, but your own unique, north woods bungalow! This hand crafted cottage is nestled underneath a canopy of lofty cedar and spruce, and located on the south shore of Gunflint Lake. During the warm months, keep your pontoon or fishing boat right out front to take advantage of the early morning bite, or to enjoy a leisurely lunch out on the water. There's space for you and your guests in the cabin and bunkhouse, and there is ample room for all four seasons' toys in the large garage up top of the hill. This place is just waiting to brighten your northern Minnesota experience! MLS#6109105

HOME ON CLEARWATER ROAD

Wonderful property in a superb location, just a few miles from the center of the Gunflint Trail, with a gorgeous inland lake view! Houses on Clearwater Road don't come available often!

Single level house is suitable for year-round use, with a wood fireplace and a 4-season porch. Detached garage is on a dry slab with ample workbench space and room for a vehicle and boat or snowmobiles. This home is well-loved, and could be your own north-woods getaway and spring board for endless enjoyment for years down the road. Other nearby attractions include Honeymoon Bluff overlook, Trail Center Lodge and Restaurant, and the BWACW, plus miles of snowmobile and cross- country ski trails

MLS#6109927 $449,900

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES INLAND WATER PROPERTIES INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

GREENWOOD LAKE LOT

Lot on stunning Greenwood Lake with 4.24 acres. The lot was selected for the peninsula lake front with 300 feet of lakeshore. There is a stubbed in driveway to park and a brushed walking corridor to the lake. MLS#6108850

GULL LAKE CABIN

Here's your chance to own a cabin on the Gunflint Trail with direct access to the B.W.C.A.W. Charming cabin sits on 1.7 acres on Gull Lake with many other lakes to explore nearby, including, but not limited to Saganaga & Sea Gull lakes! Cabin features an open concept layout with a spacious loft area. The wood burning stove will take the chill out of the air in the cooler months. Views are spectacular from the 3-season screened porch! With an outcropping of "Boundary Water Boulders" the blueberries thrive on this property!! A special place you must see for yourself.

MLS#6109763 $449,000

SALE PENDING

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

MLS#6108657 $399,000

PENDING

POPLAR LAKE CABIN

Well loved and cared for cabin on Poplar Lake is a true gem. Everything you need to get a break from it all. Poplar Lake has 3 different entry points into the BWCAW and is a great fishing lake. Cabin sits on 200+ feet of shoreline and is surrounded by big, beautiful cedar trees. 2 bedrooms and a loft, a gas fireplace to warm you in the colder months.

MLS#6109507 $425,000

GULL LAKE ICONIC CANOE COUNTRY LOT

Breathtaking views of Gull Lake from this 4 acre lot will mesmerize and then inspire you to take out your kayak or canoe to cut a crisp line through the water. Blueberries and wildflowers are abundant throughout the mossy boulders and along the rugged shoreline. Property abuts over 500 acres of Federal land to the south, which provides unending wild space to explore beyond your own private slice of iconic canoe country.

MLS#6109510 $275,000

POPLAR LAKE LOT

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

MLS#6108233 $199,000

WEST

A classic Northwoods cabin on the serene and private West Pope Lake and has been restored to all its glory. The cabin sits on 5+ acres and adjoins Superior National Forest Land to the East. The detail in this charming cabin brings to mind a simpler time and evokes nostalgia. A wood burning stove will warm your heart along with this well insulated cabin, a must see! A jumping off point for all your adventures on the North Shore. XC ski trails abound! Close to the mid-trail restaurants & Boundary Waters. Plenty of room to add on!

MLS#6109504 $399,000

TOM LAKE PEACEFUL HAVEN

A beautiful drive through the forested hills of the Hovland area takes you to this peaceful haven on Tom Lake. A total of 32 acres on each side of South Tom Lake Road. The north half has 660 feet of shoreline with a mixture of deciduous and evergreen forest. The southern half slopes gently up from the road and is a mature deciduous forest. From the lakeshore, enjoy summer sunsets to the northwest or peaceful morning sunrises. Tom Lake is known for walleye fishing and the surrounding area has many ATV and snowmobile trails.

MLS#6108188 $225,000

TOM LAKE LOT

There really are places that are still wild, with clear air and starry nights away from the sounds of civilization. If you are willing to drive the extra mile, you will enjoy this untouched lake lot with 214 feet of shoreline on a fairly even heavily wooded lot. The property has been surveyed and staked. Brumbaugh Road is private with a public landing at the north end of Tom Lake. No homeowners association here. Building plans subject to county approval. Come visit soon; the loons are waiting for you!

MLS#6108312 $127,000 PRICE REDUCED!

SALE PENDING

GATED

Beautiful 1.5 acre lot with 170 feet of Tom Lake shoreline in a small private gated plat. Only 5 lots with 4 on the lake. Lot 4 is nicely wooded with maples, pine and birch. Stubbed in driveway and marked/flagged build site. Tom Lake is an excellent fishery with walleye, bass, northern and perch. A perfect place to camp, play with the kids and swim. It is ready to for you to clear your site and build.

MLS#6109610 $74,000

TOM LAKE CABIN

PLAT LOT ON TOM LAKE

POPE LAKE CLASSIC CABIN

RENEW/BUILD A BUSINESS IN GRAND MARAIS

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

MLS#6107939 $249,900

LUTSEN COMMERCIAL SITE

Lutsen "downtown" location. Hwy 61 frontage-road access, 3.3 acres and 389 feet of frontage overlooking the highway, with some limited Lake Superior views. Nice creek borders the east property line, mature evergreen forest. Great location for retail, restaurant or art gallery with great visibility off the North Shore Scenic Highway. LTGC zone district (Lutsen Town Center General Commercial) allows many options. Three separate lots could be split. Located just minutes from Lutsen Mountains Ski Area, Superior National Golf Course, many lodges and recreational opportunities. MLS#6105204 $220,000

HOMES & CABINS

IRISH CREEK HOME

Imagine a home tucked away on 89 gorgeous acres and you sitting by the woodburning fireplace, looking out your windows at all the wildlife that may come to visit. This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with all the privacy features, maintenance-free siding, a metal roof, vaulted ceilings with pine tongue and groove, a stunning stone fireplace, custom hickory cabinets and much more. A sanctuary in the Northwoods, with views all around. Create your own cross-country ski trails among the old pines, take a walk down the quiet gravel road, explore with an ATV, or just sit and enjoy the beautiful garden and a bonfire. An impressive solar system leaves you with minimal utility bills but if you want to tap into the grid, power and broadband are slated to arrive. You must see this home in person to truly appreciate all it has to offer.

MLS#6109126 $539,000

UPDATED 3 BEDROOM GRAND MARAIS HOME

Within walking distance to schools, restaurants, and best of all, Lake Superior. Large 3+ bedroom home features a 2-stall detached and well insulated garage. Home sits on a well landscaped and sizeable .51-acre lot with a small creek meandering through the backyard and is currently set up with a long-term rental in the lower level which has it's own private entrance.

MLS#6109587 $450,000

CASCADE RIVER FRONTAGE LOT

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE SALE PENDING COMMERCIAL

This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the very few privately owned lots on the scenic Cascade River! Over 440 feet of private river frontage offers peaceful calm and gives rise to creative dreaming. Build an off-grid compound with rustic cabins or a custom log home, or keep it wild for camping. There's plenty of space here to spread out with 26.6 acres, and seemingly endless public land to the south and west for hiking, hunting and other north woods enthusiasm.

MLS#6105797 $350,000

40+ ACRES ON COUNTY RD 14

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

MLS#6108229 $330,000

CHARMING OFF-GRID HOMESTEAD IN ENCHANTED FOREST

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

MLS#6108193 $429,900

MAGNEY PARK AREA RIDGE TOP WITH LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

This remote and secluded "80" acre property has high ridge views of the big lake. The property adjoins Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Easements in place for road access on old logging trails. Ultimate privacy! Mixed, mature forest of evergreens and maples, creeks and pond. Walking distance to Brule River. There are many unique aspects to this beautiful recreational property.

MLS#6107790 $129,000 REMOTE RETREAT

This 70-acre tract has varied terrain and variety of forest. The property is split by Sundling Creek which flows into the Cascade River. Easements and Forestry Permits are in place for seasonal access. Remoteness means ATV/UTV-only drive in and out. It's possible to walk in from the Superior Hiking Trail on the south. This special place adjoins thousands of acres of federal forest lands. There’s even walk-in easement to the Cascade River. It's a unique parcel for your truly remote retreat. MLS#6108890 $68,000

NEWLY REMODELED SILVER BAY 4 BEDROOM HOME

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

MLS#6108044 $299,000

MONS CREEK AND VIEWS

HOMES & CABINS SALE PENDING SOLD

1000 ft of Mons Creek frontage & a great view from a high build site. Easy road access, but lots of privacy. 40 acre property w/ private deeded access to Lost Lake, a short drive away. Private lake w/ limited use, a true wilderness feel. Perfect cabin retreat location w/ added bonus of private wilderness lake access. Homeowners association stocks lake w/ brook trout. Walk-in landing provides easy access for canoe or small boat. Roads are gated for security & privacy. Lost Lake Retreats is a truly secluded & private wilderness escape. MLS#6089090

LAND/BUILDING SITES

FOOTHILL BOULEVARD LOT

Gorgeous 4 acre lot with a driveway, building pad and power at the road. Bring your plans for a homestead or weekend cabin, or just use it as a great campsite! Property is simply beautiful, and borders public land as well. Foothill Boulevard is strikingly beautiful particularly in the fall with the colors.

PENDING

L ARGE, REMOTE ACREAGE –PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

MLS#6109511 $75,000

This over 80-acre tract has some high ground with views of the hills to the south. Good road access. Some young planted pine trees. It adjoins a Private Conservation Easement area. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity.

MLS#6103975 $74,900

NEW! BIG LAKE VIEWS

1 acre lot with views of the Big Lake!! This is the location of the old 1 room Colville School House!

The driveway has been started!! Take a short walk across Highway 61 to the Lake Superior shoreline owned by the State of MN and enjoy a beautiful & private feeling beach!

MLS#6109904

$65,000

WOODED 64 ACRES –ACCESS TO PRIVATE LAKE

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

MLS#6103974 $59,900

PEACEFUL TAIT LAKE PINES

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

MLS#6106368 $55,000

TAIT LAKE PINE LOT

Welcome to Tait Lake Pines!

MAPLE FOREST LOTS

Beautiful 5+ acre wooded lots, covered in Maple Forest. In the fall these beautiful lots will be ablaze with stunning colors. Caribou Lake Public Access nearby, hiking trails, Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, Gitche Gumee bike trail and all the things the North Shore has to offer.

MLS#6108144

$65,000

MLS#6108145 SOLD

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

MLS#6098276 $54,900

SALE PENDING

GREAT LOCATION FOR HOME OR CABIN

Just minutes west of Grand Marais on a black-top county road with power at the site, Broadband nearby. Five acre parcel with southern exposure. Potential Lake Superior views. Very affordable building site!

MLS#6096700 $49,900

BRULE VALLEY LOTS

These three, 40+ acre adjoining parcels are connected to a vast amount of Federal and State land, and are the perfect place to get away from snaps, feeds and notifications. Everyone needs a quiet respite, and this place provides that wholly.

Towering Pines, poplar, birch and evergreens, ponds, creeks and rolling hills all for you, and for the wildlife therein. Seasonally, it is about a 50 minute drive from Grand Marais. Check it out this summer and make it your own.

MLS#6102969 $43,000 - Lot B

MLS#6102971 $46,000 - Lot C

MLS#6102970 $44,000 - Lot D

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

GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE. Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7, a 5+ acre lot with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites.

MLS#6094099

REMOTE PEACE & QUIET, PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS

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

MLS#6098653 $39,900

REMOTE, ENDOF-THE-ROAD PRIVACY

This deeply wooded 20 acre parcel is remote and has nice southerly exposure and creek frontage on Mons Creek, a trout stream. It also comes with deeded access to Lost Lake, a private access lake with limited private property. A place to fish, listen to the loons and watch the sun set. The private area is gated and maintained by an association. The main road access is seasonal, but Broadband and power are slated to come here soon. This is a great area for ATV’s with miles of roads to explore.

MLS#6098654 $38,900

40 ACRES– STONES THROW TO TOM LAKE

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

MLS#6095114 $60,000

REMOTE ACREAGE, ADJOINING FOREST LANDS-PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

This 43 acre tract has adjoining federal land and state park within walking distance. Good road access, with an old "logging road" into the property. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity.

MLS#6103979 $46,900

REMOTE 5 ACRE LUTSEN LOT

Completely remote and private 5 acre lot adjacent to public land, ready for your off-grid plans! Thick timber on a southwest facing hill. Come check it out, and make an offer!

MLS6108777  $32,000

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Black Bear

While attempting to photograph deer in northern Minnesota, I had a surprise encounter with this black bear. I was set up in a stand of bur oaks that were dropping acorns, much to the delight of a variety of critters. This black bear was also attracted to the newly-fallen mast. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.

—Bill Marchel