Northern Wilds

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Festivals, Icons and August Fun

In the tiny lakeside community of Grand Marais, where the Northern Wilds office is located, the first weekend in August is the high point of the year. This is the longstanding date of the annual Fisherman’s Picnic, a combination street fair, community reunion and all-around extravaganza that attracts thousands of visitors and former residents. For many, it’s an annual “never miss it” event. It’s followed a week later by another event of equal stature, Rendezvous Days in Grand Portage. This unique gathering has a traditional Anishinaabe powwow as its centerpiece, along with a reenactment of a voyageur encampment on the shores of Lake Superior. Both Fisherman’s Picnic and Rendezvous Days are authentic experiences that reflect the heritage and culture of the two communities. They are also celebrations of summer, a short, sweet season that in August is beginning to slip away. A word of advice, dear readers: Get out there and enjoy it while it lasts.

The theme of this issue is icons of the Northern Wilds. We serve up a selection of iconic landmarks and people. As always, we also have an eclectic selection of stories and columns. A new writer, Jodi Tervo Roberts, tells how her young family is beating the housing shortage in Cook County by building their own tiny home. Another new writer, Buck Benson, recounts his rafting trip through the Yukon and Alaskan wilderness in 2017. Emily Stone, who is spending the summer roaming throughout Alaska, features a restaurant owner she met in her travels who has ties to her home in northern Wisconsin and the Gunflint

Trail. Kim Casey introduces an Anishinaabe artist who is spending his summer as the artist in residence at Quetico Provincial Park. Peter Fergus-Moore explains why some of the greatest musicians of India perform house concerts in Thunder Bay.

Since summer is a time when families dine out, North Shore Dish columnist and mom Maren Webb takes us to some kid-friendly restaurants. Chuck Viren goes to Thunder Bay’s famous Hoito, which is celebrating its hundredth year. We learn how to chill with Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux’s selection of summer mocktails. The ever-resourceful Julia Prinselaar explains how you don’t need to pull weeds from your garden when you can eat them. Javier Serna tops it off with a couple of beer selections from Sleeping Giant Brewery in Thunder Bay.

Outdoor lovers will find advice for catching native lake trout in Lake Superior from Gord Ellis. Rae Poynter provides August water cross, drag racing and mud bog events. Elle Andra-Warner tells the mysterious tale of a famous Canadian bank robber who may or may not have died in a plane crash enroute to Thunder Bay. A thoroughly awesome roundup of events and exhibits comes to us courtesy of managing editor Breana Roy. Indeed, there is so much happening in August that you won’t be able to fit it all in. Get to it! —Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

2017 WINNERS L-R top to bottom: Copes Grey Tree Frog by Grady O’Donnell, Two Harbors Train Depot by Larry Paulson, Autumn Fog on Heartbreak Hill by Walt Huss, She Spots the Fish, I Catch Them by Britt Trovall

Did

money for a Wildfire Sprinkler System in Cook County?

Cook County Firewise would like to remind you that it is your responsibility to maintain the system.

If you are unable to maintain your system: Contact a sprinkler system installer for maintenance and/or a contactor to assist with maintaining defensible space and your sprinkler system.

Contractors who can help you remove brush from your property

Timberr Tree Service

Dennis Burton Grand Marais, 218-387-2576

Lutsen Landscaping

Matt Kartes Lutsen, 218-663-7910 lutsenlandscaping@gmail.com

McMillan Tree Service Grand Marais, 218-370-0118

Michael Valentini Property Services LLC

Grand Marais, 218-388-0900 michaelv@mvalentini.com

Chuck’s Wood Services

Sean Klongerbo, 218-428-1654 chuckswoodservices@gmail.com

Northland Brushing

Mickey Brazell, 218-370-0202 mickeybrazell61@gmail.com

Nesgoda Services LLP

Gary Nesgoda and Nick Hingos Grand Marais, 218-387-4166

North Shore Timber Products and Services, LLC

Dave Howe Grand Marais, 218-370-9929

Pat O’Neill Lutsen 218-663-7601

Scott Platzer Roadside Brushing Lutsen, 218-663-7305

Skildum Enterprises

Chris Skildum Grand Marais, 218-370-8516

W. Labor, LLC

Winchester Higgins Grand Marais, 218-370-8187

Exterior Sprinkler System Contractors

Michael Valentini Property Services LLC

218-388-0900 michaelv@mvalentini.com

Wildfire Sprinkler, Inc.

George Carlson

218-388-9969

gcarlson@wildfiresprinkler.com

This is not an endorsement by Cook County or the Firewise Program of the work of any specific contractor and should not be interpreted as such. Contractors qualified to conduct Firewise-related work may request to be added to this list by contacting the Firewise Coordinator. Aerial photo showing areas with and without a sprinkler system after a fire.

Cook County Firewise

411 W 2nd St, Grand Marais, MN 55604 firewise@co.cook.mn.us • 218.235.0899 www.cookcountyfirewise.org

AUGUST 2018

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com

Breana Roy, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

Sue O’Quinn, Sales Representative sue@northernwilds.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com

Leah Pratt • print@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Roseanne Cooley billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux, Buck Benson, Kim Casey, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Peter Fergus-Moore, Casey Fitchett, Joe Friedrichs, Ali Juten, Deane Morrison, Rae Poynter, Julia Prinselaar, Amy Schmidt, Javier Serna, Emily M. Stone, Jodi Tervo Roberts, Chuck Viren, Maren Webb

Copyright 2018 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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A restaurant in Alaska; a heart in Wisconsin; a little spice from the Gunflint Trail

HAINES, ALASKA—The town of Haines, Alaska, sits on the shore of one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world. The glacially carved valley of the Lynn Canal, now filled with seawater, is 60 miles long and more than 2,000 feet deep. The snowcapped peaks of the Chilkat Range and Takinsha Mountains dominate the skyline, while densely forested hills fill in the foreground. The Chilkat River flowing through town is famous for its bumper crops of eagles, spawning salmon and brown bears feeding on the salmon.

The human story here is equally diverse and interesting, with a rich Tlingit culture, historic Fort Seward, gold mines, film sets and the first intersection of the Inside Passage ferry route and the mainland road system.

That junction of land and water routes brought me to this amazing place. My trip on the “poor man’s cruise ship” of the Alaska Marine Highway System concluded when I drove off the ferry into Haines. I was instantly comfortable in this small, laidback town. I met a variety of sourdoughs (people who were born here) and transplants who came looking for adventure. After wandering through the art galleries, cafés and souvenir shops, I headed over to the Fireweed Restaurant for dinner.

The boxy old structure is the historic Quartermaster’s building of Fort Seward, where army personnel and their families would come to buy supplies. Inside, honey-colored wood is everywhere—much of it reclaimed from the original shelving boards or cut from the nearby hills. I ordered the special: Israeli couscous with ground lamb, tons of veggies, and an incredible mint sauce. It was delicious.

The restaurant’s owner and chef, Adam Richard, grew up in Danville, Illinois, and his journey to Alaska was anything but direct. The next morning I caught him in the middle of making a huge pot of marinara sauce for their signature pizzas. What could have been a basic interview quickly turned into a conversation about mutual friends and shared experiences.

After high school, Richard spent a summer working for Tuscarora Outfitters at

the end of the Gunflint Trail. Since the mile-long Tuscarora Portage is famous for its difficulty, his duties included helping folks carry their gear. One old guy was a regular every summer, and the experienced guides told Richard that the knowledge this old-timer could bestow on a newbie was well worth the effort. After reaching the beach, Richard waited expectantly for some nugget of wisdom or valuable reward. Reaching into his pocket, the kind old man brought out a bright yellow butterscotch candy. Richard still looks back on that summer as one of his best.

After trying out and disliking a mechanical engineering program, Richard moved to Northern Wisconsin and flipped burgers at the Sawmill Saloon in Seeley. He’d always been impressed by television chefs who could cook anything, and grew up admiring his mom’s cooking, too. (Homemade chicken and noodles was his favorite.)

Burgers quickly got boring, so Richard stretched the truth a little and landed a job in the kitchen at the now-defunct Telemark Lodge just outside Cable. “The first thing the head chef asked me to do

was make a roux,” Richard remembered. “I asked him, ‘what’s a roux?’ He closed his eyes, took a breath, and proceeded to teach me how to cook.”

The northwoods suited Richard well, and he spent his days off fishing out of his jon boat for bass and panfish. “Although there’s a lot of water up here in Alaska, it’s more dangerous and inaccessible than back in the Midwest,” lamented Richard. Despite being able to catch shrimp, crab and salmon for his personal use, and serving three kinds of locally caught seafood

A Loan in the Woods

Adam Richard, owner and chef of the Fireweed Restaurant, stirring marinara sauce. | EMILY STONE

at the Fireweed, he still has a soft spot for walleye.

Like many Midwesterners, though, Richard wanted to see more of the world. He moved to Portland, Oregon, and enrolled in the Western Culinary Institute—part of the Le Cordon Bleu network. While that helped him land jobs at a couple of fine-dining restaurants, he still longed for a bigger adventure. One night, he and his geography-major girlfriend were looking at maps. Tracing the paths of mountain ranges, rivers and fjords to their convergence, her finger landed on Haines. Richard looked it up, made one call about a cabin and another about a job, and within 24 hours they were planning their move.

Lisa Loberg had recently purchased the Fireweed Restaurant from its original owner, and together she and Richard built it into a local hotspot. As the restaurant’s popularity grew, Richard looked out from the kitchen at the cramped space, crowded tables, and visitors waiting for seating, and began dreaming of what he would do if it was his. Eight years in, he purchased the restaurant from Loberg, blew out a wall, expanded the kitchen, and doubled the available space. Richard’s wife, Amelia, a sourdough he met while volunteering as a DJ at the local radio station, now takes care of the restaurant’s finances, and sometimes works as hostess, too.

Richard’s been doing all he can to make sure that the restaurant is a benefit to the community beyond providing amazing food, local beer, and a place to gather. Maybe people do that everywhere, but I attributed his generosity to Midwestern

values. For one, he employs up to 24 people from April through October. Some are locals; others have just arrived in Alaska seeking a new adventure. He’s even hired a few people who have had trouble being successful in other work. One introverted busboy came out of his shell and ended up as an extroverted pizza cook.

Fireweed’s end-of-season party has morphed into a Halloween/karaoke fundraiser for the local radio station. Richard also

provides pizza to the kickoff party for the local library’s summer reading program, and has sponsored a kids’ reading program that gives pizza as the reward for reading 10 books.

Richard’s eyes lit up when he talked about the kids, and also as he described the melee of wildlife that followed the hooligan into the bay last spring. This type of smelt make their spawning run from the ocean to the river in May, luring in

great numbers of sea lions, killer whales, sea birds and more. “The incredible confluence of wildlife was a tiny glimpse into how it used to be when the natural world was more functional,” he philosophized.

Despite the incredible setting and the success of his restaurant, Richard and Amelia are on a 10-year plan. Cooking can be repetitive and it requires too much time indoors. The couple has been spending the winters traveling to Italy, Jamaica, and throughout the United States. They own land near his aunt and uncle outside Drummond, Wisconsin. “My heart is still in Wisconsin,” confided Richard. “The northwoods speak a little louder to me and it’s harder to make a go of things up here.”

I was happy to hear that I’m not alone in that sentiment. It’s been amazing to see Alaska, but I know I’ll be ready to return to the northwoods at the end of the summer. I’m planning to arrive home just in time for a fall trip into the Boundary Waters… maybe I’ll even do the Tuscarora Portage.

Richard’s still not sure what their next adventure will be, or when it will start. In the meantime, if you happen to visit Haines, Alaska, I highly recommend stopping by the Fireweed for some delicious food cooked by a kindred spirit.—Emily M. Stone

An inside look at the Fireweed Restaurant, located in Haines, Alaska.

| EMILY STONE

MOTOR MANIA! Racing events in the northland

NORTH SHORE—Summer is in full swing, and that means getting outdoors to enjoy this short and treasured season. In addition to quieter pastimes like hiking or canoeing, the Northland also offers events for thrill-seekers and motor enthusiasts. This month, three different motor events pack in fun, adventure and thrills: the Terrace Bay Dragfest, the Atikokan Mudflings, and the Ely Watercross Race.

August kicks off to an exciting start with the Terrace Bay Dragfest. Beginning August 3 and running through the 5th, this annual drag race is held in Terrace Bay, a two-and-a-half hour drive east from Thunder Bay. Begun in 1998 by the Superior Classics Car Club, the Dragfest has grown into a major event, with over 300 competitors and 10,000 spectators each year. While the club serves to foster a love of all classic cars, the Dragfest is focused on muscle car races. These fast-paced races begin on Friday, August 3 at noon, and pick up again on Saturday at 9 a.m. The races on Sunday also begin at 9 a.m, with elimination rounds starting at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $10 each for Friday and $20 each for Saturday and Sunday. For those wishing to stay the whole weekend, basic camping space is offered for $15 per person, per night. For more on the Terrace Bay Dragfest, visit: superiorclassics.ca.

The following weekend is the Atikokan Mudfling Races. Atikokan is home to the Charleson Recreation Area, an expansive site for all kinds of outdoor sports, from dirt biking to horseback riding. It also happens to be home to Northern Ontario’s longest mud track, the site of the Mudfling races.

On August 11-13, dozens of racers will bring their trucks to compete in a muddy race to the end of the track. Drivers can compete at different levels, from open races to those reserved for professionally modified trucks. The goal: to place in the top five of your given class and avoid getting stuck and having to be towed out of the track.

General admission tickets for the Atikokan races are $10, with tickets for ages 13-17 and over 65 priced at $5. Children 12 and under get in for free. Present at the Charleson Recreation Area will be food and beverage vendors, as well as a beer garden. For more info, visit: facebook. com/atikokanmudslingers.

Another race will be held across the border in Minnesota: the Ely Watercross Race. On August 11 and 12, snowmobile racers will take their sleds to the water for a day of intense hydroplaning on Fall Lake near Ely. Watercross racing is a high-action sport, but one that seems to fit a part

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The annual Ely Watercross Race will be held Aug. 11-12. | SUBMITTED

of the country with both ample snowmobiles and plenty of lakes. Coordinator Kristi Mattila and her husband were inspired through their own watercross experiences to create an event close to home.

“The Grantsburg race is in its 42nd year. My husband and I got into it and thought, ‘Wow, we should have a race in Ely!’”

Their thought was a good one, and the race has been a success, drawing in not only those well-versed in the sport, but people of all ages and interest levels. On one hand, semi-pro and professional racers compete to win, traveling up to 80 miles per hour on a course of four to eight laps. On the other hand, Ely Watercross is

unique in that it offers novice races. Those wishing to try their hand at the sport can pay $20 to enter a novice race. There’s even a canoe race for those who want a gentler experience on the water.

Attendees also have the option of upgrading their ticket to a Pit Pass, which lets you meet the racers. In addition to the racing, Ely Watercross will offer an outdoor concert on Saturday night, featuring the band Snakeoil. Camping is also offered onsite, for $20.

More information on the Ely Watercross Race can be found on Facebook under the Ely Watercross Association.—Rae Poynter

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A Wide Range of Opportunity

100 years of Hoito Finnish food and a whole lot more

Finnish

THUNDER BAY—In 1918, 59 people donated five dollars each in “comrade loans” to open a restaurant in the basement of the Finnish Labour Temple at 314 Bay Street in Port Arthur (now part of Thunder Bay). Finnish bush workers wanted an affordable and reliable place to eat when they were in Port Arthur. The success of this venture was not assured. In the eight years previous, many cooperative and private ventures had failed to sustain a restaurant in that location. One hundred years later, the restaurant is still serving a combination of traditional Finnish cuisine alongside restaurant staples such as omelets, hamburgers and roast beef.

While May 1 was the official anniversary, the “Hoito 100” celebration has been a summer-long event. There was an employee reunion, where congratulatory cards from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finnish President Sauli Niinstö and his family were on display. There are ongoing “Dinners for the Century,”

weekly specials featuring a dish from a different decade. There is a Hoito 100 raffle where a $20 ticket could get you a handmade sauna, gourmet cookware, or a private dinner for eight people with Finnish chef Kim Palhus. On October 5, the

are $100. Hoito 100 commemo -

Hoito will host the Finlandia Goes Foodie Hoito 100 Dinner prepared by chef Kim Palhus. Tickets

The

Labour Temple and Hoito Restaurant, located in Port Arthur. | SUBMITTED

The entrance to the Hoito Restaurant. | SUBMITTED

rative coffee mugs are also available for purchase at the restaurant.

In order to survive all these years, Hoito has had to adapt to the times. While still operated through the Finnish Labour Temple, the Finlandia Association purchased all the shares in 1974 and provides an administrative structure for the restaurant. According to Hoito president Paula Haapanen, the restaurant is “slowly but surely implementing changes to make it a sustainable business in the current restaurant scene.”

Through all that has changed, there are a number of constants that have contributed to their longevity. Foremost is the food. Breakfasts are iconic at Hoito, and one need to look no further than the thin yet hearty Finnish pancakes that overflow one’s plate. They can be eaten with ma -

ple syrup or fruit and come with a variety of sides.

Other traditional Finnish dishes are the viili, a Finnish yoghurt; makkara, a Finnish sausage; suolakala, a delicious salt-cured salmon; mojakka, a hearty potato stew with either beef or fish; rosolli, a beet, carrot and apple salad; and piiraka, a rye pastry with rice pudding. Their Finnish sampler includes pickled herring, salt-cured salmon, a beet and apple salad, and rye bread. These dishes evoke northern Scandinavia and will send you home satisfied.

Perhaps the greatest reason for Hoito’s success can be found by talking with the employees. Some have worked at Hoito for 20 to 30 years. Generations of families have been employed there. Staff have met and married and continue working side by side. Manager Christine Brezden

explains that they “all get along. We all have each other’s backs. We’re like a big family, a big Hoito family.” The word “hoito” means “care,” and the employees genuinely care for one another. If there is a job to be done, anyone, regardless of their title, will pitch in.

That cohesiveness was tested one day in March of 1990 when Rose Turner was hired to work in the kitchen: she was the first kitchen worker who did not speak Finnish. As food orders were called into the kitchen in Finnish, one of Rose’s first thoughts was, “What am I doing here?” Rose said that spoken Finnish conversation sounded like people were shouting at one another. The orders were not written down at the time, and cooks had to prepare the meals from memory. Here, too, the cooperative spirit of Hoito

[TOP LEFT] Even after 100 years, the Hoito is still serving a combination of traditional Finnish cuisine alongside restaurant staples, such as omelets, hamburgers and roast beef. | SUBMITTED

[BOTTOM LEFT] The Finnish sampler and mojakka. | CHUCK VIREN

came through. Some waitresses spoke English and would translate the orders, Rose quickly learned a bit of Finnish, and the other cooks learned enough English to help her out. It must have worked, since Rose is now in her 29th year at Hoito. She will always be known, though, as the employee who broke the Finnish language barrier.

One hundred years is a very long time for any business to exist. What is the secret to Hoito’s longevity? Perhaps it is because, as the name suggests, people care. They care about and for each other. Many care about maintaining their Finnish culture. Oh, and a lot of people care about those delicious pancakes.—Chuck Viren

To celebrate their 100 year anniversary, the Hoito recently held an employee reunion party. | SUBMITTED

Fri., Aug 24—Semer’s Beach, Ely

Sat.-Sun., Aug. 25 & 26—YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, Ely

Ruffed grouse counts down, sharp-tailed grouse down too

In honor of the canoes built by Joe Seliga Sponsored by the Minnesota Canoe Museum For more info visit Celebrating Canoes on

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ST. PAUL—Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring drumming counts were down 29 percent statewide this year compared to last year, according to a survey conducted by the DNR.

“Surveys indicate the peak occurred last year,” said Charlotte Roy, DNR grouse project leader. “Grouse populations tend to rise and fall on a decade-long cycle and counts this year are pointing to the peak lasting only one year this cycle. This has occurred before, but it’s always nice when the cycle stays high a little longer.”

Drumming is a low sound produced by males as they beat their wings rapidly and in increasing frequency to signal the location of their territory. Drumming displays also attract females that are ready to begin nesting. Ruffed grouse populations are surveyed by counting the number of male ruffed grouse heard drumming on established routes throughout the state’s forested regions.

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Drumming counts are an indicator of the ruffed grouse breeding population. The number of birds present during the fall hunting season also depends upon nesting success and chick survival during the spring and summer.

“If production of young birds is low during the summer months, hunters may see fewer birds than expected based on counts of drumming males in the spring,” Roy said. “Conversely, when production of young is high, hunters may see more birds in the fall.”

For the past 69 years, DNR biologists have monitored ruffed grouse populations. This year, DNR staff and cooperators from 16 organizations surveyed 122 routes across the state.

The 2018 survey results for ruffed grouse were 1.5 drums per stop statewide. The averages during 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were 0.9, 1.1, 1.1, 1.3 and 2.1 respectively. Counts vary from about 0.6 drums per stop during years of low grouse abundance to about 2.0 during years of high abundance.

Results this year follow an increase from 2016 to 2017. In the northeast survey region, which is the core of Minnesota’s grouse range, counts were 1.7 drums per stop; in the northwest there were 1.0 drums per stop; in the central hardwoods, 0.9 drums per stop; and in the southeast, 0.9 drums per stop.

Sharp-tailed grouse counts down

To count sharp-tailed grouse, observers look for males displaying on traditional mating areas, which are called leks or dancing grounds.

Comparisons of the same leks counted in both years indicate that counts per lek were down compared to last year in the northwest and statewide. Declines in the east-central region were not significant, likely because fewer leks were counted compared to last year, and loss of small leks does not reduce the index.

This year’s statewide average of 9.3 sharp-tailed grouse per lek was similar to the long-term average since 1980. The 2009 average of 13.6 was as high as during any year since 1980. During the last 25 years, the sharp-tailed grouse index has been as low as seven birds counted per dancing ground.

The DNR’s 2018 grouse survey report can be found at: mndnr.gov/hunting/ grouse

Canoeing & Fishing Outfitters

Breeding duck and Canada goose numbers improve

ST. PAUL—Population counts showed good results for several species of ducks that nest in Minnesota, according to the results of the annual DNR spring waterfowl surveys.

“Mallard, blue-winged teal and Canada goose counts were all improved from last year,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. “The survey is designed for mallards and our breeding mallard population remains above its long-term average.”

This year’s mallard breeding population was estimated at 295,000, which is 38 percent above last year’s estimate of 214,000 breeding mallards and 30 percent above the long-term average measured each year since 1968.

The blue-winged teal population is 191,000 this year, 20 percent above last year’s estimate and 10 percent below the long-term average.

The combined populations of other ducks such as ringnecked ducks, wood ducks, gadwalls, northern shovelers, canvasbacks and redheads is 207,000, which is 21 percent lower than last year and 15 percent above the longterm average.

The estimate of total breeding duck abundance (excluding scaup) is 693,000, which is nine percent higher than last year and 12 percent above the long-term average.

The estimated number of wetlands was one percent lower than last year and four percent above the longterm average. Wetland numbers can vary greatly based on annual precipitation.

The survey is used to estimate the number of breeding ducks or breeding geese that nest in the state rather than simply migrate through. In addition to the counts by the DNR, the continental waterfowl population estimates will be released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service later this summer.

DNR survey methods

The same waterfowl survey has been done each year since 1968 to provide an annual index of breeding duck abundance. The survey covers 40 percent of Minnesota and includes much of the state’s best remaining duck breeding habitat.

A DNR waterfowl biologist and pilot count all waterfowl and wetlands along established survey routes by flying low-level aerial surveys from a fixed-wing plane. The survey is timed to begin in early May to coincide with peak nesting activity of mallards. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides ground crews who also count waterfowl along some of the same survey routes. These data are then used to correct for birds not seen by the aerial crew.

Canada geese

This year’s Canada goose population was estimated at 162,000 geese, similar to last year’s estimate of 152,000 geese and 2 percent above the long-term average.

“We had very unusual weather conditions this spring, with the mid-April blizzard and record late ice-outs. April temperatures were the third coldest on record and May temperatures were the fourth warmest on record,” Cordts said. “This likely impacted geese more than ducks, with an extremely late, and probably reduced, goose hatch.”

The 2018 Minnesota waterfowl report is available at: mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl

Rockwood is on Poplar Lake with 3 entry points into the Boundary Waters 47, 48, 49; transport to 43-45, 50-58, 60-66 (and more) _1, 2, 3 & 4 person Kevlar _aluminum & royalex _kayaks, paddleboards _gear and food, package rates _large groups, scouts, non-profits _8 clean northwoods cabins _deck, dock,

This project is the agenda of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, an out of state organization, working with the Minnesota Four Wheel Drive Association to increase interstate Off Road Vehicle traffic on our back roads. It would be a designated route across northern Minnesota that would target, promote, advertise and specifically direct an increase of interstate OHV traffic to our back roads with maps and signs.

Dear Cook County Residents & Property Owners: We are confused !

No matter what side of the B2B issue you are on, it doesn’t make financial sense.

FACT: All the roads in the B2B proposal are already open to any highway licensed Off Road Vehicle.

SO what’s the point of supporting the B2B ?

Even the US Fish and Wildlife Service had serious concerns about the B2B touring route, saying: “Designation of a trail has the potential to increase visitor conflict by substantially increasing traffic and consolidating travelers into larger packs and caravans.”

SO why attract OHV caravans?

Our back roads are already open to all highway licensed Off Road Vehicles! Designating and promoting a specific route to attract Off-Road Clubs and Caravans would threaten our primary nature-based tourism of wildlife watchers, photographers, hikers, bikers and berry pickers.

Furthermore, with increased traffic and caravans comes an increase in road damage and repairs.

Clearwater County was concerned the B2B would result in higher taxes for its citizens due to road repair and public safety costs. They do not believe provisional funding from any outside source would be enough to cover all costs.

FACT: Clearwater County Commissioners issued a Resolution to OPPOSE the B2B to protect its citizens from higher taxes needed to cover these additional costs.

Bears and birdfeeders a recipe for conflict

ST. PAUL—Many homeowners enjoy feeding birds, but in bear country the practice often comes with unintended consequences, according to the Minnesota DNR. Wildlife managers and conservation officers know that the majority of bear-related calls involve bears destroying birdfeeders after homeowners underestimate how attractive bears find birdfeeders as a food source.

“Bears use a feeding strategy called ‘high-grading’ where they seek out rich patches of concentrated food, and skip over places with low food density,” said Dave Garshelis, DNR bear research project leader. “They also have excellent memories about where they’ve found good sources of food. A birdfeeder is a bountiful source of high-calorie food.”

All about the calories

A well-stocked birdfeeder could supply more than 10,000 calories in one place with little effort. Compared to the energy it would take to obtain the same number of calories from scattered patches of wild berries, nuts or insects, bears find it much more efficient to feed at a birdfeeder, especially if the food there is continually replenished.

In late summer, bears transition into a state of rapid weight gain that prepares them for six months of hibernation. During this time, bears’ caloric needs increase and they can gain three to five pounds of body fat every day, a feeding pattern they continue until shrinking day length and disappearing foods signals them to begin hibernating.

“If a bear found an easy meal at your birdfeeder or trash can, chances are it will remember how to find your yard again.

And you can plan on that bear and possibly others coming back,” Garshelis said.

One bear could mean several bears

Bears have an innate preference for wild foods, but if frequently rewarded with highly-concentrated human foods, they may grow to prefer that, and then seek out such foods. Mothers then pass this feeding behavior on to their offspring. In a controlled feeding trial, researchers observed that most bears chose black oil sunflower seeds above acorns once they had the chance to try them.

Bears so conditioned sometimes become very bold. Some have been known to open unlocked car doors, enter open windows and patio doors of homes, push through screen doors, enter livestock pens, raid gardens and stir compost piles—anywhere food is left unattended and unsecured. Such bears become hard to scare away, because they are not only intent on getting the human-related foods, they have experienced no negative consequences from being near people. When behavior escalates to this point, people often become fearful of bears and perceive them as a safety threat.

The DNR does not trap and relocate bears because it is nearly impossible to find a release site in Minnesota where a food-conditioned, traveling bear wouldn’t find another house to frequent. Relocating a bear can also put it in conflict with other resident bears, or disrupt its ability to find natural food sources in a new location. The DNR discontinued the practice of trapping and relocating bears in 1999, and relies instead on the public removing attractants.

A birdfeeder is a bountiful source of high-calorie food for bears.

| STEVE HILLEBRAND

Avoid creating a problem

DNR wildlife managers and conservation officers recorded 700 to 900 bear complaints per year by the public in each of the past three years—a slight increase over the past decade. Homeowners most commonly reported damage to birdfeeders and trash cans, and an associated fear of bears being too close to their house. Homeowners are advised to remove the source of the attractant to solve the problem. For example, the solution might be as easy as taking in birdfeeders in the late afternoon. In most cases, removing the food source removes the problem but it may take the bear a few days to leave the area. This is a simple solution, requiring a slight modification in human behavior in order to change the bear’s behavior, or

better yet, to prevent a bear from becoming food conditioned in the first place, and possibly saving its life.

Homeowners can sometimes become frustrated with that simplistic advice and perceive it as a lack of action on the part of wildlife staff. But with relocation not an option, the remaining option is killing the animal—a result wildlife managers and most of the public prefer to avoid.

The DNR offers practical tips about avoiding bear conflicts at home and while camping at: mndnr.gov/livingwith_wildlife/bears.

Are you a Veteran or currently Active Duty?

Thanks to North Shore Federal Credit Union you and your family get to go

OF CHARGE. Just stop by any of their offices and pick up your free tickets!

DNR upgrades maps for mobile outdoor devices

NORTH SHORE—Navigating Minnesota’s woods and waters with a mobile device is now easier than ever with new digital maps available from the Minnesota DNR.

Cartographers in the Parks and Trails Division have recently upgraded nearly all of the maps for Minnesota state parks, state water trails, off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and public water access sites to geospatial (location-referenced) PDF files (or GeoPDFs for short). State trail and snowmobile trail maps will be available in about a month.

“Our new GeoPDF maps are part of our ongoing efforts to improve the visitor experience,” said Erika Rivers, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “Knowing exactly where you are at any given time takes away the worry about getting lost, so you can focus instead on having fun outdoors.”

The GeoPDF maps are best read with Avenza Maps, a GeoPDF reader app, which is available for free from the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the App Store (for iPhones). Internet access is needed to install the app and map files, but once they are installed, they do not need internet access or cell phone service to function.

“The app relies solely on a device’s builtin GPS receiver to track your movement,” Rivers said. “Your location is represented on the map by a small blue dot, which moves as you move.”

Instructions on how to download the application and map can be found on the DNR website: mndnr.gov.

Brad Parsons named state fisheries chief

ST. PAUL—Brad Parsons, a 31-year fisheries veteran and current central region fisheries manager for the Minnesota DNR, has been selected as the new fisheries chief. He began his new duties Wednesday, July 25.

“Brad brings a breadth of valuable experience to this important job,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “His years working his way up as a researcher in the field and then serving as regional fisheries manager will help us manage the state’s fisheries in ways that positively serve citizens, natural resources and local economies.”

Parsons, a St. Paul Park resident, has been the DNR’s central region fisheries manager since 2010. In addition to managing the region’s eight fisheries offices, he has played a key role in management issues on Lake Mille Lacs, and the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. He also is the agency’s point person with the citizen-based Walleye Workgroup.

Parsons began his career at the DNR researching a range of topics including walleye populations, angler harvest and attitudes, wetland ecology and predator-prey interactions. As fisheries manager for the central region he was responsible for an area including Minnesota’s lake country, two major rivers, three major metropolitan areas and trout streams in the south -

eastern part of the state.

Parsons will oversee a $34 million annual fisheries section budget and a staff of 286 full-time and part-time employees. With personnel based in four regional offices, 29 area offices and 15 hatcheries, the fisheries section carries out research and management programs affecting state fish species and habitat.

Parsons is the author or co-author of numerous

publications and

reports. He replaces Don Perei -

8.

Photo by: Dan Ventrudo Photography

Good Times Await

North of the Border

The Live from the Waterfront concert series will continue every Wednesday throughout the month of August. Held from 6-9 p.m. at Marina Park, performers include Shred Kelly, Nick Sherman, Jean-Paul De Roover, Hillsburn, Breabach, Sykamore, Greenbank, Siedd, Ocean City Defenders, and the Pierre Schryer Trio. thunderbay.ca/live

Festa Italiana will be held Aug. 5-6 at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma Street. Enjoy home-cooked authentic Italian cuisine, learn about the city’s Italian heritage, see art and cultural exhibits, and listen to music by national and local performers. There will also be children’s activities, folk dancers and a beer garden, as well as fireworks each night. And don’t forget to enter the prize drawing; you could win a trip for two to Italy. Festival admission is free. italiancc.com

The annual CLE Family Fair will take place Aug. 8-12, held from noon to midnight, daily. Activities include Midway rides, games and concessions, live entertainment, cooking demos, a petting zoo, kid’s world, the baby boom contest and creative arts contest. And don’t miss the fireworks at 11 p.m. on Sunday. The fair will be held at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. Parking is $7. Gate admission and ride wristband prices can be found online. cle.on.ca/family-fair

The annual BrewHa Craft Beer Festival will take place at Prince Arthur’s Landing, Aug. 10-11. There will be food vendors, live music, educational talks and demos and, of course, craft beer tastings. Choose between one of three $20 ticket packages, each consisting of four sample tokens and a 2018 collector’s sample glass. This year’s featured breweries include Prospector Brew House, Railway City, Goose Island, McAuslan, Beau’s, Lake of the Woods, Sleeping Giant, New Ontario, and Mill St. Brewery. Tickets can be purchased online. brewhafestival.com

Movie Nights on the Waterfront is a series of outdoor, family-friendly film screenings that take place at Marina Park every Friday and Saturday, held Aug. 17-Sept. 1. Movies start after sunset (roughly between 8-9 p.m.) and admission is free. Bring warm clothing, a blanket and a lawn chair and enjoy the show on the big screen overlooking Lake Superior. Concessions will be available. Movies are: The Lego Ninjago Movie, Peter Rabbit, Moana, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Coco, and Sherlock Gnomes. thunderbay.ca/movienights

The annual Thunder at the Bay Motorsports Extravaganza will be held Aug. 18-19 at the CLE Grounds. See all types of cars, trucks, racing bikes and sleds, from classics, antiques, jeeps and works in progress, to imports, rat rods, stock cars and radio controlled cars. There will be live entertainment by Rebel Spirit and One Floor Down, tire burn outs, ice racers, slalom races, food and merchandise vendors, inflatables, a pancake breakfast, displays, a fashion show by Hey Sailor, and demos of various metal-working techniques for DIY auto enthusiasts. Admission is $2 a day; children under 10 are free. cle.on.ca/thunder-at-the-bay

The 7th annual Ribfest will take place Aug. 24-26 in the Waterfront District. This free, family-friendly, threeday music and barbecue food extravaganza will feature

the popular Strongman and Crossfit competitions, the Excavator Challenge, the Kub Kar event, and the Red River Rumble Motorcycle and Car Show. Other activities include live entertainment throughout the weekend, beer gardens, local artisans, a kids’ area and, of course, a wide variety of finger lickin’ good food. RibFest will be held from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. ribfesttbay.com

Head to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Wednesday, August 29 for a Paranormal Evening with Alice Cooper, held at 8 p.m. With a schedule that includes six months each year on the road, Alice Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new. He is known as the architect of shock-rock, surprising fans and exuding danger at every turn. Hit songs include, “School’s Out,” “Killer,” “Poison,” “Billion Dollar Babies,” and “Muscle of Love.” With his influence on rock and roll long since acknowledged, there is little that Alice Cooper hasn’t achieved in his remarkable career, including platinum albums, sold-out tours, and a number of honors and career achievement awards. tbca.com

The BrewHa Craft Beer Festival will take place Aug. 10-11 at Prince Arthur’s Landing. | SUBMITTED

The old border crossing and the

[ABOVE] Duluth’s Incline Railway began in 1891 and lasted until 1939. It had two lines and originally could carry a wagon with a team of four horses or 250 passengers.

[TOP LEFT] An early rendition of Gooseberry Falls and Highway 61 bridge.

[BOTTOM LEFT] The Reservation River Resort was located between the communities of Hovland and Grand Portage.

[LEFT] Fishing shacks and the Coast Guard Station on Grand Marais Harbor.

[ABOVE]

“Outlaw Bridge” over the Pigeon River.

[ABOVE] This pavilion and rustic bridge were located in Duluth’s Lester Park.

There was a time when Thunder Bay was simply a body of water with two cities, Port Arthur and Fort William, along its shores.

NORTH SHORE LANDMARKS

The Northern Wilds is filled with landmarks—interesting and inspiring statues, bridges, buildings and lighthouses. In honor of these familiar sights, we put together some images of our favorites. How many of these landmarks do you recognize?

The Beaver House in Grand Marais. | STAFF

Part of the historic Gunflint Trail sign in Grand Marais. | STAFF

Enger Tower in Duluth. | VISIT DULUTH

Rocky Taconite in Silver Bay. | STAFF Leif Erikson statue in Duluth. | VISIT DULUTH

Pierre the Voyageur statue in Two Harbors. | STAFF

Terrace Bay Lighthouse; a replica of the lighthouse on the Slate Islands. | STAFF

Terry Fox Monument near Thunder Bay. | STAFF

The retired Edna G tugboat in Two Harbors. | TOM ARNHOLD

Aeriel Lift Bridge in Duluth. | AMBER CURTIS

Canal Park Lighthouse in Duluth. | JACKIE SCHERER

Cindy & Paul Hayden

By Ali Juten

Throughout the last 40 years, Lake Superior Magazine has withstood the test of time. Hard work and vision have been key, especially with visionaries like magazine president and publisher, Cindy Hayden and vice president and publisher, Paul Hayden.

Cindy first came to work at the publication because her dad, Jim “J.R.” Marshall, needed help running it. He became part owner in 1982 and, though he was a talented writer, he didn’t want to run the magazine. However, Marshall believed in the magazine’s mission enough to ensure it kept going. He gained full ownership in 1984. After spending 15 years in the Twin Cities, Cindy retired from her career at Bell Systems and came home to Duluth that same summer. When she started, she kept the magazine afloat by managing the small, two-person staff with a mere $700 in the magazine’s checking account and roughly 1,800 subscribers.

“He needed help, I had skills and training to help. I started coming home and began looking at Duluth through an entirely different viewpoint,” she said.

Looking back on the history of Duluth, the 1970s and 80s were a tough time for the city. The economy struggled and the population plummeted by about 15,000 people by 1990. That’s where the mission of the magazine comes in to play. If “Lake Superior Port Cities”, as it was named at that time, could share photos and stories showing positive sides of the community

during such a tough economic time, they could potentially change the attitude of city residents.

At this point, Cindy was 34 years of age and had traveled enough to know that Duluth had the potential to flourish again. She saw potential in the magazine as well. In one instance, she recalled that her father had printed 1,800 more copies of the magazine than they needed. He also didn’t have a plan for where they were going to go. So, she packed them up into her Camaro and drove to the Bayfield, WI area to set up a news stand. The cover was of Madeline Island, so it was a perfect gateway into the community. She found that people didn’t know the magazine but, those who saw it liked it.

“Folks really welcomed positive things and thinking a whole different way about why they live here. I think we just reinforced why folks were proud of being here,” Cindy explained.

When Paul Hayden came along, he was a broadcast producer for a local ad agency and attended a magazine event in the fall of 1984. He and Cindy met then, fell in love, and were married in 1985.

“If you looked at the buildings that existed back at that time, buildings all were looking up the hill. All the windows and everything were not focusing at all on the lake. They were focused on Superior Street,” Paul said.

That said, there were a number of things that needed to be done in order to help the magazine grow. First, they increased their frequency from being a quarterly publication to six times per year. Paul, coming from an ad agency, knew that if they wanted to fit into a company’s marketing plan, they needed to be a more regular publication. About that same time in 1987, they changed their name from “Lake Superior Port Cities” to “Lake Superior, giving it a broader range of distribution.

While these changes were strategic and have helped their publication flourish to roughly 20,000 subscribers, they have also grown their brand to include the annual Lake Superior Travel Guide, books, maps,

Seraphine Rolando

By Shawn Perich

If you happen to be in Ely and see a fellow driving a Jeep with a machine gun mounted on the back, be sure to wave. The machine gun isn’t loaded. It’s not even a real machine gun. Instead it is a product of Seraphine Rolando’s ingenuity.

“My wife said I couldn’t afford to buy a real machine gun,” he says. “So, I made my own.”

Most days in the summer you’ll find the Jeep parked outside the Ely Arts and Heritage Center, which is the site of the former Pioneer Mine. Rolando, along with fellow Elyites John Seliga and Bill Erzar, volunteer at the historic site and offers visitors a window into the past. The Pioneer and other underground mines produced iron ore from the late 1800s into the 1960s. During that era, they were the mainstay of the local economy.

Rolando is too young to have worked in the underground mine, although Seliga and Erzar’s father did. All three can regale visitors with tales of Ely’s past as a community of

calendars, and other related merchandise. All the while, they have maintained the quality of their initial publication. Their journalistic standards are high, the photography that they print is top-notch, and they are careful that they cover all viewpoints on controversial stories.

What it boils down to for Cindy and Paul, though, is their appreciation for the Lake and all that the surrounding areas have to offer. Further, sharing that knowledge and appreciation with others so they, too, can be proud and find value in where they live.

“Every morning I wake up looking at 10 percent of the world’s fresh water. That’s a very awesome responsibility,” Cindy said.

hard-working immigrants. A mixture of folks came from Europe to find a new life in Ely. Personal relationships were often defined by ethnicity and religion.

“In the early years, an Italian didn’t marry a Slovenian and a Catholic didn’t marry a Lutheran,” he says.

Rolando, who is a third generation American, is of Italian and Slovenian descent.

During his childhood, Ely had about twice the population it has today. He grew up sledding on streets that saw little traffic, skiing into the mine pit on the edge of town and just plain having fun. He recalls bicycling with boyhood friends to the old LaRue Mine between Ely and Tower, where they used flashlights to explore the underground shafts.

He continues to have fun. In addition to a nonworking machine gun, he has a working cannon that shoots two-inch balls. Someone learned he had the cannon and contacted him with an unusual request: Her de -

ceased father had wanted to have his ashes shot from a cannon. Could he do it? Rolando agreed and showed up with the cannon at the memorial service.

“It was by a lake. I touched it off right after the 21-gun salute,” he says. “It was really loud and the woman hadn’t told anyone that it was going to happen. It scared the heck out of everyone.”

Down at the mine, the most noise Rolando makes is mowing the grass. The historic site is like his second home. He welcomes visitors.

“If the sites closed and I’m down there when someone comes around, I’ll open it up for them,” he says.

The mine site is owned by the city of Ely, but the Arts and Heritage Center is a volunteer effort. The love of those volunteers for Ely and its mining history are what keeps it going.

The Shaft House is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday 2-5 p.m. and Friday 3-6 p.m.

Cindy and Paul Hayden, owners of Lake Superior Magazine. | ALI JUTEN

Seraphine Rolando poses with his Jeep outside the Ely Arts and Heritage Center.

| SHAWN PERICH

By Breana Roy

Art in the Air

The art festivities continue into August, starting with the Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival in Two Harbors, held Aug. 1012. The festival will be held at the P.K. Anderson House at 10 a.m. (3 p.m. on Friday). The Brighton Beach Art Festival in Duluth will take place on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9 a.m. Later in the month is Art in Bayfront Park in Duluth, held Aug. 18-19.

“Wilderness Scene” by self-taught collage artist Emily Lavalier. She will be attending Art in Bayfront Park. This original took months of work cutting tiny pieces of magazines and animals from recycled children’s books. |

EMILY LAVALIER

Also occurring this month, Jamie Harper will exhibit his reclaimed material paintings at Pizza Luce in Duluth. An artist reception will be held Aug. 1 from 7-9 p.m. | JAMIE HARPER

Woodworker Eric Helland will be at the Brighton Beach Art Festival. This dyed blue bowl was created from a silver maple tree that was blown down in a storm in Duluth. | ERIC HELLAND

“Sad Eyes” by local artist Shelley Getten. Getten will be at the Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival. | SHELLEY GETTEN

Photographer John Caughlan captured this image at Gooseberry Falls State Park. His work will be available at Art in Bayfront Park. | JOHN CAUGHLAN

Finding their musical complement in one another, artists Gene LaFond and Amy Grillo have been performing as a duo on the North Shore for over four years. As LaFond picks the guitar and sings, Grillo finds the harmonies and adds her own melody to the show.

The pair, which frequently appear in print as simply “LaFond and Grillo”, shines in acoustic style gigs. Both their original songs and unique renditions of their favorite artists are well-received in venues like Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais, Cascade Restaurant in Lutsen and Sir Benedict’s Pub in Duluth. The intimacy of listening room and house concerts makes those performance opportunities particularly favorite places to play.

Earthy Harmonies

By Casey Fitchett

venue locations are par for the course for the musicians.

The musical year also sees them traveling around the state of Minnesota from Grand Marais to Ely to the Twin Cities and other domestic locales in western Wisconsin and Florida. When much of the Midwest freezes, the pair has taken their show to international destinations like France, Panama and Guatemala. Unique show stories and

“We played in the middle of the St. Croix River on the back of a large boat to a crowd of 17 overloaded sailboats anchored all around us,” said Grillo. “On our last night in Paris last spring we stumbled upon an open mic in an Irish pub and sang to a rowdy and raucous crowd. Gene has also opened for Bob Dylan in Minneapolis with his friend Larry Kegan.”

Though they do have a solid base of original compositions, audiences can also expect for that Bob Dylan influence to

and three times at the Dylan Fest to raise money to save the historic Duluth Armory.

Former cowgirl and “junk artist” Amy Grillo first impressed listeners around campfires and in bars on Minnesota’s Iron Range. The two still say that the inspiration for shows is derived primarily from their audience.

“We enjoy connecting with an audience with our original songs and having them sing along,” said Grillo. “We LOVE to sing!”

be evident during their performances. Encapsulating their vibe is best done by borrowing a term coined by a popular 60’s and 70’s country artist.

“We would describe our sound as acoustic with string harmonies, lyrics and melodies,” explains LaFond. “Amy likes the Gram Parsons-coined term ‘Cosmic American’.”

With a heart for fundraising opportunities, 50-year musician Gene LaFond has performed for 30,000 fans at Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit Concert in San Francisco to raise money for the Bridge School for Disabled Children

Their latest CD release, “The Northland Sessions”, includes 12 original songs with a wide array of ace backup musicians. Scarlet Rivera is an addition to five tracks, as is the late Lonnie Knight, Minnesota Music Hall of Famer Willie Murphy, Dan Lund and Rich Mattson. The duo is on the move again in August and will take the stage at Eagle Ridge Resort in Lutsen on the 3rd, Tettegouche State Park on the 11th, and Cascade Lodge on the 18th. A full list of upcoming shows and performance times can be found on their Facebook page.

Breana’s PICK OF THE MONTH

“Elephant” by Ely artist Dafne Caruso, is part of her Alphabet Animal series; every letter is represented by a specific animal. The series will be on display at Art and Soul Gallery in Ely all month and an open house will be held August 6 from 5-7 p.m. She will also have a show at Crapola! in September. To see more of Caruso’s work, visit: theartcorner.net.

Thru Aug. 5 Fine. (Re)Fine. (De)Fine Faculty Exhibition Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Aug. 11 DefSup Members Exhibition Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, definitelysuperior.com

Thru Aug. 12 Mounties Collection Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Aug. 12 Hazel Belvo & Marcia Cushmore Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Thru Aug. 19 Treasures from Home: An Anthology of Gifts from Collectors Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Aug. 26 In Solidarity: Revolutionary Women of Print Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Aug. 31 Jamie Harper Exhibit Pizza Luce, Duluth, facebook.com/salvagedmedium

Thru Sept. 2 Chholing Taha: Every Spirit Tells a Story Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Sept. 2 Payton MacDonald & Kenneth Johnson: Sonic Divide Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Sept. 2 Jonathan Thunder: Suspension of Disbelief Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Sept. 22 A Twenty Year Retrospective: James Brinsfield Joseph Nease Gallery, Duluth, josephneasegallery.com

Thru Oct. 20 Children of the Finnish Homestead Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder, crossriverheritage.org

Thru Oct. 20 Local Artists Featured Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder, crossriverheritage.org

Thru Oct. 28 Chance: Kathy McTavish Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Nov. 2 Pacific Northwest Native Art from the William J. Saul Collection Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Thru Nov. 25 Uprising: The Power of Mother Earth: Christi Belcourt: A Retrospective with Isaac Murdoch Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru April 2019 Moose of the Bold North: Root River Photography International Wolf Center, Ely, rootriverphotography.com

Thru Spring 2019 Quiet Simplicity: Life in 19th and 20th Century America Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Aug. 4-31

Linda Naughton: Watercolors Lakeside Gallery, Duluth, lakesidegalleryduluth.com

Aug. 4-31

Shaun Hedican: 1st Nation Art Exhibition Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/baggagebuildingarts

Aug. 4-31

Group of Stephen Oil Painting Exhibition Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/baggagebuildingarts

Aug. 6-31

Dafne Caruso Exhibit (Reception Aug. 6 at 5 p.m.) Art & Soul Gallery, Ely, elyartandsoul.com

Aug. 17-Sept. 9

Fragments of the North: Reid Thorpe (Reception Aug. 17 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Gene LaFond and Amy Grillo have been performing as a duo on the North Shore for over four years. | SUBMITTED

FISHERMAN’S PICNIC

Aug. 1-5

There’s lots to look forward to at the 89th Annual Fisherman’s Picnic festival in Grand Marais. Activities include bingo, live music, food and artisan vendors, logrolling, the fish toss and loon calling contests, a dunk tank, kiddy rides and games, blacksmithing demos, the Library Friends book sales, a raffle drawing and, of course, the fishburger stand. There will be multiple contests and races, including the Big Fish Contest, sponsored by Buck’s and Northern Wilds; held July 28-Aug. 4. Don’t miss the fireworks over the harbor at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday and the parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday. facebook.com/ grandmaraislionsclub

BEAVER BAY DAZE

Aug. 3-5 Celebrate the town of Beaver Bay with Beaver Bay Daze, featuring three days of family-friendly activities. Kick-off the celebration with live music at The Green Door Friday night, and a Dark Sky

The Military Vehicle Show will feature everything from helicopters to tanks and boats. | SUBMITTED

astrological presentation from amateur astronomer Astro Bob. Saturday’s events include the second annual Beaver River Run, a 100-mile motorcycle ride with a tribute to our veterans; an inaugural ATV/UTV ride on the Moose Walk Trail through the Sawtooth Mountains, with proceeds benefiting Beaver Bay’s Night Sky Conservancy; a bake sale with proceeds benefiting the restoration of Beaver Bay’s historic wooden water tower; and a vintage car and motorcycle show. Other activities include a kid’s carnival and coloring contest, a cutest pet parade, farmers market, craft and food vendors, a bake sale and more.

beaverbaymn.com

MILITARY VEHICLE SHOW

Aug. 4, Saturday Visit Superior on Saturday, Aug. 4 for the annual Military Vehicle Show, held at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. This year’s event will feature multiple military vehicles from the Wisconsin National Guard and U.S. Army, and from private collections. There will be a flying UH-1H Huey helicopter, an M-60 tank, an operational Sherman tank, and a boat from the U.S. Coast Guard. There will also be WWII re-enactors from Fox

Company 2nd Battalion, 502nd, 101st Airborne and WWII weapon demonstrations, as well as live music all day, the Bong Book Club bake sale and a military book sale. The show takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost to attend is $5, which includes free museum admission. bvhcenter.org

MID-TRAIL FUNDRAISER

Aug. 8, Wednesday Support the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department with the annual Mid-Trail Fundraiser, held at Fire Hall #1 (midtrail) on the Gunflint Trail.

This year’s fundraiser will be held from noon-4 p.m. and features a flea market and boutique, followed by a live auction at 1:30 p.m. under the big tent. Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket to win a handcrafted quilt, donated by the Mid-Trail Quilters. Tickets are $5 each, or three for $10.

CLE FAMILY FAIR

Aug. 8-12 The annual CLE Family Fair in Thunder Bay features all kinds of fun activities, including Midway rides, games and concessions, as well as kiddie rides. There will also be a petting zoo, kid’s world, cooking demos, a baby boom contest, live entertainment, and a creative arts

The Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, which includes music, food and a craft fair, will be held Aug. 24-25 in Superior. | KARL EVERETT

Explore the shore!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

10:00 am Great Hall - Rendezvous Days Welcome and Arrival (Stone Bridge Singers)

4:00 pm Bingo (Fire Hall Garage)

6:30 pm Old Timers’ Softball Game (Women’s GP All Stars vs. Old Timers)

7:00 pm Pow-Wow Warm Ups Royalty Conest

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

8:00 am Mixed Softball Tournament resumes, Breakfast (Pow-Wow Grounds), Flag Raising (Grand Portage Honor Guard and Bois Forte)

10:00 am Turkey Shoot (Blazes Pit)

1:00 pm Grand Entry

2:00 pm Bingo (Fire Hall Garage)

4:00 pm Raffle drawing (Tickets $1)

1st prize – $599

2nd prize – $300 3rd–10th

Grand Portage Veteran Tent will be open all weekend.

Grand Portage Community Center will be open for showers Saturday and Sunday 6:00 am to 10:00 am

8:00 am Mixed Softball Tournament begins

9:00 am Registration for 1 & 3 Mile Walk-Run (Grand Portage Health Services)

10:30 am Flag Raising (Grand Portage Honor Guard) Walk-Run begins

1:00 pm Grand Entry Pow-Wow Honoring of Grand Portage Veterans, Flag Raising

2:00 pm Bingo (Fire Hall Garage)

3:30 pm Honor Song for Vivan Carlson (all former Royalty are requested to attend)

5:00 pm Men’s Horseshoe Tournament (Softball Field), Hand Drum Contest

7:00 pm Evening Grand Entry Pow-Wow resumes

contest. Entertainers include Rebel Spirit, Helix, Hypnotist Terrance B, The Married Singlemen, Bon Journey and more. Try your luck with the fish pond or get your face painted at kid’s world. And don’t miss the fireworks at 11 p.m. on Sunday. The fair will be held at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition from noon to midnight, daily. Parking is $7. Gate admission and ride wristband prices can be found online. cle. on.ca/family-fair

BREWHA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Aug. 10-11

Held at Prince Arthur’s Landing in Thunder Bay, enjoy a convoy of food vendors, educational talks and demos, live music and, of course, craft beer. Choose between one of three $20 ticket packages, each consisting of four sample tokens and a 2018 collector’s sample glass. This year’s featured breweries include Trail’s End, New Ontario, Post-Game, Collective Arts, Dawson Trail, Lake of the Woods, Sleeping Giant, Muskoka, and Brickworks Ciderhouse. Also supplied will be Social Lite Craft Cocktails and Wolfhead Coffee. Tickets can be purchased online. brewhafestival.com

RENDEZVOUS DAYS & POW-WOW

Aug. 10-12

Re-enactors from across the U.S. and Canada gather together during the annual Rendezvous Days and PowWow, sponsored by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Visitors and tribal members alike are invited to watch and participate in the ceremonial pow-wow and dances. The event will also include a wide selection of artisan and food vendors, craft demonstrations,

hands-on workshops, recreational activities, a raffle drawing, bingo, music and dancing. The event will take place in Grand Portage; admission is free. visitcookcounty.com/events

LIVE FROM THE ROCK FOLK FESTIVAL & PAJU MTN RUN

Aug. 10-12 Held in Red Rock, Ontario, the annual Live from the Rock Folk Festival is a music and arts festival that is 100 percent run by volunteers. The festival offers world class music on four daytime workshop-style stages, as well as an evening festival concert stage. This year’s performers include Pierre Schryer, Raine Hamilton, Georgian Bay, Hillsburn, Ken Yates, Arley Hughes, Abigail Lapell and Suzie Vinnick. There will be food and drink vendors, an artisans marketplace, morning yoga beside the lake, camping, and a family area with crafts, interactive nature exhibits and a splash pad. Tickets can be purchased at the festival gate or online at: livefromtherockfolkfestival.com. Held in coordination with the festival is the 36th annual Paju Mountain Run on Saturday, Aug. 11. The course is 11.2 km and features a competitive and non-competitive race with multiple divisions. Registration required. redrocktownship.com/pajumountain

BAYFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL

Aug. 10-12

The annual Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth features more than 30 acts on two stages, making it one of the biggest outdoor music events in the area. Held in Bayfront Festival Park, this year’s performers include Nikki Hill, Ross William Perry, Don Bryant featuring the Bo-Keys, William Bell, Squishy Mud, Curtis Salgado, Johnny Rawls, and Miss Myra Trio. All tickets are sold as general admission and can be purchased online or at the gate. bayfrontblues.com

UNDER THE SPREADING WALNUT TREE ART FESTIVAL

Aug. 10-12

The 24th Annual Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival will take place over the course of three days in Two Harbors and feature more than 25 local and regional artists. Held on the

The Fisherman’s Picnic parade will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5. | STAFF

| SUBMITTED

grounds of the P.K. Anderson House, the festival will feature booths and artwork of all kinds; photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, acrylics and more. Folk musician Thea Ennen will also provide live music on Saturday and Sunday. The festival will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found on Facebook under “Two Harbors Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival.”

TORI FINNISH MARKETPLACE

Aug. 11, Saturday The annual Tori Finnish Marketplace in Finland is fun for all ages. This year’s music lineup includes the Two Harbors Ukulele Group, Northwoods Band and Tom Schramm. There will be crafters and vendors, a silent auction, food booths, games, blacksmithing, historic buildings open to tour, and a cash raffle at 5 p.m. The festival will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Finland Heritage Site. There will also be a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Aug. 12 from 8-11 a.m. finlandmnhistoricalsociety.com

ELY WATERCROSS RACE

Aug. 11-12

See snowmobiles racing on water at the 13th Annual Ely Watercross Race, held at Longbranch in Winton (near Ely). Sponsored by the Ely Watercross Association, racing starts at 10 a.m. daily and includes the Saturday Novice Race and the Sunday ALS Last Man Standing Race. There will also be food and merchandise vendors on site, as well as family-friendly activities. Admission is $25 for a weekend pass or $15 for a day pass, $5 for a day pass ages 10-16 and free for kids under nine. Race registration is required. And don’t miss live music by Snake Oil at 8 p.m. on Saturday; an authentic theatrical tribute to rock’s biggest stars. Concert tickets are $20 at the door. Find the Ely Watercross Association on Facebook for more info.

See re-enactors at the Redezvous Days and Pow-Wow celebration in Grand Portage. | STAFF

WOODS, WINDS, STRINGS & A LITTLE JAZZ

Aug. 12, Sunday Journey up the Gunflint Trail for a delightful evening of classical and jazz music with the Woods, Winds, Strings, and a Little Jazz concert, held at the Gunflint Trail fire hall #1 and A. Paul and Carol Schaap Community Center (mid-trail). This popular concert, now in its sixth year, is informal and fun for both the musicians and audience members of all ages. Held at 5 p.m., the concert features both returning musicians and new performers, such as Philis Anderson, Kathy Bolstad, Fred Anderson, Hugh and Nancy Magill, SVEA, Erika Ternes, Yvonne Mills, and the Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for ages 5-18 and free for kids under age 5. Seating is limited, so contact Patsy Coleman for reservations at: pcoleman@chem.wayne. edu or call: (313) 673-6202. Proceeds, after expenses, go to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.

LAKE COUNTY FAIR

Aug. 16-19 The Lake County Fair in Two Harbors provides four days of non-stop fun, from a Truck Mud Run and the 3k Dirty Dash obstacle course race, to live music, the Midway Carnival and the annual Amateur Talent Contest. This year’s Saturday headlining band is Press Camp. There will also be kids games and activities, daily prize drawings, various contests, food vendors and commercial booths, 4-H exhibits, a silent auction, balloon artistry and caricatures, a family movie night, Todd Armstrong shows, a pie contest and auction, 4-H horse shows and more. thelakecountyfair.com

LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL

Aug. 17, Friday Held in Terrace Bay, Ontario, the annual Lighthouse Street Festival features something for everyone. There will be live music, local food and drink specials, a beer garden, sidewalk sales, inflatables for the

FFC Booya Committee presents the

6th Annual

Market, Boutique & Quilt Raffle

Booya

Sat., Sept. 15th 10 am–4 pm

6866 Cramer Rd, Finland, MN

Famous Bowl of Booya & Bread

Car show sponsored by Don's Auto & Towing, Crafters/Vendors, Farmers Market, Kids Games, Music, plus more

Andrew Collins Trio will perform at Live from the Rock Folk Festival in Red Rock.

Join us at the Tori Finnish Marketplace at the Finland Heritage Site in Finland, MN

Saturday August 11

10 a.m to 5 p.m.

Continuous music all day: Two Harbors Ukelele Group, Northwoods Band and Tom Schramm.

• Crafters and Vendors • Silent Auction

• Food Booths • Historic Buildings open

• Games • Blacksmithing

• Cash Raffle at 5:00 p.m.

A fun day for the entire family. Come and meet old and new friends.

Sun. Aug. 12, 8 to 11 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast!

Sponsored by the Finland MN Historical Society 5653 Little Marais Rd or Cty Rd. 6, Finland 3 1/2 miles from Hwy 61 or Hwy 1 on Cty Rd 6 (Little Marais Rd).

Walk through the past in this unique Northwestern Ontario Pioneer Village! See history come alive!

Kids Craft Day

Saturday, August 4, Noon-4:30 p.m.

Come out for an afternoon of craft making and games. Food and refreshments available for purchase at the Snak Shak.

Admission by donation. Open May thru Aug., Fri. - Sun. Noon - 4:30 opmuse2@tbaytel.net 807-475-7424

3190 Hwy 61 S., Slate River, Ontario Founders-Museum-Pioneer-Village on Facebook

kids, clowns and more. The festival will begin at noon and run through the evening. You can also register to take a boat ride out to the Slate Islands (weather permitting) with one of the local charter companies: Bluebird Charters and Discovery Charters. Space is limited so register early. terracebay.ca

INTERNATIONAL UKULELE CARNIVAL

Aug. 17-19 The 8th Annual Silver Creek International Ukulele Carnival will be held at the Silver Creek Town Hall in Two Harbors, Aug. 17-19. This year’s mini-theme is Blue Suede Shoes: Music of the Fifties. Extra applause will be given to those who incorporate the mini-theme into their music or attire. The event is open to all beginner and experienced ukulele players, of all ages. There will be beginner and children’s lessons, open mic times, jam sessions, a concert, and plenty of time to practice your ukulele skills. There will also be a few ukuleles available for those who don’t own one. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. twoharborsukulelegroup.com

WAWA SALMON DERBY

Aug. 17-19 The 36th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby in Wawa, Ontario, will be held Aug. 17-19 on Lake Superior. Known as “Wawa’s Superior Sporting Event,” the contest includes multiple categories, prizes and activities for the whole family. The winner of the largest salmon wins $6,000 in cash. There is also a five-day pre-fishing contest held Aug. 11-15. Derby headquarters are located in Buck’s Marina. Registration fee required. wawasalmonderby.com

GGTA BIKE RIDE

Aug. 18, Saturday The 18th Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. The recreational ride will again offer 55-mile, 34-mile and 28 mile route options, as well as an 8-mile family ride on the trail, all starting at Goosebery Falls State Park near Two Harbors. Refreshments will be provided at rest stops and after the ride. The 8-mile family ride will also provide treats and special events. All adult riders will receive a t-shirt and younger riders will receive a water bottle. Registration required. ggta.org

PETER MAYER

Aug. 18, Saturday Whimsical, humorous and profound, singer-songwriter Peter Mayer’s music breaks the boundaries of “folk” and transcends to a realm beyond the everyday love song, to a place of wonder at the very fact of life itself. Mayer began playing guitar and writing songs when he was in high school. In 1995, after college and working as a church music director for eight years, he decided to quit his job and tour full-time. Since then, he has gained a dedicated following, playing shows from Minnesota to Texas and New England to California. He has 10 albums and has sold over 80 thousand copies independently. Mayer will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais on Saturday, Aug. 18. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online (aca.tix.com) or at the door. northshoremusicassociation.com

Enjoy artwork, live music and food at the annual Art in Bayfront Park art festival. | SUBMITTED

LITTLE TROUT DAY BY THE BAY

Aug. 18, Saturday Little Trout Day on the Bay is an annual event in Neebing, Ontario at Little Trout Bay Conservation Area, which is run under the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. It is a family-friendly, fun-filled day involving outdoor activities, kayaking demonstrations, food, a barbecue, information booths, and so on. This year, the municipality is partnering with Barb K. Parent, author of the award-winning young adult Sommerhejm Journey fiction series. She will be in attendance and provide various activities. The Thunder Bay Carvers will also provide demonstrations of the actual wood carvings outlined in the books. The event will be held from 10 a.m-3 p.m. Admission is free. lakeheadca.com

FORT UNDER SIEGE

Aug. 18-19 Held at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, experience the dramatic confrontation between two mighty rivals, the North West Company (NWC) of Montreal and the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) of England. Their violent struggle to dominate the North American fur trade changed the course of Canada’s history forever. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with soldiers, fire a historic musket, become a spy, join in the debate as the Anishinaabe decide their involvement in the upcoming battle, and help hide muskets and powder. Kids can sign-up to join either side. There will also be axe throwing lessons, canoeing, crafting and more. The plot will unravel from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. fwhp.ca/ fort-under-siege

Brian Naughton will perform at the Boundary Waters Blues Festival. | DARLENE ZIEGLER

BLUEBERRY BLAST FESTIVAL

Aug. 18-19 The 17th Annual Blueberry Blast Festival will take place in downtown Nipigon near the Paddle to the Sea Park. This is a fun-filled family event with guided blueberry picking, food and craft vendors, information and interactive booths, live music and a magician. There will also be face painting, sidewalk chalk drawing for children, Zumba, square dancing, a pancake breakfast, a spaghetti supper, a Chinese supper buffet and more. nipigonblueberryblast.com

ART IN BAYFRONT PARK

Aug. 18-19 Held on the beautiful Lake Superior waterfront in Duluth, Art in Bayfront Park features over 100 juried artists, as well as live music, demos, food and drink vendors, and a car show. Artwork includes jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass, wood, sculptures and more, by local and regional artists. New this year is the Bayfront Brew Sampler feature; sample an array of great craft beers daily from 2-4 p.m. The festival will be held at Bayfront Festival Park from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. artinbayfrontpark.com

THE LUCKY DUTCH

Aug. 23, Thursday Help support the North Shore Music Association, Cook County’s nonprofit presenter of great eclectic concerts and music education, while listening and dancing to one of Chicago’s best rock bands, The Lucky Dutch. Formed in 2008 by guitarist Nathan Graham and singer Claire Corriveau, the duo was soon joined by drummer Ben Dacoba and bassist David Padula. They’ve since toured the country and released two LPs: “Bury the Night” in 2014 and “Cadillac Coffin” in 2016. In May, The Lucky Dutch released a new single titled “My Time Ain’t Long.” The group will be playing from 7-10 p.m. at the Wunderbar Eatery in Grand Marais. There’s no cover charge, but donations to NSMA are greatly appreciated. northshoremusicassociation.com

TRIBUTE FEST

Aug. 23-25 Founded in 2008, Tribute Fest in Duluth was set up to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans in Minnesota using the power of music. Held at Bayfront Festival Park, the festival features three nights of tribute bands on the main stage, as well as two nights of local bands. Tribute bands include One: A Tribute to Metallica, Def Leggend, Foreigner-4-Ever, Zed-Leppelin, Church of Cash, Cowboy: Kid Rock, and The Country Artists Tribute Show, featuring covers of Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith and Eric Church. A portion of all proceeds go to homeless and jobless veterans. Tickets can be purchased online; veterans, active duty and their families can attend free. thetributefest.com

RIBFEST

Aug. 24-26 The aroma of fresh barbecue will fill the Thunder Bay air during the 7th Annual Ribfest in the Waterfront District, featuring four Ribber Teams battling it out in the Ribbers Contest to earn the Best Ribs Title. This free, family-friendly, threeday food and music extravaganza also features the popular Strongman (qualifying event) and Crossfit competitions, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 25, along with the Taranis Excavator Challenge. Then, see what the younger fans have been up to

with the Kub Kar event on Sunday. Also on Sunday is the Red River Rumble Motorcycle and Car Show, held along Cumberland Street. Other activities include live entertainment throughout the weekend, local artisan and food vendors, beer gardens, and a kids area. RibFest will be held from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. ribfesttbay.com

LAKE SUPERIOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Aug. 24-25 Head to Barker’s Island in Superior for the annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. Watch or participate in the races, feast on fantastic food, peruse the craft fair and gather for celebratory music and dancing. Enjoy live music by Laura Velvet and the Bookhouse Boys at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by the Mackie Brothers at 9 p.m. There will also be children’s activities, the Optimist Club breakfast, a rose petal ceremony, and fireworks held at 9 p.m. on Friday. Festival admission is free; race registration required. lakesuperiordragons.com

CELEBRATING CANOES

Aug. 24-26 Join like-minded canoe enthusiasts from around the region for the Celebrating Canoes: Past and Present event, held at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, near Ely. A special focus of the weekend will be on Joe Seliga and his influence on the craft of wood canvas canoes. There will be on-water activities, such as slalom races, voyageur-style canoe races, introduction to freestyle paddling and basic paddling skills. Other activities include a day paddle to the Boundary Waters, paddle or car caravan to Listening Point, and a full moon candlelight paddle. There will be live music, craft classes, presentations and discussions, canoe films, a silent auction, walking tours and more. Widji will provide food and lodging for the weekend. Event registration required to participant. facebook.com/celebratingcanoes

XTERRA SLEEPING GIANT TRIATHLON

Aug. 25, Saturday Come race the giant at the Xterra Sleeping Giant Triathlon, held at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Thunder Bay. The course has everything you would expect when racing in Ontario’s remote wilderness. The swim will be in

the clean and clear spring fed Marie Louise Lake. From there, ride on the grassy mountain bike trail. Intended to be a fast ride, it will provide ample opportunity for passing. Then, enjoy views of Lake Superior on the technical, yet beautiful trail run. Race categories are based on age for both male and females, and participants will have the opportunity to win a free mountain bike or trail runner shoe. There will be a triathlon (short and full course), duathlon and relays, as well as a 5km and 21km trail run. Race registration required. elementracing.ca

BOUNDARY WATERS BLUES FESTIVAL

Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Located in Winton (near Ely), the 18th Annual Boundary Waters Blues Festival begins on Thursday, Aug. 30 with a kickoff party at 7 p.m., featuring Tru Blu North. Then, enjoy multiple performances starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. This year’s festival lineup includes Brian Naughton, Paul Mayasich, Rocco Calipari and the Head Honchos, Dee Miller, and the Craig Clark Band. After the music, socialize around a campfire and you might be treated to a fireside acoustic jam. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online. elyblues.com

NIPIGON FALL FISHING FESTIVAL

Aug. 31-Sept. 3 Enjoy four days of family-fun with the 54th Annual Fall Fishing Festival in Nipigon. Kickoff the weekend with the 5k run/walk Friday evening, followed by a slo-pitch tournament. Saturday morning, take part in the kids races on the recreation field, then find a spot to watch the parade. At the main event site you’ll find a classic car display, kids inflatables, food trucks and booths, and a giant penny auction. You can even buy tickets to “Catch the Ace” for a chance to win the progressive jackpot. There will also be two fishing derbies with prizes for multiple categories; the two-day Family Derby and one-day Huck Finn Derby for ages 12 and under. Other activities include a spaghetti supper, a dance party, and fireworks over the marina Sunday night. nipigonfallfishingfestival.com

• Open Daily – Serving Breakfast & Lunch

• Grab & Go Items, Including Wraps, Salads and Sandwiches

• New Menu Features: Asian Smoked Fish Sandwich, Cajun Salmon Sandwich, Turkey Bacon Avocado Wrap, Tuscan Bean Soup & more

• Wine, Beer, Coffee, Juices and Soda

• Outdoor Deck Seating & Indoor Café With Lake Superior Views

Enjoy all things canoe-related at Celebrating Canoes in Ely. | SUBMITTED

AUGUST Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

July 27-Aug. 11

Biggest Blueberry Contest

Gunflint Trail, visitcookcounty.com/events

July 28-Aug. 4

Big Fish Contest Cook County, buckshardware.net

Aug. 1, Wednesday

Annual Old Timer’s Gathering

11 a.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Artist Talk: Hazel Belvo 7 p.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Aug. 1-5

Fisherman’s Picnic Grand Marais, e-clubhouse.org/sites/grand_marais

Spirit Valley Days

West Duluth, spiritvalleydays.com

Aug. 2, Thursday

Tyler Farr & Nelly 5 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontfestivalpark.com

Rise Above Seizures Walk 5 p.m.

Park Point Pavilion & Beach House, Duluth, epilepsyfoundationmn.org

Billy Johnson 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

City Band Concert & Ice Cream

Social 7:30 p.m. Thomas Owens Park, Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborschamber

Aug. 2-11

Renegade Theater Presents: Lizzie 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Aug. 2-Aug. 12

Summer Theater Festival: Mom’s Gift & Shrek The Musical 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com

Aug. 2-18

The Toxic Avenger 7:30 p.m. The Underground Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

Aug. 3, Friday

A Patchwork of Forest Types

1 p.m. Moose Mountain SNA, Duluth, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Shapiro & Smith Dance Performance 7 p.m. Tofte Lake Center, Ely, toftelake.org

Kelly Barnhill: Dreadful Young Ladies

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

Aug. 3-4

Ashland Downtown Days Ashland, WI, visitashland.com

City on the Hill Music Fest Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, cityonthehillmusicfest.com

Bally Blacksmith Shop Demos

1 p.m. (3 p.m. Sat.), Bally Blacksmith Shop, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Reflections on Water: Multimedia Dance Performance 7 p.m. VCC Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Floydian Slip 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 3-5

Drag Fest Terrace Bay, superiorclassics.ca

Beaver Bay Daze Beaver Bay, beaverbaymn.com

Love & Kindness Festival Thunder Bay, loveandkindnessfestival.com

Nakina Bass Derby Nakina, Ontario, nakinabassderby.ca

Aug. 3-7

Strathcona Invitational Strathcona Golf Course, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Aug. 4, Saturday

Annual Kids’ Fishing Party 9 a.m.

Kreher Park, Ashland, WI, visitashland.com

Sunora Superior North Shore Regatta 9:30 a.m. Porphyry Island, Thunder Bay, clls.ca

Mud Monkey Kids’ Obstacle Course

Race 10 a.m. Silver Rapids Lodge, Ely, ely.org/mn/events

Small Life in Big Lakes 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Military Vehicle Show 10 a.m.

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Superior, bvhcenter.org

Grand View Firehouse 50 Road Race 10 a.m. Ashland, WI, firehouse50.org

Breakfast in the Garden: Art & Tea 10 a.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, gardnertrust.org

Larsmont Community Fun Picnic Day 11 a.m. Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Kids Craft Day Noon, Founders Museum Pioneer Village, Slate River, Facebook: Founders Museum Pioneer Village Fishing for Plankton 12:30 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Raku with Mark Lusardi 5 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Michael Monroe

Log Cabin Concert 7 p.m. Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com

FishPic Fireworks 9:45 p.m. Grand Marais Harbor

Aug. 4-5

Stanley Thompson Memorial

2 Man 9 a.m. Kenogamisis Golf Club, Geraldton, kenogamisisgolfclub.com

Aug. 5, Sunday

Fisherman’s Picnic Parade 1 p.m.

Downtown Grand Marais

Bluegrass Sundays 3 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Bug House 6 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 5-6

Festa Italiana Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, italiancc.com

Aug. 6, Monday

Cabin Trusts with Kelly Klun 4 p.m.

Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Pavilion Concert Series 6:30 p.m. Waverley Park, Thunder Bay, calendar. thunderbay.ca

Aug. 7, Tuesday

Story Time 10:30 a.m. Grand Marais

Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Kids’ Day: Free Admission 11 a.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, chikwauk.com

Fish Heads 6:30 p.m. Chester Bowl Park, Duluth, chesterbowl.org

The Superior Singers: Beatles

Forever 7 p.m. Zion Lutheran Lot, Superior, superiorsingers.com

Aug. 8, Wednesday

Pinterest Projects: A is for Apple 10:30 a.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Mid-Trail Auction & Fundraiser

Noon, Gunflint Mid-Trail Fire Hall, Gunflint Trail

Reading MN Native American Writers

Series 5:30 p.m.

Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, northshorecampus.org

Celia Domich: Researching Your Family History 7 p.m. Vermilion Community College, Ely, ely.org/mn/events

Aug. 8-12

CLE Family Fair Noon, CLE, Thunder Bay, cle.on.ca/family-fair

Aug. 9, Thursday

Stories of Work & Play in Chippewa City

4 p.m. Chippewa City Church, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Annual Guns & Hoses Softball

Game 5 p.m. Wade Stadium, Duluth, northernlightsfoundation.org

Book Signing: Gunflint Burning

6 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Resurrection Tour: Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Soil, Tantric & Shallow

Side 6:30 p.m. Clyde Iron Works, Duluth, twinportsnightlife.com

City Band Concert & Ice Cream

Social 7:30 p.m. Thomas Owens Park, Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborschamber

Plucked Up String Band 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 9-12

Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship Barker’s Island, Superior, facebook.com/lschainsawchampionship

Bayfield County Fair Bayfield, WI, bayfieldcounty.org

Aug. 9-19

Children’s Theatre: Romeo & Juliet and West Side Story 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Aug. 10, Friday

The Knee-high Forest of Lutsen SNA

1 p.m. Mountain Inn Parking Lot, Lutsen, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Unspoken Pursuit Presentation: Kelly Aul 2 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Author Faith Sullivan 7 p.m.

Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Ottie the Mink Trio 7 p.m. Tofte Lake Center, Ely, toftelake.org

Aug. 10-11

BrewHa Craft Beer Festival

Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay, brewhafestival.com

Agate Bay Crafters 9 a.m. Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Thunderheads 8:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 10-12

Rendezvous Days & Pow-Wow

Grand Portage Monument & Heritage Center, visitcookcounty.com/events

Live from the Rock Folk Festival Pull-A-Log Park, Red Rock, livefromtherockfolkfestival.com

Bayfront Blues Festival Bayfront Park, Duluth, bayfrontblues.com

Kraus-Anderson Bike

Duluth Festival Spirit Mountain, Duluth, bikeduluthfestival.com

Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival 10 a.m. (3 p.m. Fri.) P.K. Anderson House, Two Harbors, Facebook: Two Harbors

Under the Spreading Walnut Tree Art Festival

Aug. 11, Saturday

Annual Paju Mountain Run 8:30 a.m. Redrock, Ontario, redrocktownship.com

Brighton Beach Art Festival

9 a.m. Brighton Beach, Duluth, facebook.com/artfestival123

Tori Finnish Marketplace

10 a.m. Finland Heritage Site, Finland, finlandmnhistoricalsociety.com

Nice Girls of the North Marketplace

10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com

Ice Cream Social & Membership Meeting 1 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Free Concert at the Park: LaFond & Grillo 7 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, genelafond.com

Aug. 11-12

Ely Watercross Race Longbranch Event Center, Ely/Winton, Facebook: Ely Watercross Association

Men’s Bergstrom Golf Tournament

8 a.m. Kenogamisis Golf Club, Geraldton, kenogamisisgolfclub.com

Aug. 11-18

Dark Sky Caravan Cook County, visitcookcounty.com/events

Aug. 12, Sunday

Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m. Finland Heritage Site, Finland, finlandmnhistoricalsociety.com

Bluegrass Sundays 3 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Gunflint Woods, Winds, Strings & a Little Jazz 5 p.m. Firehall #1, Gunflint Trail (313) 673-6202

Andrew Huber 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Gag Me with a Spoon 7 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Aug. 13, Monday

Two Harbors Chamber Golf Outing 11 a.m. Lakeview National Golf Course, Two Harbors (218) 834-2600

Pavilion Concert Series 6:30 p.m. Waverley Park, Thunder Bay, calendar. thunderbay.ca

Aug. 14, Tuesday

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

Kids’ Day: Free Admission 11 a.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, chikwauk.com

Ruby’s Pantry 5 p.m. Community Center, Grand Marais, facebook.com/rubyspantrycc

Lyric Opera of the North Summer Sparkler 5:30 p.m. Northland Country Club, Duluth, loonopera.org

Porky’s Groove Machine 6:30 p.m. Chester Bowl Park, Duluth, chesterbowl.org

Night at the Museum 7 p.m. Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

Bug Dope 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

The Superior Singers: Beatles Forever 7 p.m. United Presbyterian Church, Superior, superiorsingers.com

Aug. 15, Wednesday

MN Jack Sparrow & Pirate History

9:30 a.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Heebie Jeebies Family Comedy Music

Show 3:30 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Ely Rotary Auction Fundraiser 4:30 p.m. Grand Ely Lodge, Ely, elyrotary.org

Artist Talk: Kristen Lowe 7 p.m.

Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Aug. 16, Thursday

Ashland Chamber Field Day Golf

Tournament Ashland, WI, visitashland.com

Summer Sail-A-Bration 4:30 p.m.

Boat Club Restaurant & Bar, Duluth, downtownduluth.com

Grill Wars 5 p.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, bayfrontfestivalpark.com

Gordon Thorne 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 16-17

Night Sky Exhibit Seagull Lake Community Center, Gunflint Trail, chikwauk.com

Aug. 16-19

Lake County Fair

Two Harbors, thelakecountyfair.com

Ashland County Fair Ashland, WI, ashlandcofair.org

Aug. 17, Friday

Heebie Jeebies 9:30 a.m.

Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Lighthouse Festival Noon, Terrace Bay, terracebay.ca

Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater

Performance 7 p.m. Tofte Lake Center, Ely, toftelake.org

Aug. 17-18

Castle Danger Anniversary Weekend Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

Diane Isackson Craft Show & Sale

9 a.m. Little Red Schoolhouse, Larsmont, larsmont.org

Movie Nights on the Waterfront After Sunset, Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights

Space Monkey Mafia 9 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 17-19

International Ukulele Carnival Silver Creek Town Hall, Two Harbors, twoharborsukulelegroup.com

Wawa Salmon Derby Wawa, Ontario, wawasalmonderby.com

Aerostich Very Boring Rally 4 Aerostich, Duluth, boringrally.com

Aug. 18, Saturday

John Schroeder Day 8 a.m. Schroeder Town Hall, crossriverheritage.org

GGTA North Shore Bike Ride

9 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, ggta.org

Westfort Street Fair 9 a.m. West Frederica Street, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/westfortvillageassociation

Little Trout Day by the Bay 10 a.m. Little Trout Bay Conservation Area, Neebing, lakeheadca.com

Summer Reading Program “End of Summer” Picnic 11 a.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Glensheen Gala Unlocked: Secret Garden Party 7 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.org

Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert 7 p.m. Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com

The World at Dusk 7 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Peter Mayer 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Aug. 18-19

Nipigon Blueberry Blast Downtown Nipigon, nipigon.net

FWHP Fort Under Siege Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

Ladies Invitational 2 Gal 9 a.m. Kenogamisis Golf Club, Geraldton, kenogamisisgolfclub.com

Art in Bayfront Park 10 a.m. Bayfront Park, Duluth, artinbayfrontpark.com

Thunder at the Bay Motorsports

Extravaganza CLE Grounds, Thunder Bay, cle.on.ca/thunder-at-the-bay

Aug. 19, Sunday

Kakabeka Falls Half Marathon & Inaugural 8k 7 a.m. Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, runkbfalls.com

Northwood Hills Road Race & Fun Run

8 a.m. Sir Winston Churchill High School, Thunder Bay, calendar.thunderbay.ca

Duluth Children’s Museum Bubble Festival Noon, Clyde Park, Duluth, bubblefestival.org

Teresa Marrone: Invasive & Non-Native Plants 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, chikwauk.com

Boundary Waters Boy: Jack Blackwell 4 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Jim & Michele Miller 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 20, Monday

Mini-Golf for the Old Firehouse

5 p.m. The Old Firehouse & Police Museum, Duluth, Facebook: The Old Firehouse & Police Museum

Aug. 20-21

Annual Flower, Fruit & Vegetable Show 55-Plus Centre, Thunder Bay, tbayhortsociety.weebly.com

Aug. 21, Tuesday

Dress to Play Open House

4 p.m. Birch Grove Community School, Tofte, birchgroveschool.com

Take It With You: Season 5 7:30 p.m. The Underground Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

Aug. 22, Wednesday

Fish Heads & Friends 4 p.m.

Gary New Duluth Performance Pavilion, Duluth, facebook.com/gndcommunity

Training with a Pro: Hockey Edition

6 p.m. Lakehead University Hanger, Thunder Bay, prokidsthunderbay.ca

Aug. 23, Thursday

The Lucky Dutch: NSMA Benefit 7 p.m. Wunderbar, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Guest Lecture Series:

Gunflint Trail History 7 p.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais, northshorecampus.org

Aug. 23-25

Tribute Fest Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, thetributefest.com

Aug. 24, Friday

Rory Anderson: Intro to Lichens

9 a.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, chikwauk.com

WTIP’s Small Change Trivia 7 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

The Lark & the Loon 8:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 24-25

Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival Barker’s Island, Superior, lakesuperiordragons.com

Movie Nights on the Waterfront

After Sunset, Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights

Aug. 24-26

Celebrating Canoes: Past & Present Ely, facebook.com/celebratingcanoes

Annual Embarrass Region Fair Embarrass Timber Hall, Embarrass, embarrass.org

RibFest 11 a.m. Waterfront District, Thunder Bay, ribfesttbay.com

Aug. 25, Saturday

Xterra Sleeping Giant Triathlon

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, elementracing.ca

Web Watching with Larry Weber

8:30 & 11 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Electronic Recycling Collection Event

9 a.m. Cook County Recycling Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-3630

On the Water Rendezvous

2 p.m. Porphyry Island Lighthouse, Thunder Bay, clls.ca

Brenda Child & Jonathan Thunder: Bowwow Powwow 7 p.m.

Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Aug. 25-26

Easy Rider 8:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 26, Sunday

Pints & Poses Brewery Yoga

10:30 a.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Wildlife Biologist Dr. Seth Moore: Moose Presentation 2 p.m.

Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, chikwauk.com

Care Partners Ice Cream Social & Quilt

Raffle 2 p.m. Sydney’s Frozen Custard, Grand Marais, carepartnersofcookcounty.org

Full Moon Reading: Children’s Books

7:30 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Aug. 28, Tuesday

Joe Paulik Band 7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Aug. 29, Wednesday

Watercolor Demo: Tara Sweeney

7 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Alice Cooper: A Paranormal Evening 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Aug. 30, Thursday

Movie Matinee: The Wizard of Oz

3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

I Am My Own Wife 7:30 p.m. The Underground Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

Aug. 30-Sept. 2

Duluth-Superior Pride Festival Throughout the Twin Ports, dspride.com

Aug. 31, Friday

Blood Drive 8 a.m. Dairy Queen, Ely, mbc.org

Downtown Duluth Arts Walk 4 p.m. Downtown Duluth, facebook.com/duluthartswalk

Aug. 31-Sept. 1

Boundary Waters Blues Festival Winton/Ely, elyblues.com

The Federales 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Movie Nights on the Waterfront After Sunset, Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights

Aug. 31-Sept. 3

Nipigon Fall Fishing Festival Nipigon, nipigonfallfishingfestival.com

Monday

Open Mic Night 6 p.m. Grandma Rays, Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmarays

Songwriter Series 8:30 p.m.

Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Live Music 9 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Tuesday

Downtown Farmers’ Market

11 a.m. Lake Superior Plaza, Duluth, downtownduluth.com

Sawmill Tours (Thru Aug. 21) 12:30 p.m.

Hedstrom Lumber Company, Gunflint Trail (218) 877-7030

USFS Nature Programs (Thru Aug. 21) 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, Gunflint Trail, chikwauk.com

Ely Farmers’ Market 5 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, facebook.com/elymnfarmersmarket

Free: Trivia (Mafia) Tuesday 6 p.m.

Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

Trivia 7 p.m. Grandma Rays, Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmarays

Campfire Music 7 p.m. Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Wednesday

Lake Superior Yoga 8 a.m. Tettegouche State Park Visiter Center, Silver Bay

Boreal Corps “Letters on the Library Lawn” 2:30 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

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

Open Mic 5 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Live on the Waterfront 6 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/live

Live Music 7 p.m. Wunderbar, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Live Music 9 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Thursday

Bird Banding Demos 7 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Live Craft Demo 10 a.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Learn to Knit 10:30 a.m. Sisu Designs, Ely, sisudesigns.org

Heritage Homestead Tours

1 p.m. Embarrass Information Center, Embarrass, embarrass.org

Finland Farmers Market 5 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, friendsoffinland.org

Local Food Market 5 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais

Live Music 6 p.m. Cascade Lodge & Restaurant, Lutsen, cascadelodgemn.com

Live Music by the Campfire 6:30 p.m. Lutsen Resort, lutsenresort.com

Date Night with Live Music

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

Live Music 7 p.m. Wunderbar, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Friday

Sawmill Tours (Thru Aug. 24) 10 a.m.

Hedstrom Lumber Company, Gunflint Trail (218) 877-7030

Live Craft Demo 10 a.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Preschool Storytime 11 a.m.

Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Heritage Homestead Tours 1 p.m. Embarrass Information Center, Embarrass, embarrass.org

Live Music 4 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Live Music 7 p.m.

Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

Music by the Campfire 7 p.m.

Eagle Ridge, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Live Music 8 p.m. Wunderbar, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Movies in the Park Sundown, Leif Erikson Park, Duluth, downtownduluth.com

Live Music 9 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Renegade Improv 10:30 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Saturday

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

Ashland Area Farmer’s Market 8 a.m. Ashland, WI, ashlandareafarmersmarket.com

Cook County Market 9 a.m.

Senior Center Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ccfarmandcraft

Two Harbors Farmers Market

9 a.m. Cedar Coffee Company & Spokengear, Two Harbors, facebook.com/twoharborsfarmersmarket

Ely Farmers’ Market 9:30 a.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, facebook.com/elymnfarmersmarket

Live Craft Demo 10 a.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

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

Voyageur Brewing Tours

11 a.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Open Knitting 1 p.m. Sisu Designs Yarn Shop, Ely, sisudesigns.org

Heritage Homestead Tours

1 p.m. Embarrass Information Center, Embarrass, embarrass.org

Free: Tour the North House Campus

2 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Music on the Deck 6 p.m.

Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Live Music 6 p.m. Cascade Lodge & Restaurant, Lutsen, cascadelodgemn.com

Stock Car Racing 7 p.m. ABC Raceway, Ashland, WI, abcraceway.com

What’s For Dinner? 7 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org

Live Music 7 p.m. Lutsen Resort, lutsenresort.com

Live Music 7 p.m. Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

Live Music 8 p.m. Wunderbar, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Live Music 9:30 p.m.

Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Renegade Improv 10:30 p.m. Zeitgeist

Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Sunday

Stories in Stone 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Live Craft Demo 10 a.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Music by the Lake 4 p.m. Skyport Lodge on Devil Track Lake, Grand Marais, skyportlodge.com

Open Stage with Joe Paulik

6 p.m. Wunderbar, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

LAKE COUNTY

FAIR

Tues., Aug. 21 4 – 7pm

Current, past, and potential Birch Grove families, and the entire community, is invited to join us on this fun-filled day at Birch Grove Community School in Tofte!

• Free grilled hot dogs and beverages!

• Meet school staff & board members!

• Ask questions, get answers!

• Tour the school!

• Tour playground, ice rink, nature trails!

• Make s’mores over a bonfire!

• Meet other Birch Grove families and friends!

• Bouncy House inflatable!

• Art project for children!

Registration information for The Saplings Program (3 to 5 year olds) and the K – 5th grade program will be available!

Bring family and friends and DRESS TO PLAY!

www.birchgroveschool.com

(218)663-0170 • birchgrove@boreal.org

Birch Grove Community School …“Where Roots Grow Deep and Branches Reach High!”

Rose & Flag 3-A

Roses Cantle Design, U.S. Flag Side Carving, jewels on Right. Rose & Flag 3-B

Roses Cantle Design, tucked head, U.S.

Puppy

Puppy Cantle Design. Jewels on Right.

The North Shore Dish

Family and Kid-Friendly Dining

By Maren Webb

When I was growing up on the North Shore, eating out at a restaurant was a rarity, other than maybe the smelt fry at the local VFW. Today, dining outside the home has become more the norm in our country and region. Whether a quick bite on the run or a leisurely meal together, restaurants have recognized that families are part of their clientele. Some have gone above and beyond, creating experiences that are enjoyed by the kids and parents. While as a parent, I do enjoy a child-free meal out now and then, I also greatly appreciate being welcomed with my toddler in tow, so she can also try the delicious fare our area has to offer, as well as the convenience of a dinner we didn’t have to cook or clean up after. #modernparenting

Traveling along the North Shore on Highway 61, some may bypass the community of Silver Bay as it isn’t visible from the highway. Yet, only a mile from the Highway 61 stoplight you will find downtown Silver Bay and the Northwoods Family Grille, a family-friendly restaurant and not just because “family” is in its name. Family and kid-friendly seems to be woven into the way they do business. This spot in the shopping center has long been a restaurant, but in 2014 two couples purchased the restaurant and remade it into the Northwoods Family Grille with interior renovations and a new menu.

Today, Northwoods Family Grille is serving up all-day breakfast, ribs, burgers, and a large kids’ menu with 13 options. The kids’ menu is impressive not just in number of items but also in variety, which includes fish, small chef salad, mac and cheese, sliders, and even biscuits and gravy. I think even more selective eaters will find something to enjoy from that wide offering. And many parents will be pleasantly surprised to see some vegetables and fruit on the kids’ menu. Win-Win! Another option is sharing off the regular menu.

“Our ribs (from the regular menu) are delicious and sought after—and popular for families and children to split,” said one of the co-owners, Jessica Moen Baker. Their burgers have also placed at the Grill Wars in Duluth and they’ll be competing again this year on August 16; 5-8 p.m. in Bayfront Park.

The family friendliness doesn’t stop there. Between the large booths that seat six—which I successfully tested with two couples, two toddlers, and a baby—clean

restrooms with a baby changing station, and ample high chairs and boosters, it made dining as a family a breeze. The staff are very welcoming and made our recent visit as a family very enjoyable. A seasonal coloring sheet/kids’ menu for coloring was also a hit with our crew. If your family has dietary restrictions, the restaurant is peanut-free and also has gluten-free options available on request. An event room is available for birthday parties and extra-large groups.

Silver Bay has some nice family-friendly activities, like doing some rock throwing at Black Beach, taking a family cruise on the Wenonah from the Silver Bay Marina, visiting Tettegouche State Park and Palisade Head, or using one of the many trails that run through Silver Bay on foot, ATV, or snowmobile.

“We would love for North Shore travelers to hop off the beaten path, come in and say hello, and have a bite. We are confident

they will make it a regular stop and we are open year round,” said Moen Baker.

The Northwoods Family Grille (6 Shopping Center Rd, Silver Bay) is open every day during the summer season, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Every year, Northern Wilds asks you, our readers, to tell us who is the best of the best in dining in the Northern Wilds. One of the Reader’s Choice Restaurant Awards recognizes the kid-friendliness of a restaurant menu. Upon asking the 2018 Kid-Friendly Menu winner why they thought they had won, their simple response said it all: “What kid doesn’t love DQ?” Touché, Grand Marais Dairy Queen, touché.

Dairy Queen, or DQ as it is often known, is an institution in our part of the United States. You may have memories of childhood bike rides to get a cone or sports team visits after a victory or loss. And while serving their World Famous DQ Soft Serve and even more famous DQ Blizzard Treats gives them a leg up on the competition, the actual kids’ menu also provides some well-loved meal options: from a more of a treat kids’ meal including

Northwoods Family Grille in Silver Bay offers breakfast all day and the kid’s menu consists of 13 different options. | NORTHWOODS FAMILY GRILLE

The large booths at Northwoods Family Grille can seat roughly six people. | NORTHWOODS FAMILY GRILLE

a cone and a hot dog or hamburger, to a Kids Live Well meal which includes a chicken wrap, banana and bottled water. Their Pick 1 from each group style menu allows families to find the right match for their kiddo and family. The DQ cone is a wellknown favorite, but as reminded by owner, Seth McDonald, “Our DQ Blizzards are the favorite of kids of all ages.”

There may be no better time to stop at Dairy Queen than late summer, but to many of us, the summer season was the only time we could get DQ. In recent years, the Grand Marais Dairy Queen has switched to staying open year round, so you can get your DQ fix anytime of year. Or, if you are looking for that quick meal on a busy evening or on the road with your family. The Grand Marais Dairy Queen (120 Highway 61 N) is open in the summer every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Or stop by the Two Harbors Dairy Queen (530 7th Ave.).

Families are often on the go, but that doesn’t mean that every meal has to be fast or on the run. Just outside of Ashland, WI, FreeHands Farm Restaurant is creating a Farm to Table dining experience that is unique, fun, relaxing, and totally family-friendly.

Farm to Table may not immediately seem like a kid-friendly kind of restaurant, but it is precisely that, with outdoor seating, space for kids to play, and a kids’ menu with everything made from scratch. The Farm to Table concept means that the menu is driven by what is available fresh from local farmers and fisheries. For the youngsters, this can be options like spaghetti, mac and cheese, hamburgers, tacos, and veggies and hummus with naan. The adults can enjoy meals like grilled hand cut filet mignon, caprese salad, and pan seared whitefish. As a Farm to Table Restaurant, the menu changes daily (note: the listed items

may not be available at your visit, but menu info is available on FreeHands’ Facebook page).

Food is a piece of the kid-friendly pie, so to speak, at FreeHands Farm Restaurant, but it’s the space that makes it extremely family-friendly. The seating is all outdoors, with a large yard within view that allows kids to run, play soccer, tetherball, Frisbee, and play on the swing set and jungle gym. For the creative or quieter kid, “we also have a chalkboard, crayons, coloring books and puzzles,” said owner, Michelle Rudeen.

FreeHands Farm Restaurant (60445 Summit Rd West, Ashland) is open seasonally, May 26 through October 1, Thursday and Friday for dinner 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday for lunch and dinner noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday for brunch 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (closed Monday through Wednesday). Reservations are highly recommended and available by calling (715) 563-0323.

As we enjoy the remainder of the summer, skip having to find a babysitter and bring the kids along for a meal out, whether for a quick bite or for a special meal. Or bring out a family you know! Pick from one of these or another local favorite as restaurants are welcoming families and children and making it an enjoyable experience for all. Children might bring a little more mess and unpredictability to dining, but they will someday be the chefs, diners and farmers of the future. Let’s help them now start learning the joys of food and dining.

Dinner Menu

Reserve by Noon Served at 5:30 pm with bread, cottage cheese, a salad or applesauce. Also a vegetable, dessert and coffee or hot tea.

 BBQ Baby Back Ribs

 Roasted Duck

 10 oz Ribeye Steak

 Swedish Pancakes

 Made to order eggs

 Shore lunch potatoes

 Hash browns

 Bacon, Sausage links or patties

 French toast

 Toast

 Served with unlimited juice, milk, coffee, or tea.

 Chicken Alice

 Rack of Lamb w/ Blueberry Sauce

 Walleye

 Wild-caught Salmon

 Meatloaf

 Bourbon Pork

 Vegetarian and Children’s options available.

The author’s daughter, Mabel, enjoys her first Dairy Queen ice cream cone. | MAREN WEBB

Mocktails

By Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux

Mocktails offer all the fizz and flavor of cocktails, sans alcohol. These fun combinations of fruit and herbs, cream and chocolate, sparkling juice and simple syrup will have you celebrating summer in style.

Simple Syrup

This core ingredient is as simple to make as it sounds. This keeps well in the fridge, so make a double batch before your next barbecue.

Boil for 3 minutes:

ƒ 1 cup water

ƒ 1 cup sugar (substitute honey if desired)

For a flavor boost, add mint leaves, orange wedges, or other featured ingredient and let sit overnight.

Mint Tulip

Sweet and refreshing. Fill lowball glass with ice.

Muddle:

ƒ 2 slices lemon

ƒ 2 slices lime

ƒ 4-6 fresh mint leaves

ƒ 2 ounces simple syrup

Let sit 5 minutes, longer for stronger flavor. Strain into glass. Top with ginger beer or ginger ale. Garnish with a mint leaf.

Coffee Liqueur

A delicious substitute for Kahlúa. Whisk until combined:

ƒ 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

ƒ 2 ounces simple syrup

ƒ Splash of vanilla

Vasalisa Virgin Russian

Vasalisa is the heroine of a Russian fairytale. Fill lowball glass with ice.

Pour into glass and stir:

ƒ 2 ounces coffee liqueur (see recipe)

ƒ 2 ounces cream or half and half

ƒ Top with club soda to taste

Chocolate Ushanka

An ushanka is a Russian fur hat.

Drizzle chocolate sauce inside a lowball glass, then fill with ice.

Pour into glass:

ƒ 2 ounces coffee liqueur (see recipe)

ƒ Splash of cream

ƒ Fill with cola

Jale-Berry

Not to be mistaken for the actress Halle Berry.

In a collins glass, muddle:

ƒ 4-6 mixed berries

ƒ 2 thin slices jalapeño

ƒ 1 slice lime

ƒ 1 sprig cilantro

ƒ 1 ounce simple syrup

Add ice and fill with sour. Garnish with lime.

Fan Girl Sangria

Any fruit will do, but be sure to include some citrus for a classic flavor. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Fill martini or wine glasses, or champagne saucers with ice to chill.

In a large pitcher, muddle:

Add any fruit to the Fan Girl Sangria. | SUBMITTED

ƒ 1 orange, cut in wedges

ƒ 1 lemon, cut in wedges

ƒ 1 granny smith apple, sliced

ƒ ½ - 1 cup mixed berries

ƒ 1 cup lemonade

ƒ 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Allow to macerate 15-30 minutes.

ƒ Add 1 bottle of sparkling cranberry juice. Optional: spoon in 1 pint of rainbow sherbet.

Discard ice, pour into glasses, distributing fruit and sherbet.

Coconut Key Lime Pietini

Rim a martini glass with caramel sauce and crushed graham crackers, fill with ice to chill.

Shake with ice:

ƒ Half a lime, quartered and squeezed

ƒ 3 ounces canned coconut cream, well mixed

ƒ 2 ounces simple syrup

ƒ Splash club soda

ƒ Drop of green food coloring (optional)

Discard ice from martini glass, strain and serve. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

Frobscottle

This kid favorite is named after the Big Friendly Giant’s favorite drink in the book The BFG by Roald Dahl. Using Zevia, a stevia-based cola, means it’s sugar free.

Fill highball or juice glass with ice.

ƒ Fill almost full with Black Cherry Zevia cola.

ƒ Top with 1½ ounces coconut milk or coconut cream.

Garnish with maraschino cherry and a straw.

Procrastination Today’s Worst Enemy

By Amy Schmidt

Why do today what you can do tomorrow? This little phrase, while catchy, is far from good advice. Doing tomorrow what should be done today, or procrastinating, is a slippery slope. Tomorrow can quickly turn into next week or next year, and before you know it, that thing you set out to do is a looming, stressful monster threatening to overtake.

Most people have procrastinated something at some point in their lives. Maybe a house project or an unpleasant work assignment. Maybe the implementation of a healthy habit or the quitting of a bad habit. Maybe something more interpersonal, like a necessary confrontation or a difficult phone call. Whatever the task, procrastinating can lead to increased stress, decreased performance and health-related problems. Here’s a few tips on how to avoid procrastination and get today’s task done today.

Start by breaking the task up into manageable parts. Whether you’re cleaning out a closet or a whole apartment, compartmentalize the project and tackle one bit at a time. And then, just start. Often, simply

starting the insurmountable task results in enough momentum to finish.

Be realistic, too. Projects almost always take longer than expected. So buffer your expectations with extra time. And be kind to yourself. If you can’t keep your eyes open after 9 p.m., don’t plan to work on your term paper from 9-11 p.m. It just won’t happen.

But do plan. Planning is a great way to avoid procrastination. Leaving projects until “there’s time” means those projects will never get done. There’s never enough time in the day. But, scheduling specific chunks of time to tackle a task means you’ll make time. Grab a calendar and pencil in dedicated time. Better yet, put it in pen and throw away the white-out.

Don’t be above rewards. There’s nothing wrong with motivation, so long as the reward motivating you isn’t destructive or harmful. For example, record your favorite show and only allow yourself to watch it after you’ve done what you set out to do. Having something to look forward to, beyond the satisfaction of accomplishment, can benefit both efficiency and productivity.

Don’t be above eliciting help, either. Not the kind of help that will do your task for you, but the kind that will help you stay on task. Find a friend or coworker who can help you stay accountable. Tell them what you’ll have done and by when. Then ask them to hold you accountable to your word. Not wanting to go back on your word can be a great way to extinguish procrastination.

Last but certainly not least, don’t be too hard on yourself, especially for bouts of past procrastination. Just because you’ve procrastinated before doesn’t mean you’re a chronic procrastinator incapable of

changing your ways. Consider why you’ve procrastinated in the past—stress, lack of knowledge, lack of accountability, fear— then take steps to avoid the pitfalls. Seeing the obstacles means you won’t trip over them. And seeing yourself as more than your bad habits means you’ll have the gumption to overcome what’s holding you back from accomplishing your goals, however big or small they may be.

Northern Trails Superior Lake Trout

By Gord Ellis

There was a time not that terribly long ago when Lake Superior was considered the top destination for giant lake trout. For many years, Lake Superior held the world record for a lake trout caught by angling. That was a massive 60-pound brute. Unfortunately, the arrival of sea lamprey—coupled with aggressive commercial fishing—put the boot to Lake Superior lakers. During the 1970s, when I was a teenaged fishing nut living in Thunder Bay, lake trout were a rather rare and exotic catch. Thankfully, lamprey control, coupled with trout stocking via the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, has helped the population recover. This year, the lake trout fishing along the Canadian coast of Superior is quite good. In the waters of Thunder Bay, the fishing for lakers is amazing.

Lake Superior is unique in that it has a number of different populations of lake trout that live in many different habitats. Without trying to make it too complicated, there are strains of lake trout that frequent near shore waters of Superior and some that tend to be deep. Of the strains that stay closer to the shore areas, the redfin is perhaps the most well-known. This trout is longer, leaner and darker than a lot of Lake Superior lakers. The redfin name comes from the red or orange coloration on the fins of these fish. One of the cool things about redfin lake trout is you can sometimes catch them trolling in relatively shallow water (under 30 feet), or just under the surface over deeper water. I’ve even caught them shore-casting in the dead of summer. If Superior is cold, the redfin trout will usually be shallow and biting.

The easiest way to target shallow fish is to do what is called flat line trolling. This technique involves trolling a spoon or diving crankbait on a long line out behind the boat. Generally, weight is not needed, although there is no reason you can’t add it. A 3/8 ounce silver Krocodile, Williams Nipigon or Little Cleo spoon are all great choices as they troll well and have a lot of flash. Always make sure you check the lure action with the trolling speed. You don’t want the spoon to spin. A speed of two mph or even less is often optimum. Another trolling option is a diving crank like the Rebel Fastrac or Deep Diving Husky Jerk. These lures tend to get a little deeper and also have a nice fish-like profile. Work the waters just off shore and don’t be afraid to sneak in up close if it is deep. Shallow

Corine Armstrong with a near shore Superior lake trout. | T ARMSTRONG

REEL SWEDE CHARTERS

BOAT RIDES (Approx. 45 minutes) Go for an enjoyable ride on Lake Superior! We tour the harbor then head out to see the sights. $25/adult, $20/16 & under, 2 person minimum CHARTER FISHING

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A-dock, Slip 6 (A6) Grand Marais marina, located at the Grand Marais municipal campground.

water lakers are usually aggressive fish. If you don’t get action close to shore, move out a bit and look for temperature changes or inversions. An inversion is where cold water meets warm. Sometimes these areas wills manifest as slicks of bugs and debris in the water. I’ve seen and caught lake trout feeding in these surface slicks over 100 feet of water.

Downrigging is the most common way to catch lakers, but also the least hands-on. A downrigger is a heavy lead weight on a cable. The weight has a clip on it where you can attach a fishing line. When a trout hits, the line breaks free of the clip and you fight the fish in. While downrigging allows you a very accurate presentation of a lure at a certain depth, you lose the strike. Basically you reel in a fish that’s already hooked. Not to say that isn’t fun, it’s just different than feeling a fish strike your line. All that being said, downrigging is without a doubt the most consistently successful way to catch lakers that are hanging out 40 to 80 feet down or more. Deep water lake trout tend to be paler, fattier and not quite as nice to eat.

One old-school technique that was introduced to me by my late grandfather, Ora Ellis, is wire lining. This technique has been used on Lake Superior for nearly 150 years, maybe longer. You can still see some of the old-school banjo-style wire line reels rigged on tiny metal rods hanging in restaurants and stores. Wire line can be used on newer

reels just as well, but the rod needs to be sturdy and have a hard metal tip or roller eye. Wire can chew up some stock guides very fast. Wire line is great at catching lake trout that live belly-to-the-bottom. The trick is to add weight to the wire line, usually off a dropper. Then you have a threeor four-foot monofilament leader and add a lure or bait. A Williams Wabler or Whitefish spoon is a classic wire line bait. Some folks also use herring or smelt on a long hook as bait. The key with wire line is to troll with your line close to—or dragging—bottom. When a trout grabs the bait, there is no doubt what is happening. Wire does not stretch, so the slow tug-of-war via reel begins. Wire lining is not exactly a finesse technique, but it really works.

There are a lot of lake trout to be caught in Lake Superior, and the time is prime to get out on the big lake and try it. The basics found here should help you battle a Lake Superior lake trout sooner than later.

Jay LeClair of Thunder Bay with a fat lake trout caught by downrigging. | T ARMSTRONG

Among the Aspen

Northwoods Grouse and Woodcock Hunting

By Mark Parman University of Wisconsin Press, $22.95

There was a time when good writing about wing shooting was common, but that was in another century. These days, too much outdoor writing is product hype or pedantic how-to stories. For those who rather read about “why” that “how-to” Mark Parman is a breath of fresh air. He hunts in the aspen thickets of northern Wisconsin, taking his birds over the points of English setters. That’s what he writes about in strong, story-telling prose. This is a book that is meant to be savored like a sunny October day in the woods, when it just feels good to be there. Parman takes you along on every page.—Shawn Perich

The Right to Be Cold

By Sheila Watt-Cloutier University of Minnesota Press, $22.95

For the first 10 years of her life, author Sheila Watt-Cloutier traveled only by dog team. Today, there are more snow machines than dogs in her native Nunavik, a region that is part of the homeland of the Inuit in Canada. In Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit, the elders say that the weather is Uggianaqtuq—behaving in strange and unexpected ways. The Right to Be Cold is Watt-Cloutier’s memoir of growing up in the Arctic reaches of Quebec during these unsettling times. It is the story of life on the front lines of climate change, told by a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Indigenous environmental, cultural and human rights advocates in the world.—Breana Roy

WHY GO: Isabella Lake is an easy-to-access lake entirely in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) that is a good option for eater walleye, trophy pike and even fall whitefish netting.

ACCESS: The easiest way to get to Isabella is via a relatively short portage (DNR calls it 56 rods, Voyageur Maps calls it 35 rods) from the end of Tomahawk Road (F.R. 377). This is basically BWCAW entry point No. 35 (Isabella Lake). The lake can also be accessed via a portage on the west side of the lake from Isabella River (28 rods) or from the east side and Boga Lake (16 rods).

VITALS: Motors aren’t allowed on this 1,257-acre BWCAW lake. It’s not a very clear lake, thanks to its bog-stained water, and water clarity was measured at 5.5 feet during DNR’s most recent fisheries survey in 2016. It’s a decent-sized lake with several islands and bays.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, walleye, whitefish, white sucker and yellow perch.

WALLEYES: Most (95 percent) of the walleyes surveyed in 2016 were under 15 inches.

But Isabella isn’t a bad option for some good spring and summer walleye action inside the Boundary Waters, without having to make much effort to get there.

And there are some nice-sized walleyes present. The largest walleye sampled in 2016 was 21.2 inches long and weighed just under three pounds.

The previous fisheries survey, conducted in 2006, turned up a walleye that was just under 27 inches.

Walleyes don’t grow fast in this lake, but natural reproduction is doing pretty well in the lake, with eight-year classes showing up in the survey nets. For that matter, the walleye catch in the survey nets was above average compared to similar lakes in northeastern Minnesota, with 87 walleyes sampled.

BIG PIKE: While that 2016 survey turned up a below-average catch of northern pike, Isabella remains a good option for catching a trophy-sized pike. The 2016 survey turned up a 39.4-incher that weighed nearly 15 pounds.

And five of the 19 northerns sampled were longer than 35 inches.

So if you like big pike, it wouldn’t hurt to bring some heavier tackle and some pikey plugs, spoons and in-line spinners.

The survey found nine-year classes of pike in the lake, and growth rates for northerns in Isabella appear to be faster than most lakes in the area around Finland.

WHITEFISH: Isabella has a pretty good lake whitefish population, and the most recent survey turned up individuals up to two pounds. The lake is open to sport gill

Once in a Blue Moon Lodge A Novel

By Lorna Landvik University of Minnesota Press, $16.95

With her trademark wit and warmth, author Lorna Landvik follows Nora Rolvaag (the door-die-trying daughter of Patty Jane) and a cast of characters between city and wooded retreat, Minnesota and Norway, past that’s secret and a future that’s promising, but uncertain. In this long-awaited sequel to Landvik’s best-selling novel Patty Jane’s House of Curl, readers are in for a good time with relatable characters that will have you both laughing and crying .—Breana Roy

ISABELLA LAKE

netting in the fall, and DNR says that a small number of individuals participate in that season every year. The 72 whitefish that were surveyed in 2016 is about average for comparable lakes in northeast Minnesota, according to DNR.

THE REST: There are some decent-sized black crappies in the lake, with fish up to almost 12 inches sampled in the last survey, which turned up 33 black crappies in total. Almost 40 percent of the fish were

at least 10 inches long. An angler that bumped into a school of black crappies on Isabella might have some fun with some light jigs and tackle.

Crews also caught quite a few yellow perch, and a good number of them were big enough to eat (in that 10-inch range).

CAMPING: There’s nine campsites on this lake with an additional site listed as a “resting” site.—Javier Serna

View our complete collection of Fishing Hole Maps online at: northernwilds.com /fishingholemaps

that scouting them ahead of time is absolutely necessary. The river split just before Sam’s Rapids and we avoided those dangerous waters by taking the channel to the right. Looking back at Sam’s as the two channels merged again, we saw a mass of churning frothy white charging water, which stopped our conversation instantly. Lava North is just a short way downstream. We stopped just before it for a walk through the woods to scout it. It looked just as menacing as Sam’s.

Jimmy, our head guide, took me and Ron through the basic protocol and commands used in running a rapids. Dan, an engineer with Boeing/McDonald Douglas, joined us. We had all donned dry suits. As head guide, Jimmy took us through the rapids first. The two interns followed and Rustin, our other guide, went last with the other two clients, Eric and Nancy from Tucson. Jimmy had told me that where you enter the rapids is the most important factor in being successful. Once in a major rapids, such as this one, you can’t change your position in any direction except in the direction the current takes. Corners lead the boat to the outside closest to the canyon wall, making it impossible to correct your course if you entered too close to the outside. There was a little nervous energy in the air. The glacial waters of this river are just above freezing. Despite our dry suits, it was far too cold and dangerous to end up in the water.

The ride was amazing. We shouted in pure joy as we rolled and rocked our way over rocks, chutes and foamtipped crests. The speed of the descent was incredible. We ran the ¼- to ½-mile rapids in 30-40 seconds. The two interns were just behind us. My first words after entering quieter waters were “Let’s do it again.” However, Jimmy’s eyes were still on the rapids and Ron and I realized that

the other boat hadn’t yet appeared. The minute or two we anxiously awaited seemed to take forever. We thought they must have flipped the boat in the frigid current. Suddenly, out of the churning waters came Rustin’s boat. He was giving his all on the oars. We all started cheering. Our group had dodged a big bullet.

Coming into the rapids, the current had pulled them into a huge hole behind a big rock obstruction which grabbed the boat and held it spinning in a circle. They were caught surfing the hole while water rushed in to fill the void. Rustin had jumped onto the back of the raft with all his force while Eric bailed in desperation and Nancy clung to him to keep him in the boat. Rustin stated that he wasn’t sure if his quick maneuver popped them out of the hole or if it was just a lucky break. Eric suffered a cut and bruise over one eye and Nancy a swollen hand as a wooden table came loose and slammed against them. Both Rustin and Jimmy concurred that a raft in a big hole like that should have flipped. Falling into frigid rapids like Lava North can be deadly and has been on many occasions over the years.

Like all rafts traveling the length of the Alsek, we took a helicopter over the famous Turnback Canyon rapids. As we looked down at the wild scene below us, we were all very happy to get the ride.

Our 14 days on the Alsek River were alive with unparalleled world-class scenery. Landscape on a giant scale. Wilderness that captures your imagination.

Leaving this world of cell phones, television and 24-hour news cycle behind, Ron found himself experiencing the kind of peace that living life in the moment can bring. So did I. We hope we have taken at least a little of that home with us.

lates are less of a problem to people who consume a healthful, diverse diet.

To harvest for raw eating, clip off the most tender leaves and leafy stem tips, and add them to your bowl as you would any other cultivated green. For cooking, you can harvest quickly and not worry so much about presentation: grasp the stem close to where it is branching and pull upward, gathering all the leaves and tender side stems in one stroke.

Common name: Chickweed Latin name: Stellaria media

Chickweed is a moisture-loving, cold-tolerant plant that thrives in soft, rich soil. Commonly found in lawns, landscaped areas, gardens, pastures and open fields, it is native to Europe but has naturalized all over the world. It tends to grow in spurts when conditions are right, especially in the spring around the end of winter, making it an ideal early forage food.

Chickweed grows in clusters from its base and produces a groundcover of sturdy, sprawling stems with opposite leaves and small white flowers. I’ve sautéed it with other vegetables and cooked it into scrambled eggs, but it’s worth noting that not all chickweed is the same. Like most plants, certain parts can be tender or tougher, and you’ll find that these principles often relate to wild foods in the same way. Chickweed is often rejected for being fibrous and stringy, but that’s because novice harvesters often cut off the upper half of the plant and chop it all into a salad. I’ve done this before and just eat it anyway, but I’m not a picky eater. “The result is a straw-like

flavour and texture,” writes Kallas. Instead, just collect the top one to two inches of chickweed, which you can use in place of, or with, lettuce and sprouted alfalfa.

Common name:

Purslane

Latin name: Portulaca oleracea

This drought-tolerant summer succulent looks unlike most weeds that are found in your garden. It has reddish stems that form a network along the ground with offshoots of small, clustered, leafy stems.

Purslane has more than double the amount of omega-3s that kale has and more than any other leafy green ever analyzed, claims Kallas. He recommends harvesting the new, rapidly growing tips of the plant before it goes to seed. Leafy stems, as well as leaves, are just as edible and can be used in fresh food dishes. Because this plant is a water-storing succulent, you’ll find that its stems have a crunchier texture. As such, they make a fun and unique choice for pickling. Try putting a bunch of older, thicker purslane stems into a container of leftover store-bought pickle juice. If you like the results, look up a real pickling recipe; it will take more time, but the results might be worth it.

Now that you know more about these common edibles, there’s a good chance you’ll notice them popping up between your rows of garden vegetables and flower beds. We’ve conditioned ourselves to dismiss these plants as unruly, wild and rebellious, without considering that maybe they carry a different message. Before you cast them into your compost, try harvesting a few and see what kind of creativity they inspire in your cooking, and in conversation at the dinner table. Give weeds a chance.

museum and nature center

Chik-Wauk Programs

All programs are at the Chik-Wauk Nature Center and open to the public Invasive & Non-NativePlants

August 19th, 2-3 pm, by Teresa Marrone Moose

August 26th, 2-3 pm, by Dr. Seth Moore, Grand Portage Wildlife Biologist

Special Events

Night Sky Exhibit

August 16th & 17th, 5–11 pm with Joel Halverson from the UMD Planetarium Check website for details Seagull Lake Community Center

History of the Gunflint Trail

August 23rd, 7-8 pm by the Gunflint Trail Historical Society At Cook County Higher Education 300 W 3rd St, Grand Marais

Weekly Events

Kids’ Day

Tuesdays, available until August 14, 11 am to 4 pm Free Kids’ Activities Stories, hikes, journal-making & crafts USFS Presentations

Tuesdays, available until August 21, 2 –3 pm Various Northwoods-themed topics.

miles up the Gunflint Trail. 218-388-9915

info@chikwauk.com www.chikwauk.com

A network of purslane stems growing among the carrots. | JULIA PRINSELAAR

Moth Versus Butterfly

Have you ever wondered if a moth and a butterfly are the same thing? Or maybe you have seen a colorful winged creature and been unable to tell what kind it is? Study the two pictures below. Before reading on, what differences do you see? How are they similar?

Let’s start from the beginning—Both butterflies and moths have four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis) and adult. One major difference that we can see before these insects emerge with wings is in the pupa stage—hairy caterpillars will form moths while butterflies are the adult form of a more bald-looking, sometimes brightly-colored caterpillar. Then, in the pupa stage, moths will emerge from a cocoon which is soft and wrapped in silk, while a butterfly will emerge from a chrysalis which is hard and smooth.

Once a fully formed insect, we can look at the antennae. A butterfly has an antennae that is long with a bulb at the end, while a moth has an antennae that is feathery along the edge—kind of like a sawblade. The antennae can be seen when the insect is still a caterpillar.

Moths tend to be more active at night— they often fly towards lights which is why we see them plastered to our doors and windows or hovering around a flashlight when camping. Butterflies are usually active during the day and most often the ones we see flying from flower to flower in our yards.

Butterflies tend to be more brightly colored or more distinct in the variation between light and dark colors while moths are generally bland. Most of us tend to think the Luna moth (shown above) is an exception to this, but even though the green color is distinct, it is not particularly bright.

Both belong to the order lepidoptera because they have “scaly wings.” But a butterfly will usually sit with its wings folded upright directly above its body while a moth will sit with wings lying flat.

Canada’s Notorious Flying Bandit Strange Tales

By Elle AndraWarner

It was Friday, December 14, 1979, when a Piper Aztec on a medi-vac flight from Red Lake (in Northwestern Ontario) to Thunder Bay was about five minutes away from landing, when the plane disappeared from radar. On board was an injured woman, a nurse escort and the pilot, Ken Leishman, Canada’s legendary ‘flying bandit’ who had gained celebrity status in the 1950s and 1960s as a street folk hero for his daring bank robberies, gold bullion heist (Canada’s largest), and brazen prison escapes.

It wasn’t until the following spring that the plane’s wreckage was located about 45 km (27 miles) northwest of Thunder Bay. Investigators determined no one could have survived the crash. The two women were eventually identified from bone fragments, but there was no trace of Leishman. Speculation continues whether he survived and went on to a new life.

The mystery attracted a visit to the wreck site by Hollywood actor Darren McGavin—who had bought the rights to Leishman’s life story—and psychic-astrologer Jeane Dixon; their results were never released.

Born on a farm near Holland, Manitoba in 1931 and later moving to Winnipeg, in 1950 the 18-year-old Leishman married

17-year-old Elva Shields, a marriage that would last 29 years (until the plane crash).

A couple of years later, while working as a travelling mechanic, Leishman purchased his first plane, a two-seater bright red Aeronca. He took some flying lessons and, without a pilot’s license or insurance, worked as a successful flying mechanic travelling to rural communities. When the company shut down, he joined a company selling pots and pans, becoming their first flying salesman and later, a manager. Things were good for the Leishman family and he racked up debt buying a bigger plane, a Cadillac, and house. But it all came crashing down in November 1957 when the company went bankrupt.

Leishman came up with a plan for quick money: rob a bank in Toronto.

A month later, on December 17, 1957, he flew to Toronto on a commercial flight and cased the downtown banks. The next day he robbed the TD bank branch on Yonge Street before flying home that same night. He got away with $10,000 cash (2018 value $89,300) in a robbery newspapers called “one of the most daring robberies on record”. The thief was described as a nicely-dressed gentleman bandit.

Fifteen months later, on March 16, 1959, Leishman returned to Toronto to rob another bank, this time asking for $25,000 (2018 value $213,250). However, when Leishman pulled out his gun on the bank manager, the man yelled for staff to call police. Leishman fled and ran down Yonge Street chased by two bank employees who tackled him and held him for police.

Sentenced to 12 years in Manitoba prison, he served four years’ time and after release, was back home in Winnipeg working as a salesman. And as the story goes,

Ken Leishman’s first bank robbery was in December 17, 1957 when he flew from Winnipeg to Toronto, robbed the Toronto-Dominion bank branch of $10,000 (2018 value $89,300), and then returned to Winnipeg without getting caught. This is a picture of Leishman four months later on April 15, 1958.

| WINNIPEG TRIBUNE COLLECTION

after hearing about gold bullion shipments from Red Lake Gold Mines (the world’s richest goldfields northwest of Thunder Bay), began planning his next even bigger robbery.

On March 1, 1966, with four accomplices (including a lawyer), airline uniforms, forged documents and a stolen van, Leishman and the gang stole 12 bars of gold valued at $383,000 (2018 value $3 million). After hiding the gold bars in the lawyer’s backyard snowbank, Leishman booked a flight to Hong Kong (using his own name) to sell the gold on the black market. Unknown to Leishman, given his celebrity bandit status, he had already been identified as the prime suspect for the gold heist. So, while waiting in Vancouver Airport for his connecting flight, the RCMP arrested Leishman but not before he managed to ditch the gold sample he had brought along; it was never found. His accomplices had all been arrested and confessed, and the stolen gold bars had been recovered.

Leishman was sent back to a jail near Winnipeg to await trail. He was bored and didn’t want to be there, so six months later, on September 1, 1966, he led a jail break with inmates, resulting in the largest manhunt in Manitoba.

After stealing a car and driving to Steinbach, he stole a new Mooney Mark 21 plane, flew across southern Minnesota to Gary, Indiana, where a bartender recognized him from news coverage. Arrested and returned to Winnipeg, he was incarcerated in his jail wing with 24-hour guard to await trial; the authorities figured there was no way he could escape now.

But six weeks later, the media reported that Canada’s Flying Bandit had done it again—he had broken out of jail. However, his getaway was foiled when someone recognized him while he was making a call from a public phone booth. Arrested and back in jail, he pled guilty to nine charges.

After his release on May 3, 1974, the Leishmans moved to Red Lake after Ken

received his commercial pilot’s license and took a job with the town’s Tomahawk Airlines. He became a successful businessman and active member in the community, including president of the local Chamber of Commerce. It appeared his life in crime was over.

In December 1980, Leishman was officially declared dead, though speculation and rumours continue about whether the Flying Bandit died or survived the plane crash. Over the years, Leishman has been the subject of books, numerous articles and TV, including a 2005 award-winning TV movie documentary, “Ken Leishman: The Flying Bandit”.

A municipality of 4,107 (2016) in Northwestern Ontario, Red Lake is famous for Canada’s richest and longest-lived gold mines. Red Lake also holds the official title of “Norseman Capital of the World”. A life-size fabric-covered Noorduyn Norseman bush plane sits on a pedestal at the Norseman Heritage Park overlooking Howey Bay, the site of the annual Norseman Festival. (Currently, the plane is being restored after being heavily damaged in a hailstorm last year.)

| ELLE ANDRA-WARNER

John Schroeder

Outdoor skills workshop for women scheduled for  Sept. 14-16

Women can hike to spectacular views of autumn colors and Lake Superior on the horizon during a three-day fall workshop that teaches a variety of outdoor skills through the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program of the Minnesota DNR.

Getting to that view includes 330 feet of elevation gain on the Superior Hiking Trail—the kind of physical and mental challenge known well to Jo Swanson, trail development director for the Superior Hiking Trail Association and the keynote speaker for the fall workshop.

“One of my themes is empowerment—learning to overcome fears of adventuring in the outdoors,” Swanson said.

358

with 2

NORTHERN WOODS LODGE

On Long

RIVER 2 miles of waterfront south of Nipigon on the Nipigon River (364 acres) good ground. Many uses available. $498,000 CDN

LAKE SUPERIOR LOTS

Little Trout Bay, 20 minutes north of the Minnesota/Ontario border, 3 large estate-sized lots, very sheltered with southern exposure. Tremendous views. Power and telephone available. Priced beginning at $199,000 CDN

“We live in a culture of fear and people react strongly when women go on outdoor adventures, especially when they go alone. The truth is that with planning and preparation, the outdoors can be a very safe place.”

The fall workshop is Friday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 16, in a new location this year at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center near Finland. Attendees will hear from Swanson and Minnesota state park naturalists. Session topics include Ojibwe heritage, voyageurs, archery, canoeing, and the animals, plants and geology of the North Woods.

Linda Bylander, coordinator of the Becoming an Out-

New listing! Birch Beach, Lake Superior. One amazing home and property, very private and peaceful, large 3 bedroom year round home with a 2 bedroom guest home. Bright and spacious, many updates,

STORE

The Silver Islet store on Lake Superior! Built in 1871 this magnificent structure features 6,675 sq. Ft. of retail and living space plus a full 12’ high concrete and stone bsmt: huge beams and rough sawn lumber and flooring. 15 separate bedrooms; 185 feet of lake frontage. A tremendous experience! $349,000 CDN

IGNACE ISLAND

Unique and peaceful setting on the south shore of St Ignace Island. Well constructed and maintained buildings. Sand and cobble beach. All furniture and appliances included. Turn key ready. $459,000 CDN

doors Woman program, said that along with the new location, the workshop offers a new selection of classes this year.

“Women who attend the fall workshop gain a whole range of experiences in a supportive environment,” Bylander said. “We chose dates when the fall colors should provide a beautiful backdrop.”

The workshop is designed for women ages 18 and up, but girls ages 14 to 17 are welcome to attend with parents or guardians. Visit mndnr.gov/bow for more information and to register.

i nland Lake Homes

nland Lake Lots

Lot 8 Wilderness Trail 300 ft of Tom Lake shoreline with spectacular views of the Palisades. Year round access! MLS 6076298 $97,900 NEW

devil Track Lake

Stunning Devil Track Lake lot on the north shore with 159’ of shoreline and 1.88A for plenty of privacy. Driveway and cleared building sites. MLS 6074624

$179,900

Birch Lake Lovely lakeshore lot on the north shore of Birch Lake with 209’ of shoreline & 5 acres. Convenient mid-Gunflint Trail location.

MLS 6074808 $99,900

Kemo Lake

AWESOME fishing on this premier Trout Lake. Private lot with 2.34A & 200’ of accessible shoreline. Power & Broadband available.

MLS 6031924 $139,900

Tom Lake

Rare opportunity to find 34+A w/ 600’ of shoreline on a quality Walleye lake. Lot is surveyed & septic sites identified. Potential CD.

MLS 6074852 $119,900

Tom Lake

Enjoy stunning sunsets while overlooking Tom Lake! Year round access, 171’ shoreline, driveway and a cleared building site.

MLS 6076516 $49,900 REduCEd

Two island – The Grade

Affordable lot with 500ft of shoreline, nicely wooded 5 acres abutting state land plus it is close to town AND has year round access.

MLS 6023533 $74,900 SOLd

Onagon Lake

Unique 5A lot with views overlooking both Onagon and Cupid Lakes. Approx. 1000’of shoreline and abuts Federal Land to the west.

MLS 6029826 $99,900

Onagon Lake

Located at the end of the Gunflint Trail with 1A, 222’ of shoreline & a babbling creek. Electricity and broadband are nearby.

MLS 6029825 $39,000

Squint Lake

Mid-Gunflint Trail lot with 2.13A & 221’ shoreline. Gently rolling topography, old white pine trees & abuts USFS! YR access, elec & broadband.

MLS 6028920 $75,000

10 Bucks Trail

VERY Private cabin on the coveted Greenwood

Large Acreage

8XA irish Creek Road

700 feet of Irish Creek frontage. Septic sites have been identified. Irish Creek Road is now plowed in the winter. Year round access!!

MLS 6076853 $26,000 NEW

1XX Quist Road

Five acre parcel all set up for your vacation or permanent home with potentially spectacular views of Lake Superior.

MLS 6076218 $57,000 NEW

19XX Camp 15 Loop

Affordably priced 20 acre parcel with privacy, situated near Federal land to the north. Seasonal access is off of the Camp 15 Loop Road, which is a great area to go exploring on your ATV, Mountain Bike or Snowmobile.

MLS 6076349 $24,900 NEW

80XX Gunflint Trail

Lakeshore access without lakeshore prices! This lot has access to Poplar Lake. Building site already cleared and driveway is in. Build your cabin or park your camper and put your boat in the water.

MLS 2158160 $52,500

XX Wildwood Acres Trail

One mile from Highway 61 in Tofte. Build your year-round home or your getaway. Close to everything the area has to offer. The driveway with culvert is already started--all you need to do is decide on a floor plan and make your dreams come true.

MLS 6031563 $35,000

MLS 6031565 $22,000

MLS 6031566 $32,000

X Snowshoe Trail

Residential lot off the Sawbill Trail in Wildwood Acres. Nicely wooded and waiting for your year-round home or seasonal getaway.

MLS 6031568 $20,000

MLS 6031570 $30,000

180X W Gauthier Rd

110 acres of privately owned acreage directly abutting Judge Magney State Park, with distant Lake Superior views. Direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail, with plenty of wildlife to observe!

MLS 6076073 $110,000 NEW

County Road 7, Grand Marais

Check out this property with 2.27 acres within city limits. Build your home or consider doing a subdivision.

MLS 6075749 $55,000

W Hwy 61 – Grand Marais

Excellent location and plenty of development opportunities right off Hwy 61. Consists of 7.1A, zoned R1 and Commercial. Additional R-1 acreage available.

MLS 2170380 $149,900

North Rd – Hovland

Affordably price 20 acre lot that is perfect for a private, year round retreat. Power, phone and broadband available at the road. What more do you need?

MLS 6024552 $39,900

Rosebush Hill – Grand Marais

COOL lot with 25+A close to Grand Marais, healthy mix of trees, creeks & gently rolling topography. Approx. 800’ frontage on the Fall River with building sites overlooking the river. Whether you keep it all as one lot or subdivide, the options are endless.

MLS 6076117 $69,900 REduCEd

Rosebush Hill – Grand Marais

Nicely wooded 5.40A with shared driveway only minutes from town. Identified septic sites and fully surveyed! Approx. 430’ of creek frontage. Contract for Deed.

MLS 6030911 $33,900 REduCEd

XX Rosebush Hill – Grand Marais 5.72A of nicely wooded land with gently rolling topography AND approx. 500’ frontage on the Rosebush Tributaries. Year round access, Electricity & Broadband.

MLS 6076178 $33,900 REduCEd

Railroad drive - Lutsen

Sweet 1.7 acre building site located in the heart of Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees – easy building site and near many recreational opportunities.

MLS 6023743 $39,900

Broadway Ave – Grand Marais

Want to live in the country and yet want access to City Sewer & City Water? Check out this over-sized lot that is located on the Gunflint Trail in city limits.

MLS 6031909 $48,000

County Rd 67 – Grand Marais

Enjoy the views of Lake Superior from this 2.24 acre lot. Features year round access, directly abuts State Land to the east, is fully surveyed and has a well-built private driveway.

MLS 6029973 $39,900

Boulder Point Rd - Lutsen

Home or cabin? This 3.55 acre lot is located Lutsen right off the Ski Hill Rd with views of Lake Superior. Abuts the State Scenic and Natural Area.

MLS 6031787 $59,900

Victory Lane - Hovland

Explore this 20 acre parcel & check out the great building sites over- looking a beautiful beaver pond. Very private and plenty of wildlife in the neighborhood.

MLS 6032536 $25,000

10 Murphy Mtn Rd - Grand Marais

SLEEPER LOT! Dream about your future home while relaxing in the screened in porch. Enjoy the Lake Superior views, 5+ acres of rolling topography, driveway & utilities in place.

MLS 6073521 $49,900

West Hwy 61 – Grand Marais

Attractive & affordable building site with 3+ acres & easy access right off of Hwy 61. Minutes from town and connects to the Superior Hiking Trail. MLS 6033459 $44,000

5xx South Shore dr

This non-lakeshore lot on the South Shore Drive of Devil Track Lake is ready for your plans! Build a home, use it for recreation--the choice is yours. Mature trees, gentle slope and a partial driveway.

MLS 6075744 $59,900

14x Bloomquist Mountain Rd

Ten acres of mature trees including huge White Pines! Sloping lot with lots of southern exposure for sunshine all year long. Easy drive to town, yet secluded on a private road in a country setting.

MLS 6075850 $59,900

Wesley Lane Sweet 6.4 acre lot located a stone’s throw from Sand Point on Devil Track Lake. Great building site for a year round home or a cabin with direct access to many recreational opportunities.

MLS 6076050 $64,900

PANORAMIC

LAKE SUPERIOR. Gorgeous 10 acres with panoramic views on Lake Superior. 545 feet of beautiful sand/gravel beach with a stream running through the property. Located only 1.5 miles from Gooseberry State Park. Septic hook up is at the road. MLS# 6031490 $399,000

MLS# 6030289 $498,000 PRICE REDUCED!

LAKE SUPERIOR CABIN.

Nestled into a hill just around the curve from Cut Face Creek sits this cute 1BR, 1BA cedar cabin. Kitchen, living room, bath & laundry on 1st flr, plus open loft with space for multiple beds. 1.3 acres with 365’ Lake Superior frontage. Close proximity to Grand Marais, but far enough away from the crowds. Septic mound, well & garage complete the picture with spacious big lake views! MLS# 6075543 $365,000 PREMIER LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTY Beautiful, very private 1.84 acre residential lot with 240 ft of Lake Superior shoreline in the Chimney Rock Platted Development. Premier quality with stunning elevated and panoramic views of the lake. MLS# 2313197 $199,900

LAKE SUPERIOR, BIG BAY, BIG VIEWS. Dense spruce forest, moss covered boulders and privacy make this a classic Lake Superior lot. 200' shoreline with partial driveway in place, shared road maintenance, power and Broadband. Easy access from Hwy 61, yet private and secluded feeling. MLS# 6075213 $189,900

HERMITAGE OR HERITAGE – LARGE INLAND LAKE RETREAT.

Charming 4-season, 2 bdrm home on 46+ acres with over 1600' beautiful frontage on Two Island Lake. Privacy assured with US Forest lands surrounding you. Lots of wildlife. Walk to the BWCAW! Located just 20 minutes from Grand Marais.

MLS#: 6075756

$749,900

GUNFLINT LAKE HOME –SAND BEACH. This charming 2 bdrm home sits on 4.62 acres, just 40 ft from the dramatic shore on a point. Many custom features and built-ins, 3-car detached garage with a fantastic upper level apartment, lrg storage sheds, plus a very unique and rare sand beach! MLS# 6074287 $495,000

LARGE DEVIL TRACK LAKE

HOME. Impeccably maintained 2 story, 3 bdrm lake home with 3 season porch. Windows all around, vaulted ceilings, numerous upgrades, loads of finished living space. Workshop, landscaped yard and gardens. MLS#: 6074542 $399,900

SALE PENDING

BEAUTIFUL DEVIL TRACK LAKE HOME. Enjoy lakeshore living with an updated and comfortable 3 bdrm, 3 bath home on this large lake near Grand Marais. Lower level has a comfortable efficiency apartment with walk out to the lake. Decks, gardens, dock and large detached garage make this a pleasant property for outdoor activities. Great views and shoreline with rare cove. MLS#: 6076082 $398,900 NEW! PRIVATE LAKESHORE – WILDERNESS LAKE. Eggers Lake is surrounded by t he Superior National Forest and has only one private land owner on its shore. This 160 acre island of private property sits within the scenic and rugged Misquah Hills with remote privacy plus a large wildlife pond. MLS# 6076498 $349,900

$199,000

SEA GULL LAKE LOT – BWCAW VIEWS. This 10-acre lot has great views and 489 ft of accessible shoreline with a sand swimming beach. Rock outcroppings, blueberries, & pines. Driveway and power are in place with a fantastic building site for your dream lake cabin. Seller willing to divide. MLS# 6074842 $339,900

CLASSIC CABIN ON CLEARWATER LAKE. Comfortable, well maintained 2 bdrm, 1 bath cabin cared for by the same family for over 60 years. 205 feet of shoreline on much sought after Clearwater lake with direct access to the BWCA. MLS# 6032657 $249,000

WITH BWCAW VIEW ON MCFARLAND

This super 2 bdrm cabin has great views of the Palisades and the west end of McFarland Lake. Just a stone’s throw from the BWCAW! Comes furnished including pontoon boat, fishing boats, canoe, dock, and two Onan generators. MLS# 6029644

LEVEL LOT, NICE WOODS, EASY SHORE. This 1.55 acre Devil Track Lake lot has easy access from county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200+ ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here. MLS# 6033181 $198,900

LOON LAKE

GETAWAY. Lovely furnished cabin on pristine Loon Lake. Includes a newer 1 bdrm addition, cozy loft, open living/dining room, sturdy deck, and 24' dock on 142' shoreline. Cabin easily sleeps 6. Lakewater system, septic holding tank. Great lake views! MLS# 6030355 $186,000 RARE GUNFLINT LAKE PARCEL.

Exceptional lot with 344' of waterfront features unreal views and privacy. Use the slope of

2nd bdrm is in a sleeping cabin steps away from the main. MLS# 6076725 $170,000

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES HOMES & CABINS

NEW! END OF THE ROAD PRIVACY –DEVIL TRACK LAKE.

Lrg 10 acre private lot on the remote end of the lake, second to last on the south shore with good forest road access. The 255 feet of shoreline is on a level lot with a beautiful point. Driveway and clearing with gentle access to the dock. MLS# 6076947

$160,000 A-FRAME ON POPLAR LAKE.

LOG SIDED

CABIN ON TOM

LAKE. This 2 bdrm, 1 bath cabin is situated on the shore of Tom Lake with loons and walleye just off the 24' dock. Solar power with quiet generator, though grid electric is available. Features a spiral staircase to a spacious loft and energy efficient windows. MLS# 6030876 $160,000

Classic 2 bdrm, 2 bath A-Frame cabin in a beautiful setting overlooking Poplar Lake. Located at the end of the road with year-round access. Very nice, gentle path to the 156’ of lake shore. Nice mix of trees. MLS# 6024438

$160,000

VIRGIN PINE, GREAT SHORELINE, PIKE LAKE. Two lake lots with wilderness, woods, and lakeshore are waiting for your dream lake home or cabin. Pristine views, towering white pine, +/- 200' accessible shoreline each with crystal clear water and great privacy. Good driveway in place, ideal location, power and broadband available. MLS# 6074687, 6074688 $159,900 each

NORTH FOWL LAKE

CABIN. Only a lucky few get to own cabins here. Remote water access from the US side, or drive in to the landing on Ontario side. Stunning views, easy access to the BWCA. The 2 bdrm cabin is one of the nicest remote cabins you'll find. Includes a great sauna. MLS# 6023214 $149,900 LAKE PRIVACY ON 20 ACRES. Beautiful Lost Lake is a remote wilderness lake with only a few privately-owned parcels on the water. No public access! This great lot features huge white pines, pristine views, 20 acres, and 650’ shoreline! Motivated seller. MLS# 6075215 $129,900 NEW! GREAT GREENWOOD LAKE LOT. Tremendous views of the bay and lake. 2.10 acres surveyed and ready to build. A true northwoods setting, nicely wooded, privacy, easy lake access. There is a stubbed in driveway and a building pad. Greenwood lake road is plowed in the winter. MLS# 6076787

$120,000

SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. These 1-2 acre lots are located on the south side of Loon Lake and offer great lake views, 152-218’ beautiful shoreline and many nice trees. The main road is in place and power is on the lot line. MLS# 6032216-18, 6032220 $120,000 and up

RUSTIC CABIN ON WEST BEARSKIN.

Fishing camp on the edge of the BWCA! Small lot and rustic cabin with potential. Half an acre with 75 feet of shoreline and year round access. MLS#: 6076184

$114,000

NEW! NICE TOM LAKE LOT.

Gently sloped 4.34 acre lakeshore lot that would offer some incredible views. Situated in a quiet and peaceful private bay. MLS# 6076728 $110,000

LEGENDARY SAWMILL BAY. Magnificent old-growth cedars and maples frame a corner lot with a high and dry build site. Yearround road access and a terrific wildlife habitat awaits your cabin in the woods. 185' of Caribou Lake frontage. MLS# 6032953 $89,000

BEAUTIFUL NINEMILE LAKE LOT. End of the road, large lot adjoins Superior National Forest and Cabin Creek Unit Roadless Area. Great trees, views and building site on 4.1 acres with 397 feet of shoreine. Unique privacy, year round access and power.

MLS# 6031840 $59,900

PRIVACY AND VIEWS AT SISTER LAKE. Nice lake lot with great forest, and beautiful new building site. There's a high point of the surrounding area with awesome views. Excellent, accessible shoreline. New driveway to a great building site. This is a great area for fishing many lakes in the area. You're also close to Tofte/Lutsen on the North Shore. Priced to sell!! MLS# 6073911 $56,900 PRICE REDUCED!

TALK ABOUT WILDERNESS!

Immerse yourself in a large tract of deep wilderness. 17 acres on Tucker Lake just off the Gunflint Trail. This parcel is tucked up to Superior Nat'l Forest lands with the BWCAW just across the lake. Frontage on the Tucker River, privacy and wilderness all around. MLS# 6074216 $69,900

RARE ELBOW LAKE LOT. For the fisherman who has almost everything. This is a very private 1 acre parcel surrounded by federal land with 268’ shoreline. Your own shore lunch spot! MLS# 6031436 $50,000

GREAT PRICE LAKE LOTS. Deep woods, seclusion and nice views from these Tom Lake lots. This is the desired west side of the lake with access from the Camp 20 Rd. Enjoy a peaceful lake property with good access. Great back roads to explore. Adjacent land available. MLS# 6030741, 6030742 $49,900 each

LARGE HOME / DUPLEX GRAND MARAIS. This 4400 square foot two level duplex is well built and exceptionally cared for. Each level incl 4 bdrms, 2 baths, large kitchens, dining and living areas, utility/laundry, storage, and a lock out bdrm with bath. Efficient, handicap accessible, Lake Superior views. MLS# 6074189 $599,900 PRICE REDUCED! A GEM IN THE WOODS. There is quality and

Not your typical home in the woods,

waiting for someone who loves the outdoors, but wants the

home at the end of the day. MLS# 6074633 $499,000 PRICE REDUCED! LOG HOMEMOUNTAIN

HOME IN PARADISE.

This 2 bdrm, 3 bath home enjoys the view and proximity to Lake Superior's beauty without the lake-front taxes. Home could be converted to a duplex for extra income. Huge garage/workshop with lake-view windows. MLS# 6074449 $275,900

REMOTE HIDE-A-

WAY. Charming custom built

2 bdrm, 2 bath cabin tucked in the woods overlooking a beaver pond. A screened porch for summer dining. The living room is open and includes the kitchen and dining. A cozy Franklin stove warms the whole building. The full basement is a complete guest space. Generator power and over 100 acres to explore. MLS# 6029349 $244,000

COTTAGE HOME ACROSS FROM LAKE

LARGE HOME ON THE HILL. Privacy and comfort are yours in this quality home with huge garage on 40 acres of high land with distant lake views. Remote off-grid living without being too far off the beaten path. Self reliance is all set up for you with a 4 bdrm, 1 bath home that has beautiful living spaces and room to do more as you see fit. A home or retreat, situated close to Magney State Park and Lake Superior. MLS# 6033566 $269,900 PRICE REDUCED!

HOBBY FARM OR LOTS OF IDEAS. Large property with open meadows, gardens, orchards, and a beautiful river waiting for your ideas. The living quarters are located above a 6-stall horse barn. 4 bdrms, 2 baths, lots of open living space. Pole barn, gathering hall and more! MLS#: 6075375 $199,900

SUPERIOR. This cute home sits just across the highway from the big lake shoreline. The 2 bdrm, 1 bath cottage has wood floors, beamed ceilings, and a warm, comfortable feel. Septic and well, a small shed and 11 acres of privacy. MLS# 6030154 $169,900 TIMBER FRAMED LOG HOME OVERLOOKING TOM LAKE. Charming log cabin on 78 acres with seasonal views of Tom Lake. Large loft bedroom and covered porch with swing. Stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and metal roof. Year-round access. Furnishings and generator included. MLS# 6027412 $159,900

WARM AND COMFORTABLE SMALL

HOME – HOVLAND. This charming cottage has warm pine paneling, oak floors and a very pleasing personality. Lots of light, 4-season porch, nice garage with finished guest space, large decks, yard and gardens. Solar array offsets the monthly bills. Simple living with a small creek and thousands of acres of adjoining public land. MLS# 6075176 $132,900

NEW! COMFORTABLE LOG HOME IN BEAUTIFUL WOODS. This 2 bdrm cabin was set up for a simple lifestyle with solar electric, hand pumped well and composting toilet. Charming living room with stone fireplace, large kitchen and comfortable bedrooms. 12 private acres with mature white pine and cedar. MLS# 6076755 $139,900

CABIN RETREAT

NEAR TWO ISLAND

LAKE This sweet off-grid, log sided cabin is in excellent condition with plenty of room and a comfortable feel. Located about 12 miles from Grand Marais. Public land adjoins the 20 acre property with many fishing opportunities nearby. MLS# 6073794 $129,900 NORTH SHORE RETREAT. A little one room cabin waiting for you to make it into something. 3.8 acres on the Lake Superior side of Hwy 61 with decent lake views; you'll feel the lake effect. The cabin is kind of rough, but maybe this is the project you've been looking for. MLS# 6074739 $36,000

6033557 $379,900

MARKET, DELI, LIQUOR STORE –HOVLAND. A bustling business in a beautiful rural community on the North Shore. Bakery, deli, pizza, convenience store, and liquor store under one roof. Large seating area & outdoor patio. Expansion/home site possible! MLS# 6030800 $329,900 PRIME RETAIL DOWNTOWN GRAND MARAIS. Main traffic location in the heart of down town.

CHARMING CABIN

$162,500

NEW! BRULE RIVER

SUGARBUSH, BEAVER, TROUT. Remote 80 acres ,10 miles from Grand Marais with easy access. Surrounded by public land. 700’ of Durfee Creek frontage. MLS# 6024638 $149,000

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

CROWN CREEK – FINLAND. Incredible 40 acre parcel with 700' of gorgeous river frontage. It's a unique property with a healthy mix of varied trees, forest floor growth, native plants and endless amounts of privacy! Just a short distance from downtown Finland, lakes, and trailheads. MLS#: 6075954 $99,900

WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION. Three 40 acre lots with 600 to 1000 ft frontage on Mons Creek. Also includes deeded access to Lost Lake. Private and secluded. MLS# 6073876 $59,900 or MLS# 6073877 $69,900 or MLS# 6073878 $74,900.

TWENTY ACRES –GREAT LOCATION. Great larger parcel near Grand Marais with road in to the “top” of the property. Lake views, maple and mixed forest, small creek. County road access with power and broadband close by, borders public land on three sides. MLS# 6030517 $89,900

NEW! HIGH PROPERTY, DRIVEWAY, CREEK FRONTAGE. This 25 acre parcel has great southern exposure and views from a nice building site at the end of a long driveway. Very private setting and frontage on Irish Creek. This property is ready for your cabin in the woods, with good solar potential and lots of seclusion. Easy year-round access. MLS# 6077020 $69,900

NICE HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Nice elevation and views from this 6.75 acre lot off of County Rd 6 just minutes from town. Frontage on Little Devil Track River, with lowland and highlands. Nice forest and privacy for your home or cabin in the woods MLS# 6031740 $51,000

FLUTE REED RIVER HOME SITES. These two heavily wooded parcels have the seclusion of 11-13 acres and about 330' frontage each on the trout stream Flute Reed River. Access is easy from frontage on a county road. Power and broadband are available. These lots are the perfect place for a retreat property or a year-round home. MLS# 6030884, 6030885 $49,900 each

500’ ON MOHNS CREEK. Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites on 25 acres. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Abuts state land. MLS# 6029353 $37,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES

100+ ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Great location for a home or recreational property just minutes from Grand Marais. Rolling land with creek, borders thousands of acres of federal and state lands. Power at road. Seller willing to subdivide MLS# 6032474 $277,900

NEW! LOCATION, VIEWS, PRIVACY – 80 ACRES. This former homesteaders property has it all: rolling topography, ravines, grassy meadows, mature timber, flowing creek and expansive Lake Superior views! Minutes from Grand Marais, adjoins USFS land. MLS# 6076511 $279,000

ACREAGE ADJOINS WILDERNESS - LAKE

ACCESS. This 42 acre parcel includes 400 feet of shoreline on McFarland Lake. Building sites are located across the road on the hillside with potential lake views. Easy access to the BWCAW and Border Route Hiking Trail. MLS# 6024602 $179,000

INCREASINGLY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully surveyed. The perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. MLS# 6029820 $139,000 PROVEN GREAT HUNTING AREA -

80 ACRES. Prime hunting land in Schroeder. Rolling land with great wildlife habitat incl. stream, beaver dam with large pond, and a good mixture of trees and low vegetation. Older 2 bdrm cabin in a beautiful park like setting overlooking large beaver pond. MLS# 6032712 $112,500

LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE. 128 acres with good road access and an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road, power is possible here. The 3 forties may be split - take your pick. MLS# 6027383 $111,000

TWO INCREDIBLE LUTSEN PARCELS. Driveway, electric/ broadband, survey and a cozy camper/RV are all set on Lot 3, while Lot 4 offers unending privacy as it abuts federal land. Christine Lake public boat landing is within walking distance with Poplar and Tait rivers nearby as well. MLS# 6032903 $109,500

HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY. Large 45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage MLS# 6029352 $90,000

NEW! BEAUTIFUL LAND, TUCKED AWAY

PRIVACY, POLE BARN. This 24 acre parcel is tucked up against the "Hovland mountain range" with mature forest, easy road access and a moderated Lake Superior climate. Large 34' X 56' pole building, utilities nearby. MLS# 6076757 $89,900

NEW! LARGE UNDEVELOPED CITY TRACT. This large Central Addition property is perfect for a lot development plan, or as a private home site. City utilities are close, street access on two sides. Many possibilities. MLS# 6076673 $89,900

LARGE LAND, PINES, PRIVACY AND PIKE LAKE VIEW. Outstanding property with adjoining USFS lands, good access on Murmur Creek Rd, and even nice views of Pike Lake. Launch your boat just a half-mile away. Nice planted red pine, power/ broadband close by. MLS# 6074689 $84,900

LAND NEAR WILSON LAKE A special piece of the Northwoods – 16 acres with deeded access to Wilson Lake! USA-owned forest is your backyard. Driveway, electric, and a small bunkhouse/shed are in place. MLS# 6028685

$80,000

HIDDEN GEM IN HOVLAND. Explore the 40 acres of seclusion with dramatic views from the south facing bluff. Enjoy the beautiful mixed forest and abundant wildlife. It even has a small gravel pit for your future building needs. The neighbors have electricity and the road has been kept open all winter through a road association. MLS# 6076192 $75,000

RESIDENTIAL OR RESORT COMMERCIAL LAND. 5.9 acres between Tofte and Lutsen on the Onion River Rd. Resort Commercial allows rental cabins and businesses - a wonderful opportunity. Beautiful mature cedar forest, seasonal view of Lake Superior. MLS# 6032988 $74,900

of acres of Federal land, yet close to town and the big lake. County road with utilities. MLS# 6076524, 6076539 $62,900$64,900

MAPLE HILL - HOME SITE. Heavily wooded 6.45 acre parcel with great privacy, county rd frontage, power and phone. MLS# 6023465 $54,900

SALE PENDING

STONE'S THROW LAKE SUPERIOR. This heavily wooded, private 2+ acre building site sits just across the highway from Lake Superior's shore with a view of the big lake. You can walk the beach or have a bonfire on the State shoreline. MLS# 6029899 $59,900

NEW! SUNNY 5 ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Beautiful sunny hillside with distant Lake Superior views. This is country living only 2 miles from Grand Marais. Large lot, great home sites with abundant wildlife. Driveway partially in place. MLS# 6077083 $54,900

NEW! DEEP WOODS NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Two 5+ acre lots adjoining USFS land with power/phone/broadband. Great location near Grand Marais with good road access and very secluded location with mature trees. Ready for you to build your country home. First time on the market. MLS# 6076518/6076517 $49,900 –$52,900

WOODED HOME SITE. This 5+ acre parcel is only 1.5 miles from Grand Marais and ready for your country home. Mixed forest, with forest service land in the back for exploring or hunting. A driveway and culvert are already in place. MLS# 6026053 $49,900 PRICE REDUCED!

LAND FOR FUN OR HOMESTEADING. Heavily wooded 39 acres with a large variety of trees and easy road access on Camp 20 Rd. Southern exposure great for solar set up. The Superior Hiking Trail is steps away. Close to county maintained road. MLS#: 6075981 $48,900

BUILDING SITE OVERLOOKING MCFARLAND. This pine studded 7 acre property has easy walking access to the county beach on McFarland Lake. Nice elevated build site with easy county road access. MLS# 6024601 $43,000

BEAUTIFUL WOODED LUTSEN LOT. Beautiful level lot with an open build site for your cabin or new home in a quiet and peaceful area of Lutsen. You'll be minutes away from every type of north-woods activity, including Lutsen Mountains and Superior National Golf Course MLS# 6033068 $34,900 PRICE REDUCED!

5 ACRES NEAR CARIBOU LAKE. Gorgeous corner lot with colorful maples and majestic cedars. Plenty of privacy. Close to hiking trails and the Caribou Lake boat landing. Year round access with power! MLS# 2279179 $35,000

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Nice 6 acre parcel of mixed forest land only 6 miles from town! Great site for nature lovers, birders and wildlife watchers. The shared driveway is already in and there is a transformer on the property for easy electric access. MLS# 6074736

$35,000

LAND FOR ESCAPE AND RECREATION. remote yet accessible 20 acres near Judge Magney State Park. Good mix of trees, high building site, some distant Lake Superior views. MLS# 6025397 $34,900

TOP OF BIRCH CLIFF See 50 miles across Lake Superior – incredible 180 degree views! Private drive and buried power in place. 15+ acres with nice mature trees and public lands on 2 sides. More land is available. This site will rock your world. MLS# 6033563 $249,900

NEW! FORTY WITH PONDS – COUNTY RD FRONTAGE. This 40 acre parcel has beaver ponds, adjoining federal land and easy access with frontage on County Rd 14. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, this would be a great large home parcel, or rec land with 1000s of acres of USFS lands on the west border. MLS# 6076727 $69,900

GREAT LOCATION HOME SITES. Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7 are two 5+ acre lots with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites. MLS# 6033035 - $42,900 • MLS# 6076972 - $64,900

LARGE LAND, MAPLES, LAKE ACCESS. This 67 acre parcel has high maple ridges, a pond, and an easement to walk to Tom Lake. Good seasonal road access, many nice building sites. A perfect escape property in an area with many trails to ride and forest to explore. MLS# 6030705 $69,900

LARGE LAND, POND, LAKE RIGHTS Densely wooded 60 acre parcel with beaver ponds and access to Lost Lake. Good seasonal road access, many great building sites and southerly exposure. Lots of elbow room, privacy, and miles of forest roads to explore. MLS# 6033463 $64,900 NEW! ROLLING LAND, PINES, HOME SITES. Two 10 acre parcels of heavily wooded land within 10 minutes of Grand Marais. Great location with remote feel near trails and thousands

GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE. Wooded home or cabin site near Devil Track Lake. The 1.72 acre lot has nice trees and maybe a view of the lake from a second story. The boat landing is just down the road, as are many other lakes and trails. MLS# 6029872

$33,000

REMOTE SECLUSION/HUNTING LAND. Forty acres of remote seclusion with Flute Reed River frontage. Good hunting area. Rough access, but walk or ATV. Adjoins State land to the north, with thousands of acres of USFS lands north of that. Want privacy? Here it is! MLS#: 6075271 $29,900

New 2 Bedroom, 1 bath, lake home on Gull Lake with direct access to Saganaga and the BWCA. 165’ of lake frontage, 1.7 acres, rock fireplace, comes furnished, plus a canoe, 14’ boat and 10 h.p. motor. Seasonal- $299,000

New Lakeshore lot on Magnetic Lake (connected to Gunflint Lake) overlooking Canada and the BWCA, 297’ of lake frontage, 5.7 acres, hilly and nicely wooded, about 1,000’ deep, seasonal private road, electricity, $99,000

xxx 342 Rd Finland.

Large parcel covered in Maples, Birch, and other mixed forest. Can be sold as parcels. See MLS #24295, 24293, 24297, 24298, no gravel mining for 10 years from date of purchase. 160 acres MLS 1968744 Price $299,000

1 Bedroom log cabin on Gunflint Lake, 306’ of lake frontage, 5.3 acres, approved septic permit, electricity, 3 Season, $229,000

Lakeshore lot on Poplar Lake with a new 2 stall garage, electric, driveway, nicely wooded, great views to the north and west, 200’ lake frontage, 1.8 acres, on a private road with year around access. $159,000

Murmur Creek Near Pike Lake. Have you ever wanted your very own 20 acres in a remote, peaceful place with a diverse forest and absolute privacy? Look no further than this sweet spot. Beautiful parcel with building and septic sites located. Call Sandy for specific directions for finding this pristine and secluded forested property. MLS 6076404 $35,000

getaway. Distant views of Lake Superior, with close proximity to groceries, gas and restaurants. Wildwood Acres is surrounded by US and State lands, leaving lots of room to enjoy your favorite recreational pursuits. Feel free to drive by, and call Sandy with any questions. MLS # 6076203 $16,400

Mountain Ash Lane. Cedar covered hillside overlooking Lake Superior in Lutsen. Roads and survey completed for small subdivision. Perfect opportunity to own large acreage in Lutsen overlooking Lake Superior or develop a small subdivision. Final plat not recorded. 30.89 acres. MLS 1600605 Price $649,000

Stonegate in Hovland. Looking to build on beautiful Lake Superior? Check out this lot and all it has to offer. With septic already installed, electric to build site, driveway and cleared build-site, and an accessible cobblestone shoreline, this lot is ready for a home! The build-site is complimented with additional and nicely forested property and a very cool creek to hang out by. A great spot to build a guest home or studio. With both Lake Superior and a creek, this lot is simply waiting for the perfect home and homeowner. And a great bonus – the property is 5.4 acres with 200’ of shoreline. In addition, the property is located on the quiet road of Stonegate – distanced from Hwy 61.

MLS 6076045. $249,000

Few Golf Courses have been built on land as spectacular as Superior National. And more recently the golf course just completed its nearly $4.5 million course improvement project on the River and Canyon Nines. The homesites listed below are tucked within the Cedar Forest along River 6 fairway and River 6 green. With water, sewer, power and broadband available, combined the sounds of the Poplar River just across the fairway and so much more beauty, the value offered simply is unbelievable. Act now, the golf course will launch its new marketing campaign early 2018 announcing the grand-re-opening – with that, lot prices will likely increase next year

location. Nestled adjacent to the River 6 Green - it offers so much. Great build site with outstanding orientation. Access to all HOA utilities. MLS 6028392 $92,500

Lane near Grand

Thinking of building your Lake Superior dream home and want to be close to all that Grand Marais has to offer? Look no further! West Rosebush Lane extends onto a point giving you seclusion and buffer from highway noise that you wantand is so close to Grand Marais you might want to walk to town! Add to the convenient location the amazing panoramic views of the big lake with sunrise and sunset viewing. Watch 4th of July fireworks lighting the sky over artist’s point from your sprawling ledgerock beach! Not many lots left like this one. Electric and broadband available at the edge of the property.

MLS 6074324 $325,000

Rosebush

Marais.

FAMILY

TOE DIPPING FUN ON LAKE SUPERIOR, WALK TO GRAND MARAIS!

It’s about the Wilderness, the Water, and the way they come together around this wonderful Family Style Authentic North Shore home! More bedrooms than you need, this home has a ton of value for the square footage! Gorgeous waterfall into a creek that meanders to the mouth of Lake Superior, cascading over a ledgerock beach to the Big Lake. Serenity can be found at the Little House located within a stone’s throw to the Big Lake. If you enjoy the journey, you’ll love everything this accommodating home has to offer! Mint Condition home, two plus car garage with heated workshop. EASY Walk to Grand Marais Harbor!

MLS#6026723 $749,900 REDUCED!

enhanced by the floor to ceiling windows. The second home, a lovely guest home space with private bedroom, 4 season porch, bath, a full galley kitchen, and nice Lake Superior Views! All this on Hovland’s spectacular Lake Superior shoreline! MLS#6075189 $899,900 WOWSER LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTY!

Jonvick Creek AND Lake Superior frontage! Lovely LUTSEN home, tons of potential for updating and making this home YOURS! Vaulted ceilings, welcoming warm feel to this Cabin, a Must See!

MLS# 6026038

NEW! PERCHED ON THE SHORES OF OL’ GITCHE GUMEE IN LUTSEN!

Fabulous 3 bedrm 4 bath Home on 600+ ft of accessible shared shoreline! Low maintenance living and Stunning views from most rooms, a great family gathering space on the North Shore! Start creating those family memories in this accommodating home, fabulous Lutsen location just minutes to Lutsen Mountains, and only a few more to the Harbor town of Grand Marais! Move in Ready!

MLS#6077104 $485,000

HOVLAND IS HOT! MULTIPLE RECENT SALES $650K ++!

LAKE SUPERIOR AT THOMSONITE BEACH!

Lake Superior home as timeless and rock solid as its geologic neighborhood. Just near the 1.1 billion year old Cutface Creek sandstone, nestled among thomsonite gemstone producing basalt flows and sporting it’s very own sea arch, this home is all about the pleasures of the North Shore.

MLS#6023379 $524,000 REDUCED!

NEW! DREAMING ON THE NORTH SHORE!

Overlooking BlueFin Bay on Lake Superior, this Tofte home has Amazing Lake Superior views! Top Notch Construction, with thoughtful design centered around family gatherings and individual spaces. Gourmet kitchen which will satisfy the fussiest chef, with kitchen island and breakfast bar. Wall of windows face Lake Superior, really fantastic interior spaces focused on the Big Lake. Master loft bedroom with nice views. Lower level bedrooms with rec space, your guests will love their own space, with Lake Views too! Large garage with guest space above. Gorgeous land, Gorgeous home.

MLS#6076479 $570,000

Sunshine Day Dreams, Walking in the Tall Trees, Experience Summer Up North!

SERENITY NOW AT TAIT LAKE!

Comfortable family lake cabin in Lutsen, on some Sweet Swimming shoreline! 3 bedrooms, full bath, and two half baths! Awesome screened porch, nice family room open to kitchen, great entertaining space! Oversized for boat storage 2 car detached garage! Move in Ready with a Civilized sense of seclusion!

MLS#6073605 $345,000 REDUCED!

LUTSEN LAKE SUPERIOR VACATION TOWNHOME AT LUTSEN RESORT!

Enjoy all that the historic Lutsen Lodge offers…a sandy beach, a cool River, Swimming pool, spa, FABULOUS dining…but enjoy it in STYLE at the Cliffhouse overlooking the historic lodge. Newer construction, Big views, Contemporary Design. Total Comfort. Nice rental income to offset expenses.

MLS#6021422

$399,000 REDUCED!

HAND CRAFTED LOG CABIN ON DEERYARD LAKE IN LUTSEN!

What a FAB Log home! Just stunning interior, stone fireplace and vaulted ceiling with log beams and open Great room. Main level living with finished lower level for friends and family to stay!

MLS#6030976 $459,000

MOUNTAIN! Lutsen Mountain Ski and Summer Resort, if you love Lutsen Vacations, then these Condos and Townhomes are for you! Use as often as you like and make money when you aren’t here! “Hands off or on Ownership” means flexibility for keeping all to yourself for family and friends, or choose a management company that will fit your needs. Some are newly renovated exterior and out, some are not. From Studios (with huge decks) to 3+ bedrms, See them all to find YOUR right fit!

108 BRIDGE RUN $89,900

MLS#6027475

124B BRIDGE RUN $99,900

MLS#6032522

114 BRIDGE RUN $109,999

MLS#6028015

128 BRIDGE RUN $111,900

MLS#2120739

120A BRIDGE RUN $114,900

MLS#6074478

526 MOOSE MOUNTAIN $153,500

MLS#2217205

DESIGN AND ELEGANCE ON DEERYARD LAKE, LUTSEN.

Lindal Cedar Home, dramatic stone fireplace set amongst posts & beams of Douglas Fir. Designer kitchen, sunroom, secluded master bedroom and bath with soaker tub. Wood fired oven, Timberframe Sauna, Woodshop and a large garage. End of the Road 4.48 acres, 175’ of frontage, adjacent public land buffers and beckons. Leave Everything behind and just enjoy the Good Life on Deeryard Lake!

MLS#6028689 $599,000 REDUCED!

NEW! 11D AT SURFSIDE ON LAKE SUPERIORCORNER UNIT! Modern design, Stone’s throw to accessible ledgerock shoreline. Imagine family campfires at the Lake’s Edge! You CAN afford your own piece of Lake Superior with this ¼ share. Create family memories! Excellent revenues help offset ownership expenses. Check out the 3D Virtual Tour at www.TimberWolffRealty.com

MLS#6075589 $180,000

Sunshine Day Dreams, Walking in the Tall Trees, Experience Summer Up North!

SIMPLY MODERN RUSTIC STYLE!

Lutsen cabin is a MUST SEE if you enjoy the simple things in Life! Two bedrooms, open kitchen/dining spaces, covered porch area and a sauna house! No well nor septic, but there’s an Outhouse! Must see to appreciate.

MLS#6076115

$132,000 REDUCED!

FAMILY FUN IN SILVER

BAY! Large family kitchen will WOW you, three main level bedrooms and bath, and lower level rec room/ bath/bunk space allows for plenty of elbow room! 2 car detached on a spectacular Hays Circle lot! You’ll LOVE the backyard patio!

MLS#6075984 $159,900 REDUCED!

NEW! IN NEED OF A LOT OF LOVE AND SOME CASH TOO!

A great opportunity for some sweat equity, the bones of this home are good, with hard wood flooring in some areas original to the 1945 home. The land is very pretty, with seasonal creek running to the east side.

MLS#6075901 $89,000

SWEET TOFTE LOCATION, ESTABLISHED

BUILD SITE! A great homestead, no covenants no restrictions, live in the trailer home while re-building or start completely fresh! Already in place is the well, septic, electric, garage, and lots of storage sheds…TONS OF VALUE AT $64,555. Minute’s to Carlton Peak Trailhead, and Tofte’s Lake Superior Park for lake access!

MLS#6074783 $59,500 REDUCED!

NEW! LUTSEN MODERN LIVING, LOVING IT! A Fun 3 bdrm 3 bath Small footprint home in a fabulous location! Stand Out Kitchen with Island and views of fireplace and Lake Superior’s horizon. Modern design throughout with fabulous baths! A must see home, perfect for family living or a cool North Shore retreat! Two car attached garage on 5 aces, more land available! MLS#6076730 $299,900 SALE PENDING

NEW! STROLL TO SELDOM USED LAKE SUPERIOR PARK! Lovely two plus bedrm home, nice spaces created over time…you will love the three season porch!

Small parcel for low maintenance living, it’s all about location and enjoyment of the North Shore!

MLS#6076502 $164,000

NEW! COME ON! AREN’T YOU A LITTLE TIRED OF SLEEPING IN A TENT? Very near the public access to Gunflint Lake, these Rustic cabins are CUTE, with Log sauna (needs a wood stove). Don’t worry, we aren’t talking 4 Star Accomodations, it’s STILL a Camp near Gunflint Lake Up the Trail! A Must See for the Adventurous!!

MLS#6076146 $129,900

3

Welcome to Golden Eagle Lodge, a family oriented, year-round resort located on the Gunflint Trail of Northeastern Minnesota, only 30 miles north of Grand Marais. As the only residents on Flour Lake, and nestled in the 3 million acres of the Superior National Forest, you can look forward to the quiet and solitude offered only from a true wilderness setting.

Each season has something special to offer; excellent fishing, canoeing, and hiking in summer and nationally-renowned Cross-Country Skiing

in winter. Visit our website to find in detail how each season can help shape your vacation.

Try our 9-site campground which offers the same quiet and personal service as our cabins; each site comes equipped with water and electric hookups. We go out of our way to ensure every aspect of your visit will convince you to come back and see us again.

We know much time, effort, and expense is invested in a vacation and we would be honored if you considered us as your vacation destination. You won’t be disappointed!