Northern Wilds

HEAVY DUTY SEWING

Fall Colors, Music, Food and More

September is arguably the best month of the year. Days are warm and nights are cool. Around the middle of the month, the leaves begin to run, starting with the maple ridges above Lake Superior. “Leaf-looking” is the most popular activity of the year. If you plan on visiting the North Shore on a weekend in late September, you better book a room in advance. Often, there are no lodging vacancies north of Duluth.

For some folks, the beautiful leaves are just a scenic backdrop for fun. Erin Altemus writes about another autumn attraction, the bird migration. Hawk Ridge in Duluth is famous for the tremendous number of raptors passing overhead. Erin shares a couple of lesser known destinations as well. Autumn hiking is awesome, too. Joe Friedrichs tells us about the Border Route Trail, which traverses the eastern portion of the Boundary Waters. We have updates on the Kekekabic, North Country and Superior hiking trails, too.

September also offers different versions of outdoor fun, such as two popular Grand Marais music events, the Radio Waves Music Festival sponsored by WTIP Radio and the Mountain Stage/Unplugged concerts at the North House Folk School. The Grand Marais Art Colony sponsors a Plein Air painting competition, too. Then there are two art studio tours, Lake Superior 20/20 and Crossing Borders, and the Lost Resorts exhibit at the Cross River Heritage Center in Schroeder.

As readers well know, artistic endeavors of all sorts are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the North Shore. In this issue, we pay tribute to two long-standing creative institutions, the North Shore Music Association and the Grant Marais Playhouse. Between then, they’ve provided decades of entertaining performances.

As usual, we give a nod to the culinary arts. Kelsey Roseth tells us about Alyce’s Restaurant, Grand Marais’ only food truck. You’ll find information about the Savor Superior Food and Drink Festival and the Oktoberfest events in Thunder Bay, the Harvest Moon Festival in Ely and Duluth’s Lake Superior Harvest Festival.

This month, we say farewell to North Shore Dish columnist Kelsey Roseth, a newlywed who now finds her schedule too busy to continue her column. We also say hello to a new writer, Deborah Morse-Kahn, of Tofte. And we give a shout-out to Amber’s stepfather Leroy Johnson, whose familiar smiling face graces the Como Oil ad in this issue. —Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt.

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com

Breana Roy, Assistant Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com

Drew Johnson • drew@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Joseph Friedrichs, Deborah Morse-Kahn, Kelsey Roseth, Amy Schmidt, Javier Serna, Sandra Updyke

Copyright 2015 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. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)

Beaver by Sandra Updyke

Learn about Canadian North Shore marinas and boater-friendly communities at www.LakeSuperiorBoating.com

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Lake Superior Water Trail gets funding

SAULT STE. MARIE—The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) has awarded Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy $902,983 for access points along the 1,000-kilometre designated TCT Lake Superior Water Trail (LSWT). Working with 14 partners, the Conservancy will establish 16 public access points between Gros Cap Harbour in Prince Township and Fisherman’s Park in Thunder Bay.

Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is funding the Conservancy for a Water Trail Project Coordinator, who will work closely with the community, First Nation and Parks partners to develop the access points along the LSWT. In addition, OTF has provided funding to TCT to assist with the land trails.

“This is a very exciting time for Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy and we are looking forward to working with our partners along the coast to establish the Lake Superior Water Trail link in the Trans Canada Trail,” said president Mary Ellen Szadkowski.

She explained that the funding supports the installation of amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, signage kiosks, flags and in some sites, secure kayak storage lockers and universal access docks. The outdoor recreation and tourism services along the coast will not only diversify the economies of the coastal communities, but will also provide the people of Ontario and international visitors opportunities to experience the vast beauty of the largest freshwater lake on earth.

The LSWT Access Points will be located at Gros Cap Harbour, Batchawana Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Michipicoten Marina, Pukaskwa National Park, Pic River First Nation, Marathon Marina and Carden Cove, Terrace Bay Beach, Schreiber Beach, Rossport-Wardrope Park, Red Rock Marina, Nipigon Marina, Porphyry and Number 10 Lighthouses, and Fisherman’s Park. The work on the sites begins this summer and will be completed by fall 2016.

NSHCF recognizes Judy Meath

GRAND MARAIS—North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF), recently recognized board member Judy Meath for her leadership in the establishment of Care Partners of Cook County. During her tenure with the Foundation, Judy also served as vice president, Grants Committee Chair and worked with policy development, bringing extensive experience as a retired vice president of HealthPartners Medical Group and Clinics, and the Children’s Home Society & Family Services in St. Paul, MN.

Judy’s involvement with Care Partners began in 2008 when she was asked to convene and chair a committee to further explore options for a hospice/palliative care program. By 2010 with Judy’s guidance, the hospice initiative was reconceived as Care Partners of Cook County: a collaborative of NSHCF, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Cook County North Shore Hospital.

Judy continued to chair NSHCF’s Care Partners Oversight Committee until this year, when she helped facilitate Care Partner’s move from a program of the Foundation, to an independent nonprofit, providing an array of supports and services.

“Judy contributed so much insightful leadership and skilled mentoring for me and others in the program,” Care Partners executive director, Kay Grindland expressed. “I believe her work helping to build collaborative relationships for Care Partners has strengthened the entire network of health care services for seniors in Cook County.”

Care Partners of Cook County was recently granted 501(c)(3) status. “It’s a very exciting time for Care Partners,” said board president Jayne Johnson. “We are now able to qualify for additional grants as well as accept donations made directly to Care Partners of Cook County.”

Judy Meath, center, was recognized for her work with Care Partners of Cook County. She is flanked by Kay Grindland and John Bottger. | SUBMITTED

Improved water access points in communities such as Rossport, shown here, will make it easier for paddlers to enjoy Lake Superior. | SHAWN PERICH

Be Ready

Know your Risk

Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. It is important to understand potential risks where you live.

What you can do: Bookmark weather.gov to stay informed on severe weather. Learn about CodeRed messages (www.co.cook.mn.us/index. php/cr), that will be sent to your phone during an emergency.

Take Action

Make sure that you and your family are prepared for an emergency. What you can do: Prepare a disaster supply kit with supplies to ensure you can go for at least three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or other local services. Create a Family Emergency Plan, so that your family knows how to communicate during an emergency. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.

Be an Example

What you can do: Get involved with your local American Red Cross Chapter or train with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

You don’t know when an emergency might occur. These simple steps will help you be prepared for the worst. To learn more about how your family, your business and your community can prepare for emergencies and get involved, please visit www.bt.cdc.gov/ preparedness or www.ready.gov.

Cook County Emergency Management

National Preparedness Month

September 2014

SHTA educates hikers

TWO HARBORS—Drivers on Hwy. 61 along Superior’s North Shore are sure to see a lot of dead and dying birch and aspen. Hikers following the Superior Hiking Trail are also traveling through these aging forests. Insects, old-age and a lack of new growth, absence of forest fire or logging disturbances and even drought are all reasons that the forests have been in decline.

In St. Louis County, foresters hope to regenerate the forests for better timber production and wildlife habitat. One of the tools for doing this is logging.

“The county is doing a lot of timber sales,” said Gayle Coyer, Executive Director of the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

When the SHTA began building trails through St. Louis County lands, they were encouraged and even required by the county to educate hikers about what they were seeing.

Now, when a hiker leaves the Sucker River trailhead, they will see an interpretive panel, paid for by a grant from the National Park Service, that explains what a “working forest” looks like.

The SHTA plans to educate hikers about what they are seeing in that area, but also to document what species grow back, how the forest views change and whether invasive species make their way into the area.

According to Coyer, there haven’t been many comments from hikers about the logging.

“We’ve had problems with hikers not being able to stay on the trail,” Coyer said. “Blue is used to mark the trail and its also been used to mark trees in the logging areas.”

Hikers trekking through the clear-cut area.

| STEVE COZ

Coyer said they try not to close the trail during logging operations, but the SHTA puts up signs for the safety of the hikers and for the logging operators, so they know where the trail is located.

Last year the SHTA organized a group hike through one of these recently logged areas. Two foresters joined 35 hikers and explained to those interested what they were seeing as far as re-growth and different aspects about the forest.

Coyer said the unhealthy forests are different than what some hikers are anticipating, but the situation provides an educational opportunity.—Erin Altemus

Tim Rutke, St. Louis county forester with Larry Sampson, SHTA trail maintenance supervisor, standing by forest re-growth. | STEVE COZ

25 years of volunteer maintenance on the Kek Trail

ELY

—The Kekekabic Trail runs 41 miles between Snowbank Lake and the Gunflint Trail, traversing the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This year marks 25 years since volunteers reopened and took over maintenance of the trail. Their tenure has seen four major natural disturbances that have pummeled the Kek.

The first was a powerful storm in 1990, the same year volunteers first cleared the Kek. The storm was dubbed the storm of the century until in howled the 1999 windstorm, which provided copious fuel for the 2006 and 2007 Cavity and Ham lakes fires.

“We want a passable wilderness hiking experience, not a wilderness bushwhacking experience,” says Matt Davis, the Minnesota trail coordinator for the North Country Trail Association, the nonprofit that manages America’s longest footpath, of which the Kek is part.

Tom Kaffine, who has worked 33 years with the Superior National Forest, states the Cavity Lake fire scorched the middle section of the Kek. The fire burned the overstory and obliterated the tread. Increased sunlight resulted in grass and brush.

“You cut grass, it grows right back,” Kaffine said. This is the section where, in 2008, two hikers from Duluth got lost and were rescued after a three-day mission involving search parties and aircraft.

The Kek was built in the 1930s to access a fire tower on Kekekabic Lake. The U.S. Forest Service kept it clear in the 1960s and 1970s, as backpacking fever swept the country. Budget cuts brought an end to maintenance in the early eighties and for several years, the trail saw diminishing use and became increasingly overgrown.

In 1974, Martin Kubik underwent wilderness guide training on the Kek. He recalls the trail as a “swath through ferns, six feet wide and cut with a scythe.” In 1990, Kubik, who has hiked the entire Kek 30 times, counted 3,000 downed trees blocking the trail. After receiving permission from the Forest Service, he recruited dozens of volunteers, founded the Kekekabic Trail Club and managed to clear the trail just in time for the 1990 storm.

This May, Davis led a weeklong Kek maintenance trip. His volunteer team included people from as far away as California and Connecticut. They paddled a day in, canoes laden with camping gear, crosscut saws, loppers and hard hats. The Superior National Forest supplies such equipment to support trail clearing crews.

Workers clear a tree on the Kekekabic trail in 2009. | RYAN ROGERS

David Glisczinski was on the May trip.

“Now I can’t go hiking without looking at every feature [of a trail] and thinking about how much work goes into that,” he says. “Getting to see the Boundary Waters with a group that knew the area was really comfortable and rewarding.”

“You can’t just pop up and work for a day,” says Kaffine. “Some parts of the trail take two days just to get to. The trail gives you that sense of wilderness and isolation.”

“I love to be in the forest,” says Kubik, “and the intimate connection that comes from hiking.”

Derrick Passe, who has been involved with the Kekekabic Trail Club for 15 years, expresses a similar opinion,

“with hiking, you can feel and touch the wilderness. It’s always changing.”

The Kek is already the de facto route of the North Country Trail. The Kek, Border Route and Superior Hiking trails form what is known as the Arrowhead Reroute of the North Country Trail. Legislation has been proposed to make the reroute law. The Kekekabic Trail Club recently became the Kekekabic Chapter of the North Country Trail Association.

“It [the North Country Trail Association] brings in organizational support,” says Passe.

“I think it will be good for the trail,” says Kubik. —Ryan Rodgers

Smedley’s cover wins national award

MISSOULA, MONT—James Smedley of Wawa, Ontario, was recognized as an award recipient during the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s 2015 Excellence in Craft Contests. This annual awards program recognizes and honors the best work of outdoor communicators who are members of OWAA.

First place in the family participation/ youth outdoor education category of the Photography contest for “Grimacing,” published in Northern Wilds magazine, March 2014. The family participation/ youth outdoor education category recognizes excellence in communicating the value and enjoyment of family participation and youth education in the outdoors. He won two other awards for his photography and writing as well.

James Smedley is the travel editor for Ontario Out Of Doors and a seminar leader. He is also a freelance photographer and writer for many publications, including Northern Wilds.

“Grimacing,” by James Smedley, was the March 2014 Northern Wilds cover photo. | FILE

The “Arrowhead Re-route” includes the popular Superior Hiking Trail. | SUBMITTED

Back to Congress, again

MINNESOTA—Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Rick Nolan re-introduced the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act legislation in the 114th Congress. This bipartisan legislation (H.R. 799 & S. 403) would enact the North Country National Scenic Trail’s (NCT) “Arrowhead Re-route” in northeastern Minnesota. It would also extend the NCT into Vermont to the Appalachian Trail – the original concept in the late 1970’s.

The “Arrowhead Re-route” would replace the NCT’s original route of 100+ miles between Jay Cooke State Park and Remer, with a new scenic route through Minnesota’s “Arrowhead.” The new route

includes the Superior Hiking Trail, the Border Route Trail and Kekekabic Trails within the Boundary Waters. The last piece would be 150 miles of new NCT to link the Kekekabic Trail with the existing NCT near Remer. This would tie together the Boundary Waters with Ely and Bear Head Lake, Soudan Underground Mine-Lake Vermilion, McCarthy Beach and Scenic State Parks.

Since 2004, the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) has advocated for the reroute legislation in Congress. Despite local support and no opposition, all previous efforts have failed. Learn more at www. northcountrytrail.org/arrowhead-re-route.

Big Fish Contest

GRAND MARAIS—Bucks Hardware Hank and Northern Wilds sponsored the Big Fish Contest during Fisherman’s Picnic July 25Aug. 1 in Grand Marais. Here are the top three winners for each category:

Walleye

Dan Hauge 6 lbs. 12 oz.

Dan Hauge 5 lbs. 15 oz.

Larry Deschampe 5 lbs. 12 oz.

Northern

Kathryn Sherer 11 lbs.

Linda Marie 10 lbs. 1 oz.

Terrance Lightfeather 9 lbs. 8 oz.

Small Mouth Bass

Wendy Coleman 4 lbs. 15 oz.

Marlo Larson 4 lbs. 10 oz.

Terry Klos 3 lbs. 12 oz.

Lake Trout

Hudson Pung 16 lbs. 12 oz.

Micky Brazell 15 lbs. 12 oz. Bruce Leonard 13 lbs. 14 oz.

Salmon

Josh Klemmer 11 lbs. 7 oz.

Josh Klemmer 8 lbs. 15 oz.

Josh Klemmer 8 lbs. 11 oz.

Brook Trout

Dan Roberts 1 lbs. 7 oz.

Dan Roberts 1 lbs. 5 oz.

Terry Klos 1 lbs. 5 oz.

Kevin Viren 1 lbs. 5 oz.

Sponsored by:

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Going Solar: A Cook County Guide

This Guide is for Cook County Landowners.

 Learn about solar PV

 Determine what type and size PV system is for you

Solar Workshop

 Take advantage of Federal Tax Credit (30%) which expires the end of 2016

Find the guide at: www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

Become an outdoors woman

ST. PAUL—Women can register for the chance to try open-water fishing, zip lining, shooting muzzleloaders and more during a fall workshop Sept. 11-13, in Grand Marais.

The workshop from the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program of the Minnesota DNR will be held at Gunflint Lodge, the same lodge where the first BOW workshop was held 20 years ago.

“This workshop lets women learn a variety of outdoor skills and broaden their outdoor experience,” said Linda Bylander, DNR outreach program coordinator.

Registration for the fall workshop is limited to 80 participants. To register or for more information, see www.mndnr.gov/ bow.

DNR receives money to protect coastal resources

ST. PAUL—The Minnesota DNR received a $974,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency will use the funding to support Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program and its ongoing work to protect and enhance coastal resources.

Most of the funding will go toward five projects in the coastal area. The projects will:

• Improve the 3.35-mile Western Waterfront Trail along the St. Louis River waterfront in West Duluth, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades.

• Continue a culvert inventory project, locating and assessing culverts on 109 miles of St. Louis County roadways.

• Rehabilitate portions of the city of Silver Bay’s wastewater treatment plant to improve water quality discharges to Lake Superior.

• Install stormwater ponds and a rain garden at the Gary New Duluth Recreation Area to reduce the amount of polluted runoff.

• Collect and analyze water samples on seven Duluth streams and operate five real-time water quality stations in Duluth.

The DNR selected these projects earlier this year through Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program’s Annual Grants competition.

“We are excited to see these new projects get off the ground,” said Amber Westerbur, program manager. “Equally exciting is the opportunity to work collaboratively with others and share more about our program and its impact on the North Shore.”

For more information about Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program, visit www.mndnr.gov/mlscp.

Learn to fish at the BOW workshop. | SUBMITTED

DNR limits antlerless permits

ST. PAUL—Hunters can expect the 2015 deer season to be similar to last year, according to the Minnesota DNR.

“The 2015 deer hunting regulations will be quite similar to last year, with one-deer limits in most of the state,” said Leslie McInenly, big game program leader for the DNR. “Hunters should check the 2015 regulations early, because in the majority of areas, hunters will need to apply for a permit to shoot an antlerless deer.”

Hunters can buy deer licenses and apply to the lottery for antlerless deer permits starting Saturday, Aug. 1. The deadline to apply for the lottery is Thursday, Sept. 10.

Along the North Shore and throughout much of the region, last year’s fawns survived the recent milder-than-average winter and there should be a good number of yearlings entering the breeding population this fall. Permit areas in the moose range are designated lottery (limited antlerless tags available by drawing) to maintain lower deer populations.

Some northern Minnesota hunters will again have a bucks-only season. In bucks-only units, no antlerless deer may be harvested by any hunter, including those with archery or youth licenses. Similarly, no antlerless deer may be harvested by any adult hunters in youth-only antlerless areas. New this year is an exception allowing either-sex harvest by any hunter age 84 and up or by hunters who are residents of veterans’ homes.

An increase in deer numbers appears to be off to a solid start in northeastern Minnesota. Winter in the northeast wasn’t mild, but it was milder than average. However, compared to other areas of the state, a deer population recovery in the region can be slower due to a shorter growing season, fewer fawns per doe on average, fewer deer per square mile, winter severity and predation.

With that in mind, wildlife managers are reporting

COOK

COU NTY SCHOO L DISTRICT

I.S.D. 166

IN THE MAIL WATCH FOR...

“The Viking Voice” (August 18)

Mailed to all Cook County U.S. Postal Service boxholders (Contains District and Community Education Information) Mailing to Student Households: (August 24) Bus route information, free/reduced food service application and school calendar

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

3:30 - 6:30 p.m. “Back to School” Student & Parent Orientation

-MS/HS students & parents will follow a 10-minute 7 period schedule (with 3-minute passing time). Find the classrooms, meet the teachers and hear about the upcoming course outline and expectations.

-K -5 students & parents will meet in their homeroom classrooms, meet the teachers & hear about the upcoming year

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

First

of

for

SUCCESS FOR EACH, RESPECT FOR ALL

good fawn production overall, with single, twin and occasionally, triplets fawns seen. Does appear to have come through the winter healthy enough to support the physical demands of nursing. Fawns are traveling with their mothers at times, are including more vegetation in their diets and appear to have healthy weights for this time of year. Bucks are sporting velvet-covered antlers right now and antler growth is good.

Good fawn production this spring has been welcomed site areas where winter severity was extreme in the far northern reaches of the state for three of the last four winters, and where deer populations had declined the most statewide. In the more southern portions of the northeast region, winter severity was not as extreme, but population numbers are still below target and are being managed for increases.

Duluth and some Iron Range communities will hold special in-town hunts to reduce the number of city deer. Permit areas around the Aitkin and Brainerd areas will generally be designated as lottery, with a limited number of antlerless tags issued, and more permit areas will be restricted to bucks-only the farther one travels north.

Deer numbers are on the rise this year. | DNR

Ely bear center grows

ELY—On Saturday, July 18, the North American Bear Center (NABC) opened doors to a new Northwoods Ecology Hall, a $1.5 million expansion which nearly doubled the size of the education, exhibit and research facility.

Built as a global learning center, the new 8,000-squarefoot addition showcases the habitat and history of the Northwoods. Moose, caribou, white-tailed deer and timber wolf mounts are on display, as well as a 10-foot aquarium and terrariums featuring amphibians. Interactive touch screens describe how the species interact with each other, including black bears. Nature sounds lend ambiance from state-of-the-art audio.

“Awesome, is the word we hear most,” said Lynn Rogers, bear biologist and leader of the center, of those who

have toured the new facility. “We hear excitement in their voices and see their wide-eyed enthusiasm. It’s no wonder because we’ve had experts from across the country to make this ecology center a world-class place.”

The ecology hall also houses the Hope Learning Center, a classroom with broadcast technology. The center is named after Hope, the bear cub whose mother, Lily, gave birth to in January 2010. Hope’s birth was an Internet sensation as people around the world watched on a live web cam.

Since 1994, Rogers has wanted to build an ecology museum celebrating the Boundary Waters. Combined with the bear center, a dream of honoring the Northwoods’ wildlife and landscape is now a reality.

“The worldwide attention we’re seeing is fantastic,” Ely Mayor Chuck Novak said. “People are excited about the bear center expansion. It’s a big boost to our economy having visitors here from all over the world.”

The mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide, by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears, their role in ecosystems, and their relations with humans. Founded by Dr. Lynn Rogers, the NABC opened in May 2007.

The NABC is located at 1926 State Highway 169, a mile west of Ely. For admission fees, please call or visit www.bear.org.

The new Northwoods Ecology Hall at Ely’s North American Bear Center highlights the natural history of northern Minnesota. | JACKIE RUNIONS

Raspberry Ridge Dog BnB

SILVER BAY—What started as a part-time experiment to offer North Shore travelers the option to leave their beloved pooches in a comfy space, while their humans camped and canoed in the Boundary Waters, has quickly become the only dog boarding facility between Duluth and the Canadian border.

Angela McWilliams, owner/operator of Raspberry Ridge Dog BnB, near Silver Bay, offers a home environment for up to a half-dozen assorted pups on any given day. It includes long walks, client-specific foods and the added benefit of thoughtful grooming and holistic medical care for dogs in need of special care.

No kennels, no concrete runs, no wire fences. Just lots of grass to run on, long riverside paths to wander and nice dusty spots for an ecstatic roll before bath time, snacks and bed. Doggy heaven indeed.

McWilliams has a strong desire to see her guests immediately comfortable and bonding with her. “I had rescue dogs my entire life until my Maggie and Petey both passed away in 2012. There was a void in my life till I started bringing dogs into my home when their owners would have hockey games, work commitments, vacations and whatever life would bring. My lifetime of owning rescues has helped me greatly in reading dog body language and behaviors. Now, I can say that I enjoy the time with my guests just as much as they enjoy taking a fun vacation while their owners are away. I live in a country setting in the beautiful Beaver River Valley and the dogs love all the smells and wildlife trails. It truly is heaven on earth for dogs.”

In just the four months since establishing her facility, McWilliams’ clients have quickly found their way to her by word of mouth and her website, www. raspberryridge.wix.com/dogbnb. Already her weekly roster is crowded with an ever-changing assortment of canines. Favorite toys, treats and lots of hugs, with a bit of quiet time, quickly relaxes the new dog to relax with the pack in the vast, homey kitchen filled with sunlight and the smell of clean canines.

“I have found that a little massage is a wonderful distraction technique to relax my doggie guests when they first arrive if separation anxiety sets in. It creates an

McWilliams provides both boarding and doggie daycare.

| DEBORAH MORSE-KAHN

instant bond between us and they feel a sense of calm about me and their new surroundings,” said McWilliams.

Recently, she found herself carefully bathing an affectionate customer who needed special herbal baths and supplements. Seeing a happier animal, glad to reconnect with its humans after a week’s stay, and nicely spoiled by lots of skilled attention and loving care, was a great reward.

McWilliams’ hand-built hewn-log lodge on the Beaver River provides lots of room for dogs small and large, with extensive grounds to walk, run and cavort in. Smaller dogs have been known to plop into the slow-moving shoal pools of the Beaver wearing little life preservers to paddle happily about, exercising underworked muscles and soaking up the rays.

“Your home rules are my home rules. Your beloved companions can sleep with

me if they sleep with you. If they are crate trained, just bring it with you for their stay. Your companion’s feeding times, food, treats and leads are discussed and I follow your instruction,” said McWilliams.

Initially, McWilliams walks all dogs on a lead. Owners that are confident of their dogs training often provide instruction for off-lead time, but only when she is sure that the dog is responding to hand and voice commands. Then, she lets them run free in her large woodland. A lead is used when walking along the nearby highway or along roads and on the paths down to the Beaver River. Dogs with less training get some, to their benefit and comfort and as a responsibility to McWilliams’ human clients.

McWilliams sends daily text or email updates to all owners who are anxious for their four-legged companions’ well-being.

—Deborah Morse-Kahn

Where to See the Birds

By Erin Altemus

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

On a September day, a sharp-shinned hawk will begin its migration south from its summer home in Canada. As the hawk nears Lake Superior, it will likely veer southwest along the lakeshore. The ideal wind will be from the northwest and the bird will conserve energy, riding the warmer thermal currents high above the cooler air that settles on the Big Lake. This hawk and thousands more of these raptors will circle upward toward Skyline Drive as they near Duluth, soaring over Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve.

Bird counters at Hawk Ridge tally an average of 75,000 of these eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons, osprey and harriers, flying over the ridge between mid-August and Oct. 31. Approximately, 18,000 visitors travel to the ridge each fall to see the birds flying overhead.

Hawk Ridge has not always been a place

to celebrate the fall migration.

Before 1950, some locals used the birds for target practice, according to Janelle Long, Executive Director of the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. A local ornithology professor, Dr. Pershing Hofslund, would place cardboard signs at the site that stated not to shoot the birds. A Nature Magazine article from 1948 showed students gathering up the injured birds to help rehabilitate them. The killing stopped through efforts of the Duluth Bird Club (now the Duluth Audubon Society). The club publicized the illegal shooting and had the prohibition against shooting within the city limits enforced.

In 1951, the first hawk watch was organized. As the magnitude of the migration became apparent, observation increased from a few days in mid-September to daily counts from August through November. In 1972, the Duluth Audubon Society raised

funds to protect the land at Hawk Ridge. Funds were donated to the City of Duluth to establish Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve. Under a trust agreement with the City, the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory now manages Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, open to the public to enjoy hiking and biking trails, natural high spots for observing the birds, and in the fall, even a couple of port-a-potties for the visiting bird enthusiasts.

While Hawk Ridge is open to the public year-round, in September and October, staff and volunteers are on hand every day from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting, to assist visitors in spotting birds and interpret what they are seeing.

“A bald eagle up close is way different than up high in the sky,” Long said, and volunteers can help visitors identify the black speck flying overhead on days when the birds are high.

Some days the birds fly low and are easier to identify, and volunteers can help with that as well.

“We want to show the excitement of the bird migration to every one of all ages and abilities,” Long said.

Long explained that often the best time to see large numbers of migrating birds is when there is a wind out of the west or northwest—because birds can more efficiently ride these wind currents south.

“But another great time is after a storm,” Long said. “The birds hunker down during the rain.” Then they continue migrating enmass once the storm has cleared.

There is no cost to visit Hawk Ridge, but donations are much appreciated for bird research and education.

Learn more at www.hawkridge.org.

An observation tower at Hawk Ridge makes a great place to view birds or soak up the sights. | ERIN ALTEMUS

Sugarloaf Cove

Nature Center

Tucked along the shore of Lake Superior four miles southwest of Schroeder sits Sugarloaf Cove, and according to naturalist Margie Menzies, the shoreline is a great place to see migrating shore birds such as grebes, plovers and sandpipers.

Sugarloaf Cove has an interesting past of its own.

From the 1940s through the 1970s, the cove was a staging place for timber to be towed across the lake to Ashland, Wisc., Menzies said. The pulpwood was stacked up all winter and moved in large rafts of logs across the lake during the summer. A full load was 40 acres of wood. When the company left the site, they restored the area as much as they could and planted pine plantations before donating the land to the Nature Conservancy.

In the 1990s, the Sugarloaf Cove land was sold to the DNR, which soon declared it a Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) because it contains features such as “exceptional geology,” which includes 1.1 billion year old lava flows and cobblestone beach, Menzies said. There are also more than 100 species of lichen.

Then in 1992, the Sugarloaf Interpretive Center Association (SICA) was formed to preserve and protect the land surrounding Sugarloaf Cove SNA and in 1998, a land exchange between the DNR and SICA (now Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Association) transferred ownership of the lands. Today, Sugarloaf NSSA manages the reserve and interpretive center.

There are many things to do at Sugarloaf Cove such as guided and self-guided walks, viewing the historic logging operation artifacts and walking through the interpretive center.

And every Saturday, Menzies and trained volunteers are banding birds. According to Menzies, the banding starts at sunrise and lasts until noon. From the end of August to early September is the intense warbler migration.

“Birds that fly the furthest south start migrating earliest,” Menzies said.

Sparrows, thrushes and kinglets all take off in later September because they don’t have as far to fly.

Sugarloaf naturalists are mostly banding small birds, Menzies said. “Because that’s what we’re set up for.”

She explained that it’s a good fall activity, because visitors can drop in on their own timeline, observe the banding (and maybe release a bird), and leave when they are ready.

Another September activity at Sugarloaf includes a photography workshop with photographer Chris Sandberg on Sept. 5.

To learn more about Sugarloaf Cove or see a schedule of events, go to ww.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Mission Island Marsh

Another site to view the fall migration with a turbid past is Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area, located on the south end of Thunder Bay.

In 1678, a trading post was erected on the island and later the land was farmed. By the 1960s, a portion of the island was a landfill site for the city of Fort William. Today, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority manages the conservation area,

which consists of wetlands that provide a stopover for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors.

The area features a boardwalk, viewing mound and interpretive pavilion. There are picnic tables too, and from the lakeshore, there is a clear view of the Sleeping Giant on the opposite shore of the lake. To learn more, go to www.lakeheadca.com.

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center welcomes visitors. | ERIN ALTEMUS

Visitors at Sugarloaf can witness bird banding. | SUBMITTED

This white-crowned sparrow is one of many birds being banded. | SUBMITTED

Grand Marais Playhouse Remains Vibrant after 45 years

By Shawn Perich

It began as an experiment. The Operation-Cooperation, an adult-teen group, wanted an activity where kids and adults worked together. With the sponsorship of the Grand Marais Women’s Club, a winter drama fair called an Experiment in Theatre was produced. Local actors performed three one-act plays in January, 1971, that were enthusiastically received by the local community.

And the drama, as it were, began. That summer, under the volunteer leadership of Evelyn Carlson, an ambitious summer season was planned under the name, Little Theater. The First Congregational Church allowed the rehearsals and performances to be held there. Three full-length plays—a musical, The Fantastix, directed by Rick Anderson; The Emperor’s New Clothes, directed by Mrs. Jan McNelly; and a comedy, George Washington Slept Here, directed by Lynn Ormandy of Duluth. The enthusiasm remained. During the first season, Little Theater was incorporated as the Grand Marais Playhouse.

From these humble beginnings the show has gone on for 45 seasons. Some folks in the community have been involved with the Playhouse nearly all of those years. One of them is present administrator Sue Hennessy, who began working with the Playhouse when she was 11 years old. She recalls the Playhouse’s second home, the old Lutheran Church (now Betsy Bowen Studio), which the school district sold to the Playhouse for a dollar. Throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s, that was where plays were held.

Hennessy left Grand Marais to attend school and then moved to New York to work in professional theater. She returned to Cook County in 1998 to assist her parents. It was the same year the Playhouse moved into new digs: the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. (The Playhouse pays rent to the ACA.) Today, the Playhouse puts on five to seven plays annually, including a youth play and a high school play. Summer shows are performed from June to August when the greatest number

of people are around to attend and thus boost ticket sales.

“In the off-season we do more creative, dramatic stuff that is not as dependent on ticket sales,” Hennessy said. “For instance, we’re doing Shakespeare this fall.”

The actors in Playhouse performances are members of the community who volunteer copious time to be involved in a play. Some show up year after year; others as time allows.

“Cook County is a deep well of talent,” Hennessy says. “People are amazed that out performers are locals. It’s really fun to work with them.”

While the audience just sees the actors, there’s also a backstage team that builds the sets, handles costuming, runs the lights and does everything necessary to make the show go on. Sharon Eliasen has been involved with the Playhouse since 1973 and never appeared on stage. Her forte is props and costumes. Wherever she goes, she’s on the lookout for useful clothes and objects.

“I love searching for things. It’s like a game,” she says.

When she began, she used to find things and squirrel them away. Times have changed. Now she visits local thrift stores and is a regular at the Recycling Center. If all else fails, she turns to Google. Better yet, she has storage space available at the ACA. There are others backstage as well. Hennessy enjoys building sets, but she gets plenty of support from Ralph Larson and Jeri and Don Grant.

About 10 years ago, Eliasen and another longtime volunteer, Thelma Hedstrom, were honored for their service. But she is quick to point out that many others in the community have been long involved with the Playhouse. A partial list includes Evelyn Carlson, Emma Bradley, Ann Mershon, Rick Anderson, Jayne Richards, Dick Swanson, Mark Abrahamson, Leah Thomas, MaryAnn Atwood, Mary McDonnell, Lena Nelson, Beth Kennedy, Theresa Linehan and Saraphine Metis.

Playhouse

The Playhouse enjoys a strong relationship with the schools and student participation has been important since the beginning. This year, Hennessy has a backstage crew comprised of middle school students. This summer, about 80 people have worked on the shows in some capacity. The Playhouse relies on about 150 volunteers per year.

“It’s a team activity,” Hennessy says. “I just coordinate all of it.”

Hennessy holds the only paid position, which is part time. She works two other jobs as well. Sometimes she makes short-term hires for skilled positions such as a choreographer, fight choreographer or sound engineer. She occasionally hires directors from outside of the area, but it is difficult because they need housing for a minimum of five weeks—something that is

hard to come by in Cook County.

Producing a play isn’t cheap. Hennessy says there are up-front expenses, such expensive royal ties, which must be paid just to get scripts. Funding for the Playhouse comes primarily from ticket sales. The organization also has dues-pay ing members. It receives strong support from the local business community, too. Grant funding is important, but not something the Playhouse relies upon.

Somehow every year it all comes together—people, money and much enthusiasm—to produce another season of plays.

“It’s pretty amazing that a town of our size can do multiple productions in a year,” Hennessy says. “It’s unusual. I don’t think I would do community theater in any other town.”

The 1982 Playhouse Board of Directors. Lower row (L-R) Dick Swanson and Ann Mershon. Upper row (L-R) Cheryl Conklin Briggs, Scott Husby, Pat Johnson, Nancy Backlund and Sharon Eliasen. | SUBMITTED

The first production in 1971 was the musical, The Fantasticks, with Jeff Nelson, John Aman, Kristi Sjoberg, David Carambula and Rick Anderson. | SUBMITTED

Thirty Years of Music

By Shawn Perich

Along the North Shore these days, live music is taken for granted. On just about every night throughout the year, you can hear live music somewhere in Cook County. Most nights, you’ll have a choice of several venues. But this wasn’t always so. Thirty-some years ago, Cook County was a quiet place.

“In the winter, you could fall asleep in the middle of Highway 61 and not be bothered,” jokes Wayne Russ of Grand Marais.

This wasn’t necessarily due to a lack of musicians. Russ, his wife Ann and others enjoyed getting together to play acoustic music. But there wasn’t much of a live music scene aside from dance bands in the bars on weekends.

The big musical event of the summer was the Schroeder Folk Festival at Lamb’s Campground. After two years, organizers moved the event to the Lutsen ski hill and changed the name to the North Shore Music Festival. The volunteer organization that created the event became incorporated as the North Shore Music Association in 1985. The original board members were Wayne and Ann Russ, Bill Hansen, Betsy Bowen, Bill Huggins and Vern Booth.

Initially, the annual music festival was the organization’s primary event, but around 1988 the focus changed to featuring monthly concerts with regional and national musicians. At the time, it was a seat-of-the-pants

operation, where concerts relied on borrowed sound and lighting equipment. Initially, events were held at the Schroeder Town Hall, but other early venues include Lutsen Resort, Sven and Oles and the Hovland Town Hall.

“Wherever there was a space, we took advantage of it,” Russ says.

As time went on, the NSMA invested in sound gear, lighting and a trailer for hauling all of it. And haul they did…all over Cook County. The organization didn’t have a home, so it continued to use whatever space was available for a show. Some locations worked better than others, but what the area needed was a centrally located venue.

The NSMA wasn’t the only arts organization in need of a home. Working in collaboration with the Grand Marais Playhouse, the Grand Marais Art Colony, WTIP Radio and local school district ISD 166, they developed support for a community arts center located on the school grounds in Grand Marais. In 1998, the Arrowhead Center for the Arts (ACA), became home to the above-named organizations, providing a quality auditorium for music performances, plays and other events.

Early efforts at partnering with other organizations have matured into what is now called the Grand Marais Arts Partners, a coalition of NSMA, WTIP, the Art Colony, North House Folk School and the Grand Marais Playhouse.

“We try to market together and work toward furthering Grand Marais as an arts destination,” says NSMA director Kate Fitzgerald. “We keep a calendar of events and try not to compete with one another.”

The NMSA also partners with local schools to provide educational programming for youth. Mark Powers, a percussionist, held a Junk Jam at the Great Expectations charter school, where children were taught how to make music with various objects, including their bodies. Local musician Todd Miller taught guitar to middle and high school students who were then encouraged to form a band, culminating in a public performance. A West African drum and dance ensemble also worked with kids, who then joined them onstage at an ACA performance.

While the roots of the NSMA were entwined in folk music, the organization’s musical evolution is best described as eclectic.

“We still do lots of acoustic performances, after the ACA was built we decided to cover more bases,” Russ said.

“We like to keep things as eclectic as possible,” Fitzgerald added.

A partial list of the over 350 performances sponsored by the NSMA verifies that intent. Just this year, performances included renowned bluesman Guy Davis, regional jazz star. Sam Miltich joined the local Sky Blue Jazz Quartet and British jazz guitarist

Cook County has a wealth of homegrown talent, as exemplified at the Local Musician’s Showcase. | GARY SIESENNOP

The Bluegrass Masters Workshop at Lutsen Resort is a popular November event. | TIM YOUNG

The North Shore Music Association has held numerous programs to introduce kids to music in its myriad forms including [TOP] the Garage Band Project and [ABOVE] the Junk Jam with percussionist Mark Powers. | TIM YOUNG AND KATE FITZGERALD

Adrian Legg. Last January, the local musician showcase, Grand Marais Ole Opry, was a sell-out. Another popular event is the Bluegrass Masters Weekend held at Lutsen Resort every November.

In 30 years, the NSMA has come a long way and, with lots of community and local business support, has provided Cook

County with plenty of good music. Moving forward in an era where Grand Marias is recognized as an arts magnet, the organizations face new challenges, including the prevalence of nightly live music at local venues. This may mean the NSMA needs to kick it up a notch to stay relevant. There is little reason to doubt that they will do so.

A Partial List of Performers

Over the years, the NSMA has sponsored performances by a wide array of well-known musicians. Attracting them to such a remote location is easier than it may seem. Occasionally, the musicians have local connections—someone in Cook County knows somebody who knows somebody. At other times, the musicians just want to come to play.

“On a few occasions, we found musicians who may do performances for a nonprofit at a reduced rate, just because they love what they do,” says Fitzgerald. “But actually it is part of our mission statement to compensate them very well.”

Here’s a partial list of performers who’ve made it to the North Shore:

Bill Staines, Neal and Leandra, Sally Rogers, Claudia Schmidt, Peter Ostroushko, Leo Kotke, Leon Redbone, Rosie Flores, Pat Donahue, Peter Yarrow, Red Horse—Lucy Kaplansky, Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, Garnet Rogers, Shamika Copeland, Tim and Molly O’Brian, Greg Brown, Robin and Linda Williams, Harmonious Whale, C.J. Cheniere and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Austin Lounge Lizards, Frank Gillis and the Lake Superior Jazz Band, Kelly Hunt Blues Band, Zuni and the Heart of Africa, Michael Martin Murphy, Rory Block, Chris Smither, The Macalester Symphony Orchestra, Iris DeMent, Myllarit, Tony Trishka and Skyline.

What does diversifying the

September Studio Tours

September brings the changing of leaves. Bright reds, yellows and oranges create breathtaking scenery throughout the Northern Wilds and both tourists and locals alike can be found gawking and taking pictures. And if you’re lucky, you might spot an artist participating in the Plein Air competition throughout Cook County from Sept. 11-18. Spectators can quietly witness the magic of a blank canvas being transformed into a beautiful piece of art, inspired by the artists’ surroundings. The Plein Air exhibit will be holding the opening reception on Sept. 18 from 5-7 p.m. and the exhibit will be open until Nov. 15 at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Also this month is the Crossing Borders Studio Tour and the Lake Superior 2020. Both events are free self-guided tours along the North Shore. Numerous mediums will be featured, such as Ojibwe art, pottery, jewelry, metal, wood, ceramics, photography, weaving, leather, glass, print-making and watercolors to name a few. Guests will have the unique opportunity to visit the artists’ studios, learn about the artistic process and aesthetics of each artist, and purchase artwork. They’ll learn how the local environment plays an active role in inspiring each artist. More info on the tours can be found in the events section, starting on page 25.—Breana Roy

CROSSING BORDERS

Crossing Borders first began as a conversation between Fritz Lehmberg and Dick Cooter, with the idea of building community among local artists, while letting buyers experience the artistic process. After some detailed planning, Lehmberg and Cooter invited local artists and a few friends from out of town, and hosted the first Crossing Borders in the fall of 1996. Throughout the years, many of the original artists continue to participate, as well as new artists. To join, you must be a full-time working artist and receive the approval of all the core members.

This year, nine host artists and 16 guest artists will be featured among various studios. Host artists include Jody Freij-Tonder, Michael Tonder, Dick Cooter, Debbie Cooter, Tom Christiansen, Betsy Bowen, Lee Ross, Dan Ross and Marcie McIntire.

The tour will take place along the shore between Two Harbors and Grand Portage, from Sept. 25-Oct 4. For more info on individual artists and locations, visit www.crossingbordersstudiotour. com.

Wood and bronze sculpture artist John Books will be a guest of Last Chance Fabricating in Lutsen. | SUBMITTED

Dick Cooter creates clay pots, free of toxic materials. | SUBMITTED

Artist Stephan Hoglund creates jewelry featuring Lake Superior gemstones. | SUBMITTED

Hovland guest artist Jo Wood creates fiber art, such as this piece titled “Pink Skirts.” | SUBMITTED

artist

has been a guest participant for two years. | SUBMITTED

LAKE SUPERIOR 2020

This year marks the fourth anniversary of the Lake Superior 2020 tour and will include 19 artists, 11 of which have been with the tour from the start, including curators Cynthia Lovold, Rose Kadera Vastila and Sandi Pillsbury Gredzens.

Credit for the tour idea goes to the curators and fused glass artist Ron Benson. Lovold, Kadera Vastila and Benson met at the French River Lutheran Church annual fall arts and crafts fair in Nov. 2009, and started brainstorming. The trio came up with a list of 20 artist names within a 20 mile area and an idea was born. Pillsbury Gredzens also became involved in the process and between all four artists, the Lake Superior 2020 has remained a huge success. The artist application is a juried process, giving returning artists priority, but new artists are always welcomed. And after every tour, the three curators review feedback from the artists and tour visitors.

“We want to keep the tour fresh and exciting,” said Pillsbury Gredzens.

This year’s newest participants are: Phil Hartley, photography; Nikki Johnson, watercolor; Kris Trembley, watercolor; and April Hall, jewelry.

The Lake Superior 2020 tour will take place over the course of two weekends, Sept. 18-20 and 25-27 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit www.lakesuperior2020.com for a downloadable map and more info.

Watercolor

Barb Lundell

Lake Superior watercolor by host artist Nikki Johnson. | SUBMITTED

Michelle Ronning creates wearable art. | SUBMITTED

[ABOVE LEFT] Glass and pottery artist, Bob Husby, is an original member. [ABOVE RIGHT] Guest artist Doug Jackson has participated for two years. | SUBMITTED

Host painter David Gilsvik has been with the 2020 from the beginning. | SUBMITTED

Watercolor artist Kris Trembley is new this year. | SUBMITTED

Featuring Minnesota-made artwork, paintings, photography and unique, handcrafted items such as fine silver jewelry, beautiful beeswax and soy candles, turned wood, glass art, gorgeous pottery and more.

*Check out our free book exchange, just bring a book and take a book*

& Cottages

Sat., September 5th, 1-3 p.m. —

Meet Duluth Artist Pat Hagen while she spends the afternoon painting in the Gallery. Check out her beautiful selection of original watercolors and acrylics while you’re here!

Sat., September 12th,1-4 p.m. —

Meet local Artist Bonnie Gay Hedstrom while she creates her unique Felt Paintings in the Gallery!

Sat., October 3rd, 10-1 or 2-5 (2 classes to choose from) Zentangle Classes Zentangle is an easyto-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Reservations are required so call the Gallery to reserve a spot! For more information on Zentangle, visit www.zentangle.com

@ Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery & Cottages And Instagram @kahneetahgallerylutsen

Photo: Jim Gindorff of St Paul. You can find his work in the gallery.

Enjoy a weekend with friends and family at Radio Waves. | SUBMITTED

Radio Waves Music Festival

Sept. 11-13

WTIP’s 8th annual Radio Waves Music Festival in Grand Marais is an annual event that takes place the weekend after Labor Day and highlights the talent and diversity of local and regional musicians. This year marks the 8th festival and features over 30 acts, covering all musical tastes, including rock, jazz, Americana, classic and alternative country, folk and more.

In addition to live music throughout the day, the festival features on-site food vendors, camping and a children’s activity area. The festival also offers a large tent for musicians and attendees, making it a rain or shine event. The festival will be held at Sweetheart’s Bluff, at the Recreation Park. Tickets are $10 per day or $20 for the weekend. Children ages 12 and under are free. Visit www.wtip.org for more info.

New this year is the Violence Prevention Center’s Dance ‘Til There is No More fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12. Participants will be gathering pledges beforehand and then dancing from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info on the fundraiser or to donate pledges, visit www.hope-4-u.org.

The Radio Waves Music Festival is sponsored by WTIP North Shore Community Radio, a local, independent radio station, broadcasting from 90.7 FM. WTIP provides area listeners with local news, weather and information. They also provide numerous locally-produced programs and features, such as the North Shore Digest, Community Conversations, Mountain Stage, Voices from the Circle, the Youth Radio Project Mix and Living on Earth.

Music Festival Performers:

FRIDAY

North Shore

Community Swing Band

Sky Blue Trio

Angel Hair Rasta

Oversize Load

Shoot from the Hipsters

Wild Berry Jam

The SplinterTones

SATURDAY

Heck Yeah String Band

Frozen Britches

The Coast Connection Band

Fred Anderson

Portage

Briand Morrison

Larry Carpenter and Laura Moe

The Curry Family Band

Roxann Berglund

The Brother Love Band

Sam Miltich & the Clearwater Hot Club

Earth, Wind & Todd

Andy Keith

Cook County’s Most Wanted Lake Effect

Rich Mattson & the North Stars

SUNDAY

The Carpenter Ants with Gordon Thorne Gillman & Bowers

Amaroq

Gina Lee

Trails End Band

Lehto & Wright

John Silliman

The Pete K. Group

Maria Nickolay

Louis Medina

The Carpenter Ants

Queen—It’s a Kinda Magic

Sept 1, Tuesday

This re-creation of Queen’s 1986 World Concert tour features over 20 of Queen’s greatest hits, including ‘We Will Rock You,’ ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ ‘We Are the Champions,’ ‘Under Pressure,’ and ‘Fat-Bottomed Girls.’ With authentic costumes, lighting and vocals, this is almost like the real thing. The concert will be held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium at 8 p.m. Visit www.tbca. com for tickets.

Lake Superior Watercolor Society & Lost Resorts Exhibit

Sept. 1-Oct. 17

The Cross River Heritage Center in Schroeder will be displaying the exhibit “Lost Resorts” and an exhibit by the Lake Superior Watercolor Society. There will be an opening reception on Sept. 13, from 2-4 p.m. with refreshments. Then, enjoy Sharing Stories about Resorts, “Making Beds and Slinging Hash” seminar on Sept. 16 and Wills and Estate Planning, Sept. 23, both at 7 p.m. There will also be a wine and beer tasting held Sept. 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. And don’t miss the chance to Celebrate Fall in Watercolor with Trish Hunter from 9 a.m.-noon, Sept. 26. Visit www.crossriverheritagecenter.org for more info.

Karen Anderson’s “Northland Skier” will be on display with the Lost Resorts exhibit. | SUBMITTED

Monroe Crossing

Sept. 3, Thursday

Monroe Crossing is returning to Grand Marais. Named in honor of Bill Monroe, “the father of bluegrass music,” this unique ensemble of five will be performing at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Monroe Crossing has been awarded “Bluegrass Album of the Year” by the Minnesota Music Academy in 2003 and they were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2007. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale now. Visit www.arrowheadcenterforhearts.org for more details.

Ole & Lena at the State Fair

Sept. 4-5

The Grand Marais Playhouse presents Ole & Lena at the State Fair. It’s Ole’s favorite time of year; State Fair time. However, Lena doesn’t share his excitement, as Lena’s arch rival always wins the coveted blue ribbon, but things are about to change. Filled with fun, laughter and antics, this play is great for the whole family. Show begins at 7 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for ages 18 and under. For more info, visit www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org.

Monroe Crossing is a favorite among bluegrass and non-bluegrass audiences. | JAMEY GUY

CROSSING BORDERS STUDIO TOUR

September 25 - October 4 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily www. crossingbordersstudiotour.com

Betsy Bowen Studio

First Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN · 218-387-1992 · www.woodcut.com

Betsy Bowen Woodblock Prints 9/25 - 10/4

Ron Piercy Silver and Gems 9/25 - 10/4 Stephan Hoglund

Jewelry 9/25 - 10/4

JD Jorgenson Native Clay, Wood Fired Functional Ceramics 9/25 - 27 Jo Wood Beaded Paintings 9/25 - 27

Hymers Fall Fair

Sept. 6-7

- 10/4

Fritz Lehmberg Early Snows Pottery. Rustic functional pottery. 9/25 - 27

Last Chance Studio

17 Railroad Drive, Lutsen, MN · 218-663-7008 · lastchancefab.com

Tom Christiansen Sculpture 9/25 - 10/4 Melissa Wickwire Handmade custom tiles and more 9/25 - 27 Jim Sannerud

John Books Sculpture 9/25 - 10/4

The village of Hymers near Thunder Bay is the annual host of the Hymers Fall Fair, a classic country fair, full of locally grown pumpkins, horse and cattle shows, contests, food and fun. This year’s theme is: There’s Country in the Air at Hymers Fair. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and children under 12. The fair will begin at 9 a.m. Visit www.hymersfair.com for more info.

Bay Street Film Festival

Sept. 9-13

The annual Bay Street Film Festival is a not-for-profit media arts festival that presents Canadian and International films, videos and film installations of all genres, in Thunder Bay. This year, filmmakers can enter in the Hatch a Film Contest, giving finalists the unique opportunity to pitch their idea to an industry jury for a cash prize of $2,000. The festival will also include live music, award-winning film screenings, workshops, performances, discussions and more. For more info, visit www.baystreetfilmfestival.ca.

Fall Superior Trail Races

Sept. 11-12

Do you have the endurance to run 100, 50 or 26.2 miles on the Superior Hiking Trail? Each race will provide aid stations and cross some of the toughest but most scenic parts of the Boreal Forest, over rivers, streams and breathtaking peaks. Due to high demand, the race will be handled through a “lottery” process with limited spots available, so register early. Lodging and transportation will be provided by Caribou Highlands in Lutsen. See www.fall.superiortrailrace.com for details.

Gravel Conspiracy Bike Ride

Sept. 11-13

Join the Gravel Conspiracy group and bike from Grand Portage to Duluth, using only dirt and Forest Service roads. This is not a race and there are no signs or aid stations. You are on your own. However, there will be mandatory stops along the way, including lunch and tetherball at Trestle Inn and overnight stays in Grand Marais and Silver/Beaver Bay. Registration is open but limited to 75 bikers, so sign up quick. Visit www.gravelconspiracy.blogspot.com for more info.

Fall Harvest Moon Festival

Sept. 11-13

The Harvest Moon Festival, in Ely, is a celebration of the area’s history and culture, featuring a Voyageur Encampment and entertainment representing the local heritage: Native American, Finnish and Slovenian. There will also be a farmer’s market and over 125 artists and craftsman showcasing and selling their original art, handcrafted jewelry, wood, pottery and more. The festival will be held at Whiteside Park and is fun for the whole family. On Sept. 12, the 9th annual four-mile Harvest Moon Run will be held at 9 a.m. at Miner’s Drive. For more info, visit www.ely.org.

Runners will test their strength at the Fall Superior Trail Races. | TODD ROWE

Plein Air Grand Marais

Sept. 11-Oct. 4

Head outdoors and you might spot local artists painting or drawing the breathtaking landscape, creating a work of art before your own eyes. The Plein Air event opens with a juried art competition from Sept. 11-17, followed by a public art exhibit at the Grand Marais Art Colony from Sept. 18-Nov. 15. An opening reception will be held Sept. 18 from 5-7 p.m. The 2015 juror will be Tom Nachreiner, who will be holding a Plein Air class Sept. 1920. Cash prizes and awards will be given to the top 3 artists. For more details, visit www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Lake Superior Harvest Festival

Sept 12, Saturday

Celebrate locally grown and sourced food with the Harvest Festival, the region’s largest farmer’s market. Learn about backyard composting, chicken-raising and beekeeping. Also enjoy live music, handmade arts and crafts, good food and more. The festival will begin at 10 a.m. in Bayfront Park, Duluth. Visit www.sfa-mn.org/ harvest-festival for more info.

Caribou Charity Ride

Sept. 13, Sunday

The 6th annual Caribou Charity Ride will take place in Thunder Bay and proceeds will benefit the Northern Cancer Fund for patients across Northwestern, Ontario. This year, cyclists can choose to ride the 50k, 100k or the new 75k route. Lunch and prizes will be given after the race. Registration cost is $75 and includes a t-shirt, lunch and a $10 Thunder Bay Community Auditorium gift certificate. Sign up or donate at www.cariboucharityride.com.

Plein Air artists can be spotted throughout Cook County. | SUBMITTED

Bikers for the Caribou Charity Ride will help benefit the Northern Cancer Fund. | CONOR MCGOEY

SEPT. EVENTS

SATURDAY AUGUST 29 • 5 P.M. Full Moon Reading featuring Kate Fitzgerald. Outside on the lakeshore.

SATURDAY SEPT. 5 • 5 P.M. Writer’s Salon with Jim Pearlman (editor), Deborah Cooper (editor), Mara Hart (editor), Pamela Mittlefehldt (editor). Lake Superior Poets reading from their newest anthology Amethyst and Agate : Poems of Lake Superior

SATURDAY SEPT. 26 • 5 P.M.-6 P.M. Full Moon featuring Amy Schmidt. Outside on the lakeshore.

12 E. Wisconsin St., Grand Marais Monday Sept. 7 Labor Day Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m

The Tenors

Sept. 16, Wed.

The Tenors, a Canadian quartet, just released a new album, “Lead With Your Heart,” and will be performing at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium at 8 p.m. Despite their short career, the group has already performed on the Oprah Winfrey Show, for Her Majesty The Queen during her Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle, at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, at the 2011 Los Angeles Emmy Awards and more. They have also shared the stage with Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan, Brian McKnight, Justin Bieber, Paul Anka, David Foster and Natalie Cole. Check out www.tbca.com for tickets and more info.

Unplugged XIV: The Northern Harvest with Mountain Stage Radio Show

Sept. 17-19

Give your creative side a vacation! Bring the tools of your craft. You will be able to set up for the entire weekend and work non-stop if you desire. Demonstrators will be on-site featuring different techniques and tools, and they will be available for help. Call for package information, or email info@naniboujou.com

A crowd gathers at the Festival. | SUBMITTED

North House Folk School in Grand Marais presents the annual Unplugged music festival, featuring nationally and internationally recognized performers, as well as crafts, food, dancing, sailing, campus tours, workshops, an auction and more. Learn to make your own music with jam sessions, meet the makers in the Craft Artisan Market, and learn a new craft with one of the mini courses or public programs. Also featured is NPR’s Mountain Stage with Larry Groce, which includes a pre-show with outdoor music and Fulton Beer and Voyageur Brewery. This will be the fifth and final year that Mountain Stage Radio will be featured. On Saturday is the Featured Fundraising Performance with Jon Vezner, which includes the Backstage Beer and Bites Benefit at 5 p.m. with limited seating. Visit www.northhouse.org for more info.

Big Lake Sunset, by Dave Gilsvik

NPR’s Mountain Stage Radio will be recording live at Unplugged. | SUBMITTED

Savour Superior Fest

Sept. 18-19

Experience a variety of international wines and spirits, craft beers, gourmet coffee and teas, desserts, locally grown and prepared produce, cuisines and more at the Savour Superior Festival in Thunder Bay, at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Coliseum. Tickets include 20 sample tickets and are $40 in advance. Must be 19 years of age or older to attend. See www.savoursuperior.com for more details.

Hot Air Balloon Festival

Sept. 18-20

Always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride? Well now’s your chance. With free admission, over 20,000 people will attend this three day festival, providing fun for the whole family. There will be live music by the 314th Infantry Band of the MN Army National Guard, tethered balloon rides, kite flying, the Middle School Weather Balloon Project, drinks at the craft brew village, food, merchandise and more. The festival will be held at Bayfront Park in Duluth. Visit www.kernz.com/balloon for more info.

Funding Our Future

Hawk Weekend Festival

Sept. 18-20

Birders will flock to the annual Hawk Weekend Festival in Duluth to celebrate the bird migration. Participants can attend workshops, presentations, speakers and more. Registration is now open and includes meals both nights, a field trip on Saturday and Sunday, admission to an Advanced Hawk Watching workshop and discounted prices for the new two day pre-festival workshop, “Best of Hawk Ridge,” and Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad Birding and Natural History by Train field trip on Friday. Visit www.hawkridge.org to register.

The RiTes of The

South: The Journey of the Healers October 16–18, 2015

West: The Journey of the luminous Warrior November 20–22, 2015

North: The Journey of the Wisdom keepers and Teachers April 29–May 1, 2016

east: The Journey of the Dreamers and Visionaries June 3–5, 2016

each Weekend session:

$415/per person CDN (Food Included, Lodging Additional.)

All sessions will be held at the Margie Bettiol Studio, Kakabeka Falls, ON

Adam Swanson

Aaron Kloss

Fresh produce can be found at Savor Superior. | MATT GOENTZ

Hot air balloons will be flying over Duluth. | DENNIS O’HARA

Your Luminous Energy Field

Round of the Medicine Wheel

PamPa mesyok

Lake Superior 2020 Studio Art Tour

Sept. 18-20 & 25-27

Tour studios and enjoy a variety of artistic talent, such as woodworking, ceramics, watercolor, photography, printmaking, oil and acrylic paintings, jewelry and glass. Studios are located along Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Duluth and will be marked with a bright neon green sign.

Strengthen And deePen ConneCtIonS to Mother eArth And YourSeLf

Luzclara is a Chilean Medicine Woman, spiritual counselor, sound healer, and master of cultural synthesis. She has over 35 years of practice with many Indigenous spiritual traditions including the Mapuche Shamans of South Chile, the Quichua Shamans of the Amazon and the Q’ero of Peru.

Retu R ning to the Ancest RA l Roots

September 4, 5, 6, 2015

Mountain Waters Retreats, Nelson, BC

September 11, 12, 13, 2015

Margie Bettiol Studio, Kakabeka Falls, ON

September 25, 26, 27, 2015

Adani Beach Retreat, North Bay, ON

Moonlight

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Margie Bettiol Studio, Kakabeka Falls, ON

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Adani Beach Retreat, North Bay, ON

M A chitun, the h e A ling c i R cle

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Margie Bettiol Studio, Kakabeka Falls, ON

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Rock Island Lodge / Naturally Superior Adventures, Wawa, ON

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Adani Beach Retreat, North Bay, ON

This self-guided tour from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and will also include demonstrations, music and refreshments. Visit www.lakesuperior2020.com for a downloadable map and addresses and check out the art Spotlight section on page 23 for more info.

NorthShore Inline Marathon

Sept.

19, Saturday

The 20th annual NorthShore Inline Marathon is the largest inline skate marathon in North America. It will be held in Duluth and consist of multiple race categories for all ages. Racers can also participate in a costume contest. Visit www.northshoreinline.com for more info.

Music for the Masses

Sept.

18 & 26

Music 99.9 presents Music for the Masses, a multi-venue music festival in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Over 40 performances will be held throughout seven different locations each evening. Artists include Hey You Millionaires, Forever Dead, The Hours, Lock Eyes, The Goods and more. Must be 19 or older to attend. To purchase tickets or find more info, visit www.mftmlive.com.

DJ Steiner and DJ Deleo will be performing at the Music for the Masses Festival again this year. | ASCENSION

Oboist Carrie Vecchione and bass player Rolf Erdahl will perform at the ACA.

SUBMITTED

Sept. 25, Friday

The award-winning chamber group Vecchione/Erdahl Duo was recently called “pioneers” by Minnesota Public Radio for “forging ahead with a new chamber music combination.” Oboist Carrie Vecchione and bass player Rolf Erdahl have their own repertoire of music, influenced by ethnic folk songs, dances, jazz, tango and literature. As the world’s only professional oboe/bass duo, they are on a mission to educate, entertain, inspire and engage their audience in the power of creative music. They will be performing at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for ages 18 and under, and will be for sale in advance or at the door. Visit www.northshoremusicassociation.com for more details.

Crossing Borders Studio Tour

Sept. 25-Oct. 4

The Crossing Borders Studio Tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the home studios of a select group of artists and view and purchase artwork. Learn about the artists’ artistic processes and how the surrounding environment influences their aesthetic decisions. There will be 16 guest artists this year, including Ron Piercy, John Books, Fritz Lehmberg, Melissa Wickwire, Jo Wood, Stephan Hoglund, Tim Lloyd, Karin Kraemer, Brenna Klassen-Glanzer and more. This self-guided tour stretches along the shore from Duluth to Grand Portage. For more info, visit www.crossingborderstudiotour.com.

Oktoberfest

Sept. 26, Saturday

Eat, drink and be merry at Oktoberfest 2015, located in Thunder Bay at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. Enjoy an evening of authentic German food, live music and beer. There will also be a commemorative beer stein and entertainment from the Polka Pirates. The party will begin at 11 a.m. For more info, visit www.cle.on.ca.

NSHCF Golf Scramble

Sept. 27, Sunday

Enjoy 18 holes of golf at the 20th annual Golf Scramble, held at the Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen. Put together your own team of four, or sign up to join a team. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the event will begin at 10 a.m. Entry fee includes a golf cart, fun money, contests and prizes, a drink ticket, continental breakfast and lunch, and a buffet reception at Lutsen Resort. For more info, visit www.northshorehealthcarefoundation.org.

Heck of the North Bike Race

Oct. 3, Saturday

The Heck of the North began in 2009, with the premise that you and you alone are responsible for getting yourself to the finish line. No signs to guide you home, no aid stations and no sag wagons. Just your strength and ability to navigate miles of forested gravel roads. The race changes locations each year. This year’s event will start and finish near Two Harbors. If you think you have what it takes, then sign up at www.heckofthenorth.com.

The North Shore Health Care Foundation hosts the annual Golf Scramble. | SUBMITTED

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

Aug. 14-Sept. 13

Susan Frame: Sumi-e Painting Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais www.johnsonheritagepost.org

Through Sept. 20

The Way of Cheng-Khee Chee: Paintings 1974-2014 (Closing exhibit reception Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.) Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth www.d.umn.edu/tma

Aug. 15-Oct. 18

Drawing On Stones Exhibit (Opening Reception Aug. 15 at 4 p.m.)

Northern Prints Gallery, Duluth www.northernprintsgallery.com

Aug. 27-Sept. 7

Minnesota State Fair Saint Paul www.mnstatefair.org

Aug. 28-30

Annual Embarrass Region Fair Embarrass Timber Hall www.embarrass.org 2015 Ribfest Thunder Bay, Ontario www.ribfesttbay.com

Aug. 29, Saturday

XTERRA Sleeping Giant Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, Ontario www.elementracing.ca

Sasquatch Scramble 5K Obstacle Run 10 a.m. Boulder Lake near Duluth www.boulderlake.org

The Limits of the Universe: Neutrinos and Dark Matter 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Conversations with William Kent Kruger 3 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.northshorecampus.org

Full Moon Reading with Kate Fitzgerald 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

Aug. 31-Sept. 4

Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Program 8 a.m. Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center near Duluth www.boulderlake.org

Sept. 1, Tuesday

Project Care Free Clinic Frandsen Bank Building, Ely www.ely.org

Queen-It’s a Kinda Magic 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Ontario www.tbca.com

Sept. 1-Oct. 17

Lake Superior Watercolor Society & Lost Resorts Exhibit Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder www.crossriverheritagecenter.org

Sept. 3, Thursday

Writers Read Forest Service Office, Ely www.ely.org

Joe Paulik Campfire Music 6 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Red Dog Band 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Monroe Crossing 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.arrowheadcenterforhearts.org

Sept. 3-Oct. 4

Spirit Exhibit by Karen Savage Blue Duluth Art Institute, Duluth www.duluthartinstitute.org

Sept. 4, Friday

First Fridays Participating shops throughout Cook County www.visitcookcounty.com

Joe Paulik 7 p.m. Eagle Ridge Resort, Lutsen www.eagleridgeatlutsen.com

Sept. 4-5

Ole & Lena at the State Fair 7 p.m.

Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.arrowheadcenterforhearts.org

Gypsy Lumberjacks 9 p.m.

Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Sept. 4-18

Paintings and Hand-painted Woodcuts

Art Show (Opening reception Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.) Betsy Bowen Studio & Gallery, Grand Marais www.woodcut.com

Sept. 5, Saturday

Atikokan Motocross Club/Race 7:30 a.m. Atikokan, Ontario www.charlesonrecreationarea.com

Meet Duluth Artist Pat Hagen 1 p.m. Kahneetah, Lutsen www.kahneetah.com

Field and Screen: Secrets of Great Outdoor Photography 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Fort William Street Festival 11:30 a.m. Victoriaville Centre, Thunder Bay, Ontario www.thunderbay.ca

Harbor History Tour 1 p.m. Grand Marais www.cookcountyhistory.org

Writer’s Salon with Jim Pearlman, Deborah Cooper, Mara Hart and Pamela Mittlefehdt 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

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

Thea Ennen 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge and Pub, Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

Dance Party with DJ Beavstar 9:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Sept. 5-6

Red Lake Fall Classic Red Lake, Ontario www.redlakefallclassic.com

Sept 6, Sunday

Pie and Ice Cream Social and Sidewalk Sale 11 a.m. Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, Gunflint Trail www.chikwauk.com

Sundays in the Park: Southern Comfort 2 p.m. Chippewa Park, Ontario www.chippewapark.ca

Deck Party with SplinterTones 3 p.m. MacArthur House B&B, Grand Marais www.macarthurhouse.net

Gunflint Lodge Dinner Music with Yvonne Caruthers 6:30 p.m. Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail www.gunflint.com

Gypsy Lumberjacks 7 p.m.

Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Sept 6-7

Hymers Fall Fair 9 a.m. Thunder Bay, Ontario www.hymersfair.com

Sept. 7, Monday

Labor Day

Visual Artist Gatherings 5:30 p.m. A Taste of Ely Restaurant, Ely www.ely.org

Sept. 8, Tuesday

Gordon Thorne 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Solar Workshop 7 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

Sept. 9, Wednesday

Tea at Naniboujou Lodge Benefit 3:30 p.m. Naniboujou Lodge, Grand Marais www.northshorecampus.org

Sept. 9-13

11th Annual Bay Street Film Festival Thunder Bay, Ontario www.baystreetfilmfestival.ca

Sept. 10, Thursday

Customer Appreciation Night 5 p.m. The Blue Moose, Grand Marais (218) 387-930

Sept. 10-Oct. 4

Life of Beauty Exhibit by Karen Lynne Burmeister (Opening reception celebration Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.) Duluth Art Institute, Duluth www.duluthartinstitute.org

Sept. 11, Friday

Elder Expo Amici’s Event Center, Ely www.ely.org

Portage Band 6 p.m. American Legion, Grand Marais (218) 387-9274

Sept. 11-12

Superior Trail Races Lutsen www.fall.superiortrailrace.com

Sept. 11-13

8th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival Sweetheart’s Bluff at Recreation Park, Grand Marais www.wtip.org

Gravel Conspiracy Bike Ride From Grand Portage to Duluth www.gravelriding. com/event/gravel-conspiracy

Fall Harvest Moon Festival Whiteside Park, Ely www.ely.org

Sept. 11-Oct. 4

Plein Air Competition and Exhibit (Opening reception Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.)

Grand Marais Art Colony, Grand Marais www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Sept. 11-Oct. 18

122 Conversations: Anne Labovitz Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Ontario www.theag.ca

Sept. 11-Nov. 15

Hand to Eye to Land to Sky: Shayne Ehman Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Ontario www.theag.ca

Preservation | Desire to Fill: Carol Kajorinne and Susan Kachor Conlin Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Ontario www.theag.ca

Sept. 12, Saturday

Harvest Moon Run 9 a.m. Miner’s Drive, Ely www.ely.org

Solar Tour 9 a.m. Hovland Town Hall www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

Lake Superior Harvest Festival 10 a.m. Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth www.sfa-mn.org/harvest-festival

Dance ‘til there is No More: Dance Party Fundraiser in support of Violence

Prevention Center 11 a.m.

Radio Waves Music Festival, Grand Marais www.hope-4-u.org

Meet Local Artist Bonnie Gay Hedstrom 1 p.m. Kahneetah, Lutsen www.kahneetah.com

Archaeology of Fish Lake and Wild Rice Lake Reservoirs 1 p.m. Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center, Duluth www.boulderlake.org

Small Talk by Gene Glader 4 p.m. Cook County Historical Society, Grand Marais www.cookcountyhistory.org

Jim McGowan 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge and Pub, Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

Gitchee Gumee Traverse 50 Mile Race Duluth www.gitcheegumeetraverse.org

Sept 12-13

KIA Drag Races and Car Show 7 a.m. Garfield Avenue, Duluth www.kernz.com

Sept. 13, Sunday

Lake Superior Water Color Society

Opening Reception 2 p.m. Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder www.crossriverheritagecenter.org

6th Annual Caribou Charity Ride Thunder Bay, Ontario www.cariboucharityride.com

Community Night Out 4 p.m. Seitaniemi Housebarn, Embarrass, Visit Facebook Friends of the Seitaniemi Housebarn

Timmy Haus 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Sept. 14, Monday

Gunflint Trail Historical Society

Membership Meeting 1:30 p.m. Seagull Community Center, Fire Hall #3, Gunflint Trail www.chikwauk.com

Joe Paulik 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Sept. 15, Tuesday

Project Care Free Clinic Frandsen Bank Building, Ely www.ely.org

Webinar: Hydrology of Black Ash Wetlands: Implications for management of the EAB threat Noon, Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center, Duluth www.boulderlake.org

Sept. 16, Wednesday

Lost Resorts “Making Beds and Slinging Hash” 7 p.m. Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder www.crossriverheritagecenter.org

The Tenors 8 p.m.

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Ontario www.tbca.com

Sept. 17, Thursday

Hartley Homeschool 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

Lunch and Learn 11:30 a.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais www.northshorecampus.org

Summer Rain 8 p.m. Teatro Zuccone, Duluth www.zeitgeistnewmusic.org

Wild Irish Tyme 6 p.m. Cascade Lodge and Pub, Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

Gordon Thorne 8 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Sept. 17-19

Unplugged XIV: The Northern Harvest with Mountain Stage Radio Show North House Folk School, Grand Marais www.northhouse.org

Sept. 18, Friday

Summer Rain 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.zeitgeistnewmusic.org

Sept. 18-19

Savour Superior Food & Drink Festival Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Coliseum, Thunder Bay, Ontario www.savoursuperior.com

Clearwater Hot Club 8:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Sept 18-20

Lake Superior 2020 Studio Art Tour 10 a.m. www.lakesuperior2020.com

Hawk Weekend Festival Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Duluth www.hawkridge.org

Hot Air Balloon Festival Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth www.kernz.com/balloon

Sept. 18 & 26

Music for the Masses Thunder Bay, Ontario www.mftmlive.com

Sept 19, Saturday

Grouse Hunting Opener www.dnr.state.mn.us

Friend of the Finland Community’s 3rd Annual Booya 10 a.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland www.facebook.com/booyaharvestfest

North Star Trail Travelers Walk 9 a.m.

Start at Jay Cooke State Park by the River Inn www.nstt.org

Superior Hiking Trail Guided Hike 10 a.m.

Cascade River State Park to Bally Creek Rd., Two Harbors www.shta.org

SplinterTones 1 p.m. Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Presentation with author Chel Anderson

1:30 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay www.upress.umn.edu

Gordon Thorne 2 p.m.

Superior National Golf Course, Lutsen www.superiornational.com

Lutsen AA Big Book Annual Fall Picnic 3 p.m. Cathedral of the Pines, Lutsen (218) 387-2920

Writer’s Salon with Jim Armstrong and Kim Chapman 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

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

Gordon Thorne 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge and Pub, Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

20th Annual NorthShore Inline Marathon Duluth www.northshoreinline.com

Sept. 20, Sunday

Lutsen Fire Department Pancake Breakfast

8 a.m. Lutsen Fire Hall

The Color Run 5K Shine Tour Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth www.thecolorrun.com/duluth

Exploring Our Routes Noon, Friendship Gardens, Thunder Bay, Ontario www.thunderbay.ca

Sept. 20-27

Fall-Der-All Lutsen www.lutsendowntown.com

Sept. 23, Wednesday

Wills and Estate Planning 7 p.m.

Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder www.crossriverheritagecenter.org

Sept. 24, Thursday

Wine and Beer Tasting 6:30 p.m. Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder www.crossriverheritagecenter.org

Food Security in NE Minnesota: Guest Lecturer John Bennett 7 p.m. Cook County Higher Education, Grand Marais www.northshorecampus.org

Sept. 25, Friday

Otter Trot 5k and Pasta Feed Ely www.ely.org

Portage Band 6 p.m. American Legion, Grand Marais (218) 387-2974

The Vecchione/Erdahl Duo 7:30 p.m.

Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.northshoremusicassciation.com

Sept. 25-26

Timbre Junction 8:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Sept 25-27

Fall Colours Digital Photography Workshop

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario www.superiorvisits.com

Lake Superior 2020 Studio Art Tour 10 a.m. www.lakesuperior2020.com

Culture Days Thunder Bay, Ontario www.thunderbay.ca

Sept. 25-Oct. 4

Crossing Borders Studio Tour 10 a.m. www.crossingborderstudiotour.com

Sept. 26, Saturday

Ely Marathon: The 8390 Rod Portage Ely www.elymarathon.com

Renewable Trail Run 8 a.m.

Audubon Center of the North Woods, Sandstone www.audubon-center.org

Boulder Bud Capping – National Public Lands Day 9 a.m. Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center, Duluth www.boulderlake.org

Community Yard Sale 9 a.m. Lutsen www.lutsendowntown.com

Celebrating Fall in Watercolor with Trish Hunter 9 a.m. Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder www.crossriverheritagecenter.org

Free Admission Museum Day 10 a.m. Split Rock

Lighthouse, Two Harbors www.mnhs.org

Birds, Birch and Bicycles 1 p.m. Siiviis, Duluth www.sivertson.com

Full Moon Reading with Amy Schmidt 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

Briand Morrison 6 p.m.

Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org

Culinary Tasting Menu 6 p.m. Waves of Superior Café, Tofte www.wavesofsuperiorspa.com

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

Jim and Michele Miller 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge and Pub, Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

OktoberFest 11 a.m. Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay, Ontario www.visitnorthwestontario.com

Chocoholic Frolic Participating stores downtown Ely www.ely.org

Sept. 26-27

Wooden Canoe Gathering Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, Tofte www.sawbill.com

Sept. 27, Sunday

NSHCF Golf Scramble 10 a.m.

Superior National Golf Course, Lutsen www.northshorehealthcarefoundation.org

Timmy Haus 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Sept. 30, Wednesday

Joe Paulik 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Oct. 3, Saturday

Heck of the North Bike Race Two Harbors www.heckofthenorth.com

Weekly Events

Painting Adventures

JOI ELECTA is a professional practicing Artist offering Painting Adventures all summer. These adventures are geared towards beginners, but of course anyone can join! Everything is supplied, all you need to do is show up and paint. If you have been curious or you just want to try something new, this is fun and you will be amazed at what you paint!

Schedule

Tuesday... Gooseberry State Park, 3 pm meet in front of park offices

Wednesday... Temperance River State Park, 3 pm meet in parking lot on lake side

Thursday... Grand Marais, 3 pm meet at Joy and Co / The Garage

RESERVE your spot!

Friday... Cascade State Park, 3 pm meet in parking lot on Hwy 61

Saturday.... Morning Painting Gunflint Trail, meet at Trail Center Lodge 9 am

$40 PER SESSION

Call/TEXT: 218-220-0049 OR Visit: www.joielecta.com

SEPT 16

Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. “Making Beds and Slinging Hash” Sharing Stories about Resorts

Daily

Amusement Rides 1 p.m. Chippewa Park, Ontario www.chippewapark.ca

Wildlife Park 11 a.m. Chippewa Park, Ontario www.chippewapark.ca

Mondays

Nature Nook 10 a.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

Songwriter Series 8:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Tuesdays

Painting Adventures with Joi Electa 3 p.m. Gooseberry State Park www.joielecta.com

Tuesday Nite Live 4 p.m. Ely www.ely.org

Ely Farmers Market & Artists Market

5 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely www.ely.org

Yoga in the Yurt 5:30 p.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

Live Music 6 p.m. Lighthouse at Emily’s, Two Harbors www.lighthouseatemilys.com

Wednesdays

Painting Adventures with Joi Electa

3 p.m. Temperance River State Park www.joielecta.com

West End Pizza Party 5 p.m. Birch Grove Community Center, Tofte bgf@boreal.org

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

Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Thursdays

Painting Adventures with Joi Electa 3 p.m. The Garage, Grand Marais www.joielecta.com

Local Food Market 4 p.m. Community Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-2330

Yoga in the Yurt 5:30 p.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

Fridays

Oil Painting Class 9 a.m. Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail www.trailcenterlodge.com

Painting Adventures with Joi Electa 3 p.m. Cascade State Park www.joielecta.com

Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Saturdays

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

Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, Ontario www.thunderbaycountrymarket.com

Cook County Farm & Craft Market 9 a.m. Municipal Parking Lot, Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Painting Adventures with Joi Electa 9 a.m. Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail www.joielecta.com

Music on the Deck 6 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Hawk Ridge Lecture Series 7 p.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

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

Music in the Lobby 7 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Timmy Haus 9:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Sundays

Birding with Bill Tefft & Ely Field Naturalists 6 & 9 a.m. Ely Chamber of Commerce www.ely.org

Yvonne Caruthers: Bach at Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Sydney’s Frozen Custard, Grand Marais sydneysfrozencustard@gmail.com

Geology Walk 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Bronze Pour or Sculpture Making Demo 4 p.m. Last Chance Studio & Gallery, Lutsen www.lastchancefab.com

SEPT 23

Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Wills and Estate Planning presented by Ruthanne Vos SEPT 24

Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wine and Beer Tasting

SEPT 26

Saturday, 9 a.m. - 12 noon Celebrating Fall in Watercolor with Trish

Breakfast Hours thru October 22nd Mon.-Thurs. 8 am - 11 am, Fri.-Sun.

Breakfast

Basic Breakfasts, Plus

Breakfast Bowls Eggs on a bed of hashbrowns topped with Hollandaise

Chicken Fried Steak

Eggs Benedict Basted Eggs, Ham, English Muffin, topped with Hollandaise

Scotch Eggs Served on a bed of hashbrowns topped with gravy with a side of Hollandaise

Appetizers

Scotch Eggs Hard-boiled eggs wrapped with sausage and lightly breaded

Breaded Mushrooms Giant mushrooms breaded and deep-fried

Homemade Onion Rings Served with spicy garlic ranch or bleu cheese dipping sauce

Walleye Cakes Topped with pickled onions and caper aioli

Poutine

Beer-battered fries topped with cheddar cheese curds and gravy

Homemade Soups & Chili Sandwiches

Signature 1/2 lb. Steak Burgers

8 to chose from or build your own

Salmon Club Smoked salmon with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bacon

Chicago Beef Italian beef, au jus, your choice of hot or mild giardiniera

Walleye Melt Walleye with onion, celery, mayo & swiss cheese

Spent Grain Burger

Our own veggie burger made with grain from the Carmody brewery

BLUE WATER CAFE

The North Shore Dish

Alyce’s Food Truck

By Kelsey Roseth

There’s an unexpected eating establishment tucked away behind 8 Broadway Art Gallery and the Beaver House building in downtown Grand Marais. If you’re caught in conversation while walking by, you’re likely to miss the white food truck parked in the back lot. It has a bright pink, smiling pig on the side and is surrounded by twotop and four-top tables.

You may not catch a visual, but you certainly won’t miss the smell.

“The Squealer is a slow-roasted pork sandwich, with an amazing dry rub, sliced, on a soft Kaiser roll with fresh lettuce, tomatoes and onions and with the most amazing sauce. And they are huge.”

That’s Brooke Youngdahl. The Grand Marais mother, event planner and student has treated herself to the delightful-smelling “Squealer” for years. She gets it at Alyce’s Gourmet Concessions and Catering, or as the locals call it, “Alyce’s Food Truck,” run by Rebecca Thompson.

“She has got a good personality. She is always happy. She is an awesome cook. Plus, she is fun, she knows her customers, and it’s nice to go around and joke with her,” said Youngdahl.

There is a lot of buzz going around Grand Marais for Thompson and her famous food truck.

“I heard people raving about it and I had a sarcastic mood and thought ‘how good could it be?’ But it was just as good as people said!” exclaimed Kelsey Kennedy, a Grand Marais resident and local educator.

On Kennedy’s first trip to Alyce’s a year and a half ago, “I had the best burger in town. It was the bacon cheeseburger. I don’t know what makes it so special. Maybe it’s her touch. It’s delicious!” she said.

Kennedy and her husband pop by Alyce’s once every few weeks to indulge in, what they call, the “best fries in town” and enjoy Thompson’s inventive new recipes.

The woman behind the desired dishes has lived in Grand Marais since the 1970s. Thompson left to attend a state-of-the-art culinary program, and subsequently lived in the southeast U.S. for a while, working with a few of the country’s top chefs.

About 18 years ago, Thompson longed for family and her home state. She returned to Grand Marais and worked

around town, even owning the old soda fountain for a while. Being a business owner came with significant perks, but Thompson sought more freedom than a stationary establishment could provide.

“I wanted the mobility to go and do other things,” said Thompson. “When I first decided that I wanted a food truck, basically no one was catering.”

[TOP] Slow-cooked ribs, seasoned fries and homemade slaw.

[LEFT] Becky Thompson and her mother, Arvis.

[ABOVE] Squealer pork. | SUBMITTED

Thompson purchased a custom-order trailer that contains a full-size commercial kitchen. With all that equipment, “you name it, I can make it,” said Thompson.

The small food truck fits stainless steel counters, a four-model deep fryer, a four burner stove, an oven that fits full-size sheet pans, a flat top and more.

“The idea was to be able to crank out catered meals for at least two hundred peo -

ple. It’s all about how you use your space,” said Thompson.

The chef caters in the winter with her mobile business. From about late May to mid-October, Thompson parks the food truck into the parking lot behind the gallery and only moves it when catering opportunities call. She has been operating for

ALYCE’S cont. on page 38

about five seasons and is growing a loyal fan base.

The draw to Alyce’s could be the unique, made-to-order daily specials and seasonal favorites. “If wild blueberries are ready to pick, I take time off to pick those and will make a lemon curd blueberry cake with homemade buttercream,” said Thompson.

Perhaps it’s the aforementioned Squealer. “It’s what I’m known for,” said Thompson, who has been perfecting the recipe for about 17 years. “As far as my regulars go, several of them come back often for the Squealer.”

Or, maybe it’s simply the variety of fresh-made menu items like the lemon carrot cake, deep fried fish and chips, or the grilled veggie sandwich, which is topped with fresh market vegetables, an avocado spread (the avocados are shipped straight from California) and cheddar cheese. It’s served on homemade raisin rye bread.

“It’s the best sandwich you can get in Grand Marais,” said Thompson. “It’s big. And it’s messy.”

Managing a mobile dining establishment comes with a unique set of challenges. “It goes from one extreme to the

next,” said Thompson, describing the effect that weather patterns have on her business.

“The tin box gets extremely hot or extremely cold. Recently I was wearing wool socks and long underwear,” she said. The truck has no insulation, so Thompson packs it with spare socks and shirts, so she is prepared to handle the worst weather.

Another challenge that Thompson has conquered is space. You’d think the tiny food truck would get pretty cramped with just one person preparing meals. However, Alyce’s is a family affair. Oftentimes, Thompson’s teenage son, Colton, helps cook, and her mother Arvis works as the “Head Window Girl,” said Thompson. “There is no room for error. You really have to know each other’s routines.”

Thompson works hard, and has mastered the art of running a food truck. “I’m actually happy,” she said. “It’s nice to see people, meet new people, and introduce them to something different. I am the only true food truck locally owned and operated in Grand Marais. I’m hoping to be able to do it for many more years.”

Alyce’s Food Truck is located in downtown Grand Marais. | SUBMITTED

Reader’s Choice Awards

In February, the polls opened for our annual Northern Wilds Restaurant Awards, featuring 21 different categories, from Best Fish to Best Server. The winners were picked by our readers and the results were posted in May. Here are a few of our winning restaurants, proudly displaying their awards. We’ll feature more winners in upcoming issues.

Sydney’s Frozen Custard

Displaying his Best Pizza award is Bruce Block, owner of Sydney’s, located in Grand Marais. While Sydney’s is known for their amazing custard selection, they’re also quite popular for their wood-fired pizzas. Made to perfection with simple, fresh ingredients, Sydney’s uses unexpected flavors, such as gorgonzola cheese and honey-crisp apples, as well as traditional toppings. They are open all summer long and provide indoor and outdoor seating with a great view of Lake Superior. —Breana Roy

Gun Flint Tavern

The Gun Flint Tavern in Grand Marais won multiple categories this year; Best Music Venue, Best Beer Selection and Best Ethnic Fare. The Tavern offers six house-made beers and 18 micro-brews on draft, as well as live music all weekend long and some weekdays. The Tavern also provides a variety of food, from the Spicy Asian Big Bowl and Fajitas to Bangers and Mash and the Nova Scotia Fisherman’s Stew. Displaying the award is bar manager Terry Valdiva and owner Jeffrey Gecas. For more info, visit www.gunflinttavern.com.—Breana Roy

Java Moose

Need a pick-me-up? Stop by Java Moose, winner of the Best Caffination Station award. Located in downtown Grand Marais along the shore of Lake Superior, the folks at Java Moose will hook you up with anything from a caramel mocha to plain ole coffee. Also available are smoothies, ice cream, deli sandwiches, soups, cookies, scones and free Wi-Fi. In the summertime, they offer a second location downtown, near the Lake Superior Trading Post. This is the perfect place to get a cold expresso drink and cool off on the beach. Pictured are employees Raynee Wolke, Becca Jorgenson, Matea Acero and Lauren Murray.—Breana Roy

Dockside Fish Market

The year’s award for Best Fish went to Dockside in Grand Marais. Dockside specializes in locally caught fresh fish and brown sugar brine smoked fish. Their market selection consists of fresh herring, lake trout, whitefish and walleye, as well as flown in coho and king salmon, halibut, tuna, swordfish, king crab, lobster, calamari and more. Stop by for lunch and enjoy a smoked fish wrap, chowder, salad, fish spread or even caviar. Pictured L-R is co-owner Shele Toftey and employees Maddee Young, Elizabeth O’Phelan and Twyla Pedersen. Visit www.docksidefishmarket.com for more info.—Breana Roy

mn 55804

Locally Caught to Seafood Specialties Best Fish ’n’ Chips in Town Dine In or On the Deck Grab & Go Deli Chowders, Desserts, Beer & Wine

Open Daily at 9 a.m.

By Amy Schmidt

If you’ve been to the doctor, then you’ve probably heard the term cholesterol. It may have been partnered with the word high, followed by a discussion of how to lower it. Or, if your levels were in a healthy range, you and your doctor may have discussed what lifestyle choices were responsible and how to continue them. Perhaps, if you’ve never had your cholesterol checked, the conversation was focused on why you should consider a screening. You likely left the doctor’s office with a slew of things to think about and choices to make. If you haven’t moved forward with any of the choices you were presented with, this month is the right month to act. Why? Because September is National Cholesterol Month.

By way of definition, cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs to function properly. But like anything in excess, when you have too much in your blood, it can build up and cause blockages. This can lead to heart disease, a heart attack or stroke. Having “high cholesterol” means your body has too much LDL cholesterol, the low-density kind that wreaks havoc on the arteries. Left unchecked, it can lead to health complications that can be life threatening.

It’s important to have your cholesterol screened regularly. Often, people don’t know they have high levels. You can’t tell by looking at someone whether or not they have high cholesterol. Cholesterol levels can also be hereditary meaning a thin person can have high cholesterol just as easily as an overweight person, with lifestyle choices having very little to do with the outcome. Also, high cholesterol doesn’t always cause symptoms. You can look and feel fine and still have dangerously high cholesterol levels.

It is recommended that adults aged 20 years and older have their cholesterol checked every 5 years, unless you have been instructed by your doctor to have it monitored more frequently. Once you have a baseline reading of your cholesterol, you can begin to make choices that will lead to either improving or maintaining the results you received.

There are many ways to control your cholesterol. Eating a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats but high in fiber is a good place to start. And some fats, like the polyunsaturated fats found in salmon, can help lower cholesterol levels.

Regular physical activity can also aid in lowering cholesterol. The Surgeon General recommends adults participate in moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes every week, broken down into whatever time increments are doable for you and your day.

Be Firewise Be Firewise

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help lead to maintaining a healthy weight, another way to improve your cholesterol levels. Lastly, if you smoke, quit as soon as possible.

So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate National Cholesterol Awareness Month with a cholesterol screening and a nice dinner of salmon and vegetables.

Northern Trails

Bicyclist Encounters Wolf on the Highway

By Gord Ellis

Bicycling on a road is usually a benign past time. The main concern for cyclist on a busy highway is being hit by a passing truck or tractor trailer. Yet there are other dangers out there that most of us would never think about. Especially on parts of the highway in wolf country.

Hilary Petrus was pedaling the remote stretch of highway, about 140 km. east of Thunder Bay, on an afternoon ride from his cottage at Kama Point on Lake Superior in mid-July 2015.

Petrus is an avid bicyclist and does a regular ride along the Trans-Canada as part of his exercise routine. The retired chiropractor from Thunder Bay says he has never had any issues on the remote section of road. But this afternoon ride would change all that. One of the more challenging parts of his regular ride was a long hill between the Jackpine River and Dublin Creek. When Petrus was on the down side of the two-kilometre-long hill, he noticed something coming out on the shoulder of the road and right towards him, he said.

“I looked over and there was a big timber wolf coming right at my bike,” said Petrus.

At the speed he was going, nearly 40 km/h, the wolf passed within a metre or two of his rear tire.

“My first reaction was ‘that was pretty cool,’” said Petrus. But something didn’t feel right.

“I started to think that maybe that wolf wasn’t running by me but coming at me,” he said.

Petrus says he wrote the incident off and convinced himself that he and the wolf had been “two ships in the night” that had come close to one another. He got to the bottom of the hill, turned around, and started the long climb back up the hill.

While he was grinding his way up the long hill, he was going noticeably slower, only about five to eight km/h.

As Petrus approached the spot on the highway where he had the initial encounter with the animal, Petrus said he saw the wolf crouching behind a guard rail “like a cat” waiting for him.

That’s when Petrus thought that he might actually be in some trouble.

“My eyes are wide open and I’m thinking ‘what is going on here?’” he said, as he watched the wolf prepare to pounce.

“It bolts across the highway right at me,” said Petrus. “And just before it gets to me, it peels off and goes behind me once again.” Petrus was feeling the adrenaline surge now, but had a long, steep climb ahead. There was no escape option.

“Needless to say, I’m now pedaling as hard as I can going up this hill but I’m still going very slow,” he said. “I look behind and here is the wolf following me.”

Petrus said the wolf fell in line behind him about six metres away and wasn’t backing off, following him for 500 metres up the hill.

Finally, a half ton truck approached from the rear and pulled up, said Petrus.

The driver rolled down the window and asked Petrus if he realized what was following him.

Petrus said he replied breathlessly, “Yah, but I think I’m gaining on it.”

With the truck there, Petrus said the wolf got nervous and finally headed off into the woods.

Petrus says the wolf was full grown and looked healthy, if a little skinny, but there was no sign of mange or disease.

“I’ve worked in the bush for years and I’ve seen many wolves,” said Petrus. “But this encounter was unique. The wolf challenged me a couple of times to see what I would do. It wanted to see if I was going to run or if I was going to fight it.”

Petrus said he believes the wolf decided he was “fair game” and was going to wear him down.

He worries what might have occurred had the wolf been offered a different scenario.

“Had I been a child or someone’s pet, the outcome could have been very different,” Petrus said.

Since the incident, Petrus has gone back to bike riding the area and has had no further incidents. Yet he is still concerned about the apparent fearlessness of the wolf and its proximity to people.

“On that stretch of highway, there are lots of camps and people and kids,” he said. “That wolf was pretty close to there and that makes for a dangerous situation.”

A wolf encounter can be scary. Learn how to handle one by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us. | STOCK

Thunder Bay bicyclist Hilary Petrus never expected to be chased by a wolf. | CATHY MACKINTOSH

Crossing the Boundary Waters, One Step at a Time

By Joe Friedrichs

In the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), ditching one’s watercraft for an old school, foot-toearth backpacking adventure is often a forgotten notion.

It’s understandable, as the second largest wilderness area east of the Rocky Mountains, its name plainly states what most people come here to do: canoe.

However, hundreds of miles of hiking trails wind through Minnesota’s canoe country, including the Border Route Trail (BRT), Kekekabic and Superior Hiking Trails trails. Though the latter is arguably the region’s most popular, it is the BRT that gives hikers solid ground for bragging rights if conquered, or perhaps just simply tested.

The BRT is a 65-mile route that roughly parallels the Ontario border. The dozens of steadfast volunteers who maintain the trail can’t use mechanized tools, at least while they’re in the BWCAW, so the trail is about as far from a stroll in the park as it gets. The trail is notoriously rugged, with fallen trees, thick debris and in season, all manner of bloodthirsty insects.

“Thirty-five miles of the trail are located within the (Boundary Waters),” said Ed Solstad, the non-wilderness maintenance coordinator for the Border Route Trail Association (BRTA), “which makes for very labor intensive trail maintenance.”

Regardless of one’s experience as a hiker, navigation along the BRT isn’t always easy. Hikers must comb through or climb over fallen debris (including large trees), and follow ribbons tied on limbs as the trail is often overgrown or seemingly nonexistent. For some, this rugged exploration of the BRT is part of its appeal.

Included in this mix of outdoor thrill seekers is Erick Christianson, a resident of New Prague, Minn. Christianson said hiking the BRT is all about taking on a

challenge. After hiking a particularly steep, rocky and slippery section of the trail in 2012, Christianson acknowledged the payout was completely worth the effort.

“Standing on the summit of the hill north of Clearwater and gazing north into Canada, watching the early morning mist slowly dissolve into lakes and trees,” he said. “I can still picture it. And it remains one of the most incredible views I have ever had the privilege to see.”

The Border Route Trail was built in the early 1970s by the Minnesota Rovers Outdoors Club. The Border Route Trail Association (BRTA) was spun off as a non-profit organization in 2004. Rovers and the BRTA are now regarded as sister organizations, according to Solstad.

The western trailhead of the BRT is 9 miles from the end of the paved and well-traveled Gunflint Trail. Nearby, another trailhead connects with the Kekekabic Trail, which heads 41 miles west toward Ely. The eastern trailhead for the BRT is on the Swamp River, which flows into the Pigeon River, along the international border. The BRT does connect with the north end of the Superior Hiking Trail, which heads 275 miles down the North Shore to Duluth and Jay Cooke State Park. All three trails are slated to become part of the North Country National Scenic Trail between Montana and New York.

As it stands now, the headquarters of the BRTA is located in the Twin Cities. Solstad said the group would like to establish a Grand Marais-based affiliate of the BRTA in order to do a better job of trail maintenance. The 300-mile distance between their base in the Twin Cities and the BRT and the difficulty in obtaining accurate trail condition information are among the group’s biggest present-day challenges, Solstad said.

For hikers who visit the BRT, Solstad suggested people obtain a copy of the “Guide to the Border Route Trail” and a set of BRT maps.

“Remember that much of the Border Route Trail, especially those portions inside the Boundary Waters are basically a wilderness or semi-wilderness trail,” he said. “As such, people should not expect trail conditions to be equivalent to metro area trails or even to most portions of the Superior Hiking Trail.”

Despite whatever challenges the BRT presents, it does pass through some of the most spectacular terrain Minnesota has to offer.

Amy Hein, a resident of Rosemount, Minn., hiked the entire length of the BRT in October, 2011. The journey took Hein and her husband, Nathan, four nights and five days to complete. Hein noted many challenges to such a feat, including the steepness of the trail.

“To do (the entire length) of the trail I think there needs to be a level of physical fitness and some experience or familiarity with the gear needed,” she said. “The elevation can be a lot for some, especially us Minnesotans who are used to flatter terrain.”

However, Hein noted that the BRT shouldn’t intimidate any level of hiker from visiting the trail.

“I think there’s a section of the trail for everyone,” she said. “For people not in the greatest shape, they can day-hike in from the Gunflint Trail to Magnetic Rock. Or if they’re feeling a bit more adventurous, they can hike up to the overlook over Gunflint Lake.”

Solstad said the more people who choose to hike on the BRT, the better the trail is likely to become.

“An increased number of visitor’s would help to keep the trail open,” he said, “as well as hopefully provide for a larger pool of volunteers interested in becoming involved in trail maintenance.”

In 2014, there were 44 overnight entry permits issued for the BRT, according to Ali Bickford from the U. S. Forest Service. And while it can be more difficult to track the exact number of hikers who visit the trail each year, which includes overnight and day permits, there are upwards of 1,000 people who can claim they hiked at least some portion of the BRT in any given year.

In the fall of 2015, volunteers will be scouting out locations for additional backpacking sites along the BRT, Solstad said. This follows completion of the Moss Lake Trail earlier this spring, which created “an exceptionally scenic” trail known as the Rose Cliffs Loop, he added.

Campsites, as they are throughout the BWCAW, are on a first come, first served basis along the BRT. As such, the trail wasn’t designed to be a casual stroll through a gentle forest. And it’s certainly doesn’t offer full-service campgrounds. It was created to put hikers in touch with the true sense of wilderness.

“The Border Route trail offers some incredible scenery,” Christianson said. “Not just the vistas from high atop the hills, but a wide variety of boreal forest landscapes.”

For more information on the BRT, visit www.borderroutetrail.org.

[LEFT] The BRT Rose Cliffs Loop provides spectacular views. [ABOVE] BRT hikers stop to view Rose Lake. | NOAH JENS

Portage

A Family, a Canoe, and the Search for a Good Life

By Sue Leaf University of Minnesota Press, $16.95

As a young adult, the author became enamored with canoes and the canoe country. The book chronicles a lifetime of paddling, primarily with her family, on waterways near and far. More of a travelogue than guide, each chapter recounts a canoe trip, interspersed with relevant history and natural science. It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys paddling.—Shawn Perich

Making a Ripple

The 2x4 Canoe

By Mark Schultz

Back Wood Basics Press, $19.95

Want to build your own canoe?

The Ripple is a 14-foot canoe with a 36-inch beam that can be built in 30-40 hours, for as little as $300. The author, who lives in Bemidji, provides step-by-step instructions with ample illustrations. The Ripple is lightweight and stable. The author hauls his to remote fishing holes, towing it behind a bicycle on a cart he also made. The book is the first in an intended series of how-to books. It is available on Amazon.—Shawn Perich

Chimewinzha

Ojibwe Stories from Leech Lake

By Dorothy Dora Whipple University of Minnesota Press, $21.95

At age 95, Author Dorothy Dora Whipple has seen and experienced a lot in her lifetime, from growing up among the Anishinaabeg on the Leech Lake Reservation, to watching an American Indian Movement protest in Minneapolis. Now an elder, Dorothy has spoken Ojibwe her entire life and hopes to preserve this endangered language. Chi-mewinzha (meaning long ago in Ojibwe), is a bilingual record of Dorothy’s stories, ranging from personal to cultural teachings. Her recollections, sometimes funny and sometimes emotional, offer insight to the realities of Native American Life. Chi-mewinzha is an easy read that’s both entertaining and educational for all ages.—Breana Roy

WHY GO: As far as lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness go, Alder is fairly accessible. It’s a lake that gives anglers the chance to catch a grand slam — walleye, lake trout, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Come winter, it’s a destination for laker anglers.

ACCESS: The quickest way to get here is from East Bearskin Lake, using BWCAW Entry Point 64. Nancy Seaton of Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters said the 48-rod portage, from south finger on the east side of East Bearskin, is the easier way to get there. There’s also an 80-rod portage on the northerly finger on the east side of East Bearksin. On the east side of Alder, there are two portages, a 22-rod from Canoe Lake and a 19-rod from Pierz Lake, according to Voyageur Map No. 10.

VITALS: Alder Lake is entirely in Cook County and the BWCAW, in the portion that’s north and east of the Gunflint Trail. It’s a 528-acre lake with a maximum depth of 72 feet.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Lake trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch.

LAKER DESTINATION: Steve Persons, Minnesota DNR’s Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor, said Alder was most recently surveyed this past spring and

the lake seemed largely unchanged since a survey conducted in 2010.

“We saw fish from several age classes,” Persons said.

The lake is targeted in the spring and during the winter hard-water season by lake trout anglers. Persons said fish up to 5 pounds were sampled in the spring. He said lakers in the lake target invertebrates, green sunfish, occasionally small smallmouth bass and sculpins. “They are opportunistic,” he said.

Lake trout abundance has historically been low in the lake, a trend that continued, but the presence of difference year classes suggests they are doing OK. Of concern for Alder — and many other mar-

ALDER LAKE

ginal lake trout lakes that lack large volumes of deep, well-oxygenated water — is that there isn’t enough oxygen in the depths of the lake in longer, warmer summers, Persons said.

“If there isn’t a lot of that deeper water, oxygen can disappear,” he said.

WALLEYES: Walleye abundance has been typically low on Alder, but Persons said there was a slight uptick this past spring. “There was a good range of sizes,” he said, noting that fish up to seven pounds were sampled. “And they were plump, healthy-looking fish. They were finding something to eat, even though the lake doesn’t have many perch.”

He said walleye were probably eating sculpins and invertebrates, as well. Walleye reproduction on the lake appears to be doing OK.

“We didn’t see any one strong year class, but we saw them from several year classes,” he said.

COMPLETING

THE GRAND

SLAM: Alder is also host to northern pike and smallmouth bass. Most of the northern pike DNR sampled were on the small side. “There were a fair number of them, but nothing exceptional for size that we saw,” he said.

Smallmouth bass don’t typically turn up in the gill nets that DNR employs, so few were sampled. Anglers do report catching many smallies, including some dandies, Persons said. There’s a chance of catching a keeper perch, especially for those jigging for walleyes, but there are not a lot of perch in the lake and most are on the small side, according to Persons.

CAMP OUT: Alder is perfect for a Boundary Waters day trip, since it is easy to get to and has seven campsites. Compared to other BWCAW lakes, it gets moderate fishing pressure, but compared to other lakes of its size around the state, the fishing pressure is light, Persons said.

—Javier Serna

northern sky

SEPTEMBER 2015

By Deane Morrison— MINNESOTA STARWATCH

The autumn stars are moving in, and so is autumn itself. But September has only one big story this year: the moon.

We get a warm-up to the big show on the morning of the 10th, when a waning crescent moon appears in the east between bright Venus and subdued Mars. Look about an hour before sunrise; with sharp eyes or binoculars, you may also find Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, rising below Mars.

The big show happens when September’s full moon, rising the evening of the 27th, churns up a perfect storm of delights. Coming only four days after the equinox, it is the harvest moon. It rises about three hours before achieving fullness, so it will be quite round. It is the closest and biggest-looking, full moon of the year. Finally, still on the evening of the 27th, it undergoes a total eclipse, with totality lasting from 9:11 to 10:23 p.m.

In Ely, the harvest moon rises at 6:49 p.m. It reaches perigee, the closest ap -

proach to Earth in its orbit, at 8:46 p.m., when it will be about 221,750 miles away— more than 17,000 miles closer than its average distance. It becomes full at 9:50 p.m., but by then it will be engulfed in Earth’s shadow, deep into totality. Let’s hope the Earth’s sunrises and sunsets refract lots of red light onto the moon’s face so that it turns into a celestial pumpkin.

The moon will have companions on its big night. Above it sails the Great Square of Pegasus, the winged horse of mythology. Closer but fainter is the Circlet of Pisces, which is easy to find right below the Great Square.

The fall equinox arrives at 3:21 a.m. on the 23rd. At that moment the sun crosses the equator into the southern sky and the Earth is lighted from pole to pole.

The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth campus. For more information and viewing schedules, see the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium at www.d.umn.edu/planet.

Strange Tales

City of Duluth: The French Connection

By Elle AndraWarner

About 336 years ago, on June 27, 1679, a French soldier, statesman, explorer and Montreal resident named Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Luht, landed on Duluth’s Minnesota Point (now Park Point) and headed to nearby Fond du Lac (now part of Duluth) to successfully broker peace talks between the Dakota and Ojibway. He could not have imagined that almost 200 years later in 1870, the site would be part of an American city named “Duluth” in his honour.

Born in Saint-Germain-Laval, France circa 1639 into a family of lesser nobility, Greysolon was a soldier in the King’s Guard. He survived the famous Battle of Seneffe on Aug. 11, 1674 in Belguim before crossing the Atlantic Ocean on 1674 at age 38 to settle in France’s colony in North America called New France (now the Canadian province of Quebec).

At the time, Lake Superior region had been visited by fur-trader-explorers like Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Medard des Groseilliers, but from 1676 until 1681, French royal decree prohibited anyone from “engaging in the trading of pelts in the Indian villages” or even travelling outside of the colony’s boundaries without permission. Superior region was rich in furs, but they were largely taken up north and traded to the English at the fur-trade posts on Hudson’s and James Bays. In addition, tribal feuding in Superior region was hampering the fur-trade. Du Luht’s goal was to negotiate permanent peace agreements between area’s warring peoples, and firm up their alliances with the French, so furs would go to the French instead of the English.

So it was that on Sept. 1, 1678, Greysolon left Montreal on a secret journey to the Lake Superior area, with seven Frenchmen (including his younger brother Claude), three natives and one interpreter. They wintered in Sault Ste. Marie where on Dec. 15, 1678, Greysolon met with the chief of the Ojibway and both agreed to take part in peace talks with the Dakota at Fond du Lac in the summer.

On June 27, 1679, Greysolon arrived at Minnesota Point for peace talks between the French, Dakota and Ojibway. Things went well – a Dakota-Ojibway peace agreement was reached as well as an alliance with the French. Following the historic meeting, Greysolon accompanied the Da -

kota back to their lands at Mille Lacs where on July 2, at their central village of Izatys, he claimed the Dakota lands for the King Louis XIV of France by placing the royal arms on an oak tree, primarily to let the English know the French were here first.

He continued to do some exploring before arriving back at Fond du Lac for an important meeting on September 15 with leaders and representatives of the Dakota, Ojibway, Cree, Assinboin and others. He later wrote, “On Sept. 15, having arranged for the Assiniboins as well as all the other nations of the north to meet at the head of Lake Superior in order to make peace with the Dakotas, their common enemy, they all did come, and I had the good fortune of gaining their esteem and friendship.”

As a result of the Fond du Lac meeting, the feuding stopped and the Ojibway, Assiniboin and Cree agreed to facilitate trade between the French and Dakota. For the second time in 1679, Greysolon succeeded in his role as peacemaker and alliance-builder.

He spent the 1679-1680 winter near today’s Thunder Bay where he later built a trading post on the Kaministiquia River. He expected to go west in the spring in search of the western sea, but events happened. He ended up back in France, to defend accusations that he was illegally trading at Lake Superior. He was cleared, but his request for a grant of Lake Superior lands was rejected. He returned to Canada in autumn of 1682.

In 1683, Greysolon was back in the Lake Superior region, after receiving from the governor a three-year mandate in the region. On the Kaministiquia River, he set up Fort Kaministiquia and on northeast Lake Nipigon, Fort La Tourette (named after his brother Claude Greysolon de La Tourette who also took command of both posts). Greysolon left Lake Superior region in 1686 and never returned. A life-long bachelor, he died in Montreal on February 25, 1710. His estate inventory listed three diaries, but they have disappeared.

Some interesting quirks. While the city of Duluth, Minnesota was named in honor of Sieur Du Luht, there are a couple of places in U.S. renamed specifically “Duluth”—not for the French explorer—but for the Minnesota city itself. One of these is Duluth, Georgia. Originally named Howell’s Crossroads after an early pioneer, it was renamed Duluth in 1871 after a U.S. congressman made a speech extolling the glory of Minnesota’s Duluth. And another rename to “Duluth,” according to stories, was in 1909 in Doetliz, Nebraska though it is a mystery why the residents chose that particular name.

This painting, by Duluth artist David Ericson, depicts Greysolon in his hometown of Saint-Germain-Laval, France. | DULUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Mayor Runs and Not Just for Election

By Erin Altemus

This year alone, Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux has run the Superior 50k Trail Run, Grandma’s Marathon, the Ham Run Half Marathon, the Fisherman’s Picnic Trail Run, biked the Lutsen 39er and completed the Ride Across Minnesota, a 300-mile bike ride that benefits the Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society. In September, he will run the Superior 50-mile Trail Race. And that’s just the event miles. He runs 30-40 miles a week in training.

Arrowsmith DeCoux, 32, is also mayor of Grand Marais.

Arrowsmith DeCoux came to live in Grand Marais via an internship he did at North House Folk School in 2005. That’s also where he met his wife, Rose. A few years later, the couple had an opportunity to manage Wilderness Canoe Base off of the Gunflint Trail (Jay guided there in 2003), and they seized the chance. This was in 2008, just a year after much of the camp burned in the Ham Lake Fire. They stayed through the reconstruction process and then spent a year living in India before moving back to Grand Marais, where they found themselves living in a yurt.

“We’re never taking the easy route,” Arrowsmith DeCoux said.

Then they had the opportunity to buy what is now the Art House Bed & Breakfast.

“We scraped together everything we had to buy this place,” he said.

Some of the infrastructure was already in place and the couple brought the house to its present state as a four-room bed and breakfast, as well as a home for themselves and their five-year-old son, Ennis. Their vision with Art House is to support local art in any they way, which includes hosting backyard concerts where they invite a musical group of some notoriety—Singleton Street and Communist Daughter have both played at Art House—and anyone is invited to bring their own chair, sit outside and

enjoy the music, usually for $10 a ticket, which all goes to the musicians.

Then, last year, Arrowsmith DeCoux decided to run for mayor, partly because there was a lack of young energy on the city council, he said.

“People were saying I should get involved and I took them seriously,” Arrowsmith DeCoux said. “I thought I could do a pretty decent job.”

He gets asked to participate in events all the time, which is an important role for

the mayor, he said. In August, he was in the dunk tank during Fisherman’s Picnic, raising money for the Cooperation Station Daycare in town. He has many chances to have conversations with anyone who has thoughts, ideas or concerns about Grand Marais and the local area. He wants folks to know that they are being heard and that someone will follow-through on the issues and questions they raise.

“Ninety-nine percent of the conversations I’ve had have been respectful,” he said.

And when he’s not cleaning at the bed and breakfast, or attending meetings as mayor, or being a father to Ennis and spending time with his family, Arrowsmith DeCoux is running, biking, and sometimes even wetting a line in a nearby lake.

Trail running started for Arrowsmith DeCoux when he was at Wilderness Canoe Base, which is located on an island on Seagull Lake. The camp had five miles of trails where he could expend his extra energy. Later in India, he bumped his running

A Loan in the Woods A Loan in the Woods

Mayor Arrowsmith-DeCoux enjoys a training run along the ridge overlooking Lake Superior. | SUBMITTED

THE MAYOR cont. on page 50

Loon’s Nest Gift Shop

up to the next level with longer runs. They were living at 7,000 feet in elevation. When he came back from India, he won the Ham Run Half Marathon.

“I love going fast and I love being outside—these things fit,” he said. “One of the things I love about trail running is you don’t have to go fast. It’s about the foot placement and appreciating the terrain that you’re in.”

This spring, when Arrowsmith DeCoux did the Superior 50k, he finished in 19th overall, out of several hundred runners, which he felt good about.

“But I cramped up like you wouldn’t believe,” he added.

The 50-mile Superior run on September 11 will be his longest to date. He hopes to finish in eight to nine hours, which means running 10-minute miles for 50 miles straight.

Then, later in the fall, he hopes

to run the entire length of the Superior Hiking Trail in five to seven days.

As a trail running cheerleader and as mayor, Arrowsmith DeCoux hopes to draw attention to the Grand Marais area as a trail running mecca. He would also like to promote fat-tire biking in the area—a sport that has grown in popularity in recent years. Next year, he’d like to do a trail run on the entire Kekekabic Trail through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in hopes of bringing more attention to that resource as well— one that Arrowsmith DeCoux feels is underutilized, in part because it needs to be better maintained and needs more attention and publicity.

This may all seem like a long bucket list to many of us, but given how much he has already accomplished, it seems big goals are just another stride on the trail for the mayor of America’s Coolest Small Town.

That’s not just any moose. It’s Grand Marais mayor Jay Arrowsmith De-Coux. | SUBMITTED

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LAKE SUPERIOR LOTS

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Great home or vacation home with rental availability. This beautiful sunny 3 BR, 2 BA home has in floor heat on main level with floor to ceiling stone gas fireplace. Pine ceilings throughout adds to the charm of up north living. With 2 secluded patios great for enjoying warm summers. Walk across street to deeded access of 900 ft lakeshore on Devil Track Lake. Only 8 miles to Grand Marais. Sold furnished.

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Bluefin Bay Condos & Townhomes

Lutsen, MN 49

to design and architecture. Three bedrooms, one bath with a Great Room and wood fireplace. Recent updates to kitchen and bathroom. Sincerely, likely some of the best views on the entire north shore with moderate stair access to ledge rock shoreline.Property is currently in the process of an Administration Sub-Division and what is shown on the attached map is two additional parcels with Lake Superior Shoreline with building sites above the gravel road. Parcels 2 and 3 are separate from this transactions and are available for $50,000 each. If desired to be purchased with the main property the overall property will consist of over 12 acres 855’ of total shoreline.

MLS#6003083 $319,000

Authentic and classic late 1940’s - 1950’s log home located in Lutsen near Caribou Trail. Deep, private and recessed 2 acre lot. Home has been meticulously maintained and well cared for spanning four decades and two generations within the same family. Septic non-compliant. Cool cabin, cool piece of real estate, mutli-options present themselves for future use consideration. An all around cool place.

The Landing at Devil Track Lake

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

LOG CHARM, SUPERIOR SECLUSION. Beautiful private retreat property. With over 28 acres & 866 feet of shoreline,

STUNNING ARCHITECT DESIGNED HOME -

LAKE SUPERIOR. Beautiful timber framed, Mulfinger designed home. Ideal layout is suitable for a couple or a sizable crew. Tasteful, well thought out & comfortable details make it an impressive place. Top notch appliances, custom cherry cabinetry, black iron custom forged hardware, central air, custom front door w/ stained glass and more. Open main level offers views of the 2-story Montana stone fireplace. Hear the crackle of the fire & the roar of the waves at the same time! The screen porch is a favorite place to spend time. The over-sized heated 2 car garage has a 3 bed bunkroom/ guest room above with a 1/4 bath. MLS# 6003860 $945,000

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, STUNNING SHORELINE. Elegant and comfortable contemporary home, architecturally designed and built to fit into the ledge rock hillside of Chimney Rock. Beautifully wooded, and private, with lichen-covered dramatic rocks and panoramic lake views on 223 feet of easily accessed Lake Superior shore. The great room is shared with the gourmet kitchen, formal dining, and living area centered around the Finnish fireplace. The master suite is a lovely open space with a private office, plus quiet reading corner. The master bath suite is exceptional. Upgrades throughout, beautiful maple flooring, fabulous storage on all three levels. MLS# 6003965 $750,000

ONE OF A KIND LAKE SUPERIOR PARCEL.

This Lake Superior lot has ledge rock, coves, creeks and a spectacular view of the lighthouse in Grand Marais and the Sawtooth Mountains. Septic installed and built to accommodate 5+ bedrooms. End of the road privacy, private bridge over a bubbling creek to access the site. MLS# 6003042 $729,000

on 110 feet of North Shore ledge rock with great views. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is quality constructed and partially completed inside. It's ready for you to use now and finish to your own taste and time frame. Kitchen, floor coverings, and master suite are waiting for your input. Build sweat-equity while enjoying a usable home, or complete the details before you move in. MLS# 6003520 $369,500

SPECTACULAR LAKE SUPERIOR LOT Framed by palisades, the nicely wooded property has two or more perfect sites on which to build your special lake home. Views are classic old North Shore looking over Chicago Bay. Shared septic system is in place. MLS# 6003937 $365,000

LAKE SUPERIOR COT-

TAGE. Exceptional Lake Superior property in highly regarded Lutsen area. 150 feet of accessible ledge rock and gravel beach shoreline with long magnificent views up and down the shore. Classic north shore 2 bedroom cabin with large living area, large kitchen for cabins of this era, large storage area, and bathroom. The cabin could be refurbished or this could be the build site for the north shore getaway cabin you’ve dreamed about. MLS# 6004262 $349,000

LAKE SUPERIOR -BEAVER

BAY LOT. Elevated site with slope to lake. Rugged shoreline. Towering white pines, spruce, birch and cedar. Must be seen to be appreciated. Views to offshore island. Great building site. MLS #6002594 $299,000

fresh paint, new carpet and counters. Roomy spaces with large windows for great views of the lake. Plus private shoreline. MLS# 6002611 $174,900

VALHALLA - TWO CHARMING HISTORIC STRUCTURES. This house and barn are date to 1912. They have been

and great for beach fires. Vacation rental history is excellent and would help off-set expenses. MLS# 6004331 $559,000

The focal point of the cabin is the great stone fireplace, new Anderson windows, compliant septic, etc. Truly a darling hideaway! MLS# 6004336 $449,900 GUNFLINT LAKE HOME-CEDAR FOREST. This quality built and lovingly maintained home sits in

The

and

SHARED LAKE SUPERIOR. This spectacular building site has pristine views of the shoreline

CHARMING CABIN ON SEAGULL LAKE. 233' of gentle shoreline with breathtaking views of the lake and islands. Wrap around decking sets only 35 feet from the water's edge. Beautifully appointed, open living space will be sold furnished with a few exceptions of personal property. Crafted built-ins and storage space. Too much to mention! MLS#: 6004385 $355,500

SEAGULL LAKE - WILDERNESS VIEWS. This large and rare parcel on SeaGull Lake has 488+ feet of frontage with high building site and beautiful southerly views down the lake. Dramatic exposed bedrock, wild flowers, blueberries and thousands of new growth pines on the 10+ acre property. The shoreline is easily accessible with a dock and perfect place for swimming. MLS# 6003847 $339,900

SOLITUDE ON WILSON LAKE. The log sided "carriage house" has great views overlooking Wilson Lake. Building site has been prepared down by the shore. There is even a private sandy beach on part of the shoreline. The well and septic for a 4 bedroom home are in. Private driveway.MLS #6003767 $310,000

LOG CABIN, TOWERING PINES, WEST BEARSKIN LAKE.

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

HARRIET LAKE RETREAT. Want seclusion? Here is a classic homestead property at the end of a private road. It has 87 acres and 1300 feet of shoreline on a peaceful bay of Harriet Lake. There is no other private land on the bay. It's just you and the Superior National Forest! There are two older cabins that can be swept out and put to use. MLS# 6003484 $310,000

NEW! CLASSIC CABIN ON CLEARWATER LAKE.

NEW!

parcels on the water. The lots are all 20 acres in size with 600 feet of shoreline. This great lot has huge white pines, a cabin site on a knoll looking south over the whole lake and great accessible shoreline for your dock. MLS# 6004231 $179,000

SPECTACULAR BUILDING SITE W. BEARSKIN LAKE. Beautiful views, dense forest and direct BWCAW access. High building site affords spectacular views, level shoreline has lots of room for the dock and boats. Newly installed stairway system makes for easy access to the shore. MLS#6003655

SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. These lots are located on the south side of Loon Lake and offer great lake views. The main road is in place and power is on the lot line. These lots offer a great shoreline and many nice trees. MLS #6001605, 6002124, $175,000 and up

It comes furnished and is ready for you to move in. The BWCAW is just a short paddle. MLS# 6003448 $299,000

HAVEN. Six lots at Trout Haven at Hare Lake. Excellent investment opportunity. Lots platted and ready to sell. Great location within 20 minutes of Lutsen/Tofte. Power and phone, county road, good home or cabin sites. Starting at $59,000. Or entire plat of lots at a package price MLS#6003161 $149,900 PRICE REDUCTION!

LARGE PARCEL - HARRIET LAKE. Tons of privacy with 92 acres and approximately 1300 feet of west facing shoreline. Many great building sites with views, mature mixed timber and lots of land to ramble around on. Adjoins thousands of acres of state and federal land. Good seasonal road access. MLS #6003810 $250,000

PERFECT LAKE CABIN

- MCFARLAND LAKE. This custom built cabin shows quality and detail. There is 1 bedroom plus a loft, nice kitchen and dining area with a cozy living area with wood stove. The deck and views overlook the palisades through a forest of mature cedar trees. The lot feels private and peaceful. There’s a large shed with beautiful cedar sauna. MLS# 6004080 $237,900

BEAUTIFUL, LARGE LOT ON GULL LAKE. Over 342 feet of shoreline and 4 acres. A great location and many excellent building sites. There is a magnificent panoramic view of the lake with easy access to the water’s edge. The property is perfect for a trophy walleye fisherman! MLS# 6004098 $220,000

BIRCH LAKE CABIN. Two bedroom cabin plus charming log bunkhouse, small garage and shed on 150 feet of shoreline. Boat dock/platform and cart path to lake to launch the boat. Comfortable but simple accommodations with permanent lake water system and graywater septic system, generator power. MLS# 6004206 $194,900

QUALITY DEVIL TRACK LAKE LOT. Heavily wooded south shore lot with 150’ of shore. Easy shoreline, great views, excellent building sites. Power/phone. More shoreline available. MLS #6001770 $149,900.

GREENWOOD LAKE. Lovely wooded lot on desirable Greenwood Lake. High elevation with spectacular views of the whole lake, bays and islands. Surveyed, has a new driveway and turn around. MLS#6002946 $119,000

WILSON LAKE-READY TO ENJOY. Wilson Lake is a magnificent layout of 29 private, pristine, and premier lake shore home sites. The driveway is in and the electric is at the site ready for your custom get away. Sparkling waters. Lot 11 Boasts great building sites near the lake or tucked around the bluff for gorgeous views. True solitude! MLS# 6004182 $259,500 LOT 1,

PIKE LAKE - SHARED EXPENSES. This clean and neat 2 bedroom cabin sits privately within a common interest community shared with 4 other cottages. The Pike Lake views are great, large deck, 8 x 16 storage shed which sits on a garage lot if you want to build one. The shared 300 feet of shoreline is great for boats, canoes and swimming. MLS# 6003678 $189,900

NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN. Remote water only access from the US side of the border, or drive in from the Ontario side. Stunning views and easy access to the border lakes and the Royal River on the east end of the BWCA. The private 200 foot of lake-front lot has gentle shoreline and great views. MLS# 6004402 $189,000

8,

Spectacular point with 548' of shoreline. Property features 2.3 acres with ledgerock outcroppings,

MID-TRAIL SOUTH FACING LOT. In a private development of 11 Squint lake lots surrounded by US Forest land.

LAKE CLASSIC. The

LOT

NINEMILE LAKE.

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

TOM LAKE PRIVACY. A great opportunity, only four lots behind the gate. The driveway is in and the owner is looking at all offers. Oh so quiet and very private. MLS# 6004293 $70,000

GREAT LOT – TOM LAKE. End of road privacy on Tom Lake. Lot 16 on Wilderness Shores. There is a long curved driveway to a cleared build site. Beautiful wooded lot that has its own bay/cove. Contract for deed potentially available. MLS #6003955 $50,000

CONDOMINIUMS

NEW! CHATEAU LEVEAUX. Tastefully remodeled with white cabinetry, glass tiled back splash, laminate wood flooring, and butcher block island. Open concept floor plan with terrific lake views. Wood-burning fireplace and private patio. Chateau LeVeaux has many amenities including pool, sauna, billiards, spectacular common deck and a lovely yard with stairs to the lake. MLS#6004558 $79,900

SALE PENDING

FLUTE REED RIVER PROPERTY Very nice property for your homestead or retreat. The river meanders through with a perfect build site. Heavily wooded. Electric at the road. Year round access. MLS #6003200 $45,000

SNOWSHOE RUN LOTS. Snowshoe run is set along a high ridge overlooking Hare Lake in a mature northern hardwood forest. Year-round plowed and maintained county roads, power at each property and a clear water trout lake. These beautiful home sites were planned for generations of enjoyment and are protected by covenants. MLS# 6003206 thru 6003212 Prices start at $24,900

CONDOMINIUMS

NEW! THREE-LEVEL LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO. Beautiful views and quality finishes. 3-bdrm, 3-bath, accommodates 10. Outdoor access from each level with two decks and a patio right on the shore. Main floor has open floor plan with great room, kitchen and dining room - perfect for entertaining. Attached garage is a rarity on the shore. MLS#6004513 $374,900

SPEND THE DAY ON YOUR BALCONY LISTENING TO LAKE SUPERIOR. Updated kitchen and main level, endunit location. Very private, very quiet. This lovely condo is conveniently located near the Superior Hiking Trail, the Lutsen Ski Hills, Superior National Golf Course and restaurants/shopping. Experience some attractive rental revenues and offset the ownership costs. Enjoy the pool, rec room, sauna and new platform deck with panoramic views. MLS# 6004327 $133,000

LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO/ TOFTE. Great lake views from this 2 bedroom + loft unit with 2 baths, fireplace, balcony looking up the shore. Chateau LeVeaux offers many updated amenities, indoor pool, sauna, game room, and onsite manager. MLS #6003522 $100,000

LOG CABIN CHARM. This gorgeous lower level unit walks out to Lake Superior and has been updated with top-notch finishes. Open concept floor plan, bamboo flooring, stainless steel appliances, and stunning log cabin walls in the bedroom. Beautifully decorated -- this unit could come fully-furnished, allowing new owners to begin earning rental revenues immediately. MLS#6003575 $79,900 PRICE REDUCTION!

LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO. Stunningly remodeled condo w/perfect end unit location. Quality finishes including granite counters, stainless steel, wood-look plank flooring, and spa-like bathroom. Open concept plan with terrific views of Lake Superior, from every room in the place! Private patio. Chateau LeVeaux has many amenities including pool, sauna, billiards, spectacular common deck and a lovely yard with stairs to the lake. MLS#6004177 $77,000 PRICE REDUCTION!

CLASSIC FARM HOUSE AND 40 ACRES. Simply charming country home with outbuildings and some pasture for your horse! The 3 bdr, 2 bath home has a country kitchen/dining room, huge living room, comfortable den with built-in bookshelves, 3 season porch and full basement with workshop. The land is special with a large wildlife pond, planted pines, open meadow and potential for a lake view. More land is available. There's a classic homesteader's log cabin, barn, and storage sheds. The location is perfect, just minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 6004343 $329,000 PRICE REDUCTION!

BRIGHT AND SUNNY HOME – LUTSEN. Large windows bring the

SECLUDED COUNTRY HOME - RURAL GRAND MARAIS. This single-level, well maintained home sits on 24 acres with a huge pond as part of Woods Creek. The 2 bdr, 2 bath home has a great yard and beautiful views of the pond. There's a high maple ridge and adjoining federal land to explore, with more land available. The house is designed for easy living and includes a huge attached insulated garage and lots of closet and storage space. MLS# 6004351 $319,900

GREAT TOFTE LOCATION. Quality built one-level home has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, fireplace, full basement and attached heated garage. New tile and carpet flooring. Nice deck off the dining room with a large private back yard. Huge spruce trees give lots of privacy. Commercial zoning. MLS# 6003116 $159,500

Only a stones throw to Gunflint Lake with nice views of the lake and Canadian shore, this 9 acres is nicely wooded and feels secluded. There is a super charming log sauna and two small cabins, ready for you to move in. A storage shed and outhouse are included. It adjoins federal land and you could walk to the BWCAW, or drive to the public landing just down the road.MLS# 6003821 $132,500

MANY OPPORTUNITIESWITHIN CASCADE STATE PARK. Enjoy being surrounded by and within the boundaries of Cascade State Park while taking in the amazing views of Lake Superior. This home has been used as a successful vacation rental, a long-term rental and a primary residence in the past... so many opportunities are presented. An additional 11+ acres adjacent to the north is also available. Hardwood floors, coved ceilings, and nice sized rooms with a lot of windows to catch those lake breezes! MLS# 6004325 $234,900

NEW! RENTAL COTTAGES - GOOD HISTORY - GREAT LAKE. Devil Track Cabins have been a long standing seasonal resort on the beautiful north shore of Devil Track Lake. 5 cabins plus an owner's cabin needing renovation - a manageable operation for a retired couple, or as a family retreat. Great potential as vacation rental business. One of the few remaining small private resorts in the county. Neat and cozy cabins have classic charm, nice lake views and each has its own private setting. Gentle beach with docking for guest's boats, good swimming. MLS#6004539 $389,000

BIG OPPORTUNITY, MANY POSSIBILITIES. Prime commercial location in Hovland, 1000 feet of Highway 61 frontage. Large commercial space with a small 2 bedroom home and 1 functioning rental cottage. Many new improvements and upgrades. Two more small cabins could be rented, and there's room for many more...or other possibilities. Large 2-car garage plus two sheds. MLS# 6003889 $299,900

GRAND MARAIS PROFESSIONAL BUILDING. The options here are endless and the opportunity is great. The building has most recently been occupied by law offices. Ample parking, grassy, yard-like grounds and a nice sized storage building create a nice setting for a variety of business ventures. Own/ occupy the entire building, rent out one side & offset your ownership costs, create "condo offices" & offer space to a variety of entities....so many avenues one could take!! MLS# 6003947 $269,900

GRAND MARAIS CABINS.

Good income property with long-term tenants. All cabins have had ongoing upgrades - roofs, baths, plumbing, heating. Cabin 1 has fireplace. Cabins 4 & 5 were converted from duplex config. Charming touches. Unique opportunity in a community with limited low/middle income housing options. You’ll never have a vacancy! The seller will retain Cabin 1 as a renter for up to a 20 year duration with a fixed rent structure. MLS#6004493 $210,000

CEDAR GROVE BUSINESS PARK LOTS. Cedar Grove Business Park is the ideal location for your existing business or new start-up! Conveniently located in Grand Marais, near the start of the iconic Gunflint Trail. Full infrastructure in place including paved streets, municipal sewer and water, electric and telephone. Call us today for a guided tour of this unique and affordable business park opportunity.

COMMERCIAL LOTS IN LUTSEN. Two commercial-zoned lots fronting Hwy. 61 in Lutsen across from Lockport Store. Great visibility, nice forest, lake view. Third lot to north is zoned residential. Bring your business idea! MLS# 6003506 $179,000

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

STUNNING RIVER - PINCUSHION TRAILS. A unique opportunity for skiers and hikers. Trail easement runs through the property. The RC zoning allows for a resort/lodging type business. MLS #6003390 $103,900.

40 ACRES - MONS CREEK FRONTAGE. Easy road access. Good building sites. Mature trees. Deeded access to Lost Lake. MLS #6002120 $74,900

40 AC – LOST LAKE RETREATS. Mons Creek flowage with great views and tons of wildlife. Private and secluded location. Includes deeded access to private lake. MLS #6002121 $74,900.

WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION. Nice ‘40’ with good timber and 1000’ frontage on Mons Creek. Great building site. Private deeded access to Lost Lake. MLS #6002119 $64,900.

GRAND MARAIS - CITY LOT ON CREEK. Wooded lot with City services: water, sewer and electric at site. Nice south exposure and frontage on scenic Cedar Creek. Quiet street. MLS# 6001830 $63,900 LAND ON THE FLUTE REED RIVER. Enjoy privacy and seclusion in a deep 13 acre parcel with over 300 feet of trout stream. County road with power, phone and broadband available. Good sites to build your home or cabin in the woods. MLS# 6002960 $49,900

LAND/BUILDING SITES

NEW! LOCATION, VIEWS, PRIVACY, 80 ACRES. Sweeping views of Lake Superior and Pincushion Mt from expansive open meadows. This former homesteaders property has it all: rolling topography, ravines, grassy meadows, mature timber, flowing creek and expansive views. Great property for horses or crop production. Minutes from Grand Marais on a county maintained road. Adjoining USFS land for even more privacy. You could build a dream home here on a site like none other. MLS# 6004264 $279,000

RECREATIONAL BASE CAMP. Great Tofte lot has 2 garage buildings. They could easily become living space, one has a second story. Property has room for a home with views of a dramatic creek gorge with waterfall and Lake Superior view. 4.54 acres, year-round road, power, phone. MLS# 6003751 $179,900 NEW! OUTSTANDING VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR.

Almost 15 acres within the boundaries of Cascade State Park. Rolling hills, a variety of tree species, and just 10-15 minutes from both Grand Marais and Lutsen. Potential for subdivision. MLS#6004434 $175,000

BIG LAND, BIG CREEK, BIG TREES. This Hovland area parcel is on the "front range" of the Farquhar Hills with a dramatic backdrop of rock cliffs and escarpments. There is a large creek running through the entire property with many fantastic building sites looking over its meandering flowage - rapids, pools and trout habitat everywhere! There's good gravel soils to work with and many fine places to build your dream home or cabin. MLS# 6004009 $159,900

INCREASINGY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully surveyed. This property would be a perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. The property is bound by USA lands to the west and south and State lands to the east. MLS# 6004255 $150,000

EIGHTY ACRE RETREAT. 80 acres of prime hunting land in Schroeder. Rolling land with wonderful wildlife habitat including stream, beaver dam with large pond, and a good mixture of trees and low vegetation. Good access on Zeke's Trail which divides the 2 40 acre parcels. Older 2 bedroom cabin in a beautiful park like setting overlooking large beaver pond and distant horizons. MLS 6003804 $120,500

LARGE PARCEL. Large private parcel with possible subdivision potential. Great Lake Superior views on the higher elevations. A small creek runs through part of the 25 acre property. Priced way below assessed value. Good location close to Grand Marais. MLS 6003976 $124,900

INTRIGUING PROSPECT. High-quality items already in place include an insulated/heated slab for house/porch, insulated garage slab, electricity, driveway, the well, a time-dosed/heated septic system. Over 18 acres of privacy, beauty and solitude. Priced well below what the seller has put into this property. MLS# 6003658 $119,900

READY TO BUILD. Driveway and building pad already in place. A red pine forest climbs up to the highest point with stunning views of high ridges and valleys. Walk to the Superior Hiking Trail or Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center & stroll the shore of Lake Superior. MLS# 6003876 $99,900

MAPLES, VIEWS, PRIVACY. 85+ acres near Hovland. Good end of road access, adjoining tons of federal land, great view of pond. South exposure and views. MLS#6003156 $99,900

HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY. Large wooded acreage located across from Tom Lake. The highlight of this parcel is the huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage. May be subdivided into 2 parcels or just one lovely parcel for your home and cabin. Year around access and will have broadband/ electric in place at the road by 2016. MLS 6004073 $99,000

GREAT LOCATION, QUALITY FOREST, BUILD HERE.

This 10-acre parcel has a mature and mixed forest, southerly exposure, easy county road frontage and is just minutes from Grand Marais. There are many great building sites and loads of privacy. MLS# 6004295 $72,900, MLS# 6004276 $74,900, MLS# 6004299 $74,900

DEVIL TRACK AREA PARCEL. Very nice 10 acre lot with direct access to South Shore Dr. Driveway to a cleared area that could be used as a building site. Slightly rolling terrain with moderately heavy growth that includes every type of Boreal Forest tree! MLS#6003184 $65,000

MAPLE HILL - HOME SITE. Heavily wooded parcel with great privacy, county rd frontage, power and phone. Super location for your home or vacation retreat. Walk to golf course, easy access to Gunflint Trail or Devil Track area. MLS# 6002601 $64,500

THIRTY ACRES - PANORAMIC VIEWS. Rare mountain tops with a 180 degree view of distant Lake Superior and the ridge to the north. It's spectacular! Trails are in place to walk the whole perimeter. There is a cleared easement in place to get to the property. MLS# 6003353 $62,500

HOME SITE - COUNTY ROAD 6. Beautiful 5-ac lot just minutes from town. Meadow. Shed and pond. Driveway in. Power/phone. MLS #6003084 $59,900.

GREAT LOCATION NEAR DEVIL TRACK. Nice wooded parcel, survey, septic site evaluations, and access road in place. Ready to build your home, cabin or recreational activities. Private access to snowmobile trails, administrative subdivision in place. MLS# 6003999 $59,900

BUILDING LOT - GRAND MARAIS. A rare find. This lot is located on 8th Ave W in the heart of town with easy walking distance to the harbor and business district. There's even good potential for a lake view. MLS# 6003862 $54,900

QUIET AND PRIVATE. Choice lot at the end of the road in Lutsen, ready to build. Priced to sell! MLS#: 6004354 $54,900

READY TO BUILD - NEAR DEVIL TRACK. Nice wooded parcel, survey, septic and access road in place. A quality site for your home, cabin or recreational activities. Private access to snowmobile trails. Great location just off the Devil Track Road. MLS# 6004076 $49,900

WOODED 2.4 ACRE. Tait Lake back-lot with driveway in and cleared building site ready for your cabin get-a-way. Electric is on site. Owner/Agent. MLS# 6003727 $49,000

GREAT 4-ACRE HOME SITE

NEAR HOVLAND. Close to Lake

Superior, with some views, nice forest, easy access off of Highway 61 on shared driveway. MLS# 6003692 $47,900

BUILD YOUR HIDE AWAY Wooded 20 acres, it's a short walk to Magney State Park. Adjoins listing #6003580 with small cabin on 40 acres. MLS #6003581 $42,000

REMOTE 40 – POWERS LAKE ROAD. This is the beautiful '40' that you have been waiting for. Easy access off Powers Lake Road. Electricity and broadband scheduled for 2016-a real bonus! MLS #6003811 $42,000

HOVLAND PARADISE. Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Mons Creek meanders through the property border where it abuts State land. MLS #6003078 $39,900 OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Can't beat this property for remoteness. If it's seclusion you seek, this wilderness 19-acre recreational property is for you. Surrounded by State & USFS lands. Hike in access from Devil Fish Lake. MLS#6002961 $37,000.

SALE

EXCELLENT 44.25 ACRE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. The driveway inis with a cleared camp site. Great location near Tom Lake, Chester, Esther, Devil fish for fishing and fun. Connected to the snowmobile trail. The perfect place for miles of hiking or ATV trails. There will be an easement at the road for electric power and broadband coming late this summer or by 2016. MLS #: 6004364 $34,500

FIVE SECLUDED

ACRES. One of eight secluded and heavily wooded 5-acre parcels bordering on thousands of acres of US and State Forest land. An additional 5 acres may be available. MLS #6003981 $28,000

REMOTE PRIVACY. If remote is what you're looking for, look no further. Forty beautiful acres abutted by thousands of acres of Federal land. Adjoining property is currently listed (MLS# 6001657). Buy it all and assure maximum privacy. MLS #6003593 $26,500

HOME SITE – TOFTE. A nice lot in a residential development near the the business and services hub of Tofte. Surrounded by thousands of acres of US and Minnesota State Forests. Minutes from Temperance River State Park. A great location to build your North Shore getaway. MLS# 6003954 $24,750

NEW! WILDWOOD ACRES. Nice and affordable, these wooded lots have great building potential. Close to hiking trails, xx-ski trails, Lutsen Ski Resort, Superior National Golf Course, restaurants/bars and Lake Superior. Association fee includes snow removal MLS# 6004526, 6004527, 6004528 & 6004529 $17,500$20,000

NEW! SAWMILL BAY CARIBOU LAKE! Dock in place, building site cleared and paths meander the 230+ ft of shoreline! MLS#6004562 $185,000

NEW! PIKE LAKE SUNSHINE ON WILLARD LANE! Charming property is on the west end of Pike: the quiet side. Step inside the spacious A-frame: paneled floors and walls are warm and inviting, earnest wood stove. A bank of lakeside windows tells of every mood of light. Birch branch cabinet fronts, 240’ of lakeshore. MLS#TBD $239,700

NEW! PIKE LAKE SHORELINE, SOUTHERN

EXPOSURE! Nice big lake lot: 5+ acres, 225’ of frontage! Maples, cedars, fir, ash: a diverse mix of thriving Northwoods. The fall color is dreamy, try collecting maple sap in the spring! Shallow lake access, but it’s there, along with yr round access! MLS#TBD $167,700

NEW! HEY HEY TAKE A LOOK AT THIS SUPER NICE CARIBOU LAKE BUILD SITE! The original cabin was recently removed, allowing for a nice “established feel” to this lot. Driveway in place, clearing done and electricity available! MLS#6004285 $179,900

NEW! LUTSEN LAND WITH LAKE VIEWS. Lake views, driveway, rustic cabin on one parcel! Great value at $80,000 each! MLS#TBD

NEW! TEMPERANCE LANDING ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Spectacular log home on level accessible shoreline, Vaulted ceilings, tons of windows to Soak in the views! Nice main level owner’s suite, plenty of elbow room for friends and family! MLS#6004517 $689,000

NEW! PLENTY OF ELBOW ROOM ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Nearly 800 ft of shoreline and 11 ac. of rolling terrain, with signs of the past logging roads and Spruce planted forests providing a sweet buffer from all of those pesky worries of the Real World! Driveway installed in to the mid-section of the land to allow you to explore which building site best fits your desires! MLS#6004417 $799,000

POPLAR LAKE CABIN ON 440’ OF SHORELINE AT THE TIP OF A PENINSULA! Ensconced in quiet Boreal environment, Cabin sits proudly above the lake for long views over Poplar’s numerous islands! Home

TLC, priced to sell! MLS#6004104 $269,000

NEW! CAPTIVATING LAKE SUPERIOR LAND OFFERS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS! Amazing views from the Cliff shoreline, Vistas stretch East to Grand Marias, West to Silver Bay, Spectacular! Or enjoy a meandering stairway leading to a chunk of ledge rock at the Lake’s edge...What’s that sound you hear? That’s the creek above descending in to the mouth of Lake Superior, falling a few feet here and there...it’s unique and awesome to play at the base of the sandy beach where the waterfall meets Lake Superior! MLS#6004446 $399,000

NEW! MY OH MY SWEET CTY RD 7 GRAND MARAIS HOME! Southern exposure, Vaulted ceilings in the Open Great Room and kitchen, gas fireplace, huge deck for grilling out! Loft space allows for Big Lake Superior views. Lower walk out level with rec room, perfect for billiards or for your kids to have a space to romp! 2 car

NEW! LUTSEN LAND!

Awesome Alfred Creek Rd 8+ ac MLS#TBD $95,000

THIS HOME SCREAMS “FAMILY HOME!” WITH ELBOW ROOM for the

children and friends will LOVE this home!

a huge back yard for plenty of romping room for the kids, and plenty of bedrooms and large living space for the whole family MLS#6004447 $280,000

a MUST SEE home! MLS#6004368 $370,000

NEW! 10 ACRES WITH DRIVEWAY, GORGEOUS VIEWS from cleared building site and a building concrete pad, ready for your cabin or garage! A Hop and a Skip to Pike Lake Landing! MLS#6004320 $57,500

NEW!

whole family,

Features

COMFORTABLE AND COZY ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Wrapped in the history of the North Shore! Accessible and SPECTACULAR 177 ft of Lake Superior in Wilderness Setting! Staggering views of Lake Superior from the kitchen and dining area! You’ll love having your morning coffee on the new deck surrounded by mature spruce and pine! 3+ Bdrms, 3 garages! Sweet location just west of Tofte, walk to Blue Fin, Bike to Lutsen!

MLS#6003473 $475,000

LOTS OF LAND AND LAKESHORE ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Well maintained Family Compound with yr round newer home on 8+ ac and 340+ ft accessible shoreline! But’s it really about “The Shining Rocks” The “Rock 1” log cabin was built early 30’s, and it’s been lovingly maintained by only a handful of families since. Cabins Rock 1, 2 & 3 create this

ISLAND VIEW, HARBOR VIEW, SPECTACULAR

VIEW!Accessible and Incredible shoreline, One of a KIND Lake Superior Parcel, Must Meander to See how much you will LOVE this Shoreline! MLS#6003980 $438,900

CRAFTED IN TO THE LEDGEROCK! Sprawling ledge rock shoreline captivates you while this CASCADE BEACH RD Lutsen Lake Cottage will cradle you in its history and warmth! Functional space perfect for the family, but it’s all about the Big Lake! Come See the shoreline!

MLS#6004141 $399,000

SIMPLE LIVING ON THE BIG LAKE! Great vibes resonate from this home, comfortable in its design, it’s about the nice views from the entire main level, including main level bedroom! Nearby Taconite Harbor, watch the big boats pull in to the harbor!!

MLS#6003759 $349,000

WILDERNESS ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Over 11 ac and 317 ft of shoreline, big Granite Chunks perfect for laying around on, while dipping your toes in the Big Lake! Prowl design maximizes the views up and down the shore, and you’ll love the elbow room this home offers! Two car attached garage, A Must See!

MLS#6003874 $799,900

LUTSEN LAKE SUPERIOR CASCADE BEACH RD LAND!

Very accessible, build site close to the water, listen to the waves of Lake Superior lapping the rocky shoreline! Gorgeous morning sunrises over the Big Lake, a must see!

MLS#6004058 $299,000

LAKE SUPERIOR LUTSEN

CASCADE BEACH RD! Lovingly restored, quintessential, main home and guest cottage. Move in Ready, mint condition. Overlooking all is a lofty studio, with garage space under. There’s details and love here like the old days: a Must See!

MLS#6004118 REDUCED! $502,000

AND WILDERNESS ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Fab location on Cty Rd 34 in Lutsen, Classic Northwoods Cabin alongside a rambling creek dropping in to Lake Superior, accessible shoreline! MLS#6003653 $399,000

MELLOW OUT IN THIS SERENE SPACE! Connect with the Big Lake through a Prow of Windows, or from the owner’s suite where Sunrises From Bed are an everyday occurrence. Or dip your toes in to the Big Lake while enjoying a camp fire on the ledgerock shoreline!

MLS#6003870 $579,900 MOVE IN READY, RENTAL POTENTIAL!

River’s mouth in to Lake Superior! MLS#6003598 $349,000 GREAT VALUE! SERENITY ON LAKE SUPERIOR’S CASCADE BEACH RD! Lovely home thoughtfully designed for year round living or Lutsen Vacation Getaway! Vaulted

CRAZY CUTE RUSTIC LOG

CABIN ON CHRISTINE

LUTSEN BWCAW AREA FISH CAMP ON GUST LAKE! Half hour from down town Lutsen, while still being part of a nice little neighborhood that Gust Lake Rd is! Cabin is on a peninsula point jutting in to the lake, yr round access, possible power! MLS#6004096 $299,000

LAKE GEGOKA ISABELLA! 4 condos that share common access to a sweet dock on Lake Gegoka just 6 miles outside of Isabella’s Stoney Creek Café! Rental program in place to off set ownership costs! Very nice accommodations to come back to after a full day of fishing, boating, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing! MLS#6004247 $132,900

LAKE! Located just off a designated Mountain Bike Trail system, enjoy year round access, electric at street and a TOTAL SENSE OF SECLUSION! But you’re in the heart of Lutsen, Recreation Central! Canoe on Christine, Fly Fish in the Poplar or just go for a hike in the Superior National Forest! MLS#6003989 $165,000

GRAND MARAIS 4-PLEX IN THE HEART OF TOWN. Remodeled and well maintained. Big time shortage of rentals in Grand Maraismakes this property a must-see. Great views over the village to the harbor, Big Lake and Artist’s Point. Currently rented as yr round rental, but could be nice vacation rentals! MLS#6004101 $359,000

WINDSONG ON LAKE SUPERIOR OFFERS IT ALL IN BEAVER BAY! Up and Coming Beaver Bay boasts an easier drive to the cities and really good Value! Amazing layout to soak in the Views, this home won’t disappoint!

MLS#6002658 $339,000

LUTSEN LOG LODGE! 3 bdr, 2 bath, SWEET FOUR SEASON PORCH, Just a hop skip and a jump to the Lutsen Mountains! Low maintenance living, all you need to worry about is where to go recreate. Great income property or keep for your own! MLS#6004123 REDUCED! $239,900

ON DEERYARD

LAKE, with garage/ workshop/cabin with 100 ft of Nice Shoreline and nearly 3 acres of south sloping land. Electric, well, septic tank, AND dock! Can’t beat this value for Lutsen Lakeshore Living! MLS#6001066 $139,000

GREENWOOD LAKE HOME SECLUSION, Peace, Lake. Quality Built by fine local craftsmen, End of the road location bordered by State land! Mature White Pines, level access in to Greenwood Lake. Hand Hewn Log Siding, and TONS of Lake Views! Move in Mint Condition! MLS#6004219 $499,900

GUNFLINT TRAIL GREENWOOD LAKE! Incredible Lake cabin on a Peninsula on Greenwood Lake, over 580 ft of meandering Peninsula shoreline where you can cast in to 50 feet of water from one of many huge ledge rocks that surround the shoreline. Mint condition cabin, Must see! MLS#6004220 $429,000

LUTSEN DEERYARD LAKE 175 FT SHORELINE, S weeter than the sap flowing in the abundant maples on the property! View across the lake is miles of public land! Roughed-in driveway and dock materials. 15 min. to Lutsen for skiing, food, music, golf. Owner is licensed MN REALTOR® MLS#6004071 $193,000

OPPORTUNITY TO OWN MOST OF DOWNTOWN LUTSEN! Approx. 9 ac bordered by Lutsen creek, this hotspot hosts 5 commercial businesses and a lot of apartments with good long term renters! 13 lot trailer park has been established since the 70’s, w/ each trailer owner paying lot rent. GORGEOUS LAND, mature pines, nice setting for future expansion with zero lot line setbacks. New compliant commercial septic system. Rental housing is in high demand in the Lutsen area, all rentals are full with long term history. Potential add’l income from retail space and garage/warehouse space currently used by seller. Seller Financing optional. MLS#6003550 $1,575,000

MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, BIKE OR HIKE IN AND OUT AT CARIBOU HIGHLANDS! Ski In Ski Out, Super Nice Condos and townhomes at Caribou Highlands, a wide variety available from the small getaway studios to the Top Notch 4 Bedrm Townhomes. 4-5 bedrm mint townhome! REDUCED!

MLS#6002082 $325,000

#605 MOOSE MTN

4 bedrm mint townhome! MLS#6002557 $297,000

#526 MOOSE MTN, Mint Condition! REDUCED! MLS#6002963 $168,900

TOWNHOMES! ELEGANT AND INCOME GENERATING QUARTER SHARE AT SURFSIDE! at Tofte’s upscale Surfside Resort. #7 is a stone’s throw from accessible shoreline you’ll LOVE, this townhome, and it’s affordable with the Quarter Share option! No other end unit compares on price, views or locale to the Big Lake. The interior is right out of the pages of Architectural Digest, total Luxury! MLS#6003491 $199,000

LOVELY BLUEFIN BAY

Lake Superior home! Modern and functional space from the kitchen overlooking the lake and Great Room, flowing through a newly remodeled upper level, you’ll fall in love with this Townhome! Nice

LOVELY LUTSEN HOME, SIMPLE LIVING Original Maple & Douglas fir floors, gorgeous wide panel woodwork and original doors! Home sits on a lovely 2+ ac lot, good depth from the Hwy. Walk to Clearview in Lutsen! Detached garage!

COUNTY RD 7 GRAND

MARAIS! Solid home on 10 acres, 28x40 garage, 13x14 heated work shop! Excellent location minutes west of downtown Grand Marais! Some recent updates, this home is perfect for a handyman, good bright living space!

MLS# 6004310 GREAT VALUE AT $199,900

views from upper land overlooking Lake Superior with access from Bay View Drive in Tofte, a hop skip and jump away from Famed Blue Fin Bay on Lake Superior in the heart of Tofte! MLS#6004419 $129,000

MLS#6003998 $169,000 LUTSEN CONTEMPORARY LIVIN! Stylish home, small footprint energy efficient! New construction, lake views, 5 ac of wilderness bordering fed land across the private road. 2 car attached, WOWSER of a home! MLS#6004137 $268,500 SALE PENDING

CABIN LIVING WITH ELBOW ROOM! Great location between Blue Fin Bay and Lutsen Mountains, make this your winter getaway retreat! Easy access to hiking, biking, snowmobiling…you name it and it’s within minutes! 4+ acres, nice Lake Superior views and a two plus garage! MLS#6000042 $140,000

Sunshine Day Dreams, It’s Summer on the Shore!

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

SILVER BAY TO LITTLE MARAIS TO FINLAND & ISABELLA!

New! Hwy 1 area Hunting Cabin on 10 ac MLS#6004471 $64,900

New! Wilderness Retreat! Sweet cabin and Storage on 39+ acres of Boreal Wilderness! $114,900

New! 30 acres Wilderness, Borders lands next to Little Manitou River!

MLS#6004477 $129,000

Rocky Wall Overlooking Lake Superior just outside Silver Bay PRICE REDUCED!

MLS#6003239 $99,000

80 acres for $79,000 Blesner Lake Rd!

MLS#6003110

Rock Road in Silver Bay area!

Great build site with creek frontage!

MLS#6003859 $45,000

Sonju Lake Road in Finland!

Several large parcels from MLS#6001324 $44,900

Huge Lake Superior views, build site surrounded by cliff wall and creek! MLS#6001295 $89,900

160 acre parcel of upland maples and boreal forest. Total seclusion. Owned by the same family since 1904! MLS#6002612 REDUCED! $129,000

Lakeshore on Ninemile Lake at the Village, common water and septic, build ready, borders common land!

MLS#6004249 $45,000

New! Commercial Lot for Bar/Restaurant at the Village at Ninemile Lake, in between Finland and the Trestle Inn! MLS#6004416 $47,500

SCHROEDER AREA NEAR THE CROSS RIVER!

New! Caribou River Frontage, Simply Gorgeous 38 ac! $65,000 Maple forest with meandering creek , nice sized pond. Electric/broadband Yr Round access. 15 min from Hwy 61 in Schroeder. 20 ac $49,900 MLS#6004106; 40+ ac $109,900 MLS#6004105

Gorgeous Acreage Overlooking Sawtooth Range! Yr Round, Electric. MLS#6003185 SALE PENDING $35,000

10 Ac Parcels of Maples! Rolling Terrain of Mature Maples to a Sweet Building site Perched Over a Mixed Boreal Forest. Year Round Access and Electric at Road! MLS#6000676 $56,900 Sugarloaf Retreats on High Ridge Drive, located up the Surgaloaf Road from Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist Area, Enjoy large acreage parcels at rock bottom prices! Each $49,900 REDUCED! MLS#25701-4

DRAMATIC Mountain Top Views, Rolling Hills, Maple Forests fading in to Spruce and Pine and year round access. Tons of acreage available, or just pick up a 40 for $70,000! MUST SEE, call Emily today! MLS#6001560, multiple#’s call for full map and prices! FROM $70,000 MLS#6001560-66

TOFTE AREA NEAR BLUEFIN BAY RESORT!

LeVeaux Mountain, Super Views and Wildlife Ponds! FROM $49,900 REDUCED! MLS#6002929, MLS#6002995 & MLS#6004284 $59,000

Just Up the Sawbill Trail Grab your little piece of the Northwoods, rolling terrain and small community feel with year round access, great build sites! MLS#6001347 Prices from $24,900!!

Tofte vaag on the Sawbill, Nice Lake Views! Walk to the Coho, great location! FROM $49,900 MLS#30547

Wowser Lake Superior views on Overlook Tr! MLS#6003716 $82,900

Mature Spruce and BIG Lake Views! Walk to Blue Fin Bay, drilled well in place! $49,900 MLS#6003482

New! Gorgeous 19 acres with creek running through the middle, high ground! $65,000 MLS#6004399

LUTSEN LAKE VIEWS & WILDERNESS LANDS!

New! Onion River Rd land, Hiker’s Heaven! MLS#6004477 $45,000

New! Woodland Foothills Build Ready lots, Shared Water & Community Septic from $19,000 MLS#6004475+

New! Heartland of Lutsen, 80 ac at the Foothills of Ski Hill ridge, near downtown Lutsen! MLS#6004502 $119,000

Lake Superior View, Prime Lutsen location. Located a half mile from the Ski Hill Road in Lutsen, and about the same from “downtown” Lutsen! MLS#6004090 $65,000

Over 15 ac of Wilderness on Turnagain Trail in Lutsen! MLS#6002934 $69,500

Prime Build Site(s) just off theCaribou at Jonvick Creek! MLS#6003188 $49,000

Gorgeous 5 acre parcels in the Heart of Lutsen paved Caribou Trail locale bordering USFS lands! MLS#6002383 From 54,900-$77,500

Creek Build Site just off the Caribou Trail at Jonvick Creek! Rare and Unique Build site! MLS#6003633 REDUCED! $57,500

What an opportunity! 30 plus acres on Lutsen’s Ski Hill Rd, Lutsen Mountains. Great views of Lake Superior and toward Moose Mountain.

MLS#6002951 REDUCED! $250,000

Honeymoon Trail Wildlife Lands! 10 Ac nearby Poplar River in Lutsen, great hunting or hiking land at a SUPER GREAT price! MLS#26729 $39,900

3 0 acres of Prime Wilderness Land with year round access and electric at street with Views of Lutsen’s famed Clara Lake! MLS#6001462 $137,500

80 Ac with Poplar River Frontage on the Honeymoon Tr! MLS#6003850 $95,000

Lovely 20 acre parcel located on the outskirts of Lutsen, only minutes to Bigsby and Caribou Lakes! Nice mixed forest with high ground for choice building sites. Great price for your Northwoods getaway! MLS#31531 $29,900

Gorgeous Views of Williams and Wills Lake in Lutsen! Year Round Access, electric, Mountain Top site bordering USFS land. A Wonderful place to build your Northwoods home!

MLS#6001685 REDUCED! $70,000

7.26 ac south facing land west of Grand Marais. White Pine, Maple forest in the Deeryard Lake area- East Deeryard Rd. Power/broadband. All high ground. MLS#6004007 $49,000

GRAND MARAIS LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

SUPER Views on Birch Drive! Complete with swimming pond on high ridge ledgerock setting, unique! MLS#6004089 $79,000

60 Acres Minutes to Grand Marais near Devil Track Lake! Easy walking/biking access across Fed land to Monker Lake! MLS#6002586 $95,900

Birch Drive, West of Grand Marais! Wilderness Setting with 5 ac HUGE Value $42,500 MLS#6002349 or HUGE Lake Superior views MLS#6003805 REDUCED! FOR $71,000!

A River Runs Through It! 160 Acres of Upland and River Frontage on the Cascade River near Eagle Mountain. Whether Hunting land or Wilderness Retreat, this is a Great Opportunity! MLS#31732 REDUCED! $119,900

O wn your own park in the heart of Grand Marais! MLS#6002396 $17,000

County Rd 7 Murphy Mountain Lake View lands! Bargain Buys in young Poplar Forest, easy clearing for Sweet Lake Superior Views for as little as $39,900! Or Enjoy Hilltop Build Site with driveway in place, MLS#25633 $89,900

60 Ac with Lake Views E of Grand Marais! Keep this gem all to yourself and enjoy plenty of elbow room!

MLS#6002841 REDUCED! $119,000

Parten Way on Pike Lake Rd! Panoramic Vistas of the Sawtooths, road rough in, a five minute drive to new Pike Lake Landing! Yr Round access!

MLS#6003047 $39,900

Wild Plum Drive, East of Grand Marais! Nice level build site, yr round and electric avail. MLS#6003492 REDUCED! $40,000 20 Ac With Lake Superior Views! Awesome locale Cty Rd 56, minutes to Grand Marais, yr round access & Elec at Rd! MLS#6003835 REDUCED! $69,000

Peaceful 40 ac with Flute Reed River Frontage, borders Judge Magney State Park, great hunting parcel! MLS#6004315 $44,900

New! Corner Build Site in Town-Walk to Harbor! MLS#6004355 $39,000

LAKESHORE BUILD SITES!

SWEET PARCEL ON SWALLOW LAKE IN ISABELLA AREA! 220 ft of shoreline, 2.5 ac! MLS#6003766 $64,900

shoreline! Hilltop building site with cleared path thru cedar forest to Christine Lake, a super wilderness lake great for paddling your days away! MLS#28961 REDUCED! $119,900

400 FT WITH 14 AC ON DEVIL TRACK LAKE! What more can we say? Oh yes, there is a nice meandering driveway through mature red pines leading to level access beach shoreline. Quite nice!

MLS#6002721 $375,000

PEACEFUL PIKE LAKE PARCEL : 6 acres and 150’ of frontage provide ample elbow room. Gorgeous Northwoods forest. Simple bunkhouse, tent platform and outhouse provide initial start. MLS#6004344 $155,000

DREAMY LAKE SUPERIOR land and lakeshore! Several acres of privacy and way more than 200 ft of Level Access Lake Superior shoreline in Schroeder, near Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist Area! MLS#6001554 REDUCED! $275,000

Large Acreage

92A Tom Lake Rd - $69,900

Rolling, wooded, lots of potential for recreation or building. MLS 6002723

110A W Highway 61 - $649,900 110A wooded, year round land with multiple zoning. MLS 6002185

200A Camp 12 Rd - $159,900 Surrounded by state and federal land. Mature trees, gently rolling topography. MLS 6004110

40A Camp 12 Rd - $42,900 40A off of Irish Creek Rd, surrounded on 3 sides by state land. Creek frontage. MLS 6004109

43A County Road 7 - $299,900

Seasonal Lake Superior views, multiple zoning, electric at road. MLS 6002300

25A Tom Lake Rd - $49,900 25A close to Tom Lake. Enjoy the lake without the high lakeshore taxes.

MLS 6002625

115+A Arrowhead Trail - $84,900

Excellent property priced right. Electric and phone at street. Private access from Co Rd 69. MLS 6002839

80A Forest Rd 304 - $159,900 of maples, spruce and balsam, Durfee Creek and beaver ponds. Bordered on two sides by public lands

MLS 6003013

120A Reason Rd - $109,900 wooded with trails, wildlife and State land on 2 sides. 1.5 miles from public Tom Lake boat landing MLS 6003857

40A Lima Grade Rd - $159,900 with solid tree coverage. Rolling land, abundance of wildlife, public land on all sides for maximum privacy!

MLS 6004168

120A Murmur Creek Rd - $119,000 NEW

Excellent hunting land located south and east of Deer Yard Lake! Abuts Forest Service and State Land on three sides. MLS 6004509

Lake Superior Lots

Stonegate Road - $219,900 - $249,900

3 lake lots with 2+ acres and 200’ shore. Private and wooded.

MLS 6003950

57XX East Hwy 61 - $129,900

4.1A, 280’ shore. Driveway, septic mound and electric in place.

MLS 6003726

14 Stonegate Rd - $199,900

1.17A of nicely wooded, 200’ shoreline in an unspoiled location.

MLS 6003695

318X

6004015

6004222

6004223

On Lake Superior

63 Chessie Trl 1.27A with 200+’ shore close to the Superior Hiking Trail, Judge Magney and Naniboujou Lodge. Use the cabin while you build your dream home or just keep this place for its charm and privacy.

6003800

Inland Lake Homes

Squint Lake

5A surrounded on 2 sides by government land. Convenient midtrail location with easy access to many recreational activities.

MLS 6003242 $69,900

116 Overlook Dr 3.33A with Lake Superior view, privacy, and is user friendly for building. Located at the end of Overlook Trail in Tofte, utilities available & year round access.

MLS 6003380 $59,900

Silver Fox Rd

5A of northwoods privacy with all modern conveniences about 8 minutes from town. Gently rolling with some very attractive building sites. Abuts government land.

MLS 6004545 $39,900

Roman’s Rd Close to Devil Track Lake and lots of recreational activities. 1.72A

MLS 6002323 $29,900

Stonegate RD 2A with lots of potential uses. Power, phone, and broadband are a stones throw away.

MLS 6003282 $19,900

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

MLS 6003093 $49,900

W Hwy 61 Great location and development opportunities right off Hwy 61! 7.1A Commercial lot (Zoned Commercial and R-1). Additional acreage of R-1 behind. Agent Owned.

MLS 6002301 $149,900

Diagonal Rd 20A, not-so-remote remote parcel. Year round access to within a few yards. Septic sites identified. Great mixture of tree cover as well as highlands and wetlands.

MLS 6003602 $27,500

Birch Lake Heavily wooded 1.54A, 150’ of frontage on great trout lake. Direct, year round access off the Gunflint Trail.

MLS 6002478 $99,900

Kemo Lake One of only 4 lots on south shore. Private 2.34A with 200’ frontage on excellent trout lake!

MLS 6002735 $159,900

Devil Track Lake Beautiful lake lot on 2A and over 150’ of shore. Nicely wooded, close to town. Tons of recreational activities nearby.

MLS 6003833 $199,900

10A of wooded land with driveway and building site in place. 255’ of shore with fantastic views.

MLS 6004496 $185,000 NEW

Squint Lake Nicely wooded 2.13A with some lovely old White Pine trees! Excellent Mid-Gunflint Trail location, 221’shore, gentle topography AND directly abutting USFS for added privacy

MLS 6003969 $89,900

Chester Lake The only private parcel on Chester Lake. One of a kind opportunity! 40A, 300’ frontage! Rough cabin sold “as is”

MLS 6004004 $149,900

Pike Lake

3.7A, 200’ of accessible shoreline. Healthy tree coverage; abuts federal land to the south for added privacy

MLS 6004324 $179,900

Leo Lake 169’ shore, on 3.70A, mid trail location, with public access to other lakes nearby.

MLS 6004265 $134,500

Land

Raven Feather Rd

6.65A of nicely wooded land just west of Grand Marais. End of road location with federal land to the west PLUS incredible views of Lake Superior.

MLS 6003776 $129,900

Pendant Lake Tr

5A, with year round access. Power on sight, phone close by. Beautifully wooded and privacy but only 12 minutes from town.

MLS 6003893 $48,000

E Hwy 61

Conveniently located near public access to Lake Superior, Kadunce Wayside, Kadunce River, Superior Hiking Trail and more.

MLS 6003752 $18,000

Pike Lake Rd

Wooded 4+A near Pike Lake! Nicely elevated build sites, survey in place and septic sites identified. Just a short walk to the lake.

MLS 6003854 $42,500

Solberg Lane

20A close to town but is definitely off-the-grid for a real North Woods getaway. Nicely elevated with the possibility of solar and wind power. Rustic outhouse and bunkhouse cabin on the site.

MLS 6003176 $62,800

4018 County Rd 14

10-20A nicely wooded year round lots. Electricity and phone, abuts Federal land providing access to incredible amount of land.

MLS 6004017 $44,900 - $74,900

31 Bloomquist Mtn Rd

Beautifully wooded 6+A in a great neighborhood. Easy drive to Grand Marais but feels ultra private.

MLS 6004132 $40,000

County Rd 7 5A to build your home or cabin, close to town. Close to Pike Lake and has lots of wildlife!

MLS 6004124 $49,900

Wooded 5A, with seasonal Lake Superior Views! Nice mix of trees and quality build sites.

MLS 6004272 $74,900

Beautifully wooded 7.7A, wonderful views of Lake Superior. Septic and building site id’d.

Co

Camp

Quist

and all boundaries are fully flagged

MLS 6004373 $147,900 NEW

Poplar Lake

Convenient mid-trail location with deeded lakeshore access. Building site cleared, driveway in, utilities available.

MLS 6002116 $52,500

Very quiet 1.8A, over 200’ shore. Driveway and garage are in. Multiple portages into BWCAW.

MLS 6004001 $174,900

Park like .94 A, 291’ shore. Cleared building site, utilities available. Healthy mix of huge trees.

MLS 6003028 $169,900

Sag Lake

1+ - 7+ acres with 191-611’ of shore on year round county road with phone and electricity. Direct BWCA and Canada water access

MLS 6004019 $69,900

Two Island

5+ A of wooded land with 500+’ of shorelineand state land on two sides! Year round access; great recreational area.

MLS 6004214 $89,900

Tom Lake

Year round, 1.10A, 171’ shore, nicely wooded, driveway and cleared building site.

MLS 6003815 $54,900

Year round, 1.3A, 200’ shore. Nice gentle walking trail down to lake.

MLS 6004165 $69,900

West Hwy . 61

McFarland LakeBWCAW lake lot of 5+ A with 244’ shore. Surveyed

Inland Lake Lots

108 1ST AVE. W GRAND MARAIS

TRACK LAKE GRAND MARAIS

NEW 1.80X E HWY. 61 COLVILLE1.80

Acres - Amazing Lake View MLS# 6004568

Price:

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

bEAVER

This photo was taken on the Flute Reed River. There was a family of beavers living there and with all the people walking by, they weren’t afraid. I was sitting on the bridge railing watching, when this beaver cut a tree down and dropped it right by me. I walked over there to see it and it continued chewing the last little bit off. I was quite close to it and it was a ways from the river edge, which surprised me. I watched the beavers for a few days. Some days, they had their babies out and they would drag branches out from shore for them to chew on. It was the first time I’ve been able to sit that close and watch them eat. I even watched them hauling mud to put on their beaver house. They were fun to watch.—Sandra Updyke