Northern Wilds

Explore, Relax, Have Fun!

If the folks along the North Shore seem a little frazzled, please forgive them. It’s been a long summer. The tourist season roared to life in May and hasn’t slowed down since then. Due to unexpected difficulties and delays in the arrival of the foreign youth that comprise much of the service industry’s work force, many businesses have been short staffed. When fall arrives, their student workers return to school. But the visitors keep coming.

You can’t blame them. Fall is the finest time to explore the North Shore. The forests are ablaze with color, the temperatures are comfortably cool and the world moves at a somewhat slower pace than it does during the height of summer. You may not be alone on the hiking trails and along the shore, but you’ll have some elbow room. You can relax and take in the beauty of this place.

If you are willing to talk with strangers, you never know who you may meet out there. It may be someone like Holly Watson of Thunder Bay, who shares a story in this issue about her first motorcycle trip around Lake Superior. We heard about Holly’s adventure a while back and asked her to write about it for Northern Wilds. She writes with a distinctive style we think you’ll enjoy.

October is the month when the days become noticeably shorter as we make a steady march toward the Winter Solstice. That’s why we chose it as the month to feature lighthouses, the iconic beacons that guided Superior mariners for over a century. In this issue, Kelsey Roseth catches up with Lee Radzak, the long-serving director of the Split Rock Lighthouse historic site. Mike Creger reports how Two Harbors has restored its lighthouse with the establishment of an on-site bed and breakfast. We also travel all the way to the top of the lake, where a replica of the Slate Islands’ Patterson Island lighthouse rises over

the cozy community of Terrace Bay. Elle Andra-Warner caps off the issue with some historical lighthouse tales. Spoiler alert: Not all of them have happy endings.

You’ll find a number of stories about traditional fall activities, too. Maren Webb gives her suggestions for where to have a picnic. Ali Juten (congratulations newlywed!) explains the mystique of bow-hunting. Gord Ellis tells us why he is still crazy about deer hunting after all these years. Chuck Viren brings us along on a late-season paddle into the Boundary Waters.

Anyone who has driven the highway between the international border and Thunder Bay has likely marveled at the surprising amount of farmland. Julia Prinselaar gives us an insider’s look at changes taking place in local farming and how it may grow in the future. Kathy Toivonen features another local agricultural product: Bay City Cider. On the spooky side of things, we take a look at a couple of unusual tours offered in Duluth. Jimmy Lovrien takes us inside the Nopeming Sanatorium. Duluth’s dark history is a subject of tours offered by a Duluth company, reports Kelsey Roseth.

We are proud to sponsor the kick-off of the Caravan du Nord music tour at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 14. Also, we congratulate Nancy Haarmeyer of Grand Marais, who was the winner of our Fall in Love with Thunder Bay Sweepstakes. She will enjoy a stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, experience the Northern Delights Harvest food event at one of the city’s restaurants, and will have tickets for We Will Rock You at the Magnus Theatre and for a Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey game. Have fun Nancy! Follow us on Facebook to learn about our sweepstakes and contests.— Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

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

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OCTOBER 2017

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 10 www.northernwilds.com SERVING THE NORTH SHORE AND THE WILDERNESS BEYOND

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com

Breana Roy, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com

Drew Johnson • drew@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Roseanne Cooley billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Michael Creger, Gord Ellis, Casey Fitchett, Ali Juten, Jimmy Lovrien, Deane Morrison, Julia Prinselaar, Kelsey Roseth, Javier Serna, Emily Stone, Kathy Toivonen, Chuck Viren, Maren Webb

Copyright 2017 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc.

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TLC brought this lighthouse out of the dark ages

TWO HARBORS—Those who stay at the Two Harbors Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast write many comments about their experiences there. One thing is common among them: Staying a few nights in a working lighthouse is a unique bucket list item. But it’s the extras around the lighthouse that guests also write about in this Lake Superior harbor city.

Aside from a beacon that has flashed over Agate Bay since the lighthouse station opened in 1892, nearby are working iron ore docks with the incoming and outgoing of ships that first necessitated the navigational aid. A long pier jutting into the bay provides closeups of the ore operation. Trails along the lake front, between Agate and Burlington bays, keep adventuring guests close to the big water.

Guests also say Two Harbors is a respite from the congested Canal Park in Duluth and even the busyness of Grand Marais in high season. You can lope around the city, shopping and eating and just sightseeing without waiting in lines.

History also makes it into guest comments. The B&B is run by the Lake County Historical Society, which has its home in the nearby train station. The society has historical maritime and pioneer displays across the lighthouse grounds and in its museum at the train station. It also runs the 3M Birthplace Museum nearby.

Part of the latest history here is the restoration of the lighthouse station and creation of the B&B. Twenty years ago, the state of the Two Harbors Light Station hit rock bottom.

In the summer of 1997, the one man who knew the intricacies of the aging boiler died. For years, the lighthouse heating system had been limping through winters, threatening even more damage to the deteriorating state of the 50-foot tall main structure that houses the beacon and lightkeepers quarters. The handful of buildings around it needed help as well.

Paint was peeling. Roofs leaked. Walls were streaked and crumbling. The grounds were choked with weeds. And, in the fall of 1997, the light went dark. For the first time in 105 years, there was no working beacon sweeping over Agate Bay.

The U.S. Coast Guard hadn’t paid much attention. Because of technological advances in seagoing navigation, lighthouses had become relics of the early 20th century. The Coast Guard still owned the station in the 1990s but had been leasing it to the historical society, which in turn provided tours with entrance fees that didn’t come close to providing enough profit to cover lighthouse upkeep. At the time, the much more visible Split Rock Lighthouse farther up the North Shore was bringing in 10 times more visitors.

By the late 1990s, people noticed how shabby the Two Harbors Light Station had become. One person wanted to do something about it. Liz Donley was a frequent visitor to Agate Bay, where the Duluth

woman let her Labrador dogs swim. In 1996, she ran into a friend who had been living in a rental space at the lighthouse. That’s when Donley got a closeup view of the woes surrounding the place.

“It was pretty derelict,” Donley said. She has a soft spot for old buildings, she said, and had experience in restoration, a passion that allows buildings to tell “what their original glory may have been.”

Donley said she approached the historical society about volunteering to fix the place up. Members didn’t get why a person would do that, she said, but eventually she was allowed to dress up the grounds as a test to her commitment. She worked on flower beds, used the old fishing boats for displays, and planted 1,000 daffodil bulbs. It was family and friends who helped her that summer of 1996.

“I guess they realized I seemed to be true to what I was saying,” she said.

What had been a novel business model 20 years ago has mushroomed into the norm as communities around the Great Lakes try to save their lighthouses, he said.

So Donley was there the next year when things seemed so dire. A plan was hatched with a friend who had “business sense” to fix up the lightkeepers residence for use as a bed and breakfast. Revenue from that enterprise could go toward keeping the station from falling into disrepair.

Donley and the historical society looked for volunteers to help, and money. The society estimated it would take $200,000 to get the station back in shape.

In 1998, the Coast Guard happily transferred ownership of the station to the society. By the summer of 1999, the B&B was open. Donley said everything wasn’t exactly how she envisioned but at least the place looked loved again.

Mel Sando, the current executive director of the historical society, said the bed and breakfast has never been busier. It brings in enough to be self-sustaining with a regular maintenance schedule.

A 20 percent discount for rental of all the rooms at the station has proven popular, Sando said, allowing groups of eight to 10 people. The former skiff house outside of the lighthouse is the most popular option as it has private quarters. The three rooms in the lighthouse have shared common areas.

The iconic red-brick lighthouse tower, with its shining beacon, is always open for public tours through the museum at the railroad station.

Gone are the days of crisis, Sando said. “We’re not just putting out fires.”

Donley had a bemused laugh when told it’s been 20 years since those dark days for the lighthouse. She hasn’t been to the station in some time but still holds a vow she made all those years ago.

“I would promise to be the godmother of the lighthouse.”—Michael Creger

The Sonju Trail is located near the B&B. | MICHAEL CREGER

Certain areas of the B&B are shared, like this dining room. | LAKE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Two Harbors lighthouse is distinctive for its red brick, and is the only Lake Superior structure that continually shines its beacon. | MICHAEL CREGER

Bowhunting: It’s more than the hunt

DULUTH—Whether you’re a hunter or not, harvesting meat in general is a massive amount of work.

With a bow though, it is not just about the moment in which the arrow is released; it is the time put in before the hunt that matters. In Minnesota, to legally harvest big game during archery season, you must pull no less than 30 pounds at or before full draw. Even then, a true sportsmen’s goal is to humanely take big game, meaning that they should have full confidence that their shot will be deadly. That means that a hunter pulling back 30 pounds of draw weight needs to be in close enough range to the animal to make a clean shot. This is why practice and physical fitness are critical to be a successful bow hunter.

Before archery season, a hunter typically shoots countless practice shots from varying distances and vantage points to ensure that they can shoot consistently. Repetition is key. If the shooter changes how they hold the bow, grip it differently, are fatigued, etc., the shot will likely be off. Some bow hunters even use archery training aids, like an Accubow, to improve their draw strength on the off-season.

It is not all about the hunting, though. In fact, an estimated 12.4 million people 6 years old and older used archery equipment recreationally in 2015, according to the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Matt and Kirbie Haas of Duluth also fit into that demographic. Though they are avid bow hunters, archery is also a year round past-time for them. In the winter and spring, they shoot target archery in local indoor leagues. In the summer, it’s outdoor, 3D targets and hours upon hours preparing for hunting season. And, of course, once archery season starts in September, their time is spent in the woods hunting as much as they can until December 31, when the season ends.

“To me there is so much more that goes into hunting with a bow, there is so much skill and preparation that goes into it,” said Kirbie. “Being at full draw with a bow is a crazy feeling. It’s almost like you black out.”

Kirbie, a nurse, grew up in southern Minnesota in a family that rifle hunts, but didn’t get into bow hunting until 2014 while she and Matt were dating. She was a natural and, with enough practice, she was confident enough to shoot a deer in her first year of bow hunting in the Duluth city hunt.

Matt rifle hunts about one weekend a year with Kirbie’s family but didn’t grow up in a hunting family himself. He discovered his passion for bow hunting in 2008 when he was an intern at an archery accessory manufacturer, then called Field Logic. To learn, he read books, watched videos, and joined archery leagues to teach himself the sport; it has been all about bows ever since. Today, he is

ALI

an engineer at the same archery accessory manufacturer, now called FeraDyne Outdoors in Superior. His work day is spent improving and creating the latest and greatest archery accessories and technology.

“You just don’t get the same feeling hunting with a gun. You put in months and months of practicing, and there is a sense of pride you get when you actually seal the deal,” Matt said.

The newlyweds are even spending their honeymoon hunting elk in Oregon. It will be Kirbie’s first time elk hunting, but one of Matt’s favorite animals to hunt.

The work doesn’t stop at the hunt. The couple also processes their own meat. Spending hours meticulously separating the meat into different cuts to fill the freezer full of months worth of meals. Though the grocery store is the more convenient option to buy meat, the Haas’ find bow hunting much more rewarding.

“Just knowing you did something that not a lot of people can say that they have done. Filling your freezer and not having to go to the grocery store for meat, it is a great feeling.”—Ali Juten

Kirbie’s first deer with a bow in 2014. In the Duluth city hunt, an archer must first take an anterless deer before they can shoot a deer with antlers. |

JUTEN

Inside the Nopeming Sanatorium

DULUTH—Tours of Duluth’s Nopeming Sanatorium enter through the chapel where guests are greeted with peeling white and teal paint and the damp scent of mold and mildew.

Since St. Louis County transferred the last nursing home patients out of Nopeming in 2002, the property has remained virtually abandoned. A victim to the weather and vandalism, the building has piqued the interest of local adventurers who have been trespassing on the property for years. But in October, the curious can legally explore the former tuberculosis treatment center through tours offered by Orison Inc., which has owned the property since 2009.

“There’s asbestos, there’s lead-based paint, and there’s mold in here. My best advice is not to touch anything,” project director Tanya Graysmark said before moving the yellow caution tape to the side, and proceeding down the dark, damp hallway. To some, the tour comes with an added element of risk: ghosts.

Former staff members of the nursing home and unauthorized adventurer seekers have reported seeing the ghost of a young girl exploring the upper floors. Graysmark, who leads many of the tours, doesn’t buy it. Though she said she was less sure now than when she first began leading the tours.

The potential for the paranormal even led the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” to film an episode released in 2015.

The evening tours, which focus on the paranormal, are almost always full while the day tours, which focus on the history of Nopeming, are about half full. Graysmark said it is common for former employees of the facility to join the tours.

From May through October, tours begin at the gate on Nopeming Road, just off Thompson Hill Road, and walk along the roads weaving in and out of the property. Upon entering the chapel—located in back of the main building—visitors are then free to explore 47 rooms on the third floor of the west wing before being led around to the auditorium and kitchen.

Nopeming, roughly translated to “in the forest” in Ojibway, opened in 1912 to house tuberculosis patients. As demand grew, Nopeming added more buildings. The location was chosen for its breeze, which medical professionals believed could help fight TB. In 1971, the facility officially became a nursing home, which was then closed for good in 2002.

Frank Vennes Jr. bought the property from St. Louis County in 2005 for one million dollars, with the idea it would be used to house nonprofits. But that plan did not get very far; Vennes is serving 15 years in prison for funneling money to Tom Petters, who is responsible for a

Nopeming Sanatorium in Duluth was originally a tuberculosis treatment center, opened in 1912. | JIMMY LOVRIEN

Nopeming is open for tours in October. | JIMMY LOVRIEN

dollar Ponzi scheme. Vennes donated much of the property to the Fidelis Foundation, which eventually passed it on to Orison in 2009.

According to Graysmark, Orison’s longterm vision for the property might include a community for adults with autism, an orphanage, or a women’s shelter. At one point, they were hoping to open a charter school. Graysmark said their goal right now is “to save the building. We just want to save it.” The proceeds from tour ticket sales are going to first fix the leaky roof and then to renovate the auditorium to its original state.

“If we can continue to do the tours in the dilapidated part of the building, then we can at least be using the building for a higher purpose,” Graysmark said.

The main reason the property has remained in disrepair—and one of the reasons it became too expensive to remain open—has been the lack of water. Graysmark said Orison is working to gain access to city water from surrounding communities.

In the meantime, Orison will continue to lead tours and rent the old sanatorium out to groups hoping to investigate the paranormal, or film TV shows and movies requiring an abandoned hospital on set.

To purchase tour tickets, visit nopeming.com.—Jimmy Lovrien

PUMPKINFEST

Over 20 attractions for families! Pumpkin Train rides + much more! Lots of local food. Open 11am to 5pm E.S.T. (rain or shine)

October 27, 28 & 29, 2017

$200.00 ENTRY FEE Per Team, includes: Friday–appetizers Saturday–lunch and dinner, Sunday–rolls Info:

Mark Pedersen 218-370-8282 pedersen.maj@gmail.com

Joanne Smith 218-387-2052 bjsmith@boreal.org cookcountycurlingclub.com

Sunday, October 29 2-4 p.m. Birch Grove Community School Tofte, MN

for all ages! + Bingo V Kids Games a Win Prizes i Cake Walk n Cookie Decorating u Fabulous Foods

AmericInn Lodge and Suites of Silver Bay Tuesday, October, 31

Gammondale Farm can be reserved for groups of 40 + weekdays and weekday evenings. Call Sue Gammond or email: farmfun@tbaytel.net

$10 (+HST)/person ages 2 to 92. Cash Only Babies under 2 years are FREE. www.gammondalefarm.com Information: 807-475-5615; Group Reservations: 807-475-9609 426 McCluskey Dr., Slate River (near Thunder Bay)

i AmericInn of Silver Bay Halloween Celebration i Trick or Treat 4 pm to 6 pm i Prizes for Best Costumes and Best Decorated Doors i Business who would like to sponsor a door and hand out treats, please contact the hotel. No fee for sponsoring a door.

multibillion

Prepare

| THE DULUTH EXPERIENCE

learning and fun, in a way that they can also have a memory of doing something really fun with their friends or their family,” said Grandmaison.

If you scare easily, the growing company has lots of other options on their website and are regularly adding new experiences.

“Essentially, our mission is really simple—our job is to connect our guests to the City of Duluth in more meaningful ways.”

Head over to their Facebook page or website (theduluthexperience.com) for the latest tour dates and details on present and upcoming experiences. —Kelsey Roseth

Creepy, fun adventures await with Duluth’s Dark History Tours. | THE DULUTH EXPERIENCE

Fresh Air AND Haunted Nights ARE CALLING.

The lovely lighthouse in the center of town

TERRACE BAY—Lake Superior has two North Shores. One, best known to Minnesotans, is their own 150mile stretch of shoreline between Duluth and the Canadian border. The other, call it the geographical North Shore, is best known to Ontarians and extends across the top of the lake. While both North Shores are wonderfully scenic, the Ontario portion has sweeping grandeur that must be seen to be appreciated. Hills high enough to be called mountains are buttressed by sheer palisades; all overlooking an azure Lake Superior bejeweled with islands, many capped with mountains of their own.

This is a wild and lonely landscape. The human population lives in a handful of small communities: native reserves and former mill towns. The only surviving pulp mill is in Terrace Bay, but you wouldn’t know that if you stopped for a meal or a casual stroll through the business district, because the mill property is located in the forests outside of town.

What you would see instead is a tall replica of a lighthouse that is the town’s icon and observation post. Climb the metal stairs to the observation deck and you can look across Lake Superior to the Slate Islands. Formed by an ancient meteor strike, the archipelago is a provincial park and home to population of woodland caribou, the original inhabitants of the North Shore’s forests. On the far side of Patterson Island, facing Superior’s open expanse, the actual lighthouse is perched atop a rocky bluff.

Turn the other direction and you can look down upon the town’s business district, forming an interconnected crescent of stores and shops. This is a working town, not a tourist village, so most of the stores provide small town necessities. Then again, those necessities include a newly opened art gallery and soon-toopen microbrewery, appropriately named Lighthouse. Local restaurants feature tasty menus, too.

The wild side of Terrace Bay is unique. On the west side of town, you’ll find Aguasabon Falls and Gorge, with a breathtaking view of the river pitching over a precipice and then roaring through a rocky gorge. When the water is high, the sight is simply amazing. The site is also the eastern trailhead for the Casque Isles Hiking Trail, which follows the rugged Superior shoreline from Terrace Bay to Rossport, a

total distance of 53 km. There are several access points along the way.

What truly sets Terrace Bay apart from other North Shore communities are its sand beaches. Beaches? Yes, beaches. Interspersed among rocky points and outcrops are sand beaches that may run a mile or more. Even on a hot summer day, you’ll find ample elbow room. In fact, you may hardly see anyone at all. The most accessible beach is at the mouth of the Aguasabon River, just past the tidy, ninehole municipal golf course. The river also contains a sheltered boat access to Lake Superior complete with docks and a special, accessible kayak launch designed so that people with physical limitations can get into a kayak.

The boat access is also the jumping off point for adventure. The Slate Islands are less than 10 miles away. You can head out in your own watercraft or explore the islands with a local charter service. Either way, you can expect to find stunning scenery, possibly see a caribou and, if it strikes your fancy, find great fishing for native lake trout.

All in all, in Terrace Bay you can find the best of what the North Shore has to offer.—Shawn Perich

The replica lighthouse in Terrace Bay offers a view of the distant Slate Islands. | SHAWN PERICH

Good Times Await

North of the Border

Enjoy two weeks of special prix fixe meals with the Northern Delights Harvest, held Sept. 26-Oct. 7. Participating restaurants in the Waterfront District will offer meals for $25 to $35. This year’s restaurants are: Nook Thunder Bay, Tomlin, The Foundry, Bight, The Sovereign Room, Red Lion Smokehouse, El Tres, Portside, The Silver Birch, and In Common. This is a great opportunity to try something new and celebrate the local culinary scene. facebook.com/ northerndelightstbay

Visit the Thunder Bay Art Gallery for new exhibits, starting with “On the Trail” by Denise Smith; on display from Sept. 29-Nov. 26. Another exhibit, “Kohesion” by Quentin Maki, will be on display from Oct. 6-Nov. 19. An opening reception for both artists will be held on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. theag.ca

Join the Red Lion Smokehouse for Celtic Night , held every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. There will also be live music on Oct. 7 by Southern Comfort and Oct. 14 by Jen Metcalfe. Other events include a game night on Oct. 11, music bingo on Oct. 21 and quiz night on Oct. 25. redlionsmokehouse.ca

The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium will host three big performances this month, starting with Chris de Burgh & Band on Oct. 9. Held at 7:30 p.m., enjoy a night of his greatest hits and live cuts from his brand new album, A Better World. On

Oct. 15, Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon will perform a tribute concert to John Denver, held at 8 p.m. Lastly, The Mavericks will celebrate the release of their new independent studio album, titled Brand New Day, with a performance at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. Tickets can be purchased online. tbca.com

The Magnus Theatre will perform Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth, held Oct. 26-Nov. 11.

Written by Drew Hayden Taylor, the play follows Grace, an Indigenous woman who was adopted by a white family. Grace is asked by her birth sister to return to the reserve for their mother’s funeral. Afraid of opening old wounds, Grace must find a place where the culture of her past can feed the truth of her present. Don’t miss this funny, heartwarming story about coming home. magnustheatre.com

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will play at Marina Park on Friday, Oct. 27 as part of the free Movie Nights on the Waterfront series. This special Halloween screening will start after sunset (roughly 6:30 p.m.) and concessions will be available. Remember to bring warm clothing, a blanket and a lawn chair. thunderbay.ca/movienights

If it’s Halloween, it must be The Hunger. Held Oct. 28-29 as a fundraiser for Definitely Superior Art Gallery, the 12th annual Hunger festival features more than 50 performance acts taking place at six bar venues downtown Thunder Bay; Crock’s, Black Pirates Pub, The Foundry, The Sovereign Room, Red Lion Smokehouse and El Tres. There will be prizes for best costume at each location and prizes in the streets. The party goes from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. and a cover charge of $20 gets you into all venues. Must be 19 years or older to attend. definitelysuperior.com

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 42nd annual Artisans Northwest Art and Fine Craft Show, held Nov. 11-12 at the Valhalla Inn. artisansnorthwest.ca

Simcoe Plaza, Terrace Bay lhgallery@nocos.com (807) 823-2337

| MINNESOTA HISTORICAL

A Lifetime Commitment to LIGHTHOUSE HISTORY

By Kelsey Roseth

Think back to the last time you visited Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site, soaking in its deep-rooted history and gazing upon its spectacular views of Lake Superior. The experience is moving, no doubt about it. Now, imagine if you lived there...

Lee Radzak dressed up as a historic lightkeeper. | BRUCE ROBERTS

The historic Split Rock Lighthouse was built in the 1920s, serving more than 40 years before it was decommissioned.

SOCIETY

By Breana Roy

So Much Art, So Little Time

With new exhibits, an art tour and artist talks, there’s more than enough art to explore this October. View artwork by more than 40 artists during the Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour, taking place at 14 locations throughout Cook County (Sept. 29-Oct. 8). Then, chat with Canadian Inuit and Alaskan Siberian Yupik artists during the Inuit Premiere at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, held Saturday, Oct. 14. And be sure to check out the Plein Air exhibit at Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais, on display now until Oct. 29.

Titled “Total Restoration,” Mike Rada painted this Cessna 190 airplane at the Grand Marais Airport during Plein Air. | MIKE RADA

This stonecut, titled “Tiguaq” (Adopted) by artist Ningiukulu Teevee, can be seen at the Sivertson Gallery Inuit Premiere. | NINGIUKULU TEEVEE

Sivertson Gallery will also host artist Kat Corrigan and her Mostly Otters exhibit, Sept. 30-Oct. 8. Shown here is “Otter Portrait.” | KAT CORRIGAN

Ryan Tischer’s photography will be on display at Lakeside Gallery in Duluth from Oct. 7-31. This piece is titled “Awakening.” | RYAN TISCHER

In honor of lighthouses, this Split Rock Lighthouse watercolour, by Stephen Emms, can be found at the Lighthouse Gallery in Terrace Bay. | STEPHEN EMMS

FR E E DAY AT T H E DENTIS T Healthy Smiles for Cook County Youth

Monday, Oc tober 23rd, 2017

The Oral Health Task Force will be sponsoring another “Free Day” at Grand Marais Family Dentistry on October 23, 2017 for Cook County children and young adults up to 26 years of age. The Free Day also applies to children who attend Birch Grove Charter School living in

adults again up to age 26, day cares, and grandparent’s homes. For further well testing information and instructions, please call either Joe Routh at Cook County Planning and Zoning, 387-3631 or Georgene Daubanton at Oral Health Task 387-2334. For more information : ww w.nor thshorehealthcarefoundation.org

Fall Events

at Sivertson Gallery

Mostly Otters — Kat Corrigan Sept 30–Oct 8, 2017

Fireside chat with the artist and demo on Sat, Sep 30, 1–3pm.

Art Along the Lake Studio Tour Sept 29–Oct 8, 2017

Unique handcrafted works created in Cook County.

Do you raku? We do! Sat, Oct 7, 2017 :: 10am–3pm

A fan favorite with Richard Gruchalla and Carrin Rosetti.

Lise Lunge-Larsen and Kari Vick book signing Sat, Oct 21, 2017 :: 1–3pm

Author & illustrator sign their new book, “Seven Ways to Trick a Troll.”

Inuit Premiere 2017 Sat, Oct 14, 2017

1pm and 3pm :: Throat singing performances 6pm :: Fireside Panel Chat

All Day :: Artist Ningiukulu Teevee and guests join us to chat about art and traditions of the Kinngait Studios in Cape Dorset, Nunavut.

Honky-tonk heroes Trailer Trash will perform at the ACA during the Caravan du Nord festival. | SUBMITTED

CARAVAN DU NORD

Oct. 14, Saturday

Presented by the Minnesota Music Coalition, the 7th annual Caravan du Nord tour kicks off in Grand Marais with a day of free artist workshops, music industry networking and performances by honky-tonk heroes Trailer Trash, New Orleans swing band Patty & The Buttons and Grand Marais trio Lake Effect.

Sponsored by The Current and Northern Wilds Magazine, the Caravan du Nord is a traveling showcase of Minnesota music made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. It brings 18 bands and solo artists to six theater venues in Greater Minnesota for all-ages performances, workshops and community engagement. The Caravan du Nord brings together different regional and local artists to each community to perform together on stage, creating a unique, multi-genre concert. Along with Grand Marais, other Caravan du Nord locations are Austin, Fergus Falls, Red Wing, Worthington and Detroit Lakes.

Free artist workshops will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Community Center 4-H Building; learn from musicians about the art and business of making music. Then, meet the performers during a free social hour with food and drinks at 6 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Concert tickets are $18 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at: aca.tix.com. northshoremusicassociation.com

NORTHERN DELIGHTS HARVEST

Sept. 26-Oct. 7 Thunder Bay’s newest culinary celebration, the Northern Delights Harvest festival, is back. From Sept. 26-Oct. 7, your favorite downtown restaurants will offer prix fixe meals for $25 to $35. This is the perfect opportunity to discover delicious cuisine and celebrate the local culinary scene. Participating restaurants are: Nook Thunder Bay, Tomlin, The Foundry, The Sovereign Room, Bight, Red Lion Smokehouse, In Common, Portside, The Silver Birch and El Tres. facebook. com/northerndelightstbay

ART ALONG THE LAKE: FALL STUDIO TOUR

Sept. 29-Oct. 8 The new Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour will feature a variety of unique, handcrafted artwork by more than 40 artists at 14 locations throughout Cook County. Locations include home studios, as well as galleries with guest artists, such as Frykman Art Studio, Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios, Last Chance Fabricating, Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery, the Grand Marais Art Colony, and Ron’s World Rocks, Silver and Gems. All locations will be open daily, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. visitcookcounty.com/arts

PUMPKINFEST

RANDOM ACTS OF POETRY

Oct. 1-7 Definitely Superior Art Gallery presents 25 of Thunder Bay’s finest professional spoken word poets and singer-songwriters performing for the public in a weeklong series throughout the city. Now in its 13th year, Random Acts of Poetry is an initiative to promote literacy, art and poetry in places where people live their everyday lives. See and hear the Definitely Superior Poetry Construction Crew as they randomly bring urban interventions to our public venues, schools, coffee shops, markets, transit, radio and more. Schedules will be available at the gallery and online. definitelysuperior.com

HAUNTED FORT NIGHT

Sept. 30-Oct. 29 Enjoy over 20 family-friendly attractions at the 23rd annual Pumpkinfest at Gammondale Farm. Located in Slate River (near Thunder Bay), Pumpkinfest will feature contests, such as the Needle in a Haystack Photo Contest, local food, games, a tractor-pulled wagon ride, races, prizes and more. Pumpkinfest is open rain or shine from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10. gammondalefarm.com

Oct. 5-29 A terrible darkness has awoken in the secluded community of William’s Town. Its dark whispers are carried on the wind and its terrifying cackle bubbles in the river. William’s Town is overrun by the Witches Plague! For over a decade, Haunted Fort Night at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay has been offering up thrills and chills for those who dare to test their nerve. If you think you can handle this hair-raising experience, tours are offered rain or shine, every Thursday through Sunday in October, starting at 7 p.m. nightly. Recommended for ages 12 and up; adult only tours are also available. Reservation required. fwhp.ca/haunted-fort-night

New Orleans swing band Patty & The Buttons, will perform alongside Trailer Trash and Lake Effect during the Caravan du Nord festival in Grand Marais. | SUBMITTED

Fall Studio Tour & Sale

A HARD DAY’S NIGHT BEATLES TRIBUTE CONCERT

Oct. 7, Saturday Beatles fans won’t want to miss the Hard Day’s Night Beatles Tribute Concert, featuring four musicians onstage in character as John, Paul, George, and Ringo; wearing perfect stitch-for-stitch replications of the suits made famous by the Beatles. The band focuses on performing songs exactly as the Beatles themselves did, with authentic Vox, Hofner, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, and Ludwig instruments. The show will be held at 7 p.m. at the William Kelley High School auditorium in Silver Bay. Tickets are $20 at the door; high school students and younger are free. northernlakecountyartsboard.com

FROM FARM TO FORK WITH BETH DOOLEY

Oct. 7, Saturday Join award-winning author, journalist and food expert Beth Dooley at Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais for a conversation about the local food scene and developments, concerns and history unique to Minnesota. Dooley is the author of In Winter’s Kitchen: Growing Roots and Breaking Bread in the Northern Heartland. She’s also written six cookbooks, including Savoring the Seasons of the Northern Heartland, with Lucia Watson. From Farm to Fork, hosted by Drury Lane Books and Cook County Whole Foods Co-op, will take place at 7 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public. drurylanebooks.com

DULUTH HARVEST RUN

Oct. 7, Saturday It’s time for fall fun with the annual Duluth Harvest Fun & Run. Limited to the first 600 runners, a 5k run/walk will be held at 9 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Youngsters ages 3-6 can race in the free Tiny Tyke Triathlon at 11 a.m., featuring a

short run, tricycle ride and crawl through a tunnel. 5k runners, walkers, family and spectators are invited to ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad to the new starting line on the Lakewalk at 40th and London Road. Boarding starts behind Fitger’s at 8 a.m. Proceeds from this event will support the Erick Peter Person Children’s Cancer Fund and Union Gospel Mission. Race registration required. dccharvestrun.com

HCE CRAFT SALE

Oct. 7, Saturday Sponsored by Douglas County Association for Home and Community Education (HCE), the annual Craft Sale in Superior will feature local and area crafters displaying a variety of homemade items. There will be a bake sale, a quilt raffle and refreshments available. Admission is $1 and includes a door prize ticket. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food or hygiene item, which will be donated to a local food shelf. Those donating will receive an extra door prize ticket. The Craft Sale will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds multipurpose building. superiorchamber.org

NSHCF GOLF SCRAMBLE

Oct. 7-8 The North Shore Health Care Foundation will host its 22nd annual Golf Scramble Tournament at the Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen. This year, golf play will be expanded from one to two days, times of play will be more convenient and on course games will be enhanced with prizes. Saturday activities start with a pasta buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m. and the golf scramble at 1 p.m., followed by a prize reception. Any four person teams that golfed on Saturday are eligible to golf the competitive challenge on Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. Join a team or put together your own. Registration required. northshorehealthcarefoundation.org

INUIT PREMIERE

Oct. 14, Saturday The annual Inuit Premiere at the Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais will feature exquisite sculptures and carvings by Canadian Inuit and Alaskan Siberian Yupik artists. Held from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., join artist Ningiukulu Teevee and guests to chat about the art of throat singing, living in the Arctic, and the traditions of the Kinngait Studios in Cape Dor-

The North Shore Health Care Golf Scramble will be held Oct. 7-8 at the Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen. | SUBMITTED

set, Nunavut. At 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., enjoy Nunavik-style throat singing performances by Nina Segalowitz and Taqralik Partridge. A fireside panel chat with all guests will be held at 6 p.m., including William Huffman of Dorset Fine Arts. The Grand Marais Art Colony will also hold activities Oct. 1213, with an artist collaboration between Ningiukulu Teevee, Betsy Bowen and Kari Vick. sivertson.com

THUNDER BAY

EMPTY BOWLS

Oct. 15, Sunday The 18th annual Thunder Bay Empty Bowls Caring Hearts Dinner will feature delicious soups, breads, desserts and coffee donated by local restaurants and businesses, as well as live music and raffles. For the ticket price of $30 and a canned good donation, you will take home a handmade pottery bowl or a pair of quilted placemats donated by the Thunder Bay Potters Guild, Waterfront Potters and the Empty Bowl Quilters. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6 p.m. All proceeds will go to the Thunder Bay Food Bank and Shelter House. Tickets are available at the Baggage Building Arts Centre, Fireweed, George’s Market and Kabab Village. emptybowlsthunderbay.com

CLOWNS AND OTHERS

Oct. 20-21 Join the Minnesota Ballet for two nights of silly, playful fun with Clowns and Others. Watch as they dance, romp and mime their way through a range of human emotions and experiences, whether arguing over an oversized lollipop or balancing on a ribbon tightrope, all to live piano accompaniment of the Proko -

fiev Piano Miniatures. The performance also features guest musicians Erin Aldridge and Alexander Sandor, with new work by emerging choreographer Isaac Sharratt of the Milwaukee Ballet. Both performances will be held at 7 p.m. at the DECC Symphony Hall in Duluth. Tickets can be purchased online. minnesotaballet.org

MOOSE MADNESS

Oct. 20-22 The annual Moose Madness Festival in Grand Marais, hosted by Visit Cook County, offers lots of fun, family-friendly activities, with the chance to

earn Moose Bucks in exchange for prizes. Attend Moose-a-Rama with the Muffin Man at Drury Lane Books, pin the antlers on the moose at Voyageur Brewing, and decorate your own caramel apple or moose cookie at Gunflint Mercantile. Try you luck with the Moose Medallion Hunt, enter the Northern Wilds Moose Poetry Contest, and join in the Moose Mosey run/walk in Harbor Park. And don’t forget to take a selfie with Murray the Moose. See the Moose Madness insert in this issue for more information. visitcookcounty. com/calendar

November 17 - 19 featured speaker JON TURK

Take your photo with Murray the Moose during Moose Madness. | VISIT COOK COUNTY

FALL INTO ART: FAMILY WEEKEND

Oct. 20-22 The Grand Marais Art Colony will host family activities for all ages over the MEA weekend. There will be a free mask making class from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 20; select from one of several animal masks and decorate it with your own, unique look. Also on Friday, paint-a-tile with Joan Farnam from 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. (pre-registration required). On Saturday, all skill levels and ages can help make a bowl for the Empty Bowls fundraiser with Hannah Laky. Tuition is $5 a session and pre-registration is requested; 3-4 p.m. and 4:15-5:15 p.m. Other Saturday activities include making glass coasters with Mary Bebie (tuition $35 a session) and creating a one-of-akind monoprint on a plexi-glass surface and printing it on a professional press (tuition $5). grandmaraisartcolony.org

SAWTOOTH MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE

in 12 different categories and half of the registration fee goes to the Jake Forsman Memorial Scholarship for individuals seeking vocational training in the trades. Then, watch or register for the freestyle burnout competition. There will be a burnout pit consisting of over half a block of city street surrounded by concrete barriers. The car show and burn out competition will be held from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in front of the Ely City Hall on Chapman Street; free for spectators. facebook.com/elycarshow

FREE DAY AT THE DENTIST

Oct. 21, Saturday The Sawtooth Mountain Challenge is a single-track mountain bike race that functions as the main fundraiser for the Superior Cycling Association’s trail maintenance fund. Held at the Pincushion Mountain recreation area in Grand Marais, races start at 9:30 a.m. with the 1.5 mile kid’s race. All other races start at 10 a.m. Distances include 22 miles, 15 miles and 8 miles. There will also be coffee, food and bike mechanics on-site. Preand post-ceremony events will be held at the Voyageur Brewing Company, featuring awards and door prizes. Race registration required. superiorcycling.org

JAKE FORSMAN

Oct. 23, Monday Sponsored by the Oral Health Task Force, the Grand Marais Family Dentistry will offer another Free Day for Cook County children and young adults up to age 26. Free Day includes an exam, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride and sealants. Appointment slots fill up quickly, so call now. There will also be free fluoride well water testing to any home where children through ages 26, as well as pre-natal moms, reside. This offer includes day cares and grandparent’s homes. More information can be found online. northshorehealthcarefoundation.org

FRESH CUT WEEK

Oct. 25-Oct. 29 From the forest to the lathe to the table, Fresh Cut at the North House Folk School celebrates green wood turning on lathes of all types. This year, Swedish woodturner Stefan Nordgaard of the esteemed craft school Saterglaten, will offer coursework, public demonstrations and a talk on his travels around the world to study woodturning. Coursework includes spindle turning, turning on a pole lathe, a deep dive into Scandinavian ale bowls, photographing your work, chainsaw use and safety, and work in painting and embellishment. Students who enroll in any course offered Oct. 24-Nov. 1 are invited to enjoy evening community gatherings, talks and field trips. northhouse.org

MEMORIAL CAR SHOW & BURNOUT COMPETITION

Oct. 21, Saturday In honor of his son Jake Forsman, Al Forsman is holding the first annual Jake Forsman Memorial Car Show in Ely, featuring a unique mix of classic and modified cars. Medals will be given

BEFORE I WAKE RELEASE PARTY

Oct. 27, Friday Brandon Cole is bringing the release of his latest film, Before I Wake, back home to Grand Marais. Held at the Grand Marais Playhouse, catch the world debut of this horror/thriller short

Kristin Scott Benson is this year’s featured performer and instructor during Bluegrass Masters Weekend, held Nov. 3-5. | SUBMITTED

TBSO: New Beginnings, New World

7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca

Oct. 20-21

Wolves after Dark 5 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org

Minnesota Ballet: Clowns and Others 7 p.m. Duluth DECC, minnesotaballet.org

Oct. 20-22

Moose Madness Cook County, visitcookcounty.com/calendar Fall Into Art: Family Weekend Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Health & Wellness Expo CLE Coliseum, Thunder Bay, wellnessexpo.com

Oct. 21, Saturday

Jake Forsman Memorial Car Show & Burnout Competition 8 a.m. Ely, facebook.com/elycarshow

Sawtooth Mountain Challenge 9:30 a.m. Grand Marais, superiorcycling.org

Music Bingo 9:30 p.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, redlionsmokehouse.ca

Boo at the Zoo 10 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, lszooduluth.org

Superior Spooktacular Halloween Community Event 10 a.m. Superior, superiorchamber.org

Moose-o-rama Children’s Story Hour with the Muffin Man 11 a.m.

Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Book Signing with Lise Lunge-Larson & Kari Vick: Seven Ways to Trick a Troll 1 p.m. Sivertson Gallery, Grand Marais, sivertson.com

Make-a-Bowl: Clay 3 p.m. Grand Marais

Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

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

Celebrate the Boundary Waters with SplinterTones 7 p.m. Community Center 4H Building, Grand Marais, savetheboundarywaters.org

Oct. 22, Sunday

Kamview Off-Road Half Marathon Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com

Oct. 22-29

Zeitgeists Halloweek Zeitgeist, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Oct. 23, Monday

Free Day at the Dentist: Up to Age 26 Grand Marais Family Dentistry, northshorehealthcarefoundation.org

Harvest Chef’s Table 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, redlionsmokehouse.ca

Oct. 24, Tuesday

Upper Lakes Foods Fall Food Show 9 a.m. Duluth DECC, upperlakesfoods.com

Oct. 24-25

Make-a-Bowl: Glass 6:30 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Oct. 25, Wednesday

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

Quiz Night 8 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, redlionsmokehouse.ca

Oct. 25-26

Adaptation Planning for Coastal Communities Duluth, seagrant.umn.edu

Oct. 25-27

Food Access Summit Duluth DECC, foodaccesssummit.com

Oct. 25-29

Fresh Cut Week North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Oct. 26, Thursday

Wine & Whiskey for Whiskers: Wildwoods Fundraiser 6 p.m.

Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, wildwoodsrehab.org

Alberta’s Favourite Medium: An Evening with Psychic Medium Jennie Ogilvie 7 p.m. Victoria Inn, Thunder Bay, keynoteevents.ca

Oct. 26-31

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 7:30 p.m. The Underground, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

Oct. 26-Nov. 11

Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

Oct. 27, Friday

Free Movie Night: Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone

6:30 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/movienights

Before I Wake Release Party

7 p.m. Grand Marais Playhouse, facebook.com/deathcalmstudios

Oct. 27-29

Cook County Curling Club Halloween Open Bonspiel Grand Marais Community Center, cookcountycurlingclub.com

Murder Mystery Weekend Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com

Oct. 28, Saturday

The Hunger 12 8 p.m. Downtown Thunder Bay, definitelysuperior.com

Trick-or-Treat the Maze 9 a.m. Haunted Corn Maze at Dusk, Engwalls Corn Maze, Hermantown, engwallscornmaze.com

DSSO: Inspiration

7 p.m. Duluth DECC, dsso.com

The Mavericks: Brand New Day

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

Oct. 28-29

Terrain: The Art of Localizing Symposium Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Oct. 29, Sunday

Scarium at the Aquarium 10 a.m. Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org

Paint-a-Bowl 11 a.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Birch Grove Halloween Carnival 2 p.m.

Birch Grove Community School, Tofte

Acoustic Grooves: Benefit for Arrowhead Animal Rescue 2 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, michaelmonroemusic.com

Before I Wake Release Party 3 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, facebook.com/deathcalmstudios

TBSO: Symphony Spooktacular 3:30 p.m. Grassroots Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Timmy Haus 7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Oct. 29-30

Flashlight Tours 7:30 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org

Oct. 30-31

Duluth Haunted Ship 6:30 p.m. William A. Irvin, Duluth, duluthhauntedship.com

Oct. 31, Tuesday Halloween

Halloween Celebration with Trickor-Treating 4 p.m. AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Silver Bay (218) 226-4300 Malloween 5 p.m. Miller Hill Mall, Duluth, facebook.com/millerhillmall

Nov. 1, Wednesday

Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Nov. 2-5

North Shore Readers & Writers Festival Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Nov. 3-5

Bluegrass Masters Weekend Lutsen Resort, northshoremusicassociation.com

Mondays

Open Mic 6 p.m. Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais (218) 387-2974

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

Tuesdays

Tuesday Trivia 7 p.m. Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais (218) 387-2974

Wednesdays

Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, thunderbaycountrymarket.com

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

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

Thursdays

DJ Trivia 7 p.m. Kamloops, Two Harbors, superiorshores.com

Celtic Night 7:30 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, redlionsmokehouse.ca

Karaoke 9 p.m. Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais (218) 387-2974

Fridays

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Live Music Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais (218) 387-2974

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

Farmer’s Market 4 p.m. North Shore

Adventure Park, Silver Bay (612) 357-7316

Live Music 8 p.m. Kamloops, Two Harbors, superiorshores.com

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

Saturdays

Bird Banding Demos 7 a.m.

Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

Country Market

8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, thunderbaycountrymarket.com

Cook County Market (through Oct. 21)

9 a.m. Downtown Grand Marais

Voyageur Brewing Company Tour

11:30 a.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

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

Free: Tour the North House Campus

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

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

Live Music 7 p.m. Cascade Lodge & Restaurant, Lutsen, cascadelodgemn.com

Music at the Bonfire 7 p.m. Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

Flashlight Nights Dusk, Engwalls Corn Maze, Hermantown, engwallscornmaze.com

Live Music Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais (218) 387-2974

Live Music 9:30 p.m.

Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Sundays

Voyageur Brewing Company Tour

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

The North Shore Dish

Fall Food, Fun and other Adventures

By Maren Webb

The crisp morning chill of fall, has returned to the air; each day is to be enjoyed while it lasts. October offers many fun activities, from a visit to the pumpkin patch, hikes with colorful leaves, Moose Madness scavenger hunts, and trick-or-treating. This fall, don’t miss out on the fun autumn has to offer in the Northern Wilds.

For those looking to get fall food, fun, and adventure all in one visit, Pumpkinfest at Gammondale Farm is your one stop shop. Located outside of Thunder Bay at the base of Candy Mountain in the Slate River Valley, the farm is surrounded by a sea of fall colors each autumn. Maple, birch, and poplar trees on Candy Mountain provide the perfect colorful fall backdrop for the fun happening below. A perfect spot for a picnic with food purchased from the farm.

Pumpkinfest, now in its 23rd season, runs five weekends from the last weekend of September through the end of October. The fun family-friendly activities are plentiful, from wagon rides and corn mazes to a corn cannon and pumpkin catapult. All ages are welcome, with activities to suit. Younger children will love to see the farm animals including two goats, a sheep, bunnies, chickens, and three Percheron work horses. Other favorites for young children are the Pumpkin Train, the Trike Trails, the Duck Races, and the Boreal Forest Maze. Older children will enjoy the BOO Barn, the Corn Cannon, and Pumpkin Catapult.

“Everyone likes the wagon ride and the Needle in a Haystack Photo Contest,” said owner, Sue Gammond.

The photo contest has you search for a secret scene at the farm, take a picture of your family when you find it, and post it to the Gammondale Farm Family Fun Facebook page to win prizes, including the grand prize of a sleigh ride party and spaghetti supper for a party of 20.

Between all the fun, be sure to make time to eat some fall fare. The farm provides a picnic table area outside and seating inside the Log House. The on-site menu includes local pumpkin soup, locally-made Gouda cheese and veggie trays, hot dogs, homemade chili, hot and cold drinks, and sweet treats like the signature caramel apple sundae, complete with a cherry on top, home crafted chocolate suckers, and locally made apple and pumpkin pie. Pumpkins are also for sale, just be sure to find the perfect one to bring home, whether for cooking or decoration.

Pumpkinfest at Gammondale Farm in Ontario is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 30-Oct. 29. | SUBMITTED

Pumpkinfest admission is $10 CAD plus tax (HST), cash only. If you are coming from south of the border, Gammondale Farm will gladly accept USD (exchange rate of $1.20 CAD for $1.00 USD). Babies under two are free. While open rain or shine, one of the special parts of Pumpkinfest is that they offer rainchecks if the weather turns, so you can return on a nicer day. They also offer some fun additional indoor activities on bad weather days, including pumpkin decorating. In addition, when families have not been able to take a raincheck due to a long drive, for example, the farm has sent them home with extra pumpkins. The Gammondale Farm (426 McCluskey Drive, Slate River; about 70 miles from Grand Marais) and its family-friendly fall fest definitely know how to welcome all and provide a good time. For more information, visit the website ( gammondalefarm.com/ pumpkinfest) or call 807-475-5615.

If you plan to spend a weekend on the southern side of the border, Visit Cook County’s Moose Madness weekend, October 20-22, is one not to miss. This annual event, over MEA Weekend has become a staple each October, celebrating the unofficial local mascot: alces alces or the moose.

A favorite part of Moose Madness weekend is the scavenger hunt and other activities planned around Grand Marais to win “moose bucks.” As any scavenger hunt is apt to make you hungry, plan ahead and pack a picnic to bring along. The Cook County Whole Foods Co-op has a deli section that will make it easy to grab a lunch to go. The only hard part may be to pick

just one thing. Choose from ready-made sandwiches, salads, dips, spreads, and more to craft your picnic lunch. A personal favorite is to grab red pepper hummus and egg salad from the deli, baby carrots in the produce aisle, and crackers to make a little dipping lunch. If you or your family has special diet needs (from gluten-free to vegan), the Co-op is a great stop.

Picnic spots are a plenty in Grand Marais. If you remember your picnic blanket, you’ll find locations across town, including on the beach along the Harbor. Picnic tables are also available behind the Co-op on the East Bay, on the first part of Artist Point, and at the covered pavilion at the Grand Marais Rec Park and Campground (on the west side of the harbor). If you have kiddos that need to burn off some additional energy, there are also picnic tables available at the playground and skate park adjacent to the Cook County Community Center.

Keep an eye out for Murray-the-Moose who will be around town during the Moose Madness weekend. Grab him for a photo op, so even if you don’t get to see a real live moose, you’ll have a photo of a Cook County moose. Local restaurants also offer moose themed items, such as a special chocolate mousse at Voyageur Brewing Company. More details available at visitcookcounty.com/event/moose-madness or from the Grand Marais Visitor’s Center.

In the West End of Cook County, the month of October is an ideal time for pulling out those hiking boots, packing a picnic, and hitting the trail. From Carlton

Peak, Britton Peak, and White Sky Rock to the Lutsen Gondola hike and Oberg Mountain, you have many routes and views to choose from in the area.

Coho Cafe and Bakery, at Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte, has you covered for your picnic lunch, allowing you to focus on choosing which hike you’d prefer, instead of what to pack for lunch. The Picnic Package, which can be ordered through Bluefin Guest Services or at the Coho counter, includes all you’d need, with sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, and water in a canvas picnic bag, for $45. Coho Cafe also offers its menu to-go, if you’d like to grab a pizza or another item for your impromptu picnic. Great picnic spots nearby are the Tofte Town Park, adjacent to Bluefin Bay, and the Birch Grove School, just down the road, complete with a playground for the kids.

If the fall colors are waning, the Oberg Mountain hike is one to try. Tamarack are the last trees to turn, so even when most of the maples, aspen, and birch have lost their leaves, you’ll be able to see that pop of color from the tamarack trees. Oberg Lake, visible from the backside of Oberg Mountain, has some nice tamaracks for your viewing pleasure. There are seven overlooks on the 2.2 mile loop hike and many offer beautiful views of Lake Superior, no matter the time of year. This is a popular hike, so expect to see others on the trail.

Fall is a beautiful time in the Northern Wilds. Find an adventure, enjoy great food, and have fun this October.

Castle Danger & Blacklist

With fall quickly upon us, we’ll share two heavier tasting beers that aren’t too high in the alcohol by volume (ABV) column.

Let’s start with Castle Danger Brewing’s Red Hop Rising, sold in four packs.

It’s basically a red IPA.

The 16-ounce can poured a shade of mahogany, but this beer from the Two Harbors brewer isn’t just another amber ale.

It’s a beer that crosses the familiar amber profile against the more floral and citric flavors of Mosaic, Citra and Simcoe

hops, finding the slightly bitter and sweet middle ground.

If you like bright, hoppy beers, don’t be dissuaded by the deep, red maltiness.

The beer drinks heavier than the 6.9 percent ABV would suggest. It’s a good beer to share and try with a friend.

Heading off farther into the deep we have Blacklist Artisan Ales’ Dark, billed as a Belgian-style imperial stout. The Duluth brewer chose an attractive 16-ounce can for retail distribution.

While this dark chocolate-colored and flavored stout pours out at 8.0 percent

By Javier Serna

TAKING NOTE:

We’ll try to track openings, events and other brewing blurbs of note.

Next month, look for notes from the new Duluth brewing operation Hoops Brewing, which opened in Canal Park in late June.

Dave Hoops, formerly of Fitger’s Brewhouse, brings a lot of experience and potential to one of the more interesting brewing developments in the region.

Send any notes and tips on the North Shore brewing scene to outsidej@gmail.com. Serna is a longtime beer nerd who prefers pales, stouts and sours.

ABV, it drinks lighter than that somehow. It still has a boozy nose, with hints of roasted malts, cocoa and licorice, but this stout is lighter than some of the style’s thicker, more syrupy cousins.

Blacklist lists Dark as a year-round beer, and it is also available in a creamier form on nitro at the brewer’s taproom on Superior Street. It is not available for growler fills, however.

Castle Danger’s Red Hop Rising [LEFT] is basically a red IPA, while Blacklist Artisan Ales’ Dark [RIGHT] is a Belgian-style imperial stout. | JAVIER SERNA

Back-to-School Health Tips

By Amy Schmidt

Whether you’ve got kids at home or not, this back-to-school time of year can be frenzied, stressful and downright overwhelming. Schedules change drastically, not to mention the hours of daylight. Temperatures swing and vacations grind to a screeching halt. After school activities gobble up any free time that school and work left over and suddenly, its winter and dark at 4:15 p.m. Changes are abundant this time of year, making it easy to feel out of control, anxious or rundown. Taking stock of daily habits, those of the individual and the family, can help with a smoother autumn and a gentle transition into winter.

The first habit, and maybe the most critical, is the habit of sleep. A good night’s sleep is of prime importance for everyone, regardless of age. People with tired brains don’t learn as well and can find it hard to pay attention. Sleep hygiene is a concept health professionals like to talk about. Simply put, sleep hygiene are the sleep habits that guarantee either a good or a poor night’s sleep. Things like limited screen time (especially right before bed), plenty of physical activity during the day (at least 60 minutes for kids and 30 for adults), and a curtailed intake of caffeine (especially for children) will help the body enter quickly and fully into restorative sleep. And if you

do have kids at home, remember that they need a lot of sleep. Children between ages 3-5 years need 10-13 hours a night, ages 6-13 need about 9-11 hours, teens need between 8-10 hours. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Consider also, that a healthy body learns and works a whole lot better than an unhealthy one. Not just free from illness, a healthy body is one that is well rested, well fed and physically active. Start the day with breakfast. Brains work their best when they’re fueled with protein, whole grain carbs and a little fat. Oatmeal is a great option, as is scrambled eggs and a piece of whole grain toast. Stock up on healthy lunch and snack items at the grocery store so that hunger doesn’t get the best of you or your brain. Items like string cheese, apples with peanut butter, hard boiled eggs or yogurt with granola are simple, affordable and filling. If at all possible, walk or bike to school or work. Not only is it a chance to get some activity, it’s a good way to jump-start your day. A brisk bit of exercise can be just as rejuvenating to the brain as a cup of coffee. And for kids, remember that backpacks, no matter how big, shouldn’t weigh more than 10-20 percent of your child’s weight. Making sure the straps are wide and padded, and worn on both shoulders, will help avoid undue strain to the body.

Preparing for tomorrow the night before is a great way to maintain a stress-free morning. Make lunches right after dinner, packaging up any lunch-appropriate leftovers. Lay out your clothes and help children do the same before going to bed. If there are after-school activities happening, prep all the gear and equipment and set it by the door, along with backpacks and anything else that has to go out the door with the family.

For more ideas, applicable to everyone, check out: healthychildren.org.

Backpacks shouldn’t weigh more than 10-20 percent of your child’s weight. | STOCK

All the moose news that’s fit to print

OCTOBER 20 - 22, 2017

Grand Marais is crazy for Moose Madness! Use this guide to help you navigate your way through this funfilled weekend event. Read on to find a full activity schedule, moose facts and driving routes, things to do in Grand Marais and the first clue in the Moose Medallion Hunt.

What is Moose Madness?

We’re glad you asked! The Moose Madness Festival is a family-focused celebration of all things moose. Throughout Moose Madness weekend, there are events for everyone. Activities range from the athletic to the artistic with the weekend centered on earning and spending “moose bucks.” Kiddos can earn moose bucks by participating in scavenger hunts, races, and arts activities all around town.

Moose bucks can then be spent on prizes at Moose Headquarters aka the Visitor Information Center in Grand Marais.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to the activities at the In-

formation Center, there are fun things to do all around town. The Lake Superior Zoomobile will be at East Bay Suites on Friday from 2-5pm. The Moose Medallion hunt begins Friday morning at 9am and goes until the Medallion is found. The annual Moose Mosey will be Saturday at 2pm. There are more details on all of these events plus a few more inside. Most importantly, Moose Madness Festival encourages families to unplug and play. Reconnect by doing the planned activities, enjoying the outdoors or learning a few facts about our celebrated mascot. Moosey memories are waiting to bemade!

MOOSE MEDALLION HUNT

It’s hiding within the city limits of America’s Coolest Small Town,

The medallion is a circle and the color is golden-brown.

It’s back to being located south of Highway 61.

The hunt will be challenging but remember, it’s made for fun!

See page 5 for more information on the Medallion Hunt.

WHERE IS MOOSE HEADQUARTERS?

Moose HQ is the Visit Cook County Grand Marais Information Center at 116 West Highway 61. It’s where you’ll find activity packets, downtown Grand Marais maps, Moose Medallion Hunt clues, Moose Bucks and prizes!

Moose HQ Hours

Friday and Saturday: 9am-5pm

Sunday: 10am-3pm

VisitCookCounty.com/Moose

Hunt for Moose Antlers at the Co-op and win a treat during Moose Madness!

The Amazing Alces Alces, The Moose!

Be sure to study up on this page. Then take the Moose News Tribune Quiz on page 8! Turn it in at Moose Headquarters for a chance to win some Moose Bucks!

Searching for the Elusive Minnesota Moose?

Look no Further than Cook County.

Moose are Minnesota’s largest animal, weighing 800-900 pounds, or about as much as four or five full-grown deer. The word “moose” is an Algonquin word meaning “twig-eater,” and indeed this mammal eats a massive amount of twigs and other brush. They have long legs and spreading hooves, which help them in marshes and deep snow. Moose have poor eyesight but great senses of smell and hearing. They are also excellent swimmers, known to cross lakes more than a mile wide.

Moose Habitat and Diet

In the summertime, moose like to hang out on hot days in wetland areas to stay cool. For the best chance of seeing one of these massive creatures, we suggest driving the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway. The Gunflint Trail is a 57-mile long paved road that traverses the heart of moose country. Moose thrive in boggy lowlands where they can stay cool and have plenty of food available. Their choice edibles are a variety of plants including willow, red-osier dogwood, balsam fir and a variety of aquatic plants. In the wintertime, they’ve been known to be on the roadways licking the salt off left by the plow trucks. Regardless of the time of year you are out searching for moose, make sure to drive with caution. These four legged wonders have a tendency to hang out near the road, so be sure to stay alert.

Calving Season and Population

Mating season for moose begins in October and continues through November. With any luck, calves will be born in May or June. Each calf stays with the mother for the first year until the following spring. While Cook County is one of the most pristine habitats for moose, the population is struggling. The Minnesota DNR and U.S. Forest Service are working to understand the moose and ways to help them thrive.

Moose-safari

Exploring the boreal forest by boat or on foot is the best way to find moose. Try to scout one by hiking on the designated Moose Viewing Trail on the Gunflint or by exploring any number of hiking trails in the region. Head up to Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center for a chance to not only view a moose on one of the nature center’s trails but also learn about moose and other wild creatures from a master naturalist.

What’s Happening to all the Moose?

According to the Forest Service, Minnesota’s moose population, currently concentrated in the northeast corner of the state, is facing a decline where the cause is not understood. Aerial survey data indicate a declining population and hunter success rates have also declined over the past decade. While cow moose pregnancy rates are high in the northeast, recruitment of calves into the population is at low levels. Since 2002, moose research and monitoring have been intensified in the region, and data suggest the north -

east moose population decline is comparable to what was observed with northwest moose. That population decreased precipitously in the 1980s to early 2000s. That decline was correlated with increasing summer temperatures, although year-to-year variation was large. Both of these regional trends have been, and continue to be troubling to the Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

See page 6 for driving route ideas.

Moose Madness Poetry Contest 2016 Winners

released at 12pm and 3pm and then again on Saturday at 9am, 12pm and 3pm. Clues will be posted at Moose Headquarters and can also be found at VisitCookCounty. com/Moose.

1pm Story and Activity Time at the Library. Head on over to the Grand Marais Public Library for a moose themed story and activity!

2-5pm Lake Superior Zoomobile in the East Bay Suites lobby. Meet the zoo’s outreach animals: chinchillas, hedgehogs, tortoises, snakes, bunnies and more.

5:30-7pm Family Fun Time at the Y! Cook County YMCA will offer half priced day passes. Activities include Ride the Slide, Free Throw Contest and an Obstacle Course! Moose bucks will handed out to participants.

7pm Family Contra Dance. North House Folk School invites you to kick up your heels and join in the fun with a family contra dance. There will be live music and a caller ready to teach dances that will make you whirl and laugh. Fun for all ages and open to the public, no experience required. Suggested donation of $5-$15 at the door.

SATURDAY

6am-8pm Shopping for Sherman. All day on Saturday you can go to Buck’s Hardware and go on a hunt for the items on Sherman the Moose’s shopping list.

7:30am Sawtooth Mountain Bike Challenge. Superior Cycling Association hosts a mountain bike race for kids and adults. Distances include 22 miles, 15 miles, 8 miles and kid’s races. www.superiorcycling.org

10am-2pm Handspinning Demonstration. The Market will host Kay Rosenthal for a spinning demonstration. Rumor has it that Murray might stop by too!

11am Moose-a-Rama with the Muffin Man. Drury Lane Books invites you to come listen as the Muffin Man reads a moose themed story. The Muffin Man will be handing out Moose Bucks too!

12-3pm Pin the Antlers on the Moose. Voyageur Brewing Company invites you to come try your hand at pinning the antlers on the moose! Moose bucks will be given for all participants.

2pm The 6th Annual Moose Mosey. This event takes place in Harbor Park and is open to all. You can run, you can walk or you can mosey. Bonus points for wearing moose themed gear or buffalo plaid. The race begins in Bear Tree Park, goes down to the sidewalk and turns around ending on the beach in Harbor Park. All participants earn Moose Bucks. Additional prizes are given out for goofiest outfit and the top three finishers.

2-5pm Decorate your own Caramel Apple and Moose Cookie! For $5 you can decorate your own caramel apple or moose cookie at Gunflint Mercantile.

There once was a moose named Larry He had a big brother named Gary Attached at the hip They went on a trip To find a home on the prairie.

Claire, Age 10

If a moose could lay a big egg A little dog would always beg Each day would mean more Big eggs on the floor Even moose have to rest their legs.

Nicolai Mark, Age 12

There once was a moose named Lee Who was thirsty for chai tea So he walked to the shore And made a moose roar

Because Java Moose was empty.

Aubree Gordon, Age 9

One day I saw a big old moose And he was scaring off a goose

So I told him “stop” He picked up a mop

Big moose with a mop on the loose!

Sonja M., Age 12

So there once was a mom named Sue She vacationed here with her crew A moose stopping by Ate their blueberry pie She said ‘what’s a mother to do?’

Sue Boberg

Morris the Moose was quite hungry He found plain herbs a drudgery Watch out I.G.A.

He’s coming today And boy does Morris look ornery. Patti Pieske

Sitting on a dock by the bay Hoping that a moose comes my way Where are you, Murry?

I’m in a hurry! My boat is now sailing away. Sue Grundhoffer

There once was a dog named Zeke He loved to walk up the creek While out on the loose

He met a big moose And they camped on the creek for a week.

Gayle Harvey

Find me for candy

Best small town is where I’ll be Murry is my name. Grace Strandberg, Age 11

Fall is soon coming Wind blows, leaves fly through the sky I love the season. Brooke Stokes, Age 9

There is a rare moose It’s fur has all the colors Ha! You’re gullible. Abbi Kneeskern, Age 14

I see the footprints I follow them to the end Shh… there is the moose. Noah Sullivan, Age 11

The trail lies ahead Rough or smooth, we go forward Our spirit leads us.

Tim Grundhoffer

Crashing waves on rocks Your rhythm calms my spirit I find peace in you.

Amber Stokes

There you stand, silent Weeds dripping from your wet lips Antlers and brown fur.

Tim K.

Camping refreshes

Clears the mind and cleanses souls Take time to do it.

Kerstin Schulz

Stop

Moose are frequently seen along Cook County’s extensive network of forest roads. The best time to look for them is early and late in the day, when they are most active. Generally, moose are more abundant a few miles inland from Lake Superior, which is why they are infrequently seen along Highway 61.

While you may encounter a moose just about anywhere, the best places to look for them are in clearings, where they browse on young saplings, and near swamps or wetlands, where they find both food and cover. Here are three driving routes which pass through moose habitat. While each route includes gravel roads, all can be easily traversed with an automobile.

ROUTE 1: Pick up Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12) on Highway 61, 6 blocks east of the traffic light in Grand Marais. Turn right on Greenwood

Lake Road (309). Turn left on Shoe Lake Road (313), which connects with the Arrowhead Trail (Co. Rd. 16). Follow the Arrowhead Trail to Highway 61, turn right to return to Grand Marais (approximately 2 hours).

ROUTE 2: Pick up Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12) on Highway 61 and travel to So. Brule Road (325), turn left. At Lima Grade Road (315), turn right. At Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12), turn right to return to Grand Marais (approximately 1 ¼ hours).

ROUTE 3: Pick up Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12) on Highway 61 and travel to Devils Track Road (Co. Rd. 8), turn left. Pick up Ball Club Road (bear right onto 27). Turn left at The Grade (170). Turn left on Caribou Trail (Co. Rd. 4) to Highway 61. Turn left onto Highway 61 to return to Grand Marais (approximately 1 ¼ hours).

Spend a little time getting to know Grand Marais, while you are here for Moose Madness Weekend. The activities and events begin on Friday, Oct. 20, so before they start, we’ve got ideas for you that will make Grand Marais your home on the North Shore.

Artist's Point: It’s a great walk through a small forest! Easy climbing, crawling, rock stacking and throwing, wave watching, dog walking—and it takes you to a beautiful vista of East Bay and Lake Superior. The path starts at the Coast Guard Station, the building at the parking lot where Broadway Ave. ends. (Adult supervision needed).

Lighthouse: At the Coast Guard Station, you also have the option to walk out to the lighthouse, and have a great view of the Grand Marais Harbor, downtown Grand Marais, and of course, the Big Lake. (Adult supervision needed).

Playgrounds: 1) Sawtooth Elementary School, located at Co. Rd. 7

(W. 5th St.) and E. 1st Ave., behind the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. 2) Cook County Community Center, Co. Rd. 7 (W. 5th St.) and W. 3rd Ave. 3) Grand Marais RV and Rec Park—on Highway 61.

Easy Hikes

(need adult supervision): 1) Pincushion Mt. and Overlook –

Dr., Co. Rd.

Creek

9 miles east on Hwy. 61, and walk up the creek. 3) Cascade River State Park – 10 miles west on Highway 61, for lots of waterfalls. 4) Grand Portage State Park – 40 miles east in Hwy. 61 at the Canadian Border, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, and the walk in is handicapped accessible.

Shops: Many of our shops are kidfriendly, and have merchandise meant for children. Have fun exploring all the different shops we have to offer!

Cafés: All are kid-friendly and have choices they’ll love, with smaller portions and menus. So many choices— this is the one weekend that Murray isn’t a vegetarian!

Clean affordable lodging for the hiker, biker, skier, paddler, lake watcher & rock skipper. $25/night (+tax) for a bunk, $59/night (+tax) for a private room.

Gunflint Trail 2 miles to Pincushion

53, turn right. 2) Kadunce

–

Northern Trails Thoughts on Northern Ontario Whitetails

By Gord Ellis

What is it about the whitetail deer that makes so many people obsessed with them?

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I am crazy about both deer and deer hunting and have been for the better part of my life. Yet deer are no longer rare in the northwoods of Ontario and are ridiculously abundant across much of North America. They have even invaded many urban centres, finding homes in bush lots and green spaces very few mammals of a comparable size would be comfortable in. Deer have even begun regularly raiding our backyard garden even though we live in the heart of Thunder Bay suburbia. Normally, creatures that reach the level of potential pest lose some lustre among hunters—Canada geese come to mind—but deer have not suffered this fate. The whitetail deer is a phenomenon, and drives an ever growing multi-million dollar hunting industry.

But let me back up a bit and give you a quick overview of my personal history with deer. I grew up in a family where deer hunting was a tradition. My Grandfather Ora was a serious deer hunter, and my father Gordon Sr. did his best to follow in those footsteps. However, in the 1970s, when my Dad was getting serious about hunting and I was starting, deer were rare in the northwoods. And it’s fair to say there was a bit of a steep learning curve involved with backwoods deer hunting. From the time I was 17, until my late 20s, I did not kill a whitetail deer. I missed a couple due to buck fever, and startled many. Everything you could do wrong, this

a groundwork for success. When I finally snapped out of the slump, it happened in a big way. There would be no turning back. Yet being successful at deer hunting has not lessened the fever to do it. It grows with each passing year.

So, for the past three decades or so, I’ve spent hundreds—perhaps thousands—of hours thinking about, setting up for and hunting whitetail deer. I can’t think of any other recreational activity that has taken up more of my time and energy. My deer hunting energy has so far been largely dedicated to northwestern Ontario, but not

My Dad, two sons, and various friends have hunted around Emo, Fort Frances, Kenora, Atikokan, Barwick, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Sioux Lookout, Upsala, Shabaqua, Dorion, Nipigon and many places in between. The incredible thing about hunting these diverse areas is you get to see just how much different habitat whitetail can thrive in. Around Dryden, Fort Frances and Emo, there are huge fields the deer can feed in, with mixed forests scattered in between. It’s prime for growing both large bucks and substantial numbers of animals. On the flip side, the hunting around places like Nipigon and Sioux Lookout is

largely in thick bush with the occasional power line intersecting. It is a harsh environment and it’s not easy pickings for the deer. Food is scarce. However, given the right conditions, deer can thrive in this harsh habitat as well. Some of the very largest bucks I’ve ever laid eyes on were living in thick, boreal forest country.

One of the lessons learned about the whitetail deer is though the species has an incredible ability to survive the northern winter, it is a thin line between life and death. When I started hunting deer in the 1970s, the entire northern Ontario herd had been all but wiped out by two horrible winters in the late 1960s. The herd slowly rebuilt around Thunder Bay and was doing well until the terrible winter of 1996. Cold and unbelievable snow depth once again led to mass die offs of deer that winter.

It took another decade to rebuild the herd again, and deer numbers were exploding in 2004 and 2005. However, two long winters in 2014 and 2015 once again put the boots to the deer. It was not a total wipe out, but many areas like Dryden and Vermilion Bay saw a large chunk of the herd taken out. The big bucks mostly vanished. Watching deer come out of a deep, cold snow season is difficult. I left my trail cams out during the last two bad winters and had deer chest high in snow. Some of the animals were so emaciated you could see ribs.

Nature is cruel, yet deer are remarkably resilient. Natural selection seems to be making our northern deer larger and more able to rebound from harsh winters. As the moose herd pushes ever further north, it seems clear whitetail deer will be the primary ungulate on the northern Ontario landscape. No one wants to see fewer moose, but whitetail deer are a truly wondrous animal.

And it looks like they are here in the north to stay. I’m cool with that.

Gord Ellis with a nice northwestern Ontario buck in the rut. | GORD ELLIS

Story & Photos by Holly Watson

Solo RidingAround Lake Superior

Author Holly Watson gets ready to depart from the Bohemian Hostel in Michigan.

I have been moving to the beat of my own drum since I turned 14. Being alone and having to take care of everything is second nature. Sometimes you can’t wait around for your schedule to sync up with someone else’s. My schedule rarely does and I rarely wait.

At 24, I moved to British Columbia and got my motorcycle license to continue a dream a close friend had embedded in my head about restoring an old Honda and learning to ride. I never restored a Honda, but I owned a Shadow for a few years. I now have a BMW F650GS that I cheekishly named Lobo; Spanish for wolf. For me, riding motorcycles is partly for the adventure, but I also enjoy the emotional spectrum I go through while riding. From total happiness, freedom, anger and calm. When I get heated about something I hop on the bike, hit the highway and open the throttle. Immediately my worries fade and I usually take a break outside somewhere, where it always seems beautiful. All the world’s problems seem to wane and I am where I love to be the most; alone in the outdoors. Unless there is a mechanical problem with my bike, which is rare, the end result is always the same: pure adrenaline and smiles.

I have since moved back to Thunder Bay, my hometown outdoor mecca where Lake Superior beckons you every morning and you never know what mood it is going to be in. This lake is our god and is the local espresso shot to the brain should you jump in at the beginning of summer. I never thought to ride around the lake before I moved away since I didn’t own a bike and had different goals at the time. But the second I got back, six years later, the obvious trip to take with the beams was a tour around the greatest lake in the world—the Lake Superior Circle Tour.

Having no close friends equipped to take the trip with, naturally, this was a ride to be done alone. I learned a lot about the ride from Ride Lake Superior; a conglomerate of tourism organizations promoting motorcycles around the lake that has a plethora of

information for the ride. However, like all trips, I only planned a few sections since I know when I get somewhere spectacular or meet someone intriguing I always end up on a different and unexpected path.

My first camping destination was Pukaskwa National Park, east of Thunder Bay. I had my big baby with me so I wasn’t wilderness camping, but I did find the one and only campsite that is hidden by wooden stairs and a nice dirt path that opens up to total seclusion on one of the small inland lakes.

Hiking around the nearby trails, not even remotely penetrating the boundaries of this massive park, blew my mind. It was fiercely windy and the lake was in beast mode. With the high cliff hikes and the Canadian Shield exposed with only the toughest of plants wedged in the crevices, I was in heaven. Rocky outcrops and cliffs are my favorite landscapes. Hiking trails here are endless and the odd hiker you do meet is on the same stoke. I had a few great conversations along the way as the scenery was breathtaking; it was nice to share in the awe with each passerby.

The wind allowed for no insects, and the seclusion of my campsite made for beautiful fires and relaxing evenings. I left Pukaskwa wondering if my stay had set the bar almost too high.

Briefly, for one night, it did.

The next evening I stayed outside of Sault Ste. Marie and got rained out in a storm like I haven’t experienced in a decade. The rain was so hard that mud covered my tent. Packing in the rain the next morning, spirits were shot. However, the second I got geared up with all of my layers, the Buff, the Motor Fists, and a GoPro…all my problems seemed to go away, as they always do.

The wind was relentless for the next few days, from Sault Ste. Marie, into Michigan and up through Tahquamenon Falls and back around. The 4:1 body bike ratio was being tested and my knuckles were white.

Walking in Lake of the Clouds. My journal kept me sane during the trip. Getting firewood at Pukaskwa National Park.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located in Michigan.

Lake Fish

Modern Cooking with Freshwater Fish

By Keane Amdahl Minnesota Historical Press, $24.95

The Midwest is home to an abundance of streams and lakes, and these freshwater sources offer up much bounty, from the classic panfish and trout to walleye and Lake Superior ciscoes. Creative home cook Keane Amdahl provides creative and easy ways to prepare this versatile protein source. Arranged by fish type, recipes include appetizers like sunfish pot stickers and harissa grilled smelt with mint and cilantro yogurt; new interpretations of soup and salad standbys like whitefish and white bean soup and smoked trout kale niçoise; and flavorful main dishes like BBQ northern with Cajun fried rice and walleye basil stir-fry. A great cookbook for anyone who wishes to enjoy their catch of the day. —Breana Roy

Enchantment Lake

A Northwoods Mystery

By Margi Preus University of Minnesota Press, $11.95

After receiving a strange call from her great aunts in northern Minnesota, 17-year-old Francie decides to leave New York City to inves tigate the strange hap penings on the shores of Enchantment Lake.

The mysteries quickly multiply: a poisoned hotdish, a puzzling confession, eerie noises in the bog, and a legendary treasure said to be under enchantment—or is that under Enchantment, as in under the lake? Written by award-winning author Margi Preus, this young adult novel is filled with suspense, humor, charm and surprises.—Breana Roy

Made of 100 percent polyester, the oversized thermal throw blanket from Heat Holders is great for bundling up in on a chilly autumn evening. Measuring at 70 ¾ by 78 ¾ inches, the blanket is big enough to share. It’s also lightweight and incredibly soft and warm, as it’s made of a fur fleece called HeatWeaver. It’s fully machine washable and comes in seven different colors; black, antique silver, mulled wine, snow fall, hot chocolate, moon rock and winter fawn. To order your own or learn more, visit heatholders.com.—Breana Roy

WHY GO: Despite a fair amount of traffic as the portages to two BWCAW entry points are on Round, the lake doesn’t receive a whole ton of fishing pressure. Managed for walleyes and smallmouth bass, Round is a decent place to fish for either species.

ACCESS: There is no boat ramp on the lake. There’s a carry-in access on the north side of the lake for canoes and small boats. This access is near the end of the Gunflint Trail, off Round Lake Road, from which you will follow the signs and turn right onto Forest Service Road 1495. Though the lake sits entirely outside of the BWCAW, the entry points for 51 (Missing Link) and No. 52 Brant Lake (by way of West Round and Edith lakes) are accessed via two portage trails on the southwest side of the lake.

VITALS: This 148-acre Cook County lake sits mostly inside the Superior National Forest, with some private property on the north side of the lake, where Tuscarora Outfitters operates. According to the Minnesota DNR, the lake is 45 feet deep, with average water clarity at 15.5 feet.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleyes, white suckers, and yellow perch.

WALLEYES: While most people that set paddle on Round rarely take time to fish it, the lake is a decent walleye hole.

“It’s kind of a flyover lake,” said Andy

McDonnell, co-owner of Tuscarora Lodge, speaking of typical canoe trippers on the lake, coming and going. “All of their stuff is packed. They never even give it a thought.”

But McDonnell does manage to fish the lake a little every year, and he hears reports from his guests on the lake, which generally check out with a 2015 fisheries survey conducted by Minnesota DNR. The survey turned up fair numbers of walleye, with five year classes present.

“The majority of the walleye are 14 to 16, even 18 inches,” McDonnell said.

DNR manages the lake for ol’ marble eyes, as well as smallmouth bass, and the most recent survey was the first of three scheduled in a 2014 lake management plan that will determine whether a stocking regimen starting in 2009 (a cycle of stocking for two consecutive years, followed by no stocked fish for two consecutive years) would produce a walleye fishery that meets a long-term goal of three fish per set, with fish over 20 inches.

That first survey, which employed both trap and gill nets, jibed with McDonnell’s observations, with most of the fish between 12 and 19 inches. Indeed, two fish in the survey did measure at least 20 inches.

June, as the water temps warm, offers typically the best walleye fishing, he said, but there’s a classic fall walleye bite on the lake, with fish tending to hold deep, when

ROUND LAKE

some big walleyes have been caught in the deeper waters.

“You fish the big holes with big bait and minnows, but it is painfully slow,” he said.

SMALLIES: While Round may be managed for smallmouth bass, it’s status as a decent smallie hole has yet to be reflected in DNR’s survey, though bass don’t always turn up in the gear fisheries crew tend to use.

“I see one legit 20inch smallmouth bass a year,” McDonnell said, noting that a number of 16-inchers tend to turn up, too.

That recent survey showed a strong group of three-year-old fish from the 2012 year class.

The survey suggested that growth of young smallmouth bass was slow, with three-year-old fish reaching just 6.1 inches by the end of their third year.

PICKIN’ UP SPARE PERCH: While the survey showed only five perch total, and none of any size, McDonnell said the lake does have a few decent-sized perch.

“If people are looking for yellow perch, this is not a bad lake for it,” he said, noting the occasional 13- and 14-inch perch reported. While there are also white suckers in Round, yellow perch are the main forage fish for the lake’s predators, which include northern pike. Round isn’t known for its pike, though McDonnell said he hears occasionally of decent fish caught, the biggest being a 40-incher.—Javier Serna

Portage to Missing Link Lake

Wild Traditions

Farming in the North: Stone-ground Flour and more

By Julia Prinselaar

If you’re passing through Thunder Bay, you may not expect to find fields of corn, soy, rye and barley along the highway southwest of the city.

In a region with a reputation for ruggedness—its classic Canadian scenery of rocks, water and trees—farmland in northwestern Ontario might appear a little out of place.

In fact, there are more than 49,000 acres of farmland in the Thunder Bay District, much of which is located in the fertile Slate River Valley that has rich deposits of silty clay-loam soil.

According to Dr. Tarlok Singh Sahota, director of research and business at the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station (TBARS), that number will grow. He says the north presents a “huge opportunity” for agriculture expansion at a time when room in southern Ontario has all but run out.

“The only chance of expansion is in northern Ontario,” Sahota tells me during a phone interview.

Historically, the majority of farmland around Thunder Bay has been devoted to growing hay crops like grasses and oats until the area was improved with tile drainage infrastructure in the 1970s. Better drainage allowed farmers to grow alfalfa, and decades later, soybeans. Today, corn is

a regular crop in the fields, and canola was introduced about four years ago.

With the help of the station, a non-profit corporation that assists farmers with crop diversification and the development of growing techniques in the north, new cash crops have been introduced since the station was founded in 1991.

FLU SHOTS

Flu Shot Clinics:

A lot of the crops we see in Thunder Bay are grown for feed, often by dairy farmers who grow grains for their cattle. But through smaller-scale test plots, farmers continue to try new crops for more profitable means. In the last decade or so, they’ve been able to pick up spring wheat, winter rye, barley, flax and galega, a pe -

rennial forage legume that’s been tested at TBARS for seven years.

That’s not to say farming in the north is without its challenges. Crops like corn need heat and can be finicky about moisture; with this season’s wet spring and cool temperatures, it hasn’t grown well.

But Sahota remains optimistic.

“Every year there are some new additions. Our farmers are very enterprising.”

On that note, I caught up with Andrea Burke of Brule Creek Farms next to her vending table at the Thunder Bay Country Market one Saturday morning. Her husband, Jeff, was back at home harvesting their 135 acre farm in Conmee Township where they grow wheat, rye, buckwheat and canola. There, they run a flour mill using a mix of heritage methods and modern technology.

“Our mills are two pink granite stones. After the seed is cleaned it goes through one set of smaller mills just to crack the grain, and it goes through a second mill to pulverize it into flour. Then we use a sifting machine to sift it. So that way, all of the bran and oil is intact, and it’s all being ground together versus separating the bran and the oil from the endosperm, the white part, and then mixing it back together later,” said Burke.

Burke explained that most whole grain flour on the market isn’t truly whole grain—producers are only obligated to put a certain percentage of bran back into the flour, resulting in a less nutritious product than what consumers might expect.

“The heritage process is important to us because we’re trying to make a product as simply as possible, as close to what it’s like in the field with a minimal amount of production,” said Burke, adding that their flour contains no bleach or additives.

“That’s a big part of our flour. It’s important to us that the grain itself is wholesome, that it’s nutritious...We have quite a few customers who buy our flour who can’t eat other flour. And they thought they may have been gluten intolerant but perhaps it’s something else.”

She stood next to a shelf of products that come out of their farm. Pouches of wheat flour and a line of baking mixes including pancake, pizza, bread, cookies and scones. A few years ago they started growing non-genetically modified canola as a rotation crop. It did so well that they now produce cold-pressed canola oil.

“It’s not as efficient of a way to process oil, but we think it gives it a deeper flavour,” says Burke, contending that their business values nutritional quality above large-scale production and the compromises that can come with it. “Otherwise, what’s the point?”

Trust in the Process

Jamar Company leaders Craig Fellman and Troy Sundbom are thrilled about the job growth and economic diversification our project will bring to the region. And they have faith in the people and the permitting process that will ensure the job is done responsibly.

[TOP] Andrea Burke at the Thunder Bay Country Market. | BRULE CREEK FARMS

[ABOVE LEFT] Non-genetically modified canola oil, produced at Brule Creek Farms. | BRULE CREEK FARMS

[ABOVE RIGHT] Jeff Burke and his tractor. | BRULE CREEK FARMS

northern sky

OCTOBER 2017

By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

October is known for its clear, crisp weather, so let’s hope the pattern holds.

Mars joined Venus in the morning sky about a month ago. Mars is climbing as Earth starts to catch up to it in the orbital race, while Venus is slowly dropping as it gets ready to sail behind the sun. On the 5th, the planets slip by each other, coming within half a full-moon width. Look low in the east about an hour before sunrise; Venus will be the slightly higher and brighter object.

While you’re at it, turn to the west to see the almost full moon getting ready to set, and take a gander at the winter constellations in the south. Southeast of Orion’s hourglass form, Sirius, the brightest of stars, shines from Canis Major, the big dog. On the evening of the 5th, the harvest moon rises to light fields for farmers bringing in their crops.

As the days go by, Mars climbs higher as the moon wanes to a thin crescent. The morning of the 17th, one cusp of the

moon points to Mars. The next morning, the older, thinner moon rises below Venus to complete a pleasing stack of one moon and two planets.

Jupiter disappears into the sunset in the first few days of the month, but fear not. The king of planets reappears in the morning sky next month, and just like Mars, it’ll pass close to Venus as it climbs. And because it climbs much faster than Mars, it sweeps very close to Mars, too; that happens in early January. All in all, morning viewers have plenty to look forward to.

In the evening sky, look for the Great Square of Pegasus high in the southeast or south. Below it, the Circlet of Pisces is fun to find, and that lone bright star low in the south is Fomalhaut, the mouth of Piscis Austrinus, the southern fish.

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: d.umn.edu/planet.

Tettegouche State Park

Photo by Gary Alan Nelson

Passage Island Lighthouse is the northernmost American lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

| U.S. COAST GUARD

land Lighthouse on the island’s western shore, two keepers met tragic endings. In 1906, two First Nations men arrived on May 19 with provisions for 61-year-old Thomas Hamilton, who was single and had been the keeper since 1899. Sadly, they found Hamilton dead. On his death certificate, his death is listed due to a hemorrhage about May 12. Then five years later, John Forbes, the island’s lighthouse keeper since 1908, died on October 16, 1911, but the actual cause is somewhat of a mystery. An article published October 21 in the U.S. newspaper The Syracuse Journal, reports that he was murdered on the island by two men who, after drinking a gallon cask of wood alcohol, also died and their bodies were found in a cabin at a nearby bay. However, on Forbes’ death registration it lists that the 75-year-old Forbes died on October 16 at McKellar General Hospital in Fort William

The lighthouse tender Marigold was commissioned in 1891 for service with the 11th Lighthouse District until 1939. | U.S. COAST GUARD

(now Thunder Bay) due to “excessive drinking of whiskey and wood alcohol” resulting in “alcoholic poison.” (Wood alcohol was used to clean the light at the lighthouse.)

Lighthouse keepers had to be hardy, sturdy and resourceful, particularly if they were posted on remote locations like Ontario’s Caribou Island Lighthouse in eastern Lake Superior, about 65 miles from Ontario’s North Shore (the lighthouse is actually

on the small Lighthouse Island, southwest of the larger Caribou Island). In 1912, on his first year as keeper of Caribou Island Lighthouse, George Johnston brought along plenty of ammunition for hunting, but forgot to bring a rifle—so, he made himself a homemade rifle. And when he broke his leg in an accident, Johnston set the bone, splinted the leg, and made a pair of crutches to get around. Johnston stayed as keeper

The Rock of Ages Lighthouse, first lit in 1910, was built on a small rock outcropping about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Isle Royale. Before construction began in 1908, there were several shipwrecks on the Rock of Ages reef, including the 200-foot side-wheeler Cumberland in 1877 and the HenryChisholm in 1898. The lighthouse was automated in 1978 and was named to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1983. | WIKIMEDIA

at Caribou with his family for another 10 years until 1922.

In 1991, the last lighthouse keepers were taken off the Great Lakes when all the lighthouses had become automated.

BLANKET ISLAND, ROSSPORT

SIBLEY PENINSULA

PIE

HISTORIC STORE

EXPANSIVE LAKE SUPERIOR RETREAT. Lake Superior charm and seclusion awaits on this park-like private retreat property with almost 90 acres, 1793 feet of shore, and 3 classic Aldrich log cabins with outstanding lake views. A rare, unique opportunity! MLS# 6030553 $2,250,000

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR CUSTOM HOMEGATEWAY TO OUTDOORS ADVENTURE. Custom built lake home set on 224 ft of magical Superior shore overlooking a wildflower fen with a small creek. Quality and detail are uncompromised. Massive windows allow the moods and light of Superior to pervade the entire living space. Features a large stone fireplace, exposed hammer-beam trusses, gourmet kitchen, and huge garage on 5.34 secluded acres. MLS# 6031199 $789,000

FOUR SEASONS GUEST HOUSE.

LAKE SUPERIOR HOME SITE. Great Lake Superior lot with an excellent site for walkout. Surveyed and level open location for your new home. This 1.07 acre parcel

LUTSEN LAKE SHORE. Exceptional Lake Superior property in highly regarded Lutsen area. 150 feet of accessible ledge rock and gravel beach shoreline. Large, level building site surrounded by mature cedar, spruce and fir trees.

MLS# 6024548 $299,500

GUNFLINT LAKE HOME – SAND BEACH. This charming 2 bdrm home sits on 4.62 acres, just 40 ft from the dramatic shore on a point. Many custom features and built-ins, 3-car detached garage with a fantastic upper level apartment, lrg storage sheds, plus a very unique and rare sand beach! MLS# 6026327 $529,000

moss covered boulders and privacy make this a classic Lake Superior lot. 200' shoreline with partial driveway in place, shared road maintenance, power and Broadband. Easy access from Hwy 61, yet private and secluded feeling. MLS# 6029039 $212,500 SECLUSION AND SERENITY

panoramic views of the lake. MLS# 2313197 $199,900 A UNIQUE & SPECTACULAR BUILDING SITE. This site is build-ready for your dream home plus garage lot. Spectacular views and privacy. All hookups are ready – septic, water, electric, phone & propane. House plans are available. Only 8 owners share this park-like former resort property. MLS 6023745 $60,000

WILDERNESS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY. 2000+ acres of Cook County land with 6 lakes. Over 10,000' of shoreline. Various parcels spread across the Superior National Forest, most accessible via forest service roads. The Mark Lake parcel is 159 acres with 200’ shoreline for sale separately: $219,000. MLS#6025545 $3,100,000

CLASSIC CABIN ON CLEARWATER LAKE.

Comfortable, well maintained 2 bdrm, 1 bath cabin cared for by the same family for over 60 years. 205 feet of shoreline on much sought after Clearwater lake with direct access to the BWCA. MLS# 6027760 $259,000

A-FRAME ON POPLAR LAKE. Classic 2 bdrm, 2 bath A-Frame cabin in a beautiful setting overlooking Poplar Lake. End of the road privacy with year-round access. Very nice, gentle path to the 156’ of lake shore. Nice mix of trees. MLS# 6024438 $160,000

CABIN WITH BWCAW VIEW ON MCFARLAND. This super 2 bdrm cabin has great views of the Palisades and the west end of McFarland Lake. Just a stone’s throw from the BWCAW! Comes furnished including pontoon boat, fishing boats, canoe, dock, and two Onan generators. MLS# 6029644 $205,000

RARE GUNFLINT LAKE PARCEL. Exceptional lot with 344' of waterfront features unreal views and privacy. Use the slope of this lot to your advantage when considering what style to build. Power and broadband available. Borders public land! MLS# 6027298 $225,000

THREE PRIME PIKE LAKE LOTS. Three lake lots with wilderness, woods, and lakeshore are waiting for your dream lake home or cabin. Pristine views, towering white pine, +/- 200' accessible shoreline each with crystal clear water and great privacy. Good driveway in place, ideal location, power and broadband available. Four total lots can be purchased together at a discount. MLS# 6028199, 6028230-31 $174,900 ea.

LEVEL LOTS, NICE WOODS, EASY SHORE. These three Devil Track Lake lots have easy access from a county road, with power, phone, broadband and great building sites. South shore, 200 ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here. MLS# 6027317-6027319 $198,900 each

LIKE NEW LAKE ESCAPE – TOM LAKE. Newer lake home, 2 bdrms, 1 bath, full kitchen, great screen porch. Grid power and Broadband available. Newer septic and well. Furnishings included + boat, motor, dock and boat lift. Protected 233 feet of shore. MLS# 6027514 $197,500

PRIME PIKE LAKE. Wilderness, woods and lakeshore. Pristine views of Superior Nat'l across the lake, towering white pine overhead. Virgin pine and cedar are unique here! The 252' frontage and 3 acres have gentle shore, crystal clear water and great privacy. Driveway and drilled well. Power and Broadband available. Fishing, wildlife and easy access to Lutsen or Grand Marais. MLS# 6028197 $179,900

MLS# 6021031 $159,900

PRIVACY ON

CHARMING LOG

– POPLAR LAKE. Dense mixed forest, great views, & classic wilderness shoreline make this lot perfect for a mid-trail lake home. Two acres with over 160' shoreline and nice west views. MLS# 6026287 $134,900

CARIBOU LAKE - HOME SITE. New price is well below tax assessed value. Magnificent old-growth cedar and maple trees. Great, high build site on Sawmill Bay. 5.34 acres and 185’ lake frontage. MLS# 2203572 $95,000 NEW! TOM LAKE CABIN –GREAT VIEWS. This 2 bdrm cabin on Tom Lake has great potential. The inside is in nice shape, the exterior needs some love. Great screen porch, unique and rare boat house, and gentle lot with 165' shoreline and dock. Furnishings included! MLS# 6031289 $89,900 LOT ON NINEMILE LAKE. Beautiful, large lot on Ninemile Lake in Finland. Lot adjoins Superior National Forest and Cabin Creek Unit Roadless Area with excellent shoreline and views. Power and year round access! MLS #6028511 $69,000

TALK ABOUT WILDERNESS! Private, deep wilderness parcel. 17 acres includes almost 300’ frontage on Tucker Lake plus a section of Tucker River. Superior Nat’l Forest lands next door with BWCAW just across the lake. MLS# 6028852 $69,900

CABIN RETREAT. This cozy little log cabin sits in the woods on beautiful McFarland Lake. The sleeping loft and screen porch make it feel bigger than it is. The lot has 150 feet of frontage and there's plenty of room for a future main cabin. MLS# 6028241 $152,900

SECLUDED AND PEACEFUL - MCFARLAND LAKE. Quality built cabin tucked in a mature cedar forest with great views of the palisade. One bdrm plus lrg loft, nice kitchen, dining & cozy living area with wood stove. A lrg work/storage shed with beautiful cedar sauna & deck included. MLS# 6027273 $169,900

BIRCH LAKE CABIN. Two bedroom cabin plus charming log bunkhouse on 150 feet of shoreline. Comfortable accommodations for year-round recreational fun. Water, septic, generator power, small garage, large shed, dock platform. Very private, easy access to BWCA. MLS# 6028894 $164,900 TOM LAKE GETAWAY. Well constructed and maintained cabin with year round access, electric and broadband. Enjoy the solitude, wildlife, the new sauna, and great fishing from this perfect location. Level access to the lake shore. MLS# 6029506 $149,900

NEW! RARE ELBOW LAKE LOT. For the fisherman who has almost everything. This is a very private 1 acre parcel surrounded by federal land with 268’ shoreline. Your own shore lunch spot! MLS# 6031436 $50,000 GREAT PRICE LAKE LOTS. Deep woods, seclusion and nice views from these Tom Lake lots. This is the desired west side of the lake with access from the Camp 20 Rd. Enjoy a peaceful lake property with good access. Great back roads to explore. Adjacent land available. MLS# 6030741, 6030742 $49,900 each

NORTHWOODS VACATION GET-AWAY. This recently remodeled and updated ski-in/ski-out condo has 1 bdrm, 2 baths, fireplace, and great views of the ski hills, plus distant views of the Poplar River. Walk to the pool, playground, restaurants – everything you need! MLS# 6027382 $118,000

SUPERIOR LIVING ON THE LAKE. Gorgeous 2 bdrm, 2 bath condo with unobstructed Lake Superior views! This unit has had everything redone and replaced. Convenient location with access to many recreational opportunities. MLS# 6026577 $144,000

A GEM IN THE WOODS. There is quality and detail at every turn in this magnificent 2 bdrm, 2 bath home hidden on 30 acres in the Grand Portage State Forest. Marble stairs and floors, loft, master bath with hot tub & sauna, soaring cathedral ceilings, and 2000 sq ft attached garage. Not your typical home in the woods, this is a rare gem waiting for someone who loves the outdoors, but wants the class of an elegant home at the end of the day. MLS# 6022895 $575,000

MOUNTAIN TOP VIEWS

- LOG HOME. The ultimate wilderness retreat - 160 acres surrounded by gov't lands. No one will find you here! The log home is masterfully built and lovingly cared for. Solar power, well and septic. Super nice sauna building. Solitude awaits from this mountain-top retreat.

MLS# 6027934 $524,900

HOMES & CABINS

SECLUDED COUNTRY HOME - RURAL GRAND

MARAIS. This single-level, well maintained 2 bdrm, 2 bath home sits on 24 acres with a huge pond as part of Woods Creek. Great yard with beautiful views of the pond. High maple ridge, adjoins federal land. Huge insulated garage, large covered porch. Minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 6029005 $319,900

CLASSIC FARM HOUSE AND 20 ACRES. Simply charming country home with outbuildings and some pasture for your horse! The 3 bdrm, 2 bath home has a country kitchen/dining room, huge living room, & 3 season porch. A cute log cabin sits near the home, and the land is special with a lrg wildlife pond & planted pines. More land is available. MLS# 2309191 $259,900 PRICE REDUCED!

FANTASTIC LOG HOME NEAR GRAND MARAIS Two story 3 bdrm log home only 10 mins from Grand Marais. Stone wood-burning fireplace, dramatic curved stairway, views of Lake Superior, lrg garage, and wood-burning sauna. Spacious

HOME IN PARADISE. Great views and walk to the expansive Lake Superior beach. Large 2 bdrm, 3 bath home, quality updates, new large septic system, new kitchen appliances, new furnace and

TIMBER FRAMED LOG HOME OVERLOOKING TOM LAKE. Charming log cabin on 78 acres with seasonal views of Tom Lake. Large loft bedroom and covered porch with swing. Stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and metal roof. Year-round access. Furnishings and generator included. MLS# 6027412 $177,000

pond. A screened porch for summer dining. The living room is open and includes the kitchen and dining. A cozy Franklin stove warms the whole building. The full basement is a complete guest space . Generator power and over 100 acres to explore. MLS# 6029349 $269,000

BEAUTIFUL HOME IN THE WOODS. Fantastic 3 bdrm, 2 bath cabin with sauna and bunkhouse. The 3.78 acres is surrounded by forest with Ninemile Lake across the road. Large kitchen/ dining space, incredible master suite, upper level sunroom. Lots of room for guests! MLS# 6029835 $229,900

NORTH SHORE RETREAT. A little one room cabin waiting for you to make it into something. 3.8 acres on the Lake Superior side of Hwy 61 with decent lake views; you'll feel the lake effect. The cabin is kind of rough, but maybe this is the project you've been looking for. MLS# 6027897 $36,000

What's your idea? MLS# 6018972 $215,000 PRICE REDUCED! FANTASTIC GRAND

MARAIS HOME. This solidly built one-level home has 3 bdrms, 2 baths, and attached 2-car garage. Open layout, updated mechanicals, geo-thermal system, new septic, and private wooded back yard with creek. Adjacent lot (MLS# 6022810) also for sale. MLS# 6029340 $199,000

Ahhh October, Turn Turn Turn. It’s a Wowser Time of Year!

OVER 600 FT OF LUTSEN’S LAKE

SUPERIOR! Meander the tree lined driveway along Lutsen’s Rollins Creek Road, stumble upon the connecting ponds with Fountain and Sculpture celebrating the Sounds of Springtime! Over 8 acres of rolling terrain, experience the manicured path to the ponds, or stroll down the rock steps to the Tumultuous Shoreline, the Waves Pounding the over 600 ft of Rock with plenty of Splash! Inside the Fabulous home your guests will enjoy the Cascade of the Creek to the Big Lake just outside their bedroom window. The master bedroom Welcomes the Sunrises via huge windows overlooking the drooling shoreline… 0r Says Goodnight to the Sun while watching the flickering of the fireplace from bed. All the other parts of the home are Magnificent, from the gazebo with hot tub, to the large library, to the gourmet kitchen with function and charm. See it to Believe it is the Best! MLS# 6019683 $1,197,000

WOWSER LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTY!

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

MLS#6026038 $530,000

WATERFALLS ON LAKE SUPERIOR, WALK TO GRAND MARAIS!

SIMPLE LIVING ON LAKE

SUPERIOR! A Step up from Thoreau’s Cabin, Enjoy the peace and quiet this lovely little cabin offers on over 300 ft of Lake Superior Shoreline! Electric, and Nice gas Stove makes this a comfy and welcoming Cabin!

MLS#6026595 $240,000

FINE LIVING ON LAKE SUPERIOR!

Welcoming main level living space has awesome views from every room. Kitchen is large and functional, great for entertaining! Dining area features birch flooring, and overlooks the Great room and beautiful Lake Superior! Sweet master suite! One car attached! Nice low maintenance living on the Big Lake!

LAKE SUPERIOR AT CUT FACE CREEK! This home is waiting for YOU to personalize this home and make it your OWN! Mint condition, well maintained, it’s just waiting for you to mold the master bedroom of your dreams in to this lovely setting and home. Plenty of Lake Superior shoreline to afford you lots of privacy! And the location just can’t be beat! Walk to the Cut Face Creek wayside park to look for agates, and come home to Comfort! Minutes to Grand Marais OR Lutsen! A Must See home! MLS#6023379 $549,000

MLS#6027026 $374,900

OVER 300 FT OF COOL SHORELINE TO CRAWL OVER! Super Lake Superior Home with a huge Prow of Windows showing off Excellent Lake Superior views! The home has a fantastic layout for year round living or for your getaway home! Main level master suite, gourmet kitchen and a Great Room to Wow your friends and family! MLS# 6028087 $699,900 SUPER VALUE!

Stunning home in a Wilderness Setting with Incredible Lakeshore, a combination of Ledgerock and pebble beach! Awake in the morning to the sounds of the Waterfall cascading in to Lake Superior just outside your bedroom window! This striking home is move in ready, main level living with a sweet master bedroom and bath. Lower level walk out area for your friends and family to enjoy! Two plus car garage, with an awesome Man Cave with views of Lake Superior! Gorgeous Landscape, Gorgeous Lake Superior Home. A Must See, including the Little House! MLS#6026723 $799,900 LAKE SUPERIOR GETAWAY, MINUTES TO LUTSEN! Sprawling Views, Lovely Mint Condition home with over 300 ft of Lake Superior Shoreline, accessible AWESOME cove all to yourself! Designed for main level living with lower level for guests! 2 car detached, Perfect Getaway! MLS# 6023113 $550,000 RUGGED ELEGANCE ON LAKE SUPERIOR! LUTSEN’S CASCADE BEACH RD LOCATION, 200 ft of level access shoreline and a helluva great home! Spectacular Fireplace, Remodeled Kitchen-Incredible! Master Suite with a bathroom to LOVE. Recently renovated and updated, this home is Move In Ready for your Family to Enjoy! MLS#6029989 $799,000 NEW! MULFINGER HOME ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Wilderness Wonderland on Stonegate, Gorgeous home with incredible quality and design. Lake Superior is one with this Home! Gourmet Kitchen, Warm and Welcoming great room with Basalt Stone fireplace and huge hearth. Really a Must See home! MLS#6028622 $745,000

DESIGN AND ELEGANCE ON DEERYARD

LAKE, LUTSEN. Lindal Cedar Home, dramatic stone fireplace set amongst posts & beams of Douglas Fir. Designer kitchen,

LITTLE CABIN ON LOON LAKE! Peaceful living overlooking Loon Lake and the Wilderness! New stairway to the lake meanders through the woods…a great setting for this really nice and comfortable cabin with loft bedroom and Views that will Knock your socks off! It’s the perfect Tiny Home for your Gunflint Trail adventures! MLS#6028432 $211,000

Hwy 1 area Hunting Cabin on 10 ac MLS#2309318 $64,900

Whitetail Ridge Overlooking Lake Superior! Just off Highway 1, Enjoy Sprawling Lake and Ridgeline views and Rugged Terrain! Yr Round Access, Electric. MLS# 6024856 $110,000

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

MLS#2309327 $129,000

Rocky Wall Overlooking Lake Superior just outside Silver Bay. MLS#2244646 $99,000

Rock Road in Silver Bay area! Great build site with creek frontage! MLS#2308638 $45,000

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

MLS#2309096 $39,000 REDUCED!

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#2024250 $49,900 REDUCED!

DRAMATIC Mountain Top Views, Rolling Hills, Maple Forests fading in to Spruce and Pine and year round access. FROM $70,000 MLS#2090628

NEW! Lot 3 High Ridge Drive, Premier View Acreage New on the Market! Acreage and Awesome Views, driveway in place and build site ready!

MLS#6031037 $59,000

Sawbill Trail Tofte Lake Superior Views, Mature Spruce forest with driveway and well in place! MLS#6030129 $99,900

LeVeaux Mountain, Super Views and Wildlife Ponds! MLS#2220050 $69,000

Ahhh October, Turn Turn Turn. It’s a Wowser Time of Year!

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#2070509 Prices from $24,900!!

Wowser Lake Superior views on Overlook Tr!

MLS#2296509 $79,900

Maples with lots of Elbow Room, Year Round access and nice location between Cross River in Schroeder and Finland!

MLS#6028422 $59,000

Wowser Lake Superior Views perched on LeVeaux Mountain in Tofte! Big Views, Great location minutes from Lutsen Mtn, BlueFin Bay. Must see land!

MLS#6028132 $79,000

Holy Smokes! End of the Road bordering County land, Tofte. HUGE value with 2 lots sold for the price of one!

MLS#6028792 $49,900

1046 Cramer Rd-Schroeder-40 ac with creek and tons of Maples! OMG it’s a beautiful parcel with high elevations and ravine like creek. Driveway is in!

MLS#6028837 $98,000

BIG TIME VIEWS of Lake Superior-Tofte, Excellent value at Johannes Toftey

MLS#6029322 $68,500

Overlook at LeVeaux Mountain-Tofte!

Serene Woodsy setting with Lake Views! MLS#6029324 $49,000

Maples Galore, Acreage! Schroeder Location with Yr Round Access and Electric!

MLS#6029593 $99,000

NEW! Nice large parcel #19 at Sugarloaf Retreats, Boreal Forest land with yr rd access/electric.

MLS#6031140 $44,400

REDUCED!

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#2308906 $299,000

SWEET PARCEL ON SWALLOW

LAKE in Isabella area! 220 ft of shoreline, 2.5 ac! MLS#2300576 $64,900

Mature Spruce and BIG Lake Views! Walk to Blue Fin Bay, drilled well in place! MLS#2272174 $49,900

Nice parcel bordering USFS land, driveway roughed in, access to Tait Lk! MLS#6023412 $35,000

Woodland Foothills Build Ready lots, Shared Water & Community Septic from MLS#2309328+ FROM $39,000

Heartland of Lutsen, 80 ac at the Foothills of Ski Hill ridge, near downtown Lutsen! MLS#2312987 $119,000

Over 8 ac of Wilderness on Turnagain Trail in Lutsen! MLS#2216560 $45,000

Prime Build Site(s) just off theCaribou at Jonvick Creek! MLS#2240533 $49,000

Gorgeous 5 acre parcels in the Heart of Lutsen paved Caribou Trail locale bordering USFS lands!

MLS#2174799 From $54,900 - $77,500

Creek Build Site just off the Caribou Trail at Jonvick Creek!

Rare and Unique Build site! MLS#2289515 $57,500

30 acres of Prime Wilderness Land with year round access and electric at street with Views of Lutsen’s famed Clara Lake! MLS#2080599 $137,500

Maple Leaf Trail at Jonvick, Maples Galore!

Nice elevated build site. Yr Round access, electric. MLS#6024972 $49,000

“Sunset North”

perched along the coveted Onion River Road this sweet 5 acre build site has a roughed in driveway and a nice mixture of trees. Super location for recreating!

MLS#6027996 $57,500

Ridgetop Views Overlooking Caribou Lake! Tuck your home in to the Maple hillside in Lutsen, year round access. Super Location! MLS#6028429 $56,500

Tait Lake area, Legend Trail parcel bordering USFS lands with views of Wills and Williams Lake!

MLS#6028619 $67,500

Wilderness Lutsen location at Tait Lake- backlot with Driveway in place! Yr Round and Electric

MLS#6029115 $37,500

Ridgetop 5+ ac in Lutsen, Ski Hill and Lake Superior Views! Fab Location, Boreal Forest with Maples!

MLS#603266 $49,900

Ski Hill Road lands, Boreal Lane is your Key To Mountain Top Living! 5 ac lots from MLS#6029557+ $59,000 TO $99,000

Cty 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#1599157 $79,900 REDUCED!

20 Acres near Pike Lake, minutes to the new Boat Landing! Driveway is in place, nice shed. Panoramic Wilderness! MLS#6028569 $69,000

Grand Marais Meadows on County Rd 7, Gorgeous Setting, Super location! MLS#6029849+ $65,000

SWEET CLARA LAKE SHORELINE! Level

Access from Build Site to Rocky Shores.Superior National Forest Lands! Electric, yr round access, Old Cabin in place to use now and build later! MLS#1600179 $199,000

LAKESHORE 10+ ACRES BORDERING

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST! in Lutsen, year round access with over 10 acres and 200 feet of shoreline! Hilltop building site with cleared path thru cedar forest to Christine Lake, a super wilderness lake great for paddling your days away! MLS#6023288 $99,900

END OF THE ROAD SPECTACULAR 280 ft of cliff shoreline with unobstructed Views across Lake Superior! Little Marais area, Build ready, driveway already in place! MLS#2313255 $235,000 REDUCED!

400 FT OF STUNNING LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE minute’s to the Cross River in Schroeder! Rolling terrain, nice Evergreen stand giving nice buffer from ANY highway noise. Worth the walk through the wilderness to see the AMAZING 400 ft of sprawling ledge rock shoreline!! MLS#2313305 $440,000 SALE PENDING

MLS#6031145

LOVELY DEERYARD LAKE PARCEL! Lutsen’s Secret Treasure, Deeryard is a peaceful respite from the busy life outside the Northwoods. Maple hillside cascades in to the clear waters!

MLS#6027527 $189,900

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#2309271 $799,000

PIKE LAKE SHORELINE, PRIME rocky s horeline, dropping off to nice depth! Awesome mixed boreal forest, high ground for build site. South facing, year round access, electric. Build your dream home, ask for Lot 6 Willard Lane!

$199,900

Meander in to the Sawtooth Ridges where folks enjoy the peace and seclusion of the Wilderness! 20 acres off Victory Lane-Off Grid Living!

REAL ESTATE SALES

Northern Light Lake Ontario

dollar view. Practical layout, natural stone fireplace customizes den and multiple decks for you to enjoy the views.

MLS 6029901 $569,900

Amazing cabin with cobblestone fireplace, all wood floors & tons of windows, nestled in by the water’s edge. 400’ of meandering ledgerock shoreline on 2.97A.

MLS 6027296 $599,900 SOLD

41 Naniboujou Trail

3BR, 3BA designed with appreciation for quality. 132’ gravel beach perfect for walking, fires, and kayaks! Family room, sauna, attached garage, workshop and large deck.

MLS 6031425 $399,900 NEW

9140 W Hwy 61

Spacious 3BR, 2BA home. Every bedroom has stunning views of Lake Superior. Large deck, timber frame bunkhouse; 300’ shore, 30x40 pole barn, 2 car garage and woodshed.

MLS 6027781 $499,900

57XX East Hwy 61 - $89,500 SOLD

4.10A Lake Superior lot; 280’ shore. Driveway, septic mound, and underground electric already in place. Easy-to-walk shingle/small cobble beach. MLS 6028143

2884 W Hwy 61 - $279,900

1.30A, very attractive piece of vacant lakeshore located just past Terrace Point. 371’ of stunning ledgerock shoreline, with incredible views of the Grand Marais Harbor and the Sawtooth Mountain Ridge Line. MLS 6027340

2888 W Hwy 61 - $249,900

Fabulous views of both Artist Point and the Sawtooth Mountains! Stunning Lake Superior lot with 1.24A, 200’ ledgerock shoreline embedded with Thomsonite Stones. MLS 6027323

Stonegate Rd $194,900 - $199,900

2 lots along scenic Chicago Bay. Nicely wooded and private! 1-2A with 200+’ shore. MLS 6030329 Terrace Point - $549,999 The classic and iconic Terrace

4512 Cascade Beach Rd

Homes & Cabins

Inland Lake Homes

Nicely

6029508 NEW PRICE $359,500

Historic Lutsen Lockport sites

Great Lutsen location tucked up behind the Lutsen general business district, yet private with 5+ acre lots. This is a very

Jonvick Creek Sites in Lutsen.

curbside. Great Lutsen location just offCaribou Trail. Convenient to everything, yet private. Great Pricing.

Pancore Lake, Tofte

Pancore Lake is a pretty special area. Only three private parcels adjoin this lake with the US Forest service occupying the majority of shoreline on the entire north shore side of the lake. This property is approximately 60 acres offering some towering views yet has a very nice gentle access to the lake with 250’ of shoreline and multiple build sites available. MLS 6028959 $195,400

Lot 6 Block 5.

This was one of the very first lots purchased because of its outstanding location. Nestled adjacent to the River 7 Green -

Grand Marais Area

Pine Marten

This cute little pine marten crossed one of the Forest Service roads in front of me, north of Isabella. As it made it to the other side, I saw it jump into a tree and with camera in hand, I investigated. It sat, eye height for two or three minutes while I was able to get several shots. I think we both had an interesting afternoon.

—Ken Hupila

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