Northern Wilds

Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore and More:

A Guide for Sightseers, Hikers and Romantics Book SigningS by authors Eve and Gary Wallinga

ThurSday, May 26

Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards, Kirby Ballroom, UMD Campus, Duluth

5-6:30 p.m., 8-9 p.m.

SaTurday, May 28

Lake Superior Trading Post, Grand Marais 11-1 p.m.

Sunday, May 29

Voyageur Brewing Taproom, Grand Marais 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Monday, May 30

Gooseberry State Park, Two Harbors 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

We Like Waterfalls

The sound of running water is the music of spring. Across the Northern Wilds, we have endured the long winter silence of snow and ice. Then, starting with a drip and a trickle, spring slowly emerges like a blooming crocus. As winter eases its grip on the landscape, water is released from its frozen confinement, celebrating freedom with splashing sounds that eventually join to become a thundering cascade.

In the rugged Northern Wilds, such cascades are common. We call them waterfalls. They are most awesome in spring when creeks and rivers rush with snowmelt. That’s why our theme for this issue is waterfalls. On the cover is an iconic landmark waterfall on the Gooseberry River. Inside, veteran waterfall explorers Eve and Gary Wallinga share some of their favorite waterfalls throughout the Northern Wilds. The Wallingas are the authors of our newly published book, Waterfalls of the North Shore and More, A Guide for Hikers, Sightseers and Romantics. You can find the book at retail shops throughout the region or you can order a copy at www.northernwilds.com.

Spring is a good time to reflect upon our relationship with the world around us. Most folks around here have a deep respect for Nature, because it is all around us in unspoiled splendor. Elle Andra-Warner leads us to some of the more unusual natural places in her Strange Tales column, from the Devil’s Kettle in Judge C.R. Magney State Park to Agate Island in the Ontario waters of Lake Superior. Maren Webb introduces us to the concept of upcycling, where old stuff is repurposed for new use. Linden Figgie tells how a thrift store in Grand Marais was able to work with local girl scouts in order to turn a surplus of used purses into necessity bags for families seeking temporary shelter.

On the wild side, Julia Prinselaar takes a closer look at an often despised backyard wonder: the dandelion. This familiar flower provides a wealth of food and drink. In her Northern Traditions column, Julia tells us about the growing popularity of the backyard henhouse. Kim Falter looks at natural remedies for allergies, a common ailment at this time of year.

Gord Ellis sees the melting snow and dreams of open water. This month, the veteran angler offers advice for

rigging a fishing boat. Javier Serna has an in-depth look at Silver Island Lake, one of the few lakes in our coverage area that provides fishing opportunities for black crappies. Joe Friedrichs introduces us to a couple who recently purchased a lodge on the Gunflint Trail. Don’t miss Paul Sundberg’s remarkable Catchlight photo of a drake wood duck.—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com Breana Roy, Assistant Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com

Drew Johnson • drew@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Kim Falter, Linden Figgie, Casey Fitchett, Joe Friedrichs, Deane Morrison, Julia Prinselaar, Roger Risley, Javier Serna, Paul Sundberg, Mike Walczynski, Eve and Gary Wallinga, Maren Webb

Copyright 2016 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

Professional Graphic Design

Safely dispose of household hazardous waste and pick up usable household products. Free of charge! Saturday, July 23rd, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cook County Recycling Center, Grand Marais

Acceptable wastes include (but not limited to):

We can save you time and money.

We can design and lay out your print projects so you can focus on what you do best.

Our knowledge of style, printing and postal requirements assures the essentials are covered. Plus, we’re attuned to the small details that can save you hassles, time and money.

Electronics Recycling Collection Event

Bring in your old computers, TVs and other electronic equipment and have them recycled properly. Saturdays, June 11th & August 27th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cook County Recycling Center, Grand Marais

Recycle FREE

Electronics - Other computer components - Stereos - Misc. electronics

Appliances - microwaves - blenders - toasters - vacuum cleaners - etc

Recycle for a small fee

Computer Monitors Televisions

Lamps

- Fluorescent

- Compact fluorescent

- Circular fluorescent

- U-bend fluorescent

- HID

- Shatter Shield

- Built-in ballast

- Incandescent

- Halogen

- Broken lamps

- Neon and UV Ballasts

-Non-PCB ballasts Batteries

- Alkaline

- Nickle cadmium

- Nickel metal hydrate

- Lithium ion

- Silver oxide and silver zinc

- Mercury batteries

- Sealed lead acid

• BW or Full Color

• Brochures

• Newsletters

• Carbonless Forms

• Postcards

• Envelopes • Letterheads

• Business Cards

• Announcements

• Labels and more

Purses repurposed to help victims of domestic violence

GRAND MARAIS—It takes creative and determined minds like those on the board of Oddz & Endz to turn a problem of excess into a project that repurposes unwanted items for positive impact.

Oddz & Endz is a non-profit business in Grand Marais that sells repurposed furniture and household goods. When the store acquired a large quantity of purses and handbags—too many to realistically sell—the board wanted to do something meaningful with the extras.

While discussing possible uses for the bags and considering local venues or organizations to support, the idea to aid victims of domestic violence struck.

“It was just kind of like a bolt of lightning from somewhere,” Oddz & Endz board member EvaLyn Carlson said. “When women have to leave with their children, and they run, they leave without anything. They go to a shelter and will get a bag with the essential things that they need. But we can do something with the purses, something a little extra special, something that says it’s ok, there are people here who care about you.”

Carlson, who has a background in human services and ministry, is also a board member for the Violence Prevention Center in Grand Marais. She suggested the Center to be an appropriate recipient of the bags and the board agreed.

“We’ve made up six purses that we gave to Violence Prevention as our trial run,” Carlson said, “and they were very pleased with the things we had put in them.”

Each bag is unique and holds a variety of goods—a flashlight, pencil and notepad, soap, shampoo and cleanser, toothbrush and toothpaste, combs and brushes, and other personal care items. Many of them contain donated handmade items such as knitted scarves or felted mittens for the winter bags.

As the project idea transformed and organizations such as the Salvation Army contributed items to the cause where needed, the store wondered who could help assemble the bags. Arvis Thompson is the director for the Girl Scouts in Cook County and suggested the girls work together on the purse project as a part of their current badge topic and service requirement.

“We asked the girls if they would help us,” Thompson said. “We just did a badge on diversity and the fourth component is compassion, so the purses will fit into the piece on learning about compassion and as a service project.”

The girls were enthusiastic about the idea and the opportunity to be involved. They will finish the bags in mid-April.

“They loved it and have all been really supportive,” Carlson said. “We will be

Local Girl Scouts celebrate the organization’s 104th anniversary. In a few weeks, the Girl Scouts troops will fill and assemble the purses with donated goods, write personal notes, and hear Marybeth Wilkes teach about domestic violence. | SUBMITTED

working with the girls to write a note that goes into each purse. The notes will say something like, ‘I’m sorry you’ve been hurt’ or ‘We care about you.’ That extra little thing that can bring a smile or hope.”

Along with filling the bags and writing notes, the Girl Scouts will participate in an educational component facilitated by Violence Prevention Center staff member Marybeth Wilkes.

“She is going to come and help educate the girls on what they are doing,” Carlson said. “She will be talking about violence prevention, about safe houses, and about domestic violence. At the very end, we will be working with the girls to write the notes.”

Thompson and Carlson are hopeful of the educational impact this project will have both for the Girl Scouts and the community.

“We are concentrating on having appreciation for people being different, every -

thing from the way you look to how you’re feeling,” Thompson said.

“One of the things that I hope to see is a greater awareness of the needs for people that are involved in domestic violence and the fact that we have resources here that can help with that,” Carlson said. “It has struck me that there are a lot of people that don’t understand what Violence Prevention does; They work in the school and they are there for people who are in need.”

This echoes the mission of Oddz & Endz to be a vital resource in the community.

“One of our missions is to meet the needs of the community in a whole variety of ways,” Thompson said. “One of the things that I hope this project would do for the community is to let our donators know that we are respecting what they donate to us and trying to find practical ways to use the volume of things that we sometimes get.”

The store seeks to repurpose, reuse, and repair; to be conscious of the impact of waste and be resourceful in their service to customers and the community.

“As soon as you help people see beyond, then they get really creative,” Thompson said. “And we’re not afraid to tackle anything.”

The purse project is evidence of this philosophy. The collaboration has become a movement to support and encourage, to impart knowledge of social justice issues and environmental mindfulness, and to provide resources for positive change.

Linden Figgie

Cook County Emergency Services Conference

GRAND MARAIS—The 27th annual Cook County Emergency Services Conference will be held at the Community Center in Grand Marais April 29-30. The event is typically attended by 80 to 100 local medical professionals, firefighters and first responders who participate in an array of training sessions.

This year’s sessions include:

• Emerging Diseases on the Horizon: Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear

• 12-Lead EKG Interpretation

• Public Information for the Elected Official, Agency Head or Business Owner

• SKYWARN Training

• Cross Border Amateur Radio Setup, Test

• Obstetrics for the First Responder

• Introduction to UAVs for public safety—Policy and Practice

• Burn Trailer and Vehicle Extrication Rotations

• Search Management

Guest speaker at the conference this year is Kevin Reed, deputy director for Homeland Security and Emergency Management. There will be presentations for Outstanding Emergency Service Provider Award and the Dolly Johnson Friend of Emergency Service Award. The latter is named for a longtime dispatcher who served Cook County for more than 25 years. She was presented the award in April, 2003 and passed away in June of that year.

For more information about the conference, visit www.cookcountyesc.org.

The following are corrections to last month’s story, “Coldwater Foundation establishes leadership center at Mink Lake Wilderness Camp.”

Since its inception in 2006, Coldwater was decentralized and operated out of many different locations. The organization incorporated in 2009 and settled in Grand Marais. They planned and facilitated remote wilderness experiences from a repurposed fish house on director Kevin Sutton’s property, community centers and a church basement.

With a superior location and well-maintained facilities, the Camp provides rich ground for Coldwater to cultivate their vision. Students come to Coldwater Foundation to gain more depth in their Christian faith and to mature as a leader. The organization exists to empower young leaders and to instill in its participants a leadership for life. Coldwater is founded on the principles of Christian faith and believes in the practice of experiential learning to help people learn and grow.

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North House buys new building for its campus

GRAND MARAIS—North House Folk School purchased a building across Hwy 61 from its campus.

“It’s been great to work with our longtime neighbors to make this important step forward” said Greg Wright, North House’s executive director. “Our goals are simple: An additional, high quality classroom to accommodate our steady growth, improved office space for our staff and flexibility that will address our future needs. Having North Shore Title staying on in the west half of the building is a great fit in many ways.”

The structure was originally built as a U.S. Forest Service administrative building. In the mid-1990s, the Forest Service moved to their new facilities on the west end of Grand Marais.

“It is hard to imagine a better addition to campus” said Nancy Burns, board vice president. “Our long term planning efforts and facility studies all underscored our need for space. Keeping campus close together will make the school stronger on many levels. The extra room and future flexibility will both be of tremendous value as North House moves forward.”

“An investment like this is a major commitment for North House,” Wright said. “Between purchasing the building and remodeling, North House will invest over $600,000. Multiple generous donors enthusiastically stepped forward to fund the down payment. They understand what moves community nonprofits forward and believe both in North House’s educational mission and our local economic impact. In addition, we have a funding request into a key regional foundation to underwrite the remodeling. Just like any other nonprofit or local business, it is a balancing act fig -

uring out how to move a project like this forward while keeping the organization strong.“

Plans for the project include two phases. The first phase will add the new classroom and administrative offices in the old USFS administrative building. The second will move North House’s School Store/Front Office up into a modestly remodeled Yellow House on Highway 61, making it easier for campus visitors to get information and learn about the school’s year-round offerings. Moving the school store will also open up an additional classroom space in the Blue Building. A ribbon cutting and dedication is planned during the Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival weekend, June 17-19.

Wright confirmed that like most nonprofits, North House qualifies for property tax exemption provided that the property is being used to support the school’s educational mission. Given this, North House will pay the full property tax on the half of the building that is leased to North Shore Title, and will submit paperwork so that the half used as a classroom and offices will become property tax exempt in 2017.

“Grand Marais’ unique character and the beauty of the Harbor are key features our students truly value,” said Mary Anderson, board president. “North House works hard to make a positive impact in our community and we want our steady evolution to be an asset. We feel fortunate to have so many partners and supporters who believe in us. There is something that rings true, knowing that making this strategic step forward for North House will also bring these historic buildings back together.”

The North House Folk School has expanded their campus to include the building across Hwy 61. Featured here is North House program director Jessa Frost, former building owner Sue Hakes, North House executive director Greg Wright, and North House board vice president Nancy Burns.

Minnesota state parks to make customer service improvements

ST. PAUL—Customer service improvements are coming to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas this summer. According to DNR Parks and Trails Division director Erika Rivers, the following changes, which take effect in early May, are important steps to modernize services and meet the needs of today’s visitors to the state’s 75 parks and recreation areas.

Campsites that are 100 percent reservable at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. Previously, up to one-third of state park campsites were not available for advanced reservation and could only be rented by walk-in guests at the parks on a firstcome, first served basis. In a 20142015 pilot project, about a quarter of state parks made all of their campsites reservable. Based on positive cus -

tomer response, the Parks and Trails Division decided to expand this service statewide in 2016. Campsites can be reserved online at www.mndnr.gov/reservations or via phone: 866-857-2757

Same-day reservations. For spontaneous travelers and families with busy schedules, same-day reservations will soon be available at many of Minnesota state parks’ most popular destinations (some locations will require infrastructure upgrades before implementation). Previously, the cut-off for making reservations was midnight the night before arrival day. For walk-ins, if there’s a campsite available, they’ll be able to book it either online or at a self-serve kiosk right in the park after arrival, with no reservation fee.

Bat disease confirmed

ST. PAUL—White-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease that is harmful and usually fatal to hibernating bats, has been confirmed at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, according to the DNR. Starting in late January, several hundred bats were found dead near the main entrance to the mine. Subsequent testing of bats sent on Feb. 12 to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center confirmed the bats were infected by WNS.

First documented in North America in 2007 in eastern New York, WNS has since spread to 27 states and five Canadian provinces, killing more than 5.7 million bats. The disease is named for the fuzzy white growth of fungus observed on infected bats. It is not known to pose a threat to humans, pets, livestock or other wildlife.

In 2013, the fungus that causes the WNS disease was discovered at Soudan Underground Mine and at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park in southeastern Minnesota. It is typical for disease symptoms to appear two to three years after discovery of the fungus.

“We’ve been following the recommended procedures to try to protect the bats from white-nose syndrome,” said Jim Essig, park manager at Lake Vermilion–Soudan Underground Mine State Park. “Now that it’s here, we will continue to do everything we can at our parks to prevent human transport of fungal spores to other sites.”

Although the disease is transmitted primarily from bat to bat, people can inadvertently carry fungal spores to other caves on clothing and caving gear. For several years, public tours of Soudan Underground Mine and Mystery Cave have begun with a brief lesson on how to prevent the spread of WNS. Both before and after tours, visitors are required to walk across special mats designed to remove spores from footwear, and they are advised not to wear the same clothing, footwear or gear when visiting other caves or mines where bats may be present. Multiple washings in a standard washing machine will not provide sufficient decontamination.

As tours will continue at Soudan Underground Mine, the DNR will continue to follow recommended national decontamination protocols to prevent human transport of fungal spores. The DNR urges owners of private caves to learn about WNS and take similar visitor precautions as outlined in the protocols.

“Minnesota has seven species of bats, four of which hibernate during the winter and are at greatest risk of

Easier registration. Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are also investing in improved orientation and registration systems, which will allow visitors to register themselves and get other information without standing in line waiting for a staff person. Signs, maps and publications are being redesigned to be easier to use and to appeal to a new generation of visitors.

Customer service improvements to the camping reservation system will be rolled out in early May, just in time for Memorial Day weekend, according to the DNR. The registration and orientation improvements will be available throughout the summer on a park-by-park basis. For more information, visit www.mndnr.gov/ selfservice

White-nose syndrome, a disease

was confirmed in Minnesota at the

kill

Underground Mine State Park. | SUBMITTED

contracting the disease,” said Gerda Nordquist, a mammalogist in the DNR’s Ecological and Water Resources Division. As much as 90 to 100 percent mortality of bats (mostly little brown bats) has been recorded at hibernation sites in the northeastern United States. However, mortality may differ by site and by species. Bats can recover from the disease if they survive the winter, and biologists are studying why some bats in affected caves are surviving multiple years.

To learn more about white-nose syndrome and Minnesota’s bats, visit www.mndnr.gov/wns.

* No Ethanol in our Super Unleaded

* Also Diesel at some locations

today’s way to pay

that can

bats,

Soudan

New owners at Rockwood Lodge

GUNFLINT TRAIL—Like many who make their pioneer visit to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, something sparked within Carl Madsen on those first few portages.

“My first trip was part of a college course with Iowa State University in 1989,” Madsen said. “We stayed at the bunkhouse at Rockwood, had breakfast in the lodge and paddled through a September snowstorm to Horseshoe Lake for three nights. Ever since then I’ve been bringing my wife, and eventually my entire family up here for vacations.”

And while many folks are enamored with the BWCAW when they visit, Madsen decided to ditch the vacation aspect of the area and move to the Gunflint Trail full time. In fact, he bought a lodge. Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters, to be exact.

“Rockwood is special in that we have a great outfitting business and seven, soon to be eight, wonderful cabins right on the north edge of Poplar Lake,” Madsen said. “I’m excited to share this place with new and returning customers, some of whom have been visiting Rockwood since the 1960s.”

Madsen and his wife, Stephanie, took over operations at Rockwood last November. They will be majority owners of the business, with Stephanie’s sister, Carol Seim and her husband, Mike, also joining the ownership team and staff.

Madsen has a background in the military, severing a combined 20 years with the US Army, Army Reserves and National Guard before retiring as a Major with the Engineer Battalion out of Willmar, Minn. Stephanie is a commercial-site planner and project coordinator, and will continue to work remotely for Kwik Trip and Holiday gas stations.

The new faces at Rockwood took over ownership duties from Mike and Lin Sherfy, who ran the business for the past 14 years. Mike and Lin expanded the outfitting side of the business during their tenure, and are now retired amongst the rolling slopes of southeastern Minnesota near Lanesboro.

Madsen said the Sherfys were extremely gracious during the transfer of ownership at Rockwood.

“The biggest advantage we’ve had is that Mike and Lin have been there to help us get everything set up,” Madsen said of obtaining the property and business rights. “We spent a lot of time learning the water system and outfitting for groups, going over the various entry points and canoe routes. Mike introduced me to several of the neighboring resort owners, giving me the ability to take over the operations in stride.”

For his part, Mike Sherfy said Rockwood is in good hands with the new owners. All four of the new owners of Rockwood have visited the lodge regularly over the past decade, including helping out each spring to open cabins and make general repairs.

Carl and Stephanie Madsen, with their dog Fresca, at Rockwood Lodge.

| SUBMITTED

“Lin and I are excited to be starting another chapter in our lives,” Sherfy said. “It is especially nice to have part of the Rockwood family following in our footsteps. We hope that they will enjoy working and living in the place that we came to love.”

And while the basic principles of the business will remain intact at Rockwood, Madsen does have some new ideas to bring to the table.

“We’ve already updated the website to be mobile friendly with online booking,” Madsen explained. “Each cabin will get a lot of attention, and eventually I’d like to get the water system where we can open earlier in the spring, stay open later into October and possibly stay open over the winter. We plan on having a new dog run installed near the lodge and want to replace the roof on the outfitter building.”

Mike Seim will be working primarily as a canoe outfitter at Rockwood, though he also takes pride in being a jack-of-all trades and is an experienced maintenance and repair man. As for his priorities at Rockwood, they seem crystal clear.

“Helping people experience the Boundary Waters, making sure that each trip is treated like family, being there when they leave and when they come back,” he said of his new gig. “I’ve been dreaming of this opportunity for years, and I’m excited to get to both live and work in such a beautiful place.”—Joe Friedrichs

New soil information is available for the North Shore

COOK COUNTY—Recently, a soil survey was completed along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Cook and Lake counties to document map units on private and public lands outside of the Superior National Forest. United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service was the lead agency for the project.

A soil survey is a tool to help people make informed decisions about land use based on the potentials and limitations of soils. The information is useful to agricultural producers, engineers, foresters, environmentalists, county and city planners, home owners and others.

Soil formation is based on five factors: climate, organisms, parent material, time, and topography. These factors affect the genesis and morphology of each soil and are used to identify soil series, such as Mesaba stony sandy loam. These soil characteristics may change in relatively short distances. Often, similar soil series are grouped together as occupying a landscape or certain geomorphic area and are delineated as Map Units. These map units have unique use and management characteristics and are the basis for soil interpretations for various land uses. Web Soil Survey is an online interactive tool available to the public to access soil information for a specific area with over 200 soil reports addressing suitabilities and limitation for land uses in addition to soil properties of map units.

Soils along the North Shore

The soils formed along the North Shore are a direct result of the complex glacial history of the area. In the last Ice Age, glaciers covered most of Minnesota. After most of the ice had melted away in the waning days of the last glaciation, there were several re-advances of the Superior Lobe of glacial ice out of the Superior basin. Each advance deposited a distinctive parent material from which the soils were formed. For general purposes, these glacial deposits can be grouped into three

categories. The first group is loamy soils with common to many coarse fragments (gravels, cobbles, stones and boulders) that occur further inland. These soils often have a dense restrictive layer between 40 and 60 inches that perches water and can affect building sites and septic absorption field ratings. The second group is heavy clayey soils with few coarse fragments. Land management considerations with the clayey soils will be limited by the slow percolation rate of water movement through this soil. The third group is shallow soils on top of bedrock. These rocky soils will have limited land uses related to the bedrock restrictions.

Starting from the eastern edge of the city of Duluth and travelling northward, a relatively wide band of clays soils extends inland from the shoreline of Lake Superi -

or to an elevation below the North Shore bedrock ridge uplands. This band of clayey soils is about 10 miles wide at its widest and gets narrow and sporadic around Silver Cliff and northward.

In addition to these three groups of soil types, there are some unique and notable areas. Remnant beaches of Lake Superior have a unique signature on the landscape and are best seen utilizing LiDAR imagery (Light Detection and Ranging). The bedrock geology of the North Shore is also very interesting. The weathering process of the bedrock along crystalline boundaries produces granular crystals called Grus. This can be seen at the exposure just north of Hwy. 61 by Crow Creek.

At the Web Soil Survey site, you can view detailed soil mapping and create in -

terpretative thematic maps showing limitations and suitabilities for various land uses. Some of the thematic choices are: Building Site Development, Construction Materials (sand and gravel sources), Land Management, Sanitary Facilities and Recreational Development as well as many others. Visit www.websoilsurvey. nrcs.usda.gov/app for more info. —Mike Walczynski & Roger Risley

Editor’s Note: The authors are NRCS soil scientists based in Duluth.

Amnicon clayey soil. | SUBMITTED

Mesaba stony sandy loam, shallow to bedrock. | SUBMITTED

By Eve & Gary Wallinga

While researching waterfalls 12 years ago for our first edition of Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore: A Guide for Sightseers, Hikers, and Romantics, we encountered many surprises. We experienced even more when we skipped across the borders into Wisconsin and Ontario for our new book, Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore & More. Following are some great waterfalls, not too far off the beaten path, that you can enjoy this spring.

On our many trips through Duluth and on up the Shore, we didn’t realize how many waterfalls flow within that city. And, least of all, in the slim, emerald gem of a park just a few blocks southwest of the famous Glensheen mansion, Congdon Park. Five cascades meander through red canyon walls along charming Tischer Creek . What a lovely oasis in which to stretch your legs away from the hubbub of the city. Access this park at the corner of Superior St. and Congdon Park Drive. There is a dirt trail there that descends the stone steps by the bridge. Fourth Street bisects the park, so be sure not to miss the upper half across 4th Street, up to Vermillion Rd.

Northern Wisconsin hosts a whole world of waterfalls, many just a short jaunt away. Only 19 miles from Duluth, the Big Manitou Falls, at 165 feet, thunders in the Black River at Pattison State Park. While comparable in height to Minnesota’s High Falls of the Pigeon River, Big Manitou allows you much closer access to its 5-star torrent. The best overlook is also wheelchair accessible. And nearby Little Manitou Falls (we rated it 4 stars) is by no means “little.” From Duluth, take the I-535 S. bridge to Superior, Wisconsin, and then WI-35 S. to the park.

The Amnicon River, in Wisconsin’s Amnicon State Park , is also located about 19 miles from Duluth. Though its waterfalls are not as impressive as Big Manitou, the quarter-mile round-trip piney trail, which includes a crossing over a quaint covered bridge, is easy and leads to a river island and three main waterfalls with a drop in the 15-25 foot range. From Duluth, take the I-535 S. bridge to US-53 S/E 2nd St. in Superior, Wisconsin and follow US-53 S. 13 miles to US-2 E. and then County Road U into Amnicon State Park. If you want to get from Pattison State Park to Amnicon State Park, take County Road B east to County Road A north. Go east on County Road Z until you come to US-53 S., turn right and take US-2 to Amnicon State Park.

Back in Minnesota, and heading up the Shore, who knew that Split Rock State Park was the setting not only of the magnificent lighthouse, but that Split Rock River may be the most waterfall abundant river on the whole shore, sporting a stretch of nine major waterfalls within 1.3 miles? Park at the trailhead parking lot on Hwy 61 near mile marker 46. The trail to the first waterfall, West Branch Falls—about a half mile in—is of good quality. You will come to a sign saying, “Split Rock River Crossing 1.8 miles,” where you will head right. Fifty-five steps take you down to a shaded elfin glen with a footbridge traversing a side-creek called West Branch Split Rock River. From this bridge, behold a glistening waterfall cascading 20 feet into a serene pool. This is a destination, in itself, but you can continue on the main trail. The trail transitions to fair and poor, but leads past many more waterfalls, which are easiest to view before the leaves sprout. The last of the major falls occurs about 2 miles from where you began at the highway. Come back the way you came or cross the bridge to return, though you will rejoin Hwy 61 about .3 miles up the highway from your car.

Continuing north on 61 (mile marker 50), you’ll encounter the town of Beaver Bay. Most people driving through don’t even realize there is a 5-star waterfall visible from the Highway 61 bridge walkway, thundering just beyond the highway. Beaver River borders the east edge of “downtown” Beaver Bay. Park in the wayside just west of the Beaver River Bridge. A short hike across the parking lot and onto the bridge is all it takes to get a gander at spectacular Beaver River Falls.

While the High Falls of the Baptism River, in Tettegouche State Park (mile marker 58), gets all the attention as the highest waterfall in Minnesota (and it is definitely worth the visit), The Cascades of the Baptism River is one of our favorites on the Shore. Check out the park map for detailed directions to both. The Cascades seem to come out of nowhere as the Baptism River drops about twelve feet like a natural waterslide. Sitting at water level provides an inspiring view, and rushing whitewater drowns out every other sound. Sit a spell, soak your feet, and enjoy its music.

For those who yearn for a more rugged and out-of-theway experience (but not super rugged or we wouldn’t have attempted it), we highly recommend The Cascades of the Manitou River in Crosby-Manitou State Park . This hike has a lot of ups and downs—stairs and inclines—and is about 2.3 miles round-trip. Leave Highway 61 (mile marker 49+) and drive 6.5 miles up Highway 1 to where it intersects Country Road 7 in Finland. Take a right and continue 7.5 miles to the entrance of the state park. Pick up a park map at the informational display board and continue to the trailheads where you will set off on Middle Trail, which is part of the Superior Hiking Trail. This 4-star waterfall is another of our very favorites. It is composed of three parts, which together drop 40 or 50 feet along a 150foot stretch of river. The upper section pours through a narrow gorge and onto a broader, middle tier comprised of multiple falls to the lowest tier where it splits in two. But if you visit in the spring, the tiers pretty much disappear into one lawless deluge.

For a great place to stretch your legs (and then some) make a stop at 40-foot Caribou Falls in Caribou Falls State Park (we rate it 4 stars) (mile marker 70). This 1-mile round-trip hike has its difficult stretches—mainly the 150-plus steps down to the waterfall. But in times of high water—like now—there may be no beach from which to access the base of the waterfall. In that case, content yourself with the views from the stairway and try to be happy you don’t have quite as many steps to climb on the way back.

Onion River Falls was pretty much unknown before the Ray Berglund Memorial Wayside (mile marker 86) was improved, and the marginal angler trail to the river transformed. The .8 mile round trip hike offers majestic views of the river valley, its waterfalls, and Lake Superior floating on the horizon.

Lovely Cascade Falls in Cascade River State Park (mile marker 100) is a well-known and often photographed waterfall of the North Shore, emerging from a narrow black

Available Now

Eve and Gary Wallinga are the authors of Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North shore and More, A Guide for Sightseers, Hikers and Romantics. This full color guide book is available at local bookstores, gift shops and from www.northernwilds.com

gorge to pound 25 feet into a rounded hole surrounded by a verdant green evergreen forest. The easy 2-minute hike is always worth the small effort. No matter how many times you may have seen the waterfall before, depending on the time of year and the time of day, it may look like a totally different animal. Snap a selfie and share the scenery.

If you’ve ventured north of Grand Marais, you may have noticed the sign for the Kadunce River (mile marker 118). What you may not have known is that the river affords an interesting hike (a spur trail for the Superior Hiking Trail), sometimes at river level and sometimes above it, with various waterfalls tumbling along its length. It’s about a mile up to Kadunce Bridge and, at times, the canyon becomes so narrow and deep that you cannot see the river at its bottom.

Most people visiting the North Shore might not even consider a day trip into Canada, but if you like waterfalls, you should. Especially since Kakabeka Falls, a.k.a. The Niagara of the North, on the Kaministiquia River in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is just 80 miles from Grand Marais. This waterfall is 131 feet high (just 39 feet shorter than Niagara) and spans 213 feet. Its magnificence is magnified by the romantic legend of the brave Ojibwe princess, Green Mantle, and the Sioux warriors who pursued her. You may even hear the spectral echoes of their angry shouts and see her lovely spirit lingering in the rainbows at the base of this mighty waterfall. Continue north on Hwy 61 to Thunder Bay, then head west on Highway 11/17 for about 17 miles to the park.

Kakabeka Falls on the Kaministiquia River. | GARY WALLINGA

Baptism River Cascades in Tettegouche State Park. | GARY WALLINGA

Amnicon State Park. | GARY WALLINGA

of MINNESOTA’S NORTH SHORE & More

Eve & Gary Wallinga

A Guide For Hikers, Sightseers, & Romantics

UPCYCLING:

By Maren Webb

Each April on the North Shore we celebrate the (hopefully) near arrival of spring and Earth Day. For most of my life, recycling has been a mainstay of Earth Day and efforts to live more sustainably. While recycling is still going strong, another practice is rising in popularity: upcycling. To upcycle is to reuse discarded objects or materials to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. Upcycling is like recycling with a lot more creativity and inspiration, while still keeping items out of the landfill. And it’s happening across the Northland and in Thunder Bay.

Thanks to the popularity of Pinterest, many regular folks are upcycling old furniture or items they find with an idea, some tools, and a prayer. I am more of a cook than a crafter or woodworker, so I’m happy that many locals are not only upcycling furniture and other goods, but they are also selling them to not-so-handy people like me. These artists see a rug in a pile of old t-shirts, a piece of old wallpaper as a canvas for block printing, or some old barn wood as a custom sign.

Twice a year there is a gathering that brings together upcyclers of all sorts: the Duluth Junk Hunt. On May 13 and 14, the spring sale will be held at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. Over 50 vendors share their found and created treasures,

from vintage to repurposed finds. For a $5 admission fee, you can “junk” to your heart’s content, although I would say most of the items for sale are far from junk. With both local vendors and vendors from across the state and region, you are bound to find plenty to choose from for your new upcycled treasure. And if you don’t see what you are looking for on the first day, most vendors restock overnight and have new items for available on the second day of the sale.

The Duluth Junk Hunt was the brainchild of Emily Broman, who started organizing the event in June 2012. So-called “Junk Hunts” are found across the Midwest. After she and her husband got a taste for the junk world, they thought the Duluth area would be a great place to try one. She started the event with about a half dozen vendors. Now it has grown rapidly into over 50 vendors and thousands of visitors, outgrowing their space twice. This next fall they will be hosting the November event at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC).

If this is your first visit to the Duluth Junk Hunt, expect to have a fun shopping experience. There are always many oneof-a-kind pieces, from antiques to upcycled items, and even some pieces that are ready for you to do the upcycling yourself. Bring a tote and cash or check. And don’t worry if you find some large pieces of furniture to buy. As Emily reminds us,

The Duluth Junk Hunt will be held May 13-14. | WHISPERWOOD COTTAGE

Many one-of-a-kind pieces can be found during the Junk Hunt. | WHISPERWOOD COTTAGE

Upcycling has risen in popularity thanks to sites like Pinterest. | WHISPERWOOD COTTAGE

Jami Breukelman uses upcycled wood for her designs. | RECLAIMED RUSTIC

A CREATIVE RECYCLING

“The Junk Hunks are on hand to help haul large items to your car.” They even wear “Junk Hunk” T-shirts, making them easy to spot and their service is free of charge. For newbies like me, I think the Junk Hunt might be the perfect introduction to upcycled goods. For more information about the Duluth Junk Hunt, visit www.duluthjunkhunt.com

The Junk Hunt event brings together many vintage and upcycling vendors, but there are many artists in our area that create upcycled products and sell at a great variety of locations. From farmers markets and craft sales, to online, beautiful and helpful repurposed goods are popping up all over the place.

Karen Truscott, or “Crafty Karen,” got her start back in high school making bags by upcycling animal feed bags her grandfather would get for their farm animals. After years of focusing on more mainstream crafts, Karen realized that so much was ending up in our overflowing landfills and that there may be ways to repurpose old items into useful ones again. Rag rugs, which were commonly made by generations past, have become somewhat of a lost art. Taking the traditional craft of rag rug making and using contemporary second hand materials like T-shirts, Karen has created a useful product out of materials otherwise bound for the garbage.

“I love making something useful out of something that would have been thrown away,” Karen said.

Keep an eye out for Karen at local craft sales and festivals this fall in the Duluth area, with her beautiful rag rugs and tote bags made from everything from bird seed bags to regular plastic bags.

Another local artist resurrects old wallpaper as the medium for her art. Shelley Getten is a block printer and often does her printmaking on wallpaper from old sample books. And she doesn’t stop there. She frames her work with recycled frames and locally made birch bark frames. She also uses wallpaper and old business cards to create bookmarks. Look for her this summer at the Two Harbors Farmer’s Market and many other local fairs. She also shows at the Art Center in Two Harbors (next to the Depot), has a few items at the Mocha Moose and participates in the Lake Superior 2020 Studio Art Tour (Sept. 30-Oct. 2). You can view more of her work on her Getten Creative Facebook page.

North of the border, a Mom is taking reclaimed wood from barns in the Slate River Valley to create beautiful artwork and home decor. Jami Breukelman recently launched her business, Reclaimed Rustic, and is keeping busy with her growing business, young family, working as a nurse, and her family’s dairy farm. In addition to barn wood, she has a steady supply of unique and upcycled wood for her designs from the pallets used to deliver feed for their cows and old electrical spool tops from some local electrical companies.

She loves bringing new life to old wooden boards, often thinking “if these boards could talk.” In addition to her handcrafted products, like wooden handpainted clocks and inspirational quote signs, Jami also offers custom signs and other custom pieces.

Jami’s inspiration comes from the reclaimed wood she finds. “My favorite part of using reclaimed wood is the unique grain and worn texture it has from being so weathered. You can leave the weathered barn wood as it is without stain and it’s an amazing piece of art by itself with the natural detail from years gone by,” Jami said.

While Reclaimed Rustic will be soon launching an Etsy site, custom quotes and current designs are available via her website www.reclaimedrustic.ca (and she does ship to the US).

If you are ready to try some upcycling yourself, the combination of online resources for ideas and local shops for sourcing materials will help you get ready. Thrift stores, yard sales and Craigslist, or your local Facebook Sell and Swap Group, can be good places to look for raw materials.

If you are in Grand Marais and interested in a larger furniture project, be sure to stop in the Oddz & Endz shop on the west end of town. Their goal is to benefit the environment and people by keeping items out of the landfill and providing afford -

able furniture and household goods to the community in the process.

In Thunder Bay, the Habitat for Human ReStore sells furniture, décor, and building supplies at a discount—perfect for finding materials for an upcycled project. Visit www.habitattbay.com for more information.

Pinterest, Instagram and Google are good places to start your search for upcycling inspiration, but you also might get an idea from the materials you find on your search. Don’t forget that YouTube is always there to walk you through a new skill, or if all else fails, leave it to the experts and buy it locally at a sale or online on www.etsy.com.

Another inspiration can be found by attending a free artist talk at the Grand Marais Art Colony on April 23rd at noon: “Repurposing Found Materials” with Mary Bergs and Lisa Hochstein who work with re-purposed materials, mostly gleaned from the day-to-day stream of waste. For more information, visit the Art Colony’s website www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

I hope you’ll be embarking upon an upcycling project of your own, purchasing an upcycled item, or simply admiring an artist’s upcycled creation.

Jami Breukelman loves bringing new life to old wooden boards. | RECLAIMED RUSTIC

Amy at WhisperWood Cottage is one of many vendors to share their found and created treasures at the Duluth Junk Hunt. Visit www.whisperwoodcottage.com for more. | WHISPERWOOD COTTAGE

By Breana Roy

MotherCelebrating Earth

Not everyone is lucky enough to call the North Shore home. For those of us who do, we often take for granted the beauty that surrounds us every day; the forests of whispering pines that provide solitude, the exciting glimpse of a moose or bear when we least expect it, and the tranquility of Lake Superior on a calm, sunny day.

Friday, April 22 is Earth Day; a day that reminds us all to stop and think about our effect on the environment. And politics aside, one thing is clear; we need to protect this beautiful place we all call home. So in honor of Earth Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment and consider how you can make a difference. And get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature and all her splendor.

Breana’s Pick of the Month

Created by 2nd generation glass blower Tom Crosby, these beautiful fillacello and reticello designed pendants take about 4-8 hours to make, with no stopping. Tom works full time as a scientific glass blower and also spends many hours perfecting his own creations, such as ornaments, pendants and vases.

Reticello is Italian meaning network of lines. Fillacello is an American term for when you fill the spaces between the lines. All lines and patterns are drawn on a hollow tube with tiny hand pulled molten strings of glass. Eventually, the glass tube is flipped inside out, a very difficult technique, and finished as a pendant or added to another piece of glass.

Tom’s artwork can be found at the Cook County Farm & Craft Market downtown Grand Marais on Saturday mornings from May-October.

artist Marian Lansky creates giclee prints, such as “Guardians of the Night,” shown here. More of her work can be found at www.kenspeckleletterpress.com.

| MARIAN

Duluth

LANSKY

This vertical moose painting titled, “Know Me” was created by North Shore artist Tim Pearson of River Blend Studio. | TIM PEARSON

“Reaching a Conclusion,” by Kat Corrigan, is one of many otter paintings recently featured at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. | KAT CORRIGAN

Thunder Bay’s Katie Ball creates jewelry, scarves and hats using real fur. She will be holding a fashion show at Black Pirates Pub in Thunder Bay on April 2. Find more at www.silvercedarstudio.com. | SILVER CEDAR STUDIO

“Let it Bee,” by Kari Vick, can be found at the Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais. | KARI VICK

These mittens from Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen are locally made by Gail Englund. She uses old wool sweaters and all the proceeds are donated to Juvenile Diabetes Research. | GAIL ENGLUND

Melissa Wickwire creates unique, handcrafted ceramic tiles, such as this one. | WICKWIRE CLAY WORKS

This watercolor of Gooseberry Falls was created by Marie Sweeney. It can be found at Kah-NeeTah Gallery in Lutsen. | MARIE SWEENEY

This reclaimed leather purse by Betty Nash can be found at Gallery 33 in Thunder Bay. | BETTY NASH

| SUBMITTED

Singing the blues for Thunder Bay musician Camden Blues wasn’t always his preferred means of musical expression, though his success with the genre recently afforded him a whirlwind trip to the American South.

Camden’s professional music career began with a late 1990s punk/metal band called the Speedway Detectives. More than 10 years and an album release later, the band went their separate ways in 2007.

The breakup of the band was an impetus for Camden to expand his musical interests and to consider a wider range of influences. A group of like-minded locals joined him in a blues and jazz project that lasted until his 2008 move to Toronto.

“Living down in Toronto and playing with the musicians down there was a pleasure and a privilege. I learned a lot,” Camden said.

Following his time performing solo in southern Ontario, Camden returned to Thunder Bay in 2012 and formulated the Camden Blues Band. The prolific group has

recorded four albums, three of which have been released. For the past eight months, he has been working with his current group, the Camden Blues Quartet.

Blues as a genre has a special appeal for Camden and his surroundings further affect his approach to music.

“I am drawn to blues as a genre because of the raw visceral emotion and the independent mindset of its practitioners. Growing up on the North Shore of Lake Superior has influenced my work. I truly believe the raw, and unforgiving nature of the area has helped keep an emotional edge to my sound,” he says.

This past October, Camden Blues competed in the Thunder Bay Blues Society’s contest for a chance to perform at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. He walked away from the competition as the first place winner in the Solo/Duo category, securing a position in Memphis this past January.

A whirlwind, three-flight journey led to five days of performances in the western Tennessee city.

Camden Blues

By Casey Fitchett

“The whole experience was a little overwhelming. I was there for five days, playing at various bars throughout the Beale Street downtown area. After the quarter finals, 75 percent of contestants were cut and those who remained went on to the semi-finals.”

The International Blues Challenge represents an international search by the affiliates of the Blues Foundation for bands to represent them on the national stage.

“Unfortunately, I did not advance past the semi-finals. Just getting to play on Beale Street was a win for me though. I used the rest of the time there to explore the amazing history of the area,” he said.

Blues aficionados can hear Camden at establishments around Thunder Bay, Ontario. He will also be performing with the Camden Blues Quartet at this year’s Blues Festival on Friday, July 8 at 4 p.m.

Camden Blues recently performed at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

Congratulations to the 2015 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

This year, we received over 200 entries for our photo contest. The quality of photos we received was incredible and judging was extremely difficult. Everyone in our office had their favorites; a photo that reminded each of us of a special time or place. After many rounds of voting and tallying points, we found our winners. Thank you for sharing your photos with us. You certainly gave us your best shots.

First place receives $250 in North House Folk School course credits, second place receives $50 and third place receives $25. We also chose an honorable mention. In the past months, we’ve featured the Landscape, Pets and Wildlife winners. This issue, we present the winners of our final category; People.

The 2016 photo contest will begin later this summer.

E. Hohman, Two Harbors

Deloach, Proctor

Updyke, Hovland HONORABLE MENTION:

Cutler, Nolalu, Ontario

Ely Folk School April Events

large tables available to work on, coffee, tea, and companionship. No need to sign-up ahead, just show up and craft away to your heart’s content. Men and women, all ages welcome! Crooked Knife Skill Share will be taking place every Thursday in April. FREE

Fri., April 1: Storytelling Class 5 pm-7 pm followed by the evening Storytelling Event @ 7 pm. Hone your skills by taking a class on the art of telling a great story. Participants will practice telling a story of their own or learn a classic tale. We’ll eat at the end of class so that everyone can be nourished for the evening storytelling event. This class is open to ages 8 and up. Please register online for the class. Beginning at 7 pm the public will be invited to Story Hour on April Fool’s Day - what a perfect pairing! Prepare your stories of fools, tricks, and gags! There will be a 10 minute limit to the stories, but they can also be quick and funny. Participants in the class will be given first option to tell their stories, but others are welcome to share as well! A few surprise guests will make an appearance to share. Cost $20.

Sat., April 16: Potluck 5 pm with JAM SESSION following. To join in Ely’s Celebration of Arts and Music, our April potluck features live music after the meal. We’ll provide brats and buns. Please bring a side dish to pass and BYOB, plus any musical instruments if you know how to play. Our music will start at 6 pm with the Large Mouth Brass Band, and open up to any musicians in attendance after that. It would be fun to have songs that people know and can sing/play along with but original tunes are welcome too! Come to eat and listen or come to share your talents!

Check our website and facebook for more info! www.elyfolkschool.org ElyFolkSchool.org • 218-235-0138 • 209 E. Sheridan Street, Ely, MN

merged several different

Arrowhead Home & Builder Show

March 30-April 3

Duluth’s Arrowhead Home and Builder show will be celebrating its 50th year at the DECC. This year’s show will feature Bob Eubanks, legendary game show host for Hollywood’s Hottest Game Shows. This fast-paced, action-packed show will leave audience members laughing and one lucky winner will have a chance to win cash prizes of up to $100,000! Other entertainment includes Builder Bob, the “Anne Frank: A History for Today” exhibit, money saver Joey Green and a live taping for the Great Gardening Show, as well as dozens of exhibitors, seminars, shopping and discounted prices. Kids will enjoy the Parakeet Landing enclosure, free face painting and balloon animals. Visit www.shamrockprod.com for more info.

ELEVATE Ski & Snowboard Music Festival

April 1-2

Papa Charlie’s in Lutsen is hosting the first-ever ELEVATE Ski & Snowboard Music Festival, featuring all seven Doomtree artists. Doomtree, which consists of solo artists Dessa, Lazerbeak, P.O.S., Mike Mictlan, Cecil Otter, Paper Tiger and Sims, began as friends trying to make music. The group had varied tastes, such as rap, punk, indie rock and pop, merging several styles into their music. The concert will begin at 9:30 p.m. for ages 21 and older. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Visit www.lutsen.com for more details.

Doomtree has

styles of music into one. | KELLY LOVERUD

Spring Home & Garden Show

April 1-3

See the latest in home and garden products at the annual Spring Home & Garden Show in Thunder Bay, featuring a wide variety of businesses. There will be exhibitors, free seminars, a country market on site, attendance prizes and free parking. The show will be held at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. For more info, visit www.cle.on.ca.

Minetti Quartett

April 2, Saturday

The internationally award-winning Viennese string ensemble, the Minetti Quartett, will be performing in Grand Marais. Founded in 2003, the young, talented group has won numerous international competitions. This event is one of only two Midwestern stops on their current tour. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and take place at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the door, and are $22 for adults and $5 for ages 18 and under. For more info, visit www.northshoremusicassociation.com or visit www.

West Side Story

April 7-10 & 15-17

Lake Superior Community Theatre, located in Silver Bay, will be performing the classic West Side Story at William Kelley High School in Silver Bay April 7-10 and at the Two Harbors High School April 15-17. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at www.tix.com. For more info, visit www.lsct.us.

Ann Gumpper created the set for West Side Story by the Lake Superior Community Theater. | KURT MEAD

Photo by Paul Sundberg

Fingerstyle guitarist Pat Donohue will be performing at Fingerstyle Masters Weekend in Tofte. | SUBMITTED

Fingerstyle Masters Weekend

April 8-9

Bluefin Bay in Tofte will be hosting the 6th annual Fingerstyle Masters Weekend, featuring local musician Gordon Thorne, St. Paul fingerstyle guitarist Pat Donohue and Twin Cities fiddler Tom Schaefer. The event will begin Friday with a free concert at 8 p.m., featuring Gordon and friends playing blues, swing and early Americana. Work-

shops will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday and are open to musicians of all ages and skill levels, such as a free youth guitar workshop with Gordon Thorne. Also starting at 10 a.m. is a fingerstyle workshop with Pat Donohue and a fiddle workshop with Tom Schaefer—both are $50 and include lunch. Pre-registration for the workshops is required. The evening will end with a concert by Pat Donohue at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door. For more info, visit www.wtip.org.

Mountain Meltdown

April 9-10

Celebrate the end of the Lutsen Mountains ski season with a two-day outdoor music festival, featuring a beer garden and barbeque. Saturday and Sunday will feature five bands each day and live music by Frogleg with Ginstrings will be held at 9:30 p.m. at Papa Charlie’s on Saturday. See www.lutsen.com for more details.

Cinderella

April 9-10, 12, 14-16

The Northern Lakes Arts Association presents the Ely community spring musical Cinderella.

Performances will be held at the Vermillion Community College Fine Arts Theater at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Visit www.northernlakesarts.org for tickets and more info.

Other Cinderella events include an afternoon with the Fairy Godmother at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, at the Ely Public Library, and a Crown, Wand and Sword Creation Class at The Art Corner from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12. Prepare your kids for Cinderella’s castle. Cost is $10. Then, attend the Once Upon a Murder Mystery on Tuesday, April 19 at the Insula and help Prince Charming find his new bride. Be a part of this fun filled night of mystery with a four course dinner and laughs. Event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and cost is $60. Costumes are welcome, but not necessary. You will receive your character assignment once you have registered.

Become a Minnesota Water Quality Certified Farm

Certifying that Minnesota’s agricultural businesses and waters can prosper together

There is no cost to become certified in this voluntary program. Benefits that may be provided to you and your business include:

· Regulatory certainty: certified producers are deemed to be in compliance with any new water quality rules or laws during the period of their certification

· Recognition: certified producers may use their status to promote their business as protective of water quality

· Priority for technical and financial assistance: producers seeking certification can obtain specially designated technical and financial assistance to implement practices that promote water quality.

For more information Call (218) 387-3647 Visit www.cookswcd.org

Duluth Empty Bowl

April 11-12

“Sea of Bowls,” a preview of the traditional Empty Bowl event, will be held on Monday, April 11, from 5-7 p.m. Choose your handcrafted bowl at the gallery-style showing. Then, dine on soup, bread and beverages, donated by area restaurants, during the 23rd annual Empty Bowl on Tuesday, April 12. There will also be a silent auction. Cost is $20 per bowl and will take place from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Both events will be held at the Duluth Depot. All proceeds benefit Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Visit www.northernlakesfoodbank.org for more details.

Little Red Robin Hood

April 15-17 & 22-24

The Grand Marais Playhouse presents Little Red Robin Hood, a mash up of classic fairy tales with a modern day twist. Characters include the three little pigs, a wolf and an Elvis impersonator. The performance will be held at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 2 p.m. Buy one ticket on Friday, April 15 and get one free, with a minimum donation of $10 to the local food shelf. Sunday, April 17 is also donation day. Visit www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org for more info.

FREE DAY AT THE DENTIST Healthy Smiles for Cook County Youth

Monday, May 16, 2016

Call Grand Marais Family Dentistry at 387-2774 to schedule an appointment for your child ages 18 months to 26 years of age. Free services includes: an exam, cleaning, x-rays, fluoride, and/or sealants.

Can’t make it on May 16, 2016? Rain checks will be available. Need more extensive work for your child? Call the Oral Health Task Force at 387-2334 to find out about our generous sliding fee scale program. It’s available year round to help cover the costs of dental work for Cook County youth.

Sponsored by the Oral Health Task Force and Grand Marais Family Dentistry.

This program is made possible by support from grants received 2011- March 2016 Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, First and Second Street Thrift Store, Grand Marais Lioness Club, Grand Marais Lions Club, Lloyd K Johnson Foundation, Mardag Foundation, Medica Foundation, Minnesota Dental Foundation, Minnesota Power Foundation, North Shore Health Care Foundation, Northland Foundation, Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health Board, Atkins Memorial Fund, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. For more information : www.northshorehealthcarefoundation.org

Photo: Round River Farm

Dominic Wilson plays The Big Bad Wolf, who is also the Sheriff, accompanied by the Three Naughty Hams, aka Three Stoogies; Louise Ramberg, Abbey Stoddard and Robin Henrikson. | DIANE STODDARD

Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge

April 16-17

Cor PowerSports presents the 2nd annual Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge at Lutsen Mountains. The races will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday with the Cross Country Race and the Hillclimb Qualifier will be that afternoon at 1 p.m. Sunday races include the Hillclimb Finals and Hillcross Qualifier and Finals. An Awards party will be held that evening at Papa Charlie’s. To register or purchase

spectator tickets, visit www.lutsen.com/midwestextreme for more info.

Service Learning & Volunteer Weekend

April 22-24

The North House Folk School in Grand Marais is upgrading their space with the purchase of a neighboring building. Get a sneak peek at their new digs and help with the transition. There will be plenty of jobs for anyone who shows

up, from painting walls to moving desks. Lunch will be provided and there will be a pizza potluck on Saturday evening. RSVP to mnesheim@northhouse.org or fill out a form at www.northhouse.org by Friday, April 1. You can also participate in a service learning course, such as First Impressions: Building Exterior Doors with Randy Schnobrich or Carving Signs for Campus: Incise Letter Carving with Jock Holmen.

Iron Range Earth Fest is a family-friendly event. | SUBMITTED

Iron Range Earth Fest

April 23, Saturday

The 8th annual family-friendly Earth Fest, which promotes sustainability, will take place in Mountain Iron from 9 a.m.4 p.m. This year’s theme, “Living Local on a Changing Planet,” will include dozens of exhibitors and vendors, guest speakers and presentations on local food, clean energy, local heritage, ecology and entrepreneurship. There will also be kid’s activities, locally sourced food, live music, the Community Sustainability Initiative Contest and the Green Innovator’s Expo. Events will be held at the Mountain Iron Community Center, Merritt Elementary School and Messiah Lutheran Church. Cost is $5 for adults and free for kids.

Lake Superior Vacation Rental

Cook County Emergency Services Conference

April 29-30, 2016

The Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge returns to Lutsen Mountains. | SUBMITTED

For more info, check out www.ironrangeearthfest. org.

Empty Bowl & Silent Art Auction

April 26, Tuesday

Pick out your favorite pottery bowl to keep at the sixth annual Empty Bowl event in Ely. Bowls are made by local artists and local restaurants donate steaming pots of soup and freshly baked bread. Talented area artists are also donating their handiwork for the silent auction. All proceeds go to the Ely Area Food Shelf. Cost is $15 per person or $25 per family and will take place from 4-6 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church Hall.

Collective Soul

April 27, Wednesday

The multi-platinum selling band, Collective Soul, will perform at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium for the See What You Started Tour. The band consists of frontman Ed Roland, rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, bassist Will Turpin, drummer Johnny Rabb and lead guitarist Jesse Triplett. Also performing is special guest Royal Tusk. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Visit www.tbca.com for more info.

Small Business Conference

April 27-28

Incredible Ely and the University of Minnesota-Duluth Cen -

April is Se

ual Assult Awareness Month

ter for Economic Devolvement are holding their first joint Small Business Conference at the Grand Ely Lodge. The conference will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to build the skills they need to make their business succeed and to network with banks, business advisors and other entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity for established businesses, new start-ups and those thinking of starting a business. The conference will begin Wednesday evening with dinner keynote speaker Don Ness, strategic communications consultant and former mayor of Duluth. Thursday will provide a variety of sessions and panel discussions, such as Marketing using Social Media, Using Quickbooks and other Financial Software and Getting Started in Export Markets. For more info, visit www.incredibleely.org/ conference.

Scientific Horticulture Seminar

April 30, Saturday

TALK to your family

LISTEN to each other

INTERVENE if you see concerning behavior

BELIEVE and SUPPORT survivors

SPEAK UP if you hear rape jokes or harmful comments

discuss BOUNDARIES

obtain ACTIVE, ONGOING CONSENT

involve your COMMUNITY . . . IT’S TIME TO TALK!

Violence Prevention Center

218-387-1262 or 218-387-1237 violencepreventioncenter.org

Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, author and Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Washington State University, will be at the Confederate College in Thunder Bay discussing the science behind horticulture. She will use the scientific method to determine the right and wrong of widely used horticultural methods. Visit tbmastergardeners.homestead.com for tickets and more info.

| SUBMITTED

Take a trip around the world in 48 hours at the Folklore Festival. | SUBMITTED

Folklore Festival

April 30-May 1

Take a trip around the world with the 43rd Folklore Festival at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay. Enjoy exotic foods, artists and entertainers, displays and exhibits, dance music, children’s activities, a fanfare of world flags and prizes. There will also be Goodwill Ambassadors dressed in traditional attire and international items for sale. The festival will take place from noon-11 p.m. on Saturday and noon-7 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.folklorefestival.ca for more info.

Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott uses science to discuss horticultural methods.

GoodAwaitTimes

Seeking a Hip Scene? Head for Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District and the nearby Algoma & Bay Neighborhood. You’ll find it all: live music, great food, funky galleries, unique shops, the OLG Casino, Marina Park and more. (Remember, Thunder Bay is on Eastern Time —1 hour ahead of MN time.)

This ain’t your daddy’s Thunder Bay! www.thewaterfrontdistrict.ca

Kick off the month at the April 2 Silver Cedar Studio Fur Fashion Show of wearable art and winter accessories at the Black Pirates Pub, 215 Red River Rd., which is also a great place to hear live music. Lovers of art and the avant garde won’t want to miss The Urban Infill Art in the Core 10, a flurried and frenzied downtown-wide art affair sponsored by Def Sup Gallery that culminates April 9-12. There are 20 projects involving 350 artists at 20 locations. Last year, over 5,000 attended during this exhibit.

Also on April 9, come to the Finlandia Club for a great night of comedy with the Laughter for Paws Show featuring Toronto’s David Cornel and help raise money for the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society’s Spay & Neuter Clinic. There are two shows: 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Finlandia Club and the Thunder Bay & District Humane

Society. On Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. the Finlandia Club holds the Tapiola Fundraiser in support of the Tapioloa Sports Park and Ski Trails, with live music by The Moonshiners, Jean-Paul De Roover and DJ Tanner. Thunder Bay’s finest musical acts will gather at the club at 9 p.m. April 23 for Forage for Youth supporting local youth and families. The Finlandia Club is at 314 Bay St, above the Hoito.

Hungry? On April 3 and 24 enjoy Spaghetti Supper at the Italian Cultural Centre with take out 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and sit down at 6 p.m. Reservations at (807) 345-5511. Located at 132 S. Algoma Street.

Theatre lovers will love The Ladies Foursome, presented by Magnus Theater. Three friends meet for a round of golf to celebrate the passing of their recently departed playing partner. Before long, they are surprised by a mysterious fourth woman who

also claims to be an old friend of the deceased. During a round of golf they discuss life, love, men, sex, children, careers… everything but golf! The show runs April 4–16 beginning at 8 p.m. Matinees are Wednesday at 12 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Magnus is located at 10 S. Algoma Street. You can buy tickets online at www.magnus.on.ca or call the box office (807) 345-5552

The 7th Environmental Film Festival takes place April 20-24 at the Maple Tops Activity Centre, at 24 South Court Street, just blocks away from the Prince Arthur Hotel. The free fest features 10 films, guest speakers, and arts panels. Info call (807) 475-3631.

Sunday, April 24 marks The Foundary Spring Craft Revival, the 4th bi-annual Craft Revival Arts and Crafts market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 242 Red River Rd. www.thefoundrypub.com.

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

Nov. 15-May 15

Free Fluoride Well Water Testing Grand Marais 218-387-2334 or 218-387-3631

Jan. 22-April 30

The 100 Day Project Grand Marais Art Colony www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Feb. 11-April 2

“Public Domain: Photographs by Ken Bloom” and “Land of Wonder: New Work by Shawna Gilmore” Duluth Art Institute www.duluthartinstitute.org

March 10-April 3

Art to the Streets: A Youth Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery www.theag.ca

March 21-April 3

Charles Matson Lume Installation Grand Marais Art Colony www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

March 30-April 3

Arrowhead Home & Builder Show The DECC, Duluth www.shamrockprod.com

March 31-April 3

Sweetwater Shakedown Lutsen Mountains www.lutsen.com

March 31-April 24

Lakehead University Visual Arts Major Studio Exhibition (7:30 p.m. reception on April 7) Thunder Bay Art Gallery www.theag.ca

April 1, Friday

April Fool’s Day

Pete Kavanaugh 4 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

March into Mentoring: Mentor Duluth Music Fundraiser 8 p.m. Tycoons Zenith Alehouse, Duluth www.tycoonsalehouse.com

April 1-2

ELEVATE Ski & Snowboard Music Festival featuring Doomtree Papa Charlies, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

April 1-3

Spring Home & Garden Show Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay www.cle.on.ca

April 2, Saturday

Wildflowers of the North Shore 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Timmy Haus 4 p.m. Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

Family Night 5:30 p.m. Summit Chalet, Lutsen Mountains www.lutsen.com

Successful Nature Photography

Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center, Duluth www.d.umn.edu/boulder/events.html

Minetti Quartett 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.northshoremusicassociation.com

April 2-16

Fiber Meets Metal: Work Inspired by Fiber Traditions from Around the World

(5 p.m. reception on April 6) North End Arts Gallery, Superior www.superiorcfta.org

April 3, Sunday

Donation Yoga: Fundraiser for the VPC Noon, Community Center Log Cabin, Grand Marais www.hope-4-u.org

Spring Watershow: Thunder Bay Synchro Noon, Canada Games Complex, Thunder Bay www.thunderbay.ca

April 4-9

One River, Many Stories: Artist Ivy Vainio (5 p.m. reception on April 4) Duluth Art Institute www.duluthartinstitute.org

April 5, Tuesday

Owner Appreciation Day

Cook County Co-op, Grand Marais www.cookcounty.coop

Northland Job Fair 10 a.m. The DECC, Duluth www.decc.org

DSSO: Revel in Ravel 5 p.m. Black Water Lounge, Duluth www.dsso.com

April 6, Wednesday

Open House on Backyard Chickens 4 p.m. CLE Heritage Building, Thunder Bay www.cle.on.ca

The Pineville Heist: World Premiere 6 p.m. Silver City Cinema, Thunder Bay www.pinevilleheist.com

April 7, Thursday

Writer Read 4:30 p.m. US Forest Service Classroom, Ely www.ely.org

Seal it up! A Home Energy Efficiency

Pep Talk 7 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

John Mellencamp 7:30 p.m. Symphony Hall, Duluth www.decc.org

April 7-10

LSCT presents: West Side Story 7 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sun.) William Kelley High School, Silver Bay www.lsct.us

April 8-9

TBSO Cabaret: A World of Dance with Dahab Novoa 8 p.m. Italian Cultural Center, Thunder Bay www.tbca.com

Fingerstyle Masters Weekend

Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

April 8-10

AAD Shrine Circus The DECC, Duluth www.decc.org

Enchanted Tea Party 10 a.m. Harbor Side Convention Center, Duluth www.kernz.com/enchanted

April 9, Saturday

Business Awards of Excellence Gala Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, Thunder Bay www.tbchamber.ca

The Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Martketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth www.nicegirlsofthenorth.com

Outdoorsman Flea Market 10 a.m. CLE Coliseum, Thunder Bay www.cle.on.ca

Afternoon with a Fairy Godmother 2 p.m. Ely Public Library www.ely.org

Taco Time: Ely Nordic Wolves Ski Team Fundraiser 4 p.m. Ely Memorial High School Cafeteria www.ely.org

Parent’s Night Out 5 p.m. YMCA, Grand Marais www.cookcountyymca.org

The Laughter for Paws Show with David Cornel 6:30 & 9:30 p.m. Finlandia Club, Thunder Bay www.thunderbaylaughs. wix.com/comedy

DSSO: Elysium Fields 7 p.m. Symphony Hall, Duluth www.decc.org

Frogleg with Ginstrings 9:30 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

April 9-10

Mountain Meltdown Festival Lutsen Moutains www.lutsen.com

NLAA Musical Cinderella 7 p.m. Sat. & 2 p.m. Sun. Vermillion Community College, Ely www.northernlakesarts.org

April 9-12

Urban Infill 10: Art in the Core (7 p.m. Gala Opening on April 9) Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay www.definitelysuperior.com

April 10, Sunday

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

April 10-23

A Celebration of Art and Music Ely www.northernlakesarts.org

April 11, Monday

Empty Bowl “Sea of Bowls” 5 p.m. The Depot, Duluth www.northernlakesfoodbank.org

Watercolor & Wine 6 p.m. Amici’s Event Center, Ely www.elyartsmusic.com

A Night with Janis Joplin 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 12, Tuesday

Empty Bowl 10 a.m. The Depot, Duluth www.duluthartinstitute.org

Crown, Wand and Sword Creation Class 4 p.m. The Art Corner, Ely www.theartcorner.net

Ruby’s Pantry 5 p.m. Cook County High School, Grand Marais www.facebook.com/rubyspantrycc

DSSO: Chamber Music Series 5 p.m. The Depot, Duluth www.dsso.com

NLAA Musical Cinderella 7 p.m. Vermillion Community College, Ely www.northernlakesarts.org

April 13, Wednesday

TBSO Classical: Bohemian Rhapsody 8 p.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay www.tbca.com

Color Me Happy 5 p.m. Ely Public Library www.ely.org

April 14, Thursday

Solar Power Hour and Grow Solar 7 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

Trout Unlimited 7 p.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

Norm MacDonald & Kevin Nealon Comedy Night 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 14-16

NLAA Musical Cinderella 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Vermillion Community College, Ely www.northernlakesarts.org

April 14-17

LSCT presents: West Side Story 7 p.m. (2 p.m. on Sun.) Two Harbors High School Auditorium www.lsct.us

April 14-24

Earth Day Site-based Installation Grand Marais Art Colony www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

April 14-June 2

“Hat Trick: A Celebration of Hockey & Art” (5 p.m. Reception on April 14) Exhibit Duluth Art Institute www.duluthartinstitute.org

April 14-July 7

“Team Spirit: Jen Dietrich & Robb Quisling” Exhibit (5 p.m. Reception on April 14) Duluth Art Institute www.duluthartinstitute.org

April 14-17 & 20-23

Spring Awakening Marshall Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theatre, Duluth www.sfa.d.umn.edu

April 15-16

Ghost Talk & Tour with Adrian Lee Fairlawn Superior www.superiorpublicmuseums.org

Adam & Tim 7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

April 15-17

Cabin Fever Festival Duluth www.minnesotabluegrass.org

Working for Wolves International Wolf Center, Ely www.wolf.org

Little Red Robin Hood 7 p.m. (Sun. 2 p.m.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org

Boy Gets Girl 7:30 p.m. (Sun. 2 p.m.) St. Scholastica Theatre, Duluth www.css.edu

April 16, Saturday

Stream trout opener in MN Statewide Fitger’s 5k Run & Walk 9 a.m. Duluth www.grandmasmarathon.com

Studio Crawl 10 a.m. Ely Area Art Studio www.northernlakesart.org

Free Family Art Day 11 a.m. Lincoln Center, Duluth www.duluthartinstitute.org

Volunteer Fair Noon, Moose Hall on Fort William Road, Thunder Bay www.thunderbay.ca

Gitchee Gumee Brewfest 5 p.m. UW-Superior Wessman Arena, Superior www.ggbrewfest.com

LSSA Spring Banquet 5:30 p.m. Mr. D’s Bar & Grill, Duluth www.steelheaders.org

Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group presents: The Princess and the Pysanka 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 16-17

Midwest Extreme presented by Cor PowerSports 9 a.m. Lutsen Mountains www.lutsen.com

Lupine Spring Classic Bike Race 10 a.m. Two Harbors to Finland www.thegreentunnel.com

April 17, Sunday

Melodies, Murals & Morsels 10 a.m. Hidden Valley, Ely www.ely.org

Donation Yoga: Fundraiser for the VPC Noon, Community Center Log Cabin, Grand Marais www.hope-4-u.org

Family Series: Orchestra Games 3:30 p.m. Grassroots Church, Thunder Bay www.tbca.com

Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

UMD Dinner with Champions City Side Convention Center, Duluth www.decc.org

April 18, Monday

Jack and Kitty Norton 6 p.m. Vermilion Community College Fireside Lounge, Ely

April 19, Tuesday

Nature Story Hour 3:30 p.m.

Ely Public Library www.ely.org

Once Upon a Murder Mystery 6:30 p.m. Insula, Ely www.ely.org

April 20, Wednesday

Technology Wednesday 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library www.grandmaraislibrary.org

You Should be Dancing: Saturday Night Fever Musical 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 20-24

Thunder Bay Environmental Film Festival Maple Tops Activity Centre, Thunder Bay www.tbefilmf.wordpress.com

April 21, Thursday

Blood Drive 9 a.m. College of St. Scholastica, Duluth www.mbc.org

Blood Drive 10 a.m. Dairy Queen, Ely www.mbc.org

Wine in the Woods 6 p.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

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

Bringing Climate Change Home: A Community Show and Tell 7 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

April 21-24

Boy Gets Girl 7:30 p.m. (Sun. 2 p.m.) St. Scholastica Theatre, Duluth www.css.edu

April 22, Friday

Blood Drive 8:30 a.m. Northeast Range School, Babbitt www.mbc.org

Make It Take It Craft 3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library www.ely.org

Taste of History Dinner 6 p.m. Airline Hotel & Convention Centre, Thunder Bay www.thunderbay.ca

The Cats Pajamas 7 p.m. Vermillion Community College Theater, Ely www.vcc.edu

April 22-24

Service Learning & Volunteer Weekend North House Folk School, Grand Marais www.northhouse.org

Midwest Mountaineering Spring Expo Minneapolis www.outdooradventureexpo.com

Celebration Talent Dance Competition Symphony Hall, Duluth www.decc.org

Food & Wine Adventure Weekend

Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Little Red Robin Hood 7 p.m. (Sun. 2 p.m.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org

April 22-May 21

Nordic Folk Art Series Nordic Center, Duluth www.nordiccenterduluth.org

April 23, Saturday

Passover

Iron Range Earth Fest 9 a.m.

Community Center, Merritt Elementary School and Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron www.ironrangeearthfest.org

Arts and Music Festival 10 a.m.

Amici’s Ceremony Hall, Ely www. theartcorner.net

Artist Talk with Mary Bergs & Lisa Hochstein: Repurposing Found Materials Noon, Grand Marais Art Colony www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

FMX World Tour: The Stars of Freestyle Motocross & BMX 7:30 p.m. AMSOIL Arena, Duluth www.dec.org

TBSO: Pops 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 23-24

Ski & Bike Swap Continental Ski & Bike, Duluth www.continentalski.com

April 24, Sunday

Donation Yoga: Fundraiser for the VPC Noon, Community Center Log Cabin, Grand Marais www.hope-4-u.org

Minnesota Ballet’s Free Dance Day 1:30 p.m. The Depot, Duluth www.minnesotaballet.org

Le Stelle Alpine Italian Dancers 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 25-Oct. 9

Mentor Residency Workshops Grand Marais Art Colony www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

April 26, Tuesday

Empty Bowl & Silent Art Auction

4 p.m. St. Anthony’s Church Hall, Ely www.ely.org

April 27, Wednesday

Doug Westendorp: Contemplative Art in Disquieting Times 4:30 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Aiden & Denali’s Birthday 6 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely www.wolf.org

Wild Ones 7 p.m. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth www.hartleynature.org

Collective Soul 8 p.m.

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 27-28

Small Business Conference Grand Ely Lodge, Ely www.incredibleely.org/conference

April 28, Thursday

Blood Drive 8:30 a.m. Two Harbors High School www.mbc.org

Gallery Talk with Jamie Ratliff 5 p.m. Duluth Art Institute: George Morrison Gallery www.duluthartinstitute.org



Bluegrass Chili Night: Featuring Cedar Valley, Elisabeth Hill, R & D Railroad Community Centre, Thunder Bay 5:30 p.m. 623-8119

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



TBSO: Violinist Nikki Chooi performs Sibelius 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 29, Friday

Emergency Services Conference

SKYWARN Training: Open to the Public (Must Register) Community Center, Grand Marais www.cookcountyesc.org

Girls Night: The Musical 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium www.tbca.com

April 29-30

Annual Tent Sale Weekend Sportsdome, Thunder Bay www.gear-up.com

Cook County Emergency Services Conference Grand Marais www.cookcountyesc.org

April 29-May 1

Writer’s Retreat with Loft instructor Peter Blau: “The Lost Art of Personal Writing” Naniboujou, Grand Marais www.writecreatecommunicate.com

April 30, Saturday

Emergency Services Conference Cross Border Amateur Radio Set Up, Test: Open to the Public (Must Register) Community Center, Grand Marais www.cookcountyesc.org

How Plants Work: Seminar with Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott Thunder Bay, Confederation College www.tbmastergardeners.homestead.com

Canine Carnival 11 a.m. Fitger’s, Duluth www.fitgers.com

Women’s Outdoor Expo 8:45 p.m. South St. Paul Rod & Gun Club, St. Paul www.womenhfs.org

April 30-May 1

Folklore Festival Noon, Fort William Gardens, Thunder Bay www.folklorefestival.ca

April 30-May 2

Creative Self-Care Workshop Weekend Grand Marais Art Colony www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Weekly Events

Mondays

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

Briand Morrison 4 p.m. Moguls Grille & Tap Room, Lutsen www.briandmorrison.com

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

Acoustics by the Fireplace 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Tuesdays

Live Music 6 p.m. Poplar River Pub, Lutsen www.lutsenresort.com

Open Mic with Boyd Blomberg 7 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Wednesdays

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

Spotlight North: Live Music 8 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen www.lutsen.com

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

Thursdays

Live Music 3:30 p.m.

Moguls Grille & Tap Room, Lutsen www.caribouhighlands.com

Live Music 6 p.m. Poplar River Pub, Lutsen www.lutsenresort.com

Craft Night 6 p.m. Ely Folk School www.elyfolkschool.org

Acoustics by the Fireplace 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

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

Fridays

Story Hour 10:30 a.m. Ely Public Library www.ely.org

Live Music 3:30 p.m. Moguls Grille & Tap Room, Lutsen www.caribouhighlands.com

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

Live Music 7 p.m.

Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors www.castledangerbrewery.com

Movie Night 7 p.m. Ely Folk School www.elyfolkschool.org

Acoustics by the Fireplace 8 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

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

Star Walk: Tours of the Universe 9:30 p.m.

Fort William Historical Park Astronomy Centre, Thunder Bay www.fwhp.ca

Saturdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay www.cle.on.ca

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

Live Music 7 p.m. Cascade Lodge & Pub, Lutsen www.cascademn.com

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

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

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

Star Walk: Armageddon Earth 9:30 p.m. Fort William Historical Park Astronomy Centre, Thunder Bay www.fwhp.ca

Sundays

Weekly Programs 7 p.m. Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen www.caribouhighlands.com

Classical Music & Dinner 6 p.m. Bluefin Grille, Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Winter Specials!

Lakeside Dining Room

Friday Night Prime Rib

Rubbed with herbs and spices and slow

Starting at $19.95

Wine Wednesday

Choose from a special selection from our award-winning wine list

$20.00

(Save up to $35 per bottle.)

Poplar River Pub

Tuesday & Thursday Wing Night

$.50 wings with Sriracha Buffalo or maple BBQ, blue cheese or ranch along with celery

(Winter specials available November - April. Not available holidays or with other specials.)

The North Shore Dish

Entering the Realm of Kitchen Gadgetry

By Maren Webb

I may have a slight obsession with kitchen gadgets. Friends and family have come to know that if a gift for me is from a kitchen store, I’m bound to love it. But in a world of an ever-increasing number of kitchen gizmos and gadgets, it’s worth taking a step back to think about what we really need and use during this month of Earth Day. Don’t get me wrong—kitchen gadgets will still be on my wish list, but which ones should be at the top of the list and which ones should be headed to the thrift store?

To better understand the kitchen gadget world, I stopped by the Blue Heron Trading Company in Canal Park Duluth. Located in the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace, the Blue Heron has been a staple for over 30 years. They have a wide range of kitchen supplies and gadgets, from the everyday to the extraordinary—their stacks of Le Creuset dutch ovens may have had me drooling.

The Blue Heron’s assistant manager, Mary, showed me around the shop, pointing out some of their best sellers. It’s a great place to shop and as Mary said, “it’s like an extension of my home.” And there are definitely gadgets to discover. If you are a regular butter user, the Butter Bay French-style crock keeps a stick of butter soft and spreadable, without refrigeration. It’s made in the USA, dishwasher safe, and keeps butter fresh outside of the fridge for up to three weeks. While not all of us are regular butter consumers, pretty much every kitchen needs a good cutting board. A local favorite is the state shape cutting boards from Epicurean, produced in the Twin Ports. These durable cutting boards are made out of the same durable material as skate parks. They come in all your favorite state shapes, like Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as many other novelty shapes, like Lake Superior, a maple leaf, and a walleye (specialty shapes available at www.epicureancs.com).

As my exploration of the store continued, a staff member did a demonstration of one of their products, a silicone lid that creates an airtight, water-tight seal on any round dish. Whether you are microwaving a vegetable or cooking something in the oven or on the stovetop, these Charles Viancin silicon lids prevent splatters and retain steam during cooking. Inspired by nature, the lids come in fun shapes like Lilypad and Poppy. This gadget is a great one to consider around Earth Day, as it’ll

The Blue Heron Trading Company in Duluth has a wide range of kitchen supplies. | MAREN WEBB

help you avoid wasting plastic wrap or aluminum foil and still be BPA-free.

I asked another staff member what her favorite item in the shop was and she didn’t disappoint. Denise shared an item that is simple, but ever so helpful—an offset spatula. This inexpensive, handy tool is perfect for any type of spreading, from frosting a cake to smoothing brownie batter in a pan. Another inexpensive but important tool in any kitchen is a vegetable peeler. After seeing one that the Lake Avenue Café uses regularly, I picked up one of the Kuhn Rikon peelers in red.

These days, many cooks are looking to use kitchen items made of safer materials. This has led some classic products to become popular again, such as cast iron, stainless steel and glass, as well as some newer materials becoming more widespread, like bamboo. While maybe once thought to be too cumbersome and maybe just less high-tech, well-seasoned cast iron pans can easily take the place of non-stick pans for most uses. If you do use teflon or non-stick pans, be sure to not overheat the pan or continue to use it if it has scratches, as that is when the not-so-nice chemicals can be released.

Bamboo is a popular material now for cutting boards, wooden spoons and other handy kitchen items. Bamboo tends to absorb less liquid than other wooden cutting boards (a good thing for less bacterial growth) and it is also a sustainable material. Just be sure to buy one that is made with formaldehyde-free glues. Plastic is another target that many people are trying to

rid from their kitchens. If you do have plastic items, be sure to look for BPA-free and PVC-free products and do not microwave them. Avoid storing fatty, greasy, or acidic foods in plastic and toss them when they get scratched or cloudy. If you are looking to get rid of your plastic items, just be sure to recycle the ones you can.

When it comes to kitchen gadgets, we know that the sky’s the limit. There is always a new one to try out. But which ones are worth it and which ones can you skip? Much of this depends on the style of cooking you do. If you rarely bake, I wouldn’t spend a lot of money or cabinet space on a big set of baking pans. There is one rule to consider with any kitchen purchase: Can I use it for more than one dish or recipe? If the answer is no, you better really love that dish or make it so frequently that it’s worth owning. For me, this no-go list would include a quesadilla maker (a fry pan works fine), a breakfast sandwich maker and a doughnut pan. Two other things to consider: Is the cleanup too much of a hassle that you won’t use it and is it better for your health to not own one (or likewise, a good thing for your health)? There is a good reason why I don’t own a deep fryer, although I enjoy fries occasionally at local restaurants.

My new favorite gadget might not meet the rules above for everyone, but it has been a great addition to my kitchen: a vegetable spiralizer. They’ve been all the rage recently and after holding out for several months, I received one as a Christmas gift. My number one reason that I wanted

The Butter Bay is a French-style crock pot that keeps a stick of butter soft and spreadable. | MAREN WEBB

a spiralizer was that it enables you to incorporate more vegetables into recipes. It can make zucchini and butternut squash noodles, which are tastier than they sound. It also makes quick work of coleslaw, by shredding a head of cabbage in a flash. I’ll be teaching a class at the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op this April about Spiralizers. Check out www.cookcounty.coop for more details and to register.

oral health care for children oral health task force

FREE FLUORIDE WELL WATER TESTING

From Nov. 15, 2015 to May 15, 2016

The Oral Health Task Force is offering free fluoride well testing for Cook County and Grand Portage Reservation families. Families include: pre-natal mom’s, children, and young adults up to 26 years old.

Fluoride is safe and a huge benefit in providing good oral health and helps in the prevention of tooth decay. Water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20% to 40%. The EPA recommends wells should be tested every three years.

How do I do this? It’s simple. Just stop in at the Cook County Court House/Environmental Health Office (Planning and Zoning) or the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic to pick up a form and a bag for the water. The bag of water and completed form is then returned to the Environmental Health Office (Planning and Zoning) for testing. Results of the test will be sent by letter from the Environmental Health Office.

If you have questions, please contact Georgene Daubanton at the Oral Health Task Force at 218 387-2334 or Joseph Routh, Fluoride Analyst at 218 387-3631 or 387-3630.

Whether you are doing a spring cleaning of your kitchen or trying to decide on a new kitchen gadget addition, keep in mind the larger goal of our kitchens: a place to help us prepare delicious, nourishing food. And if you’ve got a gadget that you think I should try, let me know so I can have an excuse to add another thing to my kitchen.

Voyageur Brewing Company Trailbreaker Belgian Style Wit Ale

By Eric Chandler

I scratched my head looking at the wall of beer choices. Then I saw a russet-colored six-pack from the Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais. I grabbed the Trailbreaker Belgian Style Wit Ale. Research. Someone has to do it.

I spoke with Jason Baumgarth, Head Brewer at Voyageur, about what makes a beer “Belgian.” He made sure I understood that this was a wit, similar in category to a Blue Moon. He said this type of beer has a unique yeast note, wheat as a major grain, and traditionally includes coriander and orange peel. Baumgarth said that he wanted a Voyageur beer that wasn’t as sweet as some wheat beers and finished drier. He said they include cardamom as part of the subtle spiciness. “Approachable” was the goal.

Voyageur is a new brewery with new equipment and test batches started in October of 2014. They opened their taproom to the public in February, 2015, with Trailbreaker as one of their four flagship beers. Baumgarth said he wanted the drink complex enough that a craft beer pro would find it interesting. But he also wanted a rookie craft beer drinker to have Trailbreaker as an option. “Craft beer doesn’t have to be an IPA,” Baumgarth said. “I want the newcomer to say, ‘Hey, you know, this is pretty good.’”

I poured another honey-colored glass with a light head. A nice citrus note and a sweet taste that finished clean. Carbonation was medium and pleasant. It was Belgian. It was wheat. But not in your face about it. You know what? It was pretty good.

NORTHERN WILDS MARCH

Having the right kitchen gadgets can make cooking much more easy and fun. | MAREN WEBB

Vegetable spiralizers are becoming more popular, such as this butternut squash spiralizer.

| MAREN WEBB

Natural Solutions for Allergies

By Kim Falter

After a long winter, mild spring days and budding trees are a welcome sight. But for some people, spring brings the dreaded allergy season. A common topic this time of year, allergies can be a real problem for people year-round. They can exist not only as a reaction to the pollens during the warmer months, but also as a result of exposure to molds, dust, pet hair, chemicals and foods. The good news is that common acceptance of allergies as a chronic condition is being challenged. Although incredibly complex and sometimes genetically determined, chronic allergies are not conditions in which any one should have to suffer. As any allergy sufferer can attest, symptoms can be intolerable, but natural solutions can help minimize suffering.

To discuss allergies you must first discuss the immune system. The immune system exists to protect you from foreign invaders that can lead to possible illness. In a healthy system, food, for example, is recognized as “good,” therefore your body processes and utilizes it to run its systems. Viruses are recognized as “bad” and attacked and eliminated. When a person has an allergic reaction, the immune system is responding inappropriately to something that is not necessarily harmful to the body. This relatively neutral foreigner causes the over-reactive immune system to release chemicals, such as histamines, that result in an inflammatory response. The release of these chemicals by an over-responsive immune system primarily affects the skin, mucous membranes, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. This can result in itchy and watery eyes, congested sinuses and skin reactions, and in some cases, loss of energy, mood swings, headaches and abdominal distress.

Allergic responses can be complex. Current research shows that many allergic reactions cannot be wrapped up in a neat little box. Allergies are messy and a diagnosis

of an allergy to one thing rarely leads to relief. Chemicals in our food and in the air, stress, lack of sleep, and exercise all play a role in how our immune system behaves. Making it a point to keep stress levels low, get proper rest, exercise and eliminate exposure to chemicals can have a significant effect on how your immune system reacts to the world around you. Here are some other ways to keep those allergies at bay:

Diet! Diet! Diet!

The most important thing you can do for yourself is change the way you eat, not just for food allergies, but for all allergies. Every five years our government releases a set of new dietary guidelines based on evidence from current research. This year’s guidelines included the minimization of sugar consumption and a change in status on the health benefits associated with eggs. But among the new research it was stated that although adherence to dietary guidelines is recommended, every individual needs to take responsibility for their own reaction to food. Every piece of food and every beverage you drink elicits a response. Being mindful of how our body responds to what we consume is paramount to optimal health, and can help those suffering from allergy symptoms. Diets that will help strengthen your immune system and minimize the symptoms caused by allergic reactions include the adoption of these simple changes:

• Eat whole, unprocessed foods

• Eat a variety of different foods

• Rotate the foods you eat

• Be mindful of how you react to certain foods

Bodywork

Current research is beginning to reveal the great relief acupuncture can bring to both the causes and effects of allergies. Two recent studies, one in Germany and one on children, both revealed a significant reduction in symptoms, and in some cases, several symptom-free days for those who underwent acupuncture from a trained professional. Body work, such as cranial sacral massage and chiropractic adjustments have also proved effective at providing relief for allergy sufferers.

Homeopathics

Homeopathics often get confused with natural remedies. Homeopathic medicine is a practice that takes a very small and very diluted dose of an item, that in very large doses, results in the ailment you are trying to prevent. Similar to vaccinations where you are given a small dose of the virus you are trying to prevent so that your

immune system can build antibodies and similar to allergy shots. Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy: one or several allergens are recognized as an issue and then treated by injecting small amounts of that allergen, slowly increasing the dose over time. The intended result is to desensitize the immune system—help it to recognize the allergen without overreacting to it. Homeopathy follows these same principles, making it an effective and safe natural remedy for allergy sufferers.

Eastern societies view allergies (and all ailments in general) as an imbalance of energies and organ systems. Here, we narrow it down to one system: an overactive immune response. Both are true. Approaching the body as a whole is the best way to give your body what it needs. Eating healthy, keeping stress levels low and getting proper rest and exercise can all help balance energies, keep organ systems healthy and help maintain an optimally functioning immune system.

EATING THE WEEDS

The many uses of dandelions

By Julia Prinselaar

Few plants are eradicated with such collective enthusiasm as the common dandelion. Search the local Yellow Pages or Internet, and there is no shortage of industry professionals offering services, tools, chemicals and resources to systematically wage war on this pernicious weed, which thrives in just about any soil type on the planet.

Although the dandelion is considered a first class enemy by golfers, groundskeepers and homeowners who cringe at the sight of a bright yellow flower rearing its head on a lush, green lawn, European and Asian nations have benefitted from its wealth of nutritional properties and variety of uses for generations. Dandelions also offer a crucial food supply for pollinators in search of an energy source at the onset of spring. From teas and tinctures to wine and salad greens, the dandelion has earned respect among wellness experts, carved out shelf space at health food stores and is finding its way into the diets of Westerners from forage-to-table.

There are more than 250 known species of the dandelion (Taraxacum) belonging to the Aster family. The plants typically have sharply serrated leaves, which is where many people say the dandelion gets its name: “dents-de-lion” is French for “lion’s teeth,” but before that, the Latin name was dens leonis, according to John Kallas, author of Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate.

While these hardy perennials have many look-alikes, they can be distinguished from other imposters with a couple of quick and easy identification tools. A true dandelion leaf is completely smooth to the touch on its underside and grows from the ground in a basal rosette pattern. Often

confused with sow thistles, which are hairy and prickly to the touch and bear two or more flowers on each stalk, a dandelion will produce only one flower per stem.

The free food is out there

“My neighbours love me. They hate their dandelions and I take them,” boasts Karen Stephenson, a foraging expert based in Southern Ontario who has dedicated her career to the advocacy for edible wild plants as food and medicine. “The free food is out there.”

Stephenson has led a plant walk in Thunder Bay for Ontario Nature’s foraging education programs and has a lot to say about the benefits of dandelions, outlined in her website www.ediblewildfood.com

Rich in vitamins A, C, E and K and the minerals copper, phosphorous, potassium, iron, calcium, sodium and magnesium, dandelions are nutritional powerhouses. In fact, Stephenson claims that one cup of raw dandelion greens contains 112 percent of the daily required intake of Vitamin A and 535 percent of Vitamin K.

The root contains powerful cleansing properties and can be used as a tea or extract to purify the blood, manage insulin levels and restore the functions of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen, where toxins accumulate.

Dandelion Delectables

In the seminal foraging book Stalking the Wild Asparagus, author Euell Gibbons described a March meal he shared with friends that consisted wholly of dandelions. He wrote:

“We had Dandelion Roots, boiled and buttered, Dandelion Crowns, both cooked and in a salad, Dandelion Greens, and tender developing blossom material cut from the crowns, cooked and seasoned. All this was washed down with glasses of Dandelion Wine left over from the former season, and we finished with cups of Dandelion Coffee.”

Spring is the best time to sample all the humble dandelion has to offer. Many folks living in the Northern Wilds have an excellent place to harvest whole plants: their gardens. You can easily dig up whole plants and begin turning over the soil at the same time. And, dandelions being dandelions, you can harvest from the same garden year after year. Thoroughly scrub and clean the dirt from the plants. Then you can separate them in the following ways.

Roots can be peeled and boiled in two waters, making a vegetable Gibbons says is better than salsify or parsnips. You can also slow roast the roots in an oven until they are brittle and dark brown. Place them in a coffee grinder and then brew as a caffeine-free, coffee substitute that is surprisingly tasty.

“It’s rather ironic that many people in Canada, the U.S. and in Great Britain collectively spend millions of dollars every year trying to kill something that has a wealth of proven health benefits,” writes Stephenson in her book, Fields of Nutrition.

To the beginner forager, dandelion greens can turn

Crowns, the lump of new growth just above the roots, can be eaten cooked or raw. Gibbons suggests soaking them in cold salt water until they are used. You can find recipes for making them into salad with bacon bits and hard-boiled eggs. You can also boil crowns, then drain and saute them with butter.

Greens can be added to a tossed salad or boiled, drained and season with butter or bacon. Gibbons says greens taste best when they are picked before the plant blooms. As with crowns, keep them in cold salt water until used.

Blooms can be added to foods such as pancakes and muffins or made into wine. The trick is to use the yellow petals, removing the green from the bottom side of the flower. You can dry the petals and store them in a canning jar.

Dandelions can be prepared and served in many ways. The blossoms are relished by honeybees. | STOCK

out to be a disappointment. After all, anyone with even a slight aversion to bitterness could dismiss their taste as unpalatable, even when cooked and slathered in butter. The key is to know what you are doing, and once you do, these prolific greens can be enjoyed as a nutritious vegetable.

All about timing

The dandelion has six edible parts: leaves, flower buds, upper bud stem, flowers, heart and roots. The flavour and texture of these greens (and greens in general) can vary wildly depending on the growing conditions and their stage of life (think of how tender baby spinach compares to a more mature, tougher version of the same plant).

Bitter-free dandelion leaves are most often found in the early Spring, but even then they can be difficult to find. John Kallas speculates that this plant’s bitterness is influenced by three factors: excessive sun, slow growth and root storage of bitterness.

“The first and most important source of bitterness for dandelions is sunlight. Dandelion’s bitter chemicals are made in proportion to the amount of sunlight the leaves receive. The more intense and longer the duration of sunlight baking a leaf, the more bitter it will be. Conversely, less bitter greens are produced during a period of rapid spring growth; the plant receives a low amount of sunlight since the sun is still low in the sky and the days are short,” writes Kallas.

When searching for non-bitter greens, look for quick growth, advises Kallas. The more rapid, the less bitter the greens, even in the summer. So how do you identify leaves undergoing rapid growth? “Look for luxuriant growth where the leaves look so good they could be sold in the produce section of a supermarket,” he says, and select the center-most elevated leaves that aren’t touching the ground.

In this case, size doesn’t matter. Rapidly growing leaves

can be anywhere from three to 18 inches long. But a lot can be told by the colour. Avoid leaves that have marks, insect damage, or are dark green, which tend to be outer leaves that are older, more bitter and tougher. Bright green indicates youthful, rapid growth.

Harvesting and managing bitterness

Kallas advises keeping three things in mind when forag ing for edibles. Know the habitat and be aware of poten tial contaminants in the surrounding environ ment—harvesting wild edibles along a busy roadside or industrial area is an obvious no-no. Keep the leaves fresh in transit and don’t allow the milky juice to bleed onto and stain the leaves.

Bitterness can be managed in two ways: Learn to love it or work dandelions into other food dishes to dilute their strong taste. Instead of overpowering the meal with bitterness, dandelions can add character to its flavour. Boiling anywhere from four to eight minutes is touted as one of the best meth ods of reducing much of the bitterness.

The buds, flowers, hearts and stems should not be forgotten in the context of harvesting and cooking dandelions. Sweetly flavourful, fresh petals can be used as garnishes in sal ads and sandwiches and even fermented into wine. The hearts can be oiled and baked with other foods like mushrooms and quinoa for a hearty dish that eats like a meal.

In certain circles, the dandelion is widely revered for its uses in both food and medicine. This weed is perfectly safe to eat and offers inspiration to culinary enthusiasts who are only limited by their imagination.

v i sit ou r sta t e-of-the-a r t

The David Thompson Astronomical Obser vator y is a mar vel of modern space science, and home to one of the largest telescopes in Central Canada.

INTE R A C TIVE EXHIBI T S

F A CILI T Y R E N T AL S

SO L AR VI E WIN G

W ORKS HO P S

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TAR W AL K e x p e ri en c e a

• Adults $10

• Students, Seniors & Youths $8

• Children 5 and under FREE!

9:30pm – 11:30pm APRI L S TA R W AL K THEME S

ADMISSIO N M E R CU R Y the

! 7am–3pm Monday May 9th $6/ half- day • $9/ full- day

FRIDAYS: Tours of the Universe

SATURDAYS: Armageddon Ear th 10:00pm – 12:00am M AY S TA R W AL K THEME S

FRIDAYS: Tours of the Universe

SATURDAYS: Tours of the Universe

Northern Trails Fishing Boat Essentials and Extras

By Gord Ellis

There was a time when outfitting your fishing boat meant putting an anchor in it. Or maybe a life jacket. For many years, the basic fishing boat was nothing too fancy. It was not too big and the power on it generally wasn’t too impressive. When I was a kid, our family fishing boat was a modest 14-foot aluminum with an outboard motor that wasn’t very dependable. More than a few fishing trips were interrupted by motor problems. Much paddling would ensue. Yet that humble boat did the job, and the fish didn’t seem to care. They still don’t.

However, the times have really changed when it comes to fishing boats and what you can have on them. There are a wide variety of accessories you can add to even the smallest boat and make it a better, more adaptable craft for angling. Some I consider necessities, others are interesting options. Here is my list of the things that can help make a fishing boat better.

Depth finder/GPS

There are very few fishing boats around these days that don’t have some kind of depth finder/fish finder unit on them. There really isn’t any reason not to have a fish finder in 2016, outside of a dislike for technology. Even the most basic finders have incredible power and flexibility, and you can get a good unit for a couple hundred bucks. For those anglers who don’t want to attach a permanent fish finder to the boat, I’d recommend a portable unit. They normally run off a 12 volt battery and have a transducer that can be attached via suction cup or clamp. Adding a permanent finder to a boat requires a bit more rigging, but is much more solid and handy. The modern finders, besides having the ability to read bottom, water temperature and mark fish, can also include GPS capabilities and even lake mapping. You might think this is all too much, but if you’ve ever been on Lake Superior and had the fog roll in on you, the GPS “trail” you made from the dock to the fishing spot can be a life saver. A GPS capable fish finder also allows you to mark reefs, hazards, shore lunch spots and docking areas.

Trolling Motor

Trolling motors are not a new idea. They’ve been around for several decades. Yet the trolling motor of 1986 is world’s away from the units available in 2016. Thirty years ago, a trolling motor might have had two or three speeds (none of them very fast) and usually could not go in

reverse. Today, most basic trolling motors have multiple speeds and are very powerful in forward and reverse. Some even have GPS capabilities that allow you to chart a trolling path.

For those who want to stay portable, you can buy transom mount trolling motors that can be removed in a flash. These trolling motors generally run off a deep cycle battery. The portable trolling motor is a great choice for smaller boats and even square stern canoes. On larger boats, a bow mount trolling motor is the way to go. It’s easier to control a boat with a front mounted motor and, if the boat has a deck, you can also stand up front and drive it while casting. Bow mount trolling motors run the gamut from very simple cable drives to fully motorized with self-deploy capabilities. A foot control trolling motor is standard, although I’ve become very fond of the Minn -

Kota i-Pilot, with its remote that allows you to drive from anywhere in the boat. You can also hit an anchor setting on the i-Pilot that will hold your boat in place.

Rod Holder

I never thought much about having rod holders in the boat until my kids came along. Then rod holders became a life saver. Whenever there was a hook to bait, sandwich to find or dispute to settle, the rod holder was used. But it quickly became evident that rod holders could also improve fishing success rates. This was especially evident trolling. The natural human impulse is to “work” a rod while trolling. Pumping it forward, dropping the tip etc. Yet there are times the lure needs to run consistently to be bit. The rod holder makes that happen. Rod holders come in many shapes and sizes. The portable holders usually have a screw on mechanism

that allows you to move it around the boat. The permanent holder require you to screw in and anchor a mount. The actual holder is then placed into the mount. I honestly can’t imagine having a fishing boat without rod holders.

Other stuff

There is a variety of other accessories you can add to the modern fishing boat. If you like to back troll with your boat, you likely know that eating the waves that hit the transom when in reverse is an issue. A set of wave whackers attached to the back of the boat solves this problem. They provide a barrier to the waves and keep you from getting wet when trolling backwards. Most types of wave whackers are removable, so you don’t have to keep them on all the time.

An electric anchor retrieval system is handy if pulling an anchor by hand is an issue. You can also mount them near the front of the boat and deploy them without getting out of your seat. Again, a handy feature.

A drift sock is a large, cloth-based item that works as a water anchor to slow down a troll or drift. They usually are tied to the bow or transom. They create drag in the water and that can keep your boat from drifting too far too fast in high winds. The sock is thrown over the side and expands to create a slow drag in the water.

There are many options to explore if you want to outfit your boat this season. But don’t wait too long, the open water season is just days away. And not one minute too soon.

Hitting the water feels safer when you have good electronics and a GPS. | GORD ELLIS

A fully rigged boat is a pleasure on the water. | GORD ELLIS

Available at these area outlets:

Duluth/Superior

Barnes & Noble

Great Lakes Aquarium

Marine General Sports

Great Lakes Fly Co.

Northwest Outlet

Thunder Bay

D ‘n’ R Sport

Grand Marais

Lake Superior Trading Post

Twin Cities

Superior Fly Angler

To order by mail send $8.75* to: Lake Superior Steelhead Association P.O. Box 16034, Duluth, MN 55816

Bob Mitchell Fly Shop Fly Angler

*Includes shipping and handling

For more information, join us on our website at www.steelheaders.org

With Wade Christensen’s son Adam aboard, three generations of family have worked for Duluth-based GPM, a pump manufacturing company started by Wade’s father-in-law, Pete Gemuenden Sr. Because mining is one of the industries GPM serves, Wade wholeheartedly supports PolyMet Mining’s plan to open Minnesota’s first copper-nickel mine. The economic diversification from the new mine will provide jobs for generations to come.

Congratulations to the winners of gift certicates to various Grand Marais businesses from our drawing at the Central Canada Outdoors Show. You will receive your gift certificate in the mail.

Ryan Overmeer, Thunder Bay —Voyageur Brewing Company

Julia McGowan, Thunder Bay—My Sister’s Place

Ashley Pelto, Thunder Bay—Cook County Higher Education

Peter Pemna, Gorham—Lake Superior Trading Post

Jared Guitard, Thunder Bay—Birchbark Books & Gifts

Kristy Daniels, Thunder Bay—Sivertson Gallery

Mitch Kostecki, Terrace Bay—Beth’s Fudge & Gifts

LeeAnn Hautala, Kakabeka Falls—Harbor House Grille

Adam McKinnon, Thunder Bay—Dockside Fish Market

Adam Moreira, Thunder Bay—Sven & Oles

Cheryl Gorrie, Thunder Bay—Sven & Oles

Wild Traditions

Raising Backyard Chickens

By Julia Prinselaar

Almost 60 years ago, my grandparents immigrated to Canada and settled in Thunder Bay. Over the years, they were followed by their parents, relatives and other Italians who joined the influx of newcomers to the city, collectively populating the historic Bay & Algoma neighbourhood.

My mother can recall seasonal chicken culls in the basement of the house where she grew up as a child, but the details are not gruesome or gory—if anything, food-related gatherings, at any stage of the process, were family affairs that brought the grandparents, parents, cousins and siblings together.

I remember some of these events, too: Assembly line-style tomato canning in the garage, the adults curing meats and making sausages, and watching my Nonno crush grapes to make wine. There was even a rabbit that he raised in a cage behind his shed before it disappeared (into the roasting pan). But it was after I starting raising my own chickens and tending a garden that the generation gap between my grandparents and I really started to shrink. Before my 20s, we had little in common in the way of our lifestyle. Now they come over to admire my garden in the summer, visit the chickens and happily return home with a dozen eggs.

Raising backyard chickens isn’t something new, but it has been phased out with the modernization of Western lifestyle. Perhaps three generations ago, having a few hens in the household was as common as having a clothesline or a garden. And it’s

easy to see why a small flock of birds can be such a boon to the backyard: Chicken manure provides excellent fertilizer for the garden and birds naturally scratch at the earth to peck out pests and weeds. Not to mention, raising your own flock moves away from supporting industrial farm operations and having a more intimate connection to animals and food sources offers valuable lessons for people of all ages. My three-year-old niece happens to love eggs and one of her favourite things about coming to the backyard is opening the nesting boxes to look for the colourful prizes inside.

Believe it or not, there are dozens and perhaps hundreds of breeds of chickens, with heritage varieties preserving the most unique physical traits. Polish chickens, for example, boast an extravagant crest of feathers on their heads. Brahmas lay light

to dark brown eggs and are admired for their delicate, penciled plumage and gentle disposition. Ameraucanas, like the two black and gold-feathered ones that I own, lay blue-green eggs. They’re bearded and pea-combed, making them more resilient in the cold. If you’re shopping around for a flock, choosing birds that are hardy enough for our Northern climate is a must.

Becoming familiar with common concerns and best practices are keys to responsible animal husbandry. Luckily, most problems have practical solutions. Like many animals, chickens can host mites, lice and other subtly pernicious critters that love to cling on and live among them. Provide regular dust baths, keep a clean coop and lay fresh bedding, and you’re winning the battle. With a little education and regular monitoring, the work that comes with maintaining a flock is far outweighed by

the benefits of having freshly laid eggs at the table.

As more cities recognize the importance of community resilience and food security, urban agriculture initiatives are cropping up in neighbourhoods across the world. Through manageable pockets of community and backyard gardens, edible food forests, honeybee hives and the raising of small livestock animals, people gain affordable access to nutritious, local food while building life skills and connecting with others.

Moncton, Minneapolis, Montreal, Victoria, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York and Kingston join a growing list of jurisdictions in North America that have legalized backyard chickens in recent years and Thunder Bay may soon become part of it.

In response to growing local interest, the

The author’s chicken coop in her backyard. | JULIA PRINSELAAR

April is Earth Month!

The Cook County Local Energy Project Presents LocalEnergyThursdays at North House Folk School 7 - 9 pm. Free!

April7th: Seal it up! A Home Energy Efficiency Pep Talk with builder and energy auditor Mike Senty. Win a REEP home audit. Take home a grab bag of energy tools and start saving now!

April14th: Solar Power Hour and Grow Solar

Use the sun to power your home, business or farm. Testimonials from local solar power homeowners. Solar basics and step-by-step with Dathan Lythgoe of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

April21st: Bringing Climate Change Home: A Community Show and Tell. A vegetable-oil powered road trip with Jonathan Hedstrom. Morgan Welch reports on her trip to the Paris COP21 Climate Talks. Carbon Fee and Dividend educational session by the Cook County Citizen’s Climate Lobby.

Sponsored by CCLEP

Hosted by North House Folk School 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN Contact: localenergy@boreal.org www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy is hosting an open house on April 6 from 4-7 p.m. at the CLE Heritage Building to collect feedback from the public on this issue. The goal is to bring recommendations to municipal council that support a bylaw for backyard chickens.

According to research from the California-based Community Food Security Coalition’s North American Initiative on Urban Agriculture, urban agriculture builds social capital through trust, civic engagement, the development of community leaders, and the sharing of goods, skills and services. In other words, the more connected our communities are to their food sources, the more we get to know our neighbours, help one another and take pride in our communities.

For me, chickens have done just that. Because of my flock, I’ve connected with more people in my neighbourhood than I could have ever hoped to. One dad brings his three sons over to see the birds, and they live two blocks away. Impressed by this addition to our neighbourhood, our Portuguese neighbour raises rabbits and came over to show us his pigeons. He now shares seeds from his garden to grow in my own. Symbolically, I don’t think it gets any better than that.

The Road Back to Sweetgrass

By Linda LeGarde Grover University of Minnesota Press $14.95

Set in northern Minnesota, this novel follows a trio of American Indian women from the 1970s to the present, as they cope with love, economic hardship, loss and the changing of family dynamics. The novel moves between past and present, the Native and non-Native, history and myth, and traditional and survival, as the people of Mozhay Point endure traumatic historical events and federal Indian policies, while looking ahead to future generations and the continuation of the Anishinaabe people.—Breana Roy

The Ravens

By Vidar Sundstol University of Minnesota Press $15.95

After a gruesome discovery, U.S. Forest Service ranger Lance Hansen becomes part of a murder investigation and the mysteries have been multiplying. Reluctantly taking on the role of detective, Lance uncovers troubling connections and grim secrets that bring him to northern Minnesota. His search through Duluth, the Boundary Waters and sleepy tourist towns on the North Shore leads to a powerful conclusion in this final installment of the award-winning Minnesota Trilogy. The first two volumes are The Land of Dreams and Only the Dead.

—Breana Roy

WHY GO: This multi-species lake is a good option for pre-opening day crappie action and it’s also a good place to pursue walleyes. There are also rustic and backcountry campsites on the lake. Asides from that, there’s a lake whitefish population and it has a netting season in the fall.

ACCESS: The main access is a concrete boat ramp located inside the U.S. Forest Service campground. To get there, from Temperance River State Park, take F.R. 343 inland for 4.5 miles and take a left at the T intersection onto F.R. 166 (The 600 Road). Follow for five miles to C.R. 7 and turn right, driving for 9 miles through several intersections. Turn left onto F.R. 369. Drive 2.5 miles and take a right onto F.R. 921 (Silver Island Access Road). The campground is 1.5 miles up the road.

VITALS: This 1,238-acre lake lies entirely in the Superior National Forest and Lake County. Despite having lake whitefish, it’s a relatively shallow lake, with a maximum depth of 16 feet and water clarity of 5.3 feet, according to a DNR survey conducted in 2012. There are some shallow areas with boulder hazards, particularly in the northwest corner of the lake and southern basin, so navigate with caution.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Black crappie, lake whitefish, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye and yellow perch.

CRAPPIE: Dick Stern, a DNR fisheries technician at the Finland area office, said crappie at Silver Island Lake are better than average for the area, where the fish are hit or miss, in general. On a year such as this, with a potentially early spring, a few anglers will likely venture out to Silver Island to pursue crappies once the ice breaks up.

“There are some nice fish,” he said, noting that the last time the lake was surveyed in 2012, trap-netted crappies averaged 0.85 pounds per fish. “There’s a lot of minnows for them to eat out there in the lake,” he said, listing off several present in the lake, including spottail shiners, darters and log perch, among others, that likely make up a bit of the crappie diet.

For panfish, the lake also has a few other species, such as rock bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch, but crappie are tops. Yellow perch do reach that desirable eating size in the lake, Stern said, but not enough for many to target the fish.

WALLEYE: Because of the darker water, Stern said, Silver Island is one of the better

SILVER ISLAND LAKE

places to fish walleye during the day. “It’s that brown bog stain,” he said. While a few walleyes do reach nicer lengths, the lake is known more for quantity than quality. “There’s some here and there,” he said, noting that the longest to turn up in the most recent survey was 24 inches. “When they get big enough, they can feed on lake whitefish,” he said. Most anglers use live bait and either drift or troll, and a jig and minnow is also popular early in the season.

WHITEFISH: Despite being fairly shallow, the lake does have a lake whitefish population, though numbers in the latest survey were below average for the lake class. It’s one of only two lakes in the area with a whitefish-netting season.

CAMPING: The U.S. Forest Service has eight rustic camp sites at its campground and three backcountry campsites on its shores (one of them is on an island), which are accessible by boat only. The sites cannot be reserved and there is no fee, but there is no potable water available and visitors must pack out their trash.—Javier Serna

Becky Stoner for a tour. (218) 387-9119 · hillhaven@boreal.org 1681-1683 E Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN www.HillhavenAssisted.com

by Mark D. Consulting, LLC Serving Businesses and Residential Customers. 218-663-7149 Mark@MarkDConsulting.com

northern sky

APRIL 2016

By Deane Morrison— MINNESOTA STARWATCH

Mercury, the messenger of the gods, pops into the evening sky in April, making its best evening appearance of the year. Look to the west-northwest an hour after sunset around the 18th, when it will be farthest from the sun.

Jupiter, blazing below the constellation Leo, the lion, comes out in the southeast to south at nightfall. Leo’s head is marked by the backward question mark of stars called the Sickle, with its brightest star, Regulus, at the base. The lion rides high in the south during the peak evening viewing hours, as if driving the bright winter constellations toward the western horizon.

In the predawn sky, Saturn and Mars draw closer until the 20th, then start to separate. The two planets appear somewhat low in the south to southwest, above the red star Antares in Scorpius, with Saturn the easternmost. Mars draws closest to Antares, whose name means “rival of Mars,” on the 26th, but a bright waning moon may wash them out a bit. To avoid moonlight, try viewing the rivals at about 5 a.m. between the 4th and the 18th.

April’s full moon comes at 12:24 a.m. CDT on the 22nd. The moon will then be just one day past apogee, its farthest point from Earth in a lunar cycle, and so it will be the most distant and smallest-looking full moon of the year. Come November, though, we’ll have a big, close perigee moon.

Sundown on April 30 begins the astronomically based Celtic holiday Beltane, one of the four “cross-quarter days” falling midway between an equinox and a solstice. Between sundown and sunrise that night, the evil spirits that had been on the loose since Halloween had a last fling before being banished for the next six months. Beltane marked the start of what was called the light half of the year and it survives today as May Day.

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

Photo by Paul Sundberg

Strange Tales

Natural Wonders in Northern Wilds

By Elle AndraWarner

With Earth Day on April 22, it seemed a good time to look at some of the natural wonders that we have right here in Northern Wilds, including some that are less well-known or have some mystery to them. Natural wonder has been defined as “a natural site or natural monument that was not created or significantly altered by humans.” (Maria Boland, Mother Nature Network, March 10, 2010). Here’s a snapshot look at some of them in our area.

“Now you see it, now you don’t” is a good description of a natural rock oddity on Lake Superior’s Pie Island, named The Peeping Squaw, which you can only see from the water as you pass the island. We were sailing to Sleeping Giant with Sail Superior when Captain Greg Heroux pointed out where we should focus our gaze on the island. For only a short distance, a rock protrusion suddenly jutted out on the vertical face of the middle of Pie Island Mountain, appeared to peek out and then just as quickly disappeared. Quite a spectacle. According to First Nations lore, it is a woman that is peeking out from behind the rock, looking to see if her husband Nanabijou is returning home.

Imagine walking in a landscape of huge room-size boulders. Well, you can do so just north of Ignace and not far from Sandbar Lake Provincial Park at the Blueberry Boulder Field. That’s where you’ll find enormous granite boulders dropped by retreating glaciers about 10,000 years ago. Discovered in 2004, the Blueberry Field is drawing particular interest of sports enthusiasts of ‘bouldering’, a style of rock climbing to the top of boulders. Some boulderers

have described the Ignace boulder field as the ‘best bouldering in Canada between the Niagara Glen and the Rockies.’ Ignace is 153 miles (246.3 km) west of Thunder Bay on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Most list of natural wonders include waterfalls and we’ve got some outstanding ones around here. Like the stunning Kakabeka Falls, a top tourist attraction and a short drive west of Thunder Bay is the Kaministiquia River. Nicknamed the “Niagara of the North,” the river thunders down 131 feet (40 m) into a gorge before heading out to Lake Superior. In northern Minnesota, there’s the series of beautiful waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls State Park (northeast of Two Harbors), as Gooseberry River rushes through a rocky gorge to Lake Superior. Plus High Falls—Minnesota’s highest falls—is located on the Pigeon River in the Grand Portage State Park and a half-mile trail and boardwalk takes you to the falls from the visitors centre, located

just before the US-Canada border.

Another Minnesota waterfall, a short distance from the US-Canada border, offers a conundrum. In Judge C. R. Magney State Park, the Brule River splits in half to form two waterfalls—the eastern and western—on its way to Lake Superior. The eastern waterfall flows down a two-step stone embankment, falling into a pool at the bottom before continuing on its way down river to Lake Superior. However, the western waterfall is steeped in mystery. The water falls into a huge, gaping pothole, known as the Devil’s Kettle, and then simply disappears. Bizarre, right? To date, no one has been able to solve the enigma of where the water goes.

The Northern Wilds version of Canyon Country starts about an hour’s drive from Thunder Bay on Highway 11/17 to Ouimet Canyon, a large gorge created over one million years ago. A kilometre-long loop

trail on a boardwalk, bridge and gravel path bring visitors to two rim-edge lookout platforms for spectacular views of the steep-walled canyon that stretches for several miles.

More canyon country is found 40 km (24.8 mi) north of the junction of Highway 11 and 17 (just over the Nipigon Bridge if you are travelling east). The dramatic canyon cliffs are known as Pijitawabik Palisades. The towering pillars of flat-topped cliffs were formed approximately 1.2 million years ago, sculpted by water erosion and ice. A few miles before the Palisades, look for the Gorge Creek road sign and watch in the distance to see the Gorge Creek Falls, an overfalls plummeting down a canyon wall

If you are a rock collector, you’ve probably already discovered the wonderful agate beaches dotting Minnesota’s North Shore. Agates became Minnesota’s official state gemstone in 1969. Lake Superior agate was formed during volcanic eruptions about a billion years ago and were distributed during the glacial activity about 10,000 years ago. Who needs diamonds when we have billion-year-old agates in Northern Wilds?

And agate beaches are now recognized as ‘natural wonders’. The agate beach on Agate Island (one of the offshore islands of St. Ignace Island) was named one of the world’s best natural beaches in 2013 by Travel & Escape network, listing it as one of seven must-see natural wonder beaches. The island and its shores are covered with agates. There are also some of the ancient Pukaskwa Pits, rock-lined depressions dug into cobblestone by ancient people.

There’s many more “natural wonders” in our region, some steeped in folklore, some known only to locals. It is fair to say the Northern Wilds country itself is a “natural wonder.”

Gooseberry Falls located near Two Harbors provides stunning views. | SUBMITTED

Odyssey Real Estate’s Newest Addition

Surfside on Lake Superior

Here is a snapshot of our portfolio of listings in the Cook County area.

RECENTLY REDUCED BY $100,000!!! Now Offered at $650,000

Lutsen, MN 48 County Road

is two additional parcels with Lake Superior Shoreline with building sites above the gravel road. Parcels 2 and 3 are separate from this transactions and are available for $50,000 each. If desired to be purchased with the main property the overall property will consist of over 12 acres 855’ of total shoreline.

and build your home…..and this is the only lot available for sale as the original development is now sold-out. This lot fronts River 6 fairway at Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course and the River 9 was recently renovated as part of a nearly $5 million overall course improvement project. This lot is a part of a common water common septic system as part of the association. Therefore, water and septic is available curbside and that in and of itself is a significant benefit. Driveway stub already in. This is a very nice opportunity. Tax value is $84,200. Owner Agent.

Lutsen, MN

1044 Caribou Trail

MLS# 6000638 $319,900 Year round home on bay of Caribou Lake. Access from Caribou Tr. This 150’ lakeshore parcel is located on the private outlet cove of Caribou Lake. Immaculate grounds with towering White Pines. * 150’ Lakeshore * 3 bedrooms – 1 bath * Open area kitchen and dining* Large open deck area * Permanent Dock * Nice level shoreline * Fireplace. ** Recent Improvements Include: * New septic * New windows * New Siding * New Roofing and Chimney Chase * New Insulation * ……and more…… This is a great opportunity to be located on Caribou Lake.

BUYING

SELLING

of frontage on the Baptism just off Mattson Rd near Finland Mn. Privacy is what this is all about. For more information call 218-591-0985, email to stphn.carlson@gmail.com or Realliving.com/steve.carlson.

Carlson 218-591-0985 stphn.carlson@gmail.com Realliving.com/steve.carlson.

Beautiful

Lower

Numerous

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

NEW! SCENIC SETTINGTIMBER FRAME COTTAGES. Two charming timber-framed cottages perched on dramatic Lake Superior shoreline in Grand Marais. Spectacular views of Sawtooth Mountainswest, and Grand Marais lighthouse - east. Easy walking distance to downtown. The deep woods on 5+ acres boasts 475 feet of accessible coves, beaches and sloping ledgerock shore. The main cottage features a pass-through stone fireplace, maple and ceramic floors, custom cabinets and built-ins created from the same recycled douglas fir timbers (from an 1890's Chicago warehouse) that frame the ceiling structure. There are even custom made doors from Montana. Dramatic views and joyous sunlight flood into every room from many windows. Walk the winding path to the guest cottage with many matching features. It provides great privacy for guests. Decks and patios joined by paths to the expansive shoreline features make a private park. Comes furnished with mission oak Stickley furniture and is ready to move in. MLS# 6020599 $1,199,000

NEW! CUSTOM

LAKE SUPERIOR HOME. Custom designed and built Lake Superior home. Great attention to detail and quality with custom kitchen cabinets, full stone fireplace, hammer beam trusses, hardwood floors, custom ash-bentwood stair, and huge windows bringing in the light and moods of the big lake. Other features include a gourmet kitchen, pantry, laundry/mudroom, attached & heated 2-car garage, stone foundation and cedar shingle siding giving the home and architecture a Prairie School look and feel. There is a fantastic three-season porch to enjoy morning coffee or while away the summer evenings. The master bedroom looks out at the lake, with walk-in closet, built-ins and a master bath with private cedar sauna. The 5.34-acre property is secluded and private with 224 feet of accessible shoreline. There are gardens, wildflowers and a flowing water feature. There is a huge outbuilding designed to match the house and hold your big-water boat and RV, plus room for more storage or finished space above. MLS# 6020825 $824,900

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, STUNNING SHORELINE Elegant and comfortable 3 bdrm, 2 bath contemporary home, architecturally designed and built to fit into the ledge rock hillside of Chimney Rock. Beautifully wooded, and private, with lichen-covered dramatic rocks and panoramic lake views on 223 feet of easily accessed Lake Superior shore. The great room is shared with the gourmet kitchen, formal dining, and living area centered around the Finnish fireplace. The master suite is a lovely open space with a private office, plus quiet reading corner. The master bath suite is exceptional. Upgrades throughout, beautiful maple flooring, fabulous storage on all three levels. MLS# 2308811 $750,000

SUPERIOR AFRAME. This 3,300 sq ft Lake Superior home with original A-Frame was expanded in 2006, adding 2,000 sq ft w/ quality finishes. Stunning kitchen with large island, hickory cabinets, granite & lake views. 3 bdr, 3 bath, large gathering spaces and deck. Master bdrm with attached whirlpool/ glass shower. Sleeps 12+. 418’ frontage and extra large lot size for privacy and expansive views. Enjoy working from home with broadband Internet! Tettegouche State Park, Palisades and Silver Bay Marina are all within 3 miles! MLS# 2313080 $649,900 REDUCED PRICE!

2 SPECTACULAR LAKE SUPERIOR LOTS AT TERRACE POINT. Outstanding shoreline views all the way to Artist Point & Grand Marais. Each has dramatic shoreline. Great location west of town. Priced at MLS# 2013836, $600,000 & MLS# 2051958 $300,000

CHARMING, ORIGINAL LOG COTTAGE. Beautiful 1-bdrm cabin. New addition includes sunroom, bathroom, and a wrap around deck. The focal point is the great stone fireplace. New sauna. Gorgeous, easily accessed shoreline with spectacular ledge rock and 5+ acres. New Anderson windows. Truly a darling hideaway! MLS# 2309184 $449,900

SPECTACULAR LAKE SUPERIOR LOT. Framed by palisades, the nicely wooded property has two or more perfect sites on which to build your special lake home. Views are classic old North Shore looking over Chicago Bay. Shared septic system is in place. MLS# 2308784 $365,000

LAKE SUPERIOR COTTAGE. Exceptional Lake Superior property in highly regarded Lutsen area. 150 feet of accessible ledge rock and gravel beach shoreline with long magnificent views up and down the shore. The 2 bdrm, 1 bath cabin could be refurbished or this could be the build site for your north shore getaway. MLS# 2309109 $349,000

LOVELY LAKE SUPERIOR LOT – LUTSEN. Great lot with excellent site for walkout. Surveyed and level open location for your new home. Parcel has a very neat, private cove and meandering 447' of shoreline. MLS # 2313294 $329,000

PEACE, PRIVACY

SOLITUDE ON TAIT LAKE. Spacious

$99,900

PRIVACY ON PIKE LAKE! End-of-road location, bordered by USFS land & meandering 584’ shoreline jutting into lake for max views. Highly sought after vacation rental - use when you want & recoup expenses when not. Charming 1 bdrm (plus sleeping loft), 1 bath cabin w/ cedar siding & knotty pine. Lg kitch w/brkfst bar, open concept dining/living. Woodburning stove, wraparound deck. MLS# 2308988 $395,000 CASCADE LAKE RETREAT. Just you the lake and the wilderness. This is the only private land on the lake. Enjoy the utmost privacy and unspoiled wilderness views with 87 acres and 3000 feet of shoreline on Cascade Lake. There is a neat, well-maintained cabin, sauna, dock and outhouse. Easy year-round access. Great fishing and wildlife sightings. This is one of the last of its kind in Cook County. MLS# 2309037 $669,000

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

CHARMING CABIN ON SEAGULL LAKE. Lovely 2 bdrm, 1 bath cabin with 233’ of gentle shoreline with breathtaking views of the lake and islands. Wrap around decking sets only 35 feet from the water's edge. Beautifully appointed, open living space will be sold furnished with a few exceptions of personal property. Crafted built-ins and storage space. Too much to mention! MLS# 2309233 $355,500

SOLITUDE ON WILSON LAKE.

The log sided 2 bdrm, 1 bath “carriage house” has great views overlooking Wilson Lake. Building site has been prepared down by the shore. The well and septic for a 4 bdrm home are in. Private driveway, sandy beach and 310 ft of shoreline. MLS# 2300551 $310,000

CLASSIC CABIN ON CLEARWATER LAKE. 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# 2309283 $259,000

WILDERNESS SETTING - TUCKER LAKE. A perfect place for your cabin or home with unspoiled views and lots of Gunflint Trail privacy. 3.68 acres and 554’ shoreline. There are only a few parcels on this peninsula. Property boasts two lots – one on each side. Tucker Lake is a protected lake with added setbacks to protect the lake and views. Direct BWCAW access. MLS# 2309237 $229,900

BEAUTIFUL, LARGE LOT ON GULL LAKE.

Over 342 feet of shoreline and 4 acres. A great location and many excellent building sites. There is a magnificent panoramic view of the lake with easy access to the water’s edge. The property is perfect for a trophy walleye fisherman! MLS# 2308946 $220,000

NORTH FOWL LAKE

CABIN. Remote water only access from the US side of the border, or drive in from the Ontario side. Stunning views and easy access to the border lakes and the Royal River on the east end of the BWCA. Lovely 2 bdrm cabin with sauna. The private 200’ of lake-front lot has gentle shoreline and great views. MLS# 2309250 $189,000

LAKE PRIVACY ON 20 ACRES. Beautiful Lost Lake is a remote wilderness lake with only a few privately owned parcels on the water. The lots are all 20 acres in size with 600 feet of shoreline. This great lot has huge white pines, a cabin site on a knoll looking south over the whole lake and great accessible shoreline for your dock. MLS# 6019597 $179,000

BEAUTIFUL LOON LAKE LOTS. Solitude on the south side of Loon Lake. Two lots with over 200’ of wonderful shoreline each. Private road, electric available. MLS# 2309227 & 2309228 $179,000 each

SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. These 1-2 acre lots are located on the south side of Loon Lake and offer great lake views, 152-218’ beautiful shoreline and many nice trees. The main road is in place and power is on the lot line. MLS# 2093855, 2159458, 2309227, 2309228 $175,000 and up

ASTOUNDING VIEWS ON GREENWOOD. Nice, affordable 2.10 acre lot on Greenwood Lake with 230’ lakeshore. Southwest location with incredible views down the lake. Surveyed and ready to build your dream home or cabin. Easy year round access and only 20 minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 2308929 $159,500

LIS-

CARIBOU LAKE - HOME SITE. New price is well below tax assessed value, and seller is open to offers. Magnificent old-growth cedar and maple trees frame a corner lot with a great, high build site on Sawmill Bay. 5.34 acres and 185’ lake frontage. MLS# 2203572 $95,000

LOTS ON NINEMILE LAKE. Two beautiful, large lots on Ninemile Lake in Finland. Lots adjoin Superior National Forest and Cabin Creek Unit Roadless Area with excellent shoreline and views. Power and year round access! MLS #6019489 $89,300, MLS #6019492 $97,900 SNOWSHOE RUN LOTS. Snowshoe run is set along a high ridge overlooking Hare Lake in a mature northern hardwood forest. Year-round plowed and maintained county roads, power at each property and a clear water trout lake. These beautiful home sites were planned for generations of enjoyment and are protected by covenants. MLS# 6019490 thru 6019496, 6019498 Lake lot prices start at $48,800

CONDOMINIUMS

LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO/TOFTE.

Great lake views from this 2 bedroom + loft unit with 2 baths, fireplace, balcony looking up the shore. Chateau LeVeaux offers many updated amenities, indoor pool, sauna, game room, and on-site manager.

HOMES & CABINS

SALE PENDING

HOVLAND OPPORTUNI-

TY. Large home or commercial opportunity on Hwy 61 between Hovland and Grand Portage. This 7 bdrm, 3 bath home has resort/commercial zoning allowing for many options. Located on the scenic Reservation River at the gateway to the most picturesque corner of Minnesota's North Shore. Large deck, stone fireplace, Lake Superior views, +/- 500' of rushing river frontage. A great home for a large family, or your business dream. MLS# 2313085, 2313088 $289,900

MANY OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN CASCADE STATE PARK.

Enjoy being surrounded by and within the boundaries of Cascade State Park while taking in the amazing views of Lake Superior. This 3 bdrm, 2 bath home has been used as a successful vacation rental, a long-term rental and a primary residence in the past. Hardwood floors, coved ceilings, and nice sized rooms with a lot of windows to catch those lake breezes! MLS# 2309172 $234,900

THE PRICE RANGE PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR! This single level, 3 bdrm 2 bath home on 3 acres has been well maintained. The large great/family room has many windows facing the lake with a wrap around deck on the outside. The windows have been updated. Master bdrm has a full bath and plenty of closet space. The efficient, wood burning stove helps keep the heating bills down and can warm up the whole house. The tree lined property has a paved circular driveway, and lrg 2 car garage plus storage shed. MLS# 6019555 $219,900

SUNNY DISPOSITION.

Nice 3 bdrm, 2 bath country home on 10 acres in Hovland area. Bright and sunny living room, with beamed cathedral ceilings, open floor plan, new flooring, updated kitchen with new appliances. Master bdr with bath, 2 lower level bedrooms with family room. Large open and private yard. Large 2-car garage with workshop. MLS# 6020667 $198,000

LOG CABIN NEAR TOM LAKE. Charming log cabin perfectly sited for seasonal views of Tom Lake. Solidly built with timber frame & logs, paned windows, stone fireplace, hardwood floors, & metal roof. Large loft bedroom. Covered front porch complete with swing. Ready for your finishing touches! 78 acres of forested land, with year-round access on plowed roads. Furnishings & generator included. MLS# 2313187 $192,900 CABINS IN THE WOOD.

Only a stone’s throw to Gunflint Lake with nice views of the lake and Canadian shore, these 9 acres are nicely wooded and feel secluded. There is a super charming log sauna and two small cabins, ready for you to move in. A storage shed and outhouse are included. It adjoins federal land and you could walk to the BWCAW, or drive to the public landing just down the road. MLS# 2305426 $124,900 PRICE REDUCTION!

SALE PENDING

SALE PENDING

VALHALLA – HISTORIC

HOUSE AND BARN. Two charming historic Hovland structures dating to 1912. The 2 bdrm, 1 bath house has been partially redone with a new steel roof, bathroom, electrical work, etc. Fantastic location, 100 yards from Lake Superior with public access at the Hovland dock. You can spend more, but you cannot get more for less $$. Some work needs to be completed to your taste. MLS# 6018581 $65,000

NORTH SHORE RETREAT. Here is one of those little cabins waiting for you to turn it into a place to call home, or a weekend retreat. Located on the Lake Superior side of Highway 61, these 3.8 acres have decent lake views and the property is accessed from a private road off of the highway. The one-room cabin is kind of rough, but maybe this is the project you've been looking for. MLS# 6020252 $40,000

NEW! OUTPOST MOTEL. Imagine yourself living the dream of owning a business and having your home overlooking Lake Superior! Customers love drinking their coffee as they look out at the big lake each morning. This motel has had a steady income stream for over 25 years that helped them raise their family. LOCATION! Only 9 miles from town with trails that connect the Outpost to the Kadunce River Park and Lake Superior Hiking trails. The motel has 9 smaller queen units, and 5 kitchen units with 2 queen beds (some with extra living room space).

OWNER/MANAGER HOME: This 3 bedroom home overlooks the Lake and has a bath and a half. Currently the owners use the connected garage as their laundry room for the motel. SEPTIC and WELL: The property has a large trench system and it has been maintained with no compliance problems noted by the county. Three wells service the motel. ROOM FOR GROWTH! This motel sits on 17 acres of land to build new units! MLS# 6020562 $620,000

NEW! UNIQUE COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY!

Housing options include condos, apartments, twin homes - quadplexes, or trailer parks. City approvals may be necessary. A preliminary plat exists for 22 twin homes, but alter as you wish. Other commercial ventures possible. Great location in town with lake views and access to public utilities. The property includes a 3 bdrm owner's home, small storage garage, 7 cabins and 11 trailer home sites (rented monthly), a small campground/RV park with hook-ups, shower/laundry house, and 5 additional wooded acres. This could be the commercial project you've been looking for! Help solve the local housing shortage. MLS# 6020750 $299,000

GRAND MARAIS PROFESSIONAL BUILDING. The options here are endless and the opportunity is great. Ample parking, grassy, yard-like grounds and a nice sized storage building. Several offices walk out to the back yard. Own/occupy the entire building, rent out one side & offset your ownership costs, create "condo offices" & offer space to a variety of entities... many avenues one could take! The building is in wonderful condition and is ready for business. MLS# 6020220 $269,900

or MLS# 2162561 $74,900. GRAND MARAIS - CITY LOT ON CREEK. Wooded lot with City services: water, sewer and electric at site. Nice south exposure and frontage on scenic Cedar Creek. Quiet street. MLS# 2125228 $59,900

MALCOLM CLARK, Broker

New Levels of Service

640 Beverly Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 0B5 Canada

Phone (807) 344-3232

FAX: (807) 344-5400

Toll Free 1-888-837-6926

Cell: 807-473-7105

mclark@avistarealty.ca www.avistarealty.ca

2 well built log homes. Each with log sauna buildings, sand beaches, sheltered mooring area, more building sites and southern views of Scotch Lake. Surrounded by crown land and largest of only a few private parcels on this huge lake. 1800 feet of lake frontage.

2

NICOL ISLAND ROSSPORT Tremendous Lake Superior building sites. Lakefront and interior lots for sale with docking facilities. Causeway opened year round. Power and phone. Starting at $55,000 CDN

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

NEW! BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE WITH LAKE VIEWS.

This 320 acre parcel has good views of Lake Superior. Four 80 acre parcels have been surveyed if you want to purchase all or just part. Located just south of Schroeder off Highway 61 and a stone's throw from beautiful Lake Superior! Each parcel features shared access off State Highway 61, and each 80 acre parcel has been approved for septic. There is a great mix of tree cover including Birch, Aspen, Maple and Balsam. The land features a gradual elevation, tiered building sites, beautiful lake views, and the Caribou River is within walking distance. MLS # 6020335 $599,600

GREAT HOME SITE OR RESORT-TYPE BUSINESS LOCATION. Over 13 acres adjoining Pincushion Mnt. Hike, ski and bike trails. Trail easement through property. Lake Superior view - unique opportunity! More land available. Zoned Resort/Commercial. MLS# 6019559 $214,900 RECREATIONAL BASE CAMP.

Great Tofte lot has 2 garage buildings. They could easily become living space, one has a second story. Property has room for a home with views of a dramatic creek gorge with waterfall and Lake Superior view. 4.54 acres, year-round road, power, phone. MLS# 6019481 $179,900 OUTSTANDING VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR. Almost 15 acres within the boundaries of Cascade State Park. Rolling hills, a variety of tree species, and just 10-15 minutes from both Grand Marais and Lutsen. Potential for subdivision. MLS# 2309282 $175,000 MOUNTAIN TOP - WILDERNESS VIEWS. Preserve this large acreage for your exclusive annex to the adjoining wilderness. Fantastic vistas into the BWCA and of the surrounding rugged topography near McFarland Lake. Located at the end of the Arrowhead Trail with easy year-round access. The 122 acres has a high ridge and a "mountain top" for you to name. MLS# 2313109 $167,000 BIG LAND, BIG CREEK, BIG TREES. This nearly 100 acre Hovland area parcel is on the "front range" of the Farquhar Hills with a dramatic backdrop of rock cliffs and escarpments. There is a large creek running through the entire property with many fantastic building sites. MLS# 2308857 $159,900

• Onion River Road: 6 acre zoned resort commercial/residential. $79,000 • Barker Lake Road: 20 Acres --remote property with great access. $62,000

• The Grade: 39 acres at the corner of the grade and Brule Lake Road: 10 acre zoning year round access. $199,000 • Woodland Foothills: Lake Superior view-includes water and sewer and 20 acres common property. $42,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES

INCREASINGLY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully surveyed. The perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. MLS# 2309103 $150,000 LARGE PARCEL. Large private parcel with possible subdivision potential. Great Lake Superior views on the higher elevations. A small creek runs through part of the 25 acre property. MLS# 2308822 $124,900

INTRIGUING PROSPECT. High-quality items already in place include an insulated/heated slab for house/porch, insulated garage slab, electricity, driveway, the well, a time-dosed/heated septic system. Over 18 acres of privacy. MLS# 2291419 $119,900 READY TO BUILD – 20 ACRES IN SCHRODER. Driveway and building pad already in place. A red pine forest climbs up to the highest point with stunning views of high ridges and valleys. MLS# 2308723 $99,900

MAPLES, VIEWS, PRIVACY. 85+ acres near Hovland. Good end of road access, adjoining tons of federal land, great view of pond. MLS# 2313198 $98,900

HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY. Large 45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage. MLS# 2308921 $99,000

RUSTICATE, RECREATE, RELAX. Reclusive Hovland hideaway – 43 acres with new driveway to “base camp” with a nice camper trailer and shed. Trails have been cut throughout the property which adjoins State land. Road maintained in winter with power possible in the future. MLS# 2313223 $69,900 GREAT LOCATION, QUALITY FOREST, BUILD HERE. These 10-acre parcels have a mature and mixed forest, southerly exposure, easy county road frontage and just minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 2309143

$62,900, MLS# 2309123 $64,900, MLS# 2309147 $64,900

MAPLE HILL - HOME SITE. Heavily wooded 6.45 acre parcel with great privacy, county rd frontage, power and phone. MLS# 2192740 $64,500

PINES & LAKE SUPERIOR VIEW. Large 13+ acre pine filled lot on the hillside above Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center in Schroeder. Great lake views! Power, phone and broadband at the lot. MLS# 2313242 $64,900

30 ACRES - PANORAMIC VIEWS. Rare mountain top property with a 180 degree view of distant Lake Superior and the ridge to the north. Many trails in place with food plots for wildlife, plus an elevated viewing blind. MLS# 6020274 $63,900 RIDGES, PINES AND VIEWS - ARROWHEAD TRAIL. Nice 28 acre parcel with first rate, high building sites with huge pines looking south and west over the wilderness. The surrounding federal land leads directly into the BWCAW. Excellent year-round road access on the Arrowhead Trail. McFarland Lake is just a half-mile away. MLS# 2313108 $63,000

GREAT LOCATION NEAR DEVIL TRACK. Lovely wooded 5 acre parcel. Survey, septic site evaluations, and access road in place. MLS# 2308847 $59,900 READY TO BUILD - NEAR DEVIL TRACK. Nice wooded 5 acre parcel. Survey, septic, & access road in place. MLS# 2308925 $49,900 WOODED 2.4 ACRE. Tait Lake back-lot with driveway in and cleared building site ready for your cabin. Electric is on site. Owner/Agent. MLS# 2297619 $49,000

5 ACRES NEAR CARIBOU LAKE. Gorgeous corner lot with colorful maples and majestic cedars. Plenty of privacy. Close to hiking trails and the Caribou Lake boat landing. Year round access with power! MLS# 2279179 $40,000

QUIET AND PRIVATE.Choice 2.31 acre lot at the end of the road in Lutsen, ready to build. Priced to sell! MLS# 2309202 $54,900 NICE HOVLAND ACREAGE. Easy year-round access, almost 40 acres. Build your cabin retreat overlooking the wildlife pond! MLS# 2313144 $38,000 WOODED ACREAGE – GRAND MARAIS. Two private, 20 acre lots with hiking and ski trails, and abundant wildlife. A high building site offers seasonal views of Lake Superior. Good winter access via ski trails. MLS# 2313172 $46,000 & MLS# 2313173 $35,000 FIVE SECLUDED ACRES. One of eight secluded wooded 5-acre parcels bordering Govt. land. MLS# 2308827 $28,000 WILDWOOD ACRES - TOFTE. Great building potential. MLS# 2313009, 2313010, 2313011 & 2313012 $17,500 - $20,000

ON THE BIG LAKE! Great vibes resonate from this home, comfortable in its design, it’s about the nice views from the entire main level, including main level bedroom! Nearby Taconite Harbor, watch the big boats pull in to the harbor!! MLS#2300030 $349,000

SWEET LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE, GREAT SKI GETAWAY BUNGALOW ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Ski at Lutsen Mountains, Dine at BlueFin Bay Restaurant! Super location for Easy Living on Lake Superior! Meander the Sprawling Ledge Rock Shoreline! MLS#2270954 $429,000

TEMPERANCE LANDING ON LAKE SUPERIOR!

Spectacular log home on level accessible shoreline, Vaulted ceilings, tons of windows to Soak in the views! Nice main level owner’s suite, plenty of elbow room for friends and family! MLS#2313000 $689,000

LUTSEN’S LAKE SUPERIOR HAVEN! Mint Condition and Move In Ready, you’ll love the location, minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort and a short drive to the Harbor at Grand Marais! Quality, energy efficient home designed for one level living and low maintenance… more time for you to soak in the views from the Prow Windows in the Great Room! MLS#2308717 $579,900

THE SECLUDED SIDE OF GRAND MARAIS ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Just east of the East Bay, you’ll love running your toes through the sandy shoreline on Lake Superior! Lovely Year Round 2+ bedrm home within walking distance to Grand Marais features main level living and room for expansion in the nice but unfinished basement. 2 car garage. MLS#2313342 $369,900

along Lutsen’s Rollins Creek Road, stumble

CHALLENGING BUILD SITE ON LAKE SUPERIOR means BIG SAVINGS! Enjoy Rugged terrain, this is your Lake Superior dream in excellent location between Tofte and Lutsen on the Bike Trail! Must WALK with the list agent to truly understand the accessibility! MLS#2313306 $238,000

ISLAND VIEW, HARBOR VIEW, SPECTACULAR

VIEW!Accessible and Incredible shoreline, One of a KIND Lake Superior Parcel, Must Meander to See how much you will LOVE this Shoreline! MLS#2308826 $438,900

DEERYARD LAKE WEST GRAND MARAIS 2000 sq ft Log Home on 100 ft Deeryard Lake, 2.5 ac, south facing, built in 2004. Large insulated, heated garage.

4 person sauna, 2 bedrm, 2 bath, 4-season porch. Power/broadband, water/septic. Maple and White Pine. Quiet, Northwood’s setting, not far from Grand Marais. MLS#2308905 $279,000

POPLAR LAKE CABIN ON 440’ OF SHORELINE AT THE TIP OF A PENINSULA!

Ensconced in quiet Boreal environment, Cabin sits proudly above the lake for long views over Poplar’s numerous islands! Home needs a little TLC, priced to sell! MLS#2308952 $269,000

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,

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

MLS#2313255 $265,000

quarters on lower level and upper level Rec Room! Gourmet Kitchen, Gorgeous Owner’s Suite walks out to deck over the Lake! Plenty of garage for cars and toys, Move In Ready! MLS# 2313246 $547,500

PIKE LAKE SUNSHINE ON WILLARD LANE! Charming property is on the west end of Pike: the quiet side. Step inside the spacious A-frame: paneled floors and walls are warm and inviting, earnest wood stove. A bank of lakeside windows tells of every mood of light. Birch branch cabinet fronts, 240’ of lakeshore. MLS#2313066 $239,700

CRAZY CUTE RUSTIC LOG CABIN ON CHRISTINE LAKE!

Located just off a designated Mountain Bike Trail system, enjoy year round access, electric at street and a TOTAL SENSE OF SECLUSION! Canoe on Christine, Fly Fish in the Poplar or just

April Showers, Snow or Rain? We’re calling for an Early Spring, bring on

NORTHWOODS FAMILY HOME, TONS OF ELBOW ROOM! Functional living space with tons of light flowing through home, and spectacular views of the wilderness! Great recreational spot nearby to tons of trails and minutes to Grand Marais for shopping! Newer construction, Detached garage and Move In Ready! MLS#2309294 $280,000 BIG BANG FOR THE BUCK!

MY OH MY SWEET CTY RD 7 GRAND MARAIS HOME! Southern exposure, Vaulted ceilings in the Open Great Room and kitchen, gas fireplace, huge deck for grilling out! Loft space allows for Big Lake Superior views. Lower walk out level with rec room, perfect for billiards or for your kids to have a space to romp! 2 car detached, paved driveway all on 8 acres! MLS#2313057 $330,000

Lutsen! Detached garage! MLS#2308845 REDUCED! $152,000

SMALL FOOTPRINT LIVING IN THE FOOTHILLS OF LUTSEN MOUNTAINS! Surrounded by Winter Recreational Opportunities, this Whimsical New Construction home Defines Lutsen Living in Style! Modern Design, Low Maintenance Living…this is a MUST See Home minutes to Lutsen Mountains! MLS#2308985 $268,500

All you can ask for, acreage, Maples!, and a huge garage with plenty of firewood storage for winter warmth! Newer construction, huge walk around deck and wide open living, Awesome Owner’s Suite, Tons of potential in walk out level! Must See! MLS#2313265 $299,900 REDUCED!

April Showers, Snow or Rain? We’re calling

SILVER BAY TO LITTLE MARAIS TO FINLAND & ISABELLA!

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

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

80 acres for $79,000 Blesner Lake Rd! MLS#2234328

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

Sonju Lake Road in Finland!Several large parcels from MLS#2313331 $44,900 Little Marais Road Acreage! Build Ready Site, RV Neg. Old Garage, MLS#2313191 $99,000 SOLD!

160 acre parcel of upland maples and boreal forest. Total seclusion. Owned by the same family since 1904! MLS#2194145 $129,000 Lakeshore on Ninemile Lake at the Village, common water and septic, build ready, borders common land! MLS#2309096 $45,000

Commercial Lot for Bar/Restaurant at the Village at Ninemile Lake, in between Finland and the Trestle Inn! MLS#2309264

$47,500

SCHROEDER AREA NEAR THE CROSS RIVER!

Caribou River Frontage, Simply Gorgeous 38 ac! MLS#2313027 $65,000

Maple forest with meandering creek , nice sized pond. Electric/broadband Yr Round access. 15 min from Hwy 61 in Schroeder. 20 ac $49,900 MLS#2308954; 40+ ac $109,900 MLS#2308953

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 $56,900

DRAMATIC Mountain Top Views, Rolling Hills, Maple Forests fading in to Spruce and Pine and year round access. Tons of acreage available, or just pick up a 40 for $70,000! MUST SEE, call Emily today! MLS#6001560, multiple#’s call for full map and prices! FROM $70,000 MLS#2090628

Sugarloaf Retreats on High Ridge Drive, located up the Surgaloaf Road from Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist Area, Enjoy large acreage parcels at rock bottom prices! Each $39,000 MLS#1598640 REDUCED!

TOFTE AREA NEAR BLUEFIN

LeVeaux Mountain, Super Views and Wildlife Ponds! FROM $49,900 MLS#2216091, MLS#2220050 $69,000 & MLS#2309131 $59,000

Just Up the Sawbill Trail Grab your little piece of the Northwoods, rolling terrain and small community feel with year round access, great build sites! MLS#2070510 Prices from $24,900!!

Tofte vaag on the Sawbill, Nice Lake Views! Walk to the Coho, great location! FROM $49,900 MLS#1615956

Wowser Lake Superior views on Overlook Tr! MLS#2296509 $82,900

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

Gorgeous 19 acres with creek running through the middle, high ground! MLS#2309247 $65,000

10 acres with driveway, gorgeous views from cleared building site and a building concrete pad, ready for your cabin or garage! A Hop and a Skip to Pike Lake Landing! MLS#2309168 $57,500 SOLD!

Lutsen land with lake views. Lake views, driveway, rustic cabin on one parcel! Great value at $80,000 each! MLS#2313098, ask about MLS#2313099 for addional land!

Onion River Rd land, Hiker’s Heaven! MLS#2309316 $45,000

Woodland Foothills Build Ready lots, Shared Water & Community Septic from $19,000 MLS#2309328+

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

Over 15 ac of Wilderness on Turnagain Trail in Lutsen! MLS#2216560 $69,500

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

What an opportunity!

30 plus acres on Lutsen’s Ski Hill Rd, Lutsen Mountains. Great views of Lake Superior and toward Moose Mountain. MLS# 2217142 $250,000 SOLD!

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

80 Ac with Poplar River Frontage on the Honeymoon Tr! MLS#2307399 $95,000

Hunters and Fisherman take note! Desirable 20 acre parcel located on the outskirts of Lutsen, minutes to Bigsby, Ward, Deeryard and Caribou Lakes! Nice mixed forest with high ground. Murmur Cr. frontage. Great price for your Northwoods getaway! MLS#1914043 $24,900

Gorgeous Views of Williams & Wills Lake in Lutsen! Year Round Access, electric, Mountain Top site bordering USFS land. A Wonderful place to build your home! MLS#2107927 $70,000

A Hop, Skip & Jump West of Grand Marais this lot is the perfect location to build. With an apron and culvert installed off County Rd 7, and the survey done you are ready to build!

MLS#2313311 $68,900

7.26 ac south facing land west of Grand Marais. White Pine, Maple forest in the Deeryard Lake area- East Deeryard Rd. Power/broadband. All high ground. MLS#2308855 $49,000

Birch Drive, West of Grand Marais! or HUGE Lake Superior views. MLS#2303398 FOR $71,000! SALE PENDING!

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

MLS#1940786 $99,500 REDUCED, TONS OF VALUE!

Corner Build Site in Town Walk to Harbor! MLS#2309203 $39,000

60 Ac with Lake Views E of Grand Marais! Keep this gem all to yourself and enjoy plenty of elbow room!

MLS# 2208961 $119,000

18 Ac With Lake Superior Views!

Awesome locale Cty Rd 56, minutes to Grand Marais, yr round access & Elec at Rd! MLS# 2306551 $69,000

Peaceful 40 ac with Flute Reed River Frontage.

borders Judge Magney State Park, great hunting parcel!

MLS# 2309163 $44,900 SOLD!

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 $89,900

LAKESHORE BUILD SITES!

SWEET PARCEL ON SWALLOW

$275,000

Temperance

4.16

6.84A

6.65A

Homes & Cabins

Tom Lake Year round, 1.10A, 171’ shore, nicely wooded, driveway and cleared building site.

MLS 6020381 $54,900

Year round, 1.3A, 200’ shore. Nice gentle walking trail down to lake.

MLS 6004165 $69,900

Heavily wooded with year-round access. 112’ shore on county maintained road.

MLS 2313184 $114,900

Private 34+A, 600’ of shore, surveyed and septic sites are id’d. Will consider owner financing to a qualified buyer.

MLS 6020848 $149,900

Birch Lake

Heavily wooded 1.54A, 150’ of frontage on great trout lake. Direct, year round access off the Gunflint Trail.

MLS 2183859 $99,900

Kemo Lake

One of only 4 lots on south shore. Private 2.34A with 200’ frontage on excellent trout lake!

MLS 2313219 $139,900

Squint Lake

Nicely wooded 2.13A with some lovely old White Pine trees!

Excellent Mid-Gunflint Trail location, 221’shore, gentle topography AND directly abutting USFS for added privacy

MLS 2308814 $79,900

Leo Lake

169’ shore, on 3.70A, mid trail location, with public access to other lakes nearby.

MLS 2309112 $134,500

Poplar Lake Convenient mid-trail location with deeded lakeshore access.

Building site cleared, driveway in, utilities available.

MLS 2158160 $52,500

Two Island 5+ A of wooded land with 500+’ of shorelineand state land on two sides! Year round access; great recreational area.

MLS 6019671 $89,900

Pike Lake 3.7A,

Silver Fox Rd

5A of northwoods privacy with all modern conveniences about 8 minutes from town. Gently rolling with some very attractive building sites. Abuts government land.

MLS 2313028 $39,900

W Hwy 61

Great location and development opportunities right off Hwy 61! 7.1A Commercial lot (Zoned Commercial and R-1). Additional acreage of R-1 behind. Agent Owned.

MLS 2170380 $149,900

Schoolhouse Road

10A close to town. This parcel will be surveyed and have septic sites confirmed

MLS 6019135 $49,900

4018 County Rd 14

10-20A nicely wooded year round lots. Electricity and phone, abuts Federal land providing access to incredible amount of land.

MLS 2308865 $44,900 - $74,900

North Rd

20A, very private, year round access. Power, phone and broadband available at the road!!

MLS 2313046 $39,900

Coyote Ridge

Three 5A, private, beautifully wooded parcels close to town. Babbling, gurgling creek for your boundary.

MLS 2313282 $45,000 - $65,000

Roman’s Rd

Close to Devil Track Lake and lots of recreational activities. 1.72A

MLS 2173907 $29,900

Pike Lake Rd

Land

Wooded 4+A near Pike Lake! Nicely elevated build sites, survey in place and septic sites identified

MLS 6019339 $33,900

Solberg Lane

20A close to town but is definitely off-the-grid for a real North Woods getaway. Nicely elevated with the possibility of solar and wind power. Rustic outhouse and bunkhouse cabin on the site.

MLS 2239163 $72,500

78 Squint Lake Rd

5A surrounded on 2 sides by government land. Convenient midtrail location.

MLS 6020283 $62,900

County Rd 7

5A to build your home or cabin, close to town. Close to Pike Lake and has lots of wildlife!

MLS 2308972 $49,900

Wooded 5A, with seasonal Lake Superior Views! Nice mix of trees and quality build sites.

MLS 2309120 $74,900

Beautifully wooded 7.7A, wonderful views of Lake Superior. Septic and building site id’d.

MLS 6019917 $69,900

Oversize lot on Co Rd 7 but inside the city. The obvious benefits of broadband and other services.

MLS 2313107 $65,000

Pick your own floorings, colors, materials! Borman Construction will build 2BR,1BA home on 5A.

MLS 2309117 $315,000

Two Island

Turn-key northwoods cabin with 375’ shore. Situated on a peninsula meaning your shoreline is doubled! The dock is a perfect spot to catch some fish while taking in the sunsets.

MLS 6019670 $237,500

Gunflint Trail

Cross country skiers, hikers; this property is connected to the Pincushion Cross Country Ski Trail system with the Little Devil Track River flowing through it

MLS 2313364 $69,000

E Hwy 61

Conveniently located near public access to Lake Superior, Kadunce Wayside, Kadunce River, Superior Hiking Trail and more.

MLS 2299762 $18,000

Diagonal Rd

20A, not-so-remote remote parcel. Year round access to within a few yards. Septic sites identified. Great mixture of tree cover as well as highlands and wetlands.

MLS 2286018 $27,500

Rosebush Hill Lane

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

MLS 2232494 $49,900

Camp 20 Rd

200+ A of land, abutting State and Federal land. Mature trees, gently rolling topography.

MLS 6020847 $159,900

40A off of the Irish Creek Road. Land is surrounded by State Land for added privacy.

MLS 6020846 $42,900

MLS 6019270 $239,900

Cook County since 1971

Thinking

$699,999 MLS# 6016038

Estate in Northern Minnesota?

Harbors- Marble Lake

Bed, 1Ba Cabin, plus Camper

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Wood Duck

Last

spring, I set my blind up on a small pond just off of the Pike Lake Road near Grand Marais. Wood ducks occasionally use this pond in the early spring. I was very fortunate to have about a dozen wood ducks fly in when the morning light was perfect for photographs. Male wood ducks are one of the most colorful of all Minnesota wildlife.—Paul Sundberg