Northern Wilds

A Summer Jam-Packed with Fun

Summer in the Northern Wilds is like nowhere else. It’s a long time coming, so we savor every moment. We get plenty of sunshine and warm days, but Lake Superior keeps the oppressive heat and humidity common elsewhere at bay. Endless evenings give way to cool and comfortable nights. But our summers are fleeting. Before you know it, they slip away.

That’s why we’ve packed this July issue with summer fun, beginning with a feature where our writers share some of their summer discoveries, from gunnel pumping on the Gunflint Trail to an alpaca farm in Nipigon to Minnesota’s oldest operating lighthouse in Two Harbors. July is also a month filled with summer festivals, as you will see from our jam-packed Events and Calendar sections. Festivals range from annual stalwarts like the Grand Marais Art Festival and Thunder Bay Blues Fest to new offerings like the Nipigon Brook Trout Festival. We also introduce you to a musical couple, Jim and Michele Miller, who perform at many North Shore events.

Savoring summer involves your taste buds. Kelsey Roseth tracked down a couple of blissful burger joints and got the chefs to share their secrets for better burgers. Javier Serna quenched his thirst for research compiling a list of tasty summertime beers from local brewers. Then there are interesting people, like Freshwater Fishing Hall-of-Famer Bob Nasby, who visits the Northern Wilds every summer to fly-fish for trout and smallmouth bass.

People have lived in and enjoyed the Northern Wilds for a long time—like since the last glacier receded. Elle Andra-Warner tells of a Paleo-Indian archaeological site that was recently paved over with a new highway. We appreciate the long and colorful history of the Northern Wilds, but at this time of year, we prefer to live in the here and now. Summer offers so much to do and so lit-

tle time to do it that you don’t want to waste a minute. Read this issue of Northern Wilds with a marking pen at hand. Put a big X beside everything you want to see and do. Then get out there and have some fun. Don’t let summer get away.—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

Amy Schmidt, David Johnson, Eric Chandler, Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Gord Ellis, Javier Serna, Johnnie Hyde, Joseph Friedrichs, Kelsey Roseth, Kim Casey, Trisha Bloomquist

Copyright 2015 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)

Photo by David Johnson

Black Bear

Photo by Trisha Bloomquist

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE

Member Appreciation Week is North Shore Federal’s way of saying Thanks to You—our Member Owners. Take time to enjoy the week’s activities, grab a brat hot

the grill and just have some fun. There’s something planned each day so come on in, enjoy the perks of being a member at North Shore Federal!

Because if you’re up here, you belong here.

Kevin Pylka may be a PolyMet Mining employee, but he’s an Iron Ranger first and foremost. He and his wife, Terri, raise two kids here. He wouldn’t support a plan to open Minnesota’s first copper-nickel mine if it wasn’t safe enough for their backyard.

Grand Avenue Nordic Center takes shape

DULUTH—John Morton, founder of Morton Trails, visited Duluth, May 18-20, to begin the design process for the Grand Avenue Nordic Center (GANC) trail system. This is a new trail system near the base of the Spirit Mountain alpine ski area. The goal is to complete the trail system by the winter of 2016-17. This cross-country ski system will be the only one in Duluth with both lighting and snowmaking capability.

The GANC is part of the comprehensive St. Louis River Corridor Project, which includes plans for more hiking trails, a rock/ice climbing area, mountain bike trails, and a paddling facility in western Duluth. The Duluth Cross Country Ski Club (DXC) is prepared to help launch the GANC as the first project within this larger scheme of outdoor activity development. This project has received a great deal of support from the City of Duluth. According to the DXC website, the cost of this project will be approximately $1.5 million, the first million coming from the city’s tourism taxes. DXC is committed to raising $250,000. According to Cory Salmela, DXC’s head of fundraising for the GANC, over $100,000 has already been pledged toward that goal.

Morton walked the terrain of the project with Gary Larson of Gary Larson Sports LLC. Larson authored the City of Duluth Cross Country Ski Trail Master Plan in 2014. Together, they explored the site, looking for general trail options and identifying where the property borders private land. That evening, Morton and Larson met with members of DXC and discussed initial impressions, design challenges, and the plan for the following days.

On the second day, Morton flagged the entire proposed trail system. Meanwhile, Larson more precisely located the corners and borders of the property. Morton encouraged his own progress by saying, “it’s just a draft,” as he worked to find the best trail placement.

Morton was a two-time Olympian in the sport of biathlon (cross country skiing combined with rifle marksmanship) and also a coach of collegiate cross-country skiers. When asked how many trails he’s designed, he said the last time he counted it was 170 trail systems. Morton commented that he was chartered with designing “the best possible cross-country ski trail he could,” catering to the needs of novice skiers. He also kept an eye on the course’s potential to support racing.

Morton and Larson worked with a forester to tweak the design of the trail around some stands of timber. Larson took a GPS track of the 3.2K of adjusted trail and plotted it on a map. At the end of the third day, there was a meeting with Morton, Larson, Salmela, Jim Shoberg with the City of Duluth Parks Department, and representatives from local retailers and property developers to discuss the status of the Phase 1 trail design and the challenges involved as they move forward. Phase 2 of the trail design will involve connecting the GANC with the existing cross-country ski trail system at the top of Spirit Mountain.

As he stood near the Grand Avenue Chalet at the base of Spirit Mountain, Morton said he could “count on one hand” the number of cross-country ski trails that have the amenities that the Grand Avenue Nordic Center will have.

Visit the DXC website at www.duluthxc.com/ grand-avenue-nordic-center.— Eric Chandler

[ABOVE] Trail designer John Morton spent three days in Duluth doing preliminary work for the Grand Avenue Nordic Center ski trails, which are scheduled to open in 2016. | ERIC CHANDLER

The proposed route of the Nordic ski trail will pass through scenic woodlands at the base of Spirit Mountain. | SUBMITTED

A longer, wider runway for the Grand Marais Airport

GRAND MARAIS Construction is underway at the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport, where the single runway is being extended from 4,200 to 5,000 feet and widened from 75 to 100 feet. Rodney Roy, the airport’s fixed based operator, says the first phase of construction involves the preliminary dirt work and will be completed this year.

Next year, the dirt work will receive final compaction. Then second phase of construction, paving, will begin. While bids are still out for the second phase, the project’s total cost is approximately $5 million.

The Federal Aviation Administration is funding 90 percent of the project’s cost, using revenue derived from the sales tax on aviation fuel. Typically, local government pays the remaining 10 percent of the project’s cost. In this case, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has committed to 5 percent of the cost and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board putting $100,000 into the project. The local government, Cook County, is responsible for less than 5 percent of the project.

The runway extension is needed so the big water-bombing planes used to fight wildfires can utilize the airport. Presently, planes must fly from either Ely or Hibbing. The Grand Marais area has experienced several major wildfires during the past 15 years.

The longer runway will also accommodate corporate jets throughout the year.

Presently, FAA safety requirements permit jets to use the 4,200-foot runway only when it is dry, which is during the summer. The FAA does not consider a snowplowed runway dry, so jets cannot land during the winter. The additional 25 feet of width being added to the runway will improve safety for all aircraft when landing in crosswinds.

Since Cook County doesn’t have industries or large companies to attract business travelers, much of the traffic at the airport is tourism related, Roy says. Some visitors may fly to Grand Marais for a trip into the Boundary Waters. Others may spend a day or two along the North Shore. Occasionally, planes chartered elsewhere will bring a family group in for a vacation. No charter or airline services are available at the Grand Marais Airport. Local pilots Mike Raymond and John Barton provide flight instruction and offer scenic flights.

—Shawn Perich

The Cook County Airport

to fight wildfires when the runway

BREANA ROY

The local arts economy is growing

GRAND MARAIS—Just about everyone living on the North Shore understands that the arts have a significant impact on the local economy. A new economic report released by Creative MN demonstrates just how significant the arts economy has become. For the seven northeastern Minnesota counties served by Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, the arts have a total economic impact of $40 million.

The arts received a tremendous boost from the 2008 passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, which increased the state sales tax by 3/8 of one percent, with the revenues dedicated to: protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.

The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund receives 19.75 percent of the Legacy Fund revenues, which are distributed via grants and other means to arts organizations throughout the state. About 10 organizations in Cook County receive Legacy funding, and the money is making a difference.

“Since the passage of the Legacy Amendment, art funding for the Arrowhead region has tripled,” says Sheila Smith, executive director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts.

In Grand Marais, Smith says legacy funding has played a role in

the growth of the Grand Marais Art Colony and the North House Folk School. In fact, a consortium of local organizations has commissioned Smith to do an arts economic study for Cook County, which will be available in October.

Statewide, the growth in the arts has been tremendous. In 2006, before the Legacy Amendment was passed, the arts economy was worth $838 million. Today it is worth $1.2 billion, which Smith says is double Wisconsin’s arts economy, 10 times that of Kansas and 12 times that of South Dakota.

“We are the bright shining light of the prairie where the arts are concerned,” says Smith.

Minnesota’s dominance is being noticed by artists in other states. Anecdotal evidence suggests they are moving here to find work, something Smith hopes to quantify with a future study. Minnesota, for instance, has five times the average rate of employment in the publishing industry, making it number one in the country. Also, as is evident in Grand Marais, arts organizations provide local employment.

The arts also attract tourists who attend events, take classes and shop in galleries. Then they eat in local restaurants, shop in stores and stay overnight.

“You get all of these people coming from out of town and leaving money behind,” Smith says.

Along the North Shore, that’s the name of the game.

—Shawn Perich

The above chart shows the economic impact of the arts in northeastern Minnesota. | CREATIVE MN

Grand Marais supports and promotes local music

GRAND MARAIS—Grand Marais Music Collaborative has announced its formation as a not-for-profit corporation, organized to serve the needs of those who produce, perform, or enjoy music in the Grand Marais area.

“We look forward to working with other local non-profits, businesses, governments, and venues to help build and strengthen our music community,” said Todd Miller, Chair of

the board of directors, which includes secretary/treasurer John Mianowski and board members Grant Adams and Betsy Bowen. “Our first major accomplishment has been to arrange with the City of Grand Marais to allow live performers in the downtown Harbor Park during the summer under a blanket peddler’s permit that we have purchased for them, which allows them to offer items for sale or ask for tips during their

performance. This is available to our members at no cost.”

As a nonprofit, contributions donated to Grand Marais Music Collaborative are fully tax-deductible retroactive to the founding of the organization on March 13, 2015. The organization may apply for government and foundation grants and funding. For more information, contact secretary John Mianowski at johnm@boreal.org.

COUNTIES: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis KEY CITIES: Duluth, Grand Marais, Ely, International Falls, Virginia, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, Cloquet, Moose Lake

Women’s camping and biking weekend

CARLTON—Women who want to explore the scenic Willard Munger State Trail and Jay Cooke State Park near Duluth can attend a Women’s Camping and Biking Weekend from Aug. 14-16.

The event from the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program of the Minnesota DNR includes biking, campfire programs, Saturday dinner and a Sunday hike. Partici -

pants will stay in the park’s camper cabins, which each sleep four people.

“This is an opportunity for women to learn outdoor sports in a friendly, supportive environment, surrounded by beautiful Jay Cooke State Park and the Willard Munger State Trail,” said Linda Bylander, BOW coordinator. “It’s open to all women age 16 and older, and women do need their own bikes and helmets. Our ride

Two nights lodging, instruction and Saturday dinner is included in a registration fee of $110. Space is limited to 16 people.

A registration form and more information on other BOW programs are available at www.mndnr.gov/bow.

BOW participants enjoy a weekend of biking, hiking and camping at Jay Cooke State Park. | SUBMITTED

DNR seeks to expand dialogue about state’s pike problems

ST. PAUL—Excited to catch a big northern pike at the cabin near Brainerd, an angler casts a lure all week, yet, day after day, only has success in reeling in skinny, snake-like pike.

In the BWCAW, a large pike strikes bait not far from the rocky shore of an island. With the fish landed, the angler debates whether to keep it for dinner.

On a lake bordered by farm fields, a teenager hooked on fishing has constant action from largemouth bass and panfish, but long-ago gave up on casting fruitlessly for pike that are few and far between.

These scenarios illustrate pike problems in different parts of Minnesota. In hopes of improving northern pike fishing, the Minnesota DNR wants to expand the dialogue with anglers and darkhouse spearers about the problems.

One concept entails creating three pike fishing zones that could solve unique challenges with pike in northeastern, north-central and southern Minnesota.

In hopes of engaging anglers and spearers about the zone concept, the DNR has developed a web page at www.mndnr.gov/ pike that includes a video outlining the concept, frequently asked questions, a comment form and a space where people can sign up to receive information via email.

So what is the pike problem in Minnesota? There isn’t just one problem—or one solution—because pike populations differ in various regions of the state.

Northeast

In the northeast, pike are present in relatively low numbers. They reproduce naturally. Although they grow slowly, they can grow quite large because relatively few anglers scatter limited fishing pressure across a large number of lakes.

In this area, overharvest of large fish would be detrimental to pike populations.

In the northeast, there are large fish in the population. A zone concept could aim to protect these fish while continuing to allow opportunity to harvest smaller pike. A change such as this would not increase the pike population.

South

In the southern area of the state, pike are less abundant and don’t reproduce as well as in the north. Southern Minnesota has high fishing pressure and a high harvest rate relative to the number of pike; however, these fish grow fast.

In southern Minnesota, we could increase pike numbers and harvest opportunities through supplemental stocking, a min -

imum size limit and a two-fish bag limit. Anglers in such a scenario would harvest fewer fish but they would be larger, and the total pounds of pike harvested would remain about the same. Anglers would be catching larger fish within a year or two.

North-central

The north-central area is plagued by too many small pike, also known as the hammer-handle problem. There is moderate to high fishing pressure and high harvest of large and medium size pike. Pike grow slowly here. An over-abundance of small pike is the result.

The overpopulated small pike eat large numbers of perch, which may have a negative effect on panfish populations. Overabundant pike also eat stocked walleyes, reducing the effectiveness of walleye stocking. And small pike eat proportionately more than big pike—for example, 10 one-pound pike eat significantly more than one 10-pound pike.

North-central Minnesota has the hammer-handle pike problem to the detriment of not only pike but also stocked walleye, perch and panfish. With any new regulations, we would hope to see a gradual but moderate increase in the average size of pike.

More information

A zone concept, depending on what shape it takes, would be unlikely to create more trophy pike, as there are already special regulations that achieve that goal on individual lakes. The zone concept would leave existing special and experimental regulations in place.

Check www.mndnr.gov/pike for updated information about the proposal, including frequently asked questions, maps with zone locations and pike densities.

Creating different zones for angling regulations could improve pike fishing in Minnesota. | STOCK

Homeowners: Be bear-aware

ST. PAUL—Homeowners who live near bear habitats need to be bear-aware and check their property for food sources that could attract bears. Allowing bears to forage for food in a yard can present dangers to bears and people, according to the Minnesota DNR. Bears may be tempted by dog food, livestock feed, birdseed, compost or garbage. Although bears are normally shy and usually flee when encountered, they may defend an area if they are feeding or are with their young.

The DNR does not relocate problem bears. Relocated bears seldom remain where they are released. They may return to where they were caught or become a problem somewhere else.

Here are some tips for avoiding bear conflicts. Around the yard

• Do not leave food from barbeques and picnics outdoors, especially overnight. Coolers are not bear-proof.

• Replace hummingbird feeders with hanging flower baskets, which are also attractive to hummingbirds.

• Eliminate birdfeeders or hang them 10 feet up and 4 feet out from the nearest trees.

• Use a rope and pulley system to refill birdfeeders, and clean up seeds that spill onto the ground. Where bears are a nuisance, birdfeeders should be taken down between April 1 and Dec. 1.

• Store pet food inside and feed pets inside. If pets must be fed outdoors, feed them only what they will eat.

• Clean and store barbeque grills after each use. Store them in a secure shed or garage away from windows and doors.

• Pick fruit from trees as soon as it’s ripe, and collect fallen fruit immediately.

• Limit compost piles to grass, leaves and garden clippings, and turn piles regularly. Adding lime can reduce smells and help decomposition. Do not add food scraps. Kitchen scraps can be composted indoors in a worm box with minimal odor.

• Harvest garden produce as it matures. Locate gardens away from forests that bears may use for cover.

• Use native plants in landscaping whenever possible. Clover and dandelions will attract bears.

• For bee hives, elevate them on bear-proof platforms or erect properly designed electric fences.

• Do not put out feed for wildlife (like corn, oats, pellets or molasses blocks).

Garbage

• Store garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans or dumpsters. Plastic garbage cans are not bear-proof.

• Keep garbage inside a secure building until the morning of pickup.

• Store recyclable containers, such as pop cans, inside. The sweet smells attract bears.

• Store especially smelly garbage, such as meat or fish scraps, in a freezer until it can be taken to a refuse site.

People should always be cautious around bears. If they have persistent bear problems after cleaning up the food sources, they should contact a DNR area wildlife office for assistance.

Ely launches a folk school

ELY—Jenna had never been in a canoe, but today was the day. She was nervous at the prospect of balancing in the tippy craft and the possibility that she’d end up taking an unwanted swim in the chilly lake. Her father would be her partner and it was good to have his support, but he hadn’t spent much time in a canoe either. She tried to get control of the butterflies in her stomach by looking out at the scenic lakeshore and islands that would be the classroom for Basic Canoeing, the very first class offered at the Ely Folk School.

During the preceding week Jenna and her father had helped ready the new Ely Folk School for its grand opening. Located on the main street in Ely, Minnesota, the new non-profit occupies the historic former Fisherman’s Headquarters building. Fifty years ago, the classic radio program “Let’s Go Fishing” was broadcast live on WELY from this spot. Although the building had undergone a bit of transformation during the ensuing decades as a 60s-style soda shop and a toy store, much of the original flavor of the outfitting and angler supply business remains.

A giant mural on the front window depicts outdoor activities pursued by Ely residents and visitors—fishing, paddling, dogsledding, and more. The mural was drawn in simple black lines, coloring book style, in March when the organization first began publicizing its debut. Color was added as donations came in to support the first season of classes, and the whole mural was filled in a few weeks before the grand opening, thanks to the many generous supporters who enthusiastically pitched in money and time.

The grand opening on June 6 was attended by more than 250 people who chatted with board members and instructors, munched on delicious treats, and celebrated

Canoeing, Cheesemaking, Quilting, Wild Ricing, Fabric Dying, Vegetable Fermentation, Bicycle Maintenance,

this newest part of Ely’s downtown revitalization. Many also signed up for summer classes that include Basic

Ely Folk School volunteers at the local Farmer’s Market. | ELY FOLK SCHOOL

The grand opening of the Ely Folk School was June 6. | ELY FOLK SCHOOL

Glass-blowing, Birchbark Basketry and Canoe-making, Rosemaling, and How to Take a Sauna.

The new folk school resurgence in the U.S. and Canada may be a natural human response to the rushed pace and technology dominance of modern life. About 300 such schools are now operating. Seeking the opportunity to craft something by hand such as a cozy pair of felted slippers or a tasty loaf of bread, students and teachers work together, enjoying camaraderie and conversation.

Among the best such schools in North America, North House Folk School in Grand Marais is well-established and an important part of that town’s vitality. Ely Folk School emulates their organization and has benefited from the support and advice North House has shared so generously. Like all folk schools, North House and Ely each focus on the heritage and natural surroundings of their communities. North House draws upon Lake Superior and the Scandinavian culture while Ely reflects the Boundary Waters Canoe

or skill project presented by the school’s instructors. Homemade refreshments will also be available. To learn about the Ely Folk School, visit www.ElyFolkSchool.org.

Back at the lakeshore, four hours had flown by as the Basic Canoeing class reached its end. Jenna had paddled in both the bow and stern, practiced flipping and portaging the canoe, and to her delight was still dry and warm. Two of her classmates, a couple who credited the day with saving their marriage, had learned to handle the canoe in the light wind and waves without blaming one another when the steering was less than perfect. Everyone had laughed a lot, and they parted to spend the afternoon paddling on their own at one of Ely’s many north woods lakes. They all were excited to come back for another class at Ely Folk School.

Ely plans to draw upon local activities such as canoeing to form folk school classes. | ELY FOLK SCHOOL

Students learn to portage in the Basic Canoeing class at Ely Folk School. | ELY FOLK SCHOOL

Enhancing lives with Horticultural Therapy

THUNDER BAY Lynda Lahteenmaa is a master gardener, but the Thunder Bay woman says that for her, gardening is more than the cultivation of the soil.

“Gardening is also about enrichment of the mind and body,” she says, “and reaching out to the community.”

Toward the latter, Lahteenmaa volunteers at Hogarth Riverview Manor in Thunder Bay, where, working with volunteer coordinator Anna Grenier, she and other master gardeners have created a Horitcultural Therapy program for seniors in long-term care.

The facility has an enclosed courtyard which contains raised beds, vertical and container gardens that are elder-friendly. The courtyard is a safe, accessible environment where residents can get outside to walk and relax. The path through the courtyard is a level, gentle loop that comes back to where it started so residents don’t become confused.

The main elderly residents have a range of cognitive illnesses that manifest as dementia. Horticultural Therapy can be used to stimulate their senses, such as

[RIGHT] Volunteer coordinator Anna Grenier and master gardener Lynda Lahteenmaa have developed Hogarth’s Horticultural Therapy program. | SUBMITTED

[LEFT] Window boxes filled with brightly colored flowers can be enjoyed by residents. | SUBMITTED

The courtyard at Hogarth Riverview Manor has a garden designed for active participation by its mostly elderly residents. | SUBMITTED

sight, sound, smell, touch, hearing and taste. The therapy is tailored to an individual participant’s

life.

The gardening occurs throughout the year. In the spring, the residents help with planting with the guidance of master gardener volunteers. The residents can then follow the growth of the plants through the summer. Lahteenmaa says herbs have the greatest therapeutic value, because the scent can trigger memories.

During the cold months, the gardening changes to indoor activities, such as planting Amaryllis bulbs for January blooms, creating colorful floral arrangements or making seed mosaics. On St. Patrick’s Day, the focus was shamrock plants and Irish music. At Easter, they plant wheat seeds in an eggshell, which upon sprouting becomes the head of a figurine.

“We always show them the finished product so they understand the outcome of a project,” Lahteenmaa says.

The Hogarth Riverview Manor Therapeutic Horticulture program began in

2008. Lahteenmaa and Grenier coordinate a team of master gardeners and staff who run the program. In order for the courtyard garden to be successful, the master gardeners have taught gardening to Hogarth’s staff. They also work with youth who have an opportunity to learn about gardening and helping the elderly.

But it is a mallard duck that best signifies the success of Hogarth’s courtyard garden. Twice, including this spring, she has chosen to nest in one of the container gardens where residents can watch her. Since the hen can only access the garden

by flying, she is unable to lead her brood to water. The first time she was ready to leave with her ducklings, she received a human escort through Hogarth to the door and then across an urban landscapes and a busy street to a nearby waterway.

While the Horticultural Therapy program is successful at Hogarth, Lahteenmaa has a loftier goal. She wants to see such therapy available to everyone in long term care. The simple act of caring for plants can powerfully enhance the existence of people who have entered the final stage of their lives.—Shawn Perich

Fun in the Sun

Our family-friendly summer sampler

Are you looking for something to do? Want to explore some new places with your family? We sent our writers on a quest to find a few places across the Northern Wilds you may not have visited. None are secret places, they just lie a little off the beaten path of most summer vacationers. All are worthy of a day trip—or just an hour or two of your time.

So pack a picnic lunch and hit the road. You won’t have to drive very far to reach one of our fun summer destinations. And you’ll likely find some more fun things to do along the way. Summer’s here. It won’t last forever. Get out now and enjoy it.

Gunnel pumping races on Gunflint Lake are always a crowd-pleaser. | MAGGIE FRIEDRICHS

Gunflint’s Gunnel-Pumpers

Many Minnesotans will paddle a canoe at some point in their lifetime. Gunnel-pump racing, however, is a sport reserved for the strongest of the strong, or those brave enough to try it.

The easiest way to describe gunnel-pumping is this: a person stands on the side rails (known as a gunnel) of a canoe and uses momentum and a slight pumping of their legs to move a canoe forward. There are no paddles involved, only leg strength, corebody strength, balance, and perhaps a little luck. And there is no finer destination to see gunnel-pumpers in action than during the annual Gunflint Canoe Races.

“This is our one annual event that brings the entire Gunflint Trail community together,” said Bruce Kerfoot, the owner of Gunflint Lodge. “It’s about fun, fellowship, visiting with neighbors, enjoying homemade eats, watching the excitement of the canoe races and raising money for the fire department.”

The event started in 1975 as a fundraiser for groups of people from the Gunflint Trail and surrounding region, who were headed to Washington D.C. to work on legislation involved with forming the BWCAW, according to Kerfoot. After the

area was declared a wilderness area and fell under federal protection, the event morphed into a fundraising event for the Gunflint Trail volunteer firefighters and rescue squad.

Canoe races have largely been the highlight of the annual event, with the gunnel-pump racing considered the ‘Super Bowl’ of all the racing categories. The races will start with a long-distance race, followed by a series of sprint races. The sprints include three categories: traditional paddling, backward paddling and a broken-paddle race. Most participants in the races come from staff at various lodges and outfitters along the Gunflint Trail, including the bulk of the gunnel pumpers. The sport is extremely challenging, so you’re likely to see several racers tumble into Gunflint Lake.

“In the canoeing world, gunnel-pumping is the king of all the race disciplines,” Kerfoot said. “It is the toughest skill to master in (canoeing) and has the most excitement for the spectators.”

And while proceeds from the event go toward a good cause, the event itself shows the true nature of the people who call the Gunflint Trail their home, as well as those who work or stay in the area.

Blacksmith Demonstrations in Grand Marais

The ring of steel striking steel will be heard in downtown Grand Marais this summer as the Cook County Historical Society hosts blacksmithing demonstrations outside the historic Bill Bally Blacksmith Shop. The Society is in the process of restoring the structure and its interior, one of only two intact blacksmith shops in Minnesota. The historic wooden building is on the National Register of historic Places.

The Bally building and property was purchased by the society in 2013 with Legacy Amendment grants from the Minnesota Historical Society. This was the first time Legacy funds were granted to purchase a historical property.

“One hundred years of history came with it,” says the society’s executive director, Carrie McHugh.

Built in 1911, three generations of the Bally (pronounced Ball-ee) family worked in the shop. Blacksmithing was essential to Cook County pioneers, whose livelihoods depended upon logging and commercial fishing. The late Bill Bally was working in the metal building on the property until 2010, doing welding and other metal work. The wooden building was used for storage.

Although the buildings contain a century of history, no Bally descendants remain to tell the stories. McHugh says the society is seeking stories about the blacksmith shop from anyone who has some information.

While the demonstrations will begin on Saturdays in late July, the buildings are not yet open for tours. The society has cataloged over 10,000 items that were in the building and is presently working on structural renovations and planning exhibits. The demonstrations will occur in an outdoor gathering area.

“The general philosophy is the unwritten balance of how we all work together,” says Kerfoot. “The fire department and rescue squad is manned primarily by the resorters and their staff, and the homeowners provide the majority of the financial support, both through the fundraising of the canoe races and with their donations.”

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, July 15 at Gunflint Lodge, found approximately 45 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais. The event, which runs from 4-7:30 p.m., features a silent auction, BBQ, an eating contest, raffle, games, and the legendary canoe races.

—Joe

Friedrichs

Cook

The demonstrations will be primarily done by a Duluth group known as Forging Community, although McHugh is looking for local volunteers, too. Viewers will see a blacksmith heat metal in the forge and then hammer it into the desired shaped on an anvil. She says they will most likely make decorative objects.

“Blacksmithing is mesmerizing to watch,” she says. “You see something take shape and turn into a useful object.”

The Bally Blacksmith Shop is just one of the properties managed by the society. Nearby is the Lightkeeper’s House

Museum, where there are three new exhibits: Music for the Tip of the Arrowhead, Dogsledding and Maritime. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. The Chippewa City Church, east of Grand Marais on Hwy 61 turns 120 years old this year and is open Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. The Johnson Heritage Post, a public gallery is located in downtown Grand Marais. On the Grand Marais Harbor near the marina is a historic fish house replica and the fishing tug Neegee that is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer. You can go inside and view artifacts from the commercial fishing era.—Shawn Perich

Many canoe racers work at Gunflint Trail Resorts. | MAGGIE FRIEDRICHS

The

County Historical Society is restoring Grand Marais historic blacksmith shop. | SUBMITTED

The Sleeping Giant and Roxy the Fox

At the end of May, I had a few days to venture off to a new place, so my friend Jill and I conjured a plan to visit the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on the Sibley Peninsula of Lake Superior. With two bikes and enough camping gear for a small expedition, we set off from Grand Marais.

Sleeping Giant Park is known for its combination biking and hiking trails. Some trails you can bike to a hiking trailhead. You can also bike in to remote campsites right along Lake Superior. In the winter, many of these trails are open and groomed for cross-country skiing.

When we arrived on a Wednesday afternoon, we reserved a campsite at the Mary Louise Lake Campground with no trouble. Apparently, a weekday in May is not a popular time to visit the park—something we didn’t mind.

Our site faced the Sleeping Giant and with a thunderstorm about to roll in, we threw up a tarp and opened a couple of “yay-we’re-camping” beers just as the rain started to patter. Then a bolt of lightning shot out of the sky and a clap of thunder followed, sending jolts of electricity down my spine. We fled for the car.

However, the storm didn’t last long, so we hopped on our bikes for an evening jaunt around the park. We biked on the paved road that first evening, out to Silver Islet, a summer community that hadn’t yet hummed to life yet for the season.

Later that evening, as we made dinner, Jill nudged me.

“A fox,” she said.

Indeed, a female red fox had strolled right into our campsite, likely looking for food. When we clucked our tongues at her, she sat down to watch us.

“We should probably name her,” Jill suggested. “Roxy.”

A few campsites away, a white-tailed deer grazed on the early spring grasses. A pair of mallards sauntered by after Roxy had left. I felt like we were at a petting zoo.

The next morning we woke to an overcast sky—so cloudy that the Sleeping Giant hid behind a wall of fog and clouds. We made a plan to bike the Kabeyun Trail to the Top of the Giant trailhead, where we would leave our bikes and hike to the top of the Giant’s knees.

The bike trail necessitates mountain bikes. Loose rocks and puddles make the trail a little rough. Along the way, we passed a side trail to the Sea Lion, a natural rock arch on Superior that we would stop to see along the way back. Once we ditched our bikes, we were in for some intense hiking. After passing a small lake, the trail shoots straight up, climbing 750 feet to the top. Some of the steps were apparently made for the Giant himself. Once we made it to the top, I’d like to say the views were stunning, but unfortunately the fog was too dense to see anything but the cliff edge—though I was thankful that I could at least see that.

That evening at the campground, there were even fewer people than the night before. It seemed we had the whole campground to ourselves—well, us and Roxy. Roxy came by to visit a few more times, but was ultimately disappointed that we wouldn’t share our dinner with her.

The next morning, I had the pleasure of watching a family of geese on the shore for some time. The goslings all took a

nap under one parent’s wing for a spell, and then emerged to continue their slow graze of plant bits and whatever else they could find.

On the way out of the park and headed home, we saw two different families of black bears.

The park is about a 45-minute drive from Thunder Bay. Anytime seems like a good time to visit, but the campground will

fill up, especially on weekends in July and August.

On August 29, there is a triathlon, where you swim in Marie Louise Lake and bike and run on the trails. And in March, there is a Sleeping Giant Loppet, the longest running Nordic event in Northwestern Ontario. To learn about the park or to make reservations online, visit www.ontario parks.com.—Erin Altemus

The author enjoyed hiking and biking on the Sibley Peninsula. | ERIN ALTEMUS

[LEFT] A rock arch known as the Sea lion is a highlight of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. [RIGHT] Roxy the fox was a regular visitor at the author’s campsite. | ERIN ALTEMUS

Nipigon’s Alpaca Farm

Just 20 kilometers west of Nipigon, on the Trans-Canada Highway, is the Old School Alpaca Farm. Beatrice Klinge began the operation four years ago. She is quick to explain that her choice in livestock was because she wanted to spin their silky fleece into yarn. The fact that they are closely related to the camel was an added attraction. Ever since she could remember, the retired school teacher has always been intrigued by the humped creatures capable of withstanding extremely cold weather. Beatrice started out with seven alpacas, and presently has twelve. Due to her having no interest in breeding, she only raises males.

When it comes to the alpaca’s care, Beatrice explained it’s fairly easy. They do not require daily grooming, like a horse. She shears them once a year in the spring. Their teeth have to be cut twice a year with a grinding machine, otherwise they get too long. And their nails are trimmed two or three times a year.

Alpacas possess a gentle nature when it comes to humans, and generally reserve their spitting and kicking for each other. Beatrice explained that they have a hierarchy amongst themselves. They all know their place. Just recently, a four-year-old challenged the leader and won. When the pack is placed in a threatening position from an outside intruder, their first response is to run away. But if they are cornered, they will form a V-formation and run towards whatever is trying to harm them.

The alpacas originated from Peru, they are the crossbreed of a vicuna and llama.

They have been domesticated for over 5,000 years. At the time of the Inca’s, their fleece was reserved for royalty because it was much finer than other animals. In present times, the alpacas are very popular in places like Peru, where they are used for their fleece, skin and meat.

A group of children from the nearby elementary school recently came by the farm for an interactive and informative visit. They were given the opportunity to meet the alpacas in the barn and feed them. Instinctively shy, especially with anyone bigger than themselves, the curious animals quickly warmed up to the interested visitors and followed them around the pasture. The children were also shown where the alpacas were sheared and how their fleece was made into yarn.

Visitors are always welcome to stop in at the farm. As Beatrice warmly explained, “there is no fee. If I am home, the farm is open.”

People from all around the world have dropped in to meet the alpacas and shop at the gift shop. Beatrice sells her hand spun yarn and factory yarn. There are also hats, mitts, socks, scarves, ponchos, sweaters, and slippers imported from Peru. Most of the hand knitted products come from the non-profit group, Partners For Just Trade. Thus, ensuring that the people that produced these superior products, are paid a fair wage for their crafts.—Kim Casey

A Two Harbors History Lesson

Anyone who has toured Two Harbors knows that Agate Bay is beautiful, and boasts a one-of-akind opportunity to watch ships coming into the docks - up close. But that’s just part of the Two Harbors experience. The small town has a ton of history to share.

“It all started here,” said Mel Sando, the Director of the Lake County Historical Society, referring to the Minnesota Iron Company and how it built the first railroad that brought iron ore from the Range to the docks on Lake Superior. “We have some wonderful examples from the history of the iron industry.”

Sando said to soak in the unique history of two Harbors, a visit to the Historical Society’s campus is key. “It’s the full Two Harbors experience,” he said. Located along the waterfront, the campus consists of the Two Harbors Light Station, the Duluth and Iron Range Depot, the 3M Museum and the Edna G. Tugboat. It’s only 10 bucks to visit all three museums except the Edna G., which is closed for the season.

The Light Station gets up to 15 thousand visitors each year, from May to October, and it’s the oldest operating lighthouse in Minnesota. Construction began in the early 1880s and the first lighting was shortly thereafter. Three people were on staff, working around the clock, so the lighthouse could be staffed 24 hours a day. The museum inside the Light Station showcases the nautical components of the harbor.

The Duluth and Iron Range Depot features exhibits that highlight the culture and industries that made Two Harbors what it is today, including iron mining, the railroad, timber and commercial fishing. It is the past headquarters and corporate offices of the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad, and, until 1961, served passenger and freight needs.

The 3M Museum “focuses on the early years of discovery and risk taking as {3M} tried to build the company,” said Sando. The Historical Society puts it best: “The museum pays homage to the early days of the company that would go on to define the business model of research and development and become a global force employing over 88,000 people worldwide with annual sales of over 30 billion dollars.”

The Edna G. Tugboat is permanently stationed in Agate Bay, and while the interior is closed off to visitors, the exterior is still available for viewing. Sando said the Edna G. is in dire need of repair, to the tune of ninety thousand dollars. Discussions are in the works to determine the future of the boat. Built by the Cleveland Ohio Ship Building company in the late 1880s, it was one of the most powerful tugs of all time. The ship was operated out of Two Harbors its entire life, expect for two years during WW1 when it was used by the government to move barges and troop ships on the east coast. It served the port more than 84 years before she was retired.—Kelsey Roseth

The Two Harbors Light Station is the oldest operating lighthouse in Minnesota. | KELSEY ROSETH

Alpacas are mild mannered and welcome visitors. | KIM CASEY

Art-&-About on the Shore

The North Shore is blessed as an arts-rich community. Master and novice artists, armed with an array of skills, can easily be found throughout the area. And many of these artists showcase their hand-crafted work at the annual Grand Marais Arts Festival, July 11-12. This summer will mark the 25th anniversary since the festival first began in 1990, and it has grown tremendously. It all started with a small group of artists, exhibiting on folding tables in an unpaved parking lot. Now, the festival attracts over 70 artists, both local and regional, and roughly 13,000 inquisitive shoppers, ooh-ing and awe-ing at everything from woodworking and ceramics, to painting, photography and intricate jewelry making. The family-friendly event features art demos, live music, numerous booths, activities and classes. New this year is the support of the Voyageur Brewing Company, partnered with the CCVB and Grand Marais Art Colony Business Partners. A commemorative limited edition stainless steel pint glass with be available at the Voyageur Brewing Co. and the Art Colony tent. The first beer is free and you will receive a $1 off all refills. Sivertson Gallery will also be hosting the opening reception for the Art Colony’s Art Festival Weekend from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, July 10.

Also this month is the Hovland Arts Festival, July 3-4, at 10 a.m. at the Hovland Town Hall (www.hovlandartsfestial.com). And the Northwoods Fiber Guild exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais will be on display until July 19 (www.johnsonheritagepost.org).―Breana Roy

Tim Pearson, of Silver Bay, will display his paintings at the Grand Marais Art Festival for the second time this summer. Tim holds a B.A. degree in Environmental Studies from UMD, and has a love for wildlife and the outdoors. His art can be found at www. riverblendstudio.com.

Melissa Wickwire is a ceramicist and the co-facilitator of the Grand Marais Art Colony’s Ceramic Studio. This year will be her first time entering the Grand Marais Art Festival.

Painter Jeff Niesen, of Grand Marais, will be showcasing his art for the first time at the local art fest. He will also be giving a painting demonstration at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, from 4-8 p.m. on July 3, as part of the First Fridays event downtown. Snacks and beverages will be served and Yvonne will be playing the cello. Also occurring at Sivertson’s this month is the Trollbeads Jewelry Trunk Show, July 26-29 (www.sivertson.com).

Beth Homa, who currently resides in St. Paul, studied painting in college. But after interning at the North House Folk School, she found her true love: birchbark. She has weaved dozens of beautiful and durable pieces from birchbark, including jewelry, baskets, ornaments, wreaths, purses and even a watch. Homa locally harvests and processes all her materials by hand and is always trying to come up with new creations. (www.homa-style.com).

Candace LaCosse is an avid leatherworker, living in Minneapolis. Like Beth Homa, she too interned at the North House Folk School, but now focuses on her artwork, crafting everything from purses and shoes to yoga mat carriers and koozies. (www.hemlocksleather.com).

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery in Ontario wasn’t always big. In 1972, the gallery was simply a small public art display at the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society. But after a rise in popularity, the gallery quickly outgrew the small space. In 1974, approval was given for funding from the Museum Assistance Program to construct the National Exhibition Centre, completing construction in 1974. But it still wasn’t big enough; so after a few more expansions, name shifts and numerous exhibits later, the Gallery became known as it is today. The gallery offers a wide array of adult and youth art classes, summer art camps, family days and volunteer opportunities. All exhibits mentioned will be on display until Sept. 6. Head to www.theag.ca for more info on upcoming exhibits and events.

Christian Chapman and Bev

reflects the changing of roles that are usually associated with theatre or film. The exhibit includes a video collaboration by Chapman and a photographic series by Koski.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is currently showing Sonny Assu and his exhibition titled Continuum. Assu, of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations works and lives in Vancouver, and has been accepted into many various public and private collections across the U.S. and Canada. His pieces tend to reflect upon the Indigenous people of North America, while merging political, contemporary and ideological issues with humor.

Running July 3-19 is the Ugandan Woodcut Print Show, at Betsy Bowen’s Studio in Grand Marais. Join Betsy at the opening reception as she talks about her two trips to Uganda, working with local students to produce art. The exhibit will feature multi-color woodcuts by noted artists Fred Mutebi and Hassan Mukiibi and original woodcuts by Ugandan students. The reception will be on July 3, from 5-8 p.m. www.woodcut.com

Janna Brown: Still Echoes Resound, organized by Tangled Arts + Disability, is a collection of twelve miniature embroideries made by fragments of leather and a childhood quilt.

Koski: Recast exhibit, curated by List Myers,

Grand Marais Retailers

First Fridays

July 3

Many retailers downtown Grand Marais and county wide will be open from 4-8 p.m. the first Friday of every month, to celebrate Grand Marais being named the “Coolest Small Town in the USA,” by Budget Travel. Games, refreshments, music, treats, gift certificates, arts and community, and fun will be the focus. Joy & Company will host Christine Burns, a member of Hoop Twin Cities, as she performs fire hoop-dancing during First Friday. Burns will also be teaching a hoop-dancing class at Joy & Company on July 4. Birchbark Book and Gifts will be serving free appetizers, book sales and a chance for customers to attend a closed door William Kent Krueger Dessert Party on Aug. 29. The new mural in the alley, created by artist Tim Young, will also be revealed. Prizes will be awarded to anyone who can correctly count the number of books hidden in the mural. Go to First Fridays Grand Marais Facebook for more info on participating businesses and events.

Hovland Arts Festival

July 3-4

Roughly 20 artists presenting original, handcrafted pieces will be featured at this year’s Hovland Arts Festival. Displays include photography, wood work, oil on canvas, Ojibwe beadwork, pyrography and jewelry. There will also be live music performed by a variety of musicians, such as Briand Morrison, Maria Nickolay, Joe Paulik, Bump Blomberg and more. The show will take place at the Hovland Town Hall from 10 a.m-4 p.m. free admission. Visit www.hovlandartsfestival.com for more info.

| KELSEY KENNEDY

Thunder Bay Blues Fest

July 3-5

This year’s 14th annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival is sure to entertain, with performances by Johnny Reid, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Paul Rodgers, Alan Doyle and many more. The festival will be held outside at the Marina Park on Lake Superior. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Visit www.tbayblues.ca for tickets and more info.

Independence Day Celebration

July 4

Happy Independence Day! Cook County is celebrating the 4th of July all along the shore, with activities in Grand Marais, Tofte and Grand Portage. The Tofte 4th of July festivities begin with the Tofte Trek 10K Trail Run at 9 a.m. Then, head to the Tofte Town Hall at 11 a.m. and enjoy minnow races, an arts and craft show, bingo, live music by Cook County’s Most Wanted, food and a beer garden. The parade is at 2 p.m., followed by a spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. at the Zoar Lutheran Church. The Grand Marais celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with an ice cream social at the First Congregational Church and a parade at 8 p.m. with cash prizes awarded in three categories. Lastly, SplinterTones will provide live music in Harbor Park until 10 p.m. As always, fireworks will be held at dusk in Grand Marais, Tofte and Grand Portage. Visit www. visitcookcounty.com for more info.

Cellist Yvonne Caruthers performs at Stone Harbor for the June First Friday event.

The Thunder Bay Blues Festival is a three-day event attracting top names in blues and related music. Headlines this year include Johnny Reid, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and Paul Rodgers. | SUBMITTED

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATE

Summer Beer Tasting/PJ Party featuring Castle Danger from

Trunk Show: Quince & Co. featuring Sparrow Yarns A Wide Variety of Classes Come join the fun!

Grand Marais Art Colony (218) 387-2737 grandmaraisartcolony.org 120

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

*Join our free book exchange, just bring a book and take a book*

Fri. July 3rd — First Friday!

Come and browse the Gallery while enjoying snacks, beer/wine and great music in honor of First Fridays! We are open until 7 and hope you can stop by!

Sat. & Sun. July 11th & 12th — Meet

Clairvoyant/Medium & Artist Deb Lindstrom and get a Psychic Reading. A painting of your reading is created during your session (when available). Call the Gallery to schedule your reading soon! Sat. July 25th, Noon - 4 p.m.

Meet Artist Nace Hagemann. Come and talk with Nace about his adventures in finding all of the Moose he photographs and how he is so lucky to see such extraordinary Northern Lights all the time!

Chik-Wauk Museum

Anniversary Dinner

July 5

This summer marks the 5th anniversary of the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center and the 10th anniversary of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society. To celebrate, a dinner and fundraiser catered by Carol Valentini, of Valentini’s Vicino Lago in Duluth, will be held at the Seagull Lake Community Center at the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department Hall 3, at 5 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. www. chikwauk.com

Tofte 4th of July Celebration & fireworks

SATURDAY, JULY 4 2015

Heritage Days

July 9-12

Four days of activities in Two Harbors will provide entertainment for all ages. Enjoy live music by numerous musicians, arts and craft vendors, food, rides, contests, a parade and car show, street dances, a scavenger hunt, lutefisk fish toss, a 5K walk/run and more. The annual Heritage Days Golf Scramble at Lakeview National will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10 and the Two Harbor’s airport will be hosting a fly-in/drive-in pancake breakfast on Sunday, July 12 from 7 a.m.-noon. For a full list of events and times, visit www.thheritagedays.com.

Bay Days

July 10-12

Silver Bay and Beaver Bay will host numerous events as part of the three-day Bay Days festival. Activities include the Friends of the Library book sale, Bay to Bay Run & Walk, Zupancich Memorial Family Golf Scramble, North Shore Mining tours, a parade, classic car and motorcycle show, raffle, pancake breakfast, shopping vendors, dunk tank, kids carnival, dancing, food and fun! The whole schedule of events and times and be viewed online at www.bay-days.org.

Tofte 4th of July!

TOFTE TOWN HALL - 11 am - 5 pm Live Music - Fabulous Food - Beer Garden Art & Craft Show - Minnow Races - Bingo

12:00 pm Cook County High School Band

1:30 pm Line up for the parade at the west end of Tofte Park Road

2:00 pm Parade

3:00 pm Citizen of the Year Award Presentation

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Spaghetti Dinner at Zoar Lutheran 10:00 pm FIREWORKS Tofte Town Park

Hopped Up Caribou Beer Festival

July

10-12

Over 15 local and regional homegrown brewers will be featured at this year’s Hopped Up Caribou Beer Festival, as well as live music, a BBQ, lawn games, mingling with fellow beer enthusiasts and a meet and greet with the master beer brewers. Tickets can be purchased for the entire weekend or just a day, and will take place at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen. Visit www.hoppedupcaribou. com for tickets and more details.

Lundie Vacation Home Tour

July

11

Come enjoy the music of this great local band! Cook County’s Most Wanted www.toftemn.com All events will be held rain or shine! Beer lovers will gather in Lutsen for the Hopped Up Caribou Beer Festival July 10-12. | SUBMITTED

Schroeder Area Historical Society and Cross River Heritage Center present the 11th annual Lundie Vacation Home Tour, featuring six unique architecture sites by Edwin Lundie, located in Schroeder and Tofte. Also featured is a free discussion with carpenter, woodworker and author of A Splintered History of Wood and Cabin Lessons, Spike Carlsen, and architect and author of Back to the Cabin, The Cabin, and Architecture of Edwin Lundie, Dale Mulfinger. Speakers will be at the Schroeder Town Hall at 10 a.m. (218) 663-7706.

LIVE MUSIC!

TOFTE TOWN HALL

The Annual Tofte Trek

BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER

Join in the fun of this famous annual event!

8:00 am Registration • 9:00 am Races Begin Breakfast Pizzas available at Birch Grove 8-11 a.m. Visit www.sugarbushtrail.org for more info.

The Gunflint Trail’s Chikwauk Museum and Nature Center is now five years old. | SUBMITTED

Betsy Bowen Studio & Galleries

Open

ª

A family-friendly working studio and galleries in a historic building just up the hill from downtown.

Woodcuts From Uganda — July 3-19

Opening reception Fri. July 3, 5-8 p.m. Multicolor woodcuts by noted artists Fred Mutebi, Hassan Mukiibi, and original woodcuts by Ugandan students.

6 pm – Betsy talks about her two trips to Uganda working with students producing art.

July 18 - 3pm, Book Signing and Reading

“The Hungry Coast: Fables from the North Shore of MN” by author Marlais Brand, with illustrations by Noah Prinsen. A show of Noah’s wood block prints will accompany the reading.

Betsy’s July Art Fairs

July 11-12 Grand Marais Art Festival July 24-26 Ely Blueberry Festival

Sam Miltich is a jazz guitarist. | SUBMITTED

Sky Blue Jazz Quartet have been together for six years. | SUBMITTED

Sam Miltich with Sky Blue Jazz Quartet

July

11

The North Shore Music Association presents Sam Miltich and Sky Blue Jazz Quartet, who will be collaborating in a concert and dance at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. Miltich is a jazz guitarist, born and raised in Grand Rapids, with a love for Gypsy swing, traditional jazz, and traditional folk music. He has performed as both a soloist and with his band, the Clearwater Hot Club. He is now collaborating with the Sky Blue Jazz Quartet, whose members are Mike DeBevec, Eric Hahn, Mike Roth and Brett Jones. The quartet has been performing, recording and teaching jazz together for six years, recently finishing a five-year jazz history project titled “A Century of Jazz.” The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for youth, and can be purchased at the door or in advanced by visiting www.tix.com. For more details, visit www.northshoremusicassociation.com.

25th Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival

July 11-12

This year’s festival will feature over 70 local and regional artists showcasing their unique handcrafted work, ranging from jewelry, fiber, photography, ceramics, glass, sculptures and more. The festival will be held in downtown Grand Marais, near the shores of Lake Superior. New this year is the Clothesline Art Sale Fundraiser; a 5x7 sale of artwork donated by talented artists. Each piece of art is $35 and proceeds will help support the Grand Marais Art Colony. For more info, visit www. grandmaraisartcolony.org.

Gunflint Trail Canoe Races & Silent Auction

July 15

Help fundraise money for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department while enjoying a day in the sun on Gunflint Lake at the Canoe Races and Silent Auction. The auction and kids events begin at 4 p.m. and food begins at 4:30 p.m. Canoe races begin at 6 p.m., starting with the long distance race and ending with gunnel pumping. Try your luck with the raffle, containing over 100 items and the grand prize Wenonah Spirit II Royalex canoe. Races will take place at the Gunflint Lodge waterfront. Call (218) 388-2246 or visit www.visitcookcounty.com for more details.

Fort Fest Music Festival

July 17-18

Enjoy two nights of family friendly live music at the Fort William Historical Park amphitheater in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Performers include big name bands Bret Michaels, Loverboy, Blue Oyster Cult, The Romantics, Tommy Tutone, Great White, Harlequin, and a variety of local artists. Tickets are $20 for Friday, $30 for Saturday, or $45 for a weekend pass. www. fwhp.ca

Brook Trout Festival

July 17-19

This July marks the 100th anniversary of the world record brook trout, caught in the Nipigon River by Dr. J.W. Cook. To celebrate, a three day festival will be held in Nipigon, Ontario, located about an hour east of Thunder Bay. Activities include hiking and kayak adventures, boat tours, pro angling workshops for all ages, family games and races, demos, food, live entertainment, the Red Rock Indian Band Pow Bow and more. For additional info,

be sure to read Gord Ellis’ column, “World Record Brook Trout,” on page 49 or visit www.nipigon.net.

The streets of Grand Marais are filled with artists selling their wares at Arts Festival July 11-12. | FILE

Anniversary Celebration

July 5th

Seagull Lake Community Center

Come celebrate Chik-Wauk Museum’s 5th Anniversary and the Gunflint Trail Historical Society’s 10th Anniversary. To celebrate we are having a sit down dinner catered by Valentini’s Vincino Lago of Duluth. Tickets will be $50/person.

Teresa Marrone talk on “Wild Edibles”

July 26th, 2 p.m.

Seagull Lake Community Center

Author of “Wild Berries & Fruits Field Guide” will give a talk followed by a short hike to identify these treasures.

Kid’s Nature Day’s

Tuesdays: through August 18th

0

·

·

·

An all-day program for kids including crafts, letterboxing and nature activities.

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center

28 Moose Pond Drive,Grand Marais, MN

55604 55 miles up the Gunflint Trail. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m through mid-October. 218-388-9915 info@chikwauk.com · www.chikwauk.com

Sidewalk Festival

July 17-19

You don’t have to be an advanced artist to partake in the art of chalk drawings at the fourth annual Chalk.a.Lot Festival in Two Harbors. Included will be a free chalking clinic, an open chalk area, featured artists, food and live music. Sign up to participate in the contest, first place wins $100. Awards will be announced at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. To learn more about the festival, visit www.facebook.com/Chalk.a.Lot.TwoHarbors.

[ABOVE & RIGHT] Artists

SAWMILL TOURS

West End Garden Club Flower Show

July 18

July 18th will mark the 80th anniversary for the annual West End Garden Club Flower Show, located in Schroeder. To celebrate so many successful years, the theme for the show will be, “As Time Goes By.” The family friendly show will take place from 1-5 p.m. at the Schroeder Town Hall, located on Cramer Road or Hwy 1.

Painting Adventures

Chippewa City Church Celebration

July 19

The Chippewa City Church will be celebrating its 120th anniversary on Sunday, July 19 from 1-4 p.m. in Grand Marais. Included will be live music by the SplinterTones and a special history discussion. Also hosted by the Cook County Historical Society is a Planked Trout Dinner on Saturday, July 11 at the Grand Marais Rec Hall in the RV Park, starting at 5:30 p.m. Visit www. cookcountyhistory.org for more info.

The Chippewa City Church is among the oldest structures in Cook County. | SUBMITTED

Brilliant blooms are transformed into artistic arrangements for the West End Garden Club Show July 18. | SUBMITTED

Art Gallery, Shop & Classes 4 Balsam Street, Thunder Bay

Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Drawing, Jewelry, Crafts, Books, Chocola te and Much More!

“Children & Youth Drawing Retreat” July 7, 8, 9th

“Wrap a Rock Jewelry Workshop”

July 24th

“Collage & Mixed Media Workshop”

July 21, 22, 23rd

(807) 286-4233 gallery.33.thunderbay@gmail.com

Support

Blueberry Arts Festival

July 24-26

Ely’s signature summer event, the Blueberry Art Festival, brought in about 40,000 people last year. This year marks the 35th anniversary for the festival and will feature more than 260 artists, 30 food vendors and many local musicians. This family friendly weekend will be filled with arts and crafts, live music and lots of blueberry themed food, such as scones, muffins, tea, smoothies and lemonade, to name a few. Local and regional artists will display a wide variety of hand-crafted items, such as jewelry, photography, wood and leather products, metal art, paintings and more. There will also be a moonwalk, as well as train rides and a trampoline for the kids. The festival will be held at Whiteside Park and admission is free. Visit www.ely.org for more info.

JULY EVENTS

A crowd gathers at the festival. | JAKE MCCLUSKEY

SATURDAYS IN JULY • 11 A.M. e Mu n Man

Stories for young children.

WEDNESDAY JULY 1 • 8 P.M. - 9 P.M. Full Moon Music Celebration. Outside on the lakeshore. Featuring Cellist Yvonne Caruthers, formerly of the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington D.C. Moon rise is at 8:27 p.m.

SATURDAY JULY 4 • INDEPENDENCE DAY Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

SATURDAY JULY 11 • 5 P.M. Writer’s Salon with author Mary Relindes Ellis reading from e Bohemian Flats

SATURDAY JULY 18 • 5 P.M. Writer’s Salon with author omas Maltman reading from Little Wolves

SATURDAY JULY 25 5 P.M. Writer’s Salon with author Caroline Giles Banks reading from Picture a Poem: Ekphrastic and Other Poems

Blueberry Arts Fest provides live music. | JAKE MCCLUSKEY

Buskers, beloved and sometimes eccentric street performers, will entertain the crowds in the Bay and Algoma neighborhood July 25-26. | SUBMITTED

All Pints North Summer Brew Fest

July 25

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is back again for the fourth annual All Pints North Summer Brew Fest, celebrating beer brewed in Minnesota and select national craft brands. Enjoy unlimited beer samples, local food vendors, beer-centered activities, live music, meet and greets and plenty more. This rain or shine event will take place in Bayfront Park in Duluth from 3-7 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 the day of. Visit www.mncraftbrew. org for more details.

The Brew Fest includes beer samples. | SUBMITTED

Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery On the Harbor, Grand Marais, MN

June 26 - July 19

Northwoods Fiber Arts Guild rough our Hands IV Member Show

July 24 - August 9

Hazel Belvo & Marcia Cushmore

Hours: Sun-Tues 1-4 pm,Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm 115 W. Wisconsin St. · 218-387-2314 www.johnsonheritagepost.org

LAKE COUNTY FAIR

Valley Fresh Buskers Festival

July 25-26

The 3rd annual Buskers Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, with a performance by local favorites, The Bay Street Bastards. Other activities throughout the 2-day event include local food vendors, face painting for kids, inflatables, balloon twisting, a watermelon contest, chalk art, and of course, a mix of street artisans and crafters. The festival will take place at The Bay and Algoma Neighborhood in Thunder Bay, Ontario from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. both days. Admission is free. For more info, visit www. bayalgoma.com.

Crystal’s

Log Cabin Quilts

Quilting

86

Annual Fisherman’s Picnic

Getting Around

$8/van within the Grand Marais area until 9 pm. Call or text Harriet Quarles at 218-370-9164

Wednesday, July 29

5-6:30 PM Grand Marais Lioness Buffett Dinner and Silent Auction at St. John’s Catholic Church, 5th St. and Broadway Ave. Silent Auction bids 5-6:30 pm. Dinner is buffet style. $15 per plate for adults, $7 per plate for kids 12 and under

Thursday, July 30

9 AM Crazy Daze Sales – Merchants all over town

9 AM Vendors and Craft show opens – 1st Ave .W.

9-5 pm Cook County Farm and Craft Market – Wisc. St.

10 AM Kids Rides open – Senior Center Parking Lot

11 AM Fishburger Stand opens – Harbor Park

11-12:30 PM Briand Morrison – Harbor Park Stage

NOON Bingo Tent opens – American Legion Parking Lot

1-2:30 PM Joe Paulik – Harbor Park Stage

2 PM Free Guided Tour of the Cook County School Campus (includes Elementary, Middle and High Schools) Meet at the Main Entrance. Alumni and visitors welcome

3-6 PM Cook County’s Most Wanted – Harbor Park Stage

5-7 PM Library Friends Members Only Book Sale. Memberships may be purchase one hour before sale. Cook County Community Center - 317 W. 5th St.

7 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “Moon over Buffalo,” The Arrowhead Center for the Arts - 51 W. 5th St., www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org/playhouse

7-10 PM The Roadhouse – Harbor Park Stage

Friday, July 31

7-11 AM Pancake Breakfast, $6 for adult and $4 child (12 and under). Community Center - 317 W. 5th St. Sponsored by Early Childhood Family Education

8 AM-4 PM Library Friends of Cook County Annual Book Sale. Cook County Community Center - 317 W. 5th St.

8 AM Senior, Junior and Adult Tennis matchesHigh School Tennis Court.

9 AM Crazy Daze Sales – Merchants all over town

9 AM Vendor and Craft Show opens- 1st Ave. W.

9 AM-5 PM Cook County Farm and Craft Market - Wisc. St.

10 AM-5 PM Blacksmithing Demos, Bally Blacksmith Shop outdoors, free and open to public - Broadway Ave. & 1st St.

10 AM-5 PM Veteran’s Center Open - 2nd Ave. W.

10 AM Fun games and Inflatables - Wisconsin St.

10 AM-4 PM Open Log Rolling, $5 for all day pass, all ages2nd Ave. W.

10 AM Kiddy Rides open – Senior Center Parking Lot. 10:30 AM Old Fashioned Horseshoe Tournament* –Naniboujou Lodge.

10:30

Harbor Park Stage

11:30 AM World’s Best Donut Bingo* – Donut Shopcorner of Wisc. St. and Broadway Ave.

NOON Bingo opens – American Legion Parking Lot

NOON Minnow Races* – Beaver House, Corner of Wisc. St. and Broadway Ave.

1-5 PM Dunk Tank, Sponsored by Cooperation Station –Harbor Park

1-2:30 PM Michael Monroe- Harbor Park Stage

2 PM Free Guided Tour of the Cook County School Campus (includes Elementary, Middle and High Schools) Meet at the Main Entrance. Alumni and visitors welcome

3 PM DQ Upsidedownright Thick Blizzard Race, maximum of 10 teams with up to 4 racers each, pick up register form at Dairy Queen - 2nd Ave. W.

3-6 PM Angel Hair Rasta – Harbor Park Stage

5-7 PM Shrimp Boil Dinner, 1st Congregational Churchcorner of 3rd Ave. W. and 2nd St.

5:30 PM Little League Champ game – Rec field in Tourist Park

6-6:30 PM Loon Calling Contest* – Preliminary Round –Harbor Park Stage

7 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” The Arrowhead Center for the Arts - 51 W. 5th St., www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org/playhouse

7- 10 PM Step Rockets – Harbor Park Stage

Saturday, August 1

7-11 AM Pancake Breakfast, $6 for adult and $4 child (12 and under). Sponsored by Early Childhood Family Education –Community Center, 317 W. 5th St.

7:30-8:50 AM Fisherman’s Picnic Trail Run registration. Pincushion Mountain Trail - 2mi. north off Gunflint Trail, Co. Rd. 12

9 AM Pre-teen, 8 yrs and under - ¼ Mile, 9-12 yrs – 1 Mile

9:45 AM 5 Mile Walk/Run

9:50 AM 3 Mile Non-Competitive Walk

8 AM-12 PM Library Friends Bag Sale, $4 per bag of books, Cook County Community Center - 317 W. 5th St.

8 AM Men’s Slow Pitch Softball – Rec Park Ball Field and Pappy Wright Field

8 AM Senior, Junior and Adult Tennis Matches –High School Tennis Courts

8:30 AM Hoopin’n in the Harbor registration – Wisc. St.

9 AM Vendors and Crafts sales begin – 1st Ave. W.

9 AM-5 PM Cook County Farm and Craft Market – Wisc. St.

9 AM Zumba Class – Harbor Park

10 AM Warm up for Logrolling Championship Minnesota State Logrolling Championship Amateurs Only Tournament– 2nd Ave. W.

9:30 AM Hoopin’n in the Harbor* 3-on-3 Tournament –Wisc. St.

10 AM Fun Games and Inflatables – Wisc. St.

10 AM Kiddy Rides open – Senior Center Parking Lot

10 AM-5 PM Blacksmithing Demonstrations, Bally Blacksmith Shop outdoors, free and open to public - Brdwy. Ave. & 1st St.

10 AM-5 PM Dunk Tank, Sponsored by Cooperation Station

– Harbor Park

10 AM-5 PM Veteran’s Center opens - 2nd Ave. W.

11 AM Fishburger Stand opens – Harbor Park

11 AM-12:30 PM Dirigible Down – Harbor Park Stage NOON Bingo Tent opens – American Legion Parking Lot NOON Minnow Races*, Beaver House - Corner of Broadway Ave. and Wisc. St.

12:30 PM Cross Cut Saw Competition Registration* – Wisc. St.

1 PM Cross Cut Competition, sponsored by Hedstrom Lumber Co. – Wisc. St.

12:45 PM Senior Citizen of the Year Award, Citizen of the Year Award – Harbor Park Stage

1 PM Hoopin’n in the Harbor* 3 Point Shooting Contest open to Everyone – Wisc. St.

1-2:30 PM Michael Monroe – Harbor Park Stage

2 PM Ice Cream Social* – High School Tennis Courts

2 PM Pickle Herring Eating Contest* sponsored by Sven & Ole’s – Wisc. St.

2:30 PM Pizza Eating Contest*, sponsored by Sven & Ole’s –Wisc. St.

2:30-5 PM Kids Tractor Pull* (ages 4-11) – Wisc. St.

3-5 PM Portage – Harbor Park Stage

3:30 PM Winners announced for Minnesota State Logrolling Championship Amateurs Only Tournament – 2nd Ave. W.

4:30 PM Rock Skipping Contest* (all ages) – Harbor Park

5 PM “Coolest Small Town” Rock Painting Contest winners announced, sponsored by Joynes Ben Franklin –Harbor Park Stage

5:30-6 PM Loon Calling Contest Finals* – Harbor Park Stage

6 PM Cutest Puppy Contest* – Harbor Park

7 PM Grand Marais Playhouse “Moon Over Buffalo,” The Arrowhead Center for the Arts - 51 W. 5th St., www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org/playhouse

7-10 PM SplinterTones – Harbor Park Stage

Sunday, August 2

8 AM Men’s Slow Pitch Softball – Rec Park Ball Field and Pappy Wright Field

8 AM Senior, Junior and Adults Tennis Matches –High School Tennis Courts

9:30 AM Waterfront Worship – Harbor Park Stage

11 AM Fishburger Stand opens – Harbor Park NOON Bingo Tent opens – American Legion Parking Lot

NOON-1 PM Pete Kavanaugh – Harbor Park Stage

1 PM Fisherman’s Picnic Parade, Downtown Grand Marais, Route starts at Elementary School Park Lot, down Broadway Ave. Right on Wisc. St. and ends at Hwy 61.

2 PM Kiddy Rides open – Senior Center Parking Lot

2-2:30 PM Shriner’s Band – Harbor Park

2:45-3:15 PM Bagpipers – Harbor Park

3 PM Grand Marais Playhouse, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” The Arrowhead Center for the Arts - 51 W. 5th. St., www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org/playhouse

3:30 PM Lion’s Fish Toss* – Wisc.

Monday, Aug

Red Rock Marina will rock with an eclectic collection of folk musicians at the Live from the Rock Folk Fest Aug. 7-9. | SUBMITTED

July. 30-Aug. 2

Grand Marais’ annual Fish Pic event is jam-packed with fun for the entire family. There will be food, art vendors, games, kiddy rides, contests, bingo, a dunk tank, live demos, a parade, fireworks and live music; just to name a few. Not to mention the Big Fish Contest, sponsored by Northern Wilds and Buck’s Hardware Hank, held from July 25-Aug. 1, and the Library Friends Book Sale at the Community Center, July 30-Aug. 1. To view the full schedule of events, flip to the Grand Marais Lion Club ad on page ?, or visit www.visitcookcounty.com.

Howling Moon Fest

July 31

Howling Moon Fest is back for the second year, featuring country music for a “once in a Blue Moon experience.” This

year’s Fest will include Jon Pardi, Mary Bue and Drew Baldridge. Howling Moon will be held at Bayfront Park in Duluth and gates open at 6 p.m. Head to www.howlingmoonfest.com for more details and ticket info.

Live from the Rock Folk Festival

Aug. 7-9

The folks are back in town! This year’s festival in Red Rock, Ontario will feature roughly 20 performers, including The Marrieds, Sweet Alibi, The Crooked Brothers, Ben Rogers, Ian Tamblyn and Mark Reeves. Food vendors will also be on site. Tickets are available for a day pass or the entire weekend. Check out www.livefromtherockfolkfestival.com for more details.

special awards for to nominate someone...

Two separate awards for an individual or couple who has made Cook County a better place to live.

Please provide the following information: Nominee name (or couple), date of birth, marital status, # of children, # of years lived in the county, work history (retirement status-applicable), public offices held, current community involvement. Statement of support by nominator. What is very special about this person or couple & other items you believe to be important. Deadline: Noon Wed, July 22, 2015. Please respond by e-mail to harry3mnaz@msn.com

Questions? call Rosemary Lamson at 218-370-8334

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

Through July

19

Northwoods Fiber Guild Exhibit

Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery Grand Marais www.johnsonheritagepost.org

July-Sept. 6

Sonny Assu: Interventions on the Imaginary Thunder Bay Art Gallery www.theag.ca

Jenna Brown: Still Echoes Resound Thunder Bay Art Gallery www.theag.ca

Christian Chapman & Bev Koski Exhibit Thunder Bay Art Gallery www.theag.ca

Interwoven: Baskets from the Permanent Collection Thunder Bay Art Gallery www.theag.ca

July 1, Wednesday

Canada Day

Full Moon Music Celebration featuring Cellist Yvonne Caruthers

8 p.m. Drury Lane Books Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

July 2-5

Eleemosynary by Lee Blessing Grand Marais Playhouse www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org

July 3, Friday

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

James Rains, author of “Afognak” discusses his work Grand Marais Public Library www.grandmaraslibrary.org

Hovland Summer Art Festival Music 10 a.m. Hovland Town Hall www.hovlandartsfestival.com

Cook County’s Most Wanted 8 p.m. Grand Marais American Legion (218) 387-2974

Dance Attic 8 p.m. Voyageur Brewing Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

July 3-4

Hovland Arts Festival 10 a.m. Hovland Town Hall www.hovlandartsfestival.com

Thunderheads 9 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 3-5

Blues Fest Marina Park Thunder Bay Ontario www.tbayblues.ca

July 3-19

Woodcuts from Uganda: opening reception July 3 at 5 p.m. Betsy Bowen Grand Marais www.woodcut.com

July 4, Saturday

July 7-9

Children & Youth Drawing Retreat Gallery 33 Thundery Bay, Ontario gallery.33.thunderbay@gmail.com

July 7 & 21

Grand Marais 4th of July Celebration

6 p.m. with Parade at 8 p.m. & Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. www.visitcookcounty.com

Tofte 4th of July Festival 11 a.m. Tofte Town Hall with Parade at 2 p.m. & Fireworks at 10 p.m. www.visitcookcounty.com

Grand Portage 4th of July Fireworks at Dusk Grand Portage Lodge & Casino www.grandportage.com

Temporary Rock Sculptures with Peter Juhl 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Tofte Trek 10K Trail Run

8 a.m. Birch Grove Community Center Tofte www.sugarbushtrail.org

Jim & Michelle Miller 1 p.m. Hovland Art Fair www.hovlandartsfestival.com

Pushing Chain 3 p.m. Voyageur Brewery Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

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

Tim Fast 7 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Earth Wind and Todd 8 p.m. Grand Marais American Legion (218) 387-2974

SplinterTones 8 p.m. Harbor Park Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

July 5, Sunday

5th Anniversary of the Chik-Wauk Museum & 10th Anniversary of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society Dinner

Celebration 5 p.m. Seagull Lake Community Center, Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department www.chikwauk.com

Anishnawbe Keeshigun Aboriginal Festival 10 a.m. Fort William Historical Park Thunder Bay

Moguls Music on the Mountain 5 p.m. Moguls Grille & Tap Room Lutsen www.caribouhighlands.com

Steve Blexrud 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 6, Monday

Visual Artist Gatherings

5:30 p.m. A Taste of Ely Restaurant

Jim & Michelle Miller 9 p.m. Bluefin Grille Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

July 7, Tuesday

Healthy Shorelands Workshop

Noon Grand Marais Campground Rec Hall (218) 387-3649

Jim & Michelle Miller 6:30 p.m.

Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Butterfly Garden Night 6 p.m. Hartley Nature Center Duluth www.hartleynature.org

July 8, Wednesday

Aquatic Vegetation Workshop 8:30 a.m. Cathedral of the Pines Lutsen (218) 387-3649

July 9, Thursday

Night at the Museum for Free 7 p.m. Dorothy Molter Museum Ely www.rootbeerlady.com

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

July 9-12

Heritage Days Two Harbors www.thheritagedays.com

July 10, Friday

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

Pete Kavanaugh 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge Pub Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

Eric Frost 8 p.m. Voyageur Brewery Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

July 10-11

The Wrong Omar 9 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 10-12

Bay Days Silver Bay & Beaver Bay www.bay-days.org

Hopped Up Caribou Festival Caribou Highlands Lutsen www.hoppedupcaribou.com

July 11, Saturday

Lundie Vacation Home Tour

10 a.m. Cross River Heritage Center Schroeder www.crossriverheritage.org

Spike Carlsen Talk: Author, Carpenter, Woodworker 10 a.m. Cross River Heritage Center Schroeder www.crossriverheritage.org

What the Soil & Water Conservation District Can Do For You

10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Pie Social Benefit sponsored by the North Shore Hospital & Care Center 11 a.m. Johnson Heritage Post Grand Marais Grand opening of the Detroit Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails with a meet and greet featuring Gary Fisher Detroit Lakes, MN www.detroitmountain.com

Cook County’s Most Wanted 3 p.m. Birch Terrace Grand Marais (218) 387-2215

Joe Paulik 3 p.m. Voyageur Brewery Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

Writer’s Salon featuring Mary Relindes Ellis 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

Planked Trout Dinner Benefit

5:30 p.m. Grand Marais Recreation Park www.grandmaraisrecreationarea.com

Briand Morrison 7 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

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

Sam Miltich with Sky Blue Jazz Quartet 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts Grand Marais www.northshoremusicassociation.com

Maria Nickolay 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge Pub Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

Jim & Michelle Miller

8 p.m. Voyageur Brewing Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

July 11-12

25th Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Meet Clairvoyant/Medium & Artist Deb Lindstrom for a Psychic Reading Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery & Cottages Lutsen www.kahneetah.com

July 11-19

Ely Greenstone’s Juried Art Show & Sale Miners Dry Ely www.ely.org

July 12, Sunday

Mysterious Ways 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 13-17

NS Federal Credit Union Member

Appreciation Week: includes a brat cookout Tues. in Silver Bay, Wed. in Grand Portage, Thurs. in Grand Marais & Fri. in Lutsen

July 15, Wednesday

Gunflint Trail Canoe Races & Silent Auction 4 p.m. Gunflint Lodge Waterfront (218) 388-2246

Culinary Tasting Menu

6 p.m. Waves of Superior Café Tofte www.wavesofsuperiorspa.com

Technology Open House 6 p.m. Grand Marais Library www.grandmaraislibrary.org

Wildflower Walk 6 p.m. Hartley Nature Center Duluth www.hartleynature.org

July 16, Thursday

Gordon Thorne

6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 16-Aug. 9

Grand Marais Summer Theater Festival Arrowhead Center for the Arts Grand Marais www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com

July 17, Friday

Joe Paulik 8 p.m. Voyageur Brewery Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

Wild Berry Jam 9:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 17-18

Fort Fest Music Festival Fort William Historical Park Amphitheatre Thunder Bay Ontario www.fwhp.ca

July 17-19

Brook Trout Festival Nipigon Ontario www.nipigon.net

Chalk.A.Lot Sidewalk Festival Two Harbors www.facebook.com/Chalk.a.Lot.TwoHarbors

July 18, Saturday

The Big Picture: Continental Drift & Plate Tectonics with Dick Ojakangas 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

80th Annual West End Garden Club Flower Show 1 p.m. Schroeder Town Hall Maria Nickolay 3 p.m. & 9 p.m. Voyageur Brewery Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

Book Signing and Reading by author Marlais Brand 3 p.m. Betsy Bowen Grand Marais www.woodcut.com

SplinterTones 4 p.m. Harbor Park Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Writer’s Salon with Thomas Maltman 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

Jim & Michelle Miller

7 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Eric Frost & Bill Hansen

7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge Pub Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

July 18-19

Lake Superior Salmon Classic Fishing Tournament Silver Bay Marina www.silverbay.com/marina.html

Finland Fireman’s Annual Softball Tournament at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland

North Shore Water Festival Grand Marais www.stoneharborws.com

July 19, Sunday

120th Anniversary of Chippewa City Church with Live Music by SplinterTones

1 p.m. Cook County Historical Society Grand Marais www.cookcountyhistory.org

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

July 20, Monday

Cascade River Wildflower Walk

5 p.m. Cascade River Parking Lot Lutsen www.arrowheadinvasives.org

July 21-23

Collage & Mixed Media Workshop Gallery 33 Thundery Bay, Ontario gallery.33.thunderbay@gmail.com

July 22-25

Ely Watercolor Show Miners Dry, Ely www.ely.org

July 24, Friday

Wrap-a-Rock Jewelry Workshop Gallery 33 Thundery Bay, Ontario gallery.33.thunderbay@gmail.com

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

Jim & Michele Miller

7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge Pub Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

Eric Frost 8 p.m. Voyageur Brewery Grand Marais www.voyageurbrewing.com

Bug Lite! 9 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 24-25

Bally Blacksmith Shop Demonstrations Grand Marais www.cookcountyhistory.org

July 24-26

Blueberry Arts Festival Whiteside Park Ely www.ely.org

July 24-Aug. 9

Belvo/Cushmore Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post Grand Marais www.johnsonheritagepost.org

July 25, Saturday

Native Plants and Restoration Techniques Workshop and Restoration Tour 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center Schroeder www.arrowheadinvasives.org

All Pints North Summer Brew Fest Bayfront Park Duluth www.mncraftbrew.org

Meet Artist Nace Hagemann

12 p.m. Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery & Cottages Lutsen www.kahneetah.com

SplinterTones 4 p.m. Harbor Park Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Writer’s Salon with Caroline Giles Banks 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

Michael Monroe

7 p.m. Log Cabin Grand Marais www.michaelmonroemusic.com

Jon Kallberg

7 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Gordon Thorne

7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge Pub Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

July 25-26

3rd Annual Buskers Festival Thunder Bay Ontario www.bayalgoma.com

July 25-Aug. 1

Big Fish Contest sponsored by Buck’s Hardware & Northern Wilds

July 26, Sunday

Wild Edibles presentation & hike with Teresa Marrone author of Wild Berries & Fruits Field Guide 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum Gunflint Trail www.chikwauk.com

Jim & Michelle Miller 6:30 p.m.

Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 29, Wednesday

Lioness Club Buffet Dinner and Silent Auction 5 p.m. St. John’s Church Hall Grand Marais

Jim & Michelle Miller 9 p.m. Bluefin Grille Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

July 30, Thursday

Earth Wind and Todd 8 p.m. Grand Marais American Legion (218) 387-2974

Step Rockets 6:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 30-Aug. 1

Library Friends of Cook County Book Sale Grand Marais Community Center

July 30-Aug. 2

Fisherman’s Picnic Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Live Music 11 a.m. Harbor Park Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

July 31, Friday

Howling Moon Fest Bayfront Park Duluth www.howlingmoonfest.com

The SplinterTones

1 p.m. Sidney’s Rooftop Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Joe Paulik 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge Pub Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

Jim & Michelle Miller 8 p.m. Voyageur Brewing Grand Marais www.voyaageurbrewing.com

Cook County’s Most Wanted 8 p.m. Grand Marais American Legion (218) 387-2974

July 31-Aug. 1

Bally Blacksmith Shop Demonstrations Grand Marais www.cookcountyhistory.org

Black River Revue 9 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

July 31-Aug. 2

2015 Tennis Tournament Cook County Tennis Courts Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Aug. 1, Saturday

How to See in the Dark: Monitoring Bats on the Superior National Forest 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

Aug. 7-9

Live from the Rock Folk Festival Red Rock Ontario www.livefromtherockfolkfestival.com

Aug. 8, Saturday

Ely’s 2015 Watercross Race www.ely.org

Aug. 13-16

Boundary Waters Blues Festival Fall Lake, Winton www.elyblues.com

Weekly Events

Daily

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

Through July

Peregrine Watch Wed. & Sat. 11 a.m., Thurs., Fri. & Sun. 10 a.m. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory Duluth www.hawkridge.org

Monday-Friday

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

Mondays

Live Music 9 p.m. Bluefin Grille Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Free Paddling at Bearskin Lodge, Nor’Wester Lodge & Voyageur Canoe Outfitters Gunflint Trail www.visitcookcounty.com until July 13

Tuesday-Sunday

Bruce Palmer & Marci McIntire Exhibit Cross River Heritage Center Schroeder www.crossriverheritage.org until July 15.

Tuesdays

Kid’s Nature Day’s 10 a.m. & Becoming a Boundary Waters Famil y 2:30 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center Gunflint Trail www.chikwauk.com

Free Paddling at Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters 11 a.m. & Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters 1 p.m. Gunflint Trail www.visitcookcounty.com until July 14

Lumber Mill Tour 12:30 p.m. Hedstrom Lumber Mill Gunflint Trail (218) 387-2995 ext. 14

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

Tuesday Nite Live 4 p.m. Ely

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

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

Briand Morrison 6 p.m. Pie Place Café Grand Marais www.briandmorrison.com

Trivia Night 7 p.m. Grand Marais American Legion (218) 387-2974

Jam Sessions 7 p.m. Chippewa Park Pavilion Coffee House Ontario www.chippewapark.ca

Bats in the Belfry 7:30 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Minnesota Wild! 7:30 p.m. Grand Marais Recreation Park www.grandmaraisrecreationarea.com

Wednesdays

Good Morning Birds 10 a.m. Cascade Lodge Lutsen www.cascadelodgemn.com

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

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

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

Free Paddling at Rockwood Outfitters 11 a.m. & Seagull Canoe Outfitters 1 p.m. Gunflint Trail www.visitcookcounty.com until July 15

Music on the Deck with Briand Morrison 6 p.m. Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.briandmorrison.com

Concerts on the Pier 7 p.m. Glensheen Mansion Duluth www.glensheen.org

Black Bears: An American Original 7:30 p.m. Lutsen Resort www.lutsenresort.com

Logging in the Days of Paul Bunyan 7:30 p.m. Bluefin Bay Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Gordon Thorne & Bob Bingham 9 p.m. Bluefin Grille Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Thursdays

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

Tracks & Tracking 10 a.m. East Bay Suites Grand Marais www.eastbaysuites.com

Free Guided Hike 10:30 a.m. Oberg Mountain Trailhead Tofte www.visitcookcounty.com

Free Paddling 1 p.m. Hungry Jack Outfitters Gunflint Trail www.visitcookcounty.com until July 16

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

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

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

The Bones of Blackfly or Fur is Gonna Fly! 7 p.m. Chippewa Park Pavilion Ontario www.chippewapark.ca

Leave It To Beavers 7:30 p.m. Eagle Ridge Resort Lutsen ww.eagleridgeatlutsen.com

The Amazing Amusing Moose 7:30 p.m. Caribou Highlands Lodge Lutsen www.caribouhighlands.com

Fridays

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

Lumber Mill Tour 10 a.m. Hedstrom Lumber Mill Gunflint Trail (218) 387-2995 ext. 14

Make a Dreamcatcher 10:30 a.m. Eagle Ridge Resort Lutsen www.visitcookcounty.com

Free Paddling 11 a.m. Clearwater Lodge & Canoe Outfitters Gunflint Trail www.visitcookcounty.com until July 17

There’s No Place Like Home 1 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove Schroeder www.sugarloafnorthshore.org

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

Wildcats of the Northwoods 7:30 p.m. Bluefin Bay Tofte www.bluefinbay.com

Wolves in the Night 7:30 p.m. Chateau LeVeaux Tofte www.chateauleveaux.com

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

Saturdays

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

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

Beautiful Butterflies (& Ugly Bugs) 10 a.m. Caribou Highlands Lodge Lutsen www.caribouhighlands.com

Story Hour with the Muffin Man 11 a.m. Drury Lane Books Grand Marais www.drurylanebooks.com

Nature of the Point 1:30 p.m. Artist’s Point Grand Marais www.visitcookcounty.com

Joe Paulik Campfire Music 7 p.m. Bluefin Bay Tofte www.bluefinbay.com (starts July 11)

Minnesota Wild! 7:30 p.m. Sawbill Lake Campground Tofte www.sawbill.com

Forest Fire? Friend or Foe? 7:30 p.m. Cascade Lodge Lutsen www.casadelodgemn.com

Sundays

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

Sundays in the Park Concerts 2 p.m. Chippewa Park Ontario www.chippewapark.ca

The Bones of Blackfly or Fur is Gonna Fly! 4 p.m. Chippewa Park Pavilion Ontario www.chippewapark.ca

Join us each and every Sunday afternoon from July 5 to August 30 for an open air concert on the TBaytel Family Stage. The concerts start at 2 pm and run until 4 pm. Please bring your own lawn chairs. There is no charge for the concerts. The concerts are organized by The Friends of Chippewa Park with financial support from the City of Thunder Bay’s Culture and Recreation Division.

PARK

JAM SESSIONS

7 TO 10 PM TUESDAY NIGHTS

Chippewa Park’s Pavilion Coffee House is alive with music every Tuesday night at 7 PM from now to September 1. Musicians are invited to participate in the ‘open jam’ and the audience is invited to listen, dance and even sing along when appropriate. The evening features a mix of old and new country, folk and some rock & roll and gospel. Existing seating is limited to the first 100 so it would be wise to bring your own chairs. There is no admission but we would welcome a ‘good will’ donation to help cover expenses. Coffee, tea, juice, cakes and cookies are available at no cost. The evening ends at 10 PM. The pavilion and adjacent washrooms are wheelchair accessible.

SUMMER AT CHIPPEWA PARK

Old-time Melodrama Returns

Rob MacLeod’s Capitol Players in partnership with The City of Thunder Bay & The Friends of Chippewa Park present A New Moon Production

The Bones of Blackfly or Fur is Gonna Fly!

Plays by T.T.Lucky Directed by: Sheena Albanese

Featuring: Jim Hobson, Arlene Korhonen King, Jessica Krasnichuk, Julie MacCoy, Colin Stewart, Janis Swanson, and John Welyki

At the Chippewa Park Pavilion

Sundays: July 5, 12, 19, 26 at 4:00 p.m.

Thursdays: July 9, 16, 23, 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets at the door: Adults/Teens - $8; 65 & over/12 & under - $5; 5 & under - Free www.capitolplayers.com

COMING SOON!

A First for Thunder Bay... Come and experience compelling stories of animal rescue from around the world! Through interactive exhibits, you’ll step into the rescue efforts to experience and learn innovative science involved in wildlife rescue. Experiment with techniques and tools used by rescuers through hands-on exhibits and multimedia experiences. Wildlife Rescue explores the rehabilitation of different species that share Earth with us, and how we as individuals can make a difference.

OPENING MID-JULY. Check www.sciencenorth/tour for the opening day.

Full-time Features

Amusement Rides

Fun for all ages Weekends in June: 1 - 8 pm; July to September Labour Day weekend, 7 days a week: 1 - 8 pm (weather and crowd permitting)

Wildlife Park

The Chippewa Park Wildlife Exhibit features animals and birds native to Northwestern Ontario, showcased in their natural environment. An elevated, wheelchair-accessible walkway encircles the spacious animal enclosures and provides visitors with a spectacular viewing opportunity.

June Hours: Monday to Friday: 11 am to 4 pm; Weekends: 11 am to 8 pm Hours for July to September: 11 am to 8 pm

Tourist

Campground

RV Sites

Thirty-four full-service RV sites are available with water and 50 amp/240 volt electrical service. These RV sites are located along the shore of Whiskey Jack Creek. This area has its own central washroom and shower facilities.

Twelve electrical-only RV sites are available at the campground. Water is only available for filling tanks. Six of the sites have 30 amp electrical service, and six have 15 amp service. Each site has a picnic table. These RV spots are located around the outside of the centre green.

Log SevenCabins

modern, wheelchair-accessible cabins are available. Cabins are electrically heated and have two queen-size beds, table and chairs, microwave and small fridge. A beautiful wooden deck at the front is perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Tent Sites

Approximately 16 tent sites are conveniently located in a wooded area near the main campground building and a large open playfield. Additional sites are situated on grassed areas adjacent to the treed areas. This unserviced area is also available for group bookings for trailers and tents. This area will hold approximately 40-50 trailers.

Dump Station

The public dump station can be used free of charge by registered Chippewa campers. Non-registered trailers/RVs will be charged a fee.

For reservations or more information: Chippewa Park Campground: (807) 623-3912

Email: chippewacampgroundsstaff@thunderbay.ca www.chippewapark.ca

south end of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. park. Check us out at www.chippewapark.ca for more information

The North Shore Dish

Burger Bliss on the North Shore

By Kelsey Roseth

People are particular about burgers. Nothing starts a raging discourse amongst friends like someone declaring that (insert restaurant here) has the best burger. Everyone’s got an opinion, and when the “best burger” attributes are thrown around, things get intense: people will heatedly hash out which restaurant uses the best bun, delivers the best beef to topping ratio, or serves the juiciest, most flavorful patty.

For restaurants, being in the burger business is tough. Competition is fierce. It takes a lot of hard work to develop, or track down, a palate-pleasing patty and from there, create a distinct menu itemone that’s sure to knock the socks off of any customer with a beef craving.

“We only use 80/20 fresh ground,” said Dan Morsette, the chef at the Four Seasons Supper Club in Finland, as he shares his hard-and-fast rules for crafting the perfect patty. “I use a Montreal steak seasoning blend. Then, we flame grill for the finishing touch. It gives that nice brown caramelization on the outside. As the fat drips into the fire, the smoke comes up and gives it flavor.”

Morsette has years of experience preparing exceptional burgers for restaurants on the North Shore, and he currently gets plenty of practice; Four Seasons seats 75 to 100 people at a time on busy Friday nights. You can bet burgers are one of the most-wanted items on the menu.

“I had the Four Seasons Burger and I thought it was out-of-this-world amazing,” said 12-year-old Tennessee Fossen, from Finland, about his favorite flame-grilled burger, which is topped with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and served on a toasted Kaiser roll. “I love how it comes with the seasoned fries and it fills you up a lot,” he said.

I found Fossen enjoying lunch with his family on a Sunday afternoon, and the burgers were a big hit around the table.

“The cheese, the Canadian bacon, it all goes together,” said 16-year-old Jon Trost, about his Al Capone Burger. That flamegrilled patty is topped with Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese, onion straws and a whiskey steak sauce.

The Four Seasons Supper Club has a long history in Finland, and has had plenty of time to fine-tune recipes. Wally and Bonnie Tikkanen opened the restaurant in 1975. The couple originally bought the

The Al Capone burger at Four Seasons in Finland is topped with Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese, onion straws and a whiskey steak sauce. | KELSEY ROSETH

building to use as a cabin getaway, but decided to get a return on their investment by opening a business.

“We started from scratch. First we started with a bar… and people wanted food, so I made Sloppy Joe’s, then we

went to hamburgers,” said Bonnie. Over the years, slowly but surely and with the help of family, the Four Seasons Supper Club was formed.

When Four Seasons started serving food, Bonnie had no professional cooking experience, but she had cooked at home since she was 12-years-old. “My parents both worked and I had to have meals started and ready for when they got home,” said Bonnie. She made up recipes as she went, using customers’ feedback to tweak the recipes.

Since the 1970s, the Tikkanen’s sold and bought back the business a couple of times. In 2012, Wally passed away, and now Bonnie is selling the business. She currently spends 60 hours per week working in the front of the house to keep customers happy.

That’s where Dan Morsette comes in. Morsette is responsible for kitchen operations and from his impeccably-clean space, he offers some advice on what to avoid when preparing patties. “Using too lean of meat for one. You need the fat. And, probably overcooking it… Some people they play with it too much. They flip it, and flip it, and flip it,” said Morsette.

Four Seasons burgers go on the grill, get one set of marks, then they’re turned to create a cross-hatch. When

Chef Dan Morsette and cook Zach Morsette add the final touches to an order of burgers. | KELSEY ROSETH

the patty is just less than halfway done, the burger gets flipped. “You don’t want to cook it to death unless they ask for it,” Morsette said.

Further down the shore, Joe Boo is serving up beloved burgers at Carmody 61 in Two Harbors. The chef played a key part in opening the restaurant in 2012 and since then, Carmody 61 has become a local hotspot, and a destination for tired travelers in need of a straightforward sandwich or inventive burger.

“People want to sit down and take a break from driving, have a quick sandwich or burger and get on their way,” said Boo. “People want to move.” On busy summer nights, Carmody serves about 120 people during its dinner rush, and about 80 of the meals that fly out of the kitchen are, as expected, burgers.

When Carmody 61 was getting ready to open, Boo hunted for the perfect patty. Working in the Upper Lakes Foods test kitchen with its patient staff, Boo sampled burger after burger before carefully selecting the restaurant’s current patty, which he said is perfect.

“I’ve never worked anywhere where I have been told, every day, this is the best burger they’ve ever had,” said Boo. “I do, almost daily, hear that.”

Carmody 61 burgers are served seasoned, flame broiled, and assembled in unexpected combinations. Take the Adam’s Beardsly Cream Cheese Burger, for example. It’s topped with cream cheese and olives or jalepenos. Sounds strangely delicious, right? Then there’s the Hawaiian Burger, a juicy patty topped with jerk sauce, a pineapple ring and cheddar cheese.

Boo said their key to success is that they flame broil burgers, which seals the flavor

in.

“Burgers on the flat-top just aren’t the same as the charbroiled burger,” said Boo. “Everyone wants

a juicy burger. It makes it that much better.”

The picture of deliciousness: a Carmody 61 Cajun burger. | KELSEY ROSETH

Carmody 61 head night cook Brian Godding preps burger plates. | KELSEY ROSETH

perfect for a warm summer day NORTH SHORE BEERS

By Javier Serna

Hoppy IPAs and heavy imperial stouts have their place among craft brew drinkers, but the heat of summer time begs lighter offerings. Sometimes you want to drink more than one, but might not want too strong of a beer. Yet you still want a tasty brew. Thankfully, the brewers up and down Lake Superior’s North Shore, from Duluth to Thunder Bay, have plenty of offerings to fit the bill. Here’s eight of them:

Kayak Kolsch (4.5 ABV)

LAKE SUPERIOR BREWING, DULUTH

This light beer has been around probably longer than any beer on this list, and despite being the lightest beer on the list by ABV, it’s still a beer worthy of mentioning. Kayak Kolsch is a refreshing beer with a nice floral hop flavor. It’s also the only beer on this list that is bottled and is widely distributed, not only along the North Shore, but also in the Twin Cities.

Ankle Deep Pilsner (5.0 ABV)

CANAL PARK BREWING, DULUTH

This German-style lager, with an almost lemongrass flavor, is perfect for a hot day, especially after a long hike or after some heavy paddling. That’s the opal, Hallertau and Strisselspalt hops coming through. While Canal Park Brewing certainly brews up a variety of beers worth trying, many might be content to stick with Ankle Deep. You’ll have to head over to Canal Park to get one, since the beer is only sold inside the brewery—but growlers are also available to take home or into the woods.

Boundary Waters

Brunette (5.0 ABV)

VOYAGEUR BREWING COMPANY, GRAND MARAIS

This tasty brown ale is one of the few beers made in Minnesota using wild rice. It’s a light-bodied, yet flavorful beer that embodies the flavor of wild rice without being overpowering. There are plans to bottle the beer by the end of the summer. Aside from the brewery’s taproom, where you can also dine, it’s available on tap at several places along the North Shore: Duluth, Lutsen, Two Harbors and Hungry Jack Lodge off the Gunflint Trail.

Apricot Wheat (5.0 ABV)

FITGER’S BREWHOUSE, DULUTH

This hazy, orange-colored ale has been around for a while for good reason. It’s delicious. It’s citrus, lightly-hopped flavor should satisfy many a beer drinkers — even those that don’t care for run-of-the-mill, hardly-hopped wheat beers. It can be found beyond Fitger’s Brewhouse, where pints and growlers can be had. Burrito Union, Redstar Lounge, (also in the Fitger’s complex) and Tycoons Alehouse— all Duluth watering hole—serve up the stuff.

Castle Cream Ale (5.5 ABV)

CASTLE DANGER BREWERY, TWO HARBORS

The first time I had this beer was a few years back, after a long trip into the BWCAW, and it was so good that I had several. I’ve gone back to it many times, and it still holds up.

Castle Danger’s rich and malty take on a cream ale balances slight sweetness, with a bit of bitterness. The Two Harbors taproom sells it by the glass or growler, and it can be found on tap at many places on the North Shore. Also look for it in area bottle shops.

Paddle Break Blonde (6.0 ABV)

BENT PADDLE BREWING, DULUTH

Since opening in 2013, Bent Paddle has quickly made a name for itself that’s resonated throughout the state and beyond. This Belgian-style blonde ale is one of two seasonal beers canned at the brewery. It’s the strongest beer on this list, but it’s as drinkable as many beers with less alcohol (be careful!). Find it on draft, at the Duluth taproom, where it can be poured in a glass or growler, in 12-ounce cans on the North Shore, down and some specialty beer shops in the Twin Cities.

Northern Logger (4.7 ABV)

SLEEPING GIANT BREWING COMPANY, THUNDER BAY

This offering, from Thunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, is the second of two Kolsch-style beers on the list. This crisp lager has slight hoppiness, light enough to be enjoyed by those who aren’t into heavily-hopped beers. Northern Logger, which is available year-round, is probably the brewery’s best-seller, according to Kevin Brewer, Sleeping Giant’s sales and logistics coordinator. It’s available in growlers, in 16-ounce cans (sold at the brewery’s retail store) and on taps, mostly in Thunder Bay, but with future plans to put it on tap on Minnesota’s North Shore.

Sawtooth Mountain Pale Ale (5.3 ABV)

GUN FLINT TAVERN & BREW PUB, GRAND MARAIS

This pale ale is the hoppiest on the list, but it’s no bitter IPA. This beer balances out piney hops with the malt, meeting brewer Paul Gecas’ goal. It will be brewed yearround and serve as the brewery’s flagship beer. It’s a thirst-quenching brew that’s perfect for summer. “It’s bold enough to complement a kayak trip, but not too overpowering that you wouldn’t want another,” Gecas said. It’s available by the pint or growler.

BEER DEFINITIONS

ABV: Alcohol by Volume —A Standard measurement of alcohol contained in an alcoholic beverage, expressed as a percentage of total volume.

HOPS: Hops are present in all beers, in some form, and can be used at different times throughout the brewing process. Hops affect flavor, aroma and bitterness.

LAGER: Beer that is fermented and served cold. It can be pale, golden, amber or dark in color. It is the most popular beer consumed and commercially available.

STOUT: A dark beer that is made by using roasted malt or roasted barley, hops, water and yeast. It is generally the strongest in terms of ABV.

IPA: India Pale Ale—a style of beer within the broader category of pale ales. Its first appearance was in England during the 19th century and was originally brewed from pale malt.

KOLSCH: A style of beer brewed in Cologne, Germany. It looks similar in hue to a standard German pale lager. It is warm fermented and then lagered, or conditioned at a cold temperature.

GROWLER: A half-gallon container, such as a jug, that can be refilled. It is generally made out of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. It was named in the late 1800s. The the sound of CO2 escaping through the lid on a pail full of beer, creating a “rumbling” or “growling” sound.

Rewriting the Story of Health

Companionship is as important as eating well for maintaining your health. | STOCK

By Amy Schmidt

Eat your vegetables, get regular exercise, and sleep eight hours. Follow these rules and you’ll achieve optimal health, right? Well, sort of. New research is showing that while worthwhile and necessary, it isn’t the whole picture of good health. The missing link? Social connectedness.

Social connectedness is defined by frequency of interaction with family and friends, trusting relationships with neighbors and regular participation in community events. Belonging is another word for it, and it affects your health, both directly and indirectly.

People who consider themselves well-connected to others report lower levels of anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure rates and better immune response, all resulting in the prevention of chronic diseases (Uchino et al. 1996). And, as shocking as it may seem, lack of social connectedness ranks alongside obesity, smoking and high blood pressure, leading to poor health.

Social connectedness also creates an environment where health is promoted and strived for. People are more likely to access beneficial services and have greater knowledge about overall health (called health literacy). To coin an overused phrase, knowledge is power and the more you have about what healthy is, the more power you have to achieve it (Ferris, 2012).

So, this is all good news! It’s simple to just surround yourself with friends, thereby improving your health. Everybody’s

got a handful of friends, confidants they can lean on, kindred spirits they trust, right? Well, again, sort of. Recent studies have shown that loneliness is on the rise, especially in the U.S. A sociological study revealed that in 1985, Americans claimed a total number of three “close others” (defined as someone you feel comfortable sharing a personal problem with). When this study was repeated in 2004, that number dropped to the devastating sum of zero (McPherson et al. 2005). That means more than 25 percent of Americans (1-in-4) feel they have no one to confide in. Similar research is also finding that loneliness is one of the top reasons people seek psychological counseling.

Friends, looking at this information, a sort of crisis should start to form in our minds. If this information is true, we are failing to access the full potential of our health because we aren’t engaging in meaningful ways with the family, friends and neighbors in our midst. Medicine has its place, don’t get me wrong, but what if a smile and a quick wave to your neighbor could lower your blood pressure? What if a smile could help lower your neighbor’s blood pressure? And what if that neighbor, because of your smile, finds the time to chat with an acquaintance that secretly needed someone to talk to? She walks away happy, feeling more alive. And the story goes on and on.

It is that simple. So let’s do it. Let’s rewrite the story of health together.

Open 7 Days a week for Lunch & Dinner

Northern Trails Nipigon Celebrates World Record Brook Trout

By Gord Ellis

If you are a trout angler, the 100th anniversary of the world record brook is kind of a big deal. On July 21, 1915, the 14-pound, 8-ounce monster brook trout was plucked out of the Nipigon River by Dr. J.W. Cook of Fort William, Ontario. Many stories have been told about what happened that day, but here is what Dr. Cook said in a CP story printed 34 years after he caught the great trout in Rabbit Rapids, on the Nipigon River.

“The river that day was covered with brown flies,” Dr. Cook recalled. “I was fishing with a minnow. When it had settled below the surface, the big fish took the bite and was away.”

Dr. Cook played the giant brookie for some time on his 5-weight bamboo fly rod and it was finally netted after a great struggle. He thought it might be a lake trout, but the First Nations guides said it was a brookie. When he opened the fish, it was found to have a stomach full of brown flies, likely caddis. “He was greedy enough to take the minnow too,” said Cook, in the piece.

World record’s rise and fall with some regularity, yet Dr. Cook’s record has never been seriously challenged. Although it was caught in 1915—long before three Hydro dams tamed the greatest trout river in history—the fish created such excitement, it was sent away and verified as a brook trout by the Royal Ontario Museum. Even for the time, this was an abnormally huge brook trout. The fish measured 31.5 inches long with a depth of 11 inches. There was no girth measurement taken, but a good estimate would be about 23 inches around.

Cook’s 5-weight bamboo rod, now owned by Jim Donaldson, of Thunder Bay, remains a Holy Grail item. I had the good fortune to hold this legendary rod a couple of years ago and feel a little bit of the magic from that day. The rod, reel and line were in miraculously good shape. Dr. Cook’s fly wallet can be found at the Thunder Bay Historical Museum (thunderbaymuseum.com).

On July 17-19 of this year, the town of Nipigon will celebrate its most famous historical figure with a full weekend of events. The Nipigon River Brook Trout Festival will be the first celebration of its kind for the town, and will establish the pre-eminence of the region for brook trout angling. Much activity is planned

for the weekend, including boat tours on the Nipigon River, guided hikes and kayak adventures. There will also be live music and some brook trout-centered angling workshops. I’m honored to be taking part on Saturday, and will be on hand with fly fishing personality Rebekka Redd, from Thunder Bay, and the legendary writer, angler and tackle manufacturer Dan Gapen. The Gapen name is synonymous with the Nipigon River, as Dan’s father is credited with developing the famous Muddler Minnow fly on its banks.

Dr. Cook’s great brook trout will be the star of the weekend. Although the original skin mount was largely destroyed by a fire 25 years ago, a couple of impressive replicas will be on display. There will also be a recently discovered picture of Dr. Cook with the great fish shortly after it was caught, and a display of a lesser known brook trout mount that’s also of historical significance. While Dr. Cook was on his legendary July, 1915, foray down the Nipigon River, he made another record-breaking catch. The good doctor was working a

tandem fly set up and hooked not one, but two 6-pound brook trout at the same time! The double mount of those fish now resides at the Thunder Bay Historical Museum, but negotiations are underway to have this unusual and mostly unknown piece of Dr. Cook’s story on display in Nipigon for the anniversary celebration.

The Nipigon River produces some of the biggest brook trout in the world. | GORD ELLIS

Earliest known photo of the world record brook trout mount. | NIPIGON MUSEUM

Dr. Cook holds the title for catching the world record book trout. | NIPIGON MUSEUM

Towering Pines Canopy Tour

Towering Pines Canopy Tour at Gunflint Lodge is the most exciting new way to experience the wilderness get a bird’s eye view plus a thrilling ride through the treetops! It’s a two-and-a-half hour nature adventure led by two sky guides.

Open Daily

$89.00 per person Call 218-388-2296 for reservations.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner available at Red Paddle Bistro.

Gunflint Lodge is 43 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais. Minimum age is 10; maxiumum weight/person is 240 lbs.

Fishing with a Legend

Story and Photos

By Joseph Friedrichs

When the arrangement was finalized for Bob Nasby to visit the Gunflint Trail for a few days of fishing this summer, I envisioned a man showing up wearing an Orvis fishing hat, the trendiest $300 fishing vest available and weatherproof pants, with the word Patagonia emblazoned on them.

After all, Nasby was a fly fisherman. A hall-of-fame, legendary, one-in-a-million type of fly fisherman, in fact.

However, much to my delight, Nasby showed up to Rockwood Lodge & Outfitters, located on Poplar Lake, wearing dirty jeans, an old sweatshirt, well-worn boots and looking overdue for a shave.

He looked like the type of fly fisherman I always wanted to be.

“This whole elitist concept behind fly fishing is nonsense,” Nasby said. “That secretive type of stuff, that behavior of being some kind of holier-than-though type of angler is complete junk.”

I learned the ropes of fly fishing in Missoula, Montana. My first trout on a fly rod came out of Rock Creek, just east of Missoula. During my collegiate days at the University of Montana, it was not uncommon to see people walking across campus with fly rods in hand.

But in Minnesota, it’s often a different story. Diehard fly anglers like Nasby are not commonplace, though fly fishing is popular along the North Shore and in southeastern Minnesota. Head over to Leech Lake, or Mille Lacs, and you’ll be lucky to spot a fly angler on any given day. Throughout the Midwest, Nasby explained, there remains an intimidation factor when it comes to fly fishing.

“Look,” Nasby continued, “there are so many theories on fly fishing that if you listened to them all you’d probably never go. The reality is, find out what is comfortable for you and go out there and try to have some fun.”

Nasby has been fishing for most of his life. His father died during WWII and Nasby’s mother was left with three young children to care for. The family moved from house to house, depending on where they could afford. Most of their homes were north of the Twin Cities, such as Forest Lake and other nearby towns. But wherever they moved to, Nasby’s mother always made sure there was water nearby. Fishing became a means of eating, not just a way to pass a casual summer day.

“I was about five or so and bringing home buckets of bluegills and bullheads for us to eat,” Nasby said. “Sometimes we ate them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

Never keen on educational institutions, Nasby decided his schooling days were over after eighth-grade, opting instead for an early career in the military.

“I was one of those rarities who joined the Air Force even though they hate flying,” he said.

After his time in the service was complete, Nasby worked for a time in the iron industry. The days were long and the work brutal, and eventually Nasby realized fishing needed to be more than a hobby. So in the late 1970s, he opted to turn it into a profession. And for the next 30-plus years, Nasby has done just that. During the past three decades, he has guided fishing trips from the Gulf of Mexico, to the North Shore, with most of his guiding time spent on the St. Croix River, about 15-miles east of his home in St. Paul.

The work of a fishing guide isn’t always easy. Clients occasionally arrive with outrageous expectations. There can be rain, wind and all manner of natural elements to face on a daily basis. Being a fishing guide in Minnesota takes a certain toughness, and in Nasby’s case, perhaps this can be traced back to his now-deceased mother, who at age 92 once called him at 5:30 a.m. and insisted on going to the casino.

“Move it or lose it, Bob,” she simply stated.

Now 76 and coming off a recent knee-replacement surgery, Nasby isn’t the everyday, hardcore angler he once was. However, his career is not without its accomplishments. His service and expertise as a fly fishing guide and casting instructor landed him in the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame earlier this year. Nasby has tied thousands of flies over the years, built rods, landed trophy fish from Lake Michigan to the Atlantic Ocean and essentially mastered the St. Croix River as a fishery. The first two fish to ever appear on Minnesota’s trout stamps, back in the early 1980s, were both caught by Nasby. His credentials go on and on with continued brilliance.

And yet, it was a statement Nasby declared within the first 10 minutes of meeting him that put me at ease.

“The people I like to fish with know how to have fun when we’re not catching fish,” he said. “And most of us swear and chew Copenhagen.”

Dennis Anderson, an outdoor columnist for the Star Tribune, has often witnessed what makes Nasby so dynamic as a fisherman, guide and casting instructor.

“Although he’s well known in fly fishing circles, Bob Nasby lacks the media visibil -

An accomplished fly caster and fly tier, Bob Nasby was recently inducted in the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

ity of other Minnesota fishing greats such as Al Lindner,” Anderson said. “Nevertheless, Nasby is among the state’s all-time best and most passionate anglers — intent not only on figuring new ways of catching fish, but on teaching others how to catch fish, as well.’’

Nasby and I spent several days chasing lake trout, smallmouth and northern pike around several Gunflint Trail lakes. With Nasby in the bow, I did my best to put him on fish from the comforts of a Spirit II canoe. The fishing was mediocre, but

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth on Poplar Lake

Mid summer is an excellent time to try fly fishing on lakes throughout the Northern Wilds. Poplar Lake, found approximately 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, is an excellent place to target smallmouth bass and northern pike on top-water flies.

The following includes advice from National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame member Bob Nasby when it comes to fly fishing Poplar Lake in July and August.

When and How to Fish : For early morning and late evening, use floating line with any color and size of foam popper. During late morning and through the afternoon, fish with intermediate line and streamers, leech pattern or a Blacknose Dace with hook size 4. A 6-weight rod is recommended. A 9-foot tapered leader with an 8-pound tippet is the perfect combination. Use fluorocarbon leaders for streamers and nylon for floating flies or poppers.

Where to Fish: Target the island chains in the southcentral part of the lake. Stick close to the shorelines with poppers, and move slowly outward when the heat of the day arrives. Other areas to fish include shorelines in the bays, near the Lizz Lake portage, near the mouth of the Rush River on the west side of the lake and in the southeast corner of the lake along the reef, just north of the portage to Swamp Lake.

What to Expect: Smallmouth numbers are good in Poplar, with most fish averaging 13-15 inches, though you can find fish in the 19-20 inch size if you’re lucky. Pike numbers are average with some fish weighing 6-10 pounds.

Nasby’s presence was sensational. Fishing with Nasby is like spending a day with Nolan Ryan if you wanted to learn how to throw fastballs, or Wayne Gretzky if you desired knowledge of hockey. Nasby talks of nothing but fishing, though he does slide in the occasional R-rated joke. He rockets his casts behind boulders, or into thick brush you’d think meant certain doom, only to see him sneak his fly back to the water, making it seem planned all along.

Lakes along the Gunflint Trail hold an

abundance of lasting memories for Nasby. There was the time he showed up to guide someone on Kimball Lake, only to have a bear literally crawl inside the back of his pickup and eat most of his food, (Nasby was sleeping in the truck’s cab at the time). About 20 years ago on Birch Lake, Nasby said he was moved to tears watching his grandson make the perfect cast while they pursued rainbow trout. Nasby knows all types of people along the Gunflint, and is quick to share stories of outlaws, loners and fantastic anglers. However, the reason

With Nasby, there is no hoity-toity pretense, just plain fishing.

he continues to visit and fish the Northern Wilds is for the serenity he feels upon arriving.

“It’s the beauty up here,” he said. “The quietness of it. The lack of crowds.”

Despite his penchant for gruffness, Nasby maintains a certain innocence about him. When he shared a story about his mother on her deathbed, he said chills shot up his spine.

“Just a couple days before she passed,” Nasby said, “she looked at me and said ‘remember Bob, fight, fight, fight.’”

During our final hour spent on Poplar Lake chasing fish, Nasby missed what must have been an 18 or 19-inch smallmouth. The episode happened after one of those perfect Nasby casts, the type where his yellow popper with the red skirt landed just inches from the shoreline. After two strips of his line, a magnificent fish lunged at his fly, only to miss its target. Almost instantly, the fish returned, and again it missed, this time showing its thick bronze back.

“That fish is big,” Nasby said quietly.

After a third charge from the fish failed to place the hook where it needed to be, the fish vanished to the depths of Poplar Lake. Nasby sat with his shoulders slumped in the front of the canoe. The hall-of-fame fisherman had been defeated that night, proving that no level of expertise assures every fish will be caught and landed.

“That’s why I keep coming out here,” Nasby said later that evening. “It’s those stories of the ones we miss that are often the most interesting. And you know what, just being out here for another day is what this is still all about.”

WHY GO: It’s a large Ontario lake with the chance to catch a trophy lake trout or walleye, thanks to relatively low fishing pressure. It’s also a lake with beautiful surroundings, described as diabase cliffs and talus slopes by Ontario Parks.

ACCESS: From Thunder Bay, it’s about a 90-minute drive to the lake, where there are two boat accesses. To get to the Arrow Lake Narrows Access from Thunder Bay, follow Hwy. 588, to Arrow Lake Provincial Park, taking a slight left onto W. Arrow Lake Rd. To get to the Arrow Lake East boat ramp, follow Hwy. 588 and take a left onto East Arrow Lake Road. Take a slight left onto Kuusela Rd. down to the access. Technically, the lake can be accessed from the U.S. border via the Rose Lake — a lake inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — with a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit, but more regarding that below.

To Rose Lake

FISH SPECIES PRESENT: Lake trout, walleye, lake whitefish, smallmouth bass, cisco, yellow perch, eelpout, brook trout, rock bass and northern pike.

walleyes, he said, as was shown by the latest survey of the lake conducted in 2008. That survey, using large and small mesh nets, caught lake trout up to 32 inches, with the average laker measuring 22 inches. “There’s a few bigger fish in the lake,” he said.

In the spring and fall, they can be found shallow, but summer time requires baits that can get down to the depths.

border from Rose Lake, where a BWCAW permit would also be required. Nowadays, a Remote Area Border Crossing permit, from the Canada Border Services Agency, is required, and they aren’t available on the Gunflint Trail.

VITALS: This 8,189-acre Ontario lake sits less than a mile from the U.S. Border and is connected via stream to Rose Lake. It has a maximum depth of 180 feet, and an average depth of 58 feet.

LAKE TROUT: Jeff Black, management biologist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), said Arrow isn’t considered a destination lake by many, with most of the pressure it receives coming from area residents, private camps, and guests of the only resort on the lake. But there’s some decent-sized fish in the lake, mostly lake trout and

WALLEYE DOING OK: Walleyes were introduced to the lake by the Ontario MNR, probably in the 1960s, according to Black, and they are self-sustaining now. The 2008 survey turned up fish up to 31 inches, with an average size of 21 inches, so the species isn’t doing too badly. Both walleye and lake trout likely utilize the cisco population as their main forage, he said.

CROSSING FROM THE BORDER: Nancy Seaton, co-owner of Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters just north of the Gunflint Trail, said it used to be much easier to cross the

The permits, which require a $30 application-processing fee, can be obtained through the mail. For those planning in advance, the application recommends mailing it in at least three weeks in advance. The application can also be presented in person at the Pigeon River Port of Entry. For more information on obtaining one of these permits, go to www.cbsa.gc.ca.

CAMPING: Arrow Lake Provincial Park has a 40-site campground on the north shore of the lake, but last year, 30 of those sites were put into a program that allows campers to reserve them for the entire summer season. However, 10 sites can still be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. To contact park management, call 807-4739231. — Javier Serna

Dam

The Narrows

Nasby plays a smallmouth bass on Poplar Lake.

When I was a kid, I remember walking through my grandmother’s house in Maine and hearing an explosion. I asked my dad, “What was that?”

“One of Grammie’s root beer bottles just blew up.”

This made me sad since it meant less root beer to drink. I bet it made the grownups sad too, since they had to clean up the sticky mess.

Now, as an adult, my family and I make homemade ice cream in the summer. So with this memory in mind and summer on the way, I thought it would be fun to make homemade root beer floats. Filled with enthusiasm, I took the kids to the grocery store and bought some McCormick’s Root Beer Concentrate. Then we went to Fitger’s Brewhouse and bought four big glass beer growlers to bottle our root beer.

I jumped on the internet when we got home to look for a recipe. While scouring the homebrew forums, I discovered that bottling root beer in glass was the same as making a grenade (you’d think I would’ve known that). The experts suggested that we make the homemade soda in plastic bottles. Much safer. However, procrastination took over and time passed by, leaving our project unfinished.

Later, in August, my son said, “Yesterday was National Root Beer Float Day.” I thought, you have GOT to be kidding me. There was a day built for my idea, and I missed it. Since we still had some leftover homemade ice cream in the freezer, I ran to the computer to find a recipe. There is an easy way to make root beer and a hard way. You can find both recipes via the McCormick’s website. We made it the easy way, which involves carbonated club soda. We mixed it with the homemade ice cream and, lo and behold, it tasted

Homemade Root Beer

BY ERIC CHANDLER

great. We salvaged an important national holiday.

Now I was still stuck with four giant glass growlers I couldn’t use and we were about to leave town to visit my parents in Maine. Another brainstorm: We’ll make homemade root beer the hard way at Grammie and Grampie’s house. And what a production it was.

First, my dad and I drove about 50 miles to three grocery stores to find the proper root beer concentrate. Then, we had to buy two-liter bottles of…wait for it…root beer so we could use the bottles. It was 69 cents per bottle; only the good stuff when all you want is the bottle itself.

When we got home and prepared to launch, we took a closer look at the recipe. “5 gallons of spring water.” Five gallons of root beer? No way. So we had to do math to make a quarter of a batch, which was funny watching the old people do fractions. Eventually, we bottled up our creation and hoped the yeast would eat the sugar to make suitable bubbles. We enclosed the two bottles in a plastic bin (to protect from any ka-boom) and put it on the porch for two days in the summer sun. This got the yeast cooking. The bottles expanded under pressure and became tight as a drum. We moved them to the fridge and waited four more days. The tension was unbearable.

Finally, with lots of family and cousins around, we opened the first bottle. My daughter sarcastically remarked that it “smelled like bread.” But, she also said it tasted good. It had a gentle carbonation, not the harsh scouring bubbles you sometimes get from the store. Success. Thirty years later, it was neat to have homemade root beer in Maine at Grammie’s house again, with 100 percent less explosions.

Easy way float customers: Grace and Sam. | ERIC CHANDLER

Easy way ingredients. | ERIC CHANDLER

Making a batch the “hard” way. | ERIC CHANDLER

The author enjoys a glass of homemade root beer. | COURTESY OF ERIC CHANDLER

northern sky

JULY 2015

By Deane Morrison— MINNESOTA STARWATCH

July opens with Venus and Jupiter forming a close pair low in the west after sunset. As usual, Venus outshines Jupiter.

The two planets took months to get together, and now they uncouple and sink into the sun’s afterglow. Relatively sluggish Jupiter drops because Earth is leaving it behind in the orbital race, but our sister planet is speedier than Earth and has plans of its own. In the second half of July, Venus dives into the sunset as it hurtles toward its next passage between Earth and the sun. By month’s end, Venus will be lost in the afterglow while Jupiter, though higher, will be a real challenge to find.

Try looking for the planets about 50 minutes after sunset on the 18th, when a young crescent moon appears with them. You may even spot Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, above Venus. Binoculars will help.

July evenings are great for enjoying Scorpius and the Teapot of Sagittarius. Sinuous Scorpius rears up from the

south, extending its claws westward toward Libra while the scorpion’s red heart, Antares, glows softly. As a bonus, Saturn shines above the claws. Just east of Scorpius, the spout of the Teapot is poised to pour its contents onto the scorpion’s tail. Moving east again, we see the handle of the Teapot and the little Teaspoon of stars hanging above it.

This year, July has two full moons. The first comes at 9:20 p.m. on the 1st and rises, round and beautiful, approximately half an hour before sunset. The second arrives at 5:43 a.m. on the 31st; look for it in the west around 5 a.m. Also in the early hours, look eastward on the 12th to see a waning crescent moon near Aldebaran, the eye of Taurus, along with the lovely Hyades and Pleiades star clusters.

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

The Millers Make Music on “Date Nights”

By Shawn Perich

For Jim and Michele Miller, performing music is like a date night. The Hovland couple has two boys, ages 5 and 12, so they have to line up a sitter anytime they’re scheduled for a gig. But that’s ok with them.

“It gives us a reason to get out,” Jim says.

The Millers play a mix of American roots, folk, bluegrass, country, a little blues, traditional Irish, Appalachian music and some rock ‘n’ roll; in short, a little bit of everything. Jim plays guitar and banjo. Michele, who Jim calls “the backbone of everything,” plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and harmonica. The couple’s trademark is their tight vocal harmonies, which Jim likens to the Everly Brothers.

While they enjoy playing with other musicians, the couple often performs as a duet. Why? Because it is difficult to coordinate schedules and sitters with other family–oriented musicians. The Millers are part of the group Blueberry Jam with Andy and Amy Schmidt and Pat Flack, all of Hovland. The Schmidts also have children, so the two couples have trouble getting together to practice and play. The Millers also perform as Wild Berry Jam, with Michele’s children and Flack.

Jim, the more outgoing of the two, says he enjoys meeting people in the intimate settings of many Cook County venues. He likes to engage and interact with the audience. Sometimes, Michele says, he gets “silly” and she needs to rein him in. The interplay between the couple becomes part of the show.

“Music gives you an opportunity to connect with people in a moment of time,” Jim says.

Michele, on the other hand, likes the way music crosses through time. The traditional music she loves keeps getting recycled as it passes from one generation to the next. She says traditional songs often have universal themes, such as love, family and the land, which every generation holds in common. She recently returned from visiting her daughter in Northern Ireland. There, she was able to fulfill a dream: playing traditional music in an Irish pub.

If you want to hear the Miller’s music, you’ll have to catch a live performance. They’ve only recorded one song so far, but are endeavoring to do more. They’ve set up a bedroom “studio,” but the challenge remains of finding time to record.

If you want to hear the Millers live, watch for their performances in the calendar section of this publication. If you live in Cook County, chances are they will play somewhere near you. They typically perform at Cascade Lodge, Gun Flint Tavern, Lutsen Resort, Moguls, Voyageur Brewing Co., Bluefin Grille, Hovland Town Hall, Birch Terrace, Radio Waves and Fisherman’s Picnic.

A Loan on the Lake A Loan on the Lake

Jim and Michele Miller perform throughout Cook County. They are pictured here at the 2012 Radio Waves Music Festival. | FILE

Strange Tales

Building a Highway Over History

By Elle AndraWarner

Walk the woods along the north side of divided Highway 11/17 (Trans-Canada Highway) near the Mackenzie River and you’ll be following the footsteps of the Paleoindians, ancient people who trekked this same landscape (once the shoreline of the Glacial Lake Minong) more than 9,500 years ago.

Pretty amazing that North America’s earliest people lived and worked here, leaving behind stone tools and evidence of stone tool making, steps away from the highway leading northeast from the city—a highway that has since paved over some of the Paleoindian sites. Thousands of artifacts, most made of rock found only in the region and parts of Minnesota, have been found at archaeological sites (collectively part of the Lakehead Complex), giving it claim as the largest Paleoindian site in Canada, and maybe North America. But don’t look for any signs on the “highway over history”—there are none.

About 10,000 years ago, glacial space that covered much of North America was melting, creating the huge Glacial Lake Minong. Shortly after the glaciers retreated, the first humans, the Paleoindians, arrived on the newly-opened grassy tundra-like land. They came to hunt, fish and live, making stone tools and weapons from jasper taconite, a rare mineral elsewhere, but abundant in the Lake Superior basin.

At the time, the water levels were 150 feet, or 46 meters, above present-day Lake Superior, submerging the land where today’s City of Thunder Bay is located. As

the glacial Lake Minong retreated northward, its waters filled the Lake Superior basin, which had been formed roughly one billion years ago through shifting and rifting of rock. Lake Superior has only been at its current elevation for about 2,000 years.

The Paleoindian, or “ancient Indian” people are still a mystery, in that virtually nothing is known about their lodging, clothing and transportation, or their use of wood, leather, bone or other perishable material. The leading theory is that the first people arrived in North America by walking across the land bridge, Beringia,

between Asia and America about 12,000 years ago (figures vary on the timeline).

In 2009, the Ontario government gave the green light to continue making the existing Highway 11/17 into a divided highway from Thunder Bay east about 40 kilometres. Construction began in 2010, but was halted after new Paleoindian sites were discovered along a corridor in the proposed construction zones. Archaeologists, including Lakehead University faculty, were called in to examine the sites and retrieve artifacts in 2010 and 2011 before roadwork continued. The site names are

The largest Paleoindian site is Mackenzie I (100 meters by 60-75 meters) located on the west side of the Mackenzie River, about 20 km northeast of Thunder Bay. It appears to have been used for long-term habitation. Excavations yielded hundreds of projectile points, bifaces, cores, scrapers and knives, as well as large amount of stone material representing each stage of the stone tool- and weapon-making

Mackenzie I and II; Electric Woodpecker 1, 2, and 3; RLF; Naomi and Hodder.

Mackenzie River as it flows south to Lake Superior; the Paleoindian sites Mackenzie I and II are named after the river.

PALEOINDIAN cont. on page 58

Little Trout Bay on Lake Superior

process. Mackenzie II is a smaller site, situated directly across from the Mackenzie I site, on the east side of the river. It is considered to be a small hunting camp or “lithic reduction site,” (removing flakes from a stone to make a tool). Both were named for the adjacent Mackenzie River, which flows into Lake Superior.

Most of the recovered items were made of iron-rich local jasper taconite, though small amounts of toolstone were found of Hixton Silicified Siltstone from Wisconsin,

Mackenzie River bridge sign on Lakeshore Drive (formerly part of Trans-Canada Highway before construction).

A National Historic Site

A Paleoindian site discovered over 30 years ago in the Lakehead Complex: The Cummins Pre-Contact Site, was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. Located on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, it sits along the Minong beach ridge that once formed the shore of Glacial Lake Minong, and is considered one of the most “significant and representative examples of Plano cultural occupations, which existed during the late stages of the Paleo-Indian period (7000 B.C.E.–3000 B.C.E.).

“Set on a treed landscape, the fenced-in site includes Cummins Pond and Minong beach ridge, which was once the shoreline of Glacial Lake Minong. The site is part of a regional pattern of Paleo-Indian sites, collectively known as the Lakehead Complex, that is associated with taconic lithic assemblages, Gunflint formation outcrops, and proglacial lake strandlines. Tactonite debitage and stone tools lie scattered along the strandline and the surrounding area. Official recognition refers to the 7.3-hectare property owned by the Province of Ontario.

The archaeological project was a partnership between cultural management company Calgary-based Western Heritage, Lakehead University, First Nations of Rocky Bay and Red Rock, and Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation.

Strange indeed that here in our Northern Wilds we have evidence of the arrival of North America’s earliest peoples, yet we pave it over with a highway.

“Like most sites in the Lakehead Complex, Cummins Pre-Contact Site was developed because it was located near water supplies, it was along caribou migration routes and it provided access to fish, small game, and waterfowl. The site is at the core area of archaeological intensity, directly on the taconite, and served as a major quarry, workshop and habitation area in the Lakehead Complex.”

Parks Canada, National Historic Sites of Canada, www.pc.gc.ca.

Photo © Paul Sundberg

Knife River flint from North Dakota, and Knife Like Siltstone from Quetico Provincial Park.

Mackenzie River empties into Lake Superior. The Sleeping Giant can be seen in the background.

6 LAKE SUPERIOR ISLANDS

2 to 95 acres. Starting at $90,000 USD

UPPER SCOTCH LAKE

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. Very secluded and private. Great fishing/hunting retreat. $850,000 CDN

year round. Power and phone. Starting at $55,000 CDN

LAKE North shore. 215.5 acre parcel with 3900 feet of lake frontage. Rugged property-water access. Southern exposure, ultimate privacy. $169,000 CDN UPPER PASS LAKE North of hwy 587 and the hamlet of Pass Lake. 229 acres of property and 7000 feet of shoreline. South end of the lake-north part is crown cnr right of way landlocks the property.$129,000 CDN

LAKE SUPERIOR LOTS

BAY Lake Su-

98 acre piece with 4700 feet of shoreline facing south. Beautiful property between Superior shores and Pearl Harbour developments. Seclusion, privacywater access. $189,000 CDN

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

Exceptional log home on over 2 acres with over 500 ft of shoreline. Cathedral ceilings, beautiful stone fireplace, guest camp, boathouse, large deck and more. Great views! $279,000 CDN

Own

of for years.

• Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior: Award-winning property, Minnesota’s Favorite Resort. One, two and three bedroom condos & townhomes on Lake Superior with access to restaurants, pools, saunas, tennis court, gift shops, & full service spa.

• Surfside on Lake Superior: New, spacious luxury townhomes on Lake Superior. Home to Waves of Superior Spa & Café. Offering shared ownership opportunities.

• Temperance Landing on Lake Superior: Distinctive log home luxury on ledgerock and cobblestone beach near Temperance River. 3 BR, 3BA custom log homes with access to resort amenities at Surfside.

Eric, exclusive sales agent for Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, provide the details about each property and guide you through the process. Contact him today to learn more.

| eric@bluefinbay.com

Surfside on Lake Superior

Bluefin

LOG CHARM, SUPERIOR SECLUSION. Lake Superior charm and seclusion awaits on this private retreat property. With over 28 acres & 866 feet of shore privacy is assured. Two classic North Shore log cabins have historic warmth and attention to detail, with outstanding lake views along the dramatic, unspoiled shoreline. Each cabin sits secluded from the other. Trails, bridges and scenic overlooks make the whole property accessible. It's a rare large property that's so unique on Lake Superior. Main cabin has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and spectacular views. Guest cabin has a main room and porch.

MLS#6003618 $1,250,000

STUNNING ARCHITECT DESIGNED HOME

- LAKE SUPERIOR

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

LAKE SUPERIOR, FINISH TO TASTE. This new lake shore home sits on 110 feet of North Shore ledge rock with great views. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is quality constructed and partially completed inside. It's ready for you to use now and finish to your own taste and time frame. Kitchen, floor coverings, and master suite are waiting for your input. Build sweat-equity while enjoying a usable home, or complete the details before you move in.

MLS#6003520 $369,500

CHICAGO BAY HOME. Located along coveted Chicago Bay Road, this charming Lake Superior cottage has fresh paint, new carpet and counters. Roomy spaces with large windows for great views of the lake. Plus private shoreline. MLS# 6002611 $174,900

SEA GULL LAKE - WILDERNESS VIEWS. This large and rare parcel on Sea Gull Lake has 488+ feet of frontage with high building site and beautiful southerly views down the lake. Dramatic exposed bedrock, wild flowers, blueberries and thousands of new growth pines on the 10+ acre property. The shoreline is easily accessible with a dock and perfect place for swimming. The driveway and power are in place. There's even a shed ready to store you gear for wilderness adventures, and lake water system already installed. There's a perfect south-facing high point just waiting for your cabin. MLS# 6003847 $339,900

LOG CABIN, TOWERING PINES, WEST BEARSKIN

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, STUNNING SHORELINE

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

ONE OF A KIND LAKE SUPERIOR PARCEL.

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

LAKE SUPERIOR -BEAVER BAY

LOT. Elevated site with slope to lake. Rugged shoreline. Towering white pines, spruce, birch and cedar. Must be seen to be appreciated. Views to offshore island. Great building site. MLS #6002594 $379,000

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

SHARED LAKE SUPERIOR. This spectacular building site has pristine views of the shoreline from a nicely elevated lot. The site was prepared and is ready to build your dream home. Water, sewer, electric and broadband are ready for hookup. Only 8 owners share a park-like setting. Secure and private with owners association to share expenses. A garage site included. MLS# 6003400 $119,900

NEW PRICE! CASCADE

NEW! 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. Older north shore 2 bedroom cabin with large living area, large kitchen for cabins of this era, large storage area, and bathroom. The cabin could be refurbished or this could be the build site for the north shore getaway cabin you’ve dreamed about. MLS# 6004262 $349,000 TROUT HAVEN Six lots at Trout Haven at Hare Lake. Excellent investment opportunity. Lots platted and ready to sell. Great location within 20 minutes of Lutsen/Tofte. Power and phone, county road, good home or cabin sites.

LAKE RETREAT. Just you the lake and the wilderness. Tired of crowded wilderness camp sites and permits? Here's your own wilderness retreat. 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# 6004187 $669,000

GUNFLINT LAKE HOMECEDAR FOREST. This quality built and lovingly maintained home sits in a classic mature cedar forest on 200 feet of accessible shoreline. Interior features include cedar paneling, huge windows, oak hardwood floors and beautiful stone fireplace with built-in bookshelves. Two bedrooms, 2 baths, large living/ dining room, office/den and a large family room with wood stove make for plenty of room for family or guests. The 3-season porch is where you'll while away the summer evenings. The large detached garage has plenty of room. MLS# 6003825 $482,900

cabin. MLS# 6004140 $395,000

LAKE. Totally charming Charlie Boostrom log cabin sits in a forest of towering pines. The cabin has been lovingly maintained. The 2 bedroom cabin is a summer-use place to reflect and escape. Hardwood floors, beamed ceilings and large kitchen. It comes furnished and is ready for you to move in. The BWCAW is just a short paddle. MLS# 6003448 $299,000 PRICE REDUCTION

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

CARRIAGE HOUSE Solitude On Wilson Lake. The log sided "carriage house" has great views overlooking Wilson Lake. Building site has been prepared down by the shore. There is even a private sandy beach on part of the shoreline. The well and septic for a 4 bedroom home are in. There’s a private driveway to enhance your seclusion. MLS #6003767 $310,000

Starting at $59,000. Or entire plat of lots at a package price MLS#6003161 $295,000

furnished. Large deck, nice cedar trees. Great view of palisade. MLS #6002033 $273,900

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

LARGE PARCEL - HARRIET

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

MCFARLAND LAKE CABIN

Beautiful cedar log cabin on McFarland Lake. Cozy hide-away with sauna building, Log guest cabin, storage building. Great shoreline with new dock. Partially

GUNFLINT TRAIL--TUCKER

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

NEW! GREENWOOD LAKE LOT.

Private and secluded Greenwood Lake lot with spectacular views of the Big Bay and islands. Driveway and building pad are in. A pristine 2100-acre lake provides great sport fishing for lake trout, bass and whitefish. Flyfish the many bays for rainbow and brook trout. MLS# 6004183 $162,500

CASCADE RIVER PROPERTY. If you're looking for peace, quiet, and beautiful wilderness views, this could be the location for you.

PERFECT LAKE CABINMCFARLAND LAKE. This custom built cabin shows quality and detail and feels just right. It has custom built-in cabinets and bookshelves. There is 1 bedroom plus a loft, nice kitchen and dining area with a cozy living area with wood stove. The deck and views overlook the palisades through a forest of mature cedar trees. The lot feels private and peaceful. There’s a large shed, with beautiful cedar sauna. Comes furnished and includes the dock, boat, canoe and kayak for your wilderness adventures waiting just a short paddle away in the BWCAW. MLS# 6004080 $237,900

NEW! BEAUTIFUL,

DEVIL TRACK LAKE - LOT. This Devil Track Lake lot has easy access from county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200 ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here. MLS #6001771 $198,900.

GREAT POPLAR LAKE

CABIN. Large 2.11 acre parcel w/charming cabin sitting at water's edge has long view down the lake to west. Redone kitchen; one BDR with huge windows, living room with great view and stone fplc w/wood stove. Room to build new house overlooking lake, and garage site. Composting outhouse plus shower house. Septic sites located. Great sand bottom and drop off for swimming. MLS #6003945 $194,900

PIKE LAKE - SHARED EXPENSES. This clean and neat 2 bedroom cabin sits privately within a common interest community shared with 4 other cottages. The Pike Lake views are great, large deck, 8 x 16 storage shed which sits on a garage lot if you want to build one. The shared 300 feet of shoreline is great for boats, canoes and swimming. MLS# 6003678 $194,900

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

SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. These lots are located on the south side of Loon Lake and offers great lake views. The main road is in place and power is on the lot line. These lots offer a great shoreline and many nice trees. MLS #6001605, 6002124, 6002128 $192,000

LAKE PRIVACY ON 20 ACRES.

Beautiful Lost Lake is a remote wilderness lake with only a few privately owned parcels on the water. It holds the mystique of a hidden lake full of hungry trout. Even more privacy is guaranteed because 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. The lake has no public access and is quiet and peaceful with a motor restriction and nearly half the shoreline protected by a conservation easement. MLS# 6004231 $179,000

SPECTACULAR BUILDING

SITE W. BEARSKIN LAKE. Beautiful views, dense forest and direct BWCAW access. High building site affords spectacular views, level shoreline has lots of room for the dock and boats. Newly installed stairway system makes for easy access to the shore. MLS#6003655 $178,000

NEW! GREENWOOD LAKE

LOT Nice affordable lot on Greenwood Lake. Southwest location with astounding views down the lake. Surveyed and ready to build your dream home or cabin. Easy year round access and only about 20 minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 6004078 $159,500

CHARMING COTTAGE - POPLAR LAKE. A sweet, small original cabin on a quiet and private bay. Built in 1945, it was a homestead then. The charm is in every room. With 2 bedrooms, open living room great view of the lake and picturesque bay. Has an outhouse that is heated with a woodstove and propane heater. Would make a neat rental property. It's a great mid-Trail location and jumping off point for your wilderness adventures. MLS# 6004081 $159,000

QUALITY DEVIL TRACK LAKE LOT.

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

NEW! CHARMING WEST BEARSKIN CABIN with 2 bedrooms, all knotty pine, beautiful new deck with panoramic view of the whole lake. No maintenance exterior siding and metal roof.. Sweet spot on a boundary waters lake. Firewise sprinkler system added in 2011. MLS# 6004258 $129,000

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

LOT 8, NINEMILE

LAKE Enjoy expansive views from this parcel that features a spectacular point with 548' of shoreline. Property features 2.3 acres with ledgerock outcroppings, mixed tree cover, and outstanding views. For added privacy, lot adjoins State of MN lands for undeveloped shoreline as your neighbor to the south. MLS #6003205 $97,900

TOM LAKE CLASSIC. The original "Grandpa's Cabin" nestled in the woods right at the water's edge. Cute, the perfect getaway from town or work on

trees, views and building site. Power, year-round round access. MLS #6003203 $89,300

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

RUN LOTS

in a mature northern hardwood forests. Year-round plowed and maintained county roads, power at each property and a clear water, trout lake. These beautiful home sites were planned for generations of enjoyment and are protected by covenants. MLS# 6003206 thru 6003212 Prices start at

CONDOMINIUMS

SEA VILLA-LAKE SUPERIOR Walk into this Sea Villa and you'll feel as if you're walking right into Lake Superior it's

in furnishings built to a high standard. MLS#6002759 $235,000 & MLS#6002760 $215,000

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

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO. Stunningly remodeled condo w/perfect end unit location. Quality finishes including granite counters, stainless steel, wood-look plank flooring, and spa-like bathroom. Open concept plan with terrific views of Lake Superior, from every room in the place! Or, walk out to a private patio and enjoy the morning sunrises over the big lake. Chateau LeVeaux has many amenities including pool, sauna, billiards, spectacular common deck and a lovely yard with stairs to the lake. MLS# 6004177 $79,900

UNIT 11, CHATEAU LEVEAUX.

This lower level unit is priced to sell! Beautiful views of Lake Superior, and walk right out and hear the sounds of the surf. One-bedroom, one bath unit, with futon in living room to allow flexible space for overnight guests. MLS# 6003472 $54,500

HOMES & CABINS

C OUNTY ROAD 60 - GRAND

MARAIS. Earth home with over 5 acres and a creek. South exposure with stone hearth and charming details. 4 BR, 3 BA with a 2-car detached garage. Updated and remodeled with many custom features. This home is designed for the person who wants to live the rural, energy-efficient lifestyle. PRICE REDUCTION! MLS #6001812 $219,000

SUNNY DISPOSITION. 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 bedroom with bath, 2 lower level bedrooms with family room. Large open and private yard. Large 2-car garage with workshop. PRICE REDUCTION! MLS#6003557 $198,000

TUCKED AWAY SECLUSION. This well built, one story, one room cabin is tucked away on 40 acres, and just a stones throw from Magney State Park. There's a small creek with some beaver ponds; Good seasonal road access. PRICE REDUCTION! MLS#6003580 $124,900

WITH HUGE SHOP AND APARTMENT. Quality home on secluded 20 acres in maple forest. Sunny living/kitchen area. Expansive master loft-suite. Huge deck with large yard and open mature woods. 3-car garage. 3100 sq ft. shop/office/apt. perfect for cottage "industry" or other creative use. More land available. MLS# 6002767 $599,000

LOG HOME PRIVACY - FLUTE REED RIVER. Tucked away on 10 heavily wooded acres is your dream log home and hide-a-way. There is a charming studio cabin for your hobbies or for guests, a large 2-car detached garage with attached living space, and a 24 X 30 pole building. Lovingly built by the seller, you'll notice the quality, care and custom details. MLS# 6003351 $336,500 SOLD!

BEAUTIFUL GRAND

MARAIS DUPLEX Stately family home in Grand Marais, with large rental income unit. Total of 5-bedrooms, 3-baths, and 2 two-car garages on an extra-large corner lot with city services. Upper level is beautiful and spacious, and includes 3 beds, 2 baths, lovely finishes and tons of storage. Lower level unit has 2 beds, 1 bath, separate entrance and laundry, and attached garage. Large landscaped yard with potting shed and detached, insulated garage. MLS# 6003600 $324,900

of

MLS# 6004064 $299,500

LARGE HOME - GREAT VIEWS. This recently remodeled home has it all. It’s conveniently located in town with incredible views Lake Superior. The home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. MLS#6003563 $247,000

BRIGHT AND SUNNY HOME –LUTSEN. Large windows bring the southern light into this Lutsen country home. Enjoy the eat-in kitchen plus the formal dining area. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has a nice yard on a quiet road in a great location. Seller has made many upgrades and improvements. Now with a new price! Owner/Agent. MLS# 6003953 $199,000.

COUNTRY LIVING ON 2

ACRES. Minutes to Grand Marais. Well built and well maintained rambler. 3 bedrooms, One level living with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a full basement for future expansion.New steel siding, exterior doors and gutters. Very nice deck off the living room. 30 x 40 detached garage for all your storage needs. MLS# 6003401 $195,000

SECLUDED RETREATCAMP 15 LOOP This 2 bdr, home sits on 77 acres and features all the creature comforts with solar power and shower house, There’s a large 2-car garage with workshop plus 2 guest cabins that provide plenty of space for the whole family or group. Trails, solitude and wilderness – a perfect place to live remotely or as base-camp for your adventures. MLS# 6001657 $174,900. THE GUNFLINT MOTEL IN GRAND MARAIS is a long-established business located just a block from the harbor and downtown shops and restaurants. There are 5 large motel units with kitchens, plus a full lower apartment in the motel structure. All are in great shape. There is also a 4 bedroom, 2 bath owner's home that has had many recent updates and enhancements. It features views of the harbor and provides a comfortable and private residence. This home and business are a great situation for a couple wanting to supplement their income and enjoy living in beautiful Grand Marais. MLS# 6003528 $419,000

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

NEW! COTTAGE IN THE MAPLES. This cute and totally unique get- away cabin is located on

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

Large 2-car garage plus two sheds, also. This site has been a centrally located historical business location and has many options for your entrepreneurial pursuits. MLS# 6003889 $299,900

GRAND MARAIS PROFESSIONAL BUILDING. The options here are endless and the

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

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

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

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

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

GRAND MARAIS - CITY LOT ON CREEK. Wooded lot with City services: water, sewer and electric at site. Nice south exposure and frontage on scenic Cedar Creek. Quiet street. MLS# 6001830 $63,900

LAND ON THE FLUTE REED RIVER Enjoy privacy and seclusion in a deep 13 acre parcel with over 300 feet of trout stream. County road with power, phone and broadband available. Good sites to build your home or cabin in the woods. MLS# 6002960 $49,900

LAND/BUILDING SITES

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

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

LAND/BUILDING SITES

READY TO BUILD Sugerloaf Road. 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. Also a mix of birch & gorgeous cedars. Walk to the Superior Hiking Trail or Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center & stroll the shore of Lake Superior. MLS# 6003876 $99,900

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

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

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.185' of lake frontage. PRICE REDUCTION! MLS# 6002756 $95,000 DEVIL TRACK AREA PARCEL. Very nice 10 acre lot with direct access to South Shore Dr. Driveway to a cleared area that could be used as a building site. Slightly rolling terrain with moderately heavy growth that includes every type of Boreal Forest tree! MLS#6003184 $89,000

NEW! GREAT LOCATION, QUALITY FOREST, BUILD

HERE. This 10-acre parcel has a mature and mixed forest, southerly exposure, easy county road frontage and is just minutes from Grand Marais. There are many great building sites and loads of privacy. Easy access to power, phone and broadband. Hiking trails are close by and access to the Gunflint Trail or Lake Superior are just a short drive away.

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

GREAT 4-ACRE HOME SITE

NEAR HOVLAND. Close to Lake Superior, with some views, nice forest, easy access off of Highway 61 on shared driveway.

MLS# 6003692 $47,900

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

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

HOVLAND PARADISE. Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Mons Creek meanders through the property border where it abuts State land. MLS #6003078 PRICE REDUCTION! $39,900

OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Can't beat this property for remoteness. If it's seclusion you seek, this wilderness 19-acre recreational property is for you. Surrounded by State & USFS lands. Hike in access from Devil Fish Lake.

MLS#6002961 $37,000.

RECREATIONAL PARCEL IN HOVLAND. 43+ acres close to the public landing on Tom Lake. Survey complete; may subdivide into two 20+ acre parcels. Road plowed year round in special taxing district. Owner/Agent. MLS #6001471 PRICE REDUCTION! $30,000

FIVE SECLUDED ACRES. One of eight secluded and heavily wooded 5-acre parcels bordering on thousands of acres of US and State of Minnesota Forest land. Yet, only 20 minutes from the amenities of the Lutsen area.

NEW! BIG LAND, BIG CREEK, BIG TREES. This Hovland area parcel is on the "front range" of the Farquhar Hills with a dramatic backdrop of rock cliffs and escarpments. There is a large creek running through the entire property with many fantastic building sites looking over its meandering flowagerapids, pools and trout habitat everywhere! Many trails are cut so you can walk the whole property. It's a land baron's paradise. There's good gravel soils to work with and many fine places to build your dream home or cabin. Even some Lake Superior views. MLS# 6004009 $159,900

NEW! INCREASINGY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. accessed by Powers Lake Road (logging road system). Fully surveyed. This property would be a perfect retreat, church camp, summer school, or outdoor learning center. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. The property is bound by USA lands to the west and south and State lands to the east.

MLS# 6004255 $150,000

MLS# 6004295 $72,900

MLS# 6004276 $74,900

MLS# 6004299 $74,900

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

THIRTY ACRES - PANORAMIC VIEWS. Here is one of those rare mountain tops with a 180 degree view of distant Lake Superior and the ridge to the north. It's spectacular! Trails are in place to walk the whole perimeter. There is a cleared easement in place to get to the property.

MLS# 6003353 $62,500

10 ACRES - GRAND MARAIS. Great piece of property located minutes from Grand Marais, on Pike Lake Rd. Seasonal view of Lake Superior. Many nice build sites. MLS #6001078 $64,900

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

An additional 5 acres may be available.

MLS #6003981 $28,000

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

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

EIGHTY ACRE RETREAT. Schroeder. 80 acres of prime hunting land in Schroeder, MN. Rolling land with wonderful wildlife habitat including stream, beaver dam with large pond, and a good mixture of trees and low vegetation. Good access on Zeke's Trail which divides the 2 40 acre parcels. Older 2 bedroom cabin in a beautiful park like setting overlooking large beaver pond and distant horizons. Call today to make this piece of Hunter's Heaven your own. MLS 6003804 $142,500

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

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

NEW! GREAT LOCATION NEAR

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

BUILDING LOT - GRAND MARAIS. A rare find. This lot is located on 8th Ave W in the heart of town with easy walking distance to the harbor and business district. All city services are at the street. There's even good potential for a lake view. Build your home here and enjoy living in the heart of "America's Favorite Small Town".

MLS# 6003862 $54,900

NEW! READY TO BUILD - NEAR

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

NEW! LUTSEN CONTEMPORARY

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

NEW! LUTSEN LOG LODGE! 3 bdrm 2 bath, SWEET FOUR SEASON PORCH, Just a hop skip and a jump to the Lutsen Mountains! Low maintenance living, all you need to worry about is where to go recreate. Great income property or keep for your own! MLS#6004123 $249,900

NEW! COUNTY RD 7 GRAND MARAIS! Solid home on 10 acres, 28x40 garage, 13x14 heated work shop! Excellent location minutes west of downtown Grand Marais! Some recent updates, this home is perfect for a handyman, good bright living space! MLS# TBD GREAT VALUE AT $199,900

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

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

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR LUTSEN CASCADE BEACH RD! Lovingly restored, quintessential, main home and guest cottage. Move in Ready, mint condition. Overlooking all is a lofty studio, with garage space under. There’s details and love here like the old days: a Must See! MLS#6004118 $529,000

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

MLS#6004058 $299,000

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

MLS#6004071 $193,000

NEW!

NEW! GRAND MARAIS 4-PLEX IN THE HEART

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

NEW! 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#6004104 $269,000

NEW! TOFTE NEAR TEMPERANCE RIVER! Lovely home is set up as a Duplex, an upstairs home and a lower level apartment, which could be a perfect rental for extra income. Hike to Lake Superior’s Temperance River State Park, just a stone’s throw from the bike trail MLS#6004211 $199,000

NEW! 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#6004057 SUPER VALUE! $279,000

FAMILY FUN ON LUTSEN’S LAKE SUPERIOR! Level

gorgeous shoreline, easily accessible from a beautiful home that has it all…Owner’s Suite, Vaulted Ceilings, Owner’s Lock out space…attached garage! Tons of value at MLS#6003870 $579,900

SPECTACULAR SUPERIOR LAKESHORE! Rolling terrain, lots of Elbow Room, Accessible & View Worthy! MLS#6003980 $438,900

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

MLS#6003473 $475,000

it really about “The Shining Rocks” The “Rock 1” log cabin was built early 30’s, and it’s been lovingly maintained by only a handful of families since. Cabins Rock 1, 2 & 3 create this incredible family compound! MLS#6002529

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

MLS#6004141 $399,000

with

SERENITY ON LAKE SUPERIOR’S CASCADE BEACH RD! Lovely home thoughtfully designed for year round living or Lutsen Vacation Getaway! Vaulted ceilings, Corner Fireplace welcomes you in to the Great Room…Soak in the Big Lake just feet from the floor to ceiling windows! Gourmet kitchen, large island and custom cabinetry! Awesome Owner’s Suite, add’l 2 bedrms. Your guests will LOVE the Mint guest cottage. Attached garage

and soaker

and a living

as the Big Lake! Separate Glass Studio with Billiards, Foosball & darts! Rustic guest cabin captures the Old Time North Shore. MLS#6003535 $899,000

PERCHED ON THE EDGE OF LAKE SUPERIOR! Architecturally pleasing home w/ large decks, enjoy Lake Superior breezes, or stay warm in the Sunroom with Captivating Views! Owner’s Suite is the place for naps and boreal dreams! Guests will enjoy the upstairs suite or exterior bunkroom adjacent to garage. Super location, Walk the bike path to Temperance River’s mouth in to Lake Superior! MLS#6003598 REDUCED! $389,000

in its design, it’s about the nice views from the entire main level, including main level bedroom! Nearby Taconite Harbor, watch the big boats pull in to the harbor!!

MLS#6003759 $349,000

STATELY LAKE SUPERIOR HOME! Over 11 ac and 317

$799,900

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

$139,000

of light flows through the Living Room focusing on Wilderness lake views. Well maintained year round home is totally dialed in and the garage boasts a roomy workshop with spacious guest suite!

MLS#6002868 REDUCED!

$289,000

RUGGED TERRAIN AND SECLUDED BUILD SITE ON CARIBOU LAKE! Lutsen location, Quiet build site tucked into the mouth of the Sawmill Bay! MLS#6002791

$168,900

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! But you’re in the heart of Lutsen, Recreation Central! Canoe on Christine, Fly Fish in the Poplar or just go for a hike in the Superior National Forest!

MLS#6003989 $165,000

NEW! LAKE GEGOKA ISABELLA! 4 condos that share common access to a sweet dock on Lake Gegoka just 6 miles outside of Isabella’s Stoney Creek Café! Rental program in place to off set

ownership costs! Very nice accommodations to come back to after a full day of fishing, boating, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing! MLS#6004247 $132,900

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

in high demand in the Lutsen area, all rentals are full with long term history. Potential add’l income from retail space and garage/warehouse space currently used by seller. Seller Financing optional. MLS#6003550 $1,575,000

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

LOVELY BLUEFIN BAY Lake Superior home! Modern and functional space from

Day Dreams, It’s Summer on the Shore!

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST

SILVER BAY TO LITTLE MARAIS TO FINLAND & ISABELLA!

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

MLS#6003239 $99,000

80 acres for $79,000 Blesner Lake Rd!

MLS#6003110

New! Rock Road in Silver Bay area!

Great build site with creek frontage!

MLS#6003859 $45,000

Rocky Wall land with Driveway in place, HUGE views of Shovel Point!

MLS#6002434 $99,000

Sonju Lake Road in Finland!

Several large parcels from MLS#6001324 $44,900

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

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

New! Lakeshore on Ninemile Lake at the Village, common water and septic, build ready, borders common land! MLS#6004249 $45,000

SCHROEDER AREA NEAR THE CROSS RIVER!

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

40 Ac of Maples and boreal forest meandering toward a sweet moose pond and creek, with driveway in place and cleared build site! MLS#6002822 REDUCED! $110,000

Thoreau’s Cabin on Rolling 10 Ac of Maples! Just perfect getaway Deluxe Camp Cabin, newer construction, fire pit, outhouse, All you Need to enjoy the Northwoods! MLS#6002164 $87,900

Gorgeous Acreage

Overlooking Sawtooth Range! Yr Round, Electric. MLS#6003185 $35,000

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

10 Ac Parcels of Maples! Scramble across the Rolling Terrain of Mature Maples (Breathtaking in the Fall) to a Sweet Building site Perched Over a Mixed Boreal Forest, Good Levels of Serenity For Sure! Year Round Access and Electric at Road! MLS#6000676 $56,900

Sugarloaf Retreats on High Ridge Drive, located up the Surgaloaf Road from Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist Area, Enjoy large acreage parcels at rock bottom prices! From $62,000! MLS#25701-4

TOFTE AREA NEAR BLUEFIN BAY RESORT!

LeVeaux Mountain, Super Views and Wildlife Ponds! FROM $52,500 MLS#6002929 & MLS#6002995

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

Toftevaag on the Sawbill, Nice Lake Views! Walk to the Coho, great location! FROM $53,000 MLS#29252

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

Cool Spot for your Dream Home! Driveway is in place leading to a drop dead gorgeous building site with ledge rock vertical drop water fall! MLS#6002624 REDUCED! $54,900

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

LUTSEN LAKE VIEWS & WILDERNESS LANDS!

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

20 acres of Wilderness with Bigsby Lake shoreline! MLS#6003828 $79,000

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

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

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

MLS#6002383 From 54,900-$77,500

Creek Build Site just off the Caribou Trail at Jonvick Creek! Rare and Unique Build site! MLS#6003633 $59,500

What an opportunity! 30 plus acres on Lutsen’s Ski Hill Rd, just down the hill from the Midwest’s best ski area: Lutsen Mountains. Great views of Lake Superior and toward Moose Mountain. MLS#6002951 REDUCED! $250,000

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

3 0 acres of Prime Wilderness Land with year round access and electric at street with Views of Lutsen’s famed Clara Lake!

MLS#6001462 $137,500

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

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

Gorgeous Views of Williams and Wills Lake in Lutsen! Year Round Access, electric, Mountain Top site bordering USFS land. A Wonderful place to build your Northwoods home! MLS#6001685 REDUCED! $70,000

GRAND MARAIS LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

New! 7.26 ac south facing land west of Grand Marais. White Pine, Maple forest in the Deeryard Lake area- East Deeryard Rd. Power/broadband. All high ground.

MLS#6004007 $49,000

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

60 Acres Minutes to Grand Marais near Devil Track Lake! Easy walking/biking access across Fed land to Monker Lake!

MLS#6002586 $95,900

Birch Drive, West of Grand Marais! Wilderness Setting with 5 ac HUGE Value $42,500 MLS#6002349 or HUGE Lake Superior views MLS#6003805 FOR $75,000!

A River Runs Through It! 160 Acres of Upland and River Frontage on the Cascade River near Eagle Mountain, a Rare Find with tons of opportunity. Whether Hunting land or Wilderness Retreat, this is a Great Opportunity! MLS#31732 $140,000

Own your own park in the heart of Grand Marais!

MLS#6002396 $17,000

County Rd 7 Murphy Mountain Lake View lands! Bargain Buys in young Poplar Forest, easy clearing for Sweet Lake Superior Views for as little as $39,900! Or Enjoy Hilltop Build Site with driveway in place, creek bordering site for MLS#25633 $89,900

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

MLS#6002841 $124,900

Parten Way on Pike Lake Rd! Panoramic Vistas of the Sawtooths, road rough in, a five minute drive to new Pike Lake Landing! Yr Round access! UP MLS#6003047 $39,900

Wild Plum Drive, East of Grand Marais! Nice level build site, yr round and electric avail. MLS#6003492 $49,900

400 FT WITH 14 AC ON DEVIL TRACK LAKE! What

LAKESHORE HOMES AND CABINS

picture windows. The porch wraps two sides of the house and is 6” wide. The house comes with most furnishings including a big moose head, bearskin rug and flint musket to complete the North woods life. Enjoy days by the lake on a new aluminum dock. Call Bruce Kerfoot today.

Lutsen 48 County Road 34

MLS #6003287 $999,000

It’s unusual or likely simply unavailable to find nearly 850’ of Lake Superior shoreline spread over 13 acres in the heart of Lutsen. This property is accompanied by a three bedroom lake home that was built for the ages. The lake home is timeless with respect to design and architecture. Three bedrooms, one bath with a Great Room and wood fire place. Recent updates to kitchen and bathroom. Sincerely, likely some of the best views on the entire north shore with moderate stair access to ledge rock shoreline. Property is currently examining land considerations for Administration Sub-Division. Application is in process showing the possibility for one or two additional shoreline lots with back lots for protection.

HOMES AND PROPERTIES WITH A VIEW

Lutsen 261 Caps

Trail Tait Lake

MLS#6001233 $324,500

Tait Lake in Lutsen. Wonderfully appointed and extremely well maintained 2 bedroom, loft and 2 bath south facing home on a 2.9 acre parcel and 190’ of shoreline with dock. Abundance of natural light throughout the home. New addition in 2006 includes second bedroom, bathroom hallway and laundry. Office added in 2011 (could be converted to third bedroom). Excellent value. Call Katterine or Mike today for your private showing.

HOMES AND CABINS

84 Maple Hill Dr Grand Marais

MLS#6004102 $179,900

This is a well built hand crafted log cabin of native timbers. It has

plan with well appointed furnishings included.

Lutsen, MN 5170 W Hwy 61

MLS#6003083 $349,000

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

Hovland 90 Stonegate Rd

MLS#6002703 $699,000

This home blends pure quality restating an original Lake Superior homestead with a Clarence Kemp addition that seamlessly ties two areas under one roof with masterful eloquence. Kitchen with custom made cabinetry, high-end appliances, gas stove, granite countertops and a custom designed brick-oven. An open living space with the Great Room with vaulted ceilings with Lake Superior view. Kitchen, great room and dining room are all connected. xxx Mile O’Pine Road Grand Marais

Lutsen 1044 Caribou Trl

MLS#6000638 Price: $319,900

Excellent Caribou Lake opportunity. 3 br/1 bath, open area kitchen and dining, large open deck area, permanent dock. New improvements include: septic, windows, siding, roofing, Insulation & more.

Lutsen, MN 44 Lodge Lane

MLS#6003364 $259,000

This 3 bedroom 2 bath Lutsen Log Lodge has been carefully maintained. Main level has 2 bedrooms and a private bathroom. Second level has a private master bedroom and master bathroom with jetted tub. Open kitchen area to main great room with fireplace. Its location on the Ski Hill Road offers the convenience to year round activities in the Lutsen area. Find this opportunity as year round residence, a private vacation home and/or vacation rentals.

GREAT VACANT LAND VALUES

Jonvick Creek Beautiful home sites in mature Maple, Spruce and Birch forest.

$29,500-54,900

MLS#6004103 & MLS#6004115 $126,500

These are spacious Gunflint Lake lots, with beautiful views, flanked with majestic white pines, and untouched so an owner can build their dream home. The lots are located on the south shore of Gunflint Lake. There are two lots which can be purchased separately or combined. Each lot has176’ of lake frontage with 1.63 acres. Lots are heavily forested with nice Cedar, Aspen, Balsam and a few large White Pine. Both lots have a reasonable slope down to the lake with good building sites.

xxx Sawbill Trail 120 Acres located up the Sawbill Trail. Large Maples MLS# 27551 $199,900

xxx Mountain Ash Ln Cedar covered hillside overlooking Lake Superior in Lutsen.

MLS#60000147 $649,000

xxx Leveaux Ridge 3.45 acres Birch Forest, pines, Lake Superior View.

MLS#6002548 $29,500

Johannes Toftey Homestead Sites Beautiful hillside lots in Tofte with Lake Superior and Carlton Peak views.

$35,750-55,000

Tofte Airport Home Sites Located between Lutsen and Tofte. Convenient Location with outstanding values.

$24,750-33,000

Tait Pines Nestled hillside adjacent to Tait Lake in Lutsen, just 13 miles up the Caribou Trail. $37,950-$57,750 Caribou Hillside Outstanding homesites tucked along the hillside of Caribou Lake. $52,250-$126,500 342 Rd Schroeder 160 acres covered in Maples, Birch, and other mixed forest. Can be sold as parcels.

MLS#6000143 $199,000

92A

Inland Lake Homes

Squint Lake

5A surrounded on 2 sides by government land. Convenient midtrail location with easy access to many recreational activities.

MLS 6003242 $69,900

116 Overlook Dr 3.33A with Lake Superior view, privacy, and is user friendly for building. Located at the end of Overlook Trail in Tofte, utilities available & year round access.

MLS 6003380 $59,900

Silver Fox Rd

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

MLS 6002967 $49,900

Roman’s Rd Close to Devil Track Lake and lots of recreational activities. 1.72A

MLS 6002323 $29,900

Stonegate RD

2A with lots of potential uses. Power, phone, and broadband are a stones throw away.

MLS 6003282 $21,000

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

MLS 6003093 $49,900

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

MLS 6002301 $149,900

Inland Lake Lots

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

MLS 6002478 $99,900

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

MLS 6002735 $159,900

Poplar Lake

Convenient mid-trail location with deeded lakeshore access. Building site cleared, driveway in, utilities available.

MLS 6002116 $52,500

Very quiet 1.8A, over 200’ shore. Driveway and garage are in. Multiple portages into BWCAW.

MLS 6004001 $179,900

Park like .94 A, 291’ shore. Cleared building site, utilities available. Healthy mix of huge trees.

MLS 6003028 $169,900

Tom Lake

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

MLS 6003815 $54,900

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

MLS 6004165 $69,900 NEW

Devil Track Lake Beautiful lake lot on 2A and over 150’ of shore. Nicely wooded, close to town. Tons of recreational activities nearby.

MLS 6003833 $199,900

Land

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

MLS 6003602 $27,500

Raven Feather Rd

6.65A of nicely wooded land just west of Grand Marais. End of road location with federal land to the west PLUS incredible views of Lake Superior.

MLS 6003776 $129,900

Pendant Lake Tr

5A, with year round access. Power on sight, phone close by. Beautifully wooded and privacy but only 12 minutes from town.

MLS 6003893 $48,000

E Hwy 61

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

MLS 6003752 $18,000

Pike Lake Rd

Wooded 4+A near Pike Lake! Nicely elevated build sites, survey in place and septic sites identified. Just a short walk to the lake.

MLS 6003854 $42,500

Solberg Lane

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

MLS 6003176 $62,800

2 20A pieces, remote with exceptional privacy close to town.

MLS 6003311 $33,900 SOLD

Squint Lake Nicely wooded 2.13A with some lovely old White Pine trees! Excellent Mid-Gunflint Trail location, 221’shore, gentle topography AND directly abutting USFS for added privacy

MLS 6003969 $89,900

Chester Lake The only private parcel on Chester Lake. One of a kind opportunity! 40A, 300’ frontage! Rough cabin sold “as is”

MLS 6004004 $149,900

Sag Lake 1+ - 7+ acres with 191-611’ of shore on year round county road with phone and electricity. Direct BWCA and Canada water access

MLS 6004019 $69,900 NEW

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

MLS 6004214 $89,900 NEW

Pike Lake

3.7A, 200’ of accessible shoreline. Healthy tree coverage; abuts federal land to the south for added privacy

MLS TBD $179,900 NEW

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

MLS 6004265 $134,500

4018 County Rd 14

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

MLS 6004017 $44,900 - $74,900 NEW

County Rd 7

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

MLS 6004124 $49,900 NEW

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

MLS 6004272 $74,900 NEW

31 Bloomquist Mtn Rd

Beautifully wooded 6+A in a great neighborhood. Easy drive to Grand Marais but feels ultra private.

MLS 6004132 $40,000 NEW

Quist Rd

Two 5A parcels with potential spectacular views of Lake Superior. Close to town, but very private!

MLS 6004290 $40,000 - $42,000 NEW

Co Rd 58 11A of year round, quiet, private, nicely wooded land on County Road 48. Close to town, Lake views.

MLS 6004252 $99,900 NEW

Camp 20 Rd

38-41A with excellent building sites. An abundance of wildlife, close to the Superior Hiking Trail and State forest land.

Lake Superior View

Bloomquist Mtn. Road 5.8A$44,900

10 miles east of Grand Marais with power at the property, driveway, and several building sites partially cleared!

MLS 6001709

Silver Fox Rd - $69,900

5+ acres, located east of town, easy year round access, and utilities are all available. Very peaceful & quiet lot, perfect setting for building your dream home.

MLS 6002966

County Rd 67 - $69,900

4.16A with Lake Superior so close you can see the waves rolling in to the state-owned shoreline, meaning you’ll have walking access to the lake!

MLS 6002892

East Highway 61 20A - $54,900

Large, private parcel close to town with elevation, meaning panoramic views of Lake Superior! Large building site has been leveled.

MLS 6004005

Murphy Mtn Rd - $59,900

View of Lake Superior, 5A, within 10 minutes of town. Surveyed, pins are all clearly marked, utilities in place and septic sites are identified.

MLS 6003425

MLS 6004300 $43,900 - $46,900 NEW

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

black bear

As I was taking his picture from my sliding door, the bear tried to tear my whole feeder down. When I yelled, he crawled down the railing and over the side, but couldn’t bring himself to leave. He kept looking at the feeder and would climb back up on the deck. He did that four times before he finally took the hint and climbed down and slowly walked off. I took the feeders in, but he still came back that night looking for seeds. I haven’t seen him since.

—Trisha Bloomquist

SerenitySpokenHere

Welcome to Golden Eagle Lodge, a family oriented, year-round resort located on the historic Gunflint Trail of Northeastern Minnesota. We are on the north shores of Flour Lake surrounded by the Superior National Forest; as we are the only residents on the lake, you can look forward to the quiet and solitude offered only from the true wilderness setting. We offer modern, housekeeping cabins to ensure comfort during your stay in the North Woods.

Each season has something special to offer; excellent fishing and canoeing in Summer and nationally-renowned Nordic Cross-Country Skiing in Winter. Our website describes in detail how each season can help shape your vacation.

Try our 9-site campground which offers a quiet and personal service; each site comes equipped with water and electric hookups. We go out of our way to ensure every aspect of your visit will convince you to come back and see us again.

We know much time, effort, and expense is invested in a vacation, and we would be honored if you considered us as your vacation destination. You won’t be disappointed!