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As I write this, icicles are dripping outside my window, and my front porch is fully visible, free of snow. March was an unusual month in its usual way, featuring both thunderstorms and snowstorms. And while April also remains unpredictable, it’s starting to feel more like spring each day—and I’m here for it.
Spring means longer days, more sunshine, and warmer weather on the way. It’s also a great time to focus on self-care. In our first feature story, Dana Johnson focuses on balancing the body and mind with healing spas and wellness centers. From hot stone massages and cupping to infrared saunas, facials, and yoga, most spas and wellness centers offer a variety of treatments that reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and sleep, and promote overall health. But don’t take our word for it—try it yourself.
In Along the Shore, Naomi Yaeger introduces us to Elevated Spores, a one-person operation in Superior, dedicated to providing high-quality, functional mushroom extracts, coffees, and teas to the public. According to owner and founder Wes Anderson, not only has functional mushrooms helped his immune system, but they have also lowered his stress levels and improved his blood pressure, gut health, inflammation, energy, and focus.
Also in Along the Shore, Shelby Lonne-Rogentine takes us to Ely for the upcoming We Are Water MN traveling exhibit, a project that “examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information.” The exhibit will be on display at the HUB from April 24 through June 16.
In our second feature story, Chris Pascone interviews EcoSuperior, an environmental non-profit organization based in Thunder Bay. Their mission is to build a healthy future for people and the planet, with programs such as Adopt a Storm Drain, Walk or Wheel Thunder Bay, and Spring Up to Clean Up—all great ways to celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22.
In her last Dog Blog column of the season, musher Erin Altemus recalls her latest races, the UP200 in Marquette, Mich., and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, where she placed third and second, respectively. Congrats on a great season, Erin!
There’s so much more I could share, but I’ll leave the rest for you to discover on your own— whenever you find the time. And when you’re not reading, make sure to step outside and soak up the sunshine. Spring is fleeting, so don’t miss it.—Breana Johnson
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GRAND MARAIS—The Grand Marais Public Library is more than just a place to check out books—it’s a community hub offering educational programs, resources, and a gathering space for all ages.
“We’re a little bit one part community center, one part repository of information, and one part Office Max,” Librarian Ryan Leng said.
While the public library offers services such as book, magazine, and DVD rentals, the library also provides monthly programs and events, among various other services. The public can access a photocopier, printer, fax machine, and scanner at the library.
The small Grand Marais Public Library is one of 27 public libraries within the Arrowhead Library System, serving seven northeastern Minnesota counties. The network of public libraries allows for collaboration, exchange of resources, and support to provide programming and events.
Each month, the Grand Marais Public Library hosts a handful of events ranging from reading programs to educational workshops, collaborative knitting classes, and more.
Throughout this past winter, the library has hosted an All-Ages Winter Reading Program where adults and children can read and participate in a game of bingo to earn coupons to local businesses or a free book from Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais.
Also, in recent months, the library has held creative writing workshops with award-winning novelist Brian Malloy, drawing a group of local writers. Malloy is the author of The Year of Ice, Brendan Wolf, After Francesco, and Twelve Long Months. According to his biography, his novels have been a 2002 New
York Times New and Notable Title and an Oprah Daily pick for best of 2022.
Leng said that in each creative writing workshop, Malloy focuses on specific skills such as developing sensory imagery, strategies to write scenes and flashbacks, novel subplots, and a variety of others. The workshops will continue once a month for the remainder of 2025. Leng said the workshop topics and schedule can be found on the Grand Marais Public Library website (grandmaraislibrary.org).
Another well-known author, Cary Griffith, recently visited the Grand Marais Public Library to discuss his most recent book,
Gunflint Falling: Blowdown in the Boundary Waters. Leng said Griffith did a book tour in each of the 27 Arrowhead Library System public libraries, but the Grand Marais location had the biggest turnout.
“We blew every other library out of the water with attendance,” Leng said. “Here, the book is so beloved. People were there when it happened, and they remember those stories.”
Looking toward the spring, Leng said the library plans to host a birding program, perhaps in April or May, and invite a local expert or naturalist to talk about birds along the North Shore. Also, around Earth Day,
on April 22, the Let’s Plant Trees non-profit organization will visit the library to provide free trees and discuss reforestation efforts in Minnesota.
Further into the summer, the library has many other creative ideas for educational events and programming. In June, the library will launch the youth summer reading program and intends to host an educational talk as Juneteenth nears.
One of Leng’s favorite events the library has hosted in his one-and-a-half years with the library was a talk by rock hound Al Trippel called The Geology of Cook County.
Trippel, a former geologist for a mining company in Nevada, lives in Grand Marais part-time and is a rock enthusiast or ‘rock hound.’ Leng said he wasn’t sure what to expect for the turnout for the educational talk about geology, but as community members trickled in that evening, it was clear the library staff needed to set up more chairs.
“We had 88 people show up,” Leng said. “So, it was just such a big hit, and that was a lot of fun.”
In addition to events and programs, the public library provides a quiet place for residents and visitors to connect to Wi-Fi, do research, order books by catalog, or connect with fellow community members.
Leng said one of the many things he enjoys about working at the Grand Marais Public Library is seeing the patrons who visit the library. “We have a group of regulars that come in,” he said. “We have a good community of people that come in and use the place, whether once a month or multiple times a week.”— Kalli Hawkins
ELY—Ely is your typical northern Minnesota city. It is surrounded by cool camping spots, beautiful scenery, and of course, bodies of water. The Ely Folk School, a community organization that offers various classes and activities to honor northern Minnesota heritage, is hoping to bring the area together through different forms of storytelling, specifically about individuals’ experiences with water.
“We Are Water MN is an exhibit from the Minnesota Humanities Center and some of their state partners, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It’s a traveling museum-grade exhibit that works to really open up dialogue about water and how different communities and individuals as community members interact with it and recreate with it. It’s meant to really kind of develop relationships around the idea that we all recreate with water, even if we recreate differently,” said Lucy Soderstrom, executive director of the Ely Folk School.
The Ely Folk School is hosting the exhibit from April 24 through June 16. The exhibit has already been available in Ortonville and it will travel to Minneapolis, Henderson, and Bloomington later this year. We Are Water MN describes their traveling exhibit as a project that “examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.” While Minnesota is a huge montage of various types of people and cities, one thing all Minnesotans have in common is how they are all surrounded by water. How will this exhibit be different from the experience of seeing it in another city, though?
“Between different organizations is this focus on storytelling, and not only storytelling, but also history and the unique watershed of our area,” said Anna Heil, the Ely Folk School program director. “I think we talked about this a lot through the process of bringing the exhibit here, but everybody in Minnesota has a unique connection to water. I think everybody in the world probably has a connection with water, but it’s so relevant to here, our town in Ely, and it’s so relevant to the folk school to really focus on this sort of emphasis on storytelling and
this emphasis on personal narrative and this emphasis on connecting through community and through recreation. It feels really relevant to the work of the folk school.”
In current times, when it sometimes feels hard to connect with people different from ourselves, Ely Folk School is hoping this exhibit is relevant to all. “A really wide cross section of this elite community has very generously offered their lives up through those stories.
If you are a community member in Ely and know everybody here, you’ll really get to enjoy hearing those stories. If you are new to town, it’s a way to meet some of your neighbors. If you’re visiting, what a great way to learn about where you are,” said Soderstrom.
The exhibit, held from April 24 through June 16, is hosted by the Ely Area Community Foundation at the HUB on Miners Drive. Activities include an opening reception with Reflections Dance Company, a storytelling event, a nature writing class, a DNR fish hatchery tour, a youth water workshop with GreenCorps, a water treatment plant tour, and more. The building and exhibit are open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with select events offering extended evening hours. For a full schedule of events, or to learn more, reach out to the Ely Folk School (elyfolkschool.org), or visit: mnhum.org.
Shelby Lonne-Rogentine
We Are Water MN describes their traveling exhibit as a project that “examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information.” | SUBMITTED
THE EXHIBIT FEATURES STORIES FROM THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:
Rick Anderson
Peta Barrett
Shaun Chosa
James Devine
Joshua Forsman
SunShine Gardner
Nancy Hernesmaa
Hudson Kingston
Sally Koski
Harold Langowski
Lisa Pugh
Maggie Schuppert
Aurora Wahlstrom
SUPERIOR—What started as a culinary curiosity soon turned into a lifelong passion for Wes Anderson, the founder of Elevated Spores. While working at a restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, Anderson watched as his chef purchased wild-foraged greens and mushrooms from local foragers. He found himself envious of those who spent their days exploring the woods while he remained confined to a hot kitchen. That envy turned into action: On his days off, he began venturing into the forests in search of mushrooms, focusing on the elusive morel.
“It took me about three years before I was able to find my first morel,” Anderson said. “I saw plenty of other mushrooms, but I didn’t even stop to look at them. I was just focused on morels.”
Morel season, however, is short—lasting only about six weeks in the spring. Anderson quickly realized he would need to expand his foraging knowledge if he wanted to explore mushrooms year-round. That curiosity led him down a rabbit hole of fungi diversity, sparking a deep fascination with the vast number of mushroom species growing in the forest. Over time, as his life evolved, so did his focus. After leaving the culinary industry and returning to college at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, he faced new challenges—ones that, once again, led him back to mushrooms.
The pressure of academic demands weakened Anderson’s immune system, leading to
recurring head colds. As a result, he fell behind in his coursework and ultimately failed one of his classes—a setback that proved to be both costly and frustrating.
“I have always been a science-based skeptic and didn’t really buy into the supplement industry,” Anderson said. “But out of desperation, I started researching ways to improve my immune function, and I stumbled upon some blogs about chaga.”
That first harvest more than a decade ago set Anderson on a course of exploration. He immersed himself in scientific literature, uncovering research that linked functional mushrooms to improved immunity, stress reduction, and better overall health. During his research, he also came across information on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has used medicinal mushrooms for centuries. This further reinforced his belief in the potential benefits of functional fungi.
“Chinese medicine has been using mushrooms like reishi and cordyceps for thousands of years,” Anderson said. “It’s fascinating to see how modern research is now validating many of these ancient practices.”
Determined to test the benefits himself, Anderson set out to forage chaga. It took him several months to locate his first batch, but once he did, he learned how to brew it into tea. Drinking it daily, he noticed subtle but steady improvements—more energy, better overall health, and, most significantly, a drastic reduction in how often he got sick.
As he connected with other mushroom enthusiasts online, he found similar stories of immune support and well-being. This fueled his drive to learn more. Anderson dove into scientific research, studying the mechanisms of medicinal mushrooms, and learning
how to extract the full spectrum of beneficial compounds through hot water and alcohol extractions. He perfected his techniques, creating concentrated liquid extracts and sharing them with family and friends. Encouraged by their positive feedback, he continued refining his methods until he was confident in the quality of his products.
By 2019, Anderson decided to turn his passion into a business. He launched Elevated Spores, a one-person operation dedicated to providing high-quality, functional mushroom extracts to the public.
However, he quickly realized that selling liquid extracts alone wouldn’t be enough to sustain a livable income. His background in culinary arts and business gave him insight into the profitability of tea and coffee.
“I learned in school that tea and coffee have some of the highest profit margins,” he said. “So, I decided to combine my love for mushrooms with my culinary skills and business knowledge.” With this in mind, Anderson began developing a mushroom-infused chai. It took months to perfect the spice blend, but once he did, the product proved popular. Encouraged by its success, he started experimenting with coffee.
“I spent a long time figuring out how to infuse mushrooms into coffee without ru-
ining the flavor,” Anderson said. “At first, I used coffee from local Duluth suppliers, blending and infusing it in my commercial kitchen before packaging it.”
The mushroom-infused coffee and tea blends became a turning point for Elevated Spores, allowing Anderson to grow his product line and reach a wider audience. From there, he expanded into instant mushroom chai, matcha blends, and powdered extracts—each formulated using the same high-quality extraction techniques he had spent years perfecting.
For Anderson, the key to his business isn’t just quality, it’s accessibility.
“Anything I do just has to be the best,” he said. “But something can be the best and still not be accessible to people. So, to me, it’s not truly the best unless people can actually use it.”
With that philosophy, Anderson ensures Elevated Spores remains free of artificial ingredients and unnecessary additives, keeping the focus on natural, functional benefits. Operating as a one-person business, he is deeply involved in every aspect, from sourcing ingredients to developing extraction methods.
With a growing interest in functional mushrooms, Anderson is focusing on expanding his business through online sales and education. His goal is to make Elevated Spores a trusted name in the industry by maintaining high-quality standards and continuing to educate consumers on the benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
“Our website is a major focus this year,” he said. “We’re building out the infrastructure to support increased online sales and product accessibility.”
Despite challenges, Anderson remains committed to growing Elevated Spores, staying true to his mission of making high-quality, functional products available to as many people as possible.
“This journey isn’t simple,” he said. “It’s full of twists and turns. But here I am, still pushing forward.”
The majority of Elevated Spores sales are on the website (elevatedspores.com), however Anderson does attend festivals and fairs. He is scheduled to attend several festivals and fairs in May, including the Two Harbors Farmers Market on May 24, a Sculpture Garden event in Minneapolis, and the Detroit Lakes Street Fair at the end of May.— Naomi Yaeger
In 2019, Lake County was awarded a grant to purchase two recycling trailers that can be placed around the county and at community events. | SUBMITTED
TWO HARBORS—The North Shore extends through three large counties: St. Louis, Lake, and Cook. Lake County bridges St. Louis and Cook, spanning from Knife River to Little Marais, and extends inland to Finland and as far north as Ely. Two Harbors is the county seat and also houses an active recycling center with services that extend throughout the entire county.
The recycling center is owned and operated by the Lake County Environmental Services Solid Waste Department, which falls under the Planning and Zoning Department. The recycling center is located off Highway 61, on Recycling Center Drive, and has been part of the community for several decades.
This past year, residents may have noticed a shift in day-to-day operations of the facility because the former operator, the Developmental Achievement Center (DAC), chose not to continue its long-standing contract last April. Several changes to the public recycling center were necessary to keep costs down due to the loss of employees provided under the former DAC contract.
Lake County Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy notes, “The challenge has been finding ways to save money in a very flexible recycling market, while still remaining open for the disposal of materials.”
The biggest savings and noticeable shift have been utilizing two compactors, versus employees bailing each group of materials individually. However, this has not affected the items that are currently accepted at the site, as they are now able to be collected in a more efficient manner. One bin is available for cardboard, and one is for mixed materials, which include aluminum, paper, and plastics. A large trailer is now used to collect glass, which is brought directly to the landfill and used to assist in water drainage at the site.
McCarthy is excited to share that other harder-to-dispose-of items are now accepted, such as tires, mattresses, appliances, and
Lake County is bringing back their Community Clean-up Day on May 3 at the Silver Bay Airport. | SUBMITTED
electronics. Prior to last year, those items needed to be taken to the landfill, and this offers a much more convenient option. McCarthy says, “Utilizing the facility is easier than you think,” with the ultimate goal always being to keep trash and other waste out of yards, at low to no cost.
The facility in town is currently being operated by one full-time county employee
who runs the machines and assists customers. With one year under their belts in this new format, McCarthy says, “We look forward to seeing what makes sense and how we can continue adjusting with extremely short staffing challenges while remaining cost-effective.”
This spring, household hazardous waste (HHW) will be easier to dispose of as well.
The separate building at the current location, which has no heat or water, will be moved into the center to maximize the use of the large building and make it easier to maneuver. Users can now make one loop to dispose of all their items, including batteries, paint, and fluorescent bulbs.
In 2019, the county was awarded a grant through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to purchase two trailers that can be placed around the county for community recycling. Staff have named them Thelma and Louise.
During the summer months, they can be found at the Two Harbors Campground on Burlington Bay and at local festivals such as Bay Days in Silver Bay, Heritage Days in Two Harbors, and St. Urho’s Day in Finland. Folks are encouraged to request the trailers for events, which can be reserved on the county’s website or by calling 218-834-8373. There is no fee for this service, and it includes delivery and pickup. “They are always available for use,” says McCarthy. However, the more lead time for a request, the more likely staff will be available.
The county is also bringing back their Community Clean-up Day. The event is on Saturday, May 3, for Lake County residents at the Silver Bay Airport. This one-day event will offer disposal of all household and hazardous materials, including electronics, appliances, and mattresses at a flat rate per vehicle. More details can be found on the website.
The Lake County Recycling Center in Two Harbors is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and after-hour bins are available Monday through Thursday. The recycling center is located at 515 Recycling Center Drive. A full list of accepted items and the county waste and recycling guidelines are available online (under the Environmental Services tab) at: co.lake.mn.us.
Michelle Miller
Robbie and Joe Tietge, residents of Two Harbors, have been interested in the idea of solar power for quite some time. “We had been thinking about installing a solar system for several years, so we talked to our neighbors about it,” said Robbie.
Then, in 2024, they heard about a solar co-op organized by Solar United Neighbors (SUN). “A neighbor told us about SUN—they help homeowners collaborate with folks in their own community and become informed enough to feel confident going solar. It costs nothing to join.” The Tietges joined a solar co-op with SUN in 2023.
SUN is a non-profit that has helped over 300 Minnesota households, farmers, and small businesses adopt solar power through solar co-ops statewide. SUN’s new Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op is currently accepting new members from the Duluth and Arrowhead Areas, including Carlton, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, and Itasca counties. Local partners include the Cook County Local Energy Project, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability.
Key to the process of the solar co-op is the opportunity to leverage group purchasing power to get the best price and service on solar installs. SUN solicits bids from solar installation companies in the area. A committee of solar co-op members reviews the bids and picks the best offer.
“This ‘group shopping’ benefits everyone in the solar co-op,” explained Joe. “The contractors offer a more attractive price for installations. Our group chose a local installer, and they have been professional, responsive, and great to work with, even with questions a year later. As part of our contract, they also worked with our local electrical provider.”
Robbie and Joe learned the basics of solar technology at a SUN solar co-op info session. The presentation covered the financial benefits of solar energy and explained how the solar co-op helps
members reduce costs while simplifying the installation process.
After that, they saw a path forward. They’re now proud solar owners.
“The system has been in for over a year, and is running smoothly,” Robbie said. “A great option with our inverters was to install an app on our phone and see the generation in real time, as well as the historical data. Many of us are retired and installed our systems because we are concerned about our carbon footprint. The app calculates tons of carbon saved as well as hot water heated, miles flown on a plane or in a car, and trees saved.”
“SUN has refined the bidding process through hundreds of installations,” said John Anderson, program associate with SUN. “Our solar co-op members benefit from competitive offers from trusted installers, which ultimately saves them both time and money.”
Similar to other Minnesotans with solar, the Tietge’s array is connected to the electric grid. When their panels produce
power that their home isn’t using, it’s diverted to the grid and shared with neighbors. They are credited by their utility for this power that’s used by their neighbors. This process is called “net metering.”
“Net metering is a fair and straightforward way to compensate solar owners for delivering power to the grid,” said Anderson. “It also promotes distributed solar generation, which is crucial for developing a more sustainable and resilient power grid.”
The Tietges experience with SUN demonstrates the reason the group exists in the first place; to make going solar easier and more affordable—and to make solar dreams a reality!
The Tietges also benefited from the federal solar investment tax which allows 30 percent of the cost of solar to be taken as a non-refundable income tax credit. (This incentive can also be taken by entities that don’t pay federal income tax like schools, local governments, and churches by offering a cash reimbursement.)
Even though the cost of solar has fallen dramatically in the last decade, it has still felt out of reach for many families. Not to mention that figuring out if your home is good for solar, how many panels you’ll need, what your electricity bill will look like after solar, how long it will take to pay off the system, and finding an installer who you trust can all feel like a giant headache.
Before joining the co-op, the Tietges had questions like, “How much is it going to cost? How am I going to get everything organized?” But joining the co-op gave them the resources and knowledge they needed. The couple suggests that anyone interested in solar check out SUN’s solar co-ops.
The solar co-op helps folks get solar and solar helps lower electricity bills, but it does more than just that—it lets people have agency over where their power comes from. It also supports the growing clean energy economy in Minnesota. And it creates a more resilient electricity grid and generates energy locally.
The Northeast Minnesota Co-op is open to new members and is free to join. There is no obligation to go solar. Everyone who joins will get a solar proposal from the selected installer at the solar co-op price. You decide if you want to move forward. SUN staff are there to help with any questions along the way. Learn more and join online at: solarunitedneighbors.org/NEMN
GRAND MARAIS—After 10 years of operation in the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Care Partners of Cook County moved in February to a new location on Highway 61. Dedicated to offering “support and companionship on the journey of aging and end-of-life,” the organization is excited about the opportunities afforded by its larger office space.
Incorporated as a non-profit in 2015, Care Partners supports Cook County residents and caregivers in navigating the logistical and existential demands of aging. It provides a wide array of services, including care coordination, caregiver support, education, and companionship, as well as a volunteer program that offers rides to Duluth for medical appointments, and chore services such as home organizing, grocery shopping, and yard work.
Approximately 30 percent of Cook County residents are 65 and older. While the community benefits from the services and support of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and North Shore Hospital, the area offers few home care options. Care Partners Executive Director Julie Wilson explained that the organization seeks to fill this gap by “wrapping around people at the end of life” and connecting them with programs and resources to ease that journey.
Care Partners Board of Directors President Nancy Starr described one goal of the organization as “making people aware that they can age in a positive, quality way, living life to the fullest and being active.”
In early October, Wilson learned that the expansion of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s behavioral health program would require Care Partners to find a new location in the next 90 days. Wilson sprang into action, driving up
and down Highway 61 to scout locations that would suit the organization’s needs for parking and accessibility.
Serendipitously, she discovered Amax Plumbing and Heating, owned by Max Bruckelmyer. Amax had an unused, front-facing office space that would suit their needs. Starr characterized the connection with Amax as “just short of a miracle.” The organization negotiated a seven-year lease with Amax so that it would make financial sense to transform the space.
The next hurdle was time. The lease came through in December, leaving just two months to transform and move into the space.
“People showed up for us,” said Wilson. “The community got it done.” Richard Olson was the project designer and manager, supported by work from Nace Hagemann (Nace Hagemann Construction), Ian Barrett and Tom Krantz (Red Cabin Company),
Interiors), Jeremy Ridlbauer (Sundew Technical Services), and Amax.
Critical to the project was ensuring accessibility. The new location offers wheelchair access from the parking lot, as well as an ADA-compliant bathroom. It also includes a meeting room and workstations for volunteers. Grants from the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority and the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation—as well as gifts from community members—helped to offset costs.
“It was a wild ride” to complete the project in two months, said Wilson. “The biggest surprise was the contractors and volunteers who showed up to help us. I could cry. We really needed people, and they came through. It speaks to the value of Care Partners and that it was important to people to help us.”
North Shore Hospital facilitated the transition by offering Care Partners a space to bridge the months that the organization was without a home base, storing computers and files and making a conference room accessible for team meetings.
New signage is on the way, and Wilson is excited about the increased visibility that this transition affords. “On our first day of being somewhat organized after the move, we had our first client walk in the door,” recalled Wilson. That organic access was hampered in the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic location, which meant that clients typically heard about the organization through referrals from the county or a medical provider. Now, clients and volunteers can pull right up to the curb. Upcoming events include an open house on May 20 from 4-6 p.m. and a brain health fair this summer.
The greatest challenge for Care Partners remains geographic: “We aren’t just rural,” said Wilson. “We are a frontier community. There are no shortcuts to Virginia or Duluth or Thunder Bay. We are locked and remote.” Staffing for home health care aides remains
difficult, and even with staff, it can be difficult to access people throughout the county. She hopes to expand service farther up the Gunflint Trail and in Grand Portage.
Regardless of these obstacles, Wilson said that Care Partners will continue to “fill the gaps and to advocate for filling the gaps” for aging and end-of-life in Cook County. “I believe this community is creative and has creative solutions.”
Currently, Care Partners serves 200 clients. Its far-reaching education program, which includes topics such as grief support, health care directives, caregiver support, and LGBT support, reaches many more. Approximately 45 volunteers contribute their time and talents to the organization.
Wilson underscored that volunteers will find no shortage of opportunities to engage in ways that work for them, whether via one-time projects like washing windows or weeding a garden, or longer-term companion relationships that accompany someone through the end of life.
Wilson regularly hears from volunteers that one of their most meaningful experiences is hearing the stories of the people they serve. “So often people lose their identity when they’re isolated or when they are going through illness,” she said. “When people are able to share their life stories—when they designed that building in downtown Seattle, or wrote a book, or were an artist, or when they had an impact on the community—that benefits them,” and also the people who hear those stories.— Anne Graybeal
By Dana Johnson
The world today is buzzing with chaotic energy, and the need for relaxation and self-care has never been more critical. As life becomes increasingly busy and demanding, people are turning to spas and wellness centers for treatments to restore balance to their minds, bodies, and spirits.
Many of us choose to live in the Northern Wilds because the great forests and lakes provide a unique escape from the stresses of modern living. It’s no surprise that our area features many quality spas, wellness centers, and professionals who can help guide you on your wellness journey.
“A spa is a sanctuary for relaxation and renewal, where individuals can escape stress and reconnect with their well-being,” explains Teri Chilefone, owner of LutZen Massage Studios located in Lutsen and Grand Marais. “It is a place to quiet the mind and body through massage and wellness treatments that reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and sleep, and promote overall health.”
With over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry, Chilefone incorporates modalities and techniques from around the world into her practice. After an inspiring
and “life-changing” solo backpacking trip abroad followed by further study, she opened LutZen Massage Studios in 2012.
Chilefone was drawn to the natural beauty of the North Shore and knew she wanted to settle near Lake Superior after her travels. “I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a region that values wellness, connection, community, and the healing power of nature,” she says.
Massage therapy is the most well-known and widely practiced spa treatment. Originating in ancient civilizations, it has evolved over centuries to become a cornerstone of modern wellness practices.
LutZen Massage Studios offers several massage options, plus facials and other body treatments. Plush, heated massage tables, warm towels, and the calming scent of essential oils create a soothing and inviting atmosphere.
“We specialize in our signature myofascial massage method, which blends Eastern and Western styles of bodywork,” Chilefone mentions. “Compressions, stretching, energy, angle, and pressure, combined with connected, fluid strokes, create a deeply restorative and unique experience.”
Hot stone massage is another popular
LutZen Massage Studios, located in Lutsen and Grand Marais, offers several massage options, plus facials and other body treatments. | SUBMITTED
specialty. This technique uses heated, waveworn basalt stones from Lake Superior to promote muscle relaxation and improve circulation. “The stones act as an extension of the massage therapist’s hands, and their warmth penetrates deeply into the muscles,
allowing for a soothing yet powerful release of muscle tension,” Chilefone explains. Massage therapy also has significant mental and emotional benefits. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better
sleep. It even boosts your mood by increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals.
Massage therapists often specialize in a favorite technique. Though she has trained in many massage modalities, Lily Clare Wilson, LMT and owner of Earth Body Healing, has a strong preference for Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.
“Lomi is characterized by long, rhythmic strokes, focus on the attachment sites of muscles, and can include stretches (similar to Thai massage stretches), and hot stones,” she explains.
Wilson moved to Cook County in 2020 after graduating from Bryn Mawr College, though she grew up in Bemidji, Minn. She was drawn to holistic wellness via healing experiences, and began studying herbalism in 2018. In 2023 she trained in Maui for massage and yoga.
Yoga has long been an integral part of wellness practices. Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga aims to create harmony and connection of body, mind, and spirit through a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques.
Like massage, there are different styles of yoga. “I teach primarily Vinyasa Flow, which can be anywhere from gentle to a challenge,” Wilson mentions. The experience is based on the client’s needs, and she offers one on one sessions as well as weekly public classes at the YMCA in Grand Marais.
Wilson opened Earth Body Healing in 2023 as a way to help clients connect to “their own inherent wellness and ability to heal.” Her first wellness business began a year earlier with Little Fox Botanicals, which debuted at the Hovland Arts Festival.
“Being an herbalist deeply connected to the plants of our region, the essence of the North Shore and Boreal forests are reflected in the atmosphere of my business and are infused into my topical balms,” she shares. Her products can be found for sale at Joy & Co., Crosby Bakery, and various markets.
“Herbs can help to support your bodily functions and body systems in daily life,” Wilson explains. “I use my anti-inflammatory balm in my massage sessions, to help the muscles and joints on a deeper level.”
The demand for wellness treatments seems to be rising.
“Since Covid, health and wellness have experienced a significant upswing,” observes Michelle Wall, owner and massage therapist at Infinity Massage & Wellness in Duluth. “People have faced a lot of anxiety and fears, and self-care has become the most important thing.”
With 30 years of experience as a massage therapist, Wall knows the business well. She opened Infinity Massage in 2014, with a move to a new location in 2021. She recalls spending “the past 10 years fumbling, humbling, apologizing, and growing as a business owner.” Her practice has expanded to include over 30 employees, including several estheticians.
“We allow our team to bring their very best to each client,” Wall mentions. “There are no cookie-cutter treatments, enabling them to explore and offer various services.”
Esthetic services like facials and other skin care treatments provide many benefits,
including hydration and rejuvenation, anti-aging, acne and pigmentation reduction, circulation improvement, and deep cleansing. The relaxation aspect of facials is just as therapeutic as the skin benefits.
In addition to various massages and esthetics, Infinity Massage also features an infrared sauna experience—a modern twist on traditional heat therapy. Unlike typical saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to directly heat the body. This deep penetration of heat allows for a more intense detoxifying experience without the high temperatures of a traditional sauna.
Infrared saunas are believed to promote detoxification by stimulating the body’s natural sweating process. They also reduce inflammation and relieve soreness, speed up muscle recovery, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.
Wall is proud of her employees and what they bring to the business. “Our front desk team is like no other,” she says. “I am impressed daily with their grace and customer interactions. We allow people to be themselves and accept each other and our clients as they are.”
Client comfort is always the first priority at spas and wellness centers.
“From the moment a client walks through our doors, we focus on creating a comfortable, soothing, and supportive environment,” Chilefone says. “Our therapists take the time to listen to each client’s needs, tailoring every session to their preferences.”
“My clients have full agency during their session—whether massage or yoga,” Wilson explains. “If anything doesn’t feel good, I will stop or change my technique.”
In a world that often feels overwhelming, investing in self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessary practice for maintaining physical health and emotional stability. Regular visits to a wellness center or spa can help reduce and prevent chronic pain, relieve stress, improve sleep, and help you feel your best.
LutZen Massage Studios (lutzenmassage. com), Earth Body Healing (earthbodyhealing.net), and Infinity Massage & Wellness (infinitymassageduluth.com) each offer subscriptions, discounts, or occasional specials for repeat clients. Please visit their websites for more information and booking options.
With 30 years of experience as a massage therapist, Michelle Wall, owner of Infinity Massage & Wellness in Duluth, knows the business well. She opened Infinity Massage in 2014, with a move to a new location in 2021. Her practice has expanded to include over 30 employees, including several estheticians. | SUBMITTED
By Chris Pascone
EcoSuperior offers an array of educational programs, making presentations in schools. The team also works in a broader region than just Thunder Bay. | SUBMITTED
EcoSuperior is an environmental non-profit organization based in Thunder Bay. Their mission is to build a healthy future for people and the planet. Sound inspiring? EcoSuperior has existed as a guiding force for environmental change in Thunder Bay and beyond since 1995. Today, EcoSuperior’s eight staff members and hundreds of volunteers implement handson programs in the fields of water quality and stormwater management, biodiversity and wellness, active transportation, waste reduction and litter prevention, environmental education, and energy conservation to produce change that benefits people and the surrounding environment. Here’s how EcoSuperior empowers individuals, groups, and communities to take meaningful action on environmental issues.
Ashley Priem, co-executive director of EcoSuperior along with Erin Moir, has been with EcoSuperior since its inception in 1995, with a nine-year hiatus in the middle to raise her children. Priem says EcoSuperior thrives at motivating people and showing them how to make changes in their everyday lives to benefit the environment around them. “Our focus has always been at the
individual level, and then the community level,” Priem explains. “People are often paralyzed, asking, ‘What can we do for the environment?’ We really focus on actionable items that individuals and homeowners can do.”
Take EcoSuperior’s Adopt a Storm Drain program, for example. Thunder Bay has 14,000 storm drains available for adoption. To adopt a storm drain, citizens simply clean out debris and trash that get clogged in the drains in their local neighborhood. This can help keep aquatic ecosystems clear of leaves, trash, and other toxic debris. It also protects neighborhoods from excess stormwater flooding.
Taking storm drain maintenance one step further, EcoSuperior installed 16 LittaTraps in drains around Thunder Bay in spring 2024. These devices sit inside storm drains and capture litter before it reaches Lake Superior. Urban runoff is the main pathway by which plastic pollution enters the Great Lakes, especially during spring snow melt. Water flows over paved surfaces and picks up pollutants like fertilizers, oil, and physical pollution, and these contaminants flow
into storm drains that often lead directly to local waterways without any treatment. Every month during the summer, EcoSuperior collects and quantifies the litter in the LittaTraps. Doing storm drain filtration provides better understanding of pollution patterns in Thunder Bay.
EcoSuperior also promotes healthy water quality through its rain garden rebate program. Open to Thunder Bay residents, the program provides reimbursement of up to $625 for plants and other landscaping supplies purchased by homeowners who install a rain garden on their property. What is it? A rain garden consists of a shallow, bowlshaped depression formed along the natural slope of a landscape, generally composed of loose and deep soil, native perennial shrubs, grasses, and flowers. These features help soak up and clean contaminated runoff before it enters the nearest waterway. For Priem: “We help motivate and support people to implement green infrastructure through their own home rain gardens.” As a result, less water enters the storm drain system, which prevents toxins, microplastics, and other pollutants from reaching every drain’s end destination—Lake Superior.
Another program, Walk or Wheel Thunder Bay (WOW TBay), is EcoSuperior’s active transportation program that promotes kids biking and walking to school. It is part of the province-wide Ontario Active School Travel project supporting families to enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of having an active journey to and from school. Being active outdoors is crucial to EcoSuperior’s mission of building a healthy future for people and the planet.
Priem states that “transportation and your diet” are the things people personally control that most affect global warming.
Not idling our cars more than 30 seconds (“Idling gets you nowhere,” and “Idling is fuelish” are two slogans used by EcoSuperior), prioritizing active transportation, and eating plant-based foods are all things we can personally do to combat climate change. “Those ones, I have to admit, are the most challenging for people,” says Priem. “It’s sometimes really hard to find out what someone’s currency is in order to change their behavior.”
But for Priem, “We still feel there’s value in what we’re doing. We’re a community resource. That’s what keeps us motivated.”
EcoSuperior is proud to offer an array of education programs, too, making presentations in schools. Educational presentations like “Water Watchers,” “Winter Walkers,” “Pollinator Pals,” “Wild about Worms,” and “Keep it Superior” are all given to elementary school students. Secondary school students get deeper presentations on topics such as “Natural Habits: The truth behind personal care products,” and “Plastic and Learned Behavior: Reversing our plastic habit.” These programs are developed using Ontario’s Ministry of Education curriculum documents.
The EcoSuperior team works in a broader region than just Thunder Bay. “Sometimes we get provincial funding or federal funding, and then we’ll go further,” says Priem. “We’ll go to the North Shore communities. We’ve gone to Terrace Bay, Schreiber, Marathon, Nipigon, and Red Rock.” Priem is also proud of EcoSuperior’s work with Indigenous communities. “We’ve also been working with NAN: Nishnawbe Aski Nation. They represent 49 Indigenous communities in the province. They’ve contracted us recently to deliver some of our water education programs into their school com-
munities. So we either drive in or fly in and then spend a whole day, sometimes two or three days, doing water programming with them. We’re trying to do more of looking at our programs through an Indigenous lens, not a Colonial one.” For Priem, “Having opportunities to partner with Indigenous organizations and various elders has been really amazing.”
EcoSuperior has never had a core source of funding. “We’ve just really been fortunate that we’ve had some consistent partners. Considering for 30 years we’ve never had core funding, to be in existence this long is pretty incredible,” explains Priem. One source of income is the organization’s online shop, which sells low-waste items, merchandise, and rain collection barrels. Overall, the not-for-profit raises a funding mélange, including from the City of Thunder Bay, utility companies, provincial funding, and federal funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Finally, EcoSuperior is part of an umbrella organization called Green Communities Canada, which also has given funding before. With spring right around the corner, EcoSuperior will be busy. “Come April, we
have the Adopt a Storm Drain program which ramps up, and then we have our longest-running program, funded by the city: Spring Up to Clean Up. That’s our annual community cleanup event, and it runs the whole month of May. If you’d have told me before that people love to pick up litter and be a part of this, I would have had my doubts. But we have about 10,000 people every year who form neighborhood action groups and go pick up trash,” recounts Priem.
Overall, EcoSuperior provides hope in a better tomorrow. “Even just being that resource that people can call—sometimes people just need to be heard and listened to, right?” says Priem. “It’s not like we can solve all of the problems, but just knowing that there’s other likeminded individuals out there is important. We offer actionable items that people can feel good about.”
To volunteer for Spring Up to Clean Up, shop at EcoSuperior’s online shop, install a home rain garden, or take part in EcoSuperior’s other environmental programs. To learn more, visit: ecosuperior.org. And go find your local storm drain—they’d love to be adopted.
They say that “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, April also brings new exhibits to explore along the shore, from Duluth to Thunder Bay. Check out our events calendar for more information.
Gaganoonidiwag: They Talk To Each Other remains on display at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery until April 13. This 2023 mixed media piece, titled “George & The Eagle,” was created by Joel Richardson and Nyle Miigizi Johnston. | THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY
The Hovland Art Guild Spring Show will take place April 25 through May 18 at Johnson Heritage Post. The show will feature over 18 artists in a variety of mediums, including this fiber piece by Jo Wood, titled “Then There Were 2.” | JO WOOD
Sandbeck’s exhibit, As Long as the Rivers Shall Run, is on display until April 18 at the Duluth Art Institute. This 2022 cut paper piece is 27 x 27 inches and titled “Mandala for the End of Time.” | ELLEN SANDBECK
Edward Poitras: Big Iron Sky will be on display at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery April 17-June 1. This 1984 installation by Edward Poitras is 363.9 cm x 609.6 cm.
| EDWARD POITRAS
Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais will feature an exhibit by Ladona Tornebene, titled Gentle Hikes of Minnesota’s North Shore Through the Lens of Arts and Health, on display until April 20. This piece is of Gooseberry Falls. | LADONA TORNEBENE
Thomas Anderson is the artist of the month for April at Split Rock Lighthouse, near Two Harbors. This colored pencil piece is titled “Bobber.” | THOMAS ANDERSON
Most of us use some form of ceramics each day. Whether it’s starting the morning with a favorite coffee mug or gathering at the table with well-loved plates and bowls, ceramics are an art form that’s well woven into our daily lives. What’s also remarkable about ceramics is the story behind them— whether it’s a platter or a pot or a plate, each piece of pottery has gone through a remarkable transformation, one marked by patience and intention at every step.
Steffi and Zach Huberty know the importance of intention. They’re the owners and ceramicists behind Three Jewels Pottery in Ely, where they make handmade pottery for the home. As some of the newest shop owners in Ely, they’re part of a growing number of arts-focused businesses in the town, bringing handmade craft to locals and visitors alike.
Pottery has long had a presence in Steffi’s life: Her grandmother was a potter, and she recalls running around her grandmother’s pottery studio when she was a young child. But it wasn’t until the Ely Folk School opened a community ceramics studio that she was able to dive deeper into the craft. Zach was also taking ceramics classes through the folk school, and on one rainy autumn afternoon they started dreaming of opening their own shop in town. Fast forward to today, and the couple are doing just that—making ceramics out of their studio and welcoming visitors to their adjoining shop, which officially opened its doors in December 2024.
In essence, all pottery is earth. But in order to become someone’s favorite bowl or coffee mug, these bits of earth must undergo a wild transformation process, one with
three essential ingredients—patience, creativity, and heat. Each piece at Three Jewels Pottery starts as a simple lump of clay, sourced from a supplier in Minnesota. The first step is shaping, and then each piece needs to dry before the first firing. This is one of the longest stages, which only time can accomplish—if a piece hasn’t had time to dry evenly, it will explode in the kiln.
Once it’s been dried, it’s ready for the first firing, also called the bisque firing. This initial firing hardens each piece and makes it more porous to absorb the glaze.
It’s at this point when color and decoration comes into the picture. Steffi and Zach work both together and independently, drawing inspiration from elements of the natural world, as well as geometric patterns, but with room for growth and experimentation.
“While some aspects of our designs might be consistent or recognizable, we also want to maintain the freedom to try new things and continue letting the creativity flow,” Steffi said.
Once glazed and embellished, the pieces are ready for the final step—the second firing. In the second firing, each piece is heated to at least 2,200 degrees F. The intense heat in this step not only makes each piece in-
credibly strong, but brings the glaze colors fully and vibrantly to life.
Once completed, each piece of pottery heads to the shop, or into the hands of a client in the case of a custom project. All told, the process takes a week to several weeks, depending on the size of the piece. It’s a slow craft; a practice where patience matters.
“The actual making is about being present and in-the-moment. It can be very grounding, and it’s a mindful process in many ways,” Steffi said.
The intention Steffi and Zach practice in the studio has played a key role in another journey of theirs: becoming small business owners. Starting and growing Three Jewels Pottery has been its own step-by-step
process, one that began in 2021 when they purchased a property on the main street in Ely, the property that would become their studio and shop. Then came renovations, building initial inventory, and opening an online store. Finally, last year, they opened the in-person shop: a space where visitors can connect with their pottery, and where Steffi and Zach can be part of the growing arts environment in Ely.
“Providing a nice space for folks to come in and experience, and making good connections with people from all over, is something that we truly enjoy,” Steffi said
This year will be the first summer season that Three Jewels Pottery is open for visitors. You can find them at 206 East Sheridan Street in Ely, or online at: threejewelspottery.com.
April 3-6
The Arrowhead region’s largest annual spring event for building, remodeling, and home and garden products will take place at the Decc in Duluth. There will be exhibitors with the newest products and technology, informative seminars, a fully furnished model home you can tour, food and drinks, an extreme raptor show, and more. This year’s entertainment lineup includes Trading Spaces star Laurie Smith, Laundry Evangelist Patric Richardson, Midwest Garden Gal Lisa Hinzman Howard, and Grillin’ Gurus Mad Dog and Merrill. Bring the kids and stop by Builder Bob for free face painting and balloon animals. And be sure to visit the colorful parakeet landing. Tickets are $12 for ages 18 and older; $7 for ages 6-17; age 5 and under are free. arrowheadhomeshow.com
April 5, Saturday
The Violence Prevention Center is hosting a Beyond the Reel film fundraising event in Grand Marais at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on April 5. This year’s film is Loud Enough: Surviving Justice —a 2023 60-minute documentary that dives into the retraumatization that many survivors of sexual and domestic abuse face navigating the justice system. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour in the ACA lobby where guests will enjoy live music, food, refreshments, and a raffle. At 6:30 p.m., the event will move into the theater for the annual Joan Drury Award before starting the film.
This year’s guest speaker is former Cook County Attorney Molly Hicken. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door only. violencepreventioncenter.org/community
April 5, Saturday Now it its 26th year, the annual Gitchee Gumee Brewfest in Superior is a fundraiser for the Superior Jaycees. Held at the Wessman Arena (on the UW-Superior campus), Brewfest features more than 40 craft brewers, including your favorite local and regional breweries, as well as games like hammerschlagen, a slew of other vendors, and more. The event is held from 3-6 p.m. General admission is $45 and VIP admission is $75. The VIP pass will get you in the doors a full hour early before general admission ticket holders, as well as access to free food catered by Superior Cubans or Wisconsin Rollers, private bathrooms, and more. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. ggbrewfest.com
Originally scheduled for Feb. 1, the VPC’s Beyond the Reel event in Grand Marais will take place Saturday, April 5. | SUBMITTED
April 11-13 The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition’s 27th annual Spring Home and Garden Show will take place April 11-13 in Thunder Bay, using four CLE buildings and outdoor spots. There will be numerous vendors on-
site to shop from, as well as drawings, show specials, food, and more. Admission is $5 and parking is free. The show will take place from 4-9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. facebook.com/springhomeandgardenshowtbay
April 19, Saturday
The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth will hold their annual family-friendly Easter Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt with prizes, arts and crafts, a coloring contest, food trucks, games and activities for the kids, spring-themed enrichments for the animals, and more. The Easter Bunny will also be in attendance and available for photos. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 or at the door for $18. Kids ages 2 and under, as well as all Lake Superior Zoo members, receive free admission. lszoo.org
April 25-26 The Duluth Junk Hunt is a twoday indoor market that occurs every spring and fall in Duluth. Vendors come from all over the state of Minnesota and beyond, bringing vintage and re-purposed pieces. Held at the DECC, general admission is $7, available for purchase at the door and good for both days. The Junk Hunt features over 70 vendors and takes place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Or, for $15 admission purchased at the door, take advantage of early shopping on Friday from 9-11 a.m. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Duluth Junk Hunt, and part of the admission proceeds are donated to Second Harvest Northland. duluthjunkhunt.com
April 26, Saturday The annual Iron Range Earth Fest, hosted by the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability, is a celebration of local traditions and practical resources for sustainable living in northeastern Minnesota. Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia, this year’s theme is “The Price of Plastic.” There
will be interactive exhibits and vendors, guest speakers and presentations, demonstrations, live music by Horse Fzce and Christoper David Hanson, a silent auction, a local marketplace, kids activities, food, a phenology walk with John Latimer, e-waste recycling in the parking lot, and more. Admission to Earth Fest is free. irpsmn.org
April 26, Saturday Acclaimed folk troubadour Charlie Parr and legendary drummer JT Bates will team up for a rare, powerful night of music in Grand Marais. Parr’s raw, poetic folk-blues, shaped by influences like Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie, has earned him a devoted following and a catalog of 19 albums, including his latest, Little Sun (2024). Bates, a sought-after drummer known for his work with Bon Iver, The National, and Taylor Swift, brings deep rhythmic intuition to the mix. They will perform at Up Yonder
on April 26. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance, or $20 the day of the show. northshoremusicassociation.com
April 27-May 4 The Homegrown Music Festival is an annual community celebration of the original and diverse music of Duluth and its surrounding communities. What started in 1999 with 10 acts has matured to an eight-day community-wide local music, arts, and cultural extravaganza. The festival kicks off on Sunday, April 27, with various live performances throughout the day at the Lake Superior Zoo, including My Dad’s Calling, Two T’s in a Pod, Sterling Silver Studio, Dan the Monkeyman, Brody and the Roadies, Sea Smoke Aerial Arts, and more. Other performances throughout the week include Breanne Marie & the Front Porch Sinners at Blacklist Brewing Company, Hobo Revival at Zeitgeist Teatro, Cerebellum at Duluth Cider, Stardust Collective at
West Theatre, Ponyfolk at Canal Park Brewing Company, and more. A full schedule of events can be found online. facebook.com/duluthhomegrown
May 4, Sunday Visit Thunder Bay for the annual Spring Craft Revival—a day where creativity awakens across the Waterfront District and Prince Arthur’s Landing. Prepare
to explore a plethora of handmade treasures from talented artisans, featuring everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry and pottery to textiles, woodworking, and more. Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., there will also be live music and delicious food and drinks from local restaurants. Whether you’re hunting for something unique or just enjoying the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. facebook.com/craftrevivaltbay
GREEN DOOR SMELT FRY AND OUTDOOR SPORTS EXPO Beaver Bay, MN - Saturday, May 17 Fried Smelt Served 11am-3pm Music and Activities Until 8pm The Green Door Municipal Bar 1002 Main Ave, Beaver Bay, MN
For more information, contact Dan Cahill Mathews (218) 940-3904 baptismriverbbq@gmail.com
Thru April 6
Lakehead University Honours Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru April 13
Gaganoonidiwag: They Talk To Each Other Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Lakehead University Juried Student Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru April 18
Tali Margolin: Navigating Moments Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org
Ellen Sandbeck: As Long as the Rivers Shall Run Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org
Thru May 4
Treaty 3: The Sacred Document Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com
Thru June 1
The Planet Welcomed Me: A Commemorative Exhibition of Works by Robert Derbouka (Reception May 1 at 6:30 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru Dec. 31
Can-Car & The Rosies Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com
March 27-April 6
Matilda the Musical Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org
March 28-April 20
Gentle Hikes of Minnesota’s North Shore Through the Lens of Arts & Health Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org
April 1, Tuesday
Angela Hewitt: Piano 7 p.m. Mitchell Auditorium, College of St. Scholastica, matineemusicale.org
Ecstatic Dance 7 p.m. Community Center 4-H Log Cabin, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com
April 1-31
Artist of the Month: Thomas Anderson (Reception April 5 at 10 a.m.) Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock
April 2, Wednesday
Timber! Tales of Lumberjacks, Settlers, & Lumber Barons in Northern Minnesota 1 p.m. Duluth Public Library, alslib.info
Starting Your Screenplay Workshop 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
Timber! Tales of Lumberjacks, Settlers, & Lumber Barons in Northern Minnesota 6 p.m. Mt. Royal Branch Library, Duluth, alslib.info
Transitions: Navigating Life’s Events Together 6:30 p.m. North Shore Area Partners, Silver Bay, nsapartners.org
Twin Ports’ Rail-to-Sail Connection: History Presentation by Tony Dierckins 7 p.m. Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, facebook.com/zenithcityonline
Dirty Dancing in Concert 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Songwriter Series: Moors & McCumber 8 p.m. Lofty Gondola, Lutsen Mountains, lutsen.com
April 2-9
Twin Ports Festival of History Duluth & Superior, Facebook Group: Twin Ports Festival of History
April 3, Thursday
Coffee Concert: Royal Miller 1 p.m. Community Partners, Two Harbors, facebook.com/communitypartnersth
Call of the Wild Poetry Nights 5 p.m. Ely Folk School, northernlakesarts.org
Mini Pop Kids Live! The Celebration Tour 6 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
April 3-6
Arrowhead Home & Builders Show Decc, Duluth, arrowheadhomeshow.com
April 3-12
Marjorie Prime 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com
April 3-13
Every Brilliant Thing 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
April 4, Friday
Apres-Ski Music: Emma Tweten 3:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
First Friday & Lonnie Dupre Presentation: Greenland: Where Ice is Born 5:30 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
A Taste of History Dinner: Railroads 6:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com
TBSO: Melody & Magic 7:30 p.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
April 4-6
Mountain Meltdown Festival Lutsen Mountains, lutsen.com
April 4-30
Artist of the Month: Hayes Scriven (Reception April 4 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, friendsoftettegouche.org
April 5, Saturday
Family Drop-In Crafts 10 a.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Cook County Winter Market 10 a.m. The Hub, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com
Peregrines of the North Shore Noon, Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock Gitchee Gumee Brewfest 3 p.m. UWS: Wessman Arena, Superior, ggbrewfest.com
VPC Film Fundraiser: Beyond the Reel 5:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, violencepreventioncenter.org
DSSO: Masterworks 6: La Valse 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, dsso.com
April 6, Sunday
Family Art Days 1 p.m. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, facebook.com/thunderbayag
Live from the Barrel Room with Bump Blomberg 3 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Amy Grant 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
April 6-13
Ely Young Life Online Sweet Spring Auction Ely, ely.younglife.org
April 7, Monday
ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. Clearwater Grille, Duluth, alslib.info
Mean Girls: The Musical 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
April 8, Tuesday
Minnesota Children’s Press Book Launch & Art Exhibit: “Go Away, Rock Snot!” 3:30 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post Gallery, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org
Monthly Movie Night 6 p.m. Friends of the Boundary Waters, Ely, friends-bwca.org
April 9, Wednesday
River View Trail Spring Birding Hike 8:30 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry
Spirituality & the Arts: Community Meal & Panel Discussions 5:30 p.m. First Congregational UCC, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com
Creative Writing with Brian Malloy: Poetry 6 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, facebook.com/silverbaylibrary
LCHS History in a Pint: Superior National Forest 6:30 p.m. Tipsy Mosquito, Two Harbors, lakecountyhistoricalsociety.org
April 10, Thursday
Lake County Chamber Spring Gala 5 p.m.
Two Harbors Moose Lodge, lakecounty-chamber.com
Timber! Tales of Lumberjacks, Settlers, & Lumber Barons in Northern Minnesota 6 p.m. West Duluth Branch Library, alslib.info
April 10-13
Romeo & Juliet Depot Theater, Duluth, minnesotaballet.org
April 10-26
Women of the Fur Trade Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnusstheatre.com
April 11, Friday
Timber! Tales of Lumberjacks, Settlers, & Lumber Barons in Northern Minnesota 10 a.m.
Two Harbors Public Library, alslib.info
Fifth Falls Early Spring Hike 10:30 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry
Timber! Tales of Lumberjacks, Settlers, & Lumber Barons in Northern Minnesota 3:30 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, alslib.info
April 11-12
Washburn Get Lit Literature Festival Washburn, WI, washburnchamber.com
Standup Comedy: Dylan Gott 7 p.m. The Foundry, Thunder Bay, campfirecomedy.ca
April 11-13
Spring Home & Garden Show CLE, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/springhomeandgardenshowtbay
April 11-May 31
April Showers, May Flowers Exhibit (Reception April 11 at 6 p.m.) Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org
April 12, Saturday
Fitger’s 5k 9 a.m. Fitger’s Complex, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com
Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Spirit of the Lake Community Arts, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com
Agate & Ore’s 12th Birthday Celebration 10:30 a.m. Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org
Easter Fun Noon, Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org
Carroll Baker: One Final Tour 2 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Full Moon Bike Ride 6 p.m. Superstore Parking Lot, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com
A Film Screening: Celebrating Art’s Redemptive Power 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, gmfilmsociety.simpletix.com
Pure Honey 7:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com
April 13, Sunday
Finland Farmers Market 12:30 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com
Ely Young Life Live Auction & Banquet 1 p.m. The Hub, Ely, ely.younglife.org
Full Moon Poetry 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com
Lorrie Morgan & Pam Tillis: Grits & Glamour Tour 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
April 14, Monday
LGBTQ+ Country Western Dance Night 7 p.m. Community Center 4-H Log Cabin, Grand Marais, cookcountypride.org
Glass Tiger: This Island Earth 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
April 15, Tuesday
Hospice & End of Life Care Planning Education Class 6 p.m. Aspirus Lake View, Two Harbors, facebook.com/communitypartnersth
April 16, Wednesday
Timber! Tales of Lumberjacks, Settlers, & Lumber Barons in Northern Minnesota 1 p.m. Ely Public Library, alslib.info Trivia Night 4 p.m. Community Partners, Two Harbors, facebook.com/communitypartnersth History Happy Hour 5 p.m. Boathouse Brewpub Lookout Lounge, Ely, rootbeerlady.com
Creative Writing with Brian Malloy: Funny Stuff 6 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, facebook.com/silverbaylibrary
April 17-June 1
Edward Poitras: Big Iron Sky Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
April 18, Friday
The Resplendent Table 5:30 p.m. Great Hall at the Depot, Duluth, minnesotaballet.org
Free Films on Fridays: The Third Man 6 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com
April 18-19
American Ballet Theatre: Giselle 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sat.) UMD: Northrop Theater, Duluth, northrop.umn.edu
April 19, Saturday
Easter Egg-Stravaganza 10 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, lszoo.org
Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. Rec Park Sledding Hill, Grand Marais
Easter Bunny Visit 11 a.m. Toy Sense, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com
April 19-May 25
Where My Dreams Lay: Secondary School Art Show (Reception April 24 at 5 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
April 20, Sunday
April 21, Monday
Louis CK: Ridiculous 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
April 21-26
Get Downtown Week Duluth, downtownduluth.com
April 22, Tuesday
Earth Day
April 22-26
Earth Day Week Pop-Up Exhibition with Catherine Meier Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org
April 23, Wednesday
Creative Writing with Brian Malloy: Nature Writing 6 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, facebook.com/silverbaylibrary
April 24-27
Lutsongs: A Songwriters Retreat Cascade Lodge & Restaurant, Lutsen, lutsongmusicfestival.com
April 24-June 16
We Are Water MN Exhibit The Hub, Ely, elyfolkschool.org
April 25, Friday
Spring Hike: What’s Nature Up To? 1 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberry
Cain: The Jesus Music Tour 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
April 25-26
Duluth Junk Hunt Decc, Duluth, duluthjunkhunt.com
April 25-27
Alice in Wonderland Jr. Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
April 25-May 18
The Hovland Arts Group Exhibit (Reception April 25 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org
April 26, Saturday
Free Parks Day Minnesota State Parks, mndnr.gov/freeparkdays
Iron Range Earth Fest 9 a.m. Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia, irpsmn.org
Duluth Fiber Guild Rummage Sale 9 a.m. Coppertop Church, Duluth, duluthfiberguild.org
Meet & Greet with Kid-Author Kiki Garcia 12:30 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com
Healthy Kids Day 1 p.m. Cook County YMCA, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ cookcountycommunityymca
TBSO: A Trip to Broadway with Badanai Theatre 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Rum Ragged 8 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiant.ca
Charlie Parr & JT Bates 8 p.m.
Up Yonder, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com
Dude Dad’s On Thin Ice Comedy Tour 8 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
April 27-May 4
Homegrown Music Festival Duluth, facebook.com/duluthhomegrown
April 28, Monday
Needle Art Guild Monthly Meeting 11 a.m. Kenwood Lutheran Church, Duluth ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. Clearwater Grille, Duluth, alslib.info
April 30, Wednesday
Lakehead Choral Group: Be the Change
7 p.m. St. Agnes Church, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/lakeheadchoralgroup
May 4, Sunday
Spring Craft Revival 9 a.m. Waterfront District, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/craftrevivaltbay
Tuesdays
Locals Night with Live Music 4:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Wednesdays
Game Day for Adults 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/communitypartnersth
Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca
Thursdays
Thursday Night Art 3:30 p.m. Joy & Company, Grand Marais, joy-and-company.com
Date Night with Live Music 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Fridays
Victory Chorus 10 a.m. Community Partners, Two Harbors, facebook.com/ communitypartnersth
Renegade Late Night Improv 10 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com
Saturdays
Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca
Thunder Bay Farmers Market 10 a.m. 954 Huron Avenue, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/t.bay. farmersmarket
What’s for Dinner? 7 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org
TWO HARBORS
AmericInn
Betty’s Pies
Castle Danger
Brewery
Cedar Coffee Company
Gooseberry Falls
State Park
Larsmont Cottages
R.J. Houle Info Center
Rustic Inn
Superior Shores
Super One
SCHROEDER
Cross River
Heritage Center
Temperance Traders
SILVER BAY/ BEAVER BAY/ FINLAND
Black Beach
Bri Esa’s
Cove Point
Four Seasons
Finland Co-op
Grand Superior Lodge
Northwoods Cafe
Split Rock
Lighthouse
Tettegouche State Park
Timber Coffee
LUTSEN
Caribou Highlands
Cascade Restaurant
Cascade Vacation
Rentals
Clearview Store
Lockport Store
Lutsen Liquor
Mountain Inn
Timber Wolff Realty
TOFTE
AmericInn
Bluefin Bay
Coho Cafe
GRAND MARAIS
Aspen Lodge
Buck’s Hardware
Cook County Co-op
Cook County
Historical Society
Coldwell Banker
North Shore
East Bay Suites
Gene’s IGA
G.M. Information Center
G.M. Rec Park
Gunflint Tavern
Hungry Hippie Tacos
Java Moose
Johnson’s Foods
Lake Superior Trading Post
Marathon
My Sister’s Place
N.S. Care Center
Red Pine Realty
Subway
Voyageur
Brewery
GRAND
PORTAGE
Grand Portage
Trading Post
Grand Portage
State Park
Ryden’s Gas Station
Ryden’s Border Store
By Virginia George
Spring is here, and I’m excited for longer days and sunsets after dinnertime. Longer days mean warmer days. The frozen lawn turns into a slip and slide of mud and clay, and my chickens have emerged from the coop to rediscover my landscaping and dug themselves some impressively deep holes to bathe in. I guess it gives me some exercise to chase them out of the gate (which they squat and walk under) three or four times a day, so who am I to complain?
As we emerge from our hidey holes of winter hibernation and venture out to reacquaint ourselves with our neighbors, it is exciting to see our favorite seasonal places reopen for the summer. One thing I love about living on the North Shore is catching up with the popular haunts before tourist season begins, and experiencing the wonders of our gifted community before the crowds show up. It’s like I get to sneak in some joy ahead of the masses.
Since spring has arrived and food truck owners prepare for the summer ahead, I’ve got a couple to share with you. Both Johnny B’s and Baptism River Barbecue Co. are devoted to sourcing local ingredients and partnering with farms and other small businesses, and they are also invested in the communities in which they serve. I know they’d love to meet you.
Johnny B’s eschews the “seasonal” title that many food trucks bear, and remains in operation throughout the winter. Utilizing online ordering so hungry patrons don’t have to wait outside in the cold, owner Johnny Barnstorf started his food truck business with the intention of bringing local and seasonally authentic food to the Duluth area, and he certainly has! With a carefully curated and seasonal menu, Johnny B’s keeps the Northland fed.
While Johnny B’s menu changes with the seasons, you will often find some staples on their menu. The Smash Burger is a favorite, featuring Yker Acres grass-fed beef, caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, an heirloom tomato slice, greens, and Chile dill aioli, served on a Johnson’s Bakery bun crisped to perfection. Johnny B’s also makes a mean tart—the smoked salmon tart features Boursin cheese, apple, maple vinaigrette, and roasted grapes on a flaky puff pastry, and if you catch them in the fall, you may catch a wild mushroom
tart. Their Rooney Bar is the perfect thing to fix your sweet tooth, with oatmeal shortbread, chocolate, and caramel.
Johnny B’s is already up and operating, but they are also available for private events and catering and as a private chef. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages for Johnny B’s Food Truck Duluth locations and hours.
Baptism River Barbecue Co. hails from Silver Bay, where owners Dan and Kaylee Cahill Mathews have worked to define and refine what “Northwoods Barbecue” means. Their foods and partnerships work in concert to create a flavor profile that springs from among the forest. Minnesota maple syrup sweetens their barbecue sauce, locally farmed meat fills the smoker, and locally harvested maple wood fuels it. It is a Lake Superior experience from beginning to end.
Baptism River Barbecue Co. serves a variety of smoked dishes that are meant to leave you wanting more. Their Smoked Porketta sandwich features pork shoulder seasoned with fennel, paprika, and garlic before being thinly sliced and served on a toasted bun with provolone, onions, and their very own garlic aioli. Of course, you can find the “regular” old pork belly burnt ends, ribs, brisket that melts in your mouth, and hearty mac and cheese, but if you’re in the mood for a lighter option, Baptism River Barbecue Co. serves salads and vegetables as well. Their pickle sampler is a hit! These de-
licious salads are served with pulled chicken and maple mustard vinaigrette, and include a variety of local vegetables like charred asparagus, or perhaps pickled onions and beets, and then add a side of smoked cauliflower or beer cheese. Baptism River Barbecue Co. serves up unique flavors that find their source in our own backyard.
You will also find three seasoning rubs and three of their popular barbecue sauces on the Baptism River Barbecue Co. website, in case you want to take a bit of their flavor home with you. They participate in several pop-up events throughout the winter, but are looking forward to kicking off summer at the Historic Green Door Smelt Fry on May 17 in Beaver Bay. Keep an eye on their website for locations and events.
Friends, welcome to spring. I hope you have the opportunity to catch an after-dinner sunset, get some sun on your face, and breathe the fresh air. Maybe stay out of the mud (unless you like that sort of thing) and get out there! You never know, you may follow a food truck and find a new favorite lunch spot.
And maybe that’s what I love the most about the food truck scene. These businesses have a unique opportunity to connect with their community in ways that brick and mortar stores cannot. They participate in our community in a more intimate way, by being present at festivals, fairs, community gatherings, and sometimes just the side of the road. It is a beautiful opportunity to connect farm to producer to consumer and community. And because of the
small(ish) batch nature of cooking, chefs are free to bring us unique and interesting dishes that would be more difficult to provide on a larger scale.
In any case, I know Johnny B’s and Baptism River Barbecue Co. would love to meet you, so get out there and find some good food. Maybe I’ll catch you in line.
By Rae Poynter
What does craft have to do with grief?
When hearing the word “craft,” many people envision a mere hobby—something that’s entertaining when you have the time for it, but ultimately isn’t very important. However, a growing body of research shows that craft is more than a lighthearted pastime: it can also be a path to connection and healing during the most difficult times of our lives.
Beth Carter Gautsch is a metalsmith and jewelry-making instructor at North House Folk School in Grand Marais. An experienced artisan, craft was a regular part of her life. However, that all changed three years ago with the passing of a close loved one. Carter Gautsch’s world turned upside down, and her craft came to a standstill.
“I had no desire to make,” Carter Gautsch said. “My creative process was fully blocked.”
As she processed such a significant loss, Carter Gautsch decided to enroll in a jewelry-making course. As it happened, the class was full of people who were dealing with major life transitions, including recent losses. As she sat beside other people experiencing grief and got to work learning new fabrication skills, she found a new purpose and connection in an otherwise lonely and chaotic time.
“It opened my eyes as to how working with our hands can reengage our minds,” Carter Gautsch said.
Craft has long been associated with well-being; ask people why they knit or carve wood, and many will say they find the process relaxing. Indeed, a growing body of research shows that working with the hands—and doing so in community—helps people process difficult things. Dr. Anne Kirketerp shares this research in the book Craft Psychology: How Crafting Promotes Health. Kirketerp says that grieving or stressed people are often told to, “Go home, relax, and do nothing.” However, “doing nothing,” especially in isolation, activates the brain’s default mode network (DMN), where stressful thoughts can proliferate. Engaging in a meaningful activity—like craft—is different. It breaks the mind out of rumination and promotes positive feelings like competence, autonomy, and relatedness, all of which are helpful during stressful times.
This idea that craft can promote well-being is something that Carter Gautsch experienced firsthand. After the class, she continued crafting jewelry that reflected her mindset at the time. It was a cathartic process, and when she wore the pieces she made, people asked about them, opening up new connections and conversations about grief.
“In our society, there are few ways to process loss, and it’s difficult to find community when you are grieving, as it is such a personal experience,” Carter Gautsch said. “I’ve come
to believe it takes a village to get through the tough stuff in life. It does not have to be a big village, but we all need people to hold us up when life, loss, and grief knock us down.”
After returning to metalsmithing, Carter Gautsch also returned to teaching, but with a greater emphasis on process and connection. She developed a new course called Healing Through Craft: Jewelry Fabrication, which will take place at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais in April. In the course, students who have experienced any sort of loss or difficult life transition will learn to fabricate jewelry, with a focus on finding their voice and expressing their experiences through craft.
“I think North House Folk School, with the emphasis on creating a safe space for all, is a great place for this workshop. While this course is not intended to be a therapy session, it is intended to foster a connection between
our heart, head, and hands while learning basic metal fabrication skills,” Carter Gautsch said. “I hope you’ll join us in this unique creative and social experience, expressing and processing grief through metalsmithing.”
Healing Through Craft: Jewelry Fabrication will take place April 3-6 at North House Folk School, and registration is open now. Learn more at: northhouse.org.
Beth Carter Gautsch [RIGHT] is a metalsmith and jewelry-making instructor at North House Folk School in Grand Marais. She developed a new course called Healing Through Craft: Jewelry Fabrication, which will take place in April. In the course, students who have experienced any sort of loss or difficult life transition will learn to fabricate jewelry, with a focus on finding their voice and expressing their experiences through craft. | SUBMITTED
By Gord Ellis
Walk through any tackle shop and you will find an impressive array of lures, hooks, and fish attractors. All can catch fish, and the most successful ones also catch anglers. However, there is a presentation that is so simple, it is just silly. The bead is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective fishing accessories you can have. It is deadly as an egg substitute for trout and salmon, it’s an attractor on a spinner, and can provide colour when used with a live bait rig.
Let’s take a dive into the world of beads and how an angler can use them.
Most beads used in freshwater angling are plastic, with wide variations in hardness and texture. Glass beads are also used by anglers and can provide extra weight to a presentation. All beads used for fishing have a hole in the centre that allows the line to be threaded through it. The size of the hole can vary, depending on what the bead is used for and the bead size. Beads for fishing range from 1.5 mm (on the small side) to 5.5 mm on the large size. There are commercial bead kits for sale in many sporting goods stores, and some include a variety of different sizes. Consider what you will need the beads for the most before investing. Also, beads are used for all manner of crafts, and I’ve found some really cool colours at hobby and craft shops for an affordable price.
For many Ontario steelhead anglers, bead fishing is a proven fish catcher. When fishing a single (or double) bead rig, always use a #4, #6, or #8 thin wire, and a short shank hook with an upturned eye. This hook is attached with a snell or egg loop knot. This knot holds the shank in line with your line and provides a direct pull on the hook when a fish hits. You can anchor the bead with a soft plastic peg, rubber band, or even a toothpick. Rubber bobber stops placed on both sides of the bead allow for easy adjustments of a bead as well. About a two-finger gap between the bead and hook is the standard.
Beads can be fished with fly tackle, drifted on spinning tackle, or centre pinned under a float. There really is no end to what a bead can do as a trout attractant. Single beads look like eggs that are drifting downstream, so they are especially deadly in rivers and current areas. In all but the
smallest creek, I like to fish a double bead rig with two different colours or two different sized beads. In clear water, translucent beads of orange, red, or chartreuse really shine, but there is a wide array of colours and shades to try. You can also add a bead to a yarn fly or rubber worm. A single bead can also be effective fished under a float, especially in low water. Many steelhead and salmon anglers have discovered a glass bead hangs well and will swing nicely under a float. Keep the bead just off the bottom and you should be in business.
If you like to catch walleye, you likely know about the live bait rig. You back troll a chub, sucker minnow, worm, or leach via a slip sinker rig or bottom bouncer. The bait is placed on a hook and trails behind the sinker. This works as is of course. However, add a bead in front of the hook and you have a little extra attraction. The plastic bead is an attractor for sure, but it is also buoyant, something that really helps when fished in front of a worm or leech. The bead can run free on the leader in front of the hook or be anchored in place. I tend to allow a bead to free range on the leader, which means it may not always be right in front of the hook and bait. There are no rules in this game. Let your success decide what the fish might prefer.
Classic walleye spinner rigs come in many forms and are built on a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. The spinner rig will have a clevis, blade, snelled hook, and swivel for the main line. Yet it’s the
Beads for fishing come in a wide variety of colours and sizes.
| GORD ELLIS
beads that provide the deadly mix of colour, buoyancy, and bulk. You can buy commercial spinner rigs, and they will have a variety of coloured bead options. My preference is to customize a pre-tied spinner or make them from scratch with a few new beads. Beads are not always perfectly round, in fact they can come in some very unusual shapes. Some of the options can include beads with spikes, bumps and squares, and other oddities. While these funky shaped beads may not be the best egg imitation, they can add some interest and sex appeal to a spinner rig. Spinners with muti-coloured beads look like jewelry, yet the overall impact of that string of colour and shapes makes for a very appealing presentation behind a spinner.
Beads can work wonder in a wide variety of fishing situations. Add them to your arsenal this spring and prepare to be impressed.
By John Coy
Illustrated
by Chris Park
Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2024, $17.95
In the children’s book So Cold!, a boy and his father venture outside into freezing temperatures to explore six fun science experiments. They fling boiling water into the air, pour maple syrup on clean snow, and discover how a helium balloon behaves in the cold. The playful story is followed by an author’s note explaining the science behind each experiment. This is a fun, educational read that families will enjoy together.— Breana Johnson
By Marie Zhuikov
Cornerstone Press, 2025, $24.95
The Path of Totality is a captivating collection of short stories and a novella, each blending mystery, intrigue, and the unexpected. From a man unable to witness an eclipse, to a scammer who falls for the woman he is targeting, Zhuikov’s writing skillfully explores how appearances can deceive and enchant. With its eerie yet enthralling tales, this collection highlights the magic and menace that lurk in everyday life, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read.— Breana Johnson
By David G. Ferguson
North Channel Novels, 2024, $14.69
In the novel Moose Down, Conservation Officer Rob McNabb and Natural Resources pilot Samantha Williams tackle escalating natural resource violations in a new district, while investigating a rogue outfitter and a rich poacher. The tension builds as they team up with retired CO Eric Snyder and local police for a high-stakes takedown that goes badly. Located in Ontario and filled with action, compelling characters, and an unpredictable plot, this fourth installment is a must-read for wildlife crime thrillers.— Breana Johnson
BY ERIN ALTEMUS
I had my start time wrong and downtown Marquette was already chaotic. There were more people crowding a several block stretch than live in Cook County, and amidst that we had to ready the 12 dogs, sled, and musher for the 67-mile leg ahead. I spent too much time talking to people and suddenly it was time to start hooking up dogs, though I should have been doing this minutes ago, and because I had so many male dogs on the team, they were all growling at each other, and I couldn’t seem to find pairs that would run together. We were frantically switching dogs around trying to avoid a huge fight. The race people waved me ahead and I released the sled. There weren’t enough people holding the team and I did everything I could to hold them back. We were one team back from the start line and everyone let go except for one brave volunteer. The team dragged us both up to the start line where the “hooker” as they are called, took my snow hook and hooked down to a chain that held the team for a brief minute before we shot down the main street of Marquette and into the night.
For the first few miles, as we wound our way out of Marquette, the trail followed the highway. It was a paved trail with a toothin cover of snow and my brake dug into the pavement as I attempted to slow my team down to a reasonable pace. We passed Remy Leduc after just a few miles and I yelled “This is crazy!” as we passed, but he didn’t hear me. For 67 miles I tried to hold my team at a reasonable pace. I was bib 14 and we passed all but three or four teams in front of us.
The next leg would bring us to the halfway point of Grand Marais, Mich. The trail was really punchy now. Recent snows did not pack well, and the trail felt somewhat bottomless. We maintained a decent speed and I left with the full team of 12 dogs, but there were a couple with questionable issues—stiffness that might turn into some kind of injury, and sure enough, Monster started limping halfway through the run. Soon, I was offering him a ride. Monster spent the next 25 miles looking at me from the sled and giving me occasional kisses.
At the checkpoint however, it was clear the trail had taken a toll on several dogs. I left after a five-hour rest with only eight dogs. Erin Aili and I had very similar run times and I left several minutes behind her. At one point, I saw her up ahead, but then I had to stop and switch out my leaders and Erin disappeared.
Leaving Wetmore for the finish, I was in second position. I had an eight-minute lead on Erin. I left with my most trusted leaders Temper and Keith up front, but within a mile Temper decided he didn’t want to lead, despite his experience in this race. I stopped to switch him out with 3-year-old Data.
Data almost didn’t come to the UP. After a long training run and the Gunflint Mail Run, he was a bit skinny. But after loading all the other dogs for the race, I was walking around the dog yard and I thought Data looked pretty good, so I threw him on the truck. He had grown into a phenomenal leader this year and saved me on the third leg when Temper didn’t want to lead. Data slipped from my fingers though and ran off into the dark. I called after him, thinking he’d come right back. He did not. We followed him down the trail.
Soon we crossed a road and the race marshal and several volunteers there say they saw Data come through and keep going. He was following the trail at least. There was a major highway coming up and I asked to have the volunteers watch for Data.
We mushed on. Still no Data. At the highway, Josh and Woody were there and ready. They said they hadn’t seen Data. But then Josh looked behind me and up ran Data. Josh grabbed him, I hooked him up in lead and we ran towards the finish.
Over the next 50-some miles, we went from maintaining a respectable pace to finally slowing down to a crawl. It began snowing quite heavily and even though there was a team ahead of us somewhere, we were breaking trail through 5-6 inches of snow and the leaders, first Keith and then Data, couldn’t keep the pace. Erin Aili eventually caught and then passed us. I cycled through almost every dog in the team trying to find leaders that would do the job and Temper and Itsy decided they would until we hit “the grade” which was the main snowmobile trail in and out of Marquette. We were almost at the finish—maybe 5 or 6 miles left—but the constant snowmobile traffic was too much for these leaders now and they quit. Data went back up front. He ran single for a few miles. Finally, with Taco as his partner, Data took us to the finish in third place, our best finish in the UP200 to date.
The week leading up to the Beargrease there were daily emails from our musher rep. The weather was warm and the trail out of Duluth deteriorated by the day. The start was pushed back to Two Harbors. Then, the board decided we should start with fewer dogs and add more in at the second checkpoint because even the trail out of Two Harbors was bad. At one point on Tuesday, our musher rep said, “You still have time to drive to Can-Am if you want.” At least one musher in the mid-distance dropped out and went to the Copper Dog instead.
We had the option of starting with eight or fewer dogs and I started with seven. The first leg went fine with seven dogs. I could control my small team, and we traveled plenty fast over the icy trail. The Finland
checkpoint was all gravel, and it was so warm we had to lay down straw in puddles of water for the dogs. After two hours of rest, I added in the fresh five dogs and we took off, me fearing for my life behind a now very powerful team of 12 on a not great trail. For the next 30 miles to Sawbill I stood on the brake, trying to slow down this powerful team. Unlike the trail in the UP, which was snowy and bottomless, now we were on hard, icy trail and moving fast. At one point halfway to Sawbill, I rounded a turn at the top of a hill and hit a huge patch of ice on a downhill. The sled skidded outward very fast and flipped. I landed hard on my elbow. Wincing, I withdrew my elbow inward, holding the handlebar tight as we careened down the hill. Finally, the dogs stopped, I got a hook in, and I up-righted myself. Later we hit another sharp turn, and I took out a sign. On the next leg, we turned onto a plowed road. Unable to slow down, the dogs didn’t take my haw command and continued down the road until I could finally get my hook into the snowbank on the side. This was a situation I had really tried to avoid, and one I feared. I had most of my Iditarod team here, including two females that liked to start a fight at any opportunity—this was one of those opportunities. And would my hook hold once I turned the team? If it didn’t, I needed to: A) catch the sled as it went by, and B) not allow the team to bunch into a tangle, which would allow said females to get into said fight. I grabbed the leaders and whipped them around on a 180-degree course on the road. Snarling ensued. I continued leading them around
as fast as I could. This went pretty smooth. Now we needed to make a sharp gee on a trail that was meant to be accessed from the other direction. By the time the sled hit, we were going up and over a 7-foot berm. The sled got stuck on top. I pushed and pushed. Nothing. I put in the sled hook off to the left, flipped the sled off to the side, and freed the sled, but now my snowhook was set so hard I couldn’t free it. I thought I had learned how to solve this problem last year when I kept setting my hook too hard with the 16-dog team in the Iditarod. Nic Petit stopped at one point to help me and showed me how to pull my sled back to free my hook. I tried that now, but to no avail. After several minutes of struggle, I finally freed the hook and off we went.
The next couple of legs were uneventful. We had a solid run towards Skyport, picking up a few minutes on the race leader Erin Aili. The race was between us, the two Erins. I enjoyed running Devil Track Lake at sunset and a crowd welcomed me at Skyport Lodge, snapping pictures of the sunset behind me as I came in.
On the way to Mineral Center, at 2 a.m., I crossed the Arrowhead Trail and a volunteer reached out to hand me a bag of cookies. I leaned to grab the cookies and tipped my sled, slamming my knees in the ground and dragging 50 feet across a gravel parking lot. As I stopped, Beth, the volunteer, handed me the cookies, which I took. I uprighted the sled and continued. The trail wove on and off a plowed road here, and at one point we bunched up and a small fight ensued.
Then two things appeared: on the left was a corn dog stand on the plowed road, and on the right up ahead, signs and a large hole in the trail. Mind you, it’s 3 a.m., and I was still recovering from being dragged on the gravel and I couldn’t understand where I was supposed to go. The team ran over an arrow sign pointing to the left before I called them left up onto the plowed road. We passed by the corn dog stand, where every year some friends of ours hand out corn dogs and beers to passing mushers. While most years I welcome the food, this year I just felt fed up.
“I don’t want any corn dogs!” I yelled to Josh, who was trying to hand off some corn dogs and beer. I kept going and he was trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t hear him.
Despite my mishaps, I made up more time on Erin Aili, but leaving Mineral Center we were still 10 minutes behind her. We didn’t have a stellar run to the finish, so second place we earned, a fine finish for Sawtooth Racing. Best of all, some young dogs stepped up to lead the race.
Now as I finish writing this, I keep my eye on the Iditarod standings, watching my friend Emily Ford make her way towards Nome. I feel a mix of emotions, envy and trepidation, wondering if I will have the stamina and courage to try the big race again. This year was a wild success for us, and it would be the easy thing to keep doing these races in the lower 48. Stay tuned for future plans and fingers crossed for a great winter in 2025-2026.
APRIL 2025 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH
In April the iconic stars of Orion and other famous winter constellations drop westward as they begin their annual exit from the evening sky.
In the early part of the month, look to the west at nightfall for the constellation that topped the wintry array of bright stars. This is Auriga, the charioteer, a polygon of stars set off by brilliant Capella. Capella now shines above Jupiter, the brightest object in the evening sky after the moon.
Capella consists of four stars, but only two are big and bright. They orbit each other at a distance of just 67 million miles—nearly the same as Venus’s distance from the sun. Capella is known for exhibiting different colors and rapid twinkling when it’s near the horizon, a phenomenon caused by light from a bright object passing through Earth’s atmosphere.
In the east and south, the spring stars are now moving into prom -
inence. Foremost among them is Leo, the lion. Look high in the south at nightfall for a backward question mark of stars called the Sickle; these stars outline the lion’s head and neck. The point in the question mark is Regulus, Leo’s brightest star. East of the Sickle, a triangle of stars marks the lion’s hindquarters and tail.
April’s full moon arrives at 7:22 p.m. on Saturday, the 12th. It rises over Grand Marais at 7:50 p.m., close below Spica, the only bright star in the constellation Virgo, the maiden. This is the year’s most distant full moon, so if you’re a habitual full moon watcher, you’ll likely notice that it looks smaller than usual.
The evening of Wednesday, the 30th, April closes with a young moon hanging above Jupiter. This moon will be just three days past perigee, its closest approach to Earth in a cycle, so its crescent will be on the large side.
The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses. For more information on Duluth, visit: d.umn.edu/planet.
BY JOE SHEAD
WHY GO: The Baptism River is one of the larger North Shore streams in Minnesota and has a fairly long stretch of water for lake-run fish to roam before the first impassable barrier. It’s a steelhead hotspot in the spring and the river holds brook trout year-round.
ACCESS: The Baptism River is composed of two sections: The East Branch and the West Branch, which come together near Finland to form the Baptism River. The West Branch is also the “Main Stem.” Both have brook trout, but the Main Stem is the better of the two, as the East Branch has some slow-moving sections. The East Branch is wide and slow in many areas and parallels the Cramer Road (Lake County Hwy. 7) for miles, providing plenty of access opportunities. You can also access this branch at Sonju Lake Road, KC Road and the North Shore State Trail. The Main Stem can be accessed along Highway 1, off the Moose Run State Trail, off the East General Grade and at Finland Campground and Day Use Area. Beyond the confluence of the two
sections, anglers can access the river at Eckbeck Campground and at Tettegouche State Park. In addition, the Baptism River Aquatic Management Areas consist of four subunit easements, via which anglers can gain access to the river across private property. These units are located between Finland and Tettegouche State Park.
VITALS: The East Branch of the river rises near Murphy City and runs about 20 miles before emptying into the Main Stem in Finland. The river is relatively narrow in its upper reaches, but widens into slow, lakelike impoundments in its last 6 miles as it runs along the Cramer Road. In the upper reaches, anglers can find small brook trout. The slow-moving section holds perch and may hold other cool-water species as well. The West Branch/Main Stem runs nearly 26 miles from north of Murphy City to Lake Superior within Tettegouche State Park. This branch has better brook trout habitat.
GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Brook trout, steelhead, pink salmon, coho salmon, and chinook salmon.
BROOK TROUT: “A very nice brook trout would be 10 inches,” said Nathan Stewart, stream biologist at the Finland DNR office. “We’ve got a lot of fish in that 7- to 9-inch length.” He said the upper reaches don’t receive a ton of fishing pressure, but they are fishable. “It actually stays pretty wide,” he said. “It’s probably one of the better streams to fly cast.” He said anglers could actually launch a canoe in some sections near the East General Grade. But most trout fishing pressure on the section above the posted boundary happens around the Finland and Eckbeck campgrounds. Below the posted boundary, in Tettegouche State Park, lake-run coaster brook trout can be found. “We found real decent numbers of brook trout and some big ones,” said Nick Peterson, Lake Superior fisheries specialist, of his survey work below the posted boundary of the Baptism River.
“The biggest was just over 20 (inches) and there were a few that were 16 to 18.” Peterson said fish naturally produced in the Baptism have appeared far beyond the river mouth. The origins of these fish were traced using stable isotope analysis, which
links a fish’s diet to its stream of origin. “A bunch of fish that we caught in Grand Marais harbor we could trace back to the Baptism River,” Peterson said. “So that river is a source of coaster brook trout.”
STEELHEAD: The Baptism is especially popular during the spring steelhead run. Although Minnesota streams generally have an impassable barrier relatively close to the river mouth, fish can travel a fair distance upriver on the Baptism before waterfalls block further progress, which gives anglers more room to fish and spread out. “It’s been one of the best ones on the shore for steelhead fishing,” Peterson said. Steelhead fry stocking was discontinued 10 years ago, so the fishery is supported by natural reproduction.
“They’ve maintained really good numbers in the absence of fry stocking,” Peterson said. The Baptism flows through a canyon near the lake and has some deep holes, which can be challenging for both anglers and fisheries biologists, but Peterson said his crew sampled the river last fall when the water was low. “We found a plethora of different species,
particularly some nice-sized smolts (juvenile steelhead) that were really fat,” he said.
SALMON: The Baptism hosts runs of pink, coho, and chinook salmon. Pink salmon are fairly abundant, with progressively smaller numbers of cohos and then chinooks. Anglers looking for salmon should hit the river during their fall spawning runs.
By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman
With the days beginning to warm and becoming longer, I am excited for the return of maangwag (loons) to the zaaga’igan (lakes) and ziibiwan (rivers) of Minnesota. I find the biboon (winter) months of rest for our awesiinh (animal), plant, and bineshiinh (bird) relatives so quiet, but also peaceful. With ziigwan (spring) arriving soon, many of our relatives will awaken and share their beauty, lives, and stories with us again.
My memories of hearing the song of the maangwag (loons) at bangishimon (sunset) in Voyageur National Park and along the North Shore are some of my favorite memories. Some of these experiences also include hearing the howls of ma’iinganag (wolves) mixed in along with the maang (loon) songs. This piece celebrates the beautiful experiences of hearing our relatives from Voyageur National Park and the North Shore.
Follow my studio on Facebook and Instagram @CraneSuperior or if you have ideas for a North Shore painting, you can email me at: cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.
The EMS and ER staff at North Shore Health are responsive to your needs and available 24/7. Our Rehabilitation Department is a team of highly trained professionals with a variety of specialized experience. They are dedicated to help you regain your independence and mobility. You can expect the highest level of compassionate care from the staff at North Shore Health. For more information, call at 218 -387-3040, or for emergencies call 911.
By Elle AndraWarner
Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Lake Superior was a popular cruising area for the wealthy owners of luxury steam yachts. Here’s a snapshot look at two of those yachts that toured northern Lake Superior and met different fates.
During the summer of 1897, the luxury steam yacht Gunilda (which later became a famous Lake Superior shipwreck) was being built in Leith, Scotland, at a cost of $200,000 (equivalent of $7.6 million in 2025). That same summer of 1897, the story of another luxury steam yacht was unfolding on Lake Superior, which eerily mirrored the eventual fate almost 14 years later of the Gunilda in the lake’s same general area.
It was July 31, 1897, when the 172-footlong steam yacht Comanche steamed out of Cleveland, headed for a cruise on Lake Superior. Onboard was one of America’s most famous and wealthiest men, Senator Mark Hanna. Built in 1892 at the Globe Iron Works Company of Cleveland, the New York Times called her “one of the most luxurious yachts afloat.”
The registered owner was multi-millionaire Howard M. Hanna, however, Comanche was often used—as it was on this particular July in 1897—by his older brother Senator Mark Hanna. In addition to the Senator and his family, there were seven guests on the cruise, including the ex-Governor of Minnesota, William R. Merriam and his wife Laura, and a crew of 18.
Comanche began her journey in August 1897 through the Nipigon Strait in northwest Lake Superior, an area one newspaper called “the most dangerous passageways on upper lakes.” Some newspaper reports wrote the captain himself was piloting the yacht, while other reports indicated a pilot had been hired to navigate the waters. Waters were calm around midnight when Comanche entered the strait. Hanna and the passengers had already settled down for the night.
Then, without warning, the yacht lurched violently, shaking from stem to stern. It rocked and shifted a bit before she stopped and lay still.
Much confusion and panic ensued on the yacht, as passengers scrambled out of bed to put on life preservers and prepared to evacuate. The captain and crew took soundings that confirmed water was rushing into the yacht’s hold, but not enough to sink the boat. The captain determined the yacht was not in a “serious position,” and there was no
need to evacuate. Comanche had rammed into a rock formation and was now precariously perched on the rock, her stern still in deep water. She was stranded but safe on the rock, unless there was a storm.
In those days, there were no radio communications on ships. A crew member went ashore by boat to the Nipigon station on the Canadian Pacific Railway to send a dispatch to Port Arthur (now part of Thunder Bay) calling for two tugs and a lighter.
For the next 16 hours, the Comanche was stuck on the rock with her passengers and crew aboard. Their situation made headlines throughout North America: “Hanna’s Yacht was Stranded, the Comanche Runs Aground on Clay Bank in Lake Superior: Senator and Guests Had What They Termed a Very Close Call.” “The Party had a narrow escape.” “Senator Hanna in peril.” New York Times (August 13, 1897) told readers, “Senator Hanna and the party of pleasure-seekers accompanying him on a cruise of the Great Lakes had a thrilling experience today on the wild northern coast of Lake Superior.”
Two tugs arrived in the morning, made repairs to the ship’s plates in three hours, and at 4 p.m., the tugs pulled the Comanche from the rock and safely back in the water. After a
small leak on the yacht was deemed harmless, the Comanche continued on her voyage to Cleveland, accompanied by one tug.
“We are all right but had a very close call,” Hanna told the world.
So where did Comanche end up later on?
Well, less than a year after the rescue in the Nipigon Strait, Comanche was purchased by the U.S. Navy on May 28, 1898, commissioned as USS Frolic and put in service
patrolling off the Philippines and China. In 1909, she was transferred to the U.S. War Department, renamed El Aguila (The Eagle) and served as a dispatch boat in the Philippines. And in 1923 she was sold to Chinese merchant Chau Chiaco for use as his private gunboat on China’s Yantze River.
And what about the 196-foot luxury steam yacht Gunilda? Well, 14 years later after the Comanche incident, Gunilda was cruising northern Lake Superior in August 1911. Onboard was its owner, U.S. multi-millionaire William L. Harkness, and his family and friends. Gunilda entered the waters of the Schreiber Channel in the lake’s Inner Passage when she ran aground hard on submerged rock, now known as McGarvey’s Shoal (actually the peak of an underwater mountain). Passengers were evacuated and salvage tugs called to release the yacht from its precarious position.
But things didn’t work out that way. Refusing to wait for the assistance of a second tug, Harkness demanded the lone tug James Whalen (which had already reached the site) to do the job without delay. The tug did release Gunilda, but she then rolled over to starboard, filled with water, and sank down 270 feet (82 m) to the lake’s bottom. The Gunilda shipwreck wasn’t discovered until 1967.
Nicely wooded lot in Tofte, ready for a fresh build! Close to hiking, biking, skiing, and beach activities on the big lake. There are several beautiful trees on this property, including birch, cedar, spruce, and balsam. Good build sites with accessibility to power and fiber optic internet.
MLS#6118070 $130,000
PORTAGE LAKE – MID-TRAIL LAKE LOT
Wilderness serenity surrounds you. Direct access to the BWCAW, or just enjoy it from your deck. 5.13 acre lot, 400 feet of accessible lakeshore, nice building
Pristine 20 acres, 2500+ feet of Portage Lake shore, unique Mid-Gunflint Trail location. Surrounded by Superior National Forest & BWCA. Beautiful full-log home, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, porch, 2-car garage and gardens. Peninsula, privacy and views. Pristine location on quiet wilderness lake.
MLS#6115290 $849,000
Imagine the possibilities! This house plus business space could become a hostel or bed and breakfast. Or, live in the house and run your business out of the NE side. Currently it's used as a boarding house. The central location in the Mixed Use zone can't be beat! Bring your ideas!
MLS#6117545 $425,000
LARGE HOME - SILVER BAY
Five bed, 2 bath home with plenty of
CRAFTED CABIN RETREAT
Licensed short term rental. Seller financing possible. Created by a local carpenter and North House Folk School instructor. A central dining area surrounded by windows, a cozy bedroom nook, a convenient kitchen area and fireside seating. Outside enjoy a wood fired sauna and a private patio. Short walk to the Kadunce River. Lake Superior across the road.
MLS#6117336 $275,000
CUSTOM CRAFTED LOG CABIN
Red Pine custom crafted log cabin tucked into a stand of peaceful woods. Easy access to Mid-Trail lakes and recreational opportunities. Enter the home through the light filled sunroom and enjoy the wooded views throughout. Each space has ample windows and the vaulted ceiling gives this home a more spacious feel. Enjoy a fire in the wood stove or let the forced air system do the work for you. One bedroom home plus a loft and a full walkout basement.
MLS#6117406 $399,000
This
sits on 6+ acres, very close to Cascade River State Park, hiking & XC Ski trails! Ideally located only a 12 minute drive to Grand Marais. Many recent updates with a finished basement and plenty of room to spread out! The property feels very private! The large yard around the house is quite beautiful! MLS# 6117941
has been crafted with skill to create a unique vacation rental. Situated on a ridge above Lake Superior, it captures magnificent views over Chicago Bay and Chimney Rock. It is all about the view with each room, 3 levels of decks, and the fire circle providing a place to soak in the beauty. Living room includes custom-made furniture that converts to a 2nd bed and the efficient kitchen provides everything for a relaxing stay.
to your private retreat nestled on 10 acres, with abundant national forest land just beyond your doorstep. This charming 3BR/2BA home offers 1,846sqft of inviting living space.
Exceptional 4BR/3BA home nestled along the scenic Gull Lake, with 467 ft of frontage and approximately 5 acres of land, complete with rock outcroppings, pine trees, stunning views, and plenty of privacy. Ideal for the buyer wanting to enjoy paddling from their dock into the BWCA. Attached heated garage, HUGE spacious heated garage, and workshop, along with two charming rustic sleeping cabins.
MLS 6117924 $1,500,000
22 Austin’s landing
Dreaming of a luxurious log home living on over 300 feet of pristine Poplar Lake shoreline? Look no further! This exquisite custom- built home features 4BR & 4BA, complemented by a massive, attached garage. Premier location with BWCA access and many quality restaurants.
MLS 6116128 $1,595,000
Beautiful Poplar Ridge condominium with views of the Poplar River and Lake Superior! 3br/3ba, with extra sleeping area in the loft.
MLS 6117961 $499,900
MLS 6115762 $425,000 76
It’s all about the lake! This two-story, 4BR/3BA retreat is situated on the desirable north shore of Devil Track Lake. Providing a blend of Northwoods charm and modern comfort, this home has it all! Lake views galore! The walk-out lower level boasts a generously sized family room making entertaining a breeze.
MLS 6117794 $799,900
257 Seagull Lake Rd
Exceptional Seagull Lake property with tons of privacy. 10+A with over 480’ of lakeshore ranging from a sandy beach to ledgerock outcroppings. Brand new floating dock, camper in mint condition, and 960’ oversized insulated garage.
MLS 6113853 $539,900
Discover your sanctuary among five lush acres of dense forest, located minutes from downtown Grand Marais on an end of road location to increase your privacy.
MLS 6117443 $69,900
XX Bally Creek Rd
26+ acres with Cascade River flowing right through it. Offering unparalleled privacy, this land directly adjoins state and federal land.
MLS 6117080 $175,000
Reach out to one of our knowledgeable agents today to discover why now is an excellent time to sell. If you’re uncertain about proceeding with the buying or selling process, our team is here to provide the insights you need to make a wellinformed decision. As a seller, you’ll receive a complimentary market analysis, which includes:
Curent trends in property values
Recent sales data for comparable area properties
Local market demand + inventory levels
Valuable insights about the current state of the North Shore real estate market
Our market analysis helps you better understand your property’s potential value, the market’s competitiveness, and the optimal pricing strategy for your home. We aim to highlight opportunities and challenges that could influence your selling journey, empowering you to make decisions with confidence.
NEW! LOVELY LAKE SUPERIOR TOWNHOME MINUTES TO LUTSEN MOUNTAINS SKI RESORT!
Soak in the Lake Superior views from this End Unit Townhome in Tofte. The unit is next to the stairs leading down to the beautiful Lake Superior ledgerock beach! Pull into the one car attached garage and leave all your worries behind! The kitchen has a breakfast bar and a fun design made for entertaining, open to the elevated dining and living room. The wall of windows in the living room walks out to the main level deck for enjoyment of those amazing views of the Big Lake! The upper level features a primary ensuite, with walk in closet and updated bath. SPECTACULAR lake views from the Deck off the primary bedroom! Two additional bedrooms share a full bath. See everything that this home has to offer!
MLS#6118293 $639,000
SOTSKOGEN IN FINLAND! Hideaway in the woods and enjoy the days in this cute cabin in Finland! Everything you need to enjoy the woods is right here- From the Woodstove to heat the cabin to the cozy kitchen to cook up the days meals, maybe it’s the garage space to tuck away your seasonal toys. Or maybe it’s the 26 acres to explore! Use the cabin as your basecamp while you enjoy the woods and lakes nearby, or build your dream getaway, the options are endless! MLS#6117872 $225,000
BEAUTIFUL, REMOTE 40 ACRES WITH DRAMATIC LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS! Close to Grand Marais, part of Murphy Mountain, off the Bally Creek Rd. Access road in place. Subdivision possible or keep whole as a dreamy preserve and home site. Abuts miles of public land! Price reflects incredible vibe, views, solitude and grandeur! Make it your own. $400,000 MLS#6117131 Our Clients say it all, Work with us and We will
FUN TIMES AT EAST BAY IN GRAND MARAIS! CLOSE TO ALL THE GOODNESS OF MINNESOTA’S COOLEST SMALL TOWN! Breathe in the Gitchee Gummi air, Relax, put the urban blues behind ya and chill out. When you are away, the unit is a workhorse earning income! This classy, Scandinavian Modern, 3-bedroom, 2-bath, well-appointed unit is just a stone’s throw from the lake. Everything you need to relax is here from the spacious Living Room with a fireplace to the balcony overlooking Lake Superior. This is the top floor unit - extra peaceful. Nothing to worry about with this property. Use it yourself and let it earn while you’re off doing you. Check it out today! MLS#6118014 $450,000
A NORTHWOODS HOME AT THE END OF THE ROAD, ABUTTING PUBLIC LAND AND CASCADE RIVER STATE PARK!
At the end of Birch Dr, quiet and solitude prevail. Sweet views of Gitchee Gummi change from moment to moment, framed by a stately stand of Norway Pines. The home has been lovingly and thoughtfully updated, class-act finishes. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, top-notch kitchen. Light pours into the home. Sensible floor plan provides gathering spaces and holing up for contemplation, crafts or working remotely. Large garage with a dreamy screen porch. Wilderness vibes and wildlife are dominant themes, yet Grand Marais is about five minutes away.
MLS#6117570 $649,000
LANGLAUF HÜTTE IN TOFTE! Langlauf what?… translation: Cross Country Skiing Cabin. What’s in store? Huge views, abuts public land, paths to LeVeaux Mt and Superior Hiking Tr, short trail to the Sugarbush XC ski system. Bonus, the current owners have you started on all sorts of gardening. This is a Northwoods outdoor enthusiast’s dream home! 3 Bedrooms, 3 baths, sprawling deck overlooking the moods of Gitchee Gummee. Wonderful wood burning Fireplace, Well-appointed kitchen. Lots of room for the whole crew – pile all of them into the sauna on a cold day! Should we continue? How about the oversized 2 car garage? Come have a look, make it home. Get up to The Ridge, to Langlauf Hütte, away from it all - relax, unwind, make the dream happen!
MLS#6117710 $715,000
Cozy up to the stone fireplace for your morning coffee, or a good book. This home has great spaces, you must see to appreciate all that this home has to offer! Hike, ski, or snowshoe from your front door in to the Superior National Forest, with a spur trail to cross country ski trails nearby! An outdoor enthusiasts dream home, close to everything the North Shore offers!
MLS# 6115360 $549,000 PRICE REDUCED
EXPLORE THE WILDERNESS IN FINLAND!
MLS#6113405 $60,000
What a great spot for your vacation getaway cabin!! This lot has great views of Ninemile Lake in the Village at Ninemile planned development. The infrastructure is already there: electricity, shared well and septic, all you have to do is hook up to it. Shared ownership of approx. 1800 ft of shoreline on Ninemile Lake, perfect for Summertime fun!
AFFORDABLE LOT AT NINEMILE LAKE!
Lake view lot ready to build, with 1800 ft of shared shoreline on Ninemile Lake! The Village at Ninemile Lake has all the infrastructure ready to go with shared septic and well, electricity at the lot. County Rd 7 is a year round plowed road and the Association plows the roads within the development! This is a great opportunity to build your dream getaway!
MLS#6113406 $60,000
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST’S DREAM AT NINEMILE LAKE! Start enjoying your Inland Lake Dream! This lot was created by combining two lots, so it offers plenty of room to build your dream cabin or home with an amazing lake view and direct lake access! Shared Septic System and Well already in place, 1800ft of shared shoreline on Ninemile Lake- all that is missing is you and your plans for a dream getaway! MLS#6113407 $150,000
11 PLUS ACRES JUST 8 MILES FROM THE CROSS RIVER IN SCHROEDER! You’ve driven by this nice parcel during a Fall leaf color tour on the Cramer Rd, a beautiful area for your getaway cabin! Year round County Rd access, electric and fiber at the road. Level build site, boreal forest for great wildlife viewing! Lots of recreational opportunities just minutes away including fishing, hiking and biking the old railroad grade, or toe dipping in Lake Superior!
MLS#TBD $79,000
SAVOR NATURE AT TAIT LAKE! Amongst the Tait Lake Pines in Lutsen, at the end of the road, is this nearly three acre lot. Feels larger as it abuts miles of public lands to the south and dedicated open space to the east. Current owners have provided a good start with clearing, dirt-work preparation and building sites. Great Location close enough to all the fun: skiing at Lutsen Mts, golf at Superior National, paddling the BWCA, hike Eagle Mt. 2 private HOA docks provide access to Tait Lake. Come get your foothold in the cool north, living life in a Lakeland wilderness.
MLS#6116905 $92,500
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR PURCHASING OVER 2 ACRES IN THE CITY OF GRAND MARAIS!
You don’t have to give up solitude to live in the city of Grand Marais, this is a perfect fit for a home with a great location. The YMCA and school are within walking distance and just a hop, skip and jump to the Gunflint Trail to access numerous trails for hiking, biking and snowmobiling and MANY inland lakes. Visit today and start your dream of enjoying the North Shore!
MLS#6114386 $111,000 PRICE REDUCED
ACREAGE WITH BIG MOUNTAIN AND LAKE VIEWS 10 MINUTES TO GRAND MARAIS
HARBOR! Close to Grand Marais, part of Murphy Mountain, off the Bally Creek Rd. Access road in place. Subdivision possible or keep whole as a dreamy preserve and home site. Abuts miles of public land! Price reflects incredible vibe, views, solitude and grandeur!
MLS#6117131 $400,000
I saw a flock of turkeys in the open woods near Two Harbors and watched the mating dance of the male as he fanned out his lovely feathers trying to impress the ladies. He would pace back and forth next to one as she pecked at food on the ground, totally unimpressed. Then, he would strut over to another female, turning side to side, really showing off his prowess and colorful plumage. Again, not interested. I’m sure he eventually found a mate, but it sure was fun and interesting to watch.— Roxanne Distad
