Solbakken represents a turn-key opportunity to own an established, income-producing resort with a loyal repeat guest base, enduring reputation, and strong growth potential. Its unmatched location combined with direct trail access, lakefront amenities, and expansion possibilities — makes this property uniquely positioned for continued success. With its loyal guest following, strong brand identity, and historical depth, Solbakken is both a thriving business and a lifestyle investment. It embodies Hygge — that Norwegian sense of warmth, contentment, and wellbeing — offering owners and guests alike a timeless connection to nature, community, and peace. For the visionary seeking both heart and return, Solbakken is more than a business — it’s a living legacy.
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Season of Giving
I know I’ve said this before—and I’m sure I’ll say it again—but this year flew by. It always does, yet having a kid, or rather a toddler, seems to make it go even faster. The days can feel long, but the years are undeniably short. By Christmas, my daughter will be 16 months old—fully capable of tearing into a present and squealing with joy. I can’t wait to watch her experience the magic of the holidays.
For many folks, the holidays are a time for giving thanks—and often, that gratitude shows up in the form of giving back. Hence our volunteer issue. We start in Along the Shore, where Dana Johnson looks at what it takes to put on the WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race in Ely. According to Eva Sebesta, Race Coordinator and Executive Director of the Ely Chamber of Commerce, the event typically draws “between 120 and 150 volunteers” to help in various roles. The next race is set for Feb. 22.
According to Rae Wojcik, the Thunder Bay Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre also relies on volunteers—whether they’re helping with the Christmas Kettle Campaign or donating hats, mittens, winter jackets, hygiene items, and more.
Chris Pascone brings us to Isabella, where the Flathorn-Gegoka trails offer 29 kilometers of remote cross-country skiing within the Superior National Forest, and are maintained year-round by the Friends of Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (FFGT). This year, 60 volunteers contributed more than 1,300 hours to FFGT for trail maintenance.
Jumping to our features, bike trail volunteers truly embody DIY culture. While many mountain biking
organizations have a paid director, their real muscle comes from volunteer power. As Pascone notes, the MTB movement is thriving because bikers are so willing to maintain the trails they love.
Moving on from volunteering, this month is packed with holiday art shows and sales all along the North Shore. I highlight a few of them in the Spotlight section—along with some fun holiday art pieces—but you’ll find plenty more in our events section.
Looking for an upgrade while ice fishing? Gord Ellis breaks down electronics on ice in his latest Northern Trails column. Meanwhile, Dog Blog columnist Erin Altemus shares her recent adventure bringing puppies back from Michigan. And last but not least, Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner writes about NASA’s Voyager 1 and 2, which are still traveling after 48 years.
It may be hard to notice at first, but once we pass the winter solstice on Dec. 21, the daylight slowly begins to return. May that small shift bring a bit of extra cheer to your holiday season. From all of us here at Northern Wilds, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Breana Johnson Editor editor@northernwilds.com
REAL ESTATE
DEC 2025
VOLUME 22, ISSUE 12 www.northernwilds.com SERVING THE NORTH SHORE AND THE WILDERNESS BEYOND
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Santa’s Sleigh
aT GrandsTay
Thursday december 4, 2025
3 pm - 8 pm
Do your Christmas shopping locally and conveniently this year!
Local businesses will be setting up mini-stores at the Black Beach Inn of Silver Bay. Come to one location and get all of your shopping done with a variety of businesses, crafters and artists. Rooms available for $60.00 plus tax for shoppers who want to spend the night.
Jessie Anderson Creating My Journey, Wood Signs
Rafael Balguer D&A Magic Candles
Jenny Bjerken Essential Oils
Lisa Bucklew Soy and Gel Candles, Air Fresheners, Wax Melts, Hand Turned Wooden Bowls
Jessica Burger Topical Magnesium, Jordie Jess
Katie Bonner Home Creations, Sewn and Crochet Goods
Tina Buus Northshore Décor, Wreath and All Season Decor
Molly Lisor Wine Shop at Home, Perfectly Posh - Naturally Based
Donna McCurdy Color Street Nails & Avon
Bev Mell Mittens Out of Sweaters
Audry Nelson Scentsy
Allison Oja Jewelry; Made from Polymer Clay, Resin and Acrylic Paint & Christmas Ornaments
Stephanie Ray Bead Work, Leather Work, Reusable Items, Book Marks
Cindy Rowlee Pampered Chef, Cooking Tools and Utensils, Cookware, Kitchenware
Mike Saari Wood and Metal Decor, Fire Pits
Deanne Shykes Stainless Steel Tumblers, Bluetooth Music Tumblers, Refrigerator Magnets, Card Coasters, Key Chains, Badge Reels, Lanyards, Decorative Pens and Wind Spinners
Gloria Stern Jordan Essentials - Magnesium Products and more, Plus 31 Bags
Jackie Stevens Pens, Keychains, Crochet Items
Donna Teachworth Flannel Revival
Julie Trent Jewelry including Handmade Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings. Handmade Wreaths & Ornaments
Ben & Tamber Weller Rock Artwork, Agate Jewelry and Polished Agates
Due to the temporary nature of the stores, many businesses will be unable to accept credit cards. Please plan ahead and bring cash and/or checks. Thank you. Questions or if you would like to set up a store, call 218-226-4300 Visit the Black Beach Inn of Silver Bay on Facebook!
Harnessing Spirit: The WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
ELY
—As the cold winter wind blows snow in from the north, mushing season is just heating up.
Sled dog racing is a staple of northern Minnesota culture—an homage to a time before roads traversed the Northern Wilds, and the fastest mode of winter transportation was behind a team of eager canines ready to work the snowy trails.
The WolfTrack Classic is a fun, family-friendly race held each February in Ely that attracts mushers from all across the Midwest and Canada. The race is organized by the Ely Chamber of Commerce and made possible by a number of enthusiastic volunteers and sponsors.
Ely has a rich history of sled dog racing, dating back to the All American Sled Dog Championship race, first held in 1970. It grew quickly in popularity, and soon thousands of visitors traveled each winter to watch mushers compete in the All American until it disbanded in the early 1990s. In 2008, the WolfTrack Classic returned the sport to a community ready to celebrate it once more. The race is one of only three sled dog competitions currently active in the state.
“Our race is the smallest and typically features a diverse group of mushers, ranging from professionals to recreational par-
Sled dog racing is a staple of northern Minnesota culture. | LES CONRAD
ticipants, handlers, and youth,” explains Eva Sebesta, Race Coordinator and Executive Director of the Chamber. “The youngest musher ever was 11 years old.”
Sebesta worked as the volunteer coordinator on the WolfTrack Classic’s original independent board in 2016, and she continued after the Ely Chamber took control in 2019.
Two mid-distance races make up the WolfTrack Classic, both beginning in Ely. The eight-dog race travels 50 miles along the Taconite Trail and through Bear Head Lake State Park before looping back to Ely, and the shorter six-dog race also follows the Taconite Trail, ending 30 miles away in Tower. “We usually have 40 to 45 teams run the race,” Sebesta says, and they can accommodate up to 60 mushers.
Excitement fills the streets on race day as dogs, mushers, volunteers, and spectators ready themselves for the big event.
“Musher trucks arrive between 6-7 a.m. on Sunday morning,” Sebesta says, setting the scene. “Across all the teams, we have several hundred dogs who all begin barking, howling, and bouncing up and down (bangers). It sounds like absolute chaos, and the energy is palpable. Once the teams start into the line-up (In the Hole, On Deck, Start Line), there is a wild energy as each dog starts leaning into its harness, ready to hit the trail. Once the team starts, a silence falls over it, and the dogs begin to focus on the trail and race.”
Long before the first sled takes off, a small army of volunteers is trained and stationed at checkpoints and trail crossings to help mushers travel safely.
The WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race in Ely will take place Feb. 22. | LES CONRAD
“We typically have between 120 and 150 volunteers helping at road crossings, safety points, the start-finish area, and with handlers, communications, and parking,” Sebesta says. “It is a huge undertaking to make sure that we have enough people covering every location and position. Safety is our top priority, encompassing our mushers and teams, spectators, and volunteers.”
“We do tailgate training for our handlers, parking, and road crossings,” Sebesta explains, requiring a minimum of one or two sessions prior to the race and on race day, “depending on volunteer availability.” An experienced person is typically assigned to each group to maintain safety and guidelines.
Volunteers are recruited from the Minnesota North College–Vermilion campus, other local groups, and online using social media, and around 30-50 people return annually.
“We have developed so many strong friendships with our core volunteer group,” Sebesta says. “For a number of those individuals, we are communicating throughout the year.”
Volunteers enjoy working around the dogs and seeing them run. “These canine athletes are just like marathon runners,” Sebesta mentions. “They love what they do, and the excitement and energy are almost overwhelming.”
Sebesta appreciates all the volunteers, mushers, sponsors, and spectators who make the event possible. The mushers, she says, “are the salt of the earth.” They have a special bond with their team, which you can see “at the start and finish of the race as they go and embrace each dog.”
Aspects of the race can be dangerous and unpredictable. Snowy and icy conditions are challenging, and mushers and volunteers must be ready for anything.
“One of the first years I worked with a race, a dog got loose from the musher’s gangline and was running full tilt in front of the team,” Sebesta shares. “Our Race Marshal, Stan Passananti, went from having a conversation with another race official to tackling the dog in a blink—it was incredibly impressive.”
In addition to the race itself, participants and visitors are welcome to attend a food and music event called the WolfTrack Prance, held at the Grand Ely Lodge on Friday, Feb. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests enjoy a special pay-your-way menu, cash bar, live music, and door prizes.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, the public is invited to meet the teams from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota North College–Vermilion campus, and attend a spaghetti dinner fundraiser hosted by the Wilderness Club from 4 to 6 p.m. Race day is Sunday, February 22, with the first team hitting the trail at 9 a.m. An awards ceremony takes place at Grand Ely Lodge after the last team finishes the race.
If you would like to volunteer for the WolfTrack Classic, Sebesta says to visit their website (wolftrackclassic.com) and check out the volunteer section on the front page. You are also welcome to reach out to her directly with questions by emailing director@ ely.org, or calling 218-365-6123.
Happy trails!— Dana Johnson
Betsy Bowen Studio’s
Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre Over 100 Years of Community Service
THUNDER BAY—If you’ve been out and about on a December day in Thunder Bay, you may have heard the classic sound of bells rung by Salvation Army volunteers. Perhaps you’ve been greeted by a volunteer bell ringer during your holiday shopping, or dropped some cash into one of their red kettles. The holiday season is back now, and during this month, the Thunder Bay Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre will once again be ringing bells throughout the city.
But what are volunteers ringing bells for? And what does the Journey to Life Centre do? As it turns out—quite a lot. The fiveweek Christmas Kettle Campaign is just a small fraction of the Journey to Life Centre’s presence in Thunder Bay; every day of the year, for over 100 years, they’ve been working to meet the essential needs of people in the community, from housing to job training and hot meals to warm winter clothes.
The Salvation Army was started in London, England, in 1865. Initially founded to serve the poor of London’s East End, they now operate in 134 countries, and have had a presence in Canada since 1882. Central to their work is providing free services such as food, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and disaster relief. In 1917, a Salvation Army Hostel opened in Thunder Bay, and over a century later are still working in the community.
Gail Kromm, the Journey to Life Centre’s engagement manager, said that the Salvation Army’s role in the community is to improve lives and provide practical solutions to some of the most pressing issues people face today—things like food insecurity, lack of housing, addiction, and the need for mental health support.
“We want to make things better for people and help people find solutions,” Kromm said.
One of the solutions they help provide is housing, including long-term supported housing and emergency shelter for men. They also run the Journey to Life Program, a 1.5-year residential program designed to help men overcome barriers to employment and housing. Participants are provided with a studio apartment as well as job training, life skills training, and other wellness support.
“The programming is designed to address all of these barriers, with the goal that participants can move out and be successful in the community,” Kromm said.
In addition to housing needs, the Journey to Life Centre also works to address another vital need: food. Through their food bank,
Betsy Bowen Studio 301 First Avenue West Grand Marais ª 218-387-1992 woodcut.com for the webstore @betsybowen for Instagram and Facebook
For over 100 years, the
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school breakfast program, and soup van, the Journey to Life Centre provides hundreds of daily, free meals to people in Thunder Bay. Kromm said the soup van goes out 365 nights a year to two different stops in the city, offering hot meals and warm winter clothing to people of all ages.
“The soup van has anywhere from 75-150 people a night that they’re serving. It’s for anybody who might be struggling financially and for whom a meal at night helps,” Kromm said. “On Christmas Day we do takeout Christmas dinners, which is a full turkey dinner in a takeout container, and we do things like give out gifts, sing Christmas carols, or have Santa there, just to make it special and festive for the people who come out.”
Christmas brings us back to the Christmas Kettle Campaign that has become so emblematic of the Salvation Army’s work. In Thunder Bay, volunteers will be ringing bells at 12 different locations throughout the city, all the way until December 24. Not only is the campaign a way to spread holiday cheer, but it’s crucial to the programming that the Journey for Life Centre provides—Kromm said a considerable portion of their programmatic funding is raised during these five weeks. And just as crucial is the volunteer power to make it happen.
“It’s a lot of volunteer shifts to fill, but we continually hear from volunteers that they really enjoy it, and that being out in the community is an uplifting experience,” Kromm said. “All of the money raised is the community and the local services that the Army is providing. It’s a very direct way to help people here.”
Kromm noted that donations for winter necessities are especially welcome this time of year, including socks and underwear, hats and mitts, sweatshirts and pants, winter jackets, and hygiene items. Donations of
The holidays are here, and the Thunder Bay Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre will once again be ringing bells throughout the city.
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dishes, cutlery, and cleaning supplies are also needed for transitional housing program residents.
More information about the Journey to Life Centre, including programs and volunteering, can be found online at: journeytolifecentre.com.— Rae Wojcik
Thunder Bay Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre has been working to meet the essential needs of community members.
Volunteers Keep the Two Harbors Public Library Thriving
TWO HARBORS—The Two Harbors Public Library (THPL) is more than a place to check out resources; it is also a great place to connect with the community through volunteer opportunities. The THPL volunteer program offers a wide range of assignments for all ages. The organization’s goal is to find the best fit for both the library and each individual’s skills, interests, and time commitment level. Adults can choose from assisting with weekly special events to shelving books, or cleaning and organizing the children’s reading and exploration areas. Additional opportunities are also available for students under the age of 16 who are joined by an adult.
THPL Executive Director Madeline Jarvis says volunteers are an essential component of the library to ensure it runs smoothly and provides services to the community. There are only 3.5 full-time paid library employees, and Jarvis appreciates community members “who are willing to loan their time, talents, and treasures. We could not do what we do without our dedicated volunteers.” Jarvis says a perfect volunteer activity for all ages is the library’s quarterly tallying of visitors to the building. She reports that last year more than 60 people donated 1,103 hours through service in the THPL.
An important branch of the volunteer program is the nonprofit group Friends of the Library, which was established in 1997. A key task of this group is to raise funds for the library, bridging the gap of the general operating budget from the city of Two Harbors and meeting the needs of broader facility and community improvements. The funds raised help support special
programming, upgrades to the books and materials inventory, and a variety of additional enhancements to the facility. This group also assists in community activities. Jarvis explains, “The Friends amplify the library’s reach into the community with the annual book sale, and bringing books and other resources to local assisted living facilities each month.”
THPL leadership is also made up of several volunteers serving on the board of directors along with Jarvis and a representative from the city council. The board members’ primary role is to carry out the organizational 3- to 5-year Strategic Plan and meet the needs of the community. This cycle of the Strategic Plan focuses on arts, atmosphere, and accessibility. In carrying out this plan, the bathrooms were completely renovated to provide higher standards for accessibility, and a new sitting area was created for a more welcoming atmosphere on the second level.
Providing access to art and creative expression has been a cornerstone of the library for years, offering many author talks and hands-on workshops, as well as monthly art displays featuring local and regional artists. Applications to be featured as one of these artists can be found on the library’s website. This year, a new creative component was implemented with the first Artist-in-Residence program, which kicked off this fall.
Board member Dan Thewis, who serves on the arts committee, says he is excited to continue bridging the gap between the arts and the community.
“Art is so much more than a product to be peddled. It is meant to be explored and enjoyed by all.” Thewis has
served on the board for four years. As a parent, he was aware of the many resources the library has to offer and knew it would be a great fit for a volunteer experience. He says, “Volunteering in this role is a way to support the common interest of keeping the library accessible—not only the ability to get in the door, but to continue to offer the resources, as well.”
The inaugural Artist in Residence is North Shore resident Eric J. Klepinger, a multimedia artist whose work reflects a deep reverence for the natural world. There will be several opportunities for patrons of the library to engage in the art process with Klepinger through workshops, pop-up activities, and open studio times through the end of May. For a full schedule of events, visit the THPL website: twoharborspubliclibrary.com.
The library’s mission and values have the community rooted at the center of its focus through core goals of providing a place for learning, growth, connection, and curiosity. Jarvis explains that these connections and collaborations also reach beyond Two Harbors. “We have a strong partnership with the Silver Bay library, sharing grant opportunities and program opportunities.” THPL also works with local organizations like the Lake County Master Gardeners and the Lake County Development Achievement Center, and is part of the regional Arrowhead Library System.
The Two Harbors Public Library is located at 320 Waterfront Drive, and is open Monday through Friday. The phone number is 218-834-3148. The library can also be found on Facebook.— Michelle Miller
A Friends of the Library volunteer sets up for a public book fair. | MICHELLE MILLER
The Two Harbors Public Library volunteer program offers a wide range of assignments for all ages. | SUBMITTED
A princess, a curse, a plan, a crew, some twists The Witch’s Princess
by Don Zolidis
Dec. 5,6*,7 & 12,13,14
*ASL Interpreted Performance
Fri & SAt at 7 PM Sun at 2 PM
arrowhead center for the arts at the 51 West 5 Street, Grand Marais th
grandmaraisplayhouse.com
Volunteers celebrated the grand opening of a new trailhead last January. | SUBMITTED
Friends of Flathorn-Gegoka Trails Ensure Skiing Bliss
ISABELLA—Cross-country ski trails need “friends,” just like the rest of us. That’s because ski trail systems are like living organisms; they're constantly evolving together with the forest they’re part of. Trees fall, bridges get flooded, and new brush grows quickly into the sun-filled ski corridors. These challenges of trail maintenance are compounded on remote wilderness systems. One such place is the Flathorn-Gegoka Ski Trails in Isabella, “where there are no fences from here to Canada.”
No fences, but plenty of good friends, literally: Friends of the Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (FFGT) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “maintain, protect, and promote the Flathorn-Gegoka Trails for year-round silent sports for the enjoyment of the beautiful boreal forest by all.” Here’s how the trails are being kept in mint shape, and groomed for skiing, by FFGT’s friendly trail folk.
Located at the “top” of the state (Isabella is Minnesota’s highest-elevation town, at 1,923 feet), the Flathorn-Gegoka trails provide 29 kilometers of remote cross-country skiing within the Superior National Forest. Groomed for classic skiing only (the trails aren’t wide enough to accommodate skate skiing), this system has a rich history, but has also undergone lots of change in recent years. Originally built from 1971 to 1973, the trail system is still going strong more than 60 years later.
George Lokken—one of the trail’s original builders—is a longtime friend of the trail, and is currently on the FFGT board. “When you swoosh and glide in one set of tracks, dressed in wool clothes instead of synthetic suits, you stop and look, and become part of the wilderness,” Lokken notes of why he loves the system.
Traditionally, the trail system was maintained and groomed by the various owners of National Forest Lodge, which provided cross-country skiing accommodations located just off Minnesota State Highway 1, at the south end of Lake Gegoka in Isabella. But during COVID, the previous resort owners put it up for sale, and it was bought by Jeremy Pischke and his wife, Lara. Neither was a skier at the time. Living in downtown Minneapolis, they bought the lodge as a getaway for family and friends, not as a business.
The Pischkes have since become remarkable friends of the trails. They’ve learned to ski and snowshoe, and Jeremy is the current president of FFGT’s board of directors. He’s also heavily involved in FFGT’s fundraising, which Pischke explains, is needed to apply for matching federal and state grants. FFGT received two such grants this year, which means it can buy new grooming equipment for the upcoming season.
The Flathorn-Gegoka trails are maintained yearround for skiing, hiking, and biking by the passionate Friends of Flathorn-Gegoka Trails. | SUBMITTED
Pischke and his wife have donated a four-day stay at their “Pischke North” Cabin 10, which is trail-connected, for the FFGT online silent auction, which started Nov. 14 and goes through Dec. 14 on FFGT’s website.
“We knew we were going to have to take on some of the work on the ski trails when we bought the lodge,” says Pischke. “But I also think the local community knew they had to pitch in and help when they saw us, because they realized, ‘Hey, these guys don’t have any idea what they’re doing,’ and they were entirely right about that,” Pischke recounts.
The Pischkes embraced the history of the trail system (they bought the lodge on its 100-year anniversary, in 2021), and have since become great stewards themselves. “We felt a sense of responsibility for that history, in terms of maintaining the property, and helping maintain the trails however we can,” says Pischke. “Right out of the gate, there was a lot of energy towards starting this nonprofit organization (FFGT). Both Lara and I bring different organizational perspectives and strengths. It’s been a community effort for sure,” Pischke explains.
For George Lokken, “I’d say the overall maintenance of the trails is better than ever before. We have more volunteers now. In the past, it was up to the resort owner, and maybe he’d get a handful of people to help check the trails in the fall. Now people are volunteering all throughout the green season too.” Lokken adds that the trails are grant-inaid, which means they receive money from sales of the Great Minnesota Ski Pass. Other revenue comes from FFGT memberships, and donations.
Keys to the FFGT’s success have been the friendship and community among its members, not to mention the members’ work ethic. More than 1,300 hours were donated by 60 volunteers to FFGT in 2025 for trail maintenance.
So, what’s it like skiing the Flathorn-Gegoka system? For Pischke, “As somebody with a 9-to-5 job, the trails are first and foremost an incredible stress reliever. For the most part you’re by yourself in the deep woods. It’s incredibly peaceful and solitary.”
Pischke adds that the FFGT Trail Committee does an excellent job with signage and maps. “There are 24 different maps on the system, so you always know exactly where you are. You never feel like you’re on your own, even though you are,” Pischke laughs.
For Ruurd Schoolderman, who has been skiing Flathorn-Gegoka for years, “The trails are really intimate singletrack. You get in a different zone mentally there.”
Schoolderman likes going deep into the spruce bogs on skis; “A place you can’t really get into any other time of the year,” he says. “It’s real boreal forest. Many times that I’ve been there, I’ve seen wolf and moose tracks. It has a truly remote feel,” Schoolderman adds.
It’s a little bit out of the way to get to Isabella, “but definitely worth the drive,” for the snow and the forest, notes Schoolderman. “It’s an awesome day trip.” Schoolderman also notes that Flathorn-Gegoka is the place to go in lowsnow years, as it’s in the snow belt. “It’s in a pocket that catches some extra lake effect. Ski conditions can be good there when other trail systems are marginal.”
Lokken knows this pattern well: “What happens a lot is systems will come across Lake Superior and pick up mois-
Flathorn-Gegoka has plenty of flat trails, and is very approachable for beginner and intermediate skiers, with some advanced options as well. | SUBMITTED
ture, then go up the hill and dump snow in Isabella. Oftentimes there’s no snow in the Twin Cities, and all of a sudden there’s 4 feet in Isabella. That’s an attraction.”
Flathorn-Gegoka has plenty of flat trails, and is very approachable for beginner and intermediate skiers, with some advanced options as well. Grooming is done by two parttime, paid groomers with a snowmobile (FFGT is upgrading
all of its grooming equipment this winter thanks to its two new grants), thus ensuring great conditions as soon as the snow is deep enough.
The Flathorn-Gegoka trails are maintained year-round for skiing, hiking, and biking by the passionate and dedicated Friends of Flathorn-Gegoka Trails, ensuring this system provides backcountry bliss for all.— Chris Pascone
Vital North Foundation Building a Thriving Cook County Through Innovation
GRAND MARAIS—More than 30 years ago, a group of Cook County residents came together around a simple but powerful idea: creating local leadership to build the systems that would sustain a healthy, connected community. From that vision, the North Shore Health Care Foundation was born. In the years since, it has awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to support place-based health, wellness, and training programs for the community.
In 2025, the foundation reintroduced itself as Vital North Foundation (vitalnorth. org), a name that better captures its mission to support equitable health outcomes and community well-being across Cook County.
“Our mission’s really steadfast and hasn’t changed, but how we do what we do, we’ve really revisited,” said Executive Director Anna Cariad-Barrett. The organization has focused on being “lean and efficient” to maximize its resources and impact.
That evolution is embodied in The Rural Lab, Vital North’s new research and solution-development program. The Rural Lab formalizes the foundation’s long tradition of testing ideas and building partnerships into a structured initiative focused on “public health, social connection, and rural resilience.”
According to Cariad-Barrett, “The Rural Lab comes down to the heart of tailored, data-driven solutions that will actually work for our area—not just something that was written generally about a different part of the United States.”
Board President Sam Usem said the idea came from a desire to create space for innovation. “We can’t just borrow models that work in urban centers. As a frontier community, Cook County is unique.” Usem also wants to build a knowledge base that can support other communities: “Just like we learn from others who put their work out, we want to put our ideas and thoughts out there in the world so that hopefully other rural communities, or any community, can
look and say, ‘Oh, I hadn’t thought about it that way.’”
The Rural Lab’s current area of study is food access and security, an issue that touches nearly every part of life in Cook County. “We’re in a discovery and exploration phase right now,” said Cariad-Barrett. “We’re looking at how we can co-author solutions with all of the amazing organizations that are already working in food access and security. We don’t want to come in and do other people’s jobs for them. We like to ask, ‘Where are the key areas where we could help expand your capacity or change the game?’”
That collaborative, gap-filling approach has been the hallmark of Vital North’s work for decades. The foundation has helped incubate several initiatives that are now cornerstones of community wellbeing, including the Oral Health Task Force, Care Partners of Cook County, and Cook County MN Restorative Justice.
The restorative justice program, which began under the foundation’s wing, is now expanding along the North Shore and winning
state and national recognition. “They are creating a whole region-wide solution around the criminal justice system and rebuilding relationships and finding community-based solutions that are ultimately healing for everyone involved,” Cariad-Barrett said.
Another major success came when the foundation responded to urgent healthcare workforce shortages that threatened local ambulance and long-term care services. Working with North Shore Health, Cook County Higher Education, and emergency services, Vital North helped establish the Emergency Workforce Solutions Program, which offered accredited local training programs for EMTs and CNAs and provided critical equipment, including a $56,000 simulator manikin.
“We realized that if we didn’t do something, the future of our ambulance service and long-term care center was at risk,” Cariad-Barrett said. “So, we brought partners together and asked, ‘What can we do locally?’”
Usem said that the ability to move quickly is part of what makes the organization so effective. “That example speaks so well to where
we can step in as a nimble, independent nonprofit,” he said. “We needed the equipment. We needed the manikin, we needed material, we needed equipment. And the foundation was able to really quickly turn on a dime” and help to access those resources.
Both leaders also spoke about the role of donors in sustaining a thriving local community, even donors who do not live locally. “If you love visiting us or if you live here parttime, local families are the ones supporting you and your life when you visit. Helping our community thrive means that you help to create a place where we all can thrive together,” Cariad-Barrett said.
Usem offered a similar reflection. “When Katie [Usem] and I moved up here, one of the reasons we felt comfortable is because of the vitality of the services that are here for full-time families,” he said. “A lot of folks might take for granted that they come up here for vacation and go, ‘Wow, how is it that Grand Marais has this amazing energy and all of these services?’ It creates a better experience for you, a safer experience for you, a more welcoming experience for you, if we can keep this community a vital one and thriving.”
Cariad-Barrett said that partnership and collaboration are what keep Cook County strong. “We are really looking to be here consistently for the health and well-being of Cook County: from the east end to the west end and up the trail. We are really open to hearing what our community’s priorities are. If there’s a need or an idea that people want to reach out about, that they care about, we want to act on it.”
As Vital North steps into its next chapter, Cariad-Barrett said the foundation’s purpose remains rooted in the same spirit that began it. “Thirty-two years ago, a group of individuals came together and said, if it’s going to happen, we have to build it,” she said. “And we have been building ever since.”— Anne Graybeal
Vital North Foundation’s Executive Director Anna Cariad-Barrett and Board President Sam Usem. | SUBMITTED
Grand Portage Launches Tribal Search and Rescue Program
GRAND PORTAGE—When the U.S. Coast Guard closed its Grand Marais station in 2022, it left a long stretch of Lake Superior’s North Shore without a nearby marine rescue service. In response, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has created its own search and rescue program—believed to be the first of its kind for a tribal nation—to strengthen safety and emergency response on the lake.
“When the Coast Guard closed their Grand Marais station, our chairman Robert Deschampe immediately recognized the need for some kind of local search and rescue capability,” explained Ruth Vogel, Tribal Emergency Manager for the Grand Portage Band. Deschampe collaborated with Dr. Seth Moore, Grand Portage’s Director of Biology and Environment, to draft initial grant proposals, eventually partnering with Senator Grant Hauschild and Representative Roger Skraba to push forward the legislation.
That collaboration quickly expanded in scope. Working with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the team secured a $3 million grant to fund a comprehensive marine rescue program designed not only for Grand Portage, but also for other communities along the North Shore.
The funding covers two years of operational and training expenses, along with four state-of-the-art rescue vessels and the equipment to outfit them. “We wanted to also not just provide the boats, but gear for the boats and equipment, and also some pay for the personnel and training,” Vogel said. “After that, the tribe will probably have to find another funding source, but the idea was this $3 million would get us established.”
Two of the vessels will be gifted to Cook County and Lake County. “We realized there’s no point in strengthening ourselves and not strengthening our neighbors as well,
given the opportunity,” she added.
The first rescue vessel, named Genawaaboonagak, carries an Ojibwe name meaning “watchers over the water.” Vogel said the name was chosen deliberately “because we wanted to make sure the boat signified a culturally appropriate name and purpose.”
The vessels boast state-of-the-art technology. “They have thermal imaging cameras, so we can use those whether it’s foggy or nighttime to identify a person from the boat,” said Vogel. “They also have myriad GPS systems, sonar systems, and side-scan built into them as well. They also have Starlink capabilities so we can work from them or use them for communication purposes.”
Each vessel is equipped for both small-scale rescues and larger emergency evacuations.
“The first vessel has seating for eight people,” Vogel said. “The next vessel will have quite a bit more seating. We built out the cabin more so that if we were doing something like an evacuation or for some reason had to move a larger group of people around, that vessel could have a higher capacity.”
Within hours of receiving the first boat, the Grand Portage team completed its first rescue mission, retrieving a stranded vessel near Isle Royale. “That was our first official rescue.” Vogel said. “Seth Moore and Bob Vogel were the primary operators, and our chairman was there for that rescue, as well.”
The crew currently includes seven core members drawn from the tribe’s conservation officers, fisheries and wildlife specialists, and marina staff, all with years of experience
on the big lake. Training remains a continuing priority. “I’m looking into different licenses like the six-pack captain’s license,” Vogel said. “We’re also working with the Coast Guard in Duluth to secure more appropriate training. We don’t want to just go out there in a storm and hope we can make it work. We want to have some really good experience and training down.”
Beyond rescuing stranded kayakers or towing disabled boats, the team is also preparing for environmental response. “If that big freighter, the Michipicoten, had continued to list, we don’t know if it would have spilled diesel or other chemicals into our waters,” Vogel said, recalling the June 2024 incident when a freighter partially sank in tribal waters. “That would be another application of chemical hazmat response as well. We plan on buying and training with containment booms to handle spills.”
The Grand Portage team expects to respond to between five and 10 aquatic rescues a year in tribal waters, though the number could vary widely by season. “We’ve had quite a few incidents recently in Cook County and in Lake County where they would have really benefited from having this there earlier,” Vogel said.
That spirit of cooperation extends beyond tribal waters. “We’re already working up mutual aid agreements with Cook County and Lake County, as well as Isle Royale,” she said. “The hope is that as long as we’ve got one vessel that stays in Grand Portage, we’ll be able to use the other vessel to assist other jurisdictions if need be.”
For Vogel, the program represents more than just a practical solution to a logistical gap; it is also a statement of resilience and innovation. “I think this is a really cool resource and capability for the tribe,” she said. “As far as we can tell, it’s the first time a tribe has had their own form of a water rescue Coast Guard program. We hope that this will kind of be a building block for other tribes to be able to do the same and protect their own people in water in this way.”— Anne Graybeal
The rescue vessel Genawaaboonagak carries an Ojibwe name meaning “watchers over the water.” | SUBMITTED
Each rescue vessel is equipped for both small-scale rescues and larger emergency evacuations. | SUBMITTED
Grand Portage Band’s Tribal Emergency Manager Ruth Vogel. | SUBMITTED
Hoffbauer Tree Farm Keeps Holiday Traditions Growing
DULUTH—As winter settles in, families across Duluth make their way to the Farmers Market to pick out a Christmas tree. Among the rows of firs and balsams, Jesse Hoffbauer and his crew help customers find the right one for their homes.
Jesse operates the retail lot at the Duluth Farmers Market, the red painted barn building on East 3rd Street and 14th Avenue East, while his parents manage the cut-your-own portion of the family business on their nearby property. “My parents have the acreage,” he said. “They do the cut-your-own part. I run the retail lot here in town.”
The family manages about 33 acres in total, with five acres of trees at Jesse’s home and the rest on his parents’ land two miles away. It’s a setup that allows each to handle different parts of the operation while staying close enough to share labor and equipment.
Jesse graduated from Proctor High School in 1999. Before returning to work full time in the family business, he spent 15 years teaching elementary school. His wife, Allison, also teaches in Duluth. Together, they are raising two children, Stella, 9, and Sadie, 8, who occasionally help around the farm.
A FAMILY BUSINESS FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY
The Hoffbauer family started planting trees in 1987. Since then, they have established a rotation that keeps new growth coming every year. “We plant about three to four times as many trees as we harvest,” Jesse said. “That keeps things sustainable and helps prepare for years when conditions aren’t ideal.”
Tree farming depends heavily on the weather. Droughts, pests, or a late frost can set back years of work. “Two years ago, we had a dry spell that hurt a lot of the young trees,” Jesse said. “You can’t control it, so you just keep planting.”
It takes roughly 10 years for a seedling to grow into a mature Christmas tree. The Hoffbauers raise several varieties, adjusting as they learn which trees handle local conditions best.
TREES AND WREATHS FOR EVERY HOME
At the Duluth Farmers Market, Hoffbauer Tree Farm offers more than just trees. The family sells wreaths, garlands, and other greenery, all made locally. “Every day someone’s in the shop working on garlands or wreaths,” Jesse said. “It’s a busy place this time of year.”
The business employs close to 30 people during the season—some full-time, most
part-time or seasonal. Friends and family often help during the busiest weekends.
“We’ve got a lot of people who come back each year to help,” Jesse said.
Tree prices range from about $50 to $200 depending on size and species. A few smaller, natural-shaped trees—often called “Charlie Brown trees”—sell for less.
“They’re usually balsams that haven’t been pruned,” Jesse said. “Some people prefer that old-fashioned look.”
SIBERIAN FIR IS A CUSTOMER FAVORITE
Among the varieties available, the Siberian fir has become a customer favorite. The species originated from a University of Minnesota test plot planted about 25 years ago.
“We tried several varieties from different parts of the world,” Jesse said. “The Siberians did well in our climate—and they have a light citrus smell that people really like.”
The Siberian firs are grown from seed first imported by a nursery the family worked with years ago. A single pound of seed can contain around half a million seeds. “It doesn’t take much to plant a lot,” Jesse said.
BUILDING TRADITIONS
While the cut-your-own operation offers the full rural experience, the market lot attracts repeat customers who prefer convenience. “We see a lot of the same families every year,” Jesse said. “They remember us, and we remember them.”
Many customers make their annual tree purchase part of their family routine. “It’s something people come back for because it’s familiar,” Jesse said. “They know they’ll get a good tree and that we’ll help them get it home safely.”
Staff trim the trunk, wrap the tree, and secure it to customers’ vehicles. “We make sure it’s ready for the ride,” Jesse said.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Even after decades of operation, the Hoffbauers continue to experiment with new planting methods and varieties. “We’re always learning,” Jesse said. “Tree farming is long-term work. You plant something today that you might not see ready for 10 years.” Jesse compares it to teaching. “You don’t always see the results right away,” he said. “But you know the effort will matter down the road.”
When customers take home a Hoffbauer tree each December, it represents years of steady work—planting, trimming, and care. For the Hoffbauer family, that work is more than a business. It’s a way to stay connected to the land, to their community, and to a season that means something special to families across the Northland.
To learn more about Hoffbauer Tree Farm, visit: hoffbauertreefarm.com. Naomi Yaeger
The Hoffbauer family has a Christmas tree retail lot at the Duluth Farmers Market, as well as a cut-your-own opera
Mountain biking has become a staple of outdoor recreation in northeast Minnesota and Thunder Bay. The whole region has seen a boom in MTB trail development in the last 15 years, thanks to local mountain bike advocacy organizations. Groups such as Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) in Duluth, Superior Cycling Association in Grand Marais, and Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club in Thunder Bay have served as catalysts for trail growth. These organizations may have a paid director, but their main muscle comes from their volunteer spirit. As trail systems expand, more maintenance arises. Who’s taking care of them?
Volunteers—the bikers themselves.
The MTB movement is thriving thanks to bikers’ willingness to volunteer to maintain the trails they love. Bikers around the region are giving back by weed-whipping, clearing trail corridors, building new features, holding bike races, and more. Local riders put their heart and soul into the trails, and their volunteerism makes for exceptional trail experiences for everyone else. Let’s take a look at what volunteers can do with teamwork, leadership, and a Superior-sized dose of altruism.
Low-Cost, Greater Ownership
The obvious advantage of volunteer bike advocacy groups that is that they provide a low-cost way to maintain extensive trail networks. When everyone volunteers their time, trail maintenance gets done practically for free. But volunteering means so much more than just saving money.
For COGGS Executive Director Ansel Schimpff, another important part of the volunteer movement is that the biking community builds a strong sense of trail ownership. “There have been hundreds of people who have put in thousands of hours just to get the trails on the ground, doing everything from the advocacy work to physically building lots of the trail here,” explains Schimpff about Duluth’s volunteer-driven MTB options. “Some other communities may have had a big influx of cash thrown into their bike trails, but if that money goes away for whatever reason, they have a really difficult time keeping their trails maintained. The people that live in those places just don’t have that same sense of ownership over their trails,” Schimpff adds. Duluth riders are different. They’ve put the muscle in to sculpt trails they want to ride and share with other like-minded altruists.
The trail folk in Tofte, Lutsen, and Grand Marais do the volunteer work it takes to maintain top-notch trails too. Members of the Superior Cycling Association (SCA) have donated incredible amounts of their free time to write grants for new trail building, resulting
It took a massive volunteer effort to scale the Observation Hill neighborhood for the Antenna Farm section of the Duluth Traverse. | SUBMITTED
in the opening of the top-class Jackpot and High Climber trails that connect Tofte with Lutsen—through the backcountry.
Tim Kennedy spent 12 years as chair of SCA’s board before stepping down last January. Today, both SCA and COGGS have paid executive director roles “to manage the day-to-day duties and responsibilities, and keep all the pieces connected,” says Kennedy. “The board quickly realized that the only sustainable model was to hire someone, because nobody was going to fill the shoes that I left.”
Kennedy says the SCA has a nucleus of 20 members who put their time in to make trails work. “Trail maintenance is hard work. Everybody works incredibly hard for these trails,” says Kennedy.
Kennedy still volunteers his time to SCA today and notes that volunteerism is often project-based: “There might be a trail maintenance project down on the west end trails (west Cook County), and a separate project at Pincushion Trails (in Grand Marais), and they have completely different people turn up to volunteer on them. That’s where an executive director can connect the dots.”
Trail Stewards
Every COGGS trail in Duluth has its own “stewards.” There are two to five stew-
Superior Cycling Association making sure every little creek crossing gets its own bridge. | SUBMITTED
Volunteers at the Antenna Farm section of the Duluth Traverse mountain bike trail did their work with a view. | SUBMITTED
ards per trail. These stewards organize and manage all of COGGS’ volunteer trail work nights on their “home” trails. “The stewards keep tabs on drainage issues, mud holes, and any other areas that need improvement,” explains Schimpff.
This “neighborhood” volunteer system means the trail stewards are the ones on the ground every day, making sure the trails are being cared for. COGGS’ trail stewards host one evening per week for volunteer work at Lester, Hartley, Keene Bike Park, Mission Creek, and Piedmont trails, all season long.
This year-to-date, COGGS has had 2,564 hours of volunteer time documented by its volunteers in their online tracking system. The real total is likely much higher. More than 150 people have volunteered their time with COGGS, which also has a volunteer board with 12 seats. The board members organize COGGS events and make organizational decisions. One of the board seats is a volunteer coordinator. COGGS advertises each week’s volunteer opportunities through their social media and newsletter.
Big Capacity
Volunteer capacity comes and goes depending on life schedules, but COGGS has ways of making volunteering fun. “We’ve done a competition in the past between the different trail centers to see who can log the most volunteer hours,” says Schimpff. “The Hartley Park volunteers are often the ones to beat. They’re an extremely well-organized group of individuals over there,” Schimpff laughs.
The Hartley stewards have a planning meeting each spring before the biking season starts where they roughly plan out every Tuesday night volunteer project for the whole upcoming season, and figure out which materials they’ll need.
Not to be outdone, Duluth’s Piedmont Trails have a “cult following” among riders and volunteers, according to Schimpff. “Piedmont, with how rocky it is and how steep a lot of the terrain is, really lends itself to more aggressive, technical trail riding. The folks over there are some of our most passionate riders, and most passionate trail builders as well,” Schimpff says.
Some volunteers even operate heavy machinery. COGGS still owns a mini excavator, even though it now contracts out most new trail building to larger companies for better efficiency. Rudy O'Brien, a COGGS volunteer and retired engineer, spends hours a day building and refreshing trails in Piedmont. “He just enjoys building trails,” says Schimpff.
Up in Grand Marais, Kennedy says a key component of SCA’s volunteerism is working with the U.S. Forest Service since almost all of SCA’s trails are on Forest Service land. “Keeping good relations with the Forest Service is critical to our board’s work. The Forest Service actually asks us to make a document every year documenting our volunteer hours. It comes to about 2,000 hours each year,” says Kennedy.
Big Biking Parties, Summer and Winter
Mountain bikers like a good party. On bikes. With lots of friends. So who’s going to organize all the races put on by COGGS, SCA, and Blacksheep? That’s right—volunteers. Event planning is a huge volunteer effort.
In Duluth, the “Race Across Duluth” covers 45 miles of singletrack from Lester Park in east Duluth to Chambers Grove in far west Duluth on the first Saturday in September. This year’s race raised $24,949 for COGGS and Duluth trails. Volunteers fulfill duties such as race registration, water stations, finish area activities, course officiating and timing, set-up and tear-down, and a whole lot more.
SCA has the Norpine Fat Bike Classic race coming up January 9-11, 2026, in Lutsen.
Volunteer positions yet to be filled include swag bag stuffing, number pick-up/registration, dark sky tour leader, start/finish set-up at Cascade Lodge, trail sweeper, award ceremony assistant, and photographer. As of the print date of this issue, all volunteer positions still have openings. The volunteer sign-up sheet is available online: superiorcycling.org.
Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, conducts its own series of eight Wednesday night mountain bike races that take place around the Thunder Bay area. To volunteer at Blacksheep events, reach out to: volunteers@blacksheepmtb.com.
Deep Roots
Mountain biking is still a relatively new sport in the Northern Wilds. Up until 10-15 years ago, if you wanted a place to ride a mountain bike, you had to build the trail yourself. This culture lives on today. “As a user group, we’re really used to having to build something before we can enjoy our activity,” notes Schimpff. “We’ve had to work for every inch of trail that we have. You don’t really see that with, say, golf.”
Bikers’ “hands-in-the-dirt” DIY culture is going strong today thanks to the volunteer trail maintenance community stretching from Duluth to Thunder Bay.
Mountain bike trails are built to take advantage of rocks and other natural features. | SUBMITTED
Rudy O'Brien volunteers at Duluth's Piedmont trail system to do excavator work. | SUBMITTED
Managing erosion is one of the main volunteer activities on North Shore mountain bike trails. | SUBMITTED
The Mission Creek trails in West Duluth traverse steep bluffs, creating challenging trail building conditions. | SUBMITTED
The Duluth Curling Club has brought Twin Ports residents together for over 130 years. | SUBMITTED
Curling on the North Shore
How Local Clubs Keep Community and Tradition Alive Through Winter
By Kalli Hawkins
Winter along Minnesota’s North Shore has a rhythm all its own. The season brings a slower pace for many residents, who try to remain active, socialize, and make the most of the reduced daylight hours.
Throughout the winter months, residents take to the local ski trails, spend time ice fishing on lakes, and find ways to stay occupied and connected during the long, cold season. For many along the North Shore, staying connected means joining a curling club. It’s often a welcoming place to meet neighbors, be social, and make winter feel just a little bit shorter.
In towns along the North Shore, from Thunder Bay to Duluth, the local curling rink serves as a hub of activity, bringing people together on winter days and weeknights. From the long-established Duluth Curling Club to the close-knit Cook County Curling Club, these rinks and their members offer something more than competition.
“Most curlers are very social, and it’s part of the game,” said Kerry Hadiaris, the general manager of the Duluth Curling Club.
For over 130 years, the Duluth Curling Club has brought Twin Ports residents together. Initially launched in 1891, the curling club began underneath a tent between two retaining walls on East Superior Street. Throughout the years, the club has grown, eventually moving into the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in the late 1970s.
Hadiaris was first introduced to the world of curling in 2005 while she was a grad student at the University of Minnesota–Duluth. On her way to a hockey game one day, she saw a Duluth Curling Club advertisement in the skywalk and the “rest is history,” she said.
Twenty years later, she’s the general manager of the over 700-member curling club. Throughout the past two decades, Hadiaris said being a part of the curling club has been a helpful activity to keep active and engaged during the long winter months.
“I have found it’s a physical game, and it’s very much a mental game with strategy,” she said. “But there’s also the social aspect of it—I’ve made a lot of friends.”
With over 700 members, ranging from age 6 to 87, the Duluth Curling Club staff are busy year-round setting schedules, planning bonspiels, scheduling watch parties, and more. Each year, the club holds 12 bonspiels, a competitive curling tournament for its members.
The bonspiels attract a diverse group of curlers, many of whom travel across the country or from Canada to compete in the winter competitions.
“We get people from all over the country,” Hadiaris said. “We have a lot of Thunder Bay people that come down, and people from other states on the east and west coast.”
One of the anticipated watch parties this winter will be in February during the Win-
ter Olympics. Two Duluth Curling Club members, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, will travel to Italy to represent the U.S. and compete in the mixed doubles curling event. The February watch party will be an opportunity for fellow curling club members to gather and cheer for Thiesse and Dropkin during the international event.
“People come down to the club to watch with each other and cheer them on. We’ll have food and drinks available too,” Hadiaris said.
Ahead of the February Olympics, Hadiaris said the Duluth Curling Club will host fundraisers to raise money to cover
the costs of Thiesse and Dropkin’s families traveling to Italy to watch them compete.
Hadiaris said northern Minnesota’s deep roots and long-standing traditions in the sport make it “a mecca for curling.”
The Duluth Curling Club ranks as the second-largest in the U.S., surpassed only by the 1,200-member St. Paul Curling Club.
“I love that about curling, that there are small clubs in our state, like Cook County, and there are bigger clubs like St. Paul, where you have hundreds of members,” Hadiaris said. “It’s a really cool fabric of a community.”
Small town curling clubs, like the Cook County Curling Club or the Two Harbors Curling Club, offer something a little different than their larger counterparts in Duluth or St. Paul. When walking into the local community center, members are greeted by their neighbors, classmates, a former teacher at the high school, or, for many in a small town, a relative.
Over the years, the Cook County Curling
Club’s membership has fluctuated, typically ranging from the 50s to the 60s. This year, however, the Cook County Curling Club saw an increase in memberships.
“I think we’re going to be closer to 75 or 80 this year,” said Katy Smith, a Cook County Curling Club board member. While a core group of longtime curlers remains, this winter brings a fresh wave of new faces to the ice.
The club hosts curling leagues on Mondays and Wednesdays each week, with multiple bonspiels scheduled throughout the winter. The Cook County Curling Club will host the Cabin Fever Fun Spiel on Jan. 17, 2026, the two-person Champagne Open Bonspiel on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, and the Charles J. Futterer Memorial Open Bonspiel is scheduled for Feb. 27-28, and March 1.
Smith said she looks forward to the bonspiels each year because the event draws curlers from neighboring areas, such as Thunder Bay and the Iron Range. “It’s always interesting, the different clubs that come in, espe-
cially the Canadian curlers, they play such a different game, their strategy, and how they would deliver rocks and stuff.”
She said, “It’s a lot of learning and intense physical games all weekend.”
Smith said the club also hosts $20 dropin curling nights that are a “social night” to allow newcomers to try curling. “It’s fun just to see people come in and view it, because they’ve been interested in it for so long,” she said.
For Smith and fellow board member Joanne Smith, longtime members with decades on the ice, the curling club has been both a source of joy and a meaningful part of their lives.
“Curling is very, very social,” Smith said. “It’s the camaraderie.”
And it’s also helped pass the time during the long winter months.
“Winters are so long. It’s a good activity to fill your time in the winter,” Joanne said. Both of their husbands are also active in the club, and at the start of each season, the couples join a small volunteer crew to put in the ice at the Cook County Community Center. The process takes close to three weeks. The volunteer crew carefully floods the floor layer by layer to achieve the perfect thickness for curling stones to glide smoothly.
While putting in the ice is a significant preseason effort, the all-volunteer Cook County Curling Club board also undertakes the tasks of organizing league nights, coordinating bonspiels, and raising funds for equipment upgrades.
Joanne said the club is currently saving money for the purchase of the bullseye, also known as the “house,” the target area for curlers to aim at.
With new faces joining the club this year, Joanne and Smith hope to continue building on the club’s momentum and recruit more members in the coming winter. The club’s focus, looking toward the future, will be to find ways to connect with others in the community and to encourage them to take “that initial step,” Smith said.
Cook County Curling Club members at a kickoff party in October. | SUBMITTED
Duluth Curling Club members Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin will travel to Italy to represent the U.S. in the February Winter Olympics. | SUBMITTED
The Duluth Curling Club has over 700 members, ranging from age 6 to 87. | SUBMITTED
The Cook County Curling Club hosts curling leagues on Mondays and Wednesdays each week. | SUBMITTED
By Breana Johnson Holiday Art Shows
The North Shore turns into an artsy winter wonderland in December, with holiday shows happening at every turn. Check out our events section for more information.
“Comfort. Warmth” is part of Betsy Bowen’s Comfort drawings. See more from Bowen during Holiday Art Underground, held at her Grand Marais studio now through Dec. 30. | BETSY BOWEN
This piece by Jo Wood, titled “Skiing,” is made of beads and yarn embroidery on felted wool. See more from Wood at the Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Sale, held in conjunction with the Grand Marais Art Colony’s Holiday Market on Dec. 6. | JO WOOD
Natalie Sobanja will be selling her pottery, such as this hand-carved ceramic ornament, at the Grand Marais Art Colony’s Holiday Market on Dec. 6, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Studio 21. | NATALIE SOBANJA
This new wooden Santa carving by Bruce Futterer can be found at The Big Lake in Grand Marais. The gift shop will be attending the Duluth Winter Village, held Dec. 6-7 at the DECC.
| BRUCE FUTTERER
Metalsmith and jewelry artist Sarah Flicek will attend Julebyen, held Dec. 6-7 in Knife River. These Wild Daisy earrings were created with sterling silver and Lake Superior agates.
| SARAH FLICEK
Bright and Bold:
Thunder Bay’s Steve Gerow Finds Healing Through Art
Creative Space: By Shelby Lonne-Rogentine
When asked how he would describe his artistic style to someone seeing his art for the first time, Thunder Bay’s Steve Gerow gave a list of attributes: “Simple, colorful, reminiscent of stained glass, influenced by northwestern Ontario, lines, simple color, trees, polar bears, moose, woodland art.”
The colors and warmth can be felt while looking at the artist’s social media pages and resonate with many, as he has hundreds of followers on both Facebook and Instagram. Gerow is part of The Creative Company, a collective of artists based in Thunder Bay who sell art supplies, kits, and prints. His acrylic paintings are as bold and interesting as his personality.
Gerow was dealt a rough hand growing up. He had various medical issues, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, that interfered with the day-to-day activities of a young child. In a way, art was his medicine. “Art was how I got through it,” said Gerow. Gerow had two major memories that were turning points in his life. These were the moments when he realized he definitely wanted to be an artist. The first was when Gerow was relearning to walk in the hospital. The nurses would take away the wheelchair and have him practice in the halls. “I ended up in this reading room where there was a coffee table book that reminded me of the stained-glass windows I saw in church. I liked the idea of art representing where I’m from and keeping it that way,” said Gerow.
The second key moment was when he was in high school. “School wasn’t easy for me,” said Gerow. “I dealt with pain by drawing. It was the only thing I felt I was good at… With difficulties in my home life, art always kept me busy. I felt destined to do it.” He later went on to sell his first painting while he was still in high school.
His first real artistic concept was an image he named “Soul Boy,” which had a distinct rib cage feature. As the years have gone on, this feature can be found in many
of his pieces. “I am 100 percent self-taught,” said Gerow. “I had a unique childhood in that my parents were a bit older than my
friends’ parents. The mentality was that you just push through and keep up.” That framework would go on to guide Gerow in his life with his medical challenges, but it would also help to shape his artistic career.
“I experimented with everything,” said Gerow. “Carved stone was fun, and then over the past 20 years I really got into painting… Thunder Bay influences my art through landmarks, trees, nature, and people.”
Gerow’s artistic career has taken him down many paths. He has been, and continues to be, a fixture at the local Thunder Bay Market. He started a local gallery for a time. He participated in art classes. He became the lead artist at The Creative Company, where the company started selling art kits
during the pandemic.
Now, Gerow is still the lead artist at The Creative Company. He’s done with his post on the school board (another venture he took on for a time), and proudly calls himself a full-time artist. “I just want people to be happy. That’s what I’m trying to put out there. That’s why I do it,” said Gerow.
You can find Steve Gerow on Facebook and Instagram, as well as in person at the Thunder Bay Country Market at 425 Northern Avenue in Thunder Bay, open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. He also takes commission pieces.
Steve Gerow is the lead artist at The Creative Company, a collective of artists based in Thunder Bay who sell art supplies, kits, and prints. | SUBMITTED
Steve Gerow describes his acrylic paintings as simple, colorful, reminiscent of stained glass, and influenced by northwestern Ontario. | SUBMITTED
BENTLEYVILLE
“TOUR OF LIGHTS”
Nov. 22-Dec. 27 Located in Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” invites guests to stroll under the glow of over 5 million lights, while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, popcorn, and roasted marshmallows. Kids can also visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bentleyville is free (though donations are appreciated) and opens at 5 p.m. daily: parking is $10 ($15 on Friday and Saturday). Guests are also encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or new unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Army for those in need. Remember to dress for warmth as Bentleyville is an outdoor event. bentleyvilleusa.org
A VERY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Dec. 1-31 Throughout the month of December, guests can take a special holiday tour of Fairlawn Mansion, a Queen Anne Victorian Home in Superior. Visitors will get to see the famous holiday decorations, and award-winning tour guides will share holiday stories from the Pattison Family (the original owners of Fairlawn Mansion), as well as the Children’s Home (Fairlawn operated as a Children’s Home from 1920-1962).
The main tour feature is a brand-new immersive holiday exhibit staged on the third floor of the mansion. Guests can wander the exhibit to learn about Victorian holiday traditions and see incredible holiday-related artifacts. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. superiorhistoricproperties.org
CPKC HOLIDAY TRAIN
Dec. 2, Tuesday The CPKC Holiday Train will return to the rails for its 27th year supporting food banks and food shelves across our network by raising money, food, and awareness of food insecurity issues. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the train will make multiple stops in our area, starting with a stop in Marathon at 12:30 p.m., followed by Schreiber at 3 p.m. It will also stop in Nipigon at 5:45 p.m. and in Thunder Bay at 8:45 p.m. Each stop will include a live
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Bentleyville in Duluth. | SUBMITTED
performance by Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse. All train concerts are free, but it’s requested that you bring a food or monetary donation to your local food bank/pantry, which will be on site taking collections. CPKC also donates to the local food shelf at each stop. cpkcr.com/holidaytrain
SANTA’S SLEIGH AT GRANDSTAY
Dec. 4, Thursday The 16th annual Santa’s Sleigh will take place from 3-8 p.m. at Black Beach Inn by GrandStay in Silver Bay. More than 30 vendors will be offering a wide
The CPKC Holiday Train will make stops in Marathon, Schreiber, Nipigon, and Thunder Bay on Tuesday, Dec. 2. | SUBMITTED
array of arts and crafts and holiday items, including clothing, jewelry, canned goods, candles, wreaths, wood and metal décor, crocheted goods, and more. There will be music in the lobby performed by Robin Sunquiet, and Emma’s Kitchen and Twin Ports BBQ food trucks will be onsite. Be sure to bring cash or checks, as not all businesses will be able to accept credit cards. Facebook: Black Beach Inn by GrandStay
EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY
EVER TOLD
Dec. 4-20 Held at the Magnus Theatre in Thunder Bay, a group of actors were preparing to do another annual production of A Christmas Carol. However, instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth season, they’ve decided to perform every Christmas story ever told—plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. Don’t miss this madcap romp through the holiday season in the spirit of The Complete Works of Wil-
liam Shakespeare (Abridged). Performance times and ticket information can be found online. magnustheatre.com
PARADE OF LIGHTS
Dec. 6, Saturday The 26th annual Thunder Bay Police Association Parade of Lights will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6. Presented by Tbaytel, dozens of beautifully decorated trucks will line the streets in front of thousands of spectators. The parade will start at Manitoulin Transport on Main Street to Harbour Expressway, and turn right onto Memorial Avenue to Queen Street. From there, it turns right onto Fort William Road and ends on Water Street—this section will be sensory-friendly with no music or horn honking. facebook.com/paradeoflights.thunderbay
DULUTH WINTER VILLAGE
Dec. 6-7 Held outside along Lake Superior at the Decc’s Harbor Drive, the Duluth Winter Village is free to attend and fun for the whole family. This two-day festival brings numerous local businesses together to sell their unique, curated goods out of custom-built wooden cabins. In addition to shopping, visitors will enjoy food and drinks from local restaurants, campfires by
the lake, live animals, carolers, free skating inside the Decc, hands-on art for the kids, and more. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. duluthwintervillage.com
JULEBYEN
Dec. 6-7 At the annual Julebyen Christmas Village festival in Knife River, you will find all things Scandinavian. There are indoor and outdoor marketplaces with foods and handmade gifts by local artisans, an international flag parade, sledding, live music and entertainment for the whole family, food trucks, free workshops for kids, a train ride to troll canyon (admission required), a live nativity and carolers, lefse and krumkake demonstrations, hobby horse racing, snow sculptures, and more. Santa will also be in attendance. Julebyen will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. julebyen.org
Duluth Winter Village is fun and free to attend. | SUBMITTED
THE LEGACY
LIGHT UP A LIFE
Dec. 11, Thursday Sponsored by the Care Partners of Cook County, the annual Light Up a Life event offers community members the opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one during the holiday season, while supporting end of life care. Each donation will help light up the memory tree, located by Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Donation forms are available online. carepartnersofcookcounty.org
Mark your calendars for the annual Dark Sky Festival, an awe-inspiring celebration of the night sky in the beautiful wilderness of Cook County. Hosted by Visit Cook County MN, this unique event invites stargazers, nature enthusiasts, and families to immerse themselves in the pristine night skies of the North Shore. The festival will feature an array of activities for all ages, including presentations by two NASA Artemis scientists, guided night sky viewing, dark sky art activities, author meet and greets, dark sky stories around a bonfire, and more. A full schedule of events can be found online. visitcookcounty.com/events
BOREALIS CHORALE & ORCHESTRA
Dec. 12-13 The 65th annual Borealis Chorale and Orchestra winter concerts will take place Dec. 12-13 at 7 p.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. This year’s program, themed “Angels,” features works by several acclaimed local composers, including Bill Beckstrand, Abbie Betinis, and Linda Kachelmeier. Under the direction
of Karina Roth, the ensemble blends the voices and talents of longtime community members with those of new and younger participants, creating a rich musical experience that resonates across ages. Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $10 to $20 is greatly appreciated and will contribute to the ongoing ability of the BCO to perform for the community. northshoremusicassociation.com
ARROWHEAD ICE FISHING & WINTER SHOW
Dec. 12-14 Held at the Decc in Duluth, the Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show features activities for all ages, as well as sales on the latest outdoor products and gear. Try your luck fishing at the frozen basin for prizes, attend panel discussions at the ice box, and learn ice safety from Twiggy the world-famous water-skiing squirrel. Be sure to try your hand at icebocce, a brand-new game that combines bocce, curling, and shuffleboard. Tickets can be purchased online for a discount, or at the door; ages 5 and under are free. arrowheadiceshow.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY FROLIC
Dec. 31, Wednesday Ring in the New Year at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay with the New Year’s Eve Family Frolic on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Held from 4-8 p.m., enjoy a candlelit evening filled with a variety of fun, family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities, including winter games and contests, live artisan demonstrations, live music, and fireworks. Admission costs can be found online. fwhp.ca
The annual Dark Sky Festival will feature an array of activities for all ages. | LEVI JANSSEN
FESTIVAL
December
NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thru Dec. 7
Northwoods Partners Festival of Trees 7 p.m. Grand Ely Lodge Resort Event Center, northwoodspartners.org
Thru Dec. 13
Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City Display Nordic Center Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org
Thru Dec. 19
65th Arrowhead Regional Biennial: Juried Group Show Duluth Art Institute, duluthart.org
Thru Dec. 20
Liminal: Regional Juried Exhibition
Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, definitelysuperior.com
Contemporary 15 Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, definitelysuperior.com
TBSO: Holiday Pops 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca
Dec. 21, Sunday Winter Solstice
Finland Winter Farmers Market 12:30 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com
Some Kind of Christmas Show 2 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
2026 World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament Series: USA vs Germany 4 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org
Solstice Luminary Hike 5 p.m. Enger Park Golf Course, Duluth, facebook.com/duluthparksandrecreation
Winter Solstice Celebration 5 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca
Dec. 23, Tuesday
2026 World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament Series: USA vs Finland 4 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org
Community Christmas Caroling 6 p.m. Puddle Jumper Park, Ely, elyfolkschool.org
Off the Cuff: Xmas Edition 7 p.m. & 10 p.m. Campfire Comedy Club, Thunder Bay, campfirecomedy.ca
Dec. 24, Wednesday
Christmas Eve
Dec. 25, Thursday Christmas Day
Dec. 26, Friday Boxing Day
Dec. 31, Wednesday
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic 4 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca
The Ball Dropping Special 8 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com
NYE Karaoke with Upbeat Entertainment 8 p.m. Silver Bay Municipal Liquor Store & Lounge, lovinlakecounty.com
New Year’s Eve Celebration 8:30 p.m. Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, grandportage.com
WEEKLY EVENTS
Tuesdays
Locals Night with Live Music 4:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Wednesdays
Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca
Thursdays
Drop-In Modern Dance Classes (Thru Dec. 18) 6 p.m. Colvill Town Hall, dropinpractice@ gmail.com
Date Night with Live Music 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Fridays
Zoo Lights (Thru Dec. 19) 5 p.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, lszoo.org
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 Famers’ Market (Thru Dec. 20) 10 a.m. North End Rec, Thunder Bay, facebook. com/t.bay.farmersmarket
Zoo Lights (Thru Dec. 20) 5 p.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, lszoo.org
What’s for Dinner? 7 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org
Sundays
Drop-In Improv 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, grandmaraisplayhouse.com
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Gift subscriptions received after December 12th will begin with the February 2026 issue.
The North Shore Dish
The Coney Island Dog—Not from Coney Island?
By Virginia George
The coney island hot dog is a curious concoction with no meaningful historical connection to the East Coast amusement park with the same name. Who woulda thunk? As a born-and-bred Midwesterner who has never been to New York, I assumed there was a connection, but it turns out I was wrong, and I went on a little side quest to figure out the history of the coney—where it came from, and how it got here. As with any notable or iconic food product, the precise history of the coney, and hot dogs in general, is argued among enthusiasts, but eventually we can be pretty sure of the coney’s home base and subsequent rise in popularity. But… in order to get to the coney island hot dog, we first have to start with the hot dog itself.
Historians cannot be certain who was the first person to stuff a casing with ground meat and spices, as we can only look at historical data to determine when something was referenced in literature, art, or advertisements. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council suggests that the frankfurter may have been developed as early as 1487 in Frankfurt, Germany. However, going by one of its colloquial names, “dachshund” or “little-dog” sausage, it also may have been the creation of butcher Johann Georghehner in the late 1600s in Coburg, Germany. No one knows for sure, but it does seem that we have the Germans to thank for what has become an American icon. In addition to the uncertainty on the origins of the wiener, hot dog historians have been unable to pinpoint the moment that this prestigious sausage was first placed in a bun. We do know that Charles Feltman, a Coney Island (New York) street vendor, was serving dachshund sausages in milk rolls as early as 1867. So, while theories abound, it is likely that the tradition of bread as a hot dog holder was brought to the United States with German immigrants, and became standard baseball fare by 1893.
Hog dog carts may find their origins in Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, but the coney island hot dog finds its popularization in Detroit, Michigan. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, Greece found itself in bankruptcy in 1893 following the crash of currant prices, which were its main export. This caused a migration of Greeks and Macedonians to the United States in the 1900s and 1910s. As Greek and Macedonian immigrants passed through Ellis Island (and likely Coney Island) and traveled west, they dressed their hot dogs in a beef sauce inspired by the spices of home. So far, many of the facts presented here are disputable and difficult to prove, but one thing we know for sure is the proverbial
“ground zero” for the coney dog is Detroit, Michigan. Brothers Bill and Gust Keros, sheepherders from Dara, Greece, opened a restaurant circa 1920 to serve coney dogs to auto workers. Two side-by-side restaurants, Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island, are thriving today as a part of the Keros brothers’ legacy (and controversy, as both vie for “top dog” status, the sibling rivalry continues!).
But what is a coney? Again, you’re asking for controversy here, but generally speaking, a coney sauce, or saltsa kima, is a beefand tomato-based sauce. The dog is placed into a soft bun and topped with coney sauce, mustard, and onions. The tradition of sauce varies by region, and each coney restauranteur has its own recipe, leading to much debate over which coney reigns supreme.
We have the privilege of two established coney shops in the Northland, both with rich and long histories. In Duluth, you’ll find Deluxe Coney Island, and McKellar Confectionary proudly calls Thunder Bay home.
Deluxe Coney Island, Duluth
Deluxe Coney Island is one of Minnesota’s oldest restaurants, opening in 1928. Inside you’ll find an old-fashioned soda counter with stools, yellow melamine tables, and pristine green vinyl booths below framed photos of Duluth-bound freighters and exposed brick walls.
Deluxe Coney Island’s menu has not changed much since their opening. Their signature coney sauce is the same old-world
recipe that patrons have come to know and love for decades. On their menu, you’ll, of course, find coneys—a hot dog in a bun served with coney sauce made from lean beef and tangy spices, mustard, and onions. You can order them with or without cheese. They also serve a coney burger, and keeping with the Greek roots of the coney, Deluxe Coney Island serves delicious traditional gyros. Their gyros are made from thin, hand-cut slices of lamb and beef on a pita with tomatoes, onions, and a homemade tzatziki sauce. They also serve a soup of the day, Greek salads, and for dessert… old-fashioned ice cream malts and shakes,
in a gallon.
McKellar Confectionary, Thunder Bay
McKellar Confectionary in Thunder Bay opened in 1926 and has been serving the same recipes since 1934. Burgers are hand-pattied every morning, and they have become a beloved destination for generations. The wood-paneled walls and vintage diner booths welcome you for a treat. The McKellar Confectionary menu is simple, but reliable. There you will find both a coney burger and a coney dog, both loaded with mustard, freshly chopped onions, and their famous coney sauce, with or without cheese. On the side you might enjoy fries or the Canadian staple, poutine, and for dessert, what could be better than a good ol’ hand-spun ice cream shake?
We are lucky to have restaurants steeped in history and tradition like Duluth’s Deluxe Coney Island and Thunder Bay’s McKellar Confectionary. Both restaurants were opened in the 1920s, around the time that the coney dog was making a name for itself in the Midwest, and now, a hundred years later, their tradition has made its way into our hearts and our bellies. So the next time you’re looking for an old-fashioned coney that remains true to the history and flavor of Greece, I hope you’ll try Deluxe Coney Island or McKellar’s Confectionary.
On Deluxe Coney Island’s menu, you’ll, of course, find coneys—a hot dog in a bun served with coney sauce made from lean beef and tangy spices, mustard, and onions. Cheese is optional. | VIRGINIA GEORGE
or baklava. You can also order Deluxe Coney Island’s coney sauce to-go—in a pint or
Deluxe Coney Island also serves traditional gyros. | VIRGINIA GEORGE
Doing Good Is Good For You
By Hartley Newell-Acero
If I were to ask you to list things that you can do to improve your mental and physical health, you could probably rattle off a list without much effort: eat your veggies, get some exercise, and get a good night’s sleep. But you might be surprised to learn the powerful impacts that volunteering can have on your wellbeing, too.
Physical and Mental Health Improvements
Decades of research have demonstrated numerous links between volunteering and mental health improvements. Volunteers experience lower rates of depression and anxiety, stronger self-esteem, increased life satisfaction, and increased happiness. Volunteering offers us a chance to learn new skills and sharpen existing ones. It provides a sense of control and agency in our lives. Being able to help others provides volunteers with a greater sense of purpose, a deeper sense of appreciation, and more meaningful lives.
Volunteering also provides measurable physical benefits as well. Research indicates
that regular volunteering may decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Some studies showed that volunteers are able to walk longer, have better balance, and lower levels of physical pain. The results of a study on brain health showed that over a period of time, when compared to the non-volunteers, volunteer participants better maintained their memory, executive functioning, and even had positive changes in brain volume.
Creating Connection
Time spent volunteering not only benefits our bodies and mind, but our spirits as well. It increases the amount of social interaction that a person has and helps to build and maintain stronger support systems. This reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are well-known detriments to our health. Engaging with others while working toward shared goals provides opportunities to expand our social circle and to practice empathy, trust, and cooperation.
about, and what your community needs.
Are you looking for a place to apply a specific skill set? Or are the specific tasks needed less important than the goal toward which the group is working?
WINTER SAFETY TIPS
The exact mechanisms of health improvement are still being studied, but there’s
Every winter, North Shore Health treats Cook County visitors and locals for injuries sustained from winter activities including: hypothermia, frostbite, cardiac arrest and broken bones. Some preparations apply to all winter activities. Be aware of the time. You do not want to be out after dark. The sun sets early. Dress in layers, wear a scarf and gloves, and wear a warm hat. Thirty percent of heat loss is through the head. Check the weather in advance. Bring a rope when on or near ice covering rivers and lakes. Our recommended Winter Activities Safety Tips:
Hypothermia:
Drink plenty of fluids and warm/hot drinks (not alcohol)
Keep dry and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible
Snowmobiling:
Check trail conditions before riding
Don’t drink alcohol and ride
Never ride alone
Watch for tree stumps, rocks & ice heaves
Snow Skiing and Snowboarding:
Know which slopes are right for your skill level
Don’t ski or snowboard alone
Stay on marked paths.
Pay attention to warning signs
Ice Fishing:
Avoid thin ice
Bring an emergency flotation device
Don’t ice fish alone
Snowshoeing:
Use maps, mapping tools and use a GPS
Bring a communication device
Pack the right gear, including food and water, first aid kit, and skin, lip and eye protection
Don’t forget poles
Snow Shoveling:
Be careful in icy conditions
Don’t ignore chest pain
Use an ergonomic shovel
Use proper shoveling techniques
Don’t overdo it and take breaks
Ice Skating:
Warm up before skating (exercise & stretch)
Choose right skates for your skill level and that fit well
probably multiple processes at work. The physical activity that’s part of many volunteer positions has cascading benefits, as does the reduction in stress that comes from doing something you enjoy with people you like. Shifting your focus from your problems to being of help to others can interrupt worry and offer a new perspective on your own life. Put all this together, and it helps to explain why people who volunteer at least 100 hours per year have a reduced risk of dying over a four-year follow up when compared to non-volunteers.
Finding Your Fit
To get (and give) the most from a volunteer experience, it’s important that there’s a good fit between what someone has to give and someone else’s needs. Here are some questions to help make that match. What issues matter to you? What feels important and inspires you to contribute? When you think about potential organizations, what values do they embody? How does that align with what you value? What skills do you bring that could best be applied to an organization’s mission? Look for places and projects that are in the “sweet spot” of what you’re good at doing, what you care
Are you being realistic about your abilities, availability, and energy levels? How can you communicate these limits clearly from the beginning? What’s your plan for sticking to them, so that volunteering doesn’t become a drain? How will you continue to take good care of yourself so that you can best give to others?
How can you learn more about the particulars of the volunteer position? How can you start small? Is there a short-term project that you could try out? If it works well, what larger or on-going projects could you be a part of? If it’s not a match, what’s your plan for politely “bowing out” and finding another opportunity?
When the match is well-made, volunteering has the potential to be a wonderful win/ win/win. Charitable organizations become stronger. The individuals they serve receive support and encouragement. Volunteers benefit mentally and physically. Doing good really is good for you—and for others.
Northern Trails Electronics on Ice: A Primer
By Gord Ellis
Ice fishing was once the simplest of pursuits. You needed only a hand auger, spool of line, hooks, sinkers, and bait to be in business. It was then a waiting game, usually spent waiting for your stick to bend while standing around a roaring fire. That was then. These days, ice fishing is quite a different game. Sure, you can still kick it old school, and many do. However, many anglers have turned to electronics to pull aside the mysterious veil that is the world under ice. Here is a look at some of those options.
Flasher/LCD Fish Finder
The arrival of electronics on the ice first appeared in the midwestern United States in the late 1980s. Someone simply had the brain wave to take a fish finder out of the boat and drop the transducer through an ice hole. The rest is ice history. My first introduction to ice fishing electronics was in 1990 on Lake of the Woods. Some mutual friends from Minnesota and Manitoba joined up with me at Nestor Falls for crappies. They all had Vexilar flasher units, and I didn’t. They so completely outperformed me that I immediately came back to Thunder Bay and sought one out. As luck would have it, my wife’s grandfather had a unit he had taken off his boat. Never again was I without electronics on ice.
Being able to see bottom, the lure or bait moving in the water column, and then a fish coming in, changed the game. These days, flashers are still used but have been largely replaced by liquid crystal units that can double as flashers, and even have a split screen so you can use lake mapping chips. Most units have zoom, which allows you to see just the bottom 10 feet, where walleye, lake trout, perch, and whitefish usually hang out. Commercial electronics “ice boxes” include a cover and handle that allow you to easily carry the unit from hole to hole. Things have come a long way since 1990.
Underwater Cameras
Like flashers, it has only been in the past three decades or so that underwater cameras have become popular on ice. The original underwater cameras were much larger and bulkier than modern ones and could be tough to see unless you were in a darkened shelter. My first underwater camera came my way 20 years ago and was an Aqua-Vu. It had a large camera that you dropped into the water on a thick rubber cord that protected the wiring. You looked at the screen through a long, black tube that blocked out light. It worked well enough but was large and unwieldy, and so I tended not to use it.
Humminbird Helix 5 fish finder on ice. | GORD ELLIS
Fast forward to 2023, and I began using another Aqua-Vu product, but this one is called a Micro. The screen is literally the size of a cell phone, and the wire and camera are incredibly thin and light. It has a built-in battery and charges like a phone. If you want to record some footage, you press a button and then download it later on your laptop. The Aqua-Vu Micro has become one of the tools I turn to quite often, especially in clear water under 30 feet.
The ability to see schools of perch, herring, or whitefish swimming in and around your lure is amazingly instructive. The transducer can also be adjusted so it shoots straight down or to the side. Seeing a steelhead inhale a spoon under the ice while you watch it is a pretty cool experience.
GPS
While not a tool you use to see fish, GPS technology is incredibly useful when ice fishing. No longer do you have to triangulate a tree with a fish house and flagpole to find a good ice fishing spot. Any GPS unit can be used to drop a waypoint that will allow you to get back to nearly the exact same spot time after time. I’ve used a Garmin Rhino handheld unit for years to mark ice fishing spots, and they are bulletproof. They also have a built-in radio, which can be handy to chat with your partners if you don’t have cell phone coverage.
Modern LCD fish finders like my Humminbird Helix 5 have GPS and can take a mapping chip. You can drop waypoints while you are fishing, or use waypoints made while using the same unit (or chip) on
Perch and LiveScope screen in background. | GORD ELLIS
LiveScope
I will say right up front I don’t own a LiveScope unit. This technology is both groundbreaking and somewhat controversial. LiveScope allows anglers to see fish in 360 degrees and can show how far away they are and how deep. It can also tell you, with remarkable accuracy, whether the fish
is small or large. Predator fish such as pike and muskie stand out very clearly. The technology in LiveScope is incredible, and when I’ve used it, it’s been fun. It is also worth noting that LiveScope cannot make a fish bite, no matter how much you will it to happen. LiveScope units are quite expensive, require a lot of battery power, a large transducer pole, and a screen to use effectively on ice. So, you won’t be travelling light.
LiveScope technology is not for everyone,
and there is a cohort of people who think they are a step too far. I’m not sure about that, but it is worth considering just how much technology you want to cart around chasing fish.
Yes, ice fishing has changed, and not everyone will want all of the stuff mentioned here. But electronics can make the ice fishing experience more fun and engaging. There is nothing wrong with having a little extra excitement in the tent on a cold winter day.
BY JOE SHEAD
WHY GO: Ball Club Lake has good numbers of eater-sized walleyes. You’ll find a couple free campsites on this quiet, undeveloped lake as well. The lake has a simple fish community, consisting of walleyes, northern pike and yellow perch.
ACCESS: From Grand Marais, head up Cook County Highway 12 (Gunflint Trail) for 4.6 miles. Turn left onto Cook County Highway 8 (Devil Track Road) and proceed 5.7 miles. Veer right onto Ball Club Lake Road and travel 8.7 miles to where the road dead ends at the lake. There’s a concrete ramp with a dock and parking for a half-dozen vehicles at the southwest end of the lake. There’s also a campsite you can walk to from the boat access, and another campsite you have to boat to on the north end of the lake. Both sites are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
VITALS: Ball Club Lake spans 206 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet. Average water clarity is 7.8 feet. There’s no development on the lake, other than the boat access and the two campsites.
GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch.
WALLEYE:
Club Lake is man aged primarily for walleyes. Although the lake was formerly stocked, natural reproduction has been more than adequate to maintain the pop ulation and stocking was discontinued many years ago. Expect to find a good number of walleyes in the eater category with an outside chance to catch something that tops 20 inches. Ball Club has shown consistently good walleye reproduction throughout the years and main tains a strong walleye population. Growth tends to be at or slightly faster than the area av erage. Don’t expect to take home any trophies, but if you put in your time, you may be reward ed with enough fish for supper.
BALL CLUB LAKE
NORTHERN PIKE:Northern pike seem to pull a Houdini act in Ball Club Lake. They will be present in some DNR surveys and completely absent in others. No pike were caught in the last two DNR surveys in 2022 and 2012, although it’s likely that they are still present in low numbers. They tend to die quickly and never get any bigger than about 25 inches, so if you’re after northerns, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
YELLOW PERCH: The absence of pike has seemingly benefitted the yellow perch population, as more perch have been caught in the last two DNR surveys, when pike were missing from sampling. Unfortunately, it hasn’t really helped the size structure, and of course size matters. You may scratch out a modest keeper, but the overwhelming majority of perch you will encounter will be too small to bother with.
Devin Ellis plays a walleye he hooked while using a fish finder. | GORD ELLIS
SAWTOOTH RACING DOG BLOG A Five-Dog Subaru
BY ERIN ALTEMUS
The plan for the road trip was set in motion before the puppies were born. My friend Sally said she had a dog in heat. Sally and I message each other often, usually with thoughts about dogs. She was on the fence about breeding her female, as she didn’t really plan on having a litter of puppies this year. I told her that if she bred the dog, I would take some pups. I soon received a photo of her dogs “tying,” and eight weeks later there were eight puppies.
I brought down two dogs from Alaska for mushers out east that stayed with us until I was ready to make the “puppy retrieval trip,” as I called it. I had to wait until the puppies were weaned, which put the trip at the last week of October. I could leave on a Monday morning, drive east through Canada, stop to pick up a third dog in Michigan, be at Sally’s the next afternoon, spend a night, and drive home through the lower 48. I only needed to be home in time to trick-or-treat with my daughter, Sylvia, Friday evening.
The Subaru has close to 190,000 miles on it. I spent a few weeks trying to fix some of the pesky things that would make the trip easier, such as the lifts that keep the trunk open and replacing the missing driver’s visor. Unfortunately, we had the glass replaced in the driver’s window over the summer, and the company didn’t do it right, so if you put the window down at all, the window spontaneously drops.
I had three crates. Jett and Gus were super happy to ride in their crates, and I set-
tled into the trip with audiobooks chosen for the ride—everything from self-help to mysteries. I would drive through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and pick up one
more dog, named Apple, who was hitching a ride to Sally’s kennel.
In Marquette, Dinah, Apple’s owner, said, “I didn’t know you were driving a car. Apple is very ‘vocal.’”
I had prepared myself for a loud ride with the puppies, but figured the adults would be accustomed to vehicle travel. Once we started driving, Apple began to howl—an incessant but mournful howl, as if she were trying to summon her pack at home. Fortunately for all of us, this didn’t last for more than 10 minutes. What I would learn is that she would do this every time we stopped for a break and then restarted again. When I finally pulled into a hotel for the night, gave the dogs their food and a walk, and tucked myself into a room, I could hear her howling in the car—just loud enough for me, but probably not something anyone else would hear unless they were really trying to.
The next morning, I awoke early and found, with the GPS, I was more than halfway to Sally’s. With 10 hours of driving to go, a few gas and potty stops, and possibly traffic in Ottawa and Montreal, we would be there for supper.
At Sally’s that night, we found the real howling would start. Gus didn’t like the style of house he was given for the night, and Apple just could not settle down. We brought her inside for the night and suffered her periodic outbursts of howling.
By noon the next day, I crated up three 7-week-old puppies and two more adults,
and we again hit the road. Due to newish CDC regulations, one can no longer take puppies under six months of age from Canada into the U.S., so I had to travel home through the U.S., adding more hours and miles, tolls, and traffic.
I soon learned that these three pups were a generally quiet bunch, though as the trip went on, they seemed to find their voices. Perhaps three days of driving does that. I myself savored the solitude, my only stressors trying to figure out where best to stop with young puppies for puppy breaks, and how to navigate toll booths with a driver’s window that I couldn’t open—therefore having to lean my body precariously out the car door to shove credit cards in and out of machines. As the trip went on, the puppies learned they could wrestle with each other while I drove, and sometimes I listened to them bark and howl for miles. At the same time, the car took on a terrible odor, much like a barn. In any case, we made it home before dusk on Halloween, and I donned my Morticia outfit to pick up Sylvia, who, when she opened the car, saw me and promptly shut the door, thinking she was in the wrong one. Now into November, we are finding our rhythm in training, doing our snow dance, and putting on miles. Having been on the go, go, go for what feels like weeks on end, I am ready to settle into the melancholy of winter, hopeful for snowflakes, and at least a few hours of quiet to reflect on the world outside my window.
A surprise snow squall gave the road a coating of snow, which is nice for the dogs’ feet. | ERIN ALTEMUS
The puppies and their master.
| ERIN ALTEMUS
An Indiana rest stop are we there yet?
| ERIN ALTEMUS
Leaf Town Forever
By Beth Rooney & Kathleen Rooney
Illustrated by Betsy Bowen
University of Minnesota Press, 2025, $17.95
Leaf Town Forever is a children’s book that tells the true story of kids who build an entire imaginary town from leaves, twigs, and found treasures, only to see it threatened and rebuilt through teamwork. Written in haiku by Kathleen and Beth Rooney and illustrated by local artist Betsy Bowen, it’s a celebration of creativity and nature—perfect for readers who cherish the outdoors and childlike imagination.
Breana Johnson
Paper Camera
Poems, Poets, and Poetry
By Joyce Sutphen
Nodin Press, 2025, $17
NORTHERN SKY
DECEMBER
2025 By
Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH
In Paper Camera, former Minnesota poet laureate Joyce Sutphen reflects on the mys teries of writing—why poems appear, how we revise them, and what they leave behind. Blending craft talk with personal memories, she moves easily between humor and tender ness. It’s the kind of collection that makes you want to slow down, listen closely, and maybe pick up a pen yourself.— Breana Johnson
Kitchens of Hope
By Linda S. Svitak, Christin Jaye Eaton, & Lee Svitak Dean
University of Minnesota Press, 2025, $29.95
Kitchens of Hope highlights immigrants who arrived in the United States from more than 30 countries across the globe—some fleeing conflict, others seeking opportunity—and the dishes that carry their histories. With more than 50 recipes, the book pairs vibrant flavors with intimate reflections on home, community, resilience, and hope. It’s a moving reminder of how food helps people stay grounded while starting anew.— Breana Johnson
Stay in touch
As 2025 draws to a close, the bright winter stars are assembling in the east earlier and earlier, along with Jupiter, which outshines all of them.
Jupiter appears over the northeastern horizon a couple of hours after nightfall. Meanwhile, Saturn shines in the south. In late December 2020, Saturn and Jupiter passed so close to each other they looked like one object. Five years later, thanks to Jupiter’s greater orbital speed, the two planets are now approximately 90 degrees apart.
Jupiter is below the Gemini twin stars Pollux—the brighter—and Castor. The hourglass form of Orion, the hunter, with the three closely spaced stars of his belt, rises to the right of Jupiter. Above Orion, look for bright Aldebaran, the eye of Taurus, the bull, and the Hyades star cluster, which marks the bull’s face. Above the Hyades is the Pleiades star cluster, marking the bull’s shoulder.
In the west, the Summer Triangle of bright stars is tilted clockwise from its summer position. Deneb, the highest of the three stars, marks the head of the Northern Cross, which stands nearly upright over the horizon in early evening.
In the predawn sky, brilliant Arcturus, in the constellation Bootes, the herdsman, shines over the eastern to southeastern horizon. To its lower right is Spica, in Virgo, the maiden; and to its lower left is Vega, the brightest star in the Summer Triangle.
December’s full moon arrives on Thursday, the 4th, at 5:14 p.m. This will be another large supermoon, and the second closest full moon of the year. It will be lovely as it rises that afternoon, about as round as we’ll ever see it.
Winter begins with the solstice, at 9:03 a.m. Sunday, the 21st. At that moment the sun reaches its turning point over the Tropic of Capricorn and begins its next journey north.
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.
Following the Ancestor’s Steps
Dagwaagin Maang Autumn Loon
By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman
With the quick fading of the rich, ozhaawashkwaa (green) plants and mitigoog (trees), and the chill gihizheb (in the morning) air with the giizis (sun) shining bright maangwag (loons) have left the northern waters of Minnesota behind. With dagwaagin (autumn’s) approaching departure, it won’t be long before the zaaga’iganan (lakes) and ponds begin to gashkadin (freeze over) completely, denying maangwag (loons) the niibi (water) runways needed for them to migrate south to warm waters. The silence of biboon (winter), minus the crunching of my aagime (snowshoes) breaking fresh bagakaagonagaa (bright snow), is one of my most enjoyed pastimes—but I will miss their song during the quiet cold months. Knowing that I will not see maangwag (loons) for several months inspired me to create my most recent maang (loon) painting, celebrating the rich autumn mooka’am (sunrise) with a single maang (loon) floating along before they prepare to fly zhaawani (south).
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.
Strange Tales
Earth’s Cosmic Voyagers: Still Traveling After 48 Years
By Elle AndraWarner
There’s been a lot of media attention lately on drones, comets, space travel, and unidentified objects. But here’s something about two identical U.S. spacecraft—Voyager 1 and Voyager 2—launched 48 years ago in the summer of 1977 from Cape Canaveral that is mind-boggling. That’s the same year the first Star Wars movie was released; the first test flight of the Space Shuttle Enterprise took place; Jimmy Carter became the 39 th U.S. president; and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, died.
Who could have predicted that after being launched aboard a Titan-Centaur rocket on Sept. 5, 1977, the Voyager 1 spacecraft would still be speeding through space at an estimated 38,000 miles per hour (mph), or about 17 kilometers per second (km/s). Now more than 15.8 billion miles from Earth, it has travelled farther in space than any other human-made object. Originally designed to last about five years, Voyager 1 is still hurling along after 48 years, operating with 69 KB of memory, an 8-track tape recorder, and code written in FORTRAN (updated remotely from its 1977 version).
Launched a month earlier from a Titan-Centaur rocket than Voyager 1, the twin Voyager 2 left Cape Canaveral on Aug. 20, 1977, on a different trajectory, though the mission of both spacecraft was to fly by and explore the giant planets of our solar system. Travelling a bit slower at roughly 35,000 mph (15 km/s), it is currently about 13.1 billion miles from Earth.
On Feb. 17, 1998, Voyager 1 passed Voyager 2 to become the world’s farthest human-made object to travel in space.
Both Voyagers have cleared through the heliopause at the outer edge of our solar system and entered the vast interstellar space between stars (Voyager 1 in 2012, and six years later, Voyager 2). It will take another 300 years to reach the inner edge of the Oort Cloud—a large region of icy bodies estimated to number the billions surrounding the solar system—and an astonishing 30,000 years to travel through it.
Eventually, while drifting through interstellar space, the Voyagers will begin orbiting around the galactic centre of the Milky Way, similar to how the Sun orbits. They’ll drift in the galaxy for approximately 40,000 years before Voyager 1 reaches the closest star system to the Sun, Alpha Centauri, located about 25 trillion miles from Earth. As the spacecraft will have lost power long ago, the Voyagers will not have the speed to escape Milky Way’s velocity or gravitational pull and will keep orbiting for billions of years before becoming inoperable.
Built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, each Voyager is equipped to conduct experiments using
television cameras; infrared and ultraviolet sensors; magnetometers; plasma detectors; cosmic-ray and charged-particle sensors; and spacecraft radio. Electrical power is supplied by three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which convert
Onboard Voyager 1 and 2 is a small American flag and a Golden Record. | NASA
heat produced from the radioactive decay of plutonium into electricity to operate the instruments, computers, radio, and other systems. Data are transmitted through the Deep Space Network (DSN), a global spacecraft tracking system operated by JPL with antenna complexes in California, Spain, and Australia. As of 2025, it takes more than 23 hours for signals from Voyager 1 to reach Earth.
The primary mission of the spacecraft was to explore Jupiter, Saturn, and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. Voyager 2 was also to explore those two planets, but on a different trajectory, with an option to continue on to Uranus and Neptune. Once those missions were successfully achieved, the project expanded to study the solar system’s edge and interstellar space.
So, after 48 years, how much longer can the spacecraft have power? While conserving energy by shutting down instruments, the spacecraft are estimated to go silent in the early to mid-2030s when the RTGs can no longer produce enough power.
Back in 1990, the cameras on Voyager 1 were shut off to conserve power. On Feb. 14, 1990, it took its final set of photos, known now as the “Solar System Family Portrait,” and included the iconic “Pale Blue Dot” image of Earth taken at a distance of 3.7 billion miles (6 billion km) from the Sun.
Now, what if an extraterrestrial civilization encounters the spacecraft in the future? Well, NASA has that covered. Each Voyager spacecraft has on board a 12-inch “Golden Record” designed as a time capsule of Earth’s life and culture. The gold-plated copper phonograph record contains 115 images; a 90-minute selection of music; greetings spoken in 55 of the world’s widely spoken languages; and printed messages from U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim. Encased in protective aluminum cover, it has instructions on how to play the record, the location of Earth, and dating to show how long the Voyagers have been in space. Astronomer and astrophysicist Dr. Carl Sagan, who chaired the NASA committee that selected the record’s content, said, “The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced spacefaring civilizations in interstellar space.” As NASA notes, “While the spacecraft itself may never return to Earth, the message it carries could last for billions of years.”
In the news for the last few months has been the mysterious 13/ATLAS, reported to be at least seven billion years old and only the third confirmed interstellar object to enter our solar system. I wonder what a future civilization might say about Earth’s Voyagers after they drift for billions of years.
On Sept. 5, 1977, NASA’s Voyager 1 was launched aboard a Titan-Centaur rocket. | NASA
Artist impression (acrylic on board) for NASA of the Voyager spacecraft with the outer worlds they passed.
| DON DAVIS
HEART OF LUTSEN LIVING! Looking for a project to make your own on the North Shore?
Look no more, this 2 bedroom home sitting on 1.5 acres in downtown Lutsen is it! Move in right away and start the projects or updates you want! Original Hardwood floors upstairs are just waiting for you! The property is zoned both General Commercial and Residential which gives the out of the box thinkers many choices, maybe you could create that business you always dreamed of! Close to everything Lutsen has to offer: Lutsen Mountains, Superior National Golf Course, Hiking/ Biking/ snowmobiling/ Cross Country Skiing trails, not to mention all the Inland lakes just minutes away! Time to make your plans of North Shore living a reality! MLS#6121586 $285,000
KICK BACK AND RELAX IN THIS CARIBOU TRAIL HOME IN LUTSEN! This 3-bedroom home sits on 5 acres of prime location! From the spacious Kitchen to the large basement, you have plenty of room! Attached 2 car garage makes for great storage! The home is solid and well maintained, and is close to all the action: Lutsen Mts, Superior National Golf Course, Hiking, XC and Snowmobile Trails, Grand Marais, the BWCA, boating and exploring Caribou Lake – on and on, it’s endless Northwoods fun. Visit today!
MLS#6121594 $399,000
Ask about additional 47 acres package! MLS#6120632 $999,000
SOLD SOLD
CHARMING HOME IN GRAND MARAIS! Terrific opportunity to own a 3 bedroom, 3 bath home on nearly 2 acres, very close to all the action and fun of Grand Marais! Nicely nestled in a boreal forest among lofty red pines, this home has plenty of space for you to enjoy. Current owners have done a lot of updating including a super cute, finished space in the lower level. Next owners just get to show up and start living their dream! On the main floor you will love the hardwood floors and stone fireplace in the Living room that easily takes away any fall/winter chills. The Kitchen has plenty of room for you to whip up your favorite meals, or walk out onto the patio to BBQ! With 1 car attached garage and a new detached garage you will have tons of room for all your seasonal toys! MLS#6122149 $435,000
$950,000 MLS#6122627
CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE!
SCHROEDER AREA
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#6118380 $74,000 PRICE REDUCED!
PLENTY OF ROOM TO EXPLORE IN SCHROEDER! Just south of Sugarloaf Cove in Schroeder, and overlooking Lake Superior, are 40 acres of elbow room awaiting a new lover of the North Shore! Hard to find a large acreage parcel, easily accessible, and pitched just so to provide evocative, energizing views of the The Big Lake. Current owners have provided a good start: put the driveway in, cleared a building-site, set up the firepit, heck they even planted a few apple trees. Now it’s your turn to start creating YOUR DREAM! Begin with a little getaway place, put your own touches on the land. Or make it the homestead. Come have a look, stand in the middle of your own 40, deep and away from the cares and worries of modern life. MLS# 6119000 $349,000 PRICE REDUCED!
TOFTE AREA
WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE GETAWAY ON THE NORTH SHORE IN TOFTE! You have plenty of space to build your dream cabin or yearround home on this 2+ acre lot. Views of Lake Superior. Located right in the middle of Tofte, you have access to bike trails and snowmobile trails and tons of inland lakes! Visit today and start your next adventure! MLS# 6121512
$139,900
LUTSEN AREA
BOREAL FOREST IN LUTSEN WITH ACCESS TO TAIT LAKE! Gorgeous trees and high ground are just a couple features this land offers! Fiber and Electric at Road, this land is build ready. As part of the Tait Lake Assoc. enjoy folks that are environmentally aware and at peace with the Great Northwoods! Shared canoe launch is just a few minutes’ walk from the land for when you want to paddle around the lake, or enjoy the hiking trails meandering through the Tait Lake area. Perfect Retreat Spot to build your getaway cabin!
MLS#6120556 $55,000
ACREAGE IN LUTSEN! Rare opportunity to have 34 acres in Lutsen on the Caribou Trail! Plenty of space for you to explore and create your own getaway with wildlife as neighbors! Create a development or keep it all for yourself, why not? MLS#6120814 $300,000 NEW PRICE!
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARCELS OF LAND IN THE LUTSEN AREA! Located on the corner of the Caribou and South Caribou, this land is high ground and magnificent in the Fall with the mature maple forest. A Syruper’s DREAM property, make this your own homestead or develop it utilizing the new County zoning ordinance for denser development surrounded by Green Space! Year round access via County roads, and electric and fiber at road. MLS#6120783 $499,000
40 ACRES A STONE’S THROW TO THE BRULE LAKE ENTRANCE ROAD IN LUTSEN! Sweet views of surrounding lakes from the highest point of this 40 in an excellent location along the Grade Rd. Year round access, and electric and fiber are along one side of the Grade Road. Great location for a Fishing Camp and eventual home or development! Minute’s to the Caribou Trail in Lutsen, or keep on going to the Ball Club Road to Devil Track Rd to Grand Marais! Mature forest, great spot. 40 acres too much? Seller’s will sell the East 20 for $169,000! MLS#6120782 $299,900
GRAND MARAIS AREA
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON 120 ACRES OF MANICURED FOREST LANDS AND EXPANSIVE LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS! There’s a rough road accessing the property from Bally Creek Rd, just ten minutes west of downtown Grand Marais! Views from the TOP of Murphy Mountain are astounding, not only overlooking Lake Superior, but looking toward the North as well! Gate on property, shown by appointment only. MLS#6122477 $1,200,000
SECLUSION ON 40 ACRES, JUST MINUTE’S TO GRAND MARAIS ABOVE COUNTY RD 7! Excellent location, this 40 acres has nice Lake Superior views, and awesome views of the Sawtooth Mountain Ridgeline above Cut Face Creek, just west of Grand Marais. Rough road in place, there’s an easement for access, you just need to improve the road to your future homestead! Flat land at top for barns, home, whatever you envision. Great sunlight, perfect Solar Off Grid property, or bring in fiber and power from the Bally Creek Rd! MLS#6120419 $400,000
MAY THE GIFT OF PEACE AND THE HOPE OF THIS SEASON FIND YOU AND YOURS. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LUTSEN REAL ESTATE GROUP & CASCADE VACATION RENTALS
MIKE LARSON | Associate Broker (218) 370-1536 mike@staycvr.com
STEVE SURBAUGH Broker and Co-owner
CLAIR STODDARD Co-owner
SARENA CROWLEY Agent and Co-owner
3+ bdrm., 3 ba., 2 car attached garage and a jaw-dropper of a garage/woodshop. Beautiful custom-built one level home w/ a walkout lower level. Dreamy kitchen, wood fireplace, hardwood floors, main level lifestyle! Flexible space in lower level could be another bedroom, office/den, etc. 5 acres included. Jonvick Creek babbling along, a wood-fired sauna, massive wood shop/garage w/ living space attached (kitchen + 3/4 bath), a greenhouse, wood shed, storage shed, a wood-fired pizza oven and magical trails meandering through the woods! MLS 6122126
It’s
about
Exceptional retreat on pristine Gull Lake with 467’ of shoreline and direct BWCAW access. Set on 5A, this 4BR/3BA home features elegant interiors, guest cabins, and unmatched tranquility.
Delightful 3BR, 2BA Devil Track Lake cabin on 200’ of shoreline. Two parcels, lake views, private dock, garage, and cozy living spaces—perfect for peaceful Northwoods escapes year-round.
Private 10-acre lakeside retreat on secluded Pancore Lake. Handhewn log cabin, bunkhouse, solar power, 700 ft shoreline, stunning views and total privacy.
543’ of truly amazing easy access Sea Gull Lake shoreline! This 8.5-acre lot is home to a newer modern open design 2BR1BA cabin sitting on a rocky knoll, affording amazing views.
LAKE HOMES & CABINS
Off-grid one-bedroom cabin sits on 37 acres of beautifully forested land with distant view of Lake Superior and abuts state land.
3-bed, 2-bath split-entry home in Grand Marais with fenced yard, deck, vaulted ceilings, garage, and spacious lower-level family room with bar.
6121959 • $529,990
7A shared land.
Electric & broadband available.
Large, beautifully landscaped 10,000sqft lot in Grand Marais awaits your perfectly designed home. Could be split into two lots.
Nicely wooded and surveyed Grand Marais city lot. Road and utilities not brought in yet.
6118743
Serene Tom Lake lot with over 150’ of easily accessible shoreline, year-round access and completed driveway.
6120208
new 1541 Camp 20 rd 535 Humphrey Circle
Red Pine Realty
Locally owned and operated since 1996 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN | 218-387-9599 VISIT OUR OFFICE TO SPEAK WITH A REALTOR. HOURS: M-F 9AM-5PM, SAT 10AM-4PM
REALTORS®: Sue Nichols, Broker • Jake Patten, Assoc. Broker • Jess Smith • Melissa Gregg • Mike Raymond Rebecca McAllister • Casey O’Brien • Alice McFarlane, Admin.
NEW! CABIN ON BAPTISM RIVER
Recently renovated 2-bedroom cabin that's been completely transformed down to the studs. Charming 512 sq ft property offers modern, eco-friendly living with solar power and a composting toilet system. The almost 14 acre property has over 700 ft of Baptism River shoreline and abuts state land.
MLS#6122665 $169,000
LAKE SUPERIOR LOT
Imagine waking each morning to the sound of Lake Superior waves rolling onto your rugged shoreline, with 224ft of boulder beach and ledge rock. Set on 4.92 acres in a quiet neighborhood, property is ready for your vision. Gravel driveway leads to a partial build pad. Electricity in place with standard 30-amp & 50-amp service. Septic system installed. Internet available nearby.
MLS#6121329 $435,000
NEW! 20 ACRES WITH ACCESS TO LOST LAKE
Beautiful land with areas of higher elevation, mature pines, and deeded access to Lost Lake. The landing is within a 1/2 mile of the property. Access on a minimally maintained road that is not plowed in the winter. Arrowhead Co-op power/broadband easement along the road. Additional land available MLS#6121972.
MLS#6122619 $48,000
INLAND LAKE PROPERTIES
LOG HOME - PORTAGE LAKE
Pristine 10 acres, 1700+ feet of Portage Lake shore, unique Mid-Gunflint Trail location. Surrounded by Superior National Forest and 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#6118688 $649,000
HAND-HEWN LOG HOME ON MAYHEW LAKE
Classic northwoods cabin on 200ft of Mayhew lakeshore near the BWCA. Designed with flexibility to entertain, host overnight guests and provide places to relax all with lake views. Includes a 2 story barn/shop with over 2500 sq ft. Home and barn have in-floor heat for year round comfort.
MLS# 6121378 $949,000
SEA GULL LAKE SERENITY
Charming Cape Cod-inspired lake home, outstanding views of the lake and surrounding BWCAW wilderness. Rock outcroppings and pines on 252 ft of accessible shoreline and 3.5 acres. Two bedroom, 2 level home shows exceptional quality. Expansive windows and screen porch, plus upper-level deck.
MLS#6120462 $595,000
DEERYARD
LAKE COTTAGE
Cozy two bedroom stone cottage, nestled among lofty maples and aromatic cedars, beside the tranquil shore of Deeryard Lake. This property has been uniquely envisioned and built with creativity and craftsmanship, with real stone, wood paneling, and attractive highlights throughout. There are several unfinished aspects of the property.
MLS#6122427 $649,000
HOMES AND CABINS
GRAND
MARAIS HOME
Carefree living in the heart of Grand Marais. Home has been totally updated in recent years. The only thing to decide is which of the beautiful spaces to relax in! A perfect home for entertaining and relaxing inside or in the beautifully landscaped yard. Lots of storage in the lower level and attached garage. Walk anywhere in Grand Marais and come home to enjoy views of the lake.
MLS#6120399 $499,900
COZY LOG CABIN ON 83 ACRES
Come see this one bedroom, one bathroom, kit log cabin perched atop 83 acres, bordered by MN State land. Interior is accented by beautiful diamond willow railings and custom ironwork. Propane lights, refrigerator and cooking range reduce utility expenses.
MLS#6119194 $289,000
SITES
GRAND MARAIS HOME END OF THE ROAD PRIVACY
A 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the heart of Grand Marais with a very private and wooded feel. Bonus room has natural light from windows on three sides and a gas fireplace. Add’l features: gas fireplace in the living room, geothermal in-floor heat, AC, maintenance free siding, fenced in back yard and adjoining wooded lot. Easy trail access connecting to Pincushion Mountain trails.
MLS#6119977 $575,000
OFF-GRID HOVLAND CABIN
This property is an awesome retreat for all kinds of groups. Turn-key, 5 acre off-grid property, has been set up by the sellers to function conveniently and comfortably, and is a great base camp for all seasons of sports and activities. Sellers are motivated.
MLS#6120291 $249,000
ONE LEVEL LIVING
Updated affordable home in an ideal location. One level living. Move right in and enjoy the classy kitchen, relaxing living room with a cozy wood stove, lots of windows throughout, beautiful tile work, and a full basement. Nestled on a private yard near many beloved North Shore sites.
MLS#6120677 $249,900
CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT
barred owl
One day, I was trekking through the forest in February when I found the back end of a flying squirrel lying on top of the snow. I looked up and saw this barred owl staring at me. The bird looked at me quizzically, probably wondering if I was going to steal the rest of the rodent for myself. I snapped a few photos and left so the owl could return to the rest of its meal.— Ryan Pennesi
