Northern Wilds

And your favorite waterfall is…

If you enjoy exploring the North Shore’s many waterfalls, you’re in luck. Mother Nature decided to delay spring for a few weeks this year, leaving the waterfalls frozen in winter’s icy grip. As this issue goes to press, Mother Nature has turned up spring to full volume. The snow is melting. Waterfalls are beginning to roar. May should offer outstanding waterfall viewing.

Where should you begin? Let us suggest the High Falls of the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park. Situated on the boundary between the U.S. and Canada, at 120 feet, High Falls is considered the highest waterfall in Minnesota. It is also among the most loved. In a recent Waterfall FaceOff online contest sponsored by Visit Cook County, High Falls emerged as the clear winner from a field of 16 waterfalls. But we’ll let you in on a little secret: every waterfall in the contest is well-worth visiting this spring. Just go to visitcookcounty.com to download a waterfall map you can use to plan your adventure.

While the water is running in the rivers, it’s a toss-up if the lakes will be open in time for the Minnesota general fishing opener on May 12. A later than average ice-out is assured; just how late is the question. Late winter accounts of ice nearly four feet thick means that even with warm temperatures, ice-out may be slow

in coming. To prime the pump for anglers, we’ve included some fishing stories in this issue. Ali Juten introduces us to a form of fishing that is popular elsewhere, but new to the Northern Wilds: bowfishing for carp and suckers. Joe Shead of Two Harbors, in his first piece for Northern Wilds, describes some of his opening day mishaps, which were funny, provided you weren’t in the boat with him. Gord Ellis explains how to catch northern pike in the spring; a time when you can have some of the best action (and best eating) of the year. Ellis was recently inducted in the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. We have a report on that, too.

Local history is popular with our readers. Two stories in this issue are related to new books coming out this spring. We interviewed Northern Wilds contributor Kathy Toivonen and her co-author Kim Manduca about their ambitious project to chronicle the historic communities associated with the railways of Northwestern Ontario. Elle Andra-Warner looks at the story of Northeastern Minnesota’s seven iron men: the Merritt brothers who discovered the Mesabi Iron Range. She talks with Grant Merritt, the grandson of brother Alfred, about his new book, which tells of his family’s history as well as his own efforts to protect Minnesota’s environment.

As always, our contributors seek

out what is new and different. Chuck Viren explains how ultralight gear can take pounds out of your backpack. Maren Webb checks out new restaurants on the Gunflint Trail and in Thunder Bay. Javier Serna sips some new brews in Superior. Kelsey Roseth reports on a new movie that was filmed on the North Shore. Kim Casey writes about a new co-op serving the community of Dorion. Think of this issue as a spring bouquet of stories and photos. We hope you have as much fun reading this issue as we did putting it together for you.

—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

DNR offers programs to learn to camp, paddle, mountain bike and fish

ST. PAUL—Registration for the 2018 I Can! programs that teach camping, paddling, mountain biking and fishing skills at Minnesota state parks and trails is now open, according to the DNR.

The I Can! series helps beginners of all ages learn outdoor skills. The programs start in June and continue through the end of August. They include:

• I Can Camp! Develop (or brush up on) fire-starting and camp cooking skills and sleep on comfy air mattresses in tents large enough to accommodate two adults and up to three children ($60 for one-night programs or $85 for two-night programs).

• I Can Paddle! Get out on the water for a sea kayaking adventure on Lake Superior ($35 for ages 12-18, $45 for adults) or a guided canoeing or kayaking experience on a Minnesota lake or river (prices vary).

• I Can Mountain Bike! Learn riding techniques and explore mountain

bike trails with guides from the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Club ($15 for ages 10-15, $25/adults).

• I Can Fish! Experience the fun of casting into the water and the excitement when there’s a tug on the line ($7/person, children under age 12 are free).

The I Can! series also includes the Archery in the Parks programs, which are free and for which no reservations are needed.

“We provide all the gear along with friendly instructors who can show you how to use it,” said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota state parks and trails. “Our goal is to make it easy for busy families to discover the fun of spending time outdoors together.”

For more information, including program dates, times, locations, and minimum age requirements, visit: mndnr. gov/ican

Held at various state parks and trails, the Minnesota DNR will offer the I Can! Program series, featuring everything from kayaking and canoeing to fishing, camping and mountain biking. | SUBMITTED

Virginia Minnesota charms at International Film Festivals

DULUTH—Virginia Minnesota, a movie shot locally and produced by Rushaway Pictures, is new to the film festival circuit and already charming film critics. It has been named a “female-led indie gem” by Cultured Vultures and Miro Magazine called it a “feel-good indie charmer.”

The low-budget film, written and directed by Daniel Stine, is a story of two young women who grew up in a residence for troubled girls. Over time, they are torn apart by a tragedy and unexpectedly reunited when they journey back to their childhood home for the reading of their former guardian’s will.

This coming-of-age movie is about imagination, innocence and belief— which is fitting for a movie that helped local North Shore residents achieve their own dreams of making an impact on the film industry.

“When I read the script, I was amazed by it,” said Brandon Cole, the 29-year-old owner/founder of Duluth’s Death Calm Studios and an active participant in the regional film industry. He served as the location manager for Virginia Minnesota, which was shot at multiple locations on the North Shore—including Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay and Grand Marais.

“The rustic, small-town feel of Grand Marais has so much film potential,” said Cole. “I needed to be a part of this, because I’m from there.” After high school, the Grand Marais native moved to Duluth to pursue

media studies at Lake Superior College. There, he cultivated a passion for filmmaking and has spent the last six years in the film industry, primarily focused on horror films.

About two years ago, Cole was hired by Virginia Minnesota’s producer, as Cole’s film company is one of the few Northland companies on the Minnesota Film & TV Board. He then began scouting locations along the North Shore. When shooting started in September, Cole recruited his 25-year-old brother Christian, an ex-

perienced sound recorder who also works in the industry, to serve as a boom operator. He even talked a few friends and family members into serving as extras.

“They often needed extras and I knew people, being from there,” said Cole, sharing a story about how the director once needed an extra to pick up boxes for a shot. He had 20 minutes to find someone, so he did what any of us would do. He called his aunt. “I said, ‘get your car down here, you’re going to be in a movie,’” he laughed.

While having a movie shot on the North Shore is special on its own, Cole said making a movie locally is entirely unique. “Minnesota, in general, is a different experience than what I hear of Hollywood,” he said. For example, rather than the hierarchy he would have encountered in a big budget movie, he was able to talk and engage with anyone on set. “You do make those connections with higher up people, with actors you wouldn’t make in Hollywood or another state,” said Cole.

Virginia Minnesota recently premiered in Minnesota and screened at the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Film Festival. To check out the trailer and learn about other potential local screenings, visit: rushawaypictures.com or facebook.com/virginiaminnesotamovie. Kelsey Roseth

The film Virginia Minnesota was shot at multiple locations on the North Shore, including Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay and Grand Marais. Shown here are actresses Aurora Perrineau and Rachel Hendrix. | RUSHAWAY PICTURES

The movie poster for Virginia Minnesota. | RUSHAWAY PICTURES

Remembering the Gunflint Green Up

GUNFLINT TRAIL—Although the 2007 Ham Lake wildfire was devastating, destroying 75,000 acres of forest land, it didn’t extinguish the spirit of those who love the Gunflint Trail. And nowhere was that more evident than in the gathering in the days that followed the fire.

Nancy Seaton, of Hungry Jack Outfitters, recalls that the idea of planting trees was born as a way to celebrate the end of the evacuation of the Gunflint Trail.

“When the Gunflint Trail was going to re-open after the Ham Lake Fire, the Gunflint Trail business owners gathered as a group. We wanted to do something positive at that time so we came up with the idea of planting trees,” said Seaton.

The informal community event on Memorial Day weekend drew the attention of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and more than 100 people turned out to help.

“From that experience we decided to do it in a more organized, celebratory way for 2008 and Gunflint Green Up was born.”

Seaton and other members of the Gunflint Trail Association and Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway worked with the U.S. Forest Service to determine what type of trees should be planted and where. The Forest Service provided 75,000 trees, a mix of white, red, jack pine and spruce.

Dennis Neitzke, who was the Gunflint District Ranger at that time, says over all the years of the Green Up, there were ap -

proximately 150,000 trees planted, by volunteers and through Forest Service efforts.

Sue Weber worked for the Gunflint Trail Association during that time.

“It was a challenging yet very rewarding experience,” she said. “We had over 200 planters for several years. Making all the arrangements so it ran smoothly was quite the learning experience. The Forest Service were great partners in this, providing all the training and group leadership.

“It was also very emotional, since so many friends lost their homes and cabins, plus so many acres of the forest was destroyed,” says Weber.

However, the crisis brought out the best in people.

“The Ham Lake Fire brought the Gunflint Trail community together,” says Weber. “Even in—perhaps especially in—a disaster, people reach out and support one another. Residents who had never met grew to be friends as they sat through information meetings together and ate meals at the Lutheran Church.

“Gunflint Green Up continued to build community as people reunited to plant trees. And, we found planters arrived from many places (not just property owners) just because they love the Gunflint Trail, and wanted to do something positive,” says Weber.

Neitzke also recalls that some positive

followed the devastation. He says during his tenure the relationship between the Forest Service and the Gunflint Trail community was strained at times. But surprisingly, he says, the fires that burned the landscape in 2005, 2006 and finally the Ham Lake fire, didn’t drive a deeper wedge between the Forest Service and the community.

“We instead found ways to work together, support each other and achieve results that benefitted all of us. The cooperation during these events, particularly in the Green Up, was huge in building positive relationships,” says Neitzke.

Seaton agrees, “Green Up is a highlight of my life. Knowing we were able to bring so many people together in a healing moment, connecting us to the land that feeds our souls every day, and just the great support from all of Cook County and its visitors was beyond rewarding.”

Friendships were forged and relationships grew as the physical labor of planting trees was followed by Friday and Saturday speakers and music, which Weber describes as “times of gathering and celebrating.”

And how have the thousands of trees fared? How tall have they grown? Weber says it depends on where they were planted and the amount of sunlight and moisture the trees received. She says the trees planted at her own property at Seagull Lake are not yet taller than she is.

She says it is still sad driving through the areas where the trees were planted, because the signs of the fire remain.

“There are still so many standing, charred trees. The Green Up trees are short—but growing—and that gives hope.

“The sense of community is still with us, though. We work together on projects, such as the Chik-Wauk Museum. We see the success of the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department,” she says, adding, “As we learn of the Gunflint Trail book clubs and fiber art and yoga groups; we realize there have been so many good things coming from a community brought together in 2007.”

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Gunflint Green Up, the community is invited to a potluck at the Seagull Community Center on May 5 at 5 p.m. —Rhonda Silence

Caribou moved to second island

WAWA—Lake Superior’s dwindling population of woodland caribou, were transferred from Michipicoten Island, where they are being wiped out by wolves that crossed over on the ice in 2014. At the time, there were an estimated 800 caribou on the island. Last winter, caribou advocates raised alarm that Michipicoten’s caribou, the largest remaining population on Lake Superior, would disappear before the winter’s end due to wolf predation.

In response, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) used a helicopter to capture 10 caribou and move them to the Slate Islands in January. The Slates have long supported caribou, but the population there was also reduced to two to four bulls after two wolves reached the islands via an ice crossing in 2014. The predators have since disappeared, which will hopefully allow the reintroduced caribou to recover the population.

In February, five caribou, one bull and four cows, were moved to Caribou Island, which is located far offshore near the border with the U.S., by the MNRF in partnership with the Michipicoten First Nation. In March, the partners trapped and transferred another bull to Caribou Island.

Few, if any, caribou remain on Michipicoten Island. In recent years, the animals

Lake Superior caribou have a more hopeful future following capture/ transfer operations last winter.

| CHRISTIAN SCHROEDER

have disappeared from the North Shore mainland locations like Pukaskwa National Park and Neys Provincial Park. Caribou were native to Isle Royale prior to the arrival of moose and wolves. They were extirpated from the island about 100 years ago. The Park Service’s pending decision to restock wolves on the island precludes any chance of restoring the native species to the national park.—Shawn Perich

New ED for WTIP

GRAND MARAIS—WTIP executive director Debbie Benedict, who’s been at the helm since 2001, is retiring from her position as of June 1. Under her direction, WTIP has grown into a trusted provider of news, information and entertainment on the North Shore, with nine staff people, over 1,200 members and many thousands of listeners.

The board of directors has reaffirmed the station’s community focus by choosing a homegrown successor for Benedict. The board wanted someone intimately familiar with the community, the station, and its mission and, upon completing its

selection process, chose Matthew Brown, current WTIP program director and volunteer coordinator. Brown has volunteered and worked at WTIP since 2000 and been an employee since 2008, when he took over as host of Sidetracks. He’s lived in Cook County for 21 years, doing everything from dog mushing and leading wilderness trips to captaining the schooner Hjordis.

As the station’s new leader, Brown will continue WTIP’s mission connecting, reflecting, and building community on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Benedict will continue to work part time with Brown for several months, to ensure a smooth a transition.

Board chair Dave TerSteeg said, “After a thoughtful process of choosing a successor for Deb, the board is proud to announce the promotion of Matthew Brown into the role of executive director. Matthew’s commitment to the local community and his excellent work at the station for so many years will help ensure a strong future for the station under his proven leadership.”

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to continue WTIP’s role in the community bringing together people and ideas. Deb is turning over leadership of a station that’s well-established and strong, and I’ll work to make sure we keep providing the excellent information and entertainment our listeners have come to expect,” said Brown.

Canyon Country Co-op

DORION—Dorion is situated between Lake Superior and the western shore of Black Bay. Surrounded by captivating forests, its tourist attractions include Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, Wolf River Falls, Canada’s longest, highest and fastest zip line at Eagle Canyon Adventures, Wolf River Campgrounds and a government-run Fish Culture Station.

In the late 1800s, people began to settle in the Dorion area. Many of them started farms on land granted to them by the province. A sense of community quickly evolved amongst these pioneers, as they assisted each other in the construction of their log houses. By 1901 there were 71 inhabitants, and they shared the task of building their first school and community centre. Dorion continued to thrive and by 1961, there was 557 people. In the late 1990s, when the forest industry began to decline, many people lost their jobs at the neighbouring mills. And one-by-one the local businesses that were a mainstay of Dorion, also closed down. Many residents had no choice but to move away, and the remaining ones had to travel to other communities to purchase their basic needs. But the pioneering spirit of their proud predecessors too strong to deny, the community of Dorion once again took matters into their own hands and started a co-op.

Aptly named the Canyon Country Coop, it is situated in the heart of Dorion, on the main highway. Ten people from the area have formed a board and are overseeing its development. They already have 110 members, which is quite something considering that their efforts have been more focused on fundraising. One such venture was a hearty Irish stew supper for St. Patrick’s Day, with comedian Chris Mulawyshyn providing the entertainment. The turnout was great and the money raised will aid the board in their many startup expenses. In the future, they will be holding a seminar series on “How to Garden like a Boss.”

The board recently learned that they qualified for a grant through the Carrot Cache Community Resource. The actual amount is yet to be disclosed. They

have also been getting a lot of invaluable advice from Ron Salo with the Superior North Community Futures Development Corporation. Due to their being a profit-based operation, they do not qualify for a lot of the funds being offered by the government. Marvin Broughton explained that when people join their coop, they are not just signing on as members. They will become part owners. There are three types of shares people can purchase, and each one offers a different level of annual payout. And membership is not restricted to the immediate area, anyone anywhere in the world can invest in their innovative co-op.

Canyon Country Co-op sells basic groceries, produce and meat. Firewood is available for purchase and a grill shack operated by a couple in the community will be in the parking lot. There is a section for used and consignment merchandise, and a hardware section for basic essentials for rural living. The board is also planning to have a small coffee shop, liquor store, and gas station. They will hire one full-time person to oversee the day-to-day operations, and three people on a part-time basis. The décor has a pioneer theme, and several people from the area have donated rustic items.

The co-op is not just about selling products at fair prices, it is about creating a sense of belonging for its members and nonmembers—a lesson learned long ago by Dorion’s settlers, who understood the success of their community was directly dependent upon their being able to work together for the collective good of all.

—Kim Casey

Gisele Tilson and Bonnie Broughton decorated the new store. | SUBMITTED

Electronics Recycling Collection Event

COOK COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER

Call (218) 387-3630 for more info.

Saturdays, June 2nd & August 25th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

TOFTE TRANSFER STATION

Saturday, July 21st, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

RECYCLE FREE

Electronics - stereos - misc. electronics - printers

- CPUs - Laptops - computer components (no monitors) Small Appliances - blenders - toasters - vacuum cleaners - etc

RECYCLE FOR A SMALL FEE

Computer Monitors & Televisions $15

Large Appliances $25

- Washers & Dryers - Refrigerators - Microwaves

Lamps

- Circular uorescent - U-bend uorescent $0.50

- HID - Shatter Shield $2.00

- LED - Incandescent - Halogen $0.50

- Broken lamps - Neon and UV $5.00

Ballasts -Non-PCB ballasts $1.00 - Built-in ballast $1.00

Batteries - Alkaline $0.75 - Nickle cadmium $0.50

- Lithium ion $3.00 - Sealed lead acid $0.50

- Silver oxide and silver zinc $0.50

Mercury devices - Mercury batteries $5.00/lb - thermometers, thermostats, etc $2.00

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Saturday, July 28rd, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ely company to publish children’s books

ELY—Raven Productions, Inc. announces that Legacy Toys has purchased the book publishing piece of the business to transform into a new children’s publishing company. Curious Cat Books will officially launch on May 1, with offices, shipping facilities, and a warehouse in Ely.

For the past 24 years, Raven Productions, owned by Johnna Hyde, has published award-winning books, children’s books, non-fiction adult titles, blank journals, notecards, the Boundary Waters and Quetico calendars, and the Ely Summer and Winter Times magazine.

“It’s been an honor to collaborate with all the authors and artists who entrusted Raven Productions with their work, and now it’s exciting to turn it over to a local entrepreneurial company that’s young, energetic, and in line with our values of making kids curious about nature, eager to spend time outdoors, and creative in their play,” said Hyde.

Legacy Toys was founded in 2012 with a mission of encouraging children to choose physical activity and imaginative play over electronic forms of entertainment, as well as promoting family time. Owner Brad Rhuho says, “the acquisition of the book portion of Raven Productions allows Legacy Toys to expand its vision by producing books and other media.”

As Curious Cat Books, Rhuho plans to produce some of the Raven Productions titles as board books, ebooks, educational activity books, and possibly some games and toys. Curious Cat will also bring out some new titles that were in the line-up at Raven Productions, including Boundary Waters 1-2-3 and Where I Fly, A Hockey Story, which is the first in a series of books about sports played outdoors. The next books in the series will include canoe tripping, dogsledding and cross-country skiing.

Raven Productions, Inc. will continue to produce the Ely Summer and Winter Times, as well as the Boundary Waters and Quetico calendar. These can be ordered at: ravenwords.net. For more information on Curious Cat Books, visit: curiouscatbooks.com.

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Northern Wilds columnist inducted to fishing hall of fame

THUNDER BAY—Sometime in the middle of the previous century, a little boy went fishing. That’s when it started.

“There is a picture of me sitting in my father’s lap as a toddler, holding a fishing rod. I remember catching a brook trout in McVicar Creek when I was maybe 2,” says Gord Ellis of Thunder Bay.

Thus began a career in fishing that culminated in March with Ellis’ induction to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. It was an honor well-deserved.

Full disclosure: I’ve known Ellis for more than 25 years and have fished and hunted with him. In addition to being good company in the field, he is among the best multi-species anglers I’ve met. He comes by his skill honestly.

“I spent a lot of my childhood fishing,” says Ellis, who grew up in Thunder Bay. “I had a bike, a fishing rod and a little container with my hooks and sinkers. I’d turn over rocks to find worms for bait.”

Much of his fishing was for brook trout that lived in creeks flowing through the city. This kindled a lifelong passion for brookies or, as Canadians call them, “specs.” While he gained experience with pike, walleyes, smallmouth and perch as a child, it wasn’t until a spring trip to the Jackpine River with his father at age 12 that he discovered steelhead.

“That took care of the rest of my teens. If I wasn’t in school, I was steelhead fishing,” he says.

He and a couple of buddies roamed Lake Superior’s North Shore, staying in the car and sleeping in their waders so they could hit the rivers at first light. In winter, he went ice fishing with another early mentor, his grandfather, Ora Ellis. The two last fished for lake trout through the ice a month before his grandfather’s death at age 89.

“He and my father (Gord, Sr.) had a passion for fishing. It’s in our genetic make-up,” he says.

Perhaps it isn’t surprising that someone who so enjoys fishing would become a new outdoor communicator, but Ellis says he more or less just fell into it. When someone began publishing an outdoor magazine in the 1980s, his friends suggested he should apply for the editor position. Even though he didn’t know anything about magazines or editing, he got the job. Although the magazine failed, he began writing for other publications. When an editor called and told him that he liked his photography, Ellis started selling photos, too. Now he was going fishing and getting paid for it. Soon he was contacted by CBC Radio and the local newspaper to begin submitting material about the outdoors. His career as a writer and broadcaster was born.

The newspaper column lasted 23 years, until a new owner severed ties with the paper’s paid contributors. Ellis’ CBC radio presence has continued to grow. He is a familiar voice across northwest Ontario and beyond. He is the senior editor of Ontario Out-of-Doors magazine and a longtime contributor to Northern Wilds.

It hasn’t been all fishing. Ellis and his wife, Cheryl, have two grown sons, Devin and Austin. (He also has a story about leaving for a fishing tournament just after Cheryl gave birth to one of them.) He plays guitar and performs rock, reggae and blues with a couple of Thunder Bay bands.

Ellis has also been active in fisheries conservation. He has served as a board member and president of the North Shore Steelhead Association. In that role, he helped popularize catch and release, as well as to serve on a committee that helped reduce the daily bag limit for steelhead from five fish to one.

“That’s not what I grew up with,” he says of catch and release. “Back then, five steelhead went home on every trip.”

rockwoodbwca.com/routes

Rockwood is on Poplar Lake with 3 entry points into the Boundary Waters 47, 48, 49; transport to 43-45, 50-58, 60-66 (and more)

He also played a strong role in the restoration of trophy brook trout in the Nipigon River system and Lake Supe rior, the source of the 14.5-pound world record brook trout in 1915. When Ellis began fishing the Nipigon in the 1980s, he was excited to catch a 13-inch brookie. Together with now-retired Ministry of Natural Resource biologist Rob Swainson, Ellis began publicizing the plight of the once-famous fishery. Habitat improvements, such as the elimination of winter drawdowns by hydro-electric dams on the river, plus restrictive bag limits and widespread adoption of a catch-and-release ethic, has allowed the brook trout fishery in the river and Lake Superior to flourish. It is fair to say Ellis has enjoyed the fruits of his labors, spending numerous days fishing the Nipigon system each year.

All of this work is commendable, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to becoming a hall-of-famer. For that, Ellis credits Jay Dampier, a native of the town of Nipigon who lived in Thunder Bay for many years before moving to Wisconsin. There he visited the Freshwater Fish Hall of Fame and Museum in Hayward. He thought Ellis should be included there and submitted an application in his name.

Although he was notified of the induction several months ago, he received official recognition, at the Northwest Sport Show. He says the event was “very surreal.”

“It’s like looking at Mount Rushmore with Al Lindner, Roland Martin…and this guy from Thunder Bay,” he says with characteristic humor.

At 55, Ellis isn’t ready to retire from fishing or outdoor writing to rest on his laurels. He’ll be on the water as often as ever. About the only places he hasn’t fished in Canada are Newfoundland-Labrador and the Yukon, although these days he prefers to spend time on his home waters. While he’s caught an array of fish species, still on his bucket list are aurora trout, subspecies of brook trout found in a few Ontario lakes, and tiger trout, a hybrid of brook and brown trout.

“I still really love fishing for brook trout, lake trout and even perch,” he says.

While he’s honored to be a hall-of-famer, the distinction hasn’t changed his life.

“I’m not getting treated any differently around here,” he says while talking on the phone from home. “I’m still washing the dishes and taking the garbage out.”

—Shawn Perich

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Northern Wilds columnist Gord Ellis was recently inducted to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. | JUSTIN COX PHOTOGRAPHY

Cook fishingCountyclosures will protect spawning fish

COOK COUNTY—Anglers in Cook County will notice fishing closure signs at several area lakes this spring. These temporary closures are regularly enacted to protect concentrations of spawning walleye. Closures on Minnesota-Ontario waters are made in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and affect both sides of the border.

The following closures took effect April 1:

• Sea Gull River from Sea Gull Lake through Gull Lake to Saganaga Lake approximately 1/3 mile north of the narrows; closed through May 25.

• Saganaga Falls on the Minnesota-Ontario border where the Granite River enters Saganaga Lake; closed through May 31.

• Maligne River (also known as Northern Light Rapids) on the Ontario side of Saganaga Lake; closed through May 31 by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

• Unnamed channel between Little Gunflint and Little North Lakes on the Minnesota-Ontario border; closed through May 31.

• Cross River (inlet to Gunflint Lake) from the Gunflint Trail to Gunflint Lake; closed through May 25.

The following areas will be closed to fishing from May 12 through May 25:

• Tait River from White Pine Lake to the Forest Road 340 crossing, including a portion of White Pine Lake.

• Junco Creek from the first log dam above County Road 57 downstream to Devil Track Lake, and including a portion of Devil Track Lake near the river mouth.

Closures apply to fishing only; travel is permitted through these areas. All closed areas will be posted. The closures are intended to protect concentrations of spawning walleye that may be vulnerable to over-harvest.

Late ice-out is expected for Cook County lakes this year. Anglers and other visitors are urged to call ahead to check on ice conditions, or be prepared to look at alternative lakes for open water. Shallow or dark-water (bogstained) lakes are more likely to be open sooner than the county’s deeper, clear-water lakes.

Questions can be directed to the DNR fisheries office in Grand Marais at (218) 387-6021.

Grand Marais Aikikai celebrates anniversary

GRAND MARAIS—Since 1993, Grand Marais Aikikai has been training Cook County residents in Aikido, a Japanese martial art. This month, Grand Marais Aikikai will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a weekend conference that highlights the beauty and skill found in this unique practice.

For those unfamiliar with martial arts, Aikido was founded in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba, a man who had studied a variety of martial arts but grew troubled by the lack of love exhibited during World War II. Aikido was born from both a deep knowledge of martial arts and deep respect for the well-being of others. It differs from other martial arts in its greater focus on harmony and nurturing. The name itself is a composition of three words: ai means “harmony”; ki, “spirit”; and do “way.” All together, “way of spiritual harmony.” Watching aikido in action, one can observe this ebb and flow of energy between the participants and its emphasis on blending with another person’s moves rather than harming them.

“Aikido is a unique martial art,” explains Craig Waver Sensei, the founder of Grand Marais Aikikai. “It’s a deep, spiritual kind of martial art. We do self-defense, but the focus is more on self-development than self-defense. It’s about making yourself a better person.”

Waver Sensei grew up in Grand Marais but didn’t discover Aikido until he was attending college at the University of Northern Illinois. He then went on to start his own dojo in Colorado before moving back to Cook County and founding Grand Marais Aikikai in 1993.

Waver Sensei says that through his studies of Aikido, he’s not only stayed active and healthy but has learned to understand in deeper ways what it means to face an opponent.

“Up here, we don’t really worry about street violence, but we do have bears,” he smiles. “They say to outrun a bear you have to run faster than the guy next to you. But through my training I came to see that the bear wasn’t chasing me: I was the bear. Part of Aikido is learning to have victory over yourself.”

Within Aikido lies a harmony between the physical and spiritual, and a large part of the practice is nurturing the Aikido spirit in addition to the physical skills. As the Grand Marais Aikikai members testify, the Aikido spirit—a spirit of being at peace with all—is something that develops through intentional training but extends to all areas of life. Whether that’s responding to a bad day, navigating an argument, or going out of your way to connect with someone else, Aikido emphasizes harmony first.

“You see people in Grand Marais saying hi to people in the grocery store: that’s Aikido spirit,” says Waver Sensei. “It’s harmony, connection.”

Though Aikido is a relatively new martial art, it has expanded rapidly to become a global practice, and Aikido conferences bring together people who practice the art from all around the world.

Grand Marais Aikikai will host its 25th anniversary celebration May 18-20. The celebration will include classes by teachers from the World Aikido Aikikai Inc. and the Capital Aikido Federation, and people from all over the country are planning to travel to Grand Marais to participate in the festivities. Some parts of the celebration will be held at the Cook County Community Center and other parts will take place at Trout Lake Resort.

“I’m encouraging anyone in Grand Marais to come and watch,” says Waver Sensei, “and people who have trained in Aikido are more than welcome to come join.”

For those in the area interested in trying Aikido, classes through Grand Marais Aikikai are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and are open to anyone.

“I was 51 when I started,” one member explains. “There’s room for everyone.”

For more information on the anniversary celebration or to learn more about classes, please contact Craig Waver Sensei at aikiwaver@boreal.org or visit: gmaikido.webs.com. —Rae Poynter

Rev. Zenko N. Okimura teaching a class. | SUBMITTED

Grand Marais Aikikai members at the dojo: Joanne Smith, Randy Spry, Craig Waver Sensei, Steve Frykman. | RAE POYNTER

Parks Canada prepares for a busy summer season

NIPIGON—Time to gear up for a jampacked summer on the North Shore. Parks Canada wants to connect you with spectacular vistas, unique hiking experiences and beautiful blue waters. Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (LSNMCA), once established, will be part of a nation-wide system of protected areas managed by Parks Canada, and will be approximately 10,880 square kilometers in size, occupying almost 13 percent of the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.

This summer, you will find Parks Canada staff at events across the North Shore, such as:

Canada Day – July 1: Parks Canada will be dropping in at events across Lake Superior’s North Shore to celebrate Canada’s big day. Don’t miss out on a busy afternoon of marine-themed activities and family-fun.

Lake Superior Day – July 15: What makes Lake Superior so special? Let us count the ways. Parks Canada is heading to Terrace Bay to celebrate the Big Lake. Join us at Terrace Bay Beach and discover how Lake Superior has helped shape our region for generations.

Live From the Rock Folk Festival – August 10-12: Pack a lawn chair and get ready to jam at the beautiful Red Rock Marina. Drop by the Parks Canada tent for dedi -

This summer, you will find Parks Canada staff at events across the North Shore. | PARKS CANADA

cated programming and to learn how you can discover Lake Superior’s incredible shoreline for yourself.

For more information on LSNMCA experiences and events, visit: pc.gc.ca/ superior.

Pukaskwa National Park will also host events throughout the summer.

Canada Day: Pukaskwa National Park is hosting a birthday party for Canada and you are invited. Join park staff for cake and other activities along with free admission to the park.

Mzin’Gwaadang ‘I Embroider’: Join the park’s cultural interpreter and learn the centuries old art form of beaded Ojibway florals. Like other Woodland cultures, flowers provided medicines and inspiration for the Anishnaabe. Learn the techniques and designs rooted in the region’s fur trade history. This workshop will teach you beading skills (and patience) as you create your own beaded Ojibway floral. Workshop Schedule:

• Saturday, July 7

• Wednesday, July 11

• Saturday, July 21

• Wednesday, July 25

• Wednesday, August 8

• Saturday, August 18

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with Pukaskwa National Park. Join in family-friendly activities and learn about local Anishinaabe culture through the park’s friendly interpreters. Visit the park’s Fire Circle feature and explore the Anishinaabe Camp.

• Wednesday, August 22

• Saturday, September 1

Regular park admission and participation fees will be applied. Pre-registration is required. For more information on PNP experiences and events, visit: pc.gc.ca/ pukaskwa.

Photo by Katie Mumm

Opera Northwest to perform the Elixir of Love

THUNDER BAY—The Canadian shores of Lake Superior boasts many things Italian, thanks to immigrants who brought over portions of their culture, such as their wonderful cuisine. But opera didn’t make it to the Lakehead. For that traditional Italian musical theatre experience you would need to go west to Winnipeg or across the border to Duluth; but, not anymore.

Thunder Bay soprano Theresa Thibert founded a grassroots community opera company in 2016. Returning to her hometown after studying at Western University and in Italy, she knew she would not find any opera here—so she made it happen, with collaborator and pianist Sean Kim.

To gage interest levels in the region, they started in January 2016 with a gala concert of excerpts from famous operas such as Bizet’s “Carmen” and Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” To their delight, the venue was packed. Buoyed by optimism— and the funds raised from the gala—they decided to put on a staged production of Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” at Magnus Theatre later that year, with a mostly-local cast and small string orchestra. Since then, they have experimented with different venues, concert versus semi-staged performances, and local and guest artists.

To some, opera might seem like one of the more inaccessible facets of classical music—typically performed in venerable theatres and sung in foreign languages—but in Thunder Bay, many of its participants and

audiences see it as another form of musical theatre. Thibert, who also coaches musicals at Paramount Live, has enticed people from the theatre and musical community to give opera a try, and many have stayed, captivated by the experience.

Keeping the art form about the community, not the other way around, artistic director Thibert and musical director Kim choose repertoire largely based on the participants. Being a vocal coach, Thibert says “I believe really strongly on picking shows based on who you have and what strengths you can bring out of that group. As a teacher, you want to give somebody something that will make them grow. You don’t give roles because it would be easy for them. I don’t choose music for myself that way either.” Assigning challenging roles also allows participants to own the performance and invest more into it, she explains.

Opera in Northwest Ontario faces many of the same challenges as opera elsewhere in the world—mainly, raising enough money to keep the shows going. Ticket sales are a large source of income, but they try to keep prices accessibly low. They have had a couple of sponsorships, but now that they are entering their fourth season, Thibert hopes they have enough of a reputation and track record to qualify for grants.

“It’s been hard, but it’s the same for everybody here, including the symphony,” Thibert says.

One thing that keeps them going is how supportive the community is. People appreciate what they have and know they shouldn’t take it for granted.

Opera Northwest has performed works by Mozart, Pucchini and is putting on Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore” (The Elixir of Love) in September.

A self-professed fan of Mozart, Thibert eventually hopes to put on “The Magic Flute.”

To learn more, visit: facebook.com/ operanorthwesternontario. —Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey

“The Marriage of Figaro” (2016), Inkeri Tuikka as Cherubino and Theresa Thibert as the Countess. | THERESA THIBERT

Photo by: Dan Ventrudo

Good Times Await

North of the Border

The Honouring Our Stories exhibition continues until May 13 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Organized by the Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre, this is an artbased community project focused on the resilience and dignity of women surviving sexual violence. Also on display through May 13 is the Lakehead University Visual Arts Department Annual Major Studio Exhibition . theag.ca

George Thorogood and the Destroyers will perform their Rock Party Tour at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Tuesday, May 1. With more than 40 years of touring and recording, George and his band remain among the most relentless and relevant classic rock acts on tour today. Their hits include, “Who Do You Love,” “I Drink Alone,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Move It on Over,” “Get a Haircut,” and “Bad to the Bone.” The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Also coming to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, held May 22-23. This beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” and the title song. Both performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Other Thunder Bay Community Auditorium events include the Lakehead Music Festival Gala on May 7; Fay Gleeson on May 10; and multiple dance performances throughout the month. tbca.com

Magnus Theatre will perform Perfect Wedding by Robin Hawdon, held May 3-19. A bridegroom wakes on his wedding morning in his own bridal suite and finds a strange girl in bed beside him. In the depths of his hangover, he can’t remotely remember her. During the ensuing panic to get the stranger dressed and out of the way, the bride arrives and the girl is trapped in the bathroom. The only way out of the dilemma is to persuade the best

man to pretend that the hidden girl is his girlfriend. Then the real problem is that the best man’s real girlfriend has to be kept ignorant of the fact. By the time the bride’s mother and hotel staff get in on the act, the chaos reaches epic proportions. magnustheatre.com

Held on Sunday, May 6 in the Waterfront District, the 8th seasonal Craft Revival features more than 100 local artisans and encompasses 15 venues, including The Loop, Madhouse, Prime Gelato, The Chanterelle, The Sovereign Room, Olives and Bananas, and more. There will be door prizes, live music, an aerial silk performance by Sachiko Brayshaw and tribal dancing by Lisa Rose Macchione. You can also enter to win a two-night cabin stay at Beyond the Giant Nature Retreat. Don’t miss this family-friendly event, held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. thecraftrevivaltbay.com

World Laughter Day is May 6, held from 1-2 p.m. at the Baggage Building Arts Centre. Learn to laugh for no reason at all with this free event, taught by Sherry Anne of Laughter Yoga Thunder

Bay. Laughter Yoga is a series of breathing and easy movement exercises, designed to teach the body to laugh without jokes or humor. This is a great class for all abilities; no previous yoga experience is required. laughteryogatbay.ca

The Red Lion Smokehouse will hold events throughout the month, such as Arts & Crafts Beer Night at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9. Enjoy Vinyl Friday with DJ Dr. Dave at 9:30 p.m. on May 11, and Beer and Yoga at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 26. Other events include Indie Ale House Tap Takeover on May 2; Rhythm and Brews on May 5; Vegan Week May 28June 2; and a Pub Quiz night on May 30. facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Victoria Day is Monday, May 21, to honor Queen Victoria’s birthday. Also on Monday is the Fire Fighters 10 Mile Road Race, open to walkers and runners. The race will begin at 9 a.m. on Simpson Street. Registration required. 10mileroadrace.org

When Fishing Openers Go Bad

By Joe Shead

There are three certainties in this world: death, taxes and disastrous fishing openers. Guys have the odds stacked against us right from the start because the Minnesota fishing opener always falls on Mother’s Day weekend. I’m not sure how men finagle their way into drinking beer, playing poker and attempting to catch fish with a bunch of greasy guys that weekend instead of taking Mom out for Sunday brunch, but they do. No doubt there is a lot of resentment among fishing widows/neglected mothers for this behavior. Don’t expect anything nice for Father’s Day, guys.

Author Joe Shead with some walleyes on a fishing opener that actually went well. | JOE SHEAD

The other problem with fishing opener is the weather. Oh, I get it. Spring is in the air. Lilacs are blooming. Things are warming up. But although it may be 70 degrees the day before opener, when you actually launch your boat opening morning, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be freezing. You’re lucky if the landing hasn’t refrozen. Actually, you’re unlucky, because if you actually are able to launch, then you have to go sit in the middle of a barely ice-free lake and freeze. Trust me, I’ve been there.

I experienced one of those unseasonably cool openers several years back. I had those opening day blinders on; you know, the ones where you expect the weather to be great, the fish to be biting and nothing to go wrong.

Everything was going great. I made the mile-long portage into my secret little walleye lake, only to realize I’d forgotten to bring a paddle. And it wasn’t the kind of thing where I had just left it in the truck. No. Despite having an equipment checklist, I’d completely omitted it. There wasn’t a paddle to be had for miles.

I’ve always said I wasn’t blessed with intelligence, but I get by with resourcefulness. I managed to break a chunk of fiberglass off a dilapidated old boat. I won’t say it was a great paddle. Heck, I won’t even say it was a good paddle. But it did work. Sort of.

The weather that day was nasty. Clouds spat snow flurries and the north wind was stiff and frosty. I forgot to mention a fourth certainty of life: the fish are always on the opposite end of the lake. True enough, I had to paddle a canoe with a piece of fiberglass almost the entire way across the lake to reach my favorite walleye hole. Sometimes, as the wind kicked up, I was able to hold my ground. At other times my progress was measured in negative yardage. Halfway across the lake, I gave up. I didn’t want a walleye that bad.

Just a couple years after that, I actually had a very good opener. It had been an early spring, and I’d made frequent trips out on Lake Superior from where I was living in Superior, Wis., at the time. I was coming home with kings, cohos or lake trout every trip out, which pretty much never happens. I had been using this ancient blueand-orange Lazy Ike I’d gotten out of an old tackle box and it was sheer murder on those salmon. The fishing was so good, in fact, that instead of making my traditional trek north to go walleye fishing, I decided to spend opening day on Lake Superior, which felt kind of moot since the salmon season there never closes. Nonetheless, you’ve gotta play the hot hand, and the fishing was too good to leave.

My friend, Chuck, and I headed out on Gitche Gumee opening morning, and it wasn’t long before disaster struck: we actually hooked a fish. Once again, the fish hit that old reliable Lazy Ike. For some reason, I committed the cardinal sin of Lake Superior trolling while we were reeling in the salmon: I put the boat in neutral. We landed the fish, put it in the livewell and prepared to resume trolling. As I put the boat into gear, something in my gut told me to make sure the lines were clear of the prop, but I shrugged off the notion. I was sure it was fine. I’d motored about 15 feet when I saw a line tightening; it was in the prop. I

cut the engine, but it was too late. The Lazy Ike—my Vorpal Salmon Sword—was gone.

We caught six salmon and a lake trout that morning, but it didn’t take the sting out of my loss. I considered walking the beach after a windy day in an attempt to recover that old warrior, but I never saw the lure again.

The following day, I convinced my friend Jon to go fishing. He had to be back for Mother’s Day brunch at 11 a.m., but I told him the fishing would be worth it and that he needn’t worry because we’d be back in plenty of time.

Once again, there wouldn’t have been a problem if we hadn’t caught fish. We caught two nice king salmon and a coho, and that’s where the trouble started. We put them in the livewell and began filling it with water. An hour after catching the fish, Jon noticed that the carpet in the back

of the boat was wet. We flipped open the livewell and discovered that the pump hadn’t kicked out when it was full, and unbeknownst to us, it had kept pumping water, essentially filling the boat with water. We quickly reeled in our lines and prepared to get out of there in a hurry. When I gunned the throttle, the boat went nearly vertical, as all the water rushed to the back of the boat. I couldn’t get it to plane and the boat was so heavy we only made about one-third of top speed. We trailered the boat, pulled the plug and I swear you could see the lake level rising as all the water re-entered the lake. After draining for a full five minutes, the boat was dry. We looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders and headed back out. This time we decided to not fill the livewell. Jon even made it back in time for brunch.

There have been other disappointments as well. In 2014, after an especially tough

winter, I showed up at the lake toting both ice fishing and open-water gear, not knowing what to expect. The lake was entirely frozen that day, save for a three-foot ring along the shore. What’s more, the ice was too rotten to venture onto, rendering the fish completely safe from my assault.

Many years ago when I was just a young angler, my dad, my brother Jim and I were pike fishing on opening day. Dad and I were paddling against both the wind and the current on a small stream while Jim cast from the bow. At a certain bend in the river, Jim caught a pike. By the time we helped him land it, we had drifted quite a ways downstream, so Dad and I paddled us back up. Once again, Jim caught a pike on that bend, and once again we drifted downstream. The third time we reached that hot hole, Jim missed a fish. Instead of pausing to let him try again, Dad just kept paddling. Sounds like a pretty good opener, except for the fact that because I was the older brother, I not only got roped into paddling; I also didn’t get much of a chance to fish.

You might think that given all these disastrous fishing openers, I would simply skip opening day and all its pitfalls. However, as a person who paddles canoes on windy days, launches into icy waters and has eaten his fair share of humble pie, I am nothing if not a glutton for punishment. Rest assured that when opening day rolls around this spring, I’ll be battling the elements (and probably not battling any walleyes). Sorry, Mom. I’ll send you a card.

Having forgot a paddle, author Joe Shead used a chunk of fiberglass off a dilapidated old boat to paddle his canoe.

| JOE SHEAD

The ultimate goal: adding a walleye to the livewell. | JOE SHEAD

People who saw regional maps created by Toivonen were fascinated by the rail lines depicted on them, inspiring the authors to produce a book about the railway communities. | SUBMITTED

Toivonen, a graphic designer, writer and artist, began creating maps that showed the region’s communities. With input from people living there, her charcoal drawings became increasingly detailed and showed the connections between the communities, which were often rail lines. She discovered railroads played a major role in the lives of people living in isolation on a vast landscape.

“People were always looking at the railways on my regional maps, which led to a map of railways, which then became a book,” she says. “We didn’t plan on doing this.”

Their second book, Community Ties, An explorative journey of place and time along the railways of Northwestern Ontario, was published this year. Dedicated “to all those with histories connecting them to the communities along the railways of Northwestern Ontario and to those who shared

their history with us,” the book covers from White River in the east to the Manitoba border in the west. It includes not only the Canadian Pacific Railway, but also the National Transcontinental Railway, Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, Ontario and Rainy River Railroad, Canadian Northern Ontario Railway, Port Arthur, Duluth & Western Railway and the Thunder Bay, Nipigon and St. Joe Railway, which the authors call “the greatest railway that never was.” The book is designed to allow readers to plan their own railway explorations, with GPS coordinates and directions to many of the historical sites they discovered.

What’s truly remarkable is the amount of field work the authors put into this project. They visited existing communities and ghost towns to interview people and photograph relics of railway history. Along the way, they encountered forest tent caterpillars, ticks, snapping turtles and a mama moose and her baby. They

| SUBMITTED

|

also met interesting and informative people.

“On our adventures we met people by happenstance who were great sources,” Toivonen says. “I don’t think we would have found them any other way.”

When in the field, Manduca, an artist, explains that Toivonen is the researcher and she is the photographer. Toivonen is also the woodsy one of the duo, with the clothing and experience to head off on forays into the Ontario bush. Wearing her zebra-striped rubber boots, Manduca gamely comes along. So how did this odd couple come into existence?

“The real story is our kids were dating in high school. They broke up and we stayed together,” Manduca quips.

Actually, they are both the descendants of Finnish immigrants with a keen interest in their heritage, as well as that of other immigrants to the re -

Manduca photographs a steam locomotive at the Historical Park on Legion Point at Atikokan.

The authors crossed paths with a snapping turtle along the Canadian-Pacific tracks near Feist Lake.

SUBMITTED

Toivonen stands beside a stone and concrete hearth near Sherwood Lake. | SUBMITTED

Locals shares stories with Toivonen during an open house at the Atikokan Centennial Museum. | SUBMITTED

gion. That includes German prisoners of war who were held in work camps along the rail line, some of whom later settled in the area. While as prisoners they labored in the bush, the men also had time to themselves for recreation. A high point of their research was when they were told the location of a dugout canoe built by POWs that was submerged under water. They pulled up the soggy canoe, took a picture and lowered it back into the water.

“I went over my boots on that one,” Manduca says.

The lushly illustrated book has page after page of similar finds. There are photos of the first stone structures on Gunflint Lake, as well as stories of their likely use by bootleggers. They found a house made of bottles in Reddit, which is a few miles north of Kenora. Often the photos are of historic ruins and artifacts, such as the boiler of a tug boat along Lake Superior’s shore at Port Coldwell. There is even a picture of the sign showing the western end of Yonge St., which begins in Toronto and ends at the Rainy River Railway Station in Rainy River.

Many previously unpublished historic photos grace the pages, too. Most were generously provided by the families interviewed by the authors. Some depict life in

the north more than 100 years ago. Others show train wrecks, ghost towns and railway infrastructure. There are pictures of railways being constructed and of their dismantling a century later.

In telling the stories of the railways and the communities along them, Toivonen and Manduca enjoyed the people they met along the way. This summer, they plan to do follow-up visits to the communities to do book signings and thank the people who helped make the book a reality.

“It often took stories from three or four people just to tell one story,” Toivonen says.

And then there are the stories that remain untold. The duo hopes to embark on a new project: chronicling the immigrant stories. Toivonen tells of speaking with a woman who was in her 90s about how her father immigrated from the Ukraine to Canada in a time of war. A stranger offered him and a friend passage to Canada. When they landed in Halifax, someone gave each of them $5 for train fare. Her father pocketed the money and walked all the way to Fort William and then chose to settle in Northwestern Ontario. Tales like that are worth telling. And who knows what adventures their new field work will bring?

“We’ve been standing in Tim Hortons picking ticks off each other,” Toivonen says.

“Only one time!” Manduca quickly adds.

Hold that thought, ladies.

Editor’s Note: Community Ties is presently available in Thunder Bay at College Park Chiropractic, Baggage Building Arts Centre, The Finn Book Store, Chapters, and Kakabeka Pharmacy. In Kenora, it’s available at Elizabeth Campbell Books and the Lake of the Woods Museum. It will be available in other communities as the authors distribute them this spring and summer.

Canoeing & Fishing Outfitters

Toivonen talks to railway workers in Nipigon. | SUBMITTED

When it comes to archery, the Gudowicz family, of Duluth, knows a thing or two. EJ Gudowicz and his wife, Cassondra, met at the Duluth Archery Club when they were just sophomores in high school. It has been a part of their relationship, and now their family’s ever since.

As warmer temperatures tease the northland with spring, EJ, Cassondra, and their two kids will be out on the Duluth Archery Club course, flinging arrows. Each member in this family of four shoots regularly. Together, the Gudowicz’ participate in 3D shoots, leagues, and compete year-round.

EJ first started archery more than 25 years ago, beginning with a compound bow and then switching to a longbow six years ago. His wife, Cassondra, also started shooting a compound bow as a child and participated in 3D shoots with her father for the first time more than 20 years ago. Keegan, who is nine, started shooting a recurve bow when he was just two years-old. He’s since won the Minnesota State Archery Association Indoor Championship, three years in a row for his age group. And last, but not least, three-year-old Kyler also started shooting when he was two. He’s a little shy at first, but from the look on his face showing off his youth longbow, he loves archery just as much as the rest of his family.

It’s no surprise that beginning in May, the Gudowicz’ will start their summer tradition of participating in 3D shoots at the Duluth Archery Club, Arrowhead 3D and “Bowfest” at Mont Du Lac, to name a few. Essentially, a 3D shoot is an outdoor archery course with targets shaped like different animals.

So how should a family prepare for a day at a 3D archery shoot (with kids)? Just think of it like a typically family day outside in northern Minnesota. That means snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a rain jacket and boots just in case, and always keeping up with the weather. Oh, and obviously a bow and arrows.

“It’s backpacking, with your kids, and shooting bows at the same time,” EJ added.

When it comes to a bow, it is all about your personal preference. EJ, Keegan, and Kyler are traditional archers,

A

rchery for the whole family, from age 3 to 33

By Ali Juten

each using either a longbow or a recurve. Cassondra shoots a Mathews compound bow. For a traditional archer, it is very minimalistic with only a bow, arrows and some sort of finger protection needed. That means, no sights and no release like on compound bow. A range-finder, which measures the distance an archer is from a target, is also not necessary for a traditional archer. Typically, targets for traditional shooting are placed no further than 25 yards away.

“We generally shoot just like throwing a baseball or throwing a rock, you look at what you want to hit and let your brain do the rest,” EJ said.

As far as the courses go, many courses are muddy, especially in the spring. But, each course is a little different and, only experience on the course will help an archer prepare for it.

Cassondra added that it is very important to dedicate time to practicing with your bow prior to getting on a course; it will save some arrows. When shooting indoors, there is typically a target to stop an arrow if the paper target is missed. On a 3D course, it is a much different game.

“When you go on the 3D course, there are usually 30 or more different sized animal targets that are all at different yardages away. Not at a constant 20 yards like indoor. When someone misses a target out on the 3D course, you could be looking for that arrow for quite a while and sometimes not even find it,” she said.

This means safety should also be top of mind on the course. Cassondra says that there are a couple things you should do before going off looking for your missed arrow.

“If you're searching for an arrow behind the target and if you're with another person, they should stay in front of the target to let any next shooters know that you're there. If you're by yourself, then you should leave your bow leaning against the front-side of the target. Then they’ll know not to shoot yet,” she explained.

Having an entire family that shoots, from age 33 to three, is pretty unique in itself. However, it is also rare to see other kids similar in age to the Gudowicz boys out on

3-year-old

a week this winter. Preparing for their summer 3D

| CASSONDRA GUDOWICZ

the course, especially shooting a traditional bow. They are hopeful for more families to get out there on a 3D course.

“For whatever reason, I think parents as a whole assume their kids can’t handle it from a very young age,” he said.

So how did EJ and Cassondra manage to help their kids get started shooting? The Gudowicz boys both started on an inexpensive, plastic longbow from Walmart.

“That’s the biggest thing with both of them. As long as they were flinging arrows, they were happy.”

To learn more about local 3D archery events, visit the Duluth Archery Club website.

EJ Gudowicz participating in a Rinehart R100 shoot held in Aurora, MN in 2016. | CASSONDRA GUDOWICZ

A family of archers, [L-R] Cassondra, Keegan (9), Kyler (3) and EJ Gudowicz. | ALI JUTEN

Keegan Gudowicz admiring his score during indoor league at Chalstrom’s in Duluth. | EJ GUDOWICZ

EJ and

Kyler Gudowicz practiced his shot at Chalstrom’s in Duluth at least once

shoots.

By Breana Roy

Art Along the Lake

During Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, various art galleries and studios from Schroeder to Grand Portage will celebrate Art Along the Lake: Spring Gallery Tour. Many of the participating venues will hold art classes and demonstrations, artist meet-andgreets, lectures, food, music and more. There will also be new artwork on display, as well as exhibits and shows. For a full list of locations and events, check out: visitcookcounty.com/arts.

Find

| RON PIERCY

This oils on linen, titled “Good Fortune Horse” by Patricia Canelake, can be found at Yellow Bird Fine Art gallery in Grand Marais. | PATRICIA CANELAKE

Jewelry artist Christine Burnes will hold gemstone jewelry demonstrations and classes at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen over Memorial Day weekend. | CHRISTINE BURNES

“Spirit Tree: Sundown” oil by Hazel Belvo. The Little Cedar Spirit Tree on the Grand Portage Reservation has been a lifelong focus in Belvo’s work. You can see her work at Art of the Elements Gallery near Grand Marais. | HAZEL BELVO

“So Clear – Butterwort Cliffs” soft pastel by Laurie Toth. Toth’s unexpected death in December, 2017 left an amazing legacy of both North Shore and Northwest Coast artworks. A close friend of the Frykmans, her work will be available through Art of the Elements Gallery. | LAURIE TOTH Ron Piercy creates jewelry using stones.

his work at Yellow Bird Fine Art, which will host oil painting and stone drilling demos all weekend.

Fiber artist Kim Knutson will be at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery, too, with silk and wool dyeing demos and classes. | KIM KNUTSON

Tiina Flank

By Casey Fitchett

As guitarist and singer Tiina Flank found her way through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood, she brought her music with her. As she grew and her interactions with the world changed, she adapted the music she wrote and played to fit her life.

“Music has always been a form of communication for me,” explains Flank. “I would write little melodies and lyrics to help me study in grade school. I still write my way through challenging times and turn to music to pull out the necessary emotion and honesty needed.”

In her second decade of life, the musician invested in her first guitar and spent those subsequent years cultivating her music in Toronto. She and that guitar soon were bound for time on the road in Vancouver, British Columbia and Northern California finding gigs with the help of friends in the area. Though she wasn’t sure what to expect when she moved back to Thunder Bay, she was pleasantly surprised that the active music community could support multiple shows a week. She’s found a particular home at The Foundry, an Irish gastropub in Thunder Bay’s waterfront entertainment district.

“My fiancé Craig Smyth and I co-host the weekly open stage night and play sets in-between to keep the night moving. It’s a riot and I love it. Some nights are so relaxed and soothing, other nights the place is rocking,” she says. “I have taken a break from playing other pub gigs so that I can focus my energy on the unique performance opportunities that pop up.”

Finding a varied audience can be one of Flanks favorite aspects of playing gigs; she has a particular soft spot for kids that

enjoy the music she creates.

“I love mixing it up and playing in places where I can see little ones swinging to the music. There is nothing on this earth that melts me like a wee person reaching out, pointing at me, dancing along to my set,” she said.

One particular young girl at the annual Thunder Bay spring Craft Revival artisan market embedded herself in Flank’s memory. After noticing the girl eye her intensely, Flank invited her on stage. To Flank’s surprise, the young girl hopped on stage

and asked to perform a Bruno Mars tune. When Flank admitted she didn’t know that particular song, the girl proceeded to perform it acapella, leaving the main act in stitches nearby.

“How can you top that? I couldn’t,” said Flank.

During the past five years she has played in Thunder Bay, she has recognized some differences between the city in northwestern Ontario and other places she has performed. A smaller music pool in Thunder Bay tends to beget more invitations to specialty shows, such as an appearance with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra at their 2017 Fundraising Gala. It was a night that Flank remembers as a career highlight.

During the month of May, fans of her soulful vocals and mellow acoustic guitar can find Flank at The Foundry hosting and playing at their Open Stage night on the 17th, 24th, and 31st. She also has a special message for Northern Wilds readers who might be in the area.

“I would love to meet some of the readers of the Northern Wilds magazine. If you are making a trip to Thunder Bay on a Thursday, come on by and say hi!”

She also encourages potential performers to not let a lack of equipment be their reason for staying home: “We have a house guitar for anyone who wants to play.”

More information about Tiina Flank and her music is available on her Facebook page.

Breana’s PICK OF THE MONTH

This woodcut and screen print by Stanley Leonard, titled “Past Present Future,” is currently on display at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. It is part of the Found: 3 Views on Nature exhibit, which also features mixed media artist Stephanie Molstre-Kotz and encaustic painter Bethany Kepler. The exhibit will be on display until May 20. To learn more, visit: johnsonheritagepost.org.

Permanent Exhibits

New Acquisitions Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Selections of Traditional and Contemporary Native Art Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

THRU MAY 6 Senior Student Exhibitions Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma Annual Members Show & Sale Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

THRU MAY 13 Honouring Our Stories Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

THRU MAY 13 Lakehead University Visual Arts Department Annual Major Studio Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca THRU MAY 18 A Homegrown Illustration Prove Gallery, Duluth, duluthartinstitute.org

THRU MAY 20 Found: 3 Views on Nature Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

THRU MAY 20 Rick Allen: The Trapper’s Daughter & Other Daughters of The Very Nearly True North Siiviis Gallery, Duluth, sivertson.com

THRU JUNE 2 Tracey Barry: Roots, Water & Sky Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan, facebook.com/atikokanpictograph

THRU AUG. 5 Fine. (Re)Fine. (De)Fine. Faculty Exhibition Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

THRU AUG. 19 Treasures from Home: An Anthology of Gifts from Collectors Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma THRU OCT. 28 Chance: Kathy McTavish Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma THRU NOV. Pacific Northwest Native Art from the William J. Saul Collection Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma THRU SPRING 2019 Quiet Simplicity: Life in 19th and 20th Century America Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

May 1-31

Sue Brown-Chapin: Watercolors Lakeside Gallery Duluth, lakesidegalleryduluth.com

May 10-July 1

Jonathan Herrera: Querida Presencia (Reception May 10 at 6 p.m.) Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

May 10-July 1

Tara Austin: Boreal Ornament (Reception May 10 at 6 p.m.) Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

May 15-June 3

University For Seniors Create Art Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

May 25-June 17

Northerly Pots: The Long Pleasurable Carry (Reception May 25 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

May 25-June 30

Spring Art Underground (Reception May 25 at 6 p.m.) Betsy Bowen Studio Gallery, Grand Marais, woodcut.com

May 27-Oct. 20

Children of the Finnish Homestead Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder, crossriverheritage.org

May 29-Aug. 26

In Solidarity: Revolutionary Women of Print Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, d.umn.edu/tma

Tiina Flank used to write little melodies and lyrics to help her study during grade school. | SUBMITTED

YMCA Camp Menogyn

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Sunday, May 27, 9-11:30am FOR YOUTH

YMCA Camp Menogyn invites you to a community gathering on West Bearskin Lake to enjoy:

PANCAKES, MAPLE SYRUP, SAUSAGE, COFFEE & MILK

Spring

Art Underground 2018 at Betsy Bowen Studio Gallery

Featuring hand-made local art by:

Jeanne Knight pottery

Anita White paintings

Wally White paintings and cards

Fritz Lehmberg pottery

Ken Valentas watercolors

Bob LeMettry pottery

Misha Martin oils

Nancy Seaton glass

Jeanne Hedstrom oils

Jerry Riach printmaking

Ron Piercy jewelry

Betsy Bowen woodcuts

Stephan Hoglund jewelry

Melissa Wickwire clay

Jim Sannerud wood

Shelly Getten printmaking

Natalie Sobanja pottery

Heidi Sobanja oils

Mary Schliep rosemaling

Glen Hambleton wood

Tree Skin Bags birchbark

Opening festivities Friday May 25, 6-8 pm, Refreshments and fresh art!!

Open 11-5 daily through mid-October, Underground show through June 30.

301 First Avenue West, Grand Marais more info at woodcut.com

Interested in teaching your kid how to fish and enjoy the many lakes in Cook County?

Then join the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District and the United States Forest Service for a day of fishing on . . . . 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Mink Lake Beach, Cook County Lunch and water will be provided.

Space is limited! Call the Gunflint Ranger District at 218-387-1750 or email at gunflint@fs.fed.us if you have questions. A child 5 – 12 years accompanied by an adult. available, but due to limited supply bring your Directions to Mink Lake Beach

• Travel 12 miles north on the Gunflint Trail.

• Turn right at the Trout Lake Road (FR 140).

• Travel a little over 2 miles passing the Mink Lake Fishing Pier.

• Turn left at the east end of the lake until you reach the beach.

the most amazing vintage and re-purposed finds. Held at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center, admission is $5 (good for both days) and part of the proceeds are donated to the Encounter Youth Center. The Junk Hunt features over 50 vendors and takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Or, for $10 admission, take advantage of early shopping Friday morning from 8-10 a.m.— get a full two hours of private junking before the doors open for general admission. There will also be free donuts. Vendors include Duluth Flower Farm, Tin Cat Studio,

Old Town Antiques, Pickin & Grinnin, Audio Viking and more. duluthjunkhunt.com

RUN SMELT RUN PARADE & PARTY

May 13, Sunday The Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe will hold the 7th annual Run Smelt Run Parade and Party on May 13 in Duluth. This free, family-friendly event begins at 3:30 p.m. with the presentation of the Smelt Queen at the Maritime Visitor’s Center (beside the Aerial Lift Bridge), followed by a second line parade on the Lakewalk, featuring music by the Brass

Ruthie

Messengers from Minneapolis. The parade will also feature an energetic school of silver smelt puppet and mask dancers, a stilt walking Royal Guard, and a musical procession featuring a delegation from the Kingdom of Smelt. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear silver. After the parade, head to the Zeitgeist Arts Café for a smelt fry and party at 5 p.m. The Duluth Art Institute will host free workshops on various days prior to the parade and everyone is invited; help create art, sculptures and costumes for the parade. Workshop days are May 5 and May 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and May 3, May 7 and May 10 from 6-8 p.m. magicsmelt.com

GROWING HERBS

May 15, Tuesday If you cook, you are using herbs, so why not grow them for a real culinary treat. Join instructors Bonita Poitra and Paula Sundet Wolf as they walk through the process of growing your own herbs and some great ways to use them, including infusions. Held at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais, the class will cover starting from seeds or cuttings, growing in containers or in the garden bed, and preserving herbs. Cost to attend is $10 and it will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. To pre-register for the class, contact the Cook County Extension Office. (218) 387-3015

RUTHIE FOSTER

May 18, Friday Three-time “Best Blues Album” Grammy nominee Ruthie Foster of Austin, TX, will be performing in Grand Marais on Friday, May 18. Foster is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who has sung duets with Bonnie Raitt, performed with the Allman Brothers, and shared the stage with Susan Tedeschi. Foster is the recipient of seven Blues Music Awards, three Austin Music Awards, the Grand Prix du Disque award from the Academie Charles-Cros in France, and a Living Blues Critics’ Award for “Female Blues Artist of the Year.” The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at: aca.tix.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. northshoremusicassociation.com

HIKE FEST

May 18-20 Join the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) for their annual celebration of hiking, held at Wolf Ridge ELC in Finland. Weekend activities include yoga with Raven Bailey, full-day and halfday hikes, a night hike, fun new activities with Wolf Ridge naturalists, presentations from Trailfitters, Lisa Crayford and Ian Hanson, and a chance to hear from SHTA staff and board members on what’s new with the trail. There will also be premium raffle prizes to win. Or, take your chance with a mystery bag package full of great

Travel the world at the Folklore Festival in Thunder Bay, held May 5-6 at the Fort William Gardens. | SUBMITTED

The third annual Le Grand Du Nord gravel races will be held on Saturday, May 26 in Grand Marais. | VISIT COOK COUNTY

from North Shore businesses, such as Trailfitters, Granite Gear, Northwest Outlet, Cook County Whole Foods Co-op, Northern Waters Smokehaus, Castle Danger Brewery and more. Registration is required to attend Hike Fest. shta.org

LAKEHEAD SHRINE CIRCUS

May 19, Saturday The Lakehead Shrine Club presents Circus Spectacular, performing three shows on Saturday, May 19 at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay. Having performed annually for over 60 years, the Shrine Circus is Thunder Bay’s hometown circus. This family-friendly event features hilarious clowns, dancing, jugglers, acrobats, the Motorcycle Titans in the Globe of Death, trick riders on galloping horses, food, music and more. Performances will be held at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the show. tbaycircus.com

SUPERIOR SPRING TRAIL RACES

May 19, Saturday Starting and finishing at Caribou Highlands Resort in Lutsen, the Superior Spring Trail Races traverse the Sawtooth Mountain Range on the Superior Hiking Trail. Runners will face hilly, rugged terrain, crossing rivers and streams through the Boreal forests. Courses include a 25km at 8 a.m., and a 50km at 7 a.m. Aid stations are provided. There will also be a 12.5km at 9 a.m. Unlike the others, this race starts on Caribou Trail/County Road 4 and ends at Caribou Highlands; no aid station provided. Post-race events include an awards ceremony and a free meal for all runners. Race registration is required. superiorspringtrailrace.com

WRITER’S SALON WITH CARY J. GRIFFITH

May 19, Saturday Cary J. Griffith, author of Gunflint Burning: Fire in the Boundary Waters, will be at Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais on May 19 for a writer’s salon. Gunflint Burning is a comprehensive account of the dramatic events around the Ham Lake fire of 2007, one of the largest wildfires in Minnesota history. With vivid details, Griffith describes the key events of the fire as they unfold. Held at 7 p.m., Griffith will read from the book, discuss the writing process, and sign books. Other Drury Lane Books events include children’s story hour at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 26. Both events are free and open to the public. facebook.com/drurylanebooks

DULUTH DYLAN FEST

May 19-27 Head to Duluth to celebrate Minnesota’s native son Bob Dylan. This year’s Duluth Dylan Fest will kick off on Saturday, May 19 with the opening reception for the Bill Pagel exhibit, with rare documents, song lyrics, and more from his extensive Bob Dylan collection; held at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. Afterwards, author

LUNDIE Vacation Home Tour

David Pichaske will give a lecture on his book Songs of the North Country: A Midwest Framework to the Songs of Bob Dylan, held at 7 p.m. Other festival activities includes a benefit concert at the Armory Arts & Music Center, Dylan-themed art shows, poetry, a singer-songwriter contest, lots of great music and more. facebook.com/ duluthdylanfest

FIRE FIGHTERS 10 MILE ROAD RACE

May 21, Monday The Fire Fighters 10 Mile Road Race has been a Thunder Bay tradition since 1910, promoting an active, healthy lifestyle for runners of all skill levels. The race for individual runners/walkers begins at 9 a.m. on Simpson Street, followed by the relay runners. The route is an out-and-back with a loop through Marina Park; aid stations provided. Fruit, water, beverages, medical response, limited showers, and massage and chiropractic services will be available to racers at the finish line. Prizes will be awarded for multiple categories and age brackets. Online registration closes May 14. Anyone who still wishes to register can do so at one of the kit pick-up locations May 17 and May 20. 10mileroadrace.org

BIKE SAFETY RODEO

May 24, Thursday The Grand Marais Safe Routes to School Committee invites all kids and parents to the annual Bike Safety Rodeo on Thursday, May 24 from 3-5 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais. Join in the fun with bike checks and helmet fittings, helmet decorating, food, and a chance to ride the course. Bring your bike, helmet, and signed permission slip (limited loaner helmets will be available). Schools will send home permission slips/waivers but you can also download it online. Students are also encouraged to bike or walk to school on Wednesday, May 9. Join one of three routes in Grand Marais that go to both Cook County Schools and Great Expectations School, accompanied by community volunteers. For more info or to volunteer for

The Cook County YMCA Dance Performance, titled 4 Love, will be held May 10-12 at the ACA in Grand Marais. | BRUCE JOHNSON

Art of the Elements Gallery

either event, contact Maren Webb at: (218) 387-2330. sawtoothmountainclinic.org/calendar

SPRING ART UNDERGROUND

May 25, Friday Over 30 local and regional artists will be featured at the invitational Spring Art Underground show, held at Betsy Bowen Studio Gallery in Grand Marais. Artists include Heidi Sobanja, Mary Schliep, Howard Hedstrom, Jim Sannerud, Fritz Lehmberg, Leah Thomas, Tobias Lawson, and more. The show will open on Friday, May 25 from 5-8 p.m. with refreshments provided. The show will remain on display until Saturday, June 30. woodcut.com

ART ALONG THE LAKE

May 25-27 Spend Memorial Weekend exploring the numerous art galleries and studios along the North Shore, many of which will host music, food, artist meet-andgreets, demonstrations and/or exhibits. On Friday, KahNee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen will hold wool spinning demonstrations all-day with artist Kim Knutson. The gallery will also hold demos on Saturday and classes on Sunday, featuring artists Christine Burnes, Knutson and Sean MacManus. Yellowbird Fine Art in Grand Marais will hold an oil painting demo at noon on Friday, followed by their Grand Opening Reception at 4 p.m. Other Yellowbird Fine Art weekend activities include a Q&A on jewelry design and stone drilling demos. The opening reception for the Northerly Pots exhibit at Johnson Heritage Post will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday. The Grand Marais Art Colony will hold weekend classes, as well as open house activities on Saturday. The Cross River Heritage Center in Schroeder will hold crafts and art demos with various artists from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Other partic-

Paintings, and Mixed-Media artworks.

ipating venues include Betsy Bowen Gallery, Art of the Elements Gallery at Frykman Art Studio, Fika Coffee, and the Lightkeeper’s Museum. A full list of events can be found online. visitcookcounty.com/arts

LE GRAND DU NORD

May 26, Saturday Hundreds of cyclists will gather in Grand Marais for the third annual Le Grand Du Nord gravel races. Held by Heck of the North Productions, this year’s races will consist of a new 120-mile route built on the 100-mile course from previous years. There will also be a 66-mile course and a 20-mile course. The 20-mile route is a Le Grand-worthy introduction to gravel cycling with its mix of paved and gravel roads. All races will run on the Heck/Le Grand principles of cue card navigation, self-supported riding ethics and physically challenging courses. The first race begins at 8 a.m. at the Coast Guard Station. Registration required. Post-race festivities will be held at Voyageur Brewing Company. heckofthenorth.com

HARBOR PARK SOUND GARDEN

May 27, Sunday Held at Harbor Park in Grand Marais, the Harbor Park Sound Garden is a family-friendly, free, outdoor event that celebrates the coming of spring, and the history, geography and ecology of Harbor Park and Lake Superior. The Sound Garden will feature a temporary sound installation, combining live musicians and a small choir with 35 small, battery-powered remote speakers distributed throughout the park, each playing a different part of the larger piece of music—a spatial concert you can walk through. In addition to the sound installation, the event will feature visual art elements by local artists, live poetry, history, storytelling and interactive opportunities. The Sound Garden is created by Min -

•

•

• Locally handcrafted

•

Hazel Belvo acrylic

Brittany Foster jewelry

Kirsten Skiles metalwork

Natalie Sobanja pottery

Laurie Toth, pastel

Sharon Frykman fused glass

John Books, bronze

The Run Smelt Run Parade & Party in Duluth will be held on Sunday, May 13. It is open to all ages. | SUBMITTED

neapolis-based award-winning composer/ director James Everest. It will be held from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 27. visitcookcounty.com/calendar

June 1-3 Learn about the birds, wildflowers, insects and geology of the Northern landscape at this annual North House Folk School festival in Grand Marais. This year, renowned ecologist Bernd Heinrich returns to campus as the featured guest to teach and speak. Heinrich will offer a twoday course exploring his book Bumblebee Economics. Other festival highlights include courses, demos, and free presentations and programs, such as “Summer Sky Spectacular: Planets, Satellites and the Milky Way with Bob King.” Course offerings include birding by ear, wildlife tracking through remote camera photography, boreal birding, what’s this rock, spring phenology in the field, and more. Course registration required. northhouse.org

Nightly through May 31, 2018

Sunday - Thursday, June 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018

Three-time “Best Blues Album” Grammy nominee Ruthie Foster will perform in Grand Marais on Friday, May 18. | SUBMITTED

MAY

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

April 25-May 6

Annual Members Show & Sale Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

April 29-May 6

Homegrown Music Festival Duluth, duluthhomegrown.org

May 1, Tuesday

Upper Lakes Foods Spring Food Show

9 a.m. Duluth DECC, upperlakesfoods.com

Mandala Painting with Jill Terrell 5 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

George Thorogood & the Destroyers: Rock Party Tour 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 1-6

Youth Week Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

May 1-31

Spring Up to Clean Up Thunder Bay, ecosuperior.org/springup

May 2, Wednesday

Grayson & Axel’s Birthday Webinar

6 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org

On The House: Free Climbing For First Time Visitors 6 p.m. Vertical Endeavors, Duluth, verticalendeavors.com

Animal Tales of How & Why: Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux

6:30 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, rosearrowsmithdecoux.com

Home Free: Timeless World Tour 2018 7:30 p.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org

May 3, Thursday

Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day 6 a.m. Duluth DECC, lionspancakeday.com

Pinterest Projects 3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

One Simple Change: Free 5:30 p.m. Tranquility Wellness Center, Ely, tranquilitywellness.center

Date Night at the Winery with Gordon Thorne & Friends 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Free Family-Friendly Workshop for Run, Smelt, Run Parade 6 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, magicsmelt.com Spirit of Dance 6:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Plucked Up String Band Album

Release Party 7 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Sam Miltich & Charmin Michelle 7 p.m. Lyric Center for the Arts, Virginia, MN, lyriccenteronline.org

May 3-5

Sweet Charity 7:30 p.m. The Underground Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

May 3-19

Perfect Wedding Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

May 4, Friday

Animal Tales of How & Why: Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux 1 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, rosearrowsmithdecoux.com

Senior Center Pie Social 1 p.m. Ely Senior Center, ely.org/mn/events

First Friday with Friends 5 p.m. Tranquility Wellness Center, Ely, tranquilitywellness.center

Free: First Friday 5 p.m. Duluth Children’s Museum, facebook.com/duluthchildrensmuseum

Nordic Release Party with Live Music 6 p.m. Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

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

Pushing Chain 8 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

May 4-5

Spring Food & Wine Lovers Weekend Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com

May 4-6

Celebration Talent Dance Competition Duluth DECC, celebrationtalent.com/ regionals-2018

Kites at the Harbor: Grand Marais Kite Festival 10 a.m. Grand Marais Harbor, visitcookcounty.com/events

May 5, Saturday

Free Family-Friendly Workshop for Run, Smelt, Run Parade 10 a.m. Duluth Art Institute, magicsmelt.com

Mother’s Day Market 10 a.m. Gallery 33, Thunder Bay, gallery33tbay.info

Kentucky Derby Party Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Animal Tales of How & Why: Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux

10:30 a.m. Grand Marais Public Library, rosearrowsmithdecoux.com

Rhythm & Brews 11:30 a.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Grand Opening of Margaret A. Cargill Lodge Noon, Wolf Ridge ELC, Finland, wolf-ridge.org

Art in Motion 2 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Gunflint Green-up Anniversary

Potluck 5 p.m. Seagull Lake Community Center, Gunflint Trail

Grizzer’s Birthday Webinar 6 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org

Hugo’s Prom 6 p.m. Hugo’s Bar, Brimson, Facebook: Hugos Bar Brimson

Finding Your Voice: Story & Song Performance with Kevin Kling & Simone Perrin 7 p.m. Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflint.com

DSSO: The High Note Speakeasy

7 p.m. Kitchi Gammi Club, Duluth, dsso.com

Choirs For Hope: An Evening of Music & Song 7 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/choirsforhope

Improv Comedy Show

7:30 p.m. Superior CVI, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/cambrianplayers

DJ Real Pure Heart 8 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

May 5-6



World Accordion Day & Dr. Willard

A. Palmer Festival A World of Accordions Museum, Superior, worldofaccordions.org

Arrowhead Chorale: Aurora Musicalis: Music of the Cosmos Sacred Heart Music Center, Duluth, arrowheadchorale.com

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

May 5-20

The Cat in the Hat 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

May 6, Sunday

The Craft Revival 10 a.m. Waterfront District, Thunder Bay, thecraftrevivaltbay.com

Northern Images Art Exhibit & Sale

Noon, Oliver Road Community Centre, Thunder Bay

Mother’s Day Craft & Vendor Fair

Noon, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, Longlac, ON, greenstone.ca

World Laughter Day 1 p.m. Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, laughteryogatbay.ca

Mark Milner Noon, Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Hike for Hospice 12:30 p.m. Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay, bit.ly/2JMhBaV

International Dance Academy 2 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Gag Me With A Spoon:

A Community Storyshare 7 p.m. Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone, Duluth, facebook.com/zeitgeistteatro

May 7, Monday

Free Family-Friendly Workshop for Run, Smelt, Run Parade 6 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, magicsmelt.com

May 8, Tuesday

Bumble Bee ID Level 1 10 a.m. Kawishiwi

Ranger Station, Ely, ely.org/mn/events

Ruby’s Pantry 5 p.m.

Cook County High School, Grand Marais, facebook.com/rubyspantrycc

Fairlawn Garden Work Day

5 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org

Youth Spoken Word Open Mic 6 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts Café, Duluth, facebook.com/zeitgeistteatro

May 9, Wednesday

Bike or Walk to School Day Grand Marais, sawtoothmountainclinic.org/calendar

Library Tech Night 6 p.m. Grand Marais

Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Arts & Craft Beer Night 8 p.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

May 10, Thursday

Free Family Night Out: Space!

5:30 p.m. Community Action, Duluth, facebook.com/duluthchildrensmuseum

Date Night at the Winery with Gordon Thorne & Friends 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Free Family-Friendly Workshop for Run, Smelt, Run Parade 6 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, magicsmelt.com

Celebrate Quetico Park with Kevin Callan 6:30 p.m. Finlandia Club, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/friendsofqueticopark

Wine Tasting & Dinner Fundraiser

6:30 p.m. Whitewater Golf Club, Rosslyn, ON (807) 344-5857

Fay Gleeson 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Plucked Up String Band

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

Magic Men Live!

8 p.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org

May 10-12

YMCA Dance Recital: 4 Love 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Thurs.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, aca.tix.com

Paramount Live Presents: Anything Goes 7:30 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/plivetbay

May 11, Friday

Tom Glaser: Full Heart Living: Conversations with the Happiest People I Know 5:30 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, fullheartliving.com

St. Louis River Experience Annual Fundraiser 6 p.m. Duluth DECC, slreduluth.com

Minnesota Ballet Student Performance 7 p.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org

Vinyl Friday with DJ Dr. Dave 9:30 p.m. Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

May 11-12

Duluth Junk Hunt Duluth Heritage Sports Center, duluthjunkhunt.com

May 12, Saturday

Minnesota Fishing Opener

Rummage Sale 9 a.m. Cook County Community Center Arena, Grand Marais (218) 387-3015

Free Family-Friendly Workshop for Run, Smelt, Run Parade 10 a.m. Duluth Art Institute, magicsmelt.com

Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com

Great Lake, Great Change

10 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org Festiversary 2 p.m. Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth, bentpaddlebrewing.com

Jazz with Gillis & Stamps 5 p.m. The Cove Lobby Bar at Best Western, Grand Marais (218) 387-2240

Elite Dance Productions Recital 5 p.m. Duluth DECC, elitedanceduluth.com

Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association: Baba’s Stories 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Amazingly Immature Ball Fundraiser 7 p.m. Duluth Children’s Museum, Duluth, facebook.com/duluthchildrensmuseum

G of H: I Wanna Be a Cowboy 7 p.m. Superior CVI, Thunder Bay, gentlemenofharmonytbay.com

Lowland Lakers 8 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Oras Chamber Choir:

Duruflé’s Requiem 8 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, oraschamberchoir@gmail.com

May 13, Sunday

Mother’s Day Yoga & Tea

9 a.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org

Free Classic Tours for Mothers 9 a.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.org

Mother’s Day at the Zoo: Free Admission for Mothers 10 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, lszooduluth.org

Joe Paulik Noon, Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Studio One 2 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Run Smelt Run Parade & Party 3:30 p.m. Duluth, magicsmelt.com

May 14, Monday

Dance Dynamics 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 14-17

River Quest 2018 Duluth DECC, seagrant.umn.edu/riverquest

May 15, Tuesday

Blood Drive 11 a.m.

Silver Bay High School, mbc.org

WTIP Annual Member Meeting & 20th Birthday Party 5 p.m. Voyageur Brewing Company, Grand Marais, wtip.org

Growing Herbs 6:30 p.m.

Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-3015

Take It With You: Season 5 7:30 p.m. The Underground Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

May 15-16

UnderOneRoof Twin Ports Duluth DECC, underonerooftwinports.com

May 16, Wednesday

Blood Drive 9 a.m. North Shore Hospital & Care Center, Grand Marais, mbc.org

The Making of the Root Beer Lady Musical 3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Northern Lights Foundation Dinner & Silent Auction 5 p.m. Greysolon Ballroom, Duluth, northernlightsfoundation.org

Two Harbors Road Project: Public Meeting with MnDOT 5 p.m. Lake County Law Enforcement Center, Two Harbors (218) 391-5081

Legacy Performing Arts Company

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

May 16-20

American Craft Beer Week Voyageur Brewing, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

May 17, Thursday

Blood Drive 8 a.m. Cook County High School, Grand Marais, mbc.org

26th Annual Great Billboard Rescue 9 a.m. Lowerys, Thunder Bay, uwaytbay.ca

Lunch with the History People Noon, The Depot, Duluth, thehistorypeople.org

Date Night at the Winery with Billy Johnson 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Gordon Thorne 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Robert Hunter 7 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Thunder Bay Horticultural Society Meeting: All About Grapes with Gordon Ward 7:30 p.m. Oliver Road Community Center, Thunder Bay, tbayhortsociety.weebly.com

May 17-19

Chequamegon Bay

Birding & Nature Festival Ashland, WI, birdandnaturefest.com

May 18, Friday

Robert Hunter 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Ruthie Foster 7:30 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Brothers in Arms 8 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

May 18-19

Ely High School Veterans Memorial Showcase Veterans Memorial Field, Ely, ely.org/mn/events

May 18-20

Hike Fest Wolf Ridge ELC, Finland, shta.org

Grand Marais Aikikai 25th Anniversary

Celebration Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, aikiwaver@boreal.org

May 19, Saturday

Ely’s Annual City Wide Rummage & Business Crazy Day Sale

Ely, ely.org/mn/events

Jeremy Hiltbrunner Cystic Fibrosis

Walleye Fishing Tournament Silver Rapids Lodge, Ely, ely.org/mn/events

Duluth Dance Center Recital Duluth DECC, duluthdancecenter.com

Superior Spring Trail Races

Caribou Highlands, Lutsen, superiorspringtrailrace.com

GES Plant Sale & Pancake Breakfast

8 a.m. Great Expectations School & Greenhouse, Grand Marais

Spokengear Yard Sale 9 a.m. Spokengear, Thunder Bay, josh@spokengear.com

Veterans Memorial Hall 5k Fun Run

9 a.m. The Other Place Bar & Grill, Duluth, tempotickets.com/event/902ven

Maria Nickolay Noon, Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

Lakehead Shrine Circus 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., & 7:30 p.m., Fort William Gardens, Thunder Bay, tbaycircus.com

Gala for the Grove 5:30 p.m. Surfside Lakeside Ballroom, Tofte, birchgroveschool. com/events/galaforthegrove

Spirit of the Times: Zeitgeist Fundraiser & Party 6:30 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts Building, Duluth, bidpal.net/spirit2018

Author Cary Griffith: Gunflint Burning

7 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, facebook.com/drurylanebooks

Sister Tree 8:30 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

May 19-20

Birding & Poetry 8 a.m. Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org

May 19-27

Duluth Dylan Fest , Duluth, bobdylanway.com

May 20, Sunday

Free: Grand Reopening Noon, Superior Public Museums, Superior, superiorpublicmuseums.org

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

May 21, Monday

Victoria Day

Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race 9 a.m. Thunder Bay, 10mileroadrace.org

May 22, Tuesday

Free: Try Synchronized Swimming Session 5 p.m. Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, thunderbaysynchro.ca

Youth Spoken Word Open Mic 6 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts Café, Duluth, facebook.com/zeitgeistteatro

May 22-23

The Sound of Music 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 22-26

The Big Bike Amazing Challenge Da Vinci Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/tbayheartandstroke

May 24, Thursday

Comminty Day: Free Classic Tours Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.org

Bike Safety Rodeo 3 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, sawtoothmountainclinic.org/calendar

Movie Matinee: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards

5 p.m. Northland Country Club, Duluth, lib.d.umn.edu/about/nemba

Date Night at the Winery with Gordon Thorne & Friends 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Joe Paulik Band 7 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

May 24-26

What She Said Festival 7:30 p.m. The Underground Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

May 24-June 3

Our Town 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Play House, duluthplayhouse.org

May 25, Friday

Spring Art Underground Opening Festivities 6 p.m. Betsy Bowen Studio Gallery, Grand Marais, woodcut.com

Open House with Hors d’oeuvres 6:30 p.m. Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder, crossriverheritage.org

The Cruisers 8 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

May 25-May 27

Art Along the Lake: Spring Gallery Tour Cook County, visitcookcounty.com/arts

May 26, Saturday

Le Grand Du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic 8 a.m. Grand Marais, heckofthenorth.com

Cook County Market 9 a.m. Senior Center Parking Lot, Grand Marais

Thunder Bay Sports Summit 9:30 a.m.

West Thunder Community Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/sportssummit

Free Crafts & Demos 10 a.m. Cross River Heritage Center, Schroeder, crossriverheritage.org

Free: Try Synchronized Swimming Session 10 a.m. Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, thunderbaysynchro.ca

Thunder Bay Horticultural Society

Plant Auction & Sale 11 a.m. Oliver Road Community Center, Thunder Bay, tbayhortsociety.weebly.com

Mini-Go-Ride 11 a.m. Neebing Roadhouse, Thunder Bay, minigoride.com

Beer & Yoga 11:30 a.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

Waverley Park Pavilion Grand Opening

1:30 p.m. Waverley Park, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/thecoalitionforwaverleypark

Community Ink Day: Screenprinting

2 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Charlie Parr: Free Concert

7 p.m. Voyageur Brewing Company, Grand Marais, voyageurbrewing.com

Michael Monroe

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

Swing Into Spring

7 p.m. Moose Hall, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/roycoranbigband

Rich Mattson & the Northstars 8 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

May 27, Sunday

Fresh Air/George Jeffery 10k Trail Run Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com

YMCA Camp Menogyn Pancake Breakfast 9 a.m. Camp Menogyn, Gunflint Trail

Harbor Park Sound Garden Noon, Downtown Harbor Park, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com/events

Out of the Darkness Memorial Walk 1 p.m. Confederation College, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/groups/outofthedarkness

May 28, Monday

Memorial Day

Dream Dance 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 30, Wednesday

Pub Quiz 8 p.m.

Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/redlionsmokehouse

May 30-June 2

Paramount Live Presents: Bye Bye Birdie 7:30 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/plivetbay

Almost, Maine 7:30 p.m. Confederation College Lecture Theatre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/cambrianplayers

May 30-June 3

Duluth Superior Film Festival Duluth, ds-ff.com

May 31, Thursday

Confident Urban Cycling 5:30 p.m. Duluth Folk School, facebook.com/busbikewalkduluth

Date Night at the Winery with Gordon Thorne & Friends 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Nick Swardson: Too Many Smells Tour

7:30 p.m. Duluth DECC, decc.org

May 31-June 3

Battle by the Bay: Boys Hockey Tournament AMSOIL Arena, Duluth, northernstorm.net

June 1-3

Northern Landscapes Festival North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

June 2, Saturday

Electronics Recycling Collection Event

9 a.m. Cook County Recycling Center, Grand Marais (218) 387-3630

Weekly Events

Mondays

Open Mic Night 6 p.m. Grandma Rays, Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmarays

Tuesdays

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

Free: Trivia (Mafia) Tuesday 6 p.m. Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

Wednesdays

Country Market 3:30 p.m.

CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, thunderbaycountrymarket.com

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

Free: Shark Watching Society Bonfires 6 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.org

Thursdays

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

Fridays

Preschool Storytime 11 a.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

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

Live Music 7 p.m. Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

Saturdays

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

Voyageur Brewing Company Tour

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

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

Free: Tour the North House Campus

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

Live Music 7 p.m. Lutsen Resort, lutsenresort.com

Live Music 7 p.m. Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, castledangerbrewery.com

Sundays

Open Stage with Joe Paulik

6 p.m. Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, Grand Marais, facebook.com/wunderbarmn

The North Shore Dish

New on the North Shore Dining Scene

By Maren Webb

It always seems to start with a rumor around town or maybe even a new Facebook page appearing: a new restaurant is coming soon! Despite having many long-standing restaurants to choose from, there is something exciting about a new restaurant opening. A new menu and dining experience that might just become your new favorite place to eat. This past year, several new restaurants opened on the North Shore, including these spots to try, from a remote outpost to the heart of the city.

The rumblings around Grand Marais started long before the official opening of Poplar Haus Restaurant up the Gunflint Trail. Last year, two couples relaunched the lodge, renamed Poplar Haus, with a liquor store and plans for a restaurant. This February, Bryan and Stacey Gerrard and Kippy Kuboy and Lynse McDonough welcomed their first customers to the Poplar Haus Restaurant.

Located mid-Gunflint Trail, about 30 miles from Grand Marais, Poplar Haus sits on the shores of Poplar Lake on the edge of the wilderness. Many might be more familiar with its former name, Windigo Lodge. While the past is not lost on the Gunflint Trail, Poplar Haus is bringing something new to this table. Described as upscale bar food, the menu blends casual fare with unique ingredients, from scratch techniques, and maybe some adventure with modern flavors.

“We make our own sausages and burger grind in house and all of our sauces are made from scratch,” said part-owner, Bryan Gerrard.

The Beard Wrecker Duck Wings have become a fast favorite and one of the staples on a menu that changes frequently. No, a beard is not required for that order. The Haus burger and Reuben are other standards that you can continue to expect and enjoy at future visits.

A frequently changing menu allows the chef and part-owner, Kippy Kuboy, to take advantage of what is fresh and new inspirations, to make each visit a new dining adventure. With experience at Twin Cities restaurants like La Belle Vie, D’amico, Travail and Lafayette Country Club, Kuboy is up to the task. Local ingredients and vendors are used when possible. Poplar Haus’ creative cocktail offerings feature locally made spirits, including their Boreal Negroni with Vikre Juniper Gin, Tuve Bitter, and Drapo Vermouth.

These two couples discovered this new life quite serendipitously, as the Gerrards happened to see a for sale sign at Windigo while looking to buy a bottle of wine during a camping trip at East Bearskin Lake. With their history in the restaurant and bar industry, of over 20 years, expect to see even more from Poplar Haus. Poplar Haus Restaurant (7890 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais) reopens for the fishing opener and will be open this fall and summer. For updated hours, menu, and special events calendar, visit: poplarhaus.com. If you aren’t sure that you want to leave after your meal, check out one of their five cabins for rent. And the Poplar Haus liquor store is open seven days a week.

In a location that is more heart of the city than heart of the wild, Rebel Salad in Thunder Bay is creating fresh and custom salads and rice bowls to meet each diner’s palate. These salads are no side dish. The options are quite rebellious in its variety, from bacon to roasted beets to local Thunder Oak Gouda, leaving you hard pressed to not find a combination you will enjoy. From nutritious to decadent, there is something that everyone can enjoy.

If you get the feeling that this new restaurant seems familiar, you have likely visited its sister restaurant, The Growing Season, on South Algoma Street in Thunder Bay. Rebel Salad opened in July 2017 after customer demand for build your own salads started to outstrip the space available at The Growing Season.

“We wanted to give our customers more choice, but we ran out of room,” said one of the business partners, Jelena Psenicnik. Rebel Salad is located in the same neighborhood, on Bay Street.

Custom in a casual setting is the name of the game. Each order starts with a base: heritage greens, Tuscan kale, or organic brown basmati rice. Choose two proteins from options that include roasted chicken, roasted tofu, Thunder Oak Gouda cheese, hard boiled eggs, and quinoa. Then get creative by choosing three vegetables from marinated, roasted, and raw options, followed by a topping—here enters the bacon. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other toppings if bacon isn’t your thing. A side, like corn chips or naan bread, and a dressing choice round out the meal. Delicious dressings like cilan -

The Beard Wrecker Duck Wings at Poplar Haus is favorited by many customers. | POPLAR HAUS

Chef and part-owner Kippy Kuboy in the kitchen at Poplar Haus. | POPLAR HAUS

tro-heartbeat yogurt hot sauce and Thai coconut lime pack in the flavor, as well as the more traditional ranch and lemon vinaigrette. Local products are often featured and used, from Brule Creek oil and flour to Roots to Harvest vegetables. If you are like me, many visits will be needed to try all the fun combinations.

Rebel Salad (320 Bay Street, Thunder Bay) is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. For more information, visit: facebook.com/rebelsalad

Wunderbar Eatery and Glampground might take the prize for most intriguing new restaurant name. Located on the hill coming into Grand Marais, Wunderbar has transformed the former Harbor Light Restaurant into a community destination with its casual menu and regular live music and other events.

Owners Chris and Teri Downing purchased the property in August and the restaurant opened in October 2017. Wunderbar might evoke a German pronunciation from some, but rather, the name is spoken like Wonder-bar, inspired by a restaurant name from another era in American dining and supper clubs. The name might be a throwback, but the menu is a blend of modern and comfort. Sandwiches like house made sloppy Joes and the Wunder burger are made with ethically raised meats from Peterson Craft Meats. A fast favorite has been one their “tidbits,” or

appetizers, called the savory Wunder puffs, deep fried and served with a house made dipping sauce.

In addition to the bar and restaurant, Wunderbar is creating a “glampground,” with small campers, yurts, and other accommodations for rent on the property. With names such as The Lotus Belle and The Ladybug, these upscale camping, or glamorous camping—glamping, provide a fun launching point for Grand Marais adventures. Each rental comes with a pass to the local YMCA, a welcome basket, bottled water, and a bottle of wine. Wunderbar Eatery and Glampground (1615 West Highway 61, Grand Marais) is open Tuesday through Sunday. For up-to-date hours and information, visit: facebook.com/wunderbarmn

COMING SOON: McQuade’s Pub and Grill in downtown Two Harbors. From the same owners as McQuade’s Herbs, Spices, and More, this new restaurant on the opposite end of the block had not yet opened at the time of this writing, but is expected soon. To check on open status, find McQuade’s Pub and Grill on Facebook. McQuade’s will be a full bar and restaurant open for lunch and dinner. A more casual lunch menu with burgers, sandwiches and the like, transitions into a more steakhouse-like dinner menu, with options like New York strip steak, served with prohibition era cocktails. Owner Frank McQuade will surely be using some of his famous spice mixes from his shop down the block.

Superior Brews Up a Couple Sippers

THURSDAY, MAY 3RD

Plucked Up String Band Album Release Party 7-10 pm

SATURDAY, MAY 5

Kentucky

Derby Party

Pick the Ponies, Derby Hat Contest and Mint Juleps!

SUNDAY, MAY 13

Mothers Day the Wunder Way! Flowers and a mimosa for mom!

THURSDAY, MAY 17

Robert Hunter

Nashville

MONDAY, MAY 21

Victoria Day

Welcome Neighbours!

Bring in this ad for a $5.00 Wunderbuck discount!

SUNDAYS

Open Stage with Joe Paulik at 6:00pm

THURSDAY,

Check

By Javier Serna

Recently, I made a pit stop dropping in on the two breweries in Superior, Wis., on the way home from a fishing trip to Chequamegon Bay.

After a disappointing day on the Bay (one whitefish lost at the hole, and a single steelhead caught by a friend), we were looking for some good beer and a meal, which seemed like right up the alley of Thirsty Pagan Brewing, which bakes up some delicious homemade pizzas.

Not so fast.

The brewery, which recently lost its head brewer to Earth Rider, is currently without a brewer, and, as such, has none of its beers on tap, opting for a pretty solid guest tap list.

Luckily, the brewery still has 750ml cork and cage sour beers available for $25. I opted for IVY, described as a dry-hopped mixed fermentation sour. The beer was aged for two years in oak wine barrels, and dry-hopped with Australian Galaxy hops, which have become my favorite hops in the past couple of years because of the fruity character.

I enjoyed Ivy a week later, and it wasn’t disappointing. This sour poured a hazy orange and had more funk than tartness. It was fairly decadent, with complex flavors coming in from the Galaxy hops, and heavy brettanomyces (or “brett”) flavor.

I am a big fan of sour beers, and this is one of the few brewed on the North Shore. It checked in at 5.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and 21 international bitterness units (IBUs). I will definitely buy it again if I have the chance.

Before hitting the road, we stopped off at the Cedar Lounge, which is the official taproom of Earth Rider, to see what kind of decadence we might find to take home.

I was pleased to find it had an imperial stout, RASPBERRY RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT, available both on tap and in

crowlers (those popular, 32-ounce aluminum cans).

With a 9.4 ABV and 64 IBUs, the brewery calls it a “spring sipper.” It is definitely a sipper, though it still seems lighter than many other imperial stouts in a lot of ways, both in booziness and in thickness. It poured dark as night with a brown, foamy head.

The raspberry flavor is as heavy as it is roasty, one of the hallmarks of any stout. There’s also a lot of chocolate in the background. It’s got a decent amount of balance, and I liked it, though my tasting partner thought it had a bit too much raspberry.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S BREW DAY II: My last column noted the collaborative brew to celebrate International Women’s Day involving women from Bent Paddle, Hoops and Earth Rider in Duluth.

Thunder Bay brewer Sleeping Giant also celebrated the day, creating with the help of “our local female craft beer lovers,” a Fresno rye IPA called Camperino 2018. The beer, described as a fruity pale ale infused with Fresno red peppers, went on tap and hit store shelves in April.

Proceeds from the beer will go to the brewery’s Jeannine Ross-Armstrong Award, which is given to two business students at Lakehead University.

NEW DIGS: Bent Paddle, celebrating its 5th anniversary, opened its new taproom, down the street from its original taproom, on April 12.

The new 5,000-square-foot room, at 1832 W. Michigan St., is a block from the old taproom in Lincoln Park.

Thirsty Pagan Brewing has a great guest beer tap list and also bakes up some delicious homemade pizzas. | JAVIER SERNA

Northern Trails Tangling with the Water Wolf of Spring

By Gord Ellis

The northern pike is one nasty piece of work. With a long mouth full of needle sharp teeth, and a mottled side that looks like weeds, these fish are perfectly designed to ambush unsuspecting baitfish, rodents, snakes or whatever else comes by. As a sport fish, there is nothing dainty or delicate about pike. They smash baits, explode at boat side and can turn a boat upside down if not properly handled. In other words, they are a lot of fun.

My favourite time to chase the water wolf is in the spring, when they are up shallow and post spawn. You can expect to find pike in shallow, weedy bays as soon as the ice goes, although they may be a bit sluggish. However, when the sun starts to work its magic, things can change quickly.

Last spring, in late May, I was fishing with a couple buddies in a large, shallow weedy spawning bay. We got to fishing about noon, but for the first couple of hours it was very quiet. Yet, as I ran through the bay with the trolling motor, I could see the occasional puff of mud from where a pike would be spooked by the boat. They were here.

As the sun warmed the water, the pike suddenly changed from off to on. Pike that had ignored our large bucktail spinners suddenly were boiling out of the weeds at them. I switched to a large, shallow running glide bait and let it slip over the weed tops. A very large pike missed it once, twice, and then inhaled it at boat side. All heck broke loose as 42 inches of gator spiraled into the weeds, the line slicing through the thick cabbage.

The battle was quick but exciting. I slid my hand under the pike gill and hoisted it. It was a spawned out fish, sporting a few scars from the amorous antics pike undertake to make babies. After a few pictures, a large pair of pliers were used to pull the hook and the pike was released. As the afternoon wore on, we caught about 20 pike, several of them above the 40-inch mark that is pretty much accepted as the sign of a true trophy. It was great spring pike fishing, and an exhilarating experience.

WHAT TO USE

Spring pike aren’t always tough to catch. You need to use the right lures in the right spots. In super shallow water, pike will often be visible sitting on the bottom, but will not respond to heavy lures like spoons. In skinny water, you must use shallow-run -

ning lures that float or are neutrally buoyant. Long slender plugs such as the floating Rapala or Rebel Minnow work well in water less than three feet deep. But for the maximum fun, try one of the soft plastic jerkbaits such as a four-inch Jerk Shad. These can be pulled through the water without weight, and allowed to fall to the bottom, then pulled forward. Shallow pike go ballistic over this presentation.

Large plastic baits can be Texas-rigged so the hook is not exposed. Sometimes the soft splash of a plastic near a large pike is all that’s needed to make a pike take the bait in a huge swirl.

In lakes with dark water, and at stream mouths with mud bottoms, pike can be

quite active, regardless of cold weather. Dark water and dark bottoms absorb heat. In cold front situations, a stream mouth with slightly warmer water coming in is often your best bet.

In big, cold, clear water lakes, the spring bite can be a lot tougher. The reason is again water temperature. Clear lakes generally take longer to warm up, and the pike require the heat of the sun, or a persistent warm wind, to heat up the shallows. In clear water lakes, it is not uncommon to see pike almost immobile on the bottom. These pike can be among the toughest fish to catch. That’s frustrating because they can also be the largest.

Several years ago, I was fishing with a

...as I ran through the bay with the trolling motor, I could see the occasional puff of mud from where a pike would be spooked by the boat. They were here.

buddy on an ultra-clear lake. We could see pike everywhere, but it was slow going. In the evening, the pike that had sat like logs suddenly got active. We caught a few, but not the big ones. I made a long cast with a large, six-inch jerkbait. The lure landed with a plop and my reel back-lashed. As I sat trying to sort it out my buddy said, “Gord, a big pig is looking at your lure.” I looked up and sure enough, a big long pike was right behind the lure. I madly tried to get the knot out but almost immediately the pike ate the lure. The fish was on. For the next five minutes I hand-bombed a very angry northern pike. It was one of the weirdest fishing experiences I’ve ever had. Yet thanks to a little luck and determination, a giant, 44-inch pike was brought to the boat. It was a win, if an ugly one. Look for clear water pike to be feeding in large protected bays and near emerging weed growth. This is when classic pike baits like the Johnson Silver Minnow, Mepps Musky Killer and Eppinger Daredevle can be excellent. When the weather is chilly, slow moving, cold water pike require a slightly different presentation to get them interested. A six-inch Suick jerkbait or Salmo Slider are two favourites.

TACKLE FOR SPRING PIKE

Generally medium heavy rods and reels handle large pike better than light tackle. Spinning reels are sufficient for most fishing, but when casting large lures such as spoons, spinnerbaits or jerkbaits, a baitcast system may be more comfortable. I like an Abu Garcia 5500 bait-cast reel and flipping stick.

Monofilament lines of 10- to 17-pound test or braid of 30-pound test is adequate for most fish, although pike can cut both types of line with their sharp teeth. You should have a good selection of steel leaders handy unless you want to see your lures disappear.

Always have a quality set of jaw spreaders, needle nose pliers with hook cutters, wool gloves and a first aid kit when pike fishing. You need to handle pike carefully, and be careful not to get your hands in those teeth.

Gord Ellis Sr. with a monster spring pike. | GORD ELLIS

Big Fish Dreams

By Lori Peelen & Illustrator

Consie Powell Raven Productions, Inc., $9.95

Follow the tale of a boy, a family fishing trip, and a salmon traveling toward her spawning place. Will she make it? Will the boy catch the fish of his dreams? Big Fish Dreams intertwines the story of the boy and the salmon, while teaching children about ecosystems, watersheds, and the part salmon play in the health of both. A non-fiction section provides more details about salmon and follows a raindrop’s path through a healthy watershed. Part of the proceeds from this children’s book will be donated to salmon restoration projects on the Pacific coast.—Breana Roy

On the Wings of a North Wind A Journey with Waterfowl

By Michael Furtman Birch Portage Press, $17.99

In 1989, with the Great Plains gripped with devastating drought, the author set off with his black Lab Rascal to follow the waterfowl migration from the Canadian prairies to the Gulf of Mexico. This three-month journey was more than an extended hunting trip. Along the way, he meets with farmers, waterfowl biologists and others to better understand the ways of ducks and geese, as well as the complex issues of habitat loss that plague their continued existence. The result is a wonderful story with a strong, yet very palatable conservation message.—Shawn

Perich

WHY GO: This section of the river, up to Alexander Falls, is runnable by any fish coming in from Lake Superior. And there is a wide mix of game fish that can be found in the river at various points in the year, but in the spring time, it’s an option for steelhead anglers. While the upper stretches of the Nipigon River are best known for producing the 100-plus year old world record brook trout, this stretch also boasts an excellent population of brawny coaster brookies, though they are best targeted in late August and early September.

ACCESS: Nipigon Marina is a good place to access the river, with a free boat launch that is open from June 1 to Sept. 8. The marina is also popular with shore anglers, with access up to the 11/17 bridge. Red Rock Marina, in Red Rock, also offers a boat launch, though fees are charged here to launch. There’s also a boat ramp on the west side of the river downstream from the Alexander Dam.

VITALS: This section of river is about 11 miles from Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior to the Alexander Dam.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Chinook salmon, coaster brook trout, Coho salmon, lake trout, northern pike, pink salmon, steelhead trout, yellow perch, walleye and whitefish.

STEELHEAD: Spring is the best time to target steelhead trout on the Nipigon Riv -

er, as it is in other North Shore streams. Steelhead on this river are known to run large, and most of the fishing for them occurs at Alexander Dam down to the railroad bridge.

“Most of the steelhead fishing around here is done on the smaller rivers,” notes Ernie Benson, a fly fishing guide with Nipigon River Adventures. “It is difficult to go after them on the Nipigon unless you have a boat for drift fishing.”

Because of the big water of the Nipigon, Benson advises fly anglers to fish streamers.

The most popular techniques are drifting roe, or using plugs from boats in the larger pools and runs. Shore anglers can try below the dam and below the Trans-Canada Highway.

COASTERS: The river is renowned for its large brook trout, or speckled trout as they are known here, but on this section of the Nipigon, late August and the beginning of September is the main window when they move up the stream from Lake Superior.

“The fishing can actually be quite good in the late summer,” Benson said. “It closes on Labor Day. You want to go for a couple days in September. That is one of the highlights of the river, those fish coming in for spawning.”

Along JourneytheRiver A

Mystery

By Carole laFavor University of Minnesota Press, $16.95

Several sacred artifacts have gone missing from the Minnesota Red Earth Reservation and the suspect list continues to grow. Investigating these mysterious occurrences because of tribal traditions and the honor of her family, Renee LaRoche works to track down the people responsible. Unfortunately, Renee is caught between the traditions of her tribe and efforts to help her chimook lover accept their cultural differences. When tribal traditions run strong, is it even possible to love an “other”? Author Carole laFavor (1948-2011) was a Two-Spirit Ojibwa novelist and activist who lived and worked in Minnesota. She was a member of the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and worked with organizations that supported Native American people with HIV/AIDS. She is also the author of Evil Dead Center: A Mystery —Breana Roy

NIPIGON RIVER

From Alexander Falls to Lake Superior

Casting spoons, trolling crankbaits and fly angling are the more popular ways to target them.

Anglers with light spinning gear will use worms under bobbers, spinners and jigs.

A special regulation exists for brook trout on the river, with one fish over 22 inches allowed.

FALL SALMON RUNS: While the odd Coho or pink might be found in the river, most of the salmon action in the river is from Chinook salmon. This typically starts up in late August into September.

The fish tend to congregate at the Alexander Dam, and can be caught on spoons. But they can also be targeted up and down the river, and trolling is a popular way to get after them with big plugs.

THE REST: You’ll find northern pike, whitefish and walleye on this stretch of river, though walleye fishing is closed on the river year round. Lake trout used to run the river, but failed to show up last spring.—Javier Serna

View our complete collection of Fishing Hole Maps online at: northernwilds.com /fishingholemaps

Northern Wilds Bookstore

northern sky

MAY 2018 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

All during May, Venus and Jupiter dominate the early evening from opposite sides of the sky.

Earth laps Jupiter in the orbital race on the night of the 8th-9th, an event called opposition because it puts Jupiter opposite the sun in the sky. At that time, Jupiter rises around sunset and stays up all night. On the 10th, our two planets make their closest approach—about 409 million miles—before Earth leaves the giant planet behind.

The closest approach comes slightly later than opposition because during that short interval, Earth moves a little farther from the sun while Jupiter moves a little closer to it. Look for Jupiter’s high-wattage orb in the east after nightfall and in the west an hour or two before sunrise.

Jupiter may be up all night, but Venus makes the most of its limited time above the horizon. Our sister planet comes out in the west shortly after sunset and brightens as it sinks toward the horizon. An hour after sunset may be the best time to catch

it when it’s bright but not yet too low. On the 17th, a young crescent moon joins Venus. Shining to the upper right of the pair that evening is multicolored Capella, the brightest star in Auriga, the charioteer.

If you want to compare Venus and Jupiter as they face each other across the sky, try the second week of May, when both planets will be fairly high and the moon won’t interfere.

The evening of the 21st, the bright star Regulus, in Leo, comes out right below a first-quarter moon. The morning of the 29th, the moon sets just a few hours short of fullness. But that follows a night when it crosses the sky between Jupiter and Saturn, with Mars taking up the rear. Watch for Mars to brighten all month long as its late-July opposition draws near.

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

Go stomping through a puddle after a rain storm or dig a hole in your backyard lawn—chances are you will find some worms, probably a lot of them. Did you know that children 100 years ago in our part of the woods might not have seen worms like we do today?

Worms of all types, including the red worms we find in our compost piles and the larger worms called night crawlers we use for fishing, are all invasive to North America—meaning, they didn’t exist here until people started moving around the planet and moved some worms with them. Worms have multiplied quickly and now we can hardly imagine our soil without them. There are still some places relatively unaffected by worms and scientists say it’s best for the forest if these areas stay that way. That’s why if you go fishing with worms you shouldn’t dump them in the forest. It would be better to bring them back to your garden or lawn and release them there.

Worms have benefits in our gardens. They are really good at changing natural waste—such as food scraps or leaves or lawn clippings—back to a product that is enriching to our garden soil. They do this by eating the waste and pooping. Worm poo is called a “casting” and this can be a great fertilizer.

One way to take advantage of this year-round is to maintain a worm bin.

You can keep a worm bin in your house— maybe the basement or garage is best—anywhere that doesn’t get too hot or freeze. Take a plastic tote with a tight-fitting lid (about 15-20 gallon size). Drill small holes in the lid and around the top two inches on the side and one hole in each corner on the bottom for ventilation. Add six to eight inches of slightly damp newspaper strips (not colored or glossy). You can also add some grass clippings and soil sprinkles to get the worms started. You can buy worms online and have them mailed to you, or you can find a bunch in a compost pile. One to two pounds will suffice. Start by adding small amounts of greens—lettuce past its prime for example. The worms can’t use a lot of food scrap at once— small handfuls at a time work best. Worms don’t really like citrus or egg shells, meat or bread.

Worms prefer vegetables.

Some tips for your worm bin:

• Don’t let the bin get too moist. If the worms are trying to crawl out of the bin, it might be too wet. Add more strips of dry newspaper.

• Don’t overfeed the worms. Place food in one corner of the bin. Cover with the newspaper. The worms will move to it and eat. Don’t add more food for several days. Adding too much will make your worm bin smell. Add to a different corner each time.

• Scoop out the castings and add to your garden. But be careful not to scoop out your worms.

Wild Traditions

Welcoming Spring at Little Lions Waldorf Daycare

By Julia Prinselaar

One of my earliest childhood memories takes place in daycare when I was about three years old. It was around the first of May, and our group at Little Lions Waldorf Daycare was preparing to sing songs and dance around the Maypole to welcome the arrival of spring. Each of us children stood in a circle holding a colored ribbon in our hands, and together we walked in unison to wrap the ribbon around the pole.

Details of the day beyond that are vague, but the memory leaves me with feelings of warmth, comfort and nostalgia. It serves as my first introduction to a tradition that traces its roots to European folklore and welcomes the birth and fertility of a new season.

Three decades later, Little Lions continues to celebrate the May Day festival— known as Beltane in Celtic lands—one of several that mark significant events throughout the seasonal calendar. Coincidentally, I spoke with Marilyn Grudniski, Little Lions’ former CEO and current director of training, shortly after she spent a day with daycare staff to rehearse the songs, dances and customs of May Day at the nursery.

The Maypole may have originally been a living tree, but for centuries in countries like Germany, England and Sweden, people have raised a decorated pole. Colored ribbons and garland would hang from the top of the pole, and historically women sang songs and wove the ribbon in various patterns.

Waldorf teachings are integrated into children’s activities through traditional games, crafts, storytelling, singing, domestic tasks, and general care for the environment and one another.

“We pick up some of these festivals, some of the ancient ones, to bring people together,” says Grudniski. “The festivals are events of community. We are trying to build this nest around the children and to make that strong. And so we find these reasons to get together and have a nice time, for the parents to mingle and get to know each other, and for us to have a chance to support them in some way.”

What began as an extension of the Grade 12 Family Studies program at a local high school in 1984 has expanded into about a dozen childcare locations across Thunder Bay. Little Lions Waldorf Daycare and Kindergarten was the first Waldorf Early

Childhood Centre in North America, and is part of a global network of schools originating from post-WWI Germany that follow the teaching principles created by Rudolf Steiner.

“[Steiner] was approached by the manager of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory and was asked to create a system of education that would create citizens who were incapable of making war. He had seen this devastation over four years in WWI, and he didn’t ever want to see that in his country again. So that’s what we have today,” Grudniski tells me.

Central aspects of the Waldorf philosophy include the cultivation of imagination and creativity, belief in the free will of an individual, unstructured play, and bringing rhythm into a child’s life, she says.

“We know that’s very important for young children. And with that rhythm— the rhythm of the day that we try to keep consistent for children, the rhythm of the week, the rhythm of the year—you know what’s coming next. There’s a pattern, and children can feel really comfortable with a pattern because they know what’s coming up. So living with the cycle of the year, giving that form, that shape to the year, and living with what we see outdoors and what’s around us, we’re working with that.”

An emerging crisis of a generation, WWI catalyzed the beginnings of peaceful early childhood education in Germany, and soon spread throughout Europe. Today, distractions of the digital age and the speed of information are a primary challenge for younger generations. When I see children playing games on a screen that simulate cooking or baking for instance, I wonder how it compares to the imagination and creativity involved in physically carrying out that task. Choosing different ingredients and playing with quantities versus using predictable foods and controlled amounts. Where are the options to be experimental, and to connect a child’s senses to the activity at hand?

Questions like these come up routinely as part of Waldorf training, says Grudniski.

“I don’t think there’s any other profession in the world where we have the ability to shape someone’s destiny,” says Grudniski in reference to early childhood education. “We have such power, really. You can make or break a child—it’s really critical work that we’re doing. We really have to be very careful.”

The Maypole may have originally been a living tree, but for centuries in countries like Germany, England and Sweden, people have raised a decorated pole. | STOCK

Little Lions Waldorf Daycare celebrates May Day, known as Beltane in Celtic lands. Children stand in a circle, each holding a colored ribbon, and walk in unison to wrap the ribbon around the pole. | STOCK

Real Estate: Homes are hot, land and cabins are not

By Shawn Perich

In the world of real estate, they often talk about a “buyer’s market” or a “seller’s market.” On the North Shore this spring, the real estate market seems to be a little of both. It depends on what sort of property you are looking for. When it comes to residential property, it is currently a seller’s market.

“I haven’t seen the inventory this low in a long time,” says Virginia Palmer of the number of homes available for sale.

Her comment was echoed by other realtors as well.

“If housing is priced at under $300,000, we’re seeing multiple offers,” says Mike Raymond of Red Pine Realty.

“I’ve seen three houses in town sell for over the asking price,” says Terry Backlund of Backlund Realty. “Anything that is close to town (Grand Marais) is moving, as well as lots in town.”

A Grand Marais lot recently sold for a record high price, but overall sales of raw land remain slow. The lack of housing on the market may convince some folks to buy land and build. However, high building costs have kept the demand for raw land in check, observes realtor Kim Wolff of Timber Wolff Realty. But the low housing inventory is good for home sellers in the traditionally slower markets of eastern Cook County and the Schroeder area.

“Buyers aren’t seeing homes in Grand Marais, Lutsen or Tofte, so they are looking further out,” Wolff says.

She has a sale pending on a home that has been on the market for five years. There were also five home sales on Lake Superior east of Grand Marais last year; an area that has been slow market since the recession.

Backlund said home buyers fall into three categories, locals seeking a place to live, people moving to the com munity and retirees. All realtors say that many buyers are looking for places they can use as Vacation Rentals By Owner or VRBOs. To a certain extent, the demand for VRBOs may be putting a squeeze on buyers simply look ing for a place to live. Palmer pointed to another stresser on housing: a long-term construction project at the heath care facilities in Grand Marais has affected the availability of rentals.

Sales of higher-end homes on Lake Superior have re mained strong, but the same is not true for cabins on in land lakes. That market has been sluggish since the reces sion. Palmer said an exception is Devil Track Lake, where the proximity to Grand Marais allows homes to be used as VRBOs. Sales remain slow further up the Gunflint Trail, in part because there are fewer opportunities for yearround VRBO rental.

Raymond agreed cabin sales have been slow. “Recre ational stuff has to be prime,” he says. “It’s been that way for awhile. It’s not the hot market that it was 10 or 15 years ago.”

Rural land is sluggish as well, suggesting that a prudent buyer may find bargains. As for housing, realtors who say the time is right for anyone who has been considering selling their home.

Given the reluctant arrival of spring, realtors say the weather may have played a role in the slow start to the real estate “season.” That may have already changed.

“I thought it seemed slow to get going, but the last two weeks have been crazy,” Raymond said.

A Loan in the Woods A Loan in the Woods

Realtors say limited home inventory on the North Shore creates a seller’s market. | STOCK

The Merritt’s and Rockefeller: What Happened? Strange Tales

By Elle AndraWarner

It was November 1890 when the Merritts from Duluth discovered the rich iron ore deposit in northeastern Minnesota that led to a development of the mining industry on Mesabi Range, building of a railroad from Mesabi to Duluth, and construction of an iron ore dock in Duluth that was the world’s largest at the time. The growing mining empire of the Merritts, built from scratch, became worth multi-millions. But less than four years later, by early 1894, they had lost everything to the wealthy tycoon John D. Rockefeller.

So, what happened?

The Merritts arrived in Duluth in the mid-1850s, with father Lewis Howell Merritt and his oldest son Napoleon arriving in 1855 from Chautauqua County, New York. His wife Hephzibah and family arrived the following year. Settling in Oneota, now part of West Duluth, they became one of the influential pioneer families in Duluth.

In the winter of 1865-1866, while looking unsuccessfully for gold during the Vermilion Gold Rush near the Mesabi Range, Lewis came across something that was a harbinger of things to come: a piece of iron ore. He was so impressed with its potential, he told his sons that there was “iron up there worth more than all the gold in California”.

His sons remembered, heeded their father’s words and kept a lookout for iron ore while working in the bush. In the late 1880s, to find that large deposit of iron ore on Mesabi Range, four of the Merritt brothers—Leonidas, Alfred, Cassius and Andrus—and three nephews began organized searches and digging test pits. They incorporated Mountain Iron Company on July 10, 1890 and Biwabik Mountain Iron Company, on October 9.

The turning point came on November 16, 1890 when the Merritts found the first large body of rich hematite iron ore on the future site of Mountain Iron Mine. A sample assayed in Duluth came out as 65 percent iron ore.

Within a couple of years, the Merritts owned several mines. To get their ore from Mesabi to an existing dock at Superior, Wisc., they constructed the Duluth, Missabe, and Northern Railway (DM&N) to within 26 miles of Duluth to a junction where they could use the Duluth and Winnipeg Railway (D&W) tracks to Superior.

Arriving in the mid-1850s, the Merritt family became influential pioneers in the development of Duluth. In the top row of this 1871 picture is Leonidas Merritt, Lewis J. Merritt, Andrus R. Merritt, Alfred Merritt, Lucien F. Merritt. Bottom row: Cassius Clay Merritt, Hephzibah Jewett Merritt, Lewis H. Merritt, Jerome Merritt, Napolean B. Merritt. | MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

First cargo reached the Superior dock on October 1892 and was loaded on No. 102, a whaleback vessel of the American Steel Barge Company and shipped to Cleveland. Then a glitch. D&W broke their contract in the fall of 1892 due to financial problems.

In his newly-released book Iron and Water: My Life Protecting Minnesota’s Environment by Grant Merritt, a grandson of Alfred Merritt, writes “This breach of contract by the D&W was a leading factor in causing the Merritts to make what proved to be a fatal decision. They decided to build the road to Duluth themselves. This would prove significant because it required them to raise a considerable amount of capital in order to build the twenty-six-mile extension to Duluth and erect the first ore dock there.”

The Merritts moved forward, constructing the railway extension to Duluth and ore dock in Duluth reaching 2,304 feet from shore. Both were complete by the summer of 1893. In a published newspaper

“It has been frustrating for me and others of our clan to read in books and articles about the Merritts and the Mesabi that the loss of their enormous holdings on the Mesabi, as well as the railroad, was due to their becoming overextended and that the financial ‘genuis’ of Rockefeller was their undoing. Some authors would throw in the huge economic depression of 1893. There is some truth in all of those factors, no doubt, but the greater truth is that Gates and Rockefeller did not play fair with the Merritts.”

Grant Merritt. Iron and Water: My Life Protecting Minnesota’s Environment. University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis. 2018.

interview with Virginia Enterprise (July 9, 1915), Leonidas Merritt said, “In 1893, Alfred and I estimated our holdings in the Range at $20,000,000.”

The year 1893 was the start of a serious economic depression in the U.S., the “Panic of 1893”. The stock market crashed and times were tough for businesses, including the Merritts who had borrowed money to complete the railway and docks, and now had difficulty meeting their financial obligations to cover loans.

include Missabe and Mesaba. | WIKIMEDIA

Leonidas Merritt went to New York in summer of 1893 to meet with John D.

lost all their collateral—mines, railroad and dock—to Rockefeller.

In January 1894, Rockefeller and associates foreclosed on the Merritts. They were unable to make the demanded immediate payment of $432,575 and by February, had lost all their collateral—mines, railroad and dock—to Rockefeller.

Rockefeller and his top aide Frederick T. Gates. Rockefeller was a major shareholder of American Steel Barge Company which had already loaned money to the Merritts. Rockefeller proposed starting a new company, consolidating the Merritts’ nine mining properties, railroad and docks with three of his three ‘gilt-edged’ mines (two in Michigan and one in Cuba). Papers for Lake Superior Consolidated Mines Company (LSCMC) were signed in August 1893, with Rockefeller holding first mortgage bonds of LSCMC, while Merritts owned stock. However, the venture didn’t clear the outstanding debts of the Merritts.

In January 1894, Rockefeller and associates foreclosed on the Merritts. They were unable to make the demanded immediate payment of $432,575 and by February, had

On behalf of the family, Alfred Merritt sued Rockefeller for $1.2 million, claiming fraud by Rockefeller in giving ‘fictitious values’ for the three mines he put in the merger. Court agreed, awarded $940,000 in damages but the case was denied on appeal. Not having funds to continue litigation, the Merritts agreed to an out-of-court settlement for $525,000.

Grant Merritt wrote in his book Iron and Water that his grandfather Alfred later said, “Naturally one will ask how he did it. It was simply a case of our having confidence in [Rockefeller]. We were working away for the interests of the company, getting traffic contracts, fully trusting him. We woke up too late.”

The Mesabi Range was known to the local Ojibwe as Misaabe-wajiw (“Giant mountain”); spelling variations

laundry on main level. MLS# 6028321 $565,000

PANORAMIC LAKE

SUPERIOR. Gorgeous 10 acres with panoramic views on

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

CLASSIC CABIN ON CLEARWATER LAKE. Comfortable, well maintained 2 bdrm, 1 bath cabin cared for by the same family for over 60 years. 205 feet of shoreline on much sought after Clearwater lake with direct

WITH BWCAW VIEW ON MCFARLAND. This super 2 bdrm cabin has great views of the Palisades and the west end of McFarland Lake. Just a stone’s throw from the BWCAW! Comes furnished including pontoon boat, fishing boats, canoe, dock, and two Onan generators. MLS# 6029644 $199,000 FOUR SEASONS GUEST HOUSE. Family compound or shortterm rentals-you choose.

LAKE SUPERIOR HOME SITE. Great Lake Superior lot with an excellent site for walkout. Surveyed and level open location for your new home. This 1.07 acre parcel has a very neat, private cove and a 447' of meandering ledge rock shoreline. MLS# 6027506 $299,000

LUTSEN LAKE SHORE

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

MLS# 6033420 $249,000

PREMIER LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTY. Beautiful, very private 1.84 acre residential lot with 240 ft of Lake Superior shoreline in the Chimney Rock Platted Development. Premier quality with stunning

NEW! LARGE DEVIL TRACK LAKE HOME

Description: Impeccably maintained 2 story, 3 bdrm lake home with 3 season porch. Windows all around, vaulted ceilings, numerous upgrades, loads of finished living space. Workshop, landscaped yard and gardens.

MLS#: TBD $399,900

SECLUSION AND SERENITY IN MAPLE FOREST. Immaculate, Mulfinger designed 2 bdrm, 2 bath home situated perfectly into the terrain with rock outcroppings and stunning views through the tree tops. Deep woods privacy, beautiful features and 220' lake shore. MLS# 6032538 $359,900

Located at the end of the road with year-round access. Very nice, gentle path to the 156’ of lake shore. Nice mix of trees. MLS# 6024438 $187,500

open living/dining room, sturdy deck, and 24' dock on 142' shoreline. Cabin easily sleeps 6. Lakewater system, septic holding tank. Great lake views! MLS# 6030355 $186,000

LEVEL LOT, NICE WOODS, EASY

SHORE. This 1.55 acre Devil Track Lake lot has easy access from county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200+ ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here. MLS# 6033181 $198,900

RARE GUNFLINT LAKE

PARCEL

Exceptional lot with 344' of waterfront features unreal views and privacy. Use the slope of this lot to your advantage when considering what style to build. Power and broadband available. Borders public land! MLS#: 6073686 $175,000

NEW! POPLAR

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

PRIME PIKE LAKE Wilderness, woods and lakeshore. Pristine views of Superior Nat'l across the lake, towering white pine overhead. Virgin pine and cedar are unique here! The 252' frontage and 3 acres have gentle shore, crystal clear water and great privacy. Driveway and drilled well. Power and Broadband available. Fishing, wildlife and easy access to Lutsen or Grand Marais. MLS# 6032300 $179,900

NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN.

Only a lucky few get to own cabins here. Remote water access from the US side, or drive in to the landing on Ontario side.

LOG SIDED CABIN ON TOM LAKE. This 2 bdrm, 1 bath cabin is situated on the shore of Tom Lake with loons and walleye just off the 24' dock. Solar power with quiet generator, though grid electric is available. Features a spiral staircase to a spacious loft and energy efficient windows.

MLS# 6030876 $160,000

Stunning views, easy access to the BWCA. The 2 bdrm cabin is one of the nicest remote cabins you'll find. Includes a great sauna. MLS# 6023214 $158,500

VIRGIN PINE, GREAT SHORELINE, PIKE LAKE. Three lake lots with wilderness, woods, and lakeshore are waiting for your dream lake home or cabin. Pristine views, towering white pine, +/- 200' accessible shoreline each with crystal clear water and great privacy. Good driveway in place, ideal location, power and broadband available. Four total lots can be purchased together at a discount.

MLS# 6032297-99 $129,900+

CONDOMINIUMS

WELCOME TO LAKE SUPERIOR. Warm & beautiful light-filled end unit Aspenwood Townhome. The 2-story walkout style leaves you with plenty of options to get outside and close to the Big Lake. This 2 bdrm, 3 bath home includes 98% of all furnishings &

personal property. It is also part of a successful vacation rental pool. MLS# 6022175 $290,000

HOMES & CABINS

LEGENDARY SAWMILL BAY. Magnificent old-growth cedars and maples frame a corner lot with a high and dry build site. Year-round road access and a terrific wildlife habitat awaits your cabin in the woods. 185' of Caribou Lake frontage. MLS# 6032953 $89,000 A GEM IN THE WOODS. There is quality and detail at every turn in this magnificent 2 bdrm, 2 bath home hidden on 30 acres in the Grand Portage State Forest. Marble stairs and floors, loft, master bath with hot tub & sauna, soaring cathedral ceilings, and 2000 sq ft attached garage. Not your typical home in the

LARGE LAND, PINES, PRIVACY AND PIKE LAKE VIEW. Outstanding property with adjoining USFS lands, good access on Murmur Creek Rd, and even nice views of Pike Lake. Launch your boat just a half-mile away. Nice planted red pine, power/broadband close by. MLS# 6032302 $84,900

BEAUTIFUL NINEMILE LAKE LOT. End of the road, large lot adjoins Superior National Forest and Cabin Creek Unit Roadless Area. Great trees, views and building site on 4.1 acres with 397 feet of shoreine. Unique privacy, year round access and power. MLS# 6031840 $75,900

PRIVACY AND VIEWS AT SISTER LAKE. Nice lake lot with great forest, and beautiful new building site. There's a high point of the surrounding area with awesome views. Excellent, accessible shoreline. New driveway to a great building site. This is a great area for fishing many lakes in the area. You're also close to Tofte/Lutsen on the North Shore. Priced to sell!! MLS# 6073911 $64,500 PRICE REDUCED!

LOT ON NINEMILE LAKE. Beautiful, large lot on Ninemile Lake in Finland. Lot adjoins Superior National Forest and Cabin Creek Unit Roadless Area with excellent shoreline and views.

RARE ELBOW LAKE LOT. For the fisherman who has almost everything. This is a very private 1 acre parcel surrounded by federal land with 268’ shoreline. Your own shore lunch spot! MLS# 6031436 $50,000

GREAT PRICE LAKE LOTS. Deep woods, seclusion and nice views from these Tom Lake lots. This is the desired west side of the lake with access from the Camp 20 Rd. Enjoy a peaceful lake property with good access. Great back roads to explore. Adjacent land available. MLS# 6030741, 6030742 $49,900 each

HOMES & CABINS

MARKET, DELI, LIQUOR STORE – HOVLAND. A bustling business in a beautiful rural community on the North Shore. Bakery, deli, pizza, convenience store, and liquor store under one roof. Large seating area & outdoor patio. Expansion/home site possible!

MLS# 6023742 $329,900

GREAT HISTORY, GREAT LAKE. Devil Track Cabins is a long standing seasonal resort on the beautiful north shore of Devil Track Lake. The 5 charming cabins + owner’s cabin each have a private setting and lake view. Great beach with docking for guests. A wonderful family retreat!

MLS# 6033556, 6033557 $387,900

BIG OPPORTUNITY, MANY POSSIBILITIES. Prime commercial location in Hovland, 1000 feet of Highway 61 frontage. Large commercial space with a small 2 bedroom home and 1 functioning rental cottage. Many new improvements and upgrades. Two more small cabins could be rented, and there's room for many more...or other possibilities.

Large 2-car garage plus two sheds. MLS# 6026089 $284,900

PRIME RETAIL DOWNTOWN GRAND MARAIS. Main traffic location in the heart of down town. Located on Wisconsin St between Blue Water Cafe and Sivertson Gallery, with 25 ft street frontage and over 2300 sq ft each. Build up for a lake view –lots of possibilities! MLS# 6029930, 6029951 $150,000 each

PRIME COMMERCIAL LOTS IN LUTSEN.Two acre-sized lots with Highway 61 frontage-road access and great visibility in downtown Lutsen. Nice creek borders the east property line, nice mature forest. Great location for a small gallery, retail or restaurant. A residential lot is available adjoining to the north. • MLS# 6032971 $99,900 • MLS# 6032972 $89,900

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

LARGE TRACT WITH CREEK. This 319 acre parcel has ponds & creek frontage on the Flute Reed River. Has been in DNR management program. Great for hunting or homesteading. Access is by unimproved easement from the Camp 20 Road, near county maintenance. The land may be split - take your pick of "40's"! MLS# 6027384 $258,000

LARGE ACREAGE WITH WATER FEATURES. The headwaters of Irish Creek! Quality 160+ acres, 5 parcels sold grouped or separately. Many great features incl. old growth white pine, ponds, camping and building areas. MLS# 6030177 $149,500

SUGARBUSH, BEAVER, TROUT. Remote 80 acres ,10 miles from Grand Marais with easy access. Surrounded by public land. 700’ of Durfee Creek frontage. MLS# 6024638 $149,000

TWENTY ACRES – GREAT LOCATION. Great larger parcel near Grand Marais with road in to the “top” of the property. Lake views, maple and mixed forest, small creek. County road access with power and broadband close by, borders public land on three sides. MLS# 6030517 $112,000

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION.Three 40 acre lots with 600 to 1000 ft frontage on Mons Creek. Also includes deeded access to Lost Lake. Private and secluded. MLS# 6073876 $59,900 or MLS# 6073877 $69,900 or MLS# 6073878 $74,900.

NICE HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Nice elevation and views from this 6.75 acre lot off of County Rd 6 just minutes from town. Frontage on Little Devil Track River, with lowland and highlands. Nice forest and privacy for your home or cabin in the woods

MLS# 6031740 $51,000 PRICE REDUCED!

FLUTE REED RIVER HOME SITES These two heavily wooded parcels have the seclusion of 11-13 acres and about 330' frontage each on the trout stream Flute Reed River. Access is easy from frontage on a county road. Power and broadband are available. These lots are the perfect place for a retreat property or a year-round home. MLS# 6030884, 6030885 $49,900 each

500’ ON MOHNS CREEK. Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites on 25 acres. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Abuts state land. MLS# 6029353 $39,000

100+ ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Great location for a home or recreational property just minutes from Grand Marais. Rolling land with creek, borders thousands of acres of federal and state lands. Power at road. Seller willing to subdivide MLS# 6032474 $277,900

TOP OF BIRCH CLIFF. See 50 miles across Lake Superior –incredible 180 degree views! Private drive and buried power in place. 15+ acres with nice mature trees and public lands on 2 sides. More land is available. This site will rock your world. MLS# 6033563 $249,900

ACREAGE ADJOINS WILDERNESS - LAKE ACCESS. This 42 acre parcel includes 400 feet of shoreline on McFarland Lake. Building sites are located across the road on the hillside with potential lake views. Easy access to the BWCAW and Border Route Hiking Trail. MLS# 6024602 $179,000 INCREASINGLY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully surveyed. The perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. MLS# 6029820 $150,000 FANTASTIC FIVE MILE ROCK. Great 7 acre property abuts Highway 61 at Five Mile Rock. Beautiful views of Lake Superior. Excellent build site and a 30 x 40 Morton building. Ready for your dreams! MLS# 6030238 $120,000

PROVEN GREAT HUNTING AREA - 80 ACRES. Prime hunting land in Schroeder. Rolling land with great wildlife habitat incl. stream, beaver dam with large pond, and a good mixture of trees and low vegetation. Older 2 bdrm cabin in a beautiful park like setting overlooking large beaver pond. MLS# 6032712 $115,000

LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE. 128 acres with good road access and an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road, power is possible here. The 3 forties may be split - take your pick. MLS# 6027383 $111,000 TWO INCREDIBLE LUTSEN PARCELS. Driveway, electric/broadband, survey and a cozy camper/RV are all set on Lot 3, while Lot 4 offers unending privacy as it abuts federal land. Christine Lake public boat landing is within walking distance with Poplar and Tait rivers nearby as well. MLS# 6032903 $109,500

HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY. Large 45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage MLS# 6029352 $99,000

LAND NEAR WILSON LAKE. A special piece of the Northwoods – 16 acres with deeded access to Wilson Lake! USA-owned forest is your backyard. Driveway, electric, and a small bunkhouse/shed are in place. MLS# 6028685 $80,000

RESIDENTIAL OR RESORT COMMERCIAL LAND. 5.9 acres between Tofte and Lutsen on the Onion River Rd. Resort Commercial allows rental cabins and businesses - a wonderful opportunity. Beautiful mature cedar forest, seasonal view of Lake Superior. MLS# 6032988 $74,900

GREAT LOCATION HOME SITES. Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7 are two 5+ acre lots with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites. Lot #8 already has a roughed-in driveway and power, and nice views. MLS# 6033035 - $42,900 • MLS# 6033039 - $72,500

LARGE LAND, MAPLES, LAKE ACCESS. This 67 acre parcel has high maple ridges, a pond, and an easement to walk to Tom Lake. Good seasonal road access, many nice building sites. A perfect escape property in an area with many trails to ride and forest to explore. MLS# 6030705 $69,900

LARGE LAND, POND, LAKE RIGHTS. Densely wooded 60 acre parcel with beaver ponds and access to Lost Lake. Good seasonal road access, many great building sites and southerly exposure. Lots of elbow room, privacy, and miles of forest roads to explore. MLS# 6033463 $64,900

GREAT LOCATION, QUALITY FOREST, BUILD HERE. These 10-acre parcels have a mature and mixed forest, southerly exposure, easy county road frontage and just minutes from Grand Marais. MLS# 6023274 $64,900, MLS# 6023275 $62,900, MLS# 6023276 $64,900

MAPLE HILL - HOME SITE. Heavily wooded 6.45 acre parcel with great privacy, county rd frontage, power and phone. MLS# 6023465 $64,500

RUSTICATE, RECREATE, RELAX. Hovland hideaway – 43 acres with new driveway to “base camp” with a nice camper trailer and shed. Trails have been cut throughout the property which adjoins State land. MLS# 2313223 $59,900

STONE'S THROW LAKE SUPERIOR. This heavily wooded, private 2+ acre building site sits just across the highway from Lake Superior's shore with a view of the big lake. You can walk the beach or have a bonfire on the State shoreline. MLS# 6029899 $59,900

WOODED HOME SITE This 5+ acre parcel is only 1.5 miles from Grand Marais and ready for your country home. Mixed forest, with forest service land in the back for exploring or hunting. A driveway and culvert are already in place. MLS# 6026053 $55,000

RUSTIC WOODED WONDERLAND. Beautiful 40 acres of maple forest with small rustic cabin bordering Judge Magney State Park. Enjoy the peaceful solitude of Aide Lake, rimmed by an open cedar grove just a short hike from the cabin into the park. MLS# 6025235 $52,000

PERFECT 5 ACRE HOME SITE. This private and secluded build site is just waiting for your custom plans! Only five miles from town with five acres of great woods bordering public land on two sides. MLS# 6028922 $51,500

BUILDING SITE OVERLOOKING MCFARLAND. This pine studded 7 acre property has easy walking access to the county beach on McFarland Lake. Nice elevated build site with easy county road access. MLS# 6024601 $43,000

BEAUTIFUL WOODED LUTSEN LOT. Beautiful level lot with an open build site for your cabin or new home in a quiet and peaceful area of Lutsen. You'll be minutes away from every type of north-woods activity, including Lutsen Mountains and Superior National Golf Course. MLS# 6033068 $39,000

WOODED ACREAGE – GM. Private 20 acre lot with hiking and ski trails, and abundant wildlife. A high building site offers seasonal views of Lake Superior. MLS# 2313173 $35,000

5 ACRES NEAR CARIBOU LAKE. Gorgeous corner lot with colorful maples and majestic cedars. Plenty of privacy. Close to hiking trails and the Caribou Lake boat landing. Year round access with power! MLS# 2279179 $35,000

LAND FOR ESCAPE AND RECREATION. Remote yet accessible 20 acres near Judge Magney State Park. Good mix of trees, high building site, some distant Lake Superior views. MLS# 6025397 $34,900 GREAT LUTSEN LOT. Very quiet and private. Choice 2.31

WATERFALLS ON LAKE SUPERIOR, WALK TO GRAND MARAIS!

Stunning home in a Wilderness Setting with Incredible Lakeshore, a combination of Ledgerock and pebble beach!

Awake in the morning to the sounds of the Waterfall cascading in to Lake Superior just outside your bedroom window! This striking home is move in ready, main level living with a sweet master bedroom and bath. Lower level walk out area for your friends and family to enjoy! Two plus car garage, with an awesome Man Cave with views of Lake Superior! MLS#6026723 $799,900

RUGGED ELEGANCE ON LAKE SUPERIOR!

MULFINGER HOME ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Wilderness Wonderland on Stonegate, Gorgeous home with incredible quality and design. Lake Superior is one with this Home! Gourmet Kitchen, Warm and Welcoming great room with

Ready for your Family to Enjoy!

MLS#6029989 $799,000

it! MLS#6033491 $699,900 NEW! HOUSE BY THE SEA IN TOFTE! Lordy Lordy they don’t get much cuter than this cabin! Small Footprint 2 bedrm, Vaulted Ceilings, Big Log Beam and a great fireplace. Accessible shoreline, SUPER location in between Lutsen and Tofte! MLS#6033299 $340,000

$399,000

The Nearer Your Destination, the More Your Worries start Slip Sliding Away…Up North!

SALE PENDING

SUPER CTY RD 7 JUST WEST OF GRAND MARAIS LOCATION! Lake Superior views, Welcoming home w/ master bedroom, nice guest spaces and a to die for deck overlooking the Woods and the Lake!

MLS#6030389 $350,000

NEW! LOVELY CARRIAGE STYLE NEWER CONSTRUCTION HOME. Features energy conscious construction, vaulted ceilings, and tons of light that flows throughout the home! Minute’s to Cross River and Lake Superior in Schroeder, less than 20 minutes to Lutsen Mountains! MLS#6032195 $222,933

SOLD

SOLD

for hunting or just creating trails. Already set up with a main cabin w/ mud room, open kitchen to the living room and 2 bedrooms. 2 add’l guest cabins. Detached garage with heated and insulated work shop, drilled well. There is a sauna/shower house on the premises. MLS# 6029226 $139,900 REDUCED!

SALE PENDING

LUTSEN HOME AT MINK RANCH! Nice home for the money, three bedroom, one bath AND a garage. Really a cute place, just a minute from Lutsen Mountains, Move in Ready! MLS#6030897 $145,000 REDUCED!

BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM LOG CABIN NEAR TRAIL CENTER! Solid and newer home, just needs some interior finishing. Nice entry area, featuring wood burning stove. Flawless transition to spacious living area, with amazing Stone fireplace, with super-efficient fireplace insert for heating! Gorgeous setting with beautiful pond, border USFS land. Poplar lake is a stone’s throw away! MLS#6032396 $219,900

Surfside on Lake Superior

Quality-built,

Outstanding Land Values in Lutsen

54 Morgan Rd

Special one room getaway in the woods on 40A of mature trees, abuts Cascade State Park and Federal land! Garage and bonus space is quite functional as it is, or remodel as you desire.

MLS 6073759 $279,900

Land

Raw Land

Silver Fox Rd

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

MLS 6024552 $39,900

25+A close to Grand Marais; healthy mix of trees with a very gently rolling topography. Approximately 800’ frontage on the Fall River.

MLS 6030910 $89,900

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

MLS 6030911 $49,900

5.72A of nicely wooded land with gently rolling topography AND approx. 500’ frontage on the Rosebush Tributaries. OWNER will consider a Contract for Deed!

MLS 6030899 $39,900

78 Squint Lake Rd 5A surrounded on 2 sides by government land. Convenient mid-trail location.

MLS 6020283 $59,900

Railroad Drive 1.7A in the heart of Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees. Convenient location. MLS 6023743 $39,900

Broadway Ave Wonderful location, oversize lot is open to many opportunities for development and use.

MLS 6031909 $48,000

Co Rd 67 2.24A, year round access, directly abuts State Land to the east. Fully surveyed and well-built private driveway. MLS 6029973 $39,900

County Rd 7

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

MLS 6028579 $58,000

1911 Camp 20 Rd

Fully furnished one room north woods getaway with lots of privacy on 40A of wooded land with a wildlife pond and an abundance of recreational trails. Abuts federal land to the north.

MLS 6073896 $64,900

902 W 5th Ave

Tiny house with city water and sewer at the street ready to be brought in. This one-room rustic cabin is ready to be finished the way you want. Wooded City land across the street.

MLS 6033214 $54,900

Peaceful and quiet 5A close to town with easements onto Federal Land. MLS 6025690 $25,900

County Rd 48

2 lots 5-7A, 5+ and 7+A lots at a great country location just minutes from town. Recreation trails close by.

MLS 6030629 $45,000 - $47,500

Wildwood Acres

5 parcels in Wildwood Acres! .9A to 1.85A. Nicely wooded and private. Residential neighborhood.

MLS 6031563 $20,000 - $35,000

Boulder Point Rd

3.55A in Lutsen off the Ski Hill Rd. Abuts State Scenic and Natural area providing hundreds of acres of untouched land. MLS 6031787 $59,900

Victory Lane

20A with great building sites overlook a beautiful beaver pond and some great building sites overlooking the pond.

MLS 6032536 $25,000

10 Murphy Mtn Rd

5A, close to town. Surveyed, pins are all clearly marked, utilities in place and septic sites identified.

MLS 6073521 $49,900

W Hwy 61

3+A lot with easy access right off of Hwy 61. Just minutes from town, connects to the Superior Hiking Trail. MLS 6033459 $44,000

Inland Lake Lots

Squint Lake

2.13A with lovely old white pine trees! Mid trail location, 221’ shore, abuts USFS.

MLS 6028920 $75,000

Chester Lake

The only private parcel on Chester Lake. One of a kind opportunity! 40A, 300’ frontage! Rough cabin sold “as is”.

$53,900

Kemo Lake

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

MLS 6031924 $139,900

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

MLS 6023533 $74,900

MLS 6022402 $149,900

Poplar Lake Convenient mid-trail location with deeded lakeshore access. Building site cleared, driveway in, utilities available.

MLS 2158160 $52,500

.94A with 291’ of shore. Healthy mix of huge white pines, cedars & balsams. Cleared building site, electricity, phone & broadband available.

MLS 6028705 $169,900

Onagon Lake

5A with great building spots with views overlooking both Onagon and Cupid Lakes. 1000’of shore between both lakes. Federal Land to the west.

MLS 6029826 $99,900

1.1A with 222’ of shore. Electricity and broadband close by. Lot is gently rolling and there is a creek running along the west boundary line.

MLS 6029825 $39,000

Greenwood Lake Lots of privacy with 4.2A and 300’ shore including a slight peninsula which will provide multiple views!

MLS 6073512 $139,900

Large Acreage

200A Camp 12 Rd - $159,900

Over 200A of land, much of it abutting State and Federal land giving you access to thousands of acres!

MLS 6028671

170A+ Camp 20 Rd - $149,900

Heavily forested land that has been replanted with many beautiful pine trees. Rolling topography with many building sites and hiking trails. Features a gravel pit on the northwest corner and a small wildlife pond to the south. State land to the south.

MLS 6022459

110A W Highway 61 - $649,900

Nicely wooded land with varied elevations on the Highway 61 corridor. Year round access via Highway 61 and County Road 7. Many development options with multiple zoning: Far-3, R-1 and commercial.

MLS 2164180

2170711

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WILDFIRES

WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION STEPS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER DURING A

BE PREPARED

1. HOME IGNITION ZONES

building materials and construction techniques, along with periodic exterior maintenance in the three home ignition zones - increases the

Immediate Zone: 0 to 5 feet around the house; Intermediate Zone: 5 to 30 feet; and the Extended Zone: 30 to 100 feet

2. LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE

overhang the home, porch and deck and prune branches of large trees up to (depending on their height) 6 to 10 feet from the ground. Remove plants containing resins, oils and waxes and ensure mulches in the Immediate Zone (0 to 5 feet around the house) are non-combustible options like crushed stone and gravel. Maintain vegetation annually

FIRE RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION

3. ROOFING AND VENTS

Examples include: Composite shingles, metal, concrete and clay tiles. Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. Box-in eaves, but provide ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry

4. DECKS AND PORCHES

Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks/porches and between deck board joints.

5. SIDING AND WINDOWS

Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies and ignit e

stucco and dual-pane tempered glass windows.

6. EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACCESS

Ensure your home and neighborhood has legible and clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet, for emergency vehicle access.

Develop, discuss and practice an emergency action plan with everyone in your home. Include details for pets, large animals and livestock. Know two ways out of your neighborhood and have a pre-designated meeting place. Always evacuate if you feel it’s

Conduct an annual insurance policy check-up to adjust for local building costs, codes and new renovations. Create/update a home inventory to help settle claims faster