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2020-2021 WHERE, WHAT, HOW IN THE UPPER MIDWEST AND NW ONTARIO

W I N T E R F U N 1 0 1 . c o m â€¢ D u l u t h R e a d e r. c o m

#SLEDSAWYER2020 SLEDDING IN SAWYER COUNTY:

A FRIENDLY SNOWMOBILE COMMUNITY

Sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Snap A Sled Selfie The Hayward Lakes area in Sawyer County is known for some of the best snowmobiling in the country, with access to more than 600 miles of groomed trails. When you come to explore our winter playground you get to experience hundreds of miles of natural beauty through the Wisconsin wilderness. As you explore you’ll notice the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs sign along the trails and at local businesses declaring Sawyer County the Snowmobile Friendly County in Wisconsin. When you see one of those signs, don’t just zoom past — stop and snap a selfie with it. If you post your selfie on Facebook or Instagram with #sledsawyer2020 you will be entered into a drawing! There will be three winners chosen on March 3, 2021. • $500 — Goes to the best photo submitted (chosen by the contest administrators) • $250 — Goes to a randomly selected entry • $250 — Goes to another randomly selected entry #sledsawyer2020 starts Dec. 12 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. You can enter as many times as you want…as long as each photo is posted with #sledsawyer2020. So snap those selfies and post often! Visit www.haywardlakes.com for more information and the contest rules. Check us out on social!

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TWO HARBORS 1088 Hwy. 61 North 218.834.3000

TOFTE 7231 W. Hwy. 61 218.663.7899

SILVER BAY 150 Mensing Drive 218.226.4300

COVID-19 safety protocols in place!

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CONTENTS Warm Winter Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 By Dick Pula Dogsledding Lingo - Awooooooo! . . . . . . . . 7 Know Your Commands Ice Climbing Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 By Shaun Parent Snowmobiling in Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 By Anne Atwood Unique North Shore Activities . . . . . . . . 12-13 By Lucas Will Outdoor Skating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Public Parks or in Your Own Backyard

Winter Golfing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 By Derek Tonn Big Fun - Little Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Events Across the Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20 From Mainstream to Wacky! Regional Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Map of the Midwest Snowshoeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 By Andrew Slade Ski Resort Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Midwest Ski and Snowboarding

Wintertime is

family time!

twoharbors.com

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Winter Disguised as Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 By Erik Rupert Winter Birding, Sax-Zim Bog . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 By Jason Mandich The Night Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 By Bob King Winter Isn’t for Hibernation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 By Beth Poliquin

The Origins of Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Magical Wild and Energizing . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 By Mike Ostouschko Ice Fishing the Warm Winter Sport . . . 36-38 By Joe Henry

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO DULUTH THIS WINTER! Enjoy stunning vistas, winter activities and cozy spots to warm up.

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Warm

Winter

Photos: Chris

Camping

Gibbs

BY DICK PULA

where you are literally between two existences. Traveling solo in winter helps me try and reach a balance between the modern and the real. My trips are meant to help me reach a moment in life to live calmly, mindfully and at peace with myself and the way the world exists. The monks also talk about chod, or facing fears and achieving a trust of life that finally means making peace with reality. I feel immense gratitude for being in the BWCAW, to be here and not simply to just cross off another line on my bucket list. For I am here like the snow and ice, a part of the makeup of the elements of this moment. Whatever your fancy, winter ice travel offers a stunning way to see the BWCAW. And as much as I want to encourage you to explore, I secretly hope not too many of you do. For though I enjoy people and I’m sure I’ll like you personally, the silence of winter is what I‘m truly after.

ere’s my ideal camping scenario: No permits required, no competing for a campsite, no food spoiling or bears or bugs to contend with, and it’s significantly cooler.

When I talk about solo winter camping, some people think of “roughing it.” I do not go to the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness to rough it. I do that back home in traffic jams and crowded airports. Instead, I’m looking to “smooth it” — the rough edges of life, the ruts and patterns, on the frozen surfaces of the wilderness area’s waters. Frequently, I will see animal tracks on the edges of lakes or portages. The sight line of water, albeit frozen, provides an opportunity to view wildlife from a greater distance than on land or trails. Animals seem to be inherently aware of the advantages of traveling on ice, and more adept at avoiding the dangers. To be in the land of ice and snow, wind and wolf and the present moment is why the silence beckons. Tibetan monks talk of a state of mind call bardo,

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—WF

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Dogsledding

Dogsledding Fun For All Ages!

Lingo

elydogsledtrips.com 218.365.4726

Awoooooo!

• Musher: a person who drives a sled dog team - also called a Dog Driver. • Handler: a person who assists the musher. • Hike!: the command to get the dog team moving. • Easy!: the command for the dogs to slow down. • Gee!: the command for the dogs to turn right. • Haw!: the command for the dogs to turn left. • On By!: the command to go by another team or other distraction. • Whoa!: the command to get the dog team to stop. • Lead Dogs: the dog or dogs in the front of a team. These dogs are noted for their high level of intelligence and drive and are often females. May be run as Single lead (1 dog) or Double lead (2 dogs). • Point Dogs: used by some mushers to denote the two dogs right behind the Lead Dogs. Others call them Swing Dogs. • Swing Dogs: depending on which musher you’re talking to, either the two dogs directly behind the Lead Dogs, or those between the Point Dogs and the Wheel Dogs. • Team Dogs: all dogs other than the Lead Dogs, Point Dogs, Swing Dogs and Wheel Dogs. • Wheel Dogs: the two dogs right in front of the sled. These will normally be the heaviest dogs in the team.

January 29th -30th ICE SCULPTURES • PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES WITH CHARACTERS ATV, DIRT BIKE, MOTORCYCLE & STOCK CAR RACING SNOW SLIDE • HAYBALE SHUTTLE • FIRE TWIRLERS SNOWSHOING • LEARN TO PLAY KUBB • DISC GOLF & DEMOS FIREWORKS • SNOW ART..AND MORE!

—WF

LAKESUPERIORICEFESTIVAL.COM Where to go What to do How to do it

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Vertical Ice

nterest in ice climbing continues to grow each year. Mid-December through mid-April, many ice climbers visit the most developed and most unique ice climbing areas. Climbing groups from 2 to 10 can be seen each weekend scaling the ice cliffs. Beginner climbs range between 10 & 30 meters in height and vary in degree of difficulty. Beginner climbers are guaranteed plenty of climbing, as the group sizes are often limited to a maximum of 6 with 3 top rope set ups. Participants are either belaying (holding the climbing rope) or actually ice climbing on the wall. The instructors are on the wall next to the beginners showing them techniques for ascending. Each participant is outfitted with all ice climbing gear including boots, gloves, helmet, harness, ice tools and crampons for their boots. Beginners also get the chance to rappel down the ice wall on their first time out. Later in the season, many beginner ice climbers return to learn more advanced techniques in the intermediate and advanced courses.. —WF Read the entire story online at winterfun101.com.

PHOTO AND STORY BY SHAUN PARENT

Shaun Parent, Owner/Operator of Superior Exploration, Adventure & Climbing Co. Ltd., is considered the Pioneer of Rock and Ice Climbing development in the Lake Superior Region of Ontario. He has been ice climbing since 1979 and instructing since 1983. He developed the climbing areas and has written guidebooks in order to promote the sport. He is located in Batchawana Bay & offers beginner through Advanced Ice Climbing lessons. His ice climbing school has been endorsed by Outdoor Explorer Magazine, National Geographic’s “Ultimate Adventure” and Chill Magazine. RESOURCES: For more information, contact (705) 946-6054 or check out the Website: www.superior-exploration.ca FaceBook: Superior Exploration Adventure and Climbing Company Ltd., North of Superior Climbing Company, Agawa Canyon Ice Climbing YouTube: Batchawana Bay Ice Climbing, Agawa Canyon Ice Climbing, NOSCC

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Ice Climbing Ice Climbing is one of the more adrenaline-pumping wintertime activities. Here are some of the more popular places in the Midwest. GRAND ISLAND ICE, MICH.

NIGHTFALL, MINN.

In Munising and accessed from Grand Island Landing off M-28.

The most spectacular natural icefall in Minnesota. Two miles north of Grand Marais.

THE “CURTAINS”, MICH.

MANITOU RIVER, MINN.

Munising off Sand Point Road.

North of Little Marais on Highway 61.

EBEN ICE CAVES

CASKET QUARRY, MINN.

West of Munising, MIch.

40th Ave West in Duluth.

BATCHAWANA BAY ICE, ON

SANDSTONE QUARRY, MINN.

In Batchawana Bay.

A mile from Main Street in Sandstone.

AGAWA CANYON, ON

MINNEAPOLIS ICE CLIMBING, MINN.

100 miles north of Sault Ste Marie.

River Flats Park by the University of MN.

ORIENT BAY, ON

THE ICE PIT, WIS.

North of Nipigon.

A few miles west of Green Bay.

PASS LAKE, ON

GOVERNOR DODGE STATE PARK, WIS.

40 miles east of Thunder Bay.

Three miles north of Dodgeville, WI on Hwy 23.

Check out winterfun101.com for further details & directions.

WYALUSING, WIS.

“Quarry Monster” is a privately owned quarry. You should talk with local climbers or read “Superior Ice” for access issues.

*It should be noted that you should NOT attempt to ice/rock climb without proper instruction from a qualified instructor. To find an instructor, contact outdoor sports shops, climbing gyms, or outdoor recreation groups. You can also avoid having to invest in pricey gear such as crampons, boots, pick axes, and harness before you know if you like the sport or not. Helmets and eye protection are a must for falling ice.

DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL, WIS.

Located in Menomonie, WI (UW-Stout.)

EAU CLAIRE, WIS.

Highway 29 on the west side of Menomonie.

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Photo: Anne Atwood taken at Powder Hound Lodge Rider: Denny Cutsforth

Riding the Keweenaw IN MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA BY ANNE ATWOOD

ichigan’s Upper Peninsula has your next snowmobile adventure waiting. The Keweenaw Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior, gets blanketed with an average of 16 – 20’ of lake effect snow annually from December through April. The area has pristine trails and outfitters with everything from sleds for the deepest powder to helmets, outerwear, even boots and gloves so you can simply show up and ride. Entering Michigan’s U.P. from Wisconsin, you are in Big Ski Country with glimpses of Copper Peak Ski Flying Jump and ski resorts Big Powderhorn, Indianhead and Black Jack. Head north of Wakefield to the Keweenaw Peninsula where Lake

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Gogebic’s mom and pop U.P. resorts welcome sledders in from scenic lakeside trails before reaching the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park park and Lake of the Clouds. Here, the Bill Nicholls Trail connects Mass City, Twin Lakes, Toivola north to Houghton and Hancock. Venture all the way north to the tip of the peninsula where the Brockway Mountain Trail offers panoramic views of Copper Harbor and Lake Superior. This area is rich with logging and mining history and is sure to provide the adventure of a lifetime. —WF

Anne Atwood is a writer, works with polar explorers organizing expeditions and runs Powder Hound Lodge, an adventure bed n breakfast in Bessemer, MI.

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ANIMAL TRACKS

Can you identify the 12 animals by their tracks? Go for a walk and see if you can find them in the snow.

North Shore of Lake Superior Lutsen, MN SolbakkenResort.com 218.663.7566

LOKI: Like a Swiss Army Knife, LOKI

Only a Jacket.

Outerwear Evolves!

Convertible outerwear with built-in face shield and mittens. Convertible hats, mittens & sweatshirts available. Exclusively available at: Tortoise and Hare Footwear

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218-624-4840

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Unique Winter

Activities

BY LUCAS WILL PHOTO BY PAT KOHLIN UMD RSOP

fter living away for many years, I moved home to Lutsen. It was February, I was in a paddling mood, so I slid my sea kayak over the jagged ice shelf into an unfrozen Lake Superior on a frigid Sunday afternoon. With a wave of my neoprene mitt to the curious faces staring out the window of the nearby lodge, I disappeared around a rocky point and into a winter world adorned with icicles nearly the size of my boat and a friendly breeze nipping at my nose. Aaah, there’s no place like home.

Lutsen Mountains holds some of the longest downhill runs in the Midwest, as well as the Great Lake view from atop Moose Mountain where hot totties are within reach. Besides the weekend bill of live music, don’t miss the Monday Night series at Papa Charlie’s which draws a truly gifted line-up. What often gets overlooked - or is just getting discovered - is the plethora of more obscure opportunities for exploring and enjoying. Depending on appetite, you can choose something from the adrenaline menu, or the soothing, but either way you’ll end up with north

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woods Winter Fun. Whether it’s a day off, or just a free afternoon, here are some of my favorite go-to’s in the Lutsen area that, for me, equate to the classic winter day: The Minnesotan backcountry skiing alternative lives in the nearly 100 north shore rivers that flow down from the ridge line into Lake Superior. Fresh tracks over frozen waterfalls, boulder drops and through narrow, dramatic gorges comes alive when these streams freeze up solid and Mother Nature dumps enough white stuff. Be wary in the early and late season, but when conditions allow, this downhill thrill ride will bring you to places that few see and challenge your skiing technique in ways that you thought only the high reaches of Colorado could. Classic descents include the Onion River and the upper Cascade River. Skiing isn’t your thing? These same frozen waterways can more easily be explored on snowshoes as well. Pairs with the metal teeth, crampons, on the bottom will help you maintain traction as you wind your way up or down. Trekking poles can also provide added stability on what, obviously, can be uneven terrain. In either case, realize that you are traveling over flowing water, exercise caution, be prepared with proper equip-

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ment and know how to read rivers. Speaking of snowshoeing, a favorite backwoods trek is up and around Oberg Mountain on the Onion River Road. With a 360 degree views, the result of this popularity is a luge-like trail that develops later in the season. I’ve always been tempted to pack up a small saucer or plastic sled to attempt a first descent of this Superior Hiking Spur trail. Just remember to lean into that switchback. Before the snow stacks up, temperatures will still have dropped enough to freeze inland lakes. Easy access to lakes like Caribou and Ward, not to mention many more in the area, provide a wonderful wilderness ice skating rink where lake ice can be as smooth and clear as your local hockey rink. Throughout the season, I never tire of strolling along the big one, Lake Superior, gaping at the waves that have frozen and entombed the bouldery shoreline. On a few lucky occasions, I’ve even stumbled upon an ice arch, framing perfectly the freshwater giant. If I’m looking for cardio with rewards, I won’t go any further than the Picnic Loop in the Sugarbush Trail system. Groomed for skate and classic, bring a pocketful of bacon for the 25K round trip, but plan on congratulating yourself with more thorough nourishment next to a crackling wood stove fire in the 1920era Forest Service ranger cabin that now serves as a warming shack up at the Oberg Parking Lot. And what would the North Shore experience be without a steam session in a sauna, the cold winter evening scratching at the cedar door? From start to finish, whether you’re waking up in a cabin, lodge room, or canvas wall tent, Lutsen will not disappoint. Just be sure your boots are warm! —WF

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PUBLIC SKATING AREAS

WISCONSIN

• The Edgewater: Madison has a view of the Wisconsin State Capitol. • Winter Park: Minocqua offers pond skating in a winter wonderland. • Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park: Milwaukee is located in the heart of downtown. • Ice Road: Bayfield visitors can safely drive and skate to Madeline Island.

! p u m L ace ‘e

ILLINOIS

• Skating Ribbon: Chicago will make you wonder why we’ve been skating circles all of these years.

MICHIGAN

• Ahmeek Ice Rink: Ahmeek is located on the starry Keweenaw Peninsula. • Malony’s Alley: Sault Ste Marie offers an annual skating party in February. • Muskegon: Two acres of outdoor ice at the Winter Sports Complex.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE AN OLD-FASHIONED ICE RINK.

In order to make ice, you simply pack snow, flood the snow surface with water and allow it to freeze. You can make a traditional backyard ice rink with or without boards. For full story go to winterfun101.com.

Do you know where professional hockey was started? Houghton, Mich.

MINNESOTA

• Bayfront Park: Duluth offers a city view the hillside and walking distance to Canal Park. • WinterSkate: St Paul has a lit rink in the heart of downtown until Mid Feb. • Cragun’s: Brainerd has a bonfire and lit rink on Gull Lake. Eveleth: Hockey Hall of Fame.

ONTARIO

• Prince Arthur’s Landing: Thunder Bay has a downtown and Lake Superior view. • Art Jennings Skating Oval: Sault Ste Marie hosts a variety of skating.

Check your local visitor’s bureau for more information.

The Skating Ribbon near the downtown area of Chicago is a popular destination. w i nter fu n 101.com

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Disc Golf

24 HOURS/7 DAYS • ALL YEAR BY DEREK TONN

f you’ve ever seen grown men and women in toy stores or hitting the craft shops as the snow starts, don’t assume they’re purchasing sleds for their kids or tape and ribbon for an indoor scrapbooking project. There’s a good chance they’re incurable outdoorspeople gathering supplies to turn an erstwhile summer sport into an invigorating winter activity: disc golf.

The Midwest has some of the largest concentrations of disc golf courses in the United States – Wisconsin with 305, Minnesota, 290, and Michigan, 277. Only the more populous states of Texas (382) and California (291) rival the quantity of courses. As for quality, we’ll let you decide. So the sleds? Instead of carrying heavy backpacks on their shoulders, inventive players pull sleds behind them during their rounds. Also, to locate discs that have sliced their way under the snow, many players add colored chalk to a portion of the surface of the disc, to “stain” the snowpack as it swishes through, or attach a colorful ribbon several feet long to the underside. Something else that’s great is the hosting of Ice Bowl competitions attracting thousands of disc golfers from around North America. Over 200 events are held in January and February, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. For more information about Ice Bowl events near you, visit: icebowlhq.com. —WF

9330 West Skyline Parkway Duluth, MN 55810 1-888-670-7234 or 218-628-0668 bwspiritmountainduluth.com

Spirit Mountain Duluth

Bryson Kroll gets ready to play a little Winter disc golf. (Photo by Ben Kroll)

$75 PLUS TAX

RESOURCES:

How to Play Disc Golf - discgolf.com/how-to-play-disc-golf/ Disc Golf Course Review - dgcoursereview.com Disc Golf Ontario - discgolfontario.com Disc Golf Scene - discgolfscene.com Ice Bowl - icebowlhq.com Iowa Disc Golf - iowadiscgolf.net Michigan Disc Golf Organization - mdgo.org Minnesota Frisbee Association - minnesotafrisbeeassociation.com Professional Disc Golf Association - pdga.com UDisc (app) - udisc.com Wisconsin Disc Sports Association - widiscsports.com

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Sunday-Thursday Valid NOW thru 5/28/20. 5-28/21. Ask for our Winter Fun Rate! *Based on availability, not valid with other discounts.

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Big fun – litt le cost ICE LANTERNS

There are many ways to create an ice lantern. One way is to simply fill an ice cream bucket with cold water and set it outside. Check the thickness of the outer ice every couple of hours. Once the thickness reaches one to two inches, run warm water over the bucket to free the cylinder. Flip the finished ice lantern over and use the open bottom as a chimney.

To create a beautiful ice glob as pictured, we recommend wintercraft.com for ice globe lantern kits and other ice creations.

HOT WATER – COOL ICE

It’s true. You can freeze water in mid-air when the temperature outside drops to the single digits and below. Toss a pot of boiling water into the air and watch it turn into a shower of ice crystals. This happens because the hot water is so close to being steam, that it breaks up into tiny droplets. The cooled droplets are easily frozen by the winter air. All of this happens before the water hits the ground.

TAKE A WALK / HIKE

Whether you are walking in the woods or exploring ice caves, make sure you get outside and just enjoy the season on those nice days.

FIND MORE WINTER FUN ACTIVITIES AT WINTERFUN101.COM

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MAKING AN IGLOO

Youâ€™ll need hard, dry snow, a long saw and a shovel. 1. Cut blocks of hard snow about 2 ft. wide, 15 in. high and 8 in. tall. Or, pack snow tightly in a plastic box and spray cold water on top once removed. 2. Form a circle with the blocks on the ground. Stack the next row on top, offsetting the seams. The blocks should have a slight lean inward. Continue until the igloo is complete. 3. Cut open a doorway and build a half arch so cold air and snow donâ€™t drift in. Fill all of the open holes in the walls with snow. Spray water on top of the igloo at night to make it stronger and longer lasting.

SNOWSHOE ART

Create a design or write a message in the snow on a lake, field or in your backyard. You can make it a pattern or just have fun.

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E V E N T S w i nter fu n 101.com

Visit winterfun101/calendar/ for updates and more events December 12-27

Duluth, MN Bentleyville Tour of Lights 12-31

Duluth, MN Duluth Winter Village Online 12-31

Duluth, MN Glensheen Mansion Virtual Tour 12-31

Knife River, MN Virtual Julebyen 2020 12- January 2

Downtown Duluth, MN Gingerbread House Walking Tour 12- January 3

Duluth, MN Virtual Songs of the Season 13-31

Sparta, WI Virtual Tree-Lighting Ceremony 19

Duluth, MN Christmas City Express Live Webcast 20

Granite Falls, MN Santa & Live Reindeer 20-31

Little Falls, MN Winter Wonderland Lights Tour 20- January 3

Shakopee, MN Christmas In Color Drive Through 22

Superior, WI Fairlawn Twinkling Holiday Evenings 23-31

Baxter, MN Sertoma Winter Wonderland 29

Superior, WI Behind the Masks Virtual New Year’s Eve Gala 31

Marquette, WI New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Bash

8-10

23-24

23-31

February

Eagle River, WI Vintage World Championship Derby Grand Marais, MN Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race

Houston, MN Owl Prowl

Newberry, MI Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race

January

13- February 27

Fargo, ND Frostival

Minneapolis, MN Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 1

Lansing, MI Michigan State Park’s Virtual First Day Hikes 1

Mackinac Island, MI Twilight Turtle Trek

14- 17

International Falls, MN Icebox Days in the Nation’s Icebox 15-16

Dubuque, IA Theisen’s Snocross National 15-16

Worthington, MN Worthington’s Winterfest

1-10

16 Little Falls, MN A Candle-Less Hike & Scavenger Hunt Downtown Mercer, WI Mercer Sno Goers Winter Blast 1-10

Sioux Falls, SD Winter Wonderland in Falls Park 1-23

Phillips, WI Virtual Phillips Flurry Snowshoe Race 1- February 28

Stillwater, MN Wintertime in Stillwater 2-30

Gaylord, MI Wilderness Sleigh Ride & Dinner (Saturdays) 4-17

Ironwood, MI Virtual SISU Ski Fest 8-10

Elk River, MN Superior, WI Elk River Snocross National Fairlawn Twinkling Holiday Evenings

Hastings, MI Whooooo Said That? Virtual Owl Worshop 16-17

Houghton Lake, MI Tip Up Town USA 22-23

Eau Claire, WI Silver Mine Ski Invitational 23

Merrill, WI Merrill Winterfest Sled Dog Race Lutsen, MN Norpine Fat Bike Classic

1-7

Granite Falls, MN Ole & Lena Days 2

Park Falls, WI Park Falls Tortoise Day 3-6

Northern Minnesota Blackwoods ALS Blizzard Snowmobile Tour 3-6

Houghton, MI Michigan Tech U Winter Carnival 4-6

Crosslake, MN Crosslake Annual Winterfest 4-14

Ely, MN Ely Winter Festival 4-15

Detroit Lakes, MN MN Sn’ice--150 Years In Snow & Ice 5

Golden Valley, MN City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival 5-6

Fargo, ND Fargo Snocross National

Big Rapids, MI Candlelight Trails: Under the Wolf Moon

5-6

5-7

Sayner, WI Jesse Roman Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show

St. Germain, WI St. Germain Radar Run Hudson, WI Hudson Hot Air Affair 5-7

Nekoosa, WI Lake Arrowhead SnoBlast Winterfest

Where to go What to do How to do it

5-7

Eagle River, WI Sturgeon Bay, WI US Adult Pond Hockey Championship Fire & Ice Sculpting Fest 5-14

Grand Marais, MN Hygge Festival 6

Balsam Lake, WI Balsam Lake Winterfest 6

Curtiss, WI Curtiss Snowmobile Drag Races 12- January 2

Downtown Duluth, MN Gingerbread House Walking Tour 6

Neillsville, WI King of the Mound Race 6

Bayfield, WI Mt. Ashwabay Summit Ski Race 6

Mackinac Island, MI Twilight Turtle Trek 6

Amery, WI Wanderoos Ice Fishing Contest 10-14

Winona, MN Frozen River Film Festival 11-13

Luck, WI Luck Winter Carnival 12-13

St. Germain, WI Ride With the Champs 12-13

Dellwood, MN Winery Wonderland Snowshoe Evening 13

Sault Ste. Marie, MI Downtown Winter Ice Festival

Where to go What to do How to do it

Phelps, WI Northern Exposure Ice Fishing Tournament

March

20-21

Duluth, MN Frosted Fatty

1- April 30

20-21

Manawa, WI Manawa Snodeo 20- March 6

Iron River, WI Northern Pines Sled Dog Race

Gaylord, MI Wilderness Sleigh Ride & Dinner (Saturdays)

13-14

Little Falls, MN I.C.E. Fest 13-14

Rome, WI Tri-Norse Winter Tournament 13-14

Mora, MN Vasaloppet 13-14

Gaylord, MI Wilderness Sleigh Ride & Dinner

Clayton, WI Lake Magnor Ice Fishing Contest 21

Ely, MN WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race 24-28

Cable to Hayward, WI American Birkebeiner 26

Dellwood, MN Winery Wonderland Snowshoe Evening

Osceola, WI Big Lake Ice Fishing Contest 20

Ashland, WI Book Across the Bay

26-28

Calumet, MI CopperDog 150 Sled Dog Race 26-28

Wabasha, MN Grumpy Old Men Festival

Charlevoix, MI Dogman Challenge Fat Bike Race 20

Luverne, MN Get Hooked Ice Fishing Derby 20

Nisswa, MN Gull Lake Frozen Fore 20

Duluth, MN Polar Plunge 2021 20

Mercer, WI Turtle River Winterfest

26-28

Grand Rapids, MI Amsoil Snocross National

Detroit, MI Michigan Lighthouse Tour - Virtual 27 Run/Walk Amery, WI MapleFest at Glenna Farms 3-4

Fargo, ND Red River Valley Sportsmen Show 5-6

April 3

Shakopee, MN Pirtek Snocross National

Charlevoix, MI Downtown Charlevoix Easter Egg Hunt

5-7

Wisconsin Rapids, WI Annual Menâ€™s Bonspiel

7-11

5-7

9-11

Houston, MN International Festival of Owls 6

Ferryville, WI Bald Eagle Watching Day 6

Mackinac Island, MI Twilight Turtle Trek 12-13

Cable, WI Fat Bike Birkie 12-14

Madison, WI Virtual Canoecopia

St. Ignace, MI UP Ice Golf Scramble & Glow Ball Challenge

26-28

Eau Claire, WI US National Snowshore Championships

26-27

Duluth, MN Arrowhead Home & Builders Show Shakopee, MN An Arts & Crafts Affair Spring Festival 10

Phelps, WI Phelps Maple Syrup Fest 23-25

St. Ignace, MI Jeep the Mac 29

Superior, WI Fairlawn Twinkling Holiday Evenings

Black Hills, SD 28 Below Fatbike Race-Ride-Tour Calumet, MI Junior Bear Chase Ski Marathon 13

Willard, WI Rock Dam Ice Fishing Jamboree

Florence, WI Keyes Peak Uphill Truck Drags 16-20

Neillsville, WI Sweaty Yet Winter Festival

Fargo, ND Virtual Fargo Film Festival 19-20

Geneva, WI RAM Trucks Snocross National

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13 23

Steinbach

34 3

Winnipeg

Morden Winkler

Ski/Snowboard Areas 13

Emerson

State Parks Airports

281

Jamestown 94

52 281 52

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Red Lake

Thief River Falls

Red Lake

Grand Forks

NOR TH DAKOTA

281

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Lomond

ISLE ROYALE 53

MINNESOTA

Lake Bemidji

Bemidji

Mccarthy Beach

CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST

Scenic

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Detroit Lakes

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Aberdeen

212

SOUTH DAKOTA 14

Ellendale

281

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290

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380

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275

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IOWA

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200 km

169

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Iowa Falls

212

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Fort Dodge

Sibley 218

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Glacial Lakes

169

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Ski/Snowboard Areas

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NOR TH DAKOTA

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11/17

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622

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527

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622

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502

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502

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599

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Batchawana Bay Ice

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614

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HURON NATIONAL FOREST 75

Caberfae Peaks 127

Harrison 10

MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST

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131

Alma

Step Into Some Fun BY ANDREW SLADE

Snowshoeing in the Midwest

f you love winter and love snow, there is no easier way to get out in the winter woods than on snowshoes. More and more people are discovering the ease and comfort of snowshoes. Unlike skiing, there are no scary, slippery turns to worry about. You can go at your own pace through peaceful hills and forests. You work just hard enough that you can stay warm in almost any winter weather. Everything you need for your first snowshoe outing you can find in a

state park near you. • Snow? From the bluff lands of the southeast to the ancient mountains of the north, you can find the deepest snow in the Midwest. • Trails? State parks maintain excellent trails for nearly all winter sports. • Snowshoes? Many parks rent them right on site. • Warm, weatherproof clothes? Well, you’ll have to bring those. Be sure to have good winter boots.

MINNESOTA STATE PARKS

NORTHWEST

• Charles A. Lindbergh • Crow Wing • Glacial Lakes • Glendalough • Itasca • Lake Bemidji • Lake Bronson • Lake Carlos • Old Mill

• Afton • Lake Maria NORTHEAST • Bear Head Lake • Jay Cooke • Mille Lacs Kathio • St. Croix • Split Rock Lighthouse • Tettegouche • Wild River

SOUTHEAST • Forestville/ SOUTHWEST Mystery Cave • Flandrau • Frontenac • Upper Sioux • Great River Bluffs Agency • Myre - Big Island • Nerstrand Big Woods • Rice Lake • Whitewater Metro

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Where to go What to do How to do it

ay Cooke State Park, near Cloquet, Minn., is perfect for the beginning snowshoer. The visitor center, which opened in 2010, is your first stop to pick up your vehicle permit, get directions and rent your snowshoes. While there are 50 kilometers of groomed crosscountry ski trails in the park, snowshoers head for their very own trails; the park has 10 miles of designated snowshoe trails. You might even snowshoe across the park’s landmark Swinging Bridge. Make a weekend of it and stay in one of the park’s heated cabins. Beginners can start on the Ogantz trail, a popular two-mile loop that’s groomed and packed by machine. Once you’ve gotten the feel of walking on snowshoes, return to the visitor center and capture the original spirit of snowshoeing by following the blazes and ribbons of a special trail through the forest near the campground. Pass that test and you’re ready to go off the beaten path and try one of the park’s hiking trails, like the historic Grand Portage Trail. Minnesota State Parks are perfect for beginning snowshoers. Head out into the winter woods today! —WF

Gear, clothing and rentals on the East Bay in Grand Marais

| 218.387.3136 Where to go What to do How to do it

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SKI & SNOWBOARDING RESORTS

ONTARIO

Loch Lomond, Thunder Bay Mount Baldy Ski Area, Thunder Bay Searchmont Resort, Sault St Marie Trestle Ridge Ski Hill, Terrace Bay MINNESOTA

Elm Creek Recreation Center, Maple Grove Giant’s Ridge, Biwabik Hyland Hills Ski Area, Bloomington Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen Mount Kato, Mankato Mt. Itasca, Coleraine Mount Ski Gull, Nisswa Power Ridge Ski Area, Kimball Spirit Mountain, Duluth spiritmt.com 218 628-2891 or 800 642-6377

MICHIGAN

Granite Peak, Wausau

Big Snow Resort, Wakefield

skigranitepeak.com Central Reservations: 715 298-4036 75 Runs, 4 Terrain Parks, and 3 High-Speed Lifts along with a legendary ski school, a charming chalet village, night skiing, mogul runs and tree-skiing. Great family specials all season long including the popular Family Festival Weekends, great skiing and wonderful entertainment.

Home of Indianhead and Blackjack Mountains www.BigSnow.com 800 346-3426 Experience both mountains with 56 trails, 3 terrain parks and 15 lifts on 410 skiable acres! Natural snow nearly every day, with yearly averages of 18 feet. Lodge and dine with us and enjoy snowmobile rental, snowshoeing and our Yeti Snowforts!

Mont du Lac, Superior

Big Powderhorn Mountain, Bessemer Blackjack Resort, Bessemer Indianhead Mountain, Wakefield Marquette Mountain, Marquette Mont Ripley, Hancock Mount Bohemia, Lac La Belle Porcupine Mountains Ski Area, Ontonagon Voodoo Mountain, Copper Harbor

mdlresort.com 218 626-3797 Experience an extremely beautiful family resort just 20 22 runs and descending 700-vertical feet, Spirit minutes south of Duluth. 320 vertical feet, 8 runs, 10 acre Mountain has something for everyone in the family. 5 chairlifts and two rope tows bring you to the bunny back bowl, 1 chairlift, high speed rope and beginning hill rope tow. Terrain park has 20 + features in rotation; a fourhill, snow tubing, mogul runs and Terrain Park. lane tubing hill. Slope-side cabins available. Chalet offers exceptional food and beverages. Welch Village, Welch

Afton Alps, Hastings Andes Tower Hills, Kensington Buck Hill, Burnsville Buena Vista, Bemidji Chester Bowl, Duluth Coffee Mill Ski & Snowboard Resort, Wabasha Wild Mountain, Taylors Falls Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Detroit Lakes

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WISCONSIN

Mount Ashwabay, Bayfield

Where to go What to do How to do it

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Winter Exercise Disguised as Fun BY ERIK RUPERT

Your second step is to determine whether you want waxable or waxless classic skis. For the novice skier, waxless is the way to go. Waxless skis have a base with a scale-like pattern which allows you to “kick” the ski on almost any snow surface. This means no messing around with sticky kick wax on chilly days with cold fingers. Waxless skis are simple, versatile, and ultimately cheaper because you don’t have to purchase kick wax. Within waxless skis, there are some variations, so when you go to your local shop simply ask for “touring” skis and you should be set. Tell the salesperson your weight and whether you want to ski on a groomed or ungroomed (backcountry) trails, and he or she should be able to determine the appropriate ski for your weight. Once you have skis, everything else is easy. Boots are easier than you may think. There are two different binding systems (the piece that connects your boot to your ski), the Salomon and NNN systems. Both are valid options, however, there are currently more boots that are compatible with the NNN system. The key to picking a good boot is fit. When trying on boots, opt for the boot that feels most like your running or walking shoes, flexible and comfy (NOT tight like an alpine boot or hockey skate). Lastly, any relatively light ski pole will do. For classic skiing poles should be arm pit high or so.

hether you want to explore the outdoors, get fit, or have fun with friends and family, cross-country skiing is a great way get out and enjoy our winters.

Hundreds of kilometers of pristine, groomed trails and a long snow season make the upper midwest a perfect place to explore on skis. Here’s the 101 on getting started, from equipment choices to clothing. As with any new activity, attaining the necessary equipment can be an intimidating process. In cross- country skiing, there are two primary branches: skate and classic. This is your first step in the decision process. Skate skiing uses a motion quite similar to ice skating, whereas classic skiing involves a striding motion, similar to a walk or run. For most beginners, classic skiing is the best way to start. Classic skis will be more versatile, as you will be able to ski in groomed and ungroomed trails. It is also an easier technique to learn. Thus, classic equipment is what I will focus on in this article.

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Another big question: What should I wear for cross-country skiing? The simple answer is to dress in layers, and in most cases, go lighter rather than heavier. Cross-country skiing is a full body, aerobic sport, and it burns a lot of calories – keeping you warm. Barring extreme conditions, a base layer, such as polypropylene or spandex, and a wind-proof shell should be all you need on your body. Hats and gloves are another necessity. Now that equipment is covered, let’s talk trails. The upper midwest is home to some of the finest trail systems in the country. Trail systems can even be found within city limits. For example, you can purchase a Minnesota state ski trail pass for $20 a year and you have access to any public groomed ski trail in Minnesota. These passes can be purchased at almost any gas station in the area, or anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. You now know the essentials to get started in cross-country skiing. So, get outside, think snow, and see you on the trails.

Where to go What to do How to do it

Winter

Birding

BY JASON MANDICH

inter is often overlooked as a good time to observe birds, because in most people’s minds the majority of birds have flown south to escape the harsh conditions that lay ahead. This notion couldn’t be any further from the truth. Despite the cold, winter can host some extraordinary birds that would not typically be found in the Upper Midwest. Two well-known areas for birding in Minnesota are Duluth and the Sax-Zim Bog. Situated on the shore of Lake Superior, Duluth attracts all types of winter raptors, songbirds and seabirds that are not normally found in the summer months and you don’t have to go far to find them. Canal Park and Park Point are good starting places to look for wayward gull species and waterfowl. On the lake side of the Point out in the open water look for Scooters, long-tailed ducks and Red Throated Loons. On the harbor side of the Point along the shipping docks a snow owl or two may be spotted. If birding in the city doesn’t sound very appealing, a quick round trip up Hwy 61 to Two Harbors and back could result in a variety of winter songbirds like Bohemian Waxwings, Pine Grosbeaks and Crossbills. For rare and unusual birds in the area, the Minnesota Ornithological Union posts rare bird alerts at moumn.org About 45 minutes farther inland, northwest of Duluth near the town of Meadowlands, lies the

Where to go What to do How to do it

Sax-Zim Bog. It is world-renowned as one of the best winter birding destinations in the U.S for owls and boreal bird species. The bog is a great place to look for Great Gray Owls, Northern Hawk Owls and boreal Chickadees. Many of Meadowlands’ residents welcome birders to their property to view the feeders they have set out and Friends of the Sax-Zim Bog has opened a visitor center for people to gather and share information. More information on the Bog can be found at saxzim.org. Of course, birdwatching can be done in any part of the Midwest, but these are two of the more notable locations that bird watchers “flock” to in the hope of finding something special. Additionally, there are numerous state parks, nature reserves and wildlife management areas that are also open in the winter for wild bird observation. More info can be found at the MN DNR website at dnr.state.mn.us. More photos can be found at rootriverphotography.com. — WF

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January 2, 3 - Quadrantids Meteor Shower. The Quadrantids is an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. It is thought to be produced by dust grains left behind by an extinct comet known as 2003 EH1, which was discovered in 2003. The shower runs annually from January 1-5. It peaks this year on the night of the 2nd and morning of the 3rd. The waning gibbous moon will block out most of the faintest meteors this year. But if you are patient, you should still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewTwinkling stars, full moonlight ing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors on snow and a stunning appearance of Venus in the west- will radiate from the constellation Bootes, but can apern sky at dusk brighten winter’s dark, short days and tempt pear anywhere in the sky. us out at out night despite the January 13 - New Moon. chill. Except for a quick visit The Moon will located on by Mercury in February, Venus the same side of the Earth will be our only bright evening as the Sun and will not be planet through April. All the visible in the night sky. This other planets — Mars, Jupiter phase occurs at 05:02 UTC. and Saturn — are bunched This is the best time of the together in the morning sky. month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and —WF star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

The Night Sky

on’t look now but that’s Orion at your back! Winter’s signature constellation with his famous trio of stars returns to the evening sky in November and lingers until the snow melts in April. Orion leads a grand parade of luminaries that includes Betelgeuse, Rigel, Sirius and Procyon. No season boasts so many bright stars visible at a single glance.

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January 24 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 18.6 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset. January 28 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 19:18 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Wolf Moon because this was the time of year when hungry wolf packs howled outside their camps. This moon has also been know as the Old Moon and the Moon After Yule. February 11 - New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 19:08 UTC. This is the best time of the Where to go What to do How to do it

month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere. February 27 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 08:19 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Snow Moon because the heaviest snows usually fell during this time of the year. Since hunting is difficult, this moon has also been known by some tribes as the Hunger Moon, since the harsh weather made hunting difficult. March 6 - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 27.3 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. March 13 - New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 10:23 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

Where to go What to do How to do it

March 20 - March Equinox. The March equinox occurs at 09:27 UTC. The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere. March 20 - Venus at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Venus reaches greatest eastern elongation of 46.6 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the bright planet in the eastern sky before sunrise. March 28 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 18:49 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Worm Moon because this was the time of year when the ground would begin to soften and the earthworms would reappear. This moon has also been known as the Crow Moon, the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon, and the Lenten Moon.

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Winter Isn’t for Hibernation By Beth Poliquin for Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply

to smell even after washing. This usually means these items have a shorter lifetime and need to be replaced sooner. Just like our wool layers, these are available in different weights, for different amounts of insulation. The warmest ones are a blend of wool and polyester to get some of the benefits of each. Terramar recommends machine washing in cold water and while allowing for tumble drying on low, recognize that line drying helps protect all clothing.

Long underwear, long johns, base layers; no matter what you call them, you’ve got options for staying warm this winter. So how do you choose? Let’s talk about the differences between wool and polyester, and traditional and active layers. Some of the best merino wool is made by Icebreaker. Well known all around the world, Icebreaker works with family-run sheep farms on the south island of New Zealand. It’s a pretty cool story worth reading about on their website. These sheep spend their winters in the rugged and cold

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Synthetic layers have several benefits. The first is that they cost much less than wool, making them an easy purchase. Terramar not only has great pants and tops for adults, but kids can stay toasty too. Polyester can feel very soft on your skin and sometimes is even made from recycled plastic, like water bottles. Synthetic base layers dry quicker than wool because the smooth fibers spread moisture out so it can evaporate efficiently. The major downside to those smooth fibers is how easily bacteria can grow on them. This is why workout clothes can start

Those of us who live and play up north know that the best part of winter involves activity. Winter isn’t for hibernation – it’s too long for that! So we get out and ski and skate and snowshoe. In order to get the warm antimicrobial benefits of wool for activewear, we carry Icebreaker BodyFit Zone and BJØRN DÆHLIE Training Wool. These lines have panels with even more breathability in areas that generate more heat and sweat more. This lets the wool dry quicker there so you’ll stay warm even after you stop moving. The mesh panels that don’t look like much are are surprisingly good insulation, making these a must-have for winter outdoor athletes. When in doubt, we’re happy to help you figure out what will work best for you.

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artwalk

February 4-14, 2021 elywinterfestival.com Festival Hotline 218•365•SNOW(7669)

Nobody does winter better! • Snow Sculpting Symposium

• Outdoor Gear Demo • Downtown Arts Market • Food, Music, and More

• Ely Art Walk • Ice Fishing Contest

Social distancing protocols and wearing of masks will be observed or required as needed to stop the spread of Covid-19 This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. This activity is made possible in part by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust.

LEGENDARY WATERS RESORT & CASINO

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Located 3 Miles North of Bayfield

37600 Onigamiing Drive Red Cliff, Wisconsin

Where to go

1 (800) 226-8478 TOLL FREE www.LegendaryWaters.com WE SANITIZE WE SOCIAL DISTANCE WE WEAR MASKS WE WASH HANDS WE PROTECT

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The Origins of Popular Winter Sports

any people spend winter huddled indoors. For winter sports enthusiasts, however, the arrival of snow and chilly temperatures means the start of a season of outdoor fun. Those who see winter as a time to embrace their love of sport may appreciate learning more about some of the sports that are most popular during the colder months of the year.

Ice hockey Hockey is one of the most popular winter sports. In 1994, Parliament passed the Canadaâ€™s National Sport Act, which declared hockey the official national winter sport of Canada. The origins of ice hockey are somewhat uncertain, though some historians claim the first set of rules to govern the sport were written by students at Montrealâ€™s McGill University in the 1870s.

Downhill (Alpine) skiing SnowSports Industries America indicates that, in the 2014-2015 season, more than nine million American Alpine skiers took to the slopes, and the sport continues to attract new devotees each year. Historians state that skiing evolved as a method to cross the landscape in the winter when marshlands froze over. Cave drawings suggest that man used skis during the last Ice Age in the Palaeolithic period. Yet the birth of modern downhill skiing is often traced to the 1850s when Norwegian legend Sondre Norheim popularized skis with curved sides and made skiing a sport instead of just a mode of transport. Skiing ultimately became quite popular in Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Today there are various types of downhill skiing, including mountain skiing, extreme cat skiing and heli skiing.

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Curling Curling may now be seen as a largely Canadian sport, but it is widely believed to be one of the world’s oldest team sports, tracing its origins to Great Britain. The World Curling Federation states paintings by the 16th Century Flemish artist Pieter Bruegel portrayed an activity similar to curling being played on Scotland’s frozen ponds. The earliest known curling stones came from the Scottish regions of Stirling and Perth, dating all the way back to 1511.

Ice skating Speed skating and figure skating are derivatives of early ice skating, which is believed to have started in Finland more than 3,000 years ago. Skates were sharpened, flattened bone strapped to the bottom of a shoe and glided on top of the ice. The Dutch added edges to steel blades around the 13th or 14th centuries. Eventually, skating was brought to England from the Netherlands. Winter sports draw millions of participants each year, giving people a reason to leave the house even when temperatures dip below freezing.

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Magical Wild and Energizing By Mike Ostrouschko for Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply

In an attempt to find solace, I moved into the northwoods of Minnesota for what was supposed to be a single busy warm season. When Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply graciously invited me to work for the winter, I jumped at the opportunity despite the fact Old Man Winter and myself had never seen eye-to-eye. As my first northwoods winter approached, so too did my prequels to seasonal depression – anxiety, nervousness, and an impending sense of loneliness, all feelings typical of Minnesota winters throughout my life. Ice fishing was never something I thought I’d enjoy on any level. I recall a morning early last spring atop a frozen lake up the Gunflint Trail bordering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; On this particular morning I had the three mile long lake to myself with only a bucket to double as my seat and storage for my other necessities which included, an ice-fishing rod, a hand-auger to drill holes through 24” of ice, an ice scoop to keep the hole clear of ice, and a few lures for the purpose of catching rainbow trout. A deep sense of belonging overcame me as I sat atop my bucket jigging (periodically raising the rod and line to bring the fake lure to life), staring into the mesmerizing beauty of the now-rising sun and its icy reflections across the lake, listening to the extremely loud

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and eerie cracking of ice beneath my feet (when the ice thaws in the spring, it tends to crack and explode so loudly it resembles small earthquakes beneath your feet). Even when I don’t catch a fish, which isn’t all too rare for me, I find the peace, quiet, and cold to be extremely relaxing and soulfully regenerative. I quickly found, not too unlike my summers, what I lacked in city winters was wild adventure and having nature’s undeniable beauty within reach at all times. My first cold season in Grand Marais would prove magical and wild and energizing. Life’s constant search for peace, solitude, and calm came to a screeching halt on that first solitary hike into the great white silence; the rhythmic crunch of snow accompanying each step; the slowly falling snowflakes filling the air, reflecting light in ways that seemed to demand my attention and speak to my soul; snow-muffled silence, only interrupted by the occasional approaching blustery gust of wind and the eerie cracking of the now frozen birch and spruce as they sway back and forth. I now find winter to be meditation at its best, and meditation to be a cold winter hike in a boreal forest or a day alone atop a frozen lake.

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WINTER FUNDAMENTALS

Every day is a wonderland in our

BAR MITTS! Don’t let cold hands keep you inside anymore! Designed for drop style handlebars, MTB, commuter, flat bar, Jones H-Bar and various townie bars. Easily installed and removed for temperature changes. Can be used with regular cycling gloves of varying thickness, increasing dexterity. $74.95

Winter! Cozy cabins, lodges and hotels await. Find new ways to enjoy

Minnesota’s favorite season.

SOCK GUY! Made from Turbowool, a high performance blend of deluxe merino wool and polypropylene that keeps your feet warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. We have socks to make that special someone smile! $14.99

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Make your own ice luminaries. “Part Art. Part Science. All Magic.” —Midwest Living Magazine Nov/Dec 2020

Ice Luminary Magic

NEW BOOK!

W I N T E R C R A F T. C O M

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Ice Fishing… The Warm Winter Sport By Joe Henry Golden hour fish house... The beauty of being on a big body of water on a cold winter day is second to none.

or those who don’t ice fish, it appears to be a cold and perhaps boring activity from the outside looking in. In reality, ice fishing is warm and only as boring as the people you choose to fish with! In fact, ice fishing is booming in popularity for so many reasons. It’s Warm and it’s Fun! From heated resort to heated ice transportation to heated fish house… really roughing it! Thanks to advances in fish houses, ice fishing gear, heaters, augers, and electronics combined with the hardworking ice guides at local resorts, the sport or activity of ice fishing is actually more popular than open water fishing on Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods, considered The Walleye Capital of the World. December through March, anglers of all skill levels and from all walks of life enjoy the great outdoors together in the heated comfort of a fish house while catching walleyes, saugers, perch and pike During the winter when the soft water turns to hard water, resorts across Lake of the Woods provide full-service ice fishing in a big way. Resort fish houses are spread out over the frozen landscape chasing walleyes all winter long. Day Houses. Some anglers fish out of a day house, a fish house you fish out of during the day. Imagine waking up at a nice resort, enjoying a nice breakfast and then traveling out to a heated fish house located amongst the best fishing areas. The holes are drilled and cleaned out and the thermostat is set at a w i nter fu n 101.com

Joe Henry, walleye... The author with a nice Lake of the Woods walleye from the warm surroundings of a fish house.

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comfortable 70 degrees. Some will drive to their rented fish house via well marked and plowed ice roads. Others will travel via heated ice transportation that shuttles you right to the door of your fish house. Catch walleyes and saugers throughout the day and when it starts getting dark, head back to the resort just in time for happy hour. Most resorts will clean your fish and, in many cases, fry them up. A fresh fish fry is tradition in these parts. What a great way to spend a winter day. Sleepers. Some enjoy staying overnight on the ice in a comfy sleeper house. Having your family or close group of friends on the ice for a couple of nights can be just what the doctor ordered for fun and relaxation. Imagine catching walleyes from your bunk bed in your pajamas. Whatever your choice, the holes are drilled and the temp inside is balmy.

Bombardier... Ice transportation on Lake of the Woods during the winter months resembles something that could be used on the moon. A Bombardier is effective in bringing guests to heated fish houses.

Letâ€™s go fishing!

3 Nights/2 Days Ice Fishing starting at only $373 p/p* December - March *plus tax and based on double occupancy

800-862-8602 Learn more at sportsmanslodges.com/winter

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Social. Some ice fish to catch fish. Others enjoy spending a winter day in a cozy fish house surrounded by friends or family with an occasional interruption from a walleye. Good food and drink is sometimes a part of the equation! Fishing is easy, just use the “One Two Punch.” In Minnesota, anglers are allowed two lines each while ice fishing. Most will jig with one line and use a “deadstick” in the second hole. The jigging line normally has some kind of a shiny lure like a jig or jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail. Anglers will jig this line to attract the fish. When fish are active, they will hit the jigging line. The “deadstick” line is normally set up with a bobber with a small jig or plain hook with a live minnow set just off of the bottom. While active fish will strike the jigging line, if a fish is in more of a neutral mood, the jigging line may attract them in, but often times they prefer eating the live minnow. Ice fishing. It used to be a very cold activity for only the heartiest of anglers. In today’s world, it is the warm winter sport cherished by many.

Arnesens sleeper... Sleeper fish houses have become popular with many. Whether it is a family adventure or a weekend with the girls, this is just what the Doctor ordered for many who need a getaway.

AGLOW Igloo... The Igloo Bar on the ice only adds to the fun of ice fishing. Imagine a bar 3 miles out on Lake of the Woods with two big screen TVs, some hot food, bar and you can actually fish inside the bar. Nirvana!

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LOKI: Like a Swiss Army Knife, LOKI

Only a Jacket.

Outerwear Evolves!

Convertible outerwear with built-in face shield and mittens. Convertible hats, mittens & sweatshirts available. Exclusively available at: Tortoise and Hare Footwear

Denfeld - 40th & Grand

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