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Built for the Cold

Share Your Thoughts

Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@ northernwilds.com.

Living in northern Minnesota requires a certain amount of resilience when it comes to winter. While I’m not the biggest fan of the cold, I’ve learned it’s better to embrace it than fight it. Northland animals have adapted in different ways, either by staying active through winter or retreating into a deep sleep. With proper gear and the right mindset, we too can be built for the cold and find ways to enjoy the outdoors. Let’s start in Along the Shore, where Anne Graybeal introduces us to the Midwest Ice Racing Association. Founded in 2011, MIRA offers a wide range of classes for various ages, including four-wheelers, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and a newer division for motorcycles with studded or non-studded tires. In the pro class, racers can hit speeds of 70 to 80 mph on ice. Across the border in Thunder Bay, Graybeal writes about the Thunder Bay Nordic Trails Association, based at Kamview Nordic Centre. The organization serves more than 1,700 members and maintains 35 kilometers of groomed trails, along with 15 kilometers of snowshoe routes. Also near Thunder Bay, frost meets fleece at Borderlands Farm, where, as Dana Johnson explains, sheep are the heartbeat of the operation, with roughly 60 breeding ewes and five rams spread across 150 acres. In our first feature, Chris Pascone teaches us how different animals cope with winter. Did you know that a bear’s heart rate can drop to 8 to 10 beats per minute in winter to conserve energy? Or that some frogs can actually freeze solid and still survive? Truly remarkable.

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Don’t miss our second feature, showcasing the winners of our recent 2025 photo contest. With over 450 entries, many great photos didn’t make the cut, so I’ve included a few favorites in Spotlight as well. Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special shoutout to our judges—professional photographers Paul Sundberg, David Johnson, and James Smedley. The 2026 photo contest will open later this year. Moving away from our cold theme, Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner explores the mystery of UFOs and what a few well-known astronauts have to say about them. Health columnist Hartley Newell-Acero reminds us that adults need to have fun and play games too—not just kids. And Rae Wojcik chats with Bruce and Cynthia Lovold of Saddle Rock Pottery in this month’s Creative Space. As always, you’ll find all this and more inside this month’s issue. So layer up, embrace the chill, and get outside—adventure awaits. When you’re ready to thaw out, we’ll be here to welcome you back.

Breana Johnson Editor editor@northernwilds.com

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VOLUME 23, ISSUE 01 w w w. n o r t h e r nw i l d s .co m SERVING THE NORTH SHORE A N D T H E W I L D E R N E S S B E YO N D PUBLISHER/CEO Barb Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com EDITOR Breana Johnson editor@northernwilds.com ADVERTISING Sue O’Quinn sue@northernwilds.com

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Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Gord Ellis, Virginia George, Anne Graybeal, Dana Johnson, Shelby Lonne-Rogentine, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Joe Shead, Tom Watson, Rae Wojcik, Naomi Yaeger, Sam Zimmerman

16 Beating the Cold How Animals Adapt to Winter

18 For the Love of the North 2025 Photo Contest Winners

DEPARTMENTS 6 Along the Shore 20 Spotlight 22 Events 27 Dining 29 Health 30 Northern Trails 31 Fishing Hole

33 Dog Blog 34 Northern Sky 34 Reviews 35 Following the Ancestor's Steps 36 Strange Tales 47 Catchlight

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MIRA runs a wide range of classes: four-wheelers, dirt bikes, side-bysides, and a newer division for motorcycles with studded or non-studded tires. | SUBMITTED

Most of MIRA’s races take place on Barker’s Island and on Allouez Bay in Wisconsin. | SUBMITTED

Winter on Wheels Inside the Midwest Ice Racing Association SUPERIOR —The Midwest Ice Racing Association (MIRA) has become a mainstay of winter in the Northland. Founded in 2011 to give children and adults an opportunity to thrive in a welcoming ice racing environment, the association has grown into a series of weekend races that bring together riders, families, and volunteers throughout the coldest months of the year. Dalton Mains, the owner and operator of MIRA, has been part of that world for almost his entire life. “I started at about 5 or 6 years old,” he said. “When MIRA began in 2011, I started racing with them.” As he got older, he took on small tasks to help promote the races. When founders Denny and Diane Almer decided to step back, they asked if he wanted to take the reins. Today MIRA runs a wide range of classes: four-wheelers, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and a newer division for motorcycles with studded or non-studded tires. The range of ages is even broader. “We have kids who are 4 or 5 years old, all the way through racers in their 70s,” Mains said. “Not very often is it 30 below and you see 300 to 400 people with smiles on their faces.” Most of MIRA’s races take place on Barker’s Island and on Allouez Bay in Wisconsin. “Gates open at 7 a.m., and people start rolling in with their trucks and trailers,” Mains explained. Riders warm up at 8:30 a.m. with a few laps around the track before gathering for a quick safety meeting. Racing begins at 10 a.m. and often goes until dark. “It’s a full day of fun and adrenaline,” he said.

JANUARY 2026

In the pro class, racers can hit 70 to 80 miles per hour on the ice. | SUBMITTED

Of course, all of it depends on ice. “We drill a bunch of holes when we start getting over that 8-inch mark” of ice thickness, Mains said. MIRA prefers 14 to 16 inches before giving the green light. The team must also secure permits from the City of Superior and the Wisconsin DNR. “They want to ensure that everyone is safe and doing it safely,” he said. Even with solid ice, caution is always part of the equation. “Ice is never considered truly safe, so everybody takes

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extra precautions,” like parking farther away from each other. Despite the extreme conditions, ice racing remains a quintessential Midwestern pastime. “Everybody thinks of racing in the summertime with nice weather,” Mains said. “But we race through the long cold winter months when no one is doing anything.” Events run almost every weekend, and the races encompass all levels. In the kids’ classes, Mains joked, “They’re just tooling along

on their Sunday drives.” The pro class is a different story: racers can hit 70 to 80 miles per hour on the ice. The association has grown dramatically since its early days. “When MIRA started, it started with one event,” Mains said. Interest surged, and soon there were four events, then six. Now, racers compete nearly every weekend in January and February, and interest continues to grow. Running each event requires about 20 to 30 volunteers. Mains oversees the overall operation: planning events, building the tracks, promoting the series, and ensuring safety. “I build the tracks about a mile long,” he said. “We keep everyone spread out, not bunched up, with safe corners. We want to see everyone go home with 10 fingers and 10 toes.” To date, MIRA has never had the ice break beneath an event. Marketing is simple: “Social media and word of mouth are the best advertising we get,” Mains said. MIRA communicates through Facebook, Instagram, and a weekly newsletter with updates on planning, weather, and meetings. MIRA collaborates with ice racing groups in central Minnesota and central Wisconsin to coordinate larger events and keep the sport robust throughout the region. “It’s very much a Midwestern thing,” Mains said. Growing the next generation of racers is one of MIRA’s priorities. “I’m excited for the ongoing growth,” he said. “Young kids and families. It’s cool to see them grow and race every year.” Indeed, family is essential to

Racers compete nearly every weekend in January and February. The Lake Superior Ice Festival remains MIRA’s biggest weekend of the year, held Jan. 30-31 in Superior. | SUBMITTED MIRA’s success. “It’s a family event. It takes my whole family to put it on. My mom, my dad, three of my brothers, their girlfriends and fiancées, all of my friends.” The Lake Superior Ice Festival remains MIRA’s biggest weekend of the year. Held the last weekend in January in Superior, it features Friday night racing under the lights

and a full day of competition on Saturday. Sponsors like Fabick Cat help to support the organization’s capital expenditures, and volunteers plow tracks with pickup trucks or sweep the ice with skid steers to create a smooth racing surface. The season wraps up carefully as temperatures change. “By the end of February

it starts to get warmer, the ice gets wet on top, and the sun starts to beat through,” Mains said. “Some years we could race into March, but we don’t want to risk it.” When he’s not running races, Mains works for Messinne Greenhouse and Landscape in South Range, Wisconsin. “There’s no off-season,” he said.

The momentum built from community engagement has been essential to the success of the organization. As Mains put it, “Give us a chance. Come out one time and check it out; you’ll be back after that.” —Anne Graybeal

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It’s a good idea to carry a snowshoe “first-aid” kit with you in the field. | TOM WATSON

Snowshoe Repair Field “First Aid” NORTH SHORE —It can happen in a split second—you step down on a snow-covered rock, large gnarly root, or other obstacle protruding above the ground but hidden by a mantle of snow. The point of contact concentrates most of your body weight onto a very small area of the frame or foot pad/ deck webbing of your snowshoe. The sound of splintering wood or ripped fabric confirms it: your snowshoe has just suffered an “injury” in the field. The term “injury” is actually quite appropriate because most snowshoe repairs are similar to the first-aid procedures used to treat human injuries in emergency field situations. A fractured section of frame on a traditional wooden snowshoe is akin to a broken bone in the human body and is treated in the field the same way—with a splint. Likewise, a tear in the fabric on a modern snowshoe is similar to torn skin (stitching), or a damaged binding and a sprained or twisted ankle (wrapping). The repair or first aid is designed to temporarily secure the “wound” in the field until more permanent repairs can be made. Breaks in the frame need to be stabilized and secured so the weight on the damaged section is distributed beyond the point of fracture. Using a splint (stick or tent stake) for support and a wrap of duct tape, wire, or hose clamps can support the frame just as a cast would on an arm or leg. Sometimes a metal insert or exterior tube splint can be used to repair damage to tubing on a metal frame. Oftentimes, torn or weakened rawhide or synthetic webbing on traditional snowshoes can be repaired by attaching a new section onto the end of the broken webbing. It is also often possible to locate the secured webbing on both sides of the breach and use wire ties to connect and tighten the webbing across the weakened area. Modern snowshoes with their high-tech, synthetic fabric foot pads or decking can most often be repaired with extra-strong vinyl duct tape. Decks torn loose or weakened due to a damaged rivet can be reattached using wire ties or twine, too. Both types of snowshoe decks can be temporarily mended by applying several wraps of duct tape around the entire frame to build up a support platform for the shoe. A lost or broken binding strap, or a repair to a damaged clevis pin, can be made from several layered strips of duct tape—secure enough to get you back to camp. It’s critical to carry a snowshoe “first-aid” kit with you to facilitate these repairs in the field. The basic components are chosen because they are standard repair items. It’s also vital to anticipate what repairs might be needed based on

The repair may last only until you reach a base camp or cabin to refine or upgrade the temporary fix. | TOM WATSON the components of the particular type or brand of snowshoe you are using. Some snowshoe manufacturers offer full repair kits or a selection of replacement components and hardware for their brand of shoes.

SNOWSHOE FIELD “FIRST-AID” REPAIR KIT • Assorted lengths of nylon wire ties (include some steel zip ties as well) • Thin, strong cord (consider seine twine) • 3- to 4-foot stainless steel wire (workable gauge for wrapping, etc.) • Repair tape (Gorilla tape, hockey-stick tape, fabric repair tape) • Epoxy (limited cold-weather use) • Assortment of hose clamps • Splint material (tubing sections, tent stakes, etc.) • Assortment of hardware (screws, bolts, nuts, fasteners, etc., specific to components of your snowshoe brand or design) • Multi-tool with proper accessory attachments (pliers, wire cutters) Anticipating potential damage and subsequent repairs can help you build your own field repair or first-aid kit. Note: These basic frame field fixes also work on ski poles. The reliability of a repair may last only until you can return to a base camp or cabin to refine or upgrade the temporary field fix. Some repairs can be as strong as the original component, while others may not approach the full integrity of the piece repaired.—Tom Watson

Steger Mukluks: The Design Behind a

Boot That Keeps Feet Warm in Arctic Cold ELY— Long before Steger Mukluks became a beloved name among winter campers, mushers, everyday northerners, and Arctic explorers, founder Patti Steger was just another newcomer to the Northwoods, shivering her way through subzero days.

DISCOVERING A BETTER BOOT Patti moved north in 1978 and soon met polar explorer Will Steger. Before long, she was helping teach winter survival courses. Her tall frame and long limbs made her especially prone to the cold. “I was just freezing,” she said. “I kept telling Will, ‘There’s got to be something warmer than these pack boots.’” One day, he disappeared into a storage area and came back with a pair of Native-made mukluks. Soft, flexible, and almost slipper-like, they didn’t look like serious expedition gear. “I laughed and said, ‘That can’t be warm,’” Patti recalled.

FROM SURVIVAL COURSE TO INNOVATION In 1981, planning began for what would become the Steger International Polar Expedition, a long and demanding journey across the High Arctic. For the trip, Patti and the team ordered mukluks from Churchill, Manitoba, where a sewing company run by a non-Native woman employed both Native and non-Native seamstresses. Patti had special felted-wool liners—called “tossos,” from the Finnish word—made to pair with the boots. “It was the most extreme environment I’d ever been in,” she said. “And I never once had cold feet.” That experience changed everything. When she returned, Patti became determined to make her own version of those life-saving boots. Money was tight, so she started small. Customers brought her their own leather. She traced their feet on paper and stitched mukluks one pair at a time, working from home. “The big trick was the bottom,” she said. “A mukluk without a good sole isn’t very useful.” “It’s your blood supply that keeps you warm,” Patti said. “If your feet are locked in something stiff, you lose that circulation. Mukluks are lightweight, insulated, and flexible, so your feet keep moving and stay warm.”

BUILDING A BUSINESS IN ELY As demand grew, Patti built a small, insulated fabric house, then a Quonset hut with a solar wall, on land outside Ely. In 1987, she moved into town and opened a shop. Over the decades, that modest start became an 18,000-square-foot factory on the edge of Ely, powered about 75 percent by solar energy and employing roughly 25 people. Her adult son, Seth Wohsen, now serves as the company’s president. Today, about 90 percent of Steger Mukluks’ business is online, with customers from across North America and as far away as Europe. Canada has long been a major market, though recent tariffs and shifting politics have complicated cross-border sales. “Mukluk is an Inuit term,” she said. “These boots have been used for centuries by northern peoples—Inuit, various Na-

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It's -40 F and Patti’s eyelashes may be frozen, but her feet are warm during this 1983 Steger Dogsled Expedition. | SUBMITTED

Patti Steger, founder and owner, and her son Seth Wohsen, president of Steger Mukluks. | SUBMITTED

tive tribes, and Laplanders in Scandinavia. I learned mukluk-making from Nancy Magrum, a nurse in Yellowknife who lived on Joliffe Island in Yellowknife Bay [Northwest Territories], more than 2,000 miles northwest of Duluth. Mukluk-making isn’t exclusive to any one group or solely a Native American tradition, but I have deep respect for all the cultures that shaped it.”

in other cold-weather cities. By their second year in Duluth, they purchased Steger Mukluks. Brian walked long distances to the bus stop, and Suzy walked 5 miles to work. She said her feet never got cold, but the fancy brickwork on downtown Duluth sidewalks could be slippery. “We’ve had our [Steger] boots for 22 years, and the bottoms were utterly worn out. So, we went straight to the horse’s mouth [the shop in Ely] to get new pairs,” said Darley-Hill. “They keep my feet warm all the time.” Linda Nervick of Winter Fun 101, a company devoted to where to go, what to do, and how to do it in the Upper Midwest and Thunder Bay, shared her praise for Patti’s work. “She’s truly a gift to us winter lovers. I’ve enjoyed wearing Steger Mukluks since the 1990s—love them!” Steger Mukluks retail store is located at 33 East Sheridan in Ely. To learn more, visit: mukluks.com.—Naomi Yaeger

A GLOBAL FOLLOWING Through the years, Steger Mukluks has outfitted countless winter travelers and sponsored boots for major expeditions, including the 1990 Trans-Antarctica trek. Patti and Will divorced in the late 1980s, but they remain close.

BELOVED BY THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE COLD NORTH

Northern Wilds caught up with Brian Darley and Sue Darley-Hill at a December event. They moved to Duluth in 2003 after living

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JANUARY 2026

A Polypay ewe named Thirteen munches fresh snow with a flockmate. | SUBMITTED

Gwen and Brody Marsonet stand with Gwen's father, Bryan Barlow, and their flock of Polypay sheep. | SUBMITTED

Frost Meets Fleece at Borderlands Sheep Farm NEEBING —Winter in the Northern Wilds is tough, and some say the people who thrive in its biting cold and heavy snows are a special breed. In the animal world, winter adaptations help some creatures face the harsh season, and the sheep that reside at Borderlands Farm are a perfect example. “One of the things that surprised me most as a new farmer was just how incredibly warm a sheep’s wool coat keeps them,” says Gwen Marsonet, co-owner of Borderlands Farm. “I’ve never seen a sheep on our farm shiver or even look cold.” Borderlands Farm is located in Neebing, Ontario—about halfway between the USA/ Canada border and Thunder Bay. The family farming story began with Marsonet’s parents, Bryan and Beverly Barlow, who started a small mixed farm two decades ago near Haliburton, just north of Toronto. “Our farm really grew out of my parents’ desire to keep farming and my mom’s dream of running a wool mill,” Marsonet recalls. “My husband and I said we’d join them—if they were open to moving to Thunder Bay and starting a new farm here. We knew Thunder Bay offered that perfect mix of small-city feel with a larger population.” The Barlows made the move, and Borderlands Farm came to life in 2020 with the purchase of their first sheep flock. They began selling lamb in the spring of 2022, and a wool mill was created the following year. “There were many reasons we all came to farming, but one motivation we shared: we wanted our food to be raised ethically and to be the highest quality possible,” Marsonet explains. That selective mindset extends to their fiber and other goods as well. The sheep are the heartbeat of the farm, with approximately 60 breeding ewes and five rams on 150 acres. “When lambs are on the ground, the number increases to well

JANUARY 2026

Beverly Barlow started farming later in life, quickly learning skills and earning credentials that would eventually lead her to establish Border House Fibre Arts and operate a wool mill with her family. | SUBMITTED over 100,” Marsonet says. “Each year we keep the best female lambs to add to our flock, with the intention of continuing to grow our numbers.” Choosing the right breed was an important decision—one that would ultimately determine the success of their operation. “My parents experimented with several sheep breeds when they first started farming, which gave them a good sense of what they did and didn’t want,” Marsonet recalls. The perfect breed needed to fulfill several requirements, including quality meat, valuable wool, and resilience in harsh winter conditions. “Polypay sheep met all of those needs and became our main flock.”

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Polypays have a medium build with white fleece, and they’re naturally hornless (polled). Polypay is a newer breed that began as an idea in the late 1960s, developed by combining four other breeds: Dorsets, Finsheep, Rambouillets, and Targhees. Borderlands introduced several Targhee rams to their breeding program (which can be used to create more Polypays). “We later added Lincoln Longwools as a second dual-purpose breed, chosen specifically for their lustrous, strong fibre,” Marsonet mentions. There are several features that make a sheep variety well suited to our cold climate, like dense fleece that insulates them against

the wind and snow, and a larger body size that gives them a natural hardiness. “These breeds efficiently convert winter feed into warmth, flock tightly for protection, and generally lamb and grow well in cooler temperatures,” Marsonet explains. “In contrast, warm-climate breeds tend to have lighter coats, smaller frames, and heat-tolerant traits, making them better suited to shedding heat than retaining it.” The sheep at Borderlands are kept in open air pens all winter. “They have tons of space, are protected from winds, and provided with hay 24/7, as well as a ration twice a day,” Marsonet mentions. Frozen water is the biggest cause for frustration

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Borderlands sells several popular fiber goods, including yarn, rovings, battings, felting kits, and hand-crafted felted soap. | SUBMITTED during the cold months. Also, since ewes (female sheep of breeding age) are often pregnant at this time, a nutritionist helps adjust their feed to “support both the developing lambs and the increased nutritional demands of the climate.” Lambing is scheduled for May/June, and shearing is ideally done just before lambing in April as temperatures warm up. Meat goes to market from November through February. In addition to meat and wool products, Borderlands sells handmade soaps, several varieties of garlic, a spice blend, and a unique suit bird feeder that doubles as a fleece holder to aid birds during nesting season. Beverly Barlow offers spinning lessons for those interested in learning how to make their own yarn. Milling services are also available to those who have their own wool they would like made into batts, roving, or

yarn—including custom yarn made partially from pet fur. When asked what she loves most about the business, Marsonet replied, “Too many things! If I have to pick one… standing in the wool mill, making a beautiful yarn while looking out the window at the very happy sheep the wool comes from. We can trace everything we make back to the exact animal that grew it. I love that connection.” Products from Borderlands Farm can be purchased online at: borderlandsfarm.ca (shipping within Canada only), as well as in person at the Thunder Bay Country Market, held Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Dove building at 425 Northern Ave. Up to 50 pounds of lamb can be brought over the border for personal use with no import permit needed—all agricultural products must be declared at crossing.—Dana Johnson

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The second annual Shorts in Winter Film Festival will take place Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. in the Two Harbors High School auditorium. | SUBMITTED

Shorts in Winter Film Festival Bringing New Artistic Opportunities Up the Shore TWO HARBORS —On Jan. 31, Two Harbors will host its second annual Shorts in Winter Film Festival. The festival celebrates the North Shore visually, with the category definitions clearly spelled out for all submissions. The short film categories featured are shorts made by North Shore residents, shorts made by North Shore students, shorts filmed on the North Shore, shorts filmed in Minnesota, and shorts created by Minnesota filmmakers. Short films are defined in the rules as 20 minutes or fewer. “We’re hoping for a unique experience,” said Matt Bachman, co-founder of the festival. According to its website, the Shorts in Winter Film Festival’s mission statement is “to showcase the unique perspectives representative of Minnesota’s North Shore region through film. The medium of film is a powerful device capable of encapsulating time, place, meaning, and feeling. The Shorts in Winter Film Festival seeks to bring voice to this region by providing a creative space for filmmakers to present the diversity, creativity, and ingenuity of its area and residents of all ages.” “There are so many creative people who live in this area,” said Jamie MacFarlane, the other co-founder of the festival. While the North Shore is the star, the festival was opened up to a broader base

Jamie MacFarlane and Matt Bachman. | SUBMITTED of filmmakers this year. Last year, people who submitted films were required to be North Shore residents. “Films [that fit the category descriptions] can be so wide open to interpretation. We’ve had animation, drama, comedy, and documentaries. It’s nice to come together and see things on the big screen, especially when it’s your neighbor doing it,” Bachman said. Bachman and MacFarlane are longtime friends who share a love for the North

Shore. Bachman is a filmmaker himself, so the idea of a film festival in the winter felt like an exciting challenge. As a big-picture type of person with a vision, it made sense to pair up with MacFarlane to make this festival a reality. “I’m more of a behind-the-scenes type,” said MacFarlane. She is detail-oriented, and her background in hospitality and event planning makes her an excellent captain of this festival ship. A panel of judges scored the films based on certain criteria after the submissions closed in mid-November. The judges rated them using a rubric that scores artistic vision, clarity of story, engagement, and compelling subject matter. “We already doubled submissions from last year; that’s success,” said MacFarlane. A real community event, sponsors, as well as the venue, are local. Lovin’ Lake County, North Shore Explorer Minnesota, Castle Haven Cabins, Harbor Insurance Agency, Park State Bank, Sonju Two Harbors, Castle Danger Brewery, On the Record, and Bent Paddle Brewing are the local names helping make this event a reality. While this is only the second year of the festival, there have been some changes. “Listening to all of the people laugh while watching the films was memorable; we felt

like people enjoyed the films,” said MacFarlane. “Things we’re changing this year, though, would be that we moved it to the end of January instead of December. We’re also doing it later in the day instead of early in the afternoon. We’re adapting.” Looking to the future, both MacFarlane and Bachman have ideas of where this could all go. “I think I’d like to see this grow into cultivating a film collective up the North Shore,” said Bachman. “A grand mission is for this to become a small center for the Minnesota film community.” “We are hoping now that the [Harbor] Theater has reopened that we could potentially host it there at a real theater, like a real film festival,” MacFarlane said. “We could have different category blocks on multiple screens and grow this into something bigger in this community.” Tickets can be purchased on the festival’s website at: shortsinwinterfilmfest.com. The event will take place in the Two Harbors High School auditorium at 3 p.m. on Jan. 31. “Our main focus is on getting people there for the communal experience. We’ll have some laughs and feel some different emotions together,” said Bachman. —Shelby Lonne-Rogentine

Alpha Consumer (Experimental jazz)

Mike Lewis (saxophone, bass), Jeremy Ylvisaker (guitar), and JT Bates (drums)

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North House Folk School Loft Classroom, Yellow Building 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais

Tickets are offered on a sliding scale. K-12th Grade FREE!

More info @ northshoremusicassociation.com

The Waterfront Gallery A New Cultural Landmark on Lake Superior THUNDER BAY—In 2013, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery set out on an ambitious path to redefine its future. For 50 years, the gallery has been a leading institution for contemporary Indigenous and Canadian art, serving as a cultural anchor for Northern Ontario. Its mandate to exhibit, collect, and protect work by artists connected to the North continues to guide its growth. The physical limitations of its current facilities on Confederation College Campus restrict the gallery’s ability to meet the needs of artists, audiences, or the growing appetite for programs. The need for a new purpose-built facility became clear, and that vision is now taking shape on Thunder Bay’s historic waterfront. With more than $54 million raised and construction underway since 2023, the Waterfront Gallery is one of the most significant arts and culture projects in the history of Northern Ontario. The new building, which is expected to open in late 2027, will allow the institution to fully realize and honour its mandate, while welcoming a growing number of visitors, learners, and artists. Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Superior, the facility is designed to reflect the character of the land. Visitors will encounter a framed view of Nanabijou, the Sleeping Giant, which serves as a constant presence throughout the building. The architecture echoes the surrounding landscape in subtle ways, reflecting and honouring the natural environment. Once an industrial brownfield, the site has been transformed into a greenfield and has since seen wildlife return to the area. Gallery operation will be carbon neutral, establishing a benchmark for sustainable development in the region. This project forms part of a larger revitalization of Thunder Bay’s waterfront, which includes cultural venues, hospitality developments, and recreational amenities. Within this growing district, the Waterfront Gallery is poised to become a cultural cornerstone for residents and visitors. Inside, spacious exhibition halls, flexible event areas, and dedicated classrooms will support creative learning and community engagement. A gift shop and café will invite visitors to connect with local makers and spend more time exploring the space. Expanded climate-controlled storage will safeguard the gallery’s collection of more

Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Superior, the new facility is designed to reflect the character of the land. | SUBMITTED

The new Waterfront Gallery in Thunder Bay is expected to open in late 2027. | SUBMITTED than 1,800 works, ensuring they remain accessible for generations. With support from Infrastructure Canada’s Green Inclusive Community Fund, the facility incorporates energy-efficient systems and fully accessible design that meet Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Cer-

tification standards. These features ensure that the Waterfront Gallery will be welcoming, sustainable, and inclusive for all. This new waterfront facility will advance the gallery’s commitment to cultural restoration and highlight the dynamic artistic landscape that makes Northern Ontario

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truly unique. It will serve as a beacon for artistic excellence and cultural exchange, rooted in Northern Ontario and resonating far beyond. To learn more about the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, visit: theag.ca.—Bob Gravelle

n o r t he rn w i lds .c o m

Weekly Email Newsletter

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JANUARY 2026

Located near Thunder Bay, Kamview Nordic Centre is open seven days a week and the trails are groomed daily. | SUBMITTED

CONNECT WITH DOWNHILL EXHILARATION

visitthunderbay.com visitthunderbay.com 1-800-MOST-FUN (667-8386)

JANUARY 2026

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Staying on Track Inside the Heart of Thunder Bay Nordic Trails THUNDER BAY—Thunder Bay Nordic Trails (TBNT) has been a cornerstone of Thunder Bay’s cross-country skiing community for more than 40 years. Based at Kamview Nordic Centre, the organization—one of the largest ski clubs in Canada—serves more than 1,700 members and maintains 35 kilometers of groomed trails and 15 kilometers of snowshoe routes. For General Manager Dave Suttie, the journey to Kamview began long before he ever stepped behind the counter of the chalet. “Way back in the ’70s, my family had a lawn and garden business in the summer, and in the winter we sold snowblowers and cross-country ski equipment,” he said. “I’ve been around skiing my whole life.” Today he oversees virtually every aspect of Kamview’s operations. “I’m general manager here, so a little bit of everything: grooming, equipment maintenance, trail maintenance, making sure the buildings are in good shape, and making sure the skiers are happy.” Located just minutes from Thunder Bay, Kamview Nordic Centre sits on 600 acres along Highway 61. The chalet is a hub of activity all winter long. “We have a full-service chalet with seating, a canteen, cookies, soup, chili, and all kinds of baking,” Suttie said. A full rental shop offers skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, and even chariots for young children. Families, recreational skiers, and visiting athletes spill in from lit trails that stretch 7 kilometers through the woods. “We have about 35 kilometers of skate and classic trails,” Suttie explained. “And we have about 10 to 15 kilometers of dedicated snowshoe trails, plus a 4-kilometer dog trail where people can actually take their dogs and ski with them.” Programming has grown alongside the trail network. Youth learn to ski through the Jackrabbits and Big Thunder programs. Adults new to the sport can join Steps and Strides or the masters program. “We also participate in a ski and snowshoe in the

Kamview Nordic Centre sits on 600 acres along Highway 61. | SUBMITTED

schools program, so kids can try skiing while they’re in school,” Suttie added. As a nonprofit, TBNT is governed by an 11-member volunteer board and supported by memberships, day passes, chalet rentals, and grants. “We’ve actually got quite a few grants in the past few years,” Suttie said. “We’ve been able to make a lot of improvements and purchase newer equipment. We’ve done some siding on the buildings, work on the snowmaking system, and fencing, just trying to keep things looking good and working well.” Kamview hosts races throughout the winter, from the popular Kamview Classic (5k),

February 6-7, 2026

Fireworks Saturday 7pm

Hot Cocoa and Cookies served next to the Depot

• Bean Bag Tournament Thunder Bay Nordic Trails serves more than 1,700 members. | SUBMITTED Kamview Tour (30k), and Lake Superior Biathlon, to festive smaller events. “An event we do that’s pretty popular is called the Tin Can Challenge,” Suttie said. “We put about 20 painted cans out on the trail with letters or numbers. You solve the code and you get a cookie.” Monthly dog-friendly ski nights, Valentine’s Day treats, and the Jackrabbit Sprints are also part of the centre’s programming. Summer brings its own activity. “We keep the property in good shape so people can come and walk it,” Suttie said. A donation box sits near the trailhead, and biweekly trail runs draw community members from April to November. The centre also hosts fundraisers and trail races, including the 24-hour High Noon race, and rents the chalet for gatherings. The most pressing challenge Kamview faces is one shared by many ski centers: climate change. “The major challenge for the future is always the weather,” Suttie said. “It tends to be getting warmer. We may have to expand a little bit more on our snowmaking.”

Variable winter conditions have made a noticeable impact. “If we have lots of snow and good weather, we have lots of people,” he explained. “But a couple of years ago, we had that total disaster year. That was hard on us.” Membership numbers, which surged during the pandemic—“We were incredibly busy during COVID since we were one of the few places that could be open”—have softened slightly since then. Still, TBNT is adapting. “We’ve done a lot of work around the trails to open up the canopy so we get more snow,” Suttie said. “We make snow in a smaller area so we can get something going if we don’t have any snow. We’re just doing whatever we can to keep things working and offer the best product we can.” The centre is open seven days a week once snow arrives, and the team, which grows to as many as 30 seasonal staff, grooms daily. “The people that work here are wonderful, super helpful, and friendly,” he said. “It’s just a super choice place to be.”—Anne Graybeal

• Pancake Breakfast • Free Carriage Rides • Live Music • Vendor Fair on Saturday • Hot Drinks & S’mores • Chili Cook-Off • Medallion Hunt • Races for All Ages

......and so much more! Scan QR code for full weekend schedule & race registration forms

Fiber Week

February 10-16 Fiber Art Courses Evening Gatherings Fiber Friday & More 218-387-9762 · northhouse.org 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

How Animals Adapt to Winter

A Northern Wilds winter can be harsh, with below freezing temperatures lasting for many months. | KEN HARMON

The many creatures that inhabit the Northern Wilds have all evolved with their own ways of adapting to winter cold. While some animals turn to a deep sleep, others remain active and thrive in deep snow and freezing temperatures. Let’s take a look at three animals—bears, frogs, and salamanders—to see what evolution has given them to help them survive the cold. Maybe we humans can adopt some of these adaptations, too. 16

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Stealthy Sleepers Most people associate hibernation with bears, but that’s not quite right. Bears aren’t true hibernators. Animals have to be fully asleep all winter to be true hibernators. Examples include woodchucks, jumping mice, and bats. Bears, on the other hand, enter a different state called winter lethargy, or torpor. The stealthy bears get their long winter sleep, but are still able to be aroused. That’s how females are able to give birth to their cubs—typically in January or February—or respond to threats that show up at their dens. Still, bears undergo significant physiological changes in winter. Their heart rates can drop to as low as 8 to 10 beats per minute, their body temperature falls, and they breathe slowly, all in an effort to conserve energy. To prepare for winter, bears enter hyperphagia in fall—a physiological state of intense eating designed to build up fat reserves. Chel Anderson, author of North Shore: A Natural History of Minnesota’s Superior Coast, says black bears are building up their brown fat reserves during hyperphagia: “Brown fat is key to bears. We humans burn fat, and calories of any kind, by shivering to stay warm. But bears don’t do that. Bears produce heat from brown fat at the mitochondrial level. It’s a very different

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Bears aren’t true hibernators. Instead, they enter a state called winter lethargy, or torpor. | LORI WARNE way of making heat than how we humans stay warm. It’s very efficient.” Incidentally, humans can also produce some brown fat. “It’s only in the last 15 years or so that we’ve understood that our bodies also respond some to the cold by making brown fat in real specific body areas,” Anderson explains. “If one is exposed to cold starting in the fall, by February, you’re much more able to deal with cold than you were in October or November. So we do adapt to the cold too, but we have a tiny tool kit in

terms of physiology compared to the bear.” Another misconception about bears is that they snooze the winter away in nice, cozy dens. In fact, bears have a wide variety of winter dens, including simply leaning up against a log. Females that may be giving birth make the greatest effort to find a better shelter. But generally, a bear den could be just a big windthrow with lots of debris surrounding it. “I’ve seen bears pull materials in after them under a downed tree for cover,” recounts Anderson. “I’ve also heard

Frogs are ectotherms, so their body temperature can become similar to the ambient temperature. | PAUL CHAMBERS

of dens that had no particular cover, other than what snow falls.” Bears seem to have it all—gorging themselves in fall, staying warm with their efficient “furnace,” and sleeping practically anywhere they want come winter.

Freezing Frogs Another evolutionary masterstroke can be seen in frogs. How do they manage to overwinter in the Northern Wilds with no fur coat? There are actually two different ways frogs have adapted to survive the deep cold. Wood frogs, spring peepers, and chorus frogs all live on land, entering the water only for mating in the spring. Thus, they spend their winter in the woods. To do so, they’ve evolved the ability to move water out of their cells into intercellular spaces by producing lots of glucose. The intercellular water turns to ice, but the frog’s cells are protected by their glucose “antifreeze.” That’s right—some frogs actually freeze solid yet don’t die. These frogs first burrow under leaf litter or rotting logs. They camouflage themselves as best they can, then enter hibernation. “You can’t wake them up. They feel like an ice cube,” says Anderson. Once spring comes and the ground starts to warm, they gradually thaw out of this deep state of hibernation. “I love going around the woods in winter and thinking of how many spring peepers and wood and chorus frogs are sleeping under us,” recounts Anderson. Aquatic frogs, meanwhile, need to stay unfrozen. Frogs are ectotherms, so their bodies can become a similar temperature to whatever the ambient temperature is. This means aquatic frogs’ activity slows way down in winter. Their state of winter dormancy is called brumation. To survive brumation, aquatic frogs bury themselves in the bottom substrate of lakes or ponds—but not too deeply. They need to keep breathing through their skin, and can only do so through direct contact with oxygenated water. Another option for aquatic frogs is to overwinter in the densely rooted bases of sedges growing at the margins between the water and the forest. Frogs can burrow and wedge into the base of this vegetation and camouflage themselves. When you see a mink or otter working the edges of open water in winter, they’re looking for brumating aquatic frogs and invertebrates.

An extremely cold morning on Lake Superior’s Sturgeon Bay in Thunder Bay. | KAREN RAMSDALE

Subterranean Salamanders Anderson has a whole chapter in North Shore: A Natural History of Minnesota’s Superior Coast about blue-spotted salamanders, which fall between other creatures in terms of winter survival tactics. On the one hand, they can’t freeze like wood frogs. Salamanders have to get down into the ground, below the frost line, where they won’t get much colder than freezing. “If you think about where we live, that’s no simple task,” explains Anderson. “Salamanders aren’t equipped to be great diggers. I love imagining how these seemingly delicate and fragile animals manage to find their way into some naturally occurring underground corridor. Maybe they’re using a place where a root died and has decayed enough for the salamanders to burrow into a narrow little tunnel?” Anderson asks. While salamanders brumate, they need to remain semi-active. They can forage for invertebrates in early cold before they need to get below the frost line. Then they re-emerge when the first rainy nights of spring arrive, throwing caution to the wind and jaunting above ground as early as March or April.

Thrive, not Survive There are also many animals in the Northern Wilds that remain active in wintertime. These animals have evolutionary adaptations that allow them to thrive in snow and cold. Take moose, for example. Their long, thin legs have evolved for walking in deep snow, and the hollow hairs in their fur keep moose well insulated. “Winter-active animals have to be able to stay warm in the cold, which for endotherms requires finding enough sustenance to keep their furnace going. Their physiology has to be able to accommodate the foods that are available in winter. For some creatures, like the moose, those are some big changes,”

Blue-spotted salamanders aren’t equipped to be great diggers, yet they somehow move deep into the earth with their tiny feet to escape winter. | SUBMITTED

notes Anderson. In winter, moose switch from eating leafy green foods, including aquatic plants, to woody browse such as twigs, buds, conifer needles, and tree bark. “For others, like the lynx, bobcat, and fox, whose diets are more wide-ranging in other seasons, the diversity of available foods decreases, and their winter diets lean more heavily on hunting or scavenging other animals,” explains Anderson. One other example of winter adaptation comes from an animal that has been extirpated from our area, despite being native to the Northern Wilds. Woodland caribou are well equipped to handle deep snow and have a diet manageable even in the depths of winter. They eat lichens, both arboreal (on trees) and on the ground. “One of their physiological

adaptations is large hooves that they use to dig through the snow to get to lichens on the forest floor,” explains Anderson. Woodland caribou were extirpated from our area by humans at the end of the 19th century through over-logging and human-driven changes to the region’s forests. The Slate Islands on the Ontario shore of Lake Superior are the closest remaining woodland caribou herd to today’s Northern Wilds. Next time you’re outside in winter, remember those froggy ice cubes just chilling all winter long, or the determined salamanders somehow moving deep into the earth with their tiny feet. Animals can teach us a lot about how to beat the cold if we follow along.

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JANUARY 2026

FOR THE LOVE OF THE NORTH

PHOTO CONTEST

2025 WINNERS We received over 450 entries for our annual photo contest. This year’s first and second place winners were chosen by professional photographers David Johnson, Paul Sundberg, and James Smedley. With so many incredible photos to sort through, it took them many rounds of voting to determine the winners. Third place winners were voted on by you, our readers. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. The 2026 photo contest will begin later this year.

M A C R O

1 1st Place Alison Carr “I had fun capturing a sunchoke flower in these tiny water droplets.”

2nd Place Cathy Ross “Hiking above Grand Marais at the Pincushion Mountain lookout. This is a closeup of hare’s-foot clover.” 3rd Place – People’s Choice Dennis Chick “Rain drops.”

2 1st Place Ken Harmon “Canoeing at sunrise in the fog near a pinecovered shoreline at the edge of the Boundary Waters.” 2nd Place Jim Blake “Image taken at Iona’s Beach Scientific Natural Area with my cell phone set on live and choosing long exposure.”

LANDSCAPE 18

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3rd Place – People’s Choice Kaitlyn Maslowski “A spring Duluth sunrise with changing colors.”

WILDLIFE

2 1st Place Bob Berlute “Sibling rivalry.” 2nd Place Lori Warne “Common loon on Poplar Lake.” 3rd Place – People’s Choice Grace Burns “Baltimore oriole, taken with a Canon T7.”

1st Place Brenda Hadrich “Tiny hands, big catch—proud fisherman in training.”

2nd Place Kristin Wehking “These hardworking dogs were ‘all tongues’ at the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.” 3rd Place – People’s Choice Adam Malmanger “Just another morning at Burlington Bay, Two Harbors. I’ve been riding my bike every day since March 31, 2019.”

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ADVENTURE LIFESTYLE 3 NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

By Breana Johnson

Honorable Mentions

Choosing the standout entries in our annual photo contest is always a challenge, given the abundance of remarkable submissions. These photos may not have claimed the top prize, but they certainly deserve a spotlight.

"I like to get out early in the morning to photograph things, especially if there has been some fog over night to leave dew drops on vegetation. This particular morning, I was photographing lupines and discovered a mayfly on one of the flowers." | GLENDA MUELLER

"Fishing off dock at camp. A smallmouth looking at a big mouth!" | JANET POIRIER

"A white-lined sphinx moth in Silver Creek, taken September 2025." | EDWARD LEE

"Fog fills the Devil Track and Little Devil Track valleys." | KIM NELSON

"Quick. Agile. Fascinating. This beautiful ruby-throated hummingbird hovers in place to receive needed nutrition from the aromatic salvia plant."

"I’m always in search of good places to spot moose. This photo was taken in June off the Gunflint Trail as the moose was enjoying a meal and escaping the black flies." | MARK

| THOMAS JOHNSON

JANUARY 2026

HENNESSY

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Horse mugs created by Cynthia Lovold. | SUBMITTED

Saddle Rock Pottery: Bruce and Cynthia Lovold

Creative Space: By Rae Wojcik There are times in our lives when it’s clear we need a change of pace. Often, these moments of clarity are no more than an inkling; but when followed, they can lead to the most unexpected places. It was a moment like this that led to the inception of a pottery studio near Two Harbors. Bruce and Cynthia Lovold are the husband-and-wife-team behind Saddle Rock Pottery, where they make a wide variety of ceramic goods for the home. The Lovold’s journey into pottery started in 2006, not as a business venture but as a creative outlet they could fit into their busy lives. As a couple, they’d spent many years focused on work and raising a family. Although Bruce had once enjoyed hunting and fishing, Cynthia noticed that the daily demands of life didn’t leave him with much energy for these activities. Instead, she began to wonder if it was time for him to explore a new hobby— one he could do from home. Bruce had mentioned enjoying pottery in high school and wanting to try it again, and so that Christmas Cynthia decided to buy him a wheel. But little did she know just where this surprise would lead. Bruce got back into wheel throwing quickly. “Returning to it was like riding a bike,” Cynthia said. “We didn’t entirely know what we were doing so there was a lot of trial and error at first, but his throwing skills went from zero to 60 in no time flat.” Seeing Bruce reconnect with this passion was just the thing Cynthia had been hoping for him. Soon, word about his new hobby got out. Family members began asking to have things made, and they started getting invited to local craft shows. The Lovolds were increasingly inspired by the new connections they were making in their community, and in 2012 they and several other creative neighbors started the Lake Superior 20/20 Studio & Art Tour, which happens every September around Two Harbors and Knife River. What began as a gift had blossomed into a part-time business. While these developments were exciting, there was one catch—Cynthia had given the wheel to Bruce as something to do after a busy workday, but now preparing for the art

Cynthia enjoys using underglaze transfers, which allows her to put images onto her work. | SUBMITTED

The Lovold’s journey into pottery started in 2006 as a creative outlet. | SUBMITTED Husband-and-wife team Bruce and Cynthia Lovold. | SUBMITTED tours was starting to feel like a second job. “I wished that there was more that I could do to help,” she said. And as it turned out, there was. Cynthia hadn’t done much pottery herself, but the more time she spent around it, the more her own curiosity took hold. She began to experiment with making slab plates, then mugs, finding her stride and her own sense of style. She joined an online clay school, and in 2019 she quit her job in the restaurant industry to focus more on their business. Today, Saddle Rock Pottery is fully a joint endeavor featuring both Bruce’s and Cynthia’s work, and their unique styles shine. Bruce uses his wheel throwing skills to

make beautiful mugs, lidded pots, syrup pitchers, and other pieces, often using dipping glazes in more subtle colors. Cynthia enjoys layering fun textures and bright colors with brush-on glazes, as well as using another eye-catching technique—underglaze transfers, which allow her to put images onto her work. “Everyone is always fascinated by these,” Cynthia said. “The transfers are patterns or other art that’s printed on rice paper, and then you press them on the wet clay to transfer them to the clay before peeling them off. I like to tell people they work like a Cracker Jack tattoo.” Some of the transfers she’s used include

cardinals, mountains, and vintage-inspired floral patterns. “I like to make things that make people feel like their everyday item is something a little special—something that makes them happy when they see it. That’s what makes it fun,” Cynthia said. While becoming full-time potters was something the Lovolds would never have imagined, it turned out that the Christmas gift in 2006 was just the change that they needed. “We feel very fortunate to get to do what we do; it’s such a blessing for us,” Cynthia said. “While it’s great when someone comes along and buys one of your pots, both of us feel like it’s something to share with the world. It’s like sharing a piece of ourselves.”

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JANUARY 2026

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will start on Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. at Billy’s Bar in Duluth. | SUBMITTED

WINTER FUNDAYS

registration, otherwise $25. The Winery will also host a day of fun on Friday, featuring fat bike demos, mulled wine, and more. Last but not least, there will be a free group ride on the groomed singletrack trails at Pincushion Trailhead on Sunday at 10 a.m. superiorcycling.org

Jan. 4-March 15 Every Sunday, from Jan. 4 to March 15, embrace winter by taking part in fun indoor and outdoor activities that highlight the joy of winter. Held from 2-4 p.m. at Marina Park and Baggage Building Arts Centre, all activities are free and family-friendly. Activities include everything from skating and snowshoeing to arts and crafts. A full schedule of events can be found online. thunderbay.ca/winterfundays

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

Jan. 9-10 The Banff Mountain Film Festival (BMFF) returns to Duluth Jan. 9-10 at the Decc Symphony Hall. Hosted by the Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club, BMFF is a compilation of high-energy outdoor films and documentaries with environmental messages. The film competition is held in Banff, Alberta, every fall, followed by a world tour featuring the winning films. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and there will be booths from local sponsors, gear demos and raffles, drinks, and food. Films will be screened at 7 p.m. with different films featured each night. Advance tickets are $25 and can be purchased online; tickets purchased at the door are $30. The festival will also be held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditori-

JANUARY 2026

The Norpine Fat Bike Classic offers two race options: a 25-mile and 14-mile race. | SUBMITTED um (tbca.com) on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. duluthxc.com

NORPINE FAT BIKE CLASSIC

Jan. 9-11 Cycling fanatics will brave the cold at the annual Norpine Fat Bike Classic in Lutsen, with two race options to choose from:

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the Long Pine Race (25 miles), and the Short Pine Race (14 miles). Both races take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, starting and finishing at Cascade Lodge and Restaurant near Lutsen. There will also be a Dark Sky Tour group ride held at North Shore Winery at 5:30 p.m. on Friday—free with race

ALPHA CONSUMER RESIDENCY CONCERTS

Jan. 16-17 The North Shore Music Association is thrilled to present two evenings of experimental jazz with the acclaimed ensemble Alpha Consumer on Jan. 16-17 at 7 p.m. in the Loft Classroom, Yellow Building, at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. Part of a weekend residency, the concerts will feature collaborative improvisational performances by Mike Lewis (saxophone, bass), Jeremy Ylvisaker

(guitar), and JT Bates (drums). Each musician brings decades of national and international experience, working across jazz, indie rock, experimental music, and beyond. Together, they create a dynamic ensemble that blends adventurous improvisation with deep musical connection. Following each show, the artists will lead interactive Q&A sessions. Tickets are offered in sliding-scale pricing tiers; free for K-12 students. northshoremusicassociation.com

RIDGE RIDERS DRAG RACES

Jan. 24, Saturday Got a need for speed? Participate in the annual drag races on Devil Track Lake, held by the Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club. Compete in a variety of classes offered in double elimination style while racing down a 500-foot snow groomed track on a frozen inland lake. Race registration starts at 11 a.m. and the races start at noon. Prizes will be awarded inside Skyport Lodge after the races. There will also be raffles, Ridge Riders apparel for sale, and more. Proceeds from the drag races go to benefit grooming and maintenance of over 400 miles of snowmobile trails in Cook County. ridgeriders.club

Mark your calendars for the annual Ely Winter Festival, held Feb. 5-15. | SUBMITTED Boss suits during the height of “grunge” bought the creative freedom to drive on— and drive on they have. Powered now with passion, laughter, and comradery, Big Sugar’s throbbing bass lines, arena rock drums, and signature guitar tones bring the songs on Hemi-Vision to life. See Big Sugar live at 7:30 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online. tbca.com

Jan. 24, Saturday Big Sugar is celebrating three decades of the album that introduced “Diggin a Hole,” “If I Had My Way,” and “Gone for Good” to radio and MuchMusic fans across Canada. Big Sugar was an iron man test of musical endurance set against a backdrop of personal turmoil and creative pressure in the 1990s. The unlikely success of the Roots Rock Reggae crew in Hugo

Jan. 25, Sunday Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay is excited to launch a new Heritage Dinner series, featuring curated dinners by The Chanterelle, and celebrating the history and traditions of the diverse cultures who made historic Fort William their home. Robbie Burns Night celebrates the life and poetry of Scottish poet Robbie Burns. Enjoy a Burns Night-inspired dinner, along with rousing music, toasts, and poetry recitations. The symposium starts at 5 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m. Reservations required. fwhp.ca

BOUNDARY WATERS TRIP PLANNING PARTY

JOHN BEARGREASE SLED DOG MARATHON BIG SUGAR: HEMI-VISION TOUR

ROBBIE BURNS NIGHT

Jan. 25, Sunday Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. It’s also a qualifier for the famed Iditarod in Alaska. There are four races for mushers of all experience levels to enter: the 300-mile full distance marathon, the Beargrease 120, the Beargrease 40, and the Beargrease 120 Junior Class. The races start at 11 a.m. at Billy’s Bar in Duluth on Sunday, Jan. 25. The full distance marathon will finish at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 27. beargrease.com

Jan. 26, Monday Get ready for open water season with a Boundary Waters trip planning party in Ely, hosted by Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Swap routes, share maps, and hear short presentations packed with tips for your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or planning your first Boundary Waters trip, this is the perfect way to get inspired, connect with fellow paddlers, and make your Permit Day planning easier and more fun. Event will take place from 5:308:30 p.m. at the Ely Area Community Hub. facebook.com/bwcaw

LAKE SUPERIOR ICE FESTIVAL

Jan. 30-31 The Lake Superior Ice Festival, held on Barkers Island in Superior, features fun activities for the entire family. There will be ice carving demos and sculptures, a sledding hill, an ice carousel, a kids zone, a kubb tournament and demos, MIRA racing on the ice, winter mini golf, free tours at Fairlawn Mansion, hockey games, a kid’s

snowshoe obstacle course, a curling bonspiel, ice skating, bonfires, a cornhole tournament, fireworks, and so much more. A full schedule of events can be found online. lakesuperioricefestival.com

SHORTS IN WINTER FILM FESTIVAL

Jan. 31, Saturday The second annual Shorts in Winter Film Festival will take place Jan. 31 at the Two Harbors High School auditorium. This short film festival features films from North Shore residents, as well as Minnesota filmmakers. An opening ceremony will be held at 3 p.m., featuring refreshments and live music by Shore Thing. Films will begin screening at 4 p.m. Tickets to attend are available online. shortsinwinterfilmfest.com

ELY WINTER FESTIVAL

Feb. 5-15 The annual Ely Winter Festival features dozens of family-friendly activities, such as a snow sculpting symposium, snowshoe hikes, live music, a Winter Adventure Showcase, Dorothy Molter Museum tours and a fundraising dinner, a kubb tournament, a community spaghetti dinner, various art on display, a variety of classes at the Ely Folk School, and more. A full schedule of events can be found online. elywinterfestival.com

NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

January

9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thru Jan. 4

GM Film Society Monthly Screening

7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, facebook.com/groups/gmfilmsociety

Gayle Church: Fragile Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Jean Marshall: Gakina Gegoon Thunder Bay

CAB: Classic & Romantic String Quintets

Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru Jan. 5

7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

Duluth, glaquarium.org

Wendy Savage Exhibit: Ojibwe Adornment in Ribbons, Cloth, Beads, & Fur Duluth Art

Life at the Water’s Edge: Fabric Collages by Natalija Walbridge Great Lakes Aquarium,

Jan. 12-April 3

Thru Jan. 11

Institute, duluthart.org

Justine Gustafson: Agawaatebiigisin (it is reflected in the water) Thunder Bay Art

Carl Gawboy Exhibition: Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History Duluth Art

Thru Feb. 27

Jan. 13, Tuesday

Institute, duluthart.org

Gallery, theag.ca

Call of the Wild Poetry Night 4:30 p.m.

Faculty Biennial Tweed Museum of Art,

Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Duluth, tweed.d.umn.edu

Thru March 1

Jan. 16, Friday

Copper Thunderbird Survives with the Help of Water Spirits Thunder Bay Community

Introduction to Watercolor 10 a.m.

Auditorium, theag.ca

En Plein Air: Silver Islet Village & Mine Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com

Just before dawn: snow and ice on a rugged shoreline of Lake Superior. | KEN HARMON

Dec. 26-Jan 12

Holiday Music Series: Barbara Jean &

thunderbay.ca/christmas

Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Full Moon Bike Ride 6 p.m. Superstore Parking Lot, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/justbiketbay Full Moon Poetry 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com Full Moon Ski 6 p.m. Pincushion Trail System, Grand Marais, pincushionskiandrun.org

Christmas Tree Recycling Thunder Bay,

Jan. 1, Thursday

New Year’s Day First Day Hike 1 p.m. Tettegouche State

Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

Jan. 2, Friday

First Fridays Community Game Night & Dinner 5:30 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Mike Lewis 4 p.m. North Shore Winery,

Jan. 5, Monday

Fastest Known Paddle in Ely 6 p.m. Friends

Jan. 2-25

Scenes from the North Shore: Permanent Collection Exhibition (Reception Jan. 2 at 5

p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Jan. 2-31

of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Ely, facebook.com/bwcaw

Jan. 6, Tuesday

Greenland Sailing Adventures with Mark & Katya Gordon 5 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Artist of the Month: Paul LeJeunesse

(Reception Jan. 2 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/ tettegouche

Jan. 3, Saturday

Northwoods Winter Marathon & Half Marathon Championships 9:30 a.m. Lester Park, Duluth, duluthwintertrailseries.com Drop-in Craft: Handmade Games 10 a.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Jan. 7, Wednesday

Community Potluck 11:30 a.m.

Ely Community Center, ely.org/events

Jan. 8, Thursday

Craft Supply Swap 11:30 a.m. Two Harbors

Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com Trivia Night with WTIP 6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, upyonderon61.com

Jan. 9, Friday

Fabulous Friday After 5 5 p.m.

Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com 24

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

Friday Night Reels: Sinners 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Homegrown Winter Fiasco 7 p.m.

Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

TBSO: World (Music) Tour 2 p.m. &

7 p.m. Trinity United Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca Community Supper 5:30 p.m. United Church of Two Harbors, lovinlakecounty.com

Twin Ports, duluthhomegrown.org Caged-In: Nic Cage Film Festival 5:30 p.m. The Depot, Duluth, facebook.com/stlouiscountydepot

Jan. 16-17

Banff Centre Mtn Film Fest World Tour

Jan. 16-March 29

Jan. 9-10

7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Jan. 9-11

Norpine Fat Bike Classic Lutsen, superiorcycling.org

Jan. 9-March 8

Alpha Consumer Residency Concerts

7 p.m. North House Folk School: Yellow Building, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

Jannick Deslauriers & Angus Trudeau: Night Ship, Navire de Nuit Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Jan. 17, Saturday

Lockyer Boys: Locals Only 6 p.m.

Patricia Deadman: The Red Feather

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com Russell DeCarle Trio 7 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiant.ca

Jan. 10, Saturday

Bay, facebook.com/cambrianplayers

Evening Escapades Exhibition

Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Jan. 9-March 15

Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Intro to Ice Fishing 10 a.m.

Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche Duluth Wedding Show 10 a.m. Decc, Duluth, duluthweddingshow.com

Minnesota Author Meet & Greet: Karen Engstrom 1 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com

Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde 7:30 p.m. Cambrian Players, Thunder

Jan. 18, Sunday

Finland Winter Farmers Market 12:30 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com

Jan. 19, Monday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Free Entrance Day All Minnesota State Parks, mndnr.gov/freeparkdays

Women’s Ski Clinic 10 a.m.

Pincushion Trail System, Grand Marais, pincushionskiandrun.org

Jan. 20, Tuesday

Portage Land Storytelling 4:30 p.m. Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Jan. 21, Wednesday

TBSO: The Mayor’s Ball 7:30 p.m. Delta Hotel, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Jan. 25, Sunday

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Races Start 11 a.m. Billy’s Bar, Duluth,

Jan. 30-Feb. 22

Beargrease 40 Finish “The Pit,”

(Reception Jan. 30 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

beargrease.com

Boathouse Brewpub, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

Sled Dogs & Their Mushers 2 p.m.

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

Jan. 23, Friday

Banff Centre Mtn Film Fest World Tour

Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Jan. 26, Monday

Friday Night Reels: A Radiant Girl 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Jan. 23-25

Aurora Nights Family Festival Lutsen Mountains, lutsen.com

Jan. 24, Saturday

Meet the Mushers 8 a.m. Buffalo House, Esko, beargrease.com Hartley Park 10k 9:30 a.m. Lester Park, Duluth, duluthwintertrailseries.com

Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Drag Races 11 a.m. Skyport Lodge, Devil Track Lake, ridgeriders.club Snowshoe Hike to the Cascades 1 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche Big Sugar 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Dial M for Murder 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Two Harbors, beargrease.com Robbie Burns Night 5 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

History Happy Hour: Unions 5 p.m.

Jan. 30-Feb. 8

Beargrease 120 Finish Trestle Inn, Finland, beargrease.com

Boundary Waters Trip Planning Party

5:30 p.m. Ely Area Community Hub, facebook.com/bwcaw

Jan. 27, Tuesday

Beargrease Marathon Finish Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, beargrease.com

Friends of the Library 25 Cent Sale

Noon, Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Jan. 30, Friday

Junk Journals 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public

Jan. 31, Saturday

Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Fun Run

North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Wednesdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

9 a.m. Gunflint Trail, ridgeriders.club

Thursdays

Author Meet & Greet: Mark Langenfeld: Wisdom From the Woods 11 a.m. Zenith

Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com Shorts in Winter Film Festival 3 p.m. Two Harbors High School Auditorium, shortsinwinterfilmfest.com Father Daughter Ball 5 p.m. Decc, Duluth, fatherdaughterballduluth.org Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe 6 p.m. Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center, Duluth, facebook.com/boulderlakeelc

DSSO: Masterworks 3: Sibelius & Shostakovich 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth,

Date Night with Live Music 6 p.m. North

Fridays

Renegade Late Night Improv 10 p.m.

Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Saturdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m.

CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca What’s for Dinner? 7 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org

Sundays

Winter FunDays 2 p.m. Marina Park &

dsso.com

TBSO: Come to the Cabaret 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Jan. 31-Feb. 1

Lake Superior Ice Festival Barkers Island,

County Community Center, Grand Marais, cookcountycurlingclub.com

Superior, lakesuperioricefestival.com

Tuesdays

Locals Night with Live Music 4:30 p.m.

Northwoods Fiber Guild Exhibition

Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Jan. 30-31

WEEKLY EVENTS

Baggage Building Arts Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/winterfundays

Two-Person Champagne Bonspiel Cook

Loggin’ Food at its Finest

Lakeside Dining  Full Bar

11am-8pm Sun-Wed, 11am-9pm Thurs-Sat Lounge open later depending upon business

December 26—End of March

Lodge Front Desk

9am for Snowmobile Rentals NORTH SHORE WINERY 202 SKI HILL RD | LUTSEN, MN NORTHSHOREWINERY.US

Lakeside Cabins  24 Hr Gas

(218) 388-2265

35 miles from Grand Marais up the scenic Gunflint Trail 372 Hungry Jack Road | www.hungryjacklodge.com NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Over 600 ft of accessible Lake Superior Shoreline!

Solbakken Resort on Superior

FOR SALE

Solbakken Resort Solbakken represents a turn-key opportunity to own an established, income-producing resort with a loyal repeat guest base, enduring reputation, and strong growth potential. Its unmatched location combined with direct trail access, lakefront amenities, and expansion possibilities — makes this property uniquely positioned for continued success. With its loyal guest following, strong brand identity, and historical depth, Solbakken is both a thriving business and a lifestyle investment. It embodies Hygge — that Norwegian sense of warmth, contentment, and wellbeing — offering owners and guests alike a timeless connection to nature, community, and peace. For the visionary seeking both heart and return, Solbakken is more than a business — it’s a living legacy.

WORK. LIVE. PLAY. All In One Listed By: Inger Andress, Realtor® 218-216-7141 IngerAndress@edinarealty.com Solbakken Resort and Reservations: 800-435-3950 or 218-663-7566 solbakkensuperior.com 26

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

The North Shore Dish Anatomy of a Burger By Virginia George

Human beings need five resources in order to survive: air, water, shelter, sunlight, and… food. Food is not only necessary for survival, but it has been a community-building activity since the beginning of time, with plenty of societal rituals associated with it, from growing, harvesting, hunting, cleaning, storing, preparing, and consuming food within a community. In fact, I read a 2010 article published by the University of Maryland that discusses one of the earliest indications of community feasting in a Galilee burial cave dating back 12,000 years. There is certainly a difference between calories necessary for survival and food that is enjoyable to eat, but how do we bridge the gap from one to the other? There are entire fields of study dedicated to understanding taste and the science of food, which leads us to the question: What makes a good hamburger? There are many elements to a good burger, including flavor, texture, and ease of consumption. Now, I’m no scientist, but as far as I can tell, the following considerations need to be made in order to create a truly superior burger: Meat: Hamburger meat must not be too lean, lest it dry out. If it is too fatty, you’re left with a greasy feeling in your mouth, down your face, and a soggy bun that will fall apart before you’re finished. Burger meat can be supplemented with organ meats, breadcrumbs, herbs and spices, and eggs used to bind them together. The recipe for a burger patty is the foundation for what comes next. Vegetables: Vegetable toppings are an important part of a hamburger, as they not only impart flavor, but texture as well. The taste of lettuce on a burger would not be the same without the cool, crisp texture that accompanies it. Sauces: Sauces are another consideration for hamburgers. The herbs and spices must not clash with the flavors of the burger and other toppings, and the texture must be considered as well. The quantity of sauce is something to consider—enough to keep the dish moist, but not so much that the bun is destroyed. Then again, some burgers are loaded with sauce and delicious in their own right, but these are simply decisions that must be made intentionally. Bread: Burger bread is often overlooked, but the kind of bun a burger is placed on impacts the overall experience of a hamburger as well. The bread must be sturdy enough to carry the burger from start to finish of the meal, but it also must be soft enough not to compete with or overpower the other tex-

Burgers at Lake Superior Burger Co. in Two Harbors are made from Braveheart Black Angus beef, which is sourced from family farms in the Midwest. | SUBMITTED NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Gunflint Pines Reserve Your Winter Stay! Enjoy Fun in the Snow and Relaxing by the Fire 218.388.4454 www.gunflintpines.com 217 South Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, MN 55604

Betsy Bowen Studio & Gallery 301 First Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 218-387-1992

Burgers at Beefcakes Burger Factory in Thunder Bay are made from local, coarse-ground beef and seared at 400 degrees to achieve the Maillard reaction. | SUBMITTED

Original woodcuts, books, cards, local pottery and more.

tures and flavors within the burger. My unscientific, unsolicited, but mildly informed critique of burger development aside, choices are made, and ingredients are intentionally considered for those burgers that are truly one of a kind. Chefs and recipe creators work hard to develop a signature recipe that balances flavor, texture, and cost of production. Both Lake Superior Burger Co. in Two Harbors and Beefcakes Burger Factory in Thunder Bay have taken the time to understand what makes a good burger and pride themselves on the ingredients, flavor, and care that have gone into their offerings.

Two blocks uphill from Buck’s. Open 11-5 Thurs. - Sat.

woodcut.com

Lake Superior Burger Co., Two Harbors

Lake Superior Burger Co. opened in May 2024 as part of the Odyssey Resorts properties at Grand Superior Lodge. There, you’ll find stunning views of the lake and burgers they take pride in. Burgers at Lake Superior Burger Co. are made from Braveheart Black

Angus beef, which is sourced from family farms in the Midwest. Lake Superior Burger Co. serves a variety of smash burgers. Their classic Lake Superior Odyssey burger features two smash patties topped with gruyere and maple bacon sweet onion jam atop a buttery brioche bun. The CDBC Smash Burger is served with Castle Danger beer cheese atop a pretzel bun, with onion tanglers and American cheese. Lake Superior Burger Co. also offers a spicy burger with pepper jack, jalapeno relish, bacon, and pickled onion called the Ope, That’s Hot! Most burgers can be made gluten-free upon request, and they offer a vegan burger as well—the Imposter. The Imposter is an Impossible patty topped with pesto, lettuce, tomato, and feta. In addition to burgers, Lake Superior Burger Co. serves several sandwiches and other handheld dishes. The pork belly tacos are topped with seasoned cream cheese, greens, tomato, and pickled onions, and finished with a garlic sesame dressing. The

Gunflint Mail Run February 7, 2026 Pre-race Events: Feb 20 & 21 Race Day: Feb 22 wolftrackclassic.com

8:00 a.m. First team is off! Early afternoon – Teams begin arriving back at Trail Center from first course Teams have a 3 hour mandatory layover Mid-afternoon – Teams begin leaving for the second course Evening – Teams begin arriving back at Trail Center from the second course

Start, Finish & Mandatory Layover at: Trail Center Lodge, 7611 Gunflint Trail (30 miles from Grand Marais)

For more information:gunﬂintmailrun.com 28

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

Mile High Club features shaved turkey and smoked bacon served with lettuce, tomato, and lingonberry mayo on cranberry wild rice bread. Perhaps you’d finish dinner with a Lakeside Lifter Soda, a “classic” Minnesota soda (or pop) made with Diet Pepsi, lime, and coconut cream… Or a Pineapple Up North Cake—sparkling water, pineapple, vanilla, and grenadine with cream.

Beefcakes Burger Factory, Thunder Bay

Beefcakes Burger Factory is the brainchild of award-winning chef Derek Lankinen, where the focus is on local, quality ingredients and putting them together in new and interesting ways. Beefcakes burgers are made from local, coarse-ground beef and seared at 400 degrees to achieve the Maillard reaction. This chemical reaction occurs when amino acids and sugars interact when heated, creating a crunch and depth of flavor that hits all the right taste buds. Beefcakes Burger Factory pairs its burgers with locally grown, fresh ingredients. The menu at Beefcakes Burger Factory is full of delicious burgers, both simple and complex. The Swiss mushroom burger is exactly what you might expect: a burger with extra cheese, caramelized onion, and beef au jus, but they offer more adventurous burgers as well. The cheddar chipotle Daddy Dog comes with cheddar chipotle sauce, caramelized onions, bacon, their signature sauce, and crispy onions. If you’re really hungry, you might try the Bull: four patties stacked and loaded. You can add fries from potatoes grown at B+B Farms down the road, and, of course, the Canadian classic poutine. Beefcakes Burger Factory has a few vegetarian options as well, including the O.G. bean and oat veggie, and a yam and risotto veggie, in addition to several salad options. While we often think of burgers as a backyard sandwich, I think Lake Superior Burger Co. and Beefcakes Burger Factory would say that a truly delicious burger requires nuance and attention to detail. So, whether you like your burgers basic or bougie, try out Lake Superior Burger Co. or Beefcakes Burger Factory when you’re in the area.

Built for Fun By Hartley Newell-Acero

Stay Safe This Cozy Season As the temperatures drop and the snow falls, we cozy up indoors as a retreat. However, as we seal up and heat our homes in the cold, there are hazards to be on the look out for. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no odor, taste or color. It comes from burning fuels we use to heat our homes (propane, wood, gasoline, charcoal) in spaces/systems not properly ventilated. North Shore Health is here to help you prevent CO poisoning and provide care if you find yourself in harms way.



Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home

  

Check alarms monthly and replace batteries annually



Know the signs of CO poisoning and call 911 if you or your family experience them:

Make sure fuel-burning appliances are vented properly Never leave a car running in the garage– even if the door is open; clean snow out from the exhaust pipe when running



In the November issue, I wrote about how we can use our long winters to grow in the dark, instead of just hunkering down and hibernating. Happily, part of that growth can come through simply having fun. As adults, it’s easy to fall into the habit of thinking of fun as something that’s nice but not really necessary, and that play is just for kids. But, according to the National Institute for Play, it “serves profound developmental and psychological functions at all stages of life.” Play is vital to the well-being of humans—of every age. Which specific activities feel like play will vary from person to person, but they’ll always meet this general definition: play is voluntary, naturally motivated, and pleasurable. When you do something that feels fun, your brain has just gifted you with a shot of endorphins. These naturally occurring, mood-enhancing chemicals reduce stress and anxiety, while boosting relaxation and happiness. Having fun quiets worry and interrupts patterns of negative thinking. Play provides us with opportunities to enhance creativity, strengthen problem-solving, practice flexible thinking, and improve memory. Merriment doesn’t just benefit us as individuals. When joy is shared with others, it supports bonds between people and creates a sense of belonging. Having fun together builds trust, intimacy, and empathy. These connections help weave a support system that makes hard times easier and good times even better. As adults, finding the time and energy to horse around can seem like another task on an already long to-do list. Here’s a threestep “game plan” to help you get started: Identify what feels like play to you. What activities are easy for you to get started on and then lose track of time? When are you fully focused, engaged, and enjoying yourself? Keep in mind—play is not the opposite of work. Work can fit the definition of play. Relax into a playful perspective. Fun isn’t about a specific activity—it’s about the attitude with which an activity is done. How can you approach more of your everyday moments with curiosity, good humor, and openness? Put it on the calendar. What do you enjoy doing? What feels like a natural inclination, instead of an acquired obligation?

How can you prioritize these activities so that they don’t get forgotten or ignored? Common misconceptions about play are that it’s time-consuming and that it requires too much “stuff.” Neither of those are true. Even a few minutes of fun are beneficial, and it can often be had with items you already have on hand. Here are some ideas to get you started. Gather some friends and get serious about having fun—this winter and all year long. Beast Artiste—Get some blank paper and pencils, crayons, or markers. Pair up and draw each other... without looking at your paper. Reverse Charades—Instead of one person acting and the group guessing, a group acts, and only one person guesses. Puppet Master—One player leaves the room. The rest of the group picks a “Puppet Master.” They will make small, subtle movements (scratching nose, tapping foot), and the rest of the group copies them. The person who left returns and tries to guess who’s pulling the strings. Dictionary—Using either an online or physical dictionary, one person finds an obscure word. On a slip of paper, they write down the correct definition, while everyone else writes a fake one. The person that chose the word then reads them all out loud. Players vote on the real one and win points by choosing the correct definition, or by having another player choose theirs as the real one. The Sentence Game—Everyone gets a piece of paper and a pencil. Fold the paper along the short side so that you have 5 sections. Everyone writes a silly sentence in the top section, then passes it to the person next to them. They read the sentence, fold it back where it can’t be seen, and draw a picture of what they read. Everyone hands the picture to the person next to them, and they write a description of what they see. Alternate hiding the picture and description until the paper is full, then share. The Forbidden Word—When your crew gathers, choose one common word (like “drink,” “no,” or someone’s name) to be forbidden. If someone says it, they pay the agreed-upon silly penalty (sing a song or do a dance?). This game runs in the background while you’re having other fun and keeps everyone on their toes.



Headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, sleepiness, loss of muscle control, loss of consciousness If the alarm sounds, leave the house and call 911

For more information on Winter Indoor Air quality safety visit: https://www.epa.gov/ 515 5th Ave West, Grand Marais, MN 55604 218-387-3040 / NorthShoreHealthgm.org Community Access to Compassionate Care

P O P L A R H AU S GUNFLINT TRAIL

Dining with a view of Poplar Lake Call 218-388-2222 or visit poplarhaus.com for current hours and special events

ENING RE-OP BER DECEM ! 27TH

– Contemporary Northern Food – – Curated Craft Beer & Cocktails –

Home of the Gunflint Trail’s ONLY Liquor Store Open Daily @ 11am NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Northern Trails

Cold Weather Clothing on the Ice By Gord Ellis

There are few winter situations potentially colder than being out on the ice while fishing. The wind can blow down the lake, and -10 C (14 F) rapidly turns into a -30 C (-22 F) wind chill. Being improperly dressed for those conditions is both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. However, there is a lot of clothing and technology available now that can really keep you dry and toasty on the ice. Here are some of the products and tricks that will keep the chill off you this winter.

Boots

What you have on your feet will have a direct impact on how the rest of your body feels on the ice. Boots for ice fishing should be insulated, top off just below the knee, and be waterproof. Truly waterproof normally means an insulated rubber boot. Most boots made for snowmobiling and other winter activities have a rubber lower but leather or fabrics on top. These boots may be water resistant but often are not fully waterproof. If you get into slush on the ice, cold water can get into a boot that is not watertight. I have experienced the feeling of having ice water run into boots on ice, and it is not good. I once had to nearly cut a friend out of his winter “moon boots” when he got into the slush and they froze up on his feet. It could have been dangerous if we weren’t close to a cabin. Ice fishing boots should also be good to -40 C (-40 F) or lower. I like a decent amount of tread and at least one extra insole in the boot. Battery-operated heated insoles can be a real godsend in boots. The insoles apply just enough heat to evaporate perspiration. This little adjustment is a game changer, as frozen sweat is like packing your feet in ice. Good ice fishing boots are not cheap, but they are critical to your comfort.

Base Layers

The clothing you have against your skin is another critical element to keeping yourself warm in cold weather and on ice. Over the years, I’ve used a wide variety of base layer and underwear garments with wide-ranging results. I think merino wool base layers are the warmest for situations like ice fishing, where you may not be moving a lot. Wool provides great warmth and retains heat even when you are sweating. Merino wool products tend to be quite expensive, however. Many athletic-wear-style base layers are primarily polyester blends with elastin for stretch. Polyester base layers are especially good if you are active, such as when walking or snowshoeing into a lake. They also tend 30

JANUARY 2026

Alyssa Lloyd dressed for cold weather and showing off her success. | GORD ELLIS

NORTHERN WILDS

to be a little less bulky than wool and wick moisture well. There are wool-synthetic blends as well, which can provide the best of both. But if you are worried about getting cold on the ice, good old-fashioned merino is the choice.

Snow/Ice Suits

There was a time, not terribly long ago, when the only ice or winter suits you could get were made for skiing or snowmobiling. However, in 2026, there are a world of suits specifically made for ice fishing. A staggering number of companies, including Simms, Striker, FXR, and Clam, have clothing that is warm, water resistant, and features things ice anglers appreciate. These items include deep, zippered pockets; reinforced knees and seats; heavy-duty zippers that can be used with gloves; and an overall roomy fit for when you need to layer. A large hood that cuts the wind is also a valuable addition. Some ice suits have reflective tape for on-ice safety. And speaking of safety, several companies, including Mustang, have been making ice suits that will float you if the ice ever gives way—a good idea, especially if you ice fish early and late season. This may sound like an unlikely situation, but you’d only have to go through the ice once to appreciate being buoyant on the water. There are ice suits that are heavily insulated for very cold weather and being outdoors all day, and others meant for anglers who are in and out of a shelter and a little more active.

Battery powered insoles are a game changer on ice. | GORD ELLIS warmers into gloves is another way to improve comfort. You can also get battery-powered socks, but that starts to be a lot of battery power. My preference is to have a thin sock close to my feet—organic cotton, polyester, or nylon—and then a warmer merino wool sock on top. In some situations, a fleece sock can replace the wool sock. A thin fleece sock can also be a layer between two socks if your feet are that extra susceptible to cold.

Toques, Gloves, and Socks

Although gloves, toques, and socks are smaller-ticket items, very few of us would last long without any of them. Toques—or wool caps—are required in all but the mildest situations. Some have more insulation than others, and a wool cap that does well in ultra-cold weather may be a bit too much inside a shelter. Get yourself a nice selection. A balaclava or “face coat” is very useful in cold winds and when you are snowmobiling or driving an ATV to a fishing spot and wearing a helmet. Gloves are also a key part of the ice anger’s repertoire. I like insulated, fingered gloves for the actual ice fishing and for digging holes, setting tents up, etc. However, for sheer

Heated Vest Gord Ellis with high quality ice fishing bib pants and layered clothing. | GORD ELLIS warmth, you will want a good set of mitts. If you are driving a snowmobile, you’ll need insulated, windproof mitts that go well up your arm. A long mitten keeps the wind and snow off your hands. There are some very good battery-powered heated gloves that can really improve hand warmth. Inserting hand

In recent years, heated vests have become a favourite for outdoor-minded people. Many companies make these vests, which use a small, portable power source plugged into a USB port. The vests are adjustable with a built-in button to regulate heat. I have the Whitewater version of this vest, and it works extremely well. I highly recommend the heated vest to ice anglers as an additional way to fight off the cold. That’s a look at dressing for the ice and staying warm. Follow these basic guidelines, and I guarantee you will have the most comfortable season on the ice ever.

MINER’S PIT BY JOE SHEAD WHY GO: Located in Ely, Miner’s Pit is an abandoned iron ore mine that filled with water. The DNR stocks it heavily with trout, including frequent stockings of large brood stock fish. It offers good fishing from the fishing pier and is a very high-quality trout fishery. ACCESS: Miner’s Pit is located right in Ely. The boat launch and fishing pier are located on North Pioneer Road, near Grand Superior Lodge. VITALS: Miner’s Pit was formerly an iron ore mine, which closed in 1967. Once the mine was shut down, the pit began filling in with water. Today, this deep, crystal-clear lake spans 141 acres with a maximum depth of 140 feet. As a former mine, it’s not surprising that it is characterized by very steeply dropping slopes. There are also underwater standing trees on the east end. The shoreline is a mix of public and private ownership. The west end has some new trails that allow shore fishing access. On the east end, there’s a new parking lot. GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Trout, sunfish, and bass.

TROUT: “It’s a very well-used trout fishery,” said Keith Reeves, Tower area fisheries supervisor. “It tends to be a lake that we stock a lot of brood stock in.” Brent Flatten, assistant area supervisor, added, “We put almost incomprehensible trout numbers in there.” Translation: this is really good trout water. As far as stocking, the only thing that’s consistent is the DNR stocks 4,650 yearling rainbow trout in the pit annually. Beyond that, they stock whatever is available: sometimes brookies, sometimes browns. In 2023 they even stocked lake trout. Because the lake is easy for the DNR to get to and because it’s so pop-

ular with anglers, the DNR often dumps off their large brood stock fish in the pond after their “career” as spawners for the DNR’s stocking program is over. That means anglers could possibly catch a trout weighing 5 or maybe even 8 pounds. Flatten says some of those big brood stock rainbows were added this fall. Reeves said in summer, anglers troll near the surface with downriggers (watch out for those submerged trees on the east end). In winter, he says anglers try fishing along shore or by the flooded trees. Flatten recommends anglers fish about 10 feet below the ice in winter.

SUNFISH: The lake has decent numbers of sunfish. Although most anglers are here for trout, it’s possible to target sunnies as well. Heck, throw a waxworm on a small jig and you could catch anything. The east end trees are an obvious choice for panfish anglers. A slip bobber suspended just above the wood should be effective. Average size in the last survey was 6 inches, with the largest at 8.5, but you may be able to scratch out a few keepers. BASS: Miner’s Pit has both largemouth and smallmouth bass as well. The largemouth tend to get a little bigger. Reeve says he’s seen fish in the 15- to 18-inch range. Again, those flooded trees offer perfect cover for bass, as long as you can fish them without getting snagged. Smallies tend to be on the small side. They are more apt to be found on those steep-dropping slopes.

View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps

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SAWTOOTH RACING DOG BLOG

The Kid’s Race BY ERIN ALTEMUS Last March, over spring break, Sylvia, then age 7, had her first chance to mush a two-dog team. It would stand to reason that a child raised by mushers who talk about dogs, mushing, and dogsledding all the time had, unbeknownst to us, been listening, or at least absorbing our advice, beliefs, and theories about how to drive a team for the past seven years, and that her natural ability to drive a dog team far surpassed any of the handlers who had come through. We told Sylvia not to let go, and she did not. She tipped over several times, but she clung to the handlebar like a pro. Her instincts for maneuvering the sled—how to lean, turn, brake etc.—were spot on. After several successful runs last spring, she was excited to go again this winter, and at our first opportunity, we did just that. We have the bare minimum of snow necessary to run sleds from our kennel currently. It has been a cold December. Sometimes, on the really cold days, I talk myself out of training. But one evening, I could no longer avoid training even though the temperature was dipping below zero before I even left home. Twenty-seven miles later, despite the parka, hand warmers, and multiple layers of clothing, my toes were numb, and my mental state had succumbed to a chilly fate. I worked on a haiku while I rolled along out there, fine-tuning the syllable count after returning home: Five below zero ATV driver is numb And regrets her choices I think it was that next day that we pulled out the sleds. When we dragged them into the yard, the dogs recognized the change. They know when they are about to pull something more like a tin can than a cinder block through the woods, and their joy erupted. Kendra, our handler, and I sandwiched Sylvia’s small team between each of ours.

The puppies are now 13 weeks old. For now, they are still small enough to carry around. | MATTHEW SCHMIDT

Sylvia learned to mush her own team in March. She looks forward to her first race in January. | MATTHEW SCHMIDT

I was in front and tried not to get too far ahead of Sylvia. Each time Sylvia caught up, she struck up a conversation with me. “Mommy, did you see…” and then I would lose the rest of her sentence, and I could hear her talking her way down the trail. Each time she crept closer, she’d strike up the conversation again, seemingly oblivious to whether I was actually paying attention. Sylvia is in her second year on the YMCA swim team, and has found herself to be quite a talented swimmer with an especially great backstroke (proud parent here). I asked Syl-

via one day if she would rather attend a swim meet in early January or go with us to a dog race and do the kids’ race there. “That isn’t even a question,” Sylvia replied. “Go to the dog race, of course.” In January, we will head to Newberry, Mich., and Sylvia will participate in her first sled dog race, likely racing with her two favorite dogs, Itsy and Teddy. Right now, there are six other kids signed up, so it should be a good time watching the kids compete out there. That first sled ride was okay with five dogs on my team. When we arrived home, I told Kendra that went pretty well, but “I wouldn’t want more than five dogs.” “Oh God no,” she replied. Later that week, it snowed two more inch-

es, so I thought, “We should just take eightdog teams.” That’s what we did. We hitched up two eight-dog teams and left on the safer (maybe) of our two trails. For the first mile, I very much regretted my decision as I bounced off trees with my body, nearly overturned my sled, and careened through a creek at breakneck speed. The rest of the run wasn’t so bad, though sometimes I could feel the rocks and gravel in the trail, but then we had to do that final mile back into the kennel all over again. “I don’t think I’ll do that again,” I told Kendra when we got home. “Oh God no,” she said. No more sleds for now; it’s back to the ATV. Running dogs with the ATV is not why mushers mush, and I could—and probably have—expounded in other blogs about the cold. The miles take longer to run, and for us, the trails options are few and far between, so we just do the same out and backs over and over and over. My better runs are the days when it’s not quite so cold, and I have a good book in the headphones and nothing too crazy happens, like a tree across the trail that causes the front end to bunch up and a dog to jump on another dog and start a fight. Or, at our tight turn around, the second team decides, no, they won’t follow the first team; they will “cut them off at the head!” thereby causing a massive tangle, more fighting, and a gangline around the ATV tire. Or maybe the ATV just dies. And there you are with 14 dogs and a dead machine. But what would running dogs be without a story? Most days, though, I’m pretty happy to have a smooth run with good sensation in all my digits. It’s a welcome sight on a cold evening to come back to the lit-up dog yard, fill their bellies, and then my own. That’s all in a day’s training, and the next day we will do it again.

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JANUARY 2026

Tofte A Norwegian Immigration Story By Brian Tofte and Terry Tofte

NORTHERN SKY JANUARY 2026 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

X-Presso Books, 2025, $19.95 Tofte: A Norwegian Immigration Story explores how Norwegian immigrants carved out a life along Minnesota’s rugged North Shore in Tofte. Brian and Terry Tofte, grandsons of town co-founder Andrew Tofte, combine family history with the larger story of fishing, logging, and tourism in a changing town. With more than 50 historic black-andwhite photographs, the book feels both personal and archival. It is especially suited for readers who enjoy local history grounded in place and memory.—Breana Johnson

Blooming Hollyhocks Tales of Joy During Hard Times By Naomi Helen Yaeger Beaver’s Pond Press, 2025, $16.95 Duluth journalist and Northern Wilds contributor Naomi Helen Yaeger turns family history into a tender portrait of resilience in Blooming Hollyhocks. The book follows her mother, Janette Minehart, coming of age in rural Minnesota during the Great Depression and World War II, blending memoir with narrative nonfiction. Photos, maps, and a family tree deepen the sense of place. Readers drawn to nostalgic stories of faith, family, and small-town life will find much to savor here.—Breana Johnson

Natural Life A Poetic Field Guide By Stanley Kusunoki Nodin Press, 2025, $17 Natural Life: A Poetic Field Guide moves through gardens, classrooms, and memories, tracing how human lives are tied to the natural world. Stanley Kusunoki’s poems are curious, tender, and sometimes quietly angry, shaped by his life as a teacher and observer. The collection feels welcoming without ignoring hard truths. This is a good read for anyone who enjoys reflective nature poetry rooted in everyday life. —Breana Johnson

JANUARY 2026

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The new year opens with its usual dazzling display of bright stars and constellations, this year featuring “guest star” Jupiter. The panoply of stars will all be assembled in the east to southeast by about 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day, and earlier as the days go by. Last to appear is Sirius, the brightest of stars, in the dim constellation Canis Major, the big dog. Only about 8.6 light-years from the sun, Sirius owes its brightness to its proximity. Above and slightly west of Sirius, the hourglass form of Orion, the hunter, is bright and easy to spot, thanks to the three closely spaced stars of his belt. Above and east of Sirius, bright Procyon represents Canis Minor, the little dog. Above Procyon, near the eastern edge of the display, Jupiter hovers below the Gemini twin stars, outshining even Sirius. To the west you’ll see the lovely Pleiades star cluster near Aldebaran, the eye of Tau-

rus, the bull. Crowning the display is Capella, the jewel of the constellation Auriga, the charioteer. During the night of January 2nd to 3rd, a full moon steals the show as it glides into Gemini. This will be another supermoon, closer to Earth and brighter than most full moons. The next night, a slightly thinner moon accompanies Jupiter on its journey across the sky. On the night of January 9th to 10th, Earth passes between Jupiter and the sun, an event called opposition because the planet will then be opposite the sun in the sky. Although Earth and Jupiter come relatively close at that moment, Jupiter remains so distant that it will be hard to notice any brightening. Earth reaches perihelion—the closest point to the sun in its orbit—on the morning of the 3rd. At that time, we’ll be 91.4 million miles from the sun and traveling at top speed.

The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses. For more information on Duluth, visit: d.umn.edu/planet.

Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Wiigwaas Meme Birch Pileated Woodpecker By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman

I recently went to Gichi-onigamiing (Grand Portage) to visit inawemaaganag (relatives) and to put down an asemaa (tobacco) offering at Manidoo-giizhikens (Spirit Little Cedar Tree) before biboon (winter) fully arrives. I had finished visiting with inawemaaganag (relatives) and niiji (friends) and decided to take a break to drive down along Gitchi-Gami (Lake Superior). When I was leaving, I was told to be careful as a bizhiw (lynx or bobcat) had left tracks near Manidoo-giizhikens (Spirit Little Cedar Tree). While driving along the water, I saw a quick flash of red fly by and couldn’t make out what bird relative had gifted me with a quick visit. I got my asemaa (tobacco), got out of the car, and headed into the woods. I had only been walking for a few minutes when I saw a flash of red right in front of me and realized that two memeg (pileated woodpeckers) were chasing each other around the trunk of a wiigwaas (birch tree). I couldn›t help but wonder if one of them had flown by my car a few moments earlier. I stood there watching them before continuing on my way to Manidoo-giizhikens (Spirit Little Cedar Tree) before sunset. This newest piece honors both visits from these wonderful, winged relatives.

Follow my studio on Facebook and Instagram @CraneSuperior or if you have ideas for a North Shore painting, you can email me at: cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.

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NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Strange Tales

The Enduring Mystery of UFOs By Elle AndraWarner

In the past few years, there has been renewed interest in what used to be called Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), now replaced in official circles by the term Unidentified Aerial (or Anomalous) Phenomena (UAP). Though mentions of strange things in the sky go back a long time, it wasn’t until 1947 that sightings began to receive increased attention. That was the year when U.S. pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing nine shiny, high-speed, disc-shaped objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier, Washington. Describing their motion like “a saucer if you skip it across water,” the U.S. press gave the objects the term “flying saucer,” sparking the start of what has been called the modern UFO era. So, what was the scientific view of UFOs at the time? Professor Hermann Oberth, one of the founders of rocketry and modern astronautics, is quoted in The American Weekly on October 24, 1954: “It is my thesis that flying saucers are real and that they are spaceships from another solar system.” He added, “I think that they possibly are manned by intelligent observers… that may have been investigating our Earth for centuries.” Around Northern Wilds, there’s been an ongoing number of reported UFO sightings, including the famous 1953 Kinross Incident (F-89C Scorpion jet appeared to merge with UFO on radar and disappeared over Lake Superior), and in 1965, two sailors witnessed, about one-quarter mile from their ship, a soundless, wingless, cigar-shaped object about 600 feet (182 m) above Lake Superior. On August 20, 1966, a UFO heading northeast was detected by a Duluth-based U.S. Air Force radar observer about 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Finland. Seconds later, the radar sweep showed the object had become stationary, hovering in the Finland area for about 10 minutes. Two F-102 Delta interceptor aircraft were scrambled from Duluth. The pilots reported they were within six miles of a flat, grey disk about 30 feet (9 m) in diameter when it accelerated, and was detected on radar over Grand Marais before disappearing. Then, almost a year later in July 1967, military personnel at the BOMARC (Boeing– Michigan Aeronautical Research Center) interceptor missile launch facility north of Duluth at Minnesota’s French River reported that a round, extremely bright light was hovering five to six feet directly above the nuclear missile silo. At the same time, the missile blast doors had become inoperable. Coincidence? The UFO, which had also been detected by Duluth radar, then flew away. 36

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

[ABOVE] Astronaut Edgar Mitchell,

the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 14 mission (Jan. 31 to Feb. 9, 1971), stands by the U.S. flag planted on the moon, as mission commander Alan B. Shepard, Jr. takes a photograph. | NASA [LEFT] On Nov. 23, 1953, a F-89C

Scorpion jet piloted by Felix Eugene Moncla, Jr. and radar operator Robert Wilson mysteriously disappeared over Lake Superior while chasing a UFO. There is a memorial for Moncla at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Moreauville, Louisiana. | WIKIMEDIA: GORDHEATH

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1301 W. Hwy. 61, Grand Marais The first spaceflight to land humans on the moon was Apollo 11, July 1624, 1969. The crew consisted of [LEFT TO RIGHT]: mission commander Neil Armstrong; command module "Columbia" pilot Michael Collins; and lunar module "Eagle" pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, the last surviving crew member and the oldest living astronaut, at age 95. | NASA Moving forward 20 years to May 6, 1987, Thunder Bay’s Times-News newspaper reported an incident on board a Canadian Airlines Boeing 737 flying from Toronto to Winnipeg, piloted by Rick Olsen. While north of Thunder Bay, the plane’s weather-system radar detected a strong signal from a large object about 50 miles (80 km) away, streaking across the sky at 5,100 mph (8,208 km/h). Olson tracked the object for four minutes and later told the reporter, “This return indicated something six times the size of a 747, about the size of an aircraft carrier.” Nine years later, on December 28, 1996, a UFO sighting received local media attention when dozens of Thunder Bay residents reported seeing a silvery object over Lake Superior’s Sibley Peninsula, home to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. And what do astronauts think about UFOS? The commander of NASA’s last moon-landing mission, Apollo 17 (1972), and the last person to walk on the moon, Eugene Cernan (1934-2017), was quoted in the LA Times: “I’ve been asked and I’ve said publicly I thought they were somebody else, some other civilization.” Astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), the youngest of NASA’S seven original Mercury astronauts, told a United Nations panel in 1985, “I believe that these extraterrestrial vehicles, and their crews, are visiting this planet from other planets, which obviously are a little more technically advanced than we are here on Earth … I can now reveal that every day in the USA, our radar instruments capture objects of form and composition unknown to us.” Edgar “Ed” Mitchell (1930-2016), the NASA astronaut who walked on the moon in 1971 during the Apollo 14 mission, said on a British radio show on July 23, 2008: “I happen to have been privileged enough to be in on the fact that we’ve been visited on this planet, and the UFO phenomena is real.” NASA astronaut Neil A. Armstrong (1930-2012), commander of Apollo 11, the first moon landing in 1969, and the first

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Astronaut Edgar Mitchell studies a map on Feb. 6, 1971, while walking on the surface of the moon. | NASA person to walk on the moon, made an interesting comment on the 25th anniversary of the historic mission: “There are unimaginable wonders… for those who can remove some of Truth’s protective layers.” In addition, politicians have been making their views known for years. For example, in September 2005, Canada’s former Minister of National Defence, Paul Hellyer (19232021), publicly announced that he believed in the existence of UFOs, and nine years later said aliens have visited Earth. Oh, and stay tuned. On December 19, 2025, the mysterious interstellar object known as 31/ATLAS, which has been manoeuvring at 130,000 mph (209,214 km/h) around our solar system, will have made its closest approach to Earth when it is 170 million miles (270 million km) away. Scientists will be watching it closely, and, hopefully, can clear up the speculation: is it a comet, or an alien vehicle?

Northern Wilds Real Estate Covering the communities in the North Shore area from Duluth, MN past Thunder Bay, Ont. Check in with any of our advertising Real Estate Agents for information on how to buy or sell your property. Subscribe to our free online magazine with listings: northernwilds.com

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NORTHERN WILDS

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FROM DREAM to D E E D and Everything in Between We don’t just help you buy and sell homes on the North Shore—we also offer services that go beyond the transaction: property valuation, land planning, business development strategy, and creative financing solutions. We’re your long-term real estate partner—not just your agent. N O T B I G - B O X R E A L E S TAT E . THOUGHTFUL, LOCAL EXPERTISE.

MEET OUR AWESOME TEAM

MOLLY O’NEILL | Agent

MIKE LARSON | Associate Broker

(218) 370-2079 molly@lutsenrealestategroup.com

(218) 370-1536 mike@staycvr.com

SARENA CROWLEY Agent and Co-owner

CLAIR STODDARD Co-owner

NORTHERN WILDS

STEVE SURBAUGH Broker and Co-owner

JANUARY 2026

218-387-2131 800-732-2131 101 West highway 61 grand marais, mn 55604

LAKE HOMES & CABINS

185/187 Sag Lake Trail Discover a rare luxury retreat at the very end of the Gunflint Trail on pristine Gull Lake. This four-bed, three-bath home sits on five private acres with 467 feet of shoreline, offering unmatched tranquility, world-class fishing, and direct BWCAW access. Enjoy a gourmet kitchen, lakeview dining, a spacious living room with stone fireplace, and a sunlit deck. The main-floor primary suite features panoramic views and a spa-style bath. Two additional bedrooms, a bonus room, two rustic guest cabins, heated garages, and a large workshop complete this exceptional Northwoods property—an extraordinary and scarce lakeside opportunity.

MLS 6120188

$1,399,000 92 Erickson Trail Experience rare seclusion on this 10-acre lakeside retreat with 700 feet of pristine Pancore Lake shoreline—one of only two cabins on the lake, with the entire opposite shoreline protected by U.S. Forest Service land. This fully furnished, hand-hewn log cabin features massive logs, vaulted ceilings, pine floors, and a striking native stone fireplace. The main-floor primary bedroom offers floor-to-ceiling lake views, while two spacious sleeping lofts welcome guests. A second log cabin serves as a bunkhouse or studio, complemented by a separate bathhouse for comfortable off-grid living.

MLS 6121427

$749,900 1480 Devil Track Rd It’s all about the lake! This 4-bedroom, 3-bath retreat sits on the desirable north shore of Devil Track Lake, blending Northwoods charm with modern comfort. Enjoy lake views throughout, a welcoming three-season porch, a bright kitchen with large island and premium appliances, and a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace. The main floor includes laundry, a full bath, and guest bedroom. Upstairs, the primary ensuite offers built-in storage and a private lakefront balcony. A walk-out lower level adds a spacious family room. Features include hot tub area, heated workshop/garage, new mini-split, new dock, and updated shingles.

MLS 6117794

$748,500 w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

218-387-2131 800-732-2131 101 West highway 61 grand marais, mn 55604

HOMES & CABINS

pending

535 Humphrey Circle

2895 Hwy 61 E

Split-entry 3BR/2BA Grand Marais home with fenced yard, garage, and deck access from primary bedroom and kitchen. Features vaulted ceilings, bright open layout, large family room with bar, plus lower-level bedroom and bath.

Charming 2BR home on 3 private acres near Grand Marais with Lake Superior views, vaulted living room, fireplaces, spacious kitchen, and direct shoreline access. Includes two-car garage and borders Federal land for added seclusion.

MLS 6121959 • $529,990

MLS 6122369 • $479,900

LAND 78 Troll’s Trail Affordable Lake Superior lot with a beautiful view! 300’+ shared lakeshore and 7A shared land.

3xx 9th ave w Large, beautifully landscaped 10,000sqft lot in Grand Marais awaits your perfectly designed home. Could be split into two lots.

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ing

MLS 6119033 • $79,900

MLS 6122924 • $147,900

1541 Camp 20 Road

1XX W 13th Ave

7xx County Road 6

Off-grid 1BR cabin on 37 wooded acres with Lake Superior views and adjoining state land. Features covered deck, wood stove, storage buildings, trails, and nearby trout fishing—an ideal private North Shore wilderness escape.

Nicely wooded and surveyed Grand Marais city lot. Road and utilities not brought in yet.

107 acres near Grand Marais with creek frontage, federal land access, and endless possibilities for building & recreation.

MLS 6122481 • $139,900

MLS 6118743 • $59,900

MLS 6122995 • $399,900

3x skye ridge

Tom Lake

Charming bunkhouse with cozy sleeping loft, nestled on 6.9A with the Little Devil Track River as the northern boundary line. Electric & broadband available.

Serene Tom Lake lot with over 150’ of easily accessible shoreline, year-round access and completed driveway.

mls 6120074 • $154,900

MLS 6120208 • $159,900

w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Red Pine Realty

Locally owned and operated since 1996 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN | 218-387-9599 V I S I T O U R O F F I C E T O S P E A K W I T H A R E A LT O R . O F F I C E H O U R S : M O N - S AT 1 0 A M - 4 P M

REALTORS®: Sue Nichols, Broker • Jake Patten, Assoc. Broker • Jess Smith • Melissa Gregg • Mike Raymond Rebecca McAllister • Casey O’Brien • Alice McFarlane, Admin.

FEATURED LISTING

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

NEW! TAIT LAKE PINES BUILDABLE LOT

Brand new build ready for your final touches, featuring Lake Superior views! Majority of the hard work is done with a brand new well, septic system, power and broadband in place. In floor heat ready to be connected and a Grundfos constant pressure water system ready to be turned on. Open concept with a wall of unique windows.

Welcome to Tait Lake Pines! Build your dream cabin in the woods! Peaceful setting on 2.37 acres. Complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views, maintained roads, year-round accessibility and access to power and broadband! As a member of the association, you'll enjoy 2 private boat launch areas.

MLS#6123088 $399,000

MLS#6123050 $58,000

HOMES AND CABINS

FEATURED LISTING

SALE ING PEND FEATURED LISTING THREE BEDROOM HOME

GRAND MARAIS HOME

Modest three bedroom, two bathroom modular house on a large city lot with distant Lake Superior views. Includes a spacious two car detached garage. Needs some minor TLC, but can be moved into and lived in right now.

Carefree living in the heart of Grand Marais. Home has been totally updated in recent years. The only thing to decide is which of the beautiful spaces to relax in! A perfect home for entertaining and relaxing inside or in the beautifully landscaped yard. Lots of storage in the lower level and attached garage. Walk anywhere in Grand Marais and come home to enjoy views of the lake.

MLS#6123090 $249,900

MLS#6123019 $474,900

www.RedPineRealty.com • info@RedPineRealty.com 42

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

V I S I T O U R O F F I C E T O S P E A K W I T H A R E A LT O R . B U S I N E S S H O U R S : M - F 9 A M - 5 P M , S AT 1 0 A M - 4 P M LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

LAKE SUPERIOR LOT

LAKE SUPERIOR HOME & GUESTHOUSE

Imagine waking each morning to the sound of Lake Superior waves rolling onto your rugged shoreline, with 224ft of boulder beach and ledge rock. Set on 4.92 acres in a quiet neighborhood, property is ready for your vision. Gravel driveway leads to a partial build pad. Electricity in place with standard 30-amp & 50-amp service. Septic system installed. Internet available nearby.

Lake Superior paradise on 1.5 acre property that balances privacy with convenience. Thoughtfully designed home offers one-level living with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Primary bedroom features a patio door out to the deck and wall of windows overlooking the lake. Charming seasonal guesthouse with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Two stall garage provides convenient storage.

MLS#6121329

$435,000

MLS#6120875

$1,100,000

INLAND LAKE PROPERTIES

SOLD

CABIN ON BAPTISM RIVER Recently renovated 2-bedroom cabin that's been completely transformed down to the studs. Charming 512 sq ft property offers modern, eco-friendly living with solar power and a composting toilet system. The almost 14 acre property has over 700 ft of Baptism River shoreline and abuts state land.

TOM LAKE CABIN About as close as you can get to the lake without getting your feet wet! The cabin has been completely rebuilt in the last few years. It's all been done. You get to come and relax! The home is insulated and heated for winter use. Tom Lake has many fans, who enjoy all four seasons in this special area.

MLS#6122665 $169,000

MLS# 6123104 $349,900

LAND/BUILDING SITES

MLS#

ADDRESS

CITY

PRICE

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

6121839 6120357 6117698 6122031

5361 HWY 61 W LOT 2 BLOCK 6 PINE PEAK RD XX TEMPERANCE LANDING 4873 NORTH RD

LUTSEN LUTSEN SCHROEDER HOVLAND

$179,000 $55,000 $155,000 $350,000

3.30 2.15 .14 25.03

COMMERCIAL LOT DEEDED ACCESS TO TAIT LAKE BUILDABLE LOT LOT WITH BUILDING PAD, DRIVEWAY, POWER & BROADBAND

R E C E N T LY S O L D ADDRESS

CITY

SOLD PRICE

PROPERTY TYPE

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

8915 CRAMER RD 2XX N GUNFLINT LAKE RD 184 COUNTY RD 14 461 MOOSE VALLEY RD

FINLAND GRAND MARAIS GRAND MARAIS HOVLAND

$205,000 $200,000 $550,000 $129,000

INLAND LAKE CABIN INLAND LAKE LOT BUILDABLE LOT CABIN

6.00 1.35 40.0 21.85

NINEMILE LAKE CABIN GUNFLINT LAKE LOT PANORAMIC LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

LOG CABIN

www.RedPineRealty.com • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Happy New Year!

Start off the Year Right on the North Shore!

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local (218) 663-8777 Toll free (877) 664-8777

HOMES ON THE WATER! WOLF LANDING ON LAKE SUPERIOR! Soak in the views that go on for days from this

Grand Home in Hovland! Located on Stonegate Rd, this 3-bedroom home sits on 11+ acres with 317’ of frontage on Lake Superior! Plenty of elbow room for your wander and explore the wonder of the Big Lake. Inside you have tons of space for everyone to enjoy, from the Family room with its Prow of windows overlooking the endless waters and stone fireplace to add to the ambiance, to the Rec room downstairs that walks out to the gorgeous realm of pavers, landscaping, raised beds, boreal florals of every kind. Not to mention the spacious Kitchen with its granite countertops, giving you space to cook all your favorite meals. Then end your days in your primary bedroom, soaking in the tub or listening to the waves from your private balcony. Visit today and make your Up North Dream a reality! MLS#6122114 $1,225,000

PRICE REDUCED!

E L A S ING D N E P CLAR A LAKE RETREAT IN LUTSEN! MLS#6120362 $375,000

D L O S ELEMENTAL WONDERS OF LAKE SUPERIOR IN LUTSEN! MLS#6122471 $1,150,000 NEW! TANGLED UP IN VIEW! Mountain top living in Lutsen, this

home exudes Views! Both of Tait Lake in Lutsen as well as the ridgeline to Murphy Mountain and Cut Face Creek toward Grand Marais! Built on to the ledgerock of a ridge almost as high as Eagle Mountain, and only 30 minutes to Lutsen, this home has a great locale to both the Boundary Waters Brule Lake Entry point and the Best Skiing in the Midwest! The Main floor features a great room with large stone fireplace and open concept kitchen/dining/family room space, along with a main floor bedroom, laundry room, and don’t forget the screened porch for the bug season! Upper level is all about the views, with primary en suite bedroom and den space. As part of the Tait Lake Association, owners can utilize the two canoe launches for day trips on the lake in the summer or to launch your fishing boat for a day on the lake. No vacation nor commercial rentals are allowed as part of the Tait Lake Association, so you need not worry about noisy neighbors! Tait Lake is all about environmental awareness and living at peace with the wilderness and your neighbors!

MLS# 6122990 $575,000

FIND THOSE NEW LISTINGS FIRST!! EMAIL INFO@TIMBERWOLFFREALTY.COM TO SIGN UP FOR AUTO EMAIL! 44

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

Happy New Year!

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local (218) 663-8777 Toll free (877) 664-8777

Start off the Year Right on the North Shore!

HOMES, HOMES, HOMES, READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM!! KICK BACK AND RELA X IN THIS CARIBOU TR AIL HOME IN LUTSEN! This 3-bedroom

home sits on 5 acres of prime location! From the spacious Kitchen to the large basement, you have plenty of room! Attached 2 car garage makes for great storage! The home is solid and well maintained, and is close to all the action: Lutsen Mts, Superior National Golf Course, Hiking, XC and Snowmobile Trails, Grand Marais, the BWCA, boating and exploring Caribou Lake – on and on, it’s endless Northwoods fun. Visit today!

MLS#6121594 $399,000

D L O S CHARMING HOME IN GR AND MAR AIS! MLS#6122149 $435,000

Ask about additional 47 acres package! MLS#6120632 $999,000

D L O S TIMBERFR AME HOME NESTLED IN THE MAPLES! MLS#6121299 $449,000

VACANT LAKESHORE PARCELS! THE ROAD LESS TR AVELED ON DEVILFISH LAKE! 69 acres and

NEARLY 1500F T OF LAKESHORE ON DEVILFISH LAKE AND WILDERNESS POND! With these 67 acres of land comes a sweet pond and wetland area for fantastic wildlife viewing!. Go out and enjoy this boreal forest and lakeshore wilderness! $550,000 MLS#6122626

2360 feet of shoreline! Enjoy two islands on as part of this lakeshore parcel! Large enough to build on if you are so inclined, or just paddle the short distance from the mainland build sites to enjoy an island picnic! Come experience the Wilderness on Devilfish Lake!!

MLS#6122624 $600,000

3800+ FEET OF PRIME LAKESHORE ON DEVILFISH LAKE, INCLUDING ISLANDS!

A Rare Opportunity to own MOST of the private land on Devilfish Lake, located up the Arrowhead Trail. This is a fabulous opportunity to own 135+ acres with of prime shoreline on Devilfish Lake! What more could you ask for in your Wilderness Lakeshore Retreat! $950,000 MLS#6122627

VISIT US AT TIMBERWOLFFREALTY.COM CHECK OUT OUR WEEKLY BLOG AND FACEBOOK POSTS OF FUN TIMES ON THE NORTH SHORE! NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Happy New Year!

Start off the Year Right on the North Shore!

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local (218) 663-8777 Toll free (877) 664-8777

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! LUTSEN AREA BOREAL FOREST IN LUTSEN WITH ACCESS TO TAIT LAKE! Gorgeous trees and

high ground are just a couple features this land offers! Fiber and Electric at Road, this land is build ready. As part of LUTSEN AREA the Tait Lake Assoc. enjoy folks that are environmentally E 40 ACRES A STONE’S THROW TO THE aware and at peace with theL Great Northwoods! Shared SA G N I BRULE LAKE ENTRANCE ROAD IN canoe launch is just a few minutes’ D walk from the land N E LUTSEN! Sweet views of surrounding lakes from the Pto paddle around the lake, or enjoy for when you want SCHROEDER AREA highest point of this 40 in an excellent location along the the hiking trails meandering through the Tait Lake 11 PLUS ACRES JUST 8 MILES FROM THE Grade Rd. Year round access, and electric and fiber are along area. Perfect Retreat Spot to build your getaway cabin! CROSS RIVER IN SCHROEDER! You’ve driven one side of the Grade Road. Great location for a Fishing MLS#6120556 $55,000 by this nice parcel during a Fall leaf color tour on the Camp and eventual home or development! Minute’s to the Cramer Rd, a beautiful area for your getaway cabin! Year ACREAGE IN LUTSEN! Rare opportunity to have Caribou Trail in Lutsen, or keep on going to the Ball Club round County Rd access, electric and fiber at the road. Level 34 acres in Lutsen on the Caribou Trail! Plenty of space for Road to Devil Track Rd to Grand Marais! Mature forest, build site, boreal forest for great wildlife viewing! Lots of great spot. 40 acres too much? Seller’s will sell the East 20 for you to explore and create your own getaway with wildlife recreational opportunities just minutes away including $169,000! MLS#6120782 $299,900 as neighbors! Create a development or keep it all for fishing, hiking and biking the old railroad grade, or toe yourself, why not? MLS#6120814 $300,000 dipping in Lake Superior! MLS#6118380 $74,000 NEW PRICE! GRAND MARAIS AREA PRICE REDUCED!

PLENTY OF ROOM TO EXPLORE IN SCHROEDER! Just south of Sugarloaf Cove in

Schroeder, and overlooking Lake Superior, are 40 acres of elbow room awaiting a new lover of the North Shore! Hard to find a large acreage parcel, easily accessible, and pitched just so to provide evocative, energizing views of the The Big Lake. Current owners have provided a good start: put the driveway in, cleared a building-site, set up the firepit, heck they even planted a few apple trees. Now it’s your turn to start creating YOUR DREAM! Begin with a little getaway place, put your own touches on the land. Or make it the homestead. Come have a look, stand in the middle of your own 40, deep and away from the cares and worries of modern life. MLS# 6119000 $349,000 PRICE REDUCED!

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARCELS OF LAND IN THE LUTSEN AREA! Located on the corner of the Caribou and South Caribou, this land is high ground and magnificent in the Fall with the mature maple forest. A Syruper’s DREAM property, make this your own homestead or develop it utilizing the new County zoning ordinance for denser development surrounded by Green Space! Year round access via County roads, and electric and fiber at road. MLS#6120783 $499,000

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON 120 ACRES OF MANICURED FOREST LANDS AND EXPANSIVE LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS!

There’s a rough road accessing the property from Bally Creek Rd, just ten minutes west of downtown Grand Marais! Views from the TOP of Murphy Mountain are astounding, not only overlooking Lake Superior, but looking toward the North as well! Gate on property, shown by appointment only. MLS#6122477 $1,200,000

TOFTE AREA WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE GETAWAY ON THE NORTH SHORE IN TOFTE! You

have plenty of space to build your dream cabin or yearround home on this 2+ acre lot. Views of Lake Superior. Located right in the middle of Tofte, you have access to bike trails and snowmobile trails and tons of inland lakes! Visit today and start your next adventure! MLS# 6121512 $129,000 PRICE REDUCED!

FIND THOSE NEW LISTINGS FIRST!! EMAIL INFO@TIMBERWOLFFREALTY.COM TO SIGN UP FOR AUTO EMAIL! 46

JANUARY 2026

NORTHERN WILDS

CATCHLIGHT

bobcat

I drove up the Gunflint Trail after a fresh snowfall on a tip that a bobcat was in the area. As soon as I turned off on the road, I saw fresh tracks and knew it was close. To my good fortune, it came out of a patch of spruce, crossed the road, and disappeared into the brush.—Paul Sundberg

NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2026

Unspoiled. Spectacular. Unforgettable.

on the Gunflint Trail

• Family oriented, year-round resort – ski from your cabin door • 11 fully equipped, modern housekeeping cabins – gas and wood fireplaces, pet-friendly options • Located 30 miles north of Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail • On the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System, over 70km of beautifully groomed trails • Ski passes available to cabin guests at no charge • Ski and snowshoe rental available for all ages • 1.5km lit trail for night skiing • Skijoring Loop

Golden-Eagle.com • 218-388-2203