Northern Wilds March 2026

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.

Fun in Every Form

Games take many forms—card and board games, video games, and sports, casinos, and even childhood classics like tag and hide-and-seek. Not everyone may claim the title of “gamer,” but everyone plays in their own way. Welcome to our gaming issue.

Let’s kick things off with our first feature, where Kalli Hawkins explores gaming experiences on the North Shore, highlighting Skyline Social & Games in Hermantown, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, and The GameShelf in Thunder Bay. Each destination brings its own distinct vibe, creating year-round opportunities for fun, community, and friendly competition.

In Along the Shore, Dana Johnson introduces readers to the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), and to a group of players who gather every Monday in Grand Marais under the leadership of Drew Johnson. Widely considered the first trading card game, MTG blends strategy, fantasy, and a fiercely loyal fan base. Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner explores the origins of sports gaming, from hockey and football to lacrosse and basketball. Meanwhile, North Shore Dish columnist Virginia George visits Carlito’s Café in Thunder Bay, and The Loch Café and Games in Duluth, where great food and good games go hand in hand.

If games aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty to enjoy.

In Along the Shore, Anne Graybeal speaks with Drury Lane Books store manager Gwen Danfelt about the monthly Full Moon Reading event, Shelby Lonne-Rogentine reports on the Ely Dark Sky Festival, March 19–22, Chris Pascone examines the Central Gunflint Ski Trails system and its reputation as one of Minneso -

ta’s premier ski escapes, and Michelle Miller introduces readers to the Music Resource Center in Duluth, which provides students with access to music education. Every month, I typically center the Spotlight around a theme, whether new exhibitions, seasonal works, or something in between. This month, I followed my instincts and selected a few pieces that stood out to me—a curated collection of personal favorites. And in Creative Space, Rae Wojcik spotlights multimedia artist Pamela Davis, owner of Art & Soul Gallery & Gift House in Ely. Sawtooth Racing Dog Blog columnist Erin Altemus recaps the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon with her story, “When Love is in the Air.” Meanwhile, Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis highlights three classic spoons you won’t want to leave out of your lake trout tackle box.

As I write this, we’re expecting 12 to 18 inches of snow later this week, even though just a few days ago, temperatures were in the upper 30s. According to the calendar, Friday, March 20, marks the first day of spring. You never quite know what this time of year will bring, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Breana Johnson Editor editor@northernwilds.com

PUBLISHER/CEO

Barb Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com

EDITOR

Breana Johnson editor@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

Sue O’Quinn sue@northernwilds.com

ART DIRECTOR

Lauren Harrigan lharrigan@ntmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jessica Jacobsen Smith production@northernwilds.com

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com

OFFICE/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Barbara Fisher office@northernwilds.com

Nadine Seitz accounting@ntmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Cheryl Lyn Dybas, Gord Ellis, Virginia George, Anne Graybeal, Kalli Hawkins, Dana Johnson, Shelby Lonne-Rogentine, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Joe Shead, Rae Wojcik, Naomi Yaeger

Northern Wilds magazine is a publication of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. Gary E. Nei, Chairman; William Turner, President; Barbara Krause, Publisher. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission by the publisher. ©2025 Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Prepress services and printing by Forum Communications, Detroit Lakes, MN. Unsolicited material must be accompanied by return postage. Northern Wilds magazine assumes no liability for damage or loss.

Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc 400 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-729-4471

Grand Marais Office: 1708 W. Highway 61, P.O. Box 447, Grand Marais, MN 55604 218-387-9475

LARGE CAPACITY FRONT AND TOP LOAD BUILT TO TACKLE THE LARGEST LOADS AFTER FAMILY VISITS STRAPPED FOR TIME? THE QUICK WASH AND DRY CYCLES GETS CLOTHES DONE IN UNDER AN HOUR

No Matter your laundry needs we can help!

Isak Hansen Home and Hardware in Lutsen has been selling major appliances for over 50 years and has recently expanded to offer all brands of appliances. Whether for your new cabin or updating your existing home, we can deliver, install, and even recycle your old units. Stop in and we will be ready for you!

SANDY POCERNICH

GUEST SPEAKERS

Certified doTERRA EO Coach “Wellness 101: The Essentials for Everyday Health”

RANDALL THOMPSON

Holistic Farmer & Business Professor

“7 Simple Relief Things You Can Do at Home to Alleviate Pain that Actually Work”

CINDY MERRIAM Reflexologist & Reiki Master “Reflexology” $5

LORI HALPIN

Medium, Medical Intuitive, & Hypnotherapist

“Your Biography Becomes Your Biology”

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

KIM WEAVER

-EVIDENTIAL MEDIUM

What is a gallery? In a group setting Kim will help connect with loved ones who have passed on by communicating actual evidence from the Spirit Communicator that distinguishes who they are. Kim has more than 8 years of professional experience. **Seats are limited**

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

ANNE BRADY-CRONIN -THERAPEUTIC COACH, PYSCHIC MEDIUM, HYPNOTHERAPIST, REIKI MASTER/TEACHER

Anne will be providing gallery readings for those present to connect to passed on loved ones, and share messages from Spirit. Anne’s gallery sessions bring about a sense of clarity, closure, and healing. Anne creates a space for sharing and deep connection. **Seats are limited**

Event organizer Drew Johnson meets with a group of gamers every Monday in Grand Marais.

| SUBMITTED

Considered the first trading card game, Magic: The Gathering is a strategic, fantasy-based game with a dedicated fan base. | SUBMITTED

Monday Night Magic Builds Community in Grand Marais

GRAND MARAIS—Living in the rural Northland has many perks, like easy access to outdoor recreation and more peace and quiet, though it can also feel isolating. Many people turn on their computers, phones, or gaming consoles to engage socially, but face-to-face camaraderie with friends can be far more beneficial. For a group of gamers in Cook County, every Monday is an opportunity for exactly that.

“I call it Monday Night Magic,” says Drew Johnson, the organizer of the event. What started as a pre-pandemic game night rotating through a group of friends’ homes and public places has grown into a thriving weekly hangout at the Community Center in Grand Marais.

“When I revived the group a few years ago, I had a couple of goals,” Johnson explains. “I wanted to make it more consistent and give access to people not in the direct friend group. By creating this permanent weekly home rather than bouncing between houses, we’ve created a reliable community hub for players.”

With the nearest local game stores far away in Duluth and Thunder Bay, Johnson says, “this space fills a vital gap for gamers in our area.” Players regularly travel in from Hovland and the Tofte/Schroeder area to participate.

Considered the first trading card game (TCG), Magic: The Gathering (MTG, Magic, for short) is a strategic, fantasy-based game with a dedicated fan base. According to Johnson, the game “combines the strategy of chess and the hidden information of poker.”

Magic has expanded and grown in popularity since its release in 1993. “Today there are over 29,000 cards, and they are adding more each year,” Johnson says. “With that

What started as a pre-pandemic game night rotating through a group of friends’ homes and public places has grown into a thriving weekly hangout for anyone interested at the Cook County Community Center. | SUBMITTED

much history, it can be daunting for a new player to start.”

Don’t let that intimidate you if you’re interested in giving it a try, though—there is training available.

“We love introducing new people to the game,” Johnson says. “For total beginners, we usually start with a 1v1 session using simplified decks to keep things from getting overwhelming.” He also recommends downloading MTG Arena on a phone or computer, as it includes a tutorial to help new players learn and get comfortable with the basic rules.

“For those already familiar with the game, we primarily play the Commander format,” Johnson says. “It’s the most popular way to play Magic because it’s social, casual, and perfect for groups of various sizes.”

“We’re always open to other formats if there’s enough interest,” he adds. Whether new or a veteran player, “You can

expect a relaxed environment focused on having a good time rather than highstakes competition.”

The group gathers in the Cook County Community Center conference room every Monday night from 4:30 to 9 p.m., though occasionally they migrate to the bigger room if there’s a large turnout. “We chose the Community Center because it’s a central, accessible location with plenty of room to accommodate everyone comfortably,” Johnson says. The event is completely free and open to the public.

Attendance fluctuates, but Johnson says they typically see “between five and 12 players.” There’s a dedicated core of regulars, plus “a rotating cast of seasonal or occasional players.” Their experience levels range from brand new to advanced gamers who have been playing since the 1990s.

Monday Night Magic is a great way to make friends and connect on a shared in-

terest. “I have met a lot of people through this event, many people of many different walks of life that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Johnson says.

“In a small town, the game night becomes much more personal,” he continues. “When I played in the city, the sheer volume of people meant you rarely saw the same face twice; it was a revolving door of strangers with a tiny core of regulars. Here, it’s the opposite. You aren’t just playing against an opponent; you’re playing against a friend or a neighbor.”

Every game of MTG is unique, and there are exciting things to experience in the group every week. “The most memorable moments aren’t necessarily about winning or pulling off a perfect strategic play,” Johnson says. “It’s the moments when the whole table starts laughing or cheering because of a wild, unexpected interaction in the game.”

While he won’t name any “local legends,” Johnson says, “each player brings a little bit of themselves to the game each week with their deck choices and play styles.”

Johnson hopes to see Monday Night Magic continue to grow.

“I’d love to offer a second night during the week so more people would have a chance to play, but I also wouldn’t mind seeing the group grow into a broader ‘Tabletop Community,’” he says, mentioning how they could incorporate strategy board games and role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons.

“If you enjoy social strategy games and are looking for a great way to spend those frigid winter nights, stop on by and check out our Monday Night Magic,” Johnson says. “Whether you’re a pro or just curious, there’s always a seat at the table for you.”

Dana Johnson

[ABOVE] Red Pines is one of several spur loops branching off the Logging Camp Trail on the north side of Flour Lake. | CHRIS PASCONE

[LEFT] The view of Flour Lake from Logging Camp Trail is exquisite. | CHRIS PASCONE

Central Gunflint Trails: Minnesota’s Ski Escape

GUNFLINT TRAIL—Skiing is synonymous with escape. When we clip into cross-country skis, we are trading society for nature, pavement for snow, technology for simplicity. We can fly down serpentine turns on groomed trails or bushwhack through backwoods powder. Sure, propelling yourself over the snowy landscape by ski is hard work, but it’s also graceful and fulfilling. It’s our way to experience the world in white, far away from society’s ills.

If an escape with kick and glide is your objective, there’s no place better in Minnesota than the Central Gunflint Ski Trails, located a 35-minute drive northwest of Grand Marais. Here’s our guide to what makes the Central Gunflint Ski Trails system the ultimate Minnesota ski escape.

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

The Central Gunflint Ski Trails are privately managed by two resorts: Golden Eagle Lodge and Bearskin Lodge. Both lodges are located on plowed roads (Clearwater Lake Road and

East Bearskin Road, respectively) just a few minutes’ drive off the Gunflint Trail.

You’ll feel the excitement build as you pull into either establishment—racks full of skis line the lodges, and both have a heated waxing room where you can get your skis tuned up for the day’s conditions. Both lodges sell Central Gunflint Ski Trails passes, which are $20 per person for a full day or $15 for the afternoon or evening. You can also buy a season pass for $120.

What do you get for your ticket price?

Both lodges own top-of-the-line PistenBully groomers that make an impeccable skate deck and perfect classic tracks. Grooming is done almost every day by both resorts all winter long, which is a big job considering there are 77 km of ski trails here.

Ruth Wagner, co-owner of Golden Eagle Lodge with her husband, Zach, will sometimes get up as early as 2 a.m. to start grooming so the snow sets up perfectly before the skiers come out. “I try to groom at night because you can see the trail better.

In daylight, all you see is white behind you,” Wagner said with a laugh.

Wagner recalls one of the thousands of sunrises she’s seen from the PistenBully: “One of our timeless ads is a photo I took years ago of the sun coming up over the trails. That photo captures everything from the perfect track, which is always the goal, to the wildness of being out in the woods.”

Wagner says it takes her four to six hours to groom the half of the system that Golden Eagle tends.

Quinn McCloughan, co-owner of Bearskin Lodge with his wife and parents, grooms the other half of the Central Gunflint Ski Trails system. McCloughan moved to Bearskin Lodge in 2007 and has been grooming ever since. His expert grooming makes Bearskin a ski destination for elite skiers from across the country.

McCloughan has also seen a “boom” in interest in ski touring over the last five years, post-COVID-19. Ski touring is about getting out in nature on skis, not racing. The Central

Gunflint Ski Trails are the ultimate ski touring system. Try loops like Poplar Creek Trail, Deer Mouse Trail, and Ox Cart Trail to soak in the backwoods flavor.

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST LAND

The Central Gunflint Ski Trails are primarily located on federal land within the Superior National Forest. The two lodges operate the ski trail system under a special-use permit. The trail system was specifically built for skiing, and the lodges do all the trail maintenance themselves.

With 79 percent of Cook County being federally owned, places like the Central Gunflint Ski Trails allow the public to access and enjoy extensive federal land.

LIT TRAILS

Nighttime skiing in the deep woods is a romantic escape. Both Golden Eagle and Bearskin offer sections of trails lit for night skiing. Wagner tells the story of the Golden Ea-

gle lit trails: “A couple years ago we took all the old oil lanterns and wired LEDs into them. People come from all over just to experience it,” recounts Wagner. “Years ago, my father-in-law would go out on Sunday night and light every single one of these lanterns by hand. Then we switched to using Christmas lights. Finally, when my husband and I bought the resort in 2020, we thought it would be cool to make a nod to the past, so we pulled out the old lanterns and wired them to an underground power feed around the whole trail.”

Bearskin, too, has 1.5 km of lit trails, “offering ski buffs the chance to keep going after sundown,” according to its website. “Guests call our night skiing experience ‘magical.’”

THE LONGEST WINTER

Have you ever pulled up the Minnesota DNR snow depth map online? There always seems to be one patch of pink or purple—indicating deep snow—centered right over the Central Gunflint area. This is Minnesota’s snowbelt. Year after year, the Gunflint Trail has the highest snowfall totals in Minnesota. The DNR snow depth map proves it. But it’s not just higher snowfall totals that count up here. For McCloughan, the Central Gunflint Ski Trails’ “secret” is that they’re farther from Lake Superior. He credits the consistency of below-freezing

conditions for keeping the skiing in great form: “The key is we don’t get those random 43-degree days in midwinter, like Duluth and even Grand Marais.”

“We’re not close to the high side for total snowfall on a nationwide scale,” he added, “but we’re on the high end for total days below freezing.”

LIVING ON TRAIL

Another unique opportunity on the Central Gunflint Ski Trails is staying the night right on the system. Bearskin has a central main lodge on East Bearskin Lake with a fireplace and comfortable spots to enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, or a glass of wine après-ski. The resort also has 11 cabins, four townhomes, and three rustic ski-in cabins.

“The ski-in cabins are more like camping than lodging,” explains McCloughan. “Our resort guests really enjoy seeing them and talking about them. It’s a little different. You have to haul in your water. You have to stay warm. It’s what I would do if I went on a ski vacation.”

Golden Eagle likewise has 10 heated lakeshore cabins right at the ski trailhead. This proximity to the skiing means you’ll likely take multiple skis a day. Your fitness will shoot through the roof in these conditions.

These on-trail accommodation options combine the pleasures of wilderness and

luxury and make skiing the focus over car travel. Ski passes are provided at no charge to guests of Golden Eagle Lodge and Bearskin Lodge.

BOUNDARY WATERS BONUS

Finally, for the ultimate escape, envision yourself cross-country skiing in the Boundary Waters. One short section of the Central

Ely’s Dark Sky Festival Brightens Up the Community During Cold Months

ELY

—In September 2020, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) was announced as the 13th International Dark Sky Sanctuary. “International Dark Sky Places are protected areas and communities around the world certified by DarkSky International to meet strict criteria for protection of the night sky and minimization of light pollution through responsible lighting policies and public education,” explains the DarkSky International website.

In January 2025, a group of Ely business owners and community members came together to promote this designation with a celebration of sorts. The Ely Dark Sky Festival was born, and the positive feedback from the community was immediate.

“It was a super cool event with a really great turnout,” said Eva Sebesta, executive director of the Ely Chamber of Commerce. “It exceeded our expectations. Every single session was full.”

The event celebrated dark night skies with winter recreation, educational indoor sessions about light pollution and astronomy, and outdoor sessions with guides, photographers, and experts. After accommodating a larger crowd than originally expected on

such a cold, unpredictable January night, the event coordinators decided to make a few changes for this year’s celebration.

“We decided we would move it to March,” Sebesta said. “The temperatures tend to be a little warmer. I think we’re going to be able to do a lot more events outside this time. The extreme cold last year was very limiting.”

The time change isn’t the only thing making this year’s festival bigger and better.

“We have a really great partnership with Starry Skies North, our regional dark sky organization,” Sebesta said. “It’s a collaborative effort here. They are bringing up these impressive telescopes to use during the day.”

Mark Rassel and Les Conrad, two photographers who held seminars last year, will host an outdoor astrophotography guided night hike on Friday night of the weekend. Cloud cover could change the schedule at any time, so attendees are encouraged to follow the Ely Dark Festival Facebook page for updates.

Other activities to expect include winter dog sledding, accompanied by a bonfire, and especially dynamic skies as the spring equinox arrives. “There are so many different pieces of why this area is unique, including the nature and wildlife aspect of things,” Sebesta said. “We will have a wide variety of options to participate in.” Local businesses will also be part of the festivities.

“We are a collaborative working group of about 35 people and organizations that come together to create this event,” Sebesta said. “The International Wolf Center will be out at night, many holistic health care organizations will be here, and the local folk school will offer courses.”

Given the difference in the time of the year, March

will likely be well-suited for winter activities. Red-light headlamps will be available to help people see during nighttime events without contributing excessive light pollution. The festival was also expanded by an additional day to include as much as possible in this year’s schedule.

“I am looking forward to the actual dark sky viewing,” Sebesta said. “You look up at the sky all the time and see the stars, but having an expert there who can point out information about certain parts of the sky gives a totally new perspective. I’m really ex-

cited about that. If people are from an urban area, they can be surprised at how dark and silent it gets here.”

The Ely Dark Sky Festival will take place March 19-22. The spring equinox occurs March 20. Those interested in attending should follow the Ely Dark Sky Festival Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule of events and plan to wear layers and warm footwear in preparation for Minnesota’s ever-changing weather.

Shelby Lonne-Rogentine

Trash Routes Are Changing in Northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH—Depending on where you live in the Arrowhead region, your garbage might have a longer commute than you do. For years, if you live in southern St. Louis County or in Cook, Lake, or Carlton counties, your garbage has been ending up in Superior, Wisc., at the Moccasin Mike Landfill. That will soon change. And depending on where you live, it may affect your garbage bill.

Each week, trash is hauled to Duluth’s Resource Renew (formerly the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District), where collection trucks unload at a transfer station in West Duluth. The waste is pushed into larger trailers and driven to the Moccasin Mike Landfill in Superior.

That arrangement is expected to change this July. Trash will be trucked to landfills in Virginia, Keewatin, or Canyon.

At a recent Duluth Engineers' Club dinner at the Incline Station, Brett Ballavance, a professional engineer who specializes in landfill design and regulation, explained what that shift means—and how Minnesota’s waste system has evolved. The title of his talk was, “Where Does Our Waste Go? Where’s it Going Next?”

“The older crowd here remember a day when we had approximately 1,500 dumps,” Ballavance said. “Every town had a town dump back in the day.”

In 1973, Minnesota had 1,500 dumps, which were replaced by 140 permitted landfills.

The Moccasin Mike Landfill is now nearing the end of its life. Ballavance said it is “basically full,” with only “a little bit more capacity” remaining. When Duluth and surrounding counties began sending waste there, it filled much faster than it would have if Superior had used it alone—“they probably would have had 50 years of landfill capacity” otherwise. Surrounded by wetlands, the site cannot expand. Superior may keep it open briefly for its own use, but the regional disposal route is winding down.

When that happens, much of Duluth’s trash is expected to head north to the St. Louis County landfill near Virginia, adding miles to each load.

FROM TOWN DUMPS TO ENGINEERED LANDFILLS

Those early disposal sites were largely unregulated. After the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 and Minnesota’s Waste Management Act of 1980, standards tightened. By the early 1990s, new landfills were required to include engineered protections: compacted clay liners, thick geomembrane barriers, and leachate collection systems. That transition marked the beginning of what Ballavance calls the modern engineered landfill.

Modern landfills, he emphasized, are designed to protect groundwater and surrounding ecosystems.

“We can’t have landfills without a diaper underneath them,” Ballavance said. “You put in a liner system, collect the leachate, and treat it. It’s engineered.”

A drawing of a municipal solid waste landfill. | MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY

Today’s sites use clay and synthetic liners to prevent contaminated liquid from reaching aquifers. Gas wells capture methane as waste decomposes, and some facilities recover that energy.

“A modern engineered landfill is highly effective,” he added. “You’ve got liner systems, leachate collection, gas management. It’s designed to protect groundwater.”

THREE TYPES OF WASTE—THREE DIFFERENT SYSTEMS

Minnesota categorizes waste into three primary types. The first is municipal solid waste—everyday household garbage. Minnesota has 21 permitted municipal solid waste landfills statewide, with relatively few located in the northern part of the state.

The second category is construction and demolition waste, including drywall, lumber, and roofing shingles. While once considered relatively inert, many construction-and-demolition landfills are unlined, and dozens statewide have documented groundwater contamination issues. Regulators are considering new liner requirements that could close smaller facilities and raise disposal costs.

The third category is hazardous waste. Household hazardous waste—such as paints, solvents, and certain chemicals—must be handled through designated collection programs and cannot enter regular landfills.

Most of us roll our garbage carts to the curb without thinking about what happens next. But in a region defined by wetlands, forests, and the Lake Superior watershed, where groundwater feeds trout streams and drinking water alike, how we manage what we throw away is part of the landscape, too.— Naomi Yaeger

Dress for warmth and join Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais for their monthly Full Moon Readings gathering. | GWEN DANFELT

Under the Full Moon, Words Find a Fire

GRAND MARAIS—On the night of a full moon in Grand Marais, a small crowd gathers on the pebbled shore of Lake Superior. Sometimes there are eight people, sometimes 30. They arrive wrapped in parkas and wool hats, drawn by a bonfire and the promise of North Shore bonhomie. Some bring poems folded in their pockets. Others come only to listen. All are welcome.

This is the Full Moon Reading at Drury Lane Books, a monthly gathering that resists easy labels. “'Event' is not even almost the right word,” said Gwen Danfelt, store manager. “It’s kind of an open mic,” Danfelt said. “Poetry, spoken word, picture books, your own poetry, someone else’s poetry. Anyone can share.”

What has grown out of that openness is something less performative and more communal. “It’s so authentic,” Danfelt said. “It’s just so charming. In a world where it can be hard to find authenticity, where we live so much of our lives online, this is different. You don’t just catch it later. You have to come

out, bundle up, and show up.”

That physical act of showing up matters. Danfelt recalled a night last October when she brought out Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel. About 30 mostly adult listeners leaned in. A woman recognized a story about soup and asked to read it aloud. “She said, ‘When I was sick at home, my mom would make me soup and read me this story,’” Danfelt said. “She read it, and it was so sweet. Picture books and poetry get in you. You remember the things that were read to you.”

Those moments are common. A regular brings sharp, funny haikus. A college student once drove up from Duluth to read early poems, proud and nervous. “We all listened,” Danfelt recalled. “People aren’t judging. It doesn’t have to feel performative. It just goes.”

Some attendees never read aloud. They come for the fire, the moon, and the listening. Others wander in mid-evening and drift out again. The readings run from 6-8 p.m., and the shape of the night is fluid. According

Lane typically has about 6,000 books on its shelves and even has a section for kids. | LAURA MUUS PHOTOGRAPHY

to Danfelt, “People show up, people leave, people are walking by. It’s organic.”

The consistency of the gathering helps sustain it. Full Moon Readings happen year-round, weather permitting. “Once we were able to do it consistently through the winter, it really settled in,” Danfelt said.

“There’s a solid group of locals, and then people who are visiting town see it and say, ‘Bonfire and poetry? This is awesome.’ It feels very Grand Marais.”

Kestrel Burton, Drury Lane Books’ events manager, sees the readings as community-building first. “My main goal is to build

community, not strictly around poetry and literature but around experiences,” Burton said. “Not everyone is into poetry, so I open the floor to short essays, picture books, lyrics, passages from stories, or just listening.”

Those shared moments often spill into conversation. “There’s bonding that leads to great conversations about lived experiences, favorite movie scenes or songs, and other media,” Burton said. “Before we know it, there’s a little pocket of people who recognize and support each other outside of Full Moon nights.”

That sense of belonging can be especially meaningful in a small town. “Grand Marais can be an isolating place if you’re new or haven’t found a place you feel comfortable, especially for introverts,” Burton said. Creating a safe atmosphere is intentional. “Poetry can be terrifying and vulnerable to share,” Burton said. “I strive to make it a safe and judgment-free zone.” Burton shared that reading aloud can still feel nerve-wracking for them. “Some of the kindest support I’ve found in this town has been during these readings,” they said. “It makes a person feel buoyant.”

The Full Moon Readings reflect a broader philosophy at Drury Lane Books, which has long been more than a retail space. Founded in 2002 by Joan Drury, the bookstore grew out of decades of work supporting writers, women, and community causes. That legacy still shapes how the store operates today.

“We’re not as cheap or as fast as Amazon,” Danfelt said. “But we’re cuter. And we’re better.”

Drury Lane typically has about 6,000 books on its shelves, and Danfelt sees that selection as carefully curated rather than overwhelming. “If someone comes in and tells us two books they’ve liked recently and one they didn’t like, we can recommend five new options,” she said. “No algorithm involved.”

Instead of relying on marketing dollars or digital targeting, the store relies on human knowledge. “We know good books, and we know a wide variety of books. We’re thoughtful humans who know books. That’s what you get when you come to an indie bookstore, or a library.”

That human curation makes the process both easier and more meaningful for readers. “We do the work of selection for you,” Danfelt said. “So it’s more efficient, but also more successful. This is what brick-and-mortar shopping has always been.”

On full moon nights, that same ethos carries outside, down to the shore. People gather and share words with one another as the fire burns low. What happens there cannot be replicated online.

“It’s a real community gathering,” Danfelt said. “You can’t contrive that.”

For more information, including Full Moon Reading dates, visit: drurylanebooks.com.

Anne Graybeal

The Music Resource Center: Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians

DULUTH—The North Shore is rich with musical talent, offering opportunities to artists of all genres and a variety of venues for audiences to enjoy throughout the region. A long-standing Duluth program is helping ensure this legacy continues by supporting the next generation of artists as they carve out their place in the music scene.

The Music Resource Center (MRC) in Duluth is a program of the nonprofit Armory Arts and Music Center (AAMC), offering students an introduction to music education. Now in its 14th year, the MRC provides young artists with the tools and resources to practice music while learning other aspects of the music business. The objective of the program is to offer a healthy, supportive environment where students can thrive and experience the magic of music, guided and mentored by professional, working artists.

Melissa Weisser, MRC program manager, is proud of the depth of talent and experience the instructors bring to the program. “All of our instructors and mentors are working artists with over 60 years of combined musical education and performing experience,” Weisser said. “We are fortunate to offer a variety of training on piano, guitar, drums, violin, and trumpet for students.”

Along with Weisser, who is a professional artist, part-time musician, and graduate in communication art and design, the MRC’s instructors include Shanna Willie of the bands The Undesirables and Moon Dogs; Traxx Kavajecz, a member of Born Too Late and an MRC alum; Micheal Furchert, who was born in Germany and has over 25 years of performing experience in the U.S.; and Axel Swanson, who has expertise in guitar production and music theory.

The AAMC’s mission includes honoring the value of American culture and the arts while emphasizing arts education. The organization offers the MRC to students of all backgrounds, noting that no prior experience is required to participate. Cost or skill level is not a barrier to joining the program.

The MRC serves students in grades 5-12 through a drop-in model, allowing participants to attend as their interests and schedules permit. No preregistration is required. The drop-in program gives students the opportunity to explore the craft of music through instruction and hands-on experience in performance, recording, setting up public gigs, voice coaching, and songwriting.

“Students and parents report that there are limited places for teenagers in the area to gather and express themselves in a safe and welcoming environment during after-school hours,” Weisser said.

One-on-one lessons with instructors are available by preregistration and may be scheduled by the day or for an entire semester. Instruments, recording equipment, and other resources are provided at no additional cost for all MRC programs. Summer camp sessions are available for elementarythrough high school-aged students, with registration beginning in April. The 2026 schedule and registration information are available on the organization’s website.

The MRC operates out of Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth and is open Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. The program has a minimal cost of $50 per semester, which includes unlimited visits,

The Music Resource Center in Duluth is a program of the nonprofit Armory Arts and Music Center, offering students an introduction to music education. | SUBMITTED

Now in its 14th year, the MRC provides young artists with the tools and resources to practice music while learning other aspects of the music business. | SUBMITTED

or $10 for five visits, usable throughout the school year to accommodate flexible student schedules. Individual lessons are available for $30 per hour during regular program hours.

“We encourage all students to stop in and try it out,” Weisser said. “Scholarships are available, and we strive to serve all students regardless of income or other barriers.”

Under the guidance of instructors, students have opportunities to form their own bands, participate in monthly jam sessions, and attend workshops on a variety of music-related topics designed with student input. In addition to building foundational music skills in a space that fosters creativity, Weisser said participants also gain confidence and a sense of belonging.

“We are proud that student s get a sense of belonging, giving them the confidence to pursue their musical passion, as well as tools to thrive in other areas of their lives,” she said.

According to Weisser, alumni of the MRC have gone on to pursue careers in the music field, including teaching music at the collegiate level, forming bands, and touring professionally throughout the Midwest.

The Music Resource Center operates out of Sacred Heart Music Center, located at 201 W. 4th Steet in Duluth. More information is available online (dulutharmory.org/ mrc) or by calling the AAMC office at 218464-0227.— Michelle Miller

IN THE WOODS

LOAN IN THE WOODS

A LOAN IN THE WOODS

CONVENTIONAL LOANS UP TO 30 YEARS

FRACTIONAL INTEREST FINANCING

We

A LOAN IN THE WOODS

COMMERCIAL

DULUTH

Bent Paddle Brewing

Burger Paradox

Canal Park Brewing Company

Canal Park Lodge

Circle K-London Road

Co-op: Denfeld

Co-op: Hillside

DeWitt Seitz

Dove Tail Coffee

Edgewater Hotel

Grandma’s

Hampton Inn

Hungry Hippie Taco

Inn on Lake Superior

Keyport Liquor

Lester Park Info Center*

Lift Bridge Lodge

Mount Royal

Pier B

Sara’s Table

Super One Miller Hill

Super One West Duluth

The Suites Hotel

We offer loans for all your real estate needs! VACATION

RAW LAND CABINS

COMMERCIAL

CONDOMINIUMS

LAKE SHORE

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES

2ND HOME

ADJUSTABLE

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES

CONDOMINIUMS

LAKE SHORE

CONVENTIONAL LOANS UP TO 30 YEARS

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES

FRACTIONAL INTEREST FINANCING www.GrandMaraisStateBank.com COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES

CONVENTIONAL

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES

CONVENTIONAL LOANS UP TO 30 YEARS

GRANDMARAIS: 218-387-2441 · TOFTE: 218-663-7891

TWO HARBORS

AmericInn

Betty’s Pies

Candy Kitchen*

Castle Danger Brewery

Cedar Coffee Company

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Larsmont Cottages

R.J. Houle Info Center

Rustic Inn

Superior Shores

Super One

Tom’s Logging Camp*

SILVER BAY/ BEAVER BAY/ FINLAND

Black Beach

Bri Esa’s Convenience Store

Cove Point

Four Seasons

Finland Co-op

Grand Superior Lodge

Northwoods Cafe

Silver Bay Historical Society*

Split Rock Lighthouse

Tettegouche State Park

The Green Door

Timber Coffee

SCHROEDER

Cross River Heritage Center

Temperance Traders

TOFTE

AmericInn

Bluefin Bay

Circle K

Coho Cafe

LUTSEN

Caribou Highlands

Cascade Restaurant

Cascade Vacation Rentals

Clearview Store

Lockport Store

Lutsen Liquor

Mountain Inn

Timber Wolff Realty

GRAND MARAIS

Aspen Lodge

Buck’s Hardware

Circle K

Cook County Co-op

Cook County Historical Society

Coldwell Banker North Shore

East Bay Suites

Gene’s IGA

G.M. Information Center

G.M. Rec Park

Gunflint Tavern

Hungry Hippie Tacos

Java Moose

Johnson’s Foods

Lake Superior Trading Post

Marathon

My Sister’s Place

N.S. Care Center

Red Pine Realty

Subway

Voyageur Brewery

GRAND PORTAGE

Grand Portage Trading Post

Grand Portage State Park

Ryden’s Gas Station

Ryden’s Border Store

Gaming the North Shore:

From Thunder Bay to Duluth

From Duluth to Thunder Bay, the North Shore offers a variety of gaming experiences that go far beyond the typical night out. Whether you’re seeking the strategy and social connection of tabletop games, the friendly competition of duckpin bowling, or the thrill of slot machines, the area has something for all tastes and skill levels.

Local hubs such as The GameShelf in Thunder Bay, Skyline Social & Games in Hermantown, and Grand Portage Lodge & Casino offer year-round opportunities for fun, community, and friendly competition. Each spot has its own unique personality, appealing to casual gamers, families, or larger groups of friends.

All-In Fun at Skyline Social & Games

For 70 years, Skyline Social & Games has been a familiar landmark in Hermantown. When it opened in 1956, north of Duluth, the business operated as a traditional bowling center, serving as a neighborhood gathering place for local residents.

While the atmosphere and games may look different from those of seven decades ago, the mission of year-round fun for residents and visitors remains unchanged. Today, the nearly 80,000-square-foot facility features arcade games, axe throwing, volleyball courts, cornhole, traditional bowling, duckpin bowling, and more.

In recent years, duckpin bowling has become one of Skyline’s main attractions. Similar to traditional bowling, the game is played in a scaled-down format using smaller pins and balls.

“It’s a little more approachable, it’s a little more fun and different than traditional bowling,” said Camryn Resset, marketing

manager. “So a lot of people have been taking that up and liking it.”

As the seasons change, Skyline Social & Games maintains a steady flow of individuals and families looking to spend an afternoon or evening of fun and a little competition. Resset says with the wide variety of gaming options, the place stays busy “year-round.”

By Kalli Hawkins

In winter and spring, Skyline hosts weekly leagues for indoor games such as duckpin, cribbage, and bowling. As the weather warms, the action shifts outdoors to the volleyball, bocce ball, and cornhole courts.

“In the summer, it’s wild. There are hundreds of teams a night,” Resset said. “It’s insane to see the courts.”

With summer quickly approaching, summer league registrations open on March 1.

While the leagues and busy scene are a significant part of Skyline Social & Games, Resset said the large space is equally welcoming for families with children.

“We’ve got kids’ packages for birthday parties or just to come in and have fun, get some pizza and bowl, or play arcade games,” Resset said. “And kids really enjoy duckpin, too.”

Skyline’s size makes it also a natural fit for large groups, with flexible event space and bowling lanes available for graduations, retirement parties, and company celebrations. “We host a ton of events every year,” Resset said. Depending on the size of the group and chosen event package, Skyline can customize menus, seating, game opportunities, and more.

After seeing strong demand and support from Hermantown residents and visitors, Skyline Social & Games is expanding this fall with a second site planned for Apple Valley, near Minneapolis.

“We’ve got a lot of growth going on, and it’s really, really exciting,” Resset said.

With roughly 400 slot machines, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino refreshes its floor each month, giving guests and visitors a chance to try something new. | SUBMITTED

Slightly larger than its Hermantown home, the new location promises the same mix of fun, interactive games that keep guests coming back.

Gaming & Getaways at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino

Along the North Shore, from Thunder Bay to Duluth, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino draws visitors not just for the Lake Superior views, but for its wide variety and regularly updated selection of slot machines and gaming options.

With roughly 400 slot machines, the casino refreshes its floor each month, giving local visitors, regional guests, and Canadian patrons a chance to try something new.

“We have a bank of the month, and every month we switch this bank out for different themes and cabinets,” said Eric Pehrson, the casino games manager.

A bank of the month is a cluster of slot machines that generally share a common theme. In February, the casino featured Rakin Bacon Triple Oink, a 5 of a Kind Cash on Reels game. Coming up this month, in March, Pehrson said he has chosen River Gold Wealth, a riverboat-themed slot game.

Pehrson said Grand Portage Lodge & Casino will be the first casino in the state to feature the River Gold Wealth game. It’s a distinction he aims to achieve several times each year.

“I like to be the first in the state to actually have these games on our floor so we can showcase them to the customers that come through the doors,” Pehrson said.

The selection process for slot machine games is meticulous and requires constant monitoring of the best-performing games on the market.

The games are tested in other markets, and vendors work with casino game managers to share revenue performance guides for the various machines.

“I’m in constant contact with our vendors and directors at bigger properties,” Pehr-

son said. He said this approach, combined with the casino’s unique location near the Canadian border, allows Grand Portage to offer experiences that other regional casinos can’t match.

Canadian tourism is a significant part of the casino’s business, and something the lodge also relies on throughout the year. However, in the past couple of years, the number of Canadians crossing the nearby Pigeon River Port of Entry has decreased.

“So obviously that’s not great for business,” said Levi Libra, the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino marketing director. More recently, Libra said, the trend the lodge and casino are seeing is that Canadians are making more targeted trips across the border to visit the casino or other regional casinos.

Amid declining Canadian traffic, Libra and Pehrson work hard to roll out new games and highlight upcoming events to attract players. One of the upcoming things of note in March will be an opportunity to win a significant amount of money.

At the end of March, the casino will hold

a quarterly draw, giving players a chance to win a $20,000 grand prize along with other prizes.

Beyond gaming, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino hosts events year-round. It has long served as the finish line for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon each January, drawing in crowds from across the state and the U.S. In February, the annual Snowarama celebration, a multi-day snowmobiling event, brings visitors together for winter fun and community support for children with physical disabilities.

Board Games & Community at The GameShelf

In downtown Thunder Bay, on Victoria Avenue East, is a store that has grown into a community hub, welcoming anyone looking to explore new and old games and share the experience with others.

Started in 2009, The GameShelf is filled

[ABOVE] In recent years, duckpin bowling has become one of Skyline’s main attractions. | SUBMITTED

[LEFT] Started in 2009, The GameShelf in Thunder Bay is filled with shelves of new and classic board games, collectible card games, and endless books. | SUBMITTED

with shelves of new and classic board games, collectible card games, and endless books. Popular titles regularly on the shelves include Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, Clash of Cultures, and many others.

For more than 10 years, the store has attracted everyone from casual players to devoted gamers, as well as families hunting for the perfect game for their next game night. It’s a place where children can learn the rules of a new board game, while veteran gamers can play more advanced games and compete in regular tournaments.

Throughout the year, The GameShelf hosts gatherings for Thunder Bay residents, bringing people of all ages together. It’s common to see groups huddled around tables, talking while strategizing their next move.

Whether you’re dropping in to enjoy the friendly atmosphere or browsing the shelves for a new game, the staff at The GameShelf is ready to guide you toward a new favorite or a nostalgic classic to share with friends and family.

Out in the Cold: Without

Snow, Wolves Struggle to Survive in Winter

By Cheryl Lyn Dybas

In winter “life is played out on the anvil of ice and the hammer of deprivation. For those that endure until spring, existence is reduced to its elegant essentials.”

—Bernd Heinrich, Winter World: The Ingenuity of

Animal Survival

This is a story of why wolves need snow to survive. It’s also a story of a time in earth’s history when winter’s white blanket is disappearing, leaving wolves and countless other species in peril.

The ancient Greeks and Romans believed there were four elements: earth, fire, air, and water. But as Terry Tempest Williams and Ted Major write in their book The Secret Language of Snow, “Perhaps they should have added one more—snow.”

In winter, snow covers some 16 to 18 million square miles of the Northern Hemisphere, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Now, scientists are discovering the many ways snow is critical to the lives of animals in northern latitudes. A deep and long-lasting snowpack insulates the soil from frigid air temperatures, prevents plant roots from freezing, and provides animals with winter housing—and in the case of wolves, food.

Tom Gable, lead scientist for Minnesota’s Voyageurs Wolf Project, is one of a breed of researchers sometimes called winter, or snow, ecologists. The science of snow ecology—the study of the relationships among animals, plants, microbes and their snow-covered environments—is coming into its own. Not a moment too soon, biologists like Gable say, when one discovers how important snow is in the

Wolf tracks along the shoreline of an island with large ice formations in Voyageurs National Park. | VOYAGEURS WOLF PROJECT

lives of so many species, including wolves. Those thoughts echo the findings of Russian naturalist A.N. Formozov, arguably the father of snow ecology. Formozov conducted his research in the 1930s and 40s in remote Siberian forests. “The presence of snow

cover in the biosphere is, in its direct and indirect results, one of the most important factors in nature,” Formozov states in his 1946 report, Snow Cover as an Integral Factor of the Environment, and Its Importance in the Ecology of Mammals and Birds

Out in the Cold

Far from Siberia in distance but not in habitat, the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem (GVE) is a 2,338-square-kilometer (903-squaremile) boreal forest that includes Voyageurs National Park and federal, state, county, timber company, and privately-owned lands south of the park. The landscape “is typical of southern boreal forests,” state Gable, Austin Homkes, and Joseph Bump, all of the University of Minnesota, in a 2024 research paper in the journal Ecology and Evolution. Voyageurs’ coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests are dotted with bogs, wetlands, and lakes.

Winters in Voyageurs are long and cold, with snow usually covering the ground from November through March, sometimes through May. Voyageurs wolves’ primary prey is white-tailed deer, with beavers and fish also on the menu when waters are icefree from April through October.

“Of particular interest, given current and expected changes in winter conditions,” write Gable and co-authors, “is how kill rates of wolves on deer during winter vary with…snow depth and duration of snow cover. Predation rates of wolves on deer are generally low during mild, shorter winters and relatively higher during severe, long-lasting winters.” In a high snowfall area in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, for example, kill rates of wolves on deer almost tripled from the beginning of winter (0.32 deer per wolf per day) to the end of winter (0.95 deer per wolf per day). The change was a result of increasing snow depth throughout the season.

Deeper snow favors wolves over deer. In deep snows, the low green plants deer eat are covered, leaving them without an easy food source. And deer can’t outrun wolves through heavy snow. In low-snow winters, however, wolves often go hungry.

“Small adjustments in winter conditions can flip the scale in favor of deer or wolves,” says snow ecologist Emily Studd of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. “Snow is likely impacting deer ease of movement, ability to escape attack, and health due to nutrition. Low or short snow seasons often allow herbivores [such as deer] to maintain higher condition and high speed, keeping them out of harm’s way.” Deep or long snow seasons do the opposite. With wolves and deer in winter, “when one wins,” Studd says, “the other loses.”

Balmy Winter Hits Minnesota

The winter of 2023-24 was the mildest winter in recorded history in Voyageurs National Park and much of northern Minnesota, according to the Midwest Regional Climate Center. “The winter was especially notable for the lack of snow,” report Gable and colleagues. Total snowfall was 110 centimeters (3.6 feet) with average monthly snow depths from December 2023 to March 2024 ranging from 0.8 centimeters (three-tenths of an inch) to 14 centimeters (5.5 inches).

Snow depths never topped 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) which, states Gable, “stands in stark contrast to the preceding year when snow depths exceeded 30 centimeters [11.8 inches] for 117 days. The lack of snow was accompanied by unseasonably warm temperatures (average temperature during December 2023-March 2024 was 6 degrees

Celsius [42.8 degrees Fahrenheit]) warmer than average temperatures during that same period from 1990-2023.”

Gable, Homkes, and Bump estimated kill rates of wolves on deer before, during, and after the mild winter. The rates were low in fall (0.009-0.018 deer/wolf/day), peaked in February (0.050 deer/wolf/day), and quickly declined to 0 deer/wolf/day by April. “The kill rates of wolves we observed in winter were some of the lowest kill rates documented,” the researchers report.

“Wolves in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem appeared unable to catch and kill a sufficient number of deer to meet their daily energetic requirements during winter 2023-

24, and thus most wolves likely lost weight during winter, a period when wolves are typically in peak physical condition,” the scientists found.

The study also shows that “winter conditions are the primary driver of deer population change in northern climates,” the biologists say. Indeed, Gable has seen “increases in our annual deer population estimates over the past two years, likely because of consecutive mild winters.” Wolves are left to eke out a living, including scavenging on carrion.

Minnesota’s 2024-25 winter was also warmer than normal, continuing the state’s trend of milder winters. The GVE wolf population in 2024-25 was 44.7 wolves per

1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles), Gable and colleagues report, a decline of 19 percent from the previous year. Wolf biologist David Mech, founder of the International Wolf Center in Ely, which supported the research along with other organizations, says that the Voyageurs study “adds important details to the relationship among white-tailed deer survival, winter conditions, and wolf predation, and greatly furthers our understanding of the significance of winter weather in determining deer population changes.”

Wolves in a Warmer

Future

In recent decades, winters in northern climes have significantly warmed, according to scientists at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with average daily low temperatures in winter rising more than 15 times faster than summer high temperatures between 1970 and 2024. University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership researchers say that Minnesota has experienced the most significant winter warming of any state in the contiguous U.S. “Most of the warming has been concentrated during the coldest months of the year,” they report. “By mid-century (2040-2059), average annual temperatures in Minnesota are projected to increase by 3.8-4.5 degrees Fahrenheit.” Shorter snow seasons will result.

What will happen in a world where snow slowly fades away as the decades pass? “How wolves and other species adapt as climate change continues,” says Studd, “is critical to how well they will fare.”

For now, the future for wolves in Voyageurs National Park and beyond looks brightest in a snow-white winter.

By

Breana Johnson

Just Because

The Spotlight is usually centered on a theme, from new exhibitions to seasonal inspiration. This month, I selected a group of works that may not share a common thread but each caught my eye. Consider this edition a curated collection of personal favorites.

This acrylic piece by E.J. Klepinger is titled Silent Scouts Under the Wonder . Klepinger will have a solo show at Tettegouche State Park, opening March 6. To see more from Klepinger, visit: ejklepinger.com. | E.J. KLEPINGER

Duluth artist Carli Dudzik, owner of Crave by Carli Rae Vergamini, creates upcycled pieces from trash, such as this pom pom gradient straw purse made from vintage yarn. See more of Dudzik’s work at: cravebycrv.com.

| CARLI DUDZIK

is an 18x14-inch acrylic piece by Adam

See more from Swanson online at: adamswanson.com. | ADAM

azurite malachite necklace by Jean Nelson can be found at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais. | JEAN NELSON

This photo is from our recent 2025 For the Love of the North Photo Contest, in which photographer Alison Car says, “Here’s a busy bee on a royal thistle in our yard in Shuniah, Ontario.”

| ALISON CARR

short celadon

by

Pamela Davis is a multimedia artist in Ely and the owner of Art & Soul Gallery & Gift House. These two pieces from Davis are titled Journey with Me and Meet Lady Tangerine from the Fantasy Forest | SUBMITTED

Pamela Davis: Inspired by Nature and Connection

Creative Space: By Rae

Spend any amount of time in the northern forests, and you’ll quickly notice how everything is connected. Moss clinging to rocks, roots tracing the riverbanks, crisscrossing tracks in the snow—nothing is truly alone.

One artist whose work showcases this is Pamela Davis. Davis is an artist from Ely whose work bridges a wide range of media, from fiber art to leatherwork to basketry, and more. She’s also the owner of Art & Soul Gallery & Gift House, an art gallery dedicated to supporting and celebrating the work of Ely artists.

Like a favorite trail through the woods, Pamela Davis’s creative path hasn’t been a linear one. However, each step has been guided by two common themes: a love for creativity and a love for nature. After an initial career in San Francisco’s fashion industry, Davis first landed in Minnesota to pursue a Master of Science at the University of Minnesota. Environmental science spoke directly to her love for the planet, but as she was finishing her degree, she felt a strong pull to reincorporate art into her life. On a trip to the Minnesota State Fair, Davis happened upon a demonstration by the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, a chance encounter that would influence her path for years to come.

“I was immediately fascinated by weaving, and especially by the versatility of tap-

Honor Us, We Are All Connected includes Celtic patterns that symbolize the interconnection of all things.

| SUBMITTED

weaving, the many hours spent at the loom were becoming an ergonomic challenge, and Davis was looking for something that was gentler on the body. It just so happened that around this time, Davis’s husband began hunting again, and the sudden availability of deer hide sparked a new adventure—leatherwork.

“The beauty of leather is that it has a structure that fiber doesn’t—you can cut it, stamp it, dye it, and marble it,” Davis said. This versatility has provided an endless frontier for creative exploration. For the last several years, Davis has crafted everything from totes and jewelry to wallets to working bits of leather into her basketry.

Wojcik

Davis’s work bridges a wide range of media, from fiber art to leatherwork to basketry, and more.

| SUBMITTED

estry weaving,” Davis said.

That fascination was the start of what would become a long career as a tapestry artist. At the loom, Davis painted stories

Meet Rhena the River Otter is made from leather, paint, dye, beads, thread, and wood. | SUBMITTED

and scenes with thread. During this time, she studied under tapestry weavers in the U.S. and abroad, and over time, her art expanded to include wool dyeing, sewing, beading, basketry, and coppersmithing.

“I’m passionate about my art, and about education,” Davis said. “I love to learn.”

This curiosity and love for learning have been a vibrant fuel for Davis’s creative life, especially when necessity has called for a change in direction. Although she loved

Recently, Davis has been exploring surface design, using leather as a base to make colorful art pieces inspired by the Superior National Forest and her Celtic heritage. Some of these pieces include Journey with Me and Meet Rhena the River Otter, which speak to the bridges between the natural and fantastical worlds. Honor Us, We Are All Connected includes Celtic patterns that symbolize the interconnection of all things—something that feels especially timely today.

“I wanted to make something that would bring people peace and tranquility,” Davis said.

Some of these pieces will be on display this May at the Art & Soul Gallery, the gallery Davis owns. Art & Soul was started by Ely artist Nancy Scheibe, and was born out of a need for local artists to have a place to share their work. Davis got involved when she was looking for a place to show her art, and later bought the business. Although making art might seem like a solitary endeavor on the surface, it’s connection and support among artists that keeps the creative community strong, something that makes Davis proud.

“It’s amazing how Ely has embraced the arts, and how the local art community has been growing,” Davis said. “We want to offer people—both locals and tourists—the opportunity to see and experience the work of artists who are right here in Ely.”

Annual Fundraising Banquet

Saturday, March 14th

8-10am - Finland MN Historical Society’s Pancake Breakfast & Craft Vendors at the Clair Nelson Center

9am-All Day - Bloody Mary bar under the tent at Four Seasons

11am-Noon Outdoor music at the Finland Fire Hall by Robin Sunquiet Noon - Tug of War across the Baptism River Before, during, and after the parade - Finland Fire and Rescue will be selling refreshments outside the Finland Fire Hall

Noon-1 pm - Parade through Finland on Highway 1. Download registration form at friendsoffinland.org/st-urhos-day/ or email pamelapuskala@gmail.com

Sunday, March 15th

festival that offers fun for the whole family and challenges

WOOD WEEK

March 3-9 Wood Week, held at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, celebrates all things woodworking—from turning to carving and painting to sharpening. The Carver’s Conference on Friday, March 6, is a day full of free demonstrations, lectures, and gatherings open to the public. This year’s offerings draw from North House’s deep bench of talented regional artisans and include six brand-new courses. The week will also include presentations, a film screening, community nights, dinner on a stick, a sharpening clinic, and more. northhouse.org

EATS FUNDRAISER

March 5, Thursday Each year in early March, the Cook County School District ISD 166 Education Foundation (CCSDEF) presents Eats: Enriching Academics Through

Wood Week at North House Folk School will offer a full day of free demonstrations, lectures, and gatherings open to the public on March 6. | SUBMITTED

Sustenance. Held from 5-7 p.m. at the Cook County Middle/High School in Grand Marais, there will be a wide variety of tasty food to sample from local restaurants and food vendors. There will also be live music and a silent auction with items donated by

local businesses and individuals. Tickets are $30 and only 150 tickets will be sold. Tickets are available at Subway, Java Moose, Crosby Bakery, the ISD 166 main office, or from any CCSDEF board member. Contact a board member for more information.

NIPIGON ICE FEST

March 6-8 Ontario’s longest running premiere ice climbing festival, held in Nipigon, will feature ice climbing clinics for beginners and intermediates, as well as a mixed climbing clinic, and a women’s/LGBTQIA+ clinic. Saturday evening there will be feature presentations from 7-9 p.m. There will also be a gear swap and raffle, games, a cash bar and food, a social gathering, and outdoor adventures. All proceeds from the Nipigon Ice Fest go to next year’s event. Event registration required. outdoorskillsandthrills.com

| JOHN THAIN

SKI NORTH ULTRA

March 7, Saturday Back for its second year, Ski North Ultra is an ultra-distance cross-country ski race with 38k and 100k

options, following the Norpine, Cascade River State Park, and Bally Creek trail systems near Lutsen. It is classic-skiing only and will be on a mix of double-track and single-track ski trails. The trails are incredibly beautiful, but also very technical. The 100k race uses advanced courses, and the 38k stays on intermediate trails. The first race starts at 7 a.m. and all races start and finish at Cascade River State Park. Registration required. skinorthultra.com

SLEEPING GIANT LOPPET

March 7, Saturday Held in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Thunder Bay, the 46th annual Sleeping Giant Loppet is a mass participation ski festival that offers fun for the whole family and challenges competitive athletes. It features multiple events with dis-

ing Bear, the women’s head dancer is Nevaeh Morriseau, and the men’s head dancer is Adam Hubbard. All are welcome to come celebrate, dance, feast, and connect with community. facebook.com/lakeheaduniversityissc ST. URHO’S

DAY

FINLAND CELEBRATION

March 13-15 Join the town of Finland for a weekend filled with family-friendly fun. This year marks the 51st annual St. Urho’s Celebration and the theme is Wunderland. Festivities include the Miss Helmi Talent and Beauty Contest on Friday, March 13, a parade at noon on Saturday, and a raffle drawing at Wildhurst on Sunday. There will also be live music, kids activities, a craft fair, a pancake breakfast, tug of war competitions, food and drink specials, an online auction, and more. facebook.com/sturho

tances for skiers of all levels and abilities. The 8km mini-loppet is perfect for families, children, and rookies. If you’re ready to increase your distance or work on your speed, then try the 20km Marie Louise Lake loop. The popular 35km tour is a relaxed event that takes in the scenic vistas and challenging terrain of the storied Burma Trail. For the ultimate challenge, register for the Loppet’s flagship event, the 50km distance for skate, classic, or skiathlon technique. After your race, check out the first-ever finish line merchandise table for some souvenirs. sleepinggiantloppet.ca

INDIGENOUS STUDENTS ASSOCIATION POWWOW

March 13-15

Enjoy a weekend of culture, community, and celebration at the Indigenous Students Association’s 36th Annual Powwow, held at Lakehead University Hangar in Thunder Bay. The event starts on Friday, March 13, with warmups at 6 p.m. The grand entry will take place at noon on Saturday, followed by a traditional feast at 5 p.m. and another grand entry at 6 p.m. Sunday’s grand entry will also take place at noon. This year’s master of ceremonies is Todd Genno, the arena director is Dustin Gagne, the spiritual advisor is Carmela Moses, host drum is Walk-

TROUT DERBY

March 14, Saturday Head to West Bearskin Lake on the Gunflint Trail for a day of fishing and fun on the ice with the annual Trout Derby. All proceeds help support the Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club in the maintenance and grooming of over 137 miles of snowmobile trails in Cook County. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and all fish must be turned in by 2 p.m. There will be prizes for the top 10 fish, as well as free brats, burgers, fish sandwiches, and pop. The cost to participate is $5 per kid, and $10 per adult for CCRR members ($20 for non-members). facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Spirit of the Wilderness Church in Grand Marais. S. Carey is the solo project of Wisconsin–based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Sean Carey, widely recognized as the drummer, backing vocalist, and second-longest-serving member of Bon Iver. Over the past 15 years, Carey has built a celebrated solo career shaped by jazz beginnings, nature-forward themes, and deeply expressive songwriting. Joining Carey is Courtney Hartman, a Wisconsin-based guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer known for her work across bluegrass, folk, and indie music communities. Together, Carey and Hartman offer a rare opportunity to experience world-class songwriting in an intimate, listening-focused setting— music designed for connection and presence. Tickets are offered in sliding-scale pricing tiers; free for K-12 students. northshoremusicassociation.com

HOLISTIC HEALING & WELLNESS FAIR

March 14, Saturday Visit UW-Superior Yellowjacket Union for a day filled with guest speakers, up to 40 vendors and practitioners, and free workshops at the Holistic Healing and Wellness Fair. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is $5 and free gift bags will be given at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to the first 20 people in line. Your entry will include presentations from four free speakers: certified doTerra EO coach Sandy Pocernich; holistic farmer and business professor Randall Thompson; reflexologist and reiki master Cindy Merriam; and medium, medical intuitive, and hypnotherapist Lori Halpin. For $20, you can also join two gallery events with evidential medium Kim Weaver (in photo above) and therapeutic coach, psychic medium, hypnotherapist, and reiki master/teacher Anne Brady-Cronin. rootedholisticfairs.com

ELY DARK SKY FESTIVAL

March 19-22 Get ready to experience the magic of the night sky and winter recreation at the second annual Ely Dark Sky Festival. This four-day event in Ely will immerse vis-

itors in a world of wonder featuring a variety of activities, from astrophotography guided night hikes to winter dog sledding, bonfires, stargazing sessions, workshops, educational presentations, and more. A full schedule of events can be found online. facebook.com/elydarkskyfestival

OLD-TIME STRINGS JAM SESSION & COMMUNITY CONTRA DANCE

March 28, Saturday Visit the Ely Folk School for an old-time strings music jam session, held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Bring a fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, or bass to play along, or just sit back and listen, or even dance. The jam session is free to attend and will have an emphasis on string instruments. Sheet music will not be provided, but chords will be called out. Ely resident and longtime jam member Joe Smith will help lead the session. After jamming, lace up your dancing shoes and head to the Ely Community Center for the community contra dance, held from 7-9:30 p.m. All dances are taught alongside live music, so folks of all ages and skill levels can participate. Admission is $10 at the door (youth dance free), and pre-registration is not required. elyfolkschool.org

CABIN FEVER RELIEVER

March 29, Sunday Two Harbors Community Radio (KTWH) will host its 10th annual Cabin Fever Reliever Variety Show from 3-5 p.m. at the Two Harbors High School. Before the show, enjoy a Health and Wellness Expo, held from 1-2:30 p.m. Cabin Fever Reliever is a celebration of local and regional musical talent, and community radio. This year’s performers include Rox ‘n Soul, THUG, Sophie Hiroko, Ross Thorn, and Woodblind, and the host is Roxann Berglund. Advanced ticket sales ($15 each or $35/family of three) are available online. General admission tickets can also be purchased at the door for $20; kids age 5 and under are free. ktwh.org

April 10, 11 & 12, 2026

Friday: 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru March 1

Copper Thunderbird Survives with the Help of Water Spirits Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

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

White Rabbit Red Rabbit 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Thru March 8

Evening Escapades Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru March 15

Patricia Deadman: The Red Feather Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca Images of Beargrease Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org

Thru March 29

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

Thru March 30

James Ellis Exhibit: Northwood Shores: From Birch Grove to Great Lake Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Duluth, jamesellisfineart.com

Thru April 3

Wendy Savage Exhibit: Ojibwe Adornment in Ribbons, Cloth, Beads, & Fur Duluth Art Institute, duluthart.org

Carl Gawboy Exhibition: Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History Duluth Art Institute, duluthart.org

Feb. 26-March 7

The Wolves 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Cambrian Players, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/cambrianplayers Cabaret: The Musical 7:30 p.m. Badanai Theatre, Thunder Bay, badanaitheatre.com

Feb. 27-March 1

Charles J. Futterer Memorial Open Bonspiel Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, cookcountycurlingclub.com

Feb. 27-March 22

Winter Plein Air Exhibit (Reception Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

March 1, Sunday

Run for the Meatball 5k 10:15 a.m. Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay, metreeaters.ca

Family Art Day 1 p.m. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

March 1-31

Photography & Art at the Rock: Aramis Wells Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock

March 2, Monday

Gone to the Dogs! 4 p.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com

March 3, Tuesday

Dance for All 1 p.m. Duluth Public Library, alslib.info

Dance for All 3:45 p.m. West Duluth Branch Library, alslib.info

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

Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

Full Moon Poetry 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

March 3-9

Wood Week North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

March 4, Wednesday

Community Potluck 11:30 a.m.

Ely Community Center, ely.org/events

Dance for All 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

NOSFA Film Screening: My Father’s Shadow 6:30 p.m. SilverCity, Thunder Bay, nosfa.org

Ben Bankas: I Said What I Said 8 p.m. NV Music Hall, Thunder Bay, nvmusichall.com

March 5, Thursday

Dance for All 3:30 p.m.

Two Harbors Public Library, alslib.info

EATS Fundraiser 5 p.m. Cook County Middle/High School, Grand Marais

Dr. Von Houligan’s Magic Parlour 7 p.m.

Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiantbrewing.ca

TBCA Movie Night: Monsters Inc. 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 5-7

The Box Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

March 6, Friday

Open Studio 10 a.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Dance for All 3:30 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, alslib.info

Friday Night Reels: Ace in the Hole 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

First Fridays: Dinner on a Stick & John Beltman Presentation 6 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

TBSO: Reverence 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

March 6-7

Northwestern Fur Trappers Association Convention 11 a.m. (9:30 a.m. Sat.)

CLE Coliseum, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/northwestfurtrappers

March 6-8

Nipigon Ice Fest Nipigon, outdoorskillsandthrills.com

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Wawa, Ontario, wawaicefishingderby.com

March 6-31

Artist of the Month: E.J. Klepinger (Reception March 6 at 7 p.m.)

Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

March 6-April 3

Lakehead University Student Juried Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

March 6-May 2

Sings of Spring Exhibition Nordic Center, Duluth, nordiccenterduluth.org

March 7, Saturday

Sleeping Giant Loppet Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiantloppet.ca

Ski North Ultra 7 a.m. Cascade River State Park, Lutsen, skinorthultra.com

Poplar Haus Snowmobile Drag Races 10 a.m. Poplar Haus, Gunflint Trail, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Learn to Snowshoe 11:30 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberryfalls

Brockfest Noon, Canal Park Brewing Company, Duluth, facebook.com/canalparkbrewingcompany

Ukrainian Coffee House 2 p.m.

Urban Abbey, Thunder Bay, Facebook: Zhuravli Ukrainian Folk Ensemble

GMFS Film Screening: Wicked For Good 5 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, gmfilmsociety.simpletix.com

Bon Jovi Forever 8 p.m. NV Music Hall, Thunder Bay, nvmusichall.com

March 7-8

Artisan Workshop Weekend Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

March 8, Sunday

Daylight Saving Time Starts

Women’s Day Celebration 12:30 p.m. West Thunder Community Centre, Thunder Bay, icatbay.eventbrite.com

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2 p.m. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, visitthunderbay.com

March 9, Monday

ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. Clearwater Event Center, Duluth, alslib.info

The Ten Tenors 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Darcy & Jer: Average at Best Tour 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 10, Tuesday

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

The Ten Tenors 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 11, Wednesday

Bookmark-Making Event 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Trivia Night 6 p.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo

March 11-15

Ely Film Festival Ely’s Historic State Theater, elyfilmfest.org

March 12, Thursday

Animal Allies Fur Ball Northland Country Club, Duluth, animalallies.net

Trivia Night with WTIP 6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, wtip.org

The Irish Rovers 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 13, Friday

Father & Daughter Dance 5:30 p.m. Cook County Schools Cafeteria

Bif Naked: Documentary Screening & Acoustic Performance 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Matt Fraser 8 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

March 13-15

Indigenous Students Association Powwow Lakehead University Hangar, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/lakeheaduniversityissc St. Urho’s Day Finland Celebration (Parade at Noon on Sat.) Finland, facebook.com/sturho

Sleeping Beauty Marshall Performing Arts Center, Duluth, minnesotaballet.org

Art on the Slopes Family Festival Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen, lutsen.com

March 13-29

Little Shop of Horrors 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

March 13-April 16

Lakehead University Honours Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

March 14, Saturday

Trout Derby 9 a.m. West Bearskin Lake, Gunflint Trail, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Holistic Healing & Wellness Fair 10 a.m. UW-Superior Yellowjacket Union, Superior, rootedholisticfairs.com

Saint Fennessy 4k 10 a.m. Skyline Social & Games, Duluth, grandmasmarathon.com

Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Spirit of the Lake Community Arts, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com

St. Urho’s Day Celebration 10:30 a.m. Thunder Bay, facebook.com/hoitorestaurant

S. Carey & Courtney Hartman 7 p.m. Spirit of the Wilderness Church, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

TBSO: Celtic Kitchen Party 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca

March 16, Monday

Mod Podge Pots 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Hadestown 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Murray & Peter: War on the Catwalk 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 16-20

Free Tubing & Skating Noon, Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

March 17, Tuesday

St. Patrick’s Day

Open LEGOs 3 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

St. Paddy’s Day Boogie 6 p.m. The Superior Inn Hotel, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ thesuperiorinhotelandconferencecentre

Alan Doyle & The East Pointers 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 18, Wednesday

Antique Appraisal Noon, The Depot, Duluth, thehistorypeople.org

History Happy Hour 5 p.m. Boathouse Brewpub, Ely, rootbeerlady.com

History in a Pint: Farm to Table Movement with Waldo Farms 6:30 p.m. Tipsy Mosquito, Two Harbors, lakecountyhistoricalsociety.org

March 19, Thursday

Children’s Storytime 10:30 a.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

The Skally Line Concert 12:30 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

The Skally Line Concert 3:30 p.m. Mount Royal Branch Library, Duluth, alslib.info

March 19-22

Ely Dark Sky Festival Ely, facebook.com/elydarkskyfestival

March 20, Friday

Intro to Acrylics 10 a.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

The Skally Line Concert 1 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, alslib.info

French-Canadian Feast 6 p.m. Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca

Friday Night Reels: Chinatown 6 p.m.

Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

March 20-21

Two Asians One Mic Comedy Show 8 p.m. The Barrel House, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

March 20-29

Annie Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

March 21, Saturday

Cook County Potters Annual Seconds

Sale 10 a.m. The Hub, Grand Marais, carepartnersofcookcounty.org

The Skally Line Concert 12:30 p.m.

Grand Marais Public Library, alslib.info

A Walk to Grandmother Cedars 1 p.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberryfalls

Blues House Party 7 6 p.m. DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbaybluessociety.ca

DSSO: Beethoven & Bizet 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, dsso.com

CAB: Vivaldi & Locatelli 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

March 21-22

Motorhead Madness 10 a.m. Decc, Duluth, motorheadmadnessmn.com

March 22, Sunday

Treasures of the Earth Green Art Fair 10 a.m. Peace Church, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com

Finland Farmer’s Market 12:30 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com

Floyd Nation 6 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

March 23, Monday

Needle Art Guild Meeting with Karen Buell 11 a.m. Kenwood Lutheran Church, Duluth

The Rock Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 23-29

Twin Ports Festival of History North Shore, Facebook Groups: Twin Ports Festival of History

March 24, Tuesday

Jim Anderson: Discovering America One Marathon at a Time 5:30 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

March 25, Wednesday

NOSFA Film Screening: The Choral 6:30 p.m. SilverCity, Thunder Bay, nosfa.org

George Thorogood & The Destroyers 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Filter with Finger Eleven & Local H 7:30 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org

March 26, Thursday

Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Tour 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

March 26-April 18

Jesus Christ Superstar Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

March 27, Friday

Free Tours & LCHS Talk 10 a.m. Depot Museum, Two Harbors, lakecountyhistoricalsociety.org

Open House 10 a.m. Knife River Heritage & Cultural Center, Knife River, krhcc.org Micro Lesson on Micro Film 11 a.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Santa Visits Minnesota: A Reindeer Tale with Marlene Wisuri 2 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Midnight Market 7 p.m. Goods & Co. Market, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ goodscomarket

March 27-29

The Banjo & Bumps Showdown Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen, lutsen.com

March 27-April 19

Line Shape Color Exhibit: Steve Dahlstrom (Reception March 27 at 5 p.m.)

Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

March 27-June 15

Sophia Bartholomew: Snow, Flower, Sunset Lake Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

March 28, Saturday

CMC Motorcycle Rally Pancake Fundraiser 9 a.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Carolyn Olson: Pearl’s Garden Storytime 11:30 a.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com

Can You Knot? Noon, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberryfalls

TBSO: Mixed-Up Mozart: A Magical Journey 2 p.m. Avila Centre, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

Old Time Strings Jam Session 4 p.m. Community Contra Dance 7 p.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org

Taste of India 5 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, icatbay.com

Jessica Pearson & The East Wind 7 p.m. Bora Laskin Theatre, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiant.ca

Green Room Performance: The Last Wife 7:30 p.m. Cambrian Players, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/cambrianplayers

March 29, Sunday

Cabin Fever Reliever Variety Show & Health & Wellness Expo 1 p.m. Two Harbors High School, ktwh.org

March 30, Monday

ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. Clearwater Event Center, Duluth, alslib.info

Community Mindfulness Night 6 p.m.

Two Birds Healing Arts Center, Grand Marais, twobirdart.com

March 31, Tuesday

World Ballet Company: Cinderella 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays

Pub Poll 6 p.m.

Canal Park Brewing Company, Duluth, facebook.com/canalparkbrewingcompany

Tuesdays

Locals Night with Live Music 4:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Wednesdays

Game Day 1 p.m.

Two Harbors Public Library, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

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

Thursdays

Date Night with Live Music 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

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

Trackside Depot Jazz Band 3 p.m.

Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, lsrm.org

Live Music 3:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

What’s for Dinner? 7 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org

Sundays

Winter FunDays (Thru March 15) 2 p.m.

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

Favorite Restaurants

Do you have a favorite place to get a coffee, to eat breakfast or take the kids for dinner?

The restaurants you vote for must be located in the Northern Wilds coverage area, which includes the North Shore communities from Duluth to Terrace Bay and over to Ely.

Limit 3 entries per restaurant

Only one ballot per person. Do not choose the same restaurant in more than three categories or your entire ballot will be disqualified. Vote online at northernwilds.com.

Voting starts February 1 and ends March 31, 2026. Look for the results in the 2026 June issue of Northern Wilds.

Locally Sourced

Ethnic Fare

Northwoods Character

View

“Worth the drive”

Kid-Friendly Menu

Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly

Gluten-Free/Allergy-Friendly

Speedy Service

Take-out

Dog Friendly

Food Truck

Outdoor Dining

The North Shore Dish

It’s

All Food and Games

By Virginia George

I moved out of my parents’ house when I was 19 years old. I had dreams of independence, which were met with bills and responsibilities. Thankfully, I had a roommate I got along well with who was (and is) one of the most fiscally responsible humans I know. As 20-somethings with real-world jobs and even more real rent, the two of us would often go to a nearby coffee shop (with free coffee refills) and play one of my favorite board games: Guess Who? If you argue with me that Guess Who? isn’t a board game, I won’t dispute it, but I do not have a better way to classify it. These days, I still play Guess Who? with my kids and my husband, always trying to come up with the most creative question to whittle my candidates down to the last.

Tabletop games have always been popular, and I have seen increasing interest in them in recent years. Perhaps it’s my social circles, perhaps it’s my age, or maybe people are looking for ways to connect in an increasingly connected but lonely world where we are separated by screens. I don’t know the cause, but I appreciate the effect.

In this modern world, where even our kids and teens spend their days “plugged in,” finding ways to connect IRL (“in real life,” for anyone not fluent in texting shorthand) is even more important, and tabletop games can help facilitate those connections. Some games, like my beloved Guess Who? or Hungry Hungry Hippos, provide lighthearted fun with limited strategy. Card games like Skip-Bo or Skyjo rely on some basic strategy and a lot of luck. Still, other games like Magic: The Gathering and Settlers of Catan teach resource management and planning while requiring players to negotiate with one another, and Dungeons & Dragons takes that one step further to creative cooperative storytelling.

Finding a hobby in gaming is fun and all, but unless you have a roommate who also enjoys copious amounts of coffee and you are playing a two-player game, it can be challenging to find the space and players to engage in gameplay, and thus we have seen an increase in gaming cafés.

Carlito’s Café in Thunder Bay and The Loch Café and Games in Duluth are two such cafés. Patrons are welcome to visit on their own or in groups to simply eat legitimately good food, work, or play a game together, but these cafés also host periodic events where lovers of Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and other card-based games come together for tournaments. I reached out to Carlito’s Café and The Loch Café and Games to find out why these folks opened

from

years of

their businesses and what they want you to know about them.

Carlito’s Café, Thunder Bay

Carlito’s Café is owned by Chris Talarico, whose own history with gaming inspired him to open Carlito’s in the first place.

“I’ve always been captivated with how tabletop gaming brings people together, whether it᾽s over some friendly competition with trading card games and miniature games, a good social gathering with a simple board game, or even getting together to tell a good story with a role-playing game,” said Talarico. “Carlito’s exists to create more opportunities for those get-togethers. Naturally, every good evening out needs some food, so we’ve been working on expanding our menu. We recently did a kitchen renovation and added pizza to the mix, and we have much more to come in that department. We’re also looking forward to expanding our space this year, so there’s a lot of excitement around here these days.”

Talarico invites his patrons to “Game. Shop. Chill.” They stock items for gameplay, like League of Legends and Magic: The Gathering cards, as well as tabletop board games like Ticket to Ride and Betrayal at House on the Hill. For food, you’ll find paninis and pizza, as well as desserts, coffee, and more. It’s a great space to challenge a friend to a game of Scrabble or participate in a Pokémon League Challenge.

The Loch Café and Games, Duluth

The Loch Café and Games is located in the Endion neighborhood of Duluth. Emily and Matt Glasner are the proprietors of this establishment.

“My husband Matt and I started The Loch because of our passion for community, tabletop gaming, coffee, and food,” said Emily. “After the pandemic, we noticed a void in our gaming community and, as quickly as we could, got things in order to introduce this gaming café hybrid to the Northland. Our mission is to create a safe and welcoming space for all where they can come connect over a tabletop game or cup of coffee.”

Emily has more than 15 years of experi-

ence as a pastry chef and cake decorator, so many of the menu items are family recipes or ones she has developed herself. You’ll find an ever-changing menu at The Loch, with unexpected—but delicious—flavor combinations.

“There are many things that make our space unique,” Emily said, “but the biggest of all is our pathfinding. We are one of four tabletop gaming cafés in Minnesota (that I know of), and we strive to continue to bring

new, unique experiences to the Northland. A prime example is our Afternoon Teas, which we host April through October on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Last year was our first year offering this service, and it went spectacularly. The community loves it and has been extremely supportive. We have heard from many of our attendees that they are on par with, if not superior to, High Teas they have experienced abroad in Oxford, England, and Scotland. Our quality food and innovative baked goods are another example that sets us apart from other cafés and game stores alike. We make almost everything in-house and rarely outsource items. Many of our recipes are family recipes or of my own creation, and I take tremendous pride in the happiness and joy they bring to our community.”

Matt and Emily “hope to break down social and financial barriers that exist for people looking to get into gaming,” as “many find it extremely intimidating to start a new hobby—especially if the community is well-established and ‘cliquey.’ At The Loch, we acknowledge this and have several systems in place to help people overcome these barriers.”

Of course, being a “gamer” is not a requirement to enjoy the space (or the food), but they do invite you to “UnLoch Yer Nerd” at The Loch.

Whether you’re a bona fide gamer or not, these gaming cafés seek to provide space for community, for friends—old and new—to gather together and engage face-to-face. Find a friend for a hot game of Cribbage, or meet a new one over a snack and a game of Commander. No matter what, it’s a great opportunity to Game. Shop. Chill. and to UnLoch that Nerd.

Well Played!

By Hartley Newell-Acero

January’s health article, Built for Fun, was about how play is part of human biology. Children need play for healthy brain development, and adults need it, too: to keep our thinking adaptable, to build hope, to deter depression, and to strengthen our social and emotional skills. Play is as important for our well-being as are nutrition, exercise, or sleep.

What is Play?

How would you define play? Perhaps the first thing to pop into your head would be playing a game: Mario Kart, hockey, or hide-and-seek. While all these activities can be playful, play isn’t an activity. It’s a state of mind or being; it’s an experience. This state begins in the same part of the brain where fear, hunger, and caring reside. Situations that trigger feelings of fun and relaxation cause a cascade of neural connections. When these “play circuits” are engaged, we happily become so absorbed in what we’re doing that we lose track of time. We’re now in what psychologist Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi dubbed “flow.” In flow, or play, we find the activity so intrinsically pleasant that we keep doing it without expectation of some other kind of reward, simply because we love how it makes us feel. Other characteristics of play are that:

• It is self-chosen and self-directed

• The process is more valued than the outcome

• It’s imaginative, or somehow feels separate from our day-to-day real or “serious” life

• We feel active and alert while doing it, but not stressed out

Play is not an all-or-nothing proposition. The “playfulness” of an activity can vary from 0 to 100 percent. Fluctuations in feelings of playfulness can be impacted by the attitude we bring to an activity, the people with whom we’re doing it, the environment in which we do it, expectations about outcome, and more.

What Are Your “Play Personalities?”

As we move into adulthood, we move away from some ways of being playful and gravitate toward others. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute of Play, calls these “play personalities” and has identified eight primary types. Most people have a dominant type and one or two secondary types. Where do you recognize yourself in the following descriptions?

The Collector: These folks love to chase down, ferret out, and store away the objects of their fascination. These can be literal objects (cars, coins, antiques) or experiences (spotting birds, visiting national parks, riding roller coasters). Collectors may be content doing this alone, or they may have strong connections with other folks who share their passion.

The Competitor: Competitors get a rush from games with specific rules and clear winners and losers. They may like to compete with themselves, as in a single-player video game, or as part of a team. They may also enjoy participating as a spectator rather than a participant.

The Creator/Artist

For these folks, joy comes from creation: painting, woodworking, sewing, decorating, gardening. They may enjoy showing others what they’ve made, or they may choose to keep their creations to themselves. The point is to make something, or even to make something work by repairing broken objects.

The Director: For Directors, planning is play. Born organizers, they love following through on their designs and get a thrill from the ability to make things happen.

The Explorer: This can literally mean going to a new place and exploring what it has to offer. It can also mean seeking out higher levels of feeling or deeper levels of knowledge. Explorers are driven by novel and expansive people, places, ideas, emotions, or experiences.

The Joker: The original player, a Joker’s play involves teasing, laughing, and general silliness. Making others laugh is a driving force and where they find their joy.

The Kinesthete: These folks don’t just love to move; they need to move. They are happiest when they are pushing their bodies and feeling how that affects them. They may do this by playing a sport, but for them, competition isn’t the main point; physical movement is.

The Storyteller: Imagination is the driver of Storytellers. They may make or watch movies, write or read books, lecture or learn, but for all of them, getting to experience the thoughts and feelings of someone else is what lights them up.

Now that we’ve identified the play personalities, look back over your life: How has your unique personality revealed itself at different times and places? How can you use that knowledge to do more of what lights you up and shifts you into a joyful and healthful state of play?

The days are longer and garden planning is underway, but winter on the North Shore isn’t over yet. March can bring icy conditions and hidden hazards that lead to injuries you shouldn ’t ignore. Don’t wait it out if something doesn’t feel right. Pain, swelling, or limited movement may be more than a bruise. We’re here to help you heal and stay safe.

At North Shore Health you’ll find:

 Imaging & Radiology for quick answers

 Physical Therapy Services to get you moving again

 Holistic Pain Management for chronic and lingering pain

 Expert Care Close to Home, your time and health matters

Your well-being is our priority. Take action today and talk with your provider if something doesn’t feel right.

Still Winter on the North Shore

Solbakken Resort

Imagine the Possibilities. Discover the Endless Potential.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity on Minnesota’s North Shore, Solbakken truly has that rare legacy property energy!

Where the Boreal forest meets the greatest of the Great Lakes, a rare and historical resort property awaits its next visionary steward.

Why Solbakken?

• 600+ feet of Lake Superior shoreline

• Irreplaceable location in Lutsen, MN

• Direct access to one of the most awe-inspiring shorelines in North America

• Rare scale for events and destination hospitality

• Unlimited upside for the right visionary buyer

• Established resort footprint

Properties like this do not come on market often!

Northern Trails Three Classic Lake Trout Spoons

By Gord Ellis

There might be some discussion about what the best lure presentation is for brook trout, walleye, pike, or muskie. But when it comes to lake trout, few people can argue with the effectiveness of a spoon. The flash, wobble, and pulse of a spoon are usually too much for even the grumpiest lake trout to ignore. Here are three classic spoons you should have in your lake trout tackle box, and the best ways to fish them.

Williams Wabler

As lake trout spoons go, the Williams Wabler is genuinely iconic. It features a beautifully simple design, with a wide wobble and strong pulse. My late grandfather, Ora F. Ellis, was the first angler I ever saw use a Williams Wabler. He swore by them for wire line trolling and kept each one buffed up and shiny. His favourite Wabler featured the silver finish, although he had enough gold/brass Wablers to convince me to have both on hand at any time.

The Williams Wabler is primarily known as a trolling spoon, and it really does shine when fished under power. I prefer a slow speed when trolling Williams Wablers— like 2 mph and under—as this seems to accentuate the wobble and flash of the spoon. If you troll too quickly, the Wabler may spin, which can create line issues. Always check your spoon in the water at the boat side to make sure it is running well at the speed you will be trolling. This simple habit will save you a world of grief.

Although you can certainly troll a Williams Wabler behind a downrigger, I’ve always found this classic spoon shines via line-direct trolling methods such as lead core, wire, three-way, or weighted flat line. The Williams Wabler is a go-to for flat line trolling with a heavy banana weight or three-way rigging in particular. The Wabler is also one of the spoons that seems to catch big trout when others don’t. I suspect the larger surface area creates a profile that looks like a herring or small whitefish, and that is what trophy lake trout like to eat.

You can also cast a Williams Wabler, particularly the smaller sizes. They are a great lure when trout are up on the tops of reefs or cruising the shoreline in the spring. Once again, a slower retrieve will bring out the wobble.

Lucky Strike Canoe Wobbler

The Lucky Strike company has a lot of great, classic spoons, and they nearly all will catch lake trout. However, when it comes to consistency, my favourite of all the company’s lures is the Canoe Wobbler. It has a long,

fishy-looking profile that is a perfect trigger for lake trout feeding on smelt, shiners, and other thin-bodied baitfish.

The Canoe Wobbler can run at a variety of speeds, from very slow to moderately fast, and it has a tighter wobble than fatter-bodied spoons thanks to its smaller surface area and slender profile. The Canoe Wobbler is also a proven giant slayer. I was first introduced to the Lucky Strike Canoe Wobbler by a charter captain on Lake Nipigon about three decades ago. When I got onto the boat, every rod had a very large Canoe Wobbler rigged on it. When asked why he chose to run only this lure, his reply was, “because I like to catch big fish.”

That day was an eye-opener, as several lakers topping 20 pounds were put into the net and many in the mid to high teens. The fish-catching abilities of the Canoe Wobbler were proven, and I’ve had some amazing catches with them since. The silver finish is a standard bearer and is tough to beat. However, the very traditional red and white with a silver back has proven itself many times, as has the pearl with a red dot near the hook and silver finish. The 5-inch Canoe Wobbler is my most-used size for trolling lakers, but for the mega giants, use the 7-inch.

Red Eye Wiggler

There are very few lures quite as recognizable as the Red Eye Wiggler. The one I have used the most is made by Eppinger, although Lucky Strike makes the very similar and equally effective Ruby Eye Wiggler (Red Flash). Through the years, I’ve acquired several old-school tackle boxes that were originally owned by lake trout anglers.

One constant is the presence of one or more Red Eye Wiggler spoons. Some of them are silver spoons, some are bronze, but they all have those prominent red eyes.

The eye, which can be made of glass or plastic, catches the light and gives the appearance of a distressed prey fish and blood. Although the Red Eye is not as consistently used these days as it once was, it is still a lake trout catcher. Slow trollers who use wire line or lead core are especially fond of the Red Eye, as it can flutter and pulse at turtle-like speeds.

The Red Eye Wiggler has a unique shape, not unlike a Christmas ornament, with a point at either end. The spoon is also occasionally rigged with a treble hook at either end, as the two red eyes at the front of the spoon can be a target for trout. I’m not a fan of the two-treble set up, as I find it tends to get hooked up on the line, but it does improve the chance of trout hookup.

Silver and gold Red Eyes are the popular choices for lake trout. However, yellow with red diamonds, red/white, and black with a white stripe are also known trout catchers.

Lake trout fishing with spoons is a time-tested way to catch these great sport fish. Try some of the lures named above and have the best season ever in 2026.

NORTHERN SKY

MARCH 2026 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: Lake Saganaga is often called the crown jewel of the Boundary Waters. This border lake boasts trophy walleyes and good-sized lake trout and northern pike. Plus, this sprawling lake offers amazing scenery.

ACCESS: Lake Saganaga lies at the very end of the Gunflint Trail. There are two access points at the very southern end of the lake in Saganaga Narrows. To reach the first one, from Grand Marais, travel 54 miles up the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Highway 12). Turn right onto Moose Pond Drive and follow the road about one-third of a mile to the landing at the lake. The other landing is slightly farther. Travel up the Gunflint 54.3 miles, then turn right onto Sag Lake Trail. Follow this road about 0.8 miles to the landing. Although there is room for some boat trailers at each landing, the parking lots are better suited to vehicles with canoes.

VITALS: Lake Saganaga spans 18,766 acres. Most of the lake is in Ontario. The Minnesota portion is characterized by numerous islands while the Canadian side is more open. Motorboats with a 25-horsepower limit are allowed on the U.S. side of the lake east of American Point. There are no motor restrictions in Canadian waters. The lake’s maximum depth is 280 feet, which would make it the deepest natural lake in Minnesota, but the deep spot is in Canada. Most of the U.S. portion of the lake lies within the Boundary Waters. There are 78 remote campsites in the Boundary Waters. Visitors will need to go to recreation.gov to secure either an

overnight paddle or motor permit, or a day-use motor permit, to visit Lake Saganaga. A limited number of permits are available each day.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and black crappie.

WALLEYE: “The shining gem of the region is still Saganaga, given its ability to produce 30-plus-inch walleyes with great consistency,” said E.J. Isaac, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Grand Marais. “It’s one of the area’s premier walleye destinations.” Isaac noted that walleye growth on Sag is faster than the area average. That may well be thanks to a fatty forage base that includes rainbow smelt and juvenile cis coes. Walleye season here also opens later than the general opener to protect fish, which spawn later here, due to the far-north location. Walleyes are the main attraction for anglers, particularly in the summer, because of their ability to grow large. But in recent years, there has been a concern about the lack of smaller fish in the population. This led to a decade-long special regulation allowing anglers to keep three walleyes with a minimum size limit of 17 inches, but only one could be over 20 inches. That regulation expired in 2025, but the three-fish daily bag continues. “The goal of the 17-inch size minimum and three-fish bag was to protect those smaller fish and give them a couple more spawning opportunities,” Isaac said. “It just didn’t seem to do much. A lot of the public was in favor of having some protective measures to help the walleyes.” Isaac said the Ham Lake and Cavity Lake fires from the mid 2000s may be to blame

The evening darkness is retreating, but we still have a month to enjoy the large knot of winter constellations.

Before the season ends, try finding the almost equilateral Winter Triangle of bright stars. Besides brilliant Sirius, in Canis Major, the big dog, it includes two stars above Sirius: Procyon, in Canis Minor, the little dog; and Betelgeuse, at Orion’s right shoulder.

The morning of March 3, the full moon undergoes a total lunar eclipse. It begins at 3:50 a.m., with the moon in the southwest, near the bright star Regulus, in Leo, the lion. Totality lasts from 5:04 a.m. to 6:03 a.m., with deepest eclipse at 5:34 a.m. The moon sets over Grand Marais at 6:40 a.m.

This month we welcome Venus back into the evening sky. However, as it climbs above the western horizon, the brilliant planet must struggle against the sun’s afterglow. Look for Venus close above the horizon about

40 minutes after sunset in the last week of the month.

In March the day length changes at top speed, with northern Minnesota locations gaining more than three minutes every day. Spring begins with the vernal equinox, which arrives at 9:46 p.m. on Friday, March 20. At that moment, the sun crosses the equator heading north, and the day length will be increasing fastest. A viewer from space would see Earth lighted from pole to pole.

But the day length won’t be exactly 12 hours. Earth’s atmosphere is a giant lens that bends light and allows us to see the sun before it rises and after it sets. Also, sunrise is defined as when the first rays break over the horizon, and sunset when the last rays disappear. Because these factors extend the day length, the 12-hour day arrives before the equinox—on March 17.

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.

rocks, survivorship is close to zero.” The DNR has been stocking 4.5 million walleye fry two out of every four years to help the population, but Isaac said stocking has had limited results. Despite the struggles with walleye recruitment, Sag still produces trophy-sized fish and remains a premier walleye destination.

LAKE TROUT: If walleyes are the stars of summer, lake trout steal the show in winter. “Lake trout numbers in our surveys have been steady,” Isaac said. “There’s a lot of opportunity to catch big lake trout, given our forage base of cisco and smelt.” Isaac said lake trout average 20 inches, but it’s possible to catch fish up to 30 inches. One unique aspect of the lake is snowmobiles are allowed along the main corridor up to Canada. Isaac said some anglers will snowmobile to Ca-

nadian waters to fish. Others will snowmobile to Canada and then walk back to the United States to fish, since sleds aren’t allowed outside that narrow corridor. With remote border crossing regulations currently in limbo, be sure to check with border patrol prior to your trip. With a quality forage base, there’s the opportunity to grow big pike.

“The average size pike is fairly good,” Isaac said. “There’s good size structure and relatively de-

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Most anglers don’t visit Sag for smallmouths, but bass are now widespread in the lake and offer quality fishing.

“We see good size structure with fish up there in that 19-inch range,” Isaac said. He said some anglers have even described the smallmouth fishing as “world class.”

BLACK CRAPPIES: The DNR first found black crappies in their nets in 2014. Crappies have now gained a small fin-hold in the lake and are here to stay, although don’t expect to find them all over the place. Look for them in a few of the sheltered bays.

SAWTOOTH RACING DOG BLOG

When Love is in the Air

Most of us are aware that dogs have an incredible sense of smell, estimated to be 1,000 to 10,000 times more powerful than that of humans. A much larger part of the dog’s brain is devoted to smells, and, in fact, dogs have a special tool called the Jacobsen’s organ that is designed specifically for chemical communication.

An unfamiliar dog can come up to me and smell 30 different dogs on my pant leg. They know what we ate for dinner and if we are sick. It should have come as no surprise to me, then, that taking three females “in heat” on my Beargrease team would be a really bad idea.

A female in heat in the kennel is always a disruption. Her raging pheromones become a fixation for any nearby males. If they can’t reach each other, there will be barking, tail wagging, howling, and other flirtatious activities. If a female isn’t spayed, she lives near males that are neutered, and vice versa. But even those neutered males know a “hot” dog when they smell one.

I should have traded some of these females for other dogs that wouldn’t be such a disruption. But I have rarely dealt with this problem in a race, at least not to this extent. Even before the race started, we had to be careful on the truck about not dropping intact dogs next to each other lest an unwanted breeding occur.

That was mistake number one. Mistake number two was a little overconfidence and misunderstanding on my part that because I drew a bib with my lucky number 7, I was probably going to do really well here. So, I ran the first leg too fast.

I’ve always said it’s not good to have the fastest time on leg one of any race. I would prefer to go out a little slower, conserve the team’s energy, and then finish strong. But despite having both of my feet on the drag brake for more than 30 miles, I apparently didn’t slow down the team enough. I should have paid closer attention to my GPS, but instead I just enjoyed the fast, easy trail and flew toward Two Harbors. I was so fast that my handlers weren’t even there when I arrived. Fortunately, some nearby handlers helped us get across the parking lot to the truck.

As the race went on, my problem girls became a distraction on the team. My main leading boys, Che’ and Temper, wouldn’t lead. They just couldn’t ignore the girls further back in the team. I put Georgia and Oreo up in the lead, and they were good together, but then I was having a hard time finding boys that could run together. I tried to leave Finland with Che’ in lead, but that was a no-go. The doggy merry-go-round began.

I stopped multiple times to move dogs around. Now, two weeks post-race, and even the day after my race ended, I can’t exactly remember why I had to keep switching dogs, but generally it was a problem of the team bunching up, a male trying to jump a female, dogs snarling with jeal-

BY ERIN ALTEMUS

ousy, and hormones running amuck, me running up to stop that situation, and then moving the dogs around. I was passed by several teams while I sorted out my debacles on the way to Sawbill.

At Sawbill, I didn’t sleep during my 4.5hour break. Back pain was really setting in, and I chose to sit on a chair in the warm “bacon” tent, a tent run by volunteers to feed the mushers and volunteers bacon, hot drinks, and other goodies. When it was time to go, I moved almost every dog around on the gangline, trying to find good combinations that would allow a smooth run to Trail Center.

The run was cold—20 below and colder with wind chill—and though I ate some food at Sawbill, maybe it wasn’t enough. We cruised pretty well for the first 25

miles, and then I saw Nathan Schroeder ahead. As we neared Nathan, I slowed and followed his team for a while, but then I decided to pass. Not long after passing, my team balled up, dogs tried to fight or mount each other, and Nathan passed me again. I sorted out my problems and we kept on, again approaching Nathan and passing. Again, we balled up.

I was beginning to feel a little embarrassed. Nathan has won the Beargrease multiple times and has run the Iditarod several times as well. The guy is a really good musher. I should have just followed him, but once we got rolling, I thought we could maybe pass successfully, so I would try again.

Finally, about 5 miles from Trail Center, Nathan passed me as I sorted out yet

another tangle. No matter where I moved dogs around, I couldn’t seem to get the team to go. Leaders wouldn’t lead, and then dogs, one-by-one, started lying down. The final insult was when I put my girl Andi (in heat) next to neutered Chip, and the next thing I knew, they had tied.

We had to wait for 15 minutes until they untied. Monster had laid down by then, and I put him in my sled bag. He was looking at me with the “I just don’t want to do this anymore” eyes. As I tried to get the team moving, it became clear Andi needed to go into the sled bag as well. Finally, we rolled toward Trail Center with Temper and Georgia in lead. I had firmly decided at that point that upon reaching Trail Center, I would scratch.

Those with extensive racing experience will tell rookies to never scratch without a nap and a full belly. Sleep deprivation and a tough run can be detrimental to a musher’s judgment. I kept this in mind, but I felt firm about my decision. Leaving Trail Center with this team would only be a disaster. I had no leaders, and the team dynamics were just not going to work. Plus, I could see that the hard-packed trail was beginning to take a toll on the dogs. There were several with sore wrists, and one had a minor sore shoulder. I felt relieved that my decision came easy. We packed up and went home.

The lowest of lows in mushing are when all falls apart. I sat there on the Lima Grade, feeling like I never wanted to race long distance again. The toll racing takes on our family, our finances, and my own physical well-being is extreme. But within a few days, I brushed off that feeling and looked ahead to the Mail Run and beyond. There isn’t time here to recap the Mail Run, but I will say it was another fast race, but with the much shorter distance, we needed to maintain that speed to do well. At the half-point rest, I was in seventh place, with the three mushers ahead of me all within one minute. This time, I had held my team back appropriately, and I passed these teams, one of whom flipped her sled in front of me and lost her team. I watched as the driverless team made a perfect turn off a plowed road and then passed another team in front of us. I chased them down for several miles before they finally became tangled, and I was able to tie them off so the musher could catch up.

The final highlight of the race came as we ran onto Poplar Lake for the final time. Far ahead, I saw something running on the trail. The light was waning, but I could see that it wasn’t human. It had to be a wolf. The leaders caught sight and sped up. The wolf veered off into the shore. Then the dogs caught its smell, and soon there was an eruption of barking and speed. Several miles later, we cruised into the finish, the team looking spectacular in fourth place. Onward.

Final Orbit

By Chris Hadfield

Mulholland Books, 2025, $30

It’s 1975 and the Cold War rages between Western countries and the Soviet Union. The joint Apollo-Soyuz mission unites three U.S. astronauts and three Soviet cosmonauts in orbit—until a deadly accident jeopardizes both crews. Plus, a secret Chinese spacecraft is launched, it’s mission unknown. When it appears, the Chinese spacecraft is on a collision course with Apollo-Soyuz, and all vessels appear to be headed for the abandoned U.S. Skylab. Why? Written by astronaut Chris Hadfield, Final Orbit is a page-turner, blending real events with gripping fiction.— Elle Andra-Warner

Finding Your Purpose A Guidebook to a More Meaningful Life

By Dr. Cindi Saj & Christa Smith FriesenPress, 2024, $28 CDN

Co-authored by Dr. Cindi Saj and Christa Smith, Finding Your Purpose is a companion for anyone seeking greater happiness and meaning. This interactive, accessible guide provides practical strategies for self-discovery and living a meaningful life. Twelve chapters cover a wide range of topics, from why the journey matters, mindfulness as a life skill, and taking control of your thoughts. Each chapter includes reflection questions and action steps. As the authors note, “You are in control of where you go next and how you want to live your life.”— Elle Andra-Warner

Dispatches from Canada’s North

By Hélèna Katz

Boreale Group, 2025, $25

After flirting with the Canadian North for a decade, author and journalist Hélèna Katz leaves downtown Montreal for an alpaca farm near Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories. Dispatches from Canada’s North features more than 40 stories, including getting lost in the bush, travelling ice roads, scraping moosehide with Dene women, and eating reindeer meat. There’s also the reality of bears dropping by, 10-hour drives to shop in Grand Prairie, Alberta, and her dogs receiving better healthcare than she does. It’s a thoughtful memoir of culture shock, radical change, and the enduring question: Where is home?— Elle Andra-Warner

Strange Tales

The Origins of Sports Gaming

By Elle AndraWarner

In the world of gaming, who remembers the popular munching hero of Pac-Man (1980) played on Texas Instruments back decades ago? Admittedly, that’s about my last time in the gaming world. But to keep with the theme of “gaming” for this month’s Northern Wilds, here's a look at the origins and quirks of some sport gaming. (For example, is it true football’s ancient origins go back to China?)

With the Super Bowl having been played a few weeks ago, let’s start with football. American and Canadian football developed alongside, but were independent of each other. While modern-day football was codified in England in 1863, the root of North American football began with the 1874 football game in Montreal, Canada, between the universities of Harvard and McGill. However, the true early development in the game was with football in England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Even though both the U.S. and Canadian football have rugby-like rules, there are differences between the two. For example, Canadian Football League (CFL) teams use 12 players, while the American National Football League (NFL) uses 11. The CFL uses three downs instead of four; football fields in Canada are 110 x 65 yards, compared to the NFL’s 100 x 53 l/3 yards; and NFL goal posts are at the back of the end zone, while CFL goal posts are at the goal line. And while it’s the Super Bowl in the U.S., in Canada it’s the Grey Cup.

And that Chinese connection? Well, in 2004, the International Football Association officially recognized “Cuju” as the earliest recorded form of football, originating in China during the Warring States Period (476-221 B.C.).

One of North America’s oldest organized sports is lacrosse, a contact team game originating with First Nations people going back as far as the 12th century. It’s a sport where players pass, catch, and carry a rubber ball, using sticks with a netted pouch at one end; the object is to shoot the ball into the opposing team’s goal. The Canadian Encyclopedia website notes, “The early versions of the game involved large teams of Indigenous warriors playing over a field that could be over a kilometre in length.”

In the creation of basketball, both the U.S. and Canada can take credit. It was invented by a Canadian named James Naismith, who taught at Montreal’s McGill University until 1890, when he moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, as a physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training School (now Springfield College). That’s

where, in 1891, he devised the indoor game of basketball using a soccer ball and peach baskets. Today, according to many lists of top sports, basketball is the world’s third most popular sport.

In the mid-20th century, some interesting new sports were created by U.S. innovators, like skateboarding in the 1950s; snowboarding in the 1960s and 1970s; and, in the late 1960s, the sport of “Ultimate” (unofficially Ultimate Frisbee), which is now recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee and is eligible for the 2028 Olympics. Ultimate was invented in 1968 by three men from Maplewood, New Jersey. Points are scored by passing the disc (which looks like a Frisbee) to a teammate in the opposing end zone. Latest figures show 7 million players worldwide, with over 5.1 million in the U.S.

Who has played Pickleball? In 2023, there were an estimated 48.3 million players in the U.S. and 1.37 million in Canada. Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington state by three friends—Joel Pritchard (later a U.S. congressman and Washington’s lieutenant governor), Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—the game has two to four players and is played on a badminton court with a 34-inch-high net, using smooth-faced paddles (like pingpong paddles) and a perforated hollow plastic ball. According to Pritchard’s wife, Joan, “The name of the game became Pickle Ball after I said it reminded me of pickle boats in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.”

Composite photo of an 1893 hockey game at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, Quebec. This was the site of the famous hockey game played on March 3, 1875, which the IIHF officially recognizes as the first game of organized ice hockey. | PUBLIC DOMAIN

And then there is ice hockey. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “the origins of ice hockey have long been debated.” Even so, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in 2008 officially declared that the world’s first game of organized hockey was played in Montreal in March 1875. Modern-day hockey has its roots in the stick-and-ball games documented back to the 14th century, played in the British Isles— in particular hurling (Ireland), shinty (Scotland), and bandy (England). The oldest

known use of the term “hockey” is found in the 1773 book Juvenile Sports and Pastimes by Richard Johnson.

So while Canada did not invent hockey, nor was it the “birthplace” of the sport, hockey researchers credit Canada with important developments in the game from the 1870s onward. By the early 20 th century, the “Canadian rules” reshaped the game and dominated the international world of ice hockey.

LINDA GARRITY Broker & Owner

3+ bdrm., 3 ba., 2 car attached garage and a jaw-dropper of a garage/woodshop. Beautiful custom-built one level home w/ a walkout lower level. Dreamy kitchen, wood fireplace, hardwood floors, main level lifestyle! Flexible space in lower level could be another bedroom, office/den, etc. 5 acres included. Jonvick Creek babbling along, a wood-fired sauna, massive wood shop/garage w/ living space attached (kitchen + 3/4 bath), a greenhouse, wood shed, storage shed, a wood-fired pizza oven and magical trails meandering through the woods!

MLS 6122126

P.O. Box 397 | 411 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 1008 2nd St. N.

MN 55082

www.songbirdrealtymn.net 218-370-8313

$875,000 57 Jonvick Creek Drive, Lutsen

1301 W. Hwy. 61, Grand Marais

An incredible business opportunity in the heart of the renowned and charming city of Grand Marais! Bring your own ideas or continue on with the prior nursery/ greenhouse/gift shop and the rental cabins. The largest cabin was formerly used as the owner’s summer home and has undergone some beautiful updates/ improvements! A beautiful property with mature trees, calming woods and a sweet creek on the east side of the property. Blue Moose! Multi-Use/Multi-Zoned. Opportunity awaits w/ this investment property. Bring your ideas!

MLS 6119218

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

As the North Shore shifts into spring, so do opportunities. We don’t just help you buy and sell homes—we support what comes next. From property valuation and land planning to business development strategy and creative financing, our work extends well beyond the transaction.

We’re here for the long haul—We’re your TRUSTED REAL ESTATE PARTNER, not just your agent.

Red Pine Realty

• Red Pine Realty was involved in 35% of all real estate sales in Cook County.

• We assisted 53 sellers and 45 buyers achieve a sale or a purchase.

• Our sellers received, on average, 96% of the original sale price.

• We welcomed two new agents to our office.

• Our office was updated to highlight our amazing location on the East Bay. Come visit us!

ONE-LEVEL LIVING IN GRAND MARAIS

Solar-powered, single-story home set on 1.24 rolling acres with seasonal views of Lake Superior. Features include grid-tied solar, three bedrooms, hardwood floors, a walk-out basement with a wood stove, and a pole barn. Conveniently located on two platted lots in Grand Marais, near the Superior National Forest.

MLS#6123505 $450,000

DEERYARD LAKE COTTAGE

Set on 2.11 acres within a quiet HOA, this stone cottage rests along 200ft of Deeryard Lake shoreline. Cottage features 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a few unfinished spaces, including a kitchen, laundry area, bathroom, and bedroom, ready for your finishing touches. A detached 2 stall garage with a workshop provides room for projects.

MLS#6123425 $599,000

ACREAGE READY TO BUILD

Nice 25 acre lot with towering trees and 700 feet of frontage on the Flute Reed River. A huge building pad and a quality driveway have been built, and there are two large storage containers in like-new condition that will stay with the property. Power and broadband are on site.

MLS#6123454 $350,000

NEW! DEVIL TRACK LAKE CABIN

Quality 2-bedroom cabin with a spacious loft on 4.78 acres situated on the quiet end of Devil Track Lake featuring an open concept floor plan with vaulted ceilings and a large wall of windows letting in ample light. Current owners completed recent updates including: power and broadband; a wood burning stove; and a 3-season screened in porch.

MLS#6123603 $629,000

TAIT LAKE PINES LOT

A private and peaceful location flecked with old growth white pine in Lutsen, MN. Complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views, finely maintained roads, year-round accessibility and access to power and broadband! This 2.15 acre lot comes with deeded access to Tait Lake! Eagle Mountain is nearby, along with access points into the Boundary Waters!

MLS#6120357 $55,000

LAKE SUPERIOR LOT

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

MLS#6121329 $435,000

185 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.

$1,399,000

is all about environmental awareness and living at peace with the wilderness and your neighbors! MLS# 6122990 $575,000 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 345’ 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 GREAT

NEW! PEACEFUL GETAWAY JUST MINUTES FROM GRAND MARAIS!

Out in the country and close enough to town for convenience - that’s the opportunity this home brings. Two bedrooms, one bath, lovingly maintained, surrounded by peaceful woods and Grand Marais just about a mile away. Inside the large windows give you tons of natural light, while outside the expansive deck gives you the perfect place to relax. Oversized detached garage is plenty roomy and currently has a heated workout room. Additionally, another garage with studio or office space awaits a new owner’s vision and dreams. Lofty aspen, birch and conifers surround the home and the fenced in yard, creating a nice area for the pets to roam and stay healthy. This property checks a lot of boxes, including price!

MLS#6123466 $405,000 Our Clients say it all, Work with us and We will work for you!

KICK BACK AND RELAX IN THIS CARIBOU TRAIL HOME IN LUTSEN! This 3-bedroom home sits on 12 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 $435,000

What more could you ask for in your Wilderness Lakeshore Retreat! $950,000 MLS#6122627

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE!

SCHROEDER AREA

SNOWMOBILERS DREAM LAND! You’ve driven by this nice parcel during a Fall leaf color tour on the Cramer Rd, a beautiful area for your getaway cabin! Year round County Rd access, electric and fiber at the road. Level build site, boreal forest for great wildlife viewing! Lots of recreational opportunities just minutes away including fishing, hiking and biking the old railroad grade, or toe dipping in Lake Superior! MLS#6118380 $74,000 PRICE REDUCED!

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

MLS# 6119000 $349,000 PRICE REDUCED!

TOFTE AREA

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

LUTSEN AREA

LUTSEN DEVELOPMENT LAND! Located on the corner of the Caribou and South Caribou, this land is high ground and magnificent in the Fall with the mature maple forest. A Syruper’s DREAM property, make this your own homestead or develop it utilizing the new County zoning ordinance for denser development surrounded by Green Space! Year round access via County roads, and electric and fiber at road.

MLS#6120783 $499,000

40 ACRES A STONES THROW TO THE BRULE LAKE BWCAW IN LUTSEN! Sweet views of surrounding lakes from the highest point of this 40 in an excellent location along the Grade Rd. Year round access, and electric and fiber are along one side of the Grade Road. Great location for a Fishing Camp and eventual home or development! Minute’s to the Caribou Trail in Lutsen, or keep on going to the Ball Club Road to Devil Track Rd to Grand Marais! Mature forest, great spot. 40 acres too much? Seller’s will sell the East 20 for $169,000!

MLS#6120782 $299,900

GRAND MARAIS AREA

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON 120 ACRES OF MANICURED FOREST LANDS AND EXPANSIVE LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS! There’s a rough road accessing the property from Bally Creek Rd, just ten minutes west of downtown Grand Marais! Views from the TOP of Murphy Mountain are astounding, not only overlooking Lake Superior, but looking toward the North as well! Gate on property, shown by appointment only. MLS#6122477 $1,200,000

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

FOX

This cute black fox is very special to me. I’ve watched her grow from afar, from a young kit into a strong, thriving urban fox—something I haven’t often seen, as many black foxes don’t survive. I call her Moonshadow and have tried to keep her location secret to protect her, especially after interest from trappers and too much public attention. I’m hopeful she’s still out there and will one day raise a family of her own.— Chris Artist