Northern Wilds May 2026

Spring in Motion

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Spring in Motion

As I write this, there are still snow piles around my house; however, they’re shrinking by the day. It’s also mud season, which my not-quite-two-year-old is loving—she’s definitely not afraid to get dirty. That’s a good thing, because now that the snow is melting (or has already melted—you never know this time of year), it’s the perfect time to get back outdoors and enjoy spring. It’s time to get moving, and fittingly, that’s our theme.

Let’s start in Along the Shore, where Rae Wojcik delves into pickleball, now named the fastest-growing sport in both America and Canada. From Duluth to Thunder Bay, pickleball organizations can be found across the North Shore. From pickleball, we move on to dance, as the Cook County YMCA celebrates its 10th annual dance recital, held May 7-9. Shelby Lonne-Rogentine interviews lead dance instructor Christine Curtis about this year’s show, titled Rewind . Over in Ely, Naomi Yaeger writes about North of North Resort on Birch Lake, where each cabin, along with all decks, trails, boardwalks, and docks, is fully accessible.

Moving into our first feature story, Chris Pascone highlights Northland Adaptive Recreation (NAR), an organization that offers adaptive sports and recreation programs that promote an active lifestyle and independence for people with disabilities. While NAR’s office is located in Duluth, it serves a huge area across two states.

Stepping away from the topic of movement, Kalli Hawkins has us chasing waterfalls in the second feature story. She highlights classic Highway 61 must-

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stops, along with a few recommendations near Grand Marais. Now is a great time to view the waterfalls, before the bugs join in.

While you’re out and about, take time to learn about invasive species, as the Northland is being invaded. As Dana Johnson says, “These aliens may not be from outer space, but they are unwelcome, destructive visitors creating havoc in our local ecosystems.” You can read more about it in Along the Shore. Also in Along the Shore, Anne Graybeal writes about Laura Muus and Gina Joyce, mothers and entrepreneurs in Grand Marais, and the authors behind the new She Does book, which celebrates “mompreneurs” across Cook County. She Does will launch on May 20 at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

Looking toward the arts, there are many exhibits on display this month throughout the North Shore. Check out my Spotlight section for a sneak peek at some great pieces. In Creative Space, Yaeger chats with cartoonist Chris Monroe, creator of the Monkey with a Tool Belt children’s books.

Day by day, the weather warms and the grass turns greener. It’s springtime on the North Shore, and I’m here for it.

Breana Johnson Editor editor@northernwilds.com

The Great Place Project

Bring fresh energy to your business—and be part of making our town an even better place to visit, shop, and explore.

Chamber members can apply for grants ranging from $250 to $1,000 to enhance the look and feel of their spaces.

From benches and flower planters to murals and creative upgrades, this is your chance to transform your storefront and help beautify the entire community.

Apply by May 15th at cookcountychamber.org

SERVING THE NORTH SHORE AND THE WILDERNESS BEYOND

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Elle Andra-Warner, Nancy Baker, Virginia George, Gord Ellis, Anne Graybeal, Kalli Hawkins, Dana Johnson, Michelle 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.

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North of North Blends Nature and Access

ELY—Residents of the North Shore or Arrowhead Region may have a different perspective on what “going Up North” means. For those in the Twin Cities, the term often brings to mind a lake ringed with cabins, each dock featuring a motorized boat.

An Ely resort on Birch Lake blends wilderness, solitude, and inclusive design. North of North is both the direction and the higher expectation. Inclusive design is a type of environmental, building, or equipment planning that is adaptable to people of varying mobilities and abilities.

Owners Sean and Jill Leary chose the name “North of North” for a reason.

“We’ve had people from Alaska or Canada tease us about the name,” Jill said. Sean explained the name as a nod to exceeding expectations in quality and experience.

The resort is located on Birch Lake, a 20-mile-long lake with 90 miles of shoreline, surrounded by the Superior National Forest. There are rocks, coves, and wild animals like moose, wolves, owls, and bears. And it is so close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area that you’d think you were already there.

The three-cabin property sits on 11 acres with more than 1,000 feet of lakefront on Birch Lake. Each cabin has its own sauna, deck, grill, and screened-in porch. The kitchen counters, refrigerator, stove, and sink are

A cabin at North of North provides a simple place to stay and take in the quiet of Birch Lake. | SUBMITTED

accessible. The bathroom has two sinks: one is lower for a wheelchair user, and the other is higher for those who need it. There is also a loft with bedding for two for those who

want to climb into it. The doors open wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

So, while some Minnesota lakes might be busy with motorboats circling and socializ-

ing, the socializing at Birch Lake is more likely to be with fish, birds, and furry animals.

“It’s not a busy lake. You don’t have boats running all the time, and you’re not dealing with that constant engine noise,” Sean said. “There’s just more space out there.”

Birch Lake has motorboats, but its size and shape keep them from dominating the experience. Even with motors, the lake holds onto a sense of quiet.

“You notice the quiet right away,” Jill added. “It’s not silent, but it’s a different kind of sound—the water, the wind, maybe a loon call. It feels calm.”

There is kayaking, canoeing, fishing, pontoon riding, and birdwatching. Visitors might see a moose or a wolf. And while it’s not an officially designated Dark Sky Zone, the night sky offers clear views of the constellations and Milky Way.

Sean and Jill Leary live in the Twin Cities. Sean works as an environmental consultant, and Jill is an educator. Sean has a spinal cord injury from an auto accident in 2001, shortly after high school, and uses a wheelchair.

The couple also founded the nonprofit Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach (AWWR), dedicated to expanding access through adaptive equipment, trained guides, and community partnerships. At the resort, the boardwalks are 8 feet wide, and the

pontoons, kayaks, and canoes feature adaptable entrances. This type of design is known as “curb cut,” making spaces easier to use for many types of visitors.

The Leary’s have two daughters in elementary school. When the couple first purchased the property, the family camped there to get a feel for it. As construction neared completion, Jill and the girls spent the summer there to do finishing work on new construction. A manager based near Ely greets guests.

Their most recent Trip Advisor rating, from February 2026, includes a five out of five review from a family who wrote:

“Our family of six, kids ages 12-17, enjoyed two nights in one of the cabins at North of North, and the experience exceeded our expectations. A few highlights: Well-stocked

kitchen, all-natural products, comfortable/clean everything, a sauna, views, lake access, board games on hand, seamless communication. Our stay was a crowd-pleaser for our family.”

Places like this are harder to find, and even though guests are not literally in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, it can feel that way—all while being just a 15-minute drive from Ely and its shops, restaurants, and amenities.

Guests of North of North can sit in a sauna or on the boardwalk, read a book, and enjoy the scenery, or get a little more physical by kayaking, fishing, or swimming. You can spend the day however you like, but the quiet is what stays with you.— Naomi Yaeger

FAST FACTS: NORTH OF NORTH RESORT

• Birch Lake, near Ely

• Three modern cabins (sleep up to 8)

• Private saunas and lakeview decks

• Fully accessible design

• Direct access to paddling and fishing

• Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

• Exceptional dark-sky viewing

With phase one and two of the renewal project complete, the Centennial Conservatory in Thunder Bay reopened to the public in January.

| MICHELLE JOHNSON

Staff at the conservatory grow roughly 150,000 plants each year, about 90 percent of them from seed.

| MICHELLE JOHNSON

Rooted in Renewal: Thunder Bay’s Centennial Conservatory Reimagined

THUNDER BAY—When the Centennial Conservatory opened in 1967, it marked Fort William, Ontario’s contribution to Canada’s centennial celebrations—a bright, glass-walled space where northern residents could experience tropical plants that many had only ever seen in books. For visitors in the late 1960s, the conservatory’s palms, hibiscus, and cacti would have felt genuinely exotic, a vivid contrast to the boreal landscape outside.

Over the decades, the conservatory became a familiar destination—a place for school and family outings, wedding photos, and mid-winter escapes. But by the early 2000s, the aging facility needed significant attention. Mechanical systems were unreliable, accessibility was limited, and some areas were off-limits for visitors due to structural deterioration and multiple safety concerns. The beloved conservatory was on the brink of demolition.

That was the state of things when landscape architect Guy Walter returned to

Thunder Bay to join the city’s Parks & Open Spaces team. Instead of preparing for closure, he built a case for renewal that included a massive redesign. Walter said he envisioned a “completely different facility with more programming, events, and opportunities for research, innovation, and collaboration with community groups.”

While the city weighed its options, community members refused to let the conservatory fade from view. The Friends of the Thunder Bay Conservatory organized events, made deputations to council, and kept the issue visible online and in local media. As chair Sharon Sidlar explains, “For the past 12 years, our goal has been to make sure the public here was aware that there was a danger of closure.” In the end, she believes “it was a significant community response that convinced our city council that our public appreciates and treasures the conservatory, especially in our northern winters when a visit to the tropics is a welcomed respite.”

With phase one and two of the renewal project complete, the conservatory reopened to the public in January, showcasing an upgraded entrance and walkways for accessibility, a reconstructed pond and waterfall, new accessible washrooms, a new west wing with redesigned cacti and succulent displays, and new and expanded production greenhouses. There are also spaces available for community use, which are truly multipurpose, having hosted board meetings, craft sales, and weddings—events that benefit from the conservatory’s lush backdrop and warm, natural light.

I visited at the end of March—technically spring, but very much winter on the North Shore. Outside, snowbanks towered over parked cars, the air temperature sat below freezing, and more snow was on the way. Stepping through the conservatory doors felt like stepping off an airplane in a tropical destination. As warm, humid air wrapped around visitors, I watched while they un-

zipped coats and peeled off toques and mitts and they settled in and strolled along the meandering walkways.

What many visitors don’t see is the work in the 950-square-metre (10,250-squarefoot) production greenhouse facilities where staff grow roughly 150,000 plants (native naturals and annuals) each year, about 90 percent of them from seed. I was astounded when Walter explained that the conservatory supplies all of the plants that beautify the city’s parks, public spaces, boulevards, and nature-based stormwater infrastructure. He showed me the new state- of-the-art high-efficiency boilers and climate control and ventilation system that maintain optimal conditions for each growing area and described the 20,000 -litre (4,400-gallon) rainwater collection and storage system that provides all of the facility’s water. In the new workshop area, Walter pointed out a large collection of canna lilies that had recently been taken out of cold storage. Many of the bulbs are more than 50 years old and, each summer, their bold foliage and flowers reappear throughout the city.

While admiring the tropical plants, I struck up a conversation with Charles Moore, who has worked at the conservatory for nearly a decade. He was tending a gorgeous bed of tulips when I asked about his favourite plants. Moore started with the crowd-pleasers, like the variegated agave, the powder puff tree (“like the plants in Dr. Seuss,” he told a young family), and the bird of paradise. It took a little coaxing for him to talk about his personal favourites, like the massive fig tree that he suspects may be as old as the conservatory itself. He also has a soft spot for the barrel cacti that were just beginning to bloom. “In May, everything will be thriving,” he said, adding that it’s one of the best times to visit.

Moore’s pride in the conservatory’s renewal is obvious. He beamed as he described the painstaking work required during renovations: “75 percent of the plants were moved—literally uprooted—including 99 percent of the cacti,” he said, still sounding amazed that contractors were able to protect and preserve the collection during such an intense construction stage. As we talked in the arid and succulent display area, I reflected on my last visit during the pandemic when this room was closed. The redesigned room is a huge improvement that features some of Thunder Bay’s history. Walter pointed out that the beds are built with cobblestones uncovered and salvaged from a road resurfacing project in the late-1990s—a detail that ties the conservatory’s renewal to the city’s past.

| MICHELLE JOHNSON

This summer, the final phase of the renewal project is set to transform the outdoor grounds into a botanical destination in their own right. Imagine a series of outdoor gardens (think pollinators and Indigenous medicines), ponds, and accessible walkways that flow from the indoor space. “Phase three will also encompass a dementia garden, which we’re developing in partnership with Lakehead University and Dementia Café,” Walter explains. The project also includes outdoor classrooms and a large outdoor venue overlooking Chapples Golf Course. It will be an expanded oasis in the heart of the city.

For Sidlar, the renewed space is personally meaningful. “I most enjoy the expanded space, in particular the cactus room that had been closed for too many years and is now spectacular,” she says. Looking ahead, she’s excited for the outdoor transformation: “New outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy and learn. This is truly special and unique.”

a decade.

Walter echoes this sentiment and explains that the conservatory’s role as a refuge remains central, noting how important the space is for mental health. “If you spend time here, it’s pretty hard not to smile when you leave.” His involvement in the renewal has been deeply rewarding, “to play a role in making sure something with this much history isn’t lost—people don’t always realize the value of a place like this until it’s gone. Being able to help protect it and build it out for the future—that’s the meaningful part of my job.”

As 2027 approaches—the conservatory’s 60th anniversary—the renewed facility is more than a nostalgic landmark. It’s a working greenhouse, a community hub, and soon, a fully realized botanical campus that is rooted in its past and growing confidently into the future.

More information on the conservatory can be found on the City of Thunder Bay’s website: thunderbay.ca.— Michelle Johnson

She Does: Telling the Story of Mompreneurs in Cook County

GRAND MARAIS—As mothers and entrepreneurs in Grand Marais, Laura Muus and Gina Joyce have found themselves facing a familiar tension: how do you build a life that makes room for both work and family—and does justice to both?

Their answer became She Does, a forthcoming book celebrating “mompreneurs” across Cook County. It is, on its surface, a collection of lush photo portraits and personal stories. But at its heart, it is something more intimate: a record of women choosing to create, persist, and belong.

“We wanted to show that you don’t have to choose,” Joyce said. “Motherhood and entrepreneurship can coexist. It looks different for everyone, but it’s possible.”

Born in Lima, Peru, Muus first visited Lutsen as an international student. She met her husband and eventually made a home in Grand Marais. After the birth of her first child, she started her photography business, motivated by a desire to be present for her family while pursuing a career she loved.

Joyce first visited Grand Marais in 2020 while firmly ensconced in her career in corporate marketing and project management at Cargill. After the birth of their daughter, Joyce and her husband relocated to Grand Marais, and she began a new chapter hosting vacation rentals and starting Roam and Whimsy, a mobile craft shop.

“I came from a very male-dominated industry,” she said. “And then I got here, and saw all these women building things. It made me feel like I could do that too.”

The two met first in passing, then more intentionally through a local creative retreat. But it was a walk in March 2025 that set everything in motion. Muus recalled speaking candidly about the challenges of sustaining a business in a seasonal economy.

“You go, go, go from May through October,” she said. “And then winter comes. It’s beautiful, but it can also be hard. You start wondering what else you can do.” By the end of the walk, Joyce had an answer.

“How about we write a book?”

“I went home feeling anxious,” Muus said. “I didn’t think I could do something like that. Books felt like something other people did.”

But the idea lingered. A few days later, over coffee, she gave her answer.

“Okay,” she said. “We’re doing this.”

Leveraging Joyce’s background in project management, they began by compiling a list of women-owned businesses through local networks, then expanded it through word of mouth.

In total, they reached out to 80 women. Thirty-eight said yes.

From May through November, they traveled across Cook County, visiting each participant in her own space—shops, studios, kitchens, and remote outposts on the Gunflint Trail. They conducted interviews, photographed families, and recorded video conversations, often spending long hours together on the road.

“There were so many moments where we’d get back in the car and just cry,” Muus said. “It was so powerful. You could feel that we were capturing something important.”

Certain themes emerged again and again: the centrality of community, the reality of imbalance rather than balance, and the persistence required to build something from the ground up.

“Every single woman talked about com-

munity,” Joyce said. “And how much we rely on each other here.”

Just as important were the decisions made behind the scenes. From the beginning, Muus and Joyce were clear: The book itself should reflect the same values as the stories inside it—intentionality, locality, and care. They chose to self-publish, a decision that allowed them to maintain creative control.

“We didn’t want to give up any part of it,” Joyce said. “We wanted it to look and feel exactly right.”

They worked with a local designer, collaborating closely on the layout and visual identity of the book. Muus edited the photographs, while Joyce handled the writing and editing. During the winter, they met weekly for “She Does days,” sitting side by side and assembling the book piece by piece.

Rather than outsourcing production overseas, they sought out a Minnesota-based, woman-owned printer.

“It mattered to us,” Joyce said. “We didn’t want to just send it off somewhere. We wanted to keep it local, to support another entrepreneur, and to make sure the process

She Does will launch on Wednesday, May 20, at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery in Grand Marais. | SUBMITTED

aligned with what the book stands for.”

She Does will launch on May 20 at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, with an initial event dedicated to the women featured in its pages.

“They’ll be the first to see it,” Joyce said. “That felt really important.”

A second, public-facing event will follow, along with additional gatherings throughout the season. Already, interest is building—not only in the book itself, but in what might come next. A podcast drawn from the recorded interviews will expand on the stories. Future projects, including retreats, and a second volume, are already taking shape.

“Think about the impact,” said Muus. “Think about the women in our community. The women who live far from us. The little girls who will grow up seeing this.”

Joyce recalls her young daughter looking at the book layout on her computer screen.

“She said, ‘Mommy, those are our friends. They’re so beautiful,’” Joyce said.

For Muus, the project is a reminder of what becomes possible when women believe in themselves.

“My daughter will see that I did something I didn’t think I could do,” she said. “And maybe she’ll think she can do anything too.”— Anne Graybeal

Rewind: A Look Back on a Decade of Dance with the Cook County YMCA

GRAND MARAIS—Music and movement have always been part of artistic expression, and the love for both is passed down from generation to generation. This is especially true for sister duo Christine Curtis and Breana Johnson, the program leads for the Cook County YMCA dance program in Grand Marais.

The program has been running since October 2014, with its first recital, Breakthrough, held in 2015. This year marks the program’s 10 th annual recital, titled Rewind, scheduled for May 7-9. While the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted classes and recitals in 2020 and 2021, the milestone reflects a decade of growth, resilience, and community.

“For me, it being our 10th show is an honor,” said Curtis. “In 2014, I remember applying to teach and being nervous because I didn’t know if I could do it, but another part of me was nervous because I think I knew once I started I wasn’t going to want to stop the program. Now, over 10 years later, it means the world to me that we’re still here and that I’m still doing this.”

The Cook County YMCA dance program offers classes for ages 3 and older. Ballet and jazz are the main areas of focus, taught by Curtis, Johnson, and Clare Shirley. Tap is offered for sixth grade and up, and hip hop, taught by Lesli Higgins, is offered for eighth grade and up.

“I think from the start, the first year was one of those ‘OK, I’ve got ideas’ years where we were relatively small. I think we had around 45 to 50 students. Last year, our enrollment was 125 students,” said Curtis. “Growth-wise, the program itself has greatly expanded. My very first pre-K class students are now 10th graders, so we’ve been able to build and expand on our skills. There’s been a lot of evolution.”

Rewind is a chance for the students to showcase that evolution. Dancers, along with Curtis and Johnson, have all had a choice in selecting their favorite dances from the past decade, and some of those favorites have been added to the recital lineup.

“If audience members have attended a show before, they might recognize some familiar dances from the past. Some have been revamped as the program has evolved, while others remain true to their original choreography,” said Curtis. “‘Stop in the Name of Love’ is especially meaningful to me because it was the first dance I created when I was

really little, and I later taught it to Breana. Some of those original movements are still part of the pre-K piece today.”

Dance is a mix of both sport and art. In a rural area like Grand Marais, access to dance is especially meaningful.

“We are incredibly blessed. Cook County as a whole is such an artistic community. Even though the community is smaller than most, our program is really big for what many dance programs see. Part of that, I think, is that we continue classes through adulthood, which I was really passionate about, because dance shouldn’t end at the

This year’s recital will feature 130 dancers, ages 3 and up.

| LAURA MUUS PHOTOGRAPHY

age of 18. It’s been a blessing because of the community,” said Curtis.

“I think dance at its core is about movement. Movement doesn’t have an age; it doesn’t have a specific body type; it doesn’t have a gender. If you have a body you can move—you are capable of dancing regardless of who you are, what your body looks like, or how old you are,” she said.

In another 10 years, Curtis hopes the program is still going strong.

“I really just hope to keep expanding my knowledge, not only as a teacher, but also as a mentor. I don’t need the program to grow huge, but I want to keep reaching people and building a community of dancers who love dance and support each other. I’m hoping that people still love and appreciate dance in 10 years and that I’m still able to do this,” she said.

Anyone interested in the dance program can follow the Cook County Community YMCA Facebook page for updates on classes and other local offerings. Those interested in attending the recital can also find ticket information there. The recital takes place at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 6 p.m. on May 7, and 7 p.m. on May 8-9.

Shelby Lonne-Rogentine

OPEN DAILY

National Outdoor Recreation Conference Held in Duluth this Year

DULUTH—The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) will host its National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC) in Duluth May 11-14 at the DECC. The event will be held in partnership with the Duluth Area Outdoors Alliance.

NORC is the premier conference for outdoor recreation professionals, offering opportunities for learning, networking, and field-based case studies. More than 400 people, including recreation resource planners, land managers, policy makers, tourism partners, and others, are expected to attend.

“The main reason to attend NORC is to network with like-minded individuals who share a passion for outdoor recreation,” said Candace Gallagher, conference coordinator. “Attendees experience interactions with others working in outdoor recreation, tourism, and natural, historic, and cultural resources, and they can make connections with folks all over the country and abroad.”

This year’s theme is Outdoor Recreation Pathways to Restoration and Revitalization. The conference will include four days of more than 30 classroom and field workshops, and a stellar lineup of more than 75 speakers. Plus, more than 40 exhibitors will be on-site to connect with attendees.

Sessions will address building and sustaining recreation infrastructure; advancing belonging and quality of life; engaging communities; and navigating governance, innovation, and the future of outdoor recreation.

Just a handful of workshops that caught this reporter’s eye include: The Future of E-bikes on Public Lands; Cleaner Shores Through Collaboration; Everyone Can Bird; Representation & Access: Black Minnesotans and the North Shore; Shifting Lenses: An Age-Friendly Trail Survey of Northern Minnesota; and Restoration of Lands and Waters: A Visit to Wisconsin Point and the Lake Superior Estuarium.

In addition to the learning sessions, there will be a poster presentation Monday evening and 20-minute research presentations. A silent auction will be held Monday night to

fund the SORP scholarship program. SORP will present its individual service award and its project excellence award on Tuesday, and the Duluth Area Outdoors Alliance will hold a social hour at the Great Lakes Aquarium that evening. Learn from nonprofit organizations and land managers, and fill out a bingo card as you explore the aquarium. Wednesday evening, the SORP board meets. The conference closes Thursday evening with Takeover Night and social hour, held at Canal Park Brewing Co.

Formed in 1983, SORP is the nation’s leading association of outdoor recreation and related professionals. Its members strive to protect natural and cultural resources while providing sustainable recreation access. Its mission is to provide leadership for the outdoor recreation profession through skill development, networking, and technical guidance.

Why should individuals join SORP?

“Besides the discount members get to NORC, we encourage those to join SORP if you want support in your outdoor recreation profession that is focused on interactions with other members who share the same goals,” Gallagher said. “SORP provides the connection on a national level.”

“We highly encourage young and new professionals—or maybe future professionals still in school—to attend to learn more about the industry,” added Rebecca Maguire, SORP membership and communications manager. “It is a great place to connect, learn, and grow one’s career.”

The conference has been held for decades, formerly annually, but now on a biannual basis. Conference registration is open to SORP members and nonmembers for the whole conference or a single day. To learn more about SORP and the conference, or to register, visit: recpro.org/norc.—Joe

Picking Up Pickleball on the North Shore

NORTH SHORE—Ten years ago, there’s a chance you weren’t familiar with pickleball yet. Today, you’ve certainly heard of it, and even if you haven’t picked up your own paddle yet, you likely have a friend or two who plays. Pickleball has been named the fastest-growing sport in both America and Canada, and it’s been growing in the Northern Wilds, too. From Duluth to Thunder Bay, you can find pickleball organizations across the North Shore. So why are so many people being drawn to pickleball? And for the pickleball-curious, how does one get started?

For those who aren’t well-versed in pickleball yet, it’s a sport with some similarities to tennis. Games take place on a court with a center net, someone serves the ball to start a volley, and players score points by winning the rally. There are notable differences, though: pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts, the ball is hollow (similar to a wiffle ball), and there’s a no-volley zone called the “kitchen” that has some unique rules. One can learn all the details on the court, but a big part of pickleball’s draw is how accessible the sport is to people of all levels.

Melissa Grover is a member of the Duluth Area Pickleball Association (DAPA), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer. While DAPA’s mission has remained the same since 2016—to promote the growth and development of pickleball for all ages and abilities—it has seen a huge increase in membership and locations to play over the last decade. Grover credits this to pickleball’s many benefits. Like other sports, it promotes physical benefits like cardiovascular exercise, muscle strengthening, agility, and hand-eye coordination. But it’s also easy to learn, the ball is quite light, and the smaller court size means it’s less strenuous than a game of tennis might be. All of this makes it a game that feels more accessible to people who wouldn’t consider themselves athletes.

“A benefit of pickleball is that it’s cross-generational. I can’t think of many other sports where grandparents, parents, and children can all play together, and on a fairly even playing field,” Grover said. “This is a sport you can play for a long time. I play with friends who are in their 80s.”

Grover noted that for beginners, it’s a sport that doesn’t require much investment—all people need is a pair of court shoes and a paddle (and even then, seasoned players are often happy to lend a paddle to newbies for a game).

But in addition to the physical exercise, the fun and camaraderie are other key factors in pickleball’s popularity.

Calvin Konop is a board member of the Cook County Tennis and Pickleball Association (CCTPA) in Grand Marais and chairperson of its Pickleball Steering Committee. CCTPA was started in 1992 by tennis enthusiasts, and was an early adopter in combining the local tennis and pickleball groups to advocate for all racket sports. For Konop, it’s both the mind and body workout, as well as the teamwork, that makes activities like pickleball special.

“I think the thing that I like most about these sports is the community,” Konop said. “The people that gather to play support each other, have fun, help each other learn and grow, and show up for each other on and off the

courts. People from all walks of life can come together on the court and become equals, learning from and about each other, and becoming friends.”

Since pickleball is growing so quickly, most beginners can find a place to learn to play in the city where they live. In Duluth, several venues, like the Elite Sports Complex and Wheeler Athletic Complex, host beginner clinics and leagues. The CCTPA offers open play—where all skill levels are welcome—throughout the year at the Cook County YMCA or the outdoor courts. Becoming a member of a community group like DAPA or CCTPA is the easiest way to get access to facilities, clinics, and meet new people.

“I encourage anyone to come play,” Konop said.

So if you’re looking for a new activity this summer, consider picking up a pickleball paddle. You’ll get outside, get moving, and make some new friends who relish this welcoming sport.— Rae Wojcik

Close-up of a spiny waterflea attached to a fishing line. |

DARREN LILJA

Holding the Line: Battling Invasive Species in Northeastern Minnesota

NORTH SHORE—The Northland is being invaded!

These aliens may not be from outer space, but they are unwelcome, destructive visitors creating havoc in our local ecosystems.

Invasive species are plants and animals that are not native to the area, and that also cause harm. Their presence causes unwanted changes to the environment, hurts the economy, and sometimes presents a threat to human health.

From strange creatures in our lakes to giant creeping weeds, invasive species are moving and spreading all around us. How did they get here, and what can we do about them?

AQUATIC INVADERS

We live in the land of lakes, and this abundance of water is important to all kinds of life forms that depend on it. When foreign invaders threaten the fragile balance in these waters, it creates a cascading negative impact.

“What are some of the ways invasive species don’t create problems?” asks Amanda Weberg, tongue in cheek. She is the Aquatic Invasive Species program supervisor with the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District, a grant-funded position she has held since 2015. She was also recently elected chair of the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

Weberg lists the spiny waterflea, rusty crayfish, mystery snail, and sea lamprey as some of the most problematic aquatic invasive species (AIS) in northeastern Minnesota.

Spiny waterfleas (Bythotrephes longimanus) originated in Europe and Asia, where they live in the Baltic Sea and Caspian Sea. They were accidentally transported in the ballast tanks of cargo ships and discharged into the St. Lawrence River in the early 1980s, and by 1987, they had infested all of the Great Lakes.

Amanda Weberg battles aquatic invasive species in Cook County and throughout the state of Minnesota. | SUBMITTED

“These small crustaceans have long, spiny tails that are not digestible to our native fish,” Weberg explains. “Fish in spiny waterflea’s native range have a second set of teeth further in their throat that snip the spiny tail off. When our native fish eat spiny waterfleas, the spines stay piled up in their stomachs.” Spiny waterfleas also eat daphnia, a small freshwater crustacean zooplankton regularly consumed by native fish species, like walleye. When this food source is less available, fish struggle to make it through their first winters.

Spiny waterfleas often resemble gelatinous globs, like wet cotton, when they attach to fishing line, potentially clogging reels and other equipment. Unfortunately, there are no known eradication methods once they infest a body of water, so the focus is on preventing their spread through mandatory “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocols for boaters, public reporting of new infestations, and education.

Rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) originated in the Ohio River Valley, and they made a home in the Northland as released bait and aquarium pets.

“Rusty’s are larger than Minnesota’s native species and will outcompete native crayfish for food and shelter,” Weberg says. That makes the native crayfish easier targets for predators. “Once rusty’s are introduced into a water body, it takes less than three years to displace the native species,” she adds. Additionally, they destroy the aquatic plants that provide sheltered nursery habitat for young fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Rusty crayfish can be identified by a rust-colored spot on the sides of their carapace, though they look similar to local crayfish, especially when young.

There are initiatives to control this AIS. “Rusty crayfish can and are trapped extensively in certain lakes,” Weberg explains. “Removal of the invasive crayfish can keep

the population small enough that smallmouth bass can predate to maintain a manageable rusty population.”

Mystery snails (Cipangopaludina chinensis) originated in Asia and entered the U.S. as a food source and aquarium pet. They were released in the U.S. in the late 1800s, and populations were first recorded in Minnesota in the early 2000s.

“Mystery snails create large populations with mass die-offs,” Weberg says, which fouls the shorelines and beaches. “Mystery snails are also a carrier of trematode parasites that can kill animals that prey upon them.”

Like the spiny waterflea, controlling mystery snail populations isn’t feasible, so preventing their spread through the aforementioned watercraft maintenance is important.

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) are parasitic fish that latch onto and suck the blood of larger fish. One of the most recognizable AIS because of their horrific appearance and habits, these creatures originated in the Atlantic Ocean and swam their way into the Great Lakes when canals were built in the 1920s.

“Sea lampreys have been the most devastating Great Lake invaders by killing lake trout,” Weberg states. “Before lamprey control efforts, lake trout populations were nearly eradicated in Lake Superior.” A single lam-

prey can destroy 40 pounds of fish in its life.

“Sea lamprey control consists of barriers to prevent upstream movement to spawning areas and lampricides to kill the larval stage of sea lamprey in tributary systems,” Weberg explains. “Lampricide does not impact other organisms.”

Other AIS, like zebra mussels, goldfish, Eurasian watermilfoil, ruffe, and round goby, are commonly found in waters near Duluth and in other parts of the state, but thanks to control efforts, they have not yet established populations in Cook or Lake counties.

INCOMING THREATS AND HOW TO HELP

Aquatic invaders are only part of the story.

“The most threatening invasive species to the Northland, in my opinion, is the terrestrial plant knotweed,” Weberg says. The plant has a huge root system that grows through foundations and destroys structures. The roots also contribute to faster erosion during floods.

Thankfully, knotweed can be treated with herbicide, which only works because populations are still small enough to manage. Buckthorn, on the other hand, is a widespread and common invasive plant that has proven difficult to eradicate.

To help prevent the spread of invaders, remember to always empty, clean, and dry your watercraft; be careful when planting or disposing of non-native perennials; check outdoor equipment for invertebrate hitchhikers before traveling; and never release unwanted pets into the wild.

If you’d like to go deeper on invasive species and get involved, consider attending two events happening this summer in Cook Coun-

ty: The 4th Annual Invasive Species Brewery Event (Mystery Snail Edition) at Voyageur Brewing on June 20, and Pull, Plant, Protect the Gunflint Trail at Seagull Lake Community Center on July 22. Both events offer prizes and an opportunity to connect with others to make a positive impact.

Weberg also notes that you can learn how to identify plants and animals using the iNaturalist app, and then submit a report on potential invasive species you find by contacting your county’s Soil and Water Conservation District or agricultural inspectors.

There are many more invasive species to discuss, like purple loosestrife and spongy moths. To learn more, including distribution maps, visit the Minnesota DNR website: dnr. state.mn.us/invasives.— Dana Johnson

Your stay includes Sagnaga Lake Exempt motor permit!

Wilderness Canoe Base Celebrates 70 Years of Faithful Service

GUNFLINT TRAIL—Wilderness Canoe Base (WCB) has been part of the Cook County and North Shore community for 70 years. After purchasing the land from Eve and Russell Blankenberg in 1956, the co-directors of Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC) in North Minneapolis—Pastor Ham Muus and Pastor Bob Evans—founded the camp on Fishhook and Dominion islands on Sea Gull Lake at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Muus and Evans, along with their former Luther Theological Seminary classmates Oz Anderson, Curt Johnson, Bob Nervig, Ed Roe, Paul Gabrielson, Jack Hustad, and Ray Runkel, saw a need to mentor inner-city teens in their mental, physical, and spiritual growth. They believed this could best be achieved through small-group wilderness camping and canoe trips. Originally affiliated with the American Lutheran Church (now the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or ELCA), the founders were committed to creating a safe and affirming faith community where all were treated with dignity, compassion, and love.

Many of WCB’s original log buildings were acquired in the late 1950s. As the wilderness area that eventually became the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) was being established, the U.S. Forest Service auctioned off many old cabins. After their purchase, WCB volunteers and camp staff moved and reassembled each cabin at the camp. Examples include a staff cabin dismantled and transported from Miles Island on Sea Gull Lake, as well as a former outfitter’s lodge brought piece by piece from Pipestone Bay on Basswood Lake.

Over 70 years, many of WCB’s original buildings have deteriorated due to weathering or have been destroyed by fire and other natural disasters, including the 1999 blowdown and the 2007 Ham Lake Fire. Today, there are numerous newer staff and camper cabins, as well as a sauna and a timber-framed trail shack, all built as WCB continued its summer and year-round program offerings. Three of the most distinct structures at Wilderness today are Pinecliff, the camp dining hall and gathering place; the

large, open-air, A-frame chapel on Dominion Island, first built in 1960; and the steel suspension footbridge joining Fishhook and Dominion islands, built in 1966.

Early on, WCB sought, received, and maintained certification from the American Camping Association (ACA). Over the years, thousands of campers have come to WCB from North Minneapolis, the Red Wing State Training School, the former Frontier Farm group home in Effie, Minn., as well as teens from rural and urban congregations across the Midwest, youth from Minnesota and Wisconsin tribal nations, and many other social service agencies and youth ministries.

In addition to taking traditional four- to seven-day (or more) canoe trips in the BWCAW, campers have canoed and backpacked along the Border Route Trail, traveled over the Grand Portage, and explored Quetico Provincial Park and Canadian Crown lands.

Several Lutheran colleges have also sent faculty and students to Wilderness for their January interim terms. In recent years, WCB has hosted year-round retreats for adults, families, and high school groups, as well as students from Minneapolis Public Schools’ Project Success summer program and other public school groups.

In 2002, Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp (LWLBC) in Amery, Wisc., assumed ownership and management of WCB. Like WCB, LWLBC strives to be a place of grace, forming people of faith. Past WCB directors include current Cook County residents Kim Fluer Nelson (1983-86) and Jim Wiinanen (1993-2001). In the 1990s, current Camp Director Steph Carpenter and her husband, Chuck, served as resident camp managers. Carpenter has served as camp director since 2024. She’s already scheduled nearly 80 canoe trips for this summer, and reports there

Over the years, thousands of youth have come to Wilderness Canoe Base to take part in the small-group wilderness camping and canoe trips. | SUBMITTED

are still openings for individual campers, families, and organized groups.

The public is invited to help celebrate 70 years of community and spiritual growth at Wilderness Canoe Base. As a friend, former camp staff, former camper, volunteer, or neighbor, you are invited to join in the gatherings. On Sunday, June 21, there will be a 10 a.m. anniversary worship service at the camp, rain or shine. On Saturday, Oct. 24,

there will be a gathering from 5-9 p.m. in the Twin Cities at Roseville Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minn. Please register for one or both events online at lakewapo.org.

There are no registration fees, but attendees are invited to make a freewill offering to help cover meal and program expenses for the events. Early registration is encouraged so organizers can estimate attendance.

Nancy J. Baker

Based in Duluth, Northland Adaptive Recreation conducts classes in 14 different sports, including adaptive sailing, biking, and skiing. | SUBMITTED

Northland Adaptive Recreation: Removing Barriers to Outdoor Life

By Chris Pascone

Outdoor recreation is a major component of the Northern Wilds lifestyle. Many people choose to live here because of the incredible opportunities to experience nature by ski, bike, kayak, and other means. But how are these opportunities accessed by people with disabilities in our region? How do they access nature on their own?

Enter Northland Adaptive Recreation, an organization that offers adaptive sports and recreation programs that promote an active lifestyle and independence for people with disabilities.

Northland Adaptive Recreation (NAR) has an office in Duluth’s Central Hillside but serves a huge area across two states. “We go south to Hinckley, north to the Canadian border, west to Bemidji, and east over to the Chequamegon Bay area of northwest Wisconsin for our programming,” says Mark Hanna, programs manager at NAR. The organization conducts programming at places like Giants Ridge ski area on the Iron Range, the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, and the mountain bike trails of Duluth, among others. For Hanna, “We remove barriers, whether they’re real barriers or perceived barriers, toward recreation for people of all abilities.”

One of NAR’s main objectives is to connect people with the adaptive equipment and instruction they need to thrive. “A lot of adaptive equipment is very spendy and

May Hall is one of NAR's long-term participants. | SUBMITTED

can only be purchased online. There’s no storefront shop to sample different adaptive equipment,” Hanna explained. “People should try out equipment with us before buying it on their own.”

Participants in the program can test equipment from a variety of manufacturers,

get properly fitted, and receive instruction. “If they find something they love, they can purchase exactly what works best for them,” says Hanna.

NAR operates as an LLC under the Miller-Dwan Foundation. By working under that umbrella, NAR can deliver outstanding adaptive recreational sports programming directly to the communities it serves.

Adaptive Sailing: Partnering with the DSSA

The Duluth-Superior Sailing Association (DSSA) is one of NAR’s many community partners. The two organizations have partnered for over three decades, and the collaboration continues to thrive.

The DSSA provides sailing expertise through certified instructors and a fleet of sailboats. NAR brings experience working with people with disabilities, and can train volunteers and DSSA staff on accessibility practices. NAR also brings its own equipment, like a Hoyer lift—a hydraulic medical device that safely transfers sailors with limited mobility from the DSSA pier into a sailboat.

NAR’s connection with the DSSA was formed by Scott Anderson, a local adaptive sports hero. Anderson was accidentally shot by a friend in 1975 at age 15. The bullet hit

Anderson’s spine, and paralyzed him from the chest down.

It was an accident, and Anderson’s attitude was that he wouldn’t feel sorry for himself: “Let’s find out what I can do, and take advantage of opportunities when they come along,” said Anderson.

Anderson had never been on a sailboat until after he got hurt, yet sailing became his passion. Anderson loved controlling the sails, and the tiller: “It’s just you and the wind and the water, and that’s it. Everything goes away,” said Anderson. “It’s just a peaceful experience.”

Anderson went on to be president of the DSSA in the 1990s and helped to further develop adaptive sailing for people with disabilities. It was Anderson’s desire that the DSSA establish a fund in his name to support adaptive sailing infrastructure, as well as participation by disabled and disadvantaged sailors of all ages. The fund is named the Scott R. Anderson “Sailing for All” Memorial Fund.

NAR conducts adaptive sailing lessons with the DSSA on Tuesdays from 5:30-8 p.m., June 8 through July 21. Registration for the 2026 season is now open.

Growing Up with NAR

One of NAR’s current participants is May Hall of Duluth Township. Hall has participated in NAR programs for over a decade

and recently turned 21. She will graduate from Minnesota Independence College and Community this spring, and plans to continue living and working in the Twin Cities, while staying connected with MICC through their community program.

Hall, who has a prosthetic leg, has done a variety of NAR programs, ranging from recumbent biking to snowboarding to kayaking. She first learned to ride a recumbent bike through NAR and loved it so much that she purchased one of her own.

Hall has also done NAR’s sea kayaking program, which culminated with a trip on Lake Superior. “We toured the Apostle Islands. My parents got to come as well. It was really fun kayaking on the waves and seeing the sea caves,” recounts Hall.

“I’m an experienced snowboarder, too,” she added. “I’ve been snowboarding with NAR since 2019. I learned through lessons with NAR at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, and next winter I’ll be joining the Special Olympics as a snowboarder.”

Small Staff, Big Partnerships

Northland Adaptive Recreation has three full-time employees. Along with program manager Hanna, Emma Bursinger and Alec Kadlec are program coordinators. But this small number does not represent the true number of people who help in NAR programming.

“Every program we do is a partnership, from climbing at the College of St. Scholastica, to sailing, to even our ski program,” Hanna said. “We utilize the expertise that our partners have.” Another example is NAR’s partnership with the YMCA in Hermantown for youth adaptive swim lessons.

Perhaps the most important partners are NAR’s volunteers.

“We have 100 volunteers just in our ski program alone,” Hanna said. “Both Spirit Mountain and Giants Ridge are local government entities that serve the whole community, and we fulfill a niche for them by providing adaptable ski and snowboard lessons and equipment. They, in turn, provide

discounted lift passes for our volunteers and participants, and free storage for our equipment. There’s no way we could run our adaptive ski program without the support from these partnerships.”

NAR’s three core staff members are routinely doing fittings, consulting participants on finding specific equipment, and conducting programming. “We juggle 14 different program activities spread throughout the year,” explains Kadlec. These include such various sports as archery, rowing, golf, youth swimming, and climbing. “Then there are the administrative aspects behind our programming as well. The day of programming is a quarter or a third of our weekly responsibilities. Registration and participant intake, developing our programs, and equipment maintenance are all part of our daily work,” explains Kadlec, who also does all the mechanic work on NAR’s bike fleet.

Reaching Out to the Community

So how does NAR find participants? “You’d be shocked by the amount of people in the geographic areas we serve who don’t know who we are,” says Bursinger.

“We regularly get calls from people who say, ‘I just found out about your organization,’” Kadlec added. “That said, a lot of the people that we serve come to us through referrals from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other people in the clinical setting. We also get people who are friends of participants, and people who are in community groups with other NAR participants.”

NAR serves about 140 unique participants annually, with some participating in multiple programs. Then there are one-day events that NAR holds in addition to its regular programming, such as their dog-sledding event, sea cave kayaking, curling, and others. About an additional 100 participants attend these day trips, which allow folks to experience a new sport or outdoor pursuit.

NAR serves a wide variety of individuals, including people with physical disabilities and cognitive, developmental, or sensory

challenges. Local schools also partner with NAR to provide accommodations for outdoor field trips.

Helping Everyone, Making Paralympians

NAR’s youngest participant is 4 years old, and its oldest is 93. About one-third were born with a disability, while the rest acquired one later in life.

“They get a curveball thrown at them physically, or they get a diagnosis that puts them in a spot to need adaptive equipment and support,” Hanna said. “In the end, the activities we offer are a medium for personal growth. That’s the amazing outcome of our programming—getting out of the social isolation, which is very real for people with disabilities. Learning to be independent and

involved in a community setting, and being connected to their community. Being able to define themselves by what they do rather than by their diagnosis… All those things that you can’t really see are so important to our participants.”

NAR is also proud of developing their first Paralympian. Duluth native Blake Eaton competed in three events at this year’s Winter Paralympics in Milan, Italy, and has been doing adaptive recreation with NAR since age 4.

There are many ways to support NAR’s mission. Community members can volunteer, spread awareness, or contribute financially. The organization provides more than $20,000 in scholarships annually and relies on community support. Learn more at: northlandadaptive.org.

Chasing Waterfalls in Spring Along Minnesota’s North Shore

By Kalli Hawkins

Spring in northern Minnesota doesn’t arrive all at once. The transitional season can sometimes take months, as winter lingers just a little longer than most would like.

On sunny days with temperatures in the 40s, motivation kicks into gear, and the long-awaited spring projects get underway. A few days later, a snowstorm can blanket the region, sending mud boots back to the closet and bringing winter gear back out.

April and May can feel like an emotional roller coaster, with moments of excitement and stretches that test your patience.

Outdoor activities during this period are hit-or-miss, as ice conditions on lakes are typically unsafe for travel, fishing seasons are not yet open, and the mud season brings its own challenges.

But one outdoor experience that’s easy to enjoy this time of year—and becomes more rewarding as the snow steadily disappears— is waterfall season

By May, the waterfalls along the North Shore are on full display, with melting snow and spring rains cascading over towering cliff edges. From Duluth to Thunder Bay, the North Shore is home to numerous remarkable waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible, creating opportunities for families, hikers, photographers, or those looking for a short stroll to bask in the beauty of spring.

The Classic Highway 61 Stops

Gooseberry Falls, Gooseberry Falls State Park

When driving along Highway 61 in the spring, one stop to add to your route is Gooseberry Falls State Park. While the 1,600-acre state park is home to five waterfalls, it also features picnic areas, accessible walking trails, and educational centers.

The three most commonly known waterfalls in the state park along the winding Gooseberry River are Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. Each waterfall is easily accessible via a well-maintained trail located near the visitor center. The state park includes a “Waterfalls Walk” route that takes approximately 30 minutes and is ADA-compliant, offering views of the Middle and Upper Falls. For visitors looking for a slightly longer walk, there is the 1-mile “Falls View Loop,” which includes all three waterfalls and a hike along the river.

Before or after your walk, swing into the visitor center to learn about the area’s history and geology, and get recommendations for other waterfall viewing options in the state park.

Baptism River Falls, Tettegouche State Park

Farther north along Highway 61 is another notable state park with several opportunities to view waterfalls.

Tettegouche State Park, near Silver Bay, is home to four unique waterfalls. The 3-mile round-trip Baptism River Trail takes visitors to High Falls, the second-tallest waterfall within the state’s borders at 63 feet high. Farther downstream, visitors can hike to see the slightly smaller Two Step Falls.

The state park also features several other unique geological landmarks and overlooks of the Baptism River and Lake Superior. A short walk from the visitor center offers expansive views of the North Shore from Shovel Point.

Illgen Falls

Another nearby, easily accessible waterfall on the Baptism River is Illgen Falls, a 40-foothigh waterfall. With access from Highway 1 along a short walking trail, Illgen Falls is a popular spot in the spring and summer.

In the warmer months, it’s common to see individuals jumping off the waterfall cliffs into the deep pool. In the spring, however, it may be too cold to enjoy. If engaging in an adventurous swimming activity, be mindful that the river and its currents are powerful, and there have been a handful of past swimming accidents at this location.

Temperance River Falls, Temperance River State Park

It’s common in the spring and summer months to see the parking areas along Highway 61 full of cars as folks enjoy the numerous water-related activities on the Temperance River.

Visitors can enjoy waterfall views, swim in the potholes carved into the unique geological landscape, and relax on the rocky beach while listening to the sound of Lake Superior. During the spring melt, the Temperance River has three well-known locations for viewing waterfalls along its deep, narrow gorge. Visitors can access the Upper, Hidden, and Lower Falls via a short walk that includes several viewing platforms, and iron and stone bridges spanning the gorge. The Lower Falls is the shortest-distance option, while the Upper and Hidden Falls are slightly longer at over a mile.

For those seeking more adventure and looking to tack on a few extra miles, the Superior Hiking Trail and Gitchi-Gami State

Trail run through the state park and offer additional water-related fun, along with views of Lake Superior and nearby Carlton Peak.

Cascade River Falls,

Cascade River State Park

Closer to Grand Marais is Cascade River Falls, which in spring and early summer can be an impressive sight as the Cascade River surges from snowmelt. It’s common to see debris, branches, and downed trees bobbing in the river and making their way under the Cascade Bridge before flowing into Lake Superior.

From the wayside parking area along Highway 61, a short half-mile uphill walk leads to a series of overlooks along the river and views of the first waterfall at over 100 feet. Extend the adventure by continuing on the trail to see the waterfall from a different perspective.

While only a portion of the river is visible, the entire Cascade River runs 17 miles from its headwaters in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness until it reaches Lake Superior. A unique feature of the river is the annual return of steelhead each spring to spawn. While waterfall viewing, keep an eye out for anglers deep in the gorge trying their luck.

High Falls,

Grand Portage State Park

A waterfall tour along the North Shore would not be complete without seeing High Falls along the Pigeon River.

Recognized as the tallest waterfall in Minnesota at 120 feet, water flows over the cliff’s edge before plummeting into the gorge below. All the action is viewable from an overlook accessible by an easy, paved trail from Grand Portage State Park.

Once you reach the viewing platform, the immense scene and sound of the waterfall unfold. The Pigeon River borders Minnesota and Ontario, and historically served as a vital travel route. In total, the round-trip walk to High Falls is approximately 1 mile and is a great spring outdoor activity for families. Afterward, stop for lunch at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, or continue the waterfall adventure into Ontario to see Kekabeka Falls.

Near Grand Marais: Local Favorites

Fall River Falls

Just a few miles outside Grand Marais along the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is Fall River Falls. While this waterfall pales in size compared to High Falls or others along the North Shore, it’s unique and special in its own way. The falls can be accessed in several ways, depending on your desired level of activity. A unique way to reach the falls is to bike the nearly 3-mile one-way route along the state trail from Grand Marais. Another option would be to walk from Grand Marais or, for a shorter trip, park in a safe location closer to the falls. A third option, popular in warmer months, is to view the falls from the water by boat, kayak, or canoe.

In recent years, a new bridge over the falls was installed, creating an opportunity to view the nearly 30-foot falls up close.

Devil’s Kettle, Judge C.R. Magney State Park

One thing’s for certain: it wouldn’t be a North Shore waterfall tour without stopping at Devil’s Kettle. This unique landmark, however, isn’t for the faint of heart. For those looking for a longer hike and a leg workout, include this waterfall in your itinerary. With its long-standing mysterious history, Devil’s Kettle is one of the most unusual waterfalls on the North Shore. Tucked inside Judge C.R. Magney State Park along the Brule River, the landmark puzzled visitors for years, as water on the west side plunges into a cavernous hole in the rock and then vanishes.

It wasn’t until 2017 that scientists solved the mystery by adding a biodegradable dye upstream. The water eventually makes its way back into the Brule River, but the geological feature’s uniqueness remains. To see Devil’s Kettle, plan for a 2.5-mile round-trip hike with numerous stairs.

By Breana Johnson

May Exhibits

There is a lot to see this month, with art exhibits at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais, the Duluth Art Institute, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, the Grand Marais Art Colony, and more. Check our events calendar for details, but first, here’s a preview of what you can expect.

Logan Hudson, the 2025 Plein Air Grand Marais winner, will have a solo exhibition at Johnson Heritage Post, held May 22 through June 14. This oil piece is titled “In the Woods.” | LOGAN HUDSON

A Strong Law Bids Us Dance, featuring more than 40 artists, is on display until June 21 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. This acrylic on canvas piece by Daphne Odjig is titled “The Grand Entrance.” | DAPHNE ODJIG

James Ellis is the May Artist of the Month at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. He’s also part of the North Shore Artist League’s 7th Annual Show, on display until May 17. This oil piece is titled “Guiding Light.” | JAMES ELLIS

Maggie Anderson is also part of the North Shore Artist League’s Annual Show, titled Stories Beneath the Snow. This glazed porcelain bowl is titled “The Thaw 1.” | MAGGIE ANDERSON

The Duluth Art Institute’s Annual Member Show: We Hold These Truths, is on display until July 10. This fabric collage by Natalija Walbridge is titled “Green Heron.” | NATALIJA WALBRIDGE

Also at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Natalie King’s solo exhibition, Built, Not Inherited, is on display until June 21. This acrylic on canvas piece is titled “They said I was like fire, so I burned for you.” | NATALIE KING

Chris Monroe: Creator of Monkey with a Tool Belt

Creative Space:

It’s fitting that cartoonist Chris Monroe sat down for an interview with me at a coffee shop filled with artwork. Monroe talked about her career as an artist while enjoying a cup of coffee at the Studio Café, a funky, fun spot in downtown Duluth, not far from her studio on Lake Avenue.

Monroe has authored and illustrated 17 books, and her work is licensed to Silvergate Studios. She may be best known for her children’s book, Monkey with a Tool Belt, or her long-running comic strip “Violet Days.”

Monroe grew up in Duluth and graduated from high school in 1980. Like many young artists of her generation, she left for the Twin Cities, attending the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. At the time, she said, Duluth felt like it was “dying on the vine,” while Minneapolis offered energy and opportunity.

“I loved Minneapolis,” she said. “I thought I’d never come back.”

She stayed in the Twin Cities for 18 years, working as a freelance illustrator for magazines and commercial clients—including projects for companies like Coca-Cola and Dayton’s—before returning to Duluth in 1998. When she returned, she brought her son with her and found a place to rent, but artist work started to dry up after her two agents retired.

She then found a job at Marshall Hardware in Lakeside, where she served as the toy buyer. She thought it was odd that there wasn’t a tool-using animal, as she was selling both tools and toys at a hardware store. That’s when she began her Monkey with a Tool Belt series of books. The books are published by Lerner Publishing Group, which produces titles for pre-K–12 readers.

Long before she worked behind the counter at Marshall Hardware, Monroe had

By Naomi Yaeger

already left her mark there—though not in a way she’d recommend.

As a child, she had her eye on a small glass animal with a broken ear, the kind of odd, imperfect object that seemed to linger on a shelf. Convinced no one would buy it, she took it home, broke the other ear, and tried to pass it off as something she’d “found in the alley.” Years later, she turned the moment into a comic about guilt and what she calls her “transparent” childhood logic.

When she eventually applied for a job at Marshall Hardware as an adult, she walked in to find that very comic clipped out and taped on the wall. She confessed on the spot. The store hired her anyway.

In a recent phone interview, Steve Marshall, owner of the Marshall Hardware,

spoke of his former employee as a “terrific person.” He attended Lester Park Elementary Grade School, Ordean Middle School, and East High School with Monroe.

That Spark

“She was very artistic as a young girl,” said Marshall. “I remember Mr. Miller, the art teacher, saying, ‘You have that spark.’” Monroe designed the cover of their high school yearbook the year they graduated.

As a hardware store employee, Marshall said, “She was great to work with. She had real-world experience in how to use tools,” referencing her cartoon character Chico Bon Bon, the monkey who also knows how to use tools.

Netflix & Silvergate

Now you can watch Chico Bon Bon on Netflix as an animated series.

Monroe said the path from book to screen was largely out of her hands.

“Monkey with a Tool Belt was optioned by a production company years before it ever became an animated series,” she said. “They owned the rights to potentially turn it into a show, and I think annually they would pay us—me and my publisher, Lerner Publishing Group—to hold onto that option.”

Eventually, the project moved forward, though not in a straight line.

“The company that originally bought my book was British, and then it was sold to an American company, and now it’s Sony Pictures Television,” she said. “They took all their intellectual property with them in the sale.”

The animation itself was produced by Silvergate Media, a studio known for children’s programming. “Silvergate—they’re behind shows like Octonauts—they were the ones producing it,” Monroe said.

The series ultimately landed on Netflix, where it reached a wide audience.

“The show did well. Millions of people watched it. Internationally, it did fantastic—more than I could have ever believed. Apparently, right now it’s huge in India.”

Even so, Monroe noted that the experience was a mix of excitement and adjustment. “It’s very different than the books. I wrote one episode, which was really fun, but overall, it’s a collaborative process. I didn’t have a lot of control.”

“People think it’s made me a millionaire,” she said, “but it hasn’t. I’m grateful and appreciative for the opportunity.”

As Monroe approaches retirement age, she said she has no plans to stop creating. “Artists don’t retire—they just keep making things,” she said.

She plans to continue taking baby steps forward. She also has another project in the works, but she said she needs to keep quiet about it.

SAUNA DAYS

May 1-3

Sauna Days at Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors is an annual three-day festival celebrating the sauna experience. Explore a diverse lineup of unique and mobile saunas, take a refreshing plunge in Lake Superior, and enjoy local craft beer, spirits, and delicious offerings from regional food vendors alongside live music and bonfires. Between sessions, deepen your experience with expert-led talks and demonstrations covering the wellness benefits, techniques, and traditions that make sauna a cherished ritual around the world. Tickets can be purchased online. lovinlakecounty.com

STEAM MACHINE: CONCERT & COMMUNITY DANCE

May 2, Saturday The North Shore Music Association invites the community to gather for a lively evening of music and dance at the Hovland Town Hall, featuring the Midwest old-time and bluegrass group Steam Machine. Held at 7 p.m., this special event will be both a concert and a community dance, with a caller guiding participants through the steps—making it welcoming for dancers of all experience levels. Whether you’ve been dancing for years or have never set foot on the floor, all are encouraged to join in. Tickets are sliding scale (free for K-12 students) and can be purchased online. northshoremusicassociation.com

FOLKLORE FESTIVAL

May 2-3 Travel the world in 48 hours at the 52nd Folklore Festival, held at Fort William Gardens and Curling Club in Thunder Bay. Presented by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, there will be tantalizing international foods, imported wines and beers, incredible entertainment, a free ac-

tivity-packed children’s area, booths and exhibits, arts and crafts, prizes, and more. The festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors, and $1 for children ages 4 to 12; kids under age 4 are free. folklorefestival.ca

SPRING BONFIRE

May 6, Wednesday Join the Ely Folk School in a celebration of spring with live music and a bonfire at Semer’s Park Beach and Pavilion. Held from 5-7 p.m., there will be yard games, beer and wine, snacks, live music, and more. Those attending are invited to participant in the event potluck style and bring a batch of homemade hand pies (or another sweet treat) to share. While the Ely Folk School volunteers will provide their classic wild rice hand pies, more are always needed. Be sure to label your hand pies with all ingredients. This annual event, held rain or shine, is free, but donations are appreciated. elyfolkschool.org

COOK COUNTY YMCA DANCE RECITAL: REWIND

May 7-9 Over 125 dancers of all ages will perform in the 10th annual Cook County YMCA dance performance, titled Re-

wind. The recital features ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop dances, choreographed by Christine Curtis, Breana Johnson, Clare Shirley, and Lesli Higgins. The recital will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. Tickets can be purchased online. facebook.com/cookcountycommunityymca

QUEST: TECH & GAMING

May 8-9 Held at Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay, Quest: Tech and Gaming is a free community event where you can explore technology and gaming experiences in a fun and interactive way. Discover hands-on activities and demonstrations, interactive displays, virtual reality gaming, and exhibits that let you see how technology works and connects to everyday life. Designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration, the event features engaging tech and gaming for all ages. Connect to topics such as engineering concepts, coding, robotics, and more. Quest will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 8, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 9. thunderbay.ca/quest

May

on May 9 in Thunder Bay for a market celebrating mom. Held at Prince Arthur Hotel the day before

Mother’s Day, it’s a perfect chance to bring mom out for a drink and to browse a market with more than 30 passionate local makers. There will also be door prizes, snacks, themed drinks, and a kid’s zone featuring slime making, face painting, coloring, and more. The market will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found on Facebook: (Almost) Mother’s Day Maker’s Market.

HIDE WEEK

May 12-18 Leather is a material that humans have used to create some of the very items that have made life possible, including clothing, footwear, blankets, and many accessories. Hide Week, held at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, will feature different tanning and sewing methods through coursework, demonstrations, panel discussions, artist talks, and Hide Week Gathering Day: a free, day-long conference on Friday, May 15. This year’s featured guest instructors include Karl Karlsson of Sweden, Kevin Lewis and Darla Campbell of Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, and Matt Richards from Traditional Tanners in Oregon. Hide Week is open to students of all skill levels. northhouse.org

GREEN DOOR SMELT FRY & OUTDOOR EXPO

May 16, Saturday The historic Green Door Smelt Fy in Beaver Bay features allyou-can-eat fried smelt using the original recipe dating back to 1958, along with a basket of chips, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and an orange drink. Fried smelt will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Baptism River Barbecue Co. food truck. This family-friendly event will include live music all day, as well as a beer tent, a meat raffle, a bouncy slide for kids, free s’mores, a nine-ball tournament, and more. There will

also be an Outdoor Expo featuring vendor booths and a silent auction benefitting outdoor youth sports in Lake County. Pre-sale tickets for the all-you-can-eat smelt fry are $10, available now until May 9. Tickets will also be available at the event for $15. facebook.com/baptismriverbbq

SUPERIOR SPRING TRAIL RACES

May 16, Saturday Located in Lutsen, the Superior Spring Trail Races traverse the Sawtooth Mountain Range via the Superior Hiking Trail. Runners will face extremely hilly, rugged terrain, crossing rivers and streams through the boreal forests.

Courses include a 50km starting at 7 a.m., a 25km starting at 8 a.m., and a 12.5km at 9 a.m. The 25km and 50km start and finish at Caribou Highlands Lodge, and the 12.5km is point-to-point, finishing at Caribou Highlands Lodge. Aid stations are provided for the 25km and 50km races, and spectators are welcome. Race registration required. superiorspringtrailrace.com

RUN, SMELT, RUN PARADE & PARTY

May 17, Sunday The Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe will hold their annual parade and

DULUTH DYLAN FEST

May 17-24 Head to the Twin Ports to celebrate Minnesota’s native son Bob Dylan. This year’s Duluth Dylan Fest will kick off on May 17 with a performance by Shelter From the Storm at Mr. D’s Bar and Grill in Duluth from 5-8 p.m. Other festival festivities throughout the week include an acoustic jam session, a singer-songwriter contest, a tour of Bob Dylan sites, lots of live music, various lectures, and more. Admission is required for certain events. More information can be found online. duluthdylanfest.com

FIRE FIGHTERS

TEN MILE ROAD RACE

party on May 17 in Duluth. This free, family-friendly event begins at 3:30 p.m. with the presentation of the giant Smelt Queen at the Aerial Lift Bridge, on the lawn in front of the Army Corps of Engineers Building. The parade will then proceed down the Lakewalk, featuring live music by the Twin Cities brass band the Brass Messengers, a stilt walking royal guard, an energetic school of silver smelt puppet and mask dancers, and more. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear silver. Following the parade will be a smelt fry and dance at Zeitgeist Arts Café. magicsmelt.com

The exhibit will feature a new mural by artist Sam Zimmerman, an interactive area map, and the story of Chief Blackstone’s Final Walk, illustrated by Jonathan Thunder. Visitors will also find a wall highlighting local Anishinaabe artists and their connection to the Gunflint Trail area, along with a cozy space where they can listen to stories about past Anishinaabe Border Lakes residents as shared by their descendants.

Chik-Wauk’s season opening is on Saturday, May 23. Looking forward to seeing you at Chik-Wauk!

May 18, Monday The annual Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race has been a Thunder Bay tradition since 1910, promoting an active, healthy lifestyle for runners of all skill levels. The race will start on Simpson Street, and the route is an out-and-back with a loop through Marina Park; aid stations are provided. Wheelchair athletes will start at 8:50 a.m., individual runners will start at 9 a.m., and relay teams will start at 9:10 a.m. After the race, an awards presentation with door prizes will be held at noon at the Columbus Center. Registration is required to participate. 10mileroadrace.org

LE GRAND DU NORD

May 23, Saturday Hundreds of gravel grinders will take to (mostly) unpaved routes on fat-tire bikes, starting in downtown Grand

Marais. Held by Heck of the North Productions, the Le Grand Du Nord offers three events for cyclists: a 110-mile, 54-mile, and 26-mile route. With 6,000 feet of climbing and a decidedly remote feel, the 110mile course is beautifully challenging. The 54-mile course has plenty of climbing and miles of forested roads. The 26-mile route is a Le Grand-worthy introduction to gravel cycling with its mix of paved and gravel roads, climbing, and great views. The first wave starts at 8 a.m. and spectators are welcome. Riders 17 and younger ride for free with an adult. Registration required. heckofthenorth.com

SPRING CRAFT REVIVAL

May 24, Sunday Visit Thunder Bay for the annual Spring Craft Revival—a day where creativity awakens across the Waterfront District. Prepare to explore a plethora of handmade treasures from over 150 talented artisans, featuring everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry and pottery to tex-

tiles, woodworking, and more. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will also be live music and delicious food and drinks from local restaurants. Whether you’re hunting for something unique or just enjoying the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. craftrevival.ca

NORTHERN LANDSCAPES FESTIVAL

May 29-31 Discover the local ecology of this dynamic environment during this special weekend that celebrates our northern landscapes. Held at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, students will learn about the language of birds, forage for spring wild edibles, identify mosses and lichens, capture the perfect nature photograph, and be inspired by the magic of seasonal ponds. Special guest scientists, authors, and artists will gather for a free public panel on Friday to talk about how seasonal ponds have inspired a powerful creative project, and Saturday evening,

dive deep into the wonders of seasonal ponds of the Northwoods with guest ecologists. Registration required for courses. northhouse.org

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru May 2

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

Thru May 8

North Shore Bioluminescence Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

Thru May 17

North Shore Artists League: Stories Beneath the Snow Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Thru May 24

Only The Young: 2026 Secondary School Art Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru May 25

Rights of Nature & the St. Louis River Estuary Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org

Thru June 15

Sophia Bartholomew: House Holding Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru June 20

A Strong Law Bids Us Dance Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru June 21

Natalie King: Built, Not Inherited Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru June 30

Nudibranches: The Soft Sculptures of Anna Faye Crockett Ely Area Community Hub, northernlakesarts.org

Thru July 10

2026 Annual Member Show Duluth Art Institute, duluthart.org

Thru Oct. 11

Small Scale: Tall Tale Exhibit Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com

April 26-May 3

Homegrown Music Festival Duluth, duluthhomegrown.org

April 29-May 2

Into the Woods Jr. 7 p.m. Badanai Theatre, Thunder Bay, badanaitheatre.com

May 1, Friday

Summer Birding Hike 6 a.m. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberryfalls

Poetry & Printmaking with Shelley Getten 3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, alslib.info

Open Fire Dinner on a Stick & Free Concert by Steam Machine 5:30 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

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

Ignite Dance Recital 6 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Free Presentation: Life in Palestine

Before 1948 6 p.m. Cook County

Higher Education, Grand Marais, cookcountyforpalestine.org

Reflections Dance Company: Fire! 7 p.m.

Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

May 1-2

Cook County Emergency Services Conference Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, cookcountymn.gov

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

May 1-3

Sauna Days Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors, lovinlakecounty.com

World Accordion Festival Harrington Arts Center, Superior, worldofaccordions.org

May 1-6

Spring Into Art Exhibit & Sale Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, facebook.com/tbay55pluscentre

May 1-31

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

Artist of the Month: Nicole Birch (Reception May 1 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

May 2, Saturday

Free Family Drop-In Crafts: Paper Flowers with Britt Malec 10 a.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Storytime with Mary Casanova & Jordan Sundberg: Northwoods Lullaby 11 a.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com

May Day Festival Noon, Anderson's Greenhouse, Two Harbors, Facebook: Anderson's Greenhouse Two Harbors Mn Art in Motion: Under the Lights 1 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Steam Machine: Concert & Community Dance 7 p.m. Hovland Town Hall, northshoremusicassociation.com

Bored Teachers: “Is It Friday Yet?!” Comedy Tour 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

TBSO: Meet Me at the Drive-In 7:30 p.m. Urban Abbey, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

May 2-3



Folklore Festival: A World Tour of Nations Noon, Fort William Gardens & Curling Club, Thunder Bay, folklorefestival.ca

May 3, Sunday

Spirit of Dance: The Good Old Days Noon, Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

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

May 4, Monday

Free Day at the Dentist Grand Marais Family Dentistry, 218-387-2774

May 5, Tuesday

Red Dress Run 9 a.m. Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

National Day of Awareness for MMIW: Walk & Vigil 3 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Community Sing 6 p.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org

May 6, Wednesday

Community Potluck 11:30 a.m.

Ely Community Center, ely.org/events Connecting Caregivers 1 p.m.

The Hub, Grand Marais, carepartnersofcookcounty.org

Ely Folk School Spring Bonfire 5 p.m. Semers Beach, Ely, elyfolkschool.org

Author Talk with Debra Palmer: Between Wounded and Well 7 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com

May 7, Thursday

Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day 7 a.m. Decc, Duluth, facebook.com/duluthlionsclub

Armory Arts & Music Center: Preserving More Than a Building Noon, Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

We Are All Storytellers 1:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, alslib.info

Michael W. Smith 6 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

Paddling Film Festival 6:15 p.m.

Bora Laskin Building, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/dragonsofhope

Fay Gleeson Dance Centre: Celebrate ’68 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Author Talk with Gabe Montesanti: Drag Thing: A Memoir of Mania & Mirrors 7 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com

May 7-9

Cook County YMCA Dance Recital: Rewind 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Thurs.) Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcountycommunityymca

Singin’ In the Rain Jr. 7 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, theparamountbuilding.ca

May 7-23

No Man’s Land Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

May 8, Friday

Spirit of Thunder Bay 6:30 p.m. Superior Inn & Conference Centre, Thunder Bay, lakeheadrotary.com

Powwow Trail Returns: 15 Years After the Pagami Creek Fire 6:30 p.m. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

May 8-9

Campfire Comedy: Lisa Baker Campfire Comedy Club, Thunder Bay, campfirecomedy.ca

Quest Tech & Gaming 10 a.m. (11 a.m. on Sat.) Fort William Gardens, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/quest

May 9, Saturday

Minnesota Fishing Opener

Mother’s Day Indigenous Crafts Market 9 a.m. CLE Coliseum, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

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

STEAM Festival & National Train Day 10 a.m. The Depot, Duluth, facebook.com/stlouiscountydepot

The (Almost) Mother’s Day Market 11 a.m. Prince Arthur Hotel, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

The Big Red Pull 11 a.m. Intercity Shopping Centre, Thunder Bay, uwaytbay.ca

Mother’s Day Market at the Moose 11 a.m. Moose Hall, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

We Are All Storytellers 11:30 a.m. Duluth Public Library, alslib.info

Mother’s Day Spring Tea 1 p.m. Lakeview Presbyterian Church, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Festiversary 2 p.m. Bent Paddle Brewing Co., Duluth, bentpaddlebrewing.com

AICHO Music Festival 5 p.m. Sacred Heart Music Center, Duluth, aicho.org

Zorya Ukrainian Dancers 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

CAB Concert: Matt Sellick 7:30 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

May 9-10

License-Free Family Fishing in Ontario Throughout Ontario, ontariofamilyfishing.com

Take a Mom Fishing Weekend: License-Free Throughout Minnesota, dnr.state.mn.us/fishing

May 10, Sunday

Mother’s Day

LWC Book Fair Noon, Loud Women Collective, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/loudwomencollective

May 11, Monday

Trains & Toddlers 10 a.m. Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, lsrm.org

ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. McQuade Small Craft Harbor, Duluth, alslib.info

May 11-14

National Outdoor Recreation Conference Duluth, recpro.org/norc

May 12, Tuesday

Coffee & Concert: Paul & Marikay Dahlin 1 p.m. Two Harbors Community Center, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

May 12-18

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

May 13, Wednesday

New Exhibit Reception 5 p.m. Cook County History Museum, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Dance Dynamics Studio Chapter 26: The Dance Continues 6 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Trivia Night 6 p.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, lszoo.org

May 14, Thursday

Healthy Aging Expo 9 a.m. Grand Ely Lodge Resort Event Center, Ely, northwoodspartners.org

Brain Train Workshop 9:30 a.m. Aspirus Lake View Conference Room, Two Harbors, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

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

May 15, Friday

The Great Place Project Application Deadline Cook County, cookcountychamber.org

Artist in Residence Closing Reception: Eric Klepinger 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Third Friday Community Supper 5:30 p.m. United Church of Two Harbors, lovinlakecounty.com

May 15-16

Spring Clean Up: Junk Dropoff 8 a.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, ely.org/events War of the Worlds 7:30 p.m. Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

May 15-18

Martial Arts & Health Expo Lakehead

University, Thunder Bay, Facebook: Martial Arts and Health Expo

May 16, Saturday

Superior Spring Trail Races

Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen, superiorspringtrailrace.com

Citywide Rummage Sale Ely, ely.org/events

Wild Rose Family Expo 9 a.m. Decc, Duluth, wildrosecompany.com

Northland 5k for Food Allergy 9 a.m. Endion Station: Lakewalk, Duluth, aleiaproject.org

Cook County Community Rummage Sale

10 a.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, cookcountymn.gov

Green Door Smelt Fry & Outdoor Expo

11 a.m. The Green Door Municipal Bar, Beaver Bay, facebook.com/baptismriverbbq

UMD Traveling Planetarium 11 a.m.

Grand Portage Lodge Conference Center, nps.gov/grpo

Studio North: Spring Dance Recital 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Washington Auditorium, Ely, ely.org/events

All Ages DJ Dance Party: Fundraiser for SickKids 6 p.m. Campfire Comedy, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

DSSO: Masterworks 6: Rhine Journey 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, dsso.com

Parabolus: The Complete TOOL

Experience 7 p.m. eVents Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/eventsthunderbay

May 17, Sunday

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

May 17-24

Duluth Dylan Fest Duluth, duluthdylanfest.com

May 18, Monday

Victoria Day

Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race 8:50 a.m. Simpson Street, Thunder Bay, 10mileroadrace.org

Puzzle Competition 6 p.m.

Castle Danger Brewery, Two Harbors, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

May 19, Tuesday

NSFCU Annual Meeting 7 p.m. Reunion Hall, Silver Bay, northshorefcu.org

May 20, Wednesday

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

She Does: Book Launch Party 5:30 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Behold, the Picture Book! With Mac Barnett 6 p.m. College of St. Scholastica: Mitchell Auditorium, Duluth, visitduluth.com

May 21, Thursday

Afternoon Bingo 1 p.m. Two Harbors Community Center, facebook.com/communitypartnersth

Three Dog Night 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org

May 21-22

ILSG Annual Meeting Delta Hotel, Thunder Bay, lakesuperiorgeology.org

May 21-23

Friends May Book Sale 10 a.m. Aspirus

Lake View Hospital Conference Room, Two Harbors, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

May 21-30

Calendar Girls Cambrian Players, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/cambrianplayers

May 22, Friday

Community Shred Day 9 a.m. Grand Marais State Bank, Grand Marais & Tofte, grandmaraisstatebank.com

Hidden Valley Hammer MTB Races Series 5 p.m. Hidden Valley Recreation Area, Ely, elynordic.org

May 22-23

NOWW LitFest Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, nowwwriters.ca

Alice in Wonderland Jr. Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/allthedaze Campfire Comedy: Tre Lamb Campfire Comedy, Thunder Bay, campfirecomedy.ca

May 22-24

Under the Big Top! The Great Benjamins Circus CLE, Thunder Bay, benjaminscircus.com

May 22-June 14

PAGM 2025 Winner Logan Hudson Exhibition (Reception May 22 at 5 p.m.)

Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

May 22-Aug. 29

Summer Exhibition: Play (Reception May 22 at 4:30 p.m.) Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org

May 23, Saturday

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

Starbeam Community Craft & Bake Sale 10 a.m. Ely Community Center, ely.org/events

Cook County Market 10 a.m.

The Hub Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ccfarmandcraft

Motorcycle Ride for Dad Pre-Registration BBQ 11 a.m. Gradner’s Garage, Thunder Bay, ridefordadtbay.ca

Free ArtDAI 1 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, duluthart.org

Spring Houseplant & Seed Swap 3 p.m. Ely Folk School, elyfolkschool.org

Author Talk with Gina Joyce & Laura Muus: She Does 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Blues Blast 6 p.m. DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbaybluessociety.ca

May 24, Sunday

Spring Craft Revival 10 a.m. Waterfront District, Thunder Bay, craftrevival.ca

Tim Hicks: Going Somewhere Tour 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

May 25, Monday

Memorial Day

Community Mindfulness Night 6 p.m.

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

May 27, Wednesday

Summer Solstice Pageant Kickoff Party 6 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, goodharborhillplayers.org

May 29, Friday

Hidden Valley Hammer MTB Races Series 5 p.m. Hidden Valley Recreation Area, Ely, elynordic.org

Bobby Bazini 7:30 p.m.

Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, purchase.magnustheatre.com/events

May 29-31

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

May 29-June 7

The Comedy of Errors 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

May 30, Saturday

Jodie Schmahl-Olson Memorial 5k 9 a.m. Two Harbors, Facebook: Jodie SchmahlOlson Memorial 5k

Cook County Market 10 a.m.

The Hub Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ccfarmandcraft

Shop the Closet 10 a.m.

Goods & Co. Market, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/goodscomarket

Ruck Life 10:30 a.m. Mont Du Lac Resort, Superior, 23rdveteran.org/rucklife

Children’s Story Hour 11 a.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Michael Risku Book Talk: Following the Fish 2 p.m. Cook County History Museum, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Author Talk with Rudi Hargesheimer: Superior Trails 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Revolver: The World’s Best Beatles Band 8 p.m. eVents Centre, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/eventsthunderbay

May 31, Sunday

Walk for Alzheimer’s Noon, Chapples Park, Thunder Bay, alzheimer.ca/thunderbay Full Moon Poetry 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

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

Art Counter Projects 3 p.m. Joy & Company, Grand Marais, facebook.com/joyandcompanymn

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

Open Mic Comedy 7:30 p.m. Campfire Comedy Club, Thunder Bay, campfirecomedy.ca

Fridays

Renegade Late Night Improv 10 p.m. Zeitgeist Arts, Duluth, zeitgeistarts.com

Saturdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

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

The North Shore Dish Hiking and Diners on the North Shore

By Virginia George

Mud season. It’s that season between winter and summer where the weather starts getting warmer. You can feel the sun’s intensity on your face. Snow piles shrink, creeks and rivers swell, and everything turns to mud. That’s what happens at my house, anyway.

I spent the first 30 years of my life in Anoka County, which, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is a sand plain. When we moved to the Northland more than a decade ago, I wasn’t prepared for how much the composition of the earth I was standing on would change, and the implications to my daily life. The North Shore Highlands ecological type borders Lake Superior and has quite a bit of variation. The parcel where I live is clay: thick, slippery, difficult to dig, and nearly impossible to grow anything in.

During mud season, as the ground is half frozen, snow melts, rain falls, and most of it goes… nowhere. That’s the state of my yard. The chickens tear up the ground near the coop, and the dogs and humans track mud into the house. The days are longer, the sun shines, but the full enjoyment of spring evades me.

So, I’ll daydream a little and put some hikes on the list while we wait for the trails—and my yard—to dry out. Here are two local eateries with good access to hiking trails: Dawson Diner in Thunder Bay, and Bridgeman’s in Duluth.

Dawson Diner, Thunder Bay

Dawson Diner is a quintessential diner just a bit off the beaten path. Formerly Sweet G’s, it has been renovated, renamed, and is busy serving what you’d expect a classic diner to serve: sandwiches, burgers, soup, and breakfast all day every day.

The menu includes delicious Finnish pancakes, along with a variety of meals and combinations. The classic breakfast features two eggs served with your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage, along with toast and home fries. Other classics include steak and eggs, French toast, and eggs Benedict. For lunch, you might try a plate of locally made pierogies, liver and onions, or a hot turkey sandwich smothered in gravy. Dawson Diner also offers soup and salad, and regularly changes out their soup of the day with delicious options like turkey rice, cabbage roll, and tomato macaroni. In all, their menu reads like a traditional diner menu, with mouth-watering classics to choose from.

Dawson Diner also offers holiday takeout specials. For Easter, they served a roasted turkey dinner, complete with your choice

of fruit pie or whipped cheesecake, and for Thanksgiving, options included turkey dinner or lasagna—a hearty, home-cooked meal without any of the cooking. These specials are regularly posted on their Facebook page, so keep an eye out there for upcoming opportunities.

Hiking Suggestion: The Toivo Trail Loop is a 1-mile loop about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Dawson Diner. With only about 65 feet (20 meters) of elevation gain throughout the trail, it’s a relatively flat and easy hike—a great way to get out among the trees for a pre- or post-meal stroll.

Bridgeman’s, Duluth

While we’re on the topic of quintessential diners, Bridgeman’s restaurant in Duluth fits the bill. What began as a door-to-door source of fresh milk in Duluth became Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Shoppe, opening its first location in Duluth in 1936. Bridgeman’s grew quickly, and its reputation for delicious ice cream endures.

Duluth is now home to the only remaining Bridgeman’s restaurant. Locally owned and operated, it remains a popular spot. Breakfast is served all day, featuring Swedish pancakes, French toast, and more. The Big Fat Greek Skizzle is a plate of crispy hash browns topped with seasoned lamb, over-easy eggs, spinach, tomatoes, feta, and house-made tzatziki sauce. Other options include a grits and gravy breakfast bowl, chicken and cornbread biscuits, and avocado toast.

| BRIDGEMAN’S

Bridgeman’s also offers a variety of burgers and sandwiches. The Bridgeman’s Burger is topped with American cheese and a thick slice of bacon, while the Firehouse Burger is adorned with pepper jack cheese, bacon, ja-

lapenos, and chipotle aioli. All burgers can be substituted with a house-made wild rice patty for no additional charge.

And, of course, dessert. The front case is filled with ice cream flavors like salted caramel espresso, raspberry fudge torte, cookies and cream, and rainbow sherbet. Bridgeman’s is also home of the Mega Malt, an oversized malt bursting with flavor and served in a souvenir mason jar. The front case is also home to a variety of cakes, pies, and cookies that quickly sell out.

Hiking Suggestion: Ely’s Peak is more or less an out-and-back hike with spectacular views of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior. Part of the Superior Hiking Trail, it requires paying attention to trail blazes on trees and rocks. While not a difficult hike, this one requires some climbing and includes just under 400 feet (122 meters) of elevation gain over 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers). The trail also features the Ely Tunnel—an old railroad tunnel—where hikers can traverse and experience complete darkness. At 520 feet (158 meters) long, the tunnel is deep enough that no light reaches the center.

Thankfully, mud season is temporary, and it won’t be long until we can hit the trails and find that sweet spot between the mud and the bugs. And fortunately, we don’t have to wait for any kind of weather to check out these diners—they’re ready for you any time of year.

Moving Truths: Changing the Fitness Narrative

By Hartley Newell-Acero

In high school, I was on the swim team. I swam for hours every day and lifted weights multiple times a week. I was absolutely fit and strong. And yet, a voice inside me whispered, “You work hard, and you’re in good condition, but you stink at running. Real athletes can run.” Somewhere along the way, I had unknowingly defined what it meant to be a “real” athlete. I’d narrowed my scope of what counted as worthwhile physical activity. I secretly diminished myself because of what I couldn’t do, instead of celebrating what I could.

I’m willing to bet that I’m not the only person who’s had these kinds of thoughts floating through their mind. Because of experiences in my youth, I’ve spent my adult life pushing back against these inaccurate and unhelpful internal rules. In their place, here are some contrasting truths about fitness, physical activity, exercise, and movement that I offer to myself— and to you.

Movement is for every body. The young, thin, fit, firm, and athletic don’t own exercise. Physical activity benefits us all, and we all have a right to joyfully claim it—regardless of our age, endurance capacity, experience level, or even if we jiggle while doing it.

You don’t have to break the bank to build yourself up. There are plenty of free or low-cost movement options. You’re not required to splurge on expensive equipment, join a gym, or wear snazzy outfits.

All movement counts. Low-intensity, no-sweat activity is beneficial, too. We don’t have to go all out, all the time, to prove to ourselves—or anyone else—that we’re not slacking. Modified movement done at your own pace is still movement. And, should you feel like shifting gears into sweaty, happy, beast mode, go for it.

Some days we just can’t, and that’s OK. There will be times when any physical activity feels like too much. Maybe you have a chronic condition that’s flared up. Perhaps all the plates you’re spinning are starting to wobble out of control. You can be dedicated to taking good care of yourself and occasionally hit “pause” on exercise. Being active is a kindness you do for yourself. Movement is a stress-relieving, endorphin-pumping, muscle-relaxing, strength-building, focus-enhancing, sleep-promoting, confidence-boosting gift from you to you. What is it not? Punishment for what you have eaten, penance for what you’re going to eat, or retribution for when you didn’t exercise.

Some progress is invisible. Progress doesn’t have to be weight added to the bench press, more distance logged, or additional time on the treadmill. Progress can be putting on your walking shoes and making it around the block when you didn’t think you could, working up the courage to try a new type of activity, or revisiting activities you used to enjoy.

How to Get Started

If it’s been a while since you’ve exercised, it’s always best to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine which activities are safe to start with, which you can work up to, and which ones you might need to avoid altogether.

Then—dive in! Here are some questions that will help you move in a more active direction:

In the past, what activities were fun for you? Even if they’re no longer on the “good idea” list, is there a way to modify them so that they can be?

What activities have you been curious about? Is there a way you can sample them?

How can you start slowly and find the sweet spot of feeling challenged enough to stay interested, but not so challenged that you feel constantly overwhelmed?

What physical activity do you enjoy that’s not considered conventional “exercise?” Remember—all exercise is movement, but not all movement gets labeled as exercise.

How to Keep Going

Keep the movement momentum flowing. Where can you work little physical activity “snacks” into your daily routine? Think gentle stretches while you microwave leftovers, walking in place during TV commercial breaks, and aerobi-cleaning to your favorite dance music.

How can you be active with a buddy or as part of a group? This often makes it easier to move past dips in motivation.

It’s guaranteed that the messiness of life

will present obstacles. What contingency plans can you develop and tee up so that your need for movement can still be met? We all have unexamined “truths” that

impact how we live our lives. Identifying, pondering, and perhaps countering them can help us start moving toward greater health and happiness.

Thaw Out. Move More.

Winter’s finally loosening its grip - take the season’s first steps toward better health. Whether you’re returning to favorite trails or easing back into everyday activity, staying active keeps your body strong and your spirit lifted.

At North Shore Health, our rehabilitation team helps you move safely and confidently- from recovery to maintaining or improving strength and mobility And if adventure takes a wrong turn, EMS is read y to respond and the NSH care team are here ready to help - right here in the wilderness- when every minute matters.

Move into spring with support you can count on. Your wellness. Our priority.

515 5th Ave West, Grand Marais, MN 55604 218 - 387 - 3040 / NorthShoreHealthgm.org

Northern Trails

Wild Turkeys: Be Flexible to Fill Your Tag

By Gord Ellis

Wild turkey hunters tend to stick to certain tried-and-true setups and let patience do the rest. This can work wonders, but there are also times you need to flip over the menu and be flexible. Big toms don’t get long beards and long spurs by making mistakes. They will do the unexpected, and a hunter needs to be ready. Here are a few of my experiences and techniques to help you punch that turkey tag this spring.

The Ground Game

Last spring, I started the morning in a blind, with a pair of decoys out front and me inside, working a box call. I had a few responses, but I could see a group of birds, with a couple gobblers working the main part of the field about 800 yards away. There was a grassy point that stuck out close to where the birds were, but it had no trees or fence.

When the birds moved into a nearby grove of trees, I packed up my gear and made a stalk toward the grassy point. It took a long time to get there, as I wanted to stay low and not provide a profile the turkeys might see. However, once at the grassy point, there was a bit of slope that made a good backrest. My vantage point on the right side of the point was the expansive field the birds had been in, while the other side of the point faced another large field I’d been looking at with my blind.

After an hour, I checked my phone and had a text from one of my hunting partners. He said he had driven by the field I’d been in earlier, and a flock of birds was in the middle of it. Basically, the birds were in the field I’d left, but heading my way. So, I adjusted my seating so I could watch for them. The long grass was a problem, though, as it blocked my view. I couldn’t see as much as I’d like.

After a short time, a couple hens appeared, and they were moving my way. A couple of gobbles sounded behind them, and I knew the toms were close. I couldn’t see them, but suddenly a white-and-red head popped up above the grass like a periscope. It was a gobbler, about 30 yards from me. The gobbler’s head dropped, and I lifted the shotgun and pointed it toward the edge of the grass. Moments later, that white gobbler head was up, neck fully exposed, and I dropped the hammer.

At the blast of the shotgun, I could see a few other gobblers and hens start running out into the field. Once the birds cleared out, I slowly got up and went to look. There, laying on the edge of the field, was the largest gobbler I’d ever seen. It had a long, thick beard, and impressive spurs. It had been a

very unorthodox hunt, but my placement on the ground and in that grass allowed the flexibility to make the adjustments needed to take that gobbler.

Hunt in All the Weather

One of the very first gobbler hunts I ever took part in happened on a very cold, snowy late-April day. My hunting partner, who had been on a handful more turkey hunts than me, was not super enthusiastic about heading out into the snow that morning. He was also mildly hung over after we had been up late telling tales in the motel room. My head wasn’t quite as sore, but the idea of sitting on the ground, with the snow stinging my face, was not that enthralling. Yet we were there to hunt, and so we headed out, wearing every piece of clothing we had brought. We decided to hunt together and take turns calling, with the other guy shooting. We walked to the corner of the field, which seemed to have the least amount of wind. Since my partner had a sore head, he didn’t want to call. I got on the box call as he nestled into the edge of the field against a big oak. A few scrapes of the wooden box call sent the cluck of a hen turkey into the

snow-filled air. To say our expectations were low would be an understatement. After about 15 minutes, the box call was scraped again.

Then, from the forest behind us—“gobble, gobble!”

My partner looked at me with shock and awe. I could tell his hangover was suddenly gone. He pointed toward where the gobble came from and set the gun up. After a few minutes, another gobble could be heard. It echoed through the snowy morning and sent a chill up both our spines. Within minutes, a gobbler appeared from the snow like a ghost. It was in full display, tail fan whipping in the wind. My partner put the shotgun to his shoulder, and when the big tom went to gobble, he pulled the trigger and dropped it at 35 yards.

Moments later, standing over the bird that was already getting covered with snow, we shook our heads in disbelief. This was not a scenario either of us imagined, but it had happened. A little snow was not enough to put a lovestruck gobbler off its game.        Sometimes you have to be flexible—and lucky—to punch a turkey tag.

NORTHERN SKY

MAY 2026 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

May opens and closes with full moons, but both make it hard to catch their moment of perfect fullness.

On May Day that moment arrives near noon, when the moon won’t be visible from Minnesota. And on the 31st, perfect fullness comes at 3:45 a.m., when few of us are up. But there’s a silver lining here. Because we’ll have two full moons in a calendar month, the second one qualifies as a blue moon.

Evening viewers may catch Venus blazing through the sun’s afterglow in the west-northwest, or lighting up a dark sky for a short time after the afterglow fades. Two bright objects stand out above Venus. To the right is Capella, in the constellation Auriga, the charioteer. To the left shines Jupiter, which is on course to drop past Venus in June.

The spring constellation Leo, the lion, comes out high in the south early in May and ends the month high in

the southwest. On the 22nd, a nearly first quarter moon visits Regulus, the bright star marking the lion’s heart. Below and east of Leo glimmers Spica, the only bright star in Virgo, the maiden. You’ll probably need a star chart to find Virgo, but not Corvus, the crow, a quadrangle of stars just below and west of Spica.

High in the southeast shines Arcturus, in the constellation Bootes, the herdsman. The brightest star in the northern hemisphere of sky, Arcturus can be found by extending the curve of the Big Dipper’s handle. Its closest rival in brightness is Vega, in the constellation Lyra, the lyre of the mythical Greek musician Orpheus.

Vega is now in the morning sky, along with the other stars of the big Summer Triangle: Altair, in Aquila, the eagle; and Deneb, in Cygnus, the swan. While you’re up, look near the southeastern horizon for Antares, the red heart of the summer constellation Scorpius.

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.

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: Crescent Lake is a popular walleye lake located off The Grade north of Lutsen. In addition to its reputation as a good “numbers” walleye lake, it is one of the only lakes with muskies in Cook County. The lake is entirely undeveloped, except for a Forest Service campground, which is very popular. Whether you fish Crescent or use the campground as a hopping off point for other area lakes, this is a real destination place.

ACCESS: From Lutsen, drive 1.1 miles east up Highway 61 and turn left onto the Caribou Trail (Cook County Highway 4). Proceed north about 16.8 miles until you reach the T intersection with The Grade (Forest Road 170). Go west about 7 miles until you reach the road to the Crescent Lake Campground on your left. Go about 0.9 mile. The boat launch is within the campground. The campground has 33 campsites. Several of them are on the water. Facilities include a fishing pier, vault toilets, and potable water. There is also one dispersed campsite that users have to boat to. Boaters should go slowly because there are hazardous rocks that are difficult to see.

VITALS: Crescent Lake is 755 acres with a maximum depth of 28 feet. It is a classic rocky Canadian Shield lake with several islands. There’s no development, other than the campground.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.

WALLEYE: Crescent is known for its good numbers of small walleyes. “It’s still producing good numbers of walleyes,” said E.J. Isaac, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Grand Marais. “The size range has more eaters than big ones. We do see fish in our surveys that are over 25 inches. But they’re really numerous in the 12- to 18-inch range.” Walleyes find plenty of rocky structure suitable to their liking on Crescent. “For people going to catch some walleyes to eat, it’s a pretty good producer,” Isaac said.

MUSKELLUNGE: Cook County only has a handful of muskie lakes, all of which are connected to Crescent. Shoepack-strain muskies were stocked here decades ago, and they continue to persist, giving area anglers a unique fishing opportunity. Shoepack muskies are the smallest muskie strain, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. “We seem to catch a couple muskies in each survey,” Isaac said. “They’re in the 25- to 35-inch range. Sucker numbers (a preferred prey species) fluctuate, but they seem to be adequate to support muskies.” Although some anglers do target muskies specifically, it’s not out of the ordinary to catch a muskie on Crescent on walleye lures or even to have a muskie attack a walleye struggling on

CRESCENT LAKE

the end of your line. Northern pike are present in low numbers in Crescent. However, they are known to hybridize with muskies, producing a strikingly beautiful striped hybrid known as a tiger muskie. It would be uncommon to catch a tiger, but not out of the question.

SMALLMOUTH BASS:

Smallies were not native to Crescent, but have been around now for a quarter-century or so. They are slow-growing and don’t usually grow large here, despite the abundance of rocky habitat. If you catch a 12-incher, consider yourself lucky. You’ll likely encounter lots of 8-inchers while fishing live bait for walleyes.

YELLOW PERCH: “Yellow perch numbers have been adequate to support walleyes,” Isaac said. “We’ve seen some uptick in perch numbers.” Still, perch tend to be small. You might get one big enough to fillet while walleye fishing, but that’s the exception, rather than the rule. Perch do serve an important role as prey for walleyes and muskies, however.

Northwoods Lullaby

By Mary Casanova

Illustrated by Jordan Sundberg University of Minnesota Press, 2026, $17.95

Blending a gentle outdoor adventure with a bedtime song, Northwoods Lullaby captures the quiet magic of spring in the Northwoods. Mary Casanova’s flowing, rhythmic writing—drawn from a lullaby she first hummed while rocking her newborn grandchild— works in harmony with Duluth artist Jordan Sundberg’s textured collage illustrations, highlighting animals and new life along a forest path. This beautifully crafted book is a soothing, memorable read for kids of all ages.

Breana Johnson

A Wasp in the Beehive

A Brigid Reardon Mystery

By Mary Logue

University of Minnesota Press, 2026, $24.95

A search for safety turns into a new investigation in A Wasp in the Beehive. Set in 1881, this third entry in the Brigid Reardon Mysteries places Brigid in Salt Lake City, working in a bookstore and living with her employer’s polygamous family. When the employer is murdered, suspicion falls on those within the home, including his wives and children. Determined to uncover the truth, Brigid follows a trail of clues. This intriguing whodunit makes for a satisfying read for fans of the series.— Breana Johnson

Launched on an Inland Sea

Two Centuries of Building Ships at the Head of Lake Superior

By Barbara Yurkoski

Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay, 2026, $20

For two centuries, at the head of the Great Lakes, Thunder Bay has played an important role in Canada’s shipbuilding industry. The story begins at the North West Company’s fur trade fort in the early 19th century and ends in the late 20th century. Shipbuilders produced vessels used across Canada and worldwide, including the Noronic and the laker Grand Morden, as well as tugboats, barges, steamers, freighters, minesweepers, corvettes, and the icebreaker Alexander Henry. During the peak years of World War II, the city’s Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company employed 2,500 people.— Elle Andra-Warner

Strange Tales Whalebacks on the Great Lakes and Beyond

By Elle AndraWarner

So, first of all, what’s a whaleback? They were an unusually designed type of cargo steamship built to haul bulk freight, grain, gravel, and iron ore on the Great Lakes. Built with a long, narrow cylindrical hull shaped like a cigar, when a whaleback was fully loaded with cargo, the rounded hull seen above the waterline looked like the smooth back of a whale. The quirky term “whaleback” for the ship developed in response to its whale-like appearance.

“The whaleback’s profile was considered ‘grotesque’ by some lakemen, but its designer declared that such a ship ‘can’t be drowned. They’ll ride out any storm because the seas will simply wash over them,’” wrote Ric Mixter in his article, “McDougall’s Dream” in Michigan History (MayJune 2013).

It was Duluth’s Scottish-born Captain Alexander McDougall (1845-1923) who invented and designed the whaleback vessels. Born in a small fishing village on the island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, McDougall came to Canada with his parents around age 9, settling in the Ontario village of Nottawa near Collingwood. In 1871, McDougall moved with his family to Duluth. At age 16, McDougall became a deckhand on the steamer Edith, and at age 25, he became captain of his first steamer, Thomas A. Scott He retired from active service after 20 years sailing on the Great Lakes and began developing his design ideas for whaleback boats.

His first whaleback was the all-steel, 178foot Barge 101, constructed in Duluth and side-launched on June 23, 1888. Twenty years later, in 1908, as a converted coastal oil tanker bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a cargo of tar, she was lost with all seven of her crew in the Atlantic Ocean about 30 miles off Seal Island, Maine.

The last and longest whaleback was the 418-foot steamer Alexander McDougall , launched on July 25, 1898. After being in operation for 48 years, she was scrapped in 1946.

In the 10 years of whaleback construction between 1888 and 1898, a total of 44 whalebacks were launched at five different sites: Duluth (7), West Superior, Wisconsin (33), Brooklyn, New York (2), Everett, Washington (1), and Sunderland, England (1). Of these, 25 were tow cargo barges pulled by a powered vessel, and the other 19 were self-powered.

The first whaleback to operate beyond the Great Lakes was the 264-foot, self-powered Charles W. Wetmore, launched on May 23, 1891, in Superior and named for one of McDougall’s investors. That same year, in June,

The second whaleback built by McDougall, the Joseph L. Colby, was launched in West Superior, Wisconsin, in 1890 and scrapped in Chicago in 1935. | PUBLIC DOMAIN

she sailed from Duluth with 95,000 bushels of grain for Liverpool, England, becoming the first whaleback to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The Everett-based Port Gardner News (Oct. 2, 1891) reported she had “...successfully made a trip from Duluth, Minn., in the heart of the American continent, across the Atlantic Ocean to Liverpool and thence back to New York... So successful has she proved from the beginning that the whaleback is now being loaded at New York for a voyage around Cape Horn to Puget Sound, in the Pacific state of Washington.” Alas, the following year, on Sept. 8, 1892, while carrying coal out of Tacoma, Washington, for San Francisco, the celebrated whaleback grounded in Coos Bay, Oregon, and was abandoned.

While no whalebacks were built in Canada, Port Arthur (now part of the city of Thunder Bay) was home port from 1912 until about 1920 to the whaleback Atikokan, launched in 1895 as the former John B. Trevor. The Canadian owner was the Canadian Northwest Steamship Company, owned by Port Arthur businessman Thomas Marks. She was later sold to the Canadian Steamship Lines and dropped from registry in 1926. Only one whaleback was built on the Pacific West Coast. The City of Everett was launched on Oct. 24, 1894, at Everett, Washington. She became famous as America’s first commercial steamship to pass through the Suez Canal and circumnavigate the

The 362-foot (110 m) S.S. Christopher Columbus, the only passenger whaleback built (1892-93), was the longest vessel on the Great Lakes at its launch and known as the unofficial "Queen of the Lakes." It could carry 4,000 to 5,000 passengers. | PUBLIC DOMAIN

globe (1897-1898). The 346-foot ship was later converted to an oil tanker and, for many years, was operated by Standard Oil in transatlantic trade. On Oct. 11, 1923, she sank along with her crew of 26 in the Gulf of Mexico while carrying molasses from Santiago, Cuba, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Today, there is only one surviving whaleback in the world—the S. S. Meteor, now a museum ship docked on Barker’s Island in

Superior, Wisconsin. Launched in 1896 in Superior as the Frank Roosevelt, she was in service until 1969 under various owners. During her years of service, she was a lake freighter, sand dredge, auto carrier, and a converted tanker before returning to Superior in 1971 to become a museum ship. S. S. Meteor was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 9, 1974.

Northern Wilds Real Estate

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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.

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NEW! RUSTIC CABIN WITH ACREAGE

Outdoor paradise on 19.62 acres! Rustic cabin about 100 feet from Judge Magney State Park. Great hunting retreat or dog sled adventure stop. ATV or snowmobile access currently, with legal access in place to build a driveway. Electricity/ broadband coming to the road this year! Additional adjacent land available.

MLS#6124300 $100,000

FEATURED LISTING

Red Pine Realty

UPDATED HOME IN SILVER BAY

This 5 bedroom, 2 bath home has plenty of room and comfortable spaces. Hardwood floors, fireplace, updated appliances, new mechanical systems all provide the quality and upgrades that make this home ready for you to move right in. Large lower level has space for projects or rec-room. Large yard and extra garage give lots of room for gardening or outdoor fun, with room for the toys or extra vehicles.

COMING SOON! SECLUDED 20 ACRES

Beautiful wilderness land with areas of higher elevation, mature pines, and deeded access to Lost Lake. The landing is within a half mile of the property. Enjoy this beautiful private stocked lake without the lakeshore taxes.

MLS#6124608 $62,000

MLS#6123815 $269,900 FEATURED LISTING

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

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 LAND/BUILDING SITES

TAIT LAKE PINES

BUILDABLE LOT

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

MLS#6123050

$58,000

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

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

SEA GULL LAKE RETREAT

Charming Cape Cod-inspired lake home, outstanding views of the lake and surrounding BWCAW wilderness. Rock outcroppings and pines, great privacy, 252ft of accessible shoreline, 3.5 acres. Floating dock and great swimming. Two bedroom, 2 level home shows exceptional quality. Expansive windows and screen porch, plus upper-level deck. Home is set up for simple living. Composting toilet, outhouse, lake water system, with plans for a bath house/ sauna not yet completed.

MLS#6124149

$595,000

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

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.

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO AT BLUEFIN BAY IN TOFTE! This is a rare chance to own one of Bluefin Bay’s beautiful 3-bedroom condos in Tofte, closer to Lake Superior than any other lodging on the North Shore! The unit sits conveniently near the resort restaurant and right across from the indoor pool, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Enjoy your time on the North Shore in your own condo curled up next to the gas fireplace with a book while listening to the waves hit the shore, and while you are gone let it offset ownership costs with its strong rental history managed by an onsite professional company. Whether you’re playing tennis in the summer, skating on the rink in winter, exploring Tofte Park, or simply strolling the shoreline with no plans at all, this condo puts the very best of the North Shore right at your doorstep. MLS#6124171 $560,000

SALE PENDING

PADDLER’S DREAM CABIN ON TAIT LAKE IN LUTSEN! Enjoy South facing views on Tait Lake, while listening to the Tait River meander its way in to the lake! 190ft of shoreline on Tait Lake, and the river frontage is a bonus for wildlife viewing! Large lake lot, nearly 3 acres allows for plenty of elbow room. The cabin interior is recently renovated with sweet upgrades, and a new oversized two car garage makes this a must-see lake cabin at this price! Tait Lake is about 15 minutes from downtown Lutsen, and just a few miles from the Boundary Waters Brule Lake entry point, the best of both worlds! MLS#6124017 $565,000

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 VALUE!

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

“I worked with John remotely as a seller. The process started and finished from another state, and things were just as seamless as if I were living in town. John was able to stage the property for me, took great pictures, and wrote one of the most poetic property descriptions I have ever read! All documents were sent electronically, the closing was arranged remotely for me, and he was even able to retrieve a few items before the closing and ship them to me. I highly recommend John for any potential sellers, and am confident his work as a buyer’s agent would be equally impressive..” -Realtor.com

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

ask for in your Wilderness Lakeshore Retreat! $950,000 MLS#6122627

Fun Times on the Shore! Spring has Sprung!

Enjoy the spring scenes on the North Shore!

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

say it all, Work with

“John was a pleasure to work with. He thoroughly addressed any concerns and made the whole process as stress free as possible. We would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for residential property in the area.”

-Realtor.com

GRAND MARAIS AREA

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

TOFTE AREA

WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE GETAWAY ON THE NORTH SHORE IN TOFTE! You have plenty of space to build your dream cabin or year-round 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 $119,000 PRICE REDUCED!

LUTSEN AREA

NEW! OUTDOOR LOVERS LOOKING FOR A GREAT BASE IN LUTSEN TAKE NOTICE! TUCKED AWAY IN A GENTLY SLOPED MAPLE FOREST, THIS 5 ACRES HAS A DRIVEWAY IN PLACE LEADING TO A CLEARED BUILDING SITE AREAREADY FOR YOUR IDEAS AND DREAM HOME! Year-round access thanks to the Association makes it convenient for all the seasons. Electricity and Fiber are at the road! Enjoy a tranquil woods lifestyle with no noisy vacation rentals allowed as part of this association. A fantastic Lutsen location, don’t miss out on this opportunity! MLS# 6124429 $125,0000

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

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

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

PEREGRINE FALCONS

Three North Shore sibling peregrine falcons sitting on their rocky cliffside nest, called an “eyrie.” Juvenile birds will typically “fledge,” meaning leave the nest, about 40 days after hatching. Peregrine falcons were once extirpated from the state due to widespread pesticide use involving a particularly harmful chemical, DDT. Populations have since recovered following a DDT ban in 1973 and subsequent reintroduction and conservation efforts. Check out the Midwest Peregrine Society online to learn more about ongoing efforts to educate the public, conduct research, and monitor peregrine populations in our region.— Ryan Pennesi