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VOLUME 23 ISSUE 10
TWO HARBORS SILVER BAY TOFTE LUTSEN GRAND MARAIS GUNFLINT TRAIL GRAND PORTAGE THUNDER BAY NIPIGON
OUTDOORS EVENTS ARTS REVIEWS HEALTH DINING CALENDAR CATCHLIGHT
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Fall Foundations
Share Your Thoughts
Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@ northernwilds.com.
How is it already October? For some, fall and winter mean more time indoors. For others, it’s a chance to embrace the cold and get outside. We try to strike a balance in our issues, with stories for everyone. With winter on the horizon, we thought October was the perfect time to talk architecture. Want to stay inside? Explore one of the locations featured in this month’s stories. Or bundle up and go on an adventure of your own. Let’s start in Along the Shore, where Chris Pascone takes us to Tettegouche Camp on Mic Mac Lake in Tettegouche State Park. Choose from four historic cabins to rent year-round, though getting there is a bit of a hike. Michelle Miller explores the newly renovated Harbor Theater in Two Harbors and its many event possibilities. And Alec Peterson chats with Jess McCullough, museum director at the historic Fairlawn Mansion in Superior. Moving to features, Michelle Johnson takes us to Thunder Bay, where she explores the history of five iconic heritage buildings, now known as the Courthouse Hotel, Tilted Turret Pinball Pub, Magnus Theatre, The Station Market & Café, and the Thunder Bay Museum. Moving away from architecture, Kalli Hawkins introduces us to longtime basketmakers Emily Derke and Nate Johnson. Both will teach courses during Basket Week at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, held Oct. 6-13.
Speaking of events, there’s a lot happening this month. In fact, there were so many that we couldn’t fit them all in our events calendar! From Boo at the Zoo and the Terror in the Bay Film Festival to the Thunder Bay Medieval Faire and Moose Madness Festival, you’re sure to find something to do. Erin Altemus is back with her seasonal Sawtooth Racing Dog Blog column, telling us about her trip to Alaska and back this summer and a recent training run—spoiler alert, both had their hiccups. It’s always an adventure with her. Even though the air is getting colder, Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis still has fishing on his mind—or at least the ones that got away. He tells us about two particular fishing trips that still haunt him today. I probably sound like a broken record, but winter is upon us. Soon the trees will be bare, if they aren’t already, and we’ll be bundling up before we know it. While I love a white winter with lots of snow, I don’t think I’m quite ready for it. Here’s hoping we can enjoy fall a little longer.
Breana Johnson Editor editor@northernwilds.com
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VOLUME 23, ISSUE 10 w w w. n o r t h e r nw i l d s .co m SERVING THE NORTH SHORE A N D T H E W I L D E R N E S S B E YO N D PUBLISHER/CEO Barb Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com FOUNDING PUBLISHERS Shawn Perich and Amber Graham (Pratt) EDITOR Breana Johnson editor@northernwilds.com
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ADVERTISING Sue O’Quinn sue@northernwilds.com ART DIRECTOR Lauren Harrigan lharrigan@ntmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Jessica Jacobsen Smith production@northernwilds.com
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DIGITAL DIRECTOR Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com
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OFFICE/SUBSCRIPTIONS Barbara Fisher office@northernwilds.com
FEATURES
Nadine Seitz accounting@ntmediagroup.com
16 Stone, Steel, and Sleeping Giant Views
CONTRIBUTORS
Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Laura Durenberger-Grunow, Gord Ellis, Virginia George, Anne Graybeal, Kalli Hawkins, Michelle Johnson, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Alec Peterson, Joe Shead, Naomi Yaeger, Sam Zimmerman
Five of Thunder Bay’s Most Iconic Heritage Buildings
18 Basketmaking Brings People and Place Together at North House Folk School
DEPARTMENTS 6 Along the Shore 20 Spotlight 23 Events 31 Dining 33 Health 34 Northern Trails 35 Fishing Hole
35 Northern Sky 36 Following the Ancestor’s Steps 37 Dog Blog 38 Reviews 39 Strange Tales 51 Catchlight
AD DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER ISSUE: October 12
Cover “Autumn Colors from Mt. Sophie Fire Tower” by Ken Harmon
REAL ESTATE 40 41 42 46 48
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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Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc 400 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-729-4471 Grand Marais Office: 1708 W. Highway 61, P.O. Box 447, Grand Marais, MN 55604 218-387-9475
Where Can I Find Northern Wilds on the North Shore? Two Harbors:
Super One Cedar Coffee Company Betty’s Pies R.J. Houle Info Center Gooseberry State Park
Silver Bay/Beaver Bay: Split Rock Lighthouse Tettegouche State Park
Lutsen:
Lockport Store North Shore Winery
Grand Marais:
Cook County Co-op Gene's Foods G.M. Information Center Java Moose Johnson's Foods
Grand Portage:
Grand Portage Trading Post Ryden’s Border Store and many more!
Northern Wilds Magazine covers the North Shore from Duluth to Terrace Bay. You can also subscribe or read it online at www.northernwilds.com 4
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While there’s no running water, Tettegouche Camp has an old-fashioned hand pump for getting well water to drink. | CHRIS PASCONE
Tettegouche Camp in Tettegouche State Park features four rustic wooden cabins and a communal lodge. | CHRIS PASCONE
Tettegouche Camp: Going Back in Time SILVER BAY—Minnesota’s state parks system is one of the state’s crown jewels. Within these 64 parks, Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay stands out for being home to one-of-a-kind Tettegouche Camp: a cluster of four rustic wooden cabins and a communal lodge, all built over 100 years ago, that have been preserved in their original state and can be rented by the public today. The whole ensemble creates a cabin village nestled deep within the park, surrounded by steep, rocky peaks. Tettegouche Camp is hard to get to, but once there, you feel transported back in time. Here’s how to explore this wonder of Minnesota history.
CAMP HISTORY Tettegouche Camp, which is completely surrounded by forest today, was ironically built on land that had been clearcut by the Alger-Smith Logging Company in the late 1800s. Interestingly, Alger-Smith Company was originally Canadian but moved its operations west once eastern forests got logged out. Coming to Minnesota in 1895, Alger-Smith built a logging camp on Nipisiquit Lake— deep in today’s Tettegouche State Park. It was Alger-Smith Company that gave the four beautiful lakes surrounding today’s Tettegouche Camp their names: Mic-Mac, Nipisiquit, Tettegouche, and Nicado, which all have analogous place names in New Brunswick, Canada, from the Algonquin/Mi’kmaq tribes. Kurt Mead, Tettegouche State Park’s naturalist, has done “more of a deep dive than anyone” into the history of Tettegouche Camp. He notes that Tettegouche Camp was built on Mic-Mac Lake, in a different location than the original logging camp on Nipisiquit.
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The cabins at Tettegouche Camp can be rented year-round. | CHRIS PASCONE Today’s Tettegouche Camp wasn’t started by Alger-Smith Logging Company either. Rather, the camp cabins were established by the newly formed “Tettegouche Club” back in the early 20 th century. According to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine, “In 1910 a group of 15 Duluth businessmen bought the cutover land and organized the Tettegouche Club ‘to promote conservation of the area’s scenic beauty and inherent wilderness qualities while allowing recreational fishing.’ The club built a small, private resort of log buildings.”
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Mead gives even more precise notes: “The Tettegouche Club hired local builders to build the lodge and what is now Cabin A in 1911.” These are the original log buildings that still make Tettegouche Camp so historic today. So what exactly was the “Tettegouche Club?” Mead explains its origins: “It was started by wealthy Twin Cities folks who realized they were suffering from nature deficiency in their newfound industrial lifestyles. It’s kind of interesting, because today, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, we’re thinking a lot about nature deficit disorder, and
being disconnected from nature, but that’s really not a new idea. If you think about the industrial revolution, especially in America, the industrial age saw huge populations moving from rural, wooded, farming settings, to urban areas, because that’s where the jobs were. Then, when they got established in the city, they missed the farm, and they were stuck in an urban setting. There were no state parks back then. But if you were rich, you could afford to buy into one of these clubs. It’s very much a parallel to what’s going on today with being disconnected from nature.” Mead points out that other nature retreats, like the Beaver Bay Club, Encampment Forest, and Baptism Club, were also established for wealthy members along the North Shore during the late 1800s. The Tettegouche Club didn’t exist for long. To further quote the Volunteer, “When Tettegouche Club disbanded in 1921, land ownership transferred to one member—Clement K. Quinn. Quinn owned Tettegouche Camp until 1971, when he sold it to a Duluth family. In 1978, the Nature Conservancy purchased the camp and the surrounding 3,400 acres. A year later the property became Tettegouche State Park.” Quinn added cabins B and C in the early 1920s, right after buying the property.
GOING BACK IN TIME In recent years, The Tettegouche Camp cabins and lodge have all undergone thorough restoration by the Minnesota DNR—the cabins’ first major repairs since the 1980s. “Old cabins need care and maintenance,” says Mead. “Cabin B was just built on posts in the ground, very close to the lake, and
of your cabin rental. Cabin D is $130 a night and sleeps two, cabins A and C can be rented for $155 a night and sleep six, and Cabin B, which has three rooms and sleeps six, is $175 a night. Make your reservation online up to 120 days in advance—these cabins are in high demand, all year round.
GETTING IN
Located on Mic Mac Lake, Tettegouche Camp is a piece of living history. | CHRIS PASCONE with freeze-thaw stuff, the cabin was just lifting and dropping every year. The restoration was very thorough, top to bottom, on all the cabins. All the tongue and groove flooring in the lodge was pulled out to repair the floor joists that were rotting underneath.” After joist repairs, the original flooring was re-installed in the lodge, which is available for day use only. With repairs completed several years ago, the Tettegouche Cabins are now prepared to
bring people back in time for years to come. This is your destination to get transported a century into the past. The log cabins all have woodstoves and electricity, but no running water or bathroom facilities (this fact is italicized on the DNR website). Instead, there’s an old-fashioned hand pump for getting well water to drink at Camp. There’s also a separate, modern bathroom building, with sinks, mirrors, and hot showers. People staying at the cabins get a code to use the show-
Welcome ttoo Welcome
DOWNTOWN
er building. The cabins have small kitchens with refrigerators, pots, pans, plates, utensils, and cooktops. There are beds, but no sheets—bring a sleeping bag and pillow. If you like primitive living—relying on a woodstove for warmth and a hand pump for water—you can’t do better than Tettegouche Camp. The State Park has an unlimited supply of split firewood on site for campers to keep them cozy through a cold winter night. Firewood is included in the cost
You won’t hear engine noises or roads at Tettegouche Camp. That’s because you can’t drive to it. It takes a 1.7-mile hike in from Lax Lake Road, in Finland, to get to camp. “You can’t hear the modern world there,” says Mead, noting how its location surrounded by high peaks helps keep out faraway sounds. Remoteness is a key factor behind Tettegouche Camp’s otherworldly character. The cabins can be reached on foot or mountain bike in summer, and on skis or snowshoes in winter. However you make the trek, you’re going to have to climb straight up the camp trail—and it’s steep! The gravel access road feels a little like the Swiss Alps for the first half hour. In heavy snow years, the DNR packs deep snow on the road with grooming equipment to make the trek easier. To get your camping gear into the cabins, you can either carry it on your back in summer or pull it in a pulk sled come snow season. No carts are provided. Once you get over the high pass, it’s downhill the whole way to Tettegouche Camp. Try sledding in winter! Tettegouche Camp is living history. It’s a beautiful shelter deep in the woods of Tettegouche State Park that has retained its original character. The long trek in, the weathered log buildings, and rustic lifestyle will bring you back in time.—Chris Pascone
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More Than a Museum: The Living Story of Bois Forte
Family Friendly
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11 AM - 5 PM (Weather Dependent) Adults $30, Children $15 Family of Four $50
TOWER —At the Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum, stories are not simply records of the past. They are regarded as living beings, capable of teaching listeners something new each time they are told. The center’s Ojibwe name, Atisokanigamig, means “Legend House,” or the place where the legends are held. Some traditional stories are shared only during the winter, said Jaylen Strong, the center’s director and the Bois Forte Band’s tribal historic preservation officer. “It’s a respect thing,” Strong said. “Every time you hear that story, you’re supposed to learn something from it or take something new away.” Located near Fortune Bay Resort Casino on the shores of Lake Vermilion, the museum is owned and operated by the Bois Forte Band. It offers visitors an introduction to Bois Forte history and contemporary culture—told by the people whose story it is. “For one, we’re the ones telling our own story,” Strong said. In many northern Minnesota museums, Indigenous history receives a brief mention before the exhibits turn to the fur trade, iron mining, or European settlement. Strong said Bois Forte history can become lost once those later industries enter the story. At the Heritage Center, visitors learn that Bois Forte history did not end when mining began. Exhibits explore the Band’s long relationship with the land, as well as federal policies and other events that continue to affect families today. “I think people often can be surprised by the fact that we’re even still here,” Strong said. Visitors may also be surprised by “how long we’ve been here, but then how recent the history still is.” The center began with a vision from Bois Forte elder and Tribal Council member Phyllis Boshey. Historic and cultural items were being returned or donated to the Band, but the community needed an appropriate place to care for them. Boshey also envisioned a place where Bois Forte people could learn from those items and share cultural teachings, traditional designs, and practices with future generations. Some objects have been returned by museums and other institutions. Others come from families whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents collected them. Not everything is placed inside an exhibit case. Some objects are kept for communi-
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The Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum (Legend House). | MCGHIEVER: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS ty use and cared for according to Bois Forte cultural traditions. “Some of these items, we believe, have a spirit,” Strong said. “You wouldn’t lock your family behind a glass case and shine a light on them.” A birch-bark dwelling, for example, shows that not all Native people traditionally lived in tipis. Bois Forte families moved among seasonal camps, leaving the dwelling’s poles in place and carrying the reusable bark with them. An interactive map shows villages, campsites, travel routes, and other places used by Bois Forte people. Wild rice appears in exhibits about migration and seasonal activities. It connects the Band’s ancestors with present-day families and the generations that will follow. Culture at the Heritage Center is not presented as something frozen in the past. Programs involving beadwork, moccasin making, netting, canoeing, and wild-rice harvesting show how traditions remain part of contemporary life. Floral beadwork designs may be associated with particular families, Strong said, creating connections across generations. The center also addresses painful subjects. A boarding-school exhibit helps visitors understand what Bois Forte children and families endured and how those experiences contributed to the loss of first-language Ojibwe speakers. Other exhibits celebrate community pride. The veterans wall honors Bois Forte
WINTER OF CRAFT
members and other veterans with close ties to the community, listing their military branches and tribal affiliations. For travelers heading toward Ely, the Boundary Waters, the Echo Trail, or Lake Vermilion, the Heritage Center is only a short detour. More importantly, it gives travelers a fuller understanding of the lakes and forests they have come to enjoy. The story of this landscape began long before northern Minnesota became known for mines, resorts, and recreation. At Atisokanigamig, the Bois Forte people are preserving that story—and continuing to tell it for themselves. —Naomi Yaeger
FAST FACTS: ADDRESS: 1500 Bois Forte Road, Tower, MN. Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum is located on the shores of Lake Vermilion and on the grounds of the Fortune Bay Casino.
WEBSITE:
www.boisforteheritagecenter.com
PHONE: 218-753-6017 NEARBY: Hiking trails, campgrounds, and Fortune Bay Marina and Lake Vermilion.
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Harbor Theater: A Community Hub Reborn in Two Harbors TWO HARBORS —A sense of community is built, in part, by spaces to gather and enjoy shared experiences and opportunities to create belonging. The Harbor Theater, recently reopened in Two Harbors, is one of those places for visitors and residents of the area to enjoy and actively participate in the facility’s success. Owner Matthew Unzeitig purchased the old movie theater in 2024 with the vision of having its use and operations guided by community input as part of the process of bringing it back to life and ensuring it was being utilized in a meaningful way. He explains, “I was intrigued with the building and wanted to save it before it became beyond the point of repair.” Unzeitig holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, is a disabled veteran, and has a background in construction. He describes himself as a man of function, so rather than letting the unoccupied building sit and continue to rot away, he decided to do something. Unzeitig has revitalized five other abandoned buildings to date around the North Shore area. As a hobby, he also works in sound engineering and needed a place to hold his equipment, making this facility a good fit for his needs and opening it for community use once again. Unzeitig explains, “I own all the equipment for movies and live bands to perform. I open the doors and encourage others to use the space for whatever they come up with.” He envisions the theater as a place for the community to gather for entertainment, education, art, and whatever other purposes may be needed. He created a sponsorship program where businesses or individuals can sponsor weekly movies, selecting from a library of more than 10,000 major studio films. Sponsors receive a comprehensive marketing package and complimentary tickets to the show. Harbor Theater is 100% volunteer-driven, with roles ranging from selling tickets and concessions to designing and facilitating special events. The Friends of the Harbor Theater group spearheads organizing and managing those interested in being active in the theater’s operations. Friends meetings are held twice a month, and all are welcome. More information can be found on the website. Unzeitig says he is “grateful for the passionate community members who have graciously stepped up to breathe life back into the theater.” A new volunteer program, “Reel Heroes,” kicked off this fall, encouraging teams of two to five individuals to take the lead in running evening shows. Responsibilities of the team include opening and closing the facility, operating the film projector—training is provided—and hosting the front of the house. Contact oldharbortheater@gmail. com to register a team. In addition to movies, the theater is now open and available for a variety of event options, including monthly Veterans Coffee Time and Community Circle & Dinner events. The facility has state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment and has hosted several live music performances. Unzeitig encourages nonprofits to rent the space for fundraising and promotional events for a minimal donation. Private parties and gatherings are also available.
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Owner Matthew Unzeitig purchased the former movie theater in 2024. | MICHELLE MILLER The original building was built in 1939, serving as the area’s movie theater and social place until closing in the early 1980s. Purchased and briefly opened again in the mid-2000s, it sat vacant and unused until Unzeitig discovered it was on the market and purchased the property for $85,000. The first thing that needed attention after purchasing the building was the roof. He describes it as being “in major despair and needed to be completely replaced before it could be occupied. Water damage over the years also created lots of interior work before I could open to the public.” It is currently a work in progress, as renovations take time and money to be done correctly. Visitors can see the progress with the newly added soundboard station, and several rows of seats have been replaced with lounging couches to lend the space to more flexible uses. Unzeitig shares, “I am excited the building is now ready to be part of the revitalization of the Two Harbors downtown area.” He describes the first phase of this project
Call for a free inspection! In addition to movies, Harbor Theater is now available for a variety of events. | MICHELLE MILLER as getting it up and running for community use rather than making money. Now, it is time to move into phase two: making the business financially sustainable. Unzeitig is developing a membership model that will launch later this year and seeking other entrepreneurs to bring additional areas of expertise to ensure the longevity of the project. Unzeitig can be reached directly at 218-213-0100. Harbor Theater is located at 616 2nd Ave. in Two Harbors. Find the weekly show schedule and events online at harbortheatermn. org.—Michelle Miller
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October is National Co-op Month Celebrate with Arrowhead Cooperative Please join us for lunch during our annual
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Hit the Road for the Second Annual Northwoods Quilt Trek NORTH SHORE —Quilters, crafters, and autumn leaf enthusiasts traveling between the Twin Cities metro area and the North Shore will have an opportunity to participate in the Northwoods Quilt Trek this month. In its second year, the trek is scheduled to run for eight days, from Friday, Oct. 2, through Friday, Oct. 9. Following a route along Interstate 35 and Highway 61, the event links 11 independent quilt shops extending from White Bear Lake up to Lutsen. While the event appeals to experienced quilters, it is designed for anyone interested in taking a scenic fall mini road trip, with the hope of engaging participants to complete the full “trek.” According to Sylvia Galbraith, owner of 47 Degrees North Quilt Shop in Lutsen, “The event is open to anyone—seasoned quilters all the way to wanna-be quilters,” which she describes as those who come into a quilt shop inspired and say, “I wanna do that someday.” Roxanne Johnson, owner of Quilt Corner in Beaver Bay, added, “This is the second year we have put this event on,
and hopefully the fall colors will be in full swing.” Diana Wendorf, owner of Affinity For Quilts in White Bear Lake, added, “As you all know, we can never predict the best week for viewing the colors, but we are hoping the dates chosen will give people a beautiful drive.” The idea for the event originated when Wendorf and Jim Rue from Country Loft Quilt & Design in Center City “were talking and had the general idea of a Shop Hop to enjoy the fall colors of Minnesota.” Additionally, Galbraith added that Teri Sommerhauser Swanberg, who used to rent space at Country Loft Quilt & Design and now owns Stitchin’ Swan Longarm Quilting in Frederic, Wisc., was part of the idea-forming team as well. While similar in nature to the larger Minnesota Quilt Shop Hop that takes place in the summer, a popular statewide event where quilting enthusiasts travel across independent fabric and quilt shops to collect patterns, win prizes, and buy exclusive themed fabrics, the Northwoods Quilt Trek takes place on a smaller scale.
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47 Degrees North in Lutsen is one of 11 independent quilt shops participating in the second annual Northwoods Quilt Trek. | 47 DEGREES NORTH Johnson said that the autumn trek is separate from other statewide events, noting, “This shop hop is not related to MN Quilt Hop. This is just ideas from shop owners.” Rather than requiring participants to purchase specific event-branded fabrics, each stop along the trek provides a complimentary fall-themed pattern for a unique 12-inch quilt block. Quilters can then pur-
S
chase fabric from each store or ready-to-buy $5 fabric kits, coordinating to create one large quilt or using the individual blocks as inspiration for separate quilts. As Johnson explained, “The 12-inch block is standalone, but I’m sure people will find a way to use them together.” Or, to complete a full 12-block quilt after visiting the 11 participating stores, Galbraith
noted that travelers can “make your own 12-inch block” to finish the project. She said she is encouraging participants to design “something inspired from the trip” to serve as the final piece. Additionally, each shop is hosting an individual raffle for a gift basket valued at $75. Passports are available at every location, encouraging travelers to visit every stop. Participants who visit all 11 shops can enter a grand prize drawing for a Juki sewing machine valued at $1,799, provided by Country Loft Quilt & Design. The 11 participating independent quilt shops, beginning in the Twin Cities and ending in Lutsen, are: • Affinity for Quilts, White Bear Lake • Country Loft Quilt & Design, Center City • She Shed Quilts, North Branch • The Cutting Edge Quilt Shop, Rush City • Quarry Quilts & Yarns, Sandstone • Quilted Dog Quilt Shop, Cloquet • Creations Quilt Shop, Duluth • StitchCraft Quilt Factory, Duluth • One Old Loon, Two Harbors • Quilt Corner, Beaver Bay • 47 Degrees North, Lutsen Passports can be picked up at any participating store beginning Oct. 2. All 11 locations will observe guaranteed minimum hours during the eight-day event, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular business hours at individual stores may apply beyond these guaranteed hours. For more information about the Northwoods Quilt Trek, visit bit.ly/northwoodsquilttrek.—Laura Durenberger-Grunow
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OCTOBER 2026
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The Braver Angels Ely Alliance hosts monthly meetings for locals with opposing political perspectives. | SUBMITTED
Braver Angels: Learning to Listen Across the Divide
AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Tofte 7231 West Hwy 61 | 800.634.3444 | 218.663.7899 | AmericInn.com
ELY—In an era when political disagreement can quickly turn into personal conflict, Braver Angels is trying something deceptively simple: teaching people how to talk with one another. The national, nonpartisan organization— which includes a chapter in Ely—does not ask people to abandon their political beliefs, find a compromise, or move toward the ideological center. Instead, Braver Angels focuses on what happens when people approach a charged political topic with genuine curiosity and respect for ideological differences. Braver Angels Minnesota Steering Team Co-Coordinator Melinda Voss explained that the goal of the work is “dialogue, not dominance. When people are trying to win, they’re not actually listening.” The organization was co-founded by Bill Doherty, a University of Minnesota professor emeritus and longtime couples and family therapist, who became involved in the movement during the 2016 presidential
election. Friends asked him to facilitate a workshop for 10 Hillary Clinton voters and 10 Donald Trump voters. That experience became the model for Braver Angels, which has gathered over 15,000 members nationwide, with nearly 75,000 people participating in its experiences. The organization has found local support in its Ely Alliance, which hosts monthly meetings for locals with diametrically opposed political perspectives. Ruth Katz moved to Ely in 2020. Around Halloween of the following year, hate literature was dropped in driveways around Babbitt. Katz began seeking a constructive response to the incident and eventually connected with Johnnie Hyde, who co-coordinates the alliance. Now a member of the steering committee, Katz works to champion the organization’s mission of civil discourse. Such civility can be challenging to muster in a vituperative political era. Describing
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me make sure I heard you correctly.” They learn to lean into differing opinions, asking their interlocutor, “Tell me more?” And they learn to stay calm when they are not feeling calm. “It takes practice,” Katz says. That practice includes making mistakes. Participants sometimes paraphrase incorrectly or misunderstand each other. The group talks openly about those missteps; learning to communicate across political differences is a skill that develops over time. The atmosphere is intentionally welcoming. There is always food, and participants break into smaller groups so that people have opportunities to talk with others who may see things differently. The lighthearted elements are not a distraction from the work. They are part of it. Braver Angels believes that people are more likely to engage honestly when they feel comfortable enough to see one another as people rather than political categories. According to its program evaluations, 68% of participants reported a more positive view of the other side, while 75% said they were likely to share what they learned
Braver Angels has more than 15,000 members nationwide, with nearly 75,000 people having participated in its programs. | ERICA DISCHINO the temptation to argue and score rhetorical points, Katz advises, “Don’t feed the wolf. Don’t give conflict the reaction it is looking for.” The Braver Angels approach also challenges the perception that productive political dialogue requires finding the middle. The organization does not pretend that every issue has an easy compromise. People are encouraged to express what they actually believe while also making an effort to understand why someone else sees the issue differently. In Ely, those principles have become part of the structure of the local group’s meetings, which generally draw 20 to 30 people. Topics are generated by the steering committee—which seeks to maintain a balance of members who “lean blue” or “lean red”—with one selected for discussion and promoted through local newspapers, Facebook, and community publications.
But the conversation does not begin with the controversial topic. Each meeting opens with the Pledge of Allegiance. People may stand or remain seated, but no one comments on another person’s choice. Members then read the Braver Angels Way, which calls on Americans to be courageous and active citizens, as well as the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. The purpose is to establish a sense of common ground. Participants are reminded that they share a commitment to their country and to participation in civic life. Only after those rituals do they begin the evening’s discussion. One recent resolution put to the group for debate: “Freedom is a privilege, not a right.” Another: “Can protestors be patriotic?” Participants learn to listen to what someone is actually saying rather than preparing a rebuttal. They practice paraphrasing: “Let
with friends and family. In the organization’s signature Red/Blue Workshop, 86% said they better understood other viewpoints, 71% felt better understood themselves, and 81% felt better prepared to use the skills they practiced. The results suggest that Braver Angels programs can meaningfully improve how participants view and understand people with different political perspectives. “I believe people can grow and change, including myself,” Katz says. Braver Angels does not promise that difficult conversations will become easy, or that participants will walk away agreeing with one another. Instead, it asks people to muster curiosity, humility, courage, and commitment. It asks them to resist the urge to take the bait, to see themselves as contributors rather than as winners or losers, and to give one another—and themselves—some grace when the conversation goes wrong. The work is not about finding common ground on every issue. It is about finding enough common ground to keep talking. To learn more about Braver Angels, visit braverangels.org.—Anne Graybeal
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Fairlawn Mansion: Exploring Superior’s Historic Gem museum and nature center
OPEN DAILY
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Saturday Oct. 10th Erik Simula: Presentation on the Birchbark Canoe 2:00-3:00pm
Thanks to the many volunteers whose time and energy made this season possible.
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OCTOBER 2026
SUPERIOR —A very wise man once sang, “Life’s no fun without a good scare.” In keeping with that, the Fairlawn Mansion in Superior offers entertainment that would delight Danny Elfman, as well as anyone else who agrees with his position. The house itself offers a fascinating history. Built by Ontario native Martin Pattison in Superior in 1890, the successful mining and lumber entrepreneur lived there with his family, including their youngest daughter Lois, until 1918. After that, Pattison passed away, and control moved to his wife, Grace. She, in turn, donated it to the Superior Children’s Home and Refuge Society, a charitable organization upon which Lois served as both founder and board member. It operated as a children’s home until 1962 before closing its doors and later reopening as a museum. As for the mansion itself, it was built in the Queen Anne Victorian architectural style that was popular during that era, which may help give it the form of your archetypal haunted house, or perhaps make it reminiscent of the infamous Winchester House, a similar structure in San Jose, Calif., with a much more checkered past. Regardless, from the distinctive turrets to the elaborate engravings, the Fairview Mansion has remained to this day one of the best examples of this school of architecture and design. However, those expecting a gloomy and foreboding mansion may be surprised by how welcoming it is. “To be honest, I find Fairlawn to have a welcoming atmosphere,” explains Museum Director Jess McCullough. “The Pattisons built it for a large family, and when it’s full of people, you can really tell that it is a house that was meant to be enjoyed. Our exhibit on the Superior Children’s Home and Refuge is always sobering to me since 2,000 children in very sad circumstances passed through the building from 1920 to 1962, but I don’t attribute that to the house itself.” Still, as far as spooky or strange occurrences, McCullough had this to add: “It depends on who you ask. The internet is crawling with stories about how children drowned in the basement pool, or that a murdered maid haunts her old bedroom, or that someone threw themselves from the southeast tower or down the old elevator shaft, but I can definitively say that those things never happened. Only one person is known to have passed away in the house itself—Martin Pattison, of natural causes, in 1918.” So, while assorted creepiness may be in short supply, fascinating history is available in spades. “A building that has been continuously used and occupied since 1890 has no end of architectural squeaks, bumps, and thumps. When I hear something I can’t identify in the house, I tend to think, ‘Oh, boy, that sounds expensive…’” McCullough explains in further detail: “It’s a museum’s job to present evidence and remnants of things that have happened in all of their complexity and to prompt feeling and reflection. That so many children needed a place to meet their basic needs is sad in and of itself, and you can see the little dings and scratches where these kids entertained themselves, which is very poignant.” However, it should be stated that not every tale of the mansion-turned-museum is
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Located in Superior, Fairlawn Mansion was built in 1890 by Ontario native Martin Pattison. The 42-room mansion is now a museum. | SUBMITTED
Jess McCullough is the museum director at Fairlawn Mansion. | SUBMITTED one of woe. Some are wholesome, as McCullough is quick to point out: “Grace Pattison donated her home for such a purpose, and that an organization existed to provide that care also is a testament to how the community cared for the vulnerable. I would say that there is a great deal of emotional resonance at the museum related to the children’s home.” As far as his own personal experiences with the “haunted” mansion, McCullough adds: “I’m an archaeologist by training, and that has taught me that every place has company, in a sense. To use Fairlawn as an example, the Pattisons lived here for 16 years with a couple of dozen staff members, followed by 2,000 children in need and the staff who lived here to care for them, not to mention the various people who worked here as museum staff and the countless people who have visited since the mid-1960s.” As hauntings can be a very subjective experience, McCullough was happy to share his own experiences. “When I walk down the halls here, I know that I’m passing all those people. We’re only separated by time. My office used to
be the room of Mrs. Hanson, who ran the Children’s Home. She and I are sharing this space, just a handful of decades apart. An archaeologist friend of mine calls this feeling ‘temporal collapse.’” McCullough goes on to add: “I think a lot of the spooky feelings that people have in old spaces is this phenomenon. Heck, physicists and mathematicians are still puzzling over how and why we perceive time like we do. Who is to say where that perception begins and ends?” It is a compelling narrative that offers something for both intellect and imagination. Temporal physics notwithstanding, visitors rave about their own experiences and encounters with the unexplained. “Visitors typically react with excitement. I think some people come hoping to experience something spooky, and those tend to be the people who report hearing or seeing something strange. I must say, though, most of the encounters I have heard about feature ghosts who bear a striking resemblance to museum staff…” “We don’t have ghost tours at Fairlawn,” McCullough adds, “but we do have Victorian superstition tours that are conducted by flashlight. These focus on the beliefs and practices of the Victorian era, like draping all the mirrors during a funeral or wake and things of that nature. The Victorians were preoccupied with death, so our superstition tours are a bit more macabre than the usual ones.” So, the bravest among us will certainly find plenty of ways to stay entertained. Whether you’re looking for “a good scare” or simply a good time, the Fairlawn Mansion is a stop on any autumn or Halloween tour that is not to be missed. The Fairlawn Mansion will host a Twin Ports Haunted History Talk on Oct. 28. It will also host a “Hallo-week of Fun” from Oct. 24-28, with a variety of events included. More information on events and the Fairlawn Mansion can be found online at superiorhistoricproperties.org.—Alec Peterson
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OCTOBER 2026
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Stone, Steel, and Sleeping Giant Views
Five of Thunder Bay’s Most Iconic Heritage Buildings By Michelle Johnson
Thunder Bay’s heritage architecture isn’t just something to admire from the sidewalk; it’s something you can experience. Many of the city’s most distinctive historic buildings have been repurposed as theatres, cafés, markets, museums, and even a pinball pub, making them perfect anchors for a weekend that blends history and culture with a little fun. The city’s heritage register includes 31 individually designated heritage properties and 62 more within the Waverley Park Heritage Conservation District. Designation protects a building’s exterior and recognizes its cultural, architectural, or historical significance. As City Archivist and Chief Heritage Resource Officer Christina Wakefield explains, the first designated property—which also happens to be her favourite—the Tourist Pagoda, “is also a national historic site and has an Ontario Heritage Trust conservation easement, so it is recognized at all three levels of government as an important heritage site.” The Pagoda is unlike any other building in the region. Built in 1909, its unique style blends classical and Asian design elements. The eight-sided brick building is wrapped by a covered verandah and crowned with a pagoda-shaped roof and cupola. A carved beaver overlooks the columned entrance, while its location at the foot of Red River Road makes it one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks. Wakefield notes that Thunder Bay’s heritage buildings showcase both local materials and exceptional craftsmanship. “Many of them showcase beautiful local materials, such as red Vert Island stone that can be seen on many buildings in the McVicar Creek area, Simpson Island stone that can be seen on buildings around Vickers Park, or remarkable craftsmanship, as seen in the terracotta decorations on the Whalen Building.” Here are five heritage buildings that have found vibrant second (or third!) lives while preserving their place in Thunder Bay’s story. 16
OCTOBER 2026
| MICHELLE JOHNSON
| THUNDER BAY MUSEUM
The Courthouse Hotel (Port Arthur Court House) Year Built: 1923-1924 | Architect: Frank R. Heakes | Year Designated: 2026 | Address: 277 Camelot Street Built in the Classical Revival style, the Port Arthur Court House was designed to project confidence and authority. Its symmetrical form is crowned by a grand pediment supported by four Corinthian columns carved from Tyndall limestone, while brick walls and classical detailing reinforce its imposing presence. Inside, broad corridors lead to the soaring Hall of Justice, where decorative plaster cornices, carved oak furnishings, and polished brass details once created an atmosphere of solemn grandeur. The basement even housed secure jail cells with “breakout proof” chrome-steel doors. Today, the building offers a far more relaxing experience as The Courthouse Hotel, where guests can enjoy boutique accommodations with views of the Sleeping Giant.
| MICHELLE JOHNSON
| THUNDER BAY MUSEUM
Tilted Turret Pinball Pub (Formerly the Coo House) Year Built: 1898 | Architect: Possibly George Coo Year Designated: 1981 | Address: 135 Archibald Street North Built in 1909, the Tourist Pagoda on Red River Road is one of Thunder Bay’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks. | THUNDER BAY MUSEUM
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If Thunder Bay had a storybook house, this would be it. The Coo House is an Ontario Vernacular original, blending architectural details that seem borrowed from a much grander estate. Its conical turret, faux brickwork, quarter-wheel windows, oversized stone sill, and unusual decorative moulding give the modest home an unmistakably whimsical character. The house was built for George and Sarah Jane Coo. George was Fort William’s first bandmaster and a respected watchmaker, and the family remained here until 1952. After years of serving as both residential and commercial space, the house received heritage designation in 1981, ensuring its quirky exterior would be preserved. Today, the building’s turret lives on as part of Tilted Turret Pinball Pub where heritage architecture meets pinball and poutine.
| MICHELLE JOHNSON
| THUNDER BAY MUSEUM
Magnus Theatre (Central School) Year Built: 1884 | Architect (original): Robert J. Edwards; R.H. Wheeler (1901 addition) Contractor (1901 addition): L.A. Purcell | Year Designated: 1983 | Address: 10 Algoma Street South
Now home to Magnus Theatre, Central School was the former Town of Port Arthur’s first permanent school and remains one of Thunder Bay’s oldest surviving public buildings. Its symmetrical brick façade features a prominent central tower, a pyramidal roof, elongated wooden brackets, and a distinctive wheel window that still catches the eye more than 140 years later. In 1901, eight classrooms were added using materials and design details that carefully matched the original building. After serving generations of students, the school closed in 1965 and later housed municipal offices. A major restoration completed in 2001 transformed the building into the permanent home of Thunder Bay’s professional theatre company. In 2025, the building was expanded to include a studio theatre, expanded production shop, and other enhancements. Today, the former school’s dramatic tower feels right at home in its second act.
| MICHELLE JOHNSON
The Station Market & Café (Canadian Northern Railway Station) Year Built: 1905-1906 Architect: R.B. Pratt | Contractor: S. Brown Year Designated: 1979 (amended 1981 and 2012) Address: 2212 Sleeping Giant Parkway The CN Station is one of Thunder Bay’s boldest heritage landmarks. Designed by Ralph B. Pratt in the uniquely Canadian Railroad Gothic style, it combines railway practicality with castle-inspired architecture. Two three-storey towers flank a gabled centre section, while bartizan turrets, crenellations, loophole windows, stone corbels, and relief carvings featuring wheat sheaves create a distinctly fortress-like appearance. Built shortly after the Canadian Northern Railway reached Port Arthur, the station reflected the city’s emergence as a major transportation and grain-shipping hub. Generations of newcomers passed through its doors as rail helped connect Northwestern Ontario to the rest of Canada. Today, the station anchors the waterfront as home to The Station Market & Café, where visitors can browse local makers and enjoy coffee a stone’s throw away from Lake Superior and Marina Park.
| MICHELLE JOHNSON
| THUNDER BAY MUSEUM
Thunder Bay Museum (Fort William Police Station and Court House) Year Built: 1910-1912 | Architect: Robert E. Mason | Contractor: Michael Braden Year Designated: 2005 | Address: 425 Donald Street East Built during Fort William’s boom years, the police station and court house was intended to communicate stability and civic pride. The Edwardian Classical façade features two massive freestanding columns flanked by pilasters, while a broken pediment and bull’s-eye window draw attention to the entrance. Look closely and you’ll still see the date “1910” prominently displayed above the doorway. Inside were separate cell blocks for men, women, and juveniles, court facilities, and one particularly impressive feature for the era: an automatic elevator that reportedly “did everything that an elevator boy does except talk, sleep and eat.” After police services moved elsewhere, the Thunder Bay Historical Society acquired the building and transformed it into the Thunder Bay Museum, which opened here in 1997 and continues to tell the stories that shaped the region.
Plan Your Own Heritage Adventure
Thunder Bay makes heritage exploring easy. As Wakefield notes, self-guided walking tours are available through the Driftscape app, at local tourism information centres, and as downloadable PDFs from the city’s website. With 117 sites on the walking-tour list, there’s no shortage of places to explore, whether you’re a local or a visitor. Along the way, you’ll find that Thunder Bay’s heritage buildings are more than beautiful reminders of the past. They’re places where people work, learn, create, and connect, often in ways their builders could never have imagined, proving that good architecture never goes out of style. Learn more by searching “Heritage Walking Tours” online at thunderbay.ca. NORTHERN WILDS
OCTOBER 2026
17
Longtime basketmaker Nate Johnson harvests black ash from a tree to use in basketmaking. | NATE JOHNSON
Handmade baskets by Emily Derke, one of more than a dozen instructors teaching classes during Basket Week at the North House Folk School, which runs Oct. 6-13. | EMILY DERKE
Basketmaking Brings People and Place Together at North House Folk School By Kalli Hawkins
A
basket can begin with a tree, a shrub, a patch of willow, or a strip of birch bark. With simple tools, practiced hands, and a willingness to learn, those raw materials can be shaped into something both functional and beautiful. For basketmakers, working with natural materials is as much about understanding the landscape as it is about making something by hand. It can be a way to understand the plants in the surrounding landscape, learn skills from others, and develop a deeper connection to the place around them. Those ideas will come together in Grand Marais this October during North House Folk School’s annual Basket Week. The event, held Oct. 6-13, brings together experienced basketmakers, instructors, and students for classes, demonstrations, and informal gatherings focused on a wide variety of basketry traditions and techniques. The 2026 schedule includes baskets made from black ash, willow, birch bark, white oak, sweet grass, and other natural materials. This year’s Basket Week features more than a dozen instructors, two of whom are longtime basketmakers Emily Derke and Nate Johnson. Johnson, who lives in Bemidji, first became interested in basketry because he wanted to learn how to make useful things himself. 18
OCTOBER 2026
A black ash pack in progress. | NATE JOHNSON Nate Johnson with a large black ash basket. | NATE JOHNSON “I first got interested in baskets as part of just a general interest in learning how to make things that I needed and wanted and used,” Johnson said. “And somehow, baskets seemed like a very achievable, high
NORTHERN WILDS
utility goal that I could somehow figure out to wander around the woods and make a thing that I needed.” His first attempts quickly showed him that basketmaking was more challenging than it appeared, prompting Johnson to take classes and learn from friends. Eventually he learned the techniques and
trade, and basketry became what he calls his “gateway craft.” It soon evolved into a much wider world of handcraft, including woodworking, birch bark canoe building, blacksmithing, knife and toolmaking, leatherworking, and other skills. Today, Johnson tends to make practical baskets from locally available materials, including birch bark, black ash, and willow. “I’m focused on baskets that I use, so they tend to be a little bit sturdier and less decorative,” Johnson said. With a utilitarian focus, Johnson makes garden baskets, bicycle baskets, and black ash pack baskets, among other forms. He said black ash has a particularly useful combination of qualities for basketmaking. “I think ash has that perfect combination of basketry characteristics: strength, flexibility,” Johnson said. “Once you pound it off the tree, you can dry it and store it indefinitely.” At Basket Week, Johnson will team up with longtime friend and fellow Grand Marais basketmaker Ian Andrus to teach “Black Ash Pack Baskets.” While Johnson has taught at North House Folk School for the past decade, this will be Johnson’s first time teaching as part of the annual event. Johnson and Andrus go back nearly two decades to when they worked together at an environmental learning center in Hacken-
A black ash pack made by Nate Johnson. During Basket Week, Johnson and fellow basketmaker Ian Andrus will teach a course on making black ash pack baskets. | NATE JOHNSON Basketmaker and North House instructor Emily Derke works primarily with willow and birch bark, two very different materials with their own qualities and possibilities. | EMILY DERKE sack, Minn., and were both starting out in their basketmaking journey. “So, getting to teach together with him after having made baskets together very early on is going to be a really fun thing for both of us,” Johnson said. For Derke, basketmaking grew out of a growing curiosity about plants and the possibilities of working with natural materials. She had spent time working with pottery but wanted to explore making things that relied less on tools and equipment. About 18 years ago, she made her first basket using willow she found near her grandparents’ cabin. “I was so proud of myself for learning about my environment, what this plant is, what it can do, and then creating something I could use that was also really beautiful,” Derke said. Her interest eventually led to an extended apprenticeship with basketmaker Margaret Mathewson in Oregon. There, Derke learned not only basketmaking but a range of related skills, from hide tanning and natural dyes to toolmaking and harvesting food. “Basketmaking is sort of like this window into all the rest of the craft skills,” Derke said. “It gives you a lot of ground for learning how to do other things as well.” Today, Derke, who lives in Grand Marais, works primarily with willow and birch bark, two very different materials with distinct qualities and possibilities. Willow produces sturdy baskets that Derke describes as “hefty work” baskets, suited to a wide range of uses around the home or in the field. “Willow is the first thing I learned, so I just have this love for it, and it’s really easy to harvest,” she said. Birch bark, meanwhile, can be used for other practical yet delicate purposes. With birch bark, Derke makes baskets that can carry tools or garden harvests, or serve as decor.
Derke also teaches tiny basketmaking, a practice that requires considerable precision despite the small size of the finished pieces. She describes the process as an exciting challenge and the finished baskets as more of a novelty item. Since completing an internship at North House Folk School in 2014, Derke has returned regularly as an instructor, teaching several classes each year and participating in Basket Week. During this year’s Basket Week, she will teach “Teeny Tiny Baskets,” basket repair skills, and co-teach “All the Small Things” with instructor Beth Homa Kraus. Other classes during the week include “White Oak Basketry with Mary Thompson,” “Branches and Bark: Willow Gathering Basket with Katherine Lewis,” “Daffodils, Sweet Grass, and Iris: Baskets from the Garden with Paula Sundet Wolf,” “Wiigwaas Makakoon: Birch Bark Baskets with Michelle Marion,” and “Polish Bread Basket with Bailey Kroll and Bozena Scheidel.” Beyond the scheduled classes, Basket Week includes a variety of public events and opportunities to connect with other basketmakers. Basket Gathering Day on Friday, Oct. 9, is free and open to the public. The day includes demonstrations, presentations, a basket fair, and an evening open weave. Presentations will explore willow basketry traditions, material preparation, and basketmaking traditions from different cultural contexts. For Derke, bringing together basketmakers with different styles and levels of experience is part of what makes the annual event special. “It draws a wide range of people who all come together around this common interest that is working with the materials that come out of the land around us,” she said. “We all are really inspired by each other.”
Black ash pack baskets made by Nate Johnson. While Johnson has taught at North House Folk School for the past decade, this will be his first time teaching at Basket Week. | NATE JOHNSON That mix of people and approach is part of what keeps Johnson returning to Grand Marais, where he has built friendships through years of teaching and taking classes at North House. “The creative community and my friendship community in Grand Marais are something that definitely keeps me coming back,” said Johnson. For Johnson, that hands-on process also remains part of the appeal. “I still think even with social media and videos available online, being in the presence of a teacher and learning all the subtleties of the craft of basketry is the ultimate in-person learning experience,” he said. And during Basket Week, that learning happens not only from instructors but from the other basketmakers sitting nearby, each
working with their own materials, techniques, and ideas. This fall, throughout northern Minnesota, those interested in learning the craft of basketmaking have several opportunities beyond Basket Week in Grand Marais. The Duluth Folk School is offering a “Woven Cattail Reindeer Ornament” class on Nov. 22, teaching participants to prepare and weave cattail leaves into a seasonal ornament. While the Ely Folk School does not have any formal basketmaking classes scheduled, it hosts Makers Mornings and Makers Evenings several times a week, inviting crafters to come together to weave, quilt, knit, or make things in a shared space. The school also offers a variety of classes centered on traditional crafts and hands-on skills.
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OCTOBER 2026
19
By Breana Johnson
October Artwork
October brings a fresh lineup of exhibits to the North Shore, from Tettegouche State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse to galleries throughout the region. Check out our events calendar for details.
Photographer Kerry Lane is the October artist of the month at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. Lane spends much of his time along the Gunflint Trail and Boundary Waters. See more of his work online at kerrylane.art. | KERRY LANE
This acrylic piece, titled “Slingshot,” is part of Robb Quisling’s new exhibit, Applied Pressure, at the Duluth Art Institute. The exhibit runs from Oct. 19 to Dec. 21. | ROBB QUISLING
Landscape artist Molly Siebenaler is the artist of the month at Split Rock Lighthouse. This oil on linen painting is titled “Golden Shores.” To see more of her work, visit mollysiebenalerart.com. | MOLLY SIEBENALER
The Great Lakes exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is on display now until Jan. 3, and features this mixed media piece by Bonnie Devine, titled “Five Belts for the Great Lakes.” | BONNIE DEVINE
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s new exhibit, Holding Up Our Sky: Virginia McCoy, A Retrospective and Homecoming | Gaa’ishpinung giizhikong: Virginia McCoy, ga’giiwe ganawabanjigadeg ego gabigiiwej, features Virginia McCoy’s painting “Looking at a Life.” The exhibit runs from Oct. 10 to Jan. 3. | VIRGINIA MCCOY: COURTESY OF ROLF BOUMAN
Aramis Wells of Flashover Photo will showcase his work at Tettegouche State Park this month, with an opening reception held Oct. 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. This piece is titled “Split Rock Milky Way.” See more from Wells at flashoverphoto.com. | ARAMIS WELLS 20
OCTOBER 2026
NORTHERN WILDS
Josh Bailly, founder of Birds and Boards Custom Furniture, creates handcrafted, heirloom furniture in the Duluth area. | SUBMITTED
Josh Bailly:
Building a Life That Fits Creative Space: By Anne Graybeal For Josh Bailly, woodworking was never part of the plan. Growing up on a small grain farm in North Dakota’s Red River Valley, Bailly didn’t have a high school woodshop to introduce him to the craft. He didn’t study it in college, either. Instead, he earned a biology degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, worked seasonal field jobs surveying forests across the Arrowhead, and spent winters doing construction. Woodworking came later, almost by accident. When Bailly and his wife bought their first house in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, they quickly discovered that owning an old house required more than a little handiwork. As he tackled one project after another, his family began giving him power tools for birthdays and holidays. Slowly, the collection grew, as did his skills. “I kind of just taught myself how to woodwork,” he says. “Magazines, YouTube. If you can’t learn it off YouTube, then bless your heart.” There were plenty of late nights in the garage, figuring things out through trial and error. What began as a practical necessity became a hobby, then a serious skill. Bailly built furniture for his family and gifts for friends, gradually becoming what he describes as a fairly accomplished woodworker. Still, he had no particular expectation that it would become his livelihood. Bailly had returned to school to become a middle and high school science teacher, hoping to put his biology degree to use in a career that offered stability for his family. He had completed his student teaching and was substitute teaching when the pandemic
upended the education system. With schools closed and his children at home, Bailly found himself spending more time in the garage. He built a pair of dressers for his children, based on a design from an old Stickley furniture catalog. Later, he happened to see similar dressers at a local furniture store, selling for several thousand dollars. “I thought, well, mine are better quality, because they’re made by hand,” he says. “When I saw what they were charging, I thought, well, there’s got to be a way to make a living at this.” So he went for it. That decision became Birds and Boards Custom Furniture. The business grew organically. He talked with other local woodworkers, got his name out, and began taking on projects. There were kitchens and cabinets, custom furniture, and plenty of lessons along the way. Mistakes are inevitable. Bailly keeps one broken board on display in his shop as a reminder of one particularly expensive lesson. “What separates the good from the best is how you adapt and deal with those mistakes,” he says. One of his favorite projects was a series of curved benches designed to surround a round cedar hot tub. Because the tub itself was made from natural materials, it wasn’t a perfect circle. Bailly had to work out the angles, create templates using his CNC machine, build bending forms, and laminate thin strips of wood with epoxy to create the curved apron. Another project, a walnut guitar cabinet with glass and backlighting, was both the
most complicated and, he says, probably the most beautiful piece he has made. “The best projects are the challenging ones,” Bailly says. For all the satisfaction he gets from solving a difficult woodworking problem, there is something else that keeps him coming back to the shop: permanence. “I know it’s going to go to someplace where, if it’s cared for, it’ll last,” he says. “So to know that I have little nuggets of my work out there in the community, around the area, that will exist for generations.” Most of Bailly’s work stays close to home. His projects have traveled around the Duluth-Superior area and as far as Isabella, and some pieces are headed to the Ash River Visitor Center. But he doesn’t ship his furniture. For him, the relationship with the client is part of what makes custom furniture different. A piece begins with questions: What will it be used for? Where will it go? How tall should it be? What details matter? What does the client actually want? Often, he says, customers don’t know the answers yet. That’s where he sees his role as extending beyond simply building the furniture. “I’m as much like a curator on the voyage to their final piece as I’m the builder,” he says. For a piece of furniture that may cost thousands of dollars and potentially remain in a family for generations, he believes the details are worth getting right. And the payoff comes when he delivers the finished piece. “I’ve never seen a client’s face drop when I show up with that piece of furniture,” he says. “Everyone is always over the moon.” That satisfaction works in both directions.
For Bailly, what began as a practical necessity became a hobby, then a serious skill. | SUBMITTED Bailly says he still gets as much enjoyment from woodworking as he did when it was a hobby. And when he walks into his shop each morning, he feels fortunate. “I feel like I’m living the dream,” he says. In the end, perhaps that is what Bailly has been building all along: not just furniture, but a life that fits. To learn more about Josh Bailly’s Birds and Boards Custom Furniture, visit birdsandboards.com.
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October Fundraiser
Saturday, October 17, 2026 5:00 - 8:00 pm Superior Shores Resort 1521 Superior Shore Drive, Two Harbors, MN
Spud Bar, Live Music, Drawings & Door Prize $25 for Spud Bar, Brat and Dessert. Cash Bar Available.
Call 218-834-8024 for information and tickets.
YOUR PLACE IN HISTORY
ITS B I H EX RY A R B I L VES I H C AR MS A R G PRO URS:
ER HO Day M M r SU abou pm L 5 0 1 June 0am - 5:0 RS: 11:0 TER HOU y a Daily WIN Sund h g u m ro ay th m - 5:00p d s e u T 1:00p from 1
0 8 0 . 3 7.62 eum.com
80nderbaymusseum.com
thu St. E. aymu info@ thunderb 5 Donald . 42 edia www ial m c o s on w us o l l o F 22
OCTOBER 2026
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Break out your best costume for the annual Superior Nightmare 5k at Wessman Arena in Superior on Saturday, Oct. 24. | SUBMITTED
PUMPKIN JUNCTION
Sept. 18-Nov. 1 Experience the magic of fall with a full lineup of fun, family-friendly outdoor activities at Burlington Station in Two Harbors. Pumpkin Junction will feature a corn pit for jumping and playing, great photo opportunities, a mining adventure sluice where you can uncover treasures like a genuine prospector, a pumpkin and mums patch to explore, seasonal surprises, and more. facebook.com/burlingtonstationtwoharbors
| ELISE KYLLO
ART ALONG THE LAKE
Sept. 25-Oct. 4 Art Along the Lake is a 10day, self-led art tour through Cook County during peak fall colors. From Tofte to Grand Portage to the Gunflint Trail, the event offers a unique opportunity to meet local artists in their home studios and gain insight into their creative processes. This year, 25 locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with some locations also featuring guest artists. Participants include Betsy Bowen, Marcie McIntire, Frykman Art Stu-
dio, Sivertson Gallery, Neil Sherman, Nancy Carlson Studios, Dan and Lee Ross, Jamie Rex, Vahle Fine Art, and more. A full list of participants and locations can be found online. artalongthelake.com
HARVEST BOOYA FESTIVAL
Oct. 3, Saturday The annual Harvest Booya Festival has been a 32-year tradition in Finland, celebrating community and serving a traditional booya stew. Held at the Clair Nelson Center, this year’s celebration features live Finnish music all day, delicious food, local vendors and crafters, apple cider pressing, activities for kids, and more. Harvest Booya Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. facebook.com/finlandbooya
GUNFLINT SCRAMBLE
Oct. 3, Saturday The Gunflint Scramble is a 25-mile mountain bike race held annually
at Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail. The course is made up of a mix of Nordic ski trails, snowmobile trails, forest roads, and some single track. Set amongst the wilderness with beautiful scenery and challenging climbs, the Gunflint Scramble is truly a unique event. The fun starts with a campfire and live music Friday night, and racing kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Race registration required. gunflintscramble.com
STORYTELLING FROM THE BACKROADS OF COOK COUNTY
Oct. 3, Saturday The Historical Alliance of Cook County will host the fourth annual Storytelling from the Back Roads of Cook County on Oct. 3 from 2-4 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. This collaborative event features speakers from each member organization sharing regional history and local lore. Featured presenters include cultural landscape historian Arnold R. Alanen, author of The Scenic Route: Building Minnesota’s North
Shore; 60-year Cook County resident Jim Wiinanen, sharing stories of Seagull Lake’s historic resorts; longtime local historian Skip Lamb; and author Brian Tofte, discussing his book, Tofte: A Norwegian Immigration Story. The event is free and open to the public; donations are appreciated. cookcountyhistory.org
BASKET WEEK
Oct. 6-13 Join North House Folk School in Grand Marais for a gathering of basketmakers, both advanced and aspiring. Basketry embodies the soul of traditional craft: simple tools, natural materials, and skilled hands result in purposeful, beautiful items. Birch bark, spruce root, willow, black ash—the northern forest has been generous to basketmakers, and various classes and workshops will explore a variety of techniques and forms. There will also be free evening gatherings with guest speakers, a movie night, a community craft night, drop-in activities and demonstrations, and a Basket Gathering Day open to the public. This year’s featured guests are Mary Thompson and Katherine Lewis. More information can be found online. northhouse.org
NORTH SHORE OKTOBERFEST
Oct. 9-10 North Shore Oktoberfest at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts in Tofte is back for its third year. This year, the festivities begin a day early with a new Friday night Prost Party on Oct. 9, from 4-7 p.m. The kickoff celebration will feature live music from Adam Moe, along with beer samples
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from a variety of vendors. The celebration continues Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 6 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will feature German-inspired food, local Oktoberfest beer, live polka music, an expanded craft fair, and games and competitions, including hammerschlagen, a pretzel toss, and steinholding. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, pumpkin carving, crafts, games, and more. bluefinbay.com
displays, armoured combat, blacksmithing demonstrations, a kids’ area with interactive activities, warhorse rides, garbed characters roaming the grounds, immersive activities, lively performers, a costume contest, and more. Tickets can be purchased in advance online. tbaymedievalfaire.ca
BOO AT THE ZOO 4214 Airpark Blvd - Duluth, MN www.ohdnorthernmn.com 218-722-2884
Gunflint Pines
Store Hours: 8-7 | Snack Bar: 3-7
Pizza & Ice Cream Dine-in or Take-out
Gift Shop Groceries
218.388.4454 www.gunflintpines.com 217 South Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, MN 55604
BIZHIKI
Oct. 10, Saturday Following a sold-out performance and successful residency last year, Bizhiki returns to the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais on Oct. 10 for a full-band, multidisciplinary performance exploring contemporary Ojibwe culture and lifeways through music, storytelling, film projections, lighting, and sound. Through powwow drums, percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, and vocals, Bizhiki explores themes of identity, loss, and revitalization in the Anishinaabe experience. Film projections by filmmaker Finn Ryan and layered sound design bring the elements together for an intimate, immersive performance. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at sliding-scale prices; K-12 students attend free. northshoremusicassociation.com
Oct. 10, 17, & 24 Your family’s annual fall tradition is back on Oct. 10, 17, and 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the whole family and explore the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth with endless trick-or-treating stations, a fabulous fall boo-tique craft show, magic shows, temporary tattoos, a mini pumpkin hunt, special Halloween-themed animal treats, food trucks, a bubble train, a chalk walk, games and activities, and more. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Day-of tickets for nonmember are $20, or $15 when purchased in advance; ages 2 and under are free. facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo
Oct. 10-11 Come one, come all—the Thunder Bay Medieval Faire is coming to Northwestern Ontario this year, featuring two action-packed days of medieval merriment at the Hymers Fairgrounds in Gillies. Escape into medieval history, whimsical fantasy, and educational fun for the whole family. Held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event includes full-contact jousting, live music, and the Merchant Marketplace, which will feature over 70 local crafters, artisans, and food vendors. There will also be falconry
Ride DULUTH RIVER TRAIN along t he St . Louis River
Saturdays & Sundays
Thru October 18, 2026
10:30 am & 1:30 pm Veterans & Active Military RIDE FREE on Sundays ke
La
Buy tickets @ duluthrivertrain.com
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Duluth River Train duluthrivertrain.com
6930 Fr em ont St r eet Dulut h 218-624-7549 OCTOBER 2026
NORTHERN WILDS
Oct. 14-18 Northwestern Ontario’s top horror-themed film festival is back for its 10th year in Thunder Bay. The festival runs from 7-11:45 p.m. nightly at Paramount Theatre, with different horror films from around the world screened each night, from slasher films and slow-burn suspense to supernatural thrillers, creature features, and comedy horror. Other features include the “Blood Red Carpet” photo shoot, a food concession stand, local vendor tables, prizes, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up in costumes. Tickets can be purchased online. terrorinthebay.com
THUNDER BAY MEDIEVAL FAIRE
FALL COLOR EXCURSIONS
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TERROR IN THE BAY FILM FESTIVAL
MOOSE MADNESS FESTIVAL
Oct. 15-17 A moose is loose in Grand Marais during the Moose Madness Festival, hosted by Visit Cook County. This annual event is the ultimate family-focused celebration of all things moose. Enjoy the outdoors, participate in fun activities throughout downtown, and learn a few facts about the area’s celebrated mascot along the way. There will be scavenger hunts, quizzes, donut bingo, face painting, free art stations, a rock skipping contest, a nature hike, a kids’ race, live music, sessions with a moose biologist, a window decorating contest for businesses, a contra dance, and more. A full schedule of events can be found online. visitcookcounty.com
LAKE SUPERIOR PARACON
Oct. 16-17 Step into the unknown at the Lake Superior Paracon in Thunder Bay. This event brings together paranormal investigators, psychic mediums, authors, occult experts, and sasquatch researchers for an unforgettable weekend of discovery. Explore over 40 unique vendors, attend fascinating speaker sessions and informative workshops, and take part in spooky experiences. There will also be door prizes, pet readings supporting Murillo Mutts, free
popcorn, and more. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or just curious, the Lake Superior Paracon has something for everyone. lakesuperiorparacon.com
ria in the Shuniah Building at Confederation College. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and a sit-down dinner will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $40 each and include soup, a roll, and dessert, along with your choice of a handcrafted pottery bowl. There will also be raffles, a 50/50 draw, and other items available for purchase. Takeout meals are also available from 1:30-3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. emptybowlsthunderbay.com
EVILAD DE US TH E M
ICAL
FAMILY WEEKEND
Oct. 16-17 Coinciding with MEA weekend in Minnesota, North House Folk School in Grand Marais hosts a weekend of family activities. There will be over a dozen classes offered, some for kids only, others for adults and kids to take together. The weekend includes both formal classes (registration required) and drop-in activities, such as a lantern making drop-in class that will be used for a lantern walk in the evening. There will also be games, s’mores, a contra dance, and more. A full schedule can be found online. northhouse.org
SUPERIOR NIGHTMARE 5K
Oct. 24, Saturday Grab your family and friends for this fun and spooky 3.1-mile race, held at 11 a.m. at Wessman Arena in Superior. Held in coordination with the city’s annual Superior Spooktacular, the event offers participants a mix of scary surprises and haunted hijinks during a family-friendly costume race, with prizes for costumes. There will also be free Spider Dash races for kids ages 14 and under, starting at 11:45 a.m. And there will be plenty of trick-or-treating options before and after the race. Race registration information and fees can be found online. grandmasmarathon.com
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WILD DULUTH RACES
Oct. 17-18 The Wild Duluth Races consist of four trail races: a 100k, a 50k, a half marathon, and a 10k, with various start and end points, including Bayfront Park, Jay Cook State Park, Munger Trail, and Chambers Grove Park. Each race traverses the outskirts of Duluth and some even pass through Duluth neighborhoods. The fall colors should be at their peak, and the weather could be brisk, which is great for running. Runners who complete various race combinations, with one race on Saturday and one on Sunday, can be dubbed a Wildwoman, Wildman, or Wildperson. Registration, volunteer, and spectator information can be found online. wildduluthraces.com
Oct. 31, Saturday If it’s Halloween, then it must be The Hunger. Held downtown Thunder Bay as a fundraiser for Definitely Superior Art Gallery, the 19th annual Hunger Halloween festival features 50 performance acts—including 35 live bands and DJs—taking place at nine venues, including The Foundry, Black Pirates Pub, Goods & Co., Red Lion Smokehouse, and more. There will be thousands of dollars in costume contest prizes at each venue, so be sure to dress up. The party goes from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and a cover charge of $20 gets you into all venues. definitelysuperior.com
MELISSA MORRIS & GEORGE REINBLATT
OCTOBER 1 - 24, 2026 FOR TICKETS:
MAGNUS THEATRE.COM / 807.345.5552
FALL LOOKS GOOD FROM HERE! LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS AWARD-WINNING BEER BREWED
RIGHT HERE IN DULUTH SCRATCH-MADE FOOD AND
Oct. 18, Sunday The 27th annual Thunder Bay Empty Bowls fundraiser will again be held at the Ryan Hall Cafete-
A WARM SEAT WAITING FOR YOU
Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery
Summer Hours through Oct 18: Wed-Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 1-4 pm Winter Hours: Thurs-Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 1-4 pm 115 W. Wisconsin St. | 218-387-2314 | www.johnsonheritagepost.org
MUSIC BY FRANK CIPOLLA, CHRISTOPHER BOND,
CRISP AIR
EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER
Plein Air Grand Marais Exhibition Until 11/1 Artist of the Month: Kerry Lane Art Along the Lake Guest Artist: Maggie Anderson - Until 10/4
BOOK + LYRICS BY GEORGE REINBLATT
The North Shore’s full-fiber broadband network, providing phone & internet service throughout Cook County.
218-663-9030
TrueNorth@arrowhead.coop www.arrowheadcoop.com
BREWED FOR THE WILD AT HEART 300 CANAL PARK DRIVE | 218.464.4790 CANALPARKBREWING.COM
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OCTOBER 15 - 17, 2026 Activities and Events
Hi Friends, It’s Me, Murray the Moose!
WEEKEND LONG ACTIVITIES
I’ve got some super exciting news for you! That’s right, my favorite weekend of the year, Moose Madness, is here, and it’s a big, wild party celebrating all things moosey—that’s me! For more than 20 years, we’ve been having this awesome party, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you.
New! Moosy Window Decorating Contest! Downtown shops are getting festive with creative Moose Madness window displays—and you get to pick the winner! Scan the QR code in any participating window to vote for your favorite and help crown our first-ever champion. New! Official Moose Correspondent! Meet Adam, our official Moose Correspondent from the Northern Moose Alliance! He’ll be sharing live festival updates, schedule highlights, and insider tips throughout the weekend. Adam will also host “Meet a Moose Biologist” sessions, where families can learn about Minnesota’s moose and ask wildlife experts questions. Keep an eye out for Adam around Grand Marais!
My friends at Visit Cook County and so many amazing local businesses have put together the best party ever! It makes my big moose heart so happy to see everyone having a blast with all the fun activities we have planned. I’ll be around all weekend, so keep an eye out for me! When you see me, let’s take a silly picture together. I just know you’ll have an amazing time and take home some wonderful memories from this weekend.
Ready for an Adventure? Follow along these pages for all the super fun events, times, and locations so you don’t miss a thing. I can’t wait to see all my old friends and make some new ones. See you soon, my moosey pals!
Where is Moose Headquarters? Moose HQ is at Visit Cook County, 116 W Hwy 61 (next to Dairy Queen). It’s where you’ll find activity packets, downtown Grand Marais maps, Moose Medallion Hunt clues, Moose Bucks, prizes and more!
Moose HQ Hours: Thurs-Sat 9am-5pm
VisitCookCounty.com
New! Murray’s Grand Marais Trivia Trail Earn a new Moose Madness sticker with an all-new design. Moose on a Stoop – Earn Moose Bucks! The Moose on a Stoop educational scavenger hunt will take families across downtown Grand Marais in search of facts about our favorite animal. Complete the hunt to receive Moose Bucks you can spend at participating local businesses! Guess How Many Moose Droppings! | Lake Superior Trading Post Drop-In Activity Sheets | Northern Goods Moose Postcards | Letteracy Deck Drop-In Activity Sheets | Bucks Continued on next page...
Cheers! -Murray For the best moose viewing make your way up the Gunflint Trail!
MOOSE
...and stop by
Halfway up the Gunflint Trail
Restaurant • Bar • Camp Chow Cabins • Motel • Gas • Gifts • Store
Madness
Open Year Round Casual / Counter Service North Coast Tacos + House Smoked Meats
hungryhippietacos.com
Author Gord Ellis drags out a buck. | GORD ELLIS 7611 Gunflint Trail • 218-388-2214 • www.trailcenterlodge.com 26
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Donut BINGO Friday, October 16th @ 11:00 a.m. *Last day of the season is Saturday, October 17th Open 7am - 3pm
We accept Moosebucks
Activities and Events Continued... Moose Photo Safari | Fisherman's Daughter
Open 11am-8pm 14 S. Broadway Grand Marais
3pm Rock Skipping Contest | Lake Superior Trading Post
Moose Books, Coloring Sheets, & Activities | Grand Marais Library
5pm Live Music & Sing-along with Pat Eliasen | Sydney’s Pizza
Face Painting | The Sweetwater Co.
Closing for the season Oct. 18
7pm Lantern Walk | North House Folk School
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
All Day Fairy Garden | North Shore Events and Blooms - Find all 10 fairies hidden in the garden! 10am-2pm Paint a Pumpkin | Art Colony
10am Meet a Moose Biologist | Visit Cook County Info Center
5pm Live Music with Christopher David Hanson | Sydney’s Pizza - Be sure to check out their new soup and chili menu options!
10am–4pm Drop-In Crafts | North House Folk School 10am–5pm Paint a Moose | Joy & Co.
FRIDAY
11am Story Hour with the Muffin Man | Drury Lane Books
10am Kids’ Race | Grand Marais Harbour | Grand Marais Barbell
Come for the food, stay for the view - Pizza, Salads, Grill, Custard, Beachside Seating
11am–1pm Author Meet & Greet with Nancy Carlson | Drury Lane Books
10am-2pm Paint a Pumpkin | Art Colony
11am-8pm Kids Activities and Games | Hungry Hippie Taco
10am–4pm Drop-In Crafts | North House Folk School 11am Donut Bingo | World’s Best Donuts
12–2pm Meet a Moose Photographer | Fisherman’s Daughter
11am-8pm Kids Activities and Games | Hungry Hippie Taco
2pm Meet a Moose Biologist | Visit Cook County Info Center
12–2pm Meet a Moose Photographer | Fisherman’s Daughter
3pm Guided Moose Hike | Gunflint Trail Moose Viewing Trail | Friends of the BW
1–4pm Wrapped Rocks w/ Jill (fee) | Joy & Co.
6–9pm Contra Dance | North House Folk School
Open Year Round • Private Rooms, Glamping Tents + Campsites Overlooking Lake Superior
hungryhippie.com
2pm Meet a Moose Biologist | Visit Cook County Info Center
Please Note: Activities and events are subject to change. For the most current information scan QR Code or go to: visitcookcounty.com/moose-madness
Moose Medallion Hunt Double the Fun for 2026! Put on your detective caps and grab your walking shoes—the beloved Moose Medallion Hunt is back, and this year the fun is doubled! We’re hiding two secret medallions around Grand Marais, giving you two days to crack the clues and claim some serious local loot! Friday’s Hunt (Sponsored by Joynes Ben Franklin): Follow Friday’s clues to track down the first hidden medallion and kick off Moose Madness!
Saturday’s Hunt (Sponsored by Grand Marais State Bank): A new day brings a new hiding spot and another chance to win! How to Play: Clues drop throughout each day! Stop by Moose HQ at the Visitor Information Center for the latest hint, or follow Visit Cook County’s social media for each new clue. Find a medallion? Bring it to Moose HQ to claim your prize. Happy hunting!
Come Enter Our Guess the Number of Moose Droppings Contest! • Gifts • Clothing • Toys • Maps • Camping Supplies • Books
A Grand Marais tradition since 1971
3 OFF OR
$
$
ANY LARGE PIZZA
ANY MEDIUM PIZZA
Open Year Round 7 Days a Week
2 OFF
Offer not good with any other offer, coupon or discount.
Offer good 10/15/26 - 10/17/26
9 West Wisconsin St. Grand Marais, MN | 218-387-1713
www.saglodge.com 5 Lodge Rooms, P R i vat e C a b i n , Y u Rt R e n ta L s
www.LSTP.com (218) 387-2020 10 S. 1ST AVE W. GRAND MARAIS, MN
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NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thru Oct. 4
Oct. 2-9
artalongthelake.com Culture Days Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca/culturedays
bit.ly/northwoodsquilttrek
Art Along the Lake 10 a.m. Cook County,
Northwoods Quilt Trek 10 a.m. North Shore,
Oct. 2-31
Artist of the Month: Aramis Wells
Thru Oct. 11
Small Scale: Tall Tale Exhibit Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com
Thru Oct. 17
(Reception Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche Duluth Haunted Ship William A. Irvin, Duluth, duluthhauntedship.com
MUSE Member Exhibition Studio 21,
Oct. 3, Saturday
John Hitchcock Exhibition: What is America? Land Fragments Studio 21, Grand Marais,
Park, Thunder Bay, upriverrunning.com Gunflint Scramble 10 a.m. Bearskin Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflintscramble.com Up Yonder Car Show 10 a.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, upyonderon61.com
Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org grandmaraisartcolony.org
Thru Nov. 1
Plein Air 2026 Exhibition Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org
Pumpkin Junction
Burlington Station, Two Harbors, facebook.com/burlingtonstationtwoharbors
Thru Jan. 3
Morrisseau Masterwork Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru Jan. 31
The Great Lakes Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Thru Feb. 7
Art Books 1983-2026 Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
UpRiver Running Fall Races 7 a.m. Kinsmen
Building Villages/Strengthening Communities Conference 10 a.m. Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, facebook.com/aichomn Two Harbors Farmers Market 10 a.m. Seagren’s Home Hardware Outdoors, Two Harbors, facebook.com/ twoharborsfarmersmarket Harvest Booya Festival 11 a.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, facebook.com/finlandbooya
Meet & Greet Author & Educator: Brian Duren 1 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com
Celebrate the Salmon Run 1:30 p.m.
Thru March 2027
The Thunder Bay Art Society: The Heritage Art Project Exhibition Thunder Bay Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, mndnr.gov/gooseberryfalls
Photographer Craig Blacklock Presentation 1:30 p.m. Sugarloaf Cove, Schroeder, sugarloafnorthshore.org
Oct. 1, Thursday
Afternoon Bingo 1 p.m.
Two Harbors Community Center, facebook.com/communitypartnersth Finland Farmers Market 5 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, finlandfarmersmarket.com
Sports Journalist Dimity McDowell: The 27th Mile 7 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com
Storytelling From the Backroads of Cook County 2 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the
Arts, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org Beargrease Banquet Fundraiser 4 p.m. Northland Country Club, Duluth, beargrease.com
McCullough Bros & Friends with Horns: Tribute to the Blues Brothers 7 p.m.
Ely’s Historic State Theater, ely.org/events
Oct. 1-3
Come From Away 7:30 p.m. Badanai Theatre, Thunder Bay, badanaitheatre.com
Oct. 1-24
Evil Dead: The Musical Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com
Oct. 1-Nov. 10
Photography & Art at the Rock: Molly Siebenaler (Artist Onsite Oct. 17 at 10 a.m.) Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock
Oct. 2, Friday
Bernstein & Sondheim: Regards to
Broadway 7 p.m. Denfeld High School
Auditorium, Duluth, loonopera.org Bear Grease The Musical 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com Maggie’s Wake 8 p.m. DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiant.ca
OCTOBER 2026
Craft Harbor, Duluth, alslib.info
Oct. 6, Tuesday
Ely Farmers Market 4 p.m. Whiteside Park, Ely, Facebook: Ely Farmers Market
Yuya Mix: Live Japanese Music Program 5:30 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com Community Sing 6 p.m. Ely Folk School, Ely, elyfolkschool.org
Author Talk with Mark Dayton: Perseverance 6:30 p.m. Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock
Book Launch for Brian Freeman: Where the Road Ends 7 p.m. Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com
Oct. 6-13
Basket Week North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Oct. 7, Wednesday
Arrowhead Cooperative Member Appreciation Lunch 11:30 a.m. Schaap
Community Center, Gunflint Trail, 218-663-7239 Community Potluck 11:30 a.m. Ely Community Center, Ely, ely.org/events Chapman Street Block Party 5 p.m. Puddle Jumper Park & Chapman Street, Ely, ely.org/events
CCHE Fundraiser & Royal Tea Talk 6:15 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, mycche.org
The Root Beer Lady: Dorothy Molter Play 7 p.m. Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, Ely, rootbeerlady.com
Oct. 8, Thursday
Superior: A 50-Year Photographic Journey with Craig Blacklock 5:30 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com Trivia with WTIP 6 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais, upyonderon61.com
Oct. 8-10
Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Oct. 9-11
Disney’s Descendants: The Musical Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Oct. 10, Saturday
Boo at the Zoo 10 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo,
Duluth, facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo Two Harbors Farmers Market 10 a.m. Seagren’s Home Hardware Outdoors, Two Harbors, facebook.com/ twoharborsfarmersmarket Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Spirit of the Lake Community Arts, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com Pumpkin Hunt 10 a.m. Downtown Duluth Library, visitduluth.com Herring Fry & Octoberfest 11 a.m. The Green Door, Beaver Bay, facebook.com/baptismriverbbq
Speaker Series: Photographer Craig Blacklock 2 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org
Erik Simula: Presentation on the Birchbark Canoe 2 p.m. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature
Center, Gunflint Trail, gunflinthistory.org Rock From the Heart 5 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org Charlie Berens: Lost & Found Tour 5 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
Author Talk with Emily Stone: Natural Connections 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books,
Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com Bizhiki 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com GenX: Comedy Takeover Tour 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Oct. 10-11
Thunder Bay Medieval Faire 10 a.m. Hymers Fairgrounds, Gillies, Ontario, tbaymedievalfaire.ca
Oct. 10-Jan. 3
Holding Up Our Sky: Virginia McCoy, A Retrospective and Homecoming (Reception Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.) Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
11 a.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com
Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca
Goods & Co Market, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/goodscomarket
Strings 3 p.m. Pilgrim Congregational Church,
Oct. 4, Sunday
Carnival at the Depot: North Shorror
Oct. 3-4
Artisan Workshop Weekend Fort William
Oct. 2-3 28
ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. McQuade Small
North Shore Oktoberfest 4 p.m. (noon Sat.)
Oct. 9, Friday
Canadian Cander Society CIBC Run for the Cure 10 a.m. Legion Track: Fort William
upyonderon61.com
Oct. 5, Monday
Oct. 9-10
Oct. 11, Sunday
Duluth, glensheen.d.umn.edu
Saltydog 8 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais,
Chester Park, Duluth, duluthrenfaire.com Clover Valley Farm Trail Noon, Two Harbors and Duluth, clovervalleyfarmtrail.com Family Art Days 1 p.m. Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca
Come From Away 7:30 p.m. Badanai Theatre,
Ballet Jorgen: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Duluth Renaissance Faire 11 a.m. Lower
Fall Family Day 10 a.m. Glensheen Mansion,
Stadium, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com
NORTHERN WILDS
Thunder Bay, badanaitheatre.com
Witches Walk & Crawl 6 p.m.
6 p.m. The Depot, Duluth, facebook.com/stlouiscountydepot Menopause The Musical 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Animal Storytime with Sarah’s Serpentarium
Matinee Musicale: Balourdet Quartet: Duluth, matineemusicale.org
Oct. 12, Monday
Columbus Day Indigenous People’s Day
Canadian Thanksgiving Day
Oct. 13, Tuesday
VPC Open House & Ice Cream Social 5 p.m. Violence Prevention Center, Grand Marais, visitcookcounty.com
New York Times Author: Matt Goldman Shares The Prohibited 7 p.m. Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, zenithbookstore.com
Oct. 14, Wednesday Coffee and a Craft 2 p.m.
Two Harbors Community Center, facebook.com/communitypartnersth
Oct. 14-18
Terror in the Bay Film Festival 7 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay, terrorinthebay.com
Oct. 19-Dec. 21
New Exhibits: Robb Quisling: Applied Pressure; Lauren Faherty: Rooted; Andrew Webster: Material Driven Duluth Art Institute, duluthart.org
Oct. 20, Tuesday
The Northland Beckons: Writing in Haiku 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, 6 p.m. Silver Bay Public Library, alslib.info Sugarland: Ride or Die Tour 7 p.m. Amsoil Arena, Duluth, decc.org
Oct. 21, Wednesday
Arrowhead Cooperative Member Appreciation Lunch 11:30 a.m. Grand
Oct. 15-17
Portage Community Center, 218-663-7239 Bingo 1 p.m. Two Harbors Community Center, facebook.com/communitypartnersth History Happy Hour 5 p.m. Boathouse Brewpub, Ely, rootbeerlady.com
visitcookcounty.com
6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, alslib.info
Oct. 15-16
David Hahn Art Days Studio 21,
Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org
Moose Madness Festival Cook County,
The Northland Beckons: Writing in Haiku
Oct. 16, Friday
Oct. 22, Thursday
Artist Talk: What is America? Land Fragments with John Hancock
4:30 p.m. Studio 21, Grand Marais, grandmaraisartcolony.org Possibilities Quartet 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org World Ballet Company: Swan Lake 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
TBSO: Looking Forward, Looking
Brew at the Zoo 5 p.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil 5:30 p.m. Grand Marais Art Colony, visitcookcounty.com
History Happy Hour 6 p.m. Glensheen
Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.d.umn.edu
The Root Beer Lady: Dorothy Molter Play
Backward 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community
7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, facebook.com/friendsbwcaw
Oct. 16-17
Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom
Auditorium, tbso.ca
Lake Superior Paracon Thunder Bay,
lakesuperiorparacon.com Family Weekend North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org
Oct. 17, Saturday
Oct. 23, Friday
The Northland Beckons: Writing in Haiku
Smoke & Embers Thunder Bay,
Sam Zimmerman Book Signing: Walking My Ancestors’ Path 1 p.m. Split Rock Lighthouse,
Oct. 24, Saturday
The Northland Beckons: Writing in Haiku
Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com
Two Harbors, mnhs.org/splitrock Octoberfest Fundraiser 5 p.m. Superior Shores Resort, Two Harbors, facebook.com/communitypartnersth Blues Shakedown 6 p.m. DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, thunderbaybluessociety.ca The Art of Community 6 p.m. Boathouse Brewpub, Ely, northernlakesarts.org
Graveyard Groove: Dance TV’s Halloween Dance Party 8 p.m. The Depot, Duluth, facebook.com/stlouiscountydepot
Oct. 17-18
Wild Duluth Races Duluth,
wildduluthraces.com Halloween Hoot Noon, Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca
Oct. 18, Sunday
Empty Bowls Fundraiser 1:30 p.m.
visitthunderbay.com
North Shore Artists League Annual Conference 9 a.m. Bluefin Waves of Superior Ballroom, Tofte, northshoreartistsleague.org Monster Mash 10 a.m. Prince Arthur Hotel, Thunder Bay, Facebook: Monsters and Minis
Boos, Brews & Booths: Twin Ports Community Harvest & Holiday Markets
10 a.m. Barker’s Island Inn, Superior, Facebook: Twin Ports Community Market Boo at the Zoo 10 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo Superior Nightmare 5k 11 a.m. Wessman Arena, Superior, grandmasmarathon.com Fall Fest Fundraiser Noon, Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, rootbeerlady.com Haunted Walk 1 p.m. Northern Tier High Adventure Base, Ely, ely.org/events
Time Travel Through Art & Letters Kick-off Event 2 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post,
Echoes of Excellence: Renaissance Lute Duets 2 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior,
Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org Finland Halloween Festival 4 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, Facebook: Finland Halloween Festival
Oct. 19, Monday
5 p.m. Douglas County Historical Society, Superior, douglashistory.org
Confederation College: Shuniah Building, Thunder Bay, emptybowlsthunderbay.com superiorhistoricproperties.org
Cook County Curling Club Kick Off Party 5:30 p.m. Up Yonder, Grand Marais,
cookcountycurlingclub.com Hadestown 7:30 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
Historical Park, Thunder Bay, fwhp.ca
Oct. 25, Sunday
The Market 9 a.m. MacGregor Rec Center, Shuniah, visitthunderbay.com Nipigon Market Collective 10 a.m. Nipigon Community Centre, Nipigon, nipigonmarketcollective.ca
Haunted Superior: Dark History Revealed Author Discussion About Cancer Survivorship & Gratitude with Andy Nelson 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com
TBSO: Halloween Spooktacular 2 p.m. St.
Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca Halloween Bash 6 p.m. Ely Community Center, Ely, ely.org/events Mia Kelly & Basset 8 p.m. DaVinci Centre, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiant.ca The Hunger 19 9 p.m. Downtown Thunder Bay, definitelysuperior.com
WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays
Community Coffee 10 a.m. Clair Nelson
Cook County Curling Club Open House
1 p.m. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, cookcountycurlingclub.com Birch Grove Halloween Carnival 2 p.m. Birch Grove Community School, Tofte, birchgroveschool.com Pumpkin Land 2 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorhistoricproperties.org
Center, Finland, friendsoffinland.org Monday Night Cruise-In 6:30 p.m. Dawson Diner, Thunder Bay, Facebook: Lacc807 Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Tuesdays
Locals Night with Live Music 5 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
Oct. 26, Monday
Wednesdays
Resort, Two Harbors, lakecounty-chamber.com Needle Art Guild Meeting 11 a.m. Kenwood Lutheran Church, Duluth ALS Bookmobile 4:30 p.m. McQuade Small Craft Harbor, Duluth, alslib.info
facebook.com/communitypartnersth Duluth Farmers Market 2 p.m. Duluth Farmers Market, duluthfarmersmarket.com Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Live Music (thru Oct. 14) 5 p.m. Sydney’s Frozen Custard & Woodfired Pizza, Grand Marais, facebook.com/sydneysfrozencustard Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Breakfast for Heroes 8 a.m. Superior Shores
Full Moon Poetry with Juliet Patterson
CCHS Annual Meeting with Guest Speaker Keith Morris 5:30 p.m. Johnson Heritage
Oct. 23-25
10 a.m. Ely Community Center, Ely, ely.org/events
Halloween Hoot Noon, Fort William
7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org
Meet & Greet with Nancy Carlson & Moose Madness Story Hour 11 a.m. Drury Lane
Starbeam Community Craft & Bake Sale
Oct. 24-25
6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com
10:15 a.m. Duluth Public Library, alslib.info
Duluth, facebook.com/lakesuperiorzoo
Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorhistoricproperties.org DSSO: Close to Home 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, dsso.com Dwayne Gretzky 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Oct. 22-Nov. 8
10:15 a.m. West Duluth Branch Library, 3:30 p.m. Mount Royal Branch Library, alslib.info Savio Joseph: Wonderstruck 7 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com Celebrity Dance Challenge 7 p.m. Depot Theatre, Duluth, minnesotaballet.org Matt Sellick: Watching the Sky 7:30 p.m. Italian Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca
Boo at the Zoo 10 a.m. Lake Superior Zoo,
Victorian Seance Experience 6 p.m.
Oct. 27, Tuesday
Post, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org
Game Day 1 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library,
Thursdays
Storytime (no event Oct. 15) 10:30 a.m.
Free Public Lecture: Chronicling McVicar Creek Through Art 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay
Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org
Oct. 27-29
Community Center Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/grandmaraisfarmersmarket Live Music (thru Oct. 15) 5 p.m. Sydney’s Frozen Custard & Woodfired Pizza, Grand Marais, facebook.com/sydneysfrozencustard Date Night with Live Music 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Live Music 6 p.m. Larsmont Trading Post, Two Harbors, Facebook: Larsmont Trading Post
Museum, thunderbaymuseum.com
Scarium at the Aquarium 4 p.m. Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, glaquarium.org
Oct. 28, Wednesday
Arrowhead Cooperative Member Appreciation Lunch 11:30 a.m. Arrowhead
Cooperative Office, Lutsen, 218-663-7239 Trick or Treat at Glensheen 4 p.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.d.umn.edu Haunted History Talk 5:30 p.m. Fairlawn Mansion, Superior, superiorhistoricproperties.org Owen Riegling 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Oct. 29, Thursday
The Northland Beckons: Writing in Haiku
3:30 p.m. Ely Public Library, alslib.info Art Night Out 5:30 p.m. Duluth Art Institute, duluthart.org Paths & Pumpkins: Community Night 6 p.m. Deer Ridge Resort, Ely, ely.org/events Zach Williams 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org Pavlo 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com
Oct. 30, Friday
Grand Marais Farmers Market 4:30 p.m.
Fridays
Parent-Nurse Walk & Talk 10 a.m.
Bear Tree Park, Downtown Grand Marais, sawtoothmountainclinic.org/event
Live Music: Barbara Jean & Mike Lewis
4:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Live Music 6 p.m. Larsmont Trading Post, Two Harbors, Facebook: Larsmont Trading Post Community Gaming Night 7 p.m. Clair Nelson Center, Finland, friendsoffinland.org Live Music 8 p.m. Bluefin Bay, Tofte, bluefinbay.com
Saturdays
Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m.
October Free ArtDAI 1 p.m. Duluth Art
CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca Duluth Farmers Market 8 a.m. Duluth Farmers Market, duluthfarmersmarket.com Cook County Market (Thru Oct. 17) 10 a.m. The Hub Parking Lot, Grand Marais, facebook.com/ccfarmandcraft Live Music 6 p.m. Larsmont Trading Post, Two Harbors, Facebook: Larsmont Trading Post What’s for Dinner? 7 p.m. International Wolf Center, Ely, wolf.org
Dagwoods Slightly Batty Halloween 2 p.m.
Weekend Wine Down 3:30 p.m. North
Zenith City Horror: Rocky Horror Picture Show 7 p.m. Decc, Duluth, decc.org
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
The Legend of Sleepy Hallow Marshall Performing Arts Center, Duluth, minnesotaballet.org
Oct. 31, Saturday
Halloween Institute, duluthart.org
Dagwoods Bakery & Deli, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/dagwoodsbakery
Sundays
Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us
NORTHERN WILDS
OCTOBER 2026
29
Northern Wilds 2026
Readers Favorites
Find the complete list of 2026 winners at northernwilds.com/restaurant-awards or scan the QR code In February, voting opened for the 2026 Northern Wilds Readers’ Choice Restaurant Awards, marking the return of the competition after a several-year hiatus. Readers cast their votes across 32 categories, from Best Pizza to Fine Dining, with the winners announced in June. Here are two of the winning restaurants proudly displaying their awards. Keep an eye out for more winner spotlights in the months ahead!
30
THE FISHERMAN’S DAUGHTER
TRAIL CENTER
WINNER FOR FAVORITE: Fish, Soup, Take-Out, Speedy Service
WINNER FOR FAVORITE: Steak, Northwoods Character
OCTOBER 2026
NORTHERN WILDS
The North Shore Dish
Oink, Moo, Cluck: OMC Smokehouse By Virginia George
One of my favorite things is to listen to people talk about the things they love. It’s not always interesting when my teenager is talking to me about motorcycle fairings or my twenty-something tells me about a new Magic: The Gathering commander, but sometimes the things that are important to those we love are important to us because of the people we love. I suppose it feels like they’re speaking a different language I don’t really understand, whereas when I talk to my coworker, a retired fish biologist, and he tells me about the otoliths (hearing bones) of a buffalo fish and how we can count their age by looking at them, much like the rings of a tree… well, I guess I can follow that conversation a little more closely. A few weeks ago, my oldest son, one of my MTG enthusiasts, took me out for dinner for my birthday, and we landed at OMC Smokehouse. Neither of us had ever been there, and I have dined at several of their sister restaurants, so it seemed like an easy choice. The restaurant was fairly busy, and to avoid waiting for table, we ended up with bar seating. This isn’t typically my favorite seating arrangement, as it can be difficult to talk side by side, but we agreed and settled in. Behind the bar was Louis Hanson, whose family has been intimately involved in revitalizing the Lincoln Park District of Duluth. What was once a run-down area of town is now bustling with restaurants and shops that have breathed new life into the neighborhood and created a culture of community there. The couple seated next to us was quite keen to learn tips for cooking brisket well, a skill that had been elusive thus far for the gentleman, and Louis was happy to share. OMC keeps no secrets. In fact, during the pandemic, OMC published its first cookbook to help raise money for businesses struggling in the Lincoln Park District. The cookbook, which I incidentally own, teaches you how, on a much smaller scale than OMC cooks, to make many of its signature dishes at home, including recipes for its sauces and rubs. So Louis pointed to their cookbook for instructions on how to smoke a brisket, from trimming to smoking temperatures and holding times. (The anatomy of a brisket is pretty interesting, as there are two distinct parts—the flat and the point. The muscle fibers actually change directions here, and one of the difficult parts of smoking a brisket is making sure the thicker, fatty point is cooked to temperature without drying out the leaner and thinner flat.) Clearly, smoking a brisket has become a
Located in Duluth, OMC Smokehouse offers loaded mac and cheese topped with brisket, bacon, and sauteed mushrooms and onions. | VIRGINIA GEORGE
Oink, Moo, and Cluck are the building blocks of OMC Smokehouse’s menu, though the restaurant offers vegetarian options, too. | VIRGINIA GEORGE part of who he is and what he does. And I’ll just say… their brisket was good. Suddenly, our meal became both educational and entertaining, in addition to being delicious, as I listened to the acting bartender detail the thing that he is passionate about and the thing that brought us all here—good food. Oink, Moo, Cluck: The building blocks of OMC Smokehouse’s menu.
While this seems to be a pretty narrow niche of menu offerings, OMC has found a way to still create a diverse and flavorful menu, from its sauces to its dishes. Each meal begins with a plate of pork rinds and four signature sauces: chipotle-cilantro BBQ, classic honey BBQ, Bent Paddle 14° ESB BBQ, and the Alabama white BBQ. These sauces alone bring depth and variety of flavor, but its commitment to good ingredients continues. Meats are smoked daily, the brisket is started the night before, and the restaurant even renders the fat from the brisket in order to create its beef tallow fries. Of course, OMC has dishes straight from the smoker, like its St. Louis-style ribs, which are dry-rubbed and smoked, or its smoked chicken, which is dry-rubbed, smoked, and basted in honey BBQ sauce. If you want to try a little of everything, you might try the smoked OMC plate, which comes with two St. Louis-style ribs, four ounces of sliced brisket, and a quarter of a smoked chicken. With two sides to boot, this is a great option to share with a friend. As for me, I treated myself to the loaded mac and cheese. It is not my habit to order mac and cheese when I dine out, but topped with brisket, bacon, and sauteed mushrooms and onions, I couldn’t turn it down, and I was not disappointed. There are catfish options as well—Louisiana catfish n’ chips or catfish tacos. For sandwiches, there’s the Korean BBQ pork belly sandwich with dry-brined pork
belly, smoked and braised in dark beer and glazed in Korean BBQ sauce, served with cucumber slices and crisp lemon slaw. And while “Oink, Moo, Cluck” paints a pretty clear picture of what meaty options one might find at OMC Smokehouse, there are vegetarian options on the menu. The vegetarian sloppy Joe is made from lentils and quinoa, topped with pickled jalapeños and brined red onions. In addition to the Smokehouse, OMC caters for groups of 10 to 100. You can choose to serve an entrée, boxed lunches, or a nacho or taco bar. Their online ordering system is straightforward, and OMC will deliver within 15 miles of its Lincoln Park location. If you’re more of a DIYer, that cookbook Louis mentioned is available for purchase and includes a blend of storytelling and recipes. You’ll learn the heart behind BBQ, what makes good smoking wood, and why you might choose one smoker or another. And you’ll get recipes for the full gamut of OMC dishes, from its cheese jalapeño grits and bacon blue cheese potato salad to catfish, brisket, and its vegetarian sloppy Joes. They even include recipes for what to do with leftovers. Truly, you’ll find a little of everything. Whether you are looking for an educational dinner, a delicious meal, or instructions on how to make that delicious meal at home, OMC Smokehouse will have you covered.
NORTHERN WILDS
OCTOBER 2026
31
P O P L A R H AU S GUNFLINT TRAIL
P O P L A R H AU S GUNFLINT TRAIL
Dining with a view of Poplar Lake
O U R W O LV E S A R E ALL SEASON!
Daily Programs • Gift Store • Exhibits • Live Wolves Visit for details.
Call for reservations or info 218.388.2222 | poplarhaus.com Wednesday-Friday 3pm-Close | Saturday & Sunday 12pm-Close Closed Monday & Tuesday
– Contemporary Northern Food – – Curated Craft Beer & Cocktails –
WINTER HOURS: October 19, 2026 - May 27, 2027 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays
Home of the Gunflint Trail’s ONLY Liquor Store Open Daily @ 11am
Advanced Mammography, CLOSE TO HOME October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and North Shore Health is committed to bringing high‑quality breast cancer screening close to home. Regular mammography can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment may be most effective.
Breast Cancer Screening Matters: Routine mammography is recommended for women beginning at age 40. How often you should be screened may depend on your age, health history, and individual risk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that’s right for you.
No provider order is needed to schedule your mammogram. Call 218-387-3509 for appointments and more information. Early detection matters and your care is right here at home. 515 5th Ave West, Grand Marais, MN 55604 218-387-3040 / NorthShoreHealthgm.org COMMUNITY ACCESS TO COMPASSIONATE CARE
32
OCTOBER 2026
NORTHERN WILDS
Preregister to Save!
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sundays
1396 HWY 169 • ELY, MN 55731 • (218) 365-HOWL
The annual Northern Wilds
North Shore
Hunting for food?
DINING GUIDE
IS HERE!
Discover delicious dining destinations along Minnesota’s North Shore. YOUR NEXT GREAT MEAL
STARTS HERE!
Scan to explore the 2026 North Shore Dining Guide.
DINING GUIDE 2026
Or pick up your free copy at area information centers.
Interested in having your restaurant featured in next year’s guide? Contact Sue to learn more: sue@northernwilds.com
Stairwells to Stay Well By Hartley Newell-Acero
Have you ever found yourself grumbling under your breath as you climbed a flight of stairs, irritated by the effort and longing for single-level living? You may change your mind when you learn how beneficial those stairs can be. Think about what goes into the process of climbing stairs. It’s a form of “vertical training,” with every step requiring you to balance on one leg and work against gravity in order to lift or lower your entire body weight to the next stair. This feat of neurological and physical coordination activates the muscles of your core, hips, thighs, calves, and ankles, building their strength and endurance. This effort also requires your heart and lungs to work harder, improving your cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. Multiply that exertion by the number of trips a person makes up and down the steps each day. For instance, the stairs at my house have 14 steps. If I make 10 trips a day, my stair math looks like this: 14 steps up + 14 down = 28 steps x 10 trips = 280 single-leg body-weight presses. Over a year, this is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest twice. (To calculate how much you climb, visit staircalc.netlify.app.) You may be asking, “Is this enough activity to impact my health?” The answer is yes. Remember—physical inactivity is itself a risk factor for fatality. It’s clear that spending more time doing what we typically think of as “exercise” is good for us, but there are also benefits in short bursts of movement done throughout the day. Technically called Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA), climbing stairs falls in this category. Research shows that regular stair-climbing is associated with lower risks of heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, as well as reduced rates of metabolic syndrome. Other studies have found links between brief bouts of stair-climbing and improved energy and mood. Research also indicates that living in a home with stairs goes beyond improving health and emotional well-being. As we age, the gains from stair-climbing can also help us maintain our ability to perform the basic activities of daily living (toileting, feeding, dressing oneself, walking, and bathing)
Mind the Step
As much benefit as stair-climbing can bring, it’s not for everyone. If someone has joint conditions, using the stairs can be difficult and uncomfortable. Stairs can be fall hazards for people with balance, mobility, or vision issues. When considering the design of a home or workspace, it’s important to consider the “person-environment fit.” Different people need different environments to live well and safely. For some people, regardless of age, stairs are a good fit and can contribute to building and maintaining strength. For others, they’re a poor fit and can be dangerous.
On Purpose
and to keep doing the “instrumental activities of daily living,” such as shopping, preparing meals, taking care of household chores, paying bills, and banking. Because
older people tend to spend more time in their homes, going up and down the stairs can make up a significant part of their daily physical activity.
If you’d like to take your stair-climbing from a sporadic activity to an intentional exercise, it’s easy. Keep in mind—if you rarely climb stairs, or haven’t been getting much physical activity, it’s always best to first talk to your health care provider. Wear comfortable clothes and running or walking shoes that have good grip. Walk around on flat ground for 5-10 minutes to warm up. Then find some stairs. Whether it’s a stairway in your home, a step platform in your living room, a stairwell in a tall building, or a machine at the gym, they’ll all work. Start with 2-5 minutes of climbing and notice how you’re feeling. Over time, add minutes as your strength increases. Pay attention to your balance and be restrained with speed. Use handrails as needed. While it may be tempting to start off briskly, that also means you can fatigue quickly. If you’re a beginner, start slowly and save the “tower running” for later. (Fascinating fact: Competitors in the SkyRise Chicago 2026 race will climb 2,149 stairs and 105 flights.) If you’re using a climbing machine, use the rails for stability only. Don’t use them to take the load off your body. Be gentle on the descent. Going up is low impact, but the higher impact of going down can be harder on joints. Cool down with 5-10 minutes of relaxed walking.
North Shore Vacation Rentals
Harbor View Sanctuary
Conveniently Located 15 minutes from Downtown Duluth, MN
Lake Access Stunning view of Lake Superior
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OCTOBER 2026
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Northern Trails
The Ones That Got Away By Gord Ellis
If you are an angler, and you have been fishing for a while, you have likely lost a big fish. You may have even lost a few. It is part of the deal and a reality of angling. What is odd to me is that the fish that got away are often more memorable than the ones landed. Here are a couple of tales of lost fish that continue to haunt this writer and those who were with me.
Mega Muskie
In the summer of 2025, my wife, Cheryl, and I visited our long-time friends Scott and Lynne McAughey in Kenora, Ontario. Our friends live right on Lake of the Woods, which just happens to be one of the best muskie fishing destinations in the world. There was a time in life when I fished a week or two a year for muskie, but those days seem to be past. However, Scott suggested that he and I spend a day chasing muskellunge while the ladies went shopping and relaxed for a day. This was a very exciting proposition, and I even stocked up on some new muskie lures at Lake of the Woods Outfitters in Kenora. One of those lures was an extra-large pearl white 8-inch tube jig with multiple hooks. Scott and I started the day doing what you do muskie fishing: pounding a lot of water and hoping to get at least a follow from a muskie. We did see several trailing behind our lures and landed a couple big pike. Then, in the afternoon, we entered a windy bay where a large bed of cabbage weeds was located. The wind was blowing hard into the bay, and it was tricky to stay far enough away from the weeds to cast. As Scott adjusted the boat with his trolling motor, I cast the other way towards the main lake. As soon as my large tube hit the water, there was a savage strike. I immediately set the hook with the heavy-action 9-foot rod. “Muskie!” I blurted as the rod bucked and the reel grudgingly gave up line. As Scott grabbed the oversized net, the muskie swam by the boat, and we both got a look at it. It was an absolute monster, significantly larger than my 51-inch previous best muskie. The lure—with its multiple hooks—was entirely in its mouth and not visible. I did my best to fight the fish as Scott tried to keep the boat from blowing into the shore. “It’s close!” I said, and Scott got ready to net the fish. Then, inexplicably, the hook was out, and the fish was slowly swimming off. Scott tried his best to slip the net under the leviathan, but it was just out of reach. We were both crestfallen as we watched the last flap of its enormous red tail disappear. 34
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Chris Berens with what we thought was the small one. | GORD ELLIS Scott and I will think of that fish for many years to come.
A Monster Brookie
This past summer, I was guiding my longtime client and friend, Chris Berens, on the Nipigon River. Chris, who is from Minnesota, is a consummate fly fisherman and artisan who builds beautiful bamboo fly rods and likes to fish with dry flies. He is also one of the best fly casters I have ever seen and rarely misses a strike. In other words, he is a joy to guide. On this particular day, we were fishing a stretch of river that had produced a couple of big fish earlier in the season. It was a slightly overcast day, but we could still see very well in the water. I was using a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor to hold us in the current as Chris worked down the bank with a streamer known as “the Dace.” We both watched as the flashy fly landed near the bank and then glittered in the current as it swung downstream. On one piece of shore, we could see shadows of what looked like trout. Chris cast, and one of the “shadows” moved and ate the fly. It was a very large brook trout, sporting spawning colours and significant length. Chris strip-set his fly line with force, and he later said it felt
NORTHERN WILDS
My giant tube after being crushed by a monster muskie. | GORD ELLIS “like he hit a rock.” Despite this, we both watched as the trout turned and somehow spit the fly. It did not seem possible that it wasn’t hooked. The fly had been completely inhaled, and Chris had done what needed
to happen. With the fish not hooked, Chris cast back again, and immediately another trout took the fly. Chris set, and this one was on. He said, “Small one,” and I agreed. This brook trout looked significantly smaller compared to the first one. I was figuring it was about 14 inches long. (I know a 14-inch brook trout is not small, but this is the Nipigon River. Things are not normal there.) He began playing the fish, and as a boat appeared, I told him to “drop the rod.” I’d never do this if I thought it was a trout of any size. As the boat disappeared downstream, Chris went back to fighting the brook trout, and I got the net. As the trout got closer to the boat, I realized we had both been wrong about the size. I netted the fish, and it was a good one. The tape read 22 inches in length. Chris and I both looked at each other with shock. How big was the one that he had missed? We settled on it being about five inches larger than the second trout, which is a massively large brook trout. But I think we both knew in our hearts it was bigger than that. Keep in mind, the world-record brook trout, caught in 1915 on the Nipigon River, is recorded as 31 and a half inches. The ones that got away can keep a grown man up at night.
NORTHERN SKY OCTOBER 2026 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH
In the evening sky, Saturn is slowly gliding eastward through the dim fall constellations, which it easily outshines. The planet appears as a beacon in the east to southeast at nightfall. On the 4th, Earth laps Saturn in the orbital race. At that moment our distance from Saturn will be about 8.4 times Earth’s average distance from the sun—and almost as close as our two planets ever come. Through a telescope Saturn’s rings will appear slightly tilted, revealing their southern surface to us. Meanwhile, reddish Mars and brilliant, yellowish Jupiter ornament the eastern predawn sky. Jupiter forms the lower left “corner” of an array of bright objects, while Mars is higher, between Jupiter and the Gemini twin stars Pollux and Castor. A waning moon appears below Mars on the 5th. The next morning, the lunar crescent narrowly misses Jupiter. Also spectacular is Mars’ passage across the
Beehive star cluster. Use binoculars to see Mars just outside the cluster on the 10th, in the midst of it on the 11th, and outside it again on the 12th. The Beehive is part of the dim constellation Cancer, the crab, and is also known as Praesepe, Latin for manger or crib. Left of the Beehive, two stars shine next to the cluster. These represent two donkeys feeding at the manger. At about 577 light-years away, the Beehive is one of the closest star clusters to Earth. It has roughly 1,000 stars, all born in the same cloud of gas and dust and traveling through space together, bound loosely by gravity. In the last few days of October, Mars, Jupiter, and Regulus, the heart of the constellation Leo, the lion, form a compact and nearly straight line. October’s full moon rises in daylight on the 25th and reaches fullness at 11:12 p.m. That night it follows Saturn across the sky.
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.
CLOQUET LAKE BY JOE SHEAD WHY GO: Cloquet Lake has an impressive perch fishery. This is the place to go if you want a shot at a perch topping 12 inches. Walleyes also run bigger than average here. ACCESS: One reason perch grow so large here may be due to how inaccessible the lake is. The gravel road to it is very rough. Pulling a boat on a trailer is possible, but the trailer and boat would take a beating. “It’s not a real high-use lake,” said Matt Weberg, Finland area fisheries supervisor. “You would want a high-clearance vehicle.” In addition, the landing is shallow and the lake is choked with rice and vegetation, making it best suited to small boats. To reach Cloquet Lake from Finland, head west on Heffelfinger Road and proceed 13 miles. Turn left onto Cloquet Lake Road and travel 4.5 miles. Turn right onto a short spur road that ends at the lake. There’s a shallow gravel ramp with no dock. There is a rustic privy down a short trail to the south. VITALS: Cloquet Lake is 175 acres with a maximum depth of 7 feet. There is only one cabin on the lake. GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike. YELLOW PERCH: Normally, we’d start talking walleyes first, but with Cloquet, we’ve
got to focus on perch. “It’s a unique perch population with some good opportunities for harvest,” Weberg said. “There’s not a lot of lakes in the Finland area with that kind of size structure. It hasn’t been too uncommon to see perch over 12 inches. Our goal for the perch population is maintaining a catch rate of 18 per gill net while maintaining fish over 12 inches.” It’s interesting to note that in the 2019 DNR survey, a 17-year-old perch was captured, with perch present from 14 different year-classes. Weberg said part of the reason perch grow so large is because they live long, which may be partly due to the difficulty in reaching the lake. “It’s not uncommon to see some really old fish in these northeast lakes,” he said. “The fish aren’t growing as fast as some of these more productive lakes. They grow slowly and live long.”
WALLEYE: Walleyes are present in OK numbers, and they tend to be big. “Walleye numbers have been up and down,” Weberg said. “Typically, they’re falling in the typical range for that type of lake—a shallow, vegetated lake.” Walleye fingerlings are stocked in even-numbered years, but there’s natural reproduction as well. “The survey from a
couple of summers ago picked up a pretty decent spawning year from 2021,” Weberg said. The 2024 DNR survey found four walleyes per net, with a high average size of just over 19 inches.
NORTHERN PIKE: Pike populations have been a bit variable. Although pike are generally small, the lake does kick out some larger fish at times, topping 30 inches. The 2019 DNR survey turned up only one pike over 24 inches, yet the 2024 survey found three over 30. “They’re generally around 20 inches or less,” Weberg said. “There are some fish that grow larger.”
View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps
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Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan Following the Ancestor’s Steps
Niibin Memengwaa Summer Monarch By Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman When I first bought my house, I noticed the absence of gardens and flowering ozaagakiig (plants) that would provide miijim (food) for manidoonsag (pollinators, little bugs) and our bineshiinh (bird) relatives. Over the past naano-biboon (five years), I have been slowly adding to the front and back outdoor yards: places for manidoonsag (pollinators, little bugs) and other biiwideg (visitors) to find miijim (food) and shelter when they visit. Last ziigwan (spring), I planted cardinal flowers as a niijii (friend) told me how much they were enjoyed by aamoog (bees), memengwaag (butterflies), nenookassiwag (hummingbirds), and other relatives who visited. It grew tall before dagwaagin (autumn) and biboon (winter) but did not flower last year. This year, with all the biijiibiisaa (rain coming), not only did it grow really tall, but it finally bloomed in late August/early September. The flowers attracted nenookassiwag (hummingbirds), memengwaag (butterflies), and aamoog (bees) all day long for a couple of weeks. This newest piece celebrates the beauty of the garden and the food it provided to pollinators.
Follow my studio on Facebook and Instagram @CraneSuperior or if you have ideas for a North Shore painting, you can email me at: cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.
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NORTHERN WILDS
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We stopped to check out a grizzly bear along the road in Alaska. The bear disappeared, so we took a selfie instead. | ERIN ALTEMUS
SAWTOOTH RACING DOG BLOG
On the Road Again BY ERIN ALTEMUS At the end of April, four drivers and 37 sled dogs (24 belonging to us and 13 belonging to Anna Hennessey and Emily Ford) made the trek north through Canada, as far north as Whitehorse and then on to Haines, Alaska, where we ferried the dogs to Juneau. The following day, helicopters swept the dogs up from the tarmac to their summer home, affectionately called “summer camp” for sled dogs. All summer, they ran tours, pulling guests several miles around the Haines glacier, mushed by our friend and handler Kendra, who can’t get enough of snow, so she returns to the glacier each summer for more. Kendra and the dogs escaped the heat and bugs for four months. On the last day of August, we flew back to Juneau to do the trip in reverse. I far more enjoyed receiving my dogs from the helicopter, rather than loading them and saying goodbye. The Haines glacier housed over 200 dogs for the summer. The company they work for, Alaska Icefield Expeditions, unloaded the entire glacier of dogs and everything associated with the camp in one day. Load after load of dogs came out of the helicopters. With the helicopter blades still whirring above us, each dog box was carefully opened and the dog grabbed by the collar and walked to their respective truck. The waiting dog trucks were lined up on the tarmac, a couple hundred yards from the runway where occasional commercial flights take off and land. As a load of my dogs came out of a helicopter, I saw, out of the corner of my eye, a dog bolt from the receiver’s hand and take off at a sprint. It was Diamond, possibly the
worst dog to get loose, as she is shy and skittish. I took off after her, calling her name, a feeling of panic overcoming me. We chased her around buildings, up and down the side roads of the airport. Luckily, the entire area, though quite large, was all fenced in. Emily ran with me, and she flagged down a moving truck. The driver let Emily take his truck. We had several near misses. Then Diamond took off the other direction, right for the main terminal. At that point, I had been sprinting for at least a half hour. Airport security vehicles were chasing her down, as well as Emily in her commandeered truck. I stood with my own dogs as tears welled in my eyes. Finally, Diamond tired enough to let Emily catch her. The next day, we began the drive home. The first two days were filled with breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings (grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and elk this year), and ample places to stop and let the dogs out for food, water, and bathroom needs. On day two, I began to feel unwell. I must have caught something on the plane. On day three, driving through Alberta, we noticed the truck slowing down, topping out at 55 mph and even slower on hills. A truck issue going into a Labor Day weekend was not ideal. Over the next two days, we visited more auto parts stores than we cared to, and despite our best efforts, never really fixed the problem. It was a slow drive, taking a full day longer than the spring trek. But now the dogs are home. We hooked up a team on Sept. 10, the temp just below 50 degrees. We started out with a simple
Lorna and Regal at a rest stop, enjoying food and sun. | ERIN ALTEMUS
Kendra mixes up the food, and the rest of us dole it out. A perfect rest stop in Saskatchewan. | ERIN ALTEMUS three-mile run. My husband Matt was driving the team while I readied our daughter Sylvia for school. Once she was off, I mean-
dered around until I realized it had been an hour since Matt had left—not good. I took off on our second ATV, and in under a mile, I found Matt and the team. Several dogs were in the woods tied to trees, and Matt was hitching them back up. I too quickly went up to Che, who promptly jumped up so hard and fast my teeth went into my lower inner gum, and I could taste blood while wincing in pain. I saw then that there was a large tree across the trail. The dogs had run underneath, but the ATV was too tall. Matt had taken each dog off the line so he could get turned around and was in the process of reattaching everyone. Soon, we had everyone lined out again and heading home. We are gearing up for great things this winter. Kendra is here to help us again. Beargrease will be an out-and-back race this year, like when I first started doing the marathon 10 years ago. Matt is taking over trail boss duties for the race. Sylvia is hoping to do a race or two as well. We hear that it may be a super El Niño year, which is worrisome. But according to some weather folks in the know, some El Niño years have meant good snow for us here in Cook County. So the weather watching begins.
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Feet in the Waves Poems of Lake Superior Edited by Raymond Luczak Modern History Press, 2026, $19.95 There’s something about Lake Superior that’s hard to put into words, but the poets in Feet in the Waves give it a try. This collection brings together 36 poets who write about the lake’s beauty, power, history, dangers, and the memories it creates. The poems, along with beautiful photographs, offer many different ways of seeing and experiencing Superior. Some are reflective, some are playful, and others are deeply personal. If Lake Superior holds a special place in your heart and you enjoy poetry, then this book is for you.—Breana Johnson
The Home of the Drowned A Novel
By Elin Anna Labba University of Minnesota Press, 2026, $28.95 The Home of the Drowned follows a young Sámi girl, her mother, and her aunt as their lives are changed forever when a hydroelectric dam floods their family’s home and surrounding land. Spanning four decades, the novel explores family, displacement, cultural identity, and the deep connection between people and the land. The poetic writing brings the characters and their changing world to life, making this a moving and thought-provoking story. It’s a good read for anyone interested in the outdoors, Indigenous cultures, and the places we call home.—Breana Johnson
Project Hail Mary By Andy Weir Ballantine Books, 2022, $22 Something is consuming the sun’s energy, potentially creating a doomsday scenario that could extinguish life on Earth. Scientists discover a possible solution requiring a three-person, one-way mission to a planet millions of miles away. Only one crew member, Ryland Grace, survives the journey. When he awakens from an induced coma, he can’t remember who he is, where he is, or why he’s there. Then he discovers another spacecraft nearby. With humour, friendship, survival, and an unexpected feel-good ending, Project Hail Mary is one of the best books I’ve read in 2026.—Elle Andra-Warner
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Strange Tales The Famous Trenchcoat Robbers By Elle AndraWarner
Media called it one of the largest bank robberies in United States history when, on Feb. 10, 1977, an unidentified pair known only as the “Trenchcoat Robbers” stole $4,461,681 in cash (2026 value: $9,311,986) from the Seafirst Bank branch in Lakewood, Washington. The stolen cash weighed about 355 pounds (152 kg), which the robbers stuffed into duffle bags. The pair was finally identified later in 1997. One was 57-year-old William Arthur “Billy” Kirkpatrick, a resident of Hovland, a community on the North Shore of Lake Superior not far from Grand Portage (16 miles), Grand Marais (18.3 miles), the Ontario-Minnesota border (23 miles), and Thunder Bay (61 miles). His partner was 53-year-old Roy Lewis Bowman from Kansas City, Missouri. The Trenchcoat Robbers were not amateur criminals. Their criminal careers began in the 1970s in Kansas City, where both were teenage shoplifters (“boosters”), stealing records from other record stores for fencing at the famous record shop Tiger’s Records. Then, in the 1980s, Kirkpatrick and Bowman started working together to rob banks across the U.S. For the next 15 years, from September 1982 until February 1997, reports indicate they carried out at least 28 successful heists in 16 states, totalling more than $9 million in cash (2026 value: $18.8 million). So, how do you rob 28 banks and not get caught? For starters, they were very careful. They lived in different states while methodically planning bank robberies in different locations. After banks closed, they would meet up at the intended bank location. Disguises included wigs, fake beards, sunglasses, hats, gloves, and trench coats. The FBI gave them the name Trenchcoat Robbers.
Although Seafirst Bank (the Seattle First National Bank) has been absorbed into Bank of America, many of its former branches featured the distinctive Seafirst logo in their architecture. | JOE MABEL: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The Trenchcoat Robbers were not amateur criminals. Their last robbery, in February 1997 at the Seafirst Bank, used their classic operational mode. The pair arrived a month prior in Lakewood, staked out and cased the bank, stayed at a hotel, blended in with the locals, ate at high-end restaurants, and even attended a piano recital at the University of Washington. They devised a getaway route and stole a Jeep Cherokee. Then, at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 10, when the bank was already closed, they used a small
Located about 18 miles northeast of Grand Marais, Hovland was home to one of the Trenchcoat Robbers. | LAKESNWOODS.COM L-shaped prying tool, unlocked the bank doors, and entered with guns drawn. They were wearing trench coats, sunglasses, FBI caps, and an earpiece worn by Kirkpatrick that was connected to a police scanner in
his pocket. After securing the three employees with ties and ordering them into the bank vault, Kirkpatrick and Bowman stuffed the millions in cash into duffel bags, placed the bags on a metal cart, pushed it to
the front door, and loaded it into the back of the Jeep. Amazingly, the robbery took only a few minutes. The pair spent the night in a hotel in Portland, Oregon, before separating, each taking half of the money as they headed home. On his way back to Kansas City, Bowman stashed money in safety deposit boxes in Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Utah, then put the rest in safety deposit boxes in Kansas City. Kirkpatrick headed back to Minnesota with his duffel bags of cash, meeting up with his girlfriend, Myra, in Eagan, a Minneapolis suburb, before driving north to their new log cabin in Hovland. The Trenchcoat Robbers seemed to have gotten away again free and clear. After 28 robberies, the FBI still didn’t know their identities, though they suspected the Trenchcoat Robbers had carried out the Seafirst Bank heist. Then, due to careless mistakes, things began to unravel for the pair, starting when Kirkpatrick’s payment of $174,000 in cash (2026 approximate value: $363,156) to the builder of his Hovland log cabin caught the attention of the IRS. After the IRS paid a visit to the cabin in August 1997, Kirkpatrick collected their cash and made a quick trip to Las Vegas to put the money in a storage locker. While away, Myra called Bowman to tell him, “Uncle Tom’s been here”—“Uncle Tom” being code for law enforcement. Bowman’s calls were already being monitored, and he was under surveillance—not for bank robbery, but for suspicious items found in two footlockers after he missed a rental payment. Nothing more happened until November 1997, when Kirkpatrick, worried about his money in Las Vegas, flew back there to empty the cash out of storage lockers, put it all in the rented car, and drove back to Minnesota. However, a Nebraska state trooper stopped him for speeding seven miles over the speed limit. The trooper was suspicious of drugs and searched his trunk. No drugs were found, but the trooper did find four guns, locksmith tools, masks, fake police badges, and $1.8 million in cash—some of it traced to the Seafirst Bank robbery—in two padlocked footlockers. Kirkpatrick was arrested, with the FBI suspecting he might be one of the Trenchcoat Robbers. When Kirkpatrick’s Hovland home was searched, law enforcement found three trench coats and a photo of Bowman and his family on the refrigerator. When Bowman’s home was searched, investigators found cash, key-making tools, a note about the piano recital at the University of Washington, and guns. A similar photo of Bowman with his family was also found, linking the two men. Both men were indicted in early 1998 for robbing banks. On Aug. 19, 1999, Kirkpatrick pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years, eight months. He was released July 1, 2011. Bowman’s case went to court, where he was convicted and sentenced to 24.5 years. He died in prison on May 6, 2011. A legacy of sorts for the Trenchcoat Robbers is that they were considered one of the most efficient bank robbery gangs in FBI’s history of investigating bank robberies.
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P.O. Box 397 Grand Marais, MN 55604 1008 2nd St. N. Stillwater, MN 55082
LINDA GARRITY Broker & Owner
5740 Illgen Bluff Rd., Silver Bay $990,000
5752 Illgen Bluff Rd., Silver Bay $650,000
9501 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais $399,500
Breathtaking 180° views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains! Incredible & amazing old-growth pines surround the property. Handcrafted by Lake Country Log of Sicamous, BC, this awe-inspiring home offers views of the Apostle Islands from the copper claw-foot tub! A Tulikivi soapstone fireplace from Finland keeps things warm and cozy. Enjoy the huge screen porch and decks, too!
Perched up high on a dramatic rhyolite bluff, you’ll be wowed by the spectacular 180° views of Lake Superior and Palisade Head. Built by the owner at the Great Lakes School of Log Building & the dovetail sauna was handcrafted by the owner at North House Folk School. Large screened porch and decks, woodstove, in-floor heat and a turn-key set-up ready for personal or rental use.
MLS 6128060
MLS 6128046
Impeccable log home tucked into a forest that only the North Shore of MN can provide. One main floor bedroom, a 3/4 bath and a huge sleeping loft are complemented by a fantastic working kitchen and a warm & inviting living room/dining room, complete with a wood burning stove. The sun porch/entryway has all windows. Lower level offers room to create more finished living space. Explore the trail and enjoy the peace and solitude you’re seeking.
MLS 6128019
1339 Tom Lake Rd., Hovland $750,000
71 Benedict Lane, Lutsen $995,000
16 Osprey Trail, Lutsen $965,900
So much more than a Northwoods lake home! 12.27 wooded acres, 400’ of lakefront on quiet and secluded Tom Lake. 3 bedroom, 2-bath home + guest cabin. Large deck, plus a sitting room/sunroom. It’s got some of the best lake views on the property, too! You’ll certainly appreciate the 36x52 insulated, in-floor heated garage powered by a wood boiler. Additionally, the 40x48 pole barn that fits the pontoon, boats, kayaks/canoes, ATVs...you name it!
Beyond unique, completely incomparable, this one-of-a-kind log home was skillfully crafted using 200+ year old giant MN native white cedar logs. With 7.11 acres & over 500’ of shoreline, you’ll enjoy total privacy, a true woodland setting and a monumental waterfront experience on the shores of Pike Lake. Extraordinary features inside, too, as one would expect with a property this remarkable.
More than just a lake home in this park-like setting! Perch yourself up high, looking out over Tait Lake w/ views of Eagle Mountain & more. 5.02 acres, 455’ of shoreline, permanent dock, 3 bdrms., 3 ba., Sunroom/4-Season Porch, gorgeous wood burning fireplace, open layout, primary bdrm. w/ its own full bath. 1+ tuck-under finished garage w/ laundry. Updated mechanicals, appliances...the list goes on!
MLS 6126693
MLS 6127277
MLS 6125998 40
songbirdrealtymn@gmail.com songbirdrealtymn.com 218-370-8313
OCTOBER 2026
NORTHERN WILDS
SOLD L U T S E N L I V I N G O N N E A R LY 5 P R I VAT E A C R E S
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This beautiful Lutsen home is tucked on a private, nearly five-acre estate with seasonal Lake Superior views, while still being convenient to “all things Lutsen and Cook County.” Featuring four bedrooms, three baths, an attached two-car heated garage with a work area, it’s move-in ready!
21 Turnagain Tr, Lutsen, MN | MLS #6124727 4
3
3,436
$850,000
Caribou Waterfront
..MLS 6126653 // $797,500
4
2
2,380
$875,000
Lockport Market FOR SALE
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38 Sawmill Ln, Lutsen, MN 55612 | MLS #6124910
Fairway views on River 5 of Superior National Golf Course! This pristine 3-bed, 3-bath estate blends soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive decks, luxurious finishes, spacious suites, and effortless entertaining. Grand yet cozy, timeless yet modern—an exceptional North Shore retreat.
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T H E U LT I M AT E L U T S E N R E T R E AT
MLS 6127672 // $1,475,000
5362 W Highway 61, Lutsen, MN | MLS #6125990 2,700
$1,475,000
PENDING
4860, 4874 Hwy 61 w, Lutsen, MN
MEET OUR AWESOME TEAM Seasonal views of Lake Superior
67 Snowshoe Trl, Tofte, MN
MOLLY O’NEILL | Agent
MIKE LARSON | Associate Broker
(218) 370-2079 molly@lutsenrealestategroup.com
(218) 370-1536 mike@staycvr.com
Inger Andress REALTOR 218-216-7141 IngerAndress@edinarealty.com edinarealty.com/inger-andress-realtor Edina Realty - Lutsen 5321 W. Highway 61 #6 Lutsen, MN 55612
SARENA CROWLEY Agent and Co-owner
CLAIR STODDARD Co-owner
NORTHERN WILDS
STEVE SURBAUGH Broker and Co-owner
OCTOBER 2026
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Red Pine Realty
Locally owned and operated since 1996 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN | 218-387-9599 | info@redpinerealty.com V I S I T O U R O F F I C E T O S P E A K W I T H A R E A LT O R . O F F I C E H O U R S : M - F 9 A M - 5 P M , S AT 1 0 A M - 4 P M
REALTORS®: Sue Nichols, Broker • Jake Patten, Assoc. Broker • Jess Smith • Melissa Gregg • Mike Raymond Rebecca McAllister • Casey O’Brien • Alice McFarlane, Office Administrator
NEW! CUSTOM
FEATURED LISTING
LOG HOME ON 5 ACRES
FEATURED LISTING
This 4-bedroom, 3-bath custom log home offers a blend of rustic craftsmanship and modern finishes across 5 beautiful acres. The home features vaulted ceilings flooded with natural light, a wood burning stove and the recently finished basement significantly expands the living space. A must-see home. MLS#6127986 $850,000
NEW! BIRCH DRIVE
FEATURED LISTING
HOME
Large five bedroom, two bath home on a county maintained road close to town, yet surrounded by forest. Two car garage, timber frame barn and sauna on 10 acres. Enjoy cooking in the big kitchen and hanging out in the big livingdining room space.
More than 300 feet of Poplar Lake shoreline, an additional lot, and single-family ownership make this a rare Gunflint Trail property. The 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,610 square feet, lake views, a fireplace, and a spacious patio. The extra lot may provide a future garage or building opportunity, while Voyageurs Point puts fishing, paddling, hiking, and local favorites nearby.
MLS#6128073 $625,000
MLS#6127983 $788,000
NEW! POPLAR LAKE HOME
FEATURED LISTING
FEATURED LISTING
NEW! MID-CENTURY RANCH IN THE HEART OF
NEW! SINGLE-LEVEL LIVING
This well-built and well-cared-for home is move-in ready. It features four bedrooms and two baths. It has many updates but still holds its original charm, including wood floors and maple cabinets in the kitchen. Within walking distance to restaurants, shops and the shores of Lake Superior.
Stop paying your landlord's mortgage and step into this move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch- style home that is cheaper than paying rent. There's new flooring throughout the living room, dining room, and bedrooms and the exterior is freshly painted. Enjoy effortless single-level living paired with views of Lake Superior right from your property.
GRAND MARAIS
MLS#6127985 $447,000
MLS#6127736 $300,000
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FEATURED LISTING
FEATURED LISTING
NEW! BALLY CREEK RD ACREAGE
NEW! SEASONAL LOG CABIN
An impressive 19 plus acre lot ready to be crafted to your liking. Two cleared building sites with a county approved septic design and well site flagged. Potential Lake Superior views with selective clearing. This land sits high above the shore alongside Murphy Mountain with a seasonal creek. Minutes from town and an easy drive to Lutsen ski area.
Own 20+ wooded acres bordering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This charming seasonal one-bedroom log cabin features a sleeping loft, knotty-pine interior, woodstove, gas lighting, generator wiring, and metal roof. Enjoy a fire circle, nearby McFarland Lake access, paddling, and fishing. Outhouse; no onsite water.
MLS#6127817 $289,900
MLS#6127612 $199,000
FEATURED LISTING
FEATURED LISTING
FINLAND ACRES & CABIN
NEW! SECLUSION ON TOFTE LOT
6.74 acres just a couple miles from Hwy 61, an opportunity to create your own retreat. Property features a partially completed 13' x 12' cabin and a shed, giving you a head start to finish the space and expand over time. Power and a drilled well are in place. A driveway is established with private gated entry. Property sits off a maintained road for year-round use.
This location is like none other with the convenience of town and the seclusion of the forest. Build your North Shore retreat on this beautiful 2.05 acre lot, nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable Toftevaag subdivision. Higher elevation on the northern side of the lot provides an ideal building site with potential views of Lake Superior and Carlton Peak.
MLS# 6127806 $149,900
MLS#6127421 $95,000
LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES
LAKE SUPERIOR SERENITY HOME Experience North Shore living with this spectacular 3 bedroom, 4 bath home. Tucked away on 13.59 acres, this property offers breathtaking views and 400ft of Lake Superior frontage. Main home is designed for comfort with a stone fireplace, open concept floorplan bathed in natural light, and perfect for entertaining. Fully equipped apt above detached garage.
LAKE SUPERIOR RETREAT Nestled in a cove, 8.41 acres with 497ft of Lake Superior shoreline. Open-concept main living area features vaulted ceilings and a spacious living room. Kitchen includes Alder cabinetry, a breakfast bar, built-in ovens, and barnwood. Expansive windows showcase lake views. Main-level primary suite has a deck and private ensuite.
MLS#6125026 $2,300,000
MLS#6127399 $1,995,000
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V I S I T O U R O F F I C E T O S P E A K W I T H A R E A LT O R . B U S I N E S S H O U R S : M - F 9 A M - 5 P M , S AT 1 0 A M - 4 P M
HOMES AND CABINS
FEATURED LISTING COZY LOG CABIN ON 83 ACRES Well-loved kit log cabin on 83 secluded acres bordering Minnesota State land. Catch glimpses of Lake Superior, hunt grouse, and unwind beside the fire in this cozy off-grid retreat. Diamond willow railings, custom ironwork, and propane amenities create a comfortable, one-of-a-kind Northwoods getaway surrounded by nature. MLS#6125451 $249,000
LINDAL CEDAR HOME IN GRAND MARAIS Curb appeal draws you in to this lovely landscaped property. Warmth and charm flow from the cedar beamed ceilings and paneling. Heated tile floors, stone fireplace, huge windows, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, "chefs kitchen" with quartz countertops and new appliances. Main floor master suite, walk-in closet and bath. Lower level has full 1 bedroom apartment with kitchenette. Entire property has had major updates and upgrades. MLS#6126791
$1,279,000
NEW BUILD GRAND MARAIS HOME **New Construction** Enjoy the ease of one-level living in this thoughtfully designed 2 bedroom, 2 bath home tucked away on a quiet dead end street in Grand Marais. Home features an open concept layout, beautiful kitchen with quartz countertops, soft close cabinet doors and brand new appliances. Primary bedroom features an En Suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. MLS#6126658
$479,000
FEATURED LISTING
FEATURED LISTING NORTHWOODS RETREAT HOME Escape to your own Northwoods retreat! This well thought out 3 bedroom, 3 bath, custom built home sits on 10 acres. Property features A/C, dual fuel heat system, attached heated garage, detached heated garage, and an apartment. MLS#6125472 $659,000
FEATURED LISTING HOVLAND CABIN Turn-key and off-grid, this comfortable retreat is ready for your next adventure. Designed for convenience, it’s an ideal base camp for hunting, snowmobiling, ATV riding, hiking, or simply escaping to the outdoors. Perfect for families, friends, or larger groups seeking year-round recreations. Motivated sellers invite you to make it yours. MLS#6126016
$199,000
FEATURED LISTING REMOTE CABIN ON 40 ACRES Get away from it all and experience the adventure of remote living while still having some of the comforts of home. Enjoy the panoramic view from one of the highest points in the area. Almost 40 acres of your own to explore with a secret lake full of brook trout about a 1/4 mile away. Simple one room living means more time to relax and enjoy this beautiful area! MLS#6125529 $134,900
I N L A N D W AT E R P R O P E R T I E S
DEVIL TRACK LAKE CABIN Devil Track Lake retreat on 4.7 acres surrounded by USFS and MN DNR land for privacy. Thoughtfully designed cabin features vaulted pine ceilings, warm wood finishes, open-concept living spaces, wood stove, 2 bedrooms plus loft bedroom, and expansive lake-facing windows. Screened porch overlooking the lake, perfect for morning coffee and relaxing bug-free nights. MLS#6125101 $549,000
LAKE SAGANAGA – RARE OPPORTUNITY Property sits high on a prominent point looking up the entire length of Sag Narrows. A new unfinished home ready for interior finishes. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath home has lots of windows, a huge wrap-around deck and a fireplace. Original 1-bdr, 1 bath guest cottage, with screen porch and extra space in a lower level walk-out. New 2-car heated garage with workshop space. Floating dock system. New septic system and all mechanical systems are in place. MLS#6126983 $1,499,000
SEAGULL RIVER HOME AND SHOP Luxurious home on the Seagull River with a classic Northwoods guest cabin, riverside bunkhouse plus a massive workshop. A home designed for cooking, entertaining, welcoming guests, creating and restoration. Main floor living space features 10 foot ceilings with windows that welcome in a mile wide view between Gull Lake and the Seagull River. Attached heated garage, in floor heat, fiber optic broadband. MLS#6127278 $1,349,900
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I N L A N D W AT E R P R O P E R T I E S
GUNFLINT LAKE CABIN Custom-built 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom cabin on Gunflint Lake carries a long history. Part of the original 1920s cabin still exists in the bedroom walls, and the antique fireplace remains. Updated kitchen has granite counters. More than 300ft of shoreline provides easy access to the lake. Direct access to the BWCAW through Magnetic and North Lake. MLS#6126835
$650,000
TOM LAKE CABIN About as close as you can get to the lake without getting your feet wet! Cabin has been completely rebuilt in the last few years including a new family room addition. Other major improvements include rebuilding the foundation, adding a lake draw water system, new septic service, new roof, kitchen, windows and flooring throughout the home. Enjoy year-round relaxation and views from the 4-season porch.
DEVIL TRACK LAKE RETREAT Embrace the Northwoods lifestyle with this 4.99-acre retreat with 150' of Devil Track Lake shoreline. The 1-bedroom cabin has electric, broadband internet, open-concept floor plan, a screened-in porch and a wood burning stove. Drilled well with electric pump, plumbing stubbed in and ready for hook up. Composting toilet in the bathroom. MLS#6127098 $475,000
MLS#6125530 $349,900
LAND/BUILDING SITES MLS#
ADDRESS
CITY
6123454 6123050 6125127 6126758 6126795 6126230 6125909 6126931 6126688 6126546 6126253 6126716 6126753 6127282 6126538 6126472 6124300 6126574
4873 NORTH RD HOVLAND LOT 3 BLOCK 6 PINE PEAK RD LUTSEN 7AA COUNTY RD 6 GRAND MARAIS LOT 2 BLOCK 6 PINE PEAK RD LUTSEN LOT 2 HOAGLUND DR TOFTE XXX CASCADE BLUFFS GRAND MARAIS 15X SKI HILL RD LUTSEN 4X HOAGLUND DR TOFTE TBD ONAGON LAKE RD GRAND MARAIS 9326 MAPLE RIDGE RD LOT 5 FINLAND 27 WILDERNESS TR HOVLAND 760 CASPER S HILL RD GRAND MARAIS 782 COUNTY RD 6 GRAND MARAIS 12010 GUNFLINT TR GRAND MARAIS 9326 MAPLE RIDGE RD LOTS 3 & 4 FINLAND 2XX S GUNFLINT LAKE GRAND MARAIS 728 CASPER S HILL ROAD GRAND MARAIS 120 BRULE VALLEY TR HOVLAND
PRICE
ACRES
DESCRIPTION
$325,000 $52,000 $65,000 $48,000 $99,000 $199,000 $325,000 $75,000 $150,000 $99,000 $109,900 $300,000 $249,900 $447,000 $225,000 $690,000 $95,000 $95,000
25.03 2.37 19.87 2.15 2.61 40.00 30.00 2.26 3.40 3.70 1.10 117.73 10.00 46.22 11.50 14.69 19.62 22.50
PREPARED BUILDING SITE DEEDED ACCESS TO TAIT LAKE MONKER CREEK THROUGH PROPERTY DEEDED ACCESS TO TAIT LAKE NEW! CASCADE RIVER RUNS THROUGH PROPERTY MIXED USE ZONING BUILDABLE LOT ONAGON LAKE LOT HARE LAKE LOT TOM LAKE LOT RUSTIC CABIN PREPARED BUILD SITE COMMERCIALLY ZONED HARE LAKE LOT GUNFLINT LAKE LOT RUSTIC CABIN WITH ACREAGE CAMPING CABIN
R E C E N T LY S O L D ADDRESS
CITY
SOLD PRICE
PROPERTY TYPE
ACRES
DESCRIPTION
XYZ CASPERS HILL RD 465 S GUNFLINT LAKE 100 WILDERNESS TR 313 BIRCH DR 15 BLANKENBURG LN
GRAND MARAIS GRAND MARAIS HOVLAND GRAND MARAIS GRAND MARAIS
$66,000 $430,000 $115,000 $634,000 $550,000
LOT INLAND LAKE CABIN INLAND LAKE LOT HOME INLAND LAKE HOME
19.83 2.13 1.40 5.30 3.50
BUILDABLE LOT GUNFLINT LAKE CABIN TOM LAKE LOT SPACIOUS HOME SEA GULL LAKE HOME
Red Pine Realty is proud to collaborate with the North Shore Artists League to bring professional regional work into the heart of Grand Marais. Throughout the year, on a rotating basis, the work of a local artist will be on display in our offices. The display is meant to be self guided. Visit us Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM to view the artwork and enjoy a tea, coffee or water. This month’s featured artist is James Ellis.
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OCTOBER 2026
45
218-387-2131 800-732-2131 101 West highway 61 grand marais, mn 55604
LAKE HOMES & CABINS
reduced
16 Carlson Rd
new 303 South Shore Dr
new 7030 E Hwy 61
Private Mayhew Lake log home near BWCAW with loft, sunroom, walkout, dock, heated garage/workshop, peaceful Mid-Trail retreat for year-round living.
Truly special lakefront retreat set on approximately 2.56 private acres with 200 feet of frontage on the shores of Devil Track Lake.
Exceptional Lake Superior sanctuary with 6 private acres, approx. 900’ ledgerock shoreline, 3-bedroom home, studio, garage, and stunning views.
MLS 6126714 • $849,900
MLS 6127809 • $850,000
MLS 6127990 • $939,900
92 Erickson Trail
125 Voyageurs Pt
41 S Bearskin Road
38 Christine Pt Rd
Embrace northwoods serenity at this off-grid retreat off the Sawbill Trail in Tofte. Handhewn log cabin + guest cabin on 10 acres with 450’ Pancore Lake shoreline.
Enjoy 155’ of Poplar Lake shoreline from this 1BR/1BA cabin with sleeping loft, screened porch, stunning views, and Boundary Waters access.
1BR/1BA year-round cabin above West Bearskin Lake with loft, deck, storage sheds, panoramic views, BWCA access, paddling, fishing, hiking and skiing.
Cozy Christine Lake cabin on 2.1 acres with 319 ft shoreline, deck, loft, dock, boat lift, sauna, outhouse, storage shed, future build site, great fishing, and privacy.
MLS 6124626 • $759,900
MLS 6126305 • $749,900
MLS 6124820 • $599,000
MLS 6125800 • $329,900
reduced
pending
20 Big Bay Point
10 Gust Lake
128 Wesley Ln
Custom 3BR/3BA log home on 2+ acres with 202 ft of coveted Lake Superior Big Bay shoreline. Open great room with stone fireplace, gourmet kitchen, main-floor suite, loft, four-season porch, expansive deck, attached garage and workshop. Nearly every room offers lake views. Ideal year-round residence, retreat, or rental opportunity combining comfort, craftsmanship, and unmatched scenery.
Cozy one bedroom cabin with spacious screened porch perched steps from beautiful Gust Lake. Tucked just off The Grade with convenient YR access.
Enjoy one-level living in this charming 3BR/3BA Devil Track Lake home with 100 feet of shoreline, breathtaking views, and a detached three-car garage.
MLS 6125851 • $1,189,000
MLS 6127240 • $299,900
MLS 6126906 • $799,000
w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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OCTOBER 2026
NORTHERN WILDS
218-387-2131 800-732-2131 101 West highway 61 grand marais, mn 55604
HOMES & CABINS
361 Moose Valley Rd
96 Hoaglund Dr
5273 Hwy 61 W
Inviting Grand Marais 3BR/ 2BA home with fenced yard, detached garage, spacious deck, open living, and fantastic entertaining space.
9-acre off-grid retreat bordering federal forest with cabin, solar and generator power, screened porch, decks, balcony, sleeps four, fire ring, lakes, and trails.
Move-in-ready retreat with Lake Superior panoramic views, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, walkout lower level, solar panels, three-car garage, and year-round recreation nearby.
Charming 3BR/2BA home nestled in the heart of Lutsen. Recent renovations showcase quality craftmanship Includes 2.3-acres and an insulated and heated garage.
MLS 6127944 • $529,900
MLS 6125724 • $139,900
MLS 6125462 • $799,900
mls 6126970 • $450,000
new 535 Humphrey Circle
reduced
LAND
reduced
poplar lake
1521 E Hwy 61
871 Gunflint trl
1804/1810 E Hwy 61
Beautiful 3BR/3BA home on 8 acres just a minute from town while offering exceptional privacy! Paved driveway and a 3-car heated garage.
Peaceful North Shore living on nearly 10 acres with Lake Superior views, gardens, adjacent public land, and quick access to Grand Marais.
Exceptional Lake Superior investment near Grand Marais, featuring 1+ acres, three versatile living spaces, breathtaking views, and rental potential.
MLS 6126834 • $649,900
MLS 6126198 • $415,000
mls 6124556 • $834,500
LAND
Rare 188-foot Poplar Lake frontage on 1.43 private acres near BWCAW, trails and resorts—build your ideal Northwoods getaway retreat for all seasons. MLS 6125140 • $249,900
greenwood lk Private 1.53-acres with 240’ of shoreline, existing driveway, cleared building site, flagged boundaries and lake path, nearby power & broadband.
new 112X Co Rd 60
XXX Springdale rd
Tom Lake
Beautiful 80 acre wooded parcel adjoining federal land on County Road 60 to build your home or cabin.
Stunning 80-acre retreat with Lake Superior views, maple forest, wildlife trails and exceptional privacy.
Serene Tom Lake lot with over 150’ of easily accessible shoreline, year-round access and completed driveway.
MLS 6127781 • $299,900
MLS 6124939 • $279,900
MLS 6123264 • $159,900
new Gauthier Rd
7xx County Road 6
78 Troll’s Trail
Rare opportunity of a large tract of 40 acres directly abutting Judge C.R. Magney State Park.
107 acres near Grand Marais with creek frontage, federal land access, and endless potential for building.
Build your North Shore retreat with 300+ feet shared Lake Superior shoreline and 7+ acres shared land.
Peaceful 1.25-acre private property with 200’ of shoreline, abundant recreation, utilities available, and easy access.
MLS 6127633 • $79,900
MLS 6122995 • $399,900
MLS 6124369 • $69,900
MLS 6125798 • $159,900
mls 6127057 • $245,000
reduced Deeryard Lake
w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
NORTHERN WILDS
OCTOBER 2026
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Fall is in the Air!
Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local (218) 663-8777 Toll free (877) 664-8777
Enjoy the Colors on the North Shore! DREAMING OF LAKE SUPERIOR?
SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN MEETS LAKE SUPERIOR! Stunning Scandinavian-
design North Shore home with expansive Lake Superior water views. Renowned builder Clarence Kemp designed and built the modern addition to the home which combines a modern Scandinavian design with a classic Northwoods cabin and includes two bedrooms, three baths, and a couple kitchens creating ample space for friends and family. Most importantly the home has beautiful panoramic views of Lake Superior with 212ft of shoreline and 7+ acres to wander on! Enjoy the sauna to soothe those sore muscles after spending the day outdoors, or sit in the 4-season porch with a good book. Outside is a simple garage with a bunkroom awaiting your vision. The forest all around is classic Northwoods with wildlife and much to see and explore. Visit today and start enjoying your own adventures along the Big Lake!
LAKE SUPERIOR HOME IN THE HEART OF LUTSEN! 4 bedroom, 3 bath. Large, Private Lot: 5+ acres, 220+ feet of frontage. Home is perched above Gitche Gummi just so: perfect views and wonderful path down to ledge-rock, beach and pure, cool water! Four car garage with additional workshop space and separate one car garage. Open air car-port/storage area, too! All sits well below the road for lovely solitude. Short term rental history. Close to Ski Hill, Golf Course, Winery, and Grand Marais just 20 minutes north. Thoughtfully landscaped and well loved. MLS#6127462
MLS#6125015 $999,000 PRICE REDUCED!
$1,399,000
ON THE NORTH SHORE OF LAKE SUPERIOR perched
E SA L ING D N E P
on over 700 ft of Sprawling Shoreline you’ll find this Incredible Architectural Masterpiece. Enhanced Lake Superior views throughout the home, too many windows for artwork! Primary En Suite captures the Wildness of the site & the Superior Views. Thoughtful design from top to bottom, including eye catching light fixtures, brass faucets, Quality! Gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry, fantastic flow through the home. Oversized two car garage with rec space above. Enjoy a good sense of seclusion on the 16+acres and 720 ft of premium shoreline just over an hour from Duluth, MN!
LAKE SUPERIOR CONDO AT BLUEFIN BAY IN TOF TE! 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
$525,000 PRICE REDUCED!
MLS#6126382 $3,800,000
CHATEAU LEVEAUX CONDO ON LAKE SUPERIOR!
Completely remodeled 2-bedroom condo, with sweeping views of Lake Superior! Sit on the Balcony with your coffee and enjoy the sounds of the lake or walk down on the shared shoreline and dip your toes in the water. Enjoy all the North Shore has to offer from your own oasis, with the Gitchee Gumee Bike trail close by and multiple Hiking Trails. Or enjoy the indoor pool and sauna while the gales of November happen outdoors. Chateau has you covered for all the seasons. You can even use as a short-term rental when you are not using it!
MLS#6126849 $372,000 PRICE REDUCED!
E L A S ING D N E P
LAKE SUPERIOR GEM DESIGNED BY DALE MULFINGER/SALA ARCHITECTS! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home
was constructed to be at once perfect for a couple folks and suitable for the whole crew. Owners minimized impact on the land, preserving the purity of a private boreal peninsula. Thoughtfully envisioned, the unique shape references the surrounding angular cliff faces and ledge rock. The interior is bathed in sylvan lake light, windows framing unique landmarks and oceanic views. Triple pane glass and careful details exceed environmental standards – a cozy container of design steadfast in this wild, moody setting.
MLS#6127483 $1,800,000
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Enjoy the Colors on the North Shore!
THE INLAND WATERS ARE CALLING! ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE ON THE BAPTISM RIVER IN FINLAND!
A few miles outside of Finland Minnesota, 1225 ft of frontage on the West Baptism River flows happily and peacefully through 13+ acres of iconic Northwoods Real Estate with two classic cabins. The main cabin is a log home expertly built and lovingly maintained. The guest cabin is a charming hybrid of log and stick frame building spacious enough to hold a whole crew. Best part is each is year round with two bedrooms and full baths. Lots of room here, paths to walk on your own land, snowshoe, ski. Life flows like the river, effortlessly and pristine. Visit now and enjoy life on the river.
NEW! PEACE AND QUIET ON CLAR A LAKE JUST A BIT NORTH OF LUTSEN. Custom 5 bedroom, 5 bath 4300+ sq ft
home with dramatic floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Gorgeous deck overlooks lake and woods and is gracefully shaded under a grove of cedars. Terrific sauna, oversized garage for all the toys. Inside is class act: chef’s kitchen, tiled primary bath to die for, living room fronts lake with an amazing wall of glass. Neat log built stairways. Classy paver driveway and parking. Current owner does short term rental with a loyal following. Clara is quiet, pure boreal forest with a majority of publicly owned shoreline. This is the Dream Come True!
MLS#6128034 $1,100,000
MLS#6124974 $599,000 PRICE REDUCED! HELLO GUNFLINT TR AIL LOVERS! 1300+ ft of
shoreline and over 5.5 acres! And the home is nothing short of Spectacular! 3 bedrms, 3 baths, 3 stall garage! Sprawling deck, and perhaps the Best Ever spacious screen porch with stone fireplace and lake views! Primary main level en suite, and upstairs living for your guests. Vaulted ceilings, lovely kitchen and dining areas for entertaining! Enjoy Fine Living Up the Trail on wild and scenic Little Iron Lake with easy access to Tucker Lake. MLS#6125852
$1,299,000 PRICE REDUCED!
NORTHWOODS LAKE CABIN RETREAT! Situated
overlooking Tom Lake, this log home is all warmth and solidity that walls of cedar logs exude. Woodstove crackling and glowing keeps you warm even in January! Get back to childlike wonder and backstroke under azure skies, an eagle soaring over! Two bedrooms, spacious living room and sprawling deck. The bunkhouse/sauna is located across the deck to accommodate guests or kids. A modern, tidy outhouse. Solar system & generator shed, or wait for the power/fiber schedule for install late this year!
MLS#6125581 $329,000 PRICE REDUCED!
REVEL IN THE SOUNDS OF THE BAPTISM RIVER IN FINLAND!
Plenty of space to explore with 10 acres and 330ft of shoreline on each side of Baptism River! This home would be great for full-time living or your Up North Getaway! The 2-bedroom home sits on 4 acres and there are another 6 acres on the other side of the river with an adorable log cabin, perfect for when you really want the wilderness feel and stargaze. Great location close to 2 state parks! Use it as it is or make it your own and put some sweat equity in while you live there. Home is being sold fully furnished, all that is missing is you! MLS#6126297 $290,000
LUTSEN TAIT LAKE HAND CR AF TED LOG HOME!
A true gathering spot just minutes from the BWCA, enjoy Tait Lake where environmentally sensitive minded folks enjoy the peace and quiet! (no vacation rentals on Tait!). Kitchen & Dining opens to the family room with Vaulted ceilings & stone fireplace. Main level bedroom and bath. Upstairs loft that sleeps the masses! A three-season porch overlooks the wilderness lake setting, steps from the year-round dock, all this and an oversized garage! MLS#6126373 $750,000
LOON LAKE LOOKOUT IN GR AND MAR AIS! Enjoy this getaway with
its amazing views of Loon Lake! Tucked away in the woods just off the Gunflint Trail, you will love the simplicity of this one-bedroom cabin. With its 140ft of shoreline, you can enjoy fishing early in the morning or sit and listen to the loons call.
MLS#6126948 $449,900
VACANT LAKESHORE PARCELS! NEARLY 1500F T OF LAKESHORE ON DEVILFISH LAKE AND WILDERNESS POND! With these 67 acres of land comes a sweet pond and wetland
THE ROAD LESS TR AVELED ON DEVILFISH LAKE! 69 acres and 2360 feet of shoreline!
PRICE REDUCED!
$500,000 PRICE REDUCED!
area for fantastic wildlife viewing!. Go out and enjoy this boreal forest and lakeshore wilderness! MLS#6122626 $450,000
Enjoy two islands on as part of this lakeshore parcel! Large enough to build on if you are so inclined, or just paddle the short distance from the mainland build sites to enjoy an island picnic! Come experience the Wilderness on Devilfish Lake!! MLS#6122624
3800+ FEET OF PRIME LAKESHORE ON DEVILFISH LAKE, INCLUDING ISLANDS!
A Rare Opportunity to own MOST of the private land on Devilfish Lake, located up the Arrowhead Trail. This is a fabulous opportunity to own 135+ acres with of prime shoreline on Devilfish Lake! What more could you ask for in your Wilderness Lakeshore Retreat! MLS#6122627 $800,000
PRICE REDUCED!
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Fall is in the Air!
Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Local (218) 663-8777 Toll free (877) 664-8777
Enjoy the Colors on the North Shore! HOMES, HOMES, AND HOMES!
NEW! MOVE-IN READY 3 BEDROOM HOME IN LUTSEN! Discover the ultimate Northwoods
LUTSEN TIMBER FR AME IN THE MAPLES! Beautiful 2200+ sqft Home is nestled in 25 Acres of Solitude and Peace, abutting public land! Enjoy the wilderness right outside your door while overlooking the gardens from your deck. Detached 2 car garage, separate workshop and heated artist studio give you plenty of space for all your favorite activities! MLS# 6127404 $775,000
escape in this charming home! Whether you are looking for a peaceful vacation getaway to unwind or a comfortable fulltime residence to embrace year-round nature, this property delivers effortless living in an exceptional location. Make your dream of living on the North Shore a reality.
MLS#6127909 $350,000
LUTSEN LIVING ON THE CARIBOU TR AIL! Located in
the heart of Lutsen, this 4 bedroom home places you close to Lake Superior, shopping, hiking, biking, skiing, and countless other recreational opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a full-time residence, vacation getaway, or investment property, this unique North Shore retreat is all set for you!
MLS#6125948 $475,000
NEW! GRAND MARAIS RETREAT WITH WOODLAND VIEWS!
Terrific Custom Built Home, in Grand Marais, on the peaceful west side of town. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2500+ sq ft. Room for the whole crew! Sprawling deck overlooks woods and a seasonal creek. Walking distance to all the fun of Grand Marais. Large, two car garage with unfinished area above awaiting your vision. Awesome stone, floor to ceiling, fireplace. Wood floors and paneling, tiled baths. New boiler being installed. Gourmet kitchen!
MLS#6127979 $669,000
MINUTE’S FROM TET TEGOUCHE STATE PARK! Big Lake Views! Lovingly crafted in the heart of the Northshore! 3+ acres, this 3 Bedroom home has plenty of space for all your needs and is surrounded by tasteful landscaping: beautiful retaining wall, gardens, patio all of which are backed by the Boreal woods. All that is missing is you! MLS#6125753 $549,900
PRICE REDUCED!
FABULOUS LOCATION AT THE BASE OF LUTSEN MOUNTAINS SKI AND SUMMER RESORT- SKI HILL ROAD IN LUTSEN! Newly built in
2023, this exciting four bedroom three bath vacation rental home offers tons of entertainment space both indoors and out! The Superior National Golf Course is a minute away, the Gitchi Gami bike and walking trail is literally within sight from this home. Proven vacation rental history with solid income that’s experiencing repeat renters! MLS#6127082 $775,000
CLASSIC LUTSEN LOG HOME, CUTE AS CAN BE! Additional log guest quarters. Two car garage. 2 acres, just a short distance up the Caribou Tr, near to all the Lutsen fun! Well maintained and loved up. Charming, efficient fireplace brings the heat and ambiance. Abuts public land.
MLS#6127362 $269,000
CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! TOFTE AREA
LUTSEN AREA
READY TO BUILD LOT IN TOFTE! 2.28 acre property with nice and level building site started, and year-round access with the Association plowing the main road. Fiber and Electric are located just across the road! MLS#6125078 $89,000
SUPERIOR NATIONAL GOLF COURSE BUILD SITE! At dusk and the offseason, the golf course
SCHROEDER AREA CREATE YOUR OWN BASECAMP FOR ALL YOUR ADVENTURES! 2+ acres with room
for you to build your dream getaway or just home base for your fishing and hiking trips. Great location close to many inland lakes, hiking trails and snowmobile trails! MLS#6125444 $84,500 PRICE REDUCED!
is a hiker’s paradise or tune up the XC skis & snowshoes! Coast downhill to the Gitchi Gami bike trail and up the road is the Superior Hiking Trail! Oh yes, and it’s ON the golf course! Perfect Lutsen spot to build your dream home! MLS#6125494 $189,900
GRAND MARAIS AREA
120 ACRES OF MANICURED FOREST LANDS AND EXPANSIVE LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS! 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
VISIT US AT TIMBERWOLFFREALTY.COM CHECK OUT OUR WEEKLY BLOG AND FACEBOOK POSTS OF FUN TIMES ON THE NORTH SHORE! 50
OCTOBER 2026
NORTHERN WILDS
CATCHLIGHT
BALD EAGLE This photo was taken a few years ago when I was out fishing and saw this eagle dive after something. I quickly moved closer, and, as always, I had my big lens with me—a 600mm. I waited a few seconds, and the eagle tried again. Luckily, I got this shot. I was glad I had my camera ready to go.—David Johnson
NORTHERN WILDS
OCTOBER 2026
51
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