Podcasts about Grand Marais

In this June, 2025 edition of "Keep it Wild," we talk with Jo Swanson, director of the Friends of the Superior National Forest. Formerly known as the Minnesota Volunteer Connection, the Friends of SNF partners with the U.S. Forest Service on maintenance projects throughout the Superior National Forest, including the BWCAW, and area campgrounds and trails. The group is currently looking for volunteers to help with a number of projects this summer, including pulling invasive plants at the Pincushion Mountains trail system outside of Grand Marais, and trail maintenance work on the Moss and South Lake trails on the Gunflint Trail. (Photo courtesy of Friends of SNF)

Minnesota's North Shore has been a gathering place for centuries. Whether heading into the Boundary Waters or out on Lake Superior, Grand Marais ranks a favorite Base Camp. While it may be small in population, it's big in spirit.  Life here moves to the rhythms of the woods and waters. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sarah Jorgensen-Halberg, longtime resident and owner of Java Moose, the beloved shoreline coffee shop that fuels both locals and visiting adventurers. Her daily weather video connects folks near and far to this Sweetwater Sea town and she shares what it means to live on the edge of wilderness—and how the lake's powerful sense of place keeps people coming back to Grand Marais.Key Takeaways:Grand Marais transforms seasonally: A town of about 1,300 full-time residents swells to around 50,000 in the summer, driven by tourism to the lake, North Shore, and nearby wilderness areas.Local entrepreneurship fuels connection: Java Moose, run by Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg and her family, offers not just coffee but a community space for stories, weather reports, and visitor conversations.Lake Superior demands respect: The lake's 34-degree waters and strong currents can be dangerous. Sarah emphasizes safety and awareness for all visitors, especially near the lighthouse.Winter brings peace and beauty: After the busy season, Grand Marais quiets down. Sarah loves cross-country skiing, hiking, and the sunshine of winter — despite the freezing temperatures.Tourism is vital to the economy: Sarah says plainly, “We would not survive without it.” Much of the local economy depends on seasonal visitors to national parks and the shoreline.Notable Quotes:“I love winter. I cross-country ski a lot. I run in the winter. I get out and I hike a lot. Part of it is probably because it's quieter.”“It is imperative to be as safe as we possibly can be.”“Grand Marais and Lake Superior, it almost forces you to take that moment, right? Because it is so vast and powerful, that you just kind of stop for a moment and you're inspired.”“We pour ourselves out. I see that when you come into our shop, this is an extension of my home, so I'm hosting you.”“At the end of the day, we are welcoming you into our home.”Resources:Java Moose Grand Marais – Find Sarah's daily weather reports on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/javamoosegrandmarais/ & Facebook: Jhttps://www.facebook.com/javamoosegrandmarais/Java Moose Website & Newsletter – Sign up for monthly stories and photos: https://javamoosegrandmarais.comVisit Cook County – Plan your trip: https://www.visitcookcounty.comConnect With Us:Website: https://nplsf.org/podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundationLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundationSponsors:Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more at https://cafeimports.comNational Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org/donate

The team at Lemonada Media is excited to introduce Worth It, a new series created in partnership with the Minnesota Star Tribune. There’s a reason compasses point north — the North Star State is full of surprises, and hosts Nicole Norfleet and Aaron Brown are here to help you find them. Each week, they cut through the noise to spotlight hidden gems, can’t-miss events, local eats, and the places that might not be worth your time. Whether it’s farm camp or gourmet cotton candy, a must-see concert or a skip-it venue — they’ll help you decide what’s truly worth it. In this episode, they uncover the best spots for dirty soda, unpack U.S.-Canada tensions spilling into a Grand Marais bike race, and dig into the hype behind a couple of $10 cereal brands. Plus, a St. Cloud amphitheater that might just be your new summer go-to. Follow Worth It wherever you get your podcasts, or listen here: https://lemonada.lnk.to/WorthItStarTribunefdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Sarah Jorgenson, owner of Java Moose Coffee in Grand Marais, MN — a small-town coffee shop with a big voice. As global coffee prices soar and international tariffs rattle supply chains, Sarah shares how these market forces are directly impacting small businesses like hers — and what it means to be at the end of the supply chain during a historic moment of economic and political uncertainty. From climate change to Canada–U.S. relations, from rising costs to shrinking margins, Sarah gives us a front-row seat to the challenges of staying in business — and staying true to your values. We explore how small business owners are adapting, why customer loyalty matters more than ever, and how speaking up for marginalized communities isn't just personal, it's powerful leadership. If you're a coffee lover, small business owner, or someone who believes in leading with courage and conviction — this episode is for you. Topics We Cover: How climate change is disrupting global coffee supply The impact of tariffs and rising costs on small cafés Running a business at the Canada–U.S. border during political tension Consumer loyalty vs. big brands Speaking out on social issues while running a business Leading a values-driven team through uncertain times Connect with Sarah:  Website: javamoosegrandmarais.com Social: @javamoosegrandmarais Connect with Us:  @citygirlempowerhour @citygirlcoffee @thumbscookies @thelakeandco  Subscribe and Share:  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscirebe and leave a review! Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows. 

Send us a textArctic Adventure by sailboat has been a longtime dream of American Arctic explorer, Lonnie Dupre.  Lonnie has been an Arctic explorer by dogsled, ski, and canoe for decades and is also a film maker documenting the impact of global warming on Arctic environments. His award winning movie, AMKA~One with a Friendly Spirit, shows his connection and his love for the Arctic and Arctic people.Today's interview with Lonnie was a week after he and his partner, Pascale Marceau and two crew members, already set sail from the starting point of Grand Marais, Minnesota in a Brent Swain designed, 36-foot Bluewater Sloop. While many sails to Greenland begin on the ocean, their start on the Great Lakes brings an interesting course of navigating thru lock systems and rivers that will eventually drop them into the Atlantic Ocean.Lonnie's website, www.lonniedupre.com is a valuable source of information of this journey and has a link where you can track their exciting journey. "In April 2025, a 6,000 nautical miles sailboat voyage will begin from the little town of Grand Marais, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior.  Nord Hus will sail via the Great Lakes through the St. Lawrence Seaway and enter the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Quebec. Nord Hus will serve as a support vessel for explorers, storytellers, filmmakers and the curious.Beyond Quebec's North Shore, Nord Hus will sail to Newfoundland, and make passage across the Labrador Sea to Southwest Greenland. From there, to northwestern Greenland and Canada's High Arctic."Live tracking at marinetraffic.com - search for NordHus.For more detailed information, go to Lonnie's website:https://www.lonniedupre.com/nordhusThank you for listening to the Alaska Climate & Aviation Podcast.Katie Writerktphotowork@gmail.comSupport the showYou can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:https://www.katiewritergallery.com

Our National Parks are important places, not just for their preservation of natural beauty and resources, but also for the economic impact they bring to gateway communities. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula sees nearly a million visitors, year round. For the anchor cities of Munising and Grand Marais, hosting those folks has become their chief industry. With a population of less than 2,000, how do they do it? In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Kathy Reynolds, the CEO of the Greater Munising Bay Partnership as well as Director of the Alger County Chamber of Commerce to learn more.Key Takeaways:Munising, Michigan, has transformed into a premier tourism destination, with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore playing a central role in attracting visitors.Tourism is now the leading industry in Alger County, supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the community year-round.Despite Munising's small population of under 2,000 residents, the area welcomes nearly one million visitors annually, requiring careful planning and infrastructure management.The Michigan Ice Fest, the oldest ice climbing festival in North America, draws climbers from around the world and highlights Munising's appeal as a winter recreation destination.Even though Munising has a strong tourism sector, it also has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing and public services, making it more resilient to seasonal fluctuations.Notable Quotes:"I also tell people you should live where you want to vacation. Why just say, ‘Oh, I get to spend a week. Every once in a while I go someplace'? I wanted to live in a place that I wanted to vacation.""I would say, and maybe I'm a little biased, that it is probably one of, if the most beautiful places in the whole Midwest. It's easy to market the area and get people to come."“Winter season can be extremely beautiful, and this year we are living in a snow globe all over the area of Munising.”“Preservation of the park and our natural resources - that's why people come up to the Upper Peninsula. Protecting those and making sure they stay nice is critical to our economy.”"The people that come to Munising and visit our national park, they not only help us in our community, but they help all the communities outside of us in the U.P."Resources:Greater Munising Bay Partnership: munising.org – Learn more about Munising and its economic development initiatives.Alger County Chamber of Commerce: algercountychamber.com – Discover local businesses and visitor information.Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm – Explore the stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities in the park.Michigan Ice Fest: michiganicefest.com – Learn about the premier ice climbing event in Munising.Connect With Us:Website: nplsf.org/podcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundationLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundationSponsors:Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more at https://cafeimports.com.National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org/donate.

You know it's chilly when even Lake Superior can see their own breath. During a recent period of bitter cold, there was sea smoke drifting across the shining gray wavelets near Grand Marais, MN. Lake water had also formed ice on the rocks near shore, and we circumnavigated Artist's Point to admire Nature's sculptures. All the while, a small flock of mallard ducks bobbed on the waves in East Bay, behind the protective curve of Artist's Point in Lake Superior. Then, driving home, something large swooped across the highway in front of us and several feet above the car. The blunt face and tapered silhouette were unmistakable characteristics of a Great Gray Owl—my first one in the wild! This day may have been bitter cold, but that made the beauty in it all the more sweet.

In this special, extended episode of "Keep it Wild," Ann Schwaller, a designated areas specialist for the U.S. Forest Service, shares the history of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as a certified, Dark Sky Sanctuary--a designation awarded by Dark Sky International in September, 2020. She explains her personal connection to the preservation of natural dark skies, and why the Dark Sky Sanctuary designation is considered "a fragile situation," due to the encroachment of light pollution at the edge of the wilderness, as well as light domes from the urban areas of Thunder Bay, Grand Marais, Ely and even as far away as Duluth. "Keep it Wild" is a regular feature of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast. To learn more, visit darksky.org

This weekend, the iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France will reopen, five years after a devastating fire. People from around the world helped rebuild it, including a timber framer from Grand Marais. Peter Henrikson worked in France for seven months to help construct the new roof. MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker talked to him about the process and how his months of work are now coming to life.

Local journalism is in trouble. We have talked about that many times on this program. But here's some good news: eight local journalism outlets across Minnesota have each won $100,000 to further their work.The grant comes from Press Forward, a national organization aiming to close local coverage gaps. And the money was competitive, with more than 900 applications.The winners from Minnesota were BLCK Press, WTIP North Shore Community Radio in Grand Marais, ICTV in Grand Rapids, the Pine Knot News in Cloquet, SPEAK MPLS, the Swift County Monitor-News in Benson, ThreeSixty Journalism in St. Paul, and Project Optimist in Central Minnesota. Nora Hertel, founder and executive director of Project Optimist, joins MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her plans for the grant money.

Nearly a million visitors came to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2023, contributing over $45 million dollars to the nearby economies. For Alger County--with a population of less than nine thousand people—the park also supports 544 jobs. But hosting that many visitors and generating that much revenue does present unique challenges.  In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Hannah Bradburn, Visual Information Specialist at Pictured Rocks, to explore the park's delicate balance between conservation and recreation.Key Takeaways: Visitor Growth: Pictured Rocks sees nearly a million visitors annually, nearly double from a decade ago, showcasing its growing popularity as a travel destination. Invasive Species Management: Efforts to keep zebra mussels and other invasive species out of the park's waterways are ongoing, with education and prevention playing key roles. Seasonal Operations: The park operates year-round, with winter activities like skiing and ice climbing providing a draw for visitors, while summer months focus on hikes, kayaking, and camping. Local Economic Impact: Visitor spending contributes millions of dollars to nearby communities like Munising and Grand Marais, supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth. Historical and Cultural Preservation: Pictured Rocks plays a significant role in preserving both natural and historical landmarks, such as the Au Sable Light Station, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region's past.Quotes: "Pictured Rocks is one of those parks that is best experienced from the water if you're trying to see the cliff - either taking a Pictured Rocks cruise or getting on a kayak tour." “It's super important for folks who are transferring their boats or their gear from different bodies of water that they clean, drain, and dry their equipment to make sure that Pictured Rocks waterways stay pristine.” "If you're interested in working with the park service, reach out to a park, and there's probably room for your skill at a park, and many of us are more than happy to share our experiences."Resources: For more information on visiting or working at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (NPS.gov/PIRO).  For more information about NPLSF, visit the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation website (nplsf.org).Don't miss this insightful episode as Hannah Bradburn takes us behind the scenes of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, revealing how this beloved park balances growing visitation with vital conservation efforts. Tune in for an in-depth look at the stewardship behind one of the Great Lakes' most treasured landscapes.

The National Rural Education Association named a Minnesotan the 2024 National Rural Teacher of the Year. Melissa Oberg teaches special education at Cook County Schools in Grand Marais. She is the first special education teacher to receive the honor and the second from Minnesota in a row. Oberg joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her approach to the classroom and how she plans to use her platform.

Trump campaign altercation at Arlington; divisions among Republicans in CD2; Minneapolis Police Department underbelly; MN Attorney General Keith Ellison joins the show; the challenges facing the MN GOP; Grand Marais housing issues.

2024 has seen a lot of changes along the North Shore. Some businesses closed, new businesses opened. Whole buildings have been demolished and new buildings added. It can be hard to keep up with all of the changes! In this episode, Jaye and Martha visit some of the new businesses that have sprung up in the past year. Up in Hovland, Objects to Crave opened late in the summer of 2023 and brought a unique, eclectic twist on the traditional North Shore gift shop. Back in Grand Marais, Abby Tofte (of The Big Lake) has purchased the former Gunflint Mercantil store and transformed it into two shops: the Lady Superior Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop and Harbortown Goods gift shop. Listen in to learn about these changes and more that will greet you on your next trip to Lake Superior's North Shore. * Learn More... Objects to Crave Website: https://objectstocrave.com/ Objects to Crave Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ObjectsToCrave/ Lady Superior/Harbortown Website: https://thebiglakelife.com/collections/lady-superior Lady Superior/Harbortown Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladysuperiorbottleshop/ The Big Lake Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiglakelife/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staycvr Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringnorthshore/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringnorthshore/ * This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/  

Record breaking rain last night, Joe Biden is up to his old tricks, the murder of a mother of five, there's no order at the border, Lady O, Russ Fransisco 48 years at marine general, what's going down in Grand Marais, the vegans are angry, and Mayorkas has spoken...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many rural pride events in Minnesota have at some point faced pushback, or even threats. Over the weekend Cook County Pride in Grand Marais received a bomb threat. Meanwhile, Itasca Pride in Grand Rapids is also facing pushback as they get ready for their first ever celebration this weekend. But despite that, rural pride events are still successful in Minnesota. Joining MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer is the chair of East Central Pride, Aaron Bombard and a board member of Itasca Pride, Liz Branum.

How often do you get out of your comfort zone each week? What about each month?  Maybe learning something new is a goal for you in 2024. You're never too old to try, and there are so many benefits — some of them unexpected. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about learning as an adult — whether it's a language, a sport, an art or a skill. And having fun while we do it, because that's important, too. Her guests are experts in adult enrichment. They've seen the benefits of adult learning first-hand in Bemidji, Grand Marais and St. Paul.   

“It's the perfect gift for Father's Day. Don't give your father, The World's Greatest Dad mug, or a barbecue apron. He doesn't care. He needs something else to feed his brain,” Victor Volkman, senior editor at Modern History Press said in the newest episode of For the Love of Books Podcast on Thursday. Give him U.P Reader Volume #8 instead. The hefty publication with a beautiful cover photo of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore between Munising and Grand Marais is filled with fiction and non-fiction stories, essays, poetry, memoirs, humor, and history. It's 181 pages long with historical archive photos and includes six stories from the winners of the annual Dandelion Cottage contest from all of the UP's participating schools. “It feels very solid and very significant,” said Volkman. “This is the biggest it's going to get, ever. We've expanded it with the first, second, and third-place winners of the contest. Kids like to write long.” Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of U.P. Reader Volume #8 Sponsored by Doc Chavent. Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Blogs, LLC

Are you sitting on dreams of owning a vacation home or a piece of land that's just yours? Maybe you've envisioned a quaint cabin in the woods or a breezy lake house but thought it was out of reach. Kristi and her hubby Ryan just took the plunge on a piece of land in their favorite place, Grand Marais, Minnesota, and were shocked at how easy the process was!  Of course you will want to find a rock star Realtor to guide you. We also dive into how a home equity line of credit could be your ticket to a down payment, why working with local banks can offer a smoother process, and how to plan for a property that not only serves as a getaway, but also as a potential source of income. Buying a vacation property can serve as both a great investment and your dream getaway. It truly is a win win. If you've ever told yourself that owning a vacation property is a far-off dream, this episode is for you. Let's dive in!

This Saturday is National Independent Bookstore Day, and small bookstores in the Twin Cities are celebrating in a special way this week. Rain Taxi, a local literary magazine, is putting on their annual Independent Bookstore Passport. Starting on Wednesday, you can pick up the passport at one of the 28 participating stores. Each visit earns a stamp, and there are some pretty neat rewards for book lovers. Black Garnet Books in Saint Paul's Midway neighborhood is one of the participating bookstores. Owner Dionne Sims joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer ahead of an undoubtedly busy few days.For more store crawls and events around the state and region — including Moorhead, St. Cloud, Austin, Rochester, Duluth, Grand Rapids and Grand Marais — check out Indie Bound's list.

Grand Marais is a small town of some 1,300 on Lake Superior's North Shore.If you've been there, you may have taken classes at the North House Folk School, waited in line for some of the World's Best Donuts — yes, that's the tagline for the family-owned business — or hiked on Pincushion Mountain. MPR News senior economics contributor Chris Farrell recently spent some time in Grand Marais talking to small business owners. This is his second conversation with Minnesota Now about that trip.

Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the Twin Cities metro after the Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution, raising minimum driver pay. And that's raised alarms for advocates of people with disabilities who rely on rideshares for transportation. A group of unsung climate leaders from across Minnesota just returned from an international meeting.And MPR News talked with two entrepreneurs picking up the baton in Grand Marais.We also talked about how public messaging in Hmong gets lost in translation.Ever had a question about why this state is the way it is? You're curious, Minnesota, and a 5-year-old column by the Star Tribune has answers.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.  

Grand Marais is located on the north shore of Lake Superior. The lakeside town with its small harbor has long attracted artists and crafts people, including visitors drawn to taking classes at the North House Folk School and the Grand Marais Arts Colony. Grand Marais is the gateway to the Gunflint Trail and outdoor activities ranging from canoeing in the summer to cross country skiing in the winter — except this past winter. Like other small towns in Minnesota dependent on seasonal tourist trade, Grand Marais went through a rough patch with the pandemic. A fire also destroyed three well-known downtown businesses in 2020 and another familiar business burned down in 2023. MPR's senior economics contributor Chris Farrell recently spent time with several small business owners in Grand Marais. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about what he learned.

Singer – songwriter Michael Monroe has sought a simple life, and that's why he lived a long time in the area of Grand Marais, MN. His songs relate to the experience, and he performs many of his original compositions at a show called The #Ms: Minnesota Music Masters, with Billy McLaughlin and John McAndrew, Sunday February 4 at 6:30pm. When Michael sat down with Phil Nusbaum, Michael discussed his inspiration for Winter Song.

How often do you get out of your comfort zone each week? What about each month?  Maybe learning something new is a goal for you in 2024. You're never too old to try, and there are so many benefits — some of them unexpected. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about learning as an adult – whether it's a language, a sport, an art or a skill. And having fun while we do it, because that's important, too. Her guests are experts in adult enrichment. They've seen the benefits of adult learning first-hand in Bemidji, Grand Marais and St. Paul.   

This podcast episode comes to you in two parts: Side A: A photographer from Grand Marais previews an upcoming DNR touring route. Side B: The Streets.mn Podcast team looks back on our favorite episodes of 2023! Episode chapters 00:00 | Intro 01:00 | The Border to Border Touring Route WTIP's episode Video: Bryan's gear Bryan's website 25:12 | Our favorite episodes of 2023 Editor Jeremy Winter Rezoning for Complete Neighborhoods Essential Bike Accessories With Ian Moving to the Twin Cities With Car Free Midwest Producer Christina Neel: The 2023 BikeMN Legislative Agenda Editor Parker Seaman: Lessons Learned From the Nice Ride Era Producer Sherry Johnson Celebrating Dorian Grilley's 15 Years With BikeMN Legislative Session Wrap-up 2023 Rezoning for Complete Neighborhoods Host Ian R Buck: Legislative Session Wrap-up 2023 Crowd favorites The Future of Transit Moving to the Twin Cities With Car Free Midwest 42:34 | Outro Connect with us Discuss this episode on social media with the hashtag #StreetsMNPodcast Help make the show possible by making a donation or sponsoring the show! Attributions The piece about the Border-to-Border touring route was reported by Kalli Hawkins, and comes to us via WTIP; all rights reserved. Our theme song is Tanz den Dobberstein, and our interstitial song is Puck's Blues. Both tracks used by permission of their creator, Erik Brandt. Find out more about his band The Urban Hillbilly Quartet on their website. Show notes The Border-to-Border Touring Route spans 750 miles, traversing northern Minnesota by utilizing pre-existing roadways, extending from the North Dakota border to the shores of Lake Superior. The border-to-border project was initiated in 2015 and represents a collaborative undertaking involving the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association. In 2015, the legislature directed the Minnesota DNR to collaborate with the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association to address off-road vehicle touring routes.  As the planning process and public listening sessions across northern Minnesota began, the DNR received mixed support and opposition about the proposed touring route from the public, county officials, and various environmental groups.  When first proposed, the Border-to-Border Touring Route was initially planned to end in Cook County. However, Cook County was dropped from the route after county officials and the public shared their reservations with the project planners about potential increased motorized traffic and environmental degradation, such as damage to trout streams, aquatic invasive species, and wetland concerns. The route now ends near Silver Bay in Lake County.  Despite the delays and Cook County's involvement, the nearly eight-year-long project is now entering the final stages of the route management plan.  As it nears completion, a Cook County resident and well-known photographer, Bryan Hansel, decided to pack his bags and venture out for a long-distance bikepacking trip in mid-October along the border-to-border route to experience it firsthand.  “So I knew I wanted to do a long bike trip this year,” Hansel said. “There was a lot of controversy with it in Cook County. So I figured it just seemed like a good idea to go ride it and see what it was about.” Hansel planned his route using a biking program called Ride With GPS based on the preliminary border-to-border map on the DNR website. “And that loads into my bike computer, and then the bike computer gives me turn-by-turn navigation,” he said. He began his journey in the northwest corner of Minnesota and strategically mapped out 60-mile days based on available camping locations. As he pedaled along the gravel roads, he said his apprehension about the route faded. “What I found is that the DNR did a really good job of picking roads,” he said. “I found that a really fun and exciting route.” “I always imagined it was more of this off-road vehicle type of route. And there's all but maybe four of five miles that I would have taken my Subaru Outback on with no problem,” Hansel said. “It was like solid good, graded county roads like you'd expect to see in Cook County.” Along the way, Hansel tweaked his route to avoid paved roads and enjoy small detours to nearby parks, small towns, and other interesting northern Minnesota sights. One of his favorites was Big Bog State Recreation Area in Beltrami County. “I've always wanted to go and hike the trails there because it's one of the biggest bogs in the state,” he said. “And that was beautiful.” Another highlight of the trip, Hansel said, was the stretch between Blackduck and Silver Bay. “That was amazing. I would ride that all again in a second.” During his ten-day bikepacking adventure, Hansel completed 650 miles for a total riding time of 57 hours.  Although the route has yet to be officially finalized, Joe Unger, the off-highway program consultant at the Minnesota DNR, expressed enthusiasm over the news that several individuals, including Hansel, have already embarked on exploring the touring route. While several individuals have traversed the route on street-legal enduro bikes and in vehicles, to Unger's knowledge, Hansel is the first person to bikepack the route. As the DNR prepares to wrap up the route management plan, it will enter a final 30-day public comment period later this winter. Unger said the route management plan addresses things such as “environmental considerations like stream crossings, wetlands, wildlife, and fisheries.” Then, come spring, the DNR intends to sign agreements with various road authorities, finalize maps, and put physical trail signs along the route. Transcript Find the full transcript on our website.

There is a story making the rounds of a doctor in Grand Marais that was let go and has created an uproar, specifically with those under his care. Should people receive an explanation for the move or should the reasoning be kept under wraps?

One door closes, another opens as they say. We begin today's show with a story of a Grand Marais doctor who was let go and has since created a response from many in the area, specifically those in the care of the doctor. We then talked to Jessi Pierce, of NHL.com and the Bardown Beauties Podcast to recap the firing of Dean Evason and Bob Woods and what might be next for the Minnesota Wild. 

It's a big and little development in medicine and technology all at once: a robotic system that can autonomously move a medical needle safely through living tissue. Plus: starting tomorrow in Grand Marais, Minnesota, it's the Moose Madness Family Festival. Medical robot steers needle through living lung (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) Moose Madness Family Festival Make all the big and little things happen for this show as a backer on Patreon --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coolweirdawesome/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coolweirdawesome/support

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches along 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline from Munising to Grand Marais. The year-round park covers roughly 114 square miles and includes 22 back country camp grounds, many circling the 10 inland lakes and 100 miles of trails. It's rugged and remote. So, what does it take to be Chief Ranger in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula? In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn from Joe Hughes about the year-round responsibilities—including the work of the High Angle Rescue Team—covering the woods and waters of the country's first national lakeshore.

We covered a lot of topics for a Friday! You're going to be away for six days. How many pairs of underwear do you pack? You might be surprised at the results of a survey. There's an NFL player who puts MAYO in his coffee, more thoughts on Super Bowl halftime entertainers, and a title bestowed upon Grand Marais, MN. Have you been there? - Tim & Laura

Every word has a history, but some of those histories are more troubled than others. An installment of the series It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore untangles the meaning of one word in particular. Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm co-host the series, which is also written and produced by Drouillard for WTIP North Shore Community Radio in Grand Marais.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.   We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

Categories are a convenient way to organize information — but they come with problems. Rather than represent the world perfectly, they tend to reflect the worldview of whoever created them. And that means other truths get left out or treated as an afterthought, when it comes to people, that can cause real harm. It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore takes a closer look at this idea. The series comes to us from WTIP in Grand Marais.

Here's a look at the top headlines from around the Northland for Tuesday, July 11, 2023.  The Duluth News Tribune Minute is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune, Superior Telegram and Cloquet Pine Journal. Find more news throughout the day at duluthnewstribune.com. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting our work with a subscription at duluthnewstribune.news/podcast. Your support allows us to continue providing the local news and content you want.

Minnesota GOP has barely $50 on hand; two charged in Blaine apartment explosion; Grand Marais murder updates; Terry John Zila discusses the unveiling of new State Fair foods; Patrick Coolican joins Brett for their Tuesday conversation; continuing conversation about outstate Minnesota issues; more bad news for Minnesota Republicans.

Crews were preparing Wednesday morning to begin suppressing an approximately 30-acre wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The U.S. Forest Service noticed smoke from a survey plane in the evening Tuesday, the same day the agency announced a campfire ban in the wilderness area because of dry conditions. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talked with with Joe Friedrichs is news director of WTIP North Shore Community Radio in Grand Marais, which is about 40 miles from the fire.

For our final episode on this topic, we admire the Jeffers Petroglyphs. It is home to about 5,000 sacred rock carvings, also called petroglyphs, made by the ancestors of today's Native Americans. Celebrate this ancient site with a book about art.   In our show notes for this episode, we link each book to one of our state's great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations.   Thanks for joining us for the last two seasons, as we journeyed across the state of Minnesota to see our historical sites. This is our final podcast of this series, and it has been so great to talk about books with you!  All of these episodes are available on our website: cmle.org. You can also download them on your favorite podcast app.   We have a series of past seasons where we talked about every county in Minnesota, and suggested books to go along with each of them. And, in yet another series, we looked at every state park in Minnesota, suggesting even more books to go along with each of these treasures of the state.   It has been wonderful to talk about so many books with you, and to virtually visit so many wonderful places across Minnesota. Please enjoy reading the books we have all discussed over the last few years of this podcast. And also, I encourage you to get out there and enjoy some new and interesting places to visit. Minnesota is filled with some great places, people, and things to enjoy - so get out there and experience it all!

Friends, family and fans of Howard Sivertson will celebrate a live well lived on Wednesday, which would have been his 93rd birthday. Sivertson, a fixture in Grand Marais, died this past January. The artist published multiple collections that tell stories of Lake Superior through illustration, writing and quite a bit of research. Sivertson was born into a Lake Superior commercial fishing family, but bouts of sea sickness meant fishing would not be in his future. He became an artist, known for the Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, which he co-founded with his daughter, Jan. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Jan about her father's memory.

Tuesday afternoon, Governor Walz signed into law a bill that'll legalize recreational use of marijuana. How will existing hemp businesses adapt? We'll find out. There are some glimmers of good news for those worried about the effects of Alzheimer's disease. We'll talk about the factors you have control over when it comes to that brain-wasting disease ... and a new drug that has some excited. The artist behind the Sivertson Art Gallery in Grand Marais is being honored Wednesday for a life well-lived. Howard Sivertson died earlier this year. We'll talk to his daughter. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.   

Visit the Sibley Historic Site, home to the oldest structures still standing in Minnesota. From the center of the fur trade to the center of government, this site witnessed some of the key people and events at play in the tumultuous history of the early days of Minnesota statehood. Celebrate this history and read a book about buildings.   In our show notes for this episode, we link each book to one of our state's great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations.

This hand-built house held Dr. W. W. Mayo's first medical practice, witnessed events of the US-Dakota War of 1862, and eventually served as the family home for another giant of Minnesota history — the Cosgrove family of the Green Giant Company. Celebrate this history and read a book with a medical storyline. In our show notes for this episode, we link each book to a couple of our state's great independent bookstores: Drury Lane Bookstore in Grand Marais. It gives you a description, so you can get more information about the book to help you make a decision about your reading or recommendations.  

In the most basic sense, what's commonly referred to as “the fur trade” was a period of cultural and economic exchange between Native Americans and European Americans, according to the Minnesota Historical Society. As the pages of history were put down, one aspect that was continually overlooked is the role women played at home, in the woods, and throughout many aspects of life during the fur trade. The simple truth is that Indigenous women actively contributed to the success of the North American fur trade, according to Karl Koster, a Minnesota historian who specializes in the history of the iconic fur trade. In this MinneCulture In-Depth feature, KFAI contributor Joe Friedrichs explores the role of women during the fur trade as told through the lens of a Grand Marais woman, Laura Powell Marxen. Laura continues to trap and sell fur on Minnesota's North Shore, much like her great-grandmother, Mary Ottertail, did in the early 1900s near what is now the end of the Gunflint Trail. Season 7 of the MinneCulture podcast is edited and executive produced by Julie Censullo and hosted by John Grebretatose. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI has been provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Dan Barreiro opens the show bemoaning another example of how we obsess over officiating and how it gets us nowhere. Later in the hour Dan examines a horrific and complicated story in Grand Marais involving a sexual predator and murder.

Dan Barreiro opens the show bemoaning another example of how we obsess over officiating and how it gets us nowhere. Later in the hour Dan examines a horrific and complicated story in Grand Marais involving a sexual predator and murder.

Just ahead of the upcoming paddling season, there was news of a court case that could end the longstanding practice of using motorized towboats to help Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness visitors get started on their wilderness trips at least temporarily. A national organization, Wilderness Watch, is seeking an injunction to halt the towboat permit system as soon as the ice melts. The US Forest Service allows the use of towboats are used to assist canoeists starting their BWCA journey, dispersing visitors deeper into the million-acre BWCA. Some outfitters at the end of the Gunflint also use the towboat service to help paddlers reach Quetico Provincial Park via the Cache Bay Ranger Station. The towboats typically drop paddlers at American Point on Saganaga Lake, which is partially inside the BWCA. If the federal judge reviewing the injunction rules in favor of Wilderness Watch, it could disrupt the plans of thousands of Minnesotans who have already booked towboat-assisted trips with BWCA and Quetico outfitters. Here in Cook County, the ruling could impact Tuscarora Lodge and Outfitters, Seagull Outfitters, and Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. The ruling would have a much larger impact on the Ely area, where many canoeists receive a tow across Moose Lake each season, among other lakes in the Ely area. The organization Wilderness Watch claims that the Forest Service is not upholding its self-imposed restrictions and limitations of towboat services. The Forest Service's most recent figures showed that in 2019, there were 4,817 tow boat trips, and 3,815 total trips in 2020. These figures amount to nearly “tripling the level that the Forest Service pledged that it would limit the total to,” according to officials from Wilderness Watch. We asked officials from the Forest Service to comment on this story and the towboat situation, including if the towboat services can operate while the judge considers a ruling on the injunction. Forest Service spokesperson Joy Liptak VanDrie said the agency does not comment on current litigation. However, she did say that since a current ruling has not been issued in the case, there is no change in towboat services at this time. In this episode, guest contributor and Grand Marais journalist Rhonda Silence speaks with Matthew Ritter of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. Also featured is an interview with Kevin Proescholdt, the Minnesota-based conservation director for Wilderness Watch.

In the early days of Minnesota Now, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Leah Lemm and Staci Drouillard about a project they had embarked on. It was a series examining the history and present of racism on the north shore for WTIP North Shore Community Radio in Grand Marais. The series, It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore, now has 12 episodes. It recently won the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association award for best radio series.

It's easy to get discouraged when we're faced with challenges or setbacks in our journey. To start to question our abilities or wonder if we're on the right path. In today's episode, you'll be encouraged to hear the story of how a single mom, battling a chronic illness, persevered and became a professional coach.   Tune in to learn lessons for your own journey, such as: How to trust God in the hard decisions Using multiple sources of income to ease your transition Why hiring your own coach provides clarity Ways that ICF approved training can set you up for success About Linda Hedberg   As a life and leadership coach, Linda Hedberg helps those asking “What's next for me?” discover and activate greater purposes in their lives. She is a coach, writer and speaker with an unwavering belief that we are all created for greater purposes and she wants to see those purposes activated in everyone!   In addition to working with coaching clients, Linda is a coach educator to life and leadership coaches, on faculty with Professional Christian Coaching Institute. She serves as a mentor coach to new coaches pursuing their professional (ICF) credentials and has helped hundreds of aspiring Christian coaches consider their training options since 2009, through her book The Complete Guide to Christian Coach Training.   Linda's most treasured role is mom to her young adult son. They both agree that one of the best ways to rest and recharge is an annual trip to Grand Marais, Minnesota, on the North Shore of Lake Superior.   Get you free copy of The Complete Guide of Christian Coach Training at www.ChristianCoachingResources.com. 

We've reached the end friends, sadly Me Camp 2022 is over for the summer. And just like real camp, coming back home is wonderful and bittersweet at the same time. Making new friends, trying new things and getting outside the everyday routine is the magic of camp and Jen reflects on her time in Aspen to her last days in Grand Marais with gratefulness to be able to take this kind of time for herself (and to invite others into the fold, turning MeCamp into WeCamp!). Jen shares how MeCamp began; it started with the need to get away to regroup from a chaotic and heartbreaking season of her life and led to a revelation of what it truly means to take time for yourself to heal. She vowed that she wouldn't go another year without taking this time, but instead of being born out of sadness, this year's MeCamp was a deliberate, and joyful excursion. While listing all the the virtues of solo travel, Jen gives us some practical ideas on how we can replicate our own MeCamp— even if we're not able to travel far or for an extended time. Enjoy this last letter from MeCamp 2022, and let's start dreaming about our own 2023 MeCamps!   * * * Thank you to our sponsors!   Chime | Get started at chime.com/forthelove today!    Third Love | Head over to thirdlove.com/forthelove to get 20% off your order.    MeCourse | Reconnect with your faith today at mecourse.org.  Connect with Jen!Jen's website Jen's InstagramJen's Twitter Jen's FacebookJen's YouTube  

Description With MeCamp on the tail end of it's 2022 tenure, Jen is still traversing the wilds of Minnesota, trespassing on neighboring roofs to read her book, and bring her beloveds along on the ride with her. So as we enter week 3, Jen's best girlfriends arrive for 4 days, followed by a visit from our favorite Hatmaker sisters, Remy and Sydney. Jen also gives her takeaways on the value of carving out this kind of time in your life–whether it's a few days in a tent a couple of miles from your house, or a staycation in a nearby town–it's really about the time for YOU, and less about where you go or how long you retreat. But for now, as we live vicariously through Jen in Minnesota this week, we'll visit the local country store, walk between 400 and 4 million stairs on a hike, bike along the lake, and happily wear sweatshirts in July.   * * * Thank you to our sponsors!   Rothy's | Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/forthelove.    Betterhelp | Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/forthelove.    ABLE | Get 15% off sitewide using code JEN at ableclothing.com.    Me Course Faith | Open the door to your faith journey today at mecourse.org.  Connect with Jen!Jen's website Jen's InstagramJen's Twitter Jen's FacebookJen's YouTube

This year's Me Camp is in full swing, community. We have traveled from Austin to Aspen, and now up, up, up to the Northwoods of Minnesota, where we find ourselves in Grand Marais. Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, this teeny tiny town was home to Jen for 3 weeks. And she is doing it all. Eating a plethora of fried fish salads, skipping rocks in the bay, potentially trespassing to sit on a picturesque roof and read her book and drink her wine. BONUS: Jen is joined by none other than the man of the moment Tyler Merritt, who discusses his unique state of being in the great white north, and his surprising and ever-so-northeastern encounter with a music-loving octogenarian.    * * * Thank you to our sponsors!   Me Camp Merch | Grab your merch today at jenhatmaker.com/shop!    Me Course Faith | Open the door to your faith journey today at mecourse.org.    FOCL | Get 20% off at focl.com using code FORTHELOVE to grab your new favorites today.    Books & Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter - Hazel Gaynor    Connect with Jen!Jen's website Jen's InstagramJen's Twitter Jen's FacebookJen's YouTube