In order to protect the health and safety of our community, we have cancelled summer programming through August 31, 2020, including all on-site classes and activities, and our annual Arts Festival.

We are exploring ways to pivot our programming to an online platform. Look for GMAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to find information and ways to engage.

Check our site for additional information

Blueberry bushes flower in early June during black fly season, which is perfect because the flies pollinate the blooms. Given adequate regular rain, berries ripen and you may be treated to one as early as the 4th of July right through Labor Day, but the bulk of the season is mid-July to mid-August.

Not sure where to look? Stop by the Tofte [7355 Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615] or Gunflint Ranger [ 2020 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604] Stations and ask for suggestions, but don’t expect anyone to give away their secret spot!

3 DAY BIKEPACKING RACE ACROSS THE NORTH SHORE

This year, we are bringing the North Shore together in one beautiful triangle of bikepacking adventure: 336 miles from Two Harbors to Ely to Grand Marais and back to Two Harbors.

For those looking to try this unique style of racing for the first time, The Heck Epic will be a perfect test. If you want to sharpen your skills for events like the Tour Divide, The Heck Epic will let you know where you stand in your preparation. For this course we recommend a 29er style mountain bike or gravel bike that can accommodate at least 40 mm tires. There are bikepacking specific rigs these days, too. The most important part is that you feel comfortable and the bike can handle gear on rough roads. See my video for some tips on what I think are important considerations for bikepacking.

Registration and more info are available here.

The North Shore Water Festival will have experts on-hand offering fishing, touring kayak and canoe demonstrations, stand-up paddle board (SUP) demo activities in the harbor, including SUP yoga, plus check out what new water and outdoor gear is available this year.  Most activities are free to the public, and only require signing a waiver and/or registering in advance for SUP board yoga.

 Unfortunately it’s with a heavy heart your Silver Bay PTSO has decided to cancel this years Salmon Classic due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We cant in good conscience continue planning with donations and the unknown that lies ahead. We are excited to work hard and bring it back bigger and better in 2021.

Upcoming events and courses at North House Folk School
**some classes will be offered online only

July
6-7 :: Fly Fishing Intensive: Casting and Presenting a Fly
9-12 :: Fly Fishing the North Country in Prime Time
10-12 :: Black Ash Pack Baskets
18-19 :: Needle Felting & Bead Embroidery: Painting with Beads & Fiber
24-25 :: Raw Felted Fleece: A New Approach to the Sheepskin Blanket
24-26 :: Herbalism Apprentice: Beginner’s Botanical Medicine, Self Care to Community
29-Aug 2 :: Grand Marais & Beyond Nature Photography Workshop: Summer Session
31-Aug 2 :: Gudbransdal Rosemaling

For more events check the North House website.

Janice will speak about life on the island at the Cache Bay Ranger Station on Saganaga Lake in Quetico Park, Ontario. She is working her 36th season at the ranger station. Although it seems that the situation is just ‘an office job in the bush’, there are many aspects that are out of the ordinary.

Janice began at Cache Bay Ranger Station in 1985. 36 years have gone by with she and her two kids on the island serving the paddling public who enter Quetico for a wilderness canoe trip. She went to college in 1972 in a forestry program and worked in the logging industry. Although this type of education wasn’t required for the position with MNR/Parks. Being self sufficient and confident to work alone was an asset.

All presentations are family friendly and free to the public.