True hibernators’ body temps drop, their heart beat slows, and they don’t ‘wake up’ when prodded or exposed to loud noises. Black bears, chipmunks, snakes, frogs, toads and some turtles hibernate. Other mammals go into torpor, a state of deep, temporary sleep from which they wake to eat, drink, release waste.

Learn more about bear hibernation.

With an average temp of 42°, Lake Superior acts like a hot water bottle emanating a little warmth up the hillsides. This occurs November through April when daily highs air temps drop below 40°. The warmth sits in the bowl created by the hills. Once you pass the hilltop, temps can drop by 15°.

When very cold winter air meets the relatively warm lake water, fog is created. This fog hovers over the surface and is known as sea smoke. You will most often see sea smoke in January when it is really cold.

2020/2021 Season

Open Daily: Dec 11, 2020 – Apr 11, 2021

Extended Weekend: April 17-18 and 24-25, and May 1-2

*Holiday Dates: Dec 26-Jan 3; Jan 16-18 and Feb 13-15

We plan to have the warming house open every day (except for Holidays) from 1 – 6 p.m.  We have added benches outdoors, so you may skate at any time when the warming house is not open. Skate rentals will be $2 / pair / time and skate sharpening is $5. Skate rentals and skate sharpening can only be done when our warming house is open.

The Violence Prevention Center presents Art of of Healing at the Johnson Heritage Post Virtual Gallery.

An art exhibit dedicated to art by victims of domestic and sexual violence and by supporters of those affected by domestic and sexual violence. Purchase with shipping available or contactless pick up at the gallery.

View the gallery

Join the JHP Art Gallery for an exhibition of new works by local photographer David R. Johnson titled, “Cook County Through My Eyes: Vol II”.

The Gallery is now open Thursdays 1 – 4 pm, Fridays & Saturdays 10 am – 4 pm & Sundays 10 am – 2 pm.

*Please note: Only 12 visitors are permitted in the Gallery at a time. All visitors are required to wear a mask, use the provided hand sanitizer upon entry and use social distancing while in the Gallery. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Historic Cook County Museum is now open

Hours: Monday: 1-4, Thursday: 1-4, Friday: 10 – 4, Saturday: 10-4

For more information contact the Museum at: 218.387.2883 or email: Katie@cookcountyhistory.org