Facebook and Instagram @exploringthenorthshore
Website: www.exploringthenorthshore.com
YouTube: Exploring the North Shore
How long have you lived in the North Shore area and what inspired you to start a Podcast about it?
I grew up in the Silver Bay area, moved away for awhile and then once I had my first child we decided to move back to the North Shore area. The podcast was originally started as part of my job at Cascade Vacation Rentals and evolved recently through some new creative leadership.
How has the Podcast changed?
Originally I had a male co-host but he had to back out earlier this year and now we have another female co-host who also grew up in the North Shore area. During the COVID-19 situation I have been unable to record any episodes with her but in the meantime I am doing solo history episodes.
What has been your favorite podcast episode thus far?
I really enjoyed doing the North Shore Adventure park very early on. It pushed my comfort zone a bit and the audio was terrible, but the video is really good. I also enjoyed the day trip into the Boundary Waters, very beautiful, it was just a lot of fun. With Martha my favorite episode was snowshoeing along the Gunflint trail, it was her first time snowshoeing and was a great time. Also another favorite was the Cedar and Stone Sauna episode in Duluth and I learned the correct way to sauna and all the benefits related to it as well.
Can you share a little historical information or fun facts about the North Shore that people might not know?
Duluth was one of the first international port cities in the world. We are also known for our mining in Silver Bay and Two Harbors. Grand Marais started as a logging and fur trade town as well.
What are some of your favorite places to visit in the North Shore that aren’t very well known or popular?
The number one place I like to visit is Grand Portage, the national monument, casino and the state parks. It’s the only state park that was formed with a collaboration from a tribe and a government entity. Also, it is home to the largest waterfall that is partially located in the US. Technically, half of the waterfall is located in Canada. It is a very tall and very beautiful waterfall. The paths are also handicapped accessible. It is a really great one for everyone to go to. Another place is George Crosby Manitou State Park, it is probably the least visited state park in the area. It’s not as fancy as Gooseberry but there is hardly anyone there.
Where are your favorite places to stay within the North Shore?
I love the Gunflint Trail, I love it so much that just last month we purchased property out there. Some of my other favorites are: Hungry Jack Lodge, Bearskin Lodge, Trail Center Lodge, Tuscarora Lodge, Voyageur Outfitters, Gunflint Lodge and Cascade Vacation Rentals. One of my favorites is Birch Lake Retreat through Cascade.
Do you ever go camping in the area and have any recommendations at what people should bring?
There is a new camping location called Black Beach in Silver Bay, you can camp right on Lake Superior and lie in your tent at night and listen to the waves. The Boundary Waters is another low impact place to go camping. It’s a really great way to really disconnect and be out in nature. There are light but warm packable sleeping bags, and hammocks to use. You also want to bring water, and a filtration system to use with the lake water. Pack as minimal as possible, there are often berries you can pick right on the trails. We have not gone camping yet on the podcast, but we have 3 camping trips planned. One will be a girls camping getaway, the second will be a family camping trip and the third I will be doing a solo trip into the Boundary Waters.
What are the best events to attend in the North Shore Area?
- The Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth. August 14-16 2020
- Bay Days in Silver Bay. July 10-12 2020
- Heritage Days. July 9-12 2020
- Fisherman’s picnic in Grand Marais. July 30-August 2nd 2020.
- Rendezvous Days in Grand Portage. August 6-August 8 2020
What are the best things to do during the off-season times such as Spring or Winter?
In the Winter there is snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, fishing and so much more. In the Spring once the snow melts, waterfall season starts. You can see dozens of waterfalls falling off the cliffs along the highway. The waterfalls in the state parks start cascading and it is a really pretty time of year.
What do you wish people knew about the North Shore and how can we protect the beauty and nature in the area?
The best thing is make sure to leave no trace whenever you visit. Anything you take in with you, bring it back out with you. Also leave the nature where it belongs. Pick up any and all trash and belongings to help keep everything clean. Also be careful when you are up here, read the signs about undertows and watch your step along the cliffs.
Do you have any goals for the podcast or the website that you would like to share?
The website is being used as a listing service and guide for stores, restaurants, things to do and more. For the podcast, we have been doing more traditional things so far and this year we are hoping to visit all of the State Parks, and more off the beaten path places. We also would like to go hiking along the Pow Wow Trail near Isabella.