Lake Superior Podcast: Recent Episodes
National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
We are made stronger by story and there’s no better source than the continent's largest body of freshwater, Lake Superior. Join hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara as they highlight the five National Parks that ring this Greatest of the Great Lakes; meeting the people, touring the places and learning about the projects that make these parks and body of water so remarkable. Brought to you by The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (https://nplsf.org). Theme song: King Whirl by David Huckfelt (https://www.davidhuckfelt.com/). Photo Credit: David Guttenfelder. Podcast sponsored by Café Imports, a Minneapolis-based importers of fine, specialty green coffees.
The first known map of Lake Superior was drawn by Virginian John Mitchell in 1755. Over the centuries, countless records of the shoreline, depths, lighthouses and communities have been published. But now, there’s another map in the works. This one by the United States Geological Survey. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Jamey Jones, Science Coordinator for the USGS’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiatives, or Earth MRI. He shares what this project hopes to accomplish, particularly when it comes to locating the area’s rare earth minerals and contributing to the publicly available data on metals deposits in the Lake Superior region. Tune in to learn more!
Webpage
- USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative – https://www.usgs.gov/earth-mapping-resources-initiative-earth-mri
Connect With Us:
- Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
The Gales of November is very real on the Great Lakes, known as the “Month of Storms.”
Some 550 wrecks lie on the bottom of Lake Superior, at least 200 along Superior’s Shipwreck Coast, a treacherous 80-Mile stretch with no safe harbor between Munising and Whitefish Point.
On November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald, a 728 foot freighter went down in a storm described as both blizzard and hurricane taking all 29 crew members to their grave. Made famous by the Gordon Lightfoot song, the wreck has remained a mystery for fifty years.
In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with maritime historian, author and lecturer Fred Stonehouse about that tragic night and what we have learned since her sinking and how her legacy has shaped maritime safety.
Key Takeaways
- The Edmund Fitzgerald Sank Fifty Years Ago — But Its Mystery EnduresMaritime historian Fred Stonehouse recounts how the 729-foot freighter Edmund Fitzgerald sank on November 10, 1975, about 15 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. The ship went down without a distress signal, and all 29 crew members were lost—leaving one of the Great Lakes’ most haunting mysteries.
- A Storm Described as Both a Blizzard and a Hurricane
The night the Fitzgerald went down, Lake Superior raged with winds exceeding 75 miles per hour—stronger than a Category 1 hurricane. As Fred explains, the storm “exceeded 75 miles an hour in wind, and a cat one hurricane’s only 74.” - Hubris and Hard Lessons on the Great Lakes
“This was a time when ships had the attitude that they can’t sink.”
Fred reflects on how the culture of Great Lakes shipping in the 1970s—driven by confidence and schedules—left little room for caution. The Fitzgerald’s loss changed that mindset forever, ushering in a new era of safety, respect, and humility toward Lake Superior. - The Edmund Fitzgerald at 50: A Tragedy That Changed Everything
“The world had changed in that instance when the Fitzgerald disappeared.”
The tragedy sparked widespread reforms—from new navigation technology and onboard stress monitoring systems to emergency response protocols. - The Ship That Became a Legend
“She has sailed from fact into legend of the Great Lakes.”
Fred explains how the Edmund Fitzgerald became immortalized through Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad, cultural memory, and even merchandise—from ornaments to craft beer. The ship’s story transcended history, turning into one of the most iconic Great Lakes legends. - An Underwater Graveyard and a Place of Reverence
Fred describes the Fitzgerald’s final resting place, protected by the Canadian government and closed to divers since 1989. It remains a solemn memorial to the men who perished that night and a reminder of Lake Superior’s power.
Connect With Us:
Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability. Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks: https://nplsf.org/donate
Biking in the Superior Country is more than just a way to get around—it’s a way of life. From gravel roads to rugged trails to family bike packing along Big Blue’s shoreline, the region offers two-wheeled adventure in every season. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Josh Rizzo, founder of thenxrth.com—an adventure site dedicated to unpaved cycling across three states--Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Josh shares how biking became a lifelong passion, and how he’s started bringing his kids along for multi-day trips. He tells what makes this corner of the world such a rich landscape for two-wheeled travel. Whether you’re a road, gravel, mountain or fat biker, or even just curious about the lure of riding, Josh’s stories are sure to inspire you to hop in the saddle.
Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:
-A Lifelong Love of Cycling Sparked by Childhood Adventures
“My earliest memories in life were on a bike.”
Josh Rizzo’s biking journey began with childhood rides along the Chippewa River State Trail with his dad and sisters—memories that shaped his passion for exploration and outdoor adventures.
-Why the Lake Superior Region Is a Cyclist’s Paradise
Josh highlights the appeal of the Lake Superior region for cyclists: scenic towns, abundant water routes, and endless opportunities for gravel biking, mountain biking, and bikepacking.
-Bikepacking as a Family Tradition—Even With a 10-Month-OldJosh and his family embrace adventure by bike—proving that even toddlers can be part of meaningful, challenging, and memorable outdoor experiences.
-Fat Biking Brings All Cyclists Together in WinterRegardless of their summer biking style, winter unites all cyclists—making fat biking a special part of the community and culture in the Northwoods.
-Thenxrth.com Is a Home for Off-Road Cycling AdventureJosh created the site to help others explore the region he loves, offering route guides, event listings, and community storytelling for all kinds of cyclists.
-Which State Is Best for Biking? It Depends. “I think Minnesota has the best gravel biking... Wisconsin owns the crown for fat biking... the Upper Peninsula is the adventure capital.”
Resources:
TheNxrth – Gravel, Fat, Mountain & Bikepacking Routes – https://www.thenxrth.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/the_nxrth/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thenxrth
Connect With Us:
Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks: https://nplsf.org/donate
Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Josh Rizzo share his lifelong passion for biking, what makes the Lake Superior region a cyclist’s dream, and how families of all ages can embrace adventure on two wheels.
Lake Superior is not only the largest of the Great Lakes, but the water quality is also some of the clearest. Yet, historically, the Lake was often a dumping ground for all kinds of debris. "Out of sight, out of mind” was an all-too-common mindset. Don Fassbender, president of Great Lakes Scuba Diving and Lake Preservation, has made it his life's mission to clean up Lake Superior’s underwater world. With volunteers, including fellow divers and kayakers, he estimates 14 tons of tires have been hauled up from Marquette MIchigan's Lower Harbor. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Don about how his mission started and the mysteries he's found below the surface.
Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:
A Lifelong Passion for Diving Inspired by Jacques Cousteau
“As a young man, I can recall racing home from school just so I wouldn't miss the undersea world of Jacques Cousteau.”
Vintage Diving Equipment Connects Divers More Intimately with the Water
“There's actually less things that can go wrong... Vintage kit would look like a tank, a regulator, some fins, maybe a wetsuit and a mask, and then you're off. No computers, no fancy gauges.”
Tons of Trash are Hidden Beneath Lake Superior
“We removed, what, 14 tons of tires out of Marquette Lower Harbor alone over a period of about five years. And there's still a lot of trash down there.”
Removing Underwater Debris is Complex and Laborious
Heavy items, poor visibility, and underwater hazards make cleanup efforts extremely challenging.
Why Tires are Prevalent in Lake Superior
“Tires were used as boat bumpers for years and years…as weather wears them down…they would just string another one up in its place.”
Community Involvement is Essential for Successful Cleanups
Volunteers on land, in boats, and even kayaks significantly contribute to cleanup missions.
Safety and Equipment Needs Drive Fundraising Efforts
Specialized gear and safety equipment are critical for diver safety and efficiency.
Surprising Finds Beneath the Surface Tell Unique Stories
“One of my favorite finds, a little diamond ring that was tied to a rock with a shoelace.” Every item retrieved from Lake Superior carries its own history, some humorous, some mysterious.
Resources:
- Great Lakes Scuba Divers
- https://greatlakesscubadivers.com
- Connect with Diver Don on Facebook
- https://www.facebook.com/DiverDonScuba
- https://www.facebook.com/GreatLakesScubaDivers
- Contact Don directly with cleanup leads
- Email: president@greatlakesscubadivers.com
Connect With Us:
- Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
- Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
- Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
- https://nplsf.org/donate
Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Diver Don Fassbender share firsthand experiences from beneath Lake Superior’s waters, the incredible teamwork required for environmental preservation, and how you can help protect the Great Lakes.
"If you didn’t grow it, you’ve got to mine it,” says John Jaszczak, Director and Curator of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum in Houghton, Michigan. Since 1838--just after Michigan became a state--geologists and miners have been collecting rock and mineral specimens as the first American Mining Rush began. Since 1855, those specimens were housed at Michigan Technological University, then known as Michigan College of Mines, making it one of the oldest museums not only in Michigan, but the Great Lakes region. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with John about the museum origins and what a visitor can find there.
Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:
The region’s history—from Indigenous use to mining booms to today’s tourism—stems from its globally unique native copper deposit.
“The reason we’re here is because of the geology. And because of copper in particular.”
What began as a teaching collection for Michigan Tech’s School of Mines became a public museum in 1902.
“The collection started in 1885 when the university started offering courses in mineralogy.”
From discovery tales to global expeditions, the museum presents minerals as more than geology.
“Some specimens have scientific stories. Some have personal stories. Some have adventure stories.”
Under ultraviolet light, otherwise ordinary-looking minerals burst into color.
“That’s the part where most people say, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect this.’”
John’s lifelong fascination with minerals led him to volunteer, then direct, the museum alongside his career in physics.
“I started collecting minerals when I was probably five or six years old... and I just loved it.”
From working with scientists around the world to publishing in mineralogical journals, the museum plays an active role in global discovery.
“There's something magical about being the first to describe and name something.”
The Keweenaw’s native copper is on display in museum-quality form that you can’t find anywhere else.
“We have the world’s best specimens of copper. No question about it.”
Resources:
- Visit the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum: https://museum.mtu.edu
- Explore Native Copper in the Keweenaw: https://www.mindat.org/museum-139.html
- Keweenaw National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/kewe/index.htm
Connect With Us:
- Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
- Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
Learn more: https://cafeimports.com - National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
https://nplsf.org/donate
Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Dr. John Jaszczak share the rich history of Michigan’s native copper legacy, how the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum became one of the nation’s premier mineral museums, and why its specimens continue to captivate visitors, researchers, and collectors from around the world.
Isle Royale National Park is the Great Lakes Mecca for backpackers. This archipelago of islands is also one of our most remote National Parks so preparing for a visit takes extra planning. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Chris Amidon, Supervisory Park Ranger for Interpretation and Visitor Services. He not only has tips for first-timers, but also has details on some new procedures, particularly when it comes to food storage.
Key Takeaways:
- Planning your experience shapes everything: “The first thing we ask is, what type of experience are you looking to have?” From backpacking and boating to lodge stays, your approach determines your transportation and gear.
- Getting to the island is part of the journey: “Part of the Isle Royale experience is the transportation to the island. It’s that extra step that most parks don’t have.”
- Food storage regulations have changed:Starting in 2025, visitors are required to use approved food storage containers due to wildlife activity near camps and harbors.
- Wildlife sightings are rare but magical:“Encountering a moose is a really magical moment and I remember backpacking a trip I did with my daughter... those are the types of experiences that Isle Royale offer just by putting yourself in this remote island setting.”
- Most of Isle Royale is federally designated wilderness:99% of the park is wilderness, meaning motorized equipment is limited—adding to both its preservation and the physical demands of upkeep.
- The Artist-in-Residence program reveals new perspectives:“The Artist-in-Residence Program… that’s kind of my, I would say, my soft spot.” From Shakespearean sonnets to ceramic bark impressions, Chris helps curate a mix of art forms that deepen understanding of the island.
- Visitation may be low, but the planning is intense:Only about 20,000 people visit Isle Royale each year—and most come during just three months—putting pressure on resources and requiring detailed planning.
Resources:
- Isle Royale National Park – Plan your visit
https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm - Ranger III Ferry & Seaplane Info –
https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/directions.htm - Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Program –
https://www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/artist-in-residence.htm
Connect With Us:
- Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
- Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
Learn more: https://cafeimports.com - National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
https://nplsf.org/donate
Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Chris Amidon share essential guidance for visitors, the inside story on Artist-in-Residence selections, and the quiet power of a sunrise over Feltman Lake.
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.com - Visit Cook County – Plan your trip: https://www.visitcookcounty.com
Connect With Us:
- Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
- 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
Long before the Keweenaw Peninsula became a destination for hikers, bikers, and Lake Superior rock hounds, it was the stage for a national copper rush. Shortly after Michigan became a state in 1837, Geologist Douglas Houghton was sent to Copper Harbor to explore reports from Native Americans about copper in the region. By 1844, Fort Wilkins was built to be the military base helping to keep the peace as fortune-seekers came to the state’s most northern port.
In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Barry James, Upper Peninsula historian with the Michigan History Center, about the fascinating past—and present—of this historic state park. From the 1840s copper rush chaos to Civil War reenactments, as well as lighthouse tours and tales of shipwrecks, Fort Wilkins remains a living classroom with extensive youth programs. Join us as we explore the enduring significance of this frontier fort—and the people working to keep its stories alive.
Key Takeaways:
- Fort Wilkins was built in the mid-19th century in Copper Harbor to maintain law and order during the copper rush.
- The fort served as a frontier military post, supporting mining operations and maritime navigation in one of the most remote regions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- The Copper Harbor Lighthouse and range lights were established in response to early shipwrecks, including the 1844 wreck of the John Jacob Astor, which supplied Fort Wilkins.
- Today, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park’s heritage site network and offers youth camps, Civil War reenactments, and public education programs.
- Barry James and the Michigan History Center are working to expand exhibits, including a new display on how Fort Wilkins became a state park in 1923.
Notable Quotes:
- “What it really represents is an excellent example of a mid-19th century military post as the United States was expanding westward.”
- “The Astor was the first wreck on Lake Superior in 1844. The military realized that their lifeline could be easily snapped.”
- “We also offer a living history program that's been ongoing since 1976, where we have costumed interpreters within the fort that represent the last occupation at Fort Wilkins, the summer of 1870.”
- “We’ve got 19 buildings on site, but 12 are original, dating back to the 1840s. So people can go into these buildings, look at the exhibits. We have period rooms with furniture and interpretation of the period.”
- “To get on the National Register of Historic Places, you really have to have something significant with the historic site, so that says enough right there.”
Resources:
- Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: https://www.michigan.gov/mhc/museums/fwchl
- Michigan History Center: https://www.michigan.gov/mhc
- Keweenaw National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/kewe
Connect With Us:
- Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
- 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
Winter Study at Isle Royale National Park has a decades long history, but just a few scientists ever get the chance to spend time on this isolated archipelago in Lake Superior. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with one of those fortunate ones, Johnathan Pauli, Professor in the Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin Madison. From tracking foxes and martens to unraveling a centuries-old survival story, Johnathan shares how studying this wilderness in winter reveals secrets a summer visitor would never experience. Join us for a conversation about science, survival, and what makes Isle Royale National Park a critical refuge for wildlife.
Key Takeaways:
- Winter Study at Isle Royale has been going on for over 60 years, originally launched to monitor moose and wolf populations and now expanded to include other animals such as martens, foxes, and snowshoe hares.
- Winter presents extreme challenges and rich insights, including long days in deep snow, cold exposure, and tracking animals over miles of off-trail terrain.
- Snowshoe hares follow a 10-year boom-and-bust cycle, which helped explain the survival story of Angelique Mott in 1845, when she struggled to trap hares during a population crash.
- Isle Royale functions as a modern-day “refugium,” because it is more buffered from human development and invasive species, making it an ideal site for long-term conservation and research.
Notable Quotes:
- “Winter is a period of nutritional and resource deficits. It’s a really important time to study these winter-adapted organisms.”
- “I love to say that there’s no anonymity in winter.”
- “Refugia is something near and dear to my heart. These islands, Isle Royale and the Apostle Islands, really represent these interesting test beds for the concept of refugia.”
- “It’s really important work. It’s really hard work. But it’s also really exciting. There’s a lot of complexity of emotions you have while you’re skiing these trails.”
- “Sometimes what you see in the tracks can be almost as exciting as seeing some of these critters in person.”
Resources:
- Jonathan Pauli’s Research Group – Learn more about his work at UW–Madison:
https://pauli.russell.wisc.edu/ - Isle Royale National Park – Explore the park and its natural history:
https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Discover another key research site:
https://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm
Connect With Us:
- Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
- 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
Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Jonathan Pauli’s firsthand stories of survival, science, and what Isle Royale reveals in the silence of winter.
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/podcast
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation
Sponsors:
- 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.
Since the 1940’s, Lake Trout have been extinct in all of the Great Lakes except Lake Superior. Pressure from commercial fishing as well as the invasion of sea lamprey devastated this native species, and the population in Lake Superior also suffered. For three generations an international team of scientists has been working to restore healthy Lake Trout populations in all the Great Lakes. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Shawn Sitar, Fisheries Research Biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to update the status of Lake Trout in Lake Superior.
Key Takeaways:
- Shawn Sitar explains his deep connection to Lake Superior, describing it as his hometown and emphasizing its pristine, natural state.
- He outlines how Lake Superior stands out among the Great Lakes - not only as the largest by surface area but also as the deepest - making it a unique ecosystem.
- The episode details the historical collapse of lake trout populations due to overfishing and invasive species, and highlights the international recovery efforts led by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
- Shawn discusses the three-prong approach to lake trout recovery: suppression of sea lampreys, controlled fishing, and hatchery stocking.
- He also addresses the challenges posed by climate change and evolving research techniques, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and adaptive management.
Notable Quotes:
- "I realized I look at Lake Superior as my hometown. I love that."
- "It is the largest lake on the earth in terms of surface area. So that's the statistics there. Lake Superior is also the deepest among the Great Lakes."
- "In fact, lake trout were extinct in all the Great Lakes except Lake Superior."
- “By the 1960s, if we look at Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, the absence of lake trout, the top boss in the system, created a lot of havoc. And during that time period in the late 50s and 60s and 70s, there was another invasive called the alewife, which is a small oily fish from the Atlantic Ocean that came up. And it just basically boomed in the Great Lakes."
- "During my career working on Lake Superior and the Great Lakes, I've already seen surface temperatures increase from when I started till now. There's a lot of variation around it. And I think there's already research ongoing to assess the impact."
Resources:
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources Website: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr
- Great Lakes Fishery Commission Website: http://www.glfc.org
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation Website: https://nplsf.org
- Documentary “Fish Thief”: https://www.thefishthief.com/
Connect With Us:
- Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/NPLSF
Sponsors:
- Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more: https://cafeimports.com/
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org
Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Shawn Sitar’s in-depth insights on the lake trout recovery efforts, the unique characteristics of Lake Superior, and the ongoing challenges and innovations in Great Lakes fisheries research.
Winter can be a sleepy time at the National Parks on Lake Superior, but at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising, Michigan, visitors come to snowmobile, mush dogs, snowshoe, fish and cross-country ski. But the biggest event to bring folks into the park is the Michigan Ice Fest. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Ice Fest organizer Bill Thompson about the event and what makes Pictured Rocks such a Mecca for the sport.
Key Takeaways:
- The Michigan Ice Fest has grown from a small gathering in 1991 to an internationally recognized event, drawing over 1,100 participants from 38 states and seven countries.
- Ice climbing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with ice formations over open water that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
- Ice Fest caters to all skill levels, from beginners as young as eight to seasoned climbers, with professional athletes providing instruction and inspiration at the event.
- Even in warmer winters with limited ice, the festival continues as an educational and community event, showcasing presentations and fostering camaraderie.
- The event’s unique location, accessibility, and passionate community make it a cornerstone of adventure tourism in Munising, Michigan.
Notable Quotes:
- “With the advent of social media and a few professional athletes spreading the word, there’s nowhere in the world that you can go ice climbing over open water, with crashing waves and the beauty of Lake Superior.”
- “Ice climbing is a sport for anyone looking to go out, have an adventure, and try something new.”
- “Ice climbing takes you places that not a lot of people in this world can get to.”
- “Our safety system is really thought out. Instead of focusing on, ‘Oh man, I’m high,’ I’m focusing on the ice in front of me. You have all of these interesting patterns of ice, you can hear the water trickling behind it, so the sounds are very unique. It’s just really, really special."
Resources:
- Michigan Ice Fest Website (michiganicefest.com) – Learn more about the event, clinics, and presentations.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm) – Explore the beauty of this unique park.
- Ice Climbing Safety and Equipment (michiganicefest.com/information/festival-planning/safety/) – Better nderstand the gear and precautions used at the festival.
Connect With Us:
- Website: (nplsf.org/podcast)
- Facebook:(facebook.com/NPLSF)
- LinkedIn:(linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation)
Sponsors:
- Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993.(cafeimports.com).
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at(nplsf.org).
Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Bill Thompson’s incredible stories of adventure, community, and ice climbing at one of the most unique national parks in the world.
New Year Resolutions, if you don’t make them, chances are you thought about it. But do those promises keep? In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Bugsy Sailor, the Official Unofficial Ambassador of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Bugsy shares how a resolution he made on January 1, 2019, changed his life.
Key Takeaways:
- Bugsy Sailor captures daily sunrises around Lake Superior, embracing nature’s raw beauty and the unpredictability of the seasons.
- His commitment to photographing every sunrise since 2019 highlights the power of routine, resilience, and creative passion in overcoming challenges.
- Bugsy emphasizes the importance of embracing inclement weather, breaking stereotypes that sunrises must always be "beautiful and majestic."
- Through his Sunrise Gallery and community engagement, Bugsy fosters a deeper connection between people and nature, inspiring others to watch more sunrises.
- His solo adventures and reflections on accountability demonstrate how setting measurable goals can cultivate positive habits and a mindful approach to life.
Notable Quotes:
- “It always keeps things fresh. There's a ton of variety within our seasons and on the shores of Lake Superior.”
- “I think if you start with sunrise and you get up and out the door to watch sunrise, it makes the day attainable. You at least started it on the right foot and can give yourself that potential to live that day to the fullest.”
- “It's just getting up to that water and that, that impact of being connected with nature every day.”
Resources:
- Bugsy Sailor on Year of the Sunrise: yearofthesunrise.com
- Upper Peninsula Supply Company: upsupply.co
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: nplsf.org
Be sure to tune in to this inspiring episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Bugsy Sailor’s incredible journey of capturing sunrises, his resilience in the face of challenges, and his passion for connecting with nature on a daily basis.
Connect With Us:
- Website: Lake Superior Podcast
- Facebook: National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
- LinkedIn: NPLSF on LinkedIn
The forests that ring Lake Superior are some of the most magical on the continent. At the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, in Copper Harbor, you’ll find the Estivant Pines. This 570 acres of old-growth pine has lured hikers for decades. But saving this stand of ancient timber was no small feat.
It started over 50 years ago and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with photographer and forester Charles Esshbach from Houghton, Michigan, about his work to protect one of the Upper Peninsula’s most remarkable natural treasures.
Tune in to learn how his story of conservation--from skiing in deep snow with his camera to the cooperation of classrooms around the region--has inspired generations.
Key Takeaways:
- The Estivant Pines are one of the last contiguous stands of old-growth white pines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with some trees towering over 150 feet and dating back 500 years.
- Grassroots efforts, including a committee of 17 citizens and even fundraising by schoolchildren, were critical to saving the sanctuary from logging in the 1970s.
- Photography played a pivotal role in raising awareness, with Charles documenting the pines’ beauty and the destruction they faced, galvanizing public support.
- The sanctuary’s preservation has inspired generations, creating a deeper understanding of the value of conserving natural habitats for future generations.
- Conservation efforts have not only saved the forest but also educated the public, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in the region.
Notable Quotes:
- “You always know your backyard the best, and the Keweenaw is my backyard.”
- “The kids led the way. School children raised money, from quarters dropped in buckets to can drives, to save these trees.”
- “These trees are four to five hundred years old. It’s amazing that they’re still there.”
- “Our little committee of seventeen people persevered through countless setbacks.”
- “This is a piece of history - a legacy of what we’ve preserved and achieved.”
Resources:
- Estivant Pines Sanctuary Information: Estivant Pines (https://www.michigannature.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=locationgallery&action=listing&listing=110)
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: NPLSF Website (https://www.nplsf.org/)
Be sure to tune in to this inspiring episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Charles’s incredible story of conservation and community dedication.
Connect With Us:
- Website: Lake Superior Podcast
- Facebook: National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
- LinkedIn: NPLSF on LinkedIn
Since time began humans have been foragers. Survival depended on connecting to the natural world. Today, when most of our food comes from a grocery store or is eaten in a restaurant, that link has been lost. But not for Tim Clemens. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tim, a professional forager and founder of Ironwood Foraging about how he’s helping people connect with nature; and not in the middle of the forest or farm country, but near his urban home of Minneapolis.
Key Takeaways:
- Foraging is not limited to rural or wilderness areas—urban environments, like the parks and green spaces in Minneapolis, offer surprising edible treasures.
- Learning to identify wild edibles is key to safe foraging, and local foraging groups or societies can be invaluable resources for beginners.
- Tim emphasizes the importance of indigenous traditions and thinking long-term, such as planting trees for future generations, in the practice of foraging.
- Foraging creates a deeper connection to the natural world, making people more mindful stewards of the environment by seeing it not just as scenery, but as a source of sustenance.
- Foraging is becoming increasingly popular, moving beyond farm-to-table into forest-to-table, and gaining recognition in both local communities and top-tier restaurants.
Notable Quotes:
- "Foraging has gotten so much more popular, and just like the farm-to-table movement, the next iteration of that is the forest-to-table movement or the prairie-to-table movement."
- "You need to identify the species you're trying to eat before you eat it. You really should identify something first because there are things that can hurt you."
- "When you’re foraging, suddenly it's your blueberry patch... it's not just a backdrop for human activity anymore. You’re going to be attached to individual trees...and you're just going to be a better naturalist for that."
- "For most of the year, I don't buy rice because I harvest my own. There are things I never buy anymore. I don't buy fruit, I don't buy greens, I don't buy mushrooms, and I don't buy nuts."
- "We have folks who have backgrounds in biology like myself and folks who have backgrounds in graphic design. There's room for all those people and a need for all those people because we need people to balance our budgets, fix our computers, design our graphics."
Resources:
- Ironwood Foraging Website: https://ironwoodforaging.com/
- Minnesota Mycological Society: https://minnesotamycologicalsociety.org/
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: https://www.nplsf.org/
Be sure to tune in to this insightful episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to learn more about the art of foraging and how you can reconnect with the environment through this ancient practice.
You can also learn more about foraging and the interview here: https://www.nplsf.org/foraging-podcast-interview
Connect With Us:
- Website: https://www.nplsf.org/lake-superior-podcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation/
Witnessing the Northern Lights checks a bucket-list for many. The first time you see the sky erupt in waves of pulsing white, green, red, or even blue light makes lifelong memories. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Astrophysics Graduate Student Ogetay Kayali from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. Ogetay shares not only why we seem to be experiencing the Northern Lights more frequently, but also how to better take advantage of the experience with our cameras.
Key Takeaways:
- The northern lights are at their peak due to the solar maximum, a phenomenon that happens every 11 years, increasing the likelihood of bright auroras.
- The colors in the northern lights, ranging from green to red and purple, are caused by the interaction of solar particles with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere.
- With advances in technology, it's easier than ever to capture the auroras on cameras, even smartphones, though understanding camera settings like ISO and exposure can enhance the quality of your photos.
- Dark skies are critical for viewing the northern lights, and the Lake Superior region offers excellent vantage points for experiencing this natural wonder away from city lights.
- The best time to see the lights is during winter months with longer nights, and checking the moon's phase can also help—new moons provide the darkest skies for optimal viewing.
Quotes:
- "We are currently at solar maximum, so we are expecting lots of solar storms that hit the Earth and cause northern lights. That's pretty normal. Every 11 years that happens" – Ogetay Kayali
- "If you have a camera, first try to learn using it. If you have a mobile camera, go to the darkest place you can and use long exposures to collect more light." – Ogetay Kayali
- "Take that chance, even when the forecast looks cloudy...you've got to try it." – Ogetay Kayali
Resources:
- For daily astronomical insights and stunning celestial images, visit NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html).
- To learn more about designated dark sky parks and optimal stargazing locations, visit Dark Sky Parks near Lake Superior (https://darksky.org/places/keweenaw-michigan-dark-sky-park/).
- For more information about NPLSF, visit National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (nplsf.org)
Don’t miss this captivating episode as Ogatai Kayali, an astrophysics graduate student, explains the science behind the Northern Lights and why we’ve been seeing them more frequently along Lake Superior. Tune in for an in-depth look at the solar cycles, photography tips, and how Lake Superior’s dark skies provide some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world.
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.
For those who have backpacked Isle Royale, you know it’s a rugged place. Imagine carrying a 20 pound camera and wooden tripod around, along with a stash of 4x5 black and white film. In 1967, Tom Haas, a 19 year old college student from Connecticut was on a mission with the National Park Service to photograph the island. Most of his travel was done by kayak and over the course of 20 years he captured 3,000 black and white images.
Now, nearly 5 decades later and with help from his wife Jeannie Thoren, the couple have published a book, “Isle Royale, A Photographer’s Circumnavigation 1967-1987.” In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tom about his book and the people and places he captured leaving lasting memories at Isle Royale.
Key Takeaways:
- Tom Haas' passion for Isle Royale shines through in his meticulously captured black and white photographs, showcasing the island's timeless beauty.
- The book Isle Royale: A Photographer's Circumnavigation, 1967 to 1987 offers a glimpse into the rich history and captivating landscapes of Isle Royale.
- Tom's unique perspective as a longtime visitor and photographer provides a deep understanding of the island's evolution and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.
- The intimate portraits of fishing communities and natural landscapes captured by Tom Haas offer a poignant reflection on the vibrant history of Isle Royale.
- Through his work, Tom Haas encourages visitors to slow down, immerse themselves in the island's splendor, and embrace the beauty of Isle Royale at a leisurely pace.
Notable Quotes:
- "You don't have to be in a rush or cover a lot of ground to see a lot." - Tom Haas
- "Isle Royale is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature and history in a unique way." - Tom Haas
- "Photography is not just about capturing images; it's about building trust, forming connections, and telling stories that resonate with the soul." - Tom Haas
- "Each photograph in the book reflects a moment frozen in time, preserving the essence of Isle Royale for future generations to cherish." - Tom Haas
- "The beauty of Isle Royale lies not just in its landscapes, but in the resilient spirit of its inhabitants and the timeless stories woven into its fabric." - Tom Haas
Resources:
- Tom Haas Photography Website: Tom Haas Photography
Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of Isle Royale through the lens of photographer and author Tom Haas. Listen to the full episode for a profound exploration of the park's history, beauty, and enduring legacy
While we see trucks and trains moving freight around the country, goods are also traveling by freighter, and some of those ships are 1,000 feet long. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sam Hankinson, Development Coordinator at the Port of Monroe about the health of Great Lakes shipping and how we can learn more about what’s cruising out on the water.
Key Takeaways:
- Great Lakes vessels can haul as much cargo in one trip as hundreds of rail cars or thousands of trucks, showcasing their efficiency and importance.
- The seasonality of Great Lakes shipping includes winter layup for maintenance and upkeep, ensuring the reliability of vessels during the active shipping season.
- Despite the age of some ships, proper maintenance and care can prolong their lifespan, highlighting the durability of vessels in freshwater environments.
- The tight-knit maritime community of the Great Lakes region comes together in times of need, exemplified by the prompt and collaborative response to maritime incidents.
- Resources such as the Marine Traffic app provide real-time vessel tracking, allowing enthusiasts and observers to monitor ship movements and identify passing vessels.
Notable Quotes:
- "These vessels are carrying the iron ore that's going into steelmaking… They're doing everything. They're carrying the building blocks of America."
- "These ships exist to move cargo, people make their livelihoods on the Great Lakes… when stuff goes wrong and people are in danger, our industry stands up, our community stands up."
- "The winter layup period is a very important time… to prepare vessels for the next season and the seasons beyond."
- "When you start tracking them, you will get it down to a science of how far away they are, when they're going to show up, and when the next one will be coming by."
- "There is nothing wrong with traveling to a place like Duluth, Marquette, or Sault Ste. Marie… just sitting down by the water and waiting for the boats to go by and enjoying it at your own speed."
Resources:
- National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
- Marine Traffic app
Don't miss out on the captivating insights and stories shared in this episode of the Lake Superior podcast. Tune in to the full episode for a deep dive into the world of shipping on the Great Lakes and discover more enriching content from the podcast series.
Music. Why is it important? For most--on a personal level--music stirs feelings, memories and sensations. But sharing music is also a way to for people to connect, bond thoughts and emotions when words won’t do. Lake Superior’s waves have been making their own melodies since time began, but the Big Blue also ranks a centuries old magnet luring musicians of all types to the shores to strum and sing. That tradition continues in Lutsen, on Minnesota’s north shore. Coming up July 18-21, 2024, Cook county will host the 3rd annual Lutsong Music Festival. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Lutsong co-founder Scott Schuler about the evolution of this boutique music festival and how a county of just 5,000 people has been able to attract such quality musicians.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lutsong Music Festival is a unique event showcasing Americana music, singer-songwriters, and stringed instruments against the backdrop of Lake Superior.
- The festival offers a mix of genres, from post-punk to jazz, with a focus on intimate performances and a communal campfire experience.
- Community support and partnerships with local businesses contribute to the festival's success, maintaining a grassroots and word-of-mouth approach.
- Special activities like morning hikes with a mycologist, foraging experiences, and a metal sculptor's ceremonial burn add to the festival's charm.
- Scott Schuler emphasizes the importance of maintaining the festival's intimate and magical vibe while considering future growth and venue options.
Notable Quotes:
- "It gets to be an easy sell. Once other people experience and get past it." - Scott Schuler
- "We try to keep that the best that we can. It hasn't changed a whole lot yet, although we doubled the second year what we did the first year." - Scott Schuler
- "A lot going on up here. The food's great. And there's so many other things to do while you're up here." - Scott Schuler
Resources:
- Lutsong Music Festival Website (https://lutsongmusicfestival.com/)
Make sure to check out the Lutsong Music Festival in Lutsen, Minnesota, for a unique Americana music experience against the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior. Listen to the full episode for more insights and stay tuned for engaging content from the Lake Superior podcast.
A backpacking trip to Isle Royale heads up the Bucket List for many, but with 165 miles of trails and 36 campsites, planning a trip can be overwhelming, particularly for first-timers. Experience counts. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with veteran backpacker Jon Prain, known as the Isle Royale Guy, he shares tips about his decades of trips to this remote island park.
Key Takeaways:
- Emphasize the value of slowing down and fully immersing oneself in the natural beauty of Isle Royale.
- Encourage first-time visitors to prioritize preparedness, lightweight gear, and self-rescue skills for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Highlight the impact of changing weather conditions on trip planning and stress the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
- Discuss the spiritual connection and sense of tranquility that can be found in the remoteness of Isle Royale.
- Recommend early booking, gear testing, and practicing hiking skills in advance to enhance the overall backpacking experience.
Notable Quotes:
- "Isle Royale really is remote. You have to be ready to do self-rescue, self-first aid if something goes wrong."
- "Prepare for the extremes in weather and for any type of weather because it could happen no matter what the forecast said."
- "Every year, I get that gear out, I check it, I test it, I work with it just to make sure it's all there and it's all working."
- "Less is more. If you see less of the island and really spend time focusing on it, you're actually going to get more out of it."
Resources:
- Jon Prain's Website
- National Park Service - Isle Royale National Park
For more insightful discussions and expert advice on exploring the beauty of Isle Royale National Park, tune in to the full episode and discover the wonders waiting for you in this picturesque wilderness destination. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time visitor, Jon Prain's insights and experiences offer a valuable guide for making the most of your Isle Royale adventure.
Jerry Dennis is one of the country’s most prolific outdoor writers. With by-lines in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Orion, American Way, Michigan Quarterly Review, and Gray's Sporting Journal as well as 13 books--and most recently a new edition of “The Living Great Lakes: Searching the Heart of the Island Seas”--to his credit, he is forever finding stories to tell about the Midwest’s waters. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with this seasoned writer about his experiences on Lake Superior, and his deep connection to the water and the natural world that has fueled his writing for four decades.
Key Takeaways:
- Jerry Dennis has always been passionate about writing and the outdoors, and he realized he could combine these interests by writing about his outdoor experiences.
- "The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas" is a book that explores the history, ecology, and personal experiences of the Great Lakes, with a focus on Lake Superior.
- Dennis believes in connecting with readers on an emotional level and inspiring them to protect and appreciate the natural world.
- He emphasizes the importance of experiencing the Great Lakes firsthand and taking the time to observe and appreciate their beauty and significance.
- Dennis is currently working on a collection of poems and a new and selected book of essays, which will include his favorite essays from his previous works.
Quotes:
- "I wanted to write about the things that I care about. That was my goal right from the beginning." - Jerry Dennis
- "Everything is wondrous. And if we can reconnect with those perceptions of childhood, then it becomes clear to you how wonderful it is." - Jerry Dennis
- "When people feel a connection with a place, then they want to protect it." - Jerry Dennis
Resource:
- Jerry Dennis' Website - https://jerrydennis.net/
To listen to the full episode and explore more enlightening content from the Lake Superior podcast, visit our website or your preferred podcast platform. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring fascinating guests and stories about the Great Lakes and Lake Superior.
When it comes to kayaking this Sweetwater Sea, a paddler has 2,726 miles of spectacular shoreline to explore as well as three National Parks: Isle Royale, Apostle Islands and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores. But it’s also a destination where paddlers need to prepare. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Aidan Lee, owner of Trek & Trail in Bayfield, Wisconsin, talks with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara not only about the best places to visit on a day trip, but also shares how to extend your stay and camp among the Apostles Islands. He also emphasizes the ever-changing moods of Lake Superior and the importance of keeping safe on the water. Whether you are a beginner or experienced paddler, you’ll learn tips and highlights about paddling adventures on this greatest of the Great Lakes.
Key Takeaways:
- Lake Superior offers a unique and magical experience for kayakers, with its clean and clear waters and diverse ecosystems.
- Sea kayaking on Lake Superior requires proper gear, including a sea kayak with bulkheads, appropriate clothing for cold water, and safety equipment such as bilge pumps and paddle floats.
- The Apostle Islands are a paradise for paddlers, with 21 islands each offering their own character and natural beauty.
- Safety and risk assessment are crucial when kayaking on Lake Superior, as the weather and conditions can change rapidly.
- Training and experience are important for kayakers, and it is recommended to paddle with a buddy and have knowledge of weather patterns and navigation.
Notable Quotes:
- "Kayaking, for me, has always been the best way to connect with Lake Superior and just water in general. It's a graceful way to navigate the ever-changing environment." - Aidan Lee
- "Lake Superior is not to be taken for granted. It can show its colors quickly, and it's important to have humility and knowledge of weather patterns." - Aidan Lee
Resource:
- Trek and Trail Sea Kayaking (https://www.trek-trail.com/) - Aidan Lee's sea kayaking company in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Listen to the full episode and learn more about kayaking on Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Stay tuned for more engaging and informative episodes from the Lake Superior podcast.
Changing climate is impacting Lake Superior. The lack of ice cover this past winter effects coastal erosion, water levels, fish populations and wildlife. Plus, the unseasonably warm weather has economic and cultural impacts on the shoreline communities as well. But what can be done? In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tyler Penrod, Program Manager at the Lake Superior Watershed Partnership. He has a plan and a list of projects in the works with the Great Lakes Climate Corps to make a difference.
Key Takeaways:
- The lack of ice cover on Lake Superior due to warm temperatures has significant consequences, including coastal erosion, impacts on fish populations, and increased vulnerability to powerful waves and wind.
- The warming trend in Lake Superior and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has led to changes in ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and recreational activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.
- The Superior Watershed Partnership's Great Lakes Climate Corps program employs seasonal staff to work on projects related to climate change, including tree planting, wildfire prevention, and coastal resiliency.
- Planting native trees, making energy efficiency upgrades, and engaging in composting and gardening are individual actions that can contribute to mitigating climate change and building resilience.
- Collaboration between different stakeholders, including tribes, government agencies, and nonprofits, is crucial in addressing climate change and its impacts on lake communities.
Notable Quotes:
- "Climate change isn't a far off, distant idea. There's aspects of it that are impacting us here today." - Tyler Penrod
- "These are all issues that we can be proactive about. Community planning, government planning, can go behind a lot of these issues to help us avoid them or adapt to them when they arrive." - Tyler Penrod
Resources:Superior Watershed Partnership website: https://superiorwatersheds.org/
Listen to the full episode of the Lake Superior podcast to gain more insights into the impact of climate change on Lake Superior and the efforts being made by the Superior Watershed Partnership to address these challenges. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and valuable content from the podcast.
Lake Superior is home to an estimated 550 shipwrecks, with approximately half of them still undiscovered. In this episode of the Lake Superior podcast, hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Dan Fountain, author, shipwreck historian, and researcher, about his lifelong passion for exploring Superior's depths and uncovering the stories behind these sunken vessels. He shares the challenges of finding shipwrecks in these vast and deep waters and explains the process of using side scanning sonar to locate them. Dan also recounts his latest discovery, the Arlington, a shipwreck with a unique and tragic story. This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the history hidden beneath Lake Superior’s surface.
Lake Superior tops the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem as well as the longest deep-draft inland waterway, extending from Duluth, Minnesota, to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Atlantic Ocean. Roughly 10,000 cargo ships pass through the Soo Locks every year. When it comes to protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species, monitoring the ballast water on these cargo ships is key. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Phyllis Green, former Superintendent at Isle Royale National Park as well as board member of the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, about ballast water and what is being done on both US and Canadian shores to protect Lake Superior.
Unseasonably warm weather along Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie to Grand Portage has canceled a host of winter events from sled dog and cross-country ski races to snowmobile rides and ice fishing tournaments. But it’s not just tourism that has been effected by mild temperatures. After 65 years of monitoring wolf and moose populations at Isle Royale--the longest predator-prey study in history--scientists had to suspend their 7 week Winter Study because of challenges accessing the island. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Dr. Sarah Hoy, Research Assistant and Professor at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. She explains the logistics and challenges of working on this remote archipelago in winter and what the cancelation means to the bank of data collected and predictions for the future.
Craig Blacklock first started taking pictures when he was nine years old, following his father, Les Blacklock, a pioneering nature photographer. By the time he was 15, he had graduated to capturing images on a large format 4x5 camera. Over his career, his award winning photos have been published in books, calendars and exhibits. He has been called the "Ansel Adams of Lake Superior," and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Craig from his home in Moose Lake, Minnesota, about his six decades of working on and around Lake Superior and the inspiration for his newest book, “Light Waves.”
Grand Portage National Monument in northern Minnesota sits right in the middle of the Canoe Capital of the World. The National Park has many boats on display, from smaller crafts used for gathering rice and hunting to huge Voyageur canoes used to haul thousands of pounds of furs to Montreal. Every summer visitors come to the park not only to learn more about the fur trade, but to also learn the secrets of how these age-old boats were built. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Grand Portage Ranger Karl Koster about what it takes—from materials to technique—to construct an authentic birch bark canoe.
Christmas Eve, 1913, was a tragic night in Calumet, Michigan. 73 people—59 of them children--were killed when someone falsely yelled, “Fire,” at a crowded Christmas party on the second floor of the Italian Hall setting off a deadly stampede. The disaster occurred five months into a crippling labor strike between Western Federation of Miners Union workers and the Calumet Hecla Mining Company.
Now, 110 years later, Beth Kirschner has written about the historic labor dispute and what has been called the Italian Hall Massacre in her novel, “Copper Divide.”
In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Beth, who works as a software engineer, about the 1913 Copper Strike and how the Keweenaw Peninsula’s history inspires her writing.
78 lighthouses circle Lake Superior, 42 of those navigational aids dot the Michigan shoreline. Au Sable Point Light Station in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore ranks one of the most popular. Built in 1874, it stands 86’ tall and the original third-order Fresnel lens could beam a light as far as 17 miles out on Superior.
Pictured Rocks’ Hannah Bradburn, Visual Information Specialist, and Ranger Emma Olechnowicz often lead tours to the Light Station and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, they talk with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara about the history of the Light Station and plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
Lake Superior is one of the fastest warming lakes in the world. And when it comes to getting people’s attention about the warming, film is a powerful medium. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with film maker John Shepard about his upcoming documentary, “A Sea Change for Lake Superior.” John shares what his team at the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University is doing to get the world out and ways we can be better stewards to protect our fresh water.
As daylight hours begin to wane, the darkest months of the year are ahead. For many, it means more time to get outside and pay attention to what’s happening through the night in our sky. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with John Mueller at the historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Named an official International Dark Sky Park, John shares what the Lodge has done to earn that distinction and even more important, what happens to the planet when you keep the night dark.
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.
Isle Royale ranks the most remote of the five National Parks on Lake Superior. Only two ways to get there; by boat or sea plane. Whether you go by air or water, weather rules. Guests of this podcast concur, "Lake Superior is always the boss.” In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Isle Royale Sea Planes Chief Pilot Tomas Sowles about the charm and challenge of flying visitors to one of the world's most remote wilderness areas.
When looking for a place to renew, refresh, reset, where do you go? The fresh air and endless horizon of Lake Superior have long created a place for folks to come to heal, contemplate change, and be inspired forward. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast Walt Lindala and Frida Waara meet New York artist Victoria Manganiello and learn about time alone at Rabbit Island, as the Artist in Residence.
Lake Superior’s fur trade dates back to the 16th century and the best place to get an understanding of that rich history is a visit to Minnesota’s Grand Portage National Monument. For most people, the best way to learn is by doing and since 1972, volunteers have been coming together to commemorate the annual Fur Trade Rendezvous with re-enactments and workshops to experience life in the 1790’s. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn more about the annual Rendezvous, held the second weekend in August, from Anna Deschampe, Grand Portage’s Chief of Interpretation, and a lifelong Rendezvous participant.
On July 23, 1913, life changed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and for union workers across the country. It was on that date that roughly 9,000 copper miners walked off the job in the Keweenaw peninsula protesting working conditions and wages. The strike lasted 8 months and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Jo Holt, historian at the Keweenaw Historical Park, about what was happening in Calumet 110 years ago and its impact on the labor movement in America.
A walk on the beach is good medicine for the soul, and Lake Superior’s sandy shores make for the perfect place to take a stroll. But every spring and summer, sections of shoreline are not open to the public, and for a very important reason. In this episode of Lake Superior podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Peggy Burkman, biologist at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore about the work she and her team do to help a tiny shorebird, the piping plover.
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Studying the wildlife of the Great Lakes Region is fascinating. The ebb and flow of populations from moose and wolves to plovers and brook trout have kept biologists circling Lake Superior for centuries. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn about a mammal rarely seen in our woods but key to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Jonathan Pauli, Professor of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin Madison has been documenting the Pine Marten and its recovery. He shares more about the homes and habits of this furry critter.
For over a century, Lake Superior has been a region for sled dogs. First as a reliable way to deliver mail, and more recently as a competitive winter sport. In fact, among the five national parks, four of them team up with local volunteers to host sled dog races. Coming up at the end of January, the John Beargrease race—the oldest and largest event--takes off from Duluth, Minnesota, headed up the shore to Grand Portage. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with veteran musher Blake Freking about the race and his passion for the lifestyle.
The rock that rings Lake Superior has fascinated visitors for centuries. From the most common Basalt, Granite and Rhyolite to Agates and the popular “Yooperlite” that glows fluorescent under black lite, the shoreline makes a rock hound’s paradise.
When it comes to “Reading the Rock” and explaining the geologic story, there’s none better than Professor Seth Stein from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara, he shares details about the MId-Continent Rift and how all 5 National Parks on the Lake share evidence of this geo-heritage.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.
Out of the 63 National Parks—or even all of the 423 National Park properties--Isle Royale ranks one of the toughest to get to. It takes some planning because you can only arrive by float plane or boat. Since 1958, the 165 foot Ranger III, has been making the 73 mile journey from Houghton, Michigan, to Isle Royale’s Rock Harbor. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn more about the job and highlights of the 6 hour journey from Captain Aaron Persenaire.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore covers 21 islands and a 12 mile stretch of mainland near Bayfield, Wisconsin. It’s a lot of territory to cover, but thanks to the Apostle Island Cruise ship, visitors can take a narrated sightseeing tour and learn about the 8 historic lighthouses, shipwrecks, sea caves and more.
In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara speak with Vanessa Pierce, Assistant Manager of the Apostle Island Cruises to learn more about the types of cruises and what to expect on a tour.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.
Grand Portage National Monument has a new Superintendent, Heather Boyd.
In 2008, Heather started with the National Park Service at Isle Royale.
As a tribal member with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, she is the first Anishinaabe to head Grand Portage. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Heather shares with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara how her heart and heritage have lead her back to Minnesota’s north shore.
Nothing tells a story like film and coming up October 13-16, 2022, is the 6th annual Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette Michigan.
The 4-day gathering celebrates the outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes with over 80 films from around the region, as well as the world. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, co-hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Aaron Peterson, filmmaker and Fresh Cost cofounder to learn how to best drink from the Fresh Coast Fire Hose of films.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.
Lake Trout are a prized sport fish, but they are also considered a keystone species to the health of Lake Superior—now the only Great Lake where you can still find this critically important fish. Without Lake Trout, the ecological balance of Lake Superior would suffer, and that’s why Fisheries Biologist Shawn Sitar with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has such a passion for the study and preservation of Lake Trout. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Shawn Sitar about the most extensive and expensive egg hunt of his career, hunting for spring spawning Lake Trout 400’ deep off the north shore of Isle Royale.
Making vacation plans? No matter what the season, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, spanning 43 miles of some of the Lake’s most dramatic shoreline, has plenty to satisfy every adventure appetite, from a boat cruise out of Munising along the cliffs, to a rugged multi-day hike beginning at the Sand Dunes in Grand Marais. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Chief of Interpretation and Education, Susan Reece, shares with Walt Lindala and Frida some planning tips to make the most of your visit.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.
From Native Americans to modern day travelers, Lake Superior has welcomed summer visitors with cool, clear water and wooded escapes. Dave Lorenz, Vice President for Travel Michigan understands the lure of the Lake, especially since Michigan, as a state, has the most Superior shoreline at an estimated 917 miles, and three of the five National Parks on the Big Blue. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast he shares with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara the importance of public lands along the Lake for visitors to enjoy, as well as the value of travel as the world’s greatest peacemaker.
Lake Superior ranks one of the planet’s most magical places to sea kayak. Wild and rugged shoreline, forested islands and endless stretches of remote sandy beaches lure newcomers as well as veteran paddlers to adventure. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Carl Hansen, the man who brought commercial kayaking to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore over three decades ago. Carl has extensive experience paddling not only his home shore in Munising, Michigan, but all around the Lake, including Isle Royale National Park as well as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. For kayakers aiming to experience a “Superior Summer,” he has some tips on how to prepare and what to expect about a safe and successful trip on Big Blue.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.
Since opening the Soo Locks in 1855, lighthouses have been a part of Lake Superior’s most dramatic landscape signaling rocky shoals, cliffs and dangerous passages. Many of those towers are still visible today. In fact, on the Lake Superior circle tour--which covers 3 states and the province of Ontario Canada--you can see 56 lighthouses or towers; some you can actually tour. The greatest concentration of lighthouses in a National Park is in the Apostle Islands headquartered in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Fred Schlichting has been working as a Park Ranger and Lighthouse Keeper for 11 seasons and while you may not be a Pharaologist (fancy word for lighthouse lover) you will surely enjoy his stories as he shares the history of the Apostle lights with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Also sponsored by Über Creative Agency. A boutique marketing and website development agency based in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing clients across the United States. We don't just provide a service, we deliver value.
At 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in North America. When measuring surface area, it ranks as the largest freshwater lake on the entire planet.
How has climate change affected that much water? Filmmaker Ian Planchon of Minneapolis, Minnesota, started out making a film about surfing on Lake Superior, but what he found out has become a much bigger story. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara speak with Ian and learn more about his latest film “Freshwater.”
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
The Quincy Mine operated in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for nearly a century. Today, visitors can learn more about the copper boom and tour the mine in Hancock as one of the 22 Heritage Sites of Keweenaw National Historical Park. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tom Wright, Quincy Mine Hoist Facilities Manager, about the fascinating industrial geohistory of the area and the crucial role copper played in the development of our country.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
People have lived along Lake Superior since the glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago. For the last 500 years, the Anishinaabe have called the region home. Their history is rich with stories of hunting, gathering, fishing, and trading. Tim Cochrane knows many of those stories. He has spent his career with the National Park Service, beginning as a backcountry ranger, adding historian, anthropologist, and ultimately Superintendent to his experience. He has been a faithful steward of Superior’s history for over three decades. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tim about his work at Grand Portage National Monument and Isle Royale National Park and learn about his latest book, “Making the Carry.”
Brought to you by The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
George Morrison grew up a member of the Grand Portage Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in a rural fishing village on Lake Superior. The first highway opened from Duluth to the Canadian border at about the same time. As one of 12 children, life was a struggle, but George showed remarkable talent as an artist at an early age. George graduated from Grand Marais High School at the height of the depression. After high school, he went to the Minnesota School of Art, where he earned scholarships, including a Fulbright, which took him to New York City and Paris. His travels introduced him to some of the world's leading painters and sculptors. Their influence led him to become one of the country's leading Abstract Expressionists.
In the mid-1970s, the lure of Lake Superior pulled him back to his homeland, where he finished his career at Red Rock and died in 2000.
This spring, the United States Postal Service will release five of his most famous landscape paintings as a commemorative stamp.
In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt and Frida speak with George's only son, Briand Mesaba Morrison, and Anna Deschampe. Anna is Chief of interpretation at Grand Portage National Monument, so along with Briand, they are the perfect pair to tell the story of the life and art of George Morrison.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
On March 20, 1900, life in Michigan’s Copper Country forever changed with the opening of the Calumet Opera House. As one of the first municipal theaters in the country, it attracted some of America’s finest actors and performers including Sarah Bernhardt, Harry Houdini, and John Philip Sousa. Now, as one of the 21 Heritage Sites of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, work is underway to celebrate that history and in this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with musician Penny Menze and Calumet Theatre President Dan Jamison about an upcoming concert on Saturday, March 5, with Nashville’s Gary Hannan and friends.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
When it comes to storytelling, few writers in the Great Lakes have logged in as many words about the outdoors as Stephanie Pearson of Duluth, Minnesota. Her career began at Outside Magazine, where she was on the editorial staff for more than 13 years. Her assignments circled the globe, and her work has earned four Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers. Her book, "100 Great American Parks," will be published by National Geographic in May 2022. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, she talks with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara about her research on the Apostle Islands for an upcoming story.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Lake Superior ranks as one of the planet's best snowmakers, and communities around the Lake celebrate winter with gusto.
Snow and terrain make the region the perfect playground for a variety of marathons and festivals, including some of the nation's premier sled dog races: John Beargrease in Duluth, Minnesota; Apostle Islands in Bayfield, Wisconsin; Copper Dog in Calumet, Michigan; Tahquamenon County in Newberry, Michigan; and UP 200 in Marquette, Michigan.
Since 1990, Michigan's central Upper Peninsula has hosted the UP 200 Sled Dog Championship. The trail begins in Marquette and stretches to Grand Marais and back running a bulk of the most remote 230 miles through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Ross Anthony, a member of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association Board of Directors. Ross will also be coordinating the race start and finish.
The race begins Friday night, February 18, 2022, at 7 pm in downtown Marquette.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Some of Lake Superior's five National Parks are closed for the winter. But Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has become one of the most visited winter recreation areas in the Great Lakes. Headquartered in Munising, Michigan, Pictured Rocks is home to trails for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. The park also ranks as one of the nation's premier ice climbing venues. Coming up February 9, the 30th annual Michigan Ice Fest—the longest-running ice-climbing event in the country—kicks off in Munising. Bill Thompson, climber, co-owner of Down Wind Sports, and event organizer, has been there from the beginning. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Bill shares why the event has grown from a handful of dedicated climbers to over a thousand participants, attracting some of the world's best climbers and those giving the sport a try for the very first time.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
We spend much of our daily lives indoors, and for a professional musician yearning for inspiration, the chatter and distraction of life can dull the creative process. For mid-west based Folk Musician David Huckfelt, his Artist-In-Residence stay at Isle Royale National Park made a difference in his songwriting. He shares his experience with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara, underlining the power of landscape and the power of song to fuel energy back into art and message. David is also the Lake Superior Podcast’s theme music composer and artist.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Lighthouses have long been key to development and safety around the Great Lakes, guiding ships along nearly 11,000 miles of coastline. From the original 267 lighthouses constructed, more than 200 are still active. According to Lake Superior Magazine Circle Tour, 56 of those lighthouses are still operating on the Big Blue, each rich in history. Rock of Ages Lighthouse, located 22 miles from Minnesota and 4 miles out into western Lake Superior from Windigo Harbor at Isle Royale, ranks one of those legendary lights. Built in 1908—after two ships ran aground on the reef—it was one of Superior's most powerful. At 137 feet tall, the beam could be seen as far as 29 miles out. Since 2008, David Gerth has made it his mission to restore and preserve the Rock of Ages Lighthouse. He not only heads up the Preservation Society, but he's hands-on for the bulk of every summer along with a dedicated team of volunteers to diligently bring this light back to its glory. As Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn, that job capitalizes "challenging."
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?"
Snow is falling at Isle Royale and the park has closed for the season, but that doesn’t mean work is done for the year on this remote archipelago. After her first full season at the park, Superintendent Denice Swanke shares with Walt Lindala and Frida Waara her plans for 2022, and a look back at what the summer—including a wild fire—brought to the islands.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?"
Lake Superior is a magnet for some, and it's not just the rich iron ore that draws so many to the shores. As Podcast Hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara explain, "it's more complicated than that." Walt, a veteran Upper Peninsula broadcaster, grew up in Chassell, MI. This "Copper Country" boy's roots run deep in the mining and Finnish heritage of the Keweenaw. Frida grew up in downstate Michigan near a Finnish community in Wixom. The members always talked with reverence about Lake Superior and shared their dreams of returning. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, you will meet the hosts and learn why they are so connected to the work of the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation. The preservation of the greatest of the Great Lakes is their shared goal.
Sponsored by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?"
Our National Parks tell so many stories. Some of those stories are about wild places and the natural landscapes. Other parks reveal stories from the cultural landscape, the people and professions that built communities. John Arnold is the new Historical Architect at Keweenaw Historical Park, headquartered in Calumet, Michigan, the heart of Copper Country. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, John shares more about his job preserving the buildings and industrial sites that help us all have a better understanding of our mining heritage.
This Podcast is brought to you by Cafe Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees. Independently owned and operated since 1993, Cafe Imports has been dedicated to decreasing its impact on the earth through renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and by supporting conservational efforts in places where quality coffee is grown and also, where quality coffee is consumed. Where does your coffee come from?
Everything gets better when you get outside. But how do you make that bridge to the woods and waters for kids in metro areas or folks with mobility challenges?
Wilderness Inquiry has been on a mission since 1978 to do just that: make sure everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to the outdoors. Whether those experiences are day hikes with elementary-aged children or month-long expeditions, it's Nell Holden's job to put fulfill that mission statement. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, she shares details about expedition planning, the history behind this non-profit's development, and the rewards of spending time in nature.
If you follow Artifact Uprising founder Katie Thurmes, you may know her quote, “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.”
For anyone who has left home in search of a story, an experience, a memory, those words have resonance. David Guttenfelder is such a spirit. He is not only an award-winning National Geographic Photographer, but with an estimated 100 countries on his passport, he has also earned the title National Geographic “Explorer." In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast we learn more about this Iowa farm boy’s beginnings and how they have lead him to Wisconsin’s most renowned archipelago, the Apostle Islands.
Sponsored by Café Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees.
When it comes to remote “camera traps” for capturing wildlife images, Drew Rush is world renowned. His patience and perseverance to find the perfect plant for his lens make him a true stand out in the field of nature photography. Earlier this season, we learned about this National Geographic award-winner’s travels to Isle Royale in the fall of 2020, to stage cameras through the winter. In May 2021 he returned to the park to retrieve those memory cards. In this episode, Drew shares what his images have to tell about the health of the wolves, moose, and other animals on Lake Superior’s most remote National Park.
We would also like to welcome our new presenting partner, Café Imports, a Minneapolis-based importer of fine, specialty green coffees.
The US is home to 423 National Park sites. 63 of those carry National Park in their name, like Yosemite, Yellowstone and Isle Royale.
But that’s really just the start. In fact, there are 20 different types of National Park Properties, including Battlefields, Monuments and Memorials, even the White House is part of our National Park properties.
We are lucky to have 5 National Park sites on Lake Superior and back in 1966, Pictured Rocks, which spans 42 miles of Lake Superior’s southern shore between Munising and Grand Marais in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, became our first National Lakeshore. The park, named for the colorful mineral-stained 200 foot cliffs, also features 6 inland lakes and 111 miles of trails and ranks as a year round favorite for all types of recreation from paddling and hiking to skiing and ice climbing. In this episode we get to learn more about this gem of our Big Blue from Superintendent David Horne.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, headquartered in Bayfield, Wisconsin, ranks a paddler’s paradise. With 12 miles of mainland shoreline and a 21 Island archipelago, the park covers over 108 square miles of land and water rich with centuries-old natural and cultural resources. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast meet the man who has dedicated his career to collecting and researching this park’s multitude of artifacts from both land and water, Apostle Island’s Archeologist and Cultural Resource Specialist, David Cooper.
Isle Royale ranks the most remote National Park in the Midwest, accessible only by boat or seaplane. And if you think getting there is tricky, you should try WORKING there. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast we'll meet Phyllis Green, who served as Isle Royale's Superintendent for 18 years. With a total of 41 years in the field—both with the National Park and National Forest Services—she has collected a bounty of stories about her career. She is also continuing to share her expertise and experience as one of the newest board members of the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation.
You know the lure, when just a single image stops you, draws you in, makes you want to learn more. Drew Rush is that photographer; passionate about the power of his pictures. In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast you will meet this National Geographic Photographer and learn more about his work at Isle Royale National Park and his remarkable skill for staging cameras to capture never-before-seen images.
Superior is a paddler’s paradise with 3 National Parks known world-wide for hundreds of miles of pristine shoreline, sea caves and camping. Madeline Marquardt has not only paddled many of those miles, but she’s photographed and written about her travels too. Maddy is the real deal always following her passion for wild places. Listen as she shares some of her kayaking adventures and get a preview of her new book, “Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes” on this episode of Lake Superior Podcast.
Copper is a key element in Lake Superior’s fascinating history. In fact, for 7,000 years people have been mining it in the "Copper Country" of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Telling that story is the mission of Keweenaw National Historical Park, headed up by Wyndeth Davis. Her park encompasses 22 sites in 4 counties--ranging from deep underground in Quincy Mine to the high bluff overlooking Lake of the Clouds in Porcupine Mountains. She shares how her life path brought her to the U.P., and the challenges of operating and documenting an historical park that brought the country from lanterns to lightbulbs.
Meet Anna Deschampe, Chief of Interpretation at Grand Portage National Monument, at the tip of the arrowhead in northern Minnesota. With degrees in both Sociology and Anthropology, Anna’s education has well prepared her for her job, but she also shares her backstory as a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa growing up on the reservation. Grand Portage National Monument is one of the country’s few national parks located entirely on native land and a place where America’s fur trade story lives on.
While Gates of the Arctic in Alaska ranks the country’s least visited national park, Isle Royale in Lake Superior ranks 3rd with just over 16,000 visitors per year. It’s a tough place to get to, accessed only by boat or sea plane, but when you do arrive, there’s a whole new wild world to explore. Denice Swanke came from Denali in Alaska to become Superintendent at Isle Royale, and she shares how her time in Alaska prepared her for this remote archipelago in Superior.
Hosted by Walt Lindala and Frida Waara