Learn traditional northern craft on the shore of Lake Superior
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Every traditional craft practice raises the question: why bother? With hide tanning specifically, this question takes on a different depth. Program Director Jessa Frost writes about Hide Week, and the why of traditional tanning.
North House offers half, full, and full+ scholarships. Scholarship applications for September-December courses will open on Thursday, May 28. Learn more about our scholarships here!
Meet our Featured Guest Instructors at Unplugged 2026: Eiko Tanaka and Kirsi Manni! Each of them will be teaching coursework and joining in the celebrations this fall.
On Friday, June 5, join Erik Carlson for Why We Burn Blueberries, a presentation about managing blueberry habitat with prescribed fire. Part of our First Fridays community nights. Photo by Emma Carlson
The 2026 sailing season resumes on May 22! Book a sail on our schooner Hjørdis and experience Grand Marais from the water. May-June sails are open for booking now.
Featured Events & Activities
New 2026 Fall Event Courses
Registration Opens May 28 (May 27 for Members)
It’s time to plan your fall visit to the folk school—over 20 new fall event courses are now live on our website!
Courses during Unplugged, Family Weekend, and Winterers’ Gathering open for registration at 9am CT on May 28. North House members get to register a day early, on May 27.
Northern Landscapes Festival
May 28-30, 2026
Spring is an explosion of life in the North! With a slate of field-focused courses, the Northern Landscapes Festival offers the perfect chance to deepen your connection to the outdoors and meet others who are passionate about the natural world around us.
This year's festival celebrates the wonders of seasonal ponds, with presentations by guest scientists and authors.
Registration for Northern Landscapes Festival courses is open now. Learn more and find a full list of courses here!
Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival
June 19-20, 2026
Summer on the North Shore is a magical time of year—the sun is at its zenith, boats dot the Grand Marais harbor, and the warm days beckon us outdoors. Celebrate the best of summer on Lake Superior at the Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival!
This year's event will bring community gatherings, traditional craft experiences, and activities for folks of all ages. Discover, dance, paddle, create, and welcome the brightest season at North House Folk School!
Photo by Dennis Chick
Sail Lake Superior
The 2026 sailing season resumes May 22! Booking is now open for May-June sails!
Our traditionally-rigged schooner Hjørdis offers daily, 2-hour sails from late May through late September.
July-September sails will open at a later date. Subscribe to our email newsletter to hear when booking opens!
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Resident Artisan Blog
Read what our resident artisans have been up to!
March 04 – A Brief History of Looms: From Weaver-Controlled to Loom-Controlled
February 19 – Chairmaking, Ways of Working
February 16 – Sweden's Craft Consultants and the Value of Handcraft
February 06 – Hej from Sweden!