North House is pleased to announce an opportunity to experience the rich ecological beauty and cultural history of the Gunflint Trail AND to immerse oneself in the traditional northern craft of mukluk making. This session of Expedition Footwear: Making Mukluks will be taught at Gunflint Lodge. Remember the last time your feet were too cold to enjoy wonderful wintry weather? Do away with rigid unbreathable footwear and discover the traditional footwear of the north: mukluks. The flexibility of the natural materials used in construction allows the foot to generate heat, and a breathable layering system allows moisture to escape. In this course you’ll be guided through the process of pattern making, and handcraft your own pair of hide mukluks with knee high or shorter uppers. Booties or liners must be purchased or made before the workshop. Some sewing experience is helpful but not necessary. Gunflint Lodge will offer a variety of lodging options to students at special rates, allowing students to enjoy the beauty and North Woods hospitality of one of Minnesota’s premier wilderness resorts, and to leave with a sturdy pair of hand-crafted mukluks to keep their feet warm and snug when the snows begin to fall.

A variety of lodging options are available to students at special rates at Gunflint Lodge, though students are welcome to stay wherever they choose during the class. Students are responsible for their own lodging reservations and do not have to stay at Gunflint Lodge to participate in this course. Lodging reservations at Gunflint must be made by calling 1-800-328-3325 and referencing this class, since room prices are discounted for North House students. Registrations for the North House course can be made online (see below) or by calling North House at 218-387-9762.

You will need the following tools for this class:

boot liners (felted wool is best) and socks
needle nose pliers
cloth tape measure
rule
pens
pencils
fine point marker
thimble
brown grocery bags (2)
plastic grocery bags (2)
duct tape

reading glasses if you need them
canvas (see notes below)**
rick-rack or trim for the canvas uppers to personalize your mukluks & sewing machine thread to match the trim (@1 1/2 yards per pair)
fur to trim your mukluk uppers**
leather awl