Learn Blacksmithing on the Shores of Lake Superior!
Learn the craft of traditional blacksmithing at North House Folk School! In a timber-framed shop by the shores of Lake Superior, you’ll use coal forges and hand-crank blowers to turn raw metal into functional pieces. Whether you're a complete novice or looking to refine existing skills, discover a supportive community that celebrates traditional craftsmanship in this charming harbor town!
New to Blacksmithing? Start Here!
Continue Your Journey:
From Viking-Era Smelting to Damascus steel and lots more, North House offers a wide range of blacksmithing classes for folks looking to sharpen their skills. Click the button below to explore all upcoming Blacksmithing Courses:
Why North House?
Your North House Folk School experience extends far beyond the classroom, resulting in a unique immersive environment on the shores of Lake Superior in Grand Marais. You'll find yourself part of a warm, welcoming community where shared fika (a break for coffee and treats) and casual conversations with fellow craft enthusiasts enhance your learning journey.
The campus itself, with its timber-framed buildings and stunning lake views, provides an inspiring backdrop that connects you to northern Minnesota's natural beauty and cultural heritage right outside your classroom door.
Whether you're staying for a weekend blacksmithing workshop or an extended blacksmithing course, you'll leave with not only new skills, but also a deeper connection to traditional craft, the natural world, and a one-of-a-kind community of makers.
FAQs
What is a folk school?
Folk schools emphasize learning for the sake of learning. There are no exams, no credits, and no term papers. As much as our courses teach a particular skill, they also encourage lifelong learning. This type of learning environment is inspired by Scandinavian folkehøjskoler (folk high schools).
Here at North House, we provide hands-on workshops taught by skilled artisans who guide students through blacksmithing techniques including forge welding, tool-making, decorative ironwork, and blade crafting. Our classes allow you to connect with northern craft traditions while creating functional and beautiful metal pieces using traditional methods and equipment.
Where are you located?
The North House Folk School campus offers a picturesque setting that perfectly complements our educational mission. Nestled along the harbor in Grand Marais, the campus features charming timber-frame buildings with expansive views of Lake Superior's ever-changing waters. This ideal location connects you seamlessly to both the charming downtown with its local shops and eateries and the surrounding wilderness of Minnesota's North Shore.
Our campus features a fully-equipped blacksmith shop with forges, anvils, hammers, and all necessary tools for your metalworking classes, while the welcoming school store offers a curated selection of handcrafted iron items, quality blacksmithing tools, instructional books, and locally-made goods to help you continue your craft journey long after your workshop ends.
Learn more about our campus and plan your visit to Grand Marais.
What blacksmithing classes do you teach?
Our workshops welcome both newcomers to the craft and experienced smiths looking to expand their skills. Each class takes place in our well-equipped blacksmith shop where our instructors—many of whom are practicing artisans—share their expertise. Whether you're interested in creating functional household items or artistic metalwork, our changing lineup of blacksmithing courses offers something for everyone, regardless of experience level.
Who can take your blacksmithing classes?
Our blacksmithing classes welcome adult learners of all backgrounds, with most courses designed to be beginner-friendly and requiring no previous experience. While our primary focus is on adult education, select classes are open to youth participants (typically ages 14-17) when accompanied by an adult, creating meaningful opportunities for intergenerational learning. We encourage family connections through our special intergenerational discount, which provides reduced tuition when an adult and youth register together for designated courses, making traditional craft education more accessible across generations.
Be sure to check out our special Families at the Forge courses!
How long are your blacksmithing classes?
Our blacksmithing classes vary in length, but average three days in length, with most scheduled over weekends to fit into your schedule. This thoughtful timing allows you to fully immerse yourself in learning traditional craft skills without requiring an extended time commitment.
How do I sign up for a blacksmithing class?
You can look through our full course catalog of blacksmithing classes and register online. You may also check out our Registration Information page and learn more about waitlists, cancellation policies, and everything else you need to know about becoming a North House student.
Do you offer discounts or scholarships?
Absolutely! We believe that craft education should be accessible to anyone with an interest in learning. We have a local discount of 25% for legal residents of Cook County, a scholarship program to aid those with financial need, and a Work Study program including weekly drop-in opportunities and extended sessions. You can learn more about all of our Financial Accessibility Programs here.
The Scholarship and Work Study Programs are made possible through the generous support of North House members - add your support to these programs and the overall work of the school by making a gift today!
Blacksmithing in Action!
Check out these videos and blog posts by North House instructors sharing the joys of their blacksmithing practice.
Blog - Blacksmithing: Path to Apprentice
How do you forge a blacksmithing career? According to North House blacksmithing instructor Dave Hanson, there is no structured or formal path to becoming a master blacksmith in the United States. There are many blacksmith and metalsmith guilds out there with a list of points one should hit before becoming a master, but the list changes from guild to guild.
Continue readingViking Era Smelting—A Video Postcard
A visit to Wayne Potratz's Viking Era Smelting course at North House Folk School.
Forging a Canister Damascus Kitchen Knife
In this 3-part series, Cody Myers creates a canister damascus steel kitchen knife. He builds the canister, forge-welds the steel, forges the knife, and thermal-cycles the blade.
Live Blacksmithing with Elizabeth Belz
Watch Elizabeth Belz make a wall hook in the North House Blacksmithing Shop.