Courses

This course takes students through the step-by-step process of crafting a wooden longbow, wooden-shafted arrow, and bow string. To facilitate learning about constructing a traditional bow, students start with a rough-cut stave of hickory. Bows are backed with flax-fiber linen.Each arrow includes a field point and feathers. String is made…

There’s that old saying about teaching a man to fish, but this course lets students go a step beyond fishing to building their own fishing rods. We’re not talking sapling, string, and safety pin; under the guidance of professional rod builder Kris Kristufek, students will build a technically perfect spin…

A chainsaw is a powerful and efficient tool that requires a specific set of skills and experience to safely operate and maintain, even if those skills are used only on an occasional weekend at the cabin. This course will teach students to recognize and to avoid the hazards that surround…

Discover the secrets of the old Sámi school of ski construction by crafting a custom pair of birch skis to meet your needs. In this course you’ll learn about the origin of ski design, function, and construction. We’ll also cover topics such as wood grain, bending wood, types of bindings,…

Landing a fly gracefully on a quiet inland lake or gently on a rushing river is an experience everyone should have. In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to the basic techniques of dropping a fly 50-60 feet out, as well as the fundamentals of roll-casting. The class ends on the…

Imagine casting a fly to a feeding fish more than 50 feet away, allowing the fly to drift naturally through clear slow-moving water, and then watching the fish surface and take it in. That successful moment in fly fishing doesn’t happen by accident. This course is designed as an intensive…

Early July marks the peak of northern Minnesota’s famous hexagenia mayfly hatch, a time when brook and rainbow trout readily rise to a dry fly on Minnesota’s designated streams and trout lakes. This course is scheduled to take full advantage of this fly-fishing opportunity. Beginners, as well as experienced fly…

Fall is an exciting time on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The leaves are gorgeous and the steelhead and salmon are just starting their spawning run. This class is for those who want to experience an intensive study of this amazing event and maximize their chances of catching mighty…

The North Shore area of Lake Superior provides some highly-prized fly fishing opportunities. Many inland lakes are stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and are accessible by float tube. Tributaries to Lake Superior contain trout and salmon species and are accessible by foot. This course is for the fly…

This class is a great introduction to wild foods as we focus on just five common, nutritious, and often abundant plants. These early risers sprout up almost as soon as the snow is gone, so you can be eating nutritious local green vegetables long before the farmers market gets rolling.…

Scandinavians know how to move on snow. Follow in their tracks, and take advantage of snow-covered roads, sidewalks, and trails by crafting a kick sled of ash wood this winter. Learn both basic and advanced woodworking skills. From laminating wood for making runners to shaping a customized handlebar used for steering,…

Carve, bend, and lace your own pair of wooden snowshoes in the traditional Ojibwe style. Pointed at both ends, this snowshoe design is efficient for travel through both wooded areas or across frozen lakes and open expanses. During the evening session, students will steam bend and shape ash frames. For…

The Arrowhead Country of Northern Minnesota contains more than 100 designated trout streams and stream trout lakes. One of the most enjoyable experiences in fly-fishing is to catch a trout on a fly you have personally tied. In this class you will receive hands on instruction on how to tie…

Come explore the wild rivers and gorges of the North Shore at its seasonal zenith, the end of winter. The unique combination of ice, snow, and sun conditions that generally occur at the end of winter provide excellent travel opportunities for those who want to explore. We will travel up…