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. Arrows include field point and feathers. String is made using…

There’s that old saying about teaching a man to fish, but this course lets students go a step beyond fishing and build their own fishing rod. 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…

Discover the secrets of the old Saami 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,…

The boat drifted lazily in the current, and Oleg, the native Siberian hunter said, “Jon, you failed on your spirit journey directly into the Other World. But you’re a good traveler in this World. Travel into the Tundra and Kutcha the Raven God will speak to you.” We all find…

This course is designed to teach fly fishers how to tie a core group of flies that will enable them to catch more fish anywhere in the US and Canada. The flies have been field tested by the instructor through over fifty years of fly fishing on streams and lakes,…

The most spectacular fly fishing event in northern Minnesota is the Hexagenia may fly hatch which occurs every July. This course is designed to mimic a typical fly fishers' camp where fly fishers tie the flies they need for the evening hatch during the day, fish those flies in the…

Have you always been interested in gathering wild foods but just weren't sure where to start? This class is a great first introduction to spring edibles as we focus on just five common, nutritious and often abundant plants. These early risers sprout up almost as soon as the snow is…

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 this winter. Learn both basic and advanced woodworking skills; from laminating wood to make runners to shaping a customized handlebar used for steering, you’ll walk…

Carve, bend and lace your own pair of wooden ash snowshoes style up the Gunflint Trail! Part of the Up The Trail Series hosted at historic Gunflint Lodge, this class is designed to allow students ample opportunity to not only make snowshoes but also partake of the many recreational opportunities…

Enhance your winter adventures with these lightweight, durable ski poles which are based on the types used by northern Minnesota Finnish immigrants for winter travel. The poles are constructed with birch shafts, copper rivets, whitetail-tanned buckskin grips, and moose rawhide and bent birch baskets. You will make your custom-sized ski…

A chainsaw is powerful tool that requires a specific set of skills to safely operate and maintain, even if those skills are only put to use on an occasional weekend at the cabin. This course will be one part logging history, one part maintenance and one part in-the field experience.…

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…