Courses

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 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,…

Landing a fly gracefully on a quiet inland lake or gently on a rushing river is an experience everyone should have. In this workshop taught by Erik Swenson 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…

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…

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…

Have you always been interested in gathering wild foods but just weren't sure where to start? This class is a great 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 gone,…

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…

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…