North House Folk School

See a selection of program highlights below and check back here for updates this fall.

All Weekend

Presentations

Event Seminars are 45 minute presentations that cover a variety of winter-related topics: from camping tips to travelogues, cultural reflections to winter sport secrets, these inspiring talks offer something for everyone and take place throughout the weekend. Check this page later this fall for seminar details.

Skill Share Demonstrations

These short intensive sessions focus on particularly handy skills. Dress for a partially heated environment. Free to attend, materials fee occasionally applies, payable at door. Blacksmith Shop. Check this page later this fall for skill share details.

Arctic Film Festival

This one-of-a-kind festival features films from around the globe that visually tell the story of the North. Documentaries, features and shorts showcase arctic landscapes, traditional cultures, northern adventures and changing climates. All film screenings are free and held in the Blue Building. Check this page later this fall for the film schedule.

Harborside Winter  Camp,  All Weekend

An opportunity for winter campers to set up their shelter near campus, whether it be a canvas wall tent, an expedition or 4-season nylon-grade tent, or a traditional Mongolian yurt, and share information and ideas about winter camping in the elements of cold weather. Participants are invited to be a part of the Winter Tent Tour scheduled on Saturday at 2pm.  

Costs vary:  The Grand Marais Recreation Area is right next door to campus and is the place to pick a spot and register. Plenty of sites are available on a first come/first served basis, and they do not take reservations. The Park Office is open Monday - Friday / 8 am - 4 pm. There is also a night drop box if you arrive on the weekend. In November, campsites typically cost $10 rustic/night or $20 electric/night. Wood bundles, potable water and porti-poti onsite. Hot showers and more at the local YMCA.

Friday Highlights

Friday, November 22

Open Fire Dinner on a Stick & Outdoor Shorts Film Festival

Gather around a bonfire and cook over an open fire as a community. Participants bring their own food; we’ll provide the fire and the pointy sticks. Sausages to steaks, pudgie pies to home fries, it’s all welcome. Beginning at 6:00pm, we’ll enjoy a selection of winter-themed short films.

Snowshoe Shuffle Traditional Community Contra Dance

6:30pm family dance, 7:30pm community dance

Don your winter wardrobe and warm up at this friendly community contra dance. The dance takes place in the historic timbered woodshop.

Cold Snap Poetry Slam

Cold Snap Poetry Slam is a friendly celebration of the spoken word and the glories of the frozen North! Join in the fun by reading one of your own works or any selected seasonal poetry of your choosing. By sharing your favorite hibernal verse, presenters will receive wide recognition as cultural icons, as well as a free bottomless bag of popcorn for the weekend! Check back later this fall for information on registering.

Saturday Highlights

Saturday, November 23

The Great Gear & Ski Sale

Bring your outdoor equipment to sell or get in on some great bargains & buy. Registration forms are available to print now and will also be available on-site that morning. Backcountry skis to winter canvas tents. Ice skates to kites. Winter boots to down jackets. All are welcome.

The Deep Freeze Chili Feed

Bundle up and grab your bowl for this traditional winter favorite: chili & freshly baked cornbread. Hot chili (your choice: vegetarian or meat) is cooked up in the kettle and enjoyed in the company of other hearty winterers. Details coming later this fall!

Featured Speaker: Niilá Omma

Duodji: Sámi Craft as Cultural Expression
Saturday, 7pm

Niilá Omma grew up in two worlds: much of the time, he was a student at Swedish public school who loved reading and riding his motocross bike. On the school holidays and in the summer weeks, he would spend time with his family who lives inland and help them in their work as traditional reindeer herders. Craft (duodji) is still an important part of the nomadic lifestyle the herders lead. When Niilá was in his early twenties, his grandfather taught him many skills right in his garage. Today, Niilá still walks in two worlds, blending traditional and modern lifestyles as a maker. Niilá will discuss his own story and what it means to him to be Sámi, to be a traditional craftsman, and to carry his culture in these complicated times.