Blood moons, eclipse, super moons, meteor showers, northern lights and so much more. Make 2019 the year you explore the wonders of the night sky. Here is our short list of some of the Top Celestial Events to experience in Cook County this year. 

 

Topics: northern lights, phenomena, solstice

5 reasons why you must go cross country skiing this winter

There are several reasons cross country skiing is an excellent winter activity, most notably it gets you outside in the winter. But also, cross country skiing is very versatile, you can do it anywhere there is snow and it is a fantastic cardio workout that can burn up to 500 calories in one hour. What is not to love about that? Here are our top five reasons you should try cross country skiing this winter.

Topics: Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, skiing, Winter, xc, xc skiing, cross country skiing, Grand Portage, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder, Outdoors, winter sports

In Northern Minnesota, it is most common that soon after the lakes freeze a significant snow storm arrives.  This winter, on many of our lakes that was the case. They froze and the snow came. However, this year on iconic Gunflint Lake conditions were different.

Topics: phenomena, BWCAW, Winter, Kids & Family, Gunflint Trail

Lake Superior Shipwrecks and Storms

Sailing the seas has long been one of the world’s riskiest and most dangerous professions. Years ago, shore dwellers knew that when a loved one went off to sea, they often didn’t return. While the oceans, naturally, pose the biggest threat, Lake Superior is so vast it has claimed many ships into her cool depths. With weather that can change at the drop of a hat, Lake Superior has claimed hundreds of ships for her own.

Modern technology has made sailing and shipping on Lake Superior much safer, but she is still a mighty force to be reckoned with when the Gales of November rush through. Over the years, Lake Superior shipwrecks have dwindled, but there are a few notable wrecks near Cook County.

Topics: Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Services, Grand Portage, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder, Outdoors, Winter

Happy anniversary to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (commonly known as the BWCAW/BWCA)! On October 21, 1978 President Jimmy Carter signed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act into law, amending the national Wilderness Act of 1964.

While the 1964 National Wilderness Act included the BWCAW in the National Wilderness Preservation System, the new Act signed in 1978, set the course leading to the wilderness as it is known today. Each year, over 150,000 visitors travel from around the globe to explore the pristine waters that are home to moose, wolves, bears and more.

Topics: Outdoors, Gunflint Trail, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder, Grand Marais, Grand Portage, northern lights, BWCAW

The Sky is Falling! Just kidding, it's the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. 

 Northern Minnesota’s night skies are spectacular for stargazing on any clear night. But this weekend there’s an extra special treat that we might be lucky enough to enjoy. If clear skies prevail as they are forecast now, it could be the kind of spectacular night show your kids will remember all their lives. Or maybe it’s the kind of moment with a special someone that’s usually reserved for Hollywood Rom-Coms. Whoever you may be with this weekend, or if you’re enjoying some solitude, don’t miss the chance to take in some magic. Or science. Observer’s choice.

Topics: phenomena, northern lights, meteor