Having just spent a week snowmobiling, skiing and touring along the western shore of Minnesota's Lake Superior, I had the feeling of a touch of home. The shoreline and forests from Lutsen to Grand Marais resembled the coast and woods of Maine's villages and towns.

Grand Marais is about 20 miles northeast of Lutsen, and not too far from the Canadian border. It is a quiet charming village in the winter time and a thriving lively tourist resort in the summer. Many residents earn their livelihoods dabbling in the arts and fishing. The art colony was established in 1947 and is the longest lived art colony in Minnesota.

As our shuttle vans approached Grand Marais Harbor, we were greeted with a large banner welcoming North American Snowsports Journalists members who were attending a conference in the Lutsen area. After shopping and touring the village community, our group was invited at the North House Folk School for a tour and wonderful buffet dinner, catered by Chez Jude Restaurant. The menus are contemporary Minnesota cuisine of Chez Jude reflecting the freshest offerings of the Minnesota seasons. The owner and chef of the restaurant is Judi Barsnes.

The North House Folk School is located right on the shore line at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Grand Marais serves North House Folk School as its extended campus. Greg Wright, executive director and Scott Pollock, program and communications director gave tours and a presentation.

The campus offers over 225 courses with 120 instructors. Courses offered are from a wide range of northern crafts including outdoor courses such as bird watching, fly fishing to building a traditional toboggan, skis, snowshoes, boats, basket weaving and canoes are attended by students from all over the country. Courses last from half day to several weeks.

To learn more about North House Folk School, visit www.northhouse.org or call toll-free (888) 387-9762.

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet.