Plan Your Trip

Getting ready for your upcoming class here at North House Folk School, or just want to visit? We’re excited to see you, and we hope the information below helps you prepare for your trip to the North Shore.

The North House Campus

A number of colorful timbered structures on the harbor serve as classrooms, defining the campus' flavor: The Fishhouse, The Blue Building, The Red Building, The Blacksmith Shop, and The Green Building. The Yellow House is where our front office and School Store are located - you'll check in here when you arrive for class. The Green Building has all the behind-the-scenes administrative offices. An outdoor masonry oven and community fire ring are situated amidst a central courtyard. Small, handcrafted wooden boats line the beach, and our 50-foot schooner, Hjordis, is docked at the water's edge.

What does a typical day at North House look like?

Prior to the beginning of classes, students check-in at the little Yellow House then often settle into their classroom and gather to share a cup of coffee or tea, enjoying the morning stirrings on the harbor. Classes typically start with a campus greeting, and then students spend the morning engaged in their respective crafts. A midday break gives students the opportunity to gather for a brown bag lunch at a beachside picnic table or to check out one of the numerous eateries within walking distance of the campus. At day’s end, some students congregate to share their learned experiences or take off to rest and rejuvenate for the next day of learning. Often on Saturday nights during the summer months, students enjoy wood-fired pizza baked in the harborside wood-fired pizza oven.

Who attends courses?

Students are as diverse as the course offerings themselves. Many are discovering a new craft for the first time, and others are continuing to pursue a lifelong hobby or trade. From bread baking to knitting, basket making to woodcarving, we invite curious minds of all levels and ages to take part of North House. Many courses are open to all levels, but some may be geared toward intermediate or advanced students - this is noted in course descriptions. Unless otherwise noted, courses are open to students 18+.

Tuition and Materials Fees

Tuition and materials fees are due three weeks before your class begins. Some courses require an additional fee to be paid directly to the instructor at the time of the class. Please see the course description in our catalog or on our website for details.

If you haven’t already done so, you can give us a call to pay your balance over the phone with a credit card (888-387-9762), or with a check sent to PO Box 759, Grand Marais MN 55604 (be sure to note which class to apply the payment to).

Tools and Materials

Each course may require students to bring tools or materials. Please consult your course confirmation email, or the course description on our website, for more information.

Parking

There is ample street parking within a few blocks of campus including on both sides of Hwy 61. We invite you to enjoy the “pedestrian village” that is Grand Marais! Designated handicapped parking (with sticker only) is available in the lower commons area and the Green Building parking lot.

Check-in

Plan on arriving a bit before your class is scheduled to start. Your first stop on arrival should be the Yellow House (our school store), where you will check in, meet the staff and your weekend campus hosts, and receive a brief orientation.

Community Gatherings

Over the weekend, North House hosts a community event for students, instructors, and their families. "Fika" is an opportunity to share friendship between students and instructors in other classes aided by delicious cookies and warm beverages. When prudent in light of pandemic saftey measures, April through October features a wood-fired pizza potluck, November through March a soup potluck. More details when you arrive—please plan to attend.

Classroom Visitors

Campus is open to visitors throughout the year. Balancing the needs of students and the curiosity of campus visitors is a task that requires mutual respect. To ensure that classroom visitors arrive at appropriate times, signage is available for instructors to make it clear when the classroom is “open” or “closed” to visitors. At all times, visitors are encouraged to respect the needs of both students and instructors, managing the duration and nature of classroom visits appropriately.

Where is North House and how do I get there?

North House is situated on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior and at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Our campus is located harborside in the vibrant, artistic village of Grand Marais, Minnesota. Lake Superior and its pebbled beaches are steps away from our classrooms and acres of public land and trails are a short drive in any direction from campus. Grand Marais is located on scenic Highway 61, about two hours north of Duluth, Minnesota.

Shared Transit

Arrowhead Transit intermittently offers a shuttle from Duluth, as well as limited daily transportation within Cook County.
Harriet Quarles Transportation provides shuttle services from Duluth and Twin Cities airports. Must be scheduled ahead of time. Typically not available in winter months.
The Superior Hiking Shuttle may be able to provide customized transportation from the Duluth airport to Grand Marais.

Privately Owned Vehicles

From Duluth: 110 miles
From the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St. Paul): 275 miles
From Chicago: 575 miles
From Milwaukee: 502 miles
From Thunder Bay, Ontario: 80 miles

Airplane

Lodging

Although we do not provide lodging for students on campus, there are many campgrounds, hotels, and B&Bs nearby. We maintain a list of our Lodging Partners, many of which offer a discount for North House students!

Meet our Lodging Partners

Visit Cook County also has a list of area lodging establishments.

Visit Cook County Lodging List

Restaurants & More

Many businesses in Cook County are seasonal or have limited winter hours. Visit Cook County maintains a list of business hours.

Policies

Students and visitors to campus should review our Policies before arrival.