North House Folk School
Grand Marais
Founded in 1997 on the shore of Lake Superior, North House is one of the leading folk schools in the nation, attracting 3,000+ students to 350+ courses per year across 18 themes. Inspired by Scandinavian folk schools, the campus teaches traditional crafts in a cooperative, student-centered environment. Average class length is 3 days, making it a perfect short getaway. Also operates the schooner Hjørdis for Lake Superior sailing.
What you'll find
- Boat building (birchbark canoes, kayaks, wooden boats)
- Blacksmithing and toolmaking
- Timber framing (one of few places teaching Scandinavian method)
- Fiber arts (spinning, weaving, basketry, felting)
- Woodcarving, woodturning, woodworking
- Leatherwork
- Traditional foods (bread baking, sausage making)
- Sailing on schooner Hjørdis
- Painting and photography
- Northern ecology and outdoor skills
- Youth and intergenerational programs
- 2-hour drop-in bread baking on the commons
- School Store open daily
- Members get early course registration
- 350+ courses/year; 3-day average class length
Access
Per-course tuition; lodging/meals separate (campground next door); early-bird discounts
Location
500 Hwy. 61 West, Grand Marais, MN 55604
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