"If you didn’t grow it, you’ve got to mine it,” says John Jaszczak, Director and Curator of the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum in Houghton, Michigan. Since 1838--just after Michigan became a state--geologists and miners have been collecting rock and mineral specimens as the first American Mining Rush began. Since 1855, those specimens were housed at Michigan Technological University, then known as Michigan College of Mines, making it one of the oldest museums not only in Michigan, but the Great Lakes region. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with John about the museum origins and what a visitor can find there.

Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:

The region’s history—from Indigenous use to mining booms to today’s tourism—stems from its globally unique native copper deposit.

“The reason we’re here is because of the geology. And because of copper in particular.”

What began as a teaching collection for Michigan Tech’s School of Mines became a public museum in 1902.

“The collection started in 1885 when the university started offering courses in mineralogy.”

From discovery tales to global expeditions, the museum presents minerals as more than geology.

“Some specimens have scientific stories. Some have personal stories. Some have adventure stories.”

Under ultraviolet light, otherwise ordinary-looking minerals burst into color.

“That’s the part where most people say, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect this.’”

John’s lifelong fascination with minerals led him to volunteer, then direct, the museum alongside his career in physics.

“I started collecting minerals when I was probably five or six years old... and I just loved it.”

From working with scientists around the world to publishing in mineralogical journals, the museum plays an active role in global discovery.

“There's something magical about being the first to describe and name something.”

The Keweenaw’s native copper is on display in museum-quality form that you can’t find anywhere else.

“We have the world’s best specimens of copper. No question about it.”

Resources:

• Visit the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum: https://museum.mtu.edu
• Explore Native Copper in the Keweenaw: https://www.mindat.org/museum-139.html
• Keweenaw National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/kewe/index.htm

Connect With Us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
  Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
  https://nplsf.org/donate

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Dr. John Jaszczak share the rich history of Michigan’s native copper legacy, how the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum became one of the nation’s premier mineral museums, and why its specimens continue to captivate visitors, researchers, and collectors from around the world.

Isle Royale National Park is the Great Lakes Mecca for backpackers. This archipelago of islands is also one of our most remote National Parks so preparing for a visit takes extra planning. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Chris Amidon, Supervisory Park Ranger for Interpretation and Visitor Services. He not only has tips for first-timers, but also has details on some new procedures, particularly when it comes to food storage.

Key Takeaways:

• Planning your experience shapes everything:
  “The first thing we ask is, what type of experience are you looking to have?” From backpacking and boating to lodge stays, your approach determines your transportation and gear.
  
  
• Getting to the island is part of the journey:
  “Part of the Isle Royale experience is the transportation to the island. It’s that extra step that most parks don’t have.”
  
  
• Food storage regulations have changed:
  Starting in 2025, visitors are required to use approved food storage containers due to wildlife activity near camps and harbors.
  
  
• Wildlife sightings are rare but magical:
  “Encountering a moose is a really magical moment and I remember backpacking a trip I did with my daughter... those are the types of experiences that Isle Royale offer just by putting yourself in this remote island setting.”
  
  
• Most of Isle Royale is federally designated wilderness:
  99% of the park is wilderness, meaning motorized equipment is limited—adding to both its preservation and the physical demands of upkeep.
  
  
• The Artist-in-Residence program reveals new perspectives:
  “The Artist-in-Residence Program… that’s kind of my, I would say, my soft spot.” From Shakespearean sonnets to ceramic bark impressions, Chris helps curate a mix of art forms that deepen understanding of the island.
  
  
• Visitation may be low, but the planning is intense:
  Only about 20,000 people visit Isle Royale each year—and most come during just three months—putting pressure on resources and requiring detailed planning.

Resources:

• Isle Royale National Park – Plan your visit
  https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm
  
  
• Ranger III Ferry & Seaplane Info –
  https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/directions.htm
  
  
• Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Program –
  https://www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/artist-in-residence.htm
  
  

Connect With Us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
  
  
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
  
  
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability.
  Learn more: https://cafeimports.com
  
  
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks:
  https://nplsf.org/donate
  
  

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Chris Amidon share essential guidance for visitors, the inside story on Artist-in-Residence selections, and the quiet power of a sunrise over Feltman Lake.

Minnesota’s North Shore has been a gathering place for centuries. Whether heading into the Boundary Waters or out on Lake Superior, Grand Marais ranks a favorite Base Camp. While it may be small in population, it’s big in spirit. Life here moves to the rhythms of the woods and waters.

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sarah Jorgensen-Halberg, longtime resident and owner of Java Moose, the beloved shoreline coffee shop that fuels both locals and visiting adventurers. Her daily weather video connects folks near and far to this Sweetwater Sea town and she shares what it means to live on the edge of wilderness—and how the lake’s powerful sense of place keeps people coming back to Grand Marais.

Key Takeaways:

• Grand Marais transforms seasonally: A town of about 1,300 full-time residents swells to around 50,000 in the summer, driven by tourism to the lake, North Shore, and nearby wilderness areas.
  
  
• Local entrepreneurship fuels connection: Java Moose, run by Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg and her family, offers not just coffee but a community space for stories, weather reports, and visitor conversations.
  
  
• Lake Superior demands respect: The lake’s 34-degree waters and strong currents can be dangerous. Sarah emphasizes safety and awareness for all visitors, especially near the lighthouse.
  
  
• Winter brings peace and beauty: After the busy season, Grand Marais quiets down. Sarah loves cross-country skiing, hiking, and the sunshine of winter — despite the freezing temperatures.
  
  
• Tourism is vital to the economy: Sarah says plainly, “We would not survive without it.” Much of the local economy depends on seasonal visitors to national parks and the shoreline.

Notable Quotes:

• “I love winter. I cross-country ski a lot. I run in the winter. I get out and I hike a lot. Part of it is probably because it's quieter.”
  
  
• “It is imperative to be as safe as we possibly can be.”
  
  
• “Grand Marais and Lake Superior, it almost forces you to take that moment, right? Because it is so vast and powerful, that you just kind of stop for a moment and you're inspired.”
  
  
• “We pour ourselves out. I see that when you come into our shop, this is an extension of my home, so I'm hosting you.”
  
  
• “At the end of the day, we are welcoming you into our home.”

Resources:

• Java Moose Grand Marais – Find Sarah’s daily weather reports on:
  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/javamoosegrandmarais/ & Facebook: Jhttps://www.facebook.com/javamoosegrandmarais/
• Java Moose Website & Newsletter – Sign up for monthly stories and photos:
  https://javamoosegrandmarais.com
• Visit Cook County – Plan your trip: https://www.visitcookcounty.com

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more at https://cafeimports.com
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org/donate

Long before the Keweenaw Peninsula became a destination for hikers, bikers, and Lake Superior rock hounds, it was the stage for a national copper rush. Shortly after Michigan became a state in 1837, Geologist Douglas Houghton was sent to Copper Harbor to explore reports from Native Americans about copper in the region. By 1844, Fort Wilkins was built to be the military base helping to keep the peace as fortune-seekers came to the state’s most northern port.

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Barry James, Upper Peninsula historian with the Michigan History Center, about the fascinating past—and present—of this historic state park. From the 1840s copper rush chaos to Civil War reenactments, as well as lighthouse tours and tales of shipwrecks, Fort Wilkins remains a living classroom with extensive youth programs. Join us as we explore the enduring significance of this frontier fort—and the people working to keep its stories alive.

Key Takeaways:

• Fort Wilkins was built in the mid-19th century in Copper Harbor to maintain law and order during the copper rush.
• The fort served as a frontier military post, supporting mining operations and maritime navigation in one of the most remote regions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• The Copper Harbor Lighthouse and range lights were established in response to early shipwrecks, including the 1844 wreck of the John Jacob Astor, which supplied Fort Wilkins.
• Today, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park’s heritage site network and offers youth camps, Civil War reenactments, and public education programs.
• Barry James and the Michigan History Center are working to expand exhibits, including a new display on how Fort Wilkins became a state park in 1923.

Notable Quotes:

• “What it really represents is an excellent example of a mid-19th century military post as the United States was expanding westward.”
• “The Astor was the first wreck on Lake Superior in 1844. The military realized that their lifeline could be easily snapped.”
• “We also offer a living history program that's been ongoing since 1976, where we have costumed interpreters within the fort that represent the last occupation at Fort Wilkins, the summer of 1870.”
• “We’ve got 19 buildings on site, but 12 are original, dating back to the 1840s. So people can go into these buildings, look at the exhibits. We have period rooms with furniture and interpretation of the period.”
• “To get on the National Register of Historic Places, you really have to have something significant with the historic site, so that says enough right there.”

Resources:

• Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: https://www.michigan.gov/mhc/museums/fwchl
• Michigan History Center: https://www.michigan.gov/mhc
• Keweenaw National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/kewe

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more at https://cafeimports.com
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org/donate

Winter Study at Isle Royale National Park has a decades long history, but just a few scientists ever get the chance to spend time on this isolated archipelago in Lake Superior. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with one of those fortunate ones, Johnathan Pauli, Professor in the Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin Madison. From tracking foxes and martens to unraveling a centuries-old survival story, Johnathan shares how studying this wilderness in winter reveals secrets a summer visitor would never experience. Join us for a conversation about science, survival, and what makes Isle Royale National Park a critical refuge for wildlife.

Key Takeaways:

• Winter Study at Isle Royale has been going on for over 60 years, originally launched to monitor moose and wolf populations and now expanded to include other animals such as martens, foxes, and snowshoe hares.
  
  
• Winter presents extreme challenges and rich insights, including long days in deep snow, cold exposure, and tracking animals over miles of off-trail terrain.
  
  
• Snowshoe hares follow a 10-year boom-and-bust cycle, which helped explain the survival story of Angelique Mott in 1845, when she struggled to trap hares during a population crash.
  
  
• Isle Royale functions as a modern-day “refugium,” because it is more buffered from human development and invasive species, making it an ideal site for long-term conservation and research.

Notable Quotes:

• “Winter is a period of nutritional and resource deficits. It’s a really important time to study these winter-adapted organisms.”
  
  
• “I love to say that there’s no anonymity in winter.”
  
  
• “Refugia is something near and dear to my heart. These islands, Isle Royale and the Apostle Islands, really represent these interesting test beds for the concept of refugia.”
  
  
• “It’s really important work. It’s really hard work. But it’s also really exciting. There’s a lot of complexity of emotions you have while you’re skiing these trails.”
  
  
• “Sometimes what you see in the tracks can be almost as exciting as seeing some of these critters in person.”

Resources:

• Jonathan Pauli’s Research Group – Learn more about his work at UW–Madison:
  https://pauli.russell.wisc.edu/
• Isle Royale National Park – Explore the park and its natural history:
  https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm
  
  
• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Discover another key research site:
  https://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm
  
  

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
  
  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
  
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports – Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more at https://cafeimports.com.
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Support vital projects by donating at:
  https://nplsf.org/donate
  
  

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Jonathan Pauli’s firsthand stories of survival, science, and what Isle Royale reveals in the silence of winter.

Our National Parks are important places, not just for their preservation of natural beauty and resources, but also for the economic impact they bring to gateway communities. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula sees nearly a million visitors, year round. For the anchor cities of Munising and Grand Marais, hosting those folks has become their chief industry. With a population of less than 2,000, how do they do it? In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Kathy Reynolds, the CEO of the Greater Munising Bay Partnership as well as Director of the Alger County Chamber of Commerce to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

• Munising, Michigan, has transformed into a premier tourism destination, with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore playing a central role in attracting visitors.
• Tourism is now the leading industry in Alger County, supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the community year-round.
• Despite Munising's small population of under 2,000 residents, the area welcomes nearly one million visitors annually, requiring careful planning and infrastructure management.
• The Michigan Ice Fest, the oldest ice climbing festival in North America, draws climbers from around the world and highlights Munising's appeal as a winter recreation destination.
• Even though Munising has a strong tourism sector, it also has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing and public services, making it more resilient to seasonal fluctuations.

Notable Quotes:

• "I also tell people you should live where you want to vacation. Why just say, ‘Oh, I get to spend a week. Every once in a while I go someplace’? I wanted to live in a place that I wanted to vacation."
• "I would say, and maybe I’m a little biased, that it is probably one of, if the most beautiful places in the whole Midwest. It’s easy to market the area and get people to come."
• “Winter season can be extremely beautiful, and this year we are living in a snow globe all over the area of Munising.”
• “Preservation of the park and our natural resources - that’s why people come up to the Upper Peninsula. Protecting those and making sure they stay nice is critical to our economy.”
• "The people that come to Munising and visit our national park, they not only help us in our community, but they help all the communities outside of us in the U.P."

Resources:

• Greater Munising Bay Partnership: munising.org – Learn more about Munising and its economic development initiatives.
• Alger County Chamber of Commerce: algercountychamber.com – Discover local businesses and visitor information.
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm – Explore the stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities in the park.
• Michigan Ice Fest: michiganicefest.com – Learn about the premier ice climbing event in Munising.

Connect With Us:

• Website: nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more at https://cafeimports.com.
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org/donate.

Since the 1940’s, Lake Trout have been extinct in all of the Great Lakes except Lake Superior. Pressure from commercial fishing as well as the invasion of sea lamprey devastated this native species, and the population in Lake Superior also suffered. For three generations an international team of scientists has been working to restore healthy Lake Trout populations in all the Great Lakes. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Shawn Sitar, Fisheries Research Biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to update the status of Lake Trout in Lake Superior.

Key Takeaways:

• Shawn Sitar explains his deep connection to Lake Superior, describing it as his hometown and emphasizing its pristine, natural state.
• He outlines how Lake Superior stands out among the Great Lakes - not only as the largest by surface area but also as the deepest - making it a unique ecosystem.
• The episode details the historical collapse of lake trout populations due to overfishing and invasive species, and highlights the international recovery efforts led by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
• Shawn discusses the three-prong approach to lake trout recovery: suppression of sea lampreys, controlled fishing, and hatchery stocking.
• He also addresses the challenges posed by climate change and evolving research techniques, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and adaptive management.

Notable Quotes:

• "I realized I look at Lake Superior as my hometown. I love that."
• "It is the largest lake on the earth in terms of surface area. So that's the statistics there. Lake Superior is also the deepest among the Great Lakes."
• "In fact, lake trout were extinct in all the Great Lakes except Lake Superior."
• “By the 1960s, if we look at Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, the absence of lake trout, the top boss in the system, created a lot of havoc. And during that time period in the late 50s and 60s and 70s, there was another invasive called the alewife, which is a small oily fish from the Atlantic Ocean that came up. And it just basically boomed in the Great Lakes."
• "During my career working on Lake Superior and the Great Lakes, I've already seen surface temperatures increase from when I started till now. There's a lot of variation around it. And I think there's already research ongoing to assess the impact."

Resources:

• Michigan Department of Natural Resources Website: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr
• Great Lakes Fishery Commission Website: http://www.glfc.org
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation Website: https://nplsf.org
• Documentary “Fish Thief”: https://www.thefishthief.com/

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/NPLSF

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. Learn more: https://cafeimports.com/
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at https://nplsf.org

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Shawn Sitar’s in-depth insights on the lake trout recovery efforts, the unique characteristics of Lake Superior, and the ongoing challenges and innovations in Great Lakes fisheries research.

Winter can be a sleepy time at the National Parks on Lake Superior, but at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising, Michigan, visitors come to snowmobile, mush dogs, snowshoe, fish and cross-country ski. But the biggest event to bring folks into the park is the Michigan Ice Fest. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Ice Fest organizer Bill Thompson about the event and what makes Pictured Rocks such a Mecca for the sport.

Key Takeaways:

• The Michigan Ice Fest has grown from a small gathering in 1991 to an internationally recognized event, drawing over 1,100 participants from 38 states and seven countries.
• Ice climbing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with ice formations over open water that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
• Ice Fest caters to all skill levels, from beginners as young as eight to seasoned climbers, with professional athletes providing instruction and inspiration at the event.
• Even in warmer winters with limited ice, the festival continues as an educational and community event, showcasing presentations and fostering camaraderie.
• The event’s unique location, accessibility, and passionate community make it a cornerstone of adventure tourism in Munising, Michigan.

Notable Quotes:

• “With the advent of social media and a few professional athletes spreading the word, there’s nowhere in the world that you can go ice climbing over open water, with crashing waves and the beauty of Lake Superior.”
• “Ice climbing is a sport for anyone looking to go out, have an adventure, and try something new.”
• “Ice climbing takes you places that not a lot of people in this world can get to.”
• “Our safety system is really thought out. Instead of focusing on, ‘Oh man, I’m high,’ I’m focusing on the ice in front of me. You have all of these interesting patterns of ice, you can hear the water trickling behind it, so the sounds are very unique. It’s just really, really special."

Resources:

• Michigan Ice Fest Website (michiganicefest.com) – Learn more about the event, clinics, and presentations.
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm) – Explore the beauty of this unique park.
• Ice Climbing Safety and Equipment (michiganicefest.com/information/festival-planning/safety/) – Better nderstand the gear and precautions used at the festival.

Connect With Us:

• Website: (nplsf.org/podcast)
• Facebook: (facebook.com/NPLSF)
• LinkedIn: (linkedin.com/company/national-parks-of-lake-superior-foundation)

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports: Supporting environmental sustainability in coffee-growing regions since 1993. (cafeimports.com).
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation: Support vital projects by donating at (nplsf.org).

Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast to hear Bill Thompson’s incredible stories of adventure, community, and ice climbing at one of the most unique national parks in the world.