Just south of Duluth, Finns carved out lives for themselves in the rocky, forested land of northeastern Carlton County by farming, logging, and working in the paper mills. They survived many hardships, including the devastating Fires of 1918, and demonstrated sisu by quickly building back their communities. The tour will encounter scenic landscapes and information about the lives of the Finns who settled in this area as early as 1873.

Lyz Jaakola will discuss the Anishinaabe who first inhabited and continue to live in Carlton County and the Finnish immigrants who moved into the Fond du Lac Reservation. Stops will include historic sites and museums such as the Moose Lake Depot and Fire Museum, Mass Grave Monument to fire victims, Kettle River and Kalevala Park, Cloquet Finnish sites, Esko Historical Society, Fond du Lac Cultural Center, and lastly, Jay Cooke State Park to view the unique slanted rocks and swinging bridge and small historic display. Finally, the tour will follow the scenic St. Louis River back to Duluth.

Lunch (soup and salad buffet and beverage) will be provided in Moose Lake.