Listening Point is titled after Sigurd Olson’s retreat on Burntside
Lake near Ely. Sigurd Olson considered Listening Point more than just a piece of land; it was a “composite picture” of the northern wilderness he knew and loved. As he built a road and moved a cabin to the point, though, he faced a problem that our generation continues to struggle with: How do we simultaneously access and preserve wilderness? Listening Point is an eloquent exposition of the dilemma from one of America’s most poetic conservationists; it is philosophy grounded in the richness of Sigurd’s everyday experiences at Listening Point.

“The Pipes of Pan” sets the tone for Sigurd Olson’s biography in
essay, Open Horizons. Some of his earliest memories are being enthralled by small, wild places and experiences that would shape his life and writings. As an adult he continued to listen for the loons, wolves, the singing wilderness and the voices of the voyageurs. Open Horizons tells the story of Sigurd Olson’s life, from his childhood to his discovery and exploration of the Quetico-Superior country near Ely. The later chapters become increasingly philosophical, as he offers reflections on his work as a conservationist and environmentalist and wonders about the future of wilderness.

With Reflections from the North Country Sigurd Olson establishes
himself among Thoreau and Emerson as one of America’s great
philosophers. His earlier books were full of wilderness experiences and reflections that had clear philosophical implications, but in this book, the last published in his lifetime, Sigurd concentrates on the philosophy of wilderness. “It is more than wilderness, beauty, or piece of mind; it is the survival of man and his culture.” Reflections from the North Country is a reflection on Sigurd’s own experiences and ideas, but is also a response to the many philosophers and theologians that he had read, ending with a hopeful discussion of an “emergent God.”

Runes of the North is a collection of essays that go beyond good
outdoor nature writing and venture more clearly into philosophy. Sigurd Olson’s earlier books had evoked a conservation ethic and pointed to a wilderness philosophy that is more consciously developed in Runes of the North. The title, and even the choice of topics, such as “The Dream Net,” “The Sauna” and “Wild Rice,“ suggest a search for meaning in ancient traditions, but Runes of the North is also a song of praise for what the Voyageurs called Le Beau Pays, The Beautiful Land.

The Lonely Land is a book about Sigurd Olson’s canoe trip on the
Churchill River in the Canadian wilderness with a group of friends. It is an interesting travel account and describes the growing friendship, forged in the wilderness, between Sig, the Bourgeois, and his friends, the Voyageurs, but The Lonely Land is much more. This book is full of reflections on what we’ve lost as a people since the day we lived among what Sigurd calls the “great silences.”

The Singing Wilderness is Sigurd Olson’s first, and perhaps best,
book. For 30 years Sigurd had been writing reflective essays about his experiences in the wilderness and trying unsuccessfully to publish them. When Albert Knopf offered him a book deal, it didn’t take him long to put together his best writings. Essays such as “No Place Between” or “The Loons of Lac La Croix” narrate short trips where the author’s exuberance practically jumps off the page, while “The Way of the Canoe” and “Silence” establish wilderness as a vital connection to our past. The Singing Wilderness is Sigurd’s most energetic and poetic book, establishing him among America’s best outdoor writers.

Hand Drawn Maps of Ely Area Mining Locations up to 1941, compiled by Aune Bobence and the Ely Winton Historical Society.

"America was supposed to be the land of milk and honey. Everyone wanted to come to America, that’s why they left… Ely wasn’t as wonderful as I thought it would be. It was just a little mining camp." Katie Sarri Dyhr, 1976 speaking of her arrival in Ely in 1893.

Dedicated to those who love the lakes, the Northwoods, and the heartbeat of a small town.

By Laura C. Martin Using materials children can find just about anywhere, Laura C. Martin offers 65 fun natural-art projects that teach both creativity and a respect for nature and the Earth's resources.
*2004 Parent's Choice Approved Award, Full-color; illustrations throughout, 224 pages.

Bring the Outdoors Inside with Mazes, Word Games, Picture Puzzles, Jokes and Riddles, Brainteasers, and Fun-Packed Activities. Fun for kids and adults!

By Miyoko Chu; Laura Erickson (Paperback) At some point, every bird-watcher has a question not answered in traditional field guides. When such questions arise, birders turn to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the world's leading authority on birds and an information clearinghouse for bird-watchers of all levels. Some questions address bird quirks and curiosities, while others get to the truth about common myths, such as whether throwing rice at weddings is harmful to birds or whether albatrosses can actually stay airborne for two years. For every question, Erickson provides and answer that is practical, engaging, entertaining, and astute. Erickson migrates between her house and husband in Duluth, Minnesota, and her apartment and job in Ithaca, New York.

By Stan Tekiela Easy-to-use field guide
*Efficient-111 common species- only Minnesota birds and Minnesota range maps
* Easy- See a yellow bird? go to the yellow section to find out what it is
* Helpful- compare feature helps you distinguish between look-alikes
* Focused - just the information you find helpful, and lots of it
* Engaging-"Stan's Notes provide naturalist tidbits and facts
* Stunning-full-page photos that compare to not other
* Perfect companion for Birds of Minnesota Audio Cd

By Stan Tekiela Striking photographs capture loons in action and depict behaviors never before presented. Concise, accurate information drawn from the most up-to-date research and Stan's own extensive observations. In-depth and engaging description and images, from physical traits to social activity. Gratifies the loon enthusiast's desire for beautiful photos and detailed information. Satisfying and appealing balance of images and text. Headings and small blocks of text make for pleasurable, easy browsing. A nice companion to the Fascination Loons Audio CD.

By Bob Lynch & Dan Lynch Your must-have guide to Lake Superior's rocks and minerals. Full-color photos and the details you need to know for identifying and collection
* incredible full-color sharp photos: the authors know ricks and took their own photographs in order to depict the detail needed for identification-no more guessing from line drawings
* comprehensive: photos of 75 rocks and minerals means you're more likely to identify what you've found
*entries organized by area: find rocks unique to Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan or common to all three
* easy-to-use format: quickly find what you need to know and where to look