Canada Geese Quiet morning on Thompson Reservoir
Pottery class at Dragonfire Ceramics
Lady Slipper Minnesota's state flower. They are blooming at the visitor center
 Lilac season Lilac season
Happy cow at Mud Creek Farm
Toad Love Toad love
Planting corn Corn planting in Wrenshall
Kris Nelson - Art Roundabout Kris Nelson at the Encore Performing Art Center Gallery for
 Art Roundabout Deb Wichell at NP Junction Books
 Still Standing Wednesday, April 28, 2026
 Morning Breaks Morning breaks
 Insert Spring Peepers
Morning Thompson 7:00 AM or so April 17
 The gray of a fading winter Willard Munger Trail | May 12th. The noon hour would
 Brown Season
Spring Swans
Photobomb Queen
First maple sap run of the season
Sukie and Dog Out in the ice and snow

Profiles in creativity

Glenn Swanson art
 Moon Dog Moon dog
Jana Peterson Pine Knot News gathering Saturday, February 21 celebrating another host
 Honor system skates Community skate in Wrenshall before the blizzard
Roundabout | 2026 connecting local creatives and community to raise the visibility of
 First Meeting Gathering to begin the Bakers Rise project on the In
 Art Show Art Opening at the Encore Performing Arts Center & Gallery
 Bakers Rise On Tuesday, January 27th, community members met to introduce and
 Emily's Pineapple Upside Down A favorite
Subzero Fun
Cold, clear winter nights
Trail Maintenance Winter maintenance on Munger Trail which sees the hiker, dog

We Are

—farmers, food producers, cooks, and caregivers. We are artists, performers, and culture bearers; teachers, students, and elders. We are first responders, healthcare workers, tradespeople, equipment operators, and maintenance staff. We serve as bus drivers, delivery workers, retail employees, public servants, tribal leaders, and activists. We protect the land as water protectors, foresters, and environmental stewards. We are storytellers, language keepers, and knowledge sharers. We are parents, grandparents, youth, and neighbors. We are many roles, many voices—gathering to say we are -

In It Together

common roots, common ground, common good

where creatives thrive

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement,

it is the mission of oacc to generate meaningful impact within our region

so the place we know as home is a place where creatives thrive.

creativity

Artists, makers, and food producers bring authenticity, culture, and vitality to our community - they are the heartbeat of the place we call home.

collaboration

We encourage and foster collaborative networks to empower small enterprises to amplify their impact, reduce marketing costs, and grow stronger together.

impact

 Supporting local creativity strengthens community identity, keeps resources circulating within our region, and inspires pride and connection among residents.

discover what we do

linking community and visitors

with our farming and creative communities

Local

Hands

Directory

FOOD PRODUCERS, MAKERS AND CREATIVES

of Carton County and Fond  du Lac Reservation

passion. discipline. livelihood.

Writer and author of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children; wild food recipe creator; screenwriter/director; writing mentor; jewelry maker; plant photography; creative non-fiction. Tashia Hart Duluth LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Natural material artisan Tom Karas - Natural Environment Specialist Barnum LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Photographer. Journalist. Writer. Musician. Kara Keel Moose Lake LOCAL HANDS PROFILE quilter June Lind Carlton LOCAL HANDS PROFILE filmmaker Augustin Ganley Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE photographer Randy Samarzia Holyoke LOCAL HANDS PROFILE painter, illustrator Ken Hanson Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE artisan breads and pastries Elizabeth Naglak Esko LOCAL HANDS PROFILE potter, pottery classes Kitty Sabelman Wrenshall LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Dir: FDL Reservation Museum Jeff Savage Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE painter, art educator Karen Savage Blue Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE painter, muralist Adam Swanson Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE You Pick Flower Farm Aliza Anderson Barnum LOCAL HANDS PROFILE painter Sue Pavlatos Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE newspaper editor, journalist Jana Peterson Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Vocal Actor, Audiobooks, Voice-Overs Tegan Johnson Carlton LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Ryan Tischer DULUTH LOCAL HANDS PROFILE photographer Craig Blacklock Moose Lake LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Ojibwe artist, author Sam Zimmerman Duluth LOCAL HANDS PROFILE visual artist Kim Buskala Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Healing Practioner, Preservist Barbara Miron West Duluth LOCAL HANDS PROFILE photographer Molly Johnson Wrenshall LOCAL HANDS PROFILE educator, owner NP Junction Books Ryan Schmidt Carlton LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Regenerative Farm and Land Based Florist Heidi Wanzek and Em KIein Mahtowa LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Elizabeth Albert-Peacock Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE author Sharon Shuck Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE baker, artisan breads Brenda Kausch Cloquet LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Poet, Educator Patrick Stevens Moose Lake LOCAL HANDS PROFILE author Linda LeGarde Grover Duluth LOCAL HANDS PROFILE Food Producer, livestock Mark Thell Wrenshall LOCAL HANDS PROFILE

Localhands 2025 Holiday Season Shopping Guide

Support our Localhands 

Holiday Shopping Guide

Local Hand Posts

LOOK AT WHAT OUR LOCAL food producers, MAKERS AND CREATIVES ARe UP TO!

passion. discipline. livelihood.

Test Crop Prefix Your Biz Name ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Stuff WOODFIRE CANDLE COMPANY ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Test Crop Test company ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Wood fire Candle WOODFIRE CANDLE COMPANY ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Check Oldenburg House ART ROUNDABOUT, Carlton Roundabout Photography Molly Marie Photographty ART ROUNDABOUT, Wrenshall Profiles In Creativity Art Roundabout 2026 ART ROUNDABOUT, IN THE STUDIO, Carlton potential energy OACC IN THE STUDIO, Carlton Molly OACC IN THE STUDIO, Carlton 3-2-1 Ribs Y-ker Acres FROM THE FARM, Carlton

featured upcoming events

David Hazeltine & JP Delaire Friday, December 19 - Cookin' at the O
 MORE INFO David Hazeltine & JP Delaire Saturday, December 20 - Cookin' at the O
 MORE INFO

 

Image

out and about

view our full calendar

AllCookin' at the O
13
October
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Oldenburg House
604 Chestnut Ave, Carlton, MN 55718

In It Together

OACC and Oldenburg House invite community members into a space where creativity and connection naturally intersect ...

View Detail
20
October
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Oldenburg House
604 Chestnut Ave, Carlton, MN 55718

In It Together

OACC and Oldenburg House invite community members into a space where creativity and connection naturally intersect ...

View Detail
27
October
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Oldenburg House
604 Chestnut Ave, Carlton, MN 55718

In It Together

OACC and Oldenburg House invite community members into a space where creativity and connection naturally intersect ...

View Detail
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We Are

—farmers, food producers, cooks, and caregivers. We are artists, performers, and culture bearers; teachers, students, and elders. We are first responders, healthcare workers, tradespeople, equipment operators, and maintenance staff. We serve as bus drivers, delivery workers, retail employees, public servants, tribal leaders, and activists. We protect the land as water protectors, foresters, and environmental stewards. We are storytellers, language keepers, and knowledge sharers. We are parents, grandparents, youth, and neighbors. We are many roles, many voices—gathering to say we are -

In It Together

common roots, common ground, common good

Test Crop Prefix Your Biz Name ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Stuff WOODFIRE CANDLE COMPANY ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Test Crop Test company ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Wood fire Candle WOODFIRE CANDLE COMPANY ART ROUNDABOUT, Esko Check Oldenburg House ART ROUNDABOUT, Carlton Roundabout Photography Molly Marie Photographty ART ROUNDABOUT, Wrenshall Profiles In Creativity Art Roundabout 2026 ART ROUNDABOUT, IN THE STUDIO, Carlton potential energy OACC IN THE STUDIO, Carlton Molly OACC IN THE STUDIO, Carlton 3-2-1 Ribs Y-ker Acres FROM THE FARM, Carlton

it's a big idea

And big ideas start small.

To introduce and preserve the beauty, culture, and generosity of our region and provide a platform to connect with our community's events and people.

TOGETHER, we continually create the community reflected within this website. It will be different tomorrow, with your input, as it continually grows to celebrate this place we call home - an ever-changing kaleidoscope of our shared experiences - a living, evolving space - a continual work in progress . . .

and we are just getting started.

Image

the barnyard says . . .

it's

cluckin'

time

Pine Knot special insert

8 page OACC special - pdf

Have you ever wanted to know where to locate a blacksmith, a dance instructor, a custom woodworker, or know the farm where your vegetables come from?

  • a directory of local farmers, food producers, artists and creatives
  • creating marketing opportunities for our region's agriculture, arts and cultural communities
  • increasing local demand for locally produced food and locally created art and crafts
  • providing a point-of-contact resource for locals and visitors to our region
  • our platform's workspace allows registered users to list themselves - our community provides assistance to those who need it

The LocalHands directory will help you and visitors alike discover and support the rich network of agriculture, artistic talent and craftsmanship rooted in our region - a powerful resource for building a stronger community and growing a thriving local economy.

It’s more than a list; it’s a celebration of place, skill, and sustainability.

Through a dynamic local directory, a comprehensive events calendar, a social engagement platform, a journal to chronicle our time together and collaborative projects and activities that express the beauty, warmth, and uniqueness of life in our region.

Your input will help create a dynamic local directory showcasing the incredible range of talent in our community—from farmers to fine artists.

You’ll help create a comprehensive events calendar by posting your event to keep everyone connected and informed.

Take part in collaborative projects and activities like WHY WE LOVE IT HERE where we’ll share stories, photos, and postcards that express the beauty, warmth, and uniqueness of life in our region

to connect

everything local

local hands directory

visit it

local hands project

learn about it

SAY IT

with community postcards

to know us better

SEE IT

a  kaleidoscope of photos 

our community's line of sight

we love it here

weaving our stories together

express it

be a love dog

courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Canada Geese Nature, wildlife photo: Glenn Swanson | August 9, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Pottery class at Dragonfire Ceramics Studios photo: Molly Johnson | July 23, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Lady Slipper Nature photo: Glenn Swanson | June 29, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Lilac season Nature photo: Molly Johnson | June 27, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Happy cow at Mud Creek Farm Farms photo: Molly Johnson | June 7, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Toad Love wildlife photo: Molly Johnson | June 6, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Planting corn Farms photo: Molly Johnson | May 17, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Kris Nelson - Art Roundabout EVENTS, Art Roundabout, Cloquet photo: Molly Johnson | May 3, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Art Roundabout Art Roundabout photo: Molly Johnson | May 3, 2026 courtesy of: OACC Photography Guild Still Standing Farms, Moose Lake photo: Kara Keel | April 29, 2026

our answer to social media

 

We Are Real People.
We show our faces and stand behind our words. We communicate as ourselves—not avatars, usernames, or assumed identities.

Our Friends Are Our Neighbors.
We’re not chasing likes or collecting virtual strangers as “friends.” Our goal is to inspire, not to be seen. We give freely, without seeking recognition.

We Are Real People.
We show our faces and stand behind our words. We communicate as ourselves—not avatars, usernames, or assumed identities.

Our Friends Are Our Neighbors.
We connect with people we actually share space with. We’re not chasing likes or collecting virtual strangers as “friends.” Our goal is to lift our community. Our focus is not on ourselves but on the good we see in the other and the inspiration we receive from this place we call home.  We give freely.

Each postcard, photo, and story becomes a thread in a tapestry—woven together, our voices form a kaleidoscope of who we are as a community. This is more than art. It’s reflection. It’s celebration. It’s identity.

recent mailbox posts

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    Why We Love It Here

    Beauty in each day

    As a newer resident from the Twin Ports, I find whether right in town where I live or a short peddle away on the bike, the nature that surrounds us here is easy to spot, and accessible for us to enjoy. I’m grateful for the community-minded efforts that go to making all this area such a great place to live.
    from a resident of Cloquet
    published August 12, 2025
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    Why We Love It Here

    to our farming community

    From all of us in the surrounding region who gather around dinner tables filled with your hard work, we send our deepest thanks. Your labor—sunrise to sunset, in every kind of weather—feeds not just our bodies, but our communities and spirits. Your work is foundational, and it matters more than words can say. You play a big role in why we love it here.
    from a resident of Carlton
    published August 3, 2025

    Brings back memories

    a resident of Moose Lake
    published September 21, 2025

    This beautiful place brings back memories from the past.

    The Small-Town Connections

    a resident of Carlton
    published September 4, 2025

    Carlton County boasts beautiful natural resources for outdoor enthusiasts: whitewater rafting/paddling Chub Lake and the St. Louis River; skiing/hiking Jay Cooke and the Cloquet Forestry Center; biking/skiing the Alex Leveau and Munger Trails! But it’s the small-town connections that I love! Listening to local stories at The Streetcar, Harold’s, and other businesses is the best! I became an author of a children’s book after meeting Carlton neighbors in 2017. They told me about their efforts to restore my favorite Lake Superior lighthouse…and my ship began to set sail!!!

    recent kaleidoscope photos

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    Girl +Joe

    Kayaking on the ol’ Louie at Swiftwater Adventures with Jazlyn and Joe, the goldendoodle!
    from a resident of Carlton

    published August 18, 2025

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    Masterful Quilt

    Kathy came by from the Moose Lake Farmers Market to get listed on the directory. She shared with us this wonderful quilt she made.
    from a resident of Carlton

    published August 11, 2025

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    Kathy Port

    The great Moose lake Farmers Market manager is on the move!
    from a resident of Carlton

    published August 11, 2025

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    Cabbage Field

    Something country good
    from a resident of Carlton

    published August 10, 2025

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    A Quilter Visits

    Our local quilters bring Sandy to our region on her Minnesota quilters tour.
    from a resident of Carlton

    published August 6, 2025

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      Canada Geese

      Quiet morning on Thompson Reservoir

      published August 9, 2026

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      Pottery class at Dragonfire Ceramics

      published July 23, 2026

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      Lady Slipper

      Minnesota’s state flower. They are blooming at the visitor center at Jay Cooke State Park. Thanks for making them accessible to us MN DNR!

      published June 28, 2026

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      Lilac season

      Lilac season

      published June 27, 2026

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      Happy cow at Mud Creek Farm

      published June 7, 2026

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      Toad Love

      Toad love

      published June 5, 2026

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      Planting corn

      Corn planting in Wrenshall

      published May 16, 2026

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      Kris Nelson – Art Roundabout

      Kris Nelson at the Encore Performing Art Center Gallery for the Art Roundabout 2026!

      published May 3, 2026

      from a resident of Cloquet
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      Art Roundabout

      Deb Wichell at NP Junction Books

      published May 3, 2026

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      Still Standing

      Wednesday, April 28, 2026

      published April 29, 2026

      from a resident of Moose Lake
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      Morning Breaks

      Morning breaks

      published April 21, 2026

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Insert Spring Peepers

      published April 19, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Morning Thompson

      7:00 AM or so April 17

      published April 17, 2026

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      The gray of a fading winter

      Willard Munger Trail | May 12th. The noon hour would be met with fog as winter takes her final breath of the season. Gray – somewhere between the white snow and the black earth – a most fitting color for this interstitial moment. With an open heart we stand, leaning into the inevitably shift, bearing witness to the melt.

      published April 12, 2026

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Brown Season

      published April 9, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Spring Swans

      published March 24, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Photobomb Queen

      published March 15, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      First maple sap run of the season

      published March 8, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Sukie and Dog

      Out in the ice and snow Profiles in creativity Glenn Swanson art exhibit opening reception at Pine Knot News March 23 4:30-6:30 PM

      published March 2, 2026

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      Moon Dog

      Moon dog

      published February 25, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Jana Peterson

      Pine Knot News gathering Saturday, February 21 celebrating another host of annual awards.

      published February 21, 2026

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      Honor system skates

      Community skate in Wrenshall before the blizzard

      published February 18, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Roundabout | 2026

      connecting local creatives and community to raise the visibility of artists and artisans of our region

      published February 18, 2026

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      First Meeting

      Gathering to begin the Bakers Rise project on the In It Together Tuesday session Jan 27.

      published February 3, 2026

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      Art Show

      Art Opening at the Encore Performing Arts Center & Gallery on Friday, January 30th from 6-7pm!

      published January 29, 2026

      from a resident of Cloquet
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      Bakers Rise

      On Tuesday, January 27th, community members met to introduce and shape Bakers Rise, a community baking project designed to raise funds for the Carlton County Historical Society’s writing contest scholarship, while also strengthening community connection and civic goodwill.

      published January 27, 2026

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Emily’s Pineapple Upside Down

      A favorite

      published January 27, 2026

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Subzero Fun

      published January 24, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Cold, clear winter nights

      published January 14, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Trail Maintenance

      Winter maintenance on Munger Trail which sees the hiker, dog walker, skate skier to snowmobiles. On the trail within Jay Cooke State Park near the park’s trailhead for Carlton Trail which travels the St. Louis River downstream to the swinging bridge and the park’s headquarters.

      published January 6, 2026

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Yvette

      Magnolia Cafe

      published January 4, 2026

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Frosty Pines

      published January 2, 2026

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Happy Chickadee

      published December 28, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Pine Valley Park

      Icy morning in Pine Valley

      published December 21, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Jay Cooke State Park

      “Breaking Through” Evening sunlight breaks over the Saint Louis River in Jay Cooke State Park. Photograph captured by Ryan Tischer of Tischer Gallery.

      published December 14, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Jay Cooke State Park

      “Sunrise Serenade” Morning skies reflected in the Saint Louis River as it runs through Jay Cooke State Park. Photograph captured by Ryan Tischer of Tischer Gallery.

      published December 14, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Winter Sunrise

      -10 at 7:45 am @ Oldenburg House

      published December 4, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Musical pigeon staff

      Pigeons ready for the cold spell in Carlton

      published December 1, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Feathered Flight

      A photo to celebrate our feathered Friends of Carlton county. Freedom so often is represented by the phenomenon of flight. Thanksgiving Day so grateful for the feather.

      published November 27, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Blue sunset

      Blue sunset to the South, my neighbor’s farm

      published November 26, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Cookin’ at the O magic

      Cookin’ at the O magic

      published November 25, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Winter Prep

      Ongoing and gratifying work

      published November 21, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Late harvest season

      Late harvest season in Wrenshall

      published November 14, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Pileated

      The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the biggest, most striking forest birds on the continent. It’s nearly the size of a crow, black with bold white stripes down the neck and a flaming-red crest. Look (and listen) for Pileated Woodpeckers whacking at dead trees and fallen logs in search of their main prey, carpenter ants, leaving unique rectangular holes in the wood. The nest holes these birds make offer crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens.

      published November 13, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Thomson Reservoir

      The reservoir reflects the day – the day as told by the water. If you are down here often you realize each day is a new day – its where hope lives.

      published November 13, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Early freeze on the pond

      published November 12, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Festive Northern Lights

      published November 11, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      NP JUNCTION

      The best

      published November 9, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Munger Trail Dawn

      6:45 AM Thursday morning on the trail greeted by a spectacular sunrise.

      published November 6, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Max on the Munger

      So many great trails to explore!

      published October 16, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Fall Field

      Approaching the end of day visiting with Britt Johnson of the Polish Farmer – Moose Lake – who graciously took us out into the field that presented this gorgeous view.

      published October 13, 2025

      from a resident of Moose Lake
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      Moms the word

      The greenhouse in Carlton, Minnesota is alive with fall mums!

      published October 7, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Dutch Baby

      A beautiful breakfast pancake

      published October 7, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Clouds

      A beautiful cloud formation over the Thompson Reservoir

      published October 6, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Zeitgeist Dinner

      Oldenburg House hosts wine dinner for friends of Zeitgeist – a great ally from Duluth

      published October 2, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Mushroom

      On the rock of Thomson Reservoir

      published October 2, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Carlton County Farmers Market

      A good way to spend Saturday and morning in the fall

      published September 27, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Kris Keeps Rockin’

      Kris Nelson is tireless – she put together the current exhibit at Encore Performing Arts Center featuring work from Sue Pavlatos and other selected local artists

      published September 26, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Munger Trail Morning

      Near the St. Louis Gorge

      published September 26, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      St Louis Gorge

      From the Munger Trail bridge

      published September 25, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Babka

      A breakfast bread filled with apples from Rick Polzin of Holyoke.

      published September 25, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      At the Fire Ring

      What an inviting place to sit!

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of Holyoke
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      Bird and Fountain

      The Rock Wall background for this garden area is unique in the town of Carlton.

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of Holyoke
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      Waterfall

      Beautiful waterfall that can help grow Beautiful plants.

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of Moose Lake
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      Chickens!

      Best friends and new feathered friends!

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of Cloquet
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      Harvest fest

      Holding a pretty hen.

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      I cluckin’ love it here

      James Alejandro Sueling Loons holding What The Cluck at OACC Harvest Festival!

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of FDL Reservation
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      My emotional support

      At the harvestfest

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of Barnum
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      Love it

      We have the best people with us today. All right

      published September 21, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Nature Shifts

      Thomson Reservoir

      published September 11, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Pasture

      Cattle

      published September 8, 2025

      from a resident of Barnum
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      Hint of Fall

      Outside Jay Cooke – Lower Cathedral Trail / Mission Creek

      published September 7, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Woodland Apples! In Carlton!

      Here are the best Cortland Apples right in the Woodland area! Named after my hometown in upstate New York!

      published September 4, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Carlton County Honeyberries and Woodland Apples

      Yum! Did you know that honeyberries are native to Japan and Siberia? Does that tell you anything about our winters?!!! Cortland Apples, right here in Carlton, MN! Named after my hometown in Upstate NY!

      published September 4, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Book Signings and Readings

      N.P. Junction hosted my first book signing, followed by the Cloquet Public Library. Others followed. I met three Carlton County couples while doing a book signing in Ely, MN!! Sharing stories builds bridges inside and outside of our community.

      published September 4, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Glenn Swanson

      I will be there – how could I not be.

      published September 3, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      A Child Teaches Joy

      Along Munger Trail near Carlton, sun showers revealed a beautiful sight—a child in the puddles, water dancing in the afternoon light. That joy is not just a memory but a presence within us, alive whenever we have the courage to release it.

      published September 2, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Labor Day Parade

      Great turn out!

      published September 1, 2025

      from a resident of Cloquet
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      Forage for Winter

      Round Bales at Free Range Farm

      published August 31, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Free Range Barn

      Free Range Barn, 1 mile south of Wrenshall

      published August 31, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      The Rad

      Good Neighbors are always fun to encounter at the grocery store.

      published August 30, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Festival Banner

      OACC Local Hand Harvest Festival banner is up out in front of Oldenburg house in Carlton. It’s official. We are doing this. Help spread the word

      published August 30, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      On the Table

      Harvest

      published August 29, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Pollinator Some

      Several years ago the great people from Carlton County Soil and Water Conservation District (which is a mouthful) assisted us with our pollinator garden. I had forgotten they told us that these plants would get12 ft tall!

      published August 29, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Eliska

      On munger trail

      published August 27, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Baked Oatmeal

      Breakfast at Oldenburg House

      published August 26, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Art Extrodinaire Matt

      Sunflower

      published August 25, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      What the Cluck

      Where it seems this pair is going somewhre

      published August 21, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Carlton Farmers Market

      It is a great experience to be with our people – the Tuesday market could not be in better hands than Ken’s of Leaning Barn

      published August 20, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Coffee

      Magnolia Cafe style. Carlton MN

      published August 19, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Reflective

      It’s our river

      published August 19, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Motorcycle on the river

      I love riding my bike through the winding roads between Barnum and Moose Lake. I especially love the little bridge over the Moose Horn river.

      published August 19, 2025

      from a resident of Barnum
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      Morning Walk at Tamarack Lake

      Puppies, Fred & Ginger, out for a morning walk at our lake farm on Tamarack Lake.

      published August 19, 2025

      from a resident of Wright
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      Heading South

      As the Seasons change, the Voyageur on the River says its nearing time to go. The gull agrees.

      published August 19, 2025

      from a resident of Cloquet
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      Girl +Joe

      Kayaking on the ol’ Louie at Swiftwater Adventures with Jazlyn and Joe, the goldendoodle!

      published August 18, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      A Photo of Goodness

      from the farm – food farm to be accurate

      published August 18, 2025

      from a resident of Wrenshall
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      Why we love it here

      what is the name of this place? NP Junction Books – Carlton, MN

      published August 13, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Masterful Quilt

      Kathy came by from the Moose Lake Farmers Market to get listed on the directory. She shared with us this wonderful quilt she made.

      published August 11, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Kathy Port

      The great Moose lake Farmers Market manager is on the move!

      published August 11, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Cabbage Field

      Something country good

      published August 10, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Be

      do your thing

      published August 10, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
      Image

      For One Day

      Ragnar

      published August 9, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
      Image

      Bee-ing

      On the thistle doing the thing

      published August 6, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
      Image

      A Whistle

      for the thistle

      published August 6, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
      Image

      A Quilter Visits

      Our local quilters bring Sandy to our region on her Minnesota quilters tour.

      published August 6, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
      Image

      Young Hands

      On the raspberries

      published August 3, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Haataja Designs

      A potters studio and a kiln to fire

      published August 3, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Strawberry Fields Forever

      The Berry Field of Happy Critters Farm

      published August 3, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Berry Blue

      Picking blueberries like this is easy – not putting them in your mouth very difficult!

      published August 2, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Makin’ Hay

      What some of us do in the summer – make hay!

      published August 2, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      In the Field

      Ain’t nothing better than to be welcomed in by those who work the land.

      published August 1, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Source of Tomorrow’s Eggs

      There is an indescribable feeling that comes over you when you greet the chicken that lays your breakfast eggs from our region’s farmers. Try it – its wonderful. Another reason why we love it here.

      published August 1, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Summer

      Golden days of summer see a Bumblebee at work

      published August 1, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Friends

      on water

      published July 30, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
      Image

      Milkweed

      Milkweed gets a bad rap but don’t tell the Monarchs – they would disagree

      published July 29, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Shooting Stars

      Entering the studio

      published July 29, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Carlton Daze Parade

      It’s Hot!

      published July 28, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Amazing

      Yes it happens – great dancers instructing the youth of our community

      published July 28, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Carlton Daze Parade

      The people turn out for the Carlton Daze Parade even when the heat is 90 plus degrees!

      published July 27, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Do Canoe

      It is what some of us do!

      published July 26, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      The Shirt Says It All

      Tulli – getting ready for the Carlton Daze Parade. When you source local you get the benefit of knowing the people – like the printer’s daughter.

      published July 26, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Voyageur Ultra Marathon

      A herd of runners on Munger Trail – 6:05 AM

      published July 26, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Carlton Daze

      Annual weekend get together is always a good time

      published July 26, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      FriDaze

      It begins

      published July 25, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Bloom

      Native flower

      published July 25, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Smokey Morning

      Thompson Reservoir

      published July 25, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Thomson Reservoir

      Good times and Good memories

      published July 24, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Summer Work

      Otter Creek

      published July 15, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Canoeing

      Thomson Reservoir

      published July 2, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
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      Small Thing

      Somewhere between the earth and sky – the water and rock – the ice melts. Unstoppable forces continue to move forward, no matter how hard we fight to hold on. It is inevitable, spring will come.

      published March 21, 2025

      from a resident of Wright
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      Spring Arrival

      Out in the country you will find the flock, cared for and well-looked-after by more than one pair of hands that belong within the County of Carlton. It is a pleasure to be among them, a joy to be with them, a day to make new friends.

      published March 18, 2025

      from a resident of Moose Lake
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      Walk On Water

      The St. Louis River, headwaters of the Great Lakes moving out of Carlton County towards the Atlantic Ocean. During the winter, residents of its valley are frequently permitted to walk on its water. From time to time, the invitation is accepted.

      published March 11, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton
      Image

      light steps in

      through the window, a crack in the darkness, the night broken by day. It falls indiscriminate and does not hold back. It is absorbed and reflected in the moment. It knows no exclusion. Is it a houseplant? I think not.

      published March 11, 2025

      from a resident of Carlton

       the 'why we love it here'  project

      learn more about it

      the mailbox

      read community postcards

      kaleidoscope

      view community photo cards

      our answer to what's happening 

      a comprehensive calendar of local events

      To make our Out and About calendar a true hub for everything happening across region, post your event to our community calendar first—then continue promoting it through your existing channels. Adding your event to our shared platform ensures it becomes part of a comprehensive, region-wide listing that residents, visitors, and local media turn to every day.

      post it  here,

      homie

      Have you ever wanted to know where to locate a blacksmith, a dance instructor, a custom woodworker, or know the farm where your vegetables come from?

      • a directory of local farmers, food producers, artists and creatives
      • creating marketing opportunities for our region's agriculture, arts and cultural communities
      • increasing local demand for locally produced food and locally created art and crafts
      • providing a point-of-contact resource for locals and visitors to our region
      • our platform's workspace allows registered users to list themselves - our community provides assistance to those who need it

      The LocalHands directory will help you and visitors alike discover and support the rich network of agriculture, artistic talent and craftsmanship rooted in our region - a powerful resource for building a stronger community and growing a thriving local economy.

      It’s more than a list; it’s a celebration of place, skill, and sustainability.

      Why would you do anything else?

      Your local audience is here. Share your event with your community. Worry about other aspects of your event promotion later.

      The rest of the world will catch up to us soon enough!

      Your input will help create a dynamic local directory showcasing the incredible range of talent in our community—from farmers to fine artists.

      You’ll help create a comprehensive events calendar by posting your event to keep everyone connected and informed.

      Take part in collaborative projects and activities like WHY WE LOVE IT HERE where we’ll share stories, photos, and postcards that express the beauty, warmth, and uniqueness of life in our region

      the oacc journal

      our evolving story

      June Lind our evolving story Why Art Roundabout and What's New our evolving story Profiles in Creativity Exhibition our evolving story Joel Soukkala our evolving story, Cloquet Paul Sapyta our evolving story, Cloquet Joe Lambert our evolving story, Carlton To Those Driven to Create, Inspire and Educate Intro, our evolving story To Those Who Serve our evolving story To Those Who Work The Land our evolving story OACC JOURNAL
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      Residents of our region

      Have you ever felt like you wanted to 'give back' to your community but didn't know how?

      then . . . 

      write a postcard to express the good you see in your community, your neighbor, this place

      post a photo to inspire and inform us

      list your event so we know what is happening

      and so much more . . . we are just beginning

      get your workspace

      register and lets get started

      drive. ride.

      lets go.

      changing the way things get done

      common roots, common ground, common good

      Thanks to Our Partners

      ImageImage

      This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

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