What started on March 1, 1872, when Yellowstone became the first National Park in the world, has grown to over 433 units covering over 85 million acres in America. Tagged "America’s Best Idea," we celebrate National Parks Week every year in April. Roughly 20,000 people work either full-time or seasonally with the National Park Service but the system also relies on over 130,000 volunteers. The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation--sponsor of this podcast--is one of those volunteer organizations.

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Carol Brady, founding board member and long-time Chairman of NPLSF, about the organization’s mission and projects that have developed over the last two decades.

5 Quotes

• “In 2026, this will be 20 years since we became an actual official 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation.”
• “National Park Service unbelievably has over 400 units in the country, and the government budget for the National Park Service is a finite number.”
• “There’s only so much budget to go around. In order to keep all of these places as special as folks expect them to be when you go there, they need help. They need outside help.”
• “That is an ongoing thing that will last much longer than I will, I’m quite sure.”
• “You’re not going to really notice that this is not the coast of an ocean. The lake could be calm, it can be just wild, but the best thing is it’s clear and cold. You dip it in there and take a drink, it’s just great. It’s fresh water. It’s just amazing. People think it’s going to just look like a big lake, and then when they realize it looks like the ocean, they forget that it’s clear and cold and fresh.”

Connect With Us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation

Sponsors:

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

While some parts of the country can count on crocus and daffodils to signal spring in March, Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is still measuring snowbanks. Over 300” has fallen across the region and more is expected, possibly into May. From the looks of future forecasts, the area is sure to surpass last year’s total of 315.25” and may be on track for the all-time high of 390.4” set back in the winter of 1978-79. What do you do with over 32’ of snow in a season? In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Jesse Wiederhold, Managing Director of Visit Keweenaw, about what makes this area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula such a mecca for snow lovers and tips on how they survive cabin fever.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Extraordinary Snowfall Totals In The Keweenaw Peninsula: Jesse Wiederhold says the Keweenaw had already passed 200 inches of snowfall by early January and notes that the historical snowfall record in Keweenaw County is about 390 inches in a single season recorded in the late 1970s.
2. Lake Superior Drives The Region’s Heavy Snowfall: Wiederhold explains that Lake Superior acts as a “snow machine,” producing lake-effect snow because the Keweenaw Peninsula is surrounded by the lake on multiple sides.
3. Winter Recreation Draws Visitors To The Keweenaw: Visitors come to the region for winter activities including skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking, with ski areas such as Mount Ripley and Mount Bohemia operating during the winter season and drawing large numbers of visitors, including days when more than a thousand people ski at Mount Bohemia.
4. Groomed Trail Systems Support Winter Sports In The Region: Wiederhold highlights several groomed trail networks located within about a 30-minute radius of Houghton and Hancock, including the Michigan Tech trails in Houghton, the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails in Hancock, the Swedetown trails in Calumet, and the East Bluff trails in Copper Harbor.
5. Finnish Heritage And Sauna Culture Remain Strong In The Keweenaw: Wiederhold notes that about one in three people in Houghton County are Finnish and explains that sauna culture remains an important part of local life, with both home saunas and public sauna experiences such as those at Mount Bohemia and Taka Saunas available in the region.

Helpful Links:

• Visit Keweenaw – https://visitkeweenaw.com
• Mount Bohemia – https://mtbohemia.com
• CopperDog 150 – https://copperdog.org
• Michigan Tech Trails – https://www.mtu.edu/recreation/outdoor/trails/

Connect With Us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation

Sponsors:

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

Bats have been called the “Invisible Mammal” primarily because they fly silently and mostly at night. They also roost in dark places, caves or abandoned mines, making them hard to find even in the daylight. For humans, bats aren’t only hard to see, they are hard to understand, yet they play a vital role in our world’s ecosystems and an equally important roll in our agricultural economy. Yet 200 species of bats are nearing extinction. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist at Bat Conservation International, to learn more about what is threatening bat populations around Lake Superior.

5 Key Takeaways

Bats Are More Diverse — And Longer-Lived — Than Most People Realize

Winifred Frick notes that bats are “the only mammals that can fly,” and that scientists have “just celebrated the discovery of the 1,500 bat species.” In the U.S. and Canada, she says there are “about 47 different bat species.”

White-Nose Syndrome Has Devastated Bats Around Lake Superior

Frick explains that white-nose syndrome is caused by a fungal pathogen — Pseudogymnoascus destructans (“PD”) — and says it “first emerged…in the winter of 2006, 2007.” She adds that it “has killed millions of bats in its wake” and highlights a “99% decline” in the northern long-eared bat population.

The Fungus Spreads Through Hibernation Sites — Not Just Bat-to-Bat Contact

Frick describes how the fungus grows on bats’ skin (including wings, ears, and muzzle) and can also persist on cave and mine surfaces. She explains bats can pick it up “either by coming in contact with each other” or by contacting “the surfaces where they roost.”

“Fat Bat Project” — A Practical Experiment To Help Bats Survive

Frick explains how white-nose causes bats to burn through fat reserves by arousing too often during hibernation, leading them to “starve to death before spring.” In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, her team tested using UV lights near mines (including near the Delaware Mine area) to attract insects and boost foraging — what Frick calls “our fat bat project.”

You Can Help Bats By Supporting Habitat, Native Insects, And Conservation Work

Frick points to Bat Conservation International’s “bat gardens program,” encouraging people to plant native plants that support moths and beetles. She also emphasizes advocating for nature protection and supporting organizations funding bat research and conservation actions.

Helpful Links:

Bat Conservation International - batcon.org

The Invisible Mammal Film - doclands.com/film/the-invisible-mammal

Connect With Us:

Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation

Sponsors:

Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability. Learn more: cafeimports.com

National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks: nplsf.org/donate

For some, growing up on Lake Superior carves a deep connection to place, and no matter where life leads, the pull to return to that rugged shoreline never leaves. Patti Baraks knows too well that hold Superior creates. She grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, and although she has lived, worked and raised a family in Texas, she admits, her internal compass always points north toward that mighty lake. As an early childhood education teacher with a passion for poetry, she used that lure to write a children’s book, “A is for Agates, A Lake Superior Alphabet Book”.

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Patti not only about her time in Wisconsin, but also about the motivation and process of producing a children’s book.

If you’d like a copy, or need a perfect Lake Superior–themed Christmas gift, she shares that you can find the book at independent bookstores and libraries around the Lake Superior region. It’s also available online at Itasca Books:

https://itascabooks.com/products/a-is-for-agates-a-lake-superior-alphabet-book-1

Key takeaways

Patti’s Deep Connection to Lake Superior Has Never Faded

Patti Baraks grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, a city she describes as “one of the greatest port cities on Lake Superior.” She explains that Lake Superior shaped every part of daily life — the economy, recreation, and weather — and says the lake “has always had a hold over me that I can’t quite explain.” Even after moving to Texas, she shares that her “internal compass points north” and draws her back every summer.

The Passing of Her Father Motivated Her to Finally Write a Book

Patti says she had “always wanted to be a writer,” but it wasn’t until her father passed away about a year and a half before the interview that she decided she didn’t want “a cloud of regret” about never pursuing that dream. This loss gave her the push to “get out of [her] comfort zone and just go for it.”

Collaboration With Illustrator Lisa Perrin Cosmo Was Central to the Book’s Success

Patti selected illustrator Lisa Perrin Cosmo after seeing an agate painting in her portfolio and feeling immediately drawn to her work. She says Lisa is “local to the North Shore,” “really knows the lake,” and seemed able to “read my mind” when creating the illustrations. Patti calls her artwork “breathtaking” and says the illustrator “paints the best moose.”

Patti Believes Nature-Based Literature Helps Children Explore and Learn

As a former teacher, Patti says that nature-based books encourage kids to get outside, reduce stress, and learn through observation. She describes the outdoors as “the original classroom,” where children discover things independently, ask questions, and engage their natural curiosity.

Connect With Us:

Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcast
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation

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

The first known map of Lake Superior was drawn by Virginian John Mitchell in 1755. Over the centuries, countless records of the shoreline, depths, lighthouses and communities have been published. But now, there’s another map in the works. This one by the United States Geological Survey. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Jamey Jones, Science Coordinator for the USGS’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiatives, or Earth MRI. He shares what this project hopes to accomplish, particularly when it comes to locating the area’s rare earth minerals and contributing to the publicly available data on metals deposits in the Lake Superior region. Tune in to learn more!

Webpage

• USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative – https://www.usgs.gov/earth-mapping-resources-initiative-earth-mri

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

The Gales of November is very real on the Great Lakes, known as the “Month of Storms.”

Some 550 wrecks lie on the bottom of Lake Superior, at least 200 along Superior’s Shipwreck Coast, a treacherous 80-Mile stretch with no safe harbor between Munising and Whitefish Point.

On November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald, a 728 foot freighter went down in a storm described as both blizzard and hurricane taking all 29 crew members to their grave. Made famous by the Gordon Lightfoot song, the wreck has remained a mystery for fifty years.

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with maritime historian, author and lecturer Fred Stonehouse about that tragic night and what we have learned since her sinking and how her legacy has shaped maritime safety.

Key Takeaways

• The Edmund Fitzgerald Sank Fifty Years Ago — But Its Mystery Endures
  Maritime historian Fred Stonehouse recounts how the 729-foot freighter Edmund Fitzgerald sank on November 10, 1975, about 15 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. The ship went down without a distress signal, and all 29 crew members were lost—leaving one of the Great Lakes’ most haunting mysteries.
• A Storm Described as Both a Blizzard and a Hurricane
  The night the Fitzgerald went down, Lake Superior raged with winds exceeding 75 miles per hour—stronger than a Category 1 hurricane. As Fred explains, the storm “exceeded 75 miles an hour in wind, and a cat one hurricane’s only 74.”
• Hubris and Hard Lessons on the Great Lakes
  “This was a time when ships had the attitude that they can’t sink.”
  Fred reflects on how the culture of Great Lakes shipping in the 1970s—driven by confidence and schedules—left little room for caution. The Fitzgerald’s loss changed that mindset forever, ushering in a new era of safety, respect, and humility toward Lake Superior.
• The Edmund Fitzgerald at 50: A Tragedy That Changed Everything
  “The world had changed in that instance when the Fitzgerald disappeared.”
  The tragedy sparked widespread reforms—from new navigation technology and onboard stress monitoring systems to emergency response protocols.
• The Ship That Became a Legend
  “She has sailed from fact into legend of the Great Lakes.”
  Fred explains how the Edmund Fitzgerald became immortalized through Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad, cultural memory, and even merchandise—from ornaments to craft beer. The ship’s story transcended history, turning into one of the most iconic Great Lakes legends.
• An Underwater Graveyard and a Place of Reverence
  Fred describes the Fitzgerald’s final resting place, protected by the Canadian government and closed to divers since 1989. It remains a solemn memorial to the men who perished that night and a reminder of Lake Superior’s power.

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

Biking in the Superior Country is more than just a way to get around—it’s a way of life. From gravel roads to rugged trails to family bike packing along Big Blue’s shoreline, the region offers two-wheeled adventure in every season. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Josh Rizzo, founder of thenxrth.com—an adventure site dedicated to unpaved cycling across three states--Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Josh shares how biking became a lifelong passion, and how he’s started bringing his kids along for multi-day trips. He tells what makes this corner of the world such a rich landscape for two-wheeled travel. Whether you’re a road, gravel, mountain or fat biker, or even just curious about the lure of riding, Josh’s stories are sure to inspire you to hop in the saddle.

Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:

-A Lifelong Love of Cycling Sparked by Childhood Adventures
“My earliest memories in life were on a bike.”
Josh Rizzo’s biking journey began with childhood rides along the Chippewa River State Trail with his dad and sisters—memories that shaped his passion for exploration and outdoor adventures.

-Why the Lake Superior Region Is a Cyclist’s Paradise
Josh highlights the appeal of the Lake Superior region for cyclists: scenic towns, abundant water routes, and endless opportunities for gravel biking, mountain biking, and bikepacking.

-Bikepacking as a Family Tradition—Even With a 10-Month-Old
Josh and his family embrace adventure by bike—proving that even toddlers can be part of meaningful, challenging, and memorable outdoor experiences.

-Fat Biking Brings All Cyclists Together in Winter
Regardless of their summer biking style, winter unites all cyclists—making fat biking a special part of the community and culture in the Northwoods.

-Thenxrth.com Is a Home for Off-Road Cycling Adventure
Josh created the site to help others explore the region he loves, offering route guides, event listings, and community storytelling for all kinds of cyclists.

-Which State Is Best for Biking? It Depends.
“I think Minnesota has the best gravel biking... Wisconsin owns the crown for fat biking... the Upper Peninsula is the adventure capital.”

Resources:

TheNxrth – Gravel, Fat, Mountain & Bikepacking Routes – https://www.thenxrth.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/the_nxrth/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thenxrth

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 Josh Rizzo share his lifelong passion for biking, what makes the Lake Superior region a cyclist’s dream, and how families of all ages can embrace adventure on two wheels.

Lake Superior is not only the largest of the Great Lakes, but the water quality is also some of the clearest. Yet, historically, the Lake was often a dumping ground for all kinds of debris. "Out of sight, out of mind” was an all-too-common mindset. Don Fassbender, president of Great Lakes Scuba Diving and Lake Preservation, has made it his life's mission to clean up Lake Superior’s underwater world. With volunteers, including fellow divers and kayakers, he estimates 14 tons of tires have been hauled up from Marquette MIchigan's Lower Harbor. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Don about how his mission started and the mysteries he's found below the surface.

Key Takeaways + Notable Quotes:

A Lifelong Passion for Diving Inspired by Jacques Cousteau

“As a young man, I can recall racing home from school just so I wouldn't miss the undersea world of Jacques Cousteau.”

Vintage Diving Equipment Connects Divers More Intimately with the Water

“There's actually less things that can go wrong... Vintage kit would look like a tank, a regulator, some fins, maybe a wetsuit and a mask, and then you're off. No computers, no fancy gauges.”

Tons of Trash are Hidden Beneath Lake Superior

“We removed, what, 14 tons of tires out of Marquette Lower Harbor alone over a period of about five years. And there's still a lot of trash down there.”

Removing Underwater Debris is Complex and Laborious

Heavy items, poor visibility, and underwater hazards make cleanup efforts extremely challenging.

Why Tires are Prevalent in Lake Superior

“Tires were used as boat bumpers for years and years…as weather wears them down…they would just string another one up in its place.”

Community Involvement is Essential for Successful Cleanups

Volunteers on land, in boats, and even kayaks significantly contribute to cleanup missions.

Safety and Equipment Needs Drive Fundraising Efforts

Specialized gear and safety equipment are critical for diver safety and efficiency.

Surprising Finds Beneath the Surface Tell Unique Stories

“One of my favorite finds, a little diamond ring that was tied to a rock with a shoelace.” Every item retrieved from Lake Superior carries its own history, some humorous, some mysterious.

Resources:

• Great Lakes Scuba Divers
  • https://greatlakesscubadivers.com
• Connect with Diver Don on Facebook
  • https://www.facebook.com/DiverDonScuba
  • https://www.facebook.com/GreatLakesScubaDivers
• Contact Don directly with cleanup leads
  • Email: president@greatlakesscubadivers.com

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 Diver Don Fassbender share firsthand experiences from beneath Lake Superior’s waters, the incredible teamwork required for environmental preservation, and how you can help protect the Great Lakes.