Northern Wilds Magazine
“Water Science Manoomin,” by Adam Swanson, 2021. Located on the back side of Happy Sleeper, 2010 West Superior Street, Duluth. | DANA JOHNSON
Features

Walls that Speak: Murals of the Northland

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a mural is a novel—and you can find a small library of them all over the Northern Wilds.

Murals are different from traditional paintings not just in size, structure, and technique, but also in how they impact the community. They are free to view and enjoy by both residents and visitors, and they reflect the identity of the areas they inhabit. They often depict local history and legends or celebrate natural beauty, becoming beloved landmarks that encourage people to consider and connect.

Shown here are only a few of the many murals that can be found throughout the Northland, with more being created by skilled local artists and their supportive communities every year.

“Burlington Station,” by Brian Olson Studio, 2021. Located at Burlington Station, 320 7th Avenue in Two Harbors. | DANA JOHNSON
“Talking Heads,” by Christian Chapman, 2025. Located at Red Lion Smokehouse, 16 Cumberland Steet South, Thunder Bay. | KATHLEEN HAMILTON
“The End of an Era,” by William E. Defenbaugh, 2000. Located at Your Boat Club (formerly the Conoco Station), 3 East Sheridan Street in Ely. | ADELIA KINDSTRAND-CLARK
Colorful vertical animal mural by Nancy Scheibe, located at Art & Soul Gallery, 427 East Sheridan Street, Ely. | ADELIA KINDSTRAND-CLARK
“The Beaver House,” by Lyle Saethre, 2003. Located at the Beaver House, 12 Wisconsin Street, Grand Marais. | LAURIE HALL
“Nakweshkodaadiwag Gitchi Gami / They Meet/Gather at Lake Superior,” work in progress by Adam Swanson and Sam Zimmerman, 2025. Located at the Cook County Co-op, 20 1st Street, Grand Marais. | KRISTI SILENCE
“Snowy Owl,” by Adam Swanson, 2018. Located at Bali Asian Cuisine, 1931 West Superior Street in Duluth. | DANA JOHNSON
“Finland Cooperative,” by Dale Knaffla Jr., 2011. Located at Finland Cooperative General Store, 6648 State Hwy 1, Finland. | DANA JOHNSON
Grand mural depicting the Beaver River and Beaver Bay, by Mary A. LaBerge, 2011. Located at 1008 Main Street (Hwy 61), Beaver Bay. | DANA JOHNSON
A flowing and colorful collaborative mural by Shelby Gagnon, Ricky Kruger, Lak William, Ryan Pooman, Johnny Longfeather, and Luke Goerzen, 2023. Located at Lakehead Beer Co., 206 Park Avenue, Thunder Bay. | KATHLEEN HAMILTON

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