Heritage Arts & Crafts
Rug punching, ceramics, yarn craft, lino-cut printing, plein air painting, fiber arts, baking, writing, and seasonal folk traditions.
Rainy Lake - International Falls, MN
The Wharf Folk School & Event Center
Where old world moxie meets contemporary craftsmanship through heritage-forward skill building and community advancement.
About The Folk School
Community vitality through tourism and skill-building.
Mission: Offering VITAL instruction, training, and apprenticeships to under-supported rural populations — and heritage-forward classes, events, and excursions — towards sustainable tourism and community advancement.
Vision: Revitalization of the Rainy Lake area through heritage, skill, coalition-building, and local environmental and agricultural stewardship.
Our North Star
Vital instruction. Heritage-forward learning. Sustainable tourism. Community advancement.
Place-Based Learning
Rooted in Rainy Lake, built for the future.
Ranier and International Falls are a historically vital border town near Voyageurs National Park and the Quetico-Superior boundary waters. The Wharf project builds on the area’s history, natural beauty, community pride, and need for new models of rural vitality.
Classes
Discover your craft.
Maker & Workforce Labs
Carpentry, 3D printing, technology, entrepreneurship, trades exposure, and hands-on learning labs.
Outdoor & Community Skills
Gardening, foraging, paddle craft, tackle building, food traditions, and intergenerational skill-sharing.
Get Involved
Interested in learning or teaching at The Wharf?
We are gathering ideas from future students, instructors, artists, makers, tradespeople, and community members as we build the first season of classes and workshops.
For Students
Tell us what classes, skills, workshops, and experiences you would love to see at The Wharf Folk School.
Student Interest FormFor Instructors
Share your ideas for classes, workshops, demonstrations, field trips, or hands-on learning experiences you could lead.
Instructor Interest FormEvents and Gatherings
Join us for upcoming community gatherings, celebrations, workshops, and special events at The Wharf Folk School & Event Center. More classes and activities will be added as we grow!
Fall 2026
Oktoberfest in Ranier
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 1:00–6:00 PM
Location: The Folk School and participating businesses throughout Ranier, Minnesota
Join us for a festive afternoon celebrating Ranier's new businesses, local artists, makers, and the wonderful community along Rainy Lake!
This community celebration brings together The Wharf Folk School & Event Center, Backus Community Center, Cake & Crust Bakery, The Wild Muse, Looney's, and Rainy Lake Inn & Suites at Tara's Wharf.
What to Expect
- Music, food, and fall festivities
- Local artists, makers, and vendors
- Pop-up markets featuring local goods
- Creative workshops and hands-on activities
- Opportunities to explore Ranier's new businesses
Workshops at The Wharf
The Wharf will offer hands-on creative activities, including:
- Mask making
- Pumpkin painting
- Possible tackle making and paddle-making workshops
Calling All Artists and Vendors!
Artists, farmers, makers, and local vendors are invited to showcase and sell their goods during Oktoberfest.
Holiday 2026
Christmas Market
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Location: Backus Community Center
Organized by: Backus Community Center and The Wharf Folk School; Event Center
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive Christmas Market bringing together local artists, musicians, makers, and community members.
Organized in collaboration with Backus Community Center, this special gathering will celebrate creativity, local talent, and the spirit of the season.
Market Highlights
- Community art exhibit
- Musical performances
- Food and hot beverages
- Local artists and vendors selling their goods
- A welcoming opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors
Celebrate Local!
Enjoy handmade goods, community art, music, and holiday cheer while supporting local artists and businesses.
Additional information, including event times and vendor details, will be announced as plans are finalized.
Winter 2027
Winter Retreats at The Wharf
Winter at Rainy Lake is a special time to slow down, reconnect, and discover something new.
The Wharf is planning two seasonal retreats featuring wellness, creativity, practical learning, traditional skills, and community.
Women's Refresh Retreat
January 14, 2027
A refreshing winter retreat designed to provide time for creative reflection, relaxation, and personal wellness.
Retreat Activities- Creative reflection activities
- Esthetician services
- Health and wellness workshops
- Opportunities for relaxation and connection
Location:
The Wharf Folk School & Event Center
Exact dates and retreat details will be announced as plans are finalized.
Men's Winter Retreat
Late February 2027
A winter retreat bringing together health and wellness, traditional handcrafts, practical skills, and learning opportunities with local tradespeople.
Retreat Activities- Health and wellness workshops
- Woodworking
- Handcrafts and traditional skills
- Learning opportunities featuring local trades
Location:
The Wharf Folk School & Event Center
Exact dates and retreat details will be announced as plans are finalized.
Support The Wharf
Help build a rural center of gravity.
Your support helps create a community learning space where local knowledge, tourism, creativity, trades, entrepreneurship, heritage arts, and rural revitalization can meet.
Donate Through GivebutterDonations are securely processed through Givebutter. Donors automatically receive a donation receipt.
Membership
Membership Options
Memberships help support folk school learning, arts, heritage, and community gathering at The Wharf.
Inaugural-Year Class Access
During our first membership year, members receive access to eligible Folk School classes. Some workshops may require separate materials, instructor, registration, or special-event fees.
Contact Us
Join the early circle.
We are gathering partners, instructors, volunteers, funders, artists, tradespeople, and community champions.
Staff at the Wharf