Destination Up North UpNorth-Spring_20_030920_B | Page 6

Photo submitted by John Schulte.
Treasure City). It’s a family-friendly business
with reasonable rates – not tourist-trappy rates.”
John and his wife Pam have four kids and eight
grandchildren who pitch in and help when it
gets busy. The shop opens when the ice melts
and closes when the river freezes up.
John and Pam Carpenter purchased Shirley Mae’s
in 2014 and named it after John’s mother. The
logo that the Carpenters use is from a picture of
Shirley Mae Carpenter in a canoe as a teenager.
John says he started in the outfitter business
after, “God told me to do it. I was walking
downtown in Little Falls when I saw the for-
sale sign on the building. I heard ‘You should
buy that place and turn it into a shop.’” It had
previously been an accounting firm. When
not at his outfitter business, John works as a
physician assistant in orthopedics.
Your Dock...
A place to make
lasting memories
Since 1946
Hwy. 371 N. Nisswa, MN
800-322-3525
www.nisswadock.com
6 destinationupnorth.com
The shop has many choices of adventures.
There are five put-ins. One is seven miles away
at Fletcher Creek and the float lasts about three
hours. The next one is 14-and-a-half miles away.
“Our rentals include: a 10-person raft; eight
canoes that will fit two adults and two kids;
eight kayaks; two double kayaks; and four
paddleboards. Kayaks are extremely fun and
stable, but you don’t stay as dry as in a canoe.
We’ll take care of everything for you,” John says.
“You just bring snacks, water and sunscreen.”
For more information, visit Shirleymaesoutfitters.
com. Open 8 to 8 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
and most holidays. Other times by appointment.
Gloege’s Northern Sun Canoe Outfitting in
Sebeka, MN., is a family-run canoe and kayak