CANCELED DUE TO WILDFIRES
The Large Lakes Observatory celebrates Libraries Love Lakes with presentations and science aboard the R/V Blue Heron.
For Lake Appreciation Month, the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) is partnering with the Duluth Public Library for “Libraries Love Lakes,” and invites the community to join us in celebrating local authors whose work focuses on the alluring lakes of the Northwoods. Whether fiction or not, lakes have long inspired stories of mystery and survival, as well as the work LLO does to protect them.
Join LLO staff aboard the R/V Blue Heron at 11:30 a.m. for Alex Messenger’s presentation on his newest book, “The Ice on the Lake,” a survival story set on a frigid Lake Superior. Learn about his journey as an author, from surviving a grizzly attack when he was 17 and writing a best-selling memoir, to his debut novel that unfolds on a wintry Lake Superior. Alex will be joined by LLO researchers to answer questions and share displays and interactive exhibits to dive deeper into lake science. For those interested in learning more about these frozen worlds, check out the 9/11 Science on Deck event “What Lakes Do In Winter,” featuring Dr. Tedy Ozersky.
At 1:30 p.m., Margi Preus will be leading a presentation on her book “Enchantment Lake” for those that have pre-registered. This event is in collaboration with the Duluth Public Library. Participants meet the author, discuss the book, and have a chance to win lake-themed prizes. Pre-registration is required and closed. More information can be found on the Library’s website.
After each presentation, the public is invited to visit with Margi and Alex under the white tent, ask questions, and get their own copies of the author’s books.
Event Details
- Friday, July 17, 2026
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m,: Guided tours by research vessel crew and scientists.
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m,: “The Ice on The Lake” presentation with author Alex Messenger. Afterwards, visit with Alex under the white tent and get your own copy of his books. Open to the public.
- 1:30–2:00 p.m,: “Enchantment Lake” presentation with author Margi Preus, pre-registration was required and closed.
- 2:00–3:00 p.m,: Visit with Margi under the white tent, ask questions, and get your own copies of Margi’s books. Open to the public.
- Location: (DECC) Twin Ports Harbor near the Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Dr., Duluth.
- Science on Deck is free and open to the public.
About the Authors
Margi Preus has written numerous acclaimed children’s books, including the Newbery Honor book Heart of a Samurai and West of the Moon, a Kirkus “Best Book of the Century (So Far), along with the Enchantment Lake mysteries, which were awarded a Midwest Bookseller’s Choice Award. Her books have been honored as ALA/ALSC Notables, featured on NPR, and landed on many “best-of” lists, including the New York Times Bestseller List. Her newest title is The Shrew Detective; The Case of the Pilfered Pearls, as well as paperback editions of Village of Scoundrels and Windswept. She lives in Duluth, MN where, when not writing, she likes to hike, ski, canoe, or sit quietly with a book on her lap.
Alex Messenger is an author, photographer, and communication professional based in Duluth, Minnesota. At seventeen, he was mauled by a grizzly bear while on a canoe trip in the Canadian tundra—an experience that became the foundation of his bestselling memoir, The Twenty-Ninth Day (Blackstone, 2019). His second book and debut novel, The Ice on the Lake, was released March 10, 2026 from Blackstone Publishing. A communication specialist with the University of Minnesota Duluth, photographer, volunteer search-and-rescue operator, and former wilderness guide, Messenger has built a career that blends storytelling, adventure, and communication. His love of nature, cultures, and exploration has taken him around the world, but the Northwoods and canoe country remain his favorite places to return to and photograph. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Men’s Journal, National Parks magazine, Outside, and Backpacker, among others.
For more information, visit the Science on Deck event page online or reach out to Lisa Sundberg, outreach coordinator with Large Lakes Observatory and ship steward of the R/V Blue Heron, at (218) 726-8683 or sundb103@d.umn.edu.