In 1986, six explorers set out on one of the most ambitious expeditions in modern history—the first unsupported journey to the North Pole. After 55 grueling days and over 1,000 miles across the Arctic ice, they succeeded. But what most people don't know is that the clothing that kept them alive was hand-sewn by one woman in northern Minnesota, working from designs inspired by the Inuit people who have survived in the Arctic for thousands of years.
That woman was Susan Schurke, and the clothing she created for that expedition would become Wintergreen Northern Wear—a company that has been designing, cutting, and sewing outdoor apparel in Ely, Minnesota for nearly four decades.
An Adventurous Beginning
Sue Hendrickson-Schurke grew up as a self-described tomboy, the youngest of four children with three older brothers. Her love of the outdoors led her to work as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in the mid-1970s, and in 1979 she began leading canoe trips in the Boundary Waters with Wilderness Inquiry, an organization providing wilderness adventures for people of all abilities.
It was there she met Paul Schurke, co-founder of Wilderness Inquiry and a legendary polar explorer. In 1982, the couple moved to the north woods of Ely, living in a 150-square-foot wood-fired cabin they called "Happy Acres."
"Sue volunteered to sew most of the clothing for the expedition team members. Over the next 3 years she designed and sewed the clothing and sled gear for the expedition, including harnesses for 49 sled dogs and a prototype Anorak for Paul."
When famed explorer Will Steger invited Paul to co-lead the 1986 North Pole expedition, Sue—with no formal training—took on the monumental task of creating all the clothing and gear. She spent months in Iqaluit in Canada's Northwest Territories, studying traditional Inuit garments. Her designs blended that ancient wisdom with modern materials: lightweight, breathable nylon combined with time-tested construction techniques.
From Expedition to Enterprise
The success of the North Pole expedition—featured in the September 1986 issue of National Geographic—proved the quality of Sue's designs. The clothing that kept explorers alive in the planet's harshest conditions quickly gained a devoted following.
In 1989, Sue hired her first employees to make clothing for Paul's next adventure: the 1,000-mile Soviet-American Bering Bridge Expedition across Siberia to Alaska by ski and dog team. That expedition was so significant that Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev made a special stop in Minnesota to meet Paul and his Soviet expedition partner Dmitri, receiving a Wintergreen anorak as a gift.
The Wintergreen Difference
- Expedition-Tested: Every design is proven in real-world conditions, from Arctic expeditions to Boundary Waters canoe trips.
- Inuit-Inspired: Traditional designs refined over thousands of years, updated with modern materials.
- Made in Minnesota: Designed, cut, and sewn in their downtown Ely shop—not outsourced overseas.
- Living Wages: Over 20 employees earning fair pay, one of the largest private employers in Ely.
- U.S. Materials: Most fleece fabric is American-made.
In 1990, Sue purchased her first manufacturing building and storefront in downtown Ely, where Wintergreen continues to operate today. The company has outfitted expeditions to Greenland, Siberia, Svalbard, Kamchatka, Wrangel Island, and back to the North Pole—every year since that first expedition in 1986.
A Story of Resilience
The Wintergreen story took an unexpected turn in 2009 when Sue, looking for a new adventure, sold the business. But the new owners struggled, and by 2013, the company had collapsed.
For Sue, watching the business she'd built from nothing fall apart was heartbreaking. But she wasn't ready to let it die.
"Heartbroken to see the business collapse, Sue repurchased much of the equipment at the auction and re-started her business from scratch."
In September 2015, Sue once again owned the Wintergreen name and trademark. Several of her original employees returned, excited to work for Wintergreen again. The resurrection was complete.
Passing the Torch
As Paul and Sue's adventures continued, so did their family. Their three children—Bria, Peter, and Berit—grew up field-testing Wintergreen products on family expeditions to Arctic regions around the world.
In 2021, ownership passed to the next generation. Today, Wintergreen remains a majority woman-owned company, led by:
- Solveig & Jackson Harren
- Katie Kalkman & Gabriel Harren
The family legacy continues, with the same commitment to quality, community, and the outdoors that Sue established nearly 40 years ago.
The Product Line
Wintergreen's catalog has grown far beyond expedition anoraks, though those remain the heart of the brand. Today they offer a full range of outdoor apparel designed for northwoods living:
Classic Anoraks
The original expedition-proven design, updated with modern materials. Still the gold standard for cold-weather outer layers.
Fleece Collection
Cozy, durable fleece pieces made from U.S.-sourced fabric. Perfect for layering or lounging.
Wind & Weather Gear
Jackets, vests, and shells designed to handle whatever Minnesota throws at you.
Accessories
Hats, mittens, gaiters, and more—the finishing touches for complete cold-weather protection.
"The center of our universe is the Boundary Waters, the vast pristine lake-land forest that straddles the Minnesota-Ontario border. This, the world's premier canoe country and America's 'dogsledding capital,' is where we live, work and play. It is the inspiration for our designs and our year-round test lab."
Rooted in Ely
Walk down the main street of Ely, Minnesota—the famous "end of the road" gateway to the Boundary Waters—and you'll find Wintergreen's shop front and center. It's a fitting location for a company whose identity is inseparable from this wild corner of Minnesota.
Since 1987, Wintergreen has quietly championed the "bring it home" movement, returning apparel manufacturing from overseas factories to main street America. They stand proudly with small manufacturing businesses nationwide that are revitalizing small-town America through quality craftsmanship and local employment.
The Namesake
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a hardy little boreal shrub that thrives year-round, but especially in winter—just like their garments. The plant is native to the forests of Minnesota and perfectly captures the company's spirit: tough, resilient, and made for the north.
Community First
Wintergreen's mission statement says it all: "To inspire and connect people to the outdoors; steeped in tradition, quality and respect for nature."
But their commitment goes beyond gear. As one of the largest private employers in Ely, they provide living wages for over 20 employees. They give generously to the community. They source materials domestically whenever possible. And they've proven that you can run a successful manufacturing business in small-town America without sacrificing quality or values.
"We hold family values to a high standard and our employees are part of the family, and we go the extra mile for our community."
Explore Wintergreen Northern Wear
Ready to gear up with expedition-proven apparel made right here in Minnesota? Visit their shop in Ely or browse online.
Visit Wintergreen →Why We Chose Wintergreen
For February's Maker of the Month, we wanted to spotlight a company that represents the absolute best of Minnesota's outdoor industry. Wintergreen Northern Wear isn't just made in Minnesota—it's of Minnesota, born from the same wilderness that draws adventurers to our state from around the world.
Their story has everything: a daring origin in polar exploration, designs rooted in indigenous wisdom, a commitment to local manufacturing, and the resilience to rebuild after setback. Through it all, they've never wavered from their mission of quality craftsmanship and community values.
Whether you're planning an Arctic expedition or just need a warm anorak for your morning commute, Wintergreen Northern Wear represents the spirit of Minnesota outdoor gear at its finest.
Here's to the Schurke family, the next generation of owners, and everyone staying warm in Wintergreen gear. See you on the trail.