People Are Finding These Mysterious Walking Sticks Left Behind On Minnesota’s North Shore

I was scrolling through my Facebook feed last night when I encountered a post about carved walking sticks being found on Minnesota's North Shore. The walking sticks all have a face carved in the top of them, and are usually found at trailheads.

I did some digging, and I got to the source of where these walking sticks are coming from. The person behind the walking stick carvings said they've left probably around 30 of them out at trailheads to give some people a smile.

Luke O'Neill and his wife go for hikes, and when they do they usually leave one behind. It's actually common for people to leave walking sticks behind for others to use. Luke says this is fun and gives something a little extra for the next guy to use.

When ever my wife and I go for a hike I carve up a walking stick. People always leave their old ones at the trailheads so I though it’d be cool to leave a little some thing extra for the next guy to find. Usually I do a stick a hike, been doing it for a few years now. I think it’s somewhere in the 30’s now with how many I left behind.

What a fun idea! Luke and his wife Mary live in Duluth, and who knows where you'll find one of these carvings.

I asked Luke if he does this professionally because I did notice some of his chainsaw carvings. But, no, he does it as a hobby and something fun to do.

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He also carves faces into dead trees that are still standing.

That's some pretty impressive detail!

He even gives names to his carvings as well. Here's Cliff, one he left behind on section 13 overlook near Silver Bay.

He recently carved this bear as a silent auction item for a family benefit. Stan brought in $250!

It's really cool to see a simple hobby like this bring a smile to a lot of people's faces. So next time you're out on a hike in Northern Minnesota, keep an eye out for one of Luke's creations!