Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens are two distinct, adjacent gardens on the banks of the Mississippi River northwest of the intersection of University Drive and Kilian Blvd near SCSU. Both showcasing the most beautiful parts of a Minnesota summer, Munsinger Gardens on the lower east bank of the Mississippi River was originally the H.J. Anderson sawmill during the […]
One of the best parts about the Governor’s Fishing Opener is seeing the hidden gems of the host community. The first of many for the St. Cloud area is the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park. The granite quarries opened over 100 years ago, seeking out the Saint Cloud Red Granite, a stone […]
The Lake Superior Zoo, formerly Duluth Fairmount Zoo, was founded in 1923 by Bert Onsgard, a West Duluth businessman who rescued a small fawn and built a pen for it. The whitetail deer named ”Billy-Billy” was found in Fairmount Park, hence the name. Sitting at the base of Spirit Mountain and recently covering over 16 […]
Because I am a lifelong-learner, it only made sense to have my first stop in Duluth be at the University. The Tweed Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth is free and open to the public to tour. The gallery is home to a collection of more than 9,000 art […]
I like to go off the beaten path and in this case, it means venturing off I-35 to meander through the smaller, less trafficked towns. Askov, off Highway 23 in Pine County is one of such towns. Home to the annual Askov Fair and Rutabaga Festival, the town was originally the Village of Partridge, initially […]
When it comes to Paul Bunyan lore, I will go just about anywhere to follow in his exploits. The World’s Largest Walleye in Rush City, caught by none other than the Mackinaw-wearing gargantuan was no exception. Weighing in at a whopping 1,999 pounds, 15.5 ounce and enticed by a 35 pound Tiger Muskie and brought […]
Hi there, Jessica here! I am headed up to Duluth, Minnesota for the weekend to bucket list and would love to see if there are places you think I need to stop! What are your favorite things to do in Duluth? Tag some of your favorites and tell me what makes that restaurant, park, mural, […]
The World’s Largest Workboot ever witnessed by the civilized public! The World’s Largest Boot a bewildering 2,300 lbs of sheer gargantuan bulk! At 20 feet long and 16 feet tall it’s a colossal curiosity fit for a 12 story human giant! A fantastic modern engineering wonder of human invention! In case you haven’t guessed, the […]
The Rum River bends between the towns of Cambridge and Princeton and lands in the unincorporated community of Spencer Brook, in Isanti County. The town itself was settled in the late 1850s by newcomers, many Civil War veterans, coming from the east coast. Spencer Brook includes the historic country school and was named after Benjamin Nicholson […]
I have mentioned Anoka, Minnesota as “The Halloween Capital of the World,” but I haven’t told you why. While the holiday had been recognized for quite some time, it wasn’t until 1920 when George Green and other Anoka civic leaders suggested the idea of a giant celebration that included an evening parade to keep young […]
When I say that Anoka is ”The Halloween Capital of the World”, its not just because of the fun parades or the inflatable pumpkins. Anoka carries a much more sinister past. Anoka State Hospital, also known as First State Asylum for the Insane, Anoka State Asylum and most recently Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, Minnesota’s largest […]
The Palmer House Hotel; no better place to get a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie, a dollop of whipped cream and a heavy dose of the paranormal. Built in 1901, the hotel was erected after the Sauk Centre House (the area’s first hotel) burned down. It was the first building in town to have electricity, […]
This weekend means a great many things, but first and foremost, it is a commemoration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring us a new nation, the United States of America. While we’re busy hosting barbecues, attending celebrations and watching parades and fireworks shows, I thought it a good time to talk about […]
When I travel, my first instinct is to search for history, after finding food of course. The legacy and lives that we lived in these places I go. The last stop on my road trip is Sauk Center, the perfect place for someone enticed by roots and stories. Birthplace and childhood home of Sinclair Lewis, […]
As a great admirer of spiral staircases, I love going to International Market Square because this one just happens to be there. IMS is in Minneapolis, in the Sumner-Glenwood neighborhood and is a favorite for hosting large parties. Built in 1904, the 650,000 square foot complex was the city’s first entirely reinforced concrete building. Originally […]
One of my favorite things to do is explore places in Stillwater with my friend, Emily. A resident expert in her own right, Em helps me navigate all the best food, local lore, around-the-bend hidden spots and has a pulse about town, which is nice for someone like me. Since I’m a Minnesota history fiend, it […]
Up next on the #mnbucketlist is the historic Glensheen Mansion along London Road in Duluth. The former home to Chester Congdon, who was once wealthiest man in Duluth. He started a school teacher in Wisconsin and eventually became the wealthiest Minnesotan. He chose the name Glensheen, meaning “shining glen”, and was named for Chester’s family […]
Over the #weekend, I spent some time #climbing, #exploring and #wandering the #MinnesotaTransportationMuseum. Hosted by my friends from @Minnstameets (the very sweet, always welcoming @shineonyoucraydiamond and @mamacita.rita) and the @TransportationMuseum, we were able to delve into this incredible history-packed place with #Minnstameets_Transit. And the girls didn’t disappoint; we were even introduced to the famous #NorthernPacificRailway […]
Last night was the Spooky Side of Suburbia Happy Hour at the Minnesota History Center and it was so much fun! There was so much to do, see, hear and taste! Scary make up demos by Faces Etc. of Minnesota (I saw lots of cats!), spooky music from DJ Jameson, super creative Halloween-inspired cupcakes (they […]
