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 […]
Looking for more Halloween things to do? Add the Fright Farm Haunted House in Maplewood to your Spooky Bucket List. Housed in the Ramsey County Poor Farm which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places having been built in 1918, the location alone is sure to send chills down your spine. The Haunted […]
Fall is a good time to explore, not only outdoors, but to stop in to historical places to take the chill off. I chose the Beltrami County History Center in Bemidji. With neo-classical architecture dating back to its construction in 1912, the museum sits in the Great Northern Depot, the last depot built by Railroad […]
“It began with the tea,” the Hatter said… And yesterday did indeed. I, along with a few of my favorite ladies had a tea party. Well, tea service at the Mad Hatter Tea Room, that is. Opened in 1999 in the old Post Office building in downtown Anoka, its located in the historic Woodbury House […]
I have to talk about these two together as they are part of the whole location, that is Northern Pacific Railroad’s Como Shops. Well it was, from 1885 through WWII. Completed in 1885, it was built because Northern Pacific needed a repair shop for its passenger cars so with a long history and a number […]
Historic Fort Snelling, built in early 1820s in St Paul at the perfect military vantage point, at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers is up next on the #mnbucketlist. Minnesota is filled with history – some being brutal and dark. This place is laden with it. A few very notable executions took place […]
