Happy Halloween
From the Minnesota Bucket List!
2018 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener
The Governors Pheasant Hunting Opener (#MNGPHO2018) is one of my favorite events of the year. It brings much of what I love about Minnesota together; allowing you to brave the crisp, morning air, feel the warmth release and rise from the covered ground as you quietly make your way across the field, while the wind […]
Herreid Military Museum
During the #MNGPHO2018, I headed over the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building which houses Brandenburg Gallery, and the Luverne Chamber of Commerce, and the Herreid Military Museum. The Herreid opened in July 2009 and is located on the third level of the four-story former jail. Floors filled with stories, photos, videos, artifacts, memorabilia, and dioramas […]
Springbrook Nature Center
(One more hiking spot and I’ll be back to the #MNGPHO2018!) Springbrook Nature Center is a metro oasis hidden away in a residential area in Fridley. The center has all sorts of educational programs, school programs, nature camps, and even an interpretive building. The 127-acre park and nature reserve include native prairies, oak and aspen […]
Sherburne Wildlife Refuge
(Taking a break from the #MNGPHO2018 to bring you an exceptional hiking spot!) The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman was established in 1965 as a refuge for over 230 species of birds, 58 species of mammals, and 25 species of reptiles and amphibians. The 30,700-acre forested, marshy Refuge has massive bodies of water making […]
Blue Mound State Park
Blue Mounds State Park is in Rock County near the town of Luverne. Named for the linear escarpment of Precambrian Sioux Quartzite bedrock you can see protruding from the prairie polka-dotting the landscape. The old quartzite quarries in the park were owned and operated by the Luverne Granite Company. The stone was used to construct […]
Rock County History Center
When I headed down to Luverne for the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener (#MNGPHO2018), I had no idea what to expect. As soon as I got into town, I heard a stranger say to his companion, “Did you see all the nutcrackers at the History Center? We should go there.” I immediately turned my eavesdropping […]
The #MNGPHO2018
Good morning, Minnesota. Is that a new coat you’re wearing? It looks amazing! Even though I woke up in the southwestern-most corner of Minnesota like this, I’ll be telling you all about blaze orange and warm weather of the #mngpho2018 over the next two weeks. Hosted by the incredible Luverne community, you can expect to […]
Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park is at the northeastern tip of Minnesota, on the Canadian border. Not actually owned by the state of Minnesota, this State Park is located in the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and is leased to the state for $1 a year. Interestingly, it is the only U.S. state park jointly managed by […]
Suomi Hills Recreation Area
Suomi Hills Recreation Area rests along the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway in Itasca County. Miles of wilderness invite you to immerse yourself in hiking, off-road biking, canoeing, and exploring. Access into Suomi Hills semi-primitive non-motorized area is by foot and non-motorized travel only but totally worth it for the beautiful views and […]
Willie Walleye
After I went to Big Bog State Recreation Area, I decided I had to see Willie Walleye, the 40-foot, 2 ½ ton fiberglass fish in Baudette. I am a purveyor of all things roadside attractions so taking a trip to see the famed “symbol of the Lake of the Woods” was a must. The idea […]
Big Bog State Recreation Area – Northwest
Continued. The northern portion of Big Bog State Recreational Area is composed mostly of wetlands. The bog’s geological patterns formed over the past 5,000 years, and you can see it still present in the glacial ridges, depressions, and ovoid islands. Considered one of the best-kept secrets in northern Minnesota, the 500-square-mile peat bog is the […]
Big Bog State Recreation Area – Southeast
If you haven’t been to Big Bog State Recreation Area in Waskish, you are really missing out. There is so much to write about this place, that I can’t even fit it in one post! Coincidentally, the recreation area also has two parts; southeast and northwest. Located on Minnesota State Highway 72, just north of […]
Able Seedhouse + Brewery
Northeast Minneapolis is chock full of history, most notably seen in the refurbished buildings that now house coffee shows, chic salons, trendy office space, bold marquees, and, of course, breweries. Able Seedhouse + Brewery has become a favorite of the masses and with good reason. Located in a former General Electric light bulb plant that […]
Hill Valley Cafe & Coffee
Off Central in Northeast Minneapolis, Hill Valley Cafe & Coffee is a true neighborhood hangout. Step up to the counter custom built from reclaimed wooden doors. Peruse the menu, filled with breakfast sandwiches, tacos, wraps, French toast (yes, it’s as good as it looks!), and coffee drinks. There’s even a rack of vintage mugs for […]
Sunset over Lake Mille Lacs
Mickey’s
Housed in a vintage train car, Mickey’s has been around since 1939. Opened by Mickey Crimmons and Bert Mattson, the 20th century all-night diner has been featured in films like A Prairie Home Companion, Jingle All the Way, The Mighty Ducks, and seen on shows with the likes Alton Brown, Rachel Ray, Al Roker, and […]
I’m From Minnesota
The Anchor Fish & Chips
Anchor Fish and Chips is a traditional pub grub in Northeast, Minneapolis. You may have seen the food truck at different festivals and events around the Twin Cities. Their brick-and-mortar establishment is a local favorite hole-in-the-wall. It is just down the street from Dangerous Man and Sleepy V’s donut shop. Anchor is a hidden gem […]
Mojo Coffee Gallery
Mojo Coffee Gallery is a quaint and quirky northeast Minneapolis staple. Located in The California Art Building, Mojo is cozy, warm and inviting, with locally-made ceramic mugs, bowls, and cups all over the walls. The unique, artistic atmosphere of the coffee shop, café and ceramics gallery marries well with its grassroots, arts district, Portland vibe. […]