As my grandfather was laid to rest, I was asked to provide a eulogy worth of him… In the words of my late, WWE and superhero loving legendary grandfather who we have all come here to celebrate, “what the hell are all of you doing here?” At age 81, my grandfather died peacefully after complications […]
As I was looking for places to stop in Fergus Falls, I stumbled on Outstate Brewing Company. The entrance is unassuming as it is tucked away in an industrial area. Once inside the beautiful taproom, it’s hard to miss the giant, glass garage door to the patio that overlooks Otter Tail River Reservoir. After perusing […]
The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener is a unique time to explore areas that otherwise I may have missed. Enter, the Historic Phelps Mill and County Park. The beautifully preserved mill was initially built 1888–1889, along with a wooden dam, by William E. Thomas, a local entrepreneur who owned a flour and feed business in Fergus […]
While I was in Ottertail County, I drove through Battle Lake just after a rain shower. As I rounded a corner through town, I caught a glimpse of a vibrant rainbow and had to stop to take a picture. After a few shutter clicks, I turned to find myself in the Shoreline Restaurant, Bar & […]
I was lucky enough to stop at Maplewood State Park during the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. Located on the outskirts of Pelican Rapids in the heart of Ottertail County, this state park was created in the early 1960s as the hilly, lake-dotted terrain was better suited to recreation than to farming. The park is located […]
The next stop during the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener was ABC Brewing Co. (Ashby Brewing Company) in Battle Lake. Starting in Ashby and proclaiming themselves to be the smallest brewery in Minnesota, they offer rotating brews, indoor and outdoor seating, delicious, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza, and live music. I picked through ABC’s staple beers include Triple-A, […]
The Ottertail Bakery just off Hwy 78 is a must-stop if you are in the Ottertail area. Boasting “the best buns in town” as their tagline, locals also rave about the bakery’s turnovers, molasses cookies, maple frosted donuts, cinnamon rolls, caramel croissants, ding dongs, sourdough bread, Bismarcks – you name it, it likely has a […]
Home to one of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore in western Minnesota, Glendalough State Park is just off the Otter Trail Scenic Byway in Battle Lake, Minnesota’s Otter Tail County. The park is filled with observation decks, picnic areas, a swimming beach, fishing piers, a trail center, a beautiful historic lodge, a paved […]
One of the best parts about the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener is that the host city or county invites you into areas that would otherwise not be as easily accessible to the general public. Enter, a tour of the Lund Boat Factory in New York Mills. Lund Boats are a favorite in my family. My […]
During my stay on the Oregon Trail in Vergas, I took the two-minute walk over to Josh’s other establishment; Spanky’s Stone Hearth. Don’t let the name fool you, this is an upscale, fine-dining, foodie paradise. Adding to my glamping experience, they offer hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and even an option to just let the chef […]
This year, for the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, I had the opportunity to explore Ottertail County while staying in a noteworthy, refurbished covered wagon. Yes, you heard that right. Imagine Oregon-trail-meets-spacious-Airstream. Just off Highway 4 in Frazee, tucked into an unassuming lakeside neighborhood are Rose Lake Glamping’s two, huge, cozy glamourous Conestoga wagons. The wagons […]
Long-time followers may have found me noticeably absent. Around this time last year, as I scheduled summer trips, geared up for the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, and planned outings to share so that you too could get outside, we all watched as we were pleaded with to do the opposite – to stay home. […]
I have spent the better part of my adulthood as the writer in my family. This designation, while a privilege, is not without personal anguish. I have had the unique opportunity to tell others stories, write the congratulatory toasts, departing words, and put to paper heartaches that were not mine alone. If you have followed […]
If you are looking for a tough (but quick) hike in southern Minnesota, look no further than John A. Latsch State Park. Located just 12 miles northwest of Winona, the roadside park functions primarily as a wayside on U.S. Route 61, which runs between the Mississippi River and the base of three steep bluffs. The […]
My grandfather is dying. They say six months if we’re lucky. I have known death all my life though this is the first time I have had advanced notice. Maybe it’s because I am his namesake. For whatever reason, I am allotted borrowed time. Time to ask him about every photo he has hanging on […]
When I was asked to check out the Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd, I jumped at the chance. First, I have spent my entire life passing through Brainerd and I had no idea something so cool would be hiding in plain sight (I mean, besides Paul and Babe), and second, I will look for […]
Growing up in Minnesota, I spent most of my time in the Northwoods. My parents were adamant about safety, education, and conservation. We were required to take DNR courses on things like lawful hunting and fishing, and recreational vehicle and firearm safety. Enter, Mantrap Valley Conservation Club and Auxiliary. The MVCC is a favorite in […]
When I can’t decide what to read, I head to places that allow me to comb through shelves of books I’d never find myself gravitating toward otherwise. Enter, Magers and Quinn. With a brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Minneapolis’s Uptown neighborhood, it is one of the largest independent bookstores in the Midwest. Think of […]
There is something about a small-town ice cream parlor; the smell of warm saccharine wafting in the air, cheery staff that make servicing swaths of people look like a breeze, and an invitingly dim-lit patio ushering you in as a summer day comes to a cool. Selma’s Ice Cream Parlour in picturesque downtown Afton fits […]
Guest Post: Did you know that Minnesota became the 32nd state of the union on May 11, 1858? Did you also know that I came into the world, meant to usher in travelers to the Two Harbors area, 101 years later? It’s true! You can’t make this stuff up! Since everyone else is telling you […]
