SAVE THE DATE! Feb. 23-25, 2024
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The ideal day for me is filled with as many different foods as I have time to eat. I have traveled to many different places throughout my life, and one of the best places to find a variety of delicious foods is my hometown in northern Minnesota called Roseau. Despite its small size, Roseau has an abundance of options for everyone. Whether you are looking for a quick bite on the go or a nice sit-down meal, Roseau has something for you. I didn’t have time to stop everywhere in Roseau today, but there are plenty of places that are worth checking out.
Everyone knows that a gnome cannot start his day without a cup of coffee. Well, I’m no exception to that rule
Caffeine is an essential part of a gnome’s diet, after all. One of my favorite spots to grab a coffee is Reed River Coffee Co. in Roseau. Located inside the Brickhouse building, it is a super convenient stop on your way to work or school. Reed River offers a plethora of hot, iced, and blended Caribou coffee options. My personal favorite is the caramel mocha. They even have options for the coffee hater, including many tea and smoothie options. Not only does Reed River offer drinks, but they also carry many delicious treats. Stop by to indulge in cookies, muffins, scones, and more! On top of that, Reed River also has a gift shop with the cutest knick-knacks and souvenirs. Items such as candles, cups, home decor, and clothing are yet another factor that draws people to this incredible business. No wonder it is such a hit! They have delicious options for everyone! With a friendly staff and quick, quality service, Reed River is a great place to grab a drink and a snack before starting your day.
Another one of my favorite restaurants in Roseau is a pizza place on Main Street called Jake’s. Jake’s has been around Roseau for a long time, and people have always loved it. Jake’s offers several great options for lunch or dinner, all handmade with homemade ingredients. The most popular menu item is their famous pizzas, which are thin crust and cut into the signature Jake’s Pizza squares. Along with pizza, Jake’s also offers delicious sandwiches, all served on homemade buns. Their most popular sandwich, the Great Canadian, features Canadian bacon, cheese, and the Roseau-renowned Jake’s sauce. I could honestly drink the stuff. Jake’s also has food such as dessert pizza, breadsticks, and nachos available on their menu. You can dine in or eat out, which is perfect for every kind of night. Jake’s also has an incredibly kind and personable staff, so it is always a pleasure to stop by. To remember my awesome experience, I picked up a Jake’s t-shirt. They did not carry gnome sizing, so the shirt was a little big on me.
When supper time approaches, I always find myself gravitating towards The Brickhouse Bar and Grill. The Brickhouse is a wonderful, more high-end sit-down option for a nice date night out or a chance to catch up with some friends. The Brickhouse is located in the old creamery, giving it a vintage and rustic kind of vibe. With a beautiful dining area and incredible service, The Brickhouse offers one of the best dining experiences in Roseau. On top of that, The Brickhouse offers some delicious foods: burgers, pizza, pasta, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and so much more. I personally love the chicken bacon ranch wrap and shrimp tacos. The Brickhouse’s menu has so much variety that it will please even the pickiest of eaters. I highly recommend this restaurant for a family dinner out. If you have a couple of extra minutes, you can even explore the Polaris Experience Center located in the Lobby to learn all about Polaris, Roseau, and our beginnings. Overall, The Brickhouse is an incredible option for everyone, and will always remain one of my favorites.
Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you have time to give some of these businesses support and try them out. After all, gnomes have the best taste in food, so it’s worth a shot. I hope you enjoyed seeing me out and about enjoying my favorite restaurants in Roseau!
Thanks again for reading,
Roman the very full Gnome
Story credit: Paige Boyer
As you all know, Roseau is known for its rich hockey tradition and because of this, the historic Memorial Arena is one of the most iconic attractions in Roseau. A lot of people know the location of the arena but what many people do not know is that there is a hidden gem located right next door. The Gilbertson Baseball Field is located just 100 steps north of the Memorial Arena and is a classic baseball field that perfectly encapsulates America’s favorite pastime. The field is home to a variety of levels of baseball in Roseau, ranging from seventh graders all the way to the high school baseball team, the Roseau Rams. The atmosphere I felt when I walked into the entrance was a warm, hometown feel that got me excited to watch a baseball game.
Gilbertson has a very welcoming feel that includes a green and yellow arched sign as you walk into the ballpark. Along with the grand entrance to the ballpark, there is beautiful scenery throughout the complex. As I entered the park, I was greeted by my favorite thing in the world- food. The concession stand is located right next to the entrance to the ballpark and features a classical selection of ballpark food. I ordered myself a hot dog and cheeseburger before taking a look around the field. The more I looked at this field, the more I fell in love with it. Behind home plate is a massive metal grandstand. At a field in a small town like this, I would never expect to see a grandstand of this size and quality. The grandstand sits behind a towering net and backstop that reads, “Roseau Baseball.”
I mean, just take a look at the size of this incredible seating area. As an avid baseball fan, this is a highly underrated aspect of the baseball field that I appreciated.
The playing surface of the baseball field appeared to be very nice. The lines were well-cut and kept in excellent shape. Side note, the groundskeeper does a very good job of keeping this field looking beautiful. The dimensions of the field were similar to a lot of the high school baseball fields that I have been to in my days of exploration. The luscious green outfield is wrapped in by a simple, green metal fence that displays the dimensions of the field in large yellow numbers. The field is 305 feet to the tall, yellow right-field foul pole and 307 feet to the left-field pole. The right-center gap is 365 feet deep and the left-center gap displays 363 feet. The color scheme of everything around this field goes so well together. The green and yellow fence meshes with the enormous trees behind the outfield fence to create a gorgeous combination and make an incredibly beautiful outfield scenery.
This field was home to former major league baseball player Kerry Taylor. Taylor played four years here for Roseau High School before playing in the MLB for the San Diego Padres. He is widely regarded as the best baseball player to come out of Roseau, Minnesota.
Another legendary baseball figure to come out of Roseau is Norb Pastor. Pastor was a long-time coach for the Roseau baseball program and to this day boasts the most wins of any coach in the high school’s history. The biggest event the field has hosted was back in 2017. The town hosted the Midwest Plains Regional Baseball Tournament at the thirteen-year-old Babe Ruth level. This was by far the most viewership the field has brought in. The tournament drew the largest crowds and made the loudest noise the field has ever seen. Reminiscing on this tournament gets me excited for this summer, as the field prepares to host the 2023 Minnesota Division II Legion State Tournament. If the tournament goes as I predict it will, the field might see a new attendance record being set this summer.
The team is just starting their 2023-24 season, coming off a runner-up finish last year in the 2022 MSHSL State Tournament. I was fortunate enough to catch their home opener. I would highly recommend stopping by this hidden gem when you are visiting the town of Roseau. It has the perfect vibe for any person looking to catch a glimpse of America’s pastime. There are gorgeous views, delicious food, and exciting baseball games. Most of all, it is a great place to spend an evening. If you are like me and would like to get some delicious ballpark food and have entertainment for a night, stop by Gilbertson Field and watch the Roseau Rams play baseball.
Story Credit: Aaron Wensloff
It speaks to a time long ago when grandma spent hours in the garden and kitchen harvesting and preparing the summer’s crops for the long Minnesota Winters. Now it is far easier to stop by the grocery store and grab a can of tomatoes or a jam or jelly. Does it taste the same? NO! Is it as healthy? Probably not. It is as rewarding? Absolutely not! We are sharing a simple freezer jam recipe that takes less than half an hour to make and the flavor is perfectly sweet and can be enjoyed for up to 1 year.
It’s that time of year again when nature gives us the sweetest treats to harvest. Strawberries, rhubarb, and raspberries are always in abundance in Roseau County. Picking them and preserving them is such a great way to get the freshness of summer all year round. Beltrami Forest is a berry picker’s dream. Wild strawberries and raspberries are an early to mid-summer pick whereas blueberries are in early Fall. Taking the family out on a berry hunt is a great way to create memories and fill those cupboards with the taste of summer any time of the year. Roseau also has several berry farms with your pick options.
Once you have the berries, consider saving some for canning and making jam. You might be thinking that making a jam is too much work. Why bother when shopping at the store is so easy? The answer is simple: taste, health benefits, and the rewards. To those of us with an old-fashioned heart, food preservaƟon is a labor of love. Food preservaƟon is a healthy choice when it comes to eating better. It is farm-to-table cooking at its best. When you harvest and prepare your own foods, you know what you are putting into the meal. When you unseal the jars, the smell of freshness is still there. You get bright bold natural colors without dyes and a sweet taste without all the processed sugars and preservaƟves. The goodness is all in the flavor and those at your table will be glad you took 30 minutes to share this luscious just-picked berry taste.
Yields: 6-8 f jelly/jam
Ingredients:
4-5 cups of stem-off pureed strawberries
1 cup Sugar (For a healthier version use 3/4 Cup of Sugar or ½ sugar and ½ honey) 1 box of Pomona’s Universal PecƟn
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
¾ cup boiling water
You will need:
Instructions
Note: If using Sure Gel 4 cups of sugar is required for each 2 cups of pureed berries.
Freezer canning is a rewording process from the harvest to the explosion of flavors sealed in each container. To some seeing the canned goods and their bright colors is an art. Your family will notice the delicious fresh flavors and soon you will be trying to master homemade bread to serve it on.
A Summer-long series of musical concerts and performances for audiences of all ages. Bring your lawn chair for a Thursday evening of music and community gathering! Please support our various local organizations by enjoying a meal at each concert. There is no admission fee, however, donations are appreciated and will help to bring entertainment for area residents to enjoy year after year. The concert starts at 6:30 and finishes around 8:30 PM. Come join us for a summer gathering of music on the Roseau River Bank.
June 15: Poppa Bear Norton
Who is Poppa Bear Norton? Hailing from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Poppa Bear Norton proclaims themselves to be America’s only, and therefore number one, daredevil country act! They were recently awarded both the 2018 Midwest Country Music Association’s “Songwriter of the Year” and “Maverick” awards and have been described as hilarious hillbilly music and a two-man country music marvel.
They perform their own brand of country and western music that harkens back to the days of Buck Owens and Johnny Cash, as well as the outlaw era of Waylon, Willie, and Haggard. A time when a song was written like a well-crafted story and performed with passion, sincerity, humor, and refined musical skill that has been lost in today’s modern sound. When “Poppa Bear” (aka The Singer) and “B” (aka The Slinger) hit the stage and fire up their one-part honky-tonk, one-part Hee-Haw styled country show, it’s fast, exciting, fun, and entertaining. That’s what makes it a daredevil country.
Poppa Bear Norton is not just a band or a duo, it’s an award-winning act whose musical style, funny stage banter, and captivating lyrics will have you laughing one minute and tearing up the next. Non-country folks like ‘em because they look wild, play fast, and have fun performing a style of music they may have never heard before, in a way they have never seen. Country fans love ‘em because their energy, music, and stage banter remind them of something genuine and familiar, yet at the same time something completely new and different. That’s who Poppa Bear Norton is.
June 22: Family Night | The Circus Science Spectacular
Steve Russell has toured the world performing on cruise ships, at festivals, Disney World, and on shows like Ellen and Regis and Kelly. He is joined on stage by Kobi Shaw, with a background in theater and circus. Together they use balancing, juggling, magic, and more to illustrate concepts of science – circus style. Audiences of all ages will alternate between laughter and amazement as science and circus combine.
June 29: Downtown Horns
July 6: Austin Castle
Minnesota Native and country artist, Austin Castle got his start in music while attending audio production in the Twin Cities and working in a lumberyard to earn money for recording time. His debut album, Northwoods will be out in August. His music touches on growing up in the Northwoods along Lake Superior. While primarily focused on country music, he explores multiple genres with the general goal to make music his friends and family can swing and dance to.
July 13: Sloughgrass
This family band is bluegrass at its best. What started as 8 family members, the band evolves as members come and go. If you were at last year’s Gazebo Concert when The Little Roy and Lizzie Show livened up the stage, you might remember Holger who played bass. His parent formed the band and jumped on stage with him for a few songs. Now, the kids are gone but their music remains as lively on stage. Expect to hear banjo and fiddling and everything that bluegrass is known for. The band gets people off their seats with a rich blend of bluegrass, gospel, country, folk, and Scandinavian music. We know this band will leave you wanting more.
July 27: Divas Through the Decades
Divas Through the Decades is a musical tribute to some of the most influenƟal female vocalists in American pop music, featuring songs from the 40s, through today’s current hits! The show features music made famous by various Divas including Patsy Cline, Bette Midler, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain, and many more!
Their stage show includes not only great music, but lots of fun audience interaction, comedy, great costume changes, and cuting-edge choreography!
The group has performed all over the country including several state and county fairs, festivals, and corporate and private events as well as performing on NBC’s, “America’s Got Talent” in Hollywood CA, and most recently opening for Joan Rivers in Las Vegas!
Aug 3: The O’Neil Family Band
The O’Neil Family Band is comprised of Tom, guitar and fiddle, Jeanne, banjo and concertina, and Erin, fiddle, and feet. Together, they celebrate a form of dance and music that has endured for ages. Throughout the years, these tunes and dances continue to be danced and played across the country — an art form that never dies out simply because it belongs to the people.
August 10: Holly Rocka Rollaz
If you have been looking for the classic early rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash (and many more!) that you want, played just the way those legends played it…you have found your dream band! Minnesota’s own Holy Rocka Rollaz brings back the sound, the look, the memories, and nostalgia of one of America’s most treasured eras. There is nothing but PURE EARLY AMERICAN ROCK ‘n’ ROLL about them.
August 17: Local Talent Night and Relay for Life of Roseau County
The City of Roseau ATV Park has been a hidden gem offering a free public space for riding within the city limits of Roseau. Recently a group of engineers with Polaris in Roseau decided to invest some time into helping the City of Roseau create Minnesota’s only four-season public power sports park. They met with City Council and formed a plan to re-develop the 25-acre park into a track system that will offer Off-Road Vehicle (ORV), motocross, and snowmobile tracks. The Roseau Powersport Park is about to be the place to ride.
The park is currently closed and the work has begun to create a track system for all levels of riding. The ATV Park will be rebranded as a Powersport Park meaning you can ride other products other than three and four-wheelers. The old track system was exciting as it offered obstacles for banking, whoops, and spots to ride freely. The new track will increase the trail system by 90%. There will be thrill-riding obstacles with logs and rock climbing, places to catch air, and twists and mounds to get the adrenaline going. If you need a more easy-going course to build confidence in riding, no problem the course will have three levels of skill. The engineering team comes with extensive riding safety knowledge and track layout experience. They have a long-term vision to add a dirt bike course for adults and will begin the layout of a youth track in August.
A Powersports Park allows for a different style of riding. Getting out in the woods or trail riding is relaxing and provides a great connection with nature. No matter where or how you ride, the mission is as simple as Polaris’s tagline – “Think Outside.” Despite being home to two of the largest power sports vehicle manufacturers in the United States (Polaris of Roseau and Arctic Cat of Thief River Falls), Northern Minnesota was void of riding opportunities. This region is known for wide open spaces which allow for vast riding opportunities but the trail is not for everyone. This park will provide free riding opportunities for those riding enthusiasts who like park-style riding. The goal is to create a space where riders can spend an afternoon with family and friends or meet like-minded riding enthusiasts. A place to ride, roast a hotdog in the fire pit and enjoy the outdoors.
Caroline Allard, Polaris Engineer says, “She wants to create a space where people can come together, make friends, and enjoy riding.” She adds, “that riding is a sport for all ages and teaches important life lessons- hard work, persistence, resilience, reward, and comradery.”
An open community-based club has been formed to support the development of the park and promote power sports in Roseau. The Roseau Powersports Club wants to explore and engage with other regional and state power sports clubs as well as host events and race circuit opportunities at the park. With their experience and training, they will help build educational, safety, and sports awareness in the power sports industry for both youth and adults.
The new re-developed park with open with the City of Roseau Mud Mayhem on June 3, 2023. This event is free to the public and will be your first chance to see the new track layout. The event starts at noon and runs until 3PM. Bring your power sport machine out for some mud flinging on the new track. For your safety, helmets and eye gear will be required for riders at this event. This is a day to get those machines dirty and test out what they can do or get through. Do not worry if you get stuck, someone driving a Polaris will gladly winch you out. You might have to take a few jabs especially if you are driving a machine other than Polaris. You can expect this as we are hometown proud and we bleed Polaris blue in this community.
Come dressed up for the annual Trash Your Dress Mud Run. The crowd will help pick the winner of the event. We do not care how you get through the mud the mission is to trash those dress clothes. You can run, jump, or ride through the mud pits to compete in the competition to be the Queen or King of the Mud. Last year’s participants included fairies, nuns, grannies, and a group of fun-seeking guys willing to come out for a great laugh. The event is strictly for fun and spectators are welcome to watch from the stands. Remember the bleachers might still be in the splash zone. We will not judge if you come with a trash bag as a mud cover. Who knows someone might be selling them at the event. We will have a camera crew filming, a DJ playing tunes, the fire department hosing machines off, prizes, and food. Life is a little more fun when you’re willing to play in the mud.
WHERE IS THE PARK? The Roseau Powersports Park is located north of Roseau Electric.
IS THERE PARKING? Yes. Vehicles can be trailed in if needed, a parking lot is connected to the park.
ARE THERE BATHROOMS? As of now, we do not have a bathroom facility, we recommend making a pit stop in town. There are public restrooms at the City of Roseau Riverfront Park and the Splash Pad. The bathroom is on the wish list.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? You can currently find them on Facebook at Roseau Powersports Club. Here you can watch the team’s developments at the park and find out how to get involved with the club.
Garage sale season officially kicks off with the Roseau City Wide Garage sale on Saturday, May 13.
Roseau Promotions Director, Sinnamon Krings says “the event brings people from across the region to hunt second-hand treasure. Who knows what you will find, that’s the thrill of the hunt. Garage sales are a great way to meet your neighbors, collectors, and other folk in your community.”
Garage sale locations by clicking here to download the pdf as well as on our Facebook page.
The City of Roseau sponsors the event on Saturday from 8AM-5PM. Sale participants may choose to open a day early or run different hours.
Spring is the ideal time to explore the vast outdoors. Roseau, Minnesota provides a variety of recreational opportunities for everyone, whether they are thrill-seekers or those looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the sun. We have it here.
If you’re looking for a thrilling off-road experience, we have it here in Roseau. You can ride in dense forests, get some air at gravel pits and ride long stretches of farmland. If you travel a mile east of downtown you will discover the City of Roseau ATV Park. This park provides over 25 acres of ATV-specific trails. They even host a mud run the first week in June. For a more secluded and picturesque ride, head to Beltrami State Forest, where you can explore miles of wooded trails and take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. At the end of the day ride off into the sunset.
Bike riding is a fantastic way to take in the fresh air and scenic views for those who prefer a more leisurely form of outdoor recreation. Explore a variety of bike-friendly trails and pathways in Roseau, whether you bring your own bicycle or rent one from a local shop. Take a bike journey along the Roseau River or try out Mount Roseau a mountain bike park with high inclines
Oakcrest Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course that stretches along the Roseau River and is owned by the City of Roseau. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, this course offers a challenging yet pleasurable round of golf amid breathtaking natural scenery. After your round, walk to the clubhouse for a drink and a bite to eat while you take in the breathtaking views.
Hayes Lake State Park is a brief drive from Roseau and is ideal for scenic hiking. This park features over 200 acres of natural grandeur and a variety of hiking trails for hikers of all skill levels. From easy strolls to strenuous treks, this area offers something for everyone. Explore the park’s many trails and pathways to take in breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake, river, and endless wilderness. See forest friends like owls, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide variety of birds. A hike in the woods is always time well spent.
The City of Roseau Park and Hayes Lake State Park provides two excellent camping options for those seeking to spend time in the great outdoors in Roseau. Both camping options for tents and campers with water and electrical hookups, making it simple to appreciate the splendor of nature while retaining the conveniences of home. The City of Roseau Park is located just outside of the downtown area and provides access to the forests and river within minutes of the city. Get out on the Roseau River in a Kayak. Do not worry if you do not have your own. You can rent a kayak and have it delivered to one of Roseau’s easy-to-use canoe and kayak launches. You can also walk miles of trails and cross bridges tucked in trees. If you want a more remote location, make reservations at Hayes Lake State Park. The DNR calls Hayes Lake State Park one of the most peaceful parks in the state. Let us know if you agree.
Minnesota is renowned for its world-class angling, and with over 10,000 lakes in the state, opportunities to capture a trophy fish are abundant. Lake of the Woods, located 20 minutes east of Roseau, is legendary for its walleye fishing. The 75th annual Minnesota fishing opener begins on May 12, making it the ideal opportunity to visit the state and try your luck at catching a large fish. Come to fish Lake of the Woods and bring home that trophy fish. Eat it, mount it, or throw it back – we won’t judge. Vacation your way.
Roseau’s pines, prairies, and wetlands are home to a vast array of bird species. Whether you’re an avid or casual birder, Roseau offers some of the finest locations in the state to observe birds. Wake early to watch the sunrise before spending the day birding in the wilderness of northwestern Minnesota. Explore the dense pine forests and expansive prairies while keeping an eye out for rare and exotic species. Looking to see a bald eagle up close, this majestic bird is a common site in Roseau County. The MN – Department of Natural Resources has put this sighting guide together to help find your favorite feathered friends in the Hayes Park area. Whatever the season, the birding here is top notch https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/hayes_lake/bird_checklist.pdf
Roseau has something for everyone, whether you seek an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a peaceful stroll through the forests.
Then why are you still waiting? This spring, gather your friends and family and travel to Roseau to enjoy all the outdoor activities this scenic region has to offer. With so many activities to choose from, you are certain to create unforgettable memories and experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Visit our website for more information: www.goroseau.com