Roseau Travel Influencer

Meet Roman the Traveling Gnome.

Roman is a travel influencer from Roseau, MN. His Roseau adventures are shared on the Go Roseau website. When he is not sharing his travels online, he’s dreaming of where he’ll end up next.

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Roman has Roseau roots but is ready for his next great travel adventure. Take him on your next trip and click a photo of him living it up. Share his journey by uploading a photo with the QR code. Then check back every month as Roman guides you through his day visiting highlights in his hometown of Roseau. His adventures will include; a behind-the-scenes look at manufacturing at Polaris Ind., a peek in the kitchen at Nelson’s Cafe on potato dumpling day, a ride on the City of Roseau fire truck, and splashing through the mud at the ATV park. Who knows where Roman will turn up? Drop us a message at roseau.mn.promotions@gmail.com to let us know where you think Roman should roam next!

If you’re heading on a great adventure, or visiting the community of Roseau, and would like to take Roman on a vacation with you, shoot us a message and let us know you’re looking for a new travel companion. Roman is currently single, rarely snores, is a light packer, and loves to talk hockey and snowmobiling. That makes Roman the perfect travel pal! Be sure to check back for an update on Roman’s adventures, and remember to share his journeys with us.

U Betcha! You Know You’re in Roseau If …

U Betcha Roseau, MN

1. You run into a famous hockey player at the local cafe.  

Bonus if it’s Tuesday and they are serving potato dumplings.  

Famous hockey players people Roseau

2. Someone is eating cinnamon bread with Cheese Whiz & green olives.

Cheese

3. A car is left unlocked, windows down in the summer, and running at the store with no one in it. 

Windows down

4. You hear someone say, “U Betcha, Oh fer cute, Uffda or Fer Pete’s Sake”.

Roseau Cafe

5. Short and sandal weather starts at 45 degrees. 

Roseau, MN

6. Hockey is considered a season.  

U betcha Roseau hockey

7. You see someone drive to work on a Polaris snowmobile or ranger.  

Polaris Roseau, MN

8. It’s freezing cold or scorching hot outside, but someone tells you it could be worse. 

Roseau MN Weather

9. Soda is “Pop” and Casseroles are “Hotdish”. 

pop vs soda

10. Everyone is “Minnesota Nice” and goodbyes take 20 minutes.  

U Betcha License

Come visit, you will love it here. Come during Fair Week. Yes, the fair is not just a day here it’s a week. This is a great example of a Roseau goodbye, there is always just one more thing.

Barns and Back Roads of Roseau County

barns

Red-painted barns are an icon across the Northeast and the Midwest. In keeping with tradition, these red barns often sit alongside a stark white farmhouse, providing a contrast against farmland. Their old bones are getting tired and showing their age, but they are still as beautiful today as when they were first built. Let’s look at some of the majestic old barns of Roseau County.

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The red barn is an icon of rural America. These are one of the few distinctly American structures borne from our earliest days in history. Settlers adapted the European barn to serve our extensive livestock and agricultural needs. Today, new and historic barns serve many different purposes, remaining a vital part of rural American culture. In Roseau County, modern farming methods sit beside hundreds of year-old barns. Rust-covered Silos still have a place next to the hundreds of thousands of dollars silos of today. They complement each other well, a sign of farming and agricultural growth and development through the years.

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You can travel the farmlands and back roads across Roseau County and see the old red barns in all their glory. There are more than a dozen scattered on farms in the county, and they are beautiful in any season. A drive down back roads, many unpaved, will lead you to these treasures of America’s past. Many generations of farm families have worked the land and livestock and still live on the homesteads. We recently polled Roseau residents; some have been in the county for 5 to 6 generations. Their names are often proudly displayed on the farmland signage. If you make a road trip, travel through the townships of Falun, Enstrom, Spruce, and Malung. The barns stand tall and proud and can be observed from the road without pestering the landowners.

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These old barns have served many purposes over the years. One Roseau resident recalls Arne and Luella Erickson’s barn in Falun as quite the hub for activities in the past. Many dances, live bands, firework shows, potlucks, or just cups of coffee with friends were experienced there. If you ask them about their younger years in the barns, old timers get a twinkle in their eye. They were an excellent place for shenanigans and meeting with neighborhood kids or a love interest. It’s best that walls can’t talk in many cases, but we all know these barns have stories. Some stories are shared, and others are a best-kept secret.

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Why are the barns red? There are a couple of theories on why red is the predominant color of barns. Historically, barns were duller orange-red, not the bright red seen on barns today. The tint came from a linseed oil mixture that seals barns after construction. Some farmers added rust – ferrous oxide – to the solution to keep the barns from developing moisture and mold in the wood. The addition of rust to the mixture tinged it red.

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Old barns hold more than a rich history sitting on their warped wood. They have stories, love, memories, a past purpose, and more. Many of these iconic barns still stand in Roseau County, and many more are fighting to stand. Because of this, we invite you to visit Roseau and take in the barns of its past. Make your next road trip to Roseau County for the full backroads and barn experience.

Mud Mayhem & Trash Your Dress ATV Mud Run

Get Muddy in Roseau

Mud Run 2023 Roseau

Trailer your ATV, ORV, Dirt Bike, or High Lifter to the Roseau ATV Park for mud-flinging mayhem Saturday, June 3 from 12 – 3 PM. The track will be made with Roseau’s finest gumbo creating a stinky and muddy ride. If you hit the trails right, you will be muddy too. There will be whoops, curves, and mud pits to take the ride up a notch.

Roseau is the birthplace of Polaris Industries and they are excited to co-host this event. They remind us to “Think Outside” by joining in Mud Mayhem 2023.

The day’s goal… get those machines DIRTY. It’s that simple!

Events Include: High Lifters, ATV/ORV, Dirt Bike, and Youth Ride

trash your dress roseau, mn

Come Trash Your Dress in the 2023 Competition.

The crowd will pick its winners, based on presentation. Everyone and anyone can enter the competition. Dig in the closet for your wedding dress, prom gowns, or granny’s old Sundy best and be prepared to Trash the Dress.

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WHAT WILL ALL THIS FUN COST?

It’s FREE. Please note, helmets are required on the mud course for all participants. Waivers will be given to all riders.

Roseau Fire Department will be on sight for machine spray downs. We encourage you to bring a change of clothes, towel, and warm blanket. A portable changing station will be available.

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Bleachers for observing the run will be available for those who want a day of laughter and fun. Local organizations and food trucks will be out serving food and beverages.

Lodging is available with parking for Trailers at the Roseau AmericInn and North Country Inn. Come play and stay in Roseau, MN. The City of Roseau has designated paths for riding through town. Ask the hotel guest services for a map. We will meet you at the park, north of Roseau Electric.

Roseau AmercInn Inn

Kick off every morning with a free homestyle breakfast and then spend some time working out in our fitness center and relaxing in the indoor pool. To stay connected, make use of the free WiFi or visit our business center.

1110 3rd St NW
Roseau, MN 56751

Phone(218) 463-1045

BOOK NOW

North Country Inn

Discover the perfect space to start and end your day in Roseau, MN. Our hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, including your choice of a king suite, family suite, queen room, or double queen room. Upgrade to a suite for extras such as whirlpool tubs, sofa beds, and wet bars. All accommodations feature modern comforts such as flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, bath amenities, and free Wi-Fi. ​

902 3rd St NW
Roseau, MN 56751
 
Phone(888) 300-2196

BOOK NOW




















5 Free Museums to Visit in Roseau County

5 Free Museums Roseau

Roseau County, located in northern Minnesota, has a variety of free museums for people to explore. These museums are sure to deliver a unique and unforgettable experience, whether you are a history buff or just looking to explore something new. The following are the top five free museums in Roseau County.

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Polaris

The Polaris Experience Center provides free manufacturing facility tours where visitors may see how some of the most popular Polaris vehicles, such as snowmobiles, ATVs, and side-by-sides, are manufactured. The plant tour will take you through the production process, demonstrating how each car is manufactured and tested. You can also see the history of the company and their products in the making at the Experience Center Museum. This self-guided tour offers insight into the founders, the machines, and the history from its humble begins to the Fortune 500 Company it is today. The Polaris Experience Center is a must-see for anybody interested in outdoor activity and the technology that powers it.

Roseau County Historical Society Museum

The Roseau County Historical Society Museum, which opened in 1927, is a terrific site for history buffs. The museum displays a collection of items and exhibits that highlight Roseau County’s history and culture. Native American artifacts, pioneer tools, and WWII memorabilia are among the things on display, which span the prehistoric era to the present. Check out the Roseau Ruin Stone, one of the oldest rocks in the state with any interesting story. The museum is a great choice for visitors of all ages, the museum also provides guided tours and educational events.

The Shed in Warroad, MN

The Shed is a 24,000 square foot structure in Warroad, Minnesota that holds a collection of over 100 classic and muscle vehicles. Bob Marvin’s collection began in 1981, when he purchased a ’65 Riviera, and he has since become obsessed with cars and their unusual styles. People from all around the world come to view the collection and learn about the automobiles’ histories. Because The Shed is a private collection, guests must make an appointment or take a chance and drop by. There is no entry fee, but donations for the various causes supported by Bob and Loralee Marvin are encouraged. The Shed is a must-see for any automotive fan looking for a one-of-a-kind and fascinating collection.

Roseau Pioneer Farm and Village

Roseau Pioneer Farm and Village

The Roseau Pioneer Farm and Village is a living history museum that puts visitors back to Roseau County’s early days. The museum houses a collection of historic buildings that have been restored to its former state, including a schoolhouse, a church, and a general shop. Visitors can explore the structures and learn about life in rural Minnesota in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Throughout the year, the museum also conducts special events and demonstrations, such as blacksmithing and cookery demonstrations. The farm is not open daily so visit its Facebook site for hours of operation. 

Land of Lakes Creamery

Step inside the former Land of Lake Creamery in Roseau for a tourist’s trio of temptations. The creamery has been converted into the Polaris Experience Center,  Brickhouse Bar and Restaurant and a coffee shop, You can stop by for a tour of the Experience Center and follow up with a meal at  popular local eatery with an interesting history. The structure was built in 1927 and was used as a dairy until the 1950s. It was later used as a creamery until the 1990s, when it was converted into a restaurant. When you are having a meal or a drink, explore the building and look at the historic images and artifacts on show.  Grab a coffee or a tea for the road. This is a three in one stop.

Roseau has so much history. Why not organize a trip to Roseau County and see for yourself these unique and fascinating destinations? 

AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Minnesota 

AMERICAN PICKERS

The American Pickers are excited to return to Northern Minnesota in June 2023!

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on  The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections. It is without a doubt that someone in Roseau County has a perfect treasure of rust and relics for them to pick. 

AMERICAN PICKERS

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about  America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they have never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. Are you the collector they are looking for? 

The last time they were in the county, they picked at several old farms and barns. The finds must have been exciting to bring them back again. Locals enjoyed telling stories of the film crew rolling into town,  discussing where they filmed, and rubbing elbows with a few celebrities. If you get a knock on the door from the American Pickers invite them in and share a story or two. A good pick could turn into a nice payday.

The Pickers are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories! The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, a story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested,  please send your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with 

Photos to: 
americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184 
facebook: @GotAPick

AMERICAN PICKERS

All Minnesota Shop Hop

The All Minnesota Shop Hop is back again in 2023 to bring together sewing and quilting enthusiasts from across the great state of Minnesota and nearby neighboring states. This fabric lovers event takes place April 1 through May 31 in 2023 and Roseau’s very own M&M Modern Materials is once again taking part.

The All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine is your guide to the event, participating stores, and sponsors. The magazine includes valuable patterns, projects, and articles along with the official passport and map. Each participating store offers an exclusive “Shop Hop Fabric”, along with other giveaways, raffles, and prizes. Participants may have their passports stamped at each store they visit to qualify for additional prizes.

Click here for an Insider’s Tips for Shop Hopping.

TIME TO SHOP!

There’s nothing quite like a trip to a county or state fair. The exclusive line of fabrics for 2023 is all about the sights, sounds, and smells you find at the fair!

Designed by Benartex, this collection includes a bold panel celebrating the festive fair atmosphere. Combine it with one or all of the coordinating prints:

  • Assorted fair foods – even some on a stick!
  • Winners’ pies and preserves
  • Shiny blue ribbons
  • Barnyard animals and their sounds
  • Quilts displayed for judging
  • Rows of colorful tickets for carnival rides
  • Word toss prints of Minnesota counties
  • In addition, there are six, bright-colored blenders to tie everything together.

The specialty fabric that M&M Modern Material ordered looks like this:

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COLLECT FREE QUILT BLOCKS

Each store has created a unique 4-inch quilt block capturing the fun and creativeness of sewing and quilting. The quilt blocks are only available to those embarking on their Great Sewing Adventures Across Minnesota!

Shop Hop 2023

Collect the fabric blocks and combine them with the exclusive All Minnesota Shop Hop Fabric to make a one-of-a-kind project.

DON’T FORGET TO GET THE MAGAZINE

2023 Shop Hop

Visit any participating stores to get your All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine. It features everything you need for your Great Sewing Adventures. Many stores also sell the magazine online.

  • Besides an Official Passport and Map of Stores, the magazine contains patterns, articles and other resources for sewing and quilting.
  • The magazine notes special Shop Hop store hours and Regional and State maps that make it easy to plan your route.
  • Each person in your party will need a passport in order to register for prizes.

You’ll want to reference your magazine all year. Use it to find a quilt shop whenever you are exploring the country roads of Minnesota. Be inspired by the patterns, projects, and articles.

Regional Quilt Blocks – Collect the stamps from all stores in a Region and we’ll send you a free 6-inch, on-point quilt block to commemorate your accomplishment. (You must turn in your passport to receive Regional quilt blocks. You’ll receive one block for each region completed.)

State Quilt Block – Purchase a commemorative 8-inch finished state block. A free state block will be awarded to participants who collect stamps from all stores!

To find out more or to participate in the All MN Shop Hop contact:
M&M Modern Materials

(218) 463 – 2400
modernmaterials@mncable.net

107 Main Ave North
Roseau, Minnesota 56751

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This event will bring sewing and quilting enthusiasts to Roseau from many states and down from Canada. Don’t miss out on purchasing this one time purchase of fabric. Once its gone, its gone.

Roseau Quilt Retreat APRIL 27-30, 2023

Don’t miss the quilter retreat at the North Country Inn in Roseau. The cost to participate is $50 plus lodging if needed. Hotels can be booked directly by calling the hotel at 218 463-9444 or clicking this link (Hotel Reservations). The fee covers the noon meals, hotel guests can take in the free continental breakfast offered by the hotel. The evening meal will be ordered and brought in from a local restaurant. Pack some snacks to share and come shop and sew all weekend long. Ro-Sew is the place to be.

Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring

Signs of spring are on the horizon!

The summer wildlife is starting to come back out, so let’s take a look at some of the new animals you might see in nature in the coming months.

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Bears

signs of spring roseau mn

When Spring arrives and the snow begins to melt, bears wake up. According to the DNR website, male bears come out of hibernation in early March, and females with cubs will stay cuddled up until March or April. This means that bears will be waking from their long winter’s nap so be aware of this.

Bears hibernate for six to seven months in Roseau County. As bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradually ramps up and they will begin looking for food at a time when berries and green vegetation are scarce.

The best way to reduce problems with bears is to limit the things that can attract them to a certain location. If a bear finds a good food source, they will continue to return until it is no longer useful. Sometimes bears will wander into residential yards, so keep your eyes peeled to see one of these beautiful creatures in the wild. Just make sure to stay a healthy distance away.

Bears make a huffing snorting sound when nervous or distressed, trying to repel their intruders. Adults vary in weight from 150 (small female) to 500 (large male) pounds.   

Bear mate in may-July.  The newborn cubs  are usually born in January while the mother is still denning.  The babies do not hibernate, but the mother provides all the nourishment while she sleeps. Most female bears give birth to 3 cubs and by mid March the cubs weight 5 or 6 pounds.  They will leave their den in early April and remain with their mother for 17 months.  This means they will hibernate with her for the first year. Remember when you see a bear in nature, you are entering its home so keep a distance as you observe this beautiful beast especially if there are cubs present.



Frogs

signs of spring roseau mn

Another animal that’s coming out this time of year is frogs.

There are 14 species of toads and frogs found in Minnesota. These species are grouped into three families: toads, treefrogs and true frogs and each have their own unique breeding call and survival strategy.

Toads and frogs often conjure up thoughts of wet places and the mysterious calls rising up out of the waters edge but many are land dwellers. Some toads and frogs even spend their winter under the leaf litter or burrow deep below the frost line.

In the coming weeks they will be emerging for the season. Though the time the frogs will be most active varies depending on species and weather conditions, now is the perfect time to start listening to our so-called “frog operas”. Male frogs use their call to find a mate, though when one frog calls, the others will join. This can create a surprisingly loud symphony of croaking, so take some time to listen to this choir of frogs.

Mosquitos

signs of spring roseau mn

Though this animal is less than loved by many, they emerge in the spring. Mosquitos are an icon of northern Minnesota, so you’re sure to start seeing a few around this spring. Surprisingly, there are more than 3,000 species of mosquito in Minnesota. Though not all of them are going to cause an itchy bump on your skin. Many mosquitoes feed on birds, frogs, small mammals, or even worms. So don’t feel singled out when you have to deal with a mosquito bite.

Skunks

signs of spring roseau mn

Skunks are yet another springtime creature that will be soon waking from its winter nap. Minnesota is home to two species of skunks, the striped skunk and the spotted skunk. Stripped skunk winter in burrows.

In Spring, females give birth to four to six naked, blind, and helpless young. They are born with peach fuzz but the strip can be seen on their black skin.   Though these creatures look adorable, we don’t suggest you get anywhere near them. Yes of course, we all want a selfie with the real version of Pepé Le Pew, but not all of these creatures are friendly and often carry rabies.

We suggest you observe from a distance. A skunk can spray up to 15 feet away.  Only the great horned owl is unruffled by the obnoxious odor of a skunk.  Striped skunks make a hissing noise when they are ready to spray. Babies can spray as early as three weeks old. 

So, how many skunks does it take to make a horrible smell, you ask?  A PHEW!

Canadian Geese

signs of spring roseau mn

Many Canadian Geese stay in Minnesota for the winter, but those that moved south for the winter are on their way back.

They migrate in V-shaped flocks, sometimes flying as far as 4,000 miles. Canadian Geese were actually split into two separate species in 2004. Canadian Geese have a slightly longer beak than the geese that are now called Cackling geese, so if you take a close look, you might find one of each species. Geese feed mostly on grass, so keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures along our open fields and ditch banks.  Canadian Geese mate for life. It’s not uncommon to see a family sitting on eggs in the tall Roseau reeds along fields. The goslings leave the nest shortly after hatching. The birds eat aquatic plants, insects, grass, soybeans, and other crops making the farm fields in the area an all-you-can-eat buffet.  

There’s our recap of our favorite (or least favorite, we’re looking at you mosquitoes) animals coming out this spring. So put your mud boots on and take a hike for a chance to see one of these beautiful animals. If hiking isn’t your style, try taking a drive around the wilderness at one of our local forests.

Roseau offers beautiful lodging where you can curl up and hibernate for the night. There is something about the fresh crisp Spring Roseau air that makes you tired after a day in nature.  Wake refreshed and hit Hayes State Park for a day of watching mother nature wake from the long winter.  It’s a beautiful sight to marvel at.

Star Gazing

Star Gazing

It’s the perfect week to open your eyes to the winter skies for star gazing.

The evenings have had clear skies, and the planets, stars, and constellations are shining their brightest. You might be tempted to stay where it’s cozy this winter but you would be missing out. Here’s why you should spend your evening outside instead. 

What You'll see in the Night Sky this Month

With the last moon kicking off and ending with a new moon, the skies will be dark and moonless, allowing for some excellent stargazing if the skies continue to be clear. Several reports of outstanding Northern Lights have also been reported from Roseau east to Lake of the Woods. The best sightings of the brightest colors have been between 4-5 AM.  Heather Morey, a local photographer, described the lights as “dancing to their own beat.” 
 
It is the perfect month to open your eyes to the winter skies, and it’s something you can do anywhere on the planet.  The “winter circle” of bright stars can be seen in the southeast.  You can find this circle by locating the brightest star to the east of the moon and following it full circle past Mercury on the southwest curve and back to the moon. Some gazers describe this circle as more of a hexagon or loop.  You can also see Saturn and Venus with the naked eye.  They will appear to be the brightest lights in the sky. They will become brighter as it continues to climb into the post-sunset sky as a brilliant “Evening Star”.  
The moon is also a beautiful sight if you get an early start to your day.  It is a thin sliver of brilliance in the southeastern sky about an hour before sunrise.  It appears to be very delicate and will gently guide you to the reddish star Antares. If it’s clear, you might be able to see “Earthshine.” Earthshine is sunlight that is reflected from Earth. This is the glow you see forming a circle on the unlit portion of the moon. Mercury will also be visible to the east before sunrise.  The constellation known as the teapot of Sagittarius can also be a great way to start your day as it shines in the east at sunrise. 
 
As the new moon is present in the night sky, it will mark the start of the new lunar cycle. For many stargazers, this is a bonus because the sky will be exceptionally dark, making prime gazing conditions.  This is the best time to see those objects that often appear to be faint in the sky, such as galaxies and nebulae. It’s also a neat time to track the constellations.
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enus will also be giving us a show this month. Go outside and look to the west to glimpse one of the brightest planets. It will be climbing higher in the west after sunset each night.   Venus will pass very close to Jupiter near the end of the month. These two planets will be dazzling as they get closer and closer together towards the end of the month. Their conjunction will come in early March.  Using binoculars, you can capture them together in the same view. Mars, the red planet, will also be seen but will fade in brightness as it orbits around the sun.
 
The sky never ceases to amaze on cold, crystal-clear nights. Winter is at its midpoint, but there is still time left to catch a glimpse of some of the best celestial sights the season has to offer. Come spend a night gazing at the stars and take a chance on seeing those Northern Lights.

Romantic MN Winter Get-Away

Consider Roseau, MN for your next couple’s getaway.

There is something genuinely magical about exploring the vast, pristine Minnesota wilderness with your partner. You may not think of winter as a popular season for romantic getaway but why? Imagine kissing under falling snow at dusk or the thrill of sleeping on a frozen lake in a private cabin. Here are a few romantic adventures to help you spice it up in the cold. 
 

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Snowmobile Ride

The roar of the engines and the speed of the machine is a great way to experience winter fun and add some excitement to your relationship. Consider riding double and get close as you hang on for the ride. Maybe the thrill of the chase is more your style, then  driving your own machines.  Before heading out, plan the trail ride together.  Consider if you want to be alone in the snow covered woods or making stops on Lake of the Woods at the Ice Bars. Some rides are better for buddies and not for lovers. These tips will help create romance along the way.
 
1.  Pack a Picnic
Jump off the machines, toss a quilt on the ground and have an afternoon meal.  Then pull out a hidden box of chocolate dipped strawberries or truffles.  You could even toast with a small glass of champagne or wine.
 
2.  Plan a few surprises
While we highly recommend planning the trip together, feel free to throw in a few curveballs along the way.  A surprise could be something as grand as a proposal or as minor as a short detour to a particularly beautiful destination where you take a selfie.
 
3. Get Silly
Somewhere along the ride, pause for a steaming cup of hot cocoa, cider, or coffee. Get silly and relive your childhood zeal for life and plop in the snow and build a snow angel. Give each other a kiss before slipping on the helmet and hitting the trails.
 
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Winter Hiking, Skiing and Snowshoeing

Drive your car to a remote location and get lost in nature. Oftentimes, you and your loved one will be alone in the woods or miles from a home or nearest sign of civilization.  There’s  a simple solitude that makes this tranquil time seem intimate.  Consider this escape a place designed just for you. Depending where you are you may or may not get cell service so bring a paper map, and relish in the total disconnect leaving you time to just be. 
 
After a long hike, stop to take a little break. Find a safe place to build a fire, que up your song  to play on your phone, snuggle up and drink cocoa from a thermos. The moment will be romantic. From pristine wilderness trails to snow covered pines the setting is easy to fall in love with. Mother nature may be on your side and drop a flurry of light snow to add to the moment.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. See who can spot the most woodland critters during your expedition. These woods are home to deer, owls, bald eagles, coyotes, bears as well as a plethora of birds and rodents. Remember to observe the creatures from a distance. A foot rub after a long cold day outside seems an enjoyable prize for the winner of the animal sighting contest. 
 
Romantic MN winter get-away

Winter Camping or An Icehouse Overnight

Not hearing the sounds of a city, the distractions that come with everyday life, and the obligations can make for the perfect escape. No commitments mean you have all the time you need to reconnect.  Whether you are roughing it in a winter tent or renting an icehouse on Lake of the Woods, you will find this time together a great time to create memories.  Be sure to add a competition to the day with rewards for the biggest, smallest and first fish. Play cards, laugh and talk .Plan a private dinner on the lake with a fresh catch of Walleye. Then curl up next to a fire, snuggle up and watch the snow fall outdoors. 
 

Watch the sunset or take in the night sky

As the temperature drops and a chill settles in the air the scene is set for a little winter cuddle under the stars. Start a fire or crawl under a cover and look up at the starry night sky. With no city lights, it’s the perfect place for stargazing. Make a wish on a falling star or look for Venus. In February, Venus climbs above the sunset horizon and settles into its highest reign as an “evening star”. Venus can be seen in Roseau’s southwest sky for two hours after sunset, it will twinkle in the sky like diamonds. 
 
health and wellness Roseau

Snowman Building, Ice Skating, and Sledding

Renew that inner child together by sledding and/or building a snowman.
 
Cliche or not, these activities remain playful and uninhibited. Our favorite sledding hills are Bemis Hill and Malung Hill. Malung Community Center is an old elementary school that the local residents keep open because of its breathtaking country surroundings and the memories made there. It offers a lit ice skating rink, warming house, and a hill that sends you on a fun joy ride towards the Roseau River. It’s a local favorite and free for the public in exchange for caring for it while there. It’s open day and night for your enjoyment. It’s a romantic setting for an evening skate or a day of fun. After a day of laughter and rolling in the snow, you might find energy for other less childlike activities. 
 
Before heading out on your couples retreat, make a pact to unplug.  Make it essential to leave your smartphone and laptop tucked away during your romantic vacation. Photography and or geocaching is permitted other than that you are promising to be ALONE!
 
For some, romantic winter getaways evoke images of curling up by a fire and watching the snow fall outside a hotel window with a glass of red wine in hand. Others prefer escaping the city to a place that’s wide open and secluded for a slow-paced stroll in the woods. For the more daring duo’s the perfect getaway is snowmobiling across a frozen lake to an overnight cabin. The truth is, it all works because the only requirement of a fabulous couples trip is being together is a wonderful place alone.
 

Photo credit: Don Miller, Skate Rink