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.
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.
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 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
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.
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?
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.
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
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:
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!
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roseau may not be the first location that comes to mind when thinking of a health and wellness hub, but we have just about anything you can think of! While in Roseau you can participate in yoga, zumba and cultural dance, nutritional tea and smoothies, self-care and outdoor recreation rentals geared towards fitness and relaxation. Each business has instructors with years of experience, often these services come at a fraction of the price as big city equivalents. Here’s a spotlight on a few of our wonderful businesses in Roseau that can help you stay healthy, refreshed and renewed. Drop ins are welcome.
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Yoga Tree Studio
When you walk into the Yoga Tree Studio, the sights, sounds, and smells transport you to a place far away. A place that is worry free and designed for pure relaxation; a retreat for the soul. You can sign up for a yoga session at any time! Sessions are guided by registered yoga alliance teachers. Get all the associated health benefits for both your body and mind by joining a class. Both weekend and weekday courses are available, a perfect way to fit this wellness activity into your routine. These courses can easily be adapted, so newbies and walk-ins are welcome! So don’t be afraid to give it a try. Get to know our locals as you lay down your mat and make some new friends! Namaste!
Join the fun and get moving at the same time! Bigfoot Studio offers cardio kickboxing, zumba, pilates and dance lessons. Let the licensed dance instructors guide you through, or bust out your own moves. Learn any type of dance you desire, the studio offers courses on ballroom, salsa, ballet, swing, flamenco, merengue, and line-dancing. Or throw a few swings and try cardio kickboxing! Maybe you want to join the strobe lighted dance workout with zumba. Beginners, couples, solo dancers all are welcome to stop in and try the classes. However you want to get active, let Bigfoot Studio instructors guide you. Drop-ins are welcome, so even if you aren’t from the area, take some time to stop in. Everyone loves some new faces on the dance floor! Take a peek at the schedule on their facebook and give it a try!
Stop in at Roseau’s “go to” health spot for nutritional shakes and teas! Get personalized coaching and meal plans for your health journey. Or stop in for a quick and healthy breakfast and lunch option . All shakes can be considered a meal replacement.. Enjoy a tasty and healthy shake at the shop, or take it to go to enjoy at home or work. Shakes can be specialized to whatever you need, like improving energy levels and focus! The teas are detoxing and provide natural energy to help you stay focused and active. Grab a liquid beverage for breakfast or consider it as a perfect healthy treat for the drive home, however far that may be.
Riverview Outdoors and Recreation (ROAR)
ROAR can help fuel your adventure around Roseau! Use the unconventional route around town and take a kayak or canoe down the Roseau River. ROAR offers rentals of paddle boards, group boards and the newest in water gear. It’s easy to get on the water with the use of the City Parks boat and kayak launches. ROAR will even deliver your equipment right to the docks making it all about fun.
If the water doesn’t suit your fancy, you can rent a fat or electric bike. The City of Roseau offers 12 miles of bike trails that take you through the woods, across the Roseau River and past the pine to prairie birding site. Want to get off the pavement – try the 7 miles of mountain bike trails known as Mount Roseau. ROAR also hosts an International Fat Bike Race and several 3, 5, and 10K runs throughout the year. Roseau is a great place to think outside in.
ROAR isn’t limited to summer activities. Stop in to grab some gear for your winter hike or camping. Get high quality equipment at an affordable price to meet all of your gear needs! Snowshoes and sleds can make a family memory to remember forever! ROAR even has ax throwing, so try out a new hobby right in downtown Roseau!
Winter outdoor activities are a great way to embrace winter and nothing is more Minnesotan than ice skating and hockey. Roseau and the surrounding rural communities have 6 outdoor ice skating rinks and three skating arenas. The rural skating rinks include Ross, Salol, Malung, and Wannaska. Ice time is free in Roseau and our figure and hockey skaters love it. The ice rink behind the fire department offers a warming house and indoor restrooms. Malung Community Rink is a local favorite. It’s tucked in the woods and has an exciting sledding hill. The hill is an adventure where a long ride on a good sled can take you over the river and into the woods. Skates can be sharpened at Scott’s True Value located in downtown Roseau. You can most likely pick up a sled there too. Skating on an open rink under the moonlight or zooming down a snowy covered hill are those special moments that memories are made of.
The Skinery
Just by walking through the door, you are one step closer to achieving your best skin! There is no one size fits all in terms of skincare, and the Skinery can help you find a routine that suits your skin type. Whether you have a specific concern to address, or just want to treat yourself, there is something for you at the Skinery! Check their website to book an appointment for a delightful pampering experience! With countless wonderful testimonials from customers, how could you go wrong?
Lotus Fit Spa
At Lotus Fit Spa indulge in a unique skin care and wellness experience tailored to you by a licensed esthetician! Get a facial, or try one of their signature services like micro needling, dermaplaning, or microcurrent facial sculpting. Join Lotus Fit Spa on Facebook for a ton of online livestreams and videos about their services. Let Lotus pamper you on your day out in Roseau! Self care is encouraged here.
We all know how important fitness and self-care is to our health. In Roseau, you can access these classes and services with little scheduling delays or long wait times for booking appointments. Our classes are small and inviting. Our services are equal to big city offerings. Looking to relax, consider booking a girl’s day of facials, healthy drinks, and group salsa dancing for your next getaway. Looking to let out some aggression and get your heart rate up, maybe hockey or ax throwing is for you. So whether to the area or just passing through, you are always welcome in Roseau. Our locals love to make new friends, share our community and services. Come live your best life and love fitness here.
Sitting through the freezing winter can be a drag, but how often have you taken the time to truly admire these millions of beautiful crystals? Snow and ice can come in many shapes and sizes, but do you think you’ve seen them all? Here are a few unique forms of snow that can be found in Roseau. Next time you’re here, see if you can spot them all!
First off is snowflakes. Of course, you’ve probably seen a snowflake before. But if you take a closer look, there’s a lot more to these dazzling crystals than meets the eye. There are an insane number of possible arrangements for a snowflake’s pattern. Do you have a guess at how many possible snowflake patterns are estimated to exist? (Hint: you probably need to guess a bigger number) Though there is no way to know an exact number, scientists estimate that there are up to 10 to the power of 158 possible arrangements. That is ten with one-hundred and fifty-eight more zeros after it, imagine even taking the time to write out that many zeros! Though it’s completely impossible to find every variety of crystal a snowflake can form, I challenge you to look closer at a few snowflakes and enjoy their wonderful patterns!
The next type of ice that you can find in Roseau is called hoar frost. Hoar frost is a beautiful sight to see! Imagine walking through Roseau’s beautiful wooded areas, enjoying a calm and crisp day with frost dappled on every tree branch. Hoar frost can form on any surface outdoors, and creates beautiful definitions of leaves and branches. This frost can even form on blades of grass! Hoar frost gets its name from the English word hoar, which is usually associated with gray-haired with old age. This frost can make any tree branch look like it got a fresh beard trim overnight! Not only is hoar frost beautiful, but it also mainly occurs on clear nights, meaning the weather to view it will be spectacular! Hoar frost is actually formed from a process called sublimation, which means water vapor in the air converts directly from a gas to a solid. So next time you see the tree branches sparkling and shining, you can thank the hoar frost.
Finally, we have the rarest form of ice on this list, a sun dog. Formally referred to as a parhelion, a sun dog is a beautiful experience to see in Roseau! Our many flat areas make perfect viewing spots to try and hunt down one of these unique natural events. A sun dog is a halo that forms around the sun, often close to sunset. Sun dogs make a beautiful, often orange colored, ring around the sun. This ring often has two spots near the edges that look almost like two more suns magically formed in the sky. These beautiful finds don’t only occur on Earth, they even occur on other planets such as Mars, Saturn, and Neptune. But staying here on Earth, you can find an even more unique form of these light refractions, a moon dog. As the name implies, these natural events form around the moon rather than the sun. They occur most often during full, or almost full moons, so keep your eyes peeled!
Take a trip to Roseau to experience the beauty of Winter. Don’t just look at it from a distance, get close up and examine the crystals and marvel at their beauty. Winter is long to the residence but as tourists, it gives you more time to experience Mother Natures’ collection of shimmery crystals. A winter in Roseau is as brilliant as a diamond in the queen’s crown.
Original article from the Star Tribune, March 7, 2020
Ricardo Rojas walked into baggage claim at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last June, spotted his name on a placard, and hopped into a car to head six hours north for a new life.
Five years earlier, he had been a successful network systems engineer for a health insurer in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the mortgage on his $345,000 house was paid off, and his daughter was attending private school. Then he got laid off. With the island’s unemployment rate in double digits most of the past decade, Rojas struggled to find steady work. Then came Hurricane Maria, which devastated the territory. In the aftermath, tens of thousands fled. Rojas’ home value plummeted. Jobs became even more scarce. “The hurricane was like the icing on the cake,” the 55-year-old said.
And so he headed north — way north — to a small Minnesota town 10 miles from Canada and two hours from a Target. Polaris, the Minnesota-based motor-sport manufacturer, wanted workers in a remote part of the state with more jobs than workers.
For Rojas, this was a lifeline: double the pay of a manufacturing job back home, with full benefits, plus a better education for his 14-year-old daughter, who wants to be a doctor. Rojas would be first to arrive here. Twenty-nine more Puerto Ricans and their families would soon follow. In the months since, they have filled the town’s housing — in apartments, in rental houses, in converted church basements — and brought diversity to this generations-long Scandinavian outpost.
It’s a twist on the rural immigration story, and a partial solution to the worker shortage that plagues greater Minnesota. It’s not really immigration at all, since Puerto Ricans are American citizens — but it has all the hallmarks of the shifting demographics and cultural adjustments that have changed small-town America in recent decades.
It’s a massive change for a town of 2,600 people — but one hailed as a positive development for a place needing new energy.
And it’s a counterintuitive tale from an area one resident calls Minnesota’s “tip of the right wing,” where 70% of county voters went for Donald Trump in 2016. Instead of exposing fault lines, the arrival of outsiders illuminated this frigid town’s warm embrace.
“This is a win-win-win for everyone,” said Steve Hoffer, pastor at Roseau Evangelical Covenant Church. “This is a win for Polaris because companies up here in the northwest corner of Minnesota have a hard time finding employees. It’s a win for our community because it helps broaden the overall perspective of our town. There’s a world of people out there with very different experiences than people who have been here their entire lives. And it’s a win for the folks who are moving here, because this is an economic opportunity they simply didn’t have in Puerto Rico.
“We’re playing the long game. We want them to put down roots here, and for this to become home.”
Among the most persistent problems facing greater Minnesota and rural America is a people shortage. Even as Minnesota’s population has risen — it grew by nearly 400,000 since 2010, an increase of 7.5% — rural Minnesota hasn’t shared in the gains.
From 2010 to 2018, the seven-county economic development region in Minnesota’s northwest corner, which includes Roseau, suffered a 1.3% population decline, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Roseau County has felt that even more acutely, losing population at more than double that rate.
A corresponding decline in workers has affected the manufacturing sector most acutely. The percentage of manufacturing workers 55 and older in Roseau County has more than doubled between 2008 and 2018, meaning almost one in three manufacturing workers here are 55 and older.
And the problem will get worse before it gets better, as baby boomers continue to retire.
“There is no way to find other workers except through migration from other states or immigration from abroad,” said state demographer Susan Brower.
But immigration isn’t the solution it once was. Between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, estimated international net migration to Minnesota was 16,460 people.
Two years later, that number dropped to about 9,000. Last month, Mick Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff, told a crowd in England that the United States needs more legal immigration to fuel growth. “We are desperate, desperate for more people,” he said.
“It’s a livelihood story,” said Steve Hine, a research economist for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “There aren’t enough young people being born in Roseau County and staying in Roseau County to meet the needs of an expanding company like Polaris.”
Steve and Mary Hoffer spent three decades in the Twin Cities and raised four children. But when a pastor position opened here in 2014, the Hoffers returned to Mary’s hometown. Her widowed father needed family nearby.
A year ago Polaris hired a Puerto Rican recruiting firm to find a partial solution for a plant that consistently has about 70 job openings — and could add 70 more jobs if it could find the workers.
“A lot of people say this is a Roseau issue,” said Nathan Hanson, the Roseau plant manager. “But drive anywhere in the state of Minnesota, what do you see? ‘Now Hiring’ signs.”
Polaris plans to hire more Puerto Ricans, but the company wants the town’s changes to be incremental. When it brought the idea to Mayor Jeff Pelowski, his reaction was enthusiastic. What’s good for Polaris is good for Roseau, he said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re from Puerto Rico or Scotland,” he said. “The only racial problems we have here are between Swedes and Norwegians.”
On a recent weeknight, some 150 people crowded into Polaris’ fancy new lobby to celebrate the newcomers. A Puerto Rican made 80 pounds of pork butt. The manager of Roseau’s town ball team recruited Puerto Rican ballplayers. One Puerto Rican couple danced merengue. It was the biggest turnout Roseau’s Civic and Commerce Association has ever had.
Roseau needs people, but residents know it’s a tough sell. But get them here — an outdoorsman’s paradise, with snowmobiling and hockey in winter and world-class walleye fishing in summer — and the mayor believes they’ll stay.
“They look at a map, and they get scared,” Pelowski said. “But once we get people here, they don’t want to go.”
Back in June, Rojas’ car went north from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport — and kept going, and going. “We’re going to the boonies, man!” Rojas said.
It was late when he arrived. The town was quiet. A river ran through downtown. He saw a different world from San Juan: a quaint town with a one-screen movie theater, two fast-food restaurants, and three sheets of ice for hockey.
On a recent afternoon, Rojas sat in a Polaris break room. He’s been promoted to a technician and is making almost $20 an hour.
His daughter will join him come summer and start ninth grade at Roseau Community School. Part of him feels like he betrayed his homeland — more than 500,000 Puerto Ricans have left in the past decade, a nearly 20% drop — but he had to make the best choice for his family.
He’s not certain what his future holds, but he envisions a life here: going into management at Polaris, buying 10 acres near town.
“They told us when they interviewed us: ‘It’s far away. It’s a small town. Are you sure you’re going to be OK?’ ” Rojas said. “Well, we don’t know, but we’re going to find out!”
On a recent morning, Edwin Colón Pérez sat at Reed River Coffee Co. with a Minnesota voter registration application. Pérez and his wife, Karen López Rivera, have never voted in a presidential election.
Even though Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, the island is a territory, not a state. Puerto Ricans don’t vote in presidential elections, nor do they have voting representation in Congress.
“The first part is, ‘Are you an American citizen?’ ” said Traci Pederson, an adult basic education teacher who teaches English to Puerto Rican families. “And you check ‘yes.’ ”
Pérez had worked at a medical manufacturing company in Puerto Rico, where he made $10.81 an hour. But production plummeted after the hurricane. Colleagues were laid off. Pérez has two children, 5 and 10, so he jumped at the opportunity to work 12-hour night shifts on Polaris’ manufacturing line, where he bends pipes in tube fabrication. He was excited to live in a place the high school principal describes as “Mayberry in the ’60s.”
“I never heard about Minnesota except for one movie, ‘Fargo,’ ” Pérez laughed. “But I studied this little town. I was living in a little town in Puerto Rico. I saw there was very low crime here. This winter people say has been very easy. That’s been nice for us. But we’ll see about next winter!”
The Puerto Ricans are affecting the community in other ways. They work at the AmericInn and at the bakery at Super One Foods. One Polaris employee hopes to open a restaurant featuring island specialties like mofongo and alcapurria. The wife of another hopes to start a school dance team. They worship at churches and drink beers at Legends Sports Pub and Grill. At a high school lip-sync competition, a new student rapped in Spanish a song he’d written. The 500 students erupted in applause.
Hiram Díaz moved here in October, followed by his wife, Mayra Soto, and their three kids. They’d owned an upscale interior design business in Puerto Rico. After the hurricane, people were looking to rebuild, not redecorate. The business closed.
When Mayra moved here, she was enthralled by the snow and filled her phone with pictures of snowflakes. She’s learning the slower pace.
“Hiram told me, ‘Shhh, Mayra, relaaaax — you’re in Roseau,’ ” she said with a laugh. “I’m enchanted. Roseau is beautiful. I think it’s like a movie.”
Pérez arrived in August, and was joined by his wife and children in October. The family misses Puerto Rico. New Year’s Eve was strange — so quiet compared to home — and Jan. 6, when Puerto Rico raucously celebrates Three Kings Day, passed without notice.
When Karen López Rivera started talking about the island — the music and the food, the rivers and the mountains — she started to cry. The family may go back someday. “But that day is not now,” Pérez said.
They’ve been snowshoeing and sledding. The kids made snowmen for the first time. They drove to Bemidji to see Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. They put a winter survival kit in their car. They don’t know what the future will hold. They have two separate dreams: to move back to Puerto Rico and open a tourism business. Or to stay here.
“This is my dream,” Pérez said. “The reality is that I need money. I see this time like an adventure. I never thought I would move to the north. So now I want to travel here, and I want to work very hard for my kids.”
Birding in Minnesota is a great option in the winter months, both indoors and out.
With their leaves lost to the wind, finding where a chirp, trill, or whistle is coming from is short work on bare branches. Feathered friends you might see in January include Bohemian waxwings, black-capped chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays, or the occasional woodpecker—pileated or downy. Bald eagles are often seen scavenging along the road or soaring above a farm field searching for an easy dinner. Last year a snowy owl made Roseau it’s home. Watchers were lucky as he seemed to have a daily watch post on a wooden light pole east of Roseau right along the road.
If you’re heading to a state park, bring a park-specific bird checklist with you! At Christmas time, bird watchers gather in Roseau to count the birds to track their presence and change in patterns from year to year. This event is sponsored by the National Audubon Society. They are always looking to grow their volunteer list. Visit the MN DNR website to see the flying visitors listed by season and abundance: mndnr.gov/state_parks/birding.html
If participating in bird watching from home be sure to research what winter birds eat. You may want to change the composition of bird foods offered and perhaps the arrangement of your feeders. Some birds like and need high-fat suet or sunflower seeds in the winter others like those. Feeding to their taste will aid in the birds’ survival, as well as increase your viewing enjoyment in the snowy months ahead.
Birds watching has no restrictions it’s great for young and old. It’s free or relatively inexpensive. It’s also an easy hobby to take up without being required to buy gear to participate. No matter the weather, you can bird watch together.
