Northern MN’s Best Snowmobile Trails

What does the word snowmobile mean to you? It can mean so many different things to each one of us. For some, it’s a way to get out to a favorite ice fishing spot on one of the many Minnesota lakes, or it may be a way to haul some needed supplies to various places around the farm. One person might cherish the moment they were being pulled by a snowmobile during a visit to a Christmas tree farm and headed out to the forest to find the perfect tree. For a friend of mine, a snowmobile is a way to make a living being a professional snowcross racer but never rides for fun. In my own childhood neighborhood, in the Twin Cities, the memory for one woman was a snowmobile was her only mean of transportation to the hospital during an epic snowstorm to deliver her baby! 

For myself, when I think of the word snowmobile, I hear and feel the word “family.”

I close my eyes and remember all of the amazing places and experiences my life has benefitted from that one Roseau, MN invention. Not growing up in Roseau, but growing up with a family of snowmobile enthusiasts, I was able to take part in some pretty amazing riding experiences. From the trails around the Minneapolis metro area, to the trails of Northern Wisconsin and all the way down to the river bluff areas of southern Minnesota, I have been riding everywhere. From Mountain tops to river valleys I’ve seen it all.  I have my favorite destinations to put the miles on but in 2010, I was fortunate enough to move to Roseau (home of Polaris) and learn a whole new system of trails to cruise and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure.  Whether you are a fast trail rider to make it from point A to B in a day or out for a Sunday relaxation cruise to enjoy a destination lunch to watch a game on tv at a local restaurant, Roseau has it all. I have done it all. I have loved it all. From experiencing such a variety of riding experiences, I am able to honestly say that each one is unique with Roseau County being at the top of the list. It’s pretty exciting we have this multipurpose, functional, and fun Roseau-made snowmobile to enhance the quality of our lives!

Let’s Go Riding! 

Let’s break down the riding options around Roseau County. Each choice gives you a variety of different scenery and ability. 

Leaving From Roseau

Depending on the amount of time/days you have riding in the area, you will have to decide what you want to want to see, experience, and accomplish.

• First, you want to make sure your fuel tank is full and grab a bottle of water or Gatorade from a local gas station.
• You can literally ride north, south, east, or west from the gas stations in town.
• Maps will be available even if your sled has a modern navigational system on it. I personally have a navigation system on my snowmobile but am still old school and prefer to look at a real paper map.
• Heading north out of Roseau you can make the choice, just before the Canadian border, either heading east or west. These trails are beautifully groomed by the Roseau County Trailblazers Snowmobile Club. If the trail runs along the road, which many do, they are groomed well. Any trails in the ditch are easy to ride, flat, and well-maintained.
• Most of the time, I would head north, then east along the border into Lake of the Woods territory. This alone is very unique and amazing experience. Depending on the time of year and ice conditions, a person can head out onto the well-marked Lake of the Woods to various locations and destinations or you can continue to ride trails along this amazing body of water into the town of Warroad.
• At times, my kids and I would ride from Roseau to the lake and meet up with my husband who had the fish house ready and lines in the water ready to catch our dinner. If the kids got bored fishing, we had the choice to ride into Warroad for dinner or find other friends out on the lake.
• As my kids got older, we would ride together to Warroad, from Roseau, fuel up and then continue along the various marked groomed trails either by lakes or trails to the next border town of Baudette, MN weather can determine many things as a snowmobile rider and my dad used to say, “If you wait for the perfect day, you might not get much riding in.” What I enjoy about riding in and around Roseau County is there are places to stop to warm up, fuel up, eat a snack or larger meal and carry on to the next point of interest! 

Another Amazing Snowmobile Trip is From Roseau to International Falls

This is an overnight trip but so worth it. There is a trail system you can take all the way to International Falls. If you have a couple of days to spend in the area, the doors open wide to one of the most beautiful riding spots in the world, Voyageur National Park. This National Park is a hidden gem and will take your breath away.

It is so fun to leave Roseau and depending on the weather, warm up with a hot chocolate in Warroad, fuel up in the next town west in Baudette and off you go to International Falls. Connecting trails really make the adventure fun and you get the fix of modern riding along with the freedom of feeling like you are exploring back in the French Voyageur days. You experience a little of all types of riding and have the option of several places to ride trails west or on a cruise along the shoreline of Lake of the Woods. When you get to International Falls, it’s magical when you get onto the wide-open Rainy Lake. The lights of the homes along the shore as you cruise on to your evening destination is breathtaking. It can be a little intimidating but oh so worth it.

Roseau to International falls is a trip for the bucket list. 

Heading south of Roseau you are welcomed by a north and south-groomed trail along Hwy 89. This brings back the most memories for me because my kids and I, at a very young age, were using this trail to take rides after school or on the weekends to the small town of Wannaska. Here we would fuel up and head inside the family-run gas station to visit the deer heads on the walls and local happenings while enjoying hot chocolate and a snack. This was a highlight of my kid’s childhood and we felt so lucky to be able to ride from our backyard and go on a small excursion to get some fresh air. The trail diverts in many directions and from my house I can watch the groomer go by as I wash the dishes from my kitchen sink. I can hop on my sled, cross the Roseau River and ride anywhere on designated trails. Between Roseau and Wannaska, which is only about 13 miles, there are two trails heading west that will take you in the direction of Greenbush, Strathcona, and eventually Thief River Falls (home of Arctic Cat). These trails will get you from point A to point B with great scenery of the fantastic farmland and views of the Red River Valley.  

From Wannaska, you can ride south and east.

This is where Roseau County has a small gift to the eyes. The trail heading to the east takes you past several farms and within a few miles you are in Beltrami Island State Forest. The Roseau River runs through it and it’s like a scene out of a Hallmark movie.

You pass the Espe Christmas Tree Farm on the edge of this beautiful 703,382 acre state forest and it just appears! Here in Roseau County, we have the state’s second-largest of 60 state forests. In this forest, there are five rivers that have their headwaters here! This trail through Beltrami will take your breath away. The trail winds around the damned up Roseau River (called Hayes Lake) and you will ride through massive pines and hardwoods. Gone are the fields that make Roseau County so bountiful and for a good part of your ride you feel like you are in the hilly, curvy trails that central Minnesota is known for.

While in Beltrami, you can stop and make a fire at the shelter, bring your fishing poles and catch supper or just cruise through the miles and miles of forest roads that are so abundant with blueberries in the summer. Not many people know about this special gift we have in Roseau and it’s worth the look. Heading south even further a person can head down to Four Town, fuel up, and make a decision to head back to Rosea or loop around and catch up with the many loops and route this trail system offers. My family has left Wannaska and Four Town and headed all the way towards Red Lake and south into Kehiler, Northhome, and down into Grand Rapids. No matter where we ride, our starting point has been Roseau and its options are infinite. 

Being that Roseau is a hub for history, engineering geniuses, passion, and just plain grassroots inventions of such amazing machines, it is a feeling of honor to make this town a destination to start one of your riding quests. Not only will you have the opportunity to visit the Polaris Experience Center, which is a 5,600 sq foot walk through history of Polaris but you can also have the opportunity to take a tour of the actual Polaris Factory. This town is amazingly welcoming and proud of what they have produced from passion to production over the past 65 years. Many from families who are now third-generation employees and engineers making a difference in the race to stay on top of the competition. The sacrifice people have put into this small town snow machine factory, on the Canadian border, far from any Target store or tourist attraction (other than Lake of the Woods), is a warm place to visit on a cold winter weekend.

You will never be the same and you will have gained an insight into how a small rural town full of farmers, fishermen, and hockey players created a jewel and called it Polaris.    

Author: Carrie Hedlund 

Axe throwing is exactly as great as it sounds!

When you walk into a new place, you decide within the first few seconds if you’re going to have a good time or not. Similar to darts, axe throwing is a sport in which the competitor throws an axe at a target attempting to hit as close as possible to the bullseye. It is a great team-building activity and a fun social event.

Indoor axe throwing is a great way to impress your date or at least have fun laughing and learning together. Axe throwing is also a great way to release that pent-up aggression. Moreover, there is no better way than to channel your inner Norse God. It is surprisingly appropriate for all skill levels.

Riverview Outdoors has four targets available and all you have to do is call for reservations or click the book now button on this link.

Here are the details you might be wondering about.  

• Cost: $20 per person, per hour 
• 4 targets available 
• Call for details and reservations or click the “Book Now” button above!
• Must be 18 years of age or older, or accompanied by an adult
• All participants MUST sign a waiver
• No personal axes allowed, must use the provided axe
• ROAR personnel has the right to refuse service to anyone who is assumed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
• Must wear close-toed shoes
• Ask them about hosting a birthday party or fundraiser

Find yourself a partner and try a dance lesson or two.  

Olivia and Daniel are a husband and wife dancing duo and parents of 3! Both coming from a background in competitive Latin ballroom dancing, Olivia and Daniel met and married while attending the same ballroom class in 2016. They both went on to compete on the national level from 2016-2019. Additionally, Olivia has over 20 years of dance experience in ballet, jazz,  contemporary, tap, lyrical, character dance and hip hop and is currently a ballet teacher at the Just for Kix Dance Studio in Thief River Falls. Olivia and Daniel are both California natives but traded sunshine for snow when they moved to Roseau 3 years ago! This October they are starting to offer dance classes in Roseau. Whatever music you tap your toes to this couple will teach you a few new moves.  

Below are the classes that they will be offering and details on attire.

SWING DANCE

Swing dance is a style of American social dance that originated in New York City between the 1920s and 1940s. It is characterized by its “swinging” rhythm and medium to-quick paced steps. Swing dance is always performed to swing music in a 4/4 time and can include lots of lifts, flips, and jumps. Though there are many types of swing dances, for this course we will be focusing on 6-count swing, also known as East Coast  Swing.  

LADIES SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes or shoes with a low heel. Dress, skirt, or pants as desired!  

GENTLEMEN SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes. Pants with a bit of stretch!  

SALSA

Salsa is a fusion of several styles of Latin dance including the Mambo, Rumba,  Bachata, and Tango that was developed primarily by Cubans and Puerto Ricans in  America. Salsa dance is popular for its rhythmic Latin music, hip action, and flirtatious tone. It is usually performed by taking three steps for every four beats of music. For this course, we will be exploring the basics of American Salsa.  

LADIES SALSA ATTIRE: Comfortable, open-toed heels that won’t slip off your feet  (preferably something with a strap). A skirt of your choosing–fringe, sequins and bangles are all encouraged!  

GENTLEMEN SALSA ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes or men’s Latin heels. Pants with a  bit of stretch!  

CHA CHA  

Cha cha is a Latin dance of Cuban origin made popular by the quick shuffling sounds of dancers’ feet. It is popular for its fast rhythm, quick footwork, and rapid hip action. Also known as the “cat and mouse chase”, Cha Cha is known for its coquettish tone and sense of playfulness between partners. Cha cha is danced in 4/4 time and includes 5 steps for every 4 beats. Though there are two main factions of Cha cha dance, or this course we will be learning the American style Cha Cha.  

LADIES CHA CHA ATTIRE: Comfortable, open-toed heels that won’t slip off your feet  (preferably something with a strap). A skirt of your choosing–fringe, sequins and bangles all encouraged!  

GENTLEMEN CHA CHA ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes or men’s Latin heels. Pants with a bit of stretch!  

COUNTRY SWING  

Similar to certain styles of Swing dance, Country Swing is a stylized form of swing dance performed to American Country music. It is heavily influenced by the American  West and includes undertones of Blues, Jazz, and Polka. Country Swing dance is always performed as pairs and can often include many lifts, dips and partnered spins.  For this course, we will be learning the basic lead and follow steps of Country Swing!  

LADIES COUNTRY SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes, boots, or cowboy boots.  Pants, shorts, or skirt as desired– cowboy hats encouraged!  

GENTLEMEN COUNTRY SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes, boots, or cowboy boots. Pants or jeans–cowboy hats encouraged!  

Are you ready to get a little swing in your step?  

Pricing is $75/ couple for the 4-week course or $25/ couple for a single drop-in.  

Every Thursday in October at 7 pm. The first class starts October 6th!  

Register soon by emailing roseauballroomdance@gmail.com or calling or texting Olivia at  (818) 584-5530. You can also check them out on Instagram @roseauballroomdance

“Seeing the Northern Lights is an Experience that is Bucket List Worthy” 

Are you seeking a view of the Northern Lights?  Do you want to see them swirl, dip, dance, dart and whirl their colorful light show across the darkness?  The northern lights, as the name tells you, are more prominent the further north you travel. This makes Roseau one of the best places in the lower 48 to sneak a peek at these dancing lights.

Best Place To See The Lights

The farm fields of Roseau County make for great hunting grounds for your next adventure to see the Northern Lights. The best place to see the northern lights is in flat areas so there won’t be trees and buildings obsuring your view. Driving out into farm country along the US and Canadian Border is perfect for gazing. Light from towns and cities can partially or completely block your view of these wonderful dancing lights, so make sure to be a few miles out of town for the best view.  

The less obvious reason why Minnesota is a great place to view the lights is more surprising. A large number of inland lakes! Unlike other places up north, Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes to boast as great viewing locations. Lake of the Woods, a shared lake between the United States and Canada offers a vast area for viewing. On a still night, it creates a mirror image for the lights to reflect off. This means that northern light chasers like you have a huge range of options to choose from! 

Northern Lights May Be Viewed During Any of the Four Minnesota Seasons

As for the best time to see the northern lights, you’ll have to become a true northerner and bundle up for a winter’s night. The short days and starry nights make northern light spotting much easier. The beauty of fresh evening snow and morning frost will be almost forgotten when you catch a view of the twinkling northern lights dancing across the star-filled sky. The lights paint a bright color across the winter night with a mysterious beauty that seems almost hypnotic. Though winter is the prime candidate for viewing seasons because of its short days, the seasons don’t truly have an impact on whether or not you can see the northern lights. For that, you’ll have to keep an eye on the weather in space. Specifically solar flares.

Thanks to Modern Technology, We Can Accurately Predict When the Northern Lights will be the Most Prominent. 

Some websites like www.spaceweather.com can tell you up to three or four days in advance! The northern lights are a stunningly beautiful experience, though taking pictures may be a bit difficult for the average person. Photographers recommend an exposure time of about 10 to 30 seconds for the best shot. The new cell phones have a setting that makes photographing easy. However, for the average smartphone user, the exposure time is capped at a few seconds. Just be sure to set the camera down to take the time and enjoy these beautiful lights at the moment.

Make your way to Roseau- Minnesota’s Winter City to discover the beauty for yourself.

Among the stars they tip toe

Careful not to wake the moon

Silently in brilliant colors

Reaching Stretching- across the northern sky.

On a clear night

They come out to play

Making a path across the white Milky Way

If one could capture their beauty

And hold for ransom it’s future to foretell

Would one’s life forever be changed?

Or changed forever be a life?

Kathy Snow

Photos shared by Angie Gregerson, Zack Manka, Kristi Bjerk taken September 1, 2022

Let’s start our morning energized and fueled for a day of inspiration, creativity, and carefree creations. Start your morning with a cup of coffee, tea or a muffin from the Reed River Coffee Company located in the historic Reed River Trading Company Building, the former Land O Lakes Creamer. This building is also home of the Polaris Experience Center, a free museum dedicated to the history of Polaris and the Brickhouse Restaurant & Bar. After a tour and a snack, get back in the car and head downtown. 

Most shops and businesses open by 10 AM. If you are early, consider spending some time taking a stroll along the Roseau River and enjoy the art on a two-block loop. Park in the City Center lot at the north Roseau River Bridge off of Hwy 11. Here you will see the blacksmith sculpture created by Roseau residents Sue Suess and Joel Miller. They designed and created the metal sculpture outside the Roseau City Center just along the Roseau River. They looked for ways to draw attention to Roseau’s French history. The moose sculpture’s intricate details encompass the rich history of Roseau. They also added an element of mystery. A game of hide and seek if you will. They included a hidden bigfoot in their art. Can you find it?  It’s trickier to find than you might think.  

If you continue south along the paved path, it leads to the riverfront door of the Roseau Public Library. Stop inside for a quick view of the Maggie Adams Exhibit.

Maggie Adams was a well-known Roseau writer and artist. Her artwork is mostly watercolor or textured pieces of art.  Fourteen of her pieces are hanging in the Roseau Public Library Gallery and are free for viewing. While admiring their vibrant colors and detail, you might notice they look like they came straight from a children’s picture book, and they did. When Maggi Adams died in 2002, Roseau Friends of the Library gathered pieces of the author and artists work “Iggam’s Dreams”. They published the book in 2003. From cats and dogs to lazy farmers, to famous figures such as Cleopatra, Adams brought her varied subjects to life.  Stop to see the works and purchase some replica cards to take home.

Head back out the door and cross the bridge of the Roseau River. Notice the tall grass along the river’s edge. This is Roseau Grass, and the reason the river was named Roseau River by French settlers. Roseau means reed or grass in French.  

Turn left on this block to see the Veterans Memorial Park and its humbling admiration of Roseau county’s veterans of war. You will notice the eternal flame lamp. Admire this on your way to the Roseau Gazebo. This beautifully crafted structure using Scandinavian design was built without nails holding it together. A traditional element of many Scandinavian architectural designs. On Thursdays all summer long, you will find a live band playing here free for the community to enjoy.  It’s time to circle back and jump in the car and hit Main Street for some shopping.

Rebecca Rosenkrans, known as the Bead Gypsy, has been designing original beaded jewelry for 29 years.  As a bead artist, her work expresses traditional, contemporary, and innovative beadwork. Rebecca’s beadwork includes; handcrafted jewelry using Greek & Italian leather, beads, crafted chain mail, glass, stone, silver, crystal, & vintage materials. Her Scandinavian heritage is also reflected in her work and her shop. It’s rare that you stop in the store and not see the artist working on her latest creation. She loves to talk about jewelry and can tell you about each piece, what inspired it, and where the material was sourced. Before you leave, pick out a special piece of jewelry to treat yourself; her work is a great souvenir of your trip to Roseau.

The Scandinavian Shop is a destination retail store, offering unique Scandinavian gifts, home goods, and decor. Opened originally by Rebecca and her daughter, this business believes in cultivating community through sharing and celebrating their beloved heritage and traditions.  Here you will find Scandinavian food, décor, and also local artwork in the shop. Pottery, quilted bags, hand-carved cutting boards, and fused glass are just a few of the treasures you can discover at the shop. Becky appreciates art and likes to talk about the craftsmanship of local artists in the area. Join her for Fika, which means coffee, and treats with friends. They Fika all day and are always ready to enjoy a Scandinavian story… or a good ol’ fashioned Ole and Lena joke.”

Modern Materials Quilt Shop

At Modern Materials, there is always an emphasis on fun, camaraderie, and teaching. The walls are lined with the most “modern materials” and the patterns and prints on the bolts can inspire even a non-sewer to become one. On the first Friday of every month, laughter resonates from the sewing floor where quilters sew and share stores until almost midnight. There is no charge for this fun, they only ask that you call to reserve a table, as this is a very popular event.  Partake in classes that cover everything from Beginning Quilt Making, to T-shirt classes, to quilt block of the month clubs and embroidery projects.  Quilts of Valor, missions, homeschoolers and 4-H groups also find quilting purposes here. The owners have a dream of creating a quilters retreat, so they may be offering overnight courses as well. Stop in for a visit, get inspired, and start creating. 

Are you ready to get your hands dirty and start creating? Roseau has a handful of professional potters whose style is as unique as they are. While visiting Roseau you can take a tour of a studio, meet the artist or sign up for your own hand-building and pottery wheel classes. Several of our local artists allow you to explore making art with clay at their relaxing studios. Take home a piece of art to remember your vacation by, or create memories by making your own.

Eclectic, whimsy and playful are all words that describe Pretty Dirt Pottery. Local potter Kate Hammer was raised in Roseau and her work captures her community and her surroundings in a most magical display of color, shape, and expression. She takes nature and brings it to life in a whimsical way making even the annoying Minnesota mosquito more enjoyable. If you have an opportunity to meet Kate while visiting her shop or at a market, you will immediately see the bubbling personality that creates this work. She and her art are a ray of sunshine.

At times her pottery reflects her Scandinavian roots, with nordic horses, flags, and words like Fika or hygge. If you do not know what Fika and Hygge mean stop by the EnLiten Svensk shop for conversation over coffee and take part in this comfortable conventionality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. Everyone can use a little more hygge in their lives.

Kate’s latest collection is a commemoration of her childhood years in Roseau. It’s a series of people, places, and events that have made lasting memories in her life. The work takes you on a journey back in time to the simpler days. She describes the full bike racks that line the entry into the Roseau Outdoor Pool, the taste of hot melted butter at the movie theater, and the ever so iconic Roseau Memorial Hockey Arena and its wooden arches. These are all still fixtures in Roseau, minus the pool, which was destroyed when Roseau flooded in 2001. You can see this collection on display at the Roseau County Fair in July.

Kate offers pottery classes at her studio in downtown Roseau. Classes fill quickly so be sure to book in advance. Kate says, “a little dirt can never hurt” and invites you to her studio. To learn more about Pretty Dirt Pottery created by Kate Hammer visit https//prettydirtpottery.com. The link allows you to view her shop and sign up for classes which you should do on your next visit to Roseau. Kate says,” everyone can use a little dirt in their lives.”

Watch Kate at work getting dirty: https://fb.watch/cCtyQbeNZu/

Black Horse Pottery & Tile is a Minnesota-inspired stoneware business. Owner Karen Engevik is a self-taught artist whose shop is directly next to the family home in rural Roseau. Surrounded by the woods, with dogs, chickens, and horses for companions, the family farm provides a creative habitat for a wonderful balance between family, work, and life.

When you see Karen’s creations it is no doubt that nature and wildlife is her muse. Wildlife and nature provide stories and vision for her work. Their movement is the core element of Black Horse Pottery and Tile. Karen wants her work to be artistic yet functional. She wants her designs to bring warmth and comfort to a home and be used for everyday life, not just decoration. When she is not creating her next masterpiece, you can find her on the farm, stone mug in hand, sipping coffee and admiring her horses. You can also find her at festivals and shows in MN, ND, and WI. Soon Karen’s daughter Kate will join the company as an independent artist. A schedule for pottery workshops or single lessons is in the making.

Follow Karen’s journey at http://bhorsepottery.com

River’s Edge Studio is nestled on the bank of the Roseau River in Malung Township, south of Roseau, MN. Artist Janet Johnson finds much inspiration there in the color, lines, and textures of all the natural beauty that surrounds her. Most of the time, you’ll find Janet working in clay, but she also works with many other types of media like glass, painting, drawing, printmaking, jewelry making, and mixed media. She also writes poetry and sometimes incorporates that in her mixed media pieces.

Janet hosts small art events and art lessons in her studio, and has done larger events at the Malung Community Center or in Roseau at various venues. Her pottery as well as some of her paintings and mixed media pieces have been shown in several gallery events in the region. Her pottery is sold primarily at The Bead Gypsy and Scandinavian Shop in Roseau on the corner of Main Avenue and Center Street, and she does special orders.

“Being an artist is about looking at the world differently and seeing the beauty and visual drama all around you. It is about being a creative problem solver, and it is about being brave enough to put your feelings on paper or canvas or in clay, and then perhaps sharing it with others. I love every aspect of art!”

Take home a memory from your next visit to Roseau by buying a handmade item, meeting the artist, and supporting the local community. Roseau is a mecca of artisans whose artistic media is about as diverse and creative as they are. The lessons and events that they offer are the perfect activity for a day out on the town. Gather a few friends and plan your next getaway to Roseau and including booking an art class. Let your creativity flow by creating your own masterpiece at one of their events or private workshops. Not ready to take on the wheel, no problem you can still enjoy the art. Whether you buy pottery or make it, it will serve as a memento of your travels. Come be artsy-fartsy in Roseau.

In most Folk schools, individual expression and social interaction are developed and supported through classes in music, crafts, nature studies, gardening, cooking, dance, and other expressions of local culture. At the folk school local artists, musicians, and creative community members share their talents as instructors. In Warroad, classes have ranged from Native American beadwork to backyard medicine. To learn more about classes and events visit their website at https://www.folkschoolwarroad.org/

Warroad Summer Theater has been entertaining this region for over 40 years. The local talent that auditions for the theater is amazing. Shows include hits like Tarzan and Mary Poppins. The shows are performed in the mini-theatre every summer with dinner theatre shows at the Legion and Rock Harbor Lodge at Rocky Point. They are trying to expand beyond the summer months and recently moved one production to the Christmas season. WST has also been doing children’s theatre workshop productions in the mini-theatre under the name of Popcorn Players. Visit their website at www.warroadsummertheater.com

Minnesota’s northernmost brewery, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in Warroad, Minnesota is a great spot to have a beverage and a break.  The Warroad brewery is located in a refurbished fire hall and situated right on the river that runs alongside the city’s downtown area. The brewery operates on a custom-made 15-barrel brew system. In Warroad, the ​beer offerings on tap include Sultana Gold, Forgotten Lake, Lakeside Kolsch, Honey Pale Ale, and other seasonal offerings.

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company offers events such as Tuesday Trivia Takeover, growler painting, live music, and board games.  The brewery does not have a kitchen, but they do hosts food trucks onsite over the weekends and encourages patrons to order food from the area’s restaurants.  We highly recommend you try the artisan wood fire pizzas from Nomads Tavern or Vientiane, local Thai cuisine. 

Tours of the brewery are offered by appointment on Friday (4–7 pm) and Saturday (12–7 pm) and cost $10 per person, which includes a pint of your choice of brew. Kick back by the Warroad River with your choice of beverage and talk about the amazing day you just had.  

It’s been a full day, so let’s head to our home for the night and discuss our day in the hotel’s sauna. A very Scandinavian way to relax and unwind.  

Blueberry season is just around the corner, so why not kick off the season with a few quick tips and facts about these delicious fruits! Blueberries start ripening in mid to late July, and will continue into August. You don’t need any fancy equipment to pick berries, a gallon bucket works perfectly to hold the fruit as you pick them. 

Blueberries are usually found in areas that are somewhat sandy or rocky. This generally includes the edges of forests, forest clearings, or walking paths. These berries are given a great kickstart in areas that have been ravaged by forest fires. Even years after a forest fire these berries will continue to flourish. For those who live near Roseau, Beltrami Forest is a great place to find these berries. 

Wild blueberries are often smaller than store-bought blueberries, so don’t expect to win any of the largest fruit competitions! Blueberries that are ripe are easily removed from the bush, so don’t pull too hard on these fruits, they may need a bit more time to ripen. Blueberries are often easier to pick when done individually or in small clusters. But you can also rake your hands through the bush and come out with a handful of berries, just expect to pick out some loose leaves when you’re done! 

Though you may not need any fancy equipment, there are a few things that come in handy when searching for these delicious berries. It is strongly recommended to bring bug spray and apply it regularly while picking berries to avoid itchy mosquito bites in the days to come. It would also be helpful to wear long pants while picking berries to avoid any cuts from the thorns on the bushes. Don’t forget to bring some water to keep yourself hydrated. 

So after all that hard work you can either enjoy the berries plain or enjoy them in a large variety of other ways. A simple and delicious blueberry recipe is to just pour some milk and a bit of sugar into a bowl with the berries and enjoy! But if you want a bit of a fancier alternative, here is a delicious recipe for a blueberry pie courtesy of Betty Lessard, owner of Betty’s Pies in Duluth, MN. 

Baked Blueberry Pie 

• 1 cup sugar 
• 5 Tablespoons flour 
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 
• 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 
• 1 ⅓ Tablespoons butter 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit 

Make pastry for a two-crust pie. Line a 9-inch pie pan with rolled-out pie crust. Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon and mix well. Mix lightly with 4 cups of blueberries and pour into a pastry-lined pan. Dot with the butter and cover with a top crust, pierce with a fork and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the oven down to 375 and bake an additional 30 to 35 minutes. 

So what are you waiting for? Let’s go pick some blueberries!