Your winter packing list should take all this into account while still being able to fit everything in your luggage.  

Packing light in the winter is harder than packing light in the summer. That’s a fact. On cold-weather trips, you’ll need heavier clothes, more layers, and extra accessories.

This article will teach you how to dress like a Minnesotan. We may not be known as the most fashion-forward state but we know how to dress for our weather. Our fashion has a function. We have some pointers that will keep you warm and help you blend with the locals.  

Whether you’re headed to Roseau for the holidays, hockey, or going snowmobiling, here’s how to pack light for winter travel.  How to Pack for Cold Weather  Before we get to the packing list, let’s start with two basic principles of packing light. The first tip: Pack Layers, Not Bulk!  Heavy sweaters and sweatshirts are cozy but can take up a lot of space in your luggage. Consider leaving room in your bag and buying a new sweatshirt as a souvenir.  

It’s better to dress in thinner, insulating layers.

Think base layers,  long-sleeve t-shirts, and thin sweaters. A local favorite is smart wool. Individual layers will take up less space in your bag and give you more clothing options.  

It’s important to wear the right fabrics.

Wearing high-performance fabrics, whether natural or synthetic, is important in more extreme weather. In winter, wear wool for its high warmth-to-weight ratio. Merino wool is “nature’s performance fabric” for its temperature-regulating and anti-odor properties.  You might already own a wool sweater. We recommend merino or alpaca wool for socks, sweaters, and base layers. There is nothing worse than getting hot and sweaty and stepping out into the cold. You just created a popsicle.  

Principle two: If It is Bulky, Wear It.  

Next, wear your heaviest stuff. Let’s say you have a heavy sweater that you love and want to bring on your trip. That’s fine but you should only bring one. Save room in your bag and wear it on the plane or car ride. Wear, don’t pack, your heaviest stuff. Wearing that sweater rather than packing it will save space  in your luggage. Of course, this also applies to your winter coat.  Take it off and stuff it in the trunk or overhead bin when you get warm.  

Winter Packing List Basics  

• For cold-weather trips, here’s what you should pack.  Fitted Sweaters (1-2)  
• Lightweight merino wool or cotton sweaters will pack most easily.  
• Long and Short-Sleeved solid T-Shirts (2-3)  
• The best winter travel clothes are the ones that layer well. In addition to your sweaters, pack two to three tops to serve as your first layer. 
• Choose a mix of long and short sleeves, so you can be just as ready for a full day in freezing weather as you are for an evening by a cozy indoor wood fire.  

Base Layers  

Pack a lightweight pair of long underwear (leggings and long-sleeve shirt) to make any outfit warmer. Any brand that makes good merino wool clothes will also make good base layers. Smartwool and Minus 33 sell multiple options, including long underwear and leggings, for the whole family. If you do not have these, no worry. Roseau has two retail shops that specialize in dressing folks for the cold, Annie’s Trading Post and Ronnings.  

A warm, insulating base layer can be worn even under warm clothes like a sweater and jeans, especially if you’ll be outside.  

Bottoms / Pants (2 pairs)  

For cold weather trips in rural areas, consider packing two pairs of pants or for ladies’ leggings, and a pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down. No distressing or holes are best as it lets the cold in.  

Down Jacket or Omni Heat  

Down jackets are the best coats for winter travel and adventures. They pack down small when not in use, are warm for their size, and will be more weather-resistant than more fashion-forward coats. We also like coats with Omni heat- a thin insulated liner made from thermal reflective materials. 

Warm, Lightweight Scarf  

A scarf is a winter packing must. While you won’t want to sacrifice warmth, you do want a scarf that won’t take up too much room in your pack. A lightweight jersey or merino wool scarf will give you warmth without bulk. Pair it for use with your coat and sweaters for additional options.

Hat and Gloves  

Wear a wool or wool blend hat to keep your head warm and to retain heat. Gloves must be waterproof.  

Shoes: Boots and Sneakers (1-2)  

For cold-weather travel, opt for a waterproof or water-resistant,  neutral-colored pair of boots that pair well with all of your outfits.  

If you’re looking for a new pair, Sorel is a go-to brand for both men and women for waterproof, winter-ready boots that actually look stylish. “For minimum slippage on snow and ice,  you want an outsole that is relatively soft with maximum  tread.” In other words, choose boots with rubber traction, not leather, soles for inclement weather. Again, you can find these locally.  

Depending on your trip and itinerary, you can also pack a pair of sturdy sneakers to wear on nicer days or for indoor workouts. Socks (several)  to keep your feet warm, grab a few pairs of wool socks. Again,  merino wool is our preferred winter sock material, because it’s warm, odor-resistant, and sweat-wicking. Plan to wear each pair two or three times before washing and hand wash them on longer trips.  

No matter how much you try to reduce bulk, winter clothes simply take up more room in your luggage. Use Compression  Sacks and Packing Cubes to create space for other items. These can be purchased at Amazon. These nifty bags will press out any excess air out and make packing a breeze. Don’t forget a good book. There is something nostalgic about sitting by a toasty fire, under a blanket, with a book and mug of your favorite warm beverage to remind you to relax and savor the moment.  

You now have your suitcase must-haves to tackle your typical Minnesota winter’s day. If you are heading out sledding, skiing, or fishing, it’s wise to contact an outfitter or guide for details on what you need for your adventure. If you learned anything from this blog, it should be dressed in layers and wool is wonderful.  Welcome to winter in Roseau.  

Photos are compliments of Annie’s Trading Post – A destination retail experience!

Consider Roseau, MN as your winter playground.

When it comes to winter recreation, there are plenty of activities to take part in when in Roseau, MN. Roseau is known as the birthplace of Polaris Snowmobiles and Manufacturing, but not all skis need a motor to hit the trails here. Cross-country skiing is another popular sport across Roseau County.

Minnesota winters do not disappoint those who love the snow and don’t mind the cold. While many might not look forward to the winter solstice, there are plenty of reasons to get outside.

Once enough snow is on the ground, the City of Roseau becomes a skier’s paradise by offering miles of groomed trails. The trails lead you through the woods, into the City Park with old frosty oak trees, and around the hilly terrain around the golf course. The trails have an excellent combination of varied terrain: from flat surfaces for double pulling or picking up some speed to dips and valleys. Whatever track you take, you are guaranteed a great cardio workout.  

Here are maps of the ski trails maintained by the City of Roseau Parks and Recreation.

Looking to get deep in the woods and experience the solitude of a winter?  Head out to Hayes Lake State Park. Hayes Lake is a 25-minute drive from City Center and offers skiers a quiet peaceful presence in nature. You do need a parking permit as it is a State park. Ski trails take you out onto Hayes Lake and around the lake basin.  While on the path, you even pass a dam that can be a beautiful site when frozen. Take the time to call the park ranger and ask about trail conditions and how the ice on the lake has developed to be safe.  Once the snow falls, the trees and lake are transformed into an experience that is so different from summer. Maps are available online or at the park office.

Winter is here. Get bundled up, strap on a pair of skis and get outside and enjoy the wonderland that is Roseau,  Minnesota.

Is your name on Santa’s naughty or nice list?

Your $5 donation gets your special person on the 2022 Naughty or Nice list in Roseau. 100% of proceeds will go to Pioneer Farm or be used to develop Nights of Lights 2023.

Click here to print the signup.

2022 Lighting Contest Includes:

• 3 categories
• 9 winners in all
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in all three categories
• Maps will be available the 2nd week of Dec. to help everyone find all the homes and businesses participating this year

Judging takes place Wednesday, December 14. Enough time to brag in your holiday newsletter or Christmas card that your family or business was the 2022 winner or even a runner-up! Even if you don’t win, think of all the joy you brought to so many & the family memories you helped to create.

During the holiday season, the business windows lining Main Street make for a festive drive from one end of town to the other. The businesses to beat this year are Twice the Charm and Company, Transfers, and Annies. Ronnings and M&M Modern Materials have already started their decorating so watch out.

“The business windows look like they are straight out of a Hallmark Movie”

Grab a cup of hot coco and take a walk downtown to take in all the wonder of the season. Then hop in the car, turn on some Christmas tunes, and explore all the residential homes decorated for the holidays. Even better, make visiting Roseau & touring all the lights an annual tradition in your family.

Everyone puts a lot of effort into this competition and people across the state are talking about how amazing the holiday light displays are throughout Roseau. With the new lights on Main Street, banners, and Nights of Lights at Pioneer Farm, Roseau will be shining bright, like the North Star City we are!

Map & Addresses of Residential and Business Listings For 2022

Click here to print a pdf of the addresses.

Registration: November 21 – December 13, 2022
Sign Up at Border Bank or Citizens State Bank
Judging: Wednesday, December 14 between 6:00-10:00 PM
Cost: Your decorations

Stepping inside the Scandinavian Festival gives a nod to its ancestry every way you turn.

The halls are filled with artisans sharing their whimsical pottery, hand-carved wood décor, and beautiful rosemaling. The sound of music and laughter chatters through the common areas that are decorated with Viking ships, Scandinavian flags, and photos from the past. The smell, oh the smell is that of sugar and simple deliciousness. Blend the sights, sound, and smell and you get the making of Malung Community Centers Annual Scandinavian Festival. An event that you won’t want to miss.  

This year, we talked to the right ladies and they were willing to share some of their family recipes and secrets that they learned while cooking for generations in Scandinavian kitchens here in Roseau County. We are sharing them with you as a way of honoring their heritage and carrying on the traditions. 

Rommegrot is a warm pudding that finds a way of bringing contentment to your soul. At the Scandinavian Festival, a kind lady handed out bowls of these simple, warm Norwegian puddings. She advised everyone to add some softened butter over the top and sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. After finishing their first bowl, most festival goers went back for seconds. With more cinnamon and sugar the second go-’round. The pudding is wonderful, and she was willing to share her recipe.

Gracia stood with her apron on and chatted the way through the recipe. Her Rommegrot recipe is a simple mixture of milk, butter, flour, and salt. Romme translates to sour cream in Norwegian. Gracia told us if we want a tart taste add some sour cream to the mixture. When asked if she taught her grandchildren this recipe, she smiled and said of course! Traditions need to be passed on. In the old world, Gracia added, whenever a family had excess cream from milking the cows, Rommegrot was made as an affordable way to put food on the table and a smile on the face of those gathered.  

Gracia’s Rommegrot Recipe:  

• 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) of melted butter  
• 1 3/4 flour  
• 2 quarts whole milk (bring milk to boil) she uses a microwave to do this  3 T. sugar  
• Pinch of salt  
  
  Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and mix well. Add 1/3 of the milk and beat.  Continue adding milk 1/3 at a time. Beat until smooth. When it starts to bubble,  add sugar and salt. Mix well. Remove from stove and serve with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. 

The kitchen door was open and inside a couple of elderly men and women were busy inside. Huge pots of boiling water and large grinders were being put to good use preparing the potato dumplings for the event. Over the past few hours, 1000 pounds of potatoes were peeled. This event brings people from across the state to eat and gather to celebrate the rich history and culture preserved by the festival. In  Roseau, potato dumplings are often served with bacon, ham, or side pork. They are heavy dumpling that tastes best slathered in butter. It is another 5-ingredient recipe that tastes so good. Our recipe that we are sharing has been passed on by  Marian Gunderson to her daughter Pam Hetteen. It was a recipe that never needed to find its way to a cookbook as it was a staple meal in the Gunderson home. Pam remembers making dumplings with her mother at holidays and during hunting season. Her most important instruction was to keep stirring in flour until you cannot add any more. Many of the best cooks never measure anything. They just know by the look and feel. The fond memories of dumpling day with her 92-year-old mother make Pam smile just the same as you will when you try this recipe.  

Potato Dumplings:  

Shared by Pam Hetteen from her mother’s kitchen Marian Gunderson  

• 4 c raw finely grated potatoes  
• 1/2 c oatmeal  
• 1 T salt  
• 2 to 2 1/4 c flour  
• Small pieces of ham mixed in the dough…probably a cup or so if making Klub  
  
  Form into balls using wet hands. Drop in boiling water. Boil for 30 to 40 minutes depending on size. Stir occasionally as they will stick to the bottom of your kettle. It is better if you cook a ham bone in a pot of water first, as it gives the dumplings more flavor.  
  
  Serve hot with lots of butter. There are a few Scandinavians that like syrup on them also.  
  
  Note: When you are beginning to grind the potatoes, add some of the flour and oatmeal and mix so the potatoes don’t turn dark.  Now that you know a few of the secrets found in a Scandinavian kitchen, be sure to share the goodness with your families and friends.

If you like stand-up comedy, then you may have heard of Mary Mack.

Mary Mack is a favorite on radio shows and podcasts around the country, including The Bob and Tom Show, Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast, and The Grand Ole Opry.

Mary co-stars in the Hulu cartoon Solar Opposites by the creators of Rick and Morty. She has appeared in Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival, HBO’s Andy Kaufman Awards, San Francisco’s Sketchfest, and the clean Dry Bar comedy series.

Her television credits include Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, TBS’ Conan, and NBC’s Last Comic Standing and Last Call with Carson Daly.

Louie Anderson once described Mary as “…an original character from the Midwest that rings true. She’ll be telling you a joke about one thing, and then she’ll break off into a song about minnows.”

This is a rare opportunity to see her. Tickets to her shows in other cities sell for much more and tend to SELL OUT. Take advantage of this price and come see one of the top comedians in the country right here in Roseau. She will be on stage with Danielle Thralow and Patrick Degeest.

Join us for some much-needed laughter. Limited seating is available. Click below to score your tickets.

ABOUT DANIELLE THRALOW

Danielle has performed stand-up comedy throughout the United States. She won Miami’s Funniest and was the first runner-up of ACME’s Comedy Clubs’ funniest person in the Twin Cities. She is a frequent guest on the Los Angeles-based ‘Dat Phan and Friends. Danielle is the regular host of Dubh-Linn’s Pro Comedy Tour and the #1 comic on the Dark Web. 

Get your tickets here before they sell out.

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