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HOSPITAL IN THE TWIN CITIES
THREE TOP-PERFORMING HOSPITALS.
ONE TRUSTED NAME IN CARE.
M Health Fairview is honored to have the #1 hospital in the Twin Cities, and two other hospitals in the top 10, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Hospitals list. While the recognition is nice, it’s the trust of our patients that truly matters. When we say our patients come first, we mean it, and now our rankings reflect that commitment. Providing compassionate whole-person care, access to nationally recognized medical specialties, and partnering with our communities to address their greatest needs – that’s just who we are. And it always will be.
Contents
FEATURES
2025 TOP DOCTORS
45
We’re honoring Minnesota’s top physicians (1,131, to be exact), plus medical inventions and innovations that have shaped health care.
BROADWAY IN MN
96
What does it take to bring a Broadway show to Minnesota? We pulled back the curtain on planning, logistics, and talent that make the magic happen.
FALL GETAWAYS
116
Hit the road this fall with routes tailored to your travel style, including small-town fever, culinary inspo, cozy creativity, and outdoorsy adventure.
BEAR AND BEAN LAKES IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA, P. 116
PHOTO EXPLORE MINNESOTA
Sometmes it’s helpful to have the guidance of experienced professionals to navigate the twists and turns of life. On this conversatonbased podcast hosted by Minnesota media veteran Kim Insley, we bring together knowledgeable specialists, including fnancial advisors, tax professionals, and atorneys, to discuss diferent consideratons when going through transitons like marriage, growing a family, empty nestng, retrement, and more.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diferent types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specifc investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC [“JNBA”]), or any consultng services, will be proftable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portolio or individual situaton, or prove successful. Neither JNBA’s investment advisor registraton status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satsfacton will be achieved if JNBA is engaged, or contnues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. JNBA is neither a law frm, nor a certfed public accountng frm, and no porton of its services should be construed as legal or accountng advice. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or informaton contained in this advertsement serves as the receipt of, or as a substtute for, personalized investment advice from JNBA. A copy of our current writen disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at jnba.com. The scope of the services to be provided depends upon the needs and requests of the client and the terms of the engagement. Please see important disclosure informaton at jnba.com/disclosure.
SEPT/OCT 2025
DEPARTMENTS
13 RIPPLE EFFECT
Gavin Kaysen dishes on balancing his chef career and fatherhood, Steve Grove’s new book, Eva Erickson on “Survivor,” and more
25 STYLE + GOODS
Meet the designers who defined Prince’s final era, academia chic, and local goods
31 TRUE NORTH
A Scandinavian-inspired retreat in the woods, revisiting the Minneapolis Lakers, meat ra es, and spooky spots
139 DRINK + TASTE
Jason DeRusha’s top picks for noodles, dining deals around the Twin Cities, and a review of The Cabana Club
145 OUT + ABOUT
Art Battle Minnesota, the local buzz, events, and more
In Good Hands
a little over a year ago , when I first stepped into this role, I made a promise—to put the spirit of Minnesota at the heart of everything we do. That spirit isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a lived value that reveals itself in countless ways.
It shows up in the neighbor who clears the sidewalk for someone else’s grandma, in the entrepreneur building a more inclusive future, in the artist painting hope onto brick walls, and in the nurse who stays past their shift because a patient needed extra attention and care.
We see it in the resilience of small towns, the innovation of our cities, and the fierce pride we carry for the places we call home. And perhaps most powerfully, we see it in how we care for one another—in our hospitals, clinics, and communities—where compassion meets expertise to make Minnesota a place where people come not just to be treated, but to be truly cared for.
Minnesota has long been known as a national leader in health care—home to groundbreaking research, world-class hospitals, and providers who go above and beyond, as well as medical marvels like the pacemaker and the first successful open-heart surgery that have transformed care worldwide.
This year’s Top Doctors list is a testament to that legacy. Minnesota leads the nation in medical care, ranking first overall. Across 100 specialties, 1,131 doctors were nominated by their peers and selected for their excellence, compassion, and commitment to improving lives.
Whether you’re flipping through these pages and looking for a new provider or simply appreciating the depth of talent in our state, I hope you feel a sense of pride. Proud to live in a place where care runs deep. Where science meets heart. And where the health of our communities is in some of the very best hands.
What’s your favorite spot to see fall foliage in Minnesota?
PUBLISHER Tammy Galvin
EDITORIAL
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Alesha Taylor
MANAGING EDITOR Macy Harder
STYLE EDITOR Emma Enebak
FOOD EDITOR Jason DeRusha
AESTHETIC + LIFESTYLE EDITOR Jerrod Sumner
EDITORIAL INTERN Megan Cornell
ART
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ted Rossiter
Lakewood Cemetery.
ART DIRECTOR Traci Zellmann
JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Bryce Eckman
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Deidra Anderson
ADVERTISING COORDINATORS Sydney Kell, Ellianna Radovich
INTEGRATED MARKETING
EVENTS OPERATIONS MANAGER Rick Krueger
SPONSORSHIP, PARTNERSHIPS + EVENTS SPECIALIST Elisabeth Wulf
Itasca State Park is my favorite.
SALES
NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Kristin Gantman
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES LeAnn Fischer, Sue Fuller, Lori Miller
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Matthew Yanz
EVENT SALES MANAGER Scott Rorvig
SALES + MARKETING SPECIALIST Madeline Braverman
OFFICE MANAGER Tausha Martinson
BUSINESS
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS Kathie Gorecki
ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE Austin Schmelzle
CIRCULATION
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Geri Wilson
CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers
SENIOR CIRCULATION MARKETING COORDINATOR David Benvenuto
EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE
It’s a toss-up between Taylors Falls and Lake Pepin!
GREENSPRING MEDIA 9401 James Ave. S., Suite 152, Bloomington, MN 55431 PHONE 612-371-5800 FAX 612-371-5801
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SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES
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ADVERTISING Information about advertising is available at minnesotamonthly.com/advertise or by calling 612-371-5800.
The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive, and biologically diverse.
Westwood Hills Nature Center—a true find in the metro.
CHEF GAVIN KAYSEN
In the extended digital version, James Beard Award–winning chef Gavin Kaysen opens up about his creative process, his latest culinary ventures, and the philosophies that drive his celebrated Twin Cities restaurants. Read the full conversation online for more insights and inspiration straight from Kaysen’s kitchen.
MINNESOTAMONTHLY.COM/GAVINKAYSEN
Kick off fall on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Minnesota Monthly’s 4th Annual Rhythm & Brews. Enjoy unlimited cra beverage samples, live music, lawn games, artisan shopping, and all the autumn vibes at Plymouth’s scenic Hilde Performance Center. MINNESOTAMONTHLY.COM/BREWS
Stay in the know on new restaurant openings, hot spots, and food news from Jason DeRusha—explore it all at MINNESOTAMONTHLY.COM/JASON.
/MINNESOTAMONTHLY @ MNMOMAG @ MNMOMAG
WHO STANDS THE TEST OF TIME?
Janelle Olson is a commercial photographer and creative director of almost 20 years specializing in beauty, product, pets, and food. She is formally trained in professional lighting and looks forward to collaborating with current and new clients in all aspects of campaign, social media, and website jobs. Her dream job would be a cookbook or home furnishings catalog. For this issue, she captured the Style + Goods trend (p. 28).
Megan Cornell, Greenspring Media’s 2025 summer editorial intern, studies political science and journalism at Notre Dame. She writes for the Observer and enjoys travel, dance, and dining out. In this issue, she wrote about spooky spots (p. 38) and contributed to the “What’s Your Autumn Vibe?” feature (p. 116).
Chad Holder is an award-winning Minneapolis photographer. His images have appeared in The New York Times, DWELL, Be er Homes & Gardens, Midwest Living, and more. His camera has taken him to Japan, China, France, Chile, and Kenya, but at home, you’ll find him floating Minnehaha Creek, walking the lakes at sunset, or on the sidelines of his kids’ games. For this issue, he photographed Dr. Sushma Tatineni on the cover.
LET’S GET OFF OUR ASSETS.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS HOLD
$250 BILLION
IN UNTAPPED IMPACT.
If you have a DAF, good news. Your fund has already given you all the tax advantages it can and now is ready to be spent. By you. On causes you care passionately about. And from education to arts to greening up our world, we can help you get past the uncertainties and start spending—with personalized philanthropic expertise and local insight to guide you.
After all, you got good advice in creating that fund—transfer it to us and we can give you advice on how to spend it.
Celebrate fall and friendship with live music from renowned local artists while sipping on the latest craft beers, seltzers, and ready-to-drink beverages.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 • 3 - 7 PM
Hilde Performance Center | 21+ Event $45 PER PERSON GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
MUSIC LINEUP: 3:30-4PM: DEZ & TAYLOR
5:15PM: MOLLY BRANDT | 5:45-6:30PM: LAAMAR
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness needs permanent protection. For all. Forever.
Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is over 1.1 million acres of pristine lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands along our northern border with Canada. This is our canoe country—a one-of-a-kind landscape where paddlers can still dip a cup straight into the middle of a lake and drink the pure, cold water.
The Boundary Waters isn’t just beautiful—it’s vital. The surrounding Superior National Forest holds more than 20% of all the freshwater in the entire U.S. National Forest System. It’s the most visited Wilderness in America, drawing paddlers, families, Scouts, anglers and hunters, YMCA campers, church groups, and adventurers from across Minnesota and beyond.
But this crown jewel is at risk. Toxic copper-nickel mining—a type of mining that has never been done in Minnesota—has been proposed just upstream of the Wilderness, in the Boundary Waters’ watershed. The pollution from even one mine could permanently damage our waters, wildlife, and way of life. We can win this ght a hundred times, but we can only lose the Boundary Waters once.
Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters, needs you. Join Save the Boundary Waters to protect this irreplaceable Wilderness. Speak loudly for this quiet place—because once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Photo by JEFF ANDERSON at jeffandersonphoto.com
PEOPLE, PLACES + IDEAS MAKING WAVES
Gavin Kaysen, Behind the Apron
GAVIN KAYSEN AND HIS FAMILY
Close your eyes and try to imagine the home of a twotime James Beard Awardwinning chef. What comes to mind? Maybe a sleek penthouse in the city or a McMansion in a gated community. Zoom in: Is there a basketball hoop on the street, perched near the curb rather than tucked in a private driveway or Sport Court? What about an assortment of well-loved children’s toys and athletic equipment— Styrofoam darts, miniature plastic trucks, baseballs, hockey sticks—scattered around the backyard? Or “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” playing on the TV?
These charming emblems of a typical Midwestern family are what I first notice upon arriving at Chef Gavin Kaysen’s home in Edina, where he lives with his wife, Linda, and their three sons: Emile (16), Julius (13), and Crosby (3). It’s a Friday in late June, and with the kids home on summer break, Kaysen is watching cartoons with Crosby in the living room before challenging his older sons to a quick game of “P.I.G.” at the basketball hoop—and in just a few hours, he’ll change into chef’s whites and head to Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis’ North Loop to start work for the evening.
Kaysen’s career has taken him across the globe and back. He attended the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont before working in highly acclaimed restaurants in California, Switzerland, London, San Diego, and New York City. He was named “Best Chef in America” by Food & Wine magazine, competed on Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America,” and won his first of two James Beard Awards, all before opening any of his own restaurants in Minnesota—Spoon and Stable, Demi, Mara, Socca Café, and Bellecour—for which he’s now most widely known.
His resume is on par with the most prestigious chefs in the world; and yet, in this brief snapshot of his life at home, you’d never guess it. “When I come home from work tonight, I actually have to prep a bunch of food because Emile has a baseball tournament tomorrow,” he says. “I’ll bring a ton of food and set up a picnic for all the kids.” It’s a strikingly ordinary scene that clues me into Kaysen’s humble, family-fi rst approach to both life and hospitality—shaped in part by his early influences, which include learning to bake in his grandmother’s kitchen and working behind the counter at Subway in Edina.
It’s clear that Kaysen has mastered the art of balance—fitting in the non-negotiables of being a father while still retaining control of his career—and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, he has three restaurants opening this fall: two reimagined Bellecour locations in Minneapolis and Edina, as well as The Merchant Room, his first out-of-state project at a Four Seasons Resort in Naples, Florida. With so much in motion, we caught up with Kaysen to reflect on where he has been, where he’s going, and how he stays grounded through it all.
How have your Minnesota roots influenced the way you see food, as compared to chefs from the coasts and other parts of the world?
The Midwest food culture, when I grew up, didn’t exist in the way it is now. As a kid, I’d go to Kincaid’s, I’d go to Red Lobster. When I moved to Napa, [California,] I was maybe 20 or 21 years old. [Interning in] Napa was probably one of the most impactful six months I had in my young life, because I had never seen such a direct connection from the earth to the plate. I didn’t grow up with a garden. We didn’t grow up going to the grocery store and picking up fresh beets, it just really didn’t exist in my household. So, seeing it firsthand, then tending the garden and being part of it, just changed completely how I felt... it was a di erent beast.
KAYSEN IN FRONT OF THE WINE ROOM AT SPOON AND STABLE
In your ‘At Home’ cookbook, you mention you love cooking on your days off. How do you stay passionate about cooking for yourself and your family when you’re not on the job?
It’s all about nourishing. That’s the thing, what we do for a living is about hospitality, nourishment, putting them around the table, and having everybody be in the same room. I love it. When we take a vacation, if I’m not able to have a kitchen near me, by probably the second or third day, I’ll be slightly depressed. I need to be able to release that stress, and that’s how I do it—by way of cooking.
When you’re not cooking, what do you do to ‘take off the apron,’ so to speak?
Honestly, with the kids, it’s kind of easy because they’re so busy. They’re all in such di erent, really cool phases of life right now. The thing is, when you first have kids, you never know how long the phases last, so you never appreciate how hard or wonderful they are when you go through them. All of that to say, so much of my life is very controlled. Everything’s on the calendar. There are more people that have access to my schedule than I probably know. So, the uncontrollable is being around them, and wrestling, and having fun. Like, ‘Hey, let’s go shoot pucks. Let’s go play wi e ball. Let’s go to a baseball tournament.’
You’ve cooked in restaurants all over the world. What made you decide to come back to Minneapolis to open Spoon and Stable?
I never thought I would move back home, not for any reason other than the fact I had just been gone for so long. But I found this space, I really fell in love with the space. I was drawn to having my children grow up near my parents who live in the house I grew up in, in Bloomington. I just wanted to have that family togetherness because I know my life, and I know that basically five days a week, I’m pretty much nonexistent at home. So, I was drawn to that.
Your new restaurant, The Merchant Room, opens at the Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club this fall. What excites you about expanding beyond Minnesota?
As a kid, our family would go down to Sanibel Island every year, and we would spend time in Naples. So, I have a lot of nostalgic memories of that part of Florida. I had a goal two years ago that I wanted to create expansion for our company, but I definitely wanted to do it outside of our state. The reason for that was because there’s only so much you can do before you start to compete against yourself. But it all really goes back to working for Daniel [Boulud]. When I started for him, he had four restaurants... when I left, he had 18. That type of expansion and growth was incredible to watch and be a part of. More than anything, it taught me how I want to grow and what that looks like.
What motivates you to keep creating new dining concepts? Honestly, clarity. Clarity through creativity. What do we want to say with what we’re creating? The world has done a really incredible job of making us look and feel as though we’re celebrities, but when you really break it down, it’s a matter of expression we’re trying to create. This isn’t art; it’s edible. It’s all going away tomorrow; it all starts again.
With two new iterations of Bellecour opening this fall, what’s your vision for this next chapter of the business?
It was heartbreaking to close in Wayzata, just because of the circumstances of COVID. It was so uncontrollable, like everything at that time... It’s going to look di erent than Wayzata, because it’s a di erent building. The menu will be similar to what we had at Wayzata in terms of its French bistro and bakery feel. It’ll be smaller because it’s only 50-plus seats, whereas Wayzata was 120 seats. But I love that food, I love that style of cooking.
Do you have a philosophy about food and cooking that you hope to pass on?
For us, it’s community, it’s culture, it’s cuisine. Those are the three things that are really important; they all work with and around each other. We service the community, but we service them by way of having a very, very good culture. Cuisine is our language, that’s how we speak to people. We cook for you, and we serve you, and that’s how we’re able to connect all the dots—by the food. Any chef’s ego will tell you that we hope it’s only about the food, but any smart chef will tell you that it’s not. It is important to cook delicious food, but you have to have great service, you have to have great hospitality, and you have to have an inviting restaurant.
EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS INTERVIEW WAS EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY. VISIT MINNESOTAMONTHLY.COM/GAVINKAYSEN TO READ THE FULL CONVERSATION.
KAYSEN WITH HIS SONS, JULIUS AND EMILE
WHERE are THEY NOW ? From Ice Skates to Idols
EAGAN NATIVE EVA ERICKSON TALKS ‘SURVIVOR’ 48 AND LIFE AFTER FIJI
by MADELINE FUERSTENBERG
For 26 days last year , 24-year-old Eva Erickson traded in her hockey gear and textbooks for the emblematic “Survivor” buff on the beaches of Fiji. The Eagan, Minnesota, native captured national attention as she outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted the competition on Season 48 of the popular CBS show. In the end, Erickson claimed second place—but her impact spans far wider than the final jury vote.
The Brown University Ph.D. candidate and men’s hockey team captain (yes, you read that correctly) made “Survivor” history as the first contestant to openly disclose their autism diagnosis on the show. Although she expected to struggle with the social dynamics of the game while thriving physically, Erickson’s transparency and perseverance—particularly during a mid-season moment of overstimulation—resonated with fans and moved host Je Probst to tears. Initially hesitant to discuss her diagnosis openly in the game, Erickson later recognized the power of her story. “I’m passionate about spreading my message with autism,” she says, “and I think it’s such a great opportunity that ‘Survivor’ has given me to do this.”
Today, Erickson is using her platform to support others who might relate. In a nod to the sport that helped her thrive as a teen, she launched a temporary, selfdesigned “Fiji Hockey Club” merchandise
line and donates proceeds to Minnesota Special Hockey, an adaptive ice hockey program for players with developmental disabilities. At the time of our interview, Erickson had raised about $4,000, which she donated at the end of June.
“Growing up, I did lots of different therapies—went through many, many things to help me learn strategies to acclimate to the world I was living in,” Erickson explains. “But my parents said there was one thing that had tied all this together and really helped my development: starting to play hockey.” When she got into the sport at 16 years old, everything started to click, she says.
Post-show, Erickson uses social media to discuss life on the autism spectrum and challenge stereotypes. “Speaking your truth—wherever you fall on the autism spectrum, your experience, your life— matters,” she says. “You should share that experience to help other people learn.”
While her “Survivor” journey ended just shy of the $1 million prize, Erickson says one of the most valuable outcomes was the friendships she forged, especially with castmates Joe Hunter
and Kyle Fraser, who placed third and first, respectively.
Currently working toward her engineering doctorate in fluid and thermal science, Erickson is researching how seals use their whiskers to detect underwater objects—a study she hopes could impact sensory technologies, potentially in the sports sector. In July, Erickson spoke at the Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo in Florida alongside “Survivor” castmate Mitch Guerra. She was also named Person of the Year in August by KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance.
While Hunter and Fraser are both part of the Season 50 cast, which filmed in Fiji over the summer, Erickson is focused on finishing her degree. But as for the future, another “Survivor” season is not entirely out of the question. “I would love to go back,” she says. “I’m a very competitive person, and I did not win, so I want to go again. If they ever called me up, I would go back in a heartbeat.”
‘How
I Found Myself in the Midwest: A Memoir of Reinvention’
review by WAYNE CATAN
NEWLY EXPANDED MEMORY CARE
in his memoir , Steve Grove, the Northfield native and CEO/publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, recounts how he reinvented his life after leaving Silicon Valley to return to his home state. Grove takes us behind the scenes at Google and YouTube, where he conducted the firstever social media interview with former President Barack Obama. Grove returned to Minnesota in 2018 to serve as commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) under Governor Tim Walz. Grove’s tenure coincided with two of the state’s most turbulent crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. We learn that Grove fought to provide financial support to residents during the pandemic. We also accompany Grove and his wife, Mary, in their search for a spiritual home and their struggle to conceive. As Grove rebuilds his relationship with his father, he deepens his bond with Minnesota—an old friend rediscovered. ($29.99, Hardcover, Simon & Schuster, 304 pages)
A Softer Landing
HOW M HEALTH FAIRVIEW’S EMPATH UNIT IS REDEFINING EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Amid a mental health crisis, the environment matters. For someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, or overwhelming anxiety, the traditional emergency room—with its alarms, bright lights, and busy pace—can be more disorienting than comforting. M Health Fairview recognized this disconnect and responded with a bold new model of care: the EmPATH unit.
Launched in March 2021 at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, the EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) unit was the first of its kind in Minnesota and remains one of only a handful in the nation. It’s designed for people in crisis who need immediate, compassionate, comprehensive, and clinically sound support—but in a setting that feels safe, calm, and nonjudgmental.
The concept is simple but revolutionary: Instead of being treated in the highstimulus atmosphere of the ER, patients experiencing a psychiatric emergency are brought to a dedicated space designed for emotional safety. The EmPATH unit resembles a peaceful living room more than a hospital wing. Recliners, soft lighting, soothing music, and optional group programs create an environment where healing can begin almost immediately.
Adults admitted to EmPATH are typically in the unit for 24 to 36 hours—long enough to stabilize, evaluate, and create a plan, but short enough to avoid unnecessary and potentially costly hospital admissions. Patients receive individualized attention from a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and other mental health professionals. Together, they assess needs, adjust medications if necessary, introduce therapeutic interventions, and develop next steps for ongoing care. For many, that means connecting to outpatient therapy or addiction services; for others, it’s a pathway to longer-term support or a structured recovery program.
The results have been significant. Before EmPATH opened, about 40% of mental health patients seen at Southdale’s emergency department were admitted for inpatient psychiatric care. Today,
with EmPATH o ering a safe alternative, that number has dropped to 16%. In 2024 alone, nearly 3,800 patients found support in the EmPATH unit.
But the impact is more than statistical—it’s deeply personal. Take Abby*, a 27-year-old teacher who experienced a sudden mental health emergency after a medication change. Overwhelmed by dark thoughts and unsure of where to turn, she made a di cult but courageous decision to ask for help. After arriving at Southdale and undergoing a quick medical evaluation in the ER, Abby was transferred to EmPATH. There, she found a quiet place to breathe, reflect, and work with a care team to begin her healing process. She left with a new treatment plan, a therapy appointment, and, most importantly, hope.
EmPATH was developed with a clear purpose: to reduce the burden on emergency departments while ensuring people in crisis aren’t left to navigate the system alone. And under the leadership of Chris Beamish, M Health Fairview’s mental health and addiction service line executive,
the vision continues to expand. Beamish brings a global and trauma-informed perspective to the role, shaped by early work with children facing adversity in South Africa. His leadership is marked by a commitment to whole-person care, equity, and innovative solutions.
Beamish’s team is not just improving crisis care—they’re reimagining access across the mental health continuum. M Health Fairview has rolled out sameday behavioral health support in primary care settings, expanded addiction recovery programs, added intensive outpatient mental health treatment programs for both children and adults, and invested in community-driven initiatives such as housing support and food security for patients struggling with mental health challenges.
This holistic approach underscores a critical truth: mental health is inseparable from physical, social, and emotional wellbeing. Care systems must be agile enough to meet people where they are—whether that’s at home, at a clinic, or in a moment of crisis.
The EmPATH model is just one example of how M Health Fairview is setting a new standard. With a focus on early intervention, compassionate spaces, and wraparound care, the system is changing what it means to show up for patients in their most vulnerable moments.
For those who find themselves in the depths of emotional pain or disorientation, a soft place to land can make all the di erence. Through EmPATH, M Health Fairview is proving that emergency mental health care doesn’t have to feel like an emergency—it can feel like the first step toward healing.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
The Epicenter of Surgical Innovation
NEW WAYS MAYO CLINIC IS MAKING SURGERY SMOOTHER, SAFER, AND MORE EFFECTIVE
For over 160 years, Mayo Clinic in Rochester has led the way in developing and refining surgical techniques, procedures, and instruments adopted by surgeons around the world. This tradition of innovation continues today as Mayo invents and adapts modern technologies to improve patient outcomes.
Smarter Diagnostics, Enhanced by AI
Mayo Clinic is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to extract and interpret data from PET and MRI scans in powerful new ways, helping doctors pinpoint disease earlier, make more informed treatment decisions, and enhance the pre-op experience for patients. Researchers are also developing digital biomarkers for early disease detection, predicting complications before surgery, and personalizing treatments.
“What’s unique about Mayo Clinic is
that we have clinical expertise, AI scientists, and a high volume of patients with high-quality data for conditions ranging from the most common to the most complex, all under one roof,” says Dr. Cornelius Thiels, associate chair of innovation for Mayo Clinic’s Department of Surgery. “This allows us to identify high-impact clinical needs, develop the AI architecture, and implement these models into practice in ways that would otherwise take years in a more fragmented environment.”
Creating Custom 3D Models
Mayo’s team routinely creates custom, 3D-printed anatomical models and guides to help with presurgical planning and completion of complex operations. These 3D-printed models seamlessly translate virtual surgical planning into the operating room, allowing doctors to execute advanced procedures with the highest level of precision, accuracy, and quality.
Dr. Kyle Ettinger, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and director of innovation
at Mayo Clinic, says that virtual surgical planning, 3D printing, and guided surgery are critically important for reconstruction in head and neck surgeries, where the results are highly visible and the structures being reconstructed have a multitude of functional purposes. “Studies have shown that utilizing these technologies leads to better functional and aesthetic outcomes, fewer complications, and more predictable surgery,” he explains. “And Mayo is unique in its ability to e ciently create customdesigned 3D-printed models in-house through our own internal anatomical modeling program.”
Bringing AR Into the OR
Mayo Clinic’s Department of Surgery collaborates with leading med-tech innovators to develop cutting-edge solutions that may not be available elsewhere. For instance, virtual reality is already being incorporated into surgical planning at Mayo Clinic, allowing surgeons to essentially “rehearse” surgeries beforehand. The team is also working toward regular use of augmented reality (AR) in the operating room during surgery. This technology superimposes digital information—such as anatomical guides or real-time imaging—directly into the surgeon’s field of vision, helping them navigate procedures with additional precision and confidence.
Improving Outcomes Through Innovation
All this innovation benefits patients by enabling things like faster recoveries, fewer complications, and longer-lasting results.
“In the end, regardless of what the innovation is, it must help us safely meet the needs of patients,” says Dr. Thiels. “This can mean helping surgeons innovate around a single patient with a unique need, or scaling a drug developed in the lab to benefit many patients—both are equally important in my mind.”
MAYO SURGEONS
ACCURACY
UNMATCHED TRANSPLANT EXPERTISE. PROFOUND RESULTS.
As the largest integrated transplant center in the nation, Mayo Clinic is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes and compassionate, patient-centered care throughout the entire transplant journey. Our team has spent over six decades innovating new transplant procedures and protocols to give patients and their families more hope for the future.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT.
Transformative Care for Chronic Kidney Disease
HOW MAYO CLINIC IS HELPING MORE PEOPLE RECEIVE LIFESAVING KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS
An estimated 1 in 7 Minnesota adults has chronic kidney disease.
For people dealing with the most advanced form of the disease, getting a kidney transplant may be the best treatment option for living a longer, better life. Unlike other organs where transplant may be a last resort, doctors generally recommend kidney transplant earlier in a patient’s journey, before dialysis becomes necessary.
Mayo Clinic is a global leader in kidney transplantation, performing over 1,000 transplants annually across its three sites. It’s leading the way in using organs from both living and deceased donors to help more people receive successful kidney transplants—even patients who may be dealing with health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, or other conditions that make surgery more di cult.
“We’re used to managing the most complex patients and regularly see patients who have been turned down for trans-
plant by other centers,” says Dr. Carrie Schinstock, medical director of the kidney transplant program at Mayo Clinic. “We want to provide every patient with an organ that will last as long as possible, and we work closely with our multidisciplinary team of specialists to make it happen.”
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
The main function of the kidneys is to filter and remove waste, minerals, and fluid from the blood by producing urine. Chronic kidney disease involves a gradual loss of this function. In advanced chronic kidney disease, the inability of the kidneys to filter properly can cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. This condition, known as end-stage kidney failure, is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or kidney transplant.
Patient-Centered Care
Mayo Clinic has designed its entire
MAYO DOCTORS COLLABORATE TO IMPROVE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT OUTCOMES
transplant program around meeting patients’ needs. “We acknowledge the challenge and stress the patient experiences while going through a kidney transplant evaluation, surgery, the early post-transplant period, and management of a kidney transplant long term,” Dr. Schinstock says. “Therefore, we work to ensure the process is as smooth as possible for patients and their families.”
“Patients tell us all the time that it’s so different being at Mayo than anywhere else,” adds Dr. Ty Diwan, surgical director of the kidney transplant program at Mayo Clinic. “They feel they’re getting all their questions answered and being taken care of on a personal level, as a human being. And that makes all the di erence.”
Providing Hope Through Innovation
The team at Mayo is always looking to find new solutions and improve outcomes. In 2023, Mayo Clinic surgeons successfully performed Minnesota’s first robot-assisted kidney transplant. Robotic implantation can result in smaller incisions, fewer complications, and faster recoveries.
Dr. Schinstock is also excited about two active clinical trials: one aimed at personalizing immunosuppression to prevent transplant rejection and minimize complications, and another for a drug that may help reduce antibody-mediated rejection.
If you or someone you know is considering kidney transplant—or needs a second, third, or fourth opinion—talk to the experts at Mayo Clinic. “We have a long history of transplants, and we understand how to deal with complex medical and surgical issues,” says Dr. Diwan. “We’ll do everything we can to find a solution and get you transplanted successfully.”
Goods STYLE +
TRENDS, FASHION + SHOPPING
Dressing the Purple One
MEET THE DESIGNERS WHO QUIETLY SHAPED PRINCE’S FINAL ERA OF FASHION by EMMA ENEBAK
Do you remember where you were when Prince Rogers Nelson stepped out in a gold tassel blazer to play “Rock & Roll Love A air” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2012? How about when he threw o his jacket during a 2014 “Saturday Night Live” performance to reveal an intricate, gold-embroidered vest underneath? Or when he stoically graced the cover of V Magazine in 2013, hand on his heart, suited in a dazzling mosaic jacket fit for royalty?
Maybe you don’t recall these particular moments, or perhaps they get lost in the purple haze of fond yet indiscernible memories surrounding Minneapolis’ hometown hero. But there are two women who, perhaps clearer
than anyone, remember exactly where they were for these cultural milestones. Catharine Robinson and Lori Marcuz, founders of clothing design company Call and Response, sat in their small workshop on Queen Street West in Toronto, watching in wonder—and sometimes disbelief—as one of the most influential musicians of all time wore their creations.
As I connect with these two women over a Zoom call in late June, I am unsure of what to expect. After all, these are the designers who dressed Prince from the height of his “3rd Eye” era until his death—a period of time when his stylistic and cultural influence were as ubiquitous as ever. But what I found were two modest and low-profile Canadians—neither too eager to take credit for their accomplishments—who look back on this wild and inexplicable timespan almost as if it were a dream.
“It was golden, I mean, we were dressing Prince. But here’s the thing: He was so private, so we never even talked about it while he was alive,” shares Robinson. “Like anything, it could be frustrating. But I’d always go to that video of him with Tom Petty playing ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps,’ and think to myself, ‘That’s who you’re dressing.’”
Expecting some remarkable, serendipitous tale, I ask how the collaboration came about in the first place. How did Prince stumble upon these small-batch, experimental designers with sewing machines (still) lining the back of their retail shop, and no more than three pairs
of hands running the entire operation?
Robinson cures my curiosity, matterof-factly: “He was in town, and he found out about us. That’s all.”
Prince was an enigma. While bold and confessional in his songwriting, he was known for being private and guarded in his personal life. Robinson and Marcuz never met him. Never emailed, wrote, or called. They coordinated shipments and pickups through his managers and took their best guesses at his measurements by snapping photos of him on their grainy TV screens. These women never actually knew Prince. But, as they speak of him, I get a sense that, in a rather a ecting way, they did.
Stevie Wonder. They would watch countless videos of his performances, analyze his lyrics, and play his albums softly in the background as their sewing machines hummed into the late hours of the night. They operated off intuition and risk, working quickly and quietly as the world pushed their designs into the limelight, often uncredited. Their creations spoke before their minds had a chance to, acting as Prince’s shadow voice; his visual endorsement of the avant-garde, the strange, and the unusual—of the beauty that can be found in the smaller, lesserknown corners of fashion and culture.
“I didn’t know his politics, I didn’t know his religion, and I don’t think I cared one way or the other,” says Robinson. “You know, he was an iconic musician, and that’s who I wanted to dress.”
The pair studied the style of his proclaimed idols: Jimi Hendrix, Sly and the Family Stone,
“In a strange way, we really did feel connected to him,” says Robinson. “The whole thing was very emotional. It was like we were in this lovely little envelope [of secrecy], but it made us happy, kept us moving.”
As the duo shares the tales behind some of their well-remembered ensembles, it becomes clear that their relationship with Prince was based on a mutual level of trust and respect for one another’s craft; Prince entrusting them to create something unusual and remarkable, while respecting his privacy (as Robinson says: “We didn’t
THE CALL AND RESPONSE TEAM: CATHARINE ROBINSON, LORI MARCUZ, AND ANNIE MCDAYTER
“I’d always go to that video of him with Tom Petty playing ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps,’ and think to myself, ‘That’s who you’re dressing.’”
– CATHARINE ROBINSON
have to sign an NDA because we never said a damn word”), and Robinson and Marcuz trusting that they might one day get to see their garments on a red carpet from their TV screens in Toronto. Although they never spoke, they had established their own nonverbal form of communication—a language shaped and sustained by their closely linked artistic outputs, both of which the world watched and applauded.
“I remember the first jacket I made for him,” says Robinson. “It was a gold jacket that he wore to the Welcome to Australia tour. And it was kind of lovely because we had no money and no time. So, the gold leather is actually leather that we had spray painted gold, and it was fabulous.”
Many of the team’s favorite designs have a backstory similar to this—inadvertent, spur-of-the-moment creations fueled by limited resources and exorbitant creativity, an art they like to call “guerilla fashion.” Robinson had constructed the aforementioned gold embroidered vest from “Saturday Night Live” from a set of
antique wall hangings she sourced in Indonesia.
“I spent a fortune on those things. They were the best pieces of somebody’s collection,” she says. “And bit by bit, I kept taking them down from the wall and cutting them up and putting them into the vest.”
This knack for turning ordinary things into art has stuck with the team, even long after Prince’s death. In 2019, they were commissioned by his estate to create an exclusive designer collection based on his “1999” album for his most devoted fans. The nostalgic collection of jackets, vests, and hand-dyed tunics (many of which are still available for preorder) continues to breathe Prince’s futuristic, boundarypushing style into the world—a fraction of which was shaped by Call and Response’s innovative vision.
I point out the fact that their work is still influencing many of the culturemakers of today; like Harry Styles, for example, who undoubtedly takes inspiration from Prince’s late-career fashion choices. Of course, the pair had never ruminated on that idea and were hesitant to take credit for it—instead o ering a humble counter-compliment: “Oh, we like you.”
Regardless of their low profiles in the fashion world (they have just over 3,000 followers on Instagram, while Prince’s still-active account has nearly 1 million), the duo’s influence lingers, and their art is irrevocably weaved into the threads of Prince’s enduring legacy—a legacy they’ll never stop pioneering. Take their collaboration with the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for example, where they maintain a collection of T-shirts and graphic hoodies at the pop-up Prince boutique. Or their collaboration with the reigning UEFA champion
soccer team Paris St. Germaine—a collection of hoodies and jerseys that pays tribute to the icon on one of the biggest stages in sports.
“It feels lovely when people choose to collaborate with us, because Prince had other great designers. But he really wore our stu nonstop, for a long time,” says Marcuz.
Before our call ends, I leave the pair with one final question, which had been burning in the back of my mind for much of our conversation: “Do you wish you had been able to meet him?”
As it turns out, Prince tried to fly the team out to Paisley Park just a few years before his death, but Robinson wasn’t able to get her passport together in time. The opportunity came and went, along with the dreamy, ephemeral glow of calling Prince their main client. Had they gotten on that plane, shaken hands, and snapped a photo with Prince, would their lives be di erent today? Maybe. But Robinson is convinced everything happened just as it was meant to.
“I was okay with it, because things worked out brilliantly the way they were,” she says. “We got to make Prince look like a prince. And it was fabulous.”
CUSTOM JACKET BY CALL AND RESPONSE, WORN BY PRINCE IN HIS 2013 V MAGAZINE PHOTOSHOOT
PURPLE PAISLEY TRENCH FROM CALL AND RESPONSE’S 1999 DESIGNER COLLECTION
Academia Chic
THIS MOODY, LITERARY- INSPIRED TREND MELDS DARK AUTUMNAL HUES WITH NOSTALGIC ’ 90 S PREP story and styling by EMMA ENEBAK photo by JANELLE
OLSON
1. Retro Revelry: Vintage Typewriter, $98, Serge + Jane
3. Tied and True: Vintage Pinstripe Tie, $12, Queenie & Pearl
4. Peek of Pearls: ElaMariie Pearl and Pave Necklace, $325, Bumbershute
5. Sporty Sophistication: Waawees NFL Earrings and Pendant, $65 and $95, Bumbershute
6. Suit Up: Le Suit Vintage Blazer, $35, Queenie & Pearl
7. Burgundy Bliss: Rag & Bone Burgundy Loafer, $328, Bumbershute
8. Mini but Mighty: Staud Harlow Handbag, $325, Bumbershute
9. Pre y in Plaid: Ganni Check Wool Mini Skirt, $345, MartinPatrick3
10. Read All About It: Caddis D28 Rx Glasses, $310, Bumbershute
11. A Pop of Cherry: Cli Belt, $215, Idun
12. Mix It Up: ElaMariie Mixed Metal Pave Earrings and Snake Necklace, $245 and $125, Bumbershute
13. Jockey Dreams: Vintage Scarf, $10, Queenie & Pearl
14. Booked and Busy: Ghurka Tilbury No. 126 Leather Satchel, $700, June
15. Back in the Saddle: Tall Thora Boot, $575, Idun
16. Sweet as Chocolate: Hayden Cardigan, $48, Queenie & Pearl
Tied and True
Carrie Bradshaw called from the early aughts—and she says female ties are back. Embrace the androgynous accessory with muted autumnal tones.
Sweet as Chocolate Embrace Pantone’s 2025 color of the year—Mocha Mousse— with this chocolate-hued cardigan, perfect for throwing over your shoulders in the uncertain fall temps.
Pre y in Plaid
Plaid is one of the most coveted pa erns of the season, whether it’s printed on a stately trench coat or a sassy miniskirt—like this goldaccented showstopper by Scandi fashion label Ganni.
1. Leaves Of May
BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN
THESE LOCAL, NATURE - INSPIRED TREASURES ARE PERFECT FOR EMBRACING THE WARMTH AND BEAUTY OF AUTUMN by JERROD SUMNER
2. Lazy Goat Studio
For two decades, Angie May of Leaves of May has turned nature into joyfully wearable art. Her earrings—cra ed from leather, wood, cork, and metal—capture the essence of blooming florals with color, texture, and charm, adding a playful yet serene touch to any look. Red Wildflower Arrangement, $39.99; leavesofmay.com
Indulge your palate with wellness-inspired honey infusions from Wisconsin’s Lazy Goat Studio. The Turmeric Chai Creamed Honey, a Euro-style delight, will quickly become a staple in your pantry—this Ayurvedic golden chai boasts the earthy warmth of turmeric, a gentle kick of black pepper, vibrant ginger, and the comforting embrace of cinnamon and cardamom. Turmeric Chai Creamed Honey - Euro Style, $25; lazygoatstudio.com
3. Lisa Rydin Erickson
Lisa Rydin Erickson brings a vibrant, modern sensibility to her nature-inspired creations. An early adopter of digital art, her work beautifully captures the essence of Minnesota’s four distinct seasons, translating that inspiration into a stunning, sustainable line of home goods, paper products, and textiles. Sustainable Birch Wood Tray 12x12” in Cloudberry, $40; lisarydinerickson.com
4. Hello Refuge
With Hello Refuge, Edinabased artist Tiff Mueller weaves the rugged beauty of her Black Hills upbringing into exquisite fiber art. Mueller creates stunning, layered pieces reminiscent of the Badlands’ sedimentary formations, using zero-waste, hand-dyed fibers and custom-blended paints. Claystone 16x16”, $200; hellorefuge.com
5. A Modern Scout
Kim Henderson, the discerning eye behind A Modern Scout, honed her perspective in her father’s antique restoration shop—learning to spot beauty in the discarded. Her minimalist designs blend wood, metal, and living plants, striking a quiet balance of warmth, strength, and grace in any home. Flower/Leaf Press, $72; amodernscout.etsy.com
Nor th TRUE
Quiet, Upgraded
A SCANDINAVIAN - INSPIRED RETREAT BLENDS MODERN DESIGN WITH NORTHWOODS TRANQUILITY IN FREDERIC, WISCONSIN ALESHA TAYLOR
There ’ s something undeniably poetic about watching a thunderstorm sweep across the treetops while you’re dry and warm inside, barefoot with a blanket across your lap. That’s exactly how our first night at Nordlys Lodging Co. unfolded—rain tapping against floor-to-ceiling glass and a tin roof as we settled into the Longhouse, one of two boutique cabins burrowed on a forested bluff in Frederic, Wisconsin.
Just 80 miles northeast of the Twin Cities, Nordlys o ers a kind of quiet luxury that’s harder and harder to find. Built with intentionality and stunning restraint, the cabins blend seamlessly into the 140-acre property while elevating every comfort inside. The Longhouse, a 1,200-square-foot modern cabin, is designed to draw your eye outward. Every room o ers a unique view of the woods or water. From the cozy king suite to the sleek dine-in kitchen (with seating for six), each space is bathed in natural light and filled with thoughtful details.
The owners, who began vacationing in this part of northwest Wisconsin decades ago, have created something special here— a retreat that is as much about its architecture as it is about immersion in nature. Minneapolis-based SALA Architects designed both cabins, and it shows: clean Scandinavian lines, chef-worthy kitchens, spa-like showers, and a deep respect for the surrounding land.
At Nordlys, the thoughtful touches begin the moment you arrive—starting with a beautifully curated welcome basket. Stocked with locally sourced goodies like co ee from Northern Co eeworks (Minneapolis), pancake mix from Sturdiwheat (Red Wing), and maple syrup from nearby Morley’s, it’s everything you need for a cozy first breakfast. There’s even tea, muesli, honey, and marshmallows for fireside treats—all plus a packet of wildflower seeds to take a little bit of the Northwoods home with you.
Near the welcome basket, we found the guestbook—a nod to the Scandinavian tradition of the hyttebok, or “cabin book.”
Guests jot down highlights, reflections, and little stories, adding to the cabin’s collective memory. It’s part travel journal, part time capsule. Carefully reading each person and family’s experiences, I felt an instant connection that stirred up my own curiosity of what we’d uncover while staying at Nordlys. Stories ranged from a local artist who was seeking renewed inspiration and “babymooners” to a group of gals for a bachelorette party and family staycations (the farthest visitors were from Texas).
The beds here are the kind you dream about—literally. Outfitted with plush Avocado Green mattresses and layered in crisp, organic Quince sheets, each bed is designed for deep, restorative rest. Thoughtful details and clean, modern furnishings from Minneapolis-based Room & Board and throw blankets from Faribault Woolen Mills round out the serene, design-forward spaces.
The Longhouse’s most memorable feature may just be its screened porch—less an addition and more a destination in itself. Connected to the main cabin by a charming bridge over a dry creek bed, this semi-attached porch feels like a sanctuary suspended in the trees, with views of the lake just below the hill. This isn’t your average screened porch. It’s climate-conscious and comfort-forward, equipped with motorized screens to keep the bugs out and ceiling-mounted infrared heaters to keep the
KITCHEN AND COMMON SPACE
chill off your shoulders. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to sip morning co ee wrapped in a wool sweater or linger with a glass of wine as the sky dims and swans call from the water. (Or if you stay out there late enough, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights.)
The porch also hosts an outdoor, glass-walled Cedar + Stone Nordic Sauna—another architectural marvel built with intention. Hailing from Duluth, this sauna honors both Scandinavian heritage and Midwestern craftsmanship. Just steps down a paved path from the screened porch, Nordlys’ wood-fired hot tub feels like a secret forest soak. Whether you’re easing into the warm, cedarscented water on a crisp night or using it as a cold plunge tub as part of a refreshing Nordic cycle (with the sauna), this outdoor amenity turns any evening into a spa-worthy ritual—steam rising, stars overhead, and the quiet woods all around.
Inside, a well-stocked closet overflows with board games, puzzles, books, and even binoculars for a little wildlife spotting from your window seat—or post up at the digital piano for a spontaneous concert. Step outside and you’ll find a world of natural wonder waiting. Hike miles of wooded trails, pedal scenic gravel roads on a complimentary Surly bike (another Minnesota-based company), or glide across the lake in a kayak or pedal boat. Come winter, trade hiking boots for snowshoes, lace up your skates for the frozen lake, or grab a snow tube and embrace your inner kid.
Nordlys may feel like the middle of nowhere—in the best possible way—but it’s surrounded by a bounty of nearby adventures just waiting to be explored. Just 6 miles away, Straight Lake State Park o ers serene solitude and glacier-carved beauty, with miles of quiet trails and calm waters for paddling. For wildlife
NEARBY & NOTEWORTHY
Nordlys feels wonderfully tucked away, but you’re never far from small-town charm.
Frederic
Just 5 miles east, Frederic is your go-to for groceries, gas, and grab-and-go bites. For a classic Wisconsin tavern experience, Friendly Tavern delivers cold drinks and warm hospitality. Looking for indoor fun? Head to The 300 Club for bowling and casual bites. And don’t miss the One 10 Gallery, where you can browse contemporary art and find unique gi s.
Luck
Venture 11 miles south to Luck—a lakeside town as pleasant as its name, perched on the shores of Big Bu ernut Lake. Grab a cozy breakfast or a ernoon la e at Café Wren, a beloved local spot with daily scratch-made fare and local artists’ work. Or treat yourself head to toe at 710 Salon & Day Spa, a full-service oasis where you can shop, unwind, and indulge in everything from massages and facials to mani-pedis and microblading.
Siren
Head 11 miles north to Siren and stop by Chipmunk Cheeks Gourmet Treats for house-made fudge, 24-plus flavors of Olsen’s Ice Cream, and a colorful selection of nostalgic and trendy sweets—from boba tea to acai bowls. Then pop over to Thread Shed Boutique, a stylish spot that curates fashionable finds for women of all sizes and ages. Or check out an adult painting class at Jellybeana’s Cra & Paint.
lovers, McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area and Crex Meadows deliver the goods: 5,000 and 30,000 acres, respectively, of lush forest, wetlands, and prime bird-watching territory.
Dreaming of thru-hiking? Get a taste on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which winds right through the area. Somers Lake Park is practically next door, with trails and lake views perfect for an easy stroll, while the Gandy Dancer trail and Trade River Trail Area cater to cyclists, skiers, and cross-country trekkers alike.
If agri-venture is more your speed, swing by nearby orchards and farms like Timberland Hills, Baker Orchard, or Rocky Ridge Blueberry Farm (hello, fall picking season). For horseback riders, Limitless Ranch and the Governor Knowles trails are just a short drive away, and golfers can tee o at Siren National Golf Course or Frederic’s municipal course.
And yes—Nordlys is dog-friendly. Our well-traveled dachshund, Penny, was as relaxed as we were, curling up on the floor near the wide windows and exploring the wooden decks with gusto. Even she seemed to understand this was a place to exhale. Whether you’re seeking solitude or just a slower pace, Nordlys delivers (and then some). It’s a place that encourages presence, not performance. The Wi-Fi is fast, but the vibe is soft. You come here to rest, recharge, and reconnect—whether with your partner or the quiet version of yourself you sometimes forget in city life.
SCREENED PORCH WITH SAUNA
WALKWAY TO SCREENED PORCH
Long Live the Minneapolis Lakers
MINNEAPOLIS LOST ITS FIRST NBA TEAM TO LOS ANGELES 65 YEARS AGO BUT NOT BEFORE IT CHANGED THE TRAJECTORY OF MINNESOTA SPORTS by CLAYTON TRUTOR
Did you know minneapolis was once home to the Lakers basketball team? This year marks the 65th anniversary of when the Minneapolis Lakers left town for Los Angeles. On April 26, 1960, team owner Bob Short announced the relocation of the franchise, citing box o ce struggles, the lack of a permanent home court, and the greener pastures of the West Coast.
The franchise came to Minneapolis in 1947. It was the first major professional sports team established in the Twin Cities and remains the most successful by far. The Lakers won six league championships in their first seven years—as many as all the other Twin Cities major league teams have won over the past 65 years combined.
The Lakers were the NBA’s first dynasty. Their pair of “threepeats,” or three consecutive championship wins (1948-1950 and 1952-1954), established the franchise as the “New York Yankees of basketball”—a source of pride and prestige for the Twin Cities. During their best seasons, they drew large and loud crowds to the Minneapolis Auditorium, St. Paul Auditorium, the Minneapolis Armory, or wherever else they could find a venue in the area.
The franchise began play in the 1946-1947 season as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League (NBL), a precursor to the NBA. Minneapolis businessmen Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen purchased the club from its Michigan-based ownership, relocating them to the Gopher State for the 19471948 campaign.
Sid Hartman, a sportswriter for the former Minneapolis Star Tribune, played a significant behind-the-scenes role in facilitating the deal. He even found the Lakers a top-notch head coach in John Kundla, a standout player for the Golden Gophers in the 1930s who had served for one season as the head coach at the University of St. Thomas. Nightclub entrepreneur Max Winter, who later founded the Minnesota Vikings, served as the team’s general manager and took a small ownership stake.
Winter wanted to present the new team as being Minnesotan as a potluck supper. Thus, “Lakers” was selected as an homage to the state’s reputation as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Winter dressed the team in light blue and gold, the colors of the Swedish flag, in a bid to win over the area’s large Scandinavian population.
DURING HIS COLLEGE DAYS; MIKKELSEN ON A LAKERS PROGRAM; LAKERS GAME PROGRAM FEATURING WHITEY SKOOG; COACH JOHN KUNDLA
Team management made the Lakers’ roster from scratch. They built around George Mikan, a 6-foot-10-inch center from Chicago’s DePaul University. Mikan was affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Basketball” and would go on to be the dominant player in the early years of the NBA—he pulled down rebounds and blocked shots like no other player of the era, and his signature left- and right-handed hook shots made him an equally unstoppable o ensive force.
“One time, [the Lakers] pulled up to Madison Square Garden and the marquee said, ‘George Mikan vs. New York Knicks.’ And the guys wouldn’t leave the locker room,” recounts Bitsy Rettke, daughter of Lakers player Tony Jaros. She remembers the other players saying to Mikan, “‘Hey, you’re the only one on the marquee, you go out and play them.’”
The Lakers’ supporting cast consisted largely of local talent. To drum up local interest, the NBA o ered teams “territorial rights” to players from colleges and universities near their city. This entitled the Lakers to the likes of Golden Gophers stars Don “Swede” Carlson, Whitey Skoog, Bud Grant, and Jaros, plus 6-foot-7-inch Vern Mikkelsen from Hamline University. Add to that the selections of athletic 6-foot-5-inch Stanford University forward Jim Pollard and wily University of Texas point guard Slater Martin in the draft, and the Lakers had a fantastic team.
The Lakers dominated the NBL in 1947-1948, storming their way to a league championship. Following the season, the Midwest-based NBL merged with the East Coast-centered Basketball Association of America to form what became the NBA. The stacked Lakers teams won championships in 1949 and 1950 as well, proving to be the gold standard of the new league. Even after falling in the 1951 NBA playo s, the Lakers strung together three more championship seasons from 1952-1954. “There was plenty of cheering and enthusiasm at the games. [The Minneapolis Auditorium] was a fun place to play and a fun time,” says former Lakers player Chuck Mencel. At 91 years old, Mencel is the last living Minneapolis Laker.
In April 1954, the Lakers won a grueling seven-game series against the Syracuse Nationals to secure the franchise’s sixth championship in seven seasons. Mikan won NBA Finals MVP honors for the first time. Not long after the victory, Mikan retired and moved to the front o ce, which was part of a larger transformation of the Lakers’ roster—most of his championship comrades would soon retire or join other clubs. Attendance dropped considerably after Mikan’s departure and only worsened as the team faded from contention.
Berger considered selling his interest to a group from Kansas City that wanted to relocate the team to Missouri. Instead, he allowed for a local sale of stock in the team, enabling more than 100 people and businesses in the Twin Cities to purchase shares in the club. A local attorney named Bob Short became the majority shareholder and team president.
The era of good feelings under Short proved to be a brief one. He said the team was losing money almost every single night, no matter where they played. He was soon on the hunt for a new city with a permanent home court.
The Lakers enjoyed a resurgence in 1958-1959, thanks in large part to the selection of Elgin Baylor with the first pick in the NBA Draft. Standing 6-foot-5-inches tall, Baylor combined speed, cunning, power, and athleticism. He drove into the lane and scored like no previous player in NBA history.
Baylor led the Lakers back to the NBA Finals in 1959, where they lost to the Boston Celtics, but the team fell out of contention early in the following season. Whispers about the team’s departure grew louder as the season waned.
When the season came to an end, so did the Lakers’ time in the Twin Cities. In 1965, Short sold the team to Canadian media mogul Jack Kent Cooke, who continued to build the Lakers into one of the most valuable properties in sports.
Glimpses of the Lakers remain in certain spaces around the Twin Cities. “They do have the one banner in Target Center that lists the Hall of Famers,” notes Joe Nelson, a local collector of Lakers memorabilia. There’s also the statue of George Mikan outside Target Center and a display at the Armory.
Another space where the memory of the Lakers remains is Tony Jaros River Garden, a bar in Jaros’ hometown of Northeast Minneapolis. Proprietor Dan Jaros, Tony’s son, says his father rarely spoke of his time as a Laker, but everyone in the neighborhood knew about the local sports hero. “Growing up, older guys were always telling me about my dad,” says Dan.
While no longer based in Minneapolis, it’s impossible to overlook the Lakers’ impact on Minnesota sports, past and present. The franchise created a firm foundation upon which a great pro sports town has been established—every time you look at the NFL, NHL, NBA, WNBA, or MLB standings and see “Minnesota,” you’re looking at the legacy of the Minneapolis Lakers.
FUTURE LAKER
ELGIN BAYLOR, DURING HIS COLLLEGE DAYS
The meat ra es of today usually take place at a bar—typically working-class, neighborhood joints where patrons are more likely to order a Hamm’s than a boozy fusion of, say, fig piloncillo and lemon cologne. Though, to be fair, those ingredients were pulled from the menu of Butcher & The Boar’s Char Bar, which holds its own meat raffle on Sunday nights; this also means meat ra es have transcended American Legions, VFWs, and the like, and have since permeated trendy cocktail bars.
All Steak, No Sizzle
English novelist samuel butler once said, “Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.” Well, now we have meat ra es. While believed to have originated in Britain during World War II, and although common across Australia, New Zealand, and western Canada, meat raffles feel quintessentially Midwestern— particularly popular in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Considerable international
Meat ra e tickets usually range from $1-5, and each comes with a number. A wheel is spun and, after fanning to a stop, the caller yells out the lucky number. Common prizes include various cuts of steak, ribs, bacon, chicken, sausage, and ground beef, typically supplied by a local butcher shop—like Borchert’s Meat Market in Maplewood, for one, which outfits more than a dozen bars and charitable organizations throughout the Twin Cities metro. Uncommon prizes, o ered at spots like Lost Times Tavern in Sauk Rapids, include some kind of seafood.
THE RE - RESURGENCE OF THE MINNESOTA MEAT RAFFLE by ANDREW STARK
variations notwithstanding (New Zealand’s meat trays, Australia’s chicken raffles, Canada’s “Porketta Bingo”), the idea is that people gather in a place, buy tickets to benefit a local cause, and some form of meat is ra ed o
The oldest reference to meat ra es in Minnesota was at a 4-H fundraiser mentioned in the Albert Lea Tribune on July 7, 1978, according to Allison Ortiz, head of communications for the Minnesota Historical Society. “They really took o in Wisconsin and Minnesota in the mid- to late-1980s,” she explains.
“Since 2015, we’ve seen some meat raffles at local taverns and thought we could do that, only let’s do it better,” says David Borchert, owner of Borchert’s Meat Market. “So, we put together a variety of what we thought we’d like to win. We found ourselves searching for new places as we saw it as steady revenue during winter months.” He notes that meat ra es are very seasonal in sales.
And they’re apparently making a comeback. This could be attributed to our ongoing obsession with nostalgia and younger generations trending toward the analog—or it could simply be that they’re a lot of fun. The first meat ra e I ever personally attended was at the now-closed BJ’s Liquor Lounge in North Minneapolis, which was many things—fun included.
“We believe they’re growing in popularity because of the changes in gambling becoming more widespread,” Borchert says. In Minnesota, meat raffles fall under the category of “charitable gambling,” in which only registered nonprofits can benefit from the proceeds—a
MEAT RAFFLE AT FIFTY LAKES BAR & BOTTLE SHOP
few local participants include the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association, Rogers Lions Club, Hopkins American Legion, and more. “And with the economy so challenging, it’s fun to win a great pack of quality meat,” Borchert adds.
MORE MEAT RAFFLES TO EXPLORE
The 1029 Bar, Minneapolis
The Cherry Pit Bar & Grill, St. Paul
The Deerstand, Deerwood
For the uninitiated, a few statewide highlights include, but are definitely not limited to: Fifty Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop in Fifty Lakes, which purports to be the oldest in Crow Wing County; The North 40 Tavern in West St. Paul, which claims to be the world’s fastest meat ra e; Crystal VFW Post 494, which scores its prizes from Robbinsdale’s fabled Hackenmueller’s Meat Market; and Bull’s Horn in Minneapolis, which serves up prizes from Everette’s Foods & Meats.
Up north, Bell’s Resort Bar & Grill in Dent has one on Friday evenings, and down south on the Iowa border, Lyle Liquor holds its ra e every Saturday. If you’re looking for an event in your area, head to minnesotabreweries.com to find a comprehensive Meat Raffle Map— clocking in at over 300 to check out.
“People look for ways to get out of the house and socialize with friends and family,” says Emily Brodhead, munici-
Dugarel’s Bar & Grill, Hastings Lincoln Depot Bar & Grill, St. Cloud Lucky’s Tavern, Pequot Lakes
Miller’s Corner Bar & Grill, Columbia Heights
Silver Moon Lounge & Steakhouse, Perham
Shakopee Brewhall, Shakopee Wayzata American Legion, Wayzata
pal liquor manager at Fifty Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop. “And they get excited to win something. The ra e proceeds go toward our local fire department as well, so it’s a bonus for all of us.”
RAFFLED MEATS FROM BORCHERT’S
silica mine turned mobster casino, and tell stories about ghostly apparitions. For an extra thrill, visitors can sign up for the Caves and Graves tour, where a costumed character guide drives visitors around St. Paul to check out the capital city’s spookiest landmarks. wabashacaves.com
GREATER MINNESOTA
Haunted Hometown
Local Haunts
WHAT DO A HAUNTED HOTEL, A GHOSTLY
SHIP, AND AN EERIE RESTAURANT HAVE IN COMMON? THEY’RE ALL HAUNTED HOT SPOTS IN MINNESOTA, PERFECT FOR A THRILL THIS FALL. by
MEGAN CORNELL
’tis the season for haunted houses, horror movies, and creepy costumes. These manufactured scares are thrilling, but sometimes the spookiest spots are the ones rooted in real-life legends. Luckily, Minnesota has its fair share of ghost stories and eerie landmarks. Here are a few haunted spots to check out—if you dare.
TWIN CITIES
Hop On, Freak Out
Hop on the Minneapolis Trolley for a ghostly good time—in rain, snow, or supernatural glow. From spooky mansions to shadowy graveyards, these yearround tours deliver chills, thrills, and true-crime tales with a side of candlelight. Choose your scare: Brave the Candlelight Ghost Tour through haunted mansions and eerie neighborhoods or join the Graveyard Ghost Hunt for a handson paranormal investigation in one of Minneapolis’ most haunted cemeteries. minneapolistrolleytours.com
Where the Past Still Performs
St. Paul’s historic Mounds Theatre was once known for its silent movie
screenings and vaudeville theater performances. Now, the theater is well known for its paranormal activity. Legend says a trio of ghosts haunts the stage: a former usher, a cursed old man, and a little girl in a pink dress. The theater o ers ghosthunting tours every October, but beware: Guests have described fl ickering lights, strange smells, and chilling cold spots. moundstheatre.org
Sinister Subterranean Secrets
Used as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul are rumored to be haunted by murdered gangsters whose bodies were never found. Tour guides point out bullet holes in the wall, share the caves’ history as a
Coined the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka prides itself on all things spooky. After hosting its first Halloween parade in the 1920s, Anoka has continued to celebrate every October with a wide variety of parades, costume contests, and family-friendly events. Ghosts of Anoka is an annual walking tour hosted by the Anoka Historical Society that shows visitors the historic neighborhoods of the city—and the ghost stories that go along with them. anokahalloween.com
Spooky Sauk Centre
One of Minnesota’s most infamous spooky spots, The Palmer House in Sauk Centre appeared on a 2012 episode of the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures.” Guests and former employees have shared eerie encounters online, from childlike voices to flickering lights and tableware moving on its own. The historic hotel o ers basement tours and monthly paranormal investigations—check online for dates. thepalmerhousehotel.com
Ghosts Ahoy
The historic William A. Irvin ship in Duluth transforms into a ghoulish haunted vessel every October. Fearless visitors can explore the boat’s dark passageways and engine room with dim lighting and sudden scares. According to the ship’s website, the paranormal activity isn’t just a rumor—three paranormal groups concluded that the ship was haunted after hearing eerie sounds and capturing unexplained voices on tape. Enter at your own risk— each year, dozens of people have to be escorted o the ship out of sheer terror. duluthhauntedship.com
ANOKA HALLOWEEN
A Local’s Guide to Southern Minnesota
here’s no better time to explore southern Minnesota than fall, when the blu s glow in shades of crimson and gold, apple orchards hum with activity, and small-town main streets feel extra cozy. Pack your camera, a good playlist, and a sweater (maybe even one you’ll pick up along the way), and set out for an adventure that blends scenery, culture, and comfort.
Start your journey along the Great River Road toward Lake Ci , the birthplace of waterskiing and one of Minnesota’s most picturesque fall destinations. Scenic drives along Highway 61 and winding blu roads o er endless leaf-peeping, while Pepin Heights Orchard tempts with apples, cider, and
Lake City
fresh pies. October brings Fall Fest and Johnny Appleseed Days (Oct. 4) with live music, a beer and cider fest, and a pie-eating contest, plus quirky events like Doe Day and the new Zombie Run. Hike Frontenac State Park or Hok Si La for panoramic views, tee o at the Jewel Golf Club, or enjoy fishing, boating, and a river cruise. Just down the road, Reads Landing Brewing Co. and the Wabasha County Historical Museum make for the perfect side trip. From Lake City, wind through rolling farmland to Rochester . Spend a day apple picking at Sekapp’s
Rochester
Rochester The Nordic Shop
Orchard or pumpkin hunting at Tweite’s Pumpkin Patch. Embrace the spooky season with a Haunted Trolley Tour or a Candlelight Cemetery Walk in Whitewater State Park’s ghost town cemetery, and warm up afterward with a seasonal craft brew at Forager Brewery. Don’t miss the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market for fresh produce and baked goods (Saturdays through October) and take advantage of the mild weather for hiking and biking.
In Rochester, you’ll also find The Nordic Shop , the largest Dale of Norway sweater retailer in North America and a Scandinavian wonderland. Inside, Norwegian sweaters—each with patterns inspired
Harmony
by nature and history—are neatly folded beside glass cases of Scandinavian jewelry, porcelain, and holiday decor. If you’re visiting in fall, you might catch the start of its magical Christmas display, complete with nisse figurines, nutcrackers, and twinkling lights. Snap a photo at the shop’s colorful Nordic mural before warming up with a latte from Cafe Steam or exploring the Rochester Art Center just a short walk away.
Heading south, the landscape flattens into patchwork fields dotted with horse-drawn buggies. Harmony is the gateway to Minnesota’s largest Amish community, and fall is harvest season. Join a guided
Fall in Love with
HARMONY MINNESOTA
Small-town charm with big appeal—explore the wonders of Niagara Cave, tour Harmony’s Old Order Amish community, and take in vibrant fall colors. Bike the scenic Root River Trail system, hunt for antiques, browse local shops, savor memorable meals at inviting restaurants, and sip handcrafted cocktails at the hometown distillery & local bars. Plan your trip and learn more at www.exploreharmony.com
Fall for Harmony
Saturday, September 20th
A town-wide celebration of all things fall, featuring sidewalk sales, a local art fair, pop-up shops, food tastings, seasonal specials, and more.
Monster Bash Haunted House
One of MN’s top-rated haunted houses! October 10 -11 - 17th-18th-24th-25th-26th31 & Nov 1 More info at www.monsterbashhauntedhouse.org th th st st
Haunted Harmony
Saturday, October 25th
Get into the spooky spirit with Haunted Harmony—featuring Monster Bash Haunted House & community trunk-or-treating. A frightfully festive day in Harmony you won’t
Willmar Lakes Area
Amish tour to visit working farms and browse for handcrafted quilts, furniture, and jams. Cycling enthusiasts can hop on the 18-mile paved Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail for a crisp fall ride through golden fields and along tree-lined streams. Don’t miss the town’s Fall for Harmony celebration on Sept. 20 which will feature a downtown decked out in festive fall decor, sidewalk sales, games, and activities for all ages.
Tucked in the heart of Kandiyohi County, the Willmar Lakes Area is a fall getaway you’ll want to linger in. This hidden gem transforms into a painter’s palette of amber, gold, and burgundy—best seen on a scenic drive through Sibley State Park or the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway. Hike the trails at Robbins Island or climb Mount Tom for sweeping views of colorful prairies, rolling hills, and glistening lakes. Outdoor lovers can paddle Lake Florida, bike the Glacial Lakes State Trail, or spot migrating hawks at Sibley State Park. With mild, crisp weather perfect for camping, cozy resorts, and hotels right along the trails, the Willmar Lakes Area makes it easy to soak up the season— one colorful adventure at a time.
Shoppers enjoying sidewalk sales during Fall for Harmony 2024 - J Photography & Design
The crowd lines up at Monster Bash Haunted House in 2024 - J Photography & Design
NEED AN URGENT CARE CLINIC FAST?
NEED AN URGENT CARE CLINIC FAST?
NEED AN URGENT CARE CLINIC FAST?
WE HAVE 12 CONVENIENT URGENT CARE LOCATIONS
M
THE
HAVE 12 CONVENIENT URGENT CARE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE TWIN CITIES –
CITIES – OR 13, IF YOU COUNT YOUR PHONE.
OR 13, IF YOU COUNT YOUR PHONE.
M Health Fairview o ers in-person and virtual urgent care. Our clinic locations have extended and weekend hours, with wait times for most locations updated in real time on our website. Or, skip the waiting room altogether and schedule an online video visit with us today.
M Health Fairview o ers in-person and virtual urgent care. Our clinic locations have extended and weekend hours, with wait times for most locations updated in real time on our website. Or, skip the waiting room altogether and schedule an online video visit with us today.
M Health Fairview o ers in-person and virtual urgent care. Our clinic locations have extended and weekend hours, with wait times for most locations updated in real time on our website. Or, skip the waiting room altogether and schedule an online video visit with us today.
2025 TOP DOCTORS
Minnesota Monthly’s 2025 Top Doctors list honors the physicians who set the standard for excellence in health care. Selected through a rigorous peer-review process that surveyed 10,000 licensed Minnesota doctors, this year’s 1,131 honorees represent 100 specialties—from pioneering innovators in medical research to compassionate caregivers on the front lines. Recognized by their colleagues for outstanding clinical skills, groundbreaking treatments, and unwavering dedication to patients, these distinguished professionals embody the best of Minnesota’s medical community.
This year, we’re also pu ing a well-deserved spotlight on Minnesota’s medical marvels—innovations, inventions, and cu ing-edge technology—alongside inspiring oncology breakthroughs that are shaping the fight against cancer. As leaders in a state celebrated for world-class health care, these everyday heroes continue to advance research, elevate patient outcomes, and reinforce Minnesota’s reputation as a destination for exceptional care.
46
MEDICAL MARVELS
Revolutionary treatments, cu ing-edge technology, and the innovators changing health care
55 ONCOLOGY BREAKTHROUGHS
New research and therapies off ering hope in the fight against cancer
59
2025 TOP DOCTORS LIST Minnesota’s most trusted physicians, as chosen by their peers
FROM ABOVE: DR. JOHN NAJARIAN, CARDIOLOGIST, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA; DR. EDWARD C. KENDALL, MAYO CLINIC NOBEL LAUREATE; DR. RICHARD DEWALL WITH THE LILLEHEIDEWALL BUBBLE OXYGENATOR IN 1956; MAYO CLINIC BLOOD BANK IN THE 1970S
MINNESOTA’S
Medical Marvels
Our state has built a legacy of invention, compassion, and world-changing breakthroughs that continue to shape the future of health care within and beyond our borders
BY BLAIR SHARP
Zubaz. Nerf balls. Microwave popcorn. Even the first snow blower. Minnesota has a habit of inventing things people didn’t know they needed— until they did.
That same mindset has shaped a legacy of world-changing medical innovation. Some of health care’s most transformative breakthroughs—pacemakers, stem cell therapies, and surgical tape—were born here, driven by a culture that values practical solutions and human impact. But they didn’t begin with cutting-edge technology or fanfare. It was something much simpler: a problem to solve.
From world-class institutions like Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota (U of M) to garage inventors and suburban research labs, the state has been shaping modern health care for over a century. Call it the Minnesota model:
grounded, collaborative, and focused on fixing what’s broken. This is a state that doesn’t just advance medicine—it redefines it.
THE OPERATION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Few breakthroughs better embody the Minnesota model than one bold surgery that opened a heart—and a new chapter in medicine. On Sept. 2, 1952, Dr. F. John Lewis entered the operating room at the U of M to perform the world’s first successful open-heart surgery on a fragile 5-year-old girl. He repaired an atrial septal defect using groundbreaking techniques— lowering the patient’s body temperature to 82 degrees Fahrenheit to safely halt circulation for up to 15 minutes, protecting the brain while he operated. At his side was Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, a trusted friend.
“The first open-heart surgery at the U of M opened the door for an entirely new field that was filled with innovation and excitement,” says Dr. Ranjit John, heart transplant surgeon with M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Medical School. “It paved the way for an entirely new way of treating initially children and later adults with heart disease that until then had no other options.”
In the early 1950s, open-heart surgery was still experimental. Surgeons had no reliable way to operate inside a beating heart, and methods like Lewis’ gave them less than 10 minutes to repair the damage before it was too late.
When asked whether the first openheart surgery was genius or terrifying, John called it a bit of both. “More genius, but it did require a healthy combination
of innovation, guts, and teamwork,” he says. “This was able to succeed at the University of Minnesota because of a combination of talent, brilliant minds, and importantly, leadership.”
In 1954, Lillehei pioneered the technique of cross-circulation at the U of M—connecting a patient’s circulatory system to that of a healthy donor whose heart and lungs oxygenated the blood during surgery. Though high-risk, it allowed surgeons to operate on the open heart for longer than ever before.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: DR. C. WALTON LILLEHEI WITH HIS DIRECT VISION INTRACARDIA RESEARCH IN 1955; THE LILLEHEIDEWALL BUBBLE OXYGENATOR IN 1956; EARL BAKKEN
1885
Albert Winkley invents the Slip Socket prosthesis, improving comfort of artificial limbs.
The following year, Lillehei challenged his lab assistant, Richard DeWall, to develop a simple oxygenating apparatus to take the place of a donor during open-heart surgery, according to the University. DeWall constructed the first workable, portable heart-lung machine, known as the Lillehei-DeWall bubble oxygenator, which quickly became the global standard for open-heart surgery. By 1957, Lillehei had performed more than 300 open-heart operations on children and young adults, establishing himself as a leader in pediatric cardiac surgery.
Dr. Forum Kamdar, assistant professor of medicine in the cardiovascular division at the University, says she feels immense pride in practicing where history was made. “This innovation did not just save individual lives, but it sparked the field of modern cardiac surgery and also cardiology,” she says. “Those fi rst open-heart surgeries were not just surgical procedures but moments where the belief in possibility overcame fear.”
But just as Minnesota’s momentum grew, a sudden crisis exposed a critical vulnerability. On Oct. 31, 1957, a power plant explosion plunged the Twin Cities into darkness. At the U of M, a young
1889
1915
1920
St. Mary’s Hospital opens in Rochester, founded by the Mayo family and Sisters of St. Francis.
Dr. Henry Plummer and Mabel Root create one of the first unified medical record systems at Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research established; Mayo Clinic establishes one of the world’s first formal graduate training programs for physicians.
Dr. Albert C. Broders introduces tumor grading system at Mayo Clinic.
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE
“Those fi rst open-heart surgeries were not just surgical procedures but moments where the belief in possibility overcame fear.”
DR. FORUM KAMDAR, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
heart surgery patient reliant on a wallpowered pacemaker died—a stark reminder that even the most advanced tools could be crippled without electricity.
Following the incident, Lillehei turned to trusted collaborator and local electrical engineer Earl Bakken, who had recently co-founded a company called Medtronic in a Minneapolis garage with Palmer Hermundslie, his brother-in-law. Bakken’s first attempt at a solution— using a car battery and inverter—was far from practical, but he kept experimenting. And in 1957, he found his answer.
Inspired by a circuit he had seen in Popular Mechanics, Bakken built a compact, battery-powered pacemaker inside a 4x1-inch aluminum box. Tested first on a dog, his pacemaker worked. Then, to Bakken’s surprise, it was used on a human patient the very next day, just four weeks after the fateful Halloween blackout.
Bakken later refined the design into the Medtronic 5800—the first wearable pacemaker. That same year, the first fully implantable version was reported in clinical use in Sweden.
The pacemaker’s greatest legacy, says Adrian Fischer, curator of exhibits and collections at The Bakken Museum, isn’t just the millions of lives it has saved—but the spirit of collaboration it inspired. Fischer shares one of Bakken’s trailblazing insights: “Engineers and physicians
needed to develop a common language, so they can communicate about what is possible, what is needed, as well as potential improvements to existing technologies.”
That spirit, Fischer adds, “opened up a whole new world to improve and save the lives of millions.”
In 1960, Medtronic secured a licensing agreement for the first implantable pacemaker, laying the foundation for the fi eld of biomedical technology. Today, the company operates in over 150 countries and is one of the largest medical device manufacturers in the world.
“Health care innovation is woven into the state’s DNA,” said Dr. Rob Kowal, cardiac electrophysiologist and vice president and general manager of Cardiac Pacing Therapies at Medtronic. “With industry leaders like 3M and Mayo Clinic, there’s deep expertise and a tradition of excellence. Minnesota has been integral in our 75-year journey as a company.”
In 1966, Lillehei was involved in the innovation of the prosthetic heart valve, later named the Lillehei-Nakib Toroidal Disc. In the years that followed, the U of M emerged as a global leader in heart procedures, solidifying the state’s reputation as a hub for cardiac innovation.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester contributed as well, with Dr. John W. Kirklin developing the Mayo-Gibbon heart-lung machine—a modified version of the
original—which enabled surgeons to stop the heart while maintaining blood and oxygen flow. In 1955, Kirklin performed the first successful procedure using the machine. “The Mayo-Gibbon heart-lung machine revolutionized medicine— transforming heart surgery from an impossibility into a lifesaving field,” says Dr. Juan A. Crestanello, chair of Mayo’s Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. “That spirit of innovation and collaboration continues today, as surgeons, engineers, and researchers work together to shape the future of cardiac care.”
In 1990, Minnesota marked another milestone with the Angel Wings device, invented by the University’s Dr. Gladwin Das, offering a less invasive and potentially safer alternative for correcting certain heart defects. In 1996, Dr. Kurt Amplatz, co-founder of Plymouthbased company AGA Medical, invented the Amplatzer Septal Occluder with his son, Curtis. This minimally invasive device was used to close heart defects and reduce stroke risk in patients with congenital heart defects. And in 2002, the medical device company Atritech (also once based in Plymouth) created the Watchman device to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. The company was later acquired by Boston Scientific, a major contributor to medical research and development in Minnesota—particularly in cardiology, with innovations like the Watchman, and Farapulse, a minimally invasive ablation therapy used to treat irregular heartbeats in atrial fibrillation patients. Mayo Clinic and Boston Scientific have collaborated for over a decade, blending clinical insight and engineering innovation to advance patientcentered care. In 2019, they formalized
1932
Late 1930s
Dr. Broders defines “carcinoma in situ,” shaping early cancer diagnosis.
MMPI psychological assessment is developed by Hathaway & McKinley at the University of Minnesota.
1938 Mayo ’s Aero Medical Unit advanced aviation safety with a high-altitude oxygen mask, enabling American aviators to fly higher, longer, and safer in World War II.
1940s Mayo researchers discover cortisone; awarded Nobel Prize in 1950.
1949
Hazelden opens in Center City, pioneering a compassionate, 12-step-based model for addiction recovery.
1952
Dr. John Lewis performs the world’s first successful open-heart surgery at the U of M.
1954
Dr. C. Walton Lillehei pioneers crosscirculation openheart technique.
“At Mayo Clinic, innovation is driven by collaboration... always with the patient at the center of every advancement.”
DR. JUAN A. CRESTANELLO, MAYO CLINIC
the partnership with Motion Medical, an innovation accelerator focused on developing minimally invasive treatments that help patients live longer, healthier lives.
These cardiac innovations are just a glimpse of the state’s legacy of medical progress. Each shares a common goal— not just to keep hearts beating, but to give people their lives back—and each reflects Minnesota’s unique culture of health care synergy. “At Mayo Clinic, innovation is driven by collaboration,” says Crestanello. “Surgeons, engineers, cardiologists, and scientists work side by side to develop the next generation of cardiac breakthroughs—from artificial hearts to transcatheter valve systems— always with the patient at the center of every advancement.”
INVENTING MODERN MEDICINE
From a small Midwest town, Drs. William J. and Charles Mayo championed radical ideas for their time and pioneered a bold new vision for health care—one that continues to shape the practice of medicine to this day. After a tornado devastated Rochester in 1883, Dr. William W. Mayo and his sons partnered with the Sisters of St. Francis to care for the injured. That spirit of teamwork led to the opening of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1889 and eventually, Mayo Clinic.
One notable innovation came from Dr. Henry Plummer in 1907. Together with his colleague, Mabel Root, Plummer designed one of the first unified medical record systems, assigning each patient a unique number and consolidating their entire medical history in a single, portable file. Patient No. 1 was registered that July—the system now serves more than 1 million patients annually. Plummer also helped shape the clinic itself. Working with the Mayo brothers, he developed the “integrated multispecialty group practice,” where teams of specialists with diverse expertise collaborate to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care to every patient—a model that remains one of Mayo’s most influential contributions to medicine.
In 1920, Mayo Clinic pathologist Albert C. Broders introduced the system for grading tumors, giving surgeons a scientific way to predict their aggressiveness. In 1932, he introduced the concept of “carcinoma in situ” to describe earlystage cancer that hasn’t spread—an idea that was controversial at first but is now a key concept in cancer care.
Mayo Clinic’s innovation also, naturally, extends to education. In 1915, it established the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research in partnership with the U of M, raising the bar for training medical specialists.
Mayo also introduced the mobile surgical instrument stand, known today as the Mayo stand, which allowed students to observe procedures in tight operating rooms and has since become a staple in surgical settings worldwide.
Mayo’s history of medical breakthroughs spans nearly every area of care—from discovering the link between insulin and diabetes to opening the nation’s first hospital-based blood bank and performing the first FDA-approved total hip replacement in the United States. With each innovation, Mayo Clinic continues to push the boundaries of what medicine can achieve.
PIONEERS OF POSSIBILITY
The U of M has long been a world leader in organ transplantation, particularly in living donor procedures. It pioneered kidney transplants in children and patients with diabetes, setting a national standard. In 1966, the U of M was the site of the world’s first successful pancreas transplant, performed by Dr. Richard Lillehei (coincidentally, the younger brother of Walton Lillehei) and Dr. William Kelly. Just two years later, immunologist Dr. Robert A. Good and his team performed the world’s fi rst bone marrow transplant using a matched related donor.
At the time, options for blood cancers and immune disorders were grim. “Before hematopoietic cell transplant, there was little hope that leukemia of any kind would respond to regimens of steroids, chemotherapy, and radiation used in hopes of slowing the disease or in the rare case, providing a cure,” says Dr. Christen Ebens, pediatric hematology oncologist with M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Medical School.
1955
Dr. John Kirklin performs open-heart surgery with MayoGibbon machine; Miracle-Ear® debuts the first all-in-the-ear hearing aid.
1955
Dr. Lillehei’s lab assistant Richard DeWall invents the first portable heartlung machine, known as the Lillehei-DeWall bubble oxygenator.
3M scientists invent Steri-Strips™ for wound closure.
U of M surgeons complete the state’s first successful kidney transplant.
Outcomes were unpredictable in the early days of organ transplantation, and the procedure carried significant risks. “Clinicians did not yet know how to identify a matched donor, so successes were quite limited, and the side e ect of a donor’s immune system recognizing a patient’s body as foreign and attacking… was at times worse than the disease being treated,” adds Ebens.
That landmark achievement opened an entirely new field of medicine, leading to cures for dozens of life-threatening diseases. More than 50 years later, the U of M remains at the forefront of advancing transplant science. Reflecting on this legacy, Ebens says she feels
humbled, grateful, and motivated. “The bravery, trust, and hope on all sides that manifested that success is astonishing and opened the door for thousands of patients to come.”
In 1981, the U of M made national headlines when liver transplant surgeon Dr. John Najarian took a bold chance on Jamie, an 11-month-old girl from Massachusetts with biliary atresia—a fatal blockage of the bile ducts. At the time, liver transplants were still considered experimental, and no child that young had ever survived.
With Jamie just days from death, her parents sent her story to major news outlets in a desperate plea for help.
A match—a baby boy in Utah—was finally found. Najarian’s high-stakes surgery, connecting blood vessels only millimeters wide, succeeded against the odds. Jamie’s survival became a turning point and helped spur the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984, the country’s first national organ procurement system.
In 1999, the U of M Medical Center reached another groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first hospital in the U.S. to perform a kidney transplant from a nondirected living donor—an individual who chooses to donate a kidney not to a friend or family member, but to a complete stranger in need.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: MAYO CLINIC BLOOD BANK IN THE 1970S; THE MAYO - GIBBON HEART- LUNG MACHINE IN 1955; DR. ALBERT C. BRODERS IN THE 1940S.
1966
Dr. Richard C. Lillehei performs the first successful pancreas transplant at the U of M; the U of M performs the world’s first kidney-pancreas transplant.
1966
Dr. C.W. Lillehei co-creates the Lillehei-Nakib Toroidal Disc prosthetic heart valve.
1967
1968
1969
1973
1977
William Austin founds Professional Hearing Aid Service (later known as Starkey) in St. Louis Park.
Dr. Robert A. Good performs the world’s first successful bone marrow transplant with a matched related donor at the U of M.
Dr. Mark Coventry of Mayo Clinic implants approved artificial hip joint.
Mayo Clinic introduces the first CT scanner to North America.
U of M’s Dr. Demetre Nicolo completes the first implant of the St. Jude bileaflet aortic valve.
“The bravery, trust, and hope that manifested that [fi rst organ transplant] success is astonishing and opened the door for thousands of patients to come.”
DR. CHRISTEN EBENS, M HEALTH FAIRVIEW
BEYOND THE HOSPITAL
Not every innovation saves lives—some simply make them better. And Minnesota has paved the way in that regard, too. Whether it’s helping people sleep soundly, breathe easier, or see more clearly, these advances reflect the same
ingenuity and care that define Minnesota’s health care legacy.
Take, for example, the first in-the-ear hearing aid created by Minnesota-based Miracle-Ear® in 1955—a smaller, more discreet alternative to the bulky external models sold since 1913. In 2020,
Eden Prairie-based Starkey introduced the world’s first custom rechargeable hearing aid. Then in 2024, the company brought artificial intelligence to the industry with its Edge AI system, which makes speech clearer and reduces background noise in real time—innovations that continue to reshape how people hear. Or Breathe Right® Nasal Strips, created in 1991 by St. Paul’s Bruce Johnson—a frustrated snorer himself, who created the simple adhesive strip to open nasal passages. Breathe Right® quickly became a household name, embraced by athletes and allergy sufferers alike.
Minnesota’s own 3M changed the way the world heals. In 1960, a team
1981
Dr. John Najarian performs liver transplant on the youngest successful recipient, Jamie.
1982 Starkey introduces the CE-5 series, the industry’s first canal hearing aids.
1985
The U of M develops an implantable infusion pump for continuous medication delivery, as well as a vibrating vest for cystic fibrosis care.
1986
The U of M develops the first vaccine for Lyme disease; HCMC becomes the first conventional U.S. medical facility to open an alternative medicine clinic.
Medtronic, in collaboration with French physicians, pioneers the world’s first deep brain stimulation system to treat movement disorders.
1990 tering atrial septal defects (ASD) closure device, known as Angel Wings, is invented by Dr. Gladwin Das.
1991
St. Paul resident Bruce Johnson invents Breathe Right® Nasal Strips.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: HEART SURGERY AT THE U OF M IN 1956; DR. ROBERT A. GOOD; DR. JOHN NAJARIAN IN SURGERY
led by Dr. Frank Copeland created the first breathable, gentle adhesive that didn’t damage the skin. Micropore™ Surgical Tape quickly became a hospital staple. Two years later came SteriStrips™, slim adhesive closures that let doctors seal minor wounds without stitches. Together, these unassuming innovations didn’t just speed up recovery—they redefined routine care. Today, 3M remains a global leader in medical materials and technologies, continually innovating to help health care professionals deliver better care and patients heal more comfortably.
Minnesota’s eye for quality-of-life innovations continues, with new breakthroughs in ophthalmology powered by artificial intelligence and advanced analytics. Dr. Mark Lobano , founder of OVO LASIK + LENS, developed the Phorcides software to improve the precision of Contoura, or topography-guided LASIK—a tool he says provides “the best LASIK outcomes on the planet.” To demonstrate its impact, he launched Minnesota’s first and only o ce-based cataract surgery center in St. Louis Park with iOR Partners, a company specializing in helping ophthalmologists create and operate in-o ce surgical suites.
In 2021, Lobano ’s second company, Lochan, launched a smart, cloud-based system for cataract surgery planning in partnership with Bausch + Lomb. The following year, Minnesota hosted trials of a groundbreaking laser—the first of its kind in nearly 20 years—o ering surgeons a faster, more precise, and user-friendly tool to streamline procedures.
MIND OVER MEDICINE
Some of the state’s most impactful medical innovations don’t show up on a scan
Putting People Back on Their Feet—Literally
By the late 1800s, Minneapolis had become known for something unexpected: crafting artificial limbs. What began as a niche solution for treating flour milling and war injuries grew into a thriving industry. By 1918, Minnesota was the nation’s leading manufacturer of artificial limbs—a legacy of form and function that continues today, as Hennepin County remains one of the country’s largest producers.
Innovation has shaped this legacy from the start. In 1885, Albert Winkley of Faribault invented the Slip Socket prosthesis, making artificial limbs easier and more comfortable to wear. In 1995, J. Markin Carlson created the Tamarack Flexure Joint, allowing prosthetics to move more like natural joints. Together, these and other advances have improved recovery and mobility, helping patients return to their daily lives with confidence.
Sartell inventor and certified prosthetist orthotist Carl Caspers carried that innovation forward, developing prosthetic liners, suspension sleeves, and volume-management products that transformed post-operative care. Caspers holds 18 patents for his contributions. In recent years, researchers at the U of M have pushed the field even further with advanced, minimally invasive technology that allows amputees to control robotic arms using brain signals instead of muscle movements.
or X-ray but have profoundly shaped our understanding of the body and mind.
In the late 1930s, U of M psychologist Starke R. Hathaway and neuropsychiatrist J. C. McKinley developed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, or MMPI—a groundbreaking tool that standardized mental health assessment. Chris Beamish, mental health and addiction care service line executive at M Health Fairview, calls it “a lasting legacy of academic and clinical excellence.”
Originally designed to define the type and severity of psychiatric disorders and track progress over time, the MMPI quickly became the world’s most widely used and researched psychological test. “By moving beyond surface-level symptoms, the MMPI helps uncover deeper
patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior,” says Samantha Sorensen, mental health and addiction services system director at M Health Fairview. “This clarity can be the difference between a generic treatment plan and one that truly meets the patient’s needs.”
Around the same time, researchers at Mayo Clinic made a very different breakthrough, discovering cortisone in the late 1940s. This powerful steroid revolutionized treatment for inflammation and autoimmune diseases, easing pain and restoring movement and quality of life for patients with arthritis, lupus, and other chronic conditions. In 1950, physicians Edward C. Kendall and Philip S. Hench were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery.
1993
Medtronic introduces able cardioverter defibrillators to treat
1995
Dr. J. Markin Carlson invents Tamarack Flexure Joint; Minnesota Heart Institute merges with Abbo Northwestern, forming one of the first integrated hospitalbased cardiology programs.
1996
1999
Dr. Kurt Amplatz and son develop the Amplatzer Septal Occluder.
2001
The U of M performs the first U.S. kidney transplant from a nondirected living donor.
In response to the 9/11 a acks, Mayo Clinic develops a rapid diagnostic test
2002
Medtronic launches the industry’s first remote cardiac monitoring system.
2006
Starkey’s Destiny series debuts as the first hearing aid to combine nano and digital technology.
Health Care Powerhouses
Minnesota’s contributions to modern medicine aren’t just historical—they’re ongoing.
The state is home to a remarkable concentration of institutions and innovators shaping the future of global health.
The University of Minnesota has pioneered numerous surgical firsts and remains a leader in academic medicine. From performing the world’s first successful open-heart surgery to the first successful pancreas and bone marrow transplants, the U of M has a long tradition of bold, life-changing innovation. Today, the University continues to drive medical discovery, blending cutting-edge research with hands-on training to prepare the next generation of health care innovators.
Mayo Clinic consistently ranks among the world’s top hospitals, celebrated for its collaborative patient-first model and groundbreaking research. Its legacy of discoveries has profoundly shaped modern medicine, from the discovery of cortisone to advancing imaging, cancer treatments, and joint replacement techniques. In 2008, Mayo launched the Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation—one of the nation’s first and largest health care delivery innovation centers, aimed at improving the delivery of care. Today, Mayo remains at the forefront of medical discovery, education, and compassionate care, shaping health care worldwide.
Founded in 1949 in Center City, Minnesota, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation established a groundbreaking model of addiction treatment based on the 12-step approach—now used worldwide. Today, as the nation’s largest nonprofit treatment provider, Hazelden leads the field with innovations like medication-assisted treatment and real-time patient tracking through Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT).
Medtronic , once a Minneapolis garage startup, is now a global med-tech titan. Boston Scientific maintains a strong research and development presence here, fueling advances in cardiovascular and neurological care. And 3M ’s practical, patient-focused materials have revolutionized everything from wound care to surgical tape.
These powerhouses are joined by the likes of UnitedHealth Group, Patterson Cos. , and Coloplast , whose continued investment cements Minnesota’s role not just as a hub for health care—but as a home for its future.
TIMELY INNOVATION
Some medical breakthroughs don’t fi t neatly into a specialty box—they answer the call when the world needs them most. From life-altering drugs to rapidresponse diagnostics, Minnesota has stepped up in critical moments with quiet resolve and transformative results.
In the 1980s, Dr. Robert Vince, founding director of the U of M’s Center for Drug Design, developed the compound that became Ziagen (Abacavir)—one of the first antiviral drugs designed specifically to fight AIDS. Approved by the FDA in 1999, it revolutionized HIV treatment and improved outcomes for millions.
Vince, a prolific researcher, holds more than 30 patents and has authored over 200 scientific papers.
In the wake of the 2001 anthrax attacks, Mayo Clinic scientists quickly developed a rapid, accurate test to detect the deadly bacteria, providing a critical tool in a moment of national fear and urgency.
These breakthroughs don’t just follow the science—they follow the patient. They reflect a Minnesota ethos of practical innovation, human-centered care, and quiet perseverance. “Individual brilliance may have sparked their careers as inventors, but it was the power of their teams that turned innovations into lasting achievements,” says patent attorney Benjamin I. Edlavitch, president of the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame. According to Edlavitch, at least nine of the 75 inductees in the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame created technologies that have directly improved human health.
Minnesota has proven time and again that medical breakthroughs don’t always begin with prestige—they begin with purpose. This is a place where heart surgeons and hardware engineers speak the same language, where world-firsts are met with quiet resolve, and where every advancement carries the same clear intent: to make life better.
The innovations born here—some lifesaving, some life-enhancing—share more than geography. They reflect a deeper ethos: Health care should be human, and when we work together to solve real problems, we create something extraordinary. These are legacies that ripple outward— improving lives and proving the spirit of innovation knows no borders. Not just for Minnesota, but for the world.
2008
2009
2010
2013
2016
2019
2020
Mayo Clinic launches its Center for Innovation, focusing on human-centered design and research methods to improve health care delivery.
3M debuts the Limann® 3200, the first Bluetooth-enabled stethoscope for advanced heart and lung sound analysis.
Starkey launches SoundLens, the world’s first custom invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid.
U of M’s Dr. Gabriel Loor performs the Midwest’s first “breathing lung” transplant, keeping lungs warm and functioning until surgery.
Medtronic introduces approved hybrid closed-loop system, revolutionizing Type 1 diabetes care with automated 24-hour insulin dosing.
Mayo Clinic and Boston Scientific co-found Motion Medical innovation accelerator.
PERSONALIZED CARE, SMARTER TOOLS, AND A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE by Alesha
n recent years, cancer care has entered a new era—one shaped by precision medicine, collaboration, and powerful new tools that are helping Minnesotans receive better, faster, and more personalized treatment close to home. Across the state, leading clinicians and researchers are working to make care not only more effective, but more accessible for patients and families navigating a life-changing diagnosis.
“Cancer care in local clinics like ours is improving significantly due to a more coordinated, multidisciplinary approach,” says Dr. Sushma Tatineni, a medical oncologist and hematologist with Minnesota Oncology. “We extend our team beyond oncologists to include palliative care specialists, dietitians, genetic counselors, and social workers, ensuring every aspect of a patient’s journey is supported.”
Access to clinical trials and advances in telehealth have also made a profound difference. “This means patients in remote or underserved areas can connect with specialists without the need to travel long distances,” says Dr. Tatineni. “We work closely together to address the medical, emotional, and practical challenges patients face throughout their treatment.”
At HealthPartners, Dr. Gordon Ruan is excited about the real-world impact of T-cell redirection therapies, particularly bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs).
Taylor
targeted therapies that are tailored to genetic mutations or biomarkers found in a patient’s cancer,” Ruan says. “Telemedicine has also expanded access and convenience, especially for patients managing chronic conditions.”
At Mayo Clinic, CAR T-cell therapy is a key area of innovation in the treatment of lymphoma. “Strategies to improve safety and e ectiveness are a major focus,” says Dr. Stephen Ansell, Mayo’s enterprise deputy director for the Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We’re finding that modifying cytokines involved in the immune response can reduce toxic side e ects and improve outcomes.”
Mayo researchers are also exploring outpatient CAR T-cell therapy with remote monitoring. “It has been very well received,” says Ansell. “This model allows us to treat more patients without requiring lengthy hospital stays.”
“These engineered antibodies help direct the body’s own T-cells to attack the cancer,” he explains. “We’ve had very good outcomes with BiTE therapy for certain blood cancers, and it’s exciting to see how these treatments are moving closer to being part of first-line care.”
For Dr. Joseph Keenan, an interventional pulmonologist at M Health Fairview, early detection is key—and ion robotic bronchoscopy is a game-changer. “This allows us to biopsy very small lung nodules with more precision and lower risk,” he explains. “In many cases, we can even check nearby lymph nodes during the same procedure, reducing the number of interventions a patient needs.”
Precision medicine and advanced imaging are also dramatically improving diagnosis and treatment strategies. “Instead of using traditional chemotherapy across the board, we can now use
These breakthroughs are not only extending lives but transforming the patient experience. Genetic testing is opening doors to new treatments and trials. Immune checkpoint therapy has revolutionized care for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. And multidisciplinary teamwork has never been stronger.
“Minnesota has a strong group of passionate physicians, researchers, and care teams,” says Tatineni. “By working together and embracing innovation, we’re helping bring hope to more patients than ever before.”
2020
FDA authorizes the U of M’s Coventor, a first-of-its-kind, low-cost ventilator designed for rapid production to help address shortages during COVID-19.
2021
Medtronic performs the first patient procedure using its new so -tissue robotic-assisted surgery system.
2021
Dr. Mark Lobanoff co-founds OVO LASIK + LENS in St. Louis Park.
2023
Mayo Clinic launches Bold. Forward. Unbound., a $5.6B initiative to transform health care with AI, digital innovation, and patient-centered design.
2024
Starkey debuts Edge AI, an AI-powered hearing aid system; 3M completed the of its health care business, o cially launching Solventum Corp.
2025
HistoSonics, based in Minneapolis and Ann Arbor, was acquired for $2.25B to expand its noninvasive Edison® Histotripsy tumor treatment worldwide.
2025 Mayo Clinic has held the top U.S. News & World Report rankings in most specialties for an unprecedented 36 consecutive years.
DR. SUSHMA TATINENI
DR. STEPHEN ANSELL
DR. GORDON RUAN
DR. JOSEPH KEENAN
THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE VISION
How Dr. Mark Lobano and OVO LASIK + LENS are redefining eye care
From the moment you meet Dr. Mark Lobanoff, you’ll understand why patients from across the country—and around the world—seek him out for life-changing vision correction. Known for his meticulous care, industry-defining innovations, and tireless dedication to advancing the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Lobano is more than a refractive surgeon. He’s a visionary in every sense of the word.
At OVO LASIK + LENS in Minneapolis, Dr. Lobano leads a clinic that has reimagined what it means to deliver exceptional eye care. With over 100,000 procedures performed and a career devoted entirely to the science and art of vision correction, he has become a global authority in LASIK, cataract surgery, restorative lens exchange (RLE), implantable contact lenses, and more.
PUSHING LASIK INTO THE FUTURE
Dr. Lobano ’s most notable contribution to the fi eld is the development of Phorcides, a groundbreaking software platform he designed to help LASIK surgeons deliver better, more personalized results. “I wanted to eliminate the guesswork and give patients the best possible vision based on precise data and measurements,” he says. Today, Phorcides is used by refractive surgeons across the U.S. and around the world, and Dr. Lobano continues to mentor colleagues internationally on how to use the technology to elevate their outcomes.
His expertise in LASIK earned him a coveted opportunity: When Alcon, the global leader in laser technology, needed a partner to launch their next-generation WaveLight® Plus system in the United States, they chose OVO. “They could have chosen any surgeon or clinic in the country,” says Dr. Lobano . “They came to us because we’ve built a reputation for innovation, precision, and uncompromising patient care.”
WaveLight® Plus represents the first major leap forward in LASIK technology in over 15 years. With ray-tracing physics and unmatched precision, the system enhances outcomes and patient satisfaction. OVO remains the only clinic in Minnesota offering this
ovoeye.com | 952-204-5060
revolutionary procedure—and one of the few in the world entrusted with teaching it to others.
INNOVATING ON EVERY FRONT
While LASIK may be what brings many patients through the doors of OVO, the innovation doesn’t stop there. Dr. Lobanoff and his team have also been first in Minnesota to offer Alcon’s PanOptix® Pro trifocal lens, designed
Dr. Mark Lobanoff, founder, OVO LASIK + LENS
to enhance vision at all distances while reducing glare and halos. They remain the leading provider of these lenses statewide.
Additionally, OVO was the first and most experienced clinic in Minnesota to implant the EVO Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL), a popular alternative to LASIK for patients with high degrees of myopia and astigmatism. And with over 4,000 lens procedures completed in their state-of-the-art o ce-based surgical suites, OVO is redefining not just how vision is corrected—but where and how patients experience that transformation.
“We believe patients deserve more than just great outcomes—they deserve a great experience,” says Dr. Lobano . “That’s why we’ve brought surgery out of cold, clinical hospital settings and into a private, spa-like environment where patients can feel relaxed, supported, and empowered.”
OVO is the only clinic in Minnesota o ering an in-o ce intraoperative refractive suite (iOR). These customdesigned suites eliminate the need for hospital gowns, IVs, and unfamiliar staff. Instead, patients remain in their clothes, are joined by loved ones, and often walk out of surgery within minutes—clear-eyed and confident.
LEADING LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY
Dr. Lobano ’s commitment to education and community engagement is just as strong as his clinical expertise. OVO has become a hub for training, drawing surgeons from across the globe who want to learn the techniques and technologies pioneered here in Minneapolis.
It’s no surprise that OVO has also become the trusted partner of Minnesota’s pro sports teams, serving as the official LASIK provider for the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Timberwolves. “When you’re at a game or a concert, you rely on your vision to fully enjoy the
experience,” Dr. Lobano says. “We’re proud to help fans and athletes see every moment more clearly.”
THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE, REIMAGINED
Behind every innovation is a deeply personal mission: to make patients feel cared for, understood, and valued. That’s why OVO has been honored two years in a row with the “Minnesota’s Best” award for Customer Service—the only health clinic in the state to receive the distinction.
And that commitment to service starts from the top. “We shut down the clinic every year for a full day of continuing education for our sta ,” Dr. Lobano says. “We lose revenue that day—but it’s worth it. Our goal is to make sure every team member is not only technically excellent but emotionally intelligent, too. It’s how we create lasting trust with our patients.”
In an era where corporate clinics are expanding rapidly, OVO remains proudly Minnesotan—locally owned, locally operated, and laser-focused on being the very best for their community. “We love this state,” says Dr. Lobano . “And we’re honored to be putting Minnesota at the forefront of vision care innovation.”
Michelle A. Bussmann, MD
Cally L. Chermak, MD
Mimi Cho, MD, PhD
Caleb H. Creswell, MD
Jennifer E. Dick, MD
Gregory R. Hannon, MD, JD
Jessica A. Healy, MD
Allison A. Ho man, MD
Kristen P. Hook, MD
Jennifer M. Lee, MD
Rajneesh Madhok, MD
Erika E. Reid, MD
Amanda J. Tschetter, MD
Sachin S. Bhardwaj, MD Mimi Cho, MD, PhD
Rajneesh Madhok, MD
Caleb H. Creswell, MD
Jennifer E. Dick, MD
Jessica A. Healy, MD
Gregory R. Hannon, MD, JD
Erika E. Reid, MD
Jennifer M. Lee, MD
Kristen P. Hook, MD
Amanda J. Tschetter, MD
2025 TOP DOCTORS
Who Decides?
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MINNESOTA MONTHLY’S TOP DOCTORS SURVEY:
WHO PICKS THE DOCTORS?
Their peers. In March, Professional Research Services (PRS) contacted more than 10,000 licensed doctors in the 11-county metro area, as well as Olmsted County, based on a list provided by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Respondents were asked to log on to a secure website and name up to three doctors (other than themselves) in each specialty category. Physicians who received the highest number of votes are reflected by specialty in the Top Doctors list.
HOW WERE THE SPECIALTIES SELECTED?
The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes 24 member boards that grant certifi cation in specialized areas of medical practices. Some of those member boards grant certifi cation in specialties as well. PRS used those specialties and subspecialties as a starting point for creating physician categories, though board certification was not a requirement for being named.
DOES ADVERTISING AFFECT THE POLL?
No. Doctors are not added to or removed from the list based on their or their employers’ advertising history with the magazine.
WHAT IS LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE?
Minnesota Monthly ’s Legacy of Excellence in Health Care highlights physicians who have appeared on our Top Doctors list for eight or more years. This prestigious recognition celebrates their sustained commitment to exceptional patient care and lasting impact on Minnesota’s medical community—truly the best of the best.
ADDICTION MEDICINE
Gavin B. Bart
Hennepin Healthcare - HCMC Red Building, 612-873-6963
Emily A. Brunner Gateway Recovery Center, 651-999-3537
Ashwin George Valley Medical & Wellness, 612-444-3000
Lauren Graber
Hennepin Healthcare - Brooklyn Park Clinic & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Brian Grahan
Hennepin Healthcare - HCMC Red Building, 612-873-6963
Alexander Hubbell M Health Fairview Recovery Clinic, 612-273-5530
Katherine Katzung Allina Health - Abbo NorthwesternWestHealth Emergency Department, 763-577-7160
Katharine Parker M Health Fairview Mental Health and Addiction Clinic St. Paul, 651-326-4800
Sara Polley
Vantage Mental Health, 651-217-1480
Charles P. Reznikoff Hennepin Healthcare - HCMC Red Building, 612-873-6963
Thomas C. Winegarden Stone Creek Psychiatry LLC, 952-241-4050
Park Nicollet Jane Bra ain Breast Center, 952-993-3700
Todd Tu le
M Health Fairview Breast CenterMinneapolis, 612-676-4200
Sara Wildenberg
M Health Fairview Southdale Breast Care, 952-927-7004
Mallory J. Yelenich-Huss Specialists in General Surgery - Maple Grove: North Memorial Health Medical Office Building, 763-780-6699
BURN TREATMENT
Ryan M. Fey
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Jon R. Gayken
Hennepin Healthcare - Brooklyn Park Clinic & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Kyle R. Schmitz
Hennepin Healthcare - Brooklyn Park Clinic & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
Stuart Adler
M Health Fairview Heart ClinicMaplewood, 651-326-4327
Demosthenes Iskos
M Health Fairview Heart ClinicBurnsville, 612-365-5000
William Katsiyiannis
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 952-428-0500
Daniel Melby
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 218-855-5280
JoEllyn C. Moore
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 763-577-7615
Michael A. Peterson
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 651-292-0007
Henri Roukoz
M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center - Minneapolis, 612-273-8383
Jay Sengupta
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 952-428-0500
Amila William M Health Fairview Heart Care Woodbury, 651-326-4327
John S. Zakaib
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 952-428-0500
CARDIAC SURGERY
Joseph A. Dearani
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Bernard S. Harrison
Park Nicollet Heart and Vascular Center at Methodist Hospital 6500 Building, 952-993-3246
Stephen J. Huddleston M Health Fairview Heart ClinicMaplewood, 651-326-4327
Ranjit John M Health Fairview Heart ClinicFulton, 612-365-5000
Rosemary F. Kelly
M Health Fairview Heart ClinicFulton, 612-365-5000
Robert Michael King North Memorial Health Heart & Vascular Center - Robbinsdale, 763-581-5400
Alberto Poche ino Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Andrew Shaffer M Health Fairview Heart ClinicFulton, 612-365-5000
Robert Steffen Allina Health - Eden Prairie, 952-428-5700
Joseph Van Camp
North Memorial Health Heart & Vascular Center - Robbinsdale, 763-581-5400
Rochus Voeller
M Health Fairview Heart Clinic - Edina, 612-626-7681
CARDIAC SURGERY - PEDIATRIC
Joseph A. Dearani
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Robroy H. MacIver
Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Francis Xavier Moga Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
David Miller Overman Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Elizabeth H. Stephens
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Thank you for being an amazing example of the great care we strive to provide to patients every day!
For more than three decades, Minnesota Oncology has defned a new standard of cancer care for patients in our local communities.
We are the only independent cancer care provider in Minnesota. As a physician-led practice, we provide personalized, high-quality care to patients at convenient, close-to-home locations.
Thomas Amatruda, MD
Lisa Hamilton, MD Louis Jacques, MD
Lauren Bollinger, MD
Jessica Thomes Pepin, MD
Sushma Tatineni, MD
Annie Tan, MD
Emily Schafhauser, MD John Seng, MD
Avina Singh, MD
Adrianne Mallen, MD Amy McNally, MD
Sara Torgerson, DO
Yang Liu, MD
Sam Economou, MD
Ryan Youland, MD
2025 TOP DOCTORS
CARDIOLOGY
Tamas Alexy
M Health Fairview Heart ClinicFulton, 612-365-5000
Bilal Ali
M Health Fairview Heart Clinic - Edina, 612-867-0421
Mohamad A. Alkhouli Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Jason Bartos
M Health Fairview Heart ClinicFulton, 612-365-5000
Emmanouil Brilakis
Allina Health Lakeville Specialty Center, 952-428-0950
Alex R. Campbell
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 952-428-5700
Michelle D. Carlson
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Rebecca Cogswell
M Health Fairview Heart ClinicFulton, 612-365-5000
Andrea Ellio
University of Minnesota Medical School , 612-626-3107
Rajat Kalra
M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, 612-672-7000
Kalie Kebed
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 651-292-0007
Michael D. Miedema
Allina Health - Eden Prairie, 952-428-5700
Marc Newell
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 952-428-0500
Ganesh Raveendran
M Health Fairview Heart ClinicFulton, 612-365-5000
Retu Saxena
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, 952-428-0950
Gautam R. Shroff Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Thenappan Thenappan
M Health Fairview Heart Care Woodbury, 651-326-4327
Elizabeth Tuohy
Allina Health Hastings Nininger Road Clinic, 651-480-4200
CARDIOLOGY - PEDIATRIC
Ma hew Ambrose
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Rebecca K. Ameduri
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Jason H. Anderson
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Allison Cabalka
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Christopher David Carter
Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Frank Ce a Jr.
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
David Bryan Gremmels
Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Christine Beth Hills
Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Gurumurthy Hiremath Mallikarjun
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Lisa Berchem Willis Howley
Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Jonathan N. Johnson
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Stacie Knutson
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Jamie Lohr
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Talha Niaz
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
Patrick W. O’Leary
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
M. Yasir Qureshi
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Rodrigo Rios IV
Children’s Minnesota - The Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Nathan Rodgers
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Charles Webster Shepard
Children’s Minnesota - The Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Julia Steinberger
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Nathan W. Taggart
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
Charlo e S. Van Dorn
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Marko Vezmar
Children’s Heart Clinic, 612-813-8800
Philip L. Wackel
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
COLON & RECTAL SURGERY
Elliot Arsoniadis
M Health Fairview Colon and Rectal Surgery Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9708
Kyle Barker Voyage Healthcare, 763-587-7999
George Eric Belzer
Park Nicollet Specialty Center at Methodist Hospital 3931 Building, 952-993-3180
Aneel Damle
Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, 651-312-1620
Eric J. Dozois
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Isaac Felemovicius Voyage Healthcare, 763-587-7999
Wolfgang B. Gaertner
M Health Fairview Specialty Clinic Edina, 952-848-8890
Cyrus Jahansouz
M Health Fairview Colon and Rectal Surgery Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9708
Christine C. Jensen
Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, 651-312-1717
Janet T. Lee
Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, 651-312-1620
Kellie L. Mathis
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Genevieve B. Melton-Meaux
M Health Fairview Colon and Rectal Surgery Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9708
Marc C. Osborne
Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, 651-312-1700
Anne E. Sirany
Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, 651-312-1700
Michael P. Spencer
Allina Health Cancer InstituteMinneapolis, 612-863-0200
Mark Y. Sun
Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, 651-312-1717
Amy J. Thorsen
M Health Fairview Express Care, 952-848-8890
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
Joshua Huelster
Allina Health - Abbo Northwestern Hospital, 612-863-4000
Katherine Jeane e Jacoby
Allina Health - Abbo Northwestern Hospital, 612-863-4000
Tonia M. Mowbray-Donahue
Allina Health - Abbo Northwestern Hospital Emergency Department, 612-863-4233
Kathryn Pendleton
M Health Fairview Specialty Clinic Edina, 612-624-4040
Ronald Reilkoff
M Health Fairview Center for Lung Science and Health ClinicMinneapolis, 612-624-4040
David Wacker
University of Minnesota Medical School - Dept. of Medicine, 612-273-8383
Clara Zamorano
Allina Health - Abbo Northwestern Hospital, 612-863-4000
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINEPEDIATRIC
Devon O. Aganga
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Grace M. Arteaga
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Ashley Bjorklund
Hennepin Healthcare - HCMC Red Building, 612-873-6963
Sheri Suzanne Crow
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Mark Eikenberry
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, P.A., 612-813-3300
Gwenyth Anne Fischer
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-625-6678
Caroline George
M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, 612-625-6678
Stephen J. Gleich
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Robert J. Kahoud
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Yu Kawai
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Andrew W. Kiragu
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
2025 TOP DOCTORS
Emily R. Levy
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Ashley Loomis
M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, 612-625-6678
Kenneth K. Maslonka
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
Didima Mon-Sprehe
Gille e Children’s - St. Paul Campus, 651-290-8707
Jeffrey Nowak
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
Nital Patel
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
Brenda M. Schiltz
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
Tina M. Slusher Hennepin Healthcare - HCMC Red Building, 612-873-6963
Charlo e S. Van Dorn Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Jeffrey R. Weatherhead Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Chris Yang
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 651-220-7000
DERMATOLOGY
Alison K. Adams
Park Nicollet Dermatology St. Louis Park, 952-993-3376
Nora S. Ali
Dermatology Consultants, 651-645-3628
Robert C. Anderson Dermatology Consultants, 651-770-0110
Kathryn C. Barlow
Dermatology Consultants, 651-251-3300
Sachin S. Bhardwaj Dermatology Specialists, P.A., 952-920-3808
Kimberly Ann Bohjanen M Health Fairview Dermatology Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-625-5656
Marisa Chapman Lakes Dermatology, 651-340-1064
Mimi Cho
Dermatology Specialists, P.A., 952-920-3808
Bethany A. Cook Dermatology Consultants, 651-770-0110
Jeremy William Cook Dermatology Consultants, 651-578-2700
Caleb H. Creswell Dermatology Specialists, P.A., 952-920-3808
Julie S. Cronk Dermatology Consultants, 651-578-2700
Cari G. Dakin
Park Nicollet Dermatology St. Louis Park, 952-993-3376
Kamruz Darabi Darabi Dermatology, 952-395-6850
Dawn Marie R. Davis Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Jennifer E. Dick Dermatology Specialists, P.A., 952-920-3808
James Dorrian Tareen Dermatology - Monticello, 651-633-6883
Ronda S. Farah Alluma Dermatology, 763-445-9040
Elizabeth Farhat Allina Health Bloomington Clinic, 952-428-1800
Ma hew W. Tsang Park Nicollet Dermatology St. Louis Park, 952-993-3376
Amanda J. Tsche er Dermatology Specialists, P.A., 952-920-3808
THE BEST OF ACADEMIC MEDICINE CLOSE TO HOME
Year after year, M Health Fairview has more Minnesota Monthly Top Doctors than any other health system in the state. And in 2025, we’re proud to have the most Legacy of Excellence winners, too. We combine the best of the University of Minnesota and Fairview to give you access to leading clinicians, researchers, educators, and experts – all right in your backyard.
M Health Fairview: where community health, compassionate care, and breakthrough medicine all meet.
2025 TOP DOCTORS
Lydia I. Turnbull
Dermatology Consultants, 651-578-2700
Sco Tu le
Tareen Dermatology - Faribault, 651-633-6883
David A. We er Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Cortney D. White Dermatology Consultants, 651-251-3300
DERMATOLOGY - PEDIATRIC
Nessa Aghazadeh Mohandesi Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Katelyn R. Anderson Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Christina Boull
University of Minnesota Physicians, 612-365-6777
Dawn Marie R. Davis Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Kristen P. Hook
Dermatology Specialists, P.A., 952-920-3808
Sheilagh Maguiness
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Ingrid Polcari
M Health Fairview Discovery Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 612-365-6777
Megha M. Tollefson Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Molly J. Youssef Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
DEVELOPMENTAL-BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS
Andrew Barnes
M Health Fairview Clinics - MIDB Minneapolis, 612-365-8400
Anjali Goel
M Health Fairview Clinic - Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, 612-365-8400
Flora R. Howie Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Maja Z. Katusic Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Adam David Langenfeld Children’s Minnesota, 612-813-6300
Katherine Murray
M Health Fairview Clinic - Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, 612-365-8400
Mollika A. Sajady Children’s Minnesota, 612-813-6300
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY
Tadashi Allen
University of Minnesota Physicians, 612-626-5566
Brent Bullis
Mayo Clinic - Mankato Hospital and Clinic, 507-594-2653
Kyle Grassel
Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
David M. Miller
Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
John Millet
Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
Anthony Severt
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Mark W. Veldman
Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
Sara Veldman
M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, 612-626-3343
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Amy Rachel Borys
Emergency Care Consultants, PA, 612-439-1860
Kelsey Echols
Emergency Care Consultants, PA, 612-439-1860
Sara Friedman
Emergency Care Consultants, PA, 612-439-1860
Ma hew E. Herold
Ridgeview - Emergency Physicians and Consultants, P.A., 952-442-2191
Brandon Trigger
EPPA - Fairview Southdale Hospital, 952-835-9880
EMERGENCY MEDICINEPEDIATRIC
Jana L. Anderson
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Meghan R. Cain
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Marissa Hendrickson
M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, 612-365-6777
Jim L. Homme
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
Rahul Kaila
M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, 612-365-6777
Jeffrey Paul Louie
M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, 612-625-6678
Kelsey C. Leonardsmith Family Tree Clinic, 612-473-0800
Carrie Ann Link
M Health Fairview Clinic Smileys, 612-333-0770
David Macomber
M Health Fairview Clinic Internal Medicine Minneapolis, 612-624-9499
Kara K. Pacala
M Health Fairview Clinic Smileys, 612-333-0770
Ramsey Peterson
Allina Health Richfield Clinic, 612-798-8800
Deanna Plant
The Mother Baby Center at United and Children’s Minnesota, 651-241-6290
Timothy Ramer
M Health Fairview Clinic Smileys, 612-333-0770
Majken Schwartz
Allina Health Shoreview Clinic, 651-483-5461
Chris Alden Stuart Northwest Family Clinics, 763-504-6400
Alexandra Tsvilina Voyage Healthcare, 763-587-7999
Paul G. Westling
Allina Health Champlin Clinic, 763-236-0600
GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
Elizabeth Aby
M Health Fairview Hepatology Clinic Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
Stuart Kevin Amateau
M Health Fairview Pancreas and Biliary Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
Alyssa M. Anderson
HealthPartners Specialty CenterDigestive Care, 651-254-8680
Sundeep Arora
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Mark Bartle
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Ahsan M. Bha i
Bha i GI Consultants PA, 952-368-3800
Paul Dambowy
MNGI Digestive Health - Woodbury Endoscopy Center & Clinic, 612-871-1145
Nissa Erickson
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Elizabeth Fallon
MNGI Digestive Health - Bloomington Endoscopy Center & Clinic, 612-871-1145
Martin Lewis Freeman
M Health Fairview Pancreas and Biliary Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
Jennifer Haglund
Minneapolis Veterans A airs Medical Center, 612-725-2000
Ibrahim Hanouneh
MNGI Digestive Health - Lakeville Endoscopy Center & Clinic, 612-871-1145
Justin Howard
M Health Fairview Gastroenterology Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
Emily N. Kevan
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Thomas Leventhal
M Health Fairview Hepatology Clinic Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
James Mallery
M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, 612-624-9709
Ahmad Malli
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Jake Matlock
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Anupama U. Nookala
HealthPartners Specialty CenterDigestive Care, 651-254-8680
Peter L. Pico
MNGI Digestive Health - Woodbury Endoscopy Center & Clinic, 612-871-1145
Pamela Puthoor
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Kevin Rank
MNGI Digestive Health - Woodbury Endoscopy Center & Clinic, 612-871-1145
Federico T. Rossi
MNGI Digestive Health - Plymouth Endoscopy Center & Clinic, 612-871-1145
Catherine L. Skagen
MNGI Digestive Health - Eagan Endoscopy Center & Clinic, 612-871-1145
Samantha A. Stoven
Park Nicollet Clinic and Specialty Center - Burnsville, 952-993-3240
Julie Thompson
M Health Fairview Hepatology Clinic Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
Mary Thomson
M Health Fairview Clinic - Fulton, 612-625-5115
Guru V. G. Trikudanathan
M Health Fairview Pancreas and Biliary Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
Byron Vaughn
M Health Fairview Gastroenterology Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
Kimberly Viskocil
M Health Fairview Gastroenterology Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-9709
GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY - PEDIATRIC
Imad Absah
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-512-6563
Sundeep Arora
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Mark Bartle
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Heli Bha
M Health Fairview Voyager Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 612-365-6777
Vikram Christian
M Health Fairview Voyager Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 612-365-6777
Elissa Downs
M Health Fairview Voyager Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 612-365-6777
Nissa Erickson
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Aayush Gabrani
M Health Fairview Voyager Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 612-365-6777
Sara Hassan
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Pua E. Hopson
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Samar H. Ibrahim
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Emily N. Kevan
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Catherine Larson-Nath
M Health Fairview Discovery Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 612-365-6777
Mhd Louai Manini
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Pamela Puthoor
MNGI Digestive Health - Northeast Minneapolis Clinic, 612-871-1145
Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg
M Health Fairview Voyager Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 612-365-6777
Dana B. Steien
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Michael C. Stephens
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
GENERAL SURGERY
Jeffrey Borut
M Health Fairview Surgery Clinic and Bariatrics Care Maplewood, 651-471-9400
Ryan E. Chupp
Access Surgical - Ryan E. Chupp, MD FACS, 763-581-9000
Todd D. El mann Lakeview Clinic, 952-442-4461
Michael Galle
M Health Fairview Southdale Breast Care, 952-927-7004
Mark Hill
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Kamrun Jenabzadeh Specialists in General Surgery, 763-780-6699
Eric M. Johnson
Allina Health Cancer InstituteMinneapolis, 612-863-0200
Kourtney L. Kemp
Specialists in General Surgery - Maple Grove: North Memorial Health Medical O ce Building, 763-780-6699
Steven J. Kern
Specialists in General Surgery - Maple Grove: North Memorial Health Medical O ce Building, 763-780-6699
Christopher Macomber
Allina Health Surgical Specialists, 612-863-7770
ASSOCIATED SKIN CARE SPECIALISTS. FOUNDED 1973
2025 MN MONTHLY TOP DOCTORS
Your skin is a reflection of your general health and well-being. Our primary goal at Associated Skin Care Specialists is to protect and promote your best skin health. The board certified dermatologists at Associated Skin Care Specialists are committed to providing expert dermatologic care for all ages.
We offer compassionate, comprehensive and cutting edge treatments in all areas of dermatology:
- Medical Dermatology
- Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetics
- Surgical Dermatology/Mohs Surgery
- Dermatopathology
- Dermatologic Research
Call today to schedule an appointment at one of our seven convenient locations. Same day appointments available, call to inquire. Trust your skin to the Specialists.
Gabriel Amon, MD.
Bart Endrizzi, M.D., PhD
Frederick Fish, M.D.
Jeffrey Freed, M.D.
Holly Hanson, M.D.
Jamie Hanson, M.D.
Steven Kempers, M.D.
Bailey Lee, M.D.
Jane Lindholm, M.D.
Jane Lisko, M.D.
Erin Luxenberg, M.D.
J. Daniel Mischke, M.D.
Anne Nikle, M.D.
Soheil Pakzad, M.D.
Scott Prawer, M.D., MS
Roger Weenig, M.D.
Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis (Linden Hills), Maple Grove and New Brighton 763-571-4000 associatedskincare.com
ASCS welcomes a new Board Certified Dermatologist:
Scott Prawer, M.D. M.S.
Bailey Lee, M.D.
Erin Luxenberg, M.D.
Jane Lisko, M.D.
Frederick Fish, M.D.
Holly Hanson, M.D.
Gabriel Amon, M.D.
Our doctors make it look easy to be a partner for goodsm
HealthPartners isn’t in health care for the awards. But year after year our organization and its doctors are recognized for personalized, innovative care across more than 50 medical and surgical specialties. In fact, over 40 of our physicians are included as 2025 Top Doctors in this publication, with 17 of them receiving special recognition as Top Doctor – Legacy of Healthcare Excellence.
The doctors included on this list are healers, helpers and partners dedicated to the power of good. They’re known for providing outstanding health care with compassion, spirit and humanity. We’re so proud of them, and we’re committed to helping them succeed.
How being a top workplace helps our doctors rise to the top
A driving factor behind the high-quality care provided by our doctors is job satisfaction. Research consistently shows that a positive work environment helps health care professionals enjoy their jobs more, and improves patient care and outcomes.
Every day, our team works to create a positive, inclusive and supportive environment to help everyone succeed. And it shows: in 2025 we’re ranked as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces by Newsweek and have been named a Star Tribune Top Workplace.
Nationally recognized for clinician well-being
We give our doctors the support they need so they can focus on what they do best – which is to care for patients. We’re especially proud of our 2024 bronze-level Joy in Medicine™ recognition from the American Medical Association for our part in leading a movement to foster well-being in health care. Since 2022, we’ve worked to elevate doctors’ voices in the spaces where decisions are made. Programs like peer networks, town halls and flexible work policies are helping to reduce feelings of burnout and support overall well-being.
“We’re trying to alleviate unnecessary stress on our clinicians, improve resiliency and retention, and build a more effective care system. Supported care teams mean supported patients and members,” said Dr. Annie Ideker, Associate Medical Director at HealthPartners.
Want to be on the 2025 HealthPartners Top Doctors list? We’re hiring.
HealthPartners is committed to helping doctors rise to the top and achieve their career goals. Take the first step towards being a partner for good and check out open roles at healthpartners.com/careers
2025 TOP DOCTORS
James McGreevy
M Health Fairview Surgery Clinic and Bariatrics Care Maplewood, 651-471-9400
Chad J. Richardson
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Mariela Rivera
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Mark S. Sneider
Allina Health United General Surgery Clinic, 651-241-7000
Dawn M. Stapleton Lakeview Clinic, 952-442-4461
Susanne G. Warner Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Sara Wildenberg
M Health Fairview Southdale Breast Care, 952-927-7004
GENERAL SURGERY - PEDIATRIC
Robert Acton
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Donavon Hess
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Michael B. Ishitani
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Denise B. Klinkner
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Nathaniel S. Kreykes
Pediatric Surgical Associates, 612-813-8000
Randi Lassiter
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Bradley C. Linden
Pediatric Surgical Associates, 612-813-8000
Stephanie F. Polites
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Donald Dean Po er Jr. Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Daniel Saltzman
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Bradley Segura
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic Burnsville, 952-892-2910
Joshua J. Short
Pediatric Surgical Associates, 612-813-8000
Patricia A. Valusek
Pediatric Surgical Associates, 612-813-8000
GENETICS
Lisa A. Schimmenti
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
GENETICS - PEDIATRIC
Anjali Aggarwal
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Dusica Babovic-Vuksanovic
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Susan A. Berry
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Vikas Bhambhani
Children’s Minnesota, 612-813-7240
Charles Billington Jr.
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Noelle Andrea V. Fabie
Children’s Minnesota, 612-813-7240
Brendan C. Lanpher
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Nishitha R. Pillai
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-8100
Lisa A. Schimmenti
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Marcelo P. Vargas
Children’s Minnesota, 612-813-7240
GERIATRIC MEDICINE
Mariam Anwar
Hennepin Healthcare - Brooklyn Park Clinic & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Josie Davis
Allina Health Senior Health, 612-262-7800
Lawrence J. Kerzner
Hennepin Healthcare - Brooklyn Park Clinic & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
James Pacala
M Health Fairview Clinic Smileys, 612-333-0770
Kerry M. Sheets
Hennepin Healthcare - HCMC Red Building, 612-873-6963
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
Jamie N. Bakkum-Gamez
Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 855-629-6543
Committed to excellence, compassion, and innovation, these physicians embody the core values that define TCO. Nominated by their peers for delivering exceptional care, we commend this esteemed group for their unwavering dedication to advancing the field of orthopedics and enhancing the lives of their patients.
ADAM J. BAKKER, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
CHRISTIE S. HEIKES, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist
M. LARSON, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Knee & Hip Sports Medicine Specialist
PAUL M. CAMMACK, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Foot & Ankle Specialist
RYAN R. KARLSTAD, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
AMY T. MOELLER, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
MARK D. FISCHER, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist
Carolina Sandoval Garcia M Health Fairview Explorer Pediatric Specialty Clinic, 651-232-3900
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
Ashley C. Anderson
Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
Ma hew S. Manganaro Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
Elizabeth Alabi Hennepin Healthcare - Brooklyn Park Clinic & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Cassandra Albertin
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - MetroPartners OBGYN, Maplewood, 651-770-3320
Megan Bina Voyage Healthcare, 763-587-7999
Roxie Bozicevich Women’s Health Consultants, 612-775-7880
Stephanie Callanan Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - MetroPartners OBGYN, Mendota Heights, 651-770-3320
Kelly Casserly Bioharmony Clinic, 612-778-6240
David Curran
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - Southdale OBGYN Clinics, 855-324-7843
Kristen Fiest Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Kim Fischer Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - MetroPartners OBGYN, Maplewood, 651-770-3320
Jennifer A. Flynn
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - MetroPartners OBGYN, Maplewood, 651-770-3320
Lynne Gibeau Women’s Health Consultants, 612-775-7880
Kathryn Burns Grande Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - MetroPartners OBGYN, Maplewood, 651-770-3320
Rachel Harris
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - Southdale OBGYN Clinics, 855-324-7843
Madeline Hellendag Women’s Health Consultants, 612-775-7880
Amanda Huepfel
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - Southdale OBGYN Clinics, 952-920-7001
Pam Jordi Clinic Sofia OBGYN, PA, 952-922-7600
Leigh Koidahl
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - Southdale OBGYN Clinics, 952-920-7001
MINNESOTA
ORAL AND FACIAL SURGERY
320-257-9555 | mnofs.com
Dr. Deepak Kademani, D.M.D., M.D., F.A.C.S., is an internationally recognized Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon and Medical Director with over 25 years of practice experience. Specializing in dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, head and neck pathology, facial trauma, and reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Kademani’s diverse career has made him one of the most experienced OMFS surgeons in the state. “I am committed to providing a personalized approach to treatment with compassion and integrity, always striving for an exceptional patient experience,” he says. This commitment includes providing the highest level of technology with a comprehensive range of services and world-class surgical care.
Dr. Kademani has authored three textbooks and over 100 peer-reviewed publications, and has given over 300 lectures worldwide. Today, he is proud to lead a team of Board-Certified surgeons and midlevel providers who are driven to exceed patient expectations and treat them like family. Patients in his team’s care will feel appreciated and educated on their options through a personalized approach to consultation and surgery.
Minnesota Oral and Facial Surgery and Dr. Kademani are proud to have been recognized as one of Minnesota Monthly ’s Top Doctors since 2012. Clinics are conveniently located in Minneapolis, Sartell, and Willmar to provide access throughout the state. Visit mnofs.com for more information.
Back row (L to R): Dr. Sco Claiborne; Samantha Hamm, D.N.P.; Dr. Steven R. Evelhoch; Front row (L to R): Jennifer Thul, P.A.; Dr. Deepak Kademani; Julie Kline, D.N.P.
Dr. Deepak Kademani
2025 TOP DOCTORS
Greta L. Larsen
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - MetroPartners OBGYN, Maplewood, 651-770-3320
Sarah Mainguy Women’s Health Consultants, 612-775-7880
Megan McEllistrem
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - MetroPartners OBGYN, Maplewood, 651-770-3320
Jennifer McKeand Women’s Health Consultants, 612-333-4822
Laura M. Nezworski Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Christina Sarkinen
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - Oakdale Obstetrics & Gynecology , 763-587-7000
Megan L. Schmi
Park Nicollet Women’s Center, 952-993-3282
Annelise Swigert
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - Southdale OBGYN Clinics, 855-324-7843
David R. Hardten Minnesota Eye Consultants, 763-553-1142
Andrew R. Harrison Minnesota Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Specialists, 952-925-4161
Richard H. Johnston
Edina Retina Consultants, PA, 952-345-8200
Cheryl L. Khanna Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Michael Lee M Health Fairview Eye Clinic - Fulton, 612-625-4400
Mark Lobanoff OVO LASIK + LENS, 877-686-3937
Collin McClelland M Health Fairview Eye ClinicDelaware, 612-625-4400
Jill S. Melicher Minnesota Eye Consultants, 763-421-9410
Ali Mokhtarzadeh
M Health Fairview Clinic - Fulton, 612-625-4400
Joshua Olson M Health Fairview Eye ClinicDelaware, 612-625-4400
Bri ni A. Scruggs Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Jeffrey J. Stephens Twin Cities Eye ConsultantsBurnsville, 612-999-2020
Andrea A. Tooley Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Lilly H. Wagner Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
George R. Wandling Twin Cities Eye Consultants - Blaine, 612-999-2020
David Whiting OVO LASIK + LENS, 877-686-3937
OPHTHALMOLOGY
- PEDIATRIC
Jill Anderson
M Health Fairview Minnesota Lions Children’s Eye Clinic, 612-365-6777
Raymond Areaux Jr. M Health Fairview Minnesota Lions Children’s Eye Clinic, 612-365-6777
Each day, patients rely on your expertise. And because of your exemplary practice, they have a trusted ally accompanying them on their journey. We’re proud of your incredible recognition, and we thank you for upholding our commitment to All Together Better care.
Discover comprehensive and compassionate mental health care at Stone Creek Psychiatry, proudly located in Chanhassen, MN and serving the Twin Cities
area.
We are honored to celebrate the selection of Dr. Thomas Winegarden, Dr. Daniel Montville, and Dr. Glen Rebman as 2025 Top Doctors in Psychiatry by Minnesota Monthly. These dedicated physicians represent decades of combined experience across general, interventional, and addiction psychiatry.
At Stone Creek Psychiatry, we believe in o ering a full spectrum of treatment options – ranging from traditional to cutting-edge therapies – tailored to meet individual needs. Our experienced team includes board-certified psychiatrists and advanced practice providers with training in integrative, TMS, and trauma-informed care.
We now o er:
NeuroStar TMS Therapy – Non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for depression Spravato (esketamine) – An advanced option for treatment-resistant depression
These services are o ered alongside medication management, diagnostic evaluations, and personalized care for patients across a lifespan.
We are currently accepting new patients with immediate openings available
Left to right: Daniel Montville, MD, Glen Rebman, DO, Alexander Vasquez, DNP, Molly Sila, MD, Thomas Winegarden, MD, Michael Keegan, APRN (not pictured)
Thomas Winegarden, M.D., F.A.P.A., Daniel Montville, M.D., Glen Rebman, D.O.
2025 TOP DOCTORS
Erick D. Bothun Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Alejandra Decanini Northwest Eye, 612-714-8797
W. Keith Engel Northwest Eye, 763-416-7600
Richard S. Freeman Northwest Eye, 763-416-7600
Jafar Hasan Insight Vision Care, 952-486-7858
Laura Johnson Heinmiller Park Nicollet Eye Care , 952-993-3150
Brian G. Mohney Mayo Clinic, 507-284-2511
Jonathan T. Pribila Park Nicollet Eye Care and Optical Store Burnsville, 952-993-3150
Susan Schloff Associated Eye Care, 651-275-3000
Bri ni A. Scruggs Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Sasha Strul
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Burnsville, 612-365-6777
M Health Fairview Clinic Maple Grove, 612-625-4400
Andrew J. Mackner
Twin Cities Eye Consultants - Edina, 612-999-2020
Andrew Ri er
M Health Fairview Minnesota Lions Children’s Eye Clinic, 612-365-6777
Margaret Shipitalo
OVO LASIK + LENS, 877-686-3937
Meredith Stallone
M Health Fairview Minnesota Lions Children’s Eye Clinic, 612-365-8350
Barbara K. Tylka
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Deepak Kademani
Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery, 320-257-9555
ORGAN TRANSPLANT
Andrew Adams
M Health Fairview Transplant Clinic, 612-625-5115
Srinath Chinnakotla
M Health Fairview Transplant Clinic, 612-625-5115
Raja Kandaswamy
M Health Fairview Transplant Clinic, 612-625-5115
Karthik Ramanathan
University of Minnesota Physicians, 612-884-0600
ORGAN TRANSPLANT - PEDIATRIC
Andrew Adams
M Health Fairview Transplant Clinic, 612-625-5115
Srinath Chinnakotla
M Health Fairview Transplant Clinic, 612-625-5115
Mikel Prieto
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Ma hew P. Abdel
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-284-2884
Nicholas A. Bedard
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Joseph Bellamy
Allina Health - Eden Prairie, 952-428-5700
Daniel D. Buss
Allina Health - Eden Prairie, 952-914-8618
Glenn R. Bu ermann
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, 651-430-3800
Paul M. Cammack
Twin Cities Orthopedics, 763-520-7870
Christopher L. Camp
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
J. Chris Coetzee
Twin Cities Orthopedics, 952-456-7600
Jessica Downes
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Ryan R. Fader
Allina Health Orthopedics - Plymouth, 952-946-9777
Bishoy V. Gad
Allina Health - Eden Prairie, 952-428-5700
James M. Gannon
Summit Orthopedics - Vadnais Heights, 651-968-5201
Jacqueline Geissler
Hennepin HealthcareClinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Charles P. Hannon
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Alicia Harrison
M Health Fairview Clinic Maple Grove, 612-672-7100
Christie S. Heikes
Twin Cities Orthopedics, 952-456-7600
Ma hew T. Houdek
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Edward W. Kelly
Twin Cities Orthopedics, 952-808-3000
Aimee S. Klapach
Allina Health OrthopedicsEdina West, 952-946-9777
Aaron J. Krych
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Christopher M. Larson Twin Cities Orthopedics, 952-456-7600
Nancy M. Luger
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
L. Pearce McCarty III
Allina Health Orthopedics - Plymouth, 952-946-9777
Gudrun E. Mirick Mueller
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Brian T. O’Neill
Twin Cities Orthopedics, 763-520-7870
Owen R. O’Neill
Twin Cities Orthopedics, 952-808-3000
Peter S. Rose
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Peter C. Sanders
Twin Cities Orthopedics, 952-442-2163
Eiman Shafa
Twin Cities Spine Center, 612-775-6200
Stefano M. Sinicropi
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, 651-430-3800
Patrick Smock
Allina Health Lakeville Specialty Center, 952-946-9777
Emily Wagstrom
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
John Wechter
Allina Health - Eden Prairie, 952-428-5700
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERYPEDIATRIC
Emmanouil Grigoriou
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
Tenner Johan Guillaume
Gille e Children’s - St. Paul Campus, 651-290-8707
Jennifer Laine
Gille e Children’s - St. Paul Campus, 651-290-8707
A. Noelle Larson
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Todd A. Milbrandt
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Peter S. Rose
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-538-3270
Alison Schiffern
Gille e Children’s - St. Paul Campus, 651-290-8707
William J. Shaughnessy
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Anthony A. Stans
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Walter Huu Truong
Children’s Minnesota Orthopedics, 651-220-5700
VALLEY MEDICAL AND WELLNESS
Valley Medical and Wellness (VMW) is proud to share that Dr. Ashwin George and Dr. Svetlana Zaydman have been nominated once again to Minnesota Monthly’s 2025 Top Doctors list—a prestigious recognition of excellence in medical care. This marks Dr. George’s fifth nomination and Dr. Zaydman’s fourth, highlighting their continued dedication to providing compassionate, innovative care in chronic pain and addiction management. Both physicians have also been recognized for their leadership in expanding access to treatments for chronic pain, addiction, and mental health.
An active teaching clinic and partner with the University of Minnesota’s Medical School and Addiction Medicine Fellowship, VMW has become a trusted
resource throughout Minnesota, offering innovative services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. That innovation continues with the launch of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy in September 2025. This FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for depression
and other mental health conditions brings new hope to patients who have struggled with traditional treatments.
With locations throughout the Twin Cities, VMW is proud to serve the Minnesota community. VMW’s experienced providers can discuss and treat pain and triggers for cravings that are difficult to address in other settings, supplemented by mental health counseling to help patients better deal with their pain and address the root causes of substance abuse issues.
Dr. Ashwin George
Dr. Svetlana Zaydman
2025 TOP DOCTORS
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Holly Boyer
M Health Fairview Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-626-5900
Stephanie Contag
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Colin L.W. Driscoll Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Kristin B. Gendron
Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists, 651-702-0750
Geoffrey Getnick Renew ENT & Hearing Center, 952-832-5252
Peter Hilger University of Minnesota PhysiciansHilger Face Center, 952-844-0404
Ashok Jethwa
M Health Fairview Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-626-5900
Alan Johnson Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic & Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Nissim Khabie
Ear, Nose & Throat Specialty Care, 612-871-1144
Samir Khariwala
M Health Fairview Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-626-5900
Ian J. Lalich
M Health Fairview Sleep Center Minneapolis, 612-273-5000
Sofia Lyford-Pike University of Minnesota PhysiciansHilger Face Center, 952-844-0404
Tyler Mingo
Renew ENT & Hearing Center, 952-832-5252
Stephanie Misono
M Health Fairview Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-626-5900
Michael M. Haley Minneapolis Radiation Oncology, 952-920-4915
Nadia N. Laack Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Anita Mahajan Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Bradley J. Stish Mayo Clinic - Rochester, 507-538-3270
Somu Suppiah Minneapolis Radiation Oncology, 952-920-4915
Stephanie Terezakis M Health Fairview UMMC Radiation Oncology, 612-273-6700
NORTH METRO DERMATOLOGY
400 Village Center Dr., Suite 200, North Oaks | 651-789-9800 | northmetroderm.com
Dr. Anudeep Rahil and Dr. Sherri Long have over 50 years of dermatology experience between them. They are joined by certified physician assistant Devi Chettiar and AP licensed estheticians Natalie Germar and Juliana Peterson to provide an array of medical and cosmetic services. Common conditions treated include acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers, lipomas, cysts, as well as hair and nail problems. In-office medical treatments include XTRAC® laser, PDT (photodynamic therapy), and narrowband UVB (ultraviolet light B). Mohs micrographic surgery is also available with Dr. Bart Endrizzi.
Natural-looking aesthetic results are achieved through nonsurgical methods including fillers, Skinvive®, Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, Kybella®, Sciton® laser, and Ellacor®. All cosmetic injections are performed by physicians.
Cosmetic treatments and skin care consultations are provided by the AP licensed estheticians. They specialize in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, HydraFacial®, SkinPen®, Ultherapy®, and treatments for age spots, redness, and scarring. North Metro Dermatology also offers Omnilux LED therapy
Dr. Kelly Casserly, D.O. and Dr. Maggie Hildebrand, M.D. offer science-backed, whole-body care tailored to your needs.
and TheraClearX for acne management and skin rejuvenation. Customized skin care and specialty products are available both in-office and through the online shop.
Whether you have a medical or cosmetic dermatology concern, the sta at North Metro Dermatology will provide the best care for you and your family.
(L to R): Devi Che iar, P.A.-C; Anudeep Rahil, M.D.; Sherri Long, M.D.; Natalie Germar, A.P.L.E. (Juliana Peterson not pictured)
Helping Women Be and Stay Healthy
At Premier Women’s Health of MNSouthdale OBGYN , our focus is exclusively women’s health. It’s all we do, and we’re not shy in saying we’re passionate about helping women be and stay healthy.
• Experience expert pregnancy care. Our team includes OBGYN doctors and certifed nurse midwives.
• Discover a full range of GYN and GYN surgical care, including minimally invasive techniques such as vNOTES, and use of nitrous oxide for pain management.
• Move toward healthier with mammography and perimenopause/ menopause care.
2025 Top Doctor BY Minnesota Monthly
Ryan Youland
Minnesota Oncology - Maplewood Cancer Center, 651-779-7978
RADIOLOGY
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP DOCTORS
For an appointment, call 952-920-7001 or book online.
Brent Bullis Mayo Clinic - Mankato Hospital and Clinic, 507-594-2890
Kyle Grassel Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
John Millet Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000
Mark W. Veldman Midwest Radiology, 651-292-2000 Radiology - Pediatric
Kelly Dietz M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, 612-273-9400
Eric James Hoggard M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank, 612-672-7000
Tara Lee Holm
M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank, 612-672-7000
Kelly K. Horst Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Nate C. Hull Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Amy B. Kolbe Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
William Mize Children’s Minnesota , 218-786-8364
Michael A on Murati M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, 612-635-1000
PJ G. Thacker Jr. Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY/ INFERTILITY
April Batcheller CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis, 877-201-6931
Tana Kim
Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates, 651-222-6050
Phoebe H. Leonard
Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates, 651-360-2817
RESPIRATORY/PULMONARY CARE
Joanne Billings
M Health Fairview Center for Lung Science and Health Clinic - Minneapolis, 612-624-4040
Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota - Southdale OBGYN physicians, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners see women of all ages and stages in life at clinics in Edina and Burnsville. They deliver babies and perform surgery at Fairview Southdale Hospital and Fairview Ridges Hospital.
SOUTHDALE OBGYN
Rachel Harris, MD
Amanda Huepfel, MD
Leigh Koidahl, MD
Annelise Swigert, MD
EDINA | BURNSVILLE
H. Erhan Dincer
M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, 612-676-4200
Jordan Dunitz
M Health Fairview Center for Lung Science and Health ClinicMinneapolis, 612-624-4040
Jonathan Hovda
Allina Health Lung and Sleep - Edina, 612-262-7100
Aaron B. Kaye
Allina Health Lung and Sleep - Plymouth, 612-262-7100
Mitchell G. Kaye
Allina Health Lung and Sleep - Minneapolis, 612-262-7100
Sarah Kiel
M Health Fairview Transplant Clinic, 612-625-5115
Hyun Joo Kim
M Health Fairview Center for Lung Science and Health ClinicMinneapolis, 612-624-4040
James W. Leatherman Jr.
Hennepin Healthcare - Clinic, Specialty Center & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Anuja Sharma
Allina Health Cancer InstituteSt. Paul, 651-241-5111
RESPIRATORY/PULMONARY CAREPEDIATRIC
R. Paul Boesch
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Gail M. Bro man
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty ClinicDiscovery, 612-365-6777
Brian Jeffrey Carroll
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
Keith Cavanaugh
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 651-220-7000
Nadir Demirel
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Anne Griffiths
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
Helena Molero Ramirez
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty ClinicDiscovery, 612-365-6777
Brooke Moore
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
Michael Shreve
Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists, PA, 612-813-3300
Hammad Bajwa, MD
Sara Baig, MD
Angela Dahle, MD
Susan Leonard, MD
Maren Hilton, MD
Nicholas Lebedo , MD
Grace Skemp-Dymond, DO
Archibald Skemp, MD
Anne Wol , MD
Je rey Wilson, DO
Kurt Zimmerman, MD
Joshua Waytz, MD
Fast, expert dermatology— Right here in Minnesota
Physician Owned and Physician Directed
RHEUMATOLOGY
Angela M. Dahle
Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants, P.A., 952-893-1959
Parastoo Fazeli
M Health Fairview Rheumatology Clinic Minneapolis, 651-326-7990
Maren E. Hilton Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants, P.A., 952-893-1959
Peter D. Kent
Park Nicollet Clinic and Specialty CenterBurnsville, 952-993-3280
Susan A. Leonard Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants, P.A., 952-893-1959
Jerry Molitor
M Health Fairview Clinic Maple Grove, 651-326-7990
Rawad Nasr
Hennepin Healthcare - Brooklyn Park Clinic & Pharmacy, 612-873-6963
Erik Peterson
M Health Fairview ClinicMaple Grove, 651-326-7990
Archibald A. Skemp Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants, P.A., 952-893-1959
Grace E. Skemp-Dymond Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants, P.A., 952-893-1959
RHEUMATOLOGY - PEDIATRIC
Ma hew L. Basiaga
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Bryce Binstadt
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Woodbury, 612-365-6777
Danielle Bullock
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic Maple Grove, 612-365-6777
Colleen Correll
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty ClinicExplorer, 612-365-6777
Patricia Hobday
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Thomas G. Mason II Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Amir B. Orandi
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
Mona Riskalla
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Explorer, 612-365-6777
Mary Meighan, MD
Jennifer Biglow, MD
Brian Zelickson, MD
David W. Groth, MD
Kyle Rudningen, MD
SLEEP MEDICINE
Michelle E. Haroldson
Ridgeview Medical Center, 952-442-2191
Michael Howell
M Health Fairview Sleep CentersEdina, 612-273-5000
Rakesh John
M Health Fairview Sleep Centers - Edina, 612-273-5000
Ranji Varghese
Hennepin Healthcare - HCMC Red Building, 612-873-6963
SLEEP MEDICINE - PEDIATRIC
Julie M. Baughn
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
John Garcia
Gille e Children’s - Duluth Clinic, 651-290-8707
Robin M. Lloyd
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Christine A. Matarese
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Helena Molero Ramirez
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Benjamin Thomas Ryba-White Children’s Minnesota Sleep Clinic, 651- 220-6258
Yosef Y. Wexler Children’s Minnesota, 651-220-6258
SPORTS MEDICINE
Amy S. Beacom
Mayo Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, 612-313-0520
Robby Bershow
Allina Health Orthopedics - Edina West, 952-946-9777
Trent Christensen
Allina Health Bu alo Specialty Clinic, 952-946-9777
Andrew Houghton
Allina Health Apple Valley Clinic, 952-946-9777
SPORTS MEDICINE - PEDIATRIC
Heather L. Bergeson
TRIA Orthopedic Center Bloomington, 952-831-8742
Nicholas M. Edwards
TRIA Orthopedic Center Woodbury, 952-831-8742
At YMCA of the North, wellness is more than a workout—it’s a wholeperson, community-centered approach to living well. From Personal Training and Nutrition to Massage, Pilates Reformer, Acupuncture, and more, our expert team is here to support your goals and help you feel your best.
WELLNESS FOR ALL OF US
YOUNG PSYCHIATRY
612-438-3255 | youngpsychiatry.com
DDr. Lawrence Young
r. Lawrence Young is a double boardcertified psychiatrist who has worked in the mental health field since 1991. With the goal of bringing balance back to individuals and family systems, Dr. Young evaluates and treats children, adolescents, adults, and families using a combination of medications (if necessary) and psychotherapy, devising a practical treatment plan focused on health, confidence, and stability. Dr. Young’s work is not “one size fits all”—he o ers a more nuanced, inclusive, holistic perspective on treatment, augmenting what patients work on outside his o ce. For more information, email support@youngpsychiatry.com
Tareen Dermatology
651-633-6883 | tareendermatology.com
Tareen Dermatology is Minnesota’s largest independently owned dermatology practice, offering expert medical and cosmetic care across nine convenient locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Known for cu ing-edge treatments, state-of-the-art technology, and compassionate service, Tareen Dermatology provides highly personalized solutions for everything from acne and skin cancer to subtle, natural-looking aesthetic enhancements.
View the Top Doctors
list online.
Luke C. Radel
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
David B. Soma
Mayo Clinic Children’s, 507-284-2511
THORACIC SURGERY
Eric P. Anderson
Allina Health Cancer Institute - Minneapolis, 612-863-0200
Rafael Andrade M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, 612-676-4200
Amit Bhargava
M Health Fairview Cancer CenterBurnsville, 952-460-4074
Ilitch Diaz-Gutierrez M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center - Minneapolis, 612-273-8383
Ma hew Graczyk
Allina Health Cancer InstituteMinneapolis, 612-863-0200
Louis Jacques
Minnesota Oncology - Edina Clinic, 952-928-2900
Madhuri Rao M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center - Minneapolis, 612-273-8383
Mark Solfelt North Memorial Health Cancer Center - Robbinsdale, 763-581-2800
THORACIC SURGERY - PEDIATRIC
Robert Dean Acton
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty ClinicDiscovery, 612-624-0434
Daniel Saltzman M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty ClinicDiscovery, 612-365-6777
M Health Fairview Urology Clinic - Edina, 612-625-6401
UROLOGY - PEDIATRIC
Patricio C. Gargollo Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Candace F. Granberg Mayo Clinic Children’s, 855-629-6543
Amy Hou
Pediatric Surgical Associates, 612-813-8000
David R. Vandersteen
Pediatric Surgical Associates, 612-813-8000
Katie Willihnganz-Lawson
Pediatric Surgical Associates, 612-813-8000
VASCULAR & INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Donna D’Souza
M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic, 612-676-4200
Siobhan Flanagan
M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery, 612-365-6777
Collin Torok
Allina Health - John Nasse Specialty Clinic, 651-241-6641
Ann Hickson, OD Jacob Lang, OD, FAAO Susan Schloff, MD
Stillwater Woodbury Lino Lakes Hudson New Richmond Baldwin
Stillwater Hudson Lino Lakes
EMPOWERING CARE FOR 20 YEARS: Best Care’s
Legacy of Support and Compassion
For two decades, Best Care has stood as a trusted partner for families navigating Minnesota’s home care system. What began in 2005 as a small family-run agency has grown into a dynamic, mission-driven organization empowering clients and caregivers alike.
Founded by attorney and former union president Andre Best, Best Care was created with a clear and personal purpose: to ensure competent, respectful, and lawful treatment for both clients and caregivers. As
someone with loved ones in need of care, Best understood the system’s complexities—and the immense value of a service rooted in dignity and trust.
That founding philosophy still guides the company today. “From the beginning, our values have been centered around respect—for our clients, our caregivers, and one another,” says Leann Lindahl, Best Care’s Chief Operating O cer. “We believe deeply in supporting people’s independence and honoring their right to make choices about their own care.”
Since its inception, Best Care has focused on providing seamless administrative services for caregivers and easy access to personal care assistant (PCA) and CFSS (Community First Services and Supports) services and resources. Their mission is straightforward but powerful: to make in-home caregiving easy, affordable, and centered on each client’s unique needs. And their impact is equally clear—thousands of individuals and families across Minnesota have relied on Best Care for support, guidance, and advocacy.
The company’s flat organizational structure, where most team members are known as “Care Experience Specialists,” fosters collaboration and equality in the workplace. “At Best Care, we operate on the belief that people come before profits,” Lindahl explains. “We’ve built a culture that’s inclusive, empowering, and aligned with the same values we extend to our clients: kindness, dignity, and empathy.”
When Lindahl joined the team in 2019, Best Care was a tight-knit group of just eight employees. Today, the company has grown to more than 50 sta members—while holding fast to its original values. As COO, Lindahl brings strengths in people-centered leadership and operations that have helped the company scale responsibly while maintaining its heart.
She and Best complement each other in leadership, creating a dynamic foundation for the company’s ongoing success. “Andre has consistently led with a focused, long-term vision,” says Lindahl. “His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to take calculated risks helped shape our identity early on. He focused on building the
systems, structures, and service model that could support our growth without losing sight of our mission.”
That balance was especially critical during a pivotal turning point in the company’s journey. “We had to make key decisions about how to maintain our values while expanding our team and improving our systems,” Lindahl recalls. “That experience didn’t just shape the direction of the company—it solidified our working relationship and the way we lead together.”
From the outside, Best Care’s services may seem purely administrative—but families know better. The team is deeply committed to walking alongside clients through what can often be a stressful and emotional experience. Whether it’s helping someone become a paid caregiver for a loved one or guiding a new client through paperwork, Best Care o ers compassionate expertise every step of the way.
“Both Andre and I have had family members who needed services,” Lindahl notes. “That personal experience informs everything we do. We understand how overwhelming it can be—and we’re here to help people navigate it with respect, clarity, and care.”
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Best Care is not only reflecting on the journey but also looking ahead. “Reaching this milestone represents thousands of lives touched and supported,” Lindahl says. “It’s a powerful reminder of why we do this work.”
The company’s vision for the future is one of thoughtful growth—expanding access to high-quality, person-centered care while continuing to invest in its people and values. “We want to grow with intention,” she adds. “And we want to do it in a way that honors who we’ve always been.”
Whether you’re a caregiver, a client, or simply someone exploring in-home support for a loved one, Best Care offers more than just a service— it offers a partnership rooted in advocacy, experience, and compassion.
And after 20 years of making a difference, they’re just getting started.
Andre Best
Leann Lindahl
Business Show BUSINESS LIKE BUSINESS LIKETHERE’SNO THERE’SNO
Business
How complex behind-the-scenes logistics, local partnerships, and long-term planning bring national tours of Broadway shows to Minneapolis
BY KATHERINE LAWLESS
or Twin Cities audiences, national tours of Broadway shows arrive with seemingly e ortless grace: The curtain rises on a Tuesday opening night, the cast performs to much applause, and after a few weeks, the show moves on to the next location. But the reality is far more complex and impressive. Behind every performance is a multiyear dance of routing logistics, financial planning, artistic ambition, and local collaboration.
Minneapolis has earned a national reputation among booking agents and producers for its strong subscriber base, well-run venues, and experienced crews. “There is a 30-, 40-, maybe 50-year history of great support for artists and live entertainment here,” says Jim Sheeley, president of Broadway Across America-North. “It goes back to all the corporations, businesses, and foundations created to support live theater, which give people like us and all the theater companies in the Twin Cities a way to broaden their audience.”
Sheeley, who is based in Minneapolis, oversees Broadway Across America’s partnerships in the Twin Cities, as well as three markets in Wisconsin and two in Michigan. He works with the team at Hennepin Arts to present Broadway shows to Minneapolis audiences. Hennepin Arts operates several historic performance venues in Minneapolis, including the State, Orpheum, Pantages, and Dudley Riggs theaters. Across these spaces, hundreds of individuals are employed to maintain the buildings, present the shows, and manage ticket sales and the patron experience. and
A PRODUCTION OF ‘HAMILTON’ AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE
ORPHEUM THEATRE
The Journey to Minneapolis
Before any actors step foot on the Orpheum’s stage in Minneapolis, the show has already been in development and planning stages for years. Meredith Blair, president and CEO at The Booking Group, helps set tour routes for some of Broadway’s most recognizable titles, such as “Hamilton,” “Mamma Mia!,” and “MJ the Musical.” Minneapolis is always a priority on those routes thanks to its central location, strong subscription base, and reliable ticket sales.
“It’s a Rubik’s Cube,” Blair says. “You’re taking geography into account, as well as venue availability.” Many theaters and performing arts centers around the country are home to resident ballet companies, symphonies, or operas, which can complicate the logistics of staging a national tour. In Minneapolis, however, the Orpheum doesn’t need to coordinate with in-house performance groups, o ering greater flexibility in scheduling.
“We’re in a very fortunate position to have multiple theaters here in Minneapolis,” says Todd Duesing, president and CEO of Hennepin Arts. “The Orpheum is the main Broadway house, and we have it available for Broadway productions before other things are booked.” This flexibility is especially important when it comes to load-in and rehearsal schedules. In venues shared with resident companies, it’s not uncommon for touring crews to strike the set in the middle of the night so another group can access the space by morning. Then the crew isn’t fresh, which can be a health and safety issue. Minneapolis’ central location and abundance of theater professionals and enthusiasts should, in theory, make it a perfect launch point for national tours. Instead, Minneapolis is more likely to be a third, fourth, or fifth stop on a tour, because of competitive tax incentives in other parts of the country. “The vast majority of tours tech in New York, Connecticut, Ohio, or Maryland because of state tax credits,” Blair says. “I’d love to open more tours in the middle of the country because it gives me routing options, and right now everything comes out of the Northeast, creating a bit of a logjam.”
E orts to pass legislation that creates more arts opportunities in the Twin Cities have been in the works, and Duesing believes there’s momentum. “We have a [tax credit] bill
that we brought forward, and we do believe that it will see the light of day and success in the next session,” he says.
The Road Crew Meets the Local Crew
Once a show is booked, the work of setting it up begins. “The tour arrives with a plan to unpack several trucks, like knowing which parts of the stage go in and out first,” says Duesing. “And they work with our own technicians here in the market that assist the touring folks who are very familiar with the show. It’s a combined e ort.”
A tour can range from 25 to 75 people, depending on the size of the cast and complexity of the set. For a smaller show, the team can load it in around eight hours, but more often, it takes a day and half to get everyone situated in a new theater. Afterward, loading out can take six to 10 hours.
During the show’s run, Hennepin Arts supports the tours with stagehands, makeup artists, wardrobe support, and other artistic professionals who help the traveling cast and crew. Many road crews and local theater professionals have been in the business for years and may have a history of working together on past productions in Minneapolis, which improves communication and coordination.
“There are all kinds of industry professionals that support the tour, not to mention organizations like ours that have people selling tickets and doing the marketing and advertising,” says Duesing.
That trust and support among professionals makes bringing new entertainment to Minneapolis easier. For example, the monumental premiere of the musical adaptation of “Purple Rain” will be at the
MARCUS M. MARTIN AS THE GENIE IN A TOURING PRODUCTION OF ‘ALADDIN’
historic State Theatre Oct. 16-Nov. 16. It’s a full-circle moment for this iconic narrative to debut precisely where its inspiration was born. “It’s hard to imagine ‘Purple Rain’ starting anywhere but Minneapolis,” says Duesing. “Prince’s indelible legacy isn’t just remembered here—his music and artistry are woven into the fabric of our city. To see the story of ‘The Kid’ come to life on stage for the first time, in the very place that inspired it, is extraordinary.” Furthermore, the Orpheum will present “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” in spring 2026. “This is the first actual tour of that show, and it’s here in Minneapolis for a reason,” says Blair. “It’s not just because they sell tickets, but because it’s a physically challenging and technically complex show, and we know their team can do it.”
Broadway’s Community Impact
By The
Attendees from all
128
Broadway Performances
$68 Million
87
Economic Boost Counties
Patrons: $31 Million In Ticket Sales
528,513+
(Source: 2023-2024 Hennepin Arts Community Impact Report)
top Minnesota student performers known as “triple threats” are sent to New York City for a cultural and educational experience that exposes them to a career in theater at the national level. Past Spotlight Program alumni include Broadway notables like Laura Osnes, Ryan McCartan, and Caroline Innerbichler, who have touted support from the Minneapolis theater community as key to their success.
The stakes are high for the Broadway tours, artistically and economically. Using Broadway League data, Hennepin Arts calculated a $62 million economic impact from the past season, which includes employment opportunities created by the arts community. For the 2025-2026 season—which will include 25 shows and major productions like “The Phantom of the Opera” and the pre-Broadway world premiere of “Purple Rain”—that number could reach up to $150 million.
“ theaters are the small business engine that keeps people in downtown restaurants and retail. ”
–TODD
Outreach to the local community is a priority for both Hennepin Arts and the national Broadway tours. Oftentimes, artists and technicians from shows may work with Twin Cities educators on workshops or presentations that give students a behind-the-scenes look at their show. For example, when “Life of Pi” came to town in March 2025, professional puppeteers held a workshop with the largescale tiger puppet from the show for the FAIR School for Arts, which is conveniently located across the street from the Orpheum Theatre.
DUESING,
HENNEPIN ARTS PRESIDENT & CEO
Hennepin Arts also helps run Minnesota’s Spotlight Education program, which includes a statewide musical theater competition to nurture young talent and a student showcase that allows high schoolers to perform on Minneapolis’ historic stages. Each year,
Duesing notes that Hennepin Arts theater performance attendance is on par with the Minnesota Vikings, but unlike major sporting events, theater happens all year long and on more nights of the week. Touring Broadway shows, in addition to comedy performances and concerts at the Pantages Theatre and State Theatre, are an important driver of tra c to downtown. “Theaters are the small business engine that keeps people in downtown restaurants and retail and so forth throughout the duration of a week,” says Duesing.
As Broadway tours continue to evolve—technically, artistically, and economically—Minneapolis remains a vital stop on the national circuit, not just for its ticket sales and talent pool, but for its community heartbeat. From behind-the-scenes crews and local students to theatergoers who fill the seats night after night, it takes a citywide ensemble to keep the curtain rising. And as the spotlight turns to future debuts like “Purple Rain,” it’s clear Minneapolis isn’t just hosting the show—it’s helping write the next act. “A moment like this is no accident,” says Duesing. “It’s a testament to the strength of our arts community, the vibrancy of our cultural life, and of course, the passion of Minnesota audiences.”
Fall Arts Sho w case A&E
Whether you’re craving a night of live music, a thought-provoking play, or an immersive exhibit, this season’s lineup promises to inspire long a er the leaves have fallen.
Minnesota Historical Society
651-259-3000 | mnhs.org
ith a mission to serve all people of Minnesota by creating powerful engagement with history to cultivate curiosity and foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and informed society, Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) operates 26 sites that represent the many stories contributing to the state’s history. At these sites, visitors can attend events and programming guided by knowledgeable interpreters for an immersive experience.
MNHS has a robust events calendar full of opportunities for historical tours, exploring natural environments, author events, concerts, and more. Content is presented in a variety of ways to serve various needs and interests, and there’s truly something for everyone. Those who are artistically inclined can take a class in photography or jewelry making; history bu s can visit sites and exhibits or take a guided walking tour; and families can visit with animals on a working farm. With new events, programs, and o erings being added all the time, there’s always something waiting to be discovered.
Mark your calendar for the opening of “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” at the Minnesota History Center on Sept. 27. This interactive traveling exhibition explores the world of the iconic chef who changed the way America cooks. The exhibit highlights her passion for French cuisine, perseverance in a male-dominated field, and belief that cooking should be fun and accessible to all. With immersive displays, rare artifacts, and engaging multimedia, visitors can follow Childs’ journey from childhood to her time in Paris
and groundbreaking television career. The exhibit will also feature an exclusive section showcasing vintage cookbooks from the Minnesota Historical Society’s collection. These pages offer more than just recipes—they reflect the traditions, values, and personalities of the people who created them.
MNHS has a vision that the people of Minnesota will be grounded in their personal, community, and state history, understanding how history shapes, inspires, and informs the present. As a result, they will be better citizens
of their communities, their state, their country, and the world. Visit mnhs.org to get involved, visit historic sites, or buy tickets to exhibits and events.
Northrop
612-624-2345 | northrop.umn.edu
state historic landmark situated at the heart of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, Northrop has served as the University’s primary gathering place for performing arts, world-renowned dance performances, concerts, academic ceremonies, and major civic events for nearly 100 years. From international and local dance companies, musicians, and fi lm screenings to comedy acts, speakers, and University lectures, Northrop o ers opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and engage.
Northrop is brimming with a large and diverse set of events this fall, inviting visitors to try something new and let it move, surprise, or inspire. Exceptional pairings jumpstart the 2025-26 Dance Series with visionary imagination. Innovative choreographer Aszure Barton and award-winning composer Ambrose Akinmusire combine for the Centennial Commission “A a | a B : B E N D” (Sept. 18-19), copresented with the Walker Art Center; the renowned Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE pairs with local trailblazer TU Dance on a program showcasing three of his transformative works (Oct. 30); and Trisha Brown Dance Co. and Merce Cunningham Trust team up on Nov. 11 for a genreblending creative ode to artist Robert Rauschenberg at Northrop—copresented with the Walker Art Center, and in conjunction with a Rauschenberg/ Trisha Brown “Glacial Decoy” exhibit on view at the museum.
The 2025-26 Music Series deepens Northrop’s connection to the University of Minnesota’s School of Music and to local music pioneers. Centering the majesty of the Northrop AeolianSkinner Opus 892 pipe organ, the series begins with Parisian Jazz Night on Oct. 4, featuring guitarist Alvaro Bermudez and Northrop organist Greg Zelek.
The Liquid Music | Northrop 2025 Series continues with “Jlin: ‘Permutation of Three’” with Daniel Bernard Roumain and Leonardo Sandoval & Members of the SPCO, copresented by Liquid Music, Northrop, and the Walker Art Center. This carefully crafted program demonstrates Jlin’s expansive musical universe through solo electronic material and genre-defying collaborations. “Karl Ove Knausgård and Glenn Kotche: ‘Historia,’ Film by Johan Renck” (Nov. 2), copresented with the Walker Art Center, o ers an immersive afternoon of words and music that celebrates collaboration, craft, and friendship with readings and performances of both new and familiar pieces from each collaborator, plus a conversation on the creative process.
Northrop will also host Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton on
Oct. 20, as well as several options for celebrating the holiday season. Internationally beloved Cirque du Soleil will dazzle patrons in “Twas the Night Before...” (Nov. 26-Dec. 7), a holiday show with thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including reinvented holiday classics, presented by Hennepin Arts. Additional holiday magic includes VocalEssence’s “Welcome Christmas” (Dec. 13), Twin Cities Ballet’s “A Minnesota Nutcracker” (Dec. 16-17), and Northrop’s presentation of “Sounds of the Season” (Dec. 20), a relaxed, familyfriendly matinee where Zelek will perform songs from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” among other favorites.
Northrop consistently offers something to ignite everyone’s imagination. Tickets can be purchased anytime at northrop.umn.edu or by phone.
Reserve Your Tickets Today!
Northrop and the Walker Art Center Present Aszure Barton & Ambrose Akinmusire:
A a | a B : B E N D
Sep 18–19
Parisian Jazz Night: Featuring Alvaro Bermudez & Greg Zelek Oct 4 / Online through Oct 12
Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE Featuring TU Dance + Encore Oct 30
Northrop and Liquid Music Present Karl Ove Knausgård & Glenn Kotche: Historia With Film by Johan Renck
Nov 2
Northrop and the Walker Art Center Present Trisha Brown Dance Company With Merce Cunningham Trust Nov 11
Hennepin Arts Presents Cirque du Soleil: ‘Twas the Night Before … Wed, Nov 26–Sun, Dec 7
Sounds of the Season: Relaxed Matinee With Organist Greg Zelek Dec 20 / Online through Dec 31
ith a range of unique programming, exhibitions, and events throughout the year, Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) aims to make art accessible, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and self-expression for people of all ages. From open studios where visitors can experiment creatively to performances and events that showcase the best of the local cultural landscape, Mia’s Programming team continuously fi nds new ways for people to engage with art. The museum partners with organizations, artists, and educators to create spaces for gathering and connection where everyone is welcome—and unlike many major museums, general admission to Mia is always free and open to everyone.
For visitors unfamiliar with artistic expression or multisensory experiences, Mia emphasizes that art is for feeling, exploring, and connecting, and it’s not just for the experts. With over 545,000 square feet to explore, visitors can take their time at the museum, and the helpful guides and sta are always available to assist or answer questions.
Exhibitions, Tours, and More
This fall at Mia, visitors can experience art through a vibrant mix of exhibitions, programs, and events for all ages. The galleries are always rotating, so visitors can expect to enjoy something di erent each time they stop by. “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine” opens on Oct. 25 in Mia’s Target Gallery—this groundbreaking exhibition will showcase exquisite bronze artistry from the Khmer Empire, featuring more than 200 objects, including a colossal sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu. Tickets for special exhibitions are available online or at Mia’s front desk.
Keep an eye out for events like the Inspired by Books Public Tours, where visitors can join lively discussions of artworks related to popular books, facilitated by a museum guide. In September, Mia guides will be relating works of art in the collection to “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tours are free and will explore Mia’s “Gatsby at 100” exhibition, highlighting paintings, books, and works on paper that are rarely on view. On Oct. 30, head to The Object LIVE! Halloween Party for a live recording of Mia’s award-winning podcast, “The Object,” plus spooky-themed artmaking, a costume contest, live music, and more. Save the date for a special Black Friday morning at Mia on Nov. 28, when the museum will open early and offer family activities, treats, and free access to the “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine” exhibition.
Beyond the Galleries
Mia offers a variety of free programming and activities to keep kids and adults inspired, including a monthly Family Day, open-studio programs, and the Family Center. For couples looking for a fun date night, join Meet at Mia on Thursday evenings for free live
music, artmaking, special programs, and unique food and drinks (for purchase). Mia also hosts a series of art-inspired culinary and wine adventures through the Mia After Dark series. Each event features exhibition-inspired food, wine, and spirits experiences held after hours in the museum’s galleries. Tickets for Mia After Dark are available online. Through a blend of communityfocused programming, curated exhibitions, and inclusive educational e orts, Mia consistently finds creative ways to inspire wonder through the power of art. Visitors can find more information about all of Mia’s upcoming happenings at artsmia.org/programs.
September 13–March 22
José María Velasco
September 27–January 4
Royal Bronzes Cambodian
October 25–January 18
artsmia.org
Free museum admission, every day.* 2400 Third Avenue South Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm; Thursday, 10am–9pm
*“Royal Bronzes” requires paid tickets
Organized in partnership with the National Gallery, London Image: José María Velasco, (Mexican, 1840–1912), El Valle de México (Vista de Valle de México desde el Cerro de Santa Isabel) (detail), 1877, oil on canvas. Museo Nactional de Arte, INBAL. EL2025 10 1 Photo: Francisco Kochen. X12231
he Minnesota Orchestra regularly represents the artistic excellence of its state on the national and international stage. The ensemble has traveled extensively around the state of Minnesota, as well as to more than 600 cities in 20 countries, including six trips to Europe in the past 20 years and notable visits to Cuba in 2015 and South Africa in 2018. Today, the Orchestra also shares its artistry through “This Is Minnesota Orchestra” performances that are televised throughout the state and streamed internationally. With 175 concerts each year, there are many ways to explore the Minnesota Orchestra, allowing concertgoers to create the experiences they want—from classical presentations of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Shostakovich to sensoryfriendly concerts for patrons of all ages, including individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Although Orchestra Hall is situated in downtown Minneapolis, it takes pride in being the “Minnesota” Orchestra. The Orchestra is proud to say that residents from every county attend at least one concert in a typical year. As an example of this commitment, its Young People’s Concerts bring students from across the metro and state to Orchestra Hall to experience live symphonic music. With every program and project it undertakes, the Orchestra aims to enrich, inspire, and serve its community, a mission carried out through performances by the world’s greatest classical artists; tours, recordings, and broadcasts that touch listeners across the state and world; and educational con-
certs that connect with tens of thousands of young people each year, often introducing them to classical music for the first time.
With each new season, the Orchestra strives to bring new ideas and unique voices to the stage, making orchestral music meaningful and relevant to a broader audience. The 2025-26 season marks the third led by Music Director Thomas Søndergård. The Danish conductor will bring his trademark cooperative spirit and democratic approach to Orchestra Hall, opening the season with two weeks of powerful inaugural concerts, including performances by Grammy Award-winning mezzo Joyce DiDonato (Sept. 18-19) and Minnesota Orchestra Principal Cello Anthony Ross (Sept. 26-27). Other season highlights will include the return of the Nordic Soundscapes festival in January; Søndergård conducting music for voices and orchestra, including “Brahms Requiem” with the Minnesota Chorale in November and various vocal soloists throughout the season; and the return
of Dessa, who will share the stage with the Minnesota Orchestra in November. In December, the Orchestra’s holiday o erings will feature a family-friendly concert and singalong with pop composer Cody Fry; a unique “Nutcracker” featuring cirque dance group Troupe Vertigo; trumpeter Charles Lazarus and special guests marking the season with their annual ”Merry & Bright” program; U.S. Bank Movies & Music performances of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “The Princess Bride”; and a New Year’s celebration with pianist Aaron Diehl.
The Orchestra offers discounted tickets for guests under 40, educators, seniors, and students—including free admission for youth to Family, Sensoryfriendly, and most Classical concerts through its Hall Pass program. Season ticket packages let you bundle concerts, save on tickets, and unlock exclusive offers all year. For tickets to this fall’s upcoming events, including Beethoven’s popular “Fifth Symphony” conducted by Andrew Manze (Oct. 16-18) and a screening of the classic 1985 film “The Goonies” with the score performed live by the Orchestra (Oct. 24-25), visit minnesotaorchestra.org/tickets.
Thomas Søndergård
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
NOV 1
The legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and its trailblazing leader return. The Minnesota Orchestra does not perform on this program.
Dessa Returns
NOV 7–8
Sarah Hicks, conductor
“The storytelling rapper-singer was most thrilling on fast numbers that displayed her lightning delivery and wondrous wordplay.”
—The Minnesota Star Tribune
Family Concert: Magnificent Musical Creatures
NOV 9
Explore how music connects us to the animal kingdom featuring film snippets from the Minnesota Zoo in this one-hour relaxed concert.
FREE TICKETS FOR KIDS! Bring the young listeners in your life to a concert—for free! Details at minnesotaorchestra.org/hallpass
Experience music’s healing power with this epic choral masterwork.
U.S. BANK MOVIES & MUSIC
The Princess Bride in Concert
NOV 28–30
“As you wish…” Experience one of the most beloved films of all time as never before with the score performed live by the Minnesota Orchestra.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
952-934-1525 | ChanhassenDT.com
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) is a favorite one-stop entertainment destination where guests will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a spectacular live musical theater performance, concert, or comedy show. This fall, CDT offers an exciting array of shows on its stages. On the Main Stage, you won’t want to miss Irving Berlin’s White Christmas running Oct. 10-Feb. 7. This classic musical returns by popular demand in its final run. Loaded with your favorite Irving Berlin songs and electric tap numbers, White Christmas is a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing
show. In the Fireside Theatre this fall, enjoy concerts including high-caliber tributes to Prince, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tom Petty, Whitney Houston, Queen, James Taylor, Seals & Crofts, Pink Floyd, The Three Tenors, and so many more. And in the Playhouse, Stevie Ray’s Comedy
Cabaret features interactive comedy improv every Friday and Saturday evening, where laughs are the specialty of the house. Another nice bonus is free and ample parking right on site for all guests. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is your home for all things entertainment.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
507-474-6626 | mmam.org
Situated on the Mississippi River, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) is poised to not only present traditional marine art but also push the boundaries of what marine art is and can be.
This fall, celebrate the artists, authors, and illustrators of literary arts exhibition Once Upon a Shore with a weekend of programming on Sept. 19-20—don’t miss Shorelines and Storylines, an artist gathering in partnership with Minnesota Humanities Center featuring a book talk, book signings, and fireside connection.
On Oct. 2-5, MMAM will present the third annual Upper Mississippi Plein Air Experience, a weekend of work -
shops, exhibitions, presentations, and public programs bringing together today’s urban sketchers and traditional plein air painters.
The museum’s hands-on workshops celebrate a variety of art forms, each tailored to di erent ages, interests, and levels of experience—check out upcoming workshops on Plein Air Oil Painting
and Ink and Watercolor Sketching, both taking place on Oct. 3-4. Additionally, MMAM’s Seasonal Saturdays are great opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the museum’s programming. Enjoy $1 admission, guided tours, artmaking activities, live music in the galleries, and more. Upcoming Seasonal Saturday dates include Nov. 8 and Feb. 14.
Twin Cities Ballet
952-452-3163 | twincitiesballet.org
Get ready for a thrilling season of dance, drama, and unforgettable storytelling from Twin Cities Ballet (TCB), the Twin Cities’ foremost ballet company. The season kicks off with one of the year’s biggest artistic collaborations—a bold revival of Loyce Houlton’s iconic “Carmina Burana.” This raw, sensuous journey set to Carl Orff’s epic score features TCB dancers with live music from the Minnesota Chorale, renowned vocalists, and top-tier musicians in a total theater experience. Then, celebrate the holiday season with TCB’s acclaimed “A Minnesota Nutcracker,” running Dec. 12-14 at the Ames Center and Dec. 16-17 at Northrop. Created and choreographed by Denise and Rick Vogt, the production maintains the essential traditions, story, and music cherished by so many—but with a Minnesota twist.
In 2026, audiences can look forward to the return of the smash-hit “Romeo & Juliet: The Rock Ballet,” set to the music of Queen, and the family favorite “Narnia: The Ballet.”
Mizna
Mizna presents contemporary, critical, and experimental art, writing, and film centering the work of Arab and Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) artists. The organization o ers readings, film series, performances, public art commissions, and community events that have featured 1,000-plus local and transnational writers, filmmakers, and artists. Mark your calendar for Mizna’s 2025 Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, the largest and longest-running SWANA-centered film festival in the Midwest, which will take place Sept. 24-28 at the Main Cinema and Walker Art Center. This year’s lineup visualizes and enacts solidarity—politically, spiritually, and relationally—and the films envision a shared world, where our connections become assets and tools to reshape our values and reimagine our futures together. Tickets, passes, and the full lineup are available at tca 25.eventive.org. 612-788-6920 | mizna.org
SEPT. 24 –28, 2025 AT THE MAIN CINEMA + WALKER ART CENTER
Special screenings, discussions + events across the Twin Cities Tickets, passes + festival lineup: tcaff25.eventive.org
The O’Shaughnessy
Located on the beautiful campus of St. Catherine University in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood, The O’Shaughnessy presents world-class art. Its programming leans into the organization’s values of women’s leadership, inclusive excellence, and social justice, curated through the lens of centering women and BIPOC voices. This fall, The O’Shaughnessy will host a range of diverse and broadly appealing events featuring musicians, writers, and storytellers, including Ta-Nehisi Coates—an award-winning author, journalist, and the Sterling Brown Endowed Chair in the English department at Howard University. Audiences can join Coates for a conversation at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23. 651-690-6700 | oshag.stkate.edu
Claim your seat at The O’Shaughnessy — where compelling art meets collective impact. Single tickets now on sale — Youth: $15 Adult: $33–$42 Save up to 45% with our flexible subscriptions.
All My Relations
Arts
All My Relations Arts (AMRA) is Minnesota’s premier American Indian-owned and operated contemporary arts gallery, working to provide the audiences of the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, and beyond with high-quality exposure to Native American arts. Admission is free and open to the public. This fall, AMRA is hosting “Matrilineal Memory,” a solo exhibition from Hopi artist Mikaela Shafer that explores memory, emotion, and cultural preservation through paintings, poetry, and installation. Visit allmyrelationsarts.org for more information on upcoming events. 612-425-4675 | allmyrelationsarts.org
Theater Latté Da
Based in Northeast Minneapolis, Theater Latté Da (TLD) is the leading nonprofi t professional theater in Minnesota that exclusively produces new and reimagined musical theater. TLD creates new and impactful connections between story, music, artist, and audience. Some 40,000 audience members and over 300 theatermakers engage with TLD each season (September-May) through fi ve full productions, the NEXT Festival of New Musicals, special events and concerts, and more. The company will open its 2025-26 season with its 100th production, “Journey On: A 100th Show Cabaret Celebration”—a cabaret-style bash packed with powerhouse performances by Latté Da luminaries—followed by the classic, family-friendly Lerner and Loewe musical, “My Fair Lady.” Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person. 612-339-3003 | la eda.org
History Theatre
History Theatre has boldly crafted engaging narratives that delve into Minnesota’s rich history and the diverse American experience for more than 40 years. This work provides a unique lens that connects our history to the present, exploring our common heritage and illuminating what it means to be American. This fall, our mainstage productions feature the world premiere of “Don’t Miss Doris Hines” (Sept. 18-Oct. 12) alongside “Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical” (Nov. 20-Dec. 21). Join us for our annual Raw Stages New Works Festival (Oct. 16-19), as we celebrate 30 years of commissioning and developing innovative new plays. 651-292-4323 | historytheatre.com
What’s Your
Autumn Vibe?
Minnesota knows how to do fall right. There’s a snap in the air, cider in the cup, and 100 ways to stretch your legs—or simply put your feet up. From scenic shoreline hikes and cozy cabins to cheese tastings and yarn shops, we’ve rounded up four di erent ways to embrace the season. Choose your fall personality—outdoor explorer, cozy creative, culinary nomad, or small-town seeker—and let the leaves lead the way. Your autumn adventure starts here.
by ALESHA TAYLOR, MACY HARDER, EMMA ENEBAK, AND MEGAN CORNELL
The Outdoor Explorer
The onset of fall in Minnesota is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream—cooler temperatures for camping and long hikes, endless opportunities for scenic views of the changing foliage, and best of all, no mosquitoes. If the first 50-degree day of the season has you eager to lace up your boots and hit the trail, the North Shore should be your go-to destination this fall. –M.H.
Situated just north of Duluth, Two Harbors is a great entry point for all the North Shore has to o er.
Don’t miss the city’s crown jewels— Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park—for hiking paired with stunning views of waterfalls, foliage, and Lake Superior. Pack a picnic and head out on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail on foot or bike, or shred the rocky mountain bike terrain at Split Rock Wilds
Slightly northeast of Duluth, the city of
o Highway 61 to marvel at the sweeping views from Palisade Head, a 300-foot-tall rock formation towering over Lake Superior, or head to Black Beach and stroll, kayak, or paddleboard along the dark, sandy shoreline.
Silver Bay is enveloped in dramatic cli s and dense forests waiting to be explored. Start in Tettegouche State Park , where day hikers and backpackers alike will find a variety of treks overlooking the stunning tree canopy. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)’s 6.8-mile Bean and Bear Lake Loop is also popular, yet moderately challenging. Pull
Inching a bit further northeast, the small, side-by-side towns of Schroeder and Tofte are great for outdoor adventures without the crowds. Hike along the impressive river gorge, fish for trout, or rock climb at Temperance River State Park, or opt to take the SHT’s spur trail to the top of Carlton Peak for bird’s-eye views of the colorful maple forest. Head up the Sawbill Trail to find single-track mountain biking at the Bri on Peak Trailhead. Lastly, nestled within the Sawtooth Mountains, Lutsen bursts to
BEAN LAKE
GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK
LUTSEN MOUNTAINS
life with vibrant hues every fall—a perfect playground for nature lovers. The 1,000-acre Lutsen Mountains ski area is home to several miles of hiking trails that feature sprawling vistas and leaf-peeping views, including a popular and dramatic section of
the SHT and the scenic Moose Mountain Ridgeline Trail . Pro tip: Ride the aerial Summit Express Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain for an unmatched vantage point of the surrounding mountain range and Lake Superior coastline.
More Outdoor Adventures to Consider
These wild adventures promise fresh air, fall colors, and (most importantly) unforge able views
■ Backpack in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
■ Bike the paved Mesabi Trail in the Iron Range
■ Camp in Jay Cooke State Park under the trees
■ Climb the bluffs at Sugar Loaf in Winona
■ Explore Interstate State Park’s glacial potholes
■ Head to Cuyuna Lakes and pedal the red dirt trails
■ Hike to the summit of Eagle Mountain in northern Cook County
■ Paddle the St. Croix River near Marine on St. Croix
■ Take a tour of Mystery Cave in Spring Valley
■ Visit the bison herd at Mankato’s Minneopa State Park
The Cozy Creative
We all know that one person. The one whose ideal Saturday night is spent cozying up by the fireplace as they etch away at a new craft—FOMO (the fear of missing out) is not in their vocabulary, and their desired form of socializing is a rejuvenating sauna session. If this sounds like you, these lesser-known gems might just offer you the perfect cocoon of warmth, creativity, and relaxation. Don your coziest outerwear, pack a book or two, and get ready to traverse the most artful and Zen-like corners of our diverse state. –E.E.
With autumnal river views, charming small-town bakeries, waterside art museums, and even a yarn-centric craft shop, Winona lures art lovers and peace seekers alike. Here, nestle into the historic charm of one of area’s most lavish stays— the Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast, a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion that has been converted into an oasislike getaway for visitors. It’s the perfect home base for a weekend full of museum and cafe hopping—start at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum on the banks of the Mississippi, which houses a collection of contemporary and historic artworks inspired by water.
Nearby, revel in the gourmet history of Watkins—a 157-year-old baking product manufacturer—at the Watkins Museum & Store , where you can shop a delightful array of baking extracts as you dive into archival advertisements, products, photographs, and memorabilia. Craft lovers come alive at Winona’s Yarnology, where cozy is not just a state of mind, but a way of being. Explore shelves lined with diverse yarns, needles and notions, hand-knitted merchandise, and beginner bundles and kits.
PHOTO MICAH KVIDT
For some cozy caffeination, consider bringing your new needlework to Blooming Grounds Co ee House, a relaxed downtown co ee shop that o ers occasional in-house craft classes. Before your adventure ends, make sure to pop into Paperbacks and Pieces—Winona’s oldest and largest used bookstore—to browse over 40,000 titles. You’re sure to leave with a little extra inspiration, a finished craft, and most importantly, a new reason to stay in next weekend. Up north, take in the breadth of Minnesota’s artistic excellence by heading north to Cook County’s annual Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour (Sept. 26-Oct. 5),
where you can wander through the open artist studios that dot Lake Superior’s rugged coastline and marvel at fi nished and in-progress masterpieces.
Nestled in the harbor village of Grand Marais, you’ll also fi nd Sisu + Löyly Nordic Sauna, a Scandinavian-style fl oating sauna that rests upon the rocky waters of Lake Superior. The sweeping, oceanic views o er a much-needed escape from reality, as you transition between the steamy sauna and the frigid open water—a cycle proven to boost moods and enhance mental clarity. With your senses restored, head to Drury Lane Books to connect with
fellow like-minded literary lovers. The shop’s dreamy blue-and-purple painted exterior feels like a storybook in itself. Bundle up by the fire and enjoy the Scandinavian-style kos (a Norwegian term for cozy, peaceful, and warm) during a stay at The Minne Stuga, a cedar-clad cabin nestled in the quiet North Woods. Listen to the wind whistle through the pines as you disconnect from the world and enjoy the unique serenity of the North Shore’s starry sky—a canvas that is occasionally painted by the rare and beautiful phenomenon of the northern lights. (Pro tip: Download the My Aurora Forecast mobile app.)
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM, DRURY LANE BOOKS, SISU + LÖ YLY NORDIC SAUNA, THE MINNE STUGA
The Small-Town Seeker
Craving crisp air, changing leaves, and a quieter pace? These small towns offer the perfect antidote to city noise and calendar chaos. Each one is rich in charm, with cozy cafes, scenic views, and unexpected treasures that invite you to wander, unwind, and soak up the season. Whether you’re planning a fall getaway or simply looking for your next Saturday drive, these destinations are made for slowing down and savoring autumn in all its golden glory. –M.C.
Where can you find smalltown charm with a big dose of nature? Detroit Lakes. With more than 400 lakes in the region, plus scenic drives, downtown shops, and vibrant local restaurants (many with water views), there’s something for every pace. Bird-watch along the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail , stroll the Sucker Creek Preserve , pedal or jog the Heartland State Trail (the region’s first multiuse path), or drop a line in one of myriad fishing holes. Rest your head at Fair Hills Resort or The Hideaway. Just south of the Twin Cities, New Prague o ers a refreshing dose of hometown warmth with a rich Czech heritage woven into daily life. Explore local boutiques and cafes (or a delicious glass of
wine at Next Chapter Winery ). Enjoy a picnic with lake views at nearby Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park. The Gopher State Railway Museum welcomes visitors May through October on the first Saturday of each month, with bonus stops during special events like New Prague’s Dozinky Days in September and the festive Pumpkin Express in October.
Tucked away in the Root River Valley , Lanesboro is the perfect under-the-radar spot for seeing incredible fall foliage, biking the lush Root River State Trail, and driving along the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. (An added bonus? Along the way, quaint towns like Whalan tempt travelers with cozy cafes and legendary sweet treats.) Lanesboro is also a designated Arts Campus, and the
community prides itself on its wide variety of art and cultural o erings, such as the Lanesboro Art Gallery , Commonweal Theatre Co., and St. Mane Theatre
Sharing a border with Wisconsin, Lake City is a picturesque river town on Lake Pepin. The town boasts Ferguson’s Pepin Heights Store , known for its 400,000tree apple orchard, plenty of breweries and restaurants, and Lake City’s premier fall festival: Johnny Appleseed Days (Oct. 4). Lake Pepin is Lake City’s marquee attraction, and its calm waters make it ideal for lakeside walks or casting a line. Adventure lovers can camp by the water, while weekend travelers can enjoy a stay at one of Lake City’s quaint hotels or vacation rentals.
Charming Detours
More small-ish towns in Minnesota that are big on personality ■ Biwabik ■ Center City
Ely
Li le Falls
New Ulm
Park Rapids
Red Wing
Wabasha
The Culinary Nomad
Looking for avorful fall stops beyond the usual? From barnyard brie to sky-high pizza dreams, these northwestern Minnesota towns serve up quirky charm, culinary craftsmanship, and unforgettable eats—perfect for your next road trip detour. –A.T.
In the heart of Barnesville (about three hours northwest of the Twin Cities), Purple Goose Eatery & Drinkery brings big-city flair to small-town dining. With its classic look, warm staff, and craveworthy weekly specials—like $5 o pizzas on Mondays and BOGO burger deals on Wednesdays—this spot blends elevated comfort food with hometown hospitality. Down the road, Hangar 54 Pizza was born from founder Shawn Burcham’s lifelong need for speed—and a bold “I will” attitude. Once a quiet kid chasing thrills on four-wheelers and go-karts, he’s now a pilot and entrepreneur channeling
that same energy into a pizza joint with serious altitude. Hangar 54 serves up fast, flavorful pies loaded with premium toppings, like fi ve-cheese blend, bacon, or Italian sausage. First-class specialties like BBQ Chicken, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and the fully loaded “You’re the Pilot” let your cravings take the wheel.
Set among 88 serene acres near the shores of Alexandria’s Lake Ida, Ida Graves Distillery offers a reflective and flavorful stop on any fall road trip. The land, rich with native grasses and pollinator plants, borders the historic Lake Ida Cemetery—a quiet reminder of the past
Farm-to-Table Frenzy
Minnesota’s farm-to-table scene is booming—these hot spots are worth checking out
■ Alpha & Omega Farm, Princeton
■ Cup N’ Saucer, Sherburn
■ Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn, Belgrade
■ The Fisherman’s Daughter at Dockside Fish Market, Grand Marais
■ Mill Valley Kitchen, Rochester and St. Louis Park
■ Nosh Scratch Kitchen, Winona
■ Tu i Frui i Kitchen & Market Farm, Sauk Centre
■ Wise Acre Eatery, Minneapolis
that deepens the sense of place. Inside the newly opened Cocktail Room, guests can sip seasonal craft cocktails made with Ida Graves’ signature spirits, all while soaking in crisp autumn views. Another hidden gem in Alexandria? The Downtown Diner This greasy spoon only serves breakfast and lunch—and the caramel rolls are worth the drive alone.
At Redhead Creamery in Brooten, Minnesota, cheese isn’t just a product—it’s a story of grit, family, and fl avor. Nestled on Jer-Lindy Farms, this working dairy farm and creamery invites visitors to step behind the scenes of award-winning cheese making. What started as a dream in 2013 has grown into a thriving artisan operation, o ering rich cheddars, creamy brie, and bold Havarti crafted just feet from where the cows are milked. With guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays, an on-site cheese shop, and a firsthand look at the cheesemaking process, Redhead Creamery delivers a deliciously immersive farm-to-fork experience. Less than 10 minutes away, the Greenwald Pub has been a local favorite since 1995—serving up daily specials (think deep-fried, walleye-breaded chicken gizzards) and genuine hospitality.
IDA GRAVES DISTILLERY
DESTINATIONS
Travel planner Fall
Crisp air, golden leaves, and the irresistible pull of the open road—fall in the Midwest is a season made for exploring. Whether you’re chasing peak foliage, cozying up in a lakeside cabin, or sampling the flavors of autumn at a local festival, this is your guide to making the most of the season.
A Premier Autumn Destination
11 Twin Cities Communities
Autumn transforms the Twin Cities Gateway into a vibrant wonderland, making it an unparalleled time to visit this scenic region just north of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The vibrant foliage o ers a breathtaking backdrop for a variety of seasonal activities—hike or bike through Bunker Hills Regional Park or along the Rum River at Akin Riverside Park, paddle down the Rum River, or explore the boardwalks of the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. Visiting Anoka, the “Halloween Capital of the World,” is another highlight of the season. This historic city hosts a month-long celebration with parades, house-decorating contests, pumpkin carving, ghost tours, and myriad other family-friendly events. Round out your seasonal getaway with a trip to a farm or pumpkin patch in the area, where you can pick out your own pumpkin, navigate corn mazes, and enjoy freshly baked treats. tcgateway.com
Seasonal Fun Awaits at crow River Winery
Hutchinson, Minnesota
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the beauty of fall at Crow River Winery. Mark your calendar for the Grape Stomp on Sept. 27 to partake in the grape-stomping competition and enjoy a vendor fair, food trucks, live music, goat snuggling, and more. To be part of the fun, grapestomping teams can sign up online. Later in the season, bring the whole family to Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 18, where you’ll find bounce houses, pumpkin chucking, a corn pit, and several pumpkin-themed activities—perfect for adults and kids alike. crowriverwinery.com
An Idy ic Bed & Breakfast
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Located between Agate and Burlington bays on Lake Superior, the historic Two Harbors Lighthouse is a great place to relax and unwind on the North Shore. Experience tranquility at the Bed & Breakfast and enjoy watching the seasons change on the water. As the colors turn and crisp evenings come, shipping tra c picks up on the Great Lakes—enjoy a front-row view of the docks at Agate Bay from the lighthouse, which has guided ships into the bay since 1892. lighthousebb.org
Fa Fun on the St. Croix
Hudson, Wisconsin
Just east of the Twin Cities, Hudson, Wisconsin, offers the perfect autumn escape with vibrant foliage, outdoor adventures, and local cuisine. Hike to the waterfall at Willow River State Park or take in breathtaking views at Birkmose and Prospect parks. Raise a glass at one of the Hudson area’s wineries or distilleries, and savor sweet treats from a local confectionery or bakery. Experience the city from a new perspective with an unforgettable tour, from a fall color cruise with St. Croix River Cruises to an exploration of local flavor on the Hudson Food Walk, or dive into history at the Octagon House Museum—all against the backdrop of brilliant autumn color. discoverhudsonwi.org
Fa ing for Alexandria
Alexandria, Minnesota
Fall in Alexandria is something special—the air turns crisp and the whole area is framed by colorful foliage. Explore local shops and boutiques downtown, pick pumpkins and jump into the corn pit at Country Blossom Farm, and stomp grapes and sip handcrafted beverages at the Carlos Creek Winery Grape Stomp Festival (Sept. 12-14). Other fall festivals include Oletoberfest at Copper Trail Brewing Co. in early September and 22 Northmen Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest, where you can find festive beer, stein-holding contests, and more fun. From its scenic trails and small-town charm to lively fall events, Alexandria is the kind of place that makes you want to come back year after year. explorealex.com
The Ultimate W kend Escape
Pier B Resort Hotel, Duluth, Minnesota
As the crisp air rolls in and the leaves ignite with fiery hues, Pier B Resort Hotel becomes your ultimate autumn escape. Watch ships pass under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge from waterfront balconies and restaurants, then explore Canal Park by complimentary paddleboard, bike, or e-scooter. Hike near Enger Tower for panoramic views, enjoy a picturesque drive up Highway 61, and visit Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse, then return to Pier B and unwind by the outdoor fire pits or hot tub. On your final morning, savor a leisurely breakfast before browsing Canal Park’s local artisan treasures. Pier B is your playground for unforgettable autumnal adventures. pierbresort.com
Bright Leaves, Big Fun
Bemidji, Minnesota
Experience “great moments” when you immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color in Bemidji. Whether it’s exploring the massive corn maze at Fuller Farm or lacing up your shoes to run the annual Blue Ox Marathon, Bemidji has you covered for fall fun. Plus, the Bemidji area o ers five di erent self-guided fall color tours for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can also celebrate the season at the Buena Vista Ski Area Fall Colors Festival on Sept. 20-21—this annual tradition provides horse-drawn wagon rides over the beautiful countryside, live music, crafts, blacksmithing, woodcarving, and spinning demonstrations. Enjoy the landscape and make memories that will last a lifetime. visitbemidji.com
At the core of your Duluth retreat, Pier B beckons with family-friendly amenities – play on the Sport Court, unwind in the outdoor hot tub, and savor harbor views by our fre pits with a drink from Silos Restaurant. Situated steps away from key attractions and trails, our property provides endless ways to explore and relax any time of year.
Book at pierbresort.com
Art and Orchards
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Weave two hallmark Bayfield experiences—arts and orchards—into one seamless fall adventure.
Head to Festival of Arts at Memorial Park (Sept. 6-7), featuring juried pottery, paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and more, all with Lake Superior flair. Wander participating galleries for the start of Art Escape (Sept. 6-14) and enjoy open studios, demos, and artist talks across Bayfield County and Madeline Island. Discover the Bayfield Fruit Loop and pick your own apples across a dozen orchards, each with its own unique o erings and farm stores. During the first weekend in October, make your way downtown to the Bayfield Apple Festival (Oct. 3-5) to explore over 150 food and craft vendors, live music, and a grand parade on Sunday. bayfield.org
Autumn Amid the Blu s La Crosse, Wisconsin
Nestled between the blu s along the Mississippi River, the La Crosse Region of Wisconsin boasts festive flavors, charming history, and vibrant fall vistas. Begin your journey at Jules Coffeehouse in historic downtown La Crosse and stroll through the International Friendship Gardens and Riverside Park. Take a brief drive up Grandad Blu to enjoy the crisp fall air with stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley, and warm up with lunch at Red Pines in Onalaska—on your way, don’t miss the perfect photo opportunity at Sunny the Sunfish overlooking Lake Onalaska. More fall fun awaits at Hidden Trails Corn Maze in West Salem, the Blu to Blu Trolley Tour, and Riverview Winery. After your adventure, head back to downtown La Crosse for a savory meal or drinks to wrap up your getaway. explorelacrosse.com
Twice the Color, Twice the Adventure
Lake County, Minnesota
With some of the most vibrant foliage in Minnesota, fall is one of the best times for outdoor adventure on the North Shore. In Lake County, fall colors peak twice—first in the Sawtooth Mountain highlands from midSeptember through early October, and second along Lake Superior’s shoreline from late September through midOctober. Soak in the views with scenic drives along Highway 61 and Highway 1, traverse gorgeous state parks and the Superior Hiking Trail, and experience fun and challenging mountain biking terrain. lovinlakecounty.com
Fall Bucket List
Grape Stomp
Sept. 12-14, Alexandria, Minnesota
Enjoy a weekend of live music, craft beverages, stomping competitions, shopping, and fun at Carlos Creek Winery’s Grape Stomp—the largest winery festival in Minnesota. Sip on wine, beer, and cider while you browse market finds from local vendors, try your hand at grape stomping (preregistration required), or show o your creativity in the costume contests. Cheers to 25 years of stomping! ccwgrapestomp.com
Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival
Sept. 27-28, Hudson, Wisconsin
Celebrate art and autumn along the scenic St. Croix River at this free, familyfriendly festival in Lakefront Park. Discover original artwork from 80 artists, enjoy live music, take part in hands-on demonstrations, and savor seasonal flavors. discoverhudsonwi.org
‘Julia Child: A Recipe for Life’
Opens Sept. 27, St. Paul, Minnesota
See America’s favorite chef through rare photos, artifacts, and interactive displays at the Minnesota History Center’s “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” exhibit. Visit the restaurant that sparked her journey, step into her kitchen, and explore stories behind beloved recipes through cookbooks from MNHS. mnhs.org/historycenter/activities/museum/julia-child
Fa Fest
Sept. 28-Oct. 31, Lake City, Minnesota
Lake City is brimming with a full spectrum of colors during its five weeks of fall festivities. Sample local brews at Johnny Appleseed Beer and Cider Fest, participate in a Zombie Run, or play at the Fun Zone in picturesque Patton Park. lakecity.org/fallfest
Red Wing Arts Fa Festival
Oct. 11-12, Red Wing, Minnesota
Visit, shop, play, dine, and enjoy a day of fine art while taking in fall color at its peak in beautiful downtown Red Wing! The 59th annual Red Wing Arts Fall Festival features high-caliber original artworks for purchase by 120-plus regional artists, all-day concerts, food trucks, and interactive artmaking. redwingartsfallfestival.org
Oktoberfest at
22 Northmen Brewing Co.
Oct. 18, Alexandria, Minnesota
Head to 22 Northmen Brewing Co. for its annual celebration of all things cozy, festive, and fall. From stein-holding contests and pumpkin-launching demos to live music, bonfires, and free brewery tours, there’s something for everyone. carloscreek.com/event/oktoberfest
Anoka
Ha ow n
October, Anoka, Minnesota
Experience spooky season in Anoka, the “Halloween Capital of the World.”
As one of America’s oldest citywide celebrations, Anoka Halloween o ers family-friendly fun throughout October, including parades, costume contests, and numerous community events. anokahalloween.com
Art and A les
All Season, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Experience the beauty of fall in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Discover local creativity at the Bayfield Festival of Arts and Art Escape (Sept. 6-14), celebrate tradition at the iconic Apple Festival (Oct. 3-5), and enjoy crisp autumn days while apple picking in scenic orchards. bayfield.org
Country Blo om Farm
All Season, Alexandria, Minnesota
Make Country Blossom Farm part of your fall plans! Pick apples and pumpkins, explore a 7-acre corn maze, play in the giant corn pit, and more. Don’t miss out on the farm-to-fork bakery and hard fresh-pressed apple cider. countryblossomfarm.com
Lakefront Leisure
All Season, Duluth, Minnesota
Your bucket list awaits at Pier B Resort Hotel! Watch ships from your balcony and roast s’mores by the fire; paddleboard or pedal cart around the marina; bike to Canal Park for ice cream; soak in the hot tub; and dine harborside at Silos Restaurant. pierbresort.com/advenure-starts-here
Orchards Galore
All Season, Bu alo, Minnesota
Enjoy all things fall in Bu alo—including orchards with apples and pumpkins, music, jumping pads, a petting zoo, corn maze, and more. It’s a great way to make memories and tantalize the taste buds. bualochamber.org
Anoka, Minnesota proudly hold the title of the “Halloween Capital of the World”, having hosted one of the first o cial Halloween celebrations in the United States in 1920.
The city-wide event features a variety of festivities throughout the month. From house decorating contests to spooky movie nights, the community fully embraces the Halloween spirit. The celebration culminates in a series of parades that bring thousands of spectators to the historic downtown streets:
Light Up the Night Parade: October 18, 2025
Big Parade of Little People: October 24, 2025
Grande Day Parade: October 25, 2025
Anoka Halloween Ambassador Coronation: October 25, 2025
3TH ANNUAL GRILLFEST SIZZLES WITH RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS
Minnesota Monthly’s 13th Annual GrillFest brought the heat to CHS Field with a record-breaking crowd of almost 4,000 eager food and drink enthusiasts. This year’s two-day outdoor celebration of all things grilled, smoked, shaken, and stirred was the biggest and boldest yet, with hundreds of samples from local and national purveyors, live demos, summer vibes, and fierce—but friendly— culinary competitions.
Throughout the weekend, a endees voted in four epic showdowns to crown the best in burgers, barbecue, margaritas, and Bloody Marys. Congratulations to our 2025 GrillFest Ba le Champions:
Burger Ba le Winner: Twin Cities 400 Tavern
Presented by COUNTRY Financial, Twin Cities 400 Tavern's perfectly seasoned pa y and luscious toppings won over GrillFest-goers—earning top honors among a juicy lineup that featured Alary’s Bar & Barbecue, Blondies Butcher Shop, The Fabled Rooster, FireLake Grill House, and Portillo’s.
Bloody Mary Ba le Winner: Kickled Mary
Hosted by Gray Duck Spirits, Kickled Mary delivered bold flavor and striking garnishes that captured fans’ votes in a tough field including Alary’s Bar & Barbecue, Butcher & The Boar, FireLake Grill House, Twin Cities 400 Tavern, and Zing Zang.
Margarita Mania Ba le Winner: Kickled Mary
Sponsored by Milagro Tequila, this marks a double-victory weekend for Kickled Mary—its refreshing twist on the classic margarita took the top spot in a competition judged live by fans and a hot field including Alary’s Bar & Barbecue, Borough, Char Bar, FireLake Grill House, Parlour St. Paul, P.S. Steak, and Starling.
BBQ Ba le Winner: Alary’s Bar & Barbeque
In its inaugural year, the BBQ Ba le was won by Alary’s Bar & Barbecue. Competitors included Bullvino’s Churrascaria, Jones N Your Bones, and Smokin Bonez.
In addition to these culinary clashes, GrillFest featured standout sponsor activations that elevated the experience for all. Presenting sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka drew crowds with their signature Tito’s taster bar, featuring refreshing cocktail samplings and a lively lounge vibe that found guests cra ing their own summer drinks. Meanwhile, the o cial wine of GrillFest, J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines, o ered refreshing summer varietals to pair with savory samplings from P.S. Steak. Cool rides and ice-cold root beer were served up by Jeff Belzer KIA, while Prairie Organic Spirits hosted a fun-filled Game Zone.
And once again, proceeds from not one, but two ra es benefited M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, with an o cial match from the show organizers. The fan-favorite 99 Bo les of Beer on the Wall ra e returned once again. And a new fan-favorite came courtesy of Ambassador, the o cial Hot Dog of GrillFest. Ra e entrants were randomly chosen to try their hand at shooting Ambassador’s hot dog launcher, Der Viener Schlinger, at a bullseye target in le field. And you guessed it, participants closest to the target won hot dogs for a year!
With perfect weather, sold-out a endance, and unbeatable energy, the 13th Annual GrillFest once again proved why it’s the ultimate kicko to summer in the Twin Cities. Until next year— cheers to great grilling, be er drinks, and the best bites in town.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
DRINK +
Ta ste
BITES, SIPS + WHAT’S NEW
FROM RICH BROTHS TO HANDMADE PASTA, THESE DISHES ARE WORTH TWIRLING, SLURPING, AND SAVORING THIS SEASON
by JASON DeRUSHA
DRINK + TASTE favorites
Remember the no - carb phase ? What were we thinking? Especially as our weather starts to cool down a bit, there’s a primal desire to put on that warm coat of dough and noodles. Noodles in Minnesota are far beyond farfalle and pho. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to “noods”—from ramen in Minneapolis to pad thai in Rochester. Fork it, slurp it, twirl it—it’s a time of innovation, exploration, and deliciousness.
33 N. First Ave., Minneapolis; sanjusanrestaurant.com
• SPOON AND STABLE
Orecchie e (duck chorizo, piquillo pepper, Idiazábal cheese, crispy hominy)
211 N. First St., Minneapolis; spoonandstable.com
• TOSCA
Beef Tagliatelle (braised beef short rib ragú, soffri o, Parmigiano-Reggiano)
3415 W. 44th St., Minneapolis; toscampls.com
JASON’S PICK: Dario
323 N. Washington Ave., Suite 100, Minneapolis dariorestaurant.com
Chef Joe Rolle’s Doppio may be the most impactful piece of pasta Minnesota has seen in decades. One side is stuffed with sunchoke puree, the other with hazelnuts and rico a. The noodle itself is light yet strong. The flavors are complementary yet opposing. Up and down the pasta menu, you’ll find whimsy, innovation, excitement, and energy. And the technique has only become more dialed in since Dario opened in January 2024.
Asian Noodle Soups and Salads
• EM QUE VIET
So Shell Crab Pasta in Bún Riêu Sauce (homemade pasta, seafood, pork, cherry tomatoes, shredded green onions)
1332 Grand Ave., St. Paul; emqueviet.com
• JUN SZECHUAN KITCHEN & BAR
Dan Dan Noodles (house-made noodles, minced pork, spicy sesame sauce, scallions)
730 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis; junnorthloop.com
• KINZŌ UDON
Beef Bone Soup Udon (broth, udon noodles, choice of protein, green onion, tempura flakes)
802 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis; kinzoudon.com
548 N. Washington Ave., Suite 105, Minneapolis, cafeyoto.com
Chef Yo Hasegawa has mastered the udon noodle, from proofing the Japanese flourmade dough for nearly 24 hours to sheeting it in a machine right behind the counter. Years of working with the legendary chef Shigeyuki Furukawa at Kado no Mise has his technique on point. You’ll love the simple noodles and kelp broth. There are many vegetarian options, like the Kinoko Udon with Japanese mushrooms, as well as a fantastic Karaage Udon with Japanese fried chicken.
ZEN HOUSE
SANJUSAN
DARIO
Pad Thai
• NONG’S THAI CUISINE
2520 Hillsboro Ave. N., Golden Valley; nongsthaicuisine.com
• PRIME GROCERY & DELI
560 Como Ave., St. Paul; facebook.com/northendmarkets
3005 Utah Ave. S., St. Louis Park; wokintheparkrestaurant.com
JASON’S PICK:
ThaiPop
4 Third St. SW, Rochester thaipopmn.com
Chef Annie Balow moved to the United States from Thailand in 2012, and her pop-up restaurant connected so strongly that she and her husband opened a brick-and-mortar. The self-taught chef was inspired by her mother and grandmother, and her mastery of noodles is evident in her pad see ew, a cousin to pad thai with a slightly wider noodle.
Noodle Legends
• BRODERS’ PASTA BAR
Linguine Con Salsicce e Rapini (egg pasta, rapini pesto, Broders’ mild sausage, bell peppers, pecorino romano, pine nuts, breadcrumbs)
5000 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis; broderspastabar.com
• DEGIDIO’S
Rigatoni and Porche a Meatballs (rigatoni pasta, spicy arrabiata sauce, porche a meatballs)
425 Seventh St. W., St. Paul; degidios.com
• MUCCI’S ITALIAN
Lasagna (roasted red pepper, kale, summer sauce, mozzarella)
786 Randolph Ave., St. Paul; muccisitalian.com
JASON’S PICK:
Bar La Grassa
800 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis barlagrassa.com
Issac Becker’s gnocchi with cauliflower and orange is as revelatory today as it was when it first appeared in 2009. Pillowy is the only appropriate descriptor—with bright, bold flavor. Just like the rest of the restaurant. There’s a reason Bar La Grassa is still packing in the crowds a er all these years.
I
Ramen and Pho
• LOTUS MAPLE GROVE
Kim Ly’s Surf N Turf Pho (lobster tail, beef rib, beef meatballs, tendon, tripe, shrimp, crab, cilantro, onions)
13704 83rd Way N., Maple Grove; lotusmaplegrove.com
• MOTO-I
Pork Abura Ramen (brothless ramen, smoked pork shoulder, pickled red onion, chili oil, ponzu, scallion, bonito, poached egg)
Com Saw Mi Da (chili crisp, gochujang, chicken, so egg)
603 Seventh St. W., St. Paul; toriramen.com
JASON’S PICK: Zen Box Izakaya
602 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis zenbox.com
I’ve tried every ramen I can find in Minnesota, and nothing compares to Zen Box. John Ng is a true student of the art form—his slowly developed, rich broth is fabulous. The classic Tonkotsu Ramen sets the standard with a heritage pork bone broth and noodles imported from Japan.
BAR LA GRASSA
MOTO -
Delicious Deals
DINING DEALS THAT ARE EASY ON THE WALLET BUT BIG ON FLAVOR
by ALESHA TAYLOR
let’s be honest: Dining out has gotten... spicy. And not always in a good way. But there’s still magic to be found on a menu—whether you’re planning a dreamy date night, grabbing a cheap weekday lunch, or feeding a table full of hungry humans. From $8 iconic burgers and pasta-for-two specials to family platters that actually feed four (and then some), these Twin Cities spots deliver big flavor without the big bill. Because good food should taste good and feel like a win.
DATE - NIGHT DEALS
Aster Cafe
Tucked along a storybook stretch of cobblestone in Minneapolis, Aster Cafe is equal parts romance and river views. With a dreamy patio, cozy candlelit dining room, and live music many nights, it’s the perfect setting for a date—and most mains start at under $20.
Broders’ Pasta Bar
For a cozy, carb-filled date night in southwest Minneapolis, Broders’ Pasta Bar o ers a can’t-miss “After 8” special. From Sunday to Thursday between 8-9 p.m., couples can enjoy cicchetti, two salads, two classic pastas, and a carafe of wine— all for $62.
Bryant Lake Bowl
Bryant Lake Bowl’s beloved Monday night special delivers big romance on a small budget—$38 gets you two entrees, drinks (beer or a bottle of wine), and a round of bowling on vintage lanes. Retro charm, great food, and fun vibes make this one of the best date-night deals in town.
Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge
Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka serves up cozy vibes and serious value with a three-course dinner for two (think lobster tail, walleye, and decadent desserts) every Monday for $69.95. Since 1968, this lakeside favorite has been a go-to for great food, lake views, and relaxed neighborhood charm.
1881 EATING HOUSE
DINO’S GYROS
5-8 Club
What started as a 1928 speakeasy is now a Minnesota burger legend, serving up molten cheese–stuffed patties on fresh bakery buns. On Mondays, score its classic American Cheese Juicy Lucy for just $8—a cheesy steal. Locations in Champlin, Maplewood, Minneapolis, and West St. Paul.
Bánh Appetit
This Dinkytown gem serves up a massive bánh mì combo—sandwich, crispy fries, and a drink—for just $10.49 plus tax. With bold Southeast Asian flavors, vegetarian options, and speedy service, it’s a lunch deal worth braving the parking for.
Cedar Inn Bar & Grill
A low-key neighborhood favorite in Minneapolis, Cedar Inn is all about big flavor and small prices. From Sunday to Thursday, you’ll find daily comfort food deals—all under $15—including wings, a prime rib sandwich with fries and au jus, homemade meatloaf, spaghetti, and classic hot beef commercials. Beer specials rotate daily, too.
Lions Tap
A no-frills Eden Prairie staple, Lions Tap is all about the burger—fresh, juicy, and made daily with its signature seasoning. Served on disposable dishware with a side of nostalgia, the cheeseburgers ($6.35 for a single) here are simple and satisfying, with plenty of napkins to catch the drip. Pair one with a pile of fries ($3.15) and a tap-poured 1919 Root Beer ($3) for the full experience.
1881 Eating House
At St. Paul’s 1881 Eating House inside Union Depot, you can feed a crowd with the towering weekend-only Glizzy Tower—eight hot dogs, a heap of fries, and a full lineup of signature sauces for just $55. It’s a fl avorful, shareable steal that turns pre-gaming into a full-on feast.
Dino’s Gyros
Dino’s makes it easy to feed the whole crew with its family-size Feed 4 Special: a pound of protein, four flatbreads, fresh veggies, cucumber sauce, and four small salads—all for $49.99. A tasty, budgetfriendly way to bring the Mediterranean to your table. Locations in Coon Rapids, Edina, Falcon Heights, and Woodbury.
Wally’s Famous Roast Beef
This Bloomington favorite serves slowroasted USDA Choice beef on a toasted Kaiser bun. Grab roast beef by the pound ($12.95), turkey or ham ($10.99), and classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or beans ($7.50/lb).
LIONS TAP
BRYANT LAKE BOWL
LUNCH UNDER $15
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
What’s Up
Walking across The Cabana Club’s sundrenched riverside patio makes you feel like you’re no longer in Minneapolis. With tiki-style straw umbrellas outdoors; vibrant, exotic plant life flourishing across the restaurant’s lighttoned interior; and dishes ranging from spicy Vietnamese pho to delicate, Hawaiian-style Mahi Mahi, this global dining concept was inspired by its owners’ love for travel. The Cabana Club is a labor of love conceived by a dynamic trio of industry veterans—sommelier and part-owner Krista Johnson, her partner and executive chef Charlie Gibbs, and their good friend and operations director Jay Viskocil—all of whom used to work together at now-neighbors Aster House and Jefe Urban Cocina. Occupying the historical building that was once Vic’s Restaurant on St. Anthony Main, the space feels fresh and reimagined, whisking visitors into a paradisical escape that echoes the passion of its creators.
Side Dish
THE CABANA CLUB SERVES UP GLOBALLY INSPIRED
CUISINE IN A TRANSPORTIVE, BEACHY ATMOSPHERE
Our drinks were the precursor to the colorful, exotic journey of our four courses. Bright pink and garnished with a fresh strawberry, the Beverly Hills is an Italian-inspired concoction of vodka, Sicilian amaro, strawberry, lemon, and a surprisingly delicious dose of balsamic. For starters, we savored the Chicken Skewers—served on a pointed blade of lemon grass (a touch Gibbs picked up on a trip to Vietnam) and accompanied by a light and savory peanut sauce—and the bright and citrusy Seabass Crudo, a bold marriage of South American flavors. The owners’ trip to Vietnam was proven to have paid off with the rich and brothy Brisket Pho, a medley of bold spices and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. To round out our international tour, we journeyed to the Caribbean with the divine Jerk Chicken, and finally, to Italy with the herby Wild Mushroom Fe uccine, a harmonious balance of punchy Calabrian chiles and smooth morel-porcini cream. Yes, we were full.
What’s the Vibe?
The Cabana Club’s distinct personality, which can only be accredited to its dedicated ownership, practically leaps off the walls. Every detail, from the red-lit, bamboo-paneled bar to the glossy wooden dining tables, was diligently executed by the trio themselves. “Charlie’s brother made the tables,” Johnson revealed. “He just happened to have a bunch of wood in his backyard in Wisconsin.” Viskocil and Johnson picked out every plant—down to the hanging succulents that cascade from the back of the bar—and Gibbs refines his cra by making everything from scratch and in-house. “This is and will remain our only restaurant,” Johnson shared. “We just want to be fully here and put everything into doing it really well.” From where I was si ing, it appeared to be paying off 201 SE Main St., Minneapolis, cabanaclubmpls. com –Emma Enebak
Passport on a Plate
From above: Mahi Mahi, Zanzibar, Brisket Pho
Battle of the Brushes
by M ACY HARDER
One , two , three , let’s paint!” someone shouts into a microphone. Armed with brushes and palettes, six artists simultaneously spring into action, and the night officially begins.
I’m standing in Crayon Kelly Experience, a gallery in St. Louis Park’s West End, where the artists are about to go head-to-head in a live painting competition known as Art Battle Minnesota—a local o shoot of the global Art Battle International. Founded in 2001 in New York City as a response to gatekeeping in the art world, Art Battle encourages making and selling art without any pretension—the barrier of entry for artists is next to none, and the power lies in the hands of the audience.
Here’s how it works: Once a month, 12 artists face off in three rounds of live painting, with just 20 minutes to create an original piece of their choice. After the first and second rounds, the audience can vote for (and bid on) their favorites, and the top four contestants advance to a final round to compete for the crown. The winner receives an award, a cash prize, and the chance to move onto state, national, and even world championship competitions.
artists that were motivated, and uplifting and challenging each other,” she says. In 2023, Anderson worked with Simon Plashkes, president of Art Battle International, to get a recurring monthly event o the ground. After a few floating pop-ups, Art Battle Minnesota found its home at The Shops at West End last fall—where it has since fostered a tight-knit community of local artists and art lovers alike.
gallery’s owner and
Kelly Anderson, the gallery’s owner and founder of creative strategy agency Crayon Kelly, competed in Art Battle Chicago three years ago and wondered why Minnesota didn’t have its own event. “I thought it was really neat to be around other
As you step inside, it’s impossible to overlook the talent that has graced the Art Battle stage. The walls are lined with works that didn’t sell during past competitions—all of which are available for purchase, Anderson explains, o ering a chance to support the artists directly, even after the battles are over.
With 20 minutes on the clock, I watch as the artists lay down their first brush strokes. Some have a flair for the abstract, applying brightly colored backgrounds to set the tone for their piece; others are more calculated, starting with simple outlines while taking note of their reference photos. I join the group of excited onlookers circling the painters, stopping briefly to admire each creation.
ARTIST SARA FOHRENKAMM CREATES AN ORIGINAL CANVAS
Among the attendees are Steve and Ronda Oliver, who have only missed a few Art Battle Minnesota events since its inception. “We don’t go to a lot of things like this. This is really exceptional,” Steve tells me. “A lot of the people are very accomplished artists who are challenged to do something in 20 minutes. That’s what makes it unique... somebody can work on a painting for 48 hours, three days, or two weeks, and get very di erent results. For some of these painters, that’s how they work, until they get here.”
As the first round comes to a close, six one-of-a-kind paintings emerge before my eyes—a collection ranging from landscapes and self-portraits to whimsical depictions of plants and animals. A QR code directs me to the online voting platform, and I cast my ballot for a smiling, pastel-toned llama and a watercolor sparrow perched on a branch.
Like Anderson, artist Juanita Tatum felt an immediate connection to Art Battle when she fi rst participated in 2023. Despite feeling nervous to partake, she made it to the final round of her debut competition and left with a heightened sense of confidence and encouragement to keep going. “Some
of us don’t realize that we’re good enough to call ourselves artists,” Tatum says. “We need people to lift people up... artists uplifting artists. That’s what I try to do.”
This sense of community is palpable throughout the evening. After each battle round, the artists chat and admire each other’s work—some recognize familiar faces from previous events, while others make new connections as first timers. But in a setting like Art Battle, every artist is considered equal, and it’s the camaraderie, not competition, that matters most.
The connections formed at Art Battles often extend beyond the events themselves, Anderson explains. Crayon Kelly Experience also hosts classes, workshops, and weekly art community nights where past Art Battle winners have come back to teach their skills to beginners. “There’s a lot of cross-pollination and just providing a safe space for all the artists to grow and learn,” she says.
As the battle concludes and I head for the door, a painting of a tuxedo cat donning a black-and-white turtleneck and a bright orange neck scarf catches my eye. I purchase the piece without hesitation, while Anderson and Tatum snap a photo to send to the artist. It’s a small exchange that reminds me of the spirit of the event itself: celebrating creativity, fostering connections, and breaking down barriers between artist and audience.
ARTIST TAMINA MUHAMMAD WORKS ON HER PAINTING
ART BATTLE MINNESOTA AT ARBEITER BREWING CO.
Buzz THE LOCAL
WHAT TO DO AND SEE FROM MINNESOTA’S ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
by MACY HARDER
Farm Aid 40
HUNTINGTON BANK STADIUM
The Farm Aid festival unites farmers, artists, and music fans to support America’s network of resilient family farms—and Minneapolis is hosting the event for the first time in its 40-year history. Joining founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp on the lineup are Duluth-based Trampled by Turtles, Dave Ma hews, Margo Price, and others.
SEPT. 27, 3 - 7 P.M.
Minnesota Monthly ’s Rhythm & Brews
HILDE PERFORMANCE CENTER
Kick off the fall season with music, brews, and good vibes. Enjoy unlimited samples of beer, seltzer, and other beverages while local acts LAAMAR, Molly Brandt, and Dez & Taylor take the amphitheater stage.
SEPT. 20
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: NEIL YOUNG, DAVE MATTHEWS, JOHN MELLENCAMP, MARGO PRICE, AND WILLIE NELSON
SEPT. 27, 2025 - MAY 31, 2026
‘Julia Child: A Recipe for Life’
MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER
OCT. 16 - 25
Twin Cities Film Fest
MARCUS WEST END CINEMA
Cinephiles, rejoice: Twin Cities Film Fest is back for its 16th year! Celebrate the art of cinema with studio premieres and indie productions, filmmaker panels, red carpet interviews, and more.
This traveling exhibit explores the life and legacy of the famed cookbook author and TV personality through rare photos, videos, and personal artifacts. In tandem, the Minnesota History Center will present an exclusive section of vintage cookbooks from the Minnesota Historical Society’s Collection—offering a flavorful journey through our state’s culinary past.
OCT. 16 - NOV. 16
‘Purple Rain’ STATE THEATRE
The pre-Broadway stage adaptation of the legendary film and album will premiere in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis.
n HAIM: Sept. 14, The Armory
n Jon Batiste: Sept. 27, Palace Theatre
n Mumford & Sons: Oct. 9, Grand Casino Arena*
n Lorde: Oct. 11-12, The Armory
n Maroon 5: Oct. 29, Grand Casino Arena*
*GRAND CASINO ARENA IS FORMERLY KNOWN AS XCEL ENERGY CENTER
MUST - WATCH
‘The Long Walk’
Following his “Karate Kid” performance, Minnesotan actor Ben Wang will once again grace the big screen— this time in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel, hi ing theaters Sept. 12. Set in a dystopian United States, the film follows a group of young men forced to fight for their lives in an annual walking contest where only one can survive.
JOSH DUHAMEL
‘THE LONG WALK’
HAIM
THROUGH 9/28
MINNESOTA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Step into a world of fantasy and fun in SHAKOPEE with 16-plus stages of live entertainment, 500-plus food and drink options, 250-plus artisan shops, and 50-plus games and attractions.
9/6
HERMANNFEST
Head to NEW ULM’s Hermann Heights Park for a lively day of German music, festive food, Schell’s beer, and fireworks.
9/12-13
60-MILE GARAGE SALE
Discover 60 miles of deals during the Root River Trail Towns’ annual garage sale. Ten SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA towns host sidewalk and garage sales for a weekend of deals.
9/13
NICKLE DICKLE DAY
Celebrate WACONIA at Nickle Dickle Day! Enjoy live music, races, a car show, crafts, great food, and family fun—all packed into one festive day of shopping and community tradition.
9/13-10/26
SEVER’S FALL FESTIVAL
Kick o autumn at Sever’s Fall Festival in SHAKOPEE
with an epic BMX stunt show, a corn maze, over 30 attractions, tasty eats, live music, and endless family fun— weekends Sept. 13-Oct. 26.
9/14
TWIN CITIES BIKE TOUR
Join the Twin Cities Bike Tour for a fun, supported ride through MINNEAPOLIS, ST. PAUL, and beyond. Choose from 20-, 34-, or 41-mile routes, and enjoy plenty of rest stops and snacks along the way.
9/20-21
LAKEVILLE ART FESTIVAL
Stroll the scenic, circular layout of downtown LAKEVILLE, where 100-plus juried artists, live music, food, and hands-on activities make this one of the south metro’s most beloved fall events.
9/27
MINNESOTA MONTHLY ’S RHYTHM & BREWS
Celebrate fall at Rhythm & Brews at HILDE PERFORMANCE CENTER in PLYMOUTH
Enjoy unlimited samples of beer, seltzers, and spirits, plus live music, lawn games, local vendors, and more.
9/27-28
MINNESOTHAI STREET FOOD FESTIVAL
Experience bold flavors and vibrant culture at the
MinnesoThai Street Food Festival in ST. LOUIS PARK
Enjoy Thai street eats, live performances, a pad thai demo, cultural shows, and more.
10/3-4
TWIN CITIES OKTOBERFEST
Celebrate local beer, brats, and Bavarian fun at the 15th annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the MINNESOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDS in FALCON HEIGHTS.
10/10
WORLD BALLET CO.: ‘THE GREAT GATSBY’
Step into the Roaring Twenties with World Ballet Co.’s dazzling new production of “The Great Gatsby” at the MAYO CIVIC CENTER in ROCHESTER—a Broadwaystyle ballet filled with jazz, romance, acrobatics, and stunning visuals.
10/11
HISTORY
FEST
Head to MCGOWAN FARM in MANKATO for History Fest— where kids and families
explore history hands-on with cannon blasts, cider making, catapults, live performers, and more.
10/16-11/16
‘PURPLE RAIN’
Experience the legendary music of Prince like never before in the stage adaptation of “Purple Rain.” This powerful pre-Broadway production premieres at MINNEAPOLIS’ State Theatre.
10/18-19
CANDLELIT TOURS
Step into the shadows of HASTINGS’ 1866 LeDuc Mansion by candlelight and explore Victorian spiritualism, seances, and haunting tales from the past. Three evening tours per night—space is limited.
10/25
GRANDE DAY PARADE
Get in the spirit of the season in the Halloween Capital of the World! Don’t miss ANOKA’s legendary Grand Day Parade, starting at 1 p.m. and stretching 1.5 miles through downtown.
SEVER’S FALL FESTIVAL
The Spirit of MN
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED AFTER NEARLY 250 YEARS OF ASSUMPTION, THE BALD EAGLE IS OFFICIALLY AMERICA’S NATIONAL BIRD. THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SIGNED THE LONG - OVERDUE BILL IN DECEMBER 2024 THANKS TO EAGLE ADVOCATE PRESTON COOK, THE MINNESOTAN WHO UNCOVERED THE OVERSIGHT AND LED THE CHARGE TO HONOR THIS ENDURING SYMBOL OF FREEDOM, STRENGTH, AND NATIONAL IDENTITY.
EXPLORE MINNESOTA
MAKE EVERY SEASON AN ADVENTURE!
Discover unforgettable moments at the Y — from crisp fall weekends to cozy winter retreats and spring escapes.
NATURE RETREATS
From seasonal camps and wellness retreats to school breaks and themed weekends, our nature retreats are designed to help you unplug from your daily grind and enjoy some quality time with friends, family, and yourself.
BOOK YOUR OWN GETAWAY
Gather your family or friends and reserve a cabin to enjoy in the north woods on your own time. Book Your Own Getaway reservations are available September through May. For locations, dates and program specifics please visit ymcanorth.org/adventure