Lake and Company - Minnesota Issue 23

ISSUE 23

MINNESOTA

DEEP DIVES

HEALING IN NATURE Forest Bathing | Cold Plunge

ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES Van Life | Waterfalls + Parks

LOCAL FAVORITES Watering Holes | Unique Stays + More

ON THE COVER

CHALLENGING THE NORM

with DOUBLE JACK DESIGN

PRINT + ONLINE

CELEBRATE THE UNKNOWN, AND THOSE BOLD ENOUGH TO EXPLORE IT

LE T T E R F ROM T HE E DI TOR

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REIMAGINE REMOTE

DEEP DIVES

Digital Nomads Embrace Van Life

Magic happens at the water’s edge, and luckily our state is filled with more than 10,000 lakes where people can play and plunge. Derived from the land of lakes, we celebrate the unknown and support collaboration, community, the importance of nature and the stories behind it all.

Whether you want to learn about the world beneath the waves (page 6), or how to prepare the perfect catch (page 72), Issue 23 has you covered.

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Our women-owned company is on a mission — to build communities of impact. Think of us as your home base for adventure. A place where you can connect and flourish with like-minded people and brands. We are committed to bringing you new inspiration for your next adventure — and all the products (page 50) needed to make the journey as easy and fun as possible. Discover endless outdoor adventures in Lake County along majestic Lake Superior (page 62). Take the family out west to Grand Teton National Park (page 36) or splurge on the latest water toy, with the world’s most advanced electric hydrofoil (page 84).

As always, we are inspired by the stories of people doing exceptional things — a magazine for the people, from the people.

Stories of journeys big and small, life lessons, outdoor adventures, travel tips, inspiring brands, environmental issues and scenic destinations — with the intent to excite and connect the masses. We are committed to the journey, to the unknown and to what makes lake culture so special.

Go explore,

BETTER THAN MOST AWARDS Winners’ Circle

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TEAR DROP OF JOY A Catalyst for Adventure

66 THROUGH THE LENS

The Life of Split Rock’s Innkeeper

Maria Hileman

56 DOUBLE JACK DESIGN Crafting Architecture That Tells a Unique Story

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62

Follow us @thelakeandcompany

DIVING DEEPER

LAKE COUNTY

Learn About the Brands We Carry

Your Next Adventure Awaits

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GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK 3-Day Trip with Kids in Tow

For the People, From the People Have a story or photo to share?

Send them our way: hello@thelakeandcompany.com

100 THE GREAT WATERING HOLE Tour Our Favorite Drinking Spots

30 MICHIGAN GREAT LAKES CHALLENGE Friends Swim All the Lakes in One Day

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PUBLISHER + OWNER

You live your story, we tell it. be.Media is a full-service strategic marketing and production company.

SERVICES Brand Identity Graphic Design Video + Animation Website Design Strategy Social Media Photography Publishing SEO/SEM

Megan Kellin

VP OF RETAIL + CO-FOUNDER

Kelly Kabotoff

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Maria Hileman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kalie Christian

DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR COPY EDITOR + PROOFREADER COVER IMAGE DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS PROJECT MANAGER CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL + BUSINESS OFFICE ADVERTISE STOCKIST SUBSCRIPTIONS

Jon Kreye Anne Kelley Conklin Jake Williams, NOMINN Ashley Kirkman Jennifer Gorman Ted J. Rulseh, Stephanie Hansen, Lindsey Lowe, Connor Langfield, Annie Hejny, Drew Mason, Lacey Doboszenski, Cheryl Fosdick, Leigha Horton, Mary Grace Arndt, Jacob Zikmund, Jacob Kieper, Alex Zikmund, Hayes Scriven, Lauri E. Olson Hohman, Dan Lovdahl, Kilian Swirtz, Gabe Welker, Patty Radford Henderson, Dalton Hessel, Tana Deboer, Madison Young 10 NW 3rd St., Grand Rapids, MN 55744 For a media kit, email: hello@thelakeandcompany.com To sell in your retail store, email hello@thelakeandcompany.com thelakeandcompany.com (subscribe) hello@thelakeandcompany.com

FIND US EVERYWHERE

+ select grocers, convenience stores, and independent retailers 4 and 5 star hotels + resorts

B

STOC EA ECO M

KIST

PrintReleaf guarantees every sheet of paper a customer consumes will be reforested. Lake and Company has reforested 9,623,872 sheets of copy paper.

©2022 Lake and Company. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publicatio; however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Lake and Company cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in the magazine.

INSPIRED BY THE STORIES OF PEOPLE DOING EXCEPTIONAL THINGS

— thelakeandcompany.com — 4

LAKE AND COMPANY

beMediaHouse.com

A RIPPLE, THEN A WAVE Share your story. Create a ripple. And watch it turn into a wave.

It’s been said that every story is about a five-second moment, and the parts that come before and after simply explain its significance. It's the stone and its ripple.

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of the lake. You pick up a stone and skim it across the water. As soon as the stone touches the surface of the water, a ripple forms that becomes larger and larger. The ripple effect is so much greater than the original impact formed by the single stone. The water ripples surround your stone and the impact is felt in waves that keep growing and expanding.

The same can be said of a story. The immediate ripple is felt by the people directly impacted by the words or the act. However, it then begins to grow and multiply as the story is told. Then it affects someone else. It inspires their own growth or giving.

At Lake and Company, it’s always been about the stories. And we’ve always enjoyed the mystery of where the stories — and adventures — can take us. The ripple isn’t always felt or seen immediately. It takes its own course, but it’s up to us to read the waters. And one thing is for certain: the ripple that is approaching you in your life … you can’t stop it. You can only react to it — then you ride it out. But it’s always worth the ride and makes for a helluva story.

Because in the end, all we are is our stories.

To tell your story is to write your own narrative. It’s risky, courageous, vulnerable and bold.

As a team, we work hard to keep the momentum and grow the ripples onward and outward.

We search for stories far and wide and find inspiration everywhere. We celebrate the unknown and those bold enough to explore it. We strive to dig deep to find the why behind the story or the product because we know that every single great project or initiative in life starts with one person. One person with one idea. One person who has strength and determination to see it through, not just initiate it. We bring these products into the stores and onto the pages of the magazine with the hope that they too will inspire you to share your story. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of positive impact and connectedness that will wash over the world.

And we want to be part of it!

Together we are a community. We are a movement. We are Lake and Company. Join us! Stop in to one of our storefronts, subscribe to our magazine or, better yet, share your story with us.

We can’t wait to meet you.

Megan Kellin Owner + Founder

*Toss your stone into the water. Make some positive ripples. You never know where they may spread.

Submit your story at: hello@thelakeandcompany.com.

LAKE AND COMPANY

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GRE A T TH INGS TO K N O W A BOU T YOUR F A VORI TE LA KE

By TED J. RULSEH

W

hen you look out on your favorite lake, what do you see? Beautiful blue water? A place for a refreshing dip on a summer day? A surface on which to paddle a canoe or kayak?

Favored spots to catch fish for sport or dinner?

Your lake is all this, but also much more. A lake is a fascinating living system, full of mysteries and things to discover, if you look closely. Here are 10 things you may not know about the world beneath the waves.

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It all starts with the sun.

That’s right. The walleye you fry up for supper owes its existence, first and foremost, to the sun. It’s sunlight that enables plants and algae in the lake to manufacture food through photosynthesis. The food these primary producers make forms the base of the lake’s food chain.

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Your lake has “fleas.”

Tiny creatures called daphnia, crustaceans from the same family as crayfish and shrimp, float in the thin soup. They’re often called water fleas because their herky-jerky swimming patterns remind observers of the jumping of fleas (those you hope never infest your dog). Daphnia are an essential food source for baby fish (called fry), water insects and the immature forms of frogs and toads.

You don’t need a microscope to see them – they’re about a millimeter long. So if you scooped up a jar of lake water and looked through it, you’d probably see a daphnia or two kicking about.

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EDUCATION

4 Your lake has layers.

The water is not a pool with a uniform temperature, at least not in the warm months of the year.

As spring turns to summer, the lake separates into layers. Cold water lies at the bottom. Warmer water, being less dense, floats on top. The zone where warm water meets cold is called the thermocline. You can experience the thermocline by swimming out into fairly deep water, then doing a feet-first surface dive. When your feet reach a depth of about 12 to 15 feet, you will feel a sudden change from warm to cool. You’ve penetrated the thermocline.

Your lake’s water is a thin soup.

The water is the broth; the meat and vegetables consist of tiny organisms called plankton. The vegetables are the cells of algae that float freely in the water; they’re called phytoplankton. The meat is made up of small creatures, called zooplankton, which swim through the water, feeding as they go. They feed on the algae and in turn become food for fish in the very early stages of their lives.

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5 There’s only “one water.”

There are lakes, rivers and the vast resource known as groundwater.

These are not really separate entities. They are all part of the same system. The top of the groundwater is called the water table. In an important sense, a lake is a depression in the land that intersects and exposes the water table.

6 Your lake has a “skin.”

You’ve seen the rounded shape of water droplets on a lakeside leaf. What gives that droplet its shape is something called surface tension — it’s as if the water has a very thin, invisible skin. That’s why the insects called water striders can skim across your lake’s surface on their long, spindly legs; the surface tension keeps them from sinking.

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Water has a unique behavior.

Most liquids, as they cool, become progressively denser. Water is different. It becomes denser until it reaches 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below that temperature it becomes less dense, until finally it becomes ice, only about 90 percent as dense as water (this is why ice floats).

That’s important, because imagine what would happen if ice were denser than water and would sink. Through the winter, ice forming on the lake’s surface would drop to the bottom, and eventually the entire bowl of the lake would be frozen solid. It might never thaw; almost everything in it would be dead.

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Making ice is hard work.

Your lake can take a long time to freeze, even with a number of cold and wintry days and nights. Because of a property of water called the heat of fusion, it is 80 times harder to freeze a given volume of water than to lower its temperature by one Celsius degree. Put another way, a drop of water has to give as much energy to freeze as it would give up to lower its temperature by 80 Celsius degrees.

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Your lake breathes.

Dissolved oxygen in your lake is the single most important component of water quality, because without adequate oxygen, next to nothing could live. Your lake breathes by taking in oxygen from the air (with help from the stirring action of waves) and as a product of photosynthesis, the process by which algae and plants use sunlight to create food. The air we breathe contains about 20 percent oxygen. By comparison, the amount in lake water is tiny.

A healthy lake contains 6 to 8 parts per million of oxygen — or 0.0006 to 0.0008 percent. Yet that’s enough to enable fish to breathe, because of the miraculous structures they have called gills.

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Your lake is aging.

All lakes go through a long, slow process of getting older and filling in. Every year, silt enters the lake with runoff from rainfall. Water plants grow and die, and their remains sink to the bottom. Gradually the lake takes on more nutrients, and more plants grow and die.

It’s called eutrophication. We can all help slow this process down by keeping nutrients out of the lake. We do this by forgoing the use of fertilizers on our lakefront lots, keeping our septic systems maintained, and limiting runoff into the water by keeping land near the water’s edge in a natural condition.

The closer you look at your lake, the more you’ll discover, and the more you will treasure and want to protect that natural wonder.

Ted J. Rulseh Ted J. Rulseh writes the newspaper column “The Lake Where You Live.”

An advocate for lake improvement and protection, he lives in the lake-rich region of northern Wisconsin. This article is adapted and excerpted from his book, “A Lakeside Companion.” It is printed with permission of the University of Wisconsin Press. © 2018 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved.

TRAVEL

The Dish on Ely, Minnesota

By STEPHANIE HANSEN

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have a cabin on Burntside Lake in Ely, Minnesota. I have been going to the cabin since 1988 when I met my husband, Kurt Johnson. Ely is a special place. In addition to journalist Jim Klobuchar (whose daughter, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, marched in the 4th of July parade in 2021), explorer Will Steiger and actress (and wife of Justin Timberlake) Jessica Biel are Ely natives. Because of its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, lots of people travel through town to shop, eat and visit the various outfitters in town.

There are many great day hikes around Ely. Three annual festivals are held in the city: the Blueberry Arts Festival in July, the Harvest Moon Festival in September and the Winter Festival in February.

Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Ely throughout the seasons.

HIKES: Bass Lake Trail The 5.6 mile Bass Lake Trail is an ideal spring and fall hike.

The trail starts on forested terrain, then takes you up along a rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the lake, along a sandy shore that turtles lay their eggs on, and ending at a refreshing waterfall, where you can sit in a natural pool on the top of the falls. It feels really good to swim in the falls and refresh yourself before finishing the final 25% of the hike. The falls are also a great spot for a picnic; a shorter trail, about 1.5 miles, takes you right to the falls area. The full hike is a moderately challenging hike that takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

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LAKE AND COMPANY

Miners Lake Trail A shorter hike is the paved path around Miners Lake, which is a bit less than 3 miles and is located very close to town.

It’s an excellent spot to walk after picking up a cup of coffee, or you can cross-country-ski it in the winter months.

Kawishiwi Falls Trail The Kawishiwi Falls Trail is 1.3 miles and an easy walk in the woods to see the falls — a 70-foot drop that makes for a great spot to take some pictures of the falls and native plants.

Go explore

NATURE CENTERS: Ely has both the International Wolf Center, with a wolf pack on site, and the International Bear Center, which has three bears that live on site and can be viewed from an observation deck. Both locations make for an excellent rainy-day trip into town if you get inclement weather at the cabin.

ELY FOLK SCHOOL: Not many towns have their own folk school that teaches you northwoods skills and crafts like how to make strudel or build a canoe out of birch bark or a chair out of willows, in addition to many types of fabric arts such as crocheting, embroidery and knitting.

SHOPPING: Some of the best outfitter stores in the country are located in Ely, including Piragis, which specializes in outdoor camping gear and clothing and has the best bookstore, with a deep selection of works on Minnesota and the outdoors.

Potluck is a kitchen store that carries both vintage and new wares. It’s a blast to look at old cookie cutters, cast-iron pans and linens while shopping for new cookware or knife sets.

Mealy’s is a high-end gift store that features everything from furniture to pottery to jewelry and novelty items for the sauna, as well as cards and games for the kids.

Legacy Toys is the perfect toy store to take the kids on a rainy day.

Don’t miss Ely’s Old-Fashioned Candy store to pick up some Wacky Wafers, Boston Baked Beans, saltwater taffy or any of the over 40 varieties of soda pop they have on site.

For groceries and the best smoked Polish sausages, head to Zup’s.

Ely, Minnesota

No trip to Ely is complete without a stroll through Wintergreen Northern Wear, which makes the world’s finest outdoor gear, sewn right in Ely and worn on the Will Steiger expeditions (the store is owned by Sue Schurke, whose husband, Paul, was Will’s expedition partner).

EATS AND DRINKS: Ely offers many places to eat and drink. For exceptional special-occasion dining, Burntside Lodge can’t be beat.

Built on a 1920s logging resort, the lodge is the area’s best dining with a wine list that put them on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list. Every diner gets a bread basket with delicious pumpkin muffins made in-house and accompanied by maple-rosemary butter. Their bar is the best place to grab a gin and tonic and a piece of vegetable lavosh pizza while watching the boats leave the marina.

Insula is a delicious restaurant in town with delectable fried chicken and waffles and a huge northern pike fish sandwich.

The Boathouse Brewpub brews its own beer and has delightful onion rings. Try the Blueberry Blonde lager served with floating blueberries. Two foodies from the Twin Cities have reopened Ely’s fabled Chocolate Moose Café for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If breakfast is your jam, try the homemade quiche at the Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. or the giant breakfast omelet at Brittons Café.

If you find yourself needing a karaoke fix, head to Zaverl’s for a beer and a “plink.” A plink is short for Pelinkovac, a bitter cherry liquor made from wormwood and native to Croatia and Serbia that is a favorite local shot at the bars in Ely. Finish your trip into town with a cup of coffee from Northern Grounds, which also happens to have the best free Wi-Fi connection.

For more travel and food tips, follow StephaniesDish.com and @StephaniesDish.

Go explore

Ely, Minnesota

The North's Largest Indoor Light Park Drawing its inspiration from the wintery North, the Northern Lights Festival is Minnesota’s newest holiday experience.

The Northern Lights Festival has something for people of all ages to enjoy: chances to eat and drink, our 25,000+ sq. ft. light park, the Mini MN Christmas Market, countless photo ops, make-and-take experiences and more.

where

mayo civic center Rochester, MN when

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays December 2-18 Tickets available online NorthernLightsFestivalMN.com LAKE AND COMPANY Roberto Nickson

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ENVIRONMENT

TAKE ACTION: SavetheBoundaryWaters.org

At 1.1 million acres, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the largest and most visited Wilderness areas in America.

There’s a reason the Boundary Waters is America’s most-visited Wilderness.

Whether you go for a hike in the woods, paddle along a rocky shoreline, or enjoy a peaceful day by the lake, there’s a place for everyone in the Boundary Waters.

A place to experience solitude and adventure; it’s a spiritual and cultural necessity — a relief from the high pressure of modern life.

The Boundary Waters is among the most iconic landscapes in the country, the pinnacle of Minnesota’s outdoor recreation heritage. Millions of people have developed a lifelong love of the outdoors through camping, fishing, paddling, dog sledding, hunting, and hiking experiences in this one-of-a-kind Wilderness. The Boundary Waters has shaped the lives of many. That’s why it’s time to protect it now and for future generations.

At a time when things feel so uncertain, let’s protect the important things we can.

The Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters is fighting to protect the Boundary Waters from risky sulfide-ore copper mining just upstream of the Wilderness.

Join us in preserving this unique Wilderness for generations to come.

Photo by JEFF ANDERSON at jeffandersonphoto.co

Take action to protect the Wilderness: SavetheBoundar yWaters.org LAKE AND COMPANY

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Wellness Retreat YO U R

On the road, in the wild, at home, or out in the backyard your authentic sauna journey begins with Voyageur.

HAND BUILT IN MINNESOTA

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LAKE AND COMPANY

ISSUE 19

VOYAGEURSAUNAS.COM

Aimee Jobe, @aimeejobephoto

LAKE AND COMPANY

ISSUE 19

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REIMAGINE REMOTE Digital Nomads Embrace Van Life

By LINDSEY LOWE AND CONNOR LANGFIELD Photography by LINDSEY LOWE

I

n the summer of 2020, the pandemic shifted a colossal amount of how Connor and I operated in our everyday lives; who knew it would soon shape our future? It all started when I watched Canadian adventure influencer Hayden Korte-Moore take a week’s vacation with a few friends in a van, which inspired me to do the same. Both being Minnesota natives, we wanted to harness the ability to become “digital nomads”, and we set off to do what we love most—explore!

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Due to COVID-19 and the flexibility Connor and I were given to work from home, we started to reimagine how we could potentially work our full-time jobs on the go, I as an account executive at a software company and Connor as a credit analyst for a financial institution.

With approval from work and some quick research on the best Verizon and T-Mobile hotspots to fuel our Wi-Fi needs, we had ourselves less than a week later a 2002 Diesel Ford Econoline passenger van with 130,000 miles that went by the name of Li’l Debbie.

TRAVEL

THE WORLD IS YOUR LIVING SPACE.”

Renovation With no prior building experience, but a little help from YouTube, we spent the next two months fully remodeling the inside of the van. This included adding floors, walls, a ceiling, cabinets, solar panels and electrical to energize our charging phones/laptops, a fridge and a fan. Our goal was to have a comfortable sleeping situation, maximize storage capacity and have enough solar power to support our remote-working needs.

On the Road October arrived, and it was time to hit the road and spend three extraordinary months in a 6x10-foot space with our 75-pound dog, Kai. Focusing so much of our time on ensuring all our electrical work was done correctly and securing all cabinets so they don’t fly open when we drive (even our fridge), there wasn’t a ton of time to plan our entire trip. Connor and I made a list of national parks we wanted to visit, as well as all our friends who had moved away (big shout-out to everyone who let us crash in your homes, take a shower and do some laundry) and formed a loose plan that could change on the fly. Van life isn’t as glamorous as photos always make it seem. Everything gets messy, smelly and unorganized VERY QUICKLY, so you need to have a place for every item and a routine that works for you. A few things that made our trip that much smoother were utilizing apps like FreeRoam, iOverlander and Dyrt; joining a nationwide gym for workouts and showering; and socializing with other van dwellers along the way.

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Our Faves Our first destination was Utah, a geological wonder, where we got to explore Zion National Park with iconic scenery of The Narrows and Angels Landing. We spent three days in the greater Zion area, visiting Bryce Canyon, watching a sunrise at Horseshoe Bend, taking a breathtaking kayak ride on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, and visiting the famous Grand Canyon. Another stop we highly recommend is White Sands National Park in New Mexico. You’ll want to rent a sled and let your inner child loose by flying down the sand dunes!

Next, head down to Big Bend National Park, Texas, for jaw-dropping views. One of the park’s most spectacular hikes is Santa Elena Canyon Trail. If you’re a craft beer connoisseur, you’ll want to head to Asheville, North Carolina, microbrewery capital of the world. The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to waterfalls, lush forests and breathtaking vistas.

And when you’ve had enough mountain and desert landscape, head for the ocean! Driving the 113-mile Overseas Highway to Key West was a perfect end to our voyage.

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LAKE AND COMPANY

“YOU STOP SEEING A HOME AS A SPACE BUT INSTEAD AS A SENTIMENT. YOU SPEND SO MUCH TIME OUTDOORS, EXPLORING AND STAYING ACTIVE, THAT YOU DON’T FEEL CONFINED TO ANYTHING.

Goodbye, Van Life. Hello, Micro-Resort Restoration!

After 19 states, 8,000 miles and six national parks, our trusty van made it home safe with no issues. Traveling in Li’l Debbie has been one of the best experiences one could imagine. You stop seeing a home as a space but instead as a sentiment. You spend so much time outdoors, exploring and staying active, that you don’t feel confined to anything. The world is your living space. Once we were back in Minnesota, we started to brainstorm what was next for us, knowing that a home renovation was something we were willing to take on. Although Li’l Debbie was small (but mighty), the van gave us the confidence to dream bigger. In July 2021, we purchased Bay Pines Cottages, a micro-resort on the world’s largest freshwater chain of lakes in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. Connor and I are ecstatic to put our working gloves back on to flip three small cottages entirely. The goal is to bring an unparalleled boutique cottage experience with all the modernday amenities situated in the remote woods. Who knew an idea sparked by an adventure influencer would lead us to our own adventure with Li’l Debbie and eventually to this more significant moment with Bay Pines Cottages — a moment we look forward to sharing with all our guests.

Tyrone (T-Why) Moye and Rod (Woody) Woodruff, founder/president/CEO of Sturgis Buffalo Chip, created “Ride to the Chip” for passionate motorcycle enthusiasts who share a common desire to help others by raising money for noteworthy charitable causes focusing on the overall health and wellness of families and their pets.

Ride along on the way to the “Best Party Anywhere”! 100% of your rider fee donation benefits charities, so you can have a great time and make a difference!

Leaving St. Paul, MN August 4, 2022 Arriving at Sturgis, SD August 5, 2022

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ARTS

CREATING THIS ARTWORK WITH INTENTIONAL MATERIALS FROM THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE EMPHASIZES THE RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANS AND NATURE.”

By ANNIE HEJNY Photography By MARKO ZITZER

Reconnecting With Nature Through Art 24

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s a child, I loved to play outside. Being active out in nature was really important to my family. Although – it wasn't until years later, when I was emerging as a professional artist, that I began to connect deeply with the natural landscapes of my home.

Taking breaks from studio work, I immersed myself in green spaces and walked the shorelines of the Mississippi River. As I looked to the water, she became a teacher of the cycles of life and change. This wisdom gave me the focus and strength to share my creative voice with the world.

I was inspired to find a pure expression of the beauty and awe I experienced with water. I dove into researching the history of the river and became a clean water advocate. But it was through the consistency of my presence at the water, slowing down to meet her, that revealed my creative path forward: I would use collected water and sediment from the river in my acrylic paintings. And so, my Water Series was born.

Carrying containers of respectfully collected water and sediment, I returned to my art studio and developed a pouring and brushing technique with these materials that I continue to use today. The raw sediment creates a textured, sandy surface. I dip my paintbrush in acrylic with the collected water not only to add layers of color, but to connect to the water’s source. This connection flows onto the canvas, creating a painting that realizes our personal connection to water.

More recently, I’ve been drawn to the trees along the trails and shorelines that I’ve come to know. These tall beings possess a certain spirit and energy that has inspired my newest work: drawings with charcoal on paper, paintings with locally foraged black walnut dye, and found-bark installations. Using materials that literally come from the subject matter helps my art transcend mere representation, allowing nature to express itself through me.

Creating this artwork with intentional materials from the local landscape emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between humans and nature. Trees provide comfort, play, shade and oxygen, while water comprises most of the human body. We cannot live without either, and my artwork is an act of gratitude and acknowledgment to this truth.

Personally, I am most fulfilled when my art is valued by others.

Working with families, individuals and businesses, I create custom commissions that tell the stories of their connection to a beloved body of water or natural space. Every project is unique, both in process and outcome – though they all come back to this: We all feel better when we’re connected to Mother Earth.

To see Annie’s artwork and learn more: anniehejny.com

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e n i l e d a nd MIsla At

artbar

coffee | wine | beer | small plates

gallery

paintings | jewelry | pottery | cards

B_E LL

STREET

g&aalrltebrayr

madeline island | lake superior

bellstgallery.com

Over 50 Norrern Wisconsin Artists!

LIVE DEMOS • WORKSHOPS • STUDIO TOURS SEPTEMBER 1018, 2022 BAYFIELD CHAMBER & VISITOR BUREAU

BAYFIELD COUNTY & MADELINE ISLAND W W W. B AY F I E L D . O R G LAKE AND COMPANY

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UNIQUE LAKE SUPERIOR BARN Maple, WI

lakesuperiorbarn.com The Lake Superior Barn is a 4,250-square-foot home with 4 bathrooms and accommodations to easily sleep 20 people in the 6 bedrooms and 15 beds. It is designed to accommodate multiple families, with open bathrooms and individual toilets and showers. The home sits on the south shore of Lake Superior, staring across the lake to the North Shore cities of Duluth and Two Harbors. Enjoy the 1,600-square-foot reclaimed deck just outside the beautiful kitchen, and a pantry with all the extra ingredients and spices you may have forgotten. Build a fire with wood provided in the stone fireplace or have a fire on the bluff watching the sun set, or lie in a beanbag chair and enjoy a book from the stocked shelves in the loft.

Photography by TROY THIES PHOTOGRAPHY

S T AY S STAUDEMEYER’S FOUR SEASONS RESORT Cable, WI

4seasonsresort.net Staudemeyer’s Four Seasons Resort near Cable, Wisconsin, features comfortable vacation accommodations set in the scenic northwoods on the shores of popular Lake Namakagon – 20 miles north of Hayward, Wisconsin.

Experience a return to the simpler things in life while relaxing in comfort in one of our year-round cabins, vacation home rentals or lodge rooms available at our friendly Northern Wisconsin resort.

HOPE GLEN FARM AND TREE HOUSE Cottage Grove, MN

We're located in southern Bayfield County, where you can reach us via car, motorcycle, boat or snowmobile. Then let us welcome you in the warm atmosphere of our main lodge bar.

hopeglenfarm.com/suites/tree-house-suite The Tree House Suite is a 1,200-square-foot house situated in a 150-year-old bur/white oak tree. It was designed and engineered to withstand every kind of weather and is in constant motion. This four-story Tree House is unlike any other! It has four outdoor decks, two fireplaces and a full kitchen. But it doesn’t stop there: pamper yourself in our two-person jetted Jacuzzi tub and rain shower. Keep your toes warm with the in-floor radiant heating. It also has Wi-Fi throughout the house and a sound system. Have fun searching for the hidden room (hint: it’s behind a bookcase!).

STRAND ISLAND LODGE Orr, MN

strandisland.com

STYLLE HYTTE BY THE HAVENS Brook Park, MN

thehavens.co This Nordic-inspired A-frame is known as the Stylle Hytte, Norwegian for “quiet cabin.” Here you can take in 5 secluded acres of woods with trails winding down to the private riverfront. Travel just over an hour north of the Twin Cities to enjoy modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, a smart TV, a complete kitchen, a full bathroom, a bedroom and loft both with queen beds, a cozy living room with a real wood fireplace, heated floors and an outdoor electric barrel sauna. This cabin is dog friendly with plenty of outdoor space for your pet to run and roam.

Ken and Chelsey, the founders of The Havens, have more unique and incredible stays in store. They seek to create restorative places that relax, inspire and refresh.

Strand Island is a 45-acre private island located on 11,000-acre Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota. The 108-year-old main cabin has 6 bedrooms, 2 baths, a stone fireplace and a huge porch with swinging beds suspended from the ceiling. There is also a wood-burning sauna and a log cabin that sleeps 4.

The island is largely undeveloped and wild — explore the woods or cast off from one of the fishing docks. Pelican Lake is excellent for crappie and bass fishing, boating and other water sports. The cabin underwent a major update and remodel in early 2015.

The Michigan Great Lakes Challenge

By DREW MASON Photography by DREW MASON

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TRAVEL

Four friends and their dogs swim four of the Great Lakes in one day

T

he Great Lakes are an essential part of Michigan’s identity. Four of the five Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie — border the state to create more than 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline. They literally define the shape of the state!

A Michigan summer isn’t complete without a visit to one of the many beaches, lighthouses, trails, campsites, cliffs or beach towns along the coast. From the rocky and rugged shores of Lake Superior to the white sandy beaches in the Lower Peninsula, there is plenty to explore.

To celebrate the spirit of summer in Michigan, my friends and I recently attempted to complete a fun challenge: swim in all four of the Great Lakes that touch Michigan in one day. It was the perfect summer road trip adventure.

The trip was inspired by my early-childhood memories on the Great Lakes. Each summer, my family would go camping in northern Michigan. My brothers and I climbed Michigan’s massive sand dunes, swam in the cold Caribbean-blue water, hunted for bugs in the forests and camped in parks along the coast. At night we’d crawl into our sleeping bags smelling like sunscreen and campfire and doze off to the distant rumble of waves crashing on the shore. Those early experiences made a big impression on me, and the feelings we shared during those summer adventures ignited a desire to experience as much of the lake life as I could in one trip. I recruited a few friends to join me and we started to create a plan, which included bringing our dogs on the adventure.

Black Rocks, Marquette, Michigan

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With the goal of completing the challenge between sunrise and sunset, we decided to go on the summer solstice. Not only is it the longest day of the year, it’s also the official first day of summer, and we couldn’t think of a better way to welcome the promise of warm weather than to swim in the Great Lakes. It is possible to swim in all five of the Great Lakes within 24 hours, but we omitted Lake Ontario to keep our trip manageable within daylight hours. With several options for swimming locations, it was hard to decide exactly where to go! We chose to start at Lake Erie and drive north — at a safe and legal speed — to Lake Superior, hitting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan on the way. The final route was chosen based on driving distance, petfriendliness, natural beauty, and maybe some personal preference as well.

With 650 miles of adventure ahead of us, the four of us and the two dogs greeted the solstice sunrise on the shore of Lake Erie at Sterling State Park. It was a chilly morning, but we had no time to waste. We counted down, “3…2…1…” and ran screaming into the chilly water. Our road trip had officially begun!

After Lake Erie, we drove north to Tawas Point State Park for our swim in Lake Huron, then farther north to Petoskey State Park to swim in Lake Michigan.

The dogs swam at Zoll Street Beach in nearby Harbor Springs for their Lake Michigan dip. We then drove north across the Mackinac Bridge to enter the Upper Peninsula, and headed west to Little Presque Isle Park at Lake Superior for our final destination. As we pulled up to the parking lot, with the sun hanging low on the horizon, we all shared a feeling of relief. We made it! There was one thing left to do … together we ran down the beach toward the water and celebrated our final swim in Lake Superior. Our Michigan Great Lakes Challenge was a success!

Ludington State Park, Ludington, Michigan

WE ALL SHARED A TREMENDOUS FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AS WE WATCHED THE SUN DIP BELOW THE HORIZON.”

We all shared a tremendous feeling of accomplishment as we watched the sun dip below the horizon.

The challenge took us to some of my favorite lake destinations, but in truth the experience highlighted only a fraction of the region’s beauty. One of the best things about this challenge is the ability to make it your own adventure. With beautiful locations in practically every corner of the Great Lakes, this challenge is easily customizable and welcomes anyone with an appetite for road-tripping fun.

This story was also highlighted by the Pure Michigan campaign. Additional details of this route, as well as sample itineraries of alternative routes, can be found at michigan.org.

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South Manitou Island Lighthouse Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Drew Mason @DrewMason

Drew is a Michiganbased photographer and filmmaker. He and his dog, Mason (@themittenmutt), love exploring the Great Lakes and beyond. In the last three years, they have hiked, biked and paddled more than 1,000 miles together on Michigan trails and waterways, sharing photos of their journey along the way.

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TURN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO AN

Oasis

With HotSpring Hot Tubs of Northern Minesota, every day is a chance to start fresh, with heat that awakens, crystalclear water that invites and innovation that you can feel — inspiring you to do more, experience more and live more.

Transform your outdoors into a relaxing space providing ultimate relaxation for you and your family.

A HotSpring Hot Tub is a place for personal improvement, where you can immerse yourself in warm water and massage to revitatilize, slow down to recover, and connect with others to feel closer.

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HOT TUBS

ENDLESS POOLS

Endless Pools offer endless possibilities.

Whether you’re looking for low-impact fitness with high-impact results, or everyday pool parties, Endless Pools can benefit every body.

All from the convenience of your home.

Discover the health benefits of a classic barrel sauna, a great addition to any home. The build quality and craftsmanship will provide you with years of carefree, outdoor sauna living.

SAUNAS

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| HotSpringHotTubMN.com

GAME TABLES

TRAVEL

Grand Teton National Park

3-Day Trip Itinerary with Kids in Tow

By LACEY DOBOSZENSKI Photography by LACEY DOBOSZENSKI

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M

y husband and I took a two-week family road trip with our two young children. We saw 10 national parks and monuments along the way, and one of our favorite stops was Grand Teton National Park. We arrived at the park in the late afternoon and decided to camp at Colter Bay Village. We chose this campground because it was on the north end of the park, near Yellowstone. Our plan was to stay for three nights in Grand Teton and then head to Yellowstone for three more nights. We thought we’d camp on the north end of Teton in case we wanted to keep the same site throughout the Yellowstone portion of the trip. We did, however, end up changing camp when it came time.

Nonetheless, the camping in Colter Bay Village was fantastic. Accommodations included a visitor center, laundry facility, clean showers and a nice store that provided us with everything we needed during our stay.

Since Grand Teton is in bear country, you need to be extremely careful storing your food when you are not at camp, so all of the sites come with “bear boxes” (a big metal box that latches so bears can’t get inside) to help with this. During our stay, one of our campsite neighbors wasn’t great at following these rules. We were happy to see that the park officials quickly dealt with this situation by giving them a verbal warning and going over with them exactly how to store their food. It is really important to take food storage safety seriously.

After setting up camp and having dinner, we decided to go for a sunset drive to look for some wildlife. Much to our delight, we saw a grizzly bear and her two cubs!

We were able to pull our car over on the side of the road where a crowd of people had gathered to watch the bears out in the woods. There were rangers present to protect the bears and keep the people on the road, away from the animals. The way people gathered in crowds to see the wildlife reminded me of being in a zoo (or perhaps a red carpet — so many big cameras), but for someone like me, who is uncomfortable with up-close encounters, this was perfect! The kids loved getting out of the car to watch the bears, and my daughter still talks about seeing the cubs climbing the trees. We were so glad we had a camera with a nice zoom lens because the animals did stay quite far from the people. After our drive, we returned to camp for a cozy fire and rest.

Trip Details Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA Campground: Colter Bay Village Dates/Length of Stay: First week of June – 3-night stay Children’s Ages: 1.5-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl Animal Sightings: Moose, grizzly bear and cubs, deer, pronghorns Trip Highlights: Taggart Lake hike, fish hatchery, Junior Ranger program, wildlife sightings, enjoying the beach

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PARK

Parker Precht , @parker.precht

On our second day, we woke up early to go for a sunrise animal drive. There were far fewer crowds of people and more animals. Again we saw the bear and her cubs, and we also had our first moose sighting, which was very cool. The moose walked right out of the woods in front of our car. After our drive, we had breakfast and then packed up for the day and drove toward the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. We took our time along the way and stopped at a lot of the pull-offs to take in the amazing views of the mountains.

At the Discovery and Visitor Center, we enjoyed the fun art and exhibits and had a quick lunch. We also made sure to pick up my daughter’s Junior Ranger book. Then it was off to the Taggart Lake hike, which was incredible. The views were epic, and we saw everything from waterfalls, to wildlife, to forests, and a beautiful mountain lake. It was a great hike to do with kids, as it was relatively flat and not too rocky. The four of us loved it, and one of our favorite parts was relaxing by the lake and throwing rocks. We even saw a family of deer that stayed extremely close to the path as we walked by.

After Taggart Lake, we drove back toward camp, and on the way, drove up to the summit of Signal Mountain.

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We hiked around up there for a while and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. This was also the only place in the park we found phone service. I’m sure that’s not why it’s named Signal Mountain, but the name sure fits. This is a can’t-miss spot for a drive or hike. We then headed back to camp for dinner, fire and fun.

On our third and last day, we woke up to rainy skies.

We did our routine morning wildlife drive, said goodbye to mama bear and her cubs, and visited with the rangers on duty. Since the weather wasn’t the best, we decided to head to Jackson Hole for the day. This time we drove the long loop, and we were glad we did. We saw a ton of pronghorns, and the mountain views were spectacular.

We had so much fun in Jackson. We went to a variety of shops and were able to get some souvenir shopping done. We also bought a couple of blankets to help make our tent a bit warmer (even in June the nights were cold!). The kids loved the candy store. On the way back from Jackson, we stopped at the fish hatchery.

This was super interesting. We were basically the only people there, so we got a private tour from one of the insightful rangers. Because we live on a lake, we do a lot of fishing, so my husband and kids really loved this stop.

Next, it was off to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to listen to a ranger presentation on the animals of the park, which was part of our daughter’s Junior Ranger program. I recommend this to anyone visiting the park.

We learned a lot about the animals and got tips on the best spots and times to see them. After the rangers finished their presentation, my daughter was able to turn in her Junior Ranger booklet and was sworn in as a Junior Ranger. This was such a special moment for all of us; she was so proud.

We finished our day with a lakeside picnic on the shores of Jackson Lake. The kids absolutely loved playing on the rocky beach and throwing rocks into the lake. It was a beautiful spot, and I wish I could picnic there every day. We stayed until the sun began to set and then headed back to camp for the night. The next morning, we packed up our gear and said goodbye to the Grand Tetons.

Lacey Doboszenski @minnesotayogini

Visit minnesotayogini.com for more inspiring active adventures for the whole family.

THE VIEWS WERE EPIC, AND WE SAW EVERYTHING FROM WATERFALLS, TO WILDLIFE, TO FORESTS, AND A BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN LAKE.”

BUCKE

Scan the QR code for more adventures!

: T LIST

f a few o Hit up l ’s loca Duluth etween ries b brewe ntures! adve

The Home Base for Your Autumn Duluth Getaway Placing you in the center of Duluth’s natural beauty, Pier B Resort Hotel is the perfect home base for your fall getaway for the explorer’s soul — both on and off site!

Offering memorable amenities and activities, Pier B lets you wander by land with one of our rentable bikes, electric scooters or pedal carts. Or see what you can see on a paddle board, paddle boat or water bike or by utilizing Your Boat Club.

Just 800 steps (or pedals) from bustling Canal Park and close to numerous of the city’s most naturous trails, however you like to adventure we’ve got a trail, park or attraction to kick off your autumn getaway with flying colors.

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Hike Like a Local

Pier B is surrounded by gorgeous trails ranging in difficulty and all including breathtaking sights. Whether you are searching for a splendid overlook, soothing rivers or singing birds and other wildlife, Duluth offers beautiful options fit for your style. Many of our trails are also dog friendly (like our resort), so we always suggest packing a lunch and the pup for a great outdoor adventure.

A few of our favorite local trails: • • • •

Ely’s Peak Lester River Trail Hartley Nature Center Loop Jay Cook State Park

Bike Like a Local Hop on the trails and enjoy some of the area’s greatest biking routes. The Duluth Traverse offers a variety of main trails for the biking enthusiast, featuring a 100-mile system of natural surface trail, built for mountain biking and extending the entirety of Duluth.

Visit coggs.com/trails for trail locations and conditions.

You know the phrase “it’s a perfect day for a drive” — well, with quick access to the North Shore, every fall day becomes that perfect opportunity. Put the car on cruise and enjoy a mini road trip to explore some amazing trails, overlooks and pit stops along the way.

We highly recommend checking out: • • • •

Tettegouche State Park Trail Split Rock Lighthouse Fantasia Overlook Castle Danger Brewery

Reset, Refuel & Rest After being on the go all day exploring our local trails or the North Shore, take a moment to breathe with one of our relaxing amenities, including our outdoor hot tub with a signature cocktail from Silos. Don’t forget to roast some 'mallows, where you can lounge around the fire pits while taking in our harbor view. Need a how-to on ending the evening of a rejuvenating stay? Turn the page!

Chester Park Loop Trail pierbresort.com

Bask in Fall Vibes After a day of viewing the fall foliage while meandering along gorgeous trails with crisp leaves crunching under foot, let the moments sink in. Nestled beside Lake Superior’s harbor ~ Pier B Resort Hotel is the perfect oasis to relax and rejuvenate.

Book your Duluth autumn getaway at pierbresort.com 42

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forest bathing E XP LO R I N G T H E H E ALIN G N AT UR E OF N AT UR E

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OUTDOORS

By LEIGHA HORTON

D

eep in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the summer of 2016, I floated on my back in a lake of pristine water browned from the tannins of tree roots steeping like tea at the water’s edge. The air was thick and I ached for rain to break the heat.

That night, the rain did come. Two wailing storms converged overhead, lashing out winds the strength of a hurricane. Wide swaths of the forest were flattened. Portages were impassable. Canoes were picked up by the wind, thrown, and then shattered.

That storm and the harrowing journey to safety that followed became the midlife origin story of my personal mythology: This is how superheroes are forged, I half-joked. In truth, it was the catalyst for rekindling my personal relationship with Nature and why I became a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide — I had been on the receiving end of Nature’s ferocity, and I needed to find peace with it.

Forest bathing is a term that was coined by the Japanese government in the mid-1980s to describe the formalized practice of paying ample attention to each of one’s senses while slowly moving through a forest atmosphere. While humans have evolved as a part of nature for millennia, and indigenous nations worldwide continue to practice deep nature connection, many industrialized nations have spent the last three centuries separating ourselves from nature and paying dearly for it with stress-related diseases like cancer, heart disease and depression.

It turns out that slow, focused-attention walks in nature that make us feel good are actually good for us: studies conducted in Japan, Korea, Scotland, Finland and the U.S. have shown that we experience a decrease in stress hormones, an increase in immunity, regulation of our cardiovascular system and an overall sense of well-being when immersed in nature.

Forest bathing can be done anywhere — from the wildest of nature to the patch of untended weeds alongside a city sidewalk. An essential component of this practice is our attention: the opportunity to bask in the slowing of time, the scent of lilacs on the breeze, the sensation on our skin of warmth and coolness side-by-side where sun meets shadow. Our attention is an act of love.

Sometimes we have trouble quieting our minds and allowing ourselves to be fully present in a moment, and this is where forest bathing guides are invaluable — they hold space, keep time and skillfully offer invitations so that we can focus on the radical act of simply being, here, now — truly alive and in community with all the beings (animal, plant, tree, fungal, insect and human) who call this place “Home.” We all value a clean and healthy environment; what would happen if we let our attention be the first step toward effective stewardship?

And me? I found my peace with nature. Two years ago my family relocated to the woods; here we guide visitors in the healing practices of forest bathing and wood-fired sauna. I hope to see you on the trail.

“TO BASK IN THE SLOWING OF TIME, THE SCENT OF LILACS ON THE BREEZE, THE SENSATION ON OUR SKIN OF WARMTH AND COOLNESS SIDE-BY-SIDE WHERE SUN MEETS SHADOW. Mikhail Nilov

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BUSINESS

WHERE THE TRAILS LEAD CROSBY AREA NEW HOTBED OF BOTH RECREATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By MARY GRACE ARNDT

T

he dawn of a new athletic era for Crosby has led to a revival of its economy in recent years.

Mining left the area 30 years ago, leaving its mark. Now a revitalized sense of adventure is at the forefront of the area’s renewal.

Since the establishment of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area by the state of Minnesota in 1993, the area of Crosby, Cuyuna and Ironton has become a hotbed of not only mountain biking but also entrepreneurship. Twenty-eight businesses have opened their doors in the last 10 years and brought a new wave of adrenaline junkies with them. Mountain biking is just the beginning of what you can immerse yourself in, in this area that is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most unique silent-sports destinations.

Residents and visitors can hike, bike, paddle, fish, scuba dive, snowshoe and cross-country ski their way through intertwining former mining pits and rock deposit Cuyuna.com

stockpiles, as well as a combination of natural and manmade lakes, reclaimed by nature and maintained by volunteers through the Cuyuna Lake Mountain Bike Crew and the Minnesota DNR. In addition to volunteers, State Senator Carrie Ruud has been vital in supporting and advocating for the area, working alongside Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation.

In 2019, Doug Arndt and Nick Summers of Cuyuna Hospitality LLC sought to make what’s old new again through the restoration and total renovation of 30 West Main in Crosby. This 120-year-old brick building has been brought back to life as Rafferty’s Woodfired Pizza and Crosby Lofts, an eight-room boutique hotel with a rooftop patio. Rafferty’s Crosby is one of four locations for the northwoods pizza stop, but it’s the only one that serves its pizza directly from a woodfired oven. Crosby Lofts provides ride-in, ride-out capability to Cuyuna’s epic IMBA Silver Level mountain bike trails.

Crosby Lofts’ location gives you front-row access to what Outside magazine recognizes as one of the top 26 places in the world to visit right now

Company location on the main floor.

The idea was to work with other like-minded business owners to build a center of shops, restaurants and lodging that would cater to the visitors of the recreation area but still appeal to locals and part-time residents of the greater Brainerd Lakes area. The opportunity to renovate and preserve the beautiful 100+-year-old building on Main Street that had fallen into disrepair was a bonus.

Like many entrepreneurs in the area, plans don’t stop there. With all the potential for silent sports, it’s incredibly fortunate that the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center is located in the area, remarkably with a waitlist for medical professionals eager to be a part of this community. The list of new ventures is endless, from Cuyuna Brewing to a new Super One store that rivals high-end grocers in the Twin Cities. You’ll never know what you’ll come across next in this emergent oasis of activity.

What’s next for Cuyuna Hospitality? They’re looking across the street. 102 West Main will see an addition to Crosby Lofts, featuring eight more hotel rooms, a Thai restaurant and hopefully the next Lake and

Crosby is conveniently located about two hours from the Twin Cities, Duluth and Fargo. Park your car, grab your bike and enjoy the area, where there’s a little something for everyone.

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ACITY. P A C N F-TO L A H .

ETUP. S T D R N O O MF - SE C O 4 C .

S AL ASTIC C I D . R A RO PL N G I S E ZE D .

T E S I L E NT MINIMA A R A GU LIFETIME

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UNITED BY BLUE

DIVING DEEPER INTO THE

Brands

Collapsible Dog Bowl Traveling with pets can be tough — but finding the right products can make it all that easier. Made from recycled polyester, this collapsible dog bowl will last you and your four-legged friend many years of adventure together. United By Blue is “making waves” by removing millions of pounds of trash from oceans and waterways, which means you can feel good about purchasing their products.

POPPY & POUT

Orange Blossom Lip Balm

By MADISON YOUNG

Weekends with road trips, cabin stays and camping are in full swing and won’t slow down as the seasons change. Like a river to the ocean, I was drawn to Lake and Company because of the work that goes into selecting products that have deeper stories. Each partner with Lake and Company cares, keeping in mind conservation, sustainability, social good and innovation. It was easy to dive into this role with the team’s passionate energy, and I am excited to share my favorite products and brands with you to take on your next adventure.

Tag us on YOUR adventures @thelakeandcompany

Have a product you think I should check out?

Email me at shop@thelakeandco.com

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I don’t know about you, but my lips need all the hydration after a long day in the sun. This lip balm is hand poured at Poppy & Pout headquarters in Idaho and made from 100% natural ingredients. Plus, you can recycle the cardboard tube when finished. We love sustainability!

KAVU

Tepic Shorts Great for bike rides, hiking or happy hour. KAVU made these quick-dry mid-rise shorts for those who are busy living that outdoor lifestyle.

These shorts are adaptable for moments when you need to look a little cleaned up coming off an afternoon of kayaking. Be sure to check out the three other colors we carry these shorts in.

SHOP

HIPPY FEET

Ziggy Ankle Socks Talk about feeling good with each purchase! Hippy Feet donates 50% net profits to nonprofit organizations serving young people experiencing homelessness.

These ankle socks are made in the USA from super-soft eco-friendly organic cotton and can assist you on your next hiking adventure.

HIGH CAMP FLASKS

Tumbler 2-Pack

NOD PRODUCTS

Waterproof Playing Cards

High Camp Flasks is paving the way for transporting your favorite beverages on any adventure. Their products use stainless steel instead of plastic because it is infinitely recyclable and doesn’t impart any unwanted flavors. Grab this 2-pack of tumblers with a wool-felt carrying case that will allow you to enjoy your hard-earned spirits whether you’re sipping lakeside or camping up north.

NOD Products caught my eye, specifically because they are based in Minneapolis, and are women owned (hell yeah!). These playing cards are made from durable, recycled plastic that repels liquids so they won’t stick together and are easy to sanitize.

Toss them in your bag for your next outing.

TOPO DESIGNS

Accessory Bags Organize everything from pens to power blocks in Topo Designs’ accessory bags. These durable pouches come in three easily transported sizes so you can travel with ease. Topo Designs specializes in making things that last, so you don’t need to be let down by your own gear.

RIVET APPAREL CO.

Hike More Worry Less Tee Based in Indianapolis, Rivet Apparel Co. specializes in “outfitting the next generation of trailblazers and world changers.” All of their tees are hand made and printed, using high-quality, nontoxic ink, so you can feel good about what your kids are wearing!

Diving Deeper

thelakeandco.com LAKE AND COMPANY

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@its_ann_calling

@theholisticpracticalpine

@mark_o_foto

@mackenziejonesblog

Puffy Blanket $99

@chloe_belles

@jonlaxen

thelakeandco.com

Share your story We all have a story to tell.

Here’s your chance to share yours. @thelakeandcompany

@ogeevisuals

@theholisticpracticalpine

@nicholas_j._narog_photography

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Everything we do at Lake and Company is inspired by the stories of people doing exceptional things. We celebrate that in the pages of this magazine, as well as in our stores. This marketplace brings you our top picks from these inspiring brands that support adventure, innovation, conservation and community. Read more about these brands online at thelakeandcompany.com.

Marketplace

thelakeandco.com

MARKET

Place

RUMPL

MATADOR

JETTY

With a waterproof underside, this ultra-packable Stash Mat is the perfect crash pad for the beach, the pool or the backyard. The Rainbow Fade Stash Mat goes wherever you go and matches whatever you’re wearing!

This shower-sized packable towel is ultra-light, super absorbent and quick drying. The NanoDry Shower Towel stays fresher longer, thanks to an antimicrobial fabric coating. The silicone travel case with carabiner keeps your towel separate from the rest of your gear. Clip onto or toss into any bag and hit the beach, trail or gym.

The Session Short is Jetty’s do-it-all everyday short. Hit the gym or score a longboard session, take a run on the beach or gather up the crew and head out on the bay to nab some fish. The Jetty Session Short has you covered.

Stash Mat

@gorumpl

NanoDry Shower Towel

@matadorequipment 54

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Session Short

@thejettylife

SHOP

NORTHSIDE BAGS

Northside Survival Bag

®

This solar-powered panel survival bag comes with a 2.5 Liter hydration pouch, USB port on the back and a 1000mAh battery bank that charges with the solar panel in 2.5 hours. @northsidebags

LANTERN PRESS

Adventure Seekers Club — 1,000-Piece Puzzle

Take the adventure inside with this 1,000-piece puzzle from Lantern Press, the perfect cabin activity that will surely challenge your skills. Printed in the USA and made with eco-friendly inks.

TRIPPY OUTDOOR

Dreamer

Handcrafted in Texas for the Far Out Moments in life. Every chair holds 1,000 lbs and sets up in just 4 seconds! @trippyoutdoor

@lanternpress

SWEETPEA AND CO.

B.FRESH

GOODR

This short-sleeve crewneck tee is made from thick, high-quality tri-blend fabric that feels soft and comfortable while remaining durable for everyday wear.

A ribbed neck makes for hassle-free outfit changes — snag the matching onesie for your babes to match!

If you’re wanting to make a splash this summer, look no further! This women’s retro-print suit is reversible, which means 2x the compliments.

Go ahead, slip into this swimsuit and then slip into it again!

You deserve it!

Check out these Goodr shades with new levels of style and performance.

Designed to look good and fit comfortably on your face whether you’re haulin’ an ass (it’s a wild donkey; look it up) down a mountain trail or drinking beers in a Mexican cantina.

Oh Happy Day Toddler T-Shirt

@sweetpeaandco

Retro Reversible Swimsuit

@bfreshgear

Donkey Goggles Sunglasses

@goodr

COVER STORY

CHALLENGING THE NORM

CRAFTING ARCHITECTURE THAT TELLS A UNIQUE STORY

Renderings by NOMINN

Q&A WITH DOUBLE JACK DESIGN Jacob Zikmund, Jacob Kieper, Alex Zikmund

Our first meeting with Double Jack Design took place at their favorite watering hole in Duluth. It didn’t take long for us to realize that these guys weren’t your typical architecture firm.

They are crafters, makers and builders.

From humble beginnings, these guys believe in getting their hands dirty and creating spaces that are beautiful and meaningful, but also practical.

Who is Double Jack Design?

Our small but mighty group of tenacious and passionate designers/problem solvers work with ambitious and curious people/organizations to create exceptional places. From our inception, we have sought out the unique, the difficult and the challenging projects that require a high level of attention and rigor. We home-base out of Duluth and St. Paul, Minnesota, but our work spans the Midwest and wherever great projects take us.

What makes your design approach different?

We grew up on working farms and learned from an early age what it means to get our hands dirty. We know what it’s like to spend sweltering afternoons digging holes one shovelful at a time.

Within these experiences is an ethos that we carry forward about working hard and with humility in everything we do. We believe strongly in the power of thoughtful, well-designed spaces, but never believe that our ideas are somehow better than anyone else’s involved. And it’s that perspective that resonates with our clients and with the variety of tradespeople we work with on a daily basis, allowing us to create strong, enduring relationships.

Growing up on a farm taught us the necessity to be nimble and creative problem solvers. Although at the time it wasn’t clear that what we were doing was designing, we were constantly problem-solving and fabricating solutions to everyday challenges.

Little did we know, those types of experiences would begin to pave our way, and it’s that ingenuity and blue-collar attitude that continues to move Double Jack Design forward.

Within that humble upbringing, it seems improbable, then, that you would be designing quite modern, sophisticated architecture today.

We suppose you could say that. Growing up in small rural communities, none of us ever met or knew an architect.

But, again, our upbringing, experiences swinging a hammer and insatiable curiosity have brought us here. And now to look back, it seems obvious that this is where we were meant to be. We like to joke, if we weren’t doing this, we would still be doing this.

You mentioned creating relationships. Can you tell us about the importance of relationships within your practice?

Relationships are everything to us. Double Jack Design exists today because of the relationships we have formed and the people who have supported and believed in us enough to make that referral or to hire us to provide design services. That fact humbles us every day. Much of that we attribute to the ethos of Double Jack Design and the deep respect we have for our partners in the trades and all the folks we interact with. The majority of our projects to this point have absolutely come from our referral network.

The image on the cover of this magazine is a wonderful example of a relationship we have developed with a world class visualization studio. Our good friend and industry-leading artist Jake Williams, owner of NOMINN, helped us bring the design of the Nature Link Resort to life.

And that is how you were connected with the owners of Nature Link?

Our good friends at Gardner Builders had been working with the owners of Nature Link and recommended they contact us about designing their project. Little did we know that the owner’s vision to create a modern oasis for guests to unplug and reconnect with nature would resonate with our mission. That shared vision has been invaluable in creating a magical place that we hope comes through in the user experience.

It sounds like Nature Link was really that perfect project where the right people and relationships were in place . . .

It was an opportunity to show what can be accomplished when there is an alignment of vision and trust in your team to interpret that vision into built form. The resort is a 14-acre hideaway, nestled amongst the pines just outside of Nisswa, Minnesota, on Clark Lake. The project scope catered to both our residential and commercial expertise, as the campus includes a wedding event center (The Catalyst), private cabins and a hotel. Each structure on the property was meticulously considered to inspire people to appreciate their surroundings. Whether having a drink while watching the northern lights or taking in a sunrise over the lake while sipping coffee, the goal is to slow down and smell the pine needles.

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The buildings are unique and iconic. Where does your inspiration come from?

Our design process starts the same for every project. We meet the client, in person, preferably on the site (if there is one) and listen closely to their vision and their unique story. Much of what inspires us comes from the client and what we hear in those initial meetings. Our ears remain open as we explore the site, listening to the birds and the trees, taking in what is there and searching for what is not.

Nature Link is all about the outdoors, hence the name. Since our first meeting on site, it was evident the natural environment was calling us to unwind and disconnect. The natural environment was a huge driver for the project, and all of the structures have been designed to connect people to it. That intent is achieved by utilizing large amounts of glass to frame views and designing many ways for people to move in and out of the structures.

We also wanted varying types of experiences, depending on what space and what building a person is in; for example, the ceremony space floats in the tree canopy and gives a sense of being in a treehouse, whereas the reception area is at ground level and focuses one’s attention toward the lake. Drawing from one of the owner’s professions as a photographer, the idea of framing views is enhanced and the different spaces and structures became known as apertures for viewing nature.

Finally, our agrarian roots are continually influencing the way we see the world. We look to the agrarian structures of old for clues about how to design buildings for the future. Those structures were created from the local natural materials available, and the building form was derived from the local conditions and the specific needs of the end user. That simplicity and the idea that something is only as much as it needs to be is beautiful in our eyes. In a world where we transport materials across countries and continents and create materials from harmful, unhealthy substances, the most sustainable thing we can do is get back to that vernacular (something specific to its place and its time) way of thinking.

Much of this conversation has been about resort architecture.

What other types of projects do you design?

Double Jack Design is unique in that we work on a variety of projects and we are experts in both the intimate world of custom residential design and the complex world of commercial design. We are currently working on legacy homes and cabins, resorts, banks, restaurants, multi-family housing and a climbing gym. For us, the type of project is not as important as the mindset and vision of the client. The client needs to want to challenge convention, push boundaries, think differently and be open-minded.

We believe in sharing what we know and that learning anything is a hands-on experience. We want to teach our clients not just about their project, but about architecture. There is a [tendency] in the industry to keep all your “trade secrets” to yourself, but we don’t believe in that. We want to bring people in.

We want to build real relationships and a community. We want our clients to feel like they know us, that we’re listening and understanding, and trust us to express their vision through our designs.

Let’s Connect doublejackdesign.com

All renderings by NOMINN nominn.com

lovin’ lake county Your Next Adventure Awaits

By MARIA HILEMAN

P

lan a trip to Lake County, Minnesota, and be wowed by its scenic drives, jagged cliffs, hidden beaches and stunning vistas. It’s home to iconic parks, quaint towns and expansive wilderness. It’s where people go to slow down and immerse themselves in nature. Explore all its wonders by foot, bike or boat — from the Boundary Waters to the big lake.

Lake County

LAKE AND COMPANY

TRAVEL

With so much to see and do, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite stops to help you plan your perfect trip.

4

State Parks

12

Waterfalls

3

20+

Lighthouses

Campgrounds

13

Beaches

WATCH SUNRISE

Start your morning with a spectacular show over Lake Superior. Catching a sunrise, no matter where you are, is such a simple joy that makes you stop and appreciate life’s marvels.

CAFFEINE BOOST

Nestled in the woods, Cedar Coffee Company is a special place to gather while in Two Harbors. This laid-back coffee shop features espresso, café eats, a dog-friendly patio and a setting amid the forest.

HIT THE TRAILS

This hiker’s paradise offers trails with amazing viewpoints, unspoiled beauty and pristine nature. It’s always a thrill to see rushing rapids and waterfalls along the North Shore, and Tettegouche and Gooseberry Falls are two state parks you won’t want to miss.

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63

CATCH AIR

Lake County also has activities to get the heart pounding. Ride the rugged backcountry system with rocky technical trails on two new single-track trail systems. Add some excitement at the North Shore Adventure Park’s high ropes course and ziplines in Silver Bay. And some of you daredevils might want to try your hand at cliff diving; that frigid water will definitely be refreshing.

REFUEL

After working up an appetite, be sure to enjoy a variety of foods along the North Shore. Like fresh Lake Superior fish and handcrafted soups and salads — and make sure to leave room for some insanely good pie.

BEACH IT UP

Did you know Lake County is home to black sand and pink sand beaches?

The sight of the black sand alongside the red cliffs and blue water and sky is unlike anything else in Minnesota.

Iona’s Beach, which has pink sand, is also known as Singing Beach — when waves crash onto this section of beach, the rocks sing a song.

VISIT LOVINLAKECOUNTY.COM

SCENIC DRIVES

The North Shore Scenic Drive, also known as Scenic Byway 61, is one of the most scenic drives in America.

Discover the unspoiled surroundings of the Lake Superior shoreline and explore the rivers, streams and jagged cliffs along the way.

NIGHTCAP

Complete your trip with a campfire right on the beach. Enjoy some ooey-gooey s’mores and the refreshing breeze off Lake Superior.

And if you’re really lucky, maybe the Northern Lights will make an appearance.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Festival of Sail (August 4–7)

Rockin’ the Docks with Shenandoah (August 20)

Silver Bay Music in the Park Series

(Fridays July 22–September 9)

Two Harbors Farmers Market

(Saturdays 10 a.m.–noon)

Finland Farmers Market (Thursdays 5–6:30 p.m.)

LIFE

THROUGH THE LENS OF SPLIT ROCK’S INNKEEPER

By HAYES SCRIVEN

Photography by HAYES SCRIVEN

O

n Nov. 28, 1905, a gale-force wind pounded the rugged shores of Lake Superior. The temperatures plummeted and the winds gusted — the storm of the century was in full force. By the time it was over, nearly 30 ships were wrecked and the Lake Superior shipping industry was in shambles.

Seaman Fred Benson heroically jumped onto the rock face, climbed to the top, tied a rope and rescued all but one crew member. After the storm, American novelist James Oliver Curwood proclaimed, “The North Shore of Lake Superior was the most dangerous piece of water in the world.”

As the storm raged, the Maderia, an unpowered schooner-barge, broke away from its tow vessel, the William Edenborn. As it was drifting helplessly, it slammed into Gold Rock Point, just a half mile from the current location of Split Rock Lighthouse. The Maderia kept smashing into the rock face and started to break apart.

As a result of this storm, one-third of U.S. Steel’s fleet was destroyed, most of them uninsured. Soon after, a U.S. Steel delegation was sent to Congress to ask for a lighthouse to be built in the vicinity of Split Rock Point.

In 1907, $75,000 was appropriated for a lighthouse and fog signal at Split Rock.

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AFTER THE STORM, AMERICAN NOVELIST JAMES OLIVER CURWOOD PROCLAIMED, “THE NORTH SHORE OF LAKE SUPERIOR WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS PIECE OF WATER IN THE WORLD.”

BUILDING A BEACON Construction began in 1909 and continued until July 31, 1910, when the beacon was lit for the first time by keeper Orren “Pete” Young. The construction of Split Rock Lighthouse was an engineering feat for the U.S. Lighthouse Service (USLHS), an organization already known for building structures in remote locations. With no road to the site, the only access was by boat. All materials were brought up over the 110-foot cliff using a hoist and derrick system.

By the time Split Rock Light Station was completed in mid-summer 1910, workers had spent 13 months on the desolate cliff with their only break during the worst months of winter. They were exposed to the elements and connected to civilization only by occasional supply boat visits. When the beacon was first lit, it stood as a monument to the will of the men who built it as much as an aid to navigation.

In 1939, the USLHS was absorbed by the United States Coast Guard, which continues to operate all lighted aids to navigation in the United States today.

NEW NAVIGATION As new navigational technology was being developed and became more widely available, lighthouses such as Split Rock became less needed. In 1969, Split Rock was decommissioned, and it was deeded to the state of Minnesota in 1971. In 1976, the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) took over operations of the historic landmark and made it a museum and historic site. Split Rock Light Station was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2011.

Since 1910, 35 keepers and families have lived at Split Rock Lighthouse. Since 1975, five site managers between the Department of Natural Resources and MHS have served the historic site.

NORTH SHORE CALLING In November 2019, I started my tenure as site manager of Split Rock Lighthouse. I am originally from Southern Minnesota, but the North Shore has always held a special place in my heart. When I was young, my grandfather would take me to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We would always make stops along the shore, Split Rock being a favorite. My wife, Jenny, and I both attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, where we frequently took trips up the shore. As always, Split Rock was a favorite stop — so much so that I proposed to her on Day Hill overlooking the lighthouse.

After more than 11 years as director of the Northfield Historical Society, I decided with Jenny to move to Two Harbors to follow a dream of living on the North Shore.

I took a job at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin. While attending UMD, I was an intern at the Bong, which is where my passion for local history began. It was amazing to come north and lead an organization where I had interned. In early 2019, the job at Split Rock became available and I had to apply for it. In August 2019, I was offered my dream job.

In January 2020, we moved into one of the keeper’s homes. We have been loving every minute of it, surrounded by amazing scenery, wildlife and history.

Our kids love being able to run down to the lake and skip rocks or just venture into nature. We are so close to rugged landscapes and amazing views, sometimes it seems like we are living in a fairy tale.

When COVID hit and the shutdowns began, our lives changed again. Our kids moved to distance learning, the site was closed until July, and supply chain issues became a real thing. However, during this time, our family became stronger and closer. Our kids have thrived living in such a unique place, which has been the most inspiring thing of all.

Working my way through the stress of a new job and the challenges of the pandemic, I needed to find a new release.

I found it in photography. Being surrounded by such great beauty and nature all the time has provided me with the creative spark and drive to try new things. Photography has allowed me to explore parts of Northern Minnesota I didn’t even know existed and see things I never thought I would see, such as the Northern Lights.

In all, our life at Split Rock has just begun. My family and I are truly thankful for this opportunity and are excited to see what the future holds for us and the site.

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Whether you provide care or are in need of care in your home – Call We offer PCA (Personal Care Assistant), FMS and 245D Services in all 87 Minnesota counties.

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651.330.2550

Apparel for chasing lake life all year long.

260 Water Street, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331

Northerndriftco.com | @Northern_Drift

N ew Sce nic C afé

D

rive along the North Shore of Lake Superior between Duluth and Two Harbors and you will come across a café. A cozy building nestled behind a gorgeous garden; filled with herbs, vegetables and fragrant flowers. The café looks humble but what awaits inside is anything but ordinary. Since opening in 1999, Scott Graden’s New Scenic Café has grown exponentially; continually amazing customers with its unique menus, serene atmosphere and impeccable service.

Today, the New Scenic Café is a part of the North Shore experience. With local artisan expressions throughout, a relaxed comfortable atmosphere, and a menu that will satisfy any palate or culinary desire. Lake and Company is delighted to partner with New Scenic Café and share a variety of their recipes in the pages of our magazines.

FOOD

Miso Sea Bass wakame, pickled vegetables, peas & carrots, cilantro

Pickled Daikon & Carrots:

When ready to serve, preheat the

1 C water

oven to 400ºF and prepare a sheet

½ C rice vinegar

pan by lining the pan with parchment

¾ C sugar

paper lightly coated with pan spray.

1 ½ t salt ½ lb carrot, julienned

Drain the sea bass of excess

½ lb daikon radish, julienned

marinade and arrange on the prepared sheet pan.

Seperate the julienned daikon a nd carrots into two containers

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the

and set aside.

sea bass is cooked through and the marinade has caramelized. Serve

Combine the water, rice vinegar,

immediately.

sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture

Peas & Carrots:

to a boil, stirring occasionally to

½ C carrots, cooked & oblique cut

dissolve the sugar.

¼ C green peas 1 T butter

Pour the hot brine over the prepared

water

carrots and daikons so that the vegetables in each container are

The carrots can be cooked following

completely submerged. Cover the

the technique on page # and oblique

containers and store the pickled

cut ahead of time and stored, covered,

vegetables in the refrigerator

in the refrigerator.

overnight or until you’re ready.

Combine the carrots, peas, butter,

Sea Bass:

and enough water to cover in a small

¼ C sake

saucepan set over medium-low heat.

¼ C mirin

Season with salt and pepper.

8 t white miso paste 4 t red miso paste

Other:

8 t brown sugar

1 C wakame seaweed salad

2 T soy sauce

young cilantro

1 t cilantro, roughly chopped ¼ t sesame oil

Assembly:

1 T white rum

Create a nest of wakame in the center

28 oz sea bass

of each plate. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the warm peas & carrots into

Combine the sake, mirin, miso pastes,

the wakame nest. Perch the baked sea

brown sugar, soy sauce, cilantro, and

bass over the top.

sesame oil in a blender and purée to make asmooth marinade.

Finish with a large pinch of both the pickled carrot and daikon, drained

Cut the sea bass into 4 equal portions

from the pickling liquid, and garnish

and remove the skin. Toss the sea bass

with fresh, young cilantro.

with the miso marinade and allow the fish to marinate for 6-8 hours, rotating the fish occasionally to be sure that the sea bass is evenly coated.

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73

I was learning how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

A Cold 74

LIFE

I

grew up in Silver Bay, Minnesota. When I was young, I loved the winter months. I would play in the snow making forts and loved skating, skiing, sledding, etc. However, after age 50, when I started menopause, I began to believe that I hated winters. So cold. I started to look for a warmer place to spend the winter months. After a few crazy years of checking out vacation spots in Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, etc., I realized I didn’t want to live apart from my family and friends during the winter months. Something had to change! After much ado and suffering, I decided to change my attitude about the winter. I thought, no more complaining about the weather; start enjoying it again like I did when I was a child. So I purchased a fat-tire bike and started winter biking; I started skiing, skating and even sledding again at the age of 60.

The really amazing thing was that when I went to my doctor, she wanted to run some new test on a few things that in the past had concerned her about my health. One year before, I had an abnormal thyroid function test, high cholesterol and slightly poor kidney function, which she had wanted me to treat with meds. However, I said no to all meds and continued to be prescription free, which I still am. A year later, all my labs had improved. My kidney function was slightly better, cholesterol was lower and my thyroid was within normal range. I can’t prove that this was the result of my cold-water dips, but it is what Wim Hof swears by. He believes the cold dips awaken and strengthen your body and immune system in a very healthy way.

This worked miracles and opened a new door to my winter dips in Lake Superior. I had read about Wim Hof and his meditation breathing and wanted to try it.

I loved the breathing exercises so much I checked into more of what he did. Well, after watching a video of one of his workshops with cold-water therapy, I decided that day, a very cold fall day, that I was going to jump into Lake Superior and soak for 2 minutes. This was not easy at first, but I decided I was going to jump in every day all winter for 150 days in a row and see what good it could do me. I would soak for 2 to 5 minutes, and one day stayed in for 10 minutes just for the challenge.

Anyway, at age 67, I no longer struggle with winter; I make myself dress for it and get out to play and enjoy what the season has to offer. Who knew I would be jumping into the lake for winter fun?

I no longer do it every day, but it is my Sunday worship. Every Sunday I soak in the lake and then return home to do my breathing exercises.

This is a beautiful way to be in the now/the present; it’s a gift.

I had to just not listen to the voice in my head that would try to keep me out of the water (33–40 degrees Fahrenheit). Soon I could actually laugh at the voice and just jump in with eagerness! I was learning how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. No matter what weather winter threw at me every morning, I would go soak in the lake. At times, a hole would have to be chopped/cut into the ice before I jumped in. During this time, I never got a cold, the sniffles, the flu, COVID or any sickness at all.

I realized I had to relax, picnic and play more during the winter months. I am an artist and have always included what I love in my work. So to go along with my new love for winter, I started a new playful series of cards and paintings called “Sassy Sasquatch.” This is my way of expressing my new tough love for playing in the winter and making every day a gift! I am now done with menopause.

Hooray! I thought it would never end, but I feel like I have been given a new free life with wrinkles.

Plunge

By LAURI E. OLSON HOHMAN

LAKE AND COMPANY

75

And the winners are… (drum roll!)

Let’s raise a glass to all the fine folks who sent in their votes and cheers to the winners of our Better Than Most Awards.

Congratulations to our region’s top places and people — we think you’re pretty swell, or at least better than most.

Gooseberry Falls - This stunning four-level waterfall which pushes trillions of gallons of water and brings loads of tourists, wins 2022 Better Than Most Awards.

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LAKE AND COMPANY

AWARDS

SHOPPING MN Brand

ABODE OUTSIDE: This online sustainable clothing store is here to be a reliable source of highquality, environmentally friendly, ethical gear and apparel inspired by the great outdoors. Their mission is to enable you to live more sustainably.

Farmers Market

ST. PAUL FARMERS MARKET:

Freshly stocked with all the locally grown produce the season has to offer, the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market has more than 20 locations around the metro, making it a convenient and fun stop for the whole family.

Gift Store

Pet Store

A specialty purveyor known for selling a curated mix of affordably priced gifts, home decor, scents, paper goods, jewelry and toys in an inspiring and everchanging environment.

Patina has multiple store locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.

Unlike any pet experience in the world, Chuck and Don’s is a community of experts from nutritionists to groomers to behaviorists dedicated to holistic pet wellness. You’ll find everything you need under one virtual and physical roof.

PATINA:

CHUCK AND DON’S:

Patina

OUTDOOR SPOTS State Park

TETTEGOUCHE: This state park offers stunning views of sea caves, a sea stack and Palisade Head. View Lake Superior in all seasons.

The park is 9,346 acres and contains six inland lakes, four waterfalls and a beach on the Lake.

Hiking Trail

River

ST. CROIX RIVER:

GOOSEBERRY FALLS:

This 300+-mile footpath follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin–Minnesota border to the Canadian border. The trail is built, maintained and managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), a private nonprofit organization based in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish and camp among this wild and scenic beauty.

This popular North Shore park features spectacular waterfalls, scenic overlooks, a wonderful visitor center and superb trout fishing. Be sure to take in an interpretive program to learn more about the history, geology and wildlife of the North Shore.

SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL:

Waterfall

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77

Voyageur Brewing

SIPS Brewery

Winery

Distillery

Take in views of Grand Marais Harbor with cold and tasty craft beer brewed with water from Lake Superior. Enjoy the view from their taproom or on their spacious rooftop patio.

Established in 2013, this winery produces over 3,000 cases of red and white wines annually.

The business also produces hard cider made from Minnesota apples annually and sold only in Cook County.

With access to an unrivaled lineup of spirits, liqueurs and ready-to-drink cocktails, you can enjoy the perfect drink to reflect your taste at Tattersall.

Always made from the best ingredients available and sourced from independent farmers and sustainable partners they trust.

VOYAGEUR BREWING:

NORTH SHORE WINERY:

TATTERSALL DISTILLERY:

Hungry Hippie Tacos

GRUB Tacos

Ice Cream

A taco shop serving up fry bread tacos and northern tacos from their tiny scratch kitchen. They make everything on site, from the brisket they smoke for 14 hours to the fry bread they make fresh all day, every day!

This ice cream parlor in Stillwater was established in 1923. This historical gem offers 46 ice cream flavors served in mammoth portions.

HUNGRY HIPPIE TACOS:

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LAKE AND COMPANY

NELSON’S ICE CREAM:

Lakefront Restaurant

MAYNARD’S: On the shores of Lake Minnetonka, just steps from downtown Excelsior, Maynard’s provides the perfect combination of lake views and inviting ambience!

Jucy Lucy

MATT’S:

Now a Minneapolis landmark, Matt’s Bar & Grill began in 1954 as a neighborhood burger eatery. Each “Jucy Lucy” is carefully handmade with the freshest highquality beef and filled with the molten cheese you can only find at Matt’s.

Saegerville Cedar

Yia Vang

PEOPLE Band

YAM HAUS: Minneapolis-based indie pop band Yam Haus fuses intimate songcraft with stadium-size ambition.

Playing to sold out crowds at legendary venues such as First Avenue, and building a fervent fan base, this band invites everyone into the embrace of their neon-hued, dance floor–tailored alternative pop.

Woodworker

Real Estate Agent

Photographer

Saegerville is proud of the furniture they make, and we think they construct some of the most handsome cedarwood Adirondack chairs you’ll find in the Midwest. Helping pants smell better, one seat at a time.

This agent from eXP Realty believes in giving people the opportunity to expand their true wealth and freedom through buying, selling and investing in real estate.

Abraham is based in the Twin Cities area.

Heading into his sixth year as a wedding photographer, Russell likes to add a little of his lifestyle technique into his wedding work.

He feels that it keeps his work fresh and can draw viewers into an image on an emotional level.

SAEGERVILLE CEDAR:

ABRAHAM SANCHEZ:

RUSSELL HEETER:

Chef

YIA VANG: As a trained chef who started his career working as a dishwasher, Yia uses food to tell a story; he believes every dish has a narrative. Through sourcing what’s in season and combining local traditions with those from his family and culture, Yia brings Hmong flavors to American palates and invites people to change how they think about food by considering the influences in each bite.

Lutsen Mountains

SPACES & PLACES A-frame Cabin Rental

Small Town

This brand-new A-frame cabin is custom built with love. Enjoy a morning on the back deck, cozy up in the swinging hanging chair or unwind around the fire pit out back. Perfect for a couples weekend, birthday treat, family getaway or mountain biking retreat!

Explore the gateway to one of America’s purest outdoor experiences. Ely rests at the edge of the Boundary Waters, the largest wilderness area east of the Rockies. Experience the spirit of untouched wilderness that separates you from modern civilization.

Boutique Hotel

Ski Resort

HILHAUS:

LORA:

Set on the banks of the St. Croix, this intimate 40-room boutique hotel is ideally situated for exploring Minnesota’s rich landscapes or whiling away an afternoon by the river.

JUST FOR FUN Small-Town Statue

NEVIS MUSKIE STATUE:

This painted concrete sculpture, 30 feet, 6 inches long and just over 11 feet high, is painted to look like a tiger muskie and is on display in Muskie Park in Nevis, Minnesota.

Taxidermist Warren Ballard created this enormous fish to advertise his business, but it soon came to serve as a drawing card for tourists in the area..

MN Phrase

“OPE”:

A word often said in the Midwest that takes the place of “sorry.” “Ope” is a word you may hear when someone has made a minor mistake or done something by accident, such as bumping into you, taking the place of “sorry,” “pardon me” or “excuse me.”

MN Fashion Trend

SOCKS AND SANDALS:

Wearing socks and sandals together is a controversial fashion combination and social phenomenon that is often seen in Minnesota. In some places, it is considered a fashion faux pas.

80

LAKE AND COMPANY

Nevis Muskie Statue

ELY:

LUTSEN MOUNTAINS: Enjoy the largest ski area in the Midwest, offering four interconnected mountains with 95 runs spread across 1,000+ acres overlooking Lake Superior. Their Summit Express Gondola is one of the most popular attractions on the North Shore.

Take the trail less travelled.

Take the trail less traveled.

ittle

azy

odge

WEDDINGS | RETREATS | GETAWAYS | EVENTS

218.355.0083 | LittleLazyLodge.com | Northern MN

LODGE: SLEEPS 25 VENUE: 300 ACRES: 160 CEREMONY IN THE PINES DANCE FLOOR + STAGE HOT TUB GIANT BONFIRES

BUILDING OUR DREAM HOME

By DAN LOVDAHL

V

Photography by DAN LOVDAHL

alhalla is a lifelong dream turned into reality for me and my wife, Theresa Lovdahl. Our life together started in high school, where we met and, after our first date in March 1984, started going steady.

Fast-forward a few years and I joined the Air Force and married Theresa, the love of my life, in April 1987. Our sons, Nate and Nic, were born at an Air Force base, and our family jumped around the U.S. for 23 years, with Theresa beginning her passion as a nurse in 2005.

had enough stuff and not to buy any more, but I wouldn’t listen and would always bring home a treasure. Living in a log home for 14 years didn’t fulfill the dream. It wasn’t that dream home; we had purchased someone else’s dream.

The dream of our ideal home started in the early 1990s, when I built a scale model of it, and for the next 30 years this model was my reminder to keep the dream alive.

During our travels and living in different states, our obsession with going to auctions and collecting antiques started. After several years, Theresa would always say we

Over the years, our dream changed a little and the hunt for an antique timber-frame barn became the focus.

After a couple of trips to Ohio Valley Barn Salvage and four barns later, we found the perfect one: a hand-hewn timber-frame barn, built in the 1870s. The house had to be built around the barn but fit our sketches, with certain

Why Valhalla? Theresa and I are both of Scandinavian descent, and in Norse mythology, Valhalla is an enormous majestic hall located in Asgard and ruled over by the god Odin.

LIFE

AS THE HOUSE WAS NEARING THE END OF THE BUILD, SOME OF THE ANTIQUE PIECES WERE BEING BUILT INTO PLACE TO PULL THE DREAM AND LIFETIME OF COLLECTING TOGETHER.

parts of the house being built around the antiques.

With a chance to live anywhere, we chose Northern Minnesota, as it has always been home, and with family up there it was an easy choice. After spending several months with a disappointing contractor, we met a father-and-son team and construction began on May 10, 2020. We moved into the 1940s cabin on our lake lot. Being on site to watch the dream come alive on a daily basis was wonderful, especially the day the antique hand-hewn timbers showed up with the barn crew from Ohio to rebuild the barn to its original glory.

As the house was nearing the end of the build, some of the antique pieces were being built into place to pull the dream and lifetime of collecting together. There are details

in every aspect of the home. Some of the most interesting items are the doors throughout that came from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, Michigan; an antique general store counter that was converted with wormy chestnut from Ohio barns by a family friend; a mid-1800s fireplace surround from Cincinnati built into the staircase rail; the early-1900s tobacco staves from Kentucky that were turned into the staircase spindles; and we can’t forget our loving dog, Max, who follows us around everywhere hoping to sneak in a pet whenever he can get one.

From the moment you arrive at the front door, you can tell the home was built with a vision and a dream; when you enter, it feels warm and inviting, as a dream home called Valhalla should.

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DISCOVER

FLITEBOARD Q&A about the world’s most advanced electric hydrofoil Tell us about yourself and Efoil MN. My name is Kilian Swirtz. My family and I are action sports enthusiasts who love to spend our summers at the lake and our winters in the snow. Efoil MN is a Fliteboard Fliteschool, as well as a retail and service center. We specialize in every aspect of the Fliteboard Efoil — from taking you on your !rst lesson to getting you set up with your own board to dealing with any service or technical issues that may pop up.

What is Fliteboard and what makes it so special?

Fliteboard is an electric hydrofoil (Efoil) that allows you to fly silently above the water, producing no emissions or wake. It doesn’t require wind or waves, so you can explore places on a lake and do things you never could before. A handheld controller connects to the board via Bluetooth — this allows you to control your speed to !nd freedom and take Flite.

Fliteboard is the most awarded Efoil in the world.

The main thing that we like to talk about first is safety. Fliteboard prioritizes safety above all else and includes multiple safety features that its competitors don’t have. Secure arming prevents anyone from accidentally turning on the motor; automatic tilt detection shuts off the prop in case you fall; advanced battery management systems ensure safe charging and temperature control; a sight glass allows you to see if any moisture has entered the battery compartment; and the Fliteboard app (Flite App) updates your board anytime new software is available.

Fliteboard uses a patented digital cruise control that allows the rider to set their desired speed. This is an amazing tool for new riders, as it allows them to learn in a much quicker and safer way.

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There are four board models, including an inflatable AIR board, and 10 different wing options that accommodate any type of rider and allow you to easily progress from beginner (slow and stable) to pro (fast and maneuverable) — as well as additional options like the True Glide Prop, which lets you ride waves without using the power of the motor. And the battery lasts an average of 90 minutes per charge!

What can you compare the feeling of Fliteboarding to?

The feeling is really uncomparable — it’s such a cool, unique feeling! It’s sort of like riding in fresh powder on a snowboard. Unlike towed water sports like skiing, wakeboarding or wakesurfing, you’re not limited to where the boat can go. Fliteboarding gives you a freedom on the water you’ve never had before.

What type of skill level is required to Fliteboard for the first time?

It may look intimidating, but Fliteboarding is one of the easiest ways to have fun on the water. Its plug-and-play design makes it simple and intuitive to use. Even with no previous board sports experience, most beginners can learn to Fliteboard in a one-hour lesson.

Where can we find out more information and ride a Fliteboard?

We have a permanent location on Christmas Lake in Excelsior, Minnesota, but we can come to you if that’s more convenient. We also do events and retreats.

You can find out more by going to efoilmn.com or fliteboard.com. Also give us a call at 612.991.4552.

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Live @ The Reif Visit theReif.org for a complete list of shows.

Aug 4

Hits include: “Let Your Love Flow,” “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me),” “Dancing Cowboys,” “Sugar Daddy,” “You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie,” “Lovers Live Longer” and many more.

Beer & Food Available

Aug 25

world premiere

Stay ConneCted!

Visit TheReif.org and join our email list to get Reif news, information and special ticket offers delivered to your mailbox!

Follow us on social media @thereif & @reifcouncil.

Sept 25

Tickets

Aug 26-28

Sept 29

218 327 5780

TheReif.org

Boating Begins with Your Boat Club

MN, WI, IL, & Now in Florida!

612-208-1800 • WWW.YOURBOATCLUB.COM Annual Boat Memberships • Daily/Multi-Day Boat Rentals • Full Service Marinas • + So Much More!

Celebrating 75 Years of Hometown Hospitality Best Western Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning global family of hotels that offers accommodations for all types of travelers. Whether you’re traveling for business or planning an affordable family vacation, with 26 hotels throughout Minnesota, Best Western has a hotel for you.

Minneapolis/ St. Paul

Book your next adventure.

Visit: BestWesternMinnesota.com

Lodge Detroit Lakes

Meet the people behind the properties As a membership association, Best Western’s hotels are independently owned and locally operated. Their hoteliers’ dedication to caring for their guests and active participation in their communities are reflected in the guests’ experience and in the impressive number of industry accolades for the hotel properties and the people behind them.

How are you/the hotel active in your local community?

We are very involved with our local community. My general manager, Perry Sloneker, has been with me for 22 years!

He served on our local Chamber of Commerce board for many years. I, too, served on that board prior to his time.

We both are actively involved in our Rotary Club. He is involved with his church community and I am involved with our local senior organization, etc. We are blessed to live and work in such a wonderful community!

Marianna Khauv – Best Western Plus Chelsea Hotel, Monticello

What do you enjoy most about the hospitality industry?

I love people! And understanding their hospitality needs and exceeding their expectations. We have an incredible team, so it is fun coming to work every day. I believe we all have to work, but let’s have fun along the way. Being of service is a way of life! We are creating memories every day with our guests, whether it is a wedding celebration, a special dinner at Rudy’s or a celebration of life, and everything in between!

Our goal is to deliver an incredible guest experience. With that in mind, I treasure meeting other hospitality leaders and learning from their experiences. Hospitality people are fun, happy, creative and energetic.

Bill Foussard – Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, White Bear Lake La Crescent

Isanti

How long have you owned your Best Western hotel?

We have owned and operated our Best Western Plus at La Crescent Area Event Center since June 2019. Our entrance into the hotel business actually began with the planning and building of our La Crescent Area Event Center, which is a nonprofit. The need for an event center grew with the closing of the American Legion Club, which had served our small community of 5,000 for many years. Along with that need was the need for a hotel, as La Crescent had gone a long time without one. Visitors to our beautiful area would travel across the river to La Crosse, Wisconsin, for their lodging and also for their events.

Sheila & Dick Wieser – Best Western Plus at La Crescent Event Center, La Crescent

How did you come to own the hotel?

I have worked in hotels since I was in college. I took a quarter off to work at a resort property in Carefree, Arizona — the quarter ended up being eight years, with me managing the Carefree Inn and Resort until it was sold.

I returned to Minnesota and became manager of a large downtown Minneapolis hotel. A wonderful mentor of mine said, “Bill, you need to own your own hotel.” He guided me into acquiring the Best Western Americana Inn in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and in 2000 I acquired the Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn. Bill Foussard – Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, White Bear Lake

What is your favorite thing about Minnesota?

It is a great place to experience all four seasons of the year.

Sometimes, you even get to experience all four seasons in one day. :) As an immigrant from Taiwan, I call Minnesota my home, where I met my husband and raised our three daughters. People are friendly and we truly embrace the “Minnesota Nice” culture.

Marianna Khauv – Best Western Plus Chelsea Hotel, Monticello Nicollet Inn

Superior Inn

CONCERT LINEUP WILCO

SHOVELS AND ROPE

WILD HORSES

CHASTITY BROWN

A seven-time nominee and two-time Grammy winner, Chicago-based Wilco is an indie rock band formed in 1994. Having just released their 12th album, Cruel Country, Wilco will be touring all summer headlining festivals across the nation and beyond, alongside acts like Beck, The Avett Brothers, Billy Strings, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Emmylou Harris and many others.

Grand Rapids Riverfest on September 10 is their only Minnesota date on the tour!

An Americana duo based in Charleston, South Carolina, Shovels and Rope bring a mix of traditional folk, country and downright rock ’n’ roll. A festival favorite across the country, the band is best known for their energetic live performances. With a brand-new album out this spring, Manticore, Shovels and Rope will be sure to deliver all the goods to us on the banks of the Mississippi.

A crowd favorite from last year’s festival, this up-andcoming Americana band from Grand Rapids features several local musicians: Jed and Ariana LaPlant, McKeon Hugh Roberts and JJ Snell. Wild Horses has quickly garnered a fervent and loyal fan base, filling and packing houses wherever they play. They made their debut as a band on the West Stage of Grand Rapids Riverfest last year, and will be making their main-stage debut in 2022.

Keep your eyes on this band!

A Tennessee-raised, Minneapolis-based roots musician, Brown has been covered by NPR, Rolling Stone, Paste magazine and more, touring with the likes of the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco. Having released a brand-new album this spring, Sing to the Walls, Brown will be on tour with Valerie June this summer.

BUY TICKETS grandrapidsriverfest.com

TRAVEL

By GABE WELKER Photography by GABE WELKER

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thelakeandco.com

Lake and Company + Apolis Market Tote $68

RovR RollR 45 $399.99

S

eventy-six days. I had just paid my deposit, and in 76 days my family and I would be in Denver picking up our new camper. Like everyone else in America, we took to the outdoors in 2020 and ’21. Our renewed passage back into the outdoors was a result of limited travel options and our children reaching an age where they can keep up. Our camping game was sufficient, but the prep, pack and unpack portion was a burden. We rendezvoused on a few adventures with friends who had campers. The ability to back up to your rig with 90% of the packing ready to go was calling to me. My first and most challenging hurdle was to convince my wife that we needed a camper. With the children backing me, we implemented our full-court press of persuasion. Strategically placed magazine articles of happy families camping.

Pointing out every camper we saw and remarking, “Wow, they sure look happy.” Even a compelling PowerPoint presentation, which I would be willing to share if you find yourself in my spot. I want to say it was the presentation, but in all likelihood it was her baby boy, our 6-year-old son, that she simply cannot say no to. Regardless, I was camper shopping.

SHOP thelakeandco.com

High Camp Flasks Firelight 750 Flask $125

THE ROUTE

6 states 4 sleeps 3 locations 1,914 miles 30 hrs. windshield time

EXPLO RI N G T H E H E A L I N G N AT U R E O F N AT URE

For our camp style and my driveway space, I narrowed in on a classic teardrop camper with a modern twist. There is a new class of teardrops better suited for off-road travel. Sometimes referred to as a “square drop,” depending on their shape, these rigs are trail ready. Higher ground clearance, independent suspension and articulating hitch connections are what set these campers apart from their traditional cousins. Amid my extensive research, I found several candidates that would suit our needs. One of the leading attributes in my decision to go with Wibtech Outdoors was their 120-day guaranteed build time — a pretty compelling differentiator when you consider the average build time is almost one year among other custom builders in the market. This guaranteed lead time is a key tenet in Wibtech’s business model, says Laura Anaya, cofounder of the company. “We were frustrated with how long the build times were on most of the campers we liked, so we decided to build our own.” Laura’s husband, Waldi, a skilled carpenter, got

to work and crafted a camper. That first camper is lovingly named Grandpa and is still in service as part of Wibtech’s rental fleet. “We rented Grandpa out for something like $25 a night so it would get a ton of use and we could learn how to build the next one better.”

With the learnings from their prototype, Laura and Waldi enlisted a mechanical engineer to streamline their design and manufacturing process, ultimately leading to their current “Alpha” model.

I placed my camper order with Laura in January 2022, and we aligned on a pickup date in late March to accommodate the kids’ spring break. The order process was very smooth, and Laura is great in answering questions and helped source all of the add-ons I wanted for our custom camper. The base version of Wibtech’s camper is more than capable for any adventure. But if you’re looking to build a one-of-a-kind camper, the Wibtech team has several options and add-ons to suit your needs.

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket $129

Fast-forward to March and I’m packing up the family truckster, our fifth-generation 4Runner, for the journey across the plains to Denver. I hit the Mile-High City, grab my family from Denver International Airport, and set up camp at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. Bringing a deal like this to fruition requires compromise. The first compromise being that my wife and children would fly into Denver from Minneapolis — the allure of Nebraska at night was not enough to sway this decision — and the second being waterslides. After all, this is the kids’ spring break and I, too, enjoy the chlorinated rush of a good slide. After a day leaving us with prune-like fingers and with an anticipation equal to a kid on Christmas Eve, we hit the rack. One more sleep until new-camper day!

We arrived at Wibtech’s HQ and production facility in the morning.

It’s located just north of downtown Denver in a small industrial park. We met the team, and Laura gave us the full run-through of

the camper and its features. We said our goodbyes, hooked up and started our mountain adventure to Estes Park, a surprisingly short drive from Denver. Even so, we broke up the drive with a pit stop in Boulder to visit the gang at RovR Coolers. Give them a look if you’re in the market for one of the most versatile coolers on the market.

As we rolled in to the Estes Park area, our first stop was Hermit’s Hollow campground. It’s a great spot, and the sites are first come, first served — which was not a problem in late March. The spots are spread out enough for privacy, and the views are amazing. We spent the afternoon exploring the town and surrounding trails. Hermit Park is conveniently located just outside the city limits. It’s a great balance of wilderness and convenience. Our evening hike found us on the Lumpy Ridge Trail, where we experienced a beautiful Rocky Mountain sunset. The first night with the camper was such an upgraded experience from the tent life we’ve grown accustomed to. I slept like a baby atop 4 inches of memory foam. Our first day in

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WITH COLORADO IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND SOUTH DAKOTA ON THE HORIZON, ALL THAT LAY BETWEEN US AND OUR DESTINATION WAS THE OPEN ROLLING EXPANSE OF WYOMING’S GRASSLANDS.”

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Estes Park we were tipped off to a new experience: a mountain coaster that had just opened, and we had the morning to find it before making our way up to the Black Hills. A quick search on the pocket computer returned a result of Mustang Mountain Coaster. A mountain coaster is a cross between an alpine slide and a tracked coaster. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is manageable, as you do have full control of your speed.

With Colorado in the rearview mirror and South Dakota on the horizon, all that lay between us and our destination was the open rolling expanse of Wyoming’s grasslands. The kids asked why they are called the Black Hills. I can only imagine it’s because the conifer-covered ancient mountains appear black against the ocean of golden prairie grasses.

Upon entering the Black Hills, we found the Crazy Horse monument.

We stopped for a picnic and to explore the park. The Crazy Horse experience doesn’t offer much in the form of hiking trails, etc. We toured the museum and opted for the extra bus ride to get to the base of the monument. The project is privately funded and relies on entry fees and private donations. The Black Hills welcomed us the next morning with a fresh layer of fluffy white snow. It made for a picturesque setting for Mount Rushmore. As the late March sun shone against the faces of the monument, it quickly melted away the snow. This gave the appearance of tears rolling down the presidents’ faces. They were most likely disappointed the hiking trail was closed because of slippery conditions due to the snow. It’s an interesting museum and the short movie is a must to fully understand the immensity of the project.

Our next stop was Jewel Cave. It’s one of several caves in the hills and is considered a national monument. Being spontaneous, we had not reserved a tour. Learn from our mistake if you tour this cave. Even in the slow season, we were left with only the basic cave tour as an option, which is still impressive. However, the park offers some other very interesting experiences, from the basic tour of standing on the platforms and taking in the cave’s beauty, to the “Wild Cave Tour” that has physical and age requirements to participate. Following our cave tour, we set off for the town of Custer to explore the local scene. The town is fairly sleepy in late March, but we found a real gem on the main street in the Custer Wolf Café. It’s a scratch-made kitchen with an impressive craft beer and wine list. After lunch we spent the afternoon in Custer State Park. When you see videos in your social media feed of someone getting leveled by a buffalo, it’s likely here. There are herds of wild buffalo that roam the park. The park also contains ample signage warning you to give them their space, but some folks learn the hard way. The park is huge, and I feel like we only scratched the surface of what is offered here. We drove the Wildlife Loop road and it lived up to its name. There are wild buffalo and antelope right next to your vehicle on this drive. It’s a slow cruise with many opportunities to stop along the way to explore on foot.

Our adventure started out to be a recovery mission to get our new camper from Denver back to Minnesota. We were able to fill in the gaps with some amazing experiences and firsts for everyone in the family. Our camper will be the catalyst for many more adventures to come and is our new memory-making machine.

You can learn more about Wibtech and their camper builds by visiting wibtechoutdoors.com LAKE AND COMPANY

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for the modern lollygagger

easy to clean | all season + all weather | awesomely sustainable

Designed + Made

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in Duluth, Minnesota

Are you an industry professional?

Join our trade program. lolldesigns.com/trade

Rugged.

Smart.

Rugged. Smart. Comfortable.

Comfortable.

wibtechoutdoors.com

Wibtech was founded out of need for a quality-built, lightweight, affordable and functional camper on demand. From inception, Wibtech’s founders made three commitments on behalf of the company: intuitive design, quality of life and short lead times.

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THE GREAT

Watering Hole Nothing makes us happier than sharing tasty beverages with great company. We put together a map of some of our favorite breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries around Minnesota. Cheers!

Lake of the Woods Distilling Company

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company

Cantilever Distillery

North Shore Winery & Sawtooth Mountain Cider House Vikre Distillery

Bemidji Brewing

Vikre Distillery Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

Rapids Brewing Company

Portage Brewing

Wild State Cider Cuyuna Brewing Co. Forge and Foundry Distillery

Lupulin Brewing

Carlos Creek Winery

Indeed Brewing

Crow River Winery

Stillwater Proper Lift Bridge Brewing Company

Back Channel Brewing

Sleepy Eye Brewing

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Sylvan Brewing

SIPS

WATERING HOLES Back Channel Brewing Spring Park, MN Bemidji Brewing Bemidji, MN Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Duluth, MN Cantilever Distillery Ranier, MN Carlos Creek Winery Alexandria, MN

Lift Bridge Brewing Company Stillwater, MN Lupulin Brewing Big Lake, MN North Shore Winery & Sawtooth Mountain Cider House Lutsen, MN Portage Brewing Walker, MN

Crow River Winery Hutchinson, MN

Rapids Brewing Company Grand Rapids, MN

Cuyuna Brewing Co. Crosby, MN

Sleepy Eye Brewing Sleepy Eye, MN

Forge and Foundry Distillery Stillwater, MN

Stillwater Proper Stillwater, MN

Indeed Brewing Minneapolis, MN Lake of the Woods Brewing Company Warroad, MN Lake of the Woods Distilling Company Baudette, MN

Sylvan Brewing Lanesboro, MN Vikre Distillery Duluth, MN Wild State Cider Duluth, MN

Creating Memories one Sip at a time!

Visit us at our two taprooms conveniently located in Stillwater, MN & New Richmond, WI! Ask for Lift Bridge at your favorite retail establishment.

LiftBridgeBrewery.com

C A NTIL E V E RDI ST I LLE RY.COM

PRODUCED BY CANTILEVER DISTILLING CO. woodysfairlyreliable.com

stillwaterproper.com

!

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@LIFTBRIDGE @LIFTBRIDGENEWRICHMOND

TECH

Building A Sustainable Business Q&A WITH ANNUM'S FOUNDER & CEO

P

atty Radford Henderson is a seasoned marketer with a proven track record of delivering top- and bottom-line results for national brands. She has spent half her career in corporate teams and the other half in agencies with leadership positions at Target, Regis Corporation, Martin Williams, Colle McVoy and Union Park, a digital agency she co-founded. She is an industry educator and frequent speaker. In 2020, Patty founded Annum, a marketing technology company, to help marketers plan smarter. Annum is the recipient of a Launch Minnesota Innovation Grant, participated in Gener8tor’s gBETA Accelerator and was a semifinalist in the high-tech division of the MN Cup in 2021.

Tell us about your background.

I have had a broad and rich career in marketing with over 25 years of experience leading strategic planning in companies big and small. My expertise lies in brand building, content strategy and integrated omnichannel planning. I’ve worked in manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, e-commerce and service delivery.

What is the problem you set out to solve when you founded Annum?

Throughout my career I have built marketing planning calendars in spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are the industry standard for putting together marketing plans and they worked just fine for a while. However, as marketing became more complicated with the advent of websites, email, social media and mobile apps, channel expertise

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became highly sought after, and more and more spreadsheets were needed to capture each channel’s technical data.

build stronger multi-channel integrated plans and achieve better outcomes.

It breaks down planning silos.

Now with teams and data siloed by channel, it’s near impossible for brands to get the visibility they need to plan cohesive cross-channel experiences. In fact, in a recent report from the CMO Council and Televerde, organizational silos are listed as the biggest internal challenge to meeting revenue targets.

When did you decide to take the leap?

How do these planning silos tie to revenue?

Today’s consumers and business buyers shop across multiple channels, and devices are bombarded with information.

Only brands that deliver compelling omnichannel experiences can cut through all the clutter. Here’s a stat that drives that home: According to recent research by Omnisend, marketers using three or more channels in a campaign earned a 494% higher order rate than those using a single-channel campaign.

Let that sink in.

How does Annum solve this problem?

With Annum, you can see everything that’s happening, everything that’s in market. You can visualize the holistic customer experience and then filter by campaign and target segment to optimize cross-channel coverage and messaging. You can see holidays and observances and other customer insights in context to make more informed decisions around timing.

Annum’s patent-pending interface gives marketers the visibility they need to

I was pretty fed up with using spreadsheets. I had tried a lot of popular tools that were positioned as marketing calendars; however, most were built for project management and none gave me the visibility I was longing for. I had a lot of confidence around leading the build of websites and running a marketing agency, but starting a software company would be new territory for me, so it took quite a while for me to work up the guts to move on it.

I remember the day. I was on the phone with a consultant from the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) and she asked me what a potential worst-case scenario could look like. I told her that I could potentially drain my savings to build this product and then be unable to sell it. She asked what I would do if that happened, and I said that I would basically go find a job and work hard to earn that money back. Then she asked if I could handle it. I suddenly felt a huge shift and knew I was going to go for it.

I was consulting at the time and at a point in my career where I had a true desire to make a broader positive impact. I knew I could pour all my knowledge and experience into the design of Annum to empower marketers to do their career best work. I truly believed that the current planning tools marketers are using are holding

PATTY RADFORD HENDERSON

Advice for others?

If you’ve got an idea for a business, here’s what I suggest before taking the leap: Step 1: Start with research. Dig in to the problem. Find out if others are experiencing it and have them explain their pain points and work-arounds. Then try to uncover if anyone is currently addressing the issue and where the gaps are. You want to validate the need and your differentiated solution.

them back and that I was uniquely positioned to make a difference.

How did you make the decision to self-fund?

In 2020 I participated in Gener8tor’s gBETA accelerator, which was focused on helping start-ups get funding. They coached us on creating pitch decks and got us in front of a slew of investors. I found myself spending all my time trying to convince the investors that the problem existed, and that Google Calendar wasn’t the answer. This was in sharp contrast to the conversations I was having with marketers who were

telling me how they lived in silos and that no one knew what was happening. They described their planning processes as a time suck and a nightmare.

Considering that only about 2% of VC funding goes to female founders, I decided I didn’t want to fight those odds. Instead of spending my time chasing funding, I wanted to spend my time helping my customers and, in the process, build a sustainable business. At Annum, our customers are our board of advisors and investors in future features.

Step 2: Make a simple prototype yourself.

Whatever you can pull together to give potential customers an idea of the product/ service you want to create. I created designs of the different screens of the application that I could click through in a prototyping application — no coding required. It forced me to solve a lot of the data visualization issues, which was great.

Step 3: Show potential customers your prototype and get their feedback. Ask if they would buy it and what their decision-making process would entail.

Concept testing in this way will give you a feel for the market, what you are up against and what it will be like to go deep on your solution.

One more thing: Make friends with a local community banker.

the cabin. with the turning of a key cabin doors creak open for the first time duffel bags tossed onto twin sized beds the sun too high in the sky to spend any-time unpacking

wet footprints litter the dock children shielding themselves from the shake of the family dog dad already tinkering with the grill mom pulling weeds in her garden collecting our first sunburn of the summer wearing it like a badge of honor pretending not to wince when throwing the football around the yard oversized crewneck sweatshirts cover our little bodies a sky full of stars seen from the bayview window old board games dusted off from the shelf the rush of victory, the crushing blow of defeat both tasted in between bites of popcorn memories working their way into the grooves of the floorboards like specks of sand brought in from barefoot beach picnics — dalton hessel

SENSATIONAL

Summertime MEMORIES

F A N T A S T I C F I S H I N G A N D F U N F O R T H E E N T I R E F A M I LY

The Red Door Resort is a family- and angler-oriented resort on the north shore of Lake Mille Lacs in Central Minnesota, located just two hours north of the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area.

FOLLOW US:

GET IN TOUCH: 218.678.3686 thereddoorresort.com details@thereddoorresort.com

r e t a W o t n i g n i p m Ju s r a e Y 5 2 r o f Fun

By TANA DEBOER

I

f you time traveled back to 1997, you would read the morning newspaper and find out that the president was Bill Clinton and that you could buy books on a new internet site called Amazon, go to a movie theater to see Titanic and call your friends with a new gadget called a cell phone. But if you were in lake country, you would also find out that having a blue and yellow “RAVE” anchored at your lakeshore was a shore-stopper.

RAVE Sports® didn’t jump on the water sports bandwagon — they invented it! The originator of the inflatable water trampoline and trademark owner of the classic yellow and blue design, RAVE Sports has become the gold standard for innovation, design and quality in the water sports industry. The company started with this classic lake product line 25 years ago and has since expanded across markets, product categories and the globe.

MAJOR MILESTONES

2009

1997

Named for Radical Alternative Vehicles and Equipment, RAVE Sports begins by introducing their patented Aqua Jump™ water trampoline, which receives national media attention and industry recognition.

2000s

Product innovation continues, including adding Bongo™ Bouncers, Aqua Attachments, boat-towable tubes and pool floats. Some boat tubes include the patented water-spraying RAVE Tail™ that provides added visibility for safety and fun. Product placement in the Cheaper by the Dozen 2 movie creates more media attention and lures celebrity customers.

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The company is acquired by Revel Match, owned by Steve Friswold and Bruce Senske, who expand product offerings to include many more boat-towable tubes, standup paddleboards (SUPs), water skis and wakeboards, life vests, tow ropes and other accessories. Product innovation continues by eliminating the steel bar frame from the water trampoline to make it lighter and easier to set up, and renaming it the Aqua Jump Eclipse.

They also launch a water park division to provide quality and innovative waterpark tubes and rafts to the world’s leading water parks and water slide manufacturers.

2010

Innovation includes the patented Aqua Buddy water ski and wakeboard trainer, the only training tool for teaching how to water-ski or wakeboard. They introduce Splash Trax inflatable modular obstacle courses for camps and resorts, plus several additional winter sports products are added to round out the seasons of fun.

ravesports.com

2019

2012

RAVE Sports acquires AVIVA Sports, which leads to an expanded pool and social float product line as well as commercial-based, obstacle courses and free-standing water fun including the Iceberg.

RAVE introduces patented low center gravity (LCG) water park rafts, which revolutionize the industry with a safer ride on extreme water slides, as well as the patented Super Shuttle designed for the parasailing industry.

2020 2013 2018

RAVE continues innovation with release of Lake Cruiser SUPs, Water Whoosh floating mats, and numerous skis, wakeboards, kneeboards and more.

RAVE Sports is acquired by Escalade Sports, a 100-year-old public company owning a diverse portfolio of 50+ leading sporting goods brands. RAVE Sports maintains its Minnesota headquarters as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Indiana-based parent company. In 2022, the new Big EasyTM boat towable tube is awarded the Water Sports Industry Association’s “Innovative Product of the Year,” a perfect way to celebrate 25 years of making water fun.

experience

outdoor thrills

year-round

spiritmt.com

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