CONTENTS
FEATURES
HARVEST
32 Minnesota’s Ancient Grain
By Alicia Chapman
Wild rice is Minnesota’s official state grain. There’s more to the story than the simple fact that Minnesota’s wetlands boast the highest amount of wild rice. From cultural ceremonies to harvesting regulations, we share the deeper story of Minnesota’s ancient grain.
SPORTS
35 Small Town Kids to The Pros
By Emilee Mae Struss
What does it take to “make it to the pros?” With personal interviews, we got answers to this question and more from NFL player Joe Haeg, NHL player Josh Archibald, and prior MLB player Jeremiah Piepkorn.
HOME
42 Retirement Dreams & Lakeside Themes
By Crystal Nutt
Dreams can feel far away, so distant one wonders if they’ll ever come true. That’s how it felt for LuAnn and Keith Mickelson. Today, they soak in gratitude as they watch the sunrise over Round Lake in Nisswa, in their dream home built by Land’s End Development.
DEPARTMENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE
6 Editor’s Journal
8 Contributors
10 Front Porch | Nothing to Bee Afraid of, Easy Strawberry Shortcake, Minnesota Book Recommendations
ECHOES OFF THE LAKE
16 Lakes Proud | Response to COVID-19
20 History | Brainerd Walking Tour
24 Conservation | Books of the Northwoods
28 Cabin Life | Part-Time to Full-Time Cabin Living
48 Local Positivity | Fancy Friday
52 Travel | Barn Quilts Trail Map
56 Art | Pine River Potter
60 Featured Lake | Horseshoe Lake
62 Fishing | Handy Fishing Items
64 Business | Glørud Design Paddle Co.
68 Writing | Publishing a Book
72 Essay | Why I Walk to End Alzheimer’s
76 Calendar of Events
78 Lake Country Contests
80 Before You Go