Entertainment | Minnesota Chamber

Take a Winter Tour through Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park lcoated in Preston, Minnesota offers a variety of natural beauties on the surface and just below your feet. Mystery Cave is the perfect place to hide from the summer sun on a guided tour with one of the park’s naturalists. On the tour, you will get to see a variety of cave features, including stalagmites, cave pools and stalagtites. The temperature within the cave stays at 48 degrees throughout the year. The cave runs for a total of 13 miles below the surface, with gorgeous fossils, flowstone and other natural features around every turn.

The tours run from a one hour basic excursion to advanced tours that go deeply into the cave’s geological features. The park suggests that you wear warm clothes and have shoes with gripping soles. Visitors can take pictures while in the cave, but may not remove any natural items.

Those who want to have fun on the surface can visit a completely restored village out of the 1800′s or go fishing for trout. Those who want to get out in nature can ride a horse or go by bicycle on one of the many numerous trails. Winter allows visitors the opportunity to ride snowmobiles and go skiing. These trails take you through forestted areas and near amazing land features such as sink holes and the Big Spring.

To horse ride in the park, you must have a Minnesota Horse Pass, with the trail being open from May first through November first. The fishing in the park has a season from the middle of April until the middle of September. The rest of the year is catch and release only, and you must have the proper fishing stamp and license.

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park has numerous activities for you to take part in, and is well worth a stop when on vacation.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Cave, Caving, Outdoors, Recreation, Travel and Tourism

Get into Nature at Temperance River

Temperance River at Silver Bay, Minnesota is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The hiking trail through the park takes you along some of the most beautiful country and natural features in the state. As you walk along, you will pass through woods filled with spruce, pine and cedar trees. There are also waterfalls and numerous areas to either camp out or have a picnic.

The summer is the perfect season to sit near the shore of Lake Superior, having a peasant lunch outside. You can also go hiking, rock climbing and fishing as well. Camping in the park is available throughout the year. You can camp with a group of up to six people, but there is a fee to use campsites. To pay, you can go the station that is self-serving to sign up and get your permit. Make sure you are aware of any restrictions on the use of firewood and building of campfires.

The park is also an attractive destination in the wintertime, when snow gives a new beauty to the landscape. You can cross-country ski and snowmobile, or take in the sites via the trail. You can shop at the park’s nature store and find firewood at the park’s office. Several picnic areas are within easy reach of the campgrounds.

If you want to make a reservation to camp, you can contact the park directly. They can be set up to a year ahead of time, but there are campsites that are available on a walk-in basis. There are also camping cabins available for your use. These can sleep up to six individuals and may or may not have electricity in them.

Temperance River is a wonderful stay for any visitor, whether for a short time or on a longer camping trip. You will enjoy exploring and experiencing this protected corner of the great outdoors.

Filed Under: Climate, Entertainment, Sports, Travel Tagged With: Camping, Campsite, Lake Superior, Park, Rock climbing, State park, Temperance River, Trail

What will Happen with Favre and the Vikings?

: Image via Wikipedia

Brett Favre recently suffered a serious sprain in the shoulder of his throwing arm, taking him out the Viking lineup. It occurred during a game versus the Bills, when he was tackled by linebacker Arthur Moats. He was taken out and came back to the bench during the seond quarter, where he watched the rest of the game played out. The final score was 38 to 14 in favor of the Vikings. Tarvaris Jackson came in to finish out the game for Favre. At the age of 41, he has seen 20 full seasons within the National Football League and is now faced with a serious injury at the age of 41.

An x-ray done on his shoulder showed no signs of broken bones. He was put on the bench for the rest of the game, as he would be unable to effectively perform with the injured shoulder. Favre is no stranger to injuries, however, and has stayed in the game despite elbow issues with tendinitis, broken bones in his ankle and having his chin split open during a game.

He stays strong in supporting the team until he is cleared to play, taking part in game huddles and asserting the need to get back onto the field. Favre has been a strong force for the Vikings, especially in 2009 when he had 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In his career, has played consecutively in 15,000 games.

Though he has been watching practice on the sidelines, Favre should return to the turf on Sunday, according to the team. So far he has missed two practices due to continued shoulder pain. The team has had numerous other teammember injuries to deal with, and have a defensive end, cornerback and safety who are contending with various issues. The team is confident of Favre’s return, and stated that a decision will soon be made.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Sports Tagged With: Brett Favre, Injury, National Football League, Shoulder, Tarvaris Jackson, Viking

Enjoying Winter, Minnesota Style

Winter may be cold and covered with snow, but there are numerous events throughout the state to keep you busy. They can help you to find a measure of warm joy in the midst of the winter freeze, from holiday lights to crafts and various Christmas celebrations.

One event you can take part in is the Nordic Christmas Celebration in Minneapolis. During this time, you can learn about the various cultures of Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Norway. There is cultural music, at the area museum coupled with dancing. Your family can even go on a guided tour of the facility and listen to a well spun tale. Farmington is home to Christmas in the Village, where you and your family can enjoy a traditional holiday experience. Santa, Victorian style, walks through the village giving treats to the kids and you can listen to holiday tunes sung by a choir in the area church. You can also take part in cooking activities, sewing and get a hot drink and a snack in the drug store.

Those who love holiday light displays will love the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. This runs the period from November 20 through December 26, and is located in the Bay Front Festival Park. Admission to the tour is free of charge. in Faribault, you can enjoy the Shattuck St. Mary’s Campus Christmas Walk. The campus is decorated with lights, and as you stroll along you can enjoy singing by the students. There is also a performance of figure skating skill in the arena and other various demonstrations for visitors to enjoy.

For a different winter experience, bring your family to Wadena and enjoy a sleigh ride. Taken out by horse, the rides are free of charge to everyone. Children will get to meet Santa Claus and receive a surprise. With all of these experiences, you will have a wonderful time enjoying winter, Minnesota style.

Filed Under: Climate, Entertainment, Government, News, Travel Tagged With: Christmas, Minneapolis, Santa Claus

Lincoln’s Contribution to Minnesota’s Past

: Image by George Eastman House via Flickr

When anyone thinks about Abraham Lincoln, they often do not make a ready connection to Minnesota’s past. In reality, Lincoln did make an extensive contribution to the state while also sharing a few surprising ties to its history. Minnesota first came into the union as a state a mere two years before the 1860 presidential election kicked off. Lincoln was the very first president that the residents of the state got to vote for.

As president, Lincoln provided a legal impediment to encourage immigrants from overseas to bring their families West to settle and start their new lives. This was done when he signed into law the Homestead Act, which provided land out west at an affordable price. Once in place, people flooded into the plains and the frontier, including Minnesota, to establish farms, businesses and set up new communities. This was very critical for the state to gain a position within the United States.

When the Civil War began to boil in the East, Lincoln put out a general call for volunteers to join the Union Army and stop the separation being pushed by the Southern states. Young men lined up to join, quickly filling the ranks with ready volunteers. As a new state, Minnesota was the very first one to volunteer its own young men for service in the war, showing its fierce loyalty to a unified America.

As the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday comes near, the state plans to celebrate its own connections to this great historic man. Activities throughout the state center on past events such as the election of 1860, exhibits of historical artifacts and also tours of historic Fort Snelling. These events will give people the flavor of the time period and help them to understand the interesting connection between Abraham Lincoln and the state of Minnesota.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Government, Sports, Travel Tagged With: Abraham Lincoln, American Civil War, Civil War, History, Minnesota, Union Army

Looking into Minnesota’s Native American Cultures

Minnesota is home to a variety of Native American cultures. One tribe, the Anishinabe, number as the third largest in the continent of North America, and have played a huge role in the history of the state. The tribe is distinguished both for its crops of wild rice and their skill in constructing canoes. Their name, Anishinabe, means “first men,” but they are more commonly known here in the U.S. as the Chippewa. Their home territory was located primarily in the region of the Great Lakes, of which Lake Superior was the most populated.

The other main tribe in the state is the Dakota, which means “friends” in their language. They may also be known by their other common name of the Sioux, which is derived from the way that French explorers and traders in the area spoke their name. Within the Dakota nation, there are three separate groups: the Nakota, Lakota and Dakota. They lived primarily in the northern section of Minnesota and also along the shores of the Mississippi River in its upper portion. The divisions occurred over time and each group went its own way within the territory. Though separated, they still remained binded together as a group.

In the past, relations with the United States were very strained as treaties were often made and broken with regularity with the tribes. The Dakota were especially rebellious against government interference in their lands and lives, eventually rising up against it. This led to the U.S.-Dakota War that occurred around 1862. They eventually lost not only their land but were also forced to move to allow settlers to come into the area.

Today, these tribes are still present in the state and live on federally protected lands known as reservations. Here, the generations continue to preserve their culture and heritage by passing it on to their children.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Lake Superior, Minnesota, Mississippi River, Nakota, United States

Living Minnesota’s Past at the Minnesota History Center

Minnesota’s history comes alive when you take a walk into the Minnesota History Center, which is located in St. Paul. The center carries a broad array of exhibits that are at the museum on a regular basis along with special ones that come for a short period of time. The exhibits are not just to look at, but are to be interacted with to give you the full experience of each one. It has something for all ages and interests, making for a full day of fun and learning.

Those wanting to get a general helping of the state’s history can check out the “MN 150″ exhibit. Here, you can experience the stories behind those who have had an impact on the state’s history. For example, you can take a seat on a Greyhound bus and then find out about the company’s history when it was first started in Hibbing, Minnesota. You can also be a contestant on a quiz show, seeing how much you really know about the state’s history.

You can even get inside Minnesota’s weather at the “Weather Permitting” exhibit. Here, you can relive the terror of the 1965 tornadoes that went through the state at the display “Get to the Basement!” This portion uses a variety of media to help you feel and understand what went on during this scary event.

Besides exhibits, the center also holds family events and specialized educational programming for school groups. Local living history demonstrations are done in the center, where individuals in clothing from various periods help visitors understand historical events from a different perspective. Through interaction, visitors can learn and integrate a new understanding of the state’s history. There are also numerous lectures and guided tours to enhance your experience as well.

The Minnesota History Center is a truly exceptional experience for anyone stopping by. It makes learning fun, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Filed Under: Entertainment, News, Travel Tagged With: History, Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Museums, Saint Paul Minnesota, St. Paul

Minnesota Metrodome Taken Out by Heavy Snowfall

With the recent snow storms blanketing parts of the country with heavy snowfall, flights, travel and football games are being negatively impacted. Minnesota has not been immune to this weather, especially with the recent heavy snowfall that has impacted the Metrodome. The weight of more than 17 inches of snow over the course of the storm became too much, causing the stadium roof to collapse. The snow fell in sheets onto the astroturf, falling from a hole in the roof. The seating around the stadium, as the team stated, would have been missed by the falling snow and debris.

This event happens at a critical juncture in the team’s future at both the stadium and in Minnesota. There has been recent talks of moving the team to Los Angeles, and the team has to make a decision regarding the lease on the stadium, which is set to end next year. This incident also helps to settle a longtime call for a new stadium, which they have asking for over the last ten years. If the Vikings do stay in Minnesota, this recent disaster may help their cause.

Right now, cleanup efforts are in place to get the stadium back into operable condition for the game against the Chicago Bears that is set for the December 20th. The panel for the stadium still has to have three panels replaced so that the roof can be fully repaired. The biggest issue in getting a new stadium is the six billion dollar deficit that the team has to deal with. The effort is currently underway to get public support for the new stadium.

The total cost for the new stadium is estimated at $700 million dollars, which the team has promised to pay one-third of. They are having some difficulty finding the support they desire, but remain determined to be successful.

Filed Under: Climate, Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Minnesota, Minnesota Vikings, Snow

Winter Hits Minnesota with a Punch

Minnesota is feeling the punch of old man winter as snow, sleet and freezing rain pound the Twin Cities. As blizzard conditions hit Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has declared that no road travel should be planned here for the time being. Highway 50 and 52 were closed toady, along with County Road 20 located in Dakota County. The weather has reached such levels that the roads are currently undriveable.

The snow coming down is now beginning to drift, creating further hazardous conditions due to strong winds. Those out and about will feel temperatures dipping into the lower single digits to around zero degrees. Though the state is not new to rough winter weather, this storm is planning to put a crimp into many travel plans. When you consider what blizzard conditions are, you have to have two conditions met for over a three hour period. The first characteristic is strong winds that blow over a sustained period of time at a speed at or greater than 35 miles per hour. The second is to have visibility at or below a quarter of a mile because of snow.

A blizzard doesn’t always carry the promise of several feet of snow when it comes through. It can occur even when snow isn’t falling from the sky. When the winds reach the right speed, then they can pick up snow that has already fallen and whip a good storm in no time. That is why Minnesota is experiencing blizzard conditions, and with the low visibility and high winds, many more roads may become impassible with time. Motorists heading out on the road in a storm like this should drive slower, give yourself extra time and carry emergency supplies in your car. These should include a blanket, extra clothing, flashlight, non-perishable food and a first aid kit. This helps you be prepared for the worst winter has to offer.

Filed Under: Entertainment, News, Travel Tagged With: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Transportation, National Weather Service, Snow, Winter storm

Shoveling Out After the Storm

The Midwest is still reeling in some areas from the massive snow that has hit, Minnesosota getting its fair share well. The total when the snow left is around 17.1 inches, enough to make things difficult for those who will have to get to work this week. Though roads in most areas are mostly clear, the Minnesota Department of Transportation still warns drivers to be cautious. Some roads may be icy as melted snow turns back into ice with freezing nightly temperatures.

This storm has got winter going early in the state, and has a unique way of doing it. As it came in, it moved from the northwest towards the southeast, moving quickly and bringing in plenty of moisture. St. Paul took a beating, and cars could be found abandoned along roadways as drivers despaired of digging them out. Minneapolis faces a huge obstacle in trying to clear city streets of the immense snow drifts and accumulation.

Some residents had their health impacted when trying to dig themselves and their vehicles out. These ranged from minor frostbite to heart attacks, keeping hospitals busy throughout the night during the storm. The situation was made worse by strong winds that reached up to sixty miles per hour. This caused the snow to drift and become tightly packed together.

On city streets, there were over a hundred buses stranded on city streets that were snow packed. The airport was packed with visitos when 100 flights had to be taken off the schedule due to the weather. This storms tops out in total snowfall as the fifth largest, which makes for an interesting beginning to the Minnesota winter. City officials in the Twin Cities are working hard to help residents get out from under the snow and get city streets clear for traffic.

Filed Under: Climate, Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Transportation, National Weather Service, Snow