Lake Country Journal Magazine

Lake Country Journal Magazine A bi-monthly lifestyle magazine sharing stories from the heart of Minnesota.

If you love garlic, you'll *love* garlic confit. Especially this recipe from So Happy You Liked It "The ways to use garl...
07/07/2024

If you love garlic, you'll *love* garlic confit. Especially this recipe from So Happy You Liked It

"The ways to use garlic confit are endless!" says Jamie. "Blend it into vinaigrettes and marinades, melt it in pasta or pizza sauce, or simply spread it over a slice of toasted sourdough bread."

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The annual Relay for Life in Perham is quite the event. And not just because it's the only one of its kind in MN to stil...
07/06/2024

The annual Relay for Life in Perham is quite the event. And not just because it's the only one of its kind in MN to still observe the "all night" aspect.

Take it from someone who's been there. "Stepping from Hope into Action" is written by Sara Rose, photographed by Kim J Photography, and starts on page 24 of our June/July issue.

Psst! There are so many more inspiring stories when you subscribe: https://checkout.subscriptiongenius.com/lakecountryjournal.com/

That feeling when you finally answer the call of the lake. 📷 by Lyle Hovland of family friend Sophia Robinson cliff jump...
06/26/2024

That feeling when you finally answer the call of the lake.

📷 by Lyle Hovland of family friend Sophia Robinson cliff jumping on a recent trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Read about the Hovlands' several-times-a-year expeditions to this tranquil wilderness, plus get pro trips they've learned along the way. The adventure starts on page 48 of our June/July issue.

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"In a culture that often emphasizes division and despair, Leif Enger's voice is a clarion call to find common ground, to...
06/22/2024

"In a culture that often emphasizes division and despair, Leif Enger's voice is a clarion call to find common ground, to build bridges and safe harbors, and to celebrate the stories that invite us to stay curious, embrace wonder, and believe in the inherent goodness and beauty of the world," write Beth Hautala.

She sits downs with local author Leif Enger to discuss storytelling, wonder, and his new book, "I Cheerfully Refuse."

We invite you to be a fly on the wall and enjoy their conversation starting on page 56 of our June/July issue.

📷 Andrea Baumann

"It was dark within those massive log walls, and gloomy, but the effect was magical. And I would breathe in the cabin ai...
06/06/2024

"It was dark within those massive log walls, and gloomy, but the effect was magical. And I would breathe in the cabin air, smelling of the stillness of decades, of ashes and woodsmoke from the old fireplace. And I would dream: what might it be like to own—to actually live in—such a place?" writes Douglas Wood.

Our home feature this issue is none other than the historic cabin that eventually came to be his. "A Cabin In The Woods" starts on page 39 in our June/July '24 issue.

Get your copy, or subscribe so you never miss an issue: https://checkout.subscriptiongenius.com/lakecountryjournal.com/

Have you seen our latest issue? Inside the June/July publication, you'll find: 📚A conversation with Leif Enger about his...
06/05/2024

Have you seen our latest issue? Inside the June/July publication, you'll find:

📚A conversation with Leif Enger about his new book, shared with us by Beth Holznagel-Hautala
🏕️ Secrets gleaned from a seasoned Boundary Waters Canoe Area camper
🎣 Fishing tips for Lake Vermillion by Travis Peterson
🐂 A profile on local farmers of Up The Creek Meats employing regenerative practices for the health of our watersheds, written by Jeff Forester
🍴 A recipe for garlic confit by So Happy You Liked It
✨ And so much more

Not a subscriber? Tap the link so you'll never miss an issue: https://checkout.subscriptiongenius.com/lakecountryjournal.com/

Cover photo by John Swanson, taken from a trailing canoe on the Dahlgren River in the BWCA.

Calling all Scampers! Park your rig on p. 26 of our current April/May issue, where writer Travis Peterson shares the sto...
05/23/2024

Calling all Scampers!

Park your rig on p. 26 of our current April/May issue, where writer Travis Peterson shares the story behind the pint-sized camper brand and the annual Scamp Homecoming Rally happening this July.

📷 Courtesy of Scamp Trailers

Myth: Native plants are high maintenance. For the truth of the matter, turn to p. 58 of our April/May issue, where Darla...
05/21/2024

Myth: Native plants are high maintenance.

For the truth of the matter, turn to p. 58 of our April/May issue, where Darla Mae Swanson writes "Six Myths about Native Plants: Dispelling them will forever change the way you think about landscaping" featuring Prairie Pollinator Gardens Great Roots and Wilde North

📷 A variety of wildflowers and native grasses on the shores of Gull Lake planted by Prairie Pollinator Gardens (photo by Joel Brott).

Happy bike to work day! Wherever and however you bike, we bet you'll enjoy reading about a fun, ride-at-your-own-speed ...
05/20/2024

Happy bike to work day! Wherever and however you bike, we bet you'll enjoy reading about a fun, ride-at-your-own-speed annual bike event. This year, it's happening on June 1 and starts in Brainerd. Flip to page 20 of our April/May issue to learn more.

"Tour of the Lakes 2024: The Paul Bunyan Cyclists Bicycle Club's annual event is open to all" is written by Jim Mans and photographed by John Linn of Adventure Studios

A bike race that's not a race at all? Count us in! 🚴Writer Jim Mans and photographer John Linn of Adventure Studios shar...
05/18/2024

A bike race that's not a race at all? Count us in! 🚴

Writer Jim Mans and photographer John Linn of Adventure Studios share all about the Paul Bunyan Cycling Club's annual Tour of the Lakes in our current issue. Join the ride vicariously p. 20, and in real life on June 1, 2024.

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"Love of words and language is one of the most profound gifts we can bestow on a young person," writes Beth Holznagel-Ha...
05/15/2024

"Love of words and language is one of the most profound gifts we can bestow on a young person," writes Beth Holznagel-Hautala

Curious how you can cultivate that linguistic and literary passion in kids? Turn to p. 68 of our April/May issue for "Cultivating Words: Nurturing the Love of Language in Young Minds," written and photographed by Beth Hautala.

Get great articles like this and more delivered bimonthly to your door when you become a subscriber at: https://checkout.subscriptiongenius.com/lakecountryjournal.com/

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Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all our amazing Lake Country mama bears. We so appreciate you! 📷 "I Love My Mama" by Tho...
05/12/2024

Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all our amazing Lake Country mama bears. We so appreciate you!

📷 "I Love My Mama" by Thomas Spicola, entrant in our 2023 Lake Country Journal photo contest

"I live in Baxter and have driven by Perch Park for a number of years. I've always been intrigued about the whole operat...
05/12/2024

"I live in Baxter and have driven by Perch Park for a number of years. I've always been intrigued about the whole operation," writes Jeffrey Norris Johnson.

Curious yourself? Norris shares the story behind Lake Country's "passionate devotion to a plastic ball with eight oblong holes" on p. 74 of our April/May issue.

"Building Fields of Dreams, Wiffle Ball Style" is written by Jeffrey Norris Johnson and photography by Nick Weeks.

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With MN Fishing Opener weekend, we're turning the spotlight to Jon Stolski. Stolski has been fishing the Lakes Area for ...
05/10/2024

With MN Fishing Opener weekend, we're turning the spotlight to Jon Stolski.

Stolski has been fishing the Lakes Area for over thirty years. He "normally guides every day of the week (except school days, when he is teaching)," writes Ray Gildow. "Fishing with Stolski is never dull! He is a great storyteller, loves fishing with kids, and does his best to make time on the lake memorable."

Read all about him, plus three other fabulous fishing guides, starting on p. 36 of our April/May issue, and online: https://www.lakecountryjournal.com/about-3

Photography by Jeff Collins.

Have you met the meadow blazing star? This tall monarch magnet takes up very little garden space, but attracts all kinds...
05/09/2024

Have you met the meadow blazing star? This tall monarch magnet takes up very little garden space, but attracts all kinds of pollinators, like this honey bee. Native throughout Minnesota, it is a great addition to a native landscape design.

Want to learn more about native plants?

Turn to p. 58 of our April/May issue for "Six Myths about Native Plants: Dispelling them will forever change the way you think about landscaping" written by Darla Mae Swanson and featuring Prairie Pollinator Gardens, Great Roots, and Wilde North

📷 by Wilde North

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"Growing up around Brainerd, Nate Blasing knew at a very young age that he wanted to be a fishing guide," writes Ray Gil...
05/08/2024

"Growing up around Brainerd, Nate Blasing knew at a very young age that he wanted to be a fishing guide," writes Ray Gildow. "After all, Brainerd was the Mecca for well-known fishing personalities like Al and Ron Lindner, Babe Winkelman, Gary Roach, and Marv Koep."

Read all about him, plus three other fabulous Lakes Area guides, starting on p. 36 of our April/May issue. It's online, too: https://www.lakecountryjournal.com/about-3

Photography by Jeff Collins.

Someone you should meet: Zach Paige, founder of North Circle Seeds. He started a really inspiring company that's banking...
05/06/2024

Someone you should meet: Zach Paige, founder of North Circle Seeds. He started a really inspiring company that's banking seeds for sustainable farming for generations to come. Read "The Seed Keeper" by Chris Marcotte starting on p. 48 of our current issue.

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Myth: It doesn't matter what we plant on our shorelines. For the real scope, check out p. 58 of our April/May issue, whe...
05/04/2024

Myth: It doesn't matter what we plant on our shorelines.

For the real scope, check out p. 58 of our April/May issue, where Darla Mae Swanson writes "Six Myths about Native Plants: Dispelling them will forever change the way you think about landscaping" featuring Prairie Pollinator Gardens, Great Roots and Wilde North

📷 Swamp milkweed planted on the shore of Bertha Lake by Laura Romero. "I like house it a lot for extra food for monarchs," says Romero.

"Mandy Uhrich is a guide in the Lakes Area unlike any other," writes Ray Gildow. Not only is she a well-known female fis...
05/01/2024

"Mandy Uhrich is a guide in the Lakes Area unlike any other," writes Ray Gildow. Not only is she a well-known female fishing guide, but she's also a full-time biologist and "the statewide Fish and Wildlife Habitat Coordinator for the Minnesota DNR. She has unique expertise, not only in fishing but also many other wildlife areas."

Read all about Uhrich, plus three other fabulous Lakes Area fishing guides, starting on p. 36 of our April/May issue, or online: https://www.lakecountryjournal.com/about-3

A little Monday enthusiasm to help you start your week. Make it a good one! 📷 "A Dickcissel Sings," by David Halgrimson,...
04/29/2024

A little Monday enthusiasm to help you start your week. Make it a good one!

📷 "A Dickcissel Sings," by David Halgrimson, entrant in the 2023 Lake Country Journal photo contest

Got a photo to enter to our 2024 contest? Drop it here: https://form.jotform.com/233274598682167

Congrats to the Brainerd Garden Club celebrating its 100th year! Read all about this beautiful organization's history on...
04/29/2024

Congrats to the Brainerd Garden Club celebrating its 100th year! Read all about this beautiful organization's history on p. 16 of our April/May issue, written by Lacey Doboszenski

📷 Courtesy of Peg Serani

"Study without thought is vain; thought without study is dangerous," says Confucius. The Friday Study Club wholeheartedl...
04/27/2024

"Study without thought is vain; thought without study is dangerous," says Confucius.

The Friday Study Club wholeheartedly agrees. This group of Cuyuna Lakes Area women meets monthly, continuing a century-long tradition to improve "its members in literature and the vital interest of the day."

You can read all about it on p. 78 of our April/May '24 issue. "Three Thousand Fridays" is written by Michelle LeMieur.

Need some of your own quality reading material? Look no further: https://checkout.subscriptiongenius.com/lakecountryjournal.com/

"Royal Karels is a true fishing legend," writes Ray Gildow. "2024 will mark his fifty-sixth year of guiding and thirty-s...
04/25/2024

"Royal Karels is a true fishing legend," writes Ray Gildow. "2024 will mark his fifty-sixth year of guiding and thirty-second year of coordinating fishing guides for Cragun's Resort in Brainered. He was inducted into the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame in 2017."

Read more about this legend, plus other fabulous fishing guides, on p. 37 of our April/May '24 issue or online: https://www.lakecountryjournal.com/about-3

"Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetables grown in Minnesota gardens," writes Chelsey Perkins, a University of M...
04/24/2024

"Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetables grown in Minnesota gardens," writes Chelsey Perkins, a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for Crow Wing Country.

Turn to p. 14 of our April/May issue for everything you need to know about growing this delicious spring treat—and why it's worth every second waiting until you can harvest.

Have you started your seeds yet? If you love seeds with a story, we've got just the article for you! Zach Paige, owner o...
04/12/2024

Have you started your seeds yet? If you love seeds with a story, we've got just the article for you! Zach Paige, owner of North Circle Seeds, has a mission "to support the food system of diverse communities living in Minnesota. We should be supplying foods of their culture, so North Circle Seeds is adapting those seeds to grow here."

Read all about this amazing Vergas, MN, company on p. 48 of our current issue.

"The Seed Keeper" is written and photographed by Chris Marcotte.

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Monday, who? Don't let those Sunday Scaries ruffle your feathers. You've got this. 📷 Rich Hoeg 💫
04/08/2024

Monday, who? Don't let those Sunday Scaries ruffle your feathers. You've got this.

📷 Rich Hoeg

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Happy reading ✨ Did you know? We share a free article with each and every issue at lakecountryjournal.com (link in bio). “Four Fabulous Fishing Guides” is written by Ray Gildow and photographed by Jeff Collins. #lakecountryjournal #lakecountryjournalmagazine #freeonlinearticle #minnesotafishingguide #minnesotafishingguides #minnesotafishing #femalefishingguide #womenfishingguides

Subscribe for stunning coffee table statements (and amazing local stories) at lakecountryjournal.com or the link in our bio. #lakecountryjournal #lakecountryjournalmagazine #magazines

When it comes to holiday show-stoppers, does it get any better than crème brûlée? This recipe from @sohappyyoulikedit is featured in the Dec/Jan issue of @lcjmagazine and it is nothing short of ✨ magical ✨

It’s that magical season. The in-between when we soak up the last summer while getting ready for a crisp, new autumn ahead. In our August/Septeber issue, we’re pondering the power of transformation. And we’ve got stories you don’t want to miss: 🎸Music legend Mark Petersen 🔨Three MN towns that have undergone invigorating transformation 🌱Forest rebirth 🦯Nordic walking 🍴Charred Brussels sprouts recipe 🌳Northland Arboretum’s origin story ✨And so much more #lakecountryjournal #mnmagazine #mnpublications #readlocal #augustseptemberissue #august2023 #upnorthmn #brainerdlakesarea #lakecountrymn #northlandarboretum #nordicwalking

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Stories from the Heart of Minnesota

If you own a cabin in Minnesota, it’s likely somewhere in our territory. We are Lake Country. We are a bi-monthly magazine, based in Brainerd, Minnesota, that celebrates Up North living through business, lifestyle, culture, and cause. We’re the release of tension driving North, the breath of fresh air, and the dip in the water on a hot summer’s day. Our territory, natural in nature, comes to life through the stories of the individuals who live here. Have a story you’d like to share? We’re here to listen. Connect with our editor - [email protected].

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