Hull Rust Mahoning Mine; Hibbing, Minnesota I was lucky enough to spend much of the summer of 2011 in northern Minnesota, getting to know the region where the Mississippi begins. Of all the places I went, there were few that grabbed my attention more so than the Iron Range. The unforgiving climate and
Fog can envelop the Mississippi Valley any time of year, but there's something especially magical about those fall mornings when the air is colder than the water and wisps of mist drift up from the river. Those are the mornings I reach for a heavy jacket, fill my thermos with fresh coffee, and pick a spot to
Back when fur trading was still a big deal, like from the 17th century to early in the 19th century, trappers, traders, Native Americans, and soldiers gathered once or twice a year to swap goods and stories. While the reasons for those annual meetings are long gone, the ritual is being kept alive by a
Bealieu House, Crow Wing State Park Crow Wing village was located along the Mississippi River at the mouth of the Crow Wing River. For centuries, the Ojibwe and Dakota Indians frequented the area for its abundant game. The village eventually grew into the primary commercial center for central Minnesota by the mid-1800s. Crow Wing began as a post for the fur trade.
Backwater pond on a foggy day; near La Crescent, MN (photo taken Nov 2010). See more Pictures here! Foggy day in the backwaters near La Crescent MN
The Mississippi River near Stumphges Rapids in northern Minnesota (photo taken Oct 2013). See more photos here. Fall along the upper, Upper Miss; near Stumphges Rapids
