Birdwatching, as a hobby, is a venture for the common man into a rich man’s bad habit. There was a vast history of collecting and harvesting birds that was quite popular to the nobility of early America.  Rich plumage was a badge of honor and wealth positioned on the hatContinue Reading

You know the phrase, “rain, snow, sleet, or shine”? Well, in Eau Claire, WI we get all four of those throughout the year. But, that doesn’t keep everyone from stepping outside. Eau Claire wouldn’t be the city it is without the draw of the great outdoors. Winter in Eau ClaireContinue Reading

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is one of the best systems in Illinois with more than 10,000 acres of natural areas, recreational areas, lakes, rivers and forests to explore. From watching migratory birds being banded to boating at Rock Cut State Park, you’re sure to find all the outdoorContinue Reading

By Lydia Jones –  Hiking the Driftless … With Kids When I was pregnant with my first child, I had the sinking feeling that my days of hiking, adventure and outdoorsy living, were coming to a rapid and premature end. I couldn’t really wrap my head around the idea ofContinue Reading

Electric bicycles (“e-bikes”) have been around for quite some time now in Asia. Here in America, we understood how they worked, but did not readily adapt to them. It’s also to no surprise that we as Americans have led the world in bicycle ownership, but were low in actual bikeContinue Reading

By Shane Peitscher –With our kids having a fall break, Jenn and I set course for a long weekend trip to southern Wisconsin. Being fans of the New Glarus’ Spotted Cow, we figured it was our turn to make the beer run. With New Glarus Brewing Company only being distributedContinue Reading

By Willow – My mind wandered, as it will when unfocused. I somehow got caught up in winter’s of younger days. I soon  became lost in memories of times long past, when taking a body shot had little more effect than perhaps a slightly bruised ego. It didn’t take longContinue Reading

Premier artisanal winery, cidery, farm, and orchard – Wild Hills Winery (formerly Weggy Winery) is a premier artisanal winery, cidery, farm, and orchard nestled among the rugged beauty of the Driftless region of Wisconsin. Located on 80 acres of forest, fields, and meticulously cultivated vineyards, Wild Hills Winery provides aContinue Reading

ATVing & UTVing In Black River Country Jackson County trails open May 15 – Oct 15 and Dec 15 – Mar 15Clark County trails open May 15 – Oct 31 and Dec 15 – Mar 15 There are many places to ride all-terrain vehicles in the Upper Midwest but theContinue Reading

The Parks Around Red Wing Minnesota Red Wing boasts an incredible 35 parks in its city limits, from neighborhood pocket parks to He Mni Can-Barn Bluff and Memorial Park, as well as a variety of recreational venues, like Mississippi National Golf Links and the Red Wing Water Park. Each providesContinue Reading

Oak Ridge / Wet Bark Recreation Area The campground’s five campsites are considered primitive, designed to furnish only the camper’s basic needs. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, table, and vault toilet. The horse trailer parking area has picket lines and a small corral. The parking areaContinue Reading

Caledonia, the county seat, lies nestled in the center of beautiful Bluff Country. Designated “The Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota” and “The Heart of Quilt Country,” the Caledonia area is home to trout streams, snowmobile trails, horse, hiking, and biking trails. Trout Fishing The Houston County area is home toContinue Reading

By Shelly Halfman –Getting outside to enjoy some downtime exploring nature is more important now than ever.  Whether you are coming out of winter a little stir crazy, feeling the need for sunshine and fresh air because of “sheltering in place” for weeks, or just love being active this timeContinue Reading

By Briana King – I woke up this morning and looked at my calendar. It’s already the end of November! With it brings pleasantries of family gatherings, feelings of gratitude and a time to connect with those who bring the most joy. It’s a wonderful time to reflect on theContinue Reading

By Rick Pedersen –Perhaps one of the most popular activities to embrace winter romance is a horse-drawn sleigh ride after a fresh snowfall. Very few things have had as many songs or stories written about them. My wife gets full credit for picking this trip and story topic, as itContinue Reading

Candlewood Cabins: A Destination for Recreation or Solitude Cover Story by Marilu Miller The story of Candlewood Cabins, actually begins just after World War II, when Richard Calnin met Mechtild. They fell in love and he married her. They came to the United States and started teaching at St. Norbert’sContinue Reading

By Jamie Norton – I was truly excited to have an opportunity to be able to attend and write about an endurance mountain bike race like no other in the heart of the Driftless Area at Hixon Forest in my hometown of La Crosse Wisconsin.  Just nestled in the bluffs of LaContinue Reading