The Upper Iowa River supports cold and warm water fish species but three dams restrict fish movement and species prevalence. Smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, and non-game fish are abundant throughout the river. Trout are especially prevalent near the mouth of cold water streams, and more than 30 of these streamsContinue Reading

As we entered the restaurant, the warm glow of lights across the ceiling greeted us, casting a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The rustic yet modern decor added to the allure of the place, with wooden beams and exposed brick walls adorned with vintage photographs of the city’s rich history. TheContinue Reading

I take a deep breath and tell myself that even amidst the chaos, I can enjoy the kaleidoscopic view of the sunset reflected in every direction by the surrounding skyscrapers, car windshields, and mirrors. As I exhale, the bus turns back into that farm truck and the skyscrapers into cornfields.Continue Reading

Tuesdays:  “Be a Superhero! Viroqua Parks and Recreation Department and McIntosh Memorial Library join forces to offer children imaginative and playful classes called “Be a Superhero!” Classes will include Superhero Story Times, activities, and crafts and are held at Bigley Park Shelter.  Tuesday afternoons the library features events for childrenContinue Reading

As I drifted into the cold water and floated free, I could feel the anticipation building. I carefully maneuvered the boat and the gentle bobbing motion signaled the beginning of my adventure. The farther away I got, the breaking of the serene silence of the riverbank. The current tugged atContinue 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

When I arrived I was familiar with the Oktoberfest grounds, but not this festival. In the distance, I could hear music and laughter, but still did not know what I was walking into. They thanked me for coming and handed me a shirt and a name badge. Then, they calledContinue Reading

Anderson’s pottery is the star of the show. She depicts an ever-expanding repertoire of regional wildlife: birds, animals, insects and wildflowers. Using a decorating technique called “Sgraffito,” she scrapes and carves away a contrasting surface layer to reveal the image. Some of her local favorites are Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes,Continue Reading

Anyway, back to the 70s and early 80s. Church, if you recall, can be a lot for kids. Adults too, I suppose. A half-hour lead-in, a ninety-minute-ish event, a fifteen-minute exit, and lots of “Behave! Sit still!” Sure, Sunday school was alright. When you talked about cool things like Noah’sContinue Reading

A Library On a Mission McIntosh Memorial Library is an inspiring beacon of lifelong learning, bringing knowledge alive, sparking imagination and creating possibility for a vibrant and creative Viroqua. HoursThe library hours are Mondays-Thursdays from 9:00am-8:00pm, Fridays 9:00am-6:00pm, and Saturday mornings from 9:00am-3:00pm. We offer contactless pickup and home deliveryContinue Reading

Training Tips for Outdoor Adventures Before embarking on your spring excursions, a few training tips can ensure both you and your pup enjoy a safe and pleasant experience: Recall Command: Mastering the recall command is crucial, especially in open areas. Practice in a controlled environment before venturing into the wilderness.Continue Reading

As we inquired more, our host mentioned the live music events and special themed nights hosted by the brewery. They really seem to strive to enhance the overall experience and make it a memorable visit for locals and tourists alike. Our host also chimed in that if we didn’t haveContinue Reading

Stained Glass Window by Louis Rene Petit Immediately upon entering the main body of the church the attention is drawn to the altar area backed by the 50’ x 30’ faceted glass wall. Imported from France, the window art was designed especially for the church by renowned artist, Louis ReneContinue Reading

  This same wonder washed over me as an adult as I stepped through those doors. It was like seeing it through the eyes of a kid again the moment I was among the stalactites and stalagmites.  We wandered down the paved path, careful not to step off the trailContinue Reading

“This season’s productions celebrate what it means to gather as a community, the tyranny of plotting against those we perceive having wronged us, and the difficulty of taking action when the truth is uncertain,” commented Artistic Director Doug Scholz-Carlson. Hamlet and Much Ado about Nothing are among the most popularContinue Reading

Do you have a life philosophy that you live by?It’s simple. Love. What do you like most about yourself?That I can be myself and not “worry” about what others are thinking. If you could change the world, what would you change?Wow. Big question. More women to be in positions toContinue Reading

Have you read any good books?Yes. I have read many. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier is an all-time fave. The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout (and her sequel Outsmarting the Sociopath Next Door), Brood by Jacki Polzin, Fox and I by Catherine Raven, and Don’t Shoot the Dog byContinue Reading