PLUS
Lavender lemonade Page 26
Road trips Picnic spots Camping tips Page 32
Page 14
Page 18
One mom’s Minnesota’s A beach-chic escape on outdoorsy bedtime lesser-known solution national park Gull Lake Page 36
Louie, 2, of Bloomington, at North Mississippi Regional Park in Minneapolis
Page 20
Page 38
JUNE
Drive on!
VOLUME 34 /// ISSUE 6
32
Discover three made-for-families road trips to get you out and about in Minnesota this summer!
Lakeside draw
Bon Voyageurs
38
Just west of the famed BWCAW sits Voyageurs National Park, another one of our state’s natural far-north gems.
36
Newly renovated Quarterdeck Resort in the Brainerd Lakes Area offers a beachy, lakefront-chic escape for families.
Was it all worth it?
30
WCCO-TV reporter Kate Raddatz shares her first impressions of motherhood after loss. (Meet her sweet newborn, Rowan!)
About our cover kid Name: Louie Age: 2 City: Bloomington Parents: Andrea and Jackson Cuneo Sibling: Coming in October! Personality: Affectionate, easy-going and shy until he gets to know you Favorite toy: Mickey Mouse guitar Favorite animal: Puppy Favorite activities: Hide-and-seek, reading and singing Favorite foods: Tomatoes, pizza, yogurt — he’ll eat anything! Photos by Tracy Walsh Photography tracywalshphoto.com
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
JUNE 10 FROM THE EDITOR
20 WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM
26 IN THE KITCHEN
Making outdoor adventures happen takes commitment.
If kids so like routines, why do they fight them so much?
Take your lemonade to a new a level with lavender.
Save the date
Exasperated?
Flower power!
12 CHATTER
28 BOOKSHELF
Celebrate the brotherhood of fatherhood this month!
These new stories portray STEM as accessible and fun.
14 BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY
50 FROM OUR READERS
Babies need time outdoors for their development.
These grandfathers go the extra mile with the kids, don’t they?
Dad-to-dad
Smart books
Grand dads
Natural wonder
16 THE UNCENSORED TODDLER
22 #ADULTING
Demanding apologies from toddlers isn’t all that effective.
It’s not that easy, especially in small-town Minnesota.
Not sorry
Finding mom friends
18 SCHOOL DAYS
24 ASK THE OBGYN
Camping with kids rocks — but it takes lots of patience.
Postpartum disorders affect 1 in 7 mothers.
Just do it
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
Know the signs
& About 44 Out CA L E N DA R
FROM THE EDITOR
Book that campsite now! W
mnparent.com
PUBLISHER
Janis Hall • jhall@mnparent.com
SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan • tgahan@mnparent.com
GENERAL MANAGER
Zoe Gahan • zgahan@mnparent.com
EDITOR
Sarah Jackson • editor@mnparent.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Lorena Armstrong-Duarte, Megan Devine Katie Dohman, Ed Dykhuizen, Shannon Keough Kate Raddatz, Maggie Sonnek, Dr. Erin Stevens Tracy Walsh, Jen Wittes
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Valerie Moe • vmoe@mnparent.com
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
elcome to our annual Outdoors Issue! As I write this, we’re in the middle of a fairly wet and cold spring in Minnesota. But fear not! This month’s magazine is designed to inspire you to jump into summer and the Great Outdoors with everything you’ve got. We’ve got parks for picnics and playdates; three Minnesota road trips; a cool, under-the-radar resort in the Brainerd Lakes Area; and a detailed look at Minnesota’s unsung water-based Voyageurs National Park, where only boats are allowed. Unlike much of the BWCAW, Voyageurs is open to motorized boats, including houseboats, making the Sam, age 6, on his first camping trip destination more family-friendly as well as beautifully sublime. Who knew? (Well, I didn’t anyway.) Best of all, we had a local expert write the story — our School Days columnist Megan Devine, who lives in Ely and has been exploring the water-based park at the Canadian border since she was a child. Voyageurs is simply gorgeous, quintessentially Minnesotan and is now definitely on my family bucket list. In this issue, Devine also shares her tips for finding outdoor adventures. I nodded emphatically when I read her words: “The first step is to make reservations and to get the dates on your calendar. If you don’t, the time will slip by, something else will come up and/or the whole idea will become too stressful because you won’t have enough time to prepare.” Agreed. It’s just too easy to stay in town and play in the backyard or at local parks and call it good. But staying home doesn’t break you out of your routine, and it doesn’t immerse you in nature the way a night — or two or more — in the woods can. My family doesn’t have a weekend cabin, so we have to really plan to spend time overnight outdoors. We have to want it. And, when we’re lazy, we often don’t. And that’s a shame. One of the best family trips we ever took happened only because I got a wild hair and insisted that we book a campsite at a state park far in advance. Not knowing the state very well since we were Seattle transplants, we threw a metaphorical dart and hit a lesser-known Minnesota gem — McCarthy Beach State Park near … Chisholm. Its campsites were situated between two lakes and it was known for its beaches. How bad could that be? It was also far away, four hours by car and inland, so definitely a departure from our typical North Shore trips. Well, it was pretty amazing. Our son went canoeing for the first time, had a ball swimming on some unseasonably warm beaches (pictured above) and even slept in a tent for the first time, too. We made breakfast, lunch and dinner on the fire and avoided major bug bites. And it all happened because we picked a date and booked a site. So if you want to camp this summer, read this epic guide to get inspired. And then: Just do it! Book a camp site and commit. Rain or shine, you’ll come back changed. Sarah Jackson, Editor
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Sarah Jackson
CHATTER
A TOAST TO DADS! Minnesota is home to many moms’ groups, both virtual and in real life. Groups just for dads, however, are in shorter supply. And yet fathers today, according to 2016 data from the Pew Research Center, are spending triple the amount of time parenting compared to the dads of the 1960s. (Mothers have seen a profound increase in their parenting time, too, but that’s another story.) In this month of Father’s Day, we wanted to point out three organizations geared toward men raising kids:
ticket, mini golf, mini bowling and games such as hammerschlagen and bags. An optional axe-throwing tournament costs $10. In Minnetrista, a $25 admission includes driving range access, one beer and one raffle ticket, plus games and activities. Learn more at fatherseve.com. National At-Home Dad Network: The St. Paul Fathers Eve event will benefit, among others, this group, which is set to present HomeDadCon 2019 in Minneapolis Sept. 26–28, targeting families
Twin Cities Dads Group: Part of the nationwide 12,000-member
in which fathers are the primary caregivers of their children. Their
City Dads Group, this community of actively involved Minnesota
motto? “Dads don’t babysit. It’s called ‘Parenting.’”
fathers hosts playgroups several times a month at playgrounds,
Learn more at homedadcon.org.
museums, sporting events, zoos and more, plus Dads Nights Out. Check out the organization’s schedule at twincitiesdadsgroup.com, including regular Friday visits, for example, to the Elm Creek Park Reserve playground in Maple Grove, followed by beverages at the kid-friendly Omni Brewing Co. nearby. Fathers Eve: Founded by St. Paul father John Francis, this annual national event on the night before Father’s Day celebrates the “brotherhood of fatherhood” in more than 50 cities around the U.S. In the Twin Cities, two public events, plus a few private ones, are set for June 15 to raise awareness of the importance of fatherhood as well as funds for nonprofit agencies that support dads. Each event includes a new-year’s style toast to dads at 8 p.m. Public events will be at the Big Thrill Factory in Oakdale and Burl Oaks Golf Club in Minnetrista with festivities from 6–10 p.m. At the Oakdale event, tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Admission includes food from 6:30–7:30 p.m., one beverage, one raffle
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
↑ Founded by a St. Paul dad, Fathers Eve is now in its fourth year of toasting the art of modern fatherhood.
Mother-baby program to expand! One of the most persistent myths of motherhood is that it’s the happiest time in every woman’s life. For some, having a baby is actually a time of isolation and despair. Here’s the good news: Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis is dramatically expanding its Mother-Baby Program by creating the Redleaf Center for Family Healing, thanks to a $10 million donation from the Lynne & Andrew Redleaf Foundation. The Redleaf Center, set to open in 2020, will create additional opportunities to support pregnant and postpartum mothers, fathers and families raising young children, including integrative mind-body-spirit healing services, a childcare center, a teaching kitchen, a nutrition program and more. “We want every new parent to know that perinatal depression and anxiety are serious — but treatable — conditions. And that no one needs to suffer alone,” said psychiatrist Dr. Helen Kim (pictured at right), co-founder and medical director of the Redleaf Center. See redleaffamilyhealing.org for more information. To learn the signs of postpartum mood disorders, check out our Ask the OBGYN column on Page 24 of this issue.
E Adventure Memories
mnparent.com • June 2019
13
Jen Wittes
BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY
Your nature baby! I
f you’re raising an infant in Minnesota right now — through the lush spring and summer months — you’re lucky. Parks and picnic blankets, zoos and nature trails, fresh air and sunshine await you! Without scary, subzero temps and cabin fever to cramp your style, you can and should get outdoors with Baby. It’s good for both of you.
Why? Spending time outdoors makes Baby a mover, a thinker and a talker. Crawling and scooting across vast spaces — yes, she’ll get dirty, and it’s OK — helps develop muscle memory and strength. Opposition from the earth, changes in texture and horizons beyond your four walls will help Baby develop a sense of perspective. Sights, sounds, smells and curiosities stimulate Baby’s senses and encourage early language development. Not only will baby coo, sigh and giggle at the wind, a
flower or a particular play of light and shadow, but she also will listen as you verbally show her the world. That’s a snail, smooth rock, puddle, leaf, butterfly. There’s nothing quite like the rough and peculiar shape of a pinecone. There is nothing like the feeling of putting one’s bare toes in damp grass. Out of all the stages of life, infancy is when humans are closest to nature, relatively fresh from birth and remarkably animal-like. Babies, in a sense, will feel more comfortable in nature than their adult counterparts and, though unable to suggest a trip outdoors, will crave it.
Play with bubbles But don’t keep Baby in one. While it’s a good idea to avoid the doctor’s office during a nasty flu season if you can help it, it’s not the best bet to keep your baby away from the world at
large. In fact, a certain amount of exposure to dirt, pollen and germs helps develop a strong immune system. There’s a time and a place for hand sanitizer, antibiotics and staying at home just to be safe. However, over-caution and obsessive sterilization actually causes bacteria and viruses to become stronger, without allowing Baby’s defenses to do the same. And remember, fresh air is cleansing and naturally dissipates germs. Dirt, grass, mud and sand aren’t the same as the petri
Outdoor hotspots ⊲ Boom Island Park* | Minneapolis (pictured) ⊲ Minnehaha Regional Park* | Minneapolis ⊲ Chain of Lakes* | Minneapolis ⊲ Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden | Minneapolis ⊲ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum* | Chaska ⊲ Wood Lake Nature Center | Richfield ⊲ Lebanon Hills Regional Park | Eagan ⊲ Minnesota Zoo | Apple Valley ⊲ Dodge Nature Center | West St. Paul ⊲ Como Park Zoo & Conservatory* | St. Paul ⊲ Hidden Falls Regional Park | St. Paul ⊲ *Great for picnics!
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service / Gordon Dietzman
dish that is an indoor play space in mid-January. (Such places will be — and I really mean it — your salvation during the coming toddler years.)
Do take care Though you shouldn’t fret over grass stains or worry (too much) about the “nature” your baby explores orally, you should take care to protect her from the elements. Baby’s skin burns easily. Hats, shade tents and a gentle baby-friendly sunscreen are your friends. Take care also to check for ticks and stay in a screened area on mosquito-heavy nights. There are some safe, natural bug sprays out there, but DEET isn’t recommended for young infants. See tinyurl.com/bug-spray-mn for a variety of ways to avoid bites. Avoid newly treated lawns or other areas exposed to yard chemicals. Outdoor adventures aren’t only for crawlers. Baby-wearing and stroller trail-blazing belong on long nature walks. Why not treat even a sleeping Baby to summer breezes, bird calls and fresh air? Don’t forget to smell the flowers!
EXERCISE PREGNANCY STUDY The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently less than 20 weeks pregnant to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth.
ESTUDIO SOBRE EL EJERCICIO DURANTE EL EMBARAZO La Universidad de Minnesota está buscando mujeres con menos de 20 semanas de embarazo para participar en el estudio de investigación que examina los efectos del ejercicio y la salud del estado de ánimo posterior al parto
• Program delivered to you via the mail and phone
• Programa ejecutado vía correo o teléfono
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Debe ser mayor o igual a 18 años de edad
• Must not currently exercise regularly
• No debe hacer ejercicio regularmente
• Must not take antidepressants
• No debe tomar antidepresivos
• You will receive $100 & a FitBit for your time (you will be allowed to keep the FitBit after the study is over)
• Usted recibirá $100 y un FitBit por su tiempo (será permitido quedarse con el FitBit después de la culminación del estudio)
• Program can be delivered in English or Spanish
• Debe considerarse de bajos ingresos, lo cual se define como:
• Must be considered low-income, defined as: - Enrollment in any government assisted program (e.g., WIC, SNAP) AND/OR - Annual income that is considered low (less than $45,510 for a family of four, less than $30,044 for a family of two, and less than $22,311 if single). English: Call or TEXT to 612-345-0325 or mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study.
- Inscripta en cualquier programa asistencial del gobierno (por ejemplo, WIC, SNAP) Y/O - Ingresos anuales considerados como bajos (menos de $ 45,510 para una familia de cuatro, menos de $ 30,044 para una familia de dos y menos de $ 22,311 si es soltera). Español: Llamada o TEXTO 612-237-1004 o mompro@umn.edu para ver si califica para éste estudio.
Jen Wittes is a marketing director, writer, certified postpartum doula and mom of two living in St. Paul. U of M - Kinesiology Dept MNP 0318 S3.indd 2
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mnparent.com • June 2019
15
Shannon Keough
THE UNCENSORED TODDLER
Sorry, not sorry really says to the community at large, “I acknowledge that my child was in the wrong. I really want him to be sorry. Please don’t judge me!”
Another way?
I
t’s a story as old as time: Two toddlers play together, or at least in close proximity to each other. (Future topic of discussion: the transition from parallel play to cooperative play.) Suddenly, a conflict erupts. A toy is grabbed and not returned upon request, for example. Sofia is shoved unceremoniously into the sandbox. Perhaps Finn goes in for a bite, leaving a mark on his friend’s “other tummy” (his back). Any way you slice it, something has gone wrong in the toddler social scene — and someone should definitely be sorry. Right? Maybe not. “Children who are immature (typically age 6 and under) do not benefit from being forced to apologize,” wrote Megan Leahy in her parenting column in the Washington Post. “They simply don’t get the emotion you are going for. Forcing them to feel sorrow or guilt just confuses them.”
OK, but … That advice sounds reasonable when you read it in blissful silence while your children
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
are off at daycare or school. But what about in the real world, when your little angel is the one screaming “Dumb head!” and flinging handfuls of sand at his friend Avi while her parents look on, perhaps judging your parenting chops? What do you do? From my experience at various Twin Cities playgrounds and other toddler hotspots, the traditional response is for the parent of the offending child to rush over and insist on an apology: “Jasper! We do not throw sand and say mean things to our friends! Tell Avi you’re sorry.” This admonishment is usually met with resistance and, at best, a perfunctory, insincere “sorry” muttered in the direction of the ground. If we’re honest with ourselves, perhaps we can admit these displays are really performed for the benefit of the adults involved. After all, it’s embarrassing when your child is the one who has hurt or offended someone else. Telling your child to “Say you’re sorry!”
According to Leahy, a better approach is for you, the parent, to issue the apology: “I’m sorry, Avi, that Jasper was rude and threw sand at you.” She suggests then introducing the concept of “making amends” as your child gets older and more conscious of other people’s feelings. “[Making amends] is powerful because we are slowly starting to notice others’ pain, we are naming the feelings and we are trying to make things right by taking positive actions,” Leahy wrote. Laura Davis and Janis Keyser, in their book Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, echo this advice, pointing out that young children often don’t understand that their actions are hurtful. “We often ask kids to say they’re sorry before the children figure out what actually happened,” they wrote.
Telling your child to ‘say you’re sorry!’ really says to the community at large, ‘I acknowledge that my child was in the wrong. I really want him to be sorry. Please don’t judge me!’
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Instead, the authors suggest bringing the children together to go over the situation together, helping them figure out what went wrong and the consequences of their actions. This allows children to work on their own resolutions to problems and tap into their capacity for a compassionate response. According to Davis and Keyser: “Children who are given the opportunity to participate in helping the other child feel better often do amazing things: bring their blanket (or the other child’s), get ice or volunteer a hug. When children aren’t pressured into making a pat response, they watch intently, learn about the other child’s hurt and, if given the opportunity, in their own time, find ways to express their caring and concern.” And what parent wouldn’t like to see that? Shannon Keough lives in St. Paul with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • June 2019
17
Get camping this summer! M
y first memories of camping are from when I was a young child in the early ’80s with my mom, dad and brother in our Volkswagen Westfalia Pop-Up Campervan. During my childhood summers, we took a couple of longer campervan trips — one traveling east and another west — and many shorter camping trips to Minnesota state parks. As my brother and I got a little older and more independent, our family starting doing some boat-camping trips on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park. My dad had spent time during his childhood camping on nearby Lake Kabetogama. The summer after seventh grade, I went on my first guided canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) through YMCA Camp Warren near Eveleth. And it wasn’t too long after that, that I started planning, packing and venturing out on my own Boundary Waters canoe trips with friends. As a young adult, I continued to gravitate toward outdoor adventure. In college, I spent a lot of time camping and adventuring in Minnesota. I even ventured out of state and took a weeklong winter backpacking course in the Rocky Mountains from the National Outdoor Leadership School out of Missoula, Montana.
Used gear can be a very cost-effective solution when you’re working to outfit your family as well. In our family, we typically get one new thing each year to add to or replace a worn-out item from our camping supplies. This can make things more affordable, but also more comfortable in the long run.
I know all of these experiences helped shape who I am today, what I value and how I live. And now that I’m a mom of four active children, I’m finding that these experiences have shaped how I’m parenting as well. I’m working to instill the love for adventure and the appreciation for — and the connection to — the outdoor world in my children through the experiences I share with them.
Pace yourself
Save the dates
When it comes to camping, you may want to start small — maybe even an overnight
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that if you want to enjoy outdoor adventures with your family, you have to make them happen. The first step is to make reservations and to get the dates on your calendar. If you don’t, the time will slip by, something else will come up and/or the whole idea will become too stressful because you won’t have enough time to prepare. The next big step is to find all the gear you need. If you’re just starting out, you may want to rent or borrow gear. The nice thing about purchasing gear is that you typically just need to buy it once, especially if it’s of higher quality. Some of the gear we use (packs, pots and utensils) is the same gear I used as a child when I was camping with my parents!
RESOURCES ⊲⊲101 Outdoor Adventures to Have Before You Grow Up (2019) falcon.com ⊲⊲The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Kids hikeitbaby.com ⊲⊲REI Camping with Kids: Tips & Checklist tinyurl.com/rei-kids-tips ⊲⊲Camping with Kids, U.S. National Park Service tinyurl.com/nps-kid-tips ⊲⊲Keeping bugs away mnparent.com/bugs ⊲⊲Kids in the wild mnparent.com/kids-wild
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
in the backyard. Then graduate to carcamping before you try a backcountry experience. This is how we started and already — with kids ages 7, 9, 11 and 14 — our family camping adventures have progressed to the point where we’ve had some wildly successful longer trips. Last year, we spent a whole week island camping for the first time. We booked a reservation for another week this summer as well! (Check out some of the snapshots of our family Voyageurs National Park camping adventures at tinyurl.com/campingVNP and check out my story on this hidden gem of a park in this issue on Page 38!)
It’s worth it We’ve had many great outings with our children. As a family, we’ve explored many state and national parks. My husband and I value time spent outdoors and we work to share experiences such as camping, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and skiing with our children. If you’ve done any of these activities with kids, you know that every moment isn’t always full of smiles and sunshine. Like anything, some days will be better than others. Don’t let one meltdown in the woods keep you from trying again. Focus on the positive experiences, and take it from me: Exploring the outdoors with kids might not be easy, but it’s possible, important and can be a lot of fun! Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives in Northeastern Minnesota. Follow her blog — Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines — at megdevine.com.
MacPhail Center for Music MNP 0619 2-3.indd 1
5/14/19 11:53 AM
mnparent.com • June 2019
19
Katie Dohman
WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM
Our witching-hour antidote I
always thought the witching hour was just for brand-new babies. Maybe because when I was reading about it, I was trying to quell a squalling infant at 5 p.m. every day and had no space to think of anything else at all. But my kids are 6, 4 and 2, and the witch still visits. Walking in the door from school/ daycare, making and putting dinner on the table, trying to fit in some fun and getting ready for bed — it’s a tough schedule for adults, let alone small humans missing significant chunks of developmental growth in their cortexes. Logically, I can appreciate that. Still, sometimes it feels like I’m fighting a state of constant exasperation. Why do kids seem to thrive on routines, except the ones you really care about? If kids are such suckers for daily repetition, why is this stretch of time — every single ever-loving day — such a mess? My husband and I have many faults, but we’re good about routines. Why must we herd cats — or, more apt, squirrels —
Katie Dohman stands with her kids and dog next to their big new project.
every single night? I don’t like that exasperated version of myself at all. However, we have found an antidote that works (sometimes): If it’s warm enough, if all the kids have both shoes on, if we all ate our dinners and the small people aren’t punching each other, sometimes we can scoot outside for a bit before bedtime.
Why do kids seem to thrive on routines, except the ones you really care about? If kids are such suckers for daily repetition, why is this stretch of time — every single ever-loving day — such a mess?
With all my children fully aged out of the infant phase — another column for another day — we can even start to play some organized games. Though little Roro is always toddling a few steps behind, he’s game to keep trying. I have seen some of the best of my children during this time — taking turns, helping each other out, cheering each other on. I have seen them stretch for a goal, extend a hand, fall down laughing in the grass. I’ve seen them brush off their wipeouts and add their own creative spin to our entirely made-up games. Sometimes there’s a fight or a tantrum when it’s time to come in, but often even they seem to realize that they’re tired — though they’d never admit it aloud — and that snuggling in footie jammies while being read to sounds pretty good after all. I wonder if they’ll look back and remember exasperated parents shuffling them here, there and everywhere, always referencing the ticking clock.
Tracy Walsh Photography MNP 0419 H6.indd 1
3/7/19 4:29 PM
The Twin City’s Premiere Independent MOM STUFF
Aromatherapy to go I’m a sucker for a great citrus scent. And this multitasker is my must-have — the Carry OM Stress-Relieving Aromatherapy Essence rollerball by Yuni. A lush combo of bergamot, grapefruit and orange essential oils makes for a sophisticated perfume blend that also lifts my mood and reminds me to take an extra-deep breath. — Katie Dohman
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They’re too young to feel it now, I think, but I wonder if they’ll look back as adults with memories tinged by lavender-gold light, magical fleeting moments that we can (sometimes) grab and hold onto — moments we wish we had 300 percent more of as parents. I wonder how I can feel driven straight to the edge so frequently, and yet wish so fervently for time to just hold steady, to encapsulate them in my bubble, for as long as I want. I wonder how it’s possible I can constantly feel awash in that wistful, nostalgic feeling in real time: When we snuggle into bed, I inhale the tops of their heads, smelling of fresh air and sunshine, trying to keep it for forever. Katie Dohman is currently living in the midst of a total full-house renovation with her three kids, two pets and one husband. Follow her adventures at instagram.com/dohmicile.
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Minnesota Dance Theatre & School Training Tomorrow’s Dancers Today • Young Children’s Division • Performing Arts Division • Boys Classes
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4/29/19 9:56 AM
mnparent.com • June 2019
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Maggie Sonnek
#ADULTING
How to mom-date like a pro I
knew I was officially a mom-dater when, sitting on the couch after the kids were asleep, I squealed after hearing the ding on my cell phone, alerting me that my new — dare I say friend? — had texted me back. We had met earlier that day at my daughter’s softball practice. She was the coach and, I was sure, the one who could be my new mom friend. I just had to get her number. I stayed after practice, helping her clean up orange cones and plastic bases and, with hopeful anticipation, uttered, “We should get our kids together for a playdate.” Then, I waited. She nodded enthusiastically and we exchanged numbers. This whole mom-dating experience was new to me, and to be honest, hard work. We used to live in St. Louis Park, a city
packed with moms of young kids. I had access to multiple libraries, a McDonald’s with an indoor playground and dozens of parks — not to mention lots of neighborhood mom groups and community education offerings. I hardly even had time to mom-date! But, when we moved out of the metro area to a small Minnesota town of 2,500, I knew the day we moved in, I needed to start looking for mom friends, grow my circle and find my village. Here is what I’ve learned so far:
Be bold! Don’t be afraid to chat with other moms at the playground, library or carpool line at school. Some of the best conversations
Mom friends are those available for midweek playdates, those who completely understand what you mean when you say your kid had a meltdown at Target. I’ve had throughout the past year have started with me simply introducing myself. I keep a couple conversation-starters in my back pocket to break the ice: How old are your kids? Are you reading any good books? What are you watching on Netflix?
Maggie Sonnek plays at the park with her children, James, 7, Ada, 5, and Olive, 3. Photo by Fresh Honey Photography
Be honest Being a mom of young kids is hard. It can be exhausting, isolating work. Sometimes just being truthful — with ourselves and others — can spark relatable, engaging conversations. Something as simple as, “This morning has been pretty emotional for everyone in our house,” or “Our kids slept horribly last night,” can create an authentic foundation for a friendship.
Give yourself grace
JOIN US
SUMMER EVENTS JUNE 26 Tee It Up for Down Syndrome
JULY 26 Brainerd Family Picnic JULY 27 Bemidji Family Picnic
Golf Tournament @ Deer Run Golf Club
JULY 28 Duluth Family Picnic
JULY 13 Summer New Family Breakfast JULY 14 Rochester Family Picnic JULY 21 St. Cloud Family Picnic
WWW.DSAMN.ORG/EVENTS/
Twin Cities Family Picnic
SEPTEMBER 14 Fall New Family Breakfast SEPTEMBER 22 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk
Family Festival @ Como Park
Down Syndrome Association of MN MNP 0619 H6.indd 1
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Whether you’re home on maternity leave, working full-time or chasing a side hustle, growing your circle of friends for this stage — when our kids are young — is hard. You have your friends from childhood, college and work, sure. But mom friends are those available for midweek playdates, those who completely understand what you mean when you say your kid had a meltdown at Target, and those who who are willing to grab your snacks while you’re breastfeeding your newborn. Mom friends are important.
Find a go-to meeting spot Playdates are great. Just not at my house. Half a dozen kids under the age of 6 running in and out of bedrooms, dumping out bins of LEGOs and unwinding rolls of toilet paper is not my idea of fun. Instead, find a neutral spot where you can meet prospective mom friends and their kids, like the library, a public park or a kid-friendly coffee shop.
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Check out Peanut These ideas have helped me as I’ve ventured into mom-dating. But, if all else fails, look into Peanut, a communitybuilding app that makes it easier to meet moms near you. Yep, it’s just like Tinder, except for moms. Maggie Sonnek, a wife and mom of three, stays busy exploring her new home in the Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota. Learn about her work and her blog spotlighting entrepreneurial women at millcitycreativempls.com.
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mnparent.com • June 2019
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Dr. Erin Stevens
ASK THE OBGYN
Signs of postpartum depression B
ringing a new life into the world can be a joyous event for everyone involved. Sometimes, however, it can lead to significant emotional and mental changes for a new mother that make daily life difficult. Although celebrities like Serena Williams and Chrissy Teigen have recently brought peripartum mood disorders into the public eye, most people still don’t know a lot about them.
Q What are peripartum mood disorders?
A People who are pregnant or have recently delivered a baby can experience a broad range of psychiatric effects, including depression, anxiety and — more rarely — psychosis. These are all peripartum mood disorders. Postpartum depression is the most prominently known, but it’s often so publically stigmatized to consider it a mental health condition that many who discuss it will drop the “depression” portion and simply call it “postpartum” or “the baby blues.” Peripartum mood disorders are NOT a sign that you don’t love your baby or that you’re bad at parenting.
Q How common are they?
A The American Psychological Association estimates that 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression. Because symptoms are underreported, however, it’s difficult to quantify the true incidence of all peripartum mood disorders.
Q What are the symptoms? A Symptoms may include:
⊲ Loss of interest/pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
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⊲ Loss of appetite or overeating ⊲ Insomnia or sleeping too much ⊲ Racing or obsessive thoughts ⊲ Extreme irritability ⊲ Uncontrollable crying ⊲ Rapid mood swings ⊲ Constant worry ⊲ Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness ⊲ Inability to concentrate ⊲ Fear of failing as a parent ⊲ Thoughts of harm to one’s self, baby or others. Although a majority of people in the postpartum period will experience some of these symptoms to a subtle degree due to normal changes — such as hormone fluctuations, lack of a normal sleep schedule and the increased stress of caring for an infant — the severity, number and impact of these symptoms are important to consider.
Q What is the treatment for these conditions?
A The first step in solving any problem is acknowledging it. The first level of care is often focused on lifestyle interventions — such as ensuring attempts at healthy eating, exercise, adequate sleep and acquiring help from friends/family support systems. Sometimes these simple actions aren’t sufficient or even possible, however. Your health-care provider may refer you to a therapist specializing in peripartum mood disorders, of which there are many throughout the Twin Cities area. It can do wonders to have an unbiased resource to whom you can vent, cry and
talk things out — in whatever way works best for you. Some mothers do require medications in the short- or long-term to fully manage symptoms. Make sure to talk to your health-care provider if you experience symptoms like those listed above during your pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately if you’re experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, your baby or others. Dr. Erin Stevens sees patients at the Edina location of Clinic Sofia, a leading OBGYN clinic known for its personalized approach to women’s health care. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Learn more at clinicsofia.com.
Sweet sensation
Sarah Jackson
IN THE KITCHEN
LAVENDER LEMONADE 2 cups boiling water
1⁄4 cup lavender flowers (or more to taste)* 2 cups cold water 1 cup ice
1 cup lemon juice 1 cup sugar or less to taste 1 lemon sliced into wheels or wedges for garnish (optional) *Find culinary lavender at Penzeys Spices in Minneapolis, St. Paul or Lakeville or at thespicehouse.com.
We love lavender lemonade! This refreshingly floral spin on a classic summer drink tastes lovely, looks pretty and — because this recipe doesn’t overdo the lavender — it’s kid-friendly, too! 26
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POUR the boiling water over the lavender in a glass pitcher. COVER and allow to steep 10 minutes.** STRAIN and discard the lavender from the water and return the lavender tea to the pitcher. ADD the cold water, ice, lemon juice and sugar to the pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves. CHILL until serving with lemon wheels for garnish. **Note: This tea will be an unappetizing grey-brown-purple. But don’t worry. By adding the magic of lemon juice, sugar and water, the mixture will turn a beautiful, pale pink. We’ve also tried this with homegrown blossoms and it works, though the color isn’t as bright.
Adapted from allrecipes.com mnparent.com • June 2019
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Ed Dykhuizen
BOOKSHELF
STEM is for everyone Science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields have long been stereotyped as nerdy and, even worse, as a world only for boys. Here are some books that can help change those perceptions by celebrating the fun of STEM learning for all!
Sometimes STEM-focused kids learn better through pictures and schematics than through narratives. This book’s simple, lucid visuals demonstrate how everything from straws to toilets (tee hee!) work. When you get stumped by a barrage of “Why?” questions, you and the little one can pull out this reference and discover the answer together! Ages 4–6 • $10.99
Coding may seem like an intimidating, arcane skill to many in our generation, but it doesn’t have to feel that way for our kids. The organization Girls Who Code was established to demystify the increasingly important ability, and it does so cleverly with this fun story of a girl trying to program a robot to build her a sandcastle. Ages 4–8 • $16.99
Learn how to make ice cream, a stomp rocket, greeting cards that light up, geode eggs, tutus, terrariums and of course, that persistently popular (to the chagrin of many parents) slime! Of course, despite the name, boys can also enjoy these dozens of crafty engineering challenges. Ages 5–8 • $16.95
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LIVE MUSIC BY LOCAL MUSICIANS D E L I C I O U S F O O D T R U C K E AT S
L O C A L , C O O P E R AT I V E LY B R E W E D B E E R
Danica McKellar, who played Winnie in The Wonder Years, has written a treasure trove of books encouraging kids to explore mathematics. This board book (a rare format for STEM themes) introduces the concept of addition using “counting on,” a method often taught in kindergarten. Older kids should try McKellar’s vibrant and engaging Do Not Open This Math Book.
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Young Maxine wants to march her beloved goldfish, Milton, in her school’s pet parade. But how? She can’t exactly just put a leash on him. After dozens of failures, she finally cobbles some recycled odds and ends into an impressive “float” (pun intended). Her charming story can inspire kids to join the burgeoning Maker Movement.
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Ages 4–8 • $16.99 Ed Dykhuizen is an associate editor at Minnesota Parent and father of three who lives in St. Paul. MPP Kid Fest 2019 MNP 0619 V2 .indd 1
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mnparent.com • June 2019
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a
new
life
WCCO-TV reporter Kate Raddatz shares her ďŹ rst impressions of motherhood after loss
By Kate Raddatz
Kate Raddatz, who publicly shared her struggles with infertility, is sharing the joy of her son Rowan’s birth (and her life postpartum) on Instagram @katewcco. Photos by Brooke Alexandra Photography
Wi l l i t b e w o r t h i t ?
This is the thought that I secretly played through my mind during the past several years in my thinking about motherhood. Our journey to becoming parents was more complicated than most, including the pain of infertility and miscarriage. Even after becoming pregnant again, I felt anxiety when people would joke: “Your days of sleep are over!” and “Say goodbye to date night!” Honestly, I didn’t love pregnancy, and I worried our struggles would somehow not live up to the hype my parents and others had built up around the joys of raising a child. But then: On Feb. 9, 2019, the doctor put my son on my chest and I heard his first whimpering cry. I can’t even write that sentence without blubbering onto my keyboard. The moment I saw him, I felt a joy and gratitude I can’t explain. My husband and mom were there to witness it, and it was the best moment of my life. I’m writing this just a few weeks after stepping into my new role as a mother: I don’t know how to do the perfect swaddle. I’m still figuring out how to do my hair without the aid of dry shampoo. And I’ve worn my maternity yoga pants more often than I’d care to admit. But I do know that being Rowan’s mom is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. My dad used to tell me you couldn’t explain the unconditional love of a parent. Sure, I heard him. But I don’t think I understood. I now have a whole new respect for — and perspective on — my parents. I want to hug them and tell them that I’m sorry I never understood. Now I understand the all-encompassing love. I understand that you can cry just looking at your child as you think about him getting bigger; that you can totally deal with your body looking like a potato (because it was all worth it); that every parent thinks their kid is the bee’s knees.
My pastor told me my dad struggled to keep it together when he shared our news of Rowan’s birth. And now … I just get it. (Hugs, parents!) Already, there have been so many nights where I’ve probably had the opportunity to sleep, but I just couldn’t — because I wanted to look at my baby. I wanted to make sure he was safe and happy. I want him to know his mom is always here. Some of these feelings may be driven by fear and worry, but I’m learning that such is the life of a parent … possibly forever? I think my favorite part so far has been our alone time. Those nights people warned me about — when they said I’d never sleep again — are frustrating at times, but they’re also one of things I cherish the most. Sometimes when I’m up feeding Rowan at 3 a.m., it’s a special feeling knowing the rest of the world is sleeping while I take care of this tiny human. Becoming a mother changes your relationships, too. It’s made me more connected to my other mom friends, made me respect my parents more and made me love my husband in a different way. It’s also opened up our lives to this amazing community of other parents on social media. I was open about our struggle to get pregnant, our miscarriage and my pregnancy (and now postpartum journey) on Instagram and the response has been like having a whole tribe of moms available for help. Becoming a mother changed how I think about my body. I was fit pre-pregnancy and was nervous how I’d feel postpartum, especially working in TV. The thing is, after Rowan was born, I was proud of my body. I heard other mothers say this, but I didn’t think I’d feel the same. Now my focus is less about having abs and more about being fit and strong to be a healthy example for my son — to eat right to help feed him (and keep his chubby little legs). My least favorite part has been keeping the present just that. It’s easy for me to get carried away, wishing he wouldn’t grow up
↑ Kate Raddatz and her husband, John, pose with their newborn son, Rowan, at 9 days old.
so fast. I even cried over booking pediatrician appointments in the future! I now see why my parents cling to those memories of our infancy, childhood and adulthood. Perhaps the most surprising benefit of motherhood for me has been my trust in life. I feel like I was meant to be Rowan’s mom, and that all the good and bad led up to this purpose. There’s a phrase I’ve never liked: “Mom life is the best life.” You will never hear me say it. You can absolutely live a fulfilling, best life without being a mom. Plenty of people aren’t able to have children or choose to be child free. I think the way I would better put it is that motherhood is a different life. I worried how our lives would change when Rowan came. But, in a way, I feel like it didn’t change at all. Rather, my new life began. I’ve started a new chapter and I’m just so glad he’s in it. If you’re struggling to get pregnant, nervous about having children or having a difficult pregnancy — and wondering if it’s all worth it — my answer is: Yes, without question. Kate Raddatz is a Midwest Emmy Awardwinning reporter at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis. Follow her journey as a journalist and new mom on Instagram @katewcco. mnparent.com • June 2019
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3EPIC ROAD TRIPS!
BY LORENA ARMSTRONG-DUARTE
Park Point Recreation Area, Duluth Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota / Visit Duluth
BEFORE WE HAD KIDS, my husband and I loved a good, long road trip. No real plans in hand, we’d set off with overnight bags and spend the weekend meandering through historic towns, discovering new restaurants and perusing antique shops. Fast-forward a few years and a couple kids, and now our family road trips are a different beast entirely. “Meandering” has been replaced by “chasing after,” and restaurants that don’t
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offer chicken nuggets are off limits. And yet road trips are still our family’s favorite way to travel — especially here in Minnesota, where winding scenic roads and family-friendly places are never in short supply. Here are a few of our favorite road trips from the Twin Cities, perfect for young families seeking close-to-home adventures to cherish forever.
Franconia Sculpture Park photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota
TAYLORS FALLS This wonderland of activities is just an hour northeast of the Twin Cities. And you don’t have to shoot straight up I-35 to get there: For the best scenery and a slightly longer drive, head east from the Twin Cities until you hit quaint and historic Stillwater (famous for its Teddy Bear Park playground), then point your wheels north and follow Highway 95 along the St. Croix River to charming downtown Taylors Falls. With abundant outdoor opportunities, Interstate State Park on the St. Croix River is an absolute must. Best known as the home of the world’s deepest glacial potholes, the park is a geology fan’s dream with stairways that wind down into the Bake Oven Pothole and Devil’s Parlor, both carved over time by St. Croix currents. Our kids love the area’s panoramic river vistas and fascinating rock formations. In the summer months, you can also explore the St. Croix courtesy of Taylors
Falls Scenic Boat Tours (80 minutes) or visit the Wild Mountain Waterpark, overlooking the bluffs of St. Croix, featuring alpine slides as well as waterslides, a free-fall jump and go-karts. Afterward, grab a meal and a milkshake at The Drive In Restaurant, a beloved old-school establishment with picnic table seating, hand-packed burgers, root beer floats and even a mini-golf course. Another must-visit site in the area is Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer, just five miles east of Taylors Falls. Here F is for funky. The 43-acre park features an “ever-changing exhibition of monumental sculpture” created by a rotating cast of artists-in-residence. Franconia encourages kids to play on its 120-plus sculptures and run through the surrounding prairie. And because the exhibits change every year, trips to Franconia make for a wonderful yearly tradition.
↑ Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota / Lucy Hawthorne Photography
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Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge Park, Lakewalk (below), and Glensheen Mansion (bottom)
DULUTH
↑↑Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota / Dennis O'Hara
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This city of 85,000 (about 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities) is synonymous with all things North Shore and really is amazing for kid-friendly attractions and epic outdoor excursions. You can start at the impressive Great Lakes Aquarium, a fantastic collection of interactive exhibits, live aquatic animals and educational displays. If you want to be right on the water, you can charter a sailing or fishing boat as a family (visitduluth.com). To bask in the glory of Lake Superior, we love driving an hour up the North Shore to visit Split Rock Lighthouse, a state historic site and National Historic Landmark, featuring beautiful hikes and a state park, too. Though you could spend weeks exploring the North Shore, this destination deserves a spot on your family’s bucket list for sure. Back in town, check out the
Duluth Union Depot, which houses four museums, including the world-class Lake Superior Railroad Museum, one of the finest railroad collections in the country. And while you’re there, you can book a train ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad, which offers regular rides as well as special trips, including a 2.5-hour narrated Music and Pizza Train trip, featuring live local bands. Trainloving kids can ride a life-size Thomas or Percy this summer July 26–28 and Aug. 2–4. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also the Lake Superior Zoo, the Duluth Children’s Museum, Glensheen Mansion and the Armed Forces Museum, which has a working flight simulator. Truly, you could spend a week in Duluth and not see all of what’s available for kids and families.
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Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota / Manda Baldwin
RED WING Situated on a wide, scenic section of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota, this city’s historic downtown, breathtaking natural-bluff vistas and kid-friendly activities make it an excellent destination for families. (And it’s only an hour drive from the Twin Cities.) The Red Wing Shoe Company Museum is a must-see. You can marvel at — but not climb on — the world’s largest boot, explore a variety of displays chronicling the company’s 110-plus years in business and maybe shop for a pair of Minnesota-made boots or shoes. Just south of downtown, the riveradjacent Colvill Park houses the Red Wing Water Park, which has two large water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, an interactive play area for younger kids and
a diving board. There’s also an awesome universal playground and sensory garden on the other side of the park. If you have time, be sure to hit LARK Toys in the town of Kellogg, about 45 minutes south down Highway 61 along the river. Not only is LARK one of Minnesota’s largest toy stores, it’s also unique: They make wooden toys and puzzles on site. It also houses a large antique toy display, miniature golf, a children’s book store and an ice cream shop. There’s even a full-size, wood-carved carousel inside! Whatever you decide to do, wherever you decide to go, don’t let having small kids stop you from enjoying road trips. Hit the road and explore. True, you might not be able to shop for vintage china, but you’ll be making the kinds of memories that last a lifetime.
This article was revised and republished with permission from Explore Minnesota and Lorena Armstrong-Duarte, who lives in Minneapolis with her husband and their two boys. Learn more at tinyurl.com/lorena-duarte-mn. Find more family-friendly trip ideas at exploreminnesota.com/family.
One hour east of Twin Cities (715) 778-4414 Spring Valley, WI
acoolcave.org mnparent.com • June 2019
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A waterfro
Giveaway!
To enter to win a two-night stay in a Quarterdeck Resort beach house — bookable for dates after Labor Day — email your favorite summer-fun snapshots of your kids to editor@mnparent.com. (Larger files are preferred and may appear in a future issue of Minnesota Parent.) You must put #quarterdeck in the subject line of the email and tell us each pictured kid’s first name, each child’s age, your city of residence and where the photo was taken. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, July 1.
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ont retreat
Beachy, modern, updated and lakefront-chic, Quarterdeck Resort has been flying under the radar on Gull Lake in the Brainerd Lakes area
By Sarah Jackson
I
f you’ve lived in Minnesota long enough, you’ve probably heard of or been to the Brainerd Lakes area. This summer hotspot two hours north of the Twin Cities is known for its many family-friendly resorts such as Madden’s, Cragun’s and Grandview Lodge, all on Gull Lake. We just discovered another destination that’s lesser-known, but appears to be fun and family-friendly too. Meet Quarterdeck Resort, a 27-acre property with 850 feet of beachfront, on Gull Lake’s western shore south of Sandy Point. Its newly renovated rooms and fresh, beachy, modern decor provide a mix of family-friendly and lakefront-chic in the form of lakeside cottages (pictured below), beach-house suites and main lodge suites with private, lake-facing balconies. Other amenities include a dock with slips for 96 vessels (bring your own boat or you can rent one of the resort’s pontoons), a sandy beach, a swim area (complete with a small play structure), dockside fishing for kids and a new restaurant and bar this summer, Dock 77 Bar and Grill, featuring chef Shawn Lowman. Basic rooms start at $229 in summer, $179 in fall and $129 in winter. Learn more at quarterdeckresort.com. Sarah Jackson is the editor of Minnesota Parent and dreams of a vacation in the Catskills — or northern Minnesota.
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Best-kept secret Beloved for its family-friendly houseboat vacations, wildlife viewing and pure beauty, Voyageurs National Park is a far-north gem! By Megan Devine
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D
id you know Minnesota is home to a national park? On the Canadian border, just west of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, sits one of Minnesota’s best-kept secrets — the vast and beautiful Voyageurs National Park! Its name comes from the FrenchCanadian fur voyageurs who came to our state in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They paddled large — 26 feet long and 4 feet wide — “north canoes” made of birch bark and cedar and journeyed through the waterways, trading goods with Native Americans in exchange for animal pelts, which were in high demand in Europe. Voyageurs National Park consists of four large lakes — Rainy Lake, Sand Point Lake, Namakan Lake and Kabetogama Lake — as well as 26 smaller interior lakes.
One of the most popular ways of visiting Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is aboard a houseboat. Photo courtesy of Voyagaire Houseboats
Voyagaire Houseboats’ 44-foot Sportcruiser sleeps up to 8 people and rents for $495 a day or $2,495 a week in Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park. Photo courtesy of Voyagaire Houseboats
Encompassing more than 218,000 acres (far smaller than the BWCAW’s 1 million acres), the park offers 134,000 acres of woodlands, 500 islands and 27 miles of hiking trails. But here’s the most interesting part: Though the park’s visitor centers are accessible by car, the rest is accessible only by boat. All of the park’s 240 well-mapped overnight and day-use sites require a water vessel of some sort for transportation. But that needn’t stop you from visiting. You can bring your own motorboat, canoe or kayak or simply rent a variety of watercraft.
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One of the most popular ways to see the park is by renting a houseboat. Several vendors rent these unique vessels for vacations in the park. And the reasonable fees typically include training in how to pilot your chosen vessel, plus a radio to connect to services, such as grocery and gas deliveries (and help in case of emergencies). If you bring your own vessel, you can launch for free at all public boat launches at the park’s three visitor centers — Rainy Lake Visitor Center, Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and Ash River Visitor Center. Many commercial services also
provide gear, guided adventures and water-taxi/shuttle services for hikers and others wanting to explore the park. (Learn more at tinyurl.com/vnp-services.) If you’d like a simplified introduction to the park, check out the summer ranger-led programs offered from mid-June through mid-September, including guided boat tours. (See the sidebar with this article for some of the offerings. Reservations are recommended.) In the winter, you can explore the park by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling on more than 100 miles of groomed trails.
FUN FACTS ⊲ Voyageurs National Park is home to the largest Jack pine tree in the U.S. The 73-foot-tall tree is on the shores of Moose Bay on Namakan Lake and was added to American Forests’ National Register of Champion Trees in 2018. ⊲ On June 11, 2018 the America the Beautiful Quarters Program released a quarter honoring Voyageurs National Park. Learn more at parkquarters.com.
Making memories As a child, I spent time with my family fishing and camping on Kabetogama and Namakan. When I was a teenager, my parents purchased an island cabin on Crane Lake near the park. I spent summers and spring and fall weekends through high school and college working at Voyagaire Houseboats — where I met my husband — and exploring the area any free chance I had. Today my husband and I enjoy sharing experiences in Voyageurs National Park with our four children. In fact, this July we reserved an island
Photos by Megan Devine
Take a tour! Get a taste of Voyageurs National Park with a guided tour. Here’s a look at a few on the schedule for this summer. Reservations for all tours are made at recreation.gov or by calling the a national call center at 877-444-6777. Reservations are available until midnight the night before a tour departs.
RAINY LAKE
Grand Tour: Board the Voyageur tour boat and navigate Rainy Lake in search of active eagle nests, view a commercial fishing camp and watch for abundant wildlife. A short stop at Little American Island explores the 1890s Rainy Lake gold rush. Kettle Falls Cruise: Voyage to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam on the Voyageur tour boat. North Canoe: Paddle back in history aboard a 26-foot north canoe. Learn the voyageur paddle salute and explore the life of a voyageur fur trader. Black Bay by Canoe: Get a close-up view of a beaver lodge while paddling the waters of Black Bay. Ethno-Botanical Garden Tour: Join park staff and walk through Voyageurs’ diverse ecosystem. A short hike leads to an Ojibwe camp that sits at the heart of a native plant garden.
KABETOGAMA LAKE
Kettle Falls Cruise: Voyage to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam on the Amik tour boat. Ellsworth Rock Gardens Cruise: Search for active eagle nests on the way to the gardens located within the park. Then take a short guided hike to explore unique rock sculptures and building remnants. North Canoe: Paddle back in history aboard a 26-foot north canoe. Learn the voyageur paddle salute and explore the life of a fur trader. Become a Voyageur: Join park staff for an inland program and learn about the life of a voyageur, featuring interactive, hands-on activities geared toward the adventurous and young at heart.
CRANE LAKE
Northern Lights & Solar Flares: Learn from park staff about these mysterious lights and see their source from a solar viewing scope during this recurring midnight program.
Learn more at nps.gov/voya and exploreminnesota.com. Photo by Megan Devine
campsite for a week on Sand Point Lake. We look forward to this adventure with plans for tent camping, fishing, berry picking, swimming, paddle-boarding and enjoying the beauty of this incredible wilderness area. Though the BWCAW is probably the most famous backcountry retreat in our state, Voyageurs offers another way for your family to appreciate the serenity of a remote lake, complete with the mournful calls of loons at dawn and dusk and, if you’re lucky, the playful dancing of the Northern Lights. Despite the fact that watercraft is the only mode of summer transportation in the park, quiet and serenity are still easy to come by in Voyageurs, due to its huge lakes offering 84,000 acres of water and 655 miles of wild shoreline. In such big waters, tubing and waterskiing aren’t all that common and use of motorized personal watercraft (jet skis and wave runners) is prohibited.
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Where to start? • Cabins, lodges, hotels: Gateway communities near the park — which is, by car, about 5 hours north of the Twin Cities or 2.5 hours from Duluth — are all just off Highway 53 and include Crane Lake (visitcranelake.com), Orr (orrpelicanlake.com), Ash River (ashriver.com), Kabetogama (kabetogama.com), International Falls and Ranier (rainylake.org). • Car camping: State forest drive-up camping is available just outside the park at Woodenfrog State Forest Campground (tinyurl.com/woodenfrog), Ash River Campground (tinyurl.com/ashrivcamp) and Echo Lake Campground south of Crane Lake (tinyurl.com/echolakecamp). • Boats: Voyageurs National Park has hundreds of campsites that can be reached by boat or houseboat.
Reservations are required and can be made at recreation.gov. There is no fee to enter the park, but if you want to stay there overnight, you’ll need a free permit, available at the visitor centers and boat launches. • Houseboats: A variety of companies rent these watercraft — which sleep two to 12 people and sometimes include slides, hot tubs and more — such as Ebels (ebels.com), Northernaire (northernairehouseboats.com) Rainy Lake Houseboats (rainylakehouseboats.com) and Voyagaire Houseboats (houseboatvacation.com). Learn more at tinyurl.com/vnp-services. Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives with her husband and four school-age children in Northeastern Minnesota. Follow her School Days column at mnparent.com/meg and her blog — Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines — at megdevine.com.
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Out & About
MAY 31–JUNE 1
Flint Hills Family Festival ⊲ This annual event features music, dance and theater performances inside and outside the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, plus hundreds of free activities in Rice Park and the surrounding areas. When: May 31–June 1 Where: St. Paul Cost: FREE except for select performances, which cost $8–$13 Info: ordway.org/festival
MAY 31–JUNE 2
Big Bounce America ⊲ The Guinness Book of World Records’ “world’s largest bounce house,” at 10,000 square feet, is touring America and it’s stopping in the Twin Cities with
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two other massive inflatable attractions — a 900-foot-long obstacle course and a space-themed wonderland. Special bounce-house timeslots are available for toddlers only, big kids only, juniors only and adults only. When: May 31–June 2 Where: Aquila Park, St. Louis Park Cost: $16–$30 gets you a three-hour pass to the grounds; main bouncehouse timeslots are limited to 45 minutes. Info: thebigbounceamerica.com
JUNE 1–2
Train Days ⊲ This weekend of railroad-inspired activities includes tours of locomotives, model railroads, family activities, musical entertainment and special events. When: June 1–2 Where: Union Depot, St. Paul
JUNE
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Cost: FREE Info: uniondepot.org/traindays
JUNE 2
Grand Old Day ⊲ After a potential cancellation, the largest one-day festival in the upper Midwest is back on, featuring music, more than 150 food vendors, a family fun area, an arts district and six festival gardens. When: June 2 Where: Grand Avenue, St. Paul Cost: FREE; pre-sale wristbands for entry into festival gardens (21 and older only) are $5. Info: grandave.com
JUNE 5–24
Groovin In The Garden ⊲ While grownups listen to Twin Citiesbased bands, kids will be entertained
Kid Fest
⊲ Ring in summer and the debut of the 2019-20 Family Directory, your guide to more than 200 destinations and activities in the Twin Cities. Entertainment will include live family-friendly music from the Teddy Bear Band, The Bazillions, Davey Doodle and Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam. Every booth will feature an activity with vendors such as ARTrageous Adventures, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Wild, Children’s Theatre Company and many more.
Bike Rentals
Como Lake: 651-487-8046 Minnehaha Falls: 612-729-2660 Lake Nokomis: 612-729-1127
Water Rentals
Como Lake: 651-487-8046 Lake Nokomis: 612-729-1127 Lake Harriet: 612-922-9226 Lake Calhoun: 612-823-5765
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When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. June 15 Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: mnparent.com/ kidfest
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
by a climbing wall, a bouncy house and lawn games. When: Wednesday evenings June 5–July 24 Where: Como Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org
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Serving people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, HOBT collaborates with SCHOOLS and COMMUNITIES on unique, interactive ART RESIDENCIES that nurture the creative spirit and encourage a sense of joy and wonder.
JUNE 6–AUG. 29
Twin Cities River Rats ⊲ This 100-member, nationally ranked team puts on themed water ski shows all summer long on the Mississippi River in the heart of Minneapolis. When: Select dates June 6–Aug. 29 Where: 1758 West River Road N., Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: tcriverrats.com
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Out & About
JUNE 12–16
St. Louis Park Parktacular ⊲ Events and activities include a Grand Day Parade (June 15), free admission to the St. Louis Park Aquatic Park, outdoor concerts, food trucks, a petting zoo and free pony rides, inflatables for all ages and much more. When: June 12–16. Kidtactular events will be June 15. Where: Wolfe Park, Saint Louis Park Cost: FREE with fees for some activities. Info: parktacular.org
JUNE 13–15
Tater Daze Festival
Common Sound 2019
⊲ Before the evening headliners Doomtree and Jeremy Messersmith take the stage, check out kid-oriented programming from 2–7 p.m., including Koo Koo Kanga Roo, DJ music, face painting, chalk art/creation stations and a musical instrument “petting zoo.” This second-annual music festival was made possible thanks to a partnership between Beth El Synagogue and Benilde-St. Margaret’s Catholic prep school. When: June 30 Where: Beth El Synagogue parking lot, St. Louis Park Cost: $25–$35. Get a one free kid ticket (ages 3–15) with each paid adult. Additional kid tickets can be purchased for $5. Info: commonsoundfestival.com
JUNE 8–9
Chalkfest ⊲ This fourth-annual festival will feature mind-bending sidewalk chalk art by professionals, amateurs and art enthusiasts from across the world. When: June 8–9 Where: The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove Cost: FREE Info: chalkfestarborlakes.com
JUNE 8
TPT Family Fun Day ⊲ Enjoy a discounted unlimited ride wristband for the Como Town amusement park, see a rotating cast of
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PBS Kids characters and rock out to the Teddy Bear Band. When: June 8 Where: Como Town, St. Paul Cost: $11–$16 Info: tpt.org
JUNE 9
Minnesota Boychoir ⊲ Four ensembles, made up of 150 boys ages 6–18, will be joined by the Minnesota Boychoir’s alumni and adult choirs. When: June 9 Where: Ted Mann Concert Hall, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: boychoir.org
⊲ Since 1964, this summer festival has paid homage to the city’s history as a potato-grower’s haven. When: June 13–15 Where: Brooklyn Park Cost: FREE Info: brooklynpark.org/tater-daze
JUNE 14–16
Stone Arch Bridge Festival ⊲ A weekend of art and music on the Minneapolis riverfront, this festival features more than 200 artists, family activities, live music and a car show. When: June 14–16 Where: Minneapolis Riverfront along NE Main Street Cost: FREE Info: stonearchbridgefestival.com
JUNE 15
Midsommar Celebration ⊲ Dance around the maypole, create flower crowns, listen to live music, make crafts and more. When: June 15 Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: Included in museum admission of $6–$12 adults, FREE for ages 5 and younger Info: asimn.org
JUNE 15–16
JUNE 22
⊲ Watch the scenery roll by in this trip from St. Paul to Marine on St. Croix as you dine on hard-poached eggs Benedict, herbed American fries and a fresh fruit medley.
⊲ This fundraiser for Children’s Minnesota winds a mile through U.S. Bank Stadium and includes face painting, yard games, a performance by DJ Kids Dance, bouncy houses and more.
Father’s Day Brunch Train Ride
When: June 15–16 Where: Jackson Street Roundhouse, St. Paul Cost: $50, free for kids younger than 2 Info: transportationmuseum.org
JUNE 18–22
The Lightning Thief ⊲ The Greek gods are real, and they’re ruining Percy Jackson’s life in this musical adaptation of the popular book series. When: June 18–22 Where: Ordway Center for Performing Arts, St. Paul Cost: Tickets start at $51. Info: ordway.org
JUNE 20–22
Earle Brown Days ⊲ This 37th-annual festival will kick off with a parade and continues with a Run, Jump or Fly 5K and a family fest in Centennial Park, followed by nighttime fireworks. When: June 20–22 Where: Brooklyn Center Cost: FREE Info: cityofbrooklyncenter.org
JUNE 21–23
Back to the ’50s Weekend ⊲ The Minnesota Street Rod Association’s 46th-annual celebration will fill the State Fairgrounds with more than 12,000 custom, classic and restored vehicles, all dating from 1964 and earlier, as well as family-friendly activities. When: June 21–23 Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul Cost: $12; free for ages 12 and younger with each paid adult Info: msrabacktothe50s.com
Walk for Amazing
When: June 22 Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis Cost: $40 for adults, $25 for ages 3–18 and free for ages 2 and younger Info: childrensmn.org
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Mini Golf
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JUNE 24–AUG. 9
Fantastic Mr. Fox ⊲ In this musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl book, Mr. Fox saves his family from a trio of farmers. When: June 24–Aug. 9 Where: Sidekick Theatre, Bloomington Cost: $5–$18, free for kids younger than 2 Info: sidekicktheatre.com
(612) 861-9348 6335 Portland Ave S. Richfield, MN
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JUNE 29–SEPT. 28
Cars and Caves ⊲ Collector, classic and exotic cars and motorcycles are displayed all throughout the AutoPlex’s 120 garage condominiums. When: June 29, July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28 Where: Chanhassen AutoPlex Cost: FREE Info: chanhassenautoplex.com
JUNE 30
Touch-A-Truck ⊲ As part of Rosefest, kids can climb aboard a variety of big vehicles, shop at The Kids’ Garage Sale and jam out to the Teddy Bear Band. When: June 30 Where: Central Park, Roseville Cost: FREE Info: cityofroseville.com
5/16/19 2:24 PM
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Out & About
SeaQuest
⊲ More than 1,000 animals representing five continents live in this new 23,000-square-foot animal experience. Visitors can snorkel with the stingrays for an extra fee. When: Ongoing Where: Rosedale Center, Roseville Cost: $7.95–$12.95 for single day-passes Info: roseville.visitseaquest.com
MORE ONLINE!
Go to mnparent.com/calendar for many more events in June and beyond!
Photo by LaLa Photography
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MN MUSIC HALL of FAME AT YOUR PARTY!
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FROM OUR READERS
Grandpa love! June is here! So it’s finally time to say Happy Father’s Day! But this year we’re also honoring grandfathers, who play a special role in our kids’ lives!
↑ Felix, 6, with his Grandpa Dave in Brainerd
↑ Dreyson, 1, of New London, with his Great-Grandfather Richard
↑ Jack, 2, with his father and grandfather (Bobby and Mike) in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
↑ Brooklyn, 3, and Landon, 6, with their Grandpa Ron in Oak Grove
↑ Maeve, 6, and Keagan, 9, with their Grandpa Marvin in Minneapolis
↑ Emma, 5, with her Grandpa Tom at Como Lake in St. Paul
↑ Frances, 5, of Saint Michael, with her grandparents, Mike and Teresa
Send your snapshots — with your child’s name, city and age in photo — to editor@mnparent.com with the subject line #mnpix
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June 2019 • mnparent.com
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