Book Nook - 100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die

 I've lived in Minnesota all my life, and done quite a few things, so I was curious what would show up in a book I recently got to review - 100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die.

This book is organized by topic, not by geography, so it means you can search by your interest instead of location. Each category had some things I had already done, some things I had considered but probably won't every do, and some things that I had never heard about before. So even as a lifelong Minnesotan who loves to travel, this book still gave me new ideas for staycations and quick weekend activities.

A few sample ideas:

• Food lovers and aeronautical lovers flock to Wings Airport Café just outside of Brainerd. Guests have full view of a runway just feet from their table. Commercial and private airplanes land and takeoff while folks enjoy their meals. I recommend the wild rice pancakes or giant caramel roll for starters.
   
• For pizza lovers, Larson included Chicken Wild Rice pizza from Poor Gary’s Pizza in Moose Lake, Grandma’s Special from Log Cabin Pizza in Browerville, and Taco Pizza from Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream located in New Ulm and Crookston. Yum!
   
• Minnesota’s second oldest brewery is also one of the state’s most well-preserved historic treasures. August Schell Brewing Company began brewing beer in 1860. Since then, visitors have enjoyed tours of the inside facilities and outside gardens, a German themed gift shop, and award-winning beer. Cheers!
   
• Looking for a family fun Halloween adventure? Stoney Brook Farms LLC created the world’s largest corn maze in 2022. Created in the shape of classical Halloween Villains, the maze spread out over 110 acres. With games, food trucks, and plenty of pumpkins, Stoney Brook Farms is a big adventure!
   
• Mankato is one of the “artiest” cities in Minnesota. Their Walking Sculpture Tour includes dozens of sculptures which are changed every spring. Wear comfy shoes, this tour gives viewers a great workout

Interested? Check out the book for even more fun Minnesota activities.

Julie Jo Larson is a writer, storycatcher, public speaker, and licensed social worker. She spends most weekends exploring Minnesota and writing MsStorian Adventures. When not advising college students, she can be found on the trail with a walking stick in hand and worn mukluks on her feet. Julie Jo lives in rural Brainerd with her husband, family pets, and a flock of chickens. Visit her at juliejolarson.com.