A Cool Coastal Vibe: Nautical refuge on Big Cormorant Lake

Blending an open floor plan with views of the water from almost every room, the Flyen lake home on Big Cormorant Lake is a place where water and house become one. Click on the photo to learn more about this feature home.

Life’s Greatest Blessings: Embracing Togetherness on Otter Tail Lake

After the sale of Dakota Growers Pasta Company in Carrington, ND in 2010, Tim Dodd traded his CEO title for another that closely embraced his newly retired management position…

Memorable Places, Special Spaces: The Great Adirondack Camps Provide Inspiration for Deerwood Retreat

Most of us have a memory of a very special place, where we can recall how we felt when entering…

Of Wood and Water: An Otter Tail Lake gem

With its distinctively arch-shaped windows, warm black walnut flooring, and bright white wood work, the Chisholm’s visionary Otter Tail Lake home is a truly a dream come to life. “We spent years going through plans…”

Click on the photo to read more about this Feature Home.

Splendor on Pickerel Lake

On the south shore of Pickerel Lake in Otter Tail County is Floyd and Nellda Lehne’s home. It is also the home of Nellda’s splendid gardens.

What’s hot this spring for gardeners and landscapers?: The Lake and Home Interview

Mark Armstead is the assistant retail manager and grower for Linder’s Garden Center, a family-owned greenhouse, garden center and flower mart in St. Paul.

Invest in Your Home’s Future by Growing Trees

Trees are an important part of the home landscape, but trees not suited to a northern climate or a smaller lot are sometimes not such a great investment.

Permeable Pavers Help Put Water In Its Place

Managing storm water is a big deal on lakeshore properties. Excess water running too fast can cause erosion and send pollutants into our lakes.

Mowing 101: Choosing, maintaining and storing your lawn tractor for years of reliability

Spring is here, and that large patch of white surround your house has turned green. Yes, it’s time to start thinking about your lawn. For a lot of people that means they’ll soon be investing in some seat time on a lawn tractor – also referred to as a riding lawn mower – at least […]

A Bright Idea: Light your way to a perfect patio

One of the ideal ways to unwind after a long day at the office (or on the water) is to head out to your patio. Whether you grill and have a glass of wine with friends…

White Bear Lake

Only 20 miles northeast of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, White Bear Lake maintains its own small-town character. The community of about 25,000 sits on the lake…

Detroit Lakes

Whether you are looking for a nature getaway, an active family vacation or a pampered rest, Detroit Lakes – the “events place” – has options for everyone. The Mile-Long Sand Beach in downtown Detroi Lakes is a hot spot…

Hayward

Hayward, a small town with big amenities – Situated on Highway 63 in the lakes region of northwest Wisconsin, boasts a vibrant, historic downtown and a Northwoods charm in its numerous specialty shops.

Make the Family Room More Family-Friendly

I grew up in a four-square house with basically a country kitchen and informal dining room. Our kitchen had just enough room for a four-person round table slid next to the wall.

Great Design Ideas Make Your Child Feel Important

We all want our children to be comfortable in their environment, but did you know their development is affected by their environment?

Build in Some Character

Don’t you love to walk through older houses and see all the built-in character? That corner hutch in the dining room fascinates me with the century of stories it holds…

Cork: A Hot Choice For Floor Covering

Flooring is one of those striking features in a well-designed home that can change your mood when you walk through the door.

There’s a Hot Tub for Every Buyer: Before you dive in, consider how you'll use yours

Hot tubs have been around since the first human discovered a cozy nook in a hot pond.

Quiet & Easy-To-Use Electric Boats: Keep the Peace

It’s early morning on the lake and you have a cup of fresh-brewed coffee, a good book, and not a sound bu the call of the loons. You aren’t just near the lake, you are on the lake…

Pontoon Party Perfection

Planning a party on a pontoon seems simple enough, right? Pack a cooler filled with sandwiches and beer, bring some speakers for your iPod, and make sure you have enough lifejackets.

Q: Can I keep using my lake place while it’s on the market?

A: Absolutely, says Jon Drews of Keller Williams. In fact, he encourages it. “When you enjoy your property, that markets your property…”

Q: How can I choose a window that will hold up to the Upper Midwest’s extremes?

A: Kermit Nelson at Ottertail Home Center gets asked to recommend the “best window” a lot.

Q: Are there any appliance finishes that rival stainless steel?

A: “Stainless steel is still kind of tried and true,” says Dan Zierden of Cullens Home Center. “However, one of the more popular colors today is slate.”

Craft Beers: A Pairing Primer for Summer Foods

Summer in the Midwest means three months of backyard parties, patio dining and cabin-casual meals. For many folks, it also means quaffing a cold brew, or two, with their grub.

Nine summer food and beverage ideas that will keep you entertaining in style all season long

If you try every variation of our nine picks, you’ll have over fifty options in your summer entertaining arsenal.