**This was our Mother’s Day episode but these itineraries are great all summer!
It’s time for Explore Local Together Episode 5 where we discuss Mother’s Day itineraries in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota! If you’re visiting from the podcast, thank you for listening. If not, please join us! At Explore Local Together, we share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA.Ā Below, you will find links throughout the blog post to click and listen to the podcast while you read.



In this episode, we chat about Chisago Lakes and Motherās Day itineraries for the whole family. Whether you are a local or visiting, we have ideas for you to explore the area with a lightning round of our top picks. We have two interviews: one with incredible writer and mom/travel blogger Antonia from Knead to Roam. Antonia gives her POV of coming to Chisago Lakes from the Twin Cities while traveling with kids and/or multi-generations. In addition, a fun and interesting interview with Musician Matthew Griswold. Matthew made the transition from US Army Soldier to Professional Songwriter/Musician in 2008 and has been going full force ever since.
Things to Do for Mother’s Day in Lindstrom, Minnesota
Here are the itinerary ideas for you to explore Chisago Lakes!
Swedish Inn, St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour, Dalles House
Start your day at the Swedish Inn for breakfast. We love that they open early and the service is top-notch. Enjoy a down-to-earth atmosphere and breakfast, including authentic Swedish food options. After breakfast, visit the St. Croix River Valley Pottery Tour. The pottery tour is in its 32nd year with over 70 potters at 7 studios. While at the Taylors Falls studio stop, cross the bridge to WI and eat lunch at the Dalles House. I love the Dalles House Burger! Plus, brunch is served every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.




I recently worked with Chisago Lakes Tourism and Shrpa to create the below itineraries as a paid partnership.
Have you ever wondered about those square art pieces on many of the buildings in Chisago Lakes? Well, now ALL the information is easily accessible at chisagolakes.org. You can make this a road-tripping day or a walking tour! With over 70 barn quilts to see, there is a lot of exploring and stops to make along the way. You will want to come back again or make this a full weekend trip.
Barn Quilt Trail – Driving Itinerary
Stops include: Northwoods Roasterie, Ojiketa Regional Park, Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market, Unruly Acres, Pleasant Valley Orchard, Uncommon Loon Brewing Company, and Nordic Harbor Haus.




Barn Quilt Trail – Walking Itinerary
Stops include: Swedish Inn, Walking/Shopping the City of Lindstrom, The Northern Tavern
In Lindstrom, Minnesota, it’s an adventure to find the Barn Quilts because some are a little hidden and there is a ton of shopping. You will find unique gifts, Swedish items, antiques and vintage treasures, women’s clothing, and home goods. Here are some of the stores with my fave Barn Quilts- Swedish Gift Store, Lindstrom Antique Mall, The Oven Mitt, Ghosts in the Attic, State Farm Insurance, Bean Counters, and GlƤdje. Other shops not to miss are Farm and Thread, In the Moment Boutique, and Rose’s Collectibles.





Links to all the other top picks that we mentioned in the podcast: Gustaf’s Eatery, Picket Fence Gals, Northwoods Roasterie, Coffeesmith, 3 Arrows Coffee, Watershed Cafe, Keys Cafe, Swedish Immigrant Trail, Franconia Sculpture Park, Slattergrens Farm, Be Wild Burgers, Meister’s Bar & Grill, Rustic Roots Winery.
Lodging in Chisago Lakes, Minnesota
Nordic Harbor Haus: Brand new, variety of rooms including a vacation house with multiple decks and backyard, roof top bar, surrounded by water, easy access to to town and adventures.







Maple House: 6-bedroom private home in a quiet neighborhood, walking distance to town, plenty of space for a large group, outdoor fire pit and backyard to relax and listen to the river.


Hear Writer and Travel Blogger Antonia with Knead to Roam’s Itinerary HERE or see her multigenerational blog post HERE.

Photo credit: Antonia Grant/Knead-to-Roam
Hear Musician Matthew Gris interview HERE.

Adopt a Rescue Dog – Ruff Start Rescue
We are partnering with Ruff Start Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to feature one adoptable dog each month. We are passionate about rescue dogs and have two of our own, the Explore Local Together mascots, Allen and Carol.
Meet Phyllis!




Phyllis is a sassy senior! She is looking for that special someone who understands aging isn’t always easy, she may not feel the cutest and therefore needs plenty of alone time, lots of naps, and tons of good food and treats. I feel ya, Phyllis! š
Phyllis would rather take short walks and have easy access to her food and potty. She prefers to sleep near you so she knows you’re sticking around and likes to be tucked in. Phyllis does snore (as any self respecting bulldog does) so earplugs may be necessary if she sleeps right next to you. She likes to talk and will tell you when she wants attention, when she is hungry, when she has to potty and most importantly when she needs to be tucked in. Squeaky toys are her favorite!
She is part of their āSeniors for Seniorsā program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.
If you think you are that special someone for Phyllis – visit her profile HERE and fill out an application.
Things to Do in Minnesota
Upcoming Local and Beyond Events:
- 5/4 Taylors Falls Paddlewheel Boat Cruises Start
- 5/5 Franconia Sculpture Park Art & Farmer’s Market
- 5/10-12 The 32nd Annual St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour
- 5/8-12 Picket Fence Gals Vintage Occasional Sale
- 5/11 Chisago Lakes Town Ball Bulldogs vs Forest Lake
- 5/12 Rustic Roots Winery – Yoga, Mimosa Bar, Mini Market, and Live Music
- 5/16 Chisago Citywide Garage Sale
- 5/17 The Minnesota Lynx Home Opener
- 5/17 Liquid Zoo at Bauhaus Brew Labs
- 6/15/2024 Marine Fire & Rescue Street Dance
Here is our new Facebook group link! https://www.facebook.com/groups/804383574380433
Let’s Explore Local Together!
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