Outside in MN

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Like being ‘in a perpetual snow globe’: Duluth woman solo hikes Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail
Emily Ford has spent the past month hiking the trail, and expects to finish in March. All told, her journey will cover more than a thousand miles.
No spectators at this year's Beargrease sled dog race
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon traditionally attracts thousands of spectators at the start of the race in Duluth, checkpoints and the finish in Grand Portage. But, because of the coronavirus pandemic, spectators have been told to stay home and watch the race online.
A cool piece of art: Minnesotans flock to Mpls. park in search of frozen cave man sculpture
It was originally a commissioned piece for an ad agency. But once the agency was done with Zug Zug (that’s the cave man’s name), one of the artists decided now was the perfect time for him to go out into the world. Zug Zug gives people “something else to talk about, and also something to explore and look at, besides what's going on with our TVs and phones," Zach Schumack said.
Audio postcard: Snowy signs of plant life
During the summer months, we get periodic updates on Morning Edition from wildflower gurus Phyllis Root and Kelly Povo, who travel the state to find out what’s in bloom. This year, winter hasn’t put a stop to their adventuring.
Which winter sports are safest to play during COVID-19?
To stay physically active this winter while limiting the risk of coronavirus infections, experts suggest activities you do alone or with members of your household. That could include running, skiing and snowshoeing.
‘You have this feeling of floating’: Skaters delight in perfect lake ice in northern Minn.
Matthew Baxley, co-host of WTIP’s Boundary Waters Podcast, is among the skating fanatics who have been putting in as much ice time as they can before the weather changes. He went out earlier this week with friends, and sent Morning Edition an audio postcard from their day.  
Even during a pandemic, doctors say physical activity is crucial for your health
At a time when more people are staying at home, the World Health Organization recommends finding ways to be physically active and limit the amount of time you spend sitting.