Greater Minnesota

Winter Play: We tried Minnesota birrrd-watching
It’s cold. But the birds here don’t mind. Why not try your hand at joining them? As part of the Winter Play series MPR News’ Amy Felegy took to a snowy, wooded path in northwestern Minnesota to give you the scoop on winter birding for the first time.
Winter Play: Ice fishing — learning family tradition hook, line and sinker
Our staff across the state set out to try a new-to-them winter pastime. MPR News’ southwest Minnesota reporter Hannah Yang spent her first day ice fishing with her father-in-law and husband in Faribault, Minn.
Beargrease sled race winner, runner-up talk dogs, cold, competition
Keith Aili crossed the finish line about eight minutes ahead of second-place musher and past champion Ryan Anderson. They spoke to MPR News host Cathy Wurzer Wednesday about dealing with 20-below race temps and coaching dogs that aren’t all that keen on people.
Winter Play: Ice climbing on the North Shore
As part of MPR News’ Winter Play series, reporter Dan Kraker tried ice climbing for the first time on a cliff north of Two Harbors, an experience he found challenging, rewarding and — when it was over, at least — fun.
New Warroad campus teaches robot maintenance as worker shortage continues
Northwestern Minnesota manufacturing companies are struggling with worker shortages. One solution is to invest in more automation technology. To help train the skilled workers needed to run that technology, Minnesota’s newest college campus is now open in Warroad.
Winter Play: Cruising snow-covered trails on a fat tire bike near Brainerd
The sport of winter fat tire biking is booming in popularity. It’s an accessible, low-cost and fun way to get outside in nature during the colder months — and we tried it.