Lisa McClintickAdventurous, creative, hands-on travel in Minnesota and beyond.

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Lisa Meyers McClintick

minnelisa

Award-winning freelance writer/photographer, “Day Trips From the Twin Cities” author, teaching artist, sketchbooker, gardener & master naturalist.
Need a good way to savor the reflective season of Need a good way to savor the reflective season of winter? Join our memoir workshop! We’ll help inspire ideas and get you motivated to write stories from your life that can be shared with others for feedback and encouragement. No experience is needed, but this is also a great series if you’ve done some writing and need the nudge and accountability to get back to it. There is nothing warmer and more uplifting than allowing heart-to-heart stories connect us. More details with the link to Paramount’s registration page in my bio. #memoirworkshop #memoirwriting #shareyourstories #writingworkshop @paramountartsmn
Backlit frost on the garage door windows last nigh Backlit frost on the garage door windows last night at about 10 pm when I shuttled our daughter and girlfriends to a night of dancing downtown and celebrating turning 21. It was interesting to hear their generation’s utter woes at losing TikTok, which was compared to being in junior high and getting grounded from their phone. At 9:30 am, it’s currently -15 degrees with “feels like 33 below zero.” Airfares have been “higher than normal” all week on Google Flights. Not really surprised. Stay warm, everyone! #frostywindow #generationgap #damncold
One more sunset view from last night. What a spect One more sunset view from last night. What a spectacle! #wintersunset #mnwinter #calvaryhillpark @stcloudmnparkandrec
There is something extra special about a good wint There is something extra special about a good winter sunset. Maybe it’s the way white snow offers a blank canvas for contrast or the inky silhouette of trees. Whatever it is, count us as grateful! #wintersunset #minnesotasky #mnnature #winterwonder #stcloudmn @stcloudmnparkandrec #calvaryhillpark
Who has seen sun dogs this winter? I’ve seen sev Who has seen sun dogs this winter? I’ve seen several great shots from near Fargo, and this is usually when we see them in Central Minnesota, too. And moon dogs! Those can be dreamy, especially when the Star Tribune’s Brian Peterson is behind the camera. Read how ice crystals create these winter rainbows and pillars of light at night in the @startribune online or this weekend in print. @stateofwonders #sundogs #moondogs #lightpillars #mnnature #thisweekinnature #winterwonderland #exploreminnesota
The coldest temps and Lake Superior waves can scul The coldest temps and Lake Superior waves can sculpt a gallery of icy formations along Minnesota’s North Shore and other waterways. From pancake ice to shore’sicles (yes, I made that one up), here’s what you might find. You can also click on the link in my bio. Also worth reading: Rachel Hutton’s @startribune story on icy fun around the state, from urban ice castles and ice bars to ice fishing and ice climbing. #mnoutdoors #winterwonderland @exploreminnesota #iceformations #winterbeauty #lakesuperior
Happy National Bird Day! While I attended my first Happy National Bird Day! While I attended my first birding festival and MN master naturalist gathering last May in Detroit Lakes, Minn., I’m still enjoying that experience through nature journaling. These frigid but sunny winter days are perfect for pulling out colored pencils and remembering the more than 130 bird species participants spotted during spring migration near the convergence of western prairie, eastern hardwoods and northern boreal forest ecosystems. This year’s Festival of Birds will be May 15-17. #nationalbirdday @detroitlakesminnesota #birding #mnbirding #warblers #naturejournaling @mnmasternaturalist @friendsoftamaracnwr @usfws
One of the highlights of 2024 was being in the fir One of the highlights of 2024 was being in the first cohort of nature journaling educators certified through the Wild Wonder Foundation, which is based in California and was co-founded by John “Jack” Muir Laws who has been promoting nature journaling for decades. The training was excellent and inspirational, especially a daylong live workshop that connected like-minded participants from countries around the globe. I offered five nature journaling workshops last year, including ones focused on lichen, wildflowers and mushrooms in the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota for kids and adults. I’m excited to line up more events in 2025! #naturejournaling @wildwonderfoundation #mnnature #journaling #naturelovers #artworkshops
Our new year started with “Grannies!” (for tho Our new year started with “Grannies!” (for those of you “Bluey” fans). Days off from day care offered a timely incentive to head north with our granddaughter for some time in the Northwoods with great-grandparents. She had so much fun watching the deer, squirrels and birds, doing the “Bluey” dance, chattering with so many new words, and playing with decorative snowmen and putting them to bed like dolls. Yesterday she cuddled with me for a movie, and it felt so good to again have a silky-haired toddler tucked under my chin and in my arms and to enjoy the feel of her wiggly weight on my lap. I have missed that with our three kids all grown, especially with twins who’d squirm across me and tuck under an arm on both sides. Those warm quiet moments were bliss. There truly is something utterly joyful, fulfilling and grounding in scooping a child or children into your arms. #grannytime #grannies #grandkids #bluey #cuddles
I’ve always loved the New Year ritual of crackin I’ve always loved the New Year ritual of cracking open a fresh planner or calendar. Yes, I have a digital calendar on my phone, but having a hand-held piece of art speaks to me. Last year I fell in love with the illustrations of Katie Daisy. Besides her colorful depictions of nature, her sayings like “She always stopped for roadside poppies” are spot-on for my personality. I’ve always pulled over for wildflowers in ditches and meadows (especially for lupine). My mom and I both have her 2025 calendar, and it makes me smile to think of us turning the pages together, admiring the flower art (especially in winter when we need it) and plotting get-togethers. 💕🌸 Cheers to a new year and focusing on the beauty we can find with each season. @katiedaisy_artist @thewheatfieldshop #newyearcalendar #planneraddict #flowerartist #likemotherlikedaughter
Take a moment this week to marvel at the nature’ Take a moment this week to marvel at the nature’s role in our holiday decor and the fascinating details like a Fibonacci spiral in pinecones and the way they can open their scales and close again to protect the seeds. Read more about natural wonders in the Minnesota Star Tribune’s This Week In Nature. If you have suggestions for future topics, send me a message. @startribune #thisweekinnature #pinecones #fibonaccispiral #christmasdecor #minnesotanature
The downside/upside of your last kid leaving the n The downside/upside of your last kid leaving the nest and heading to college: You become the favored human for your cat. Great for the snuggles. Not so much for productivity. Or unintentional story edits. #pawsacrossthekeyboard #tailinmyface #needycat #furballlove #writingwithpets
The prettiest, most intricate snowflakes have begu The prettiest, most intricate snowflakes have begun falling in Central Minnesota this morning. Who else remembers how cool it was to see Ken Libbrecht’s up-close photography of them for the first time in the early 2000s? Stunning! Here’s a look at his work and the science behind six-sided ice crystals for the Star Tribune’s This Week in Nature. (Plus a bonus hack shot of today’s first snowflakes with an iPhone on the back steps.) @startribune #snowflakes #snowfall #thisweekinnature #mnmasternaturalist #icecrystals #minnestagrammers #minnesota #centralminnesota
Heres one more stocking stuffer idea: the Pocket T Heres one more stocking stuffer idea: the Pocket Tripod. Barely larger than a credit card, it swivels and notches into an adjustable carbon-fiber stand. It’s great for tucking into your pocket on a trip when you want something besides selfie shots or want a stand to use on your pull-down tray while flying or on a desk at home. @pockettripod #phonegadgets #pockettripod #phonestand #phonestandholder
Another great gift idea—one that adds art to som Another great gift idea—one that adds art to something practical—is funky adhesive bandages with cool styles. Welly “bravery bandages” also come in whimsical tins. I have a strange weakness for colorful tins and admit to owning some now seriously vintage spice and Band-Aid tins (hey, you like what you like). But even without the artsy tins and this year’s glow-in-the-dark designs, these bandages are worth it for how they stay put far longer than other brands. There have been a few times when I’ve been able to pull out a bandage that miraculously complemented what my stylin’ mom was wearing. It’s a little thing, but it was fun. I have a collection with hearts and butterflies ready for our granddaughter 😁. @getwelly #bandaid #bandage #stockingstuffer #gooddesign #cooltins #collectibletin #tinbox
Here’s a gift idea for anyone who loves to be in Here’s a gift idea for anyone who loves to be in the outdoors: an insulated bottle carrier. I’m an @owala and @hydroflask fan and continually grateful for how well they insulate ice for even long hikes. They, unfortunately, tend to fall out of my backpack side pocket because they’re heavy, and I’m always stooping over to shoot photos of flowers, bugs, lichen, tide pools, etc. This @arcagear hydro carrier has made outings easier. It holds the bottles snuggly, comes in various sizes, and has room for phones, wallets and keys. I usually carry the backpack with snacks and extra layers, and my husband will handle the water supply and our dog and his leash. It’s a win-win for ice-water lovers—human or canine. Our dog loves ice, too. P.S. It was minus 5 degrees in St. Cloud, Minnesota, today. I might start filling the thermos with hot cocoa. #waterbottlecarrier #hikinggear #giftideas #dogwatercarrier #owala #hydroflask
Pardon my desk clutter and lack of video skills, b Pardon my desk clutter and lack of video skills, but this is one of my favorite purchases this year and the coolest books for kids and grandkids. “Listen to the Birds” book (a bargain at less than $12) comes to life when you download an app to your phone and aim the camera at each bird. It’s like freaking magic to see paintings of cardinals, owls, warblers and orioles flap their wings and sing. Our granddaughter just loves it. I’m so glad someone at a birding festival showed it to me last spring. Has anyone else seen a book like this? What a fun way it could be to learn about safari animals, waterfowl, woodland mammals and more. (It reminds me of vintage Disney rides and how cool it would be to activate the animatronics along the way. Know what I mean?) Here’s to inspiring the next generation of nature nerds 😁! #kidsbooks #kidsgifts #birdingbooks #naturegifts #listentothebirds #kidsnaturebooks
Current temp in St. Cloud, Minnesota: Minus 2 degr Current temp in St. Cloud, Minnesota: Minus 2 degrees and dropping. Know what that means? The lakes will have a few things to say. They groan, pop or make “Piu, piu!” laser gun sounds straight out of Star Wars as water turns to ice. Never heard a freezing lake sing? Check out the link to the Star Tribune feature and click on a Minnesota Public Radio video about all the cool sounds a winter lake makes. @startribune @mprnews #exploreminnesota #minnesota #singinglakes #freezinglakes #iceseason #minnesotawinter #minnestagrammers
I’ve loved chickadees for years. They’re cheer I’ve loved chickadees for years. They’re cheerful, approachable and hardy enough to stick around through relentless winters in Minnesota, calling out with “chickadeedeedee!” when we head outside. What I didn’t know was how brilliant and industrious they are when it comes to stashing food for winter. Their brains are thought to seasonally expand for spatial thinking that helps them remember the thousands of cracks and crannies where they’ve hidden seeds. Squirrels, too, can rise to the cerebral necessity of winter food caching. Nature never fails to inspire. You can read the full feature in @projectoptimist.us. Click on the link in my bio. #chickadees #foodcaching #squirrels #drawnbynature
Llama llama wonderland at the Sauk Rapids Jingle a Llama llama wonderland at the Sauk Rapids Jingle and Mingle today. So cute!! #saukrapids @visitstcloud #llama #holidaycraftshow
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You may still be eating leftover domestic turkey, You may still be eating leftover domestic turkey, but here’s a look at the growing number of wild ones that may be wandering into your backyards, across urban roads or roosting in trees. That latter scenario would freak me out if, say, I startled one after dark and it tumbled down in front of me. When our son was not even 2, he was following me in our family’s woods as I looked for wildflowers. He found himself face to face with a turkey the same height as he was and bolted back to my side, jabbering in panic and not knowing the word for the huge creature in the woods. Jabbering and gobbling sound a lot alike, so I figured out what he saw before I spotted the turkey. We’re grateful he still loves the woods despite the surprises. #wildturkey #turkeycomeback #backyardturkeys #thisweekinnature @startribune
When November looks a bit drab, you just have to l When November looks a bit drab, you just have to look a little closer and find it in the details. Snowflakes arrived this morning! #novemberweather #beautyinthedetails #snowflakes #minnestagrammers #raindrops #naturalist
I was honored (and a bit nervous) to get my first I was honored (and a bit nervous) to get my first illustration-only assignment this fall. Working with an elder with the University of Minnesota Extension Service and the story’s writer, we depicted the elements of a four directions medicine garden (Thatúye Tópa Phezúta-Ozúpi). It’s shaped like a turtle, with the sacred plants —cedar, sage, tobacco and sweetgrass—aligned to the four sacred directions. I truly enjoy learning about Indigenous cultures and traditions. You can find the Extension story and read more through the link in my bio. #fourdirections #sacredmedicine #nativegarden #illustration @umnextension
Keep your ears and eyes on the skies to enjoy the Keep your ears and eyes on the skies to enjoy the unique sound of tundra swans! A big flock flew over our yard in St. Cloud last night. It’s a higher-pitched “whistle” than the trumpeters that can be seen in Minnesota year-round. The tundra swans head south from the Arctic, follow the Mississippi River, and then veer to the mid-Atlantic states. @startribune #tundraswans #mnwildlife #backyardbirding #migration #birding
Whether you’re looking for holiday fun, winter g Whether you’re looking for holiday fun, winter getaways or planning your 2025 destinations, check out Day Trips from the Twin Cities. This gift that can keep on giving helps you find the best lodging, eateries, parks and quirky places that define communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. If you already have a copy, thank you for your support! 🙏 If you’d consider leaving a review online, I’d be grateful! I poured a lot of passion into these pages. @exploreminnesota @travelwisconsin #daytrips #weekendgetaways @visitmankatomn @newulm @experiencerochmn @visitstcloud #minnesotalife #minnesotagirl #midwesttravel #midwestliving
We were awake before the crack of dawn Oct. 24 to We were awake before the crack of dawn Oct. 24 to watch the sandhill cranes at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. There were about 12,500 cranes counted that week. Here’s a surprise: even with our crazy winds and cold rain yesterday, bird counters estimated 22,197 cranes were still at the refuge and hadn’t headed south. The Wildlife Drive is open until Dec. 1, and there are some designated viewing areas off county roads for mornings and evenings when cranes are heading overhead to and from fields and roosting areas. Turn on the volume in the video to hear how they sound. 🙂 @sherburnenwrfriends @usfws #sandhillcranes #cranemigration #mnbirding #exploreminnesota #cranemigration2024 #mnmasternaturalist
It has been fantastic to see an ever-growing numbe It has been fantastic to see an ever-growing number of nationally successful books written by Indigenous authors. Each one, whether literary, suspense, mystery, historical, or even horror, brings cultural insight, fresh perspectives and overlooked tragedies and injustices to light. With 574 federally recognized tribes, we have immeasurable stories and voices yet to be heard. Minneapolis’s Birchbark Books has long championed these stories and is owned by the prolific and much-lauded literary legend, Louise Erdrich. If you’ve read her book, “The Sentence,” which uses the bookstore as inspiration, you have another compelling reason to visit. The bookstore staff helped me pull together this list of standout Indigenous stories perfect for the long, cold nights ahead. You can see the full story and read USA Today’s Native American section at the link in my bio. The feature begins on page 45. I’ve read quite a few of these titles. Have you? Which are your favorites? @usatoday @birchbark_books #indigenousauthors #indigenousbooks @louise_erdrich #fallreads #nativeamerican #nativeamericanheritagemonth
Some of you were lucky to enjoy the Indigenous Foo Some of you were lucky to enjoy the Indigenous Food Lab’s pre-Colonial cuisine at the Minnesota State Fair this summer. I felt lucky to write about this organization founded by Chef Sean Sherman (@the_sioux_chef) for USA Today’s Native American special section. The organization’s wide-ranging efforts include inner-city gardens and foraging, training indigenous chefs, supporting small businesses who supply indigenous ingredients, and projects such as adding a weekly indigenous meal to a school lunch menu on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. These efforts seek to break away from unhealthy diets of government commodities and move toward food sovereignty, a goal that reaches beyond nourishing the body. As Linda Black Elk said, “It’s reconnecting with ancestors, your culture, and your spirit.” Read the story on page 31 and view the entire Native American section at the link in my bio. @usatoday @indigenousfoodlab #foodsovereignty @mahpiyalutaredcloud @natifs_org #indigenousfood #nativecuisine
Minnesota may be gray and chilly this time of year Minnesota may be gray and chilly this time of year, but moody skies and infamous gales make it a dramatic time to enjoy shipwatching on Lake Superior. It’s the world’s biggest freshwater sea (by surface area) and you can get an up-close view along the canal at the world’s most inland seaport: Duluth, Minn. You can read more at the link in my bio. @startribune #greatlakes #lakesuperior #shipwatching @canalpark #galesofnovember #edmundfitzgerald @visittheusa @exploreminnesota @visit_duluth
I’m working the polls on St. Cloud’s South Sid I’m working the polls on St. Cloud’s South Side Tuesday, from 6 am to 9 pm. I’m not sure this T-shirt is deemed politically neutral enough—and I didn’t plan ahead and purchase it—but I’m loving the Schoolhouse Rock vibe. I’m wishing I had something smile-inducing for an anxious day. Too bad I’m not into festive fingernails. #vote #electiondayattire #overthinkingthings #votetshirt
If you’re looking for a warm, feel-good story to If you’re looking for a warm, feel-good story to read on a slushy day, grab a seat around the hearth at The St. John’s Pottery in Collegeville, Minn. Here, Master Potter Richard Bresnahan shares what he learned apprenticing in Japan in 1970s, creating his own style using only indigenous materials and leading a life of environmental stewardship. He shares that wisdom with students, apprentices and guests who visit the studio at St. John’s University, share cups of tea and leave feeling the sense of community he has created. It’s been an especially eventful stretch as the Johanna Kiln, the largest wood-fired kiln in North America, fired up in October. The 10-day event requires about 17 cords of wood for the three chambers that can collectively hold close to 12,000 pieces of pottery. It can take two months just to load the kiln, which only fires up every two years. Read the full story @projectoptimist or click the link in my bio. @csbsju #stjohnspottery #johannakiln #ecomutualism #landstewardship #japanesepottery #artapprenticeship #biophilia
In honor of Halloween and all things spooky, it se In honor of Halloween and all things spooky, it seemed fitting to feature some of the creepier things you might find in the woods of Minnesota: dead man’s fingers, witches’ butter and dog vomit slime. @startribune #mnoutdoors #thingsyoufindinthewoods #freakyfungi #mnmasternaturalist #slimemold
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