Johnny Fish of Fish Sunflower Fields in Andover is celebrating his eighth year of planting sunflower fields . He aims to spread joy and provide a free and beautiful place for families and photographers to gather . The fields are planted with flowers in honor of organizations or causes such as mental health , hometown heroes , organ donors , veterans , animals , and Alzheimer ’ s awareness . Hours are from sun-up to sun-down . Check the website for updates at fishsunflowers . com
HANG LOSE MN
People have been enjoying the lakes in the Alexandria area for a long time . Since 2016 , an Alexandria man and his company have changed the way people experience the lakes while having a lot of fun along the way . At Hang Loose MN , Mike Jost shares his passion for water sports including surfing , wake boarding , wake surfing , stand up paddle boarding , and e-foiling with his guests and students at Lake Carlos Marina . ( An e-foil is an electric powered surfboard that lifts up from the water after achieving a certain speed .)
Mike says his students range in age from four to 74 years old . He loves what he does and has taught over 15,000 lessons . He has seen so many people conquer the waves for the very first time .
“ Life is like a song , when it ’ s over it vanishes but the memories of it will last in the minds of those that heard it and if it ’ s good , hopefully they ’ ll remember it forever ,” said Mike , whose memories of “ lake time ” with his family and friends are some of his most important . He adds , “ Making memories on the water is why my passion for this business stays strong . My memories of being with my parents , grandparents , siblings , friends , and extended family on the lake still matter to me . They helped build me into who I am today . If I can be a platform for others to grow together and make memories together , that is the greatest gift I can give .” Book your fun at hangloosemn . com or call 320-852-7575 .
SAFARI NORTH WILDLIFE PARK
Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd is a 43- acre property with wild animals that you can view by hopping on a 15-minute safari train ride to see lions , monkeys , antelope , alligators , kangaroos , zebras , jaguar , cheetahs , etc . It ’ s a great way to learn more about the animals on our planet . Kids can feed giraffes and parakeets , ride a camel , plus enjoy amusement park rides and hands-on exhibits .
Owner Keith Vogel said , “ I always wanted a zoo . It has been a lifelong process with many , many years in the making .” Vogel has always had one dream . After growing up with a raccoon as a pet , he knew he wanted to have his life revolve around animals .
“ I knew I always wanted a zoo . Where ? I wasn ’ t too particular . It did not matter . It just needed to be in a spot where it would work .” He and his wife started their zoo in 2014 . They have more than 130 species of animals on their property .
“ It ’ s pretty cool to see people enjoying your dream and to see something you ’ ve worked for your whole life to get to this point and it ’ s actually working . It ’ s really awesome .” Open Mother ’ s Day weekend through September . Visit safarinorth . com
NORTHLAND KART KOUNTRY
Mike and Julie Degen , owners of Northland Kart Kountry in Brainerd , invite you to their family run attractions . Their three go-kart tracks are designed to appeal to drivers of all skill levels . Junior Karts and Can Am Go-Karts give young racers a chance to get in on the action , while the Bullit Karts and ‘’ Indy ’’ Racing Karts are perfect for the older thrill seekers in the family .
When the racing is over , there is plenty to do for adults and children at the Batting Cages , 18-Hole Mini Golf Course , Water Wars , 23-foot Climbing Wall , Arcade , Bungee Bounce , and playing basketball on a trampoline . The Snack Shack offers beverages , pizza , pretzels , nachos , candy , chips and ice cream bars . Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day . Visit northlandkartkountry . com
DETROIT LAKES FESTIVAL OF BIRDS
The 26th annual Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds is scheduled for May 18-20 , 2023 . The Festival is a celebration of migration in Minnesota ’ s unique transition zone of tall grass prairie , hardwood and conifer forests , and wetlands .
The Detroit Lakes area is a migration hotspot with more than 250 species of birds . Great numbers of woodland warblers may be located right next to a plentiful array of prairie sparrows or vast numbers of shorebirds . Mid- May birding is spectacular for birders . Whether you are a beginner or experienced birder , the Festival of Birds has something for everyone .
Grab your binoculars and field guides and join the morning fieldtrips guided by naturalists , educational workshops , and evening presentations and socials . According to Sagepub . com , bird sounds are associated with reducing stress and cognitive fatigue in humans .
So go out and enjoy the festival . For more information visit thelodgeonlakedetroit . com / event / detroit-lakes-festival-of-birds
Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds birders from May 2022
Fun in a Northland Kart Country racing cart in Brainerd , MN ( Submitted Photo )
Fresh Acres Farm
Hang Loose MN owner Mike Jost wakesurfing in Alexandria , MN
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