North & Nest Magazine - Edition 7 - 2025

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CONTENTS TABLE OF

Edition #7

july | aug | sept 2025

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LAKES AREA HOME TOUR | ELEVATE PERHAM

After a pandemic-induced pause, the Lakes Area Home Tour is back and even more beautiful, sponsored by Lumber Depot and hosted by Elevate. Welcome to your exclusive sneak peek of the one-day, selfguided home tour scheduled to open all seven of its doors on October 11th. This tour does more than showcase beautiful homes—celebrating vibrant lifestyles, community connection, and living well at every age and stage.

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LAKES FIKA | CORMORANT VILLAGE

In the Swedish tradition of Fika, Cormorant Village’s Lakes Fika entices patrons to make intentional pauses a daily ritual. Owners, Emma Mattson and her mom Kristin Osborne, have made this slow-down social tradition their passion, inviting patrons to take their sweet time to gather, reflect, and indulge. Swing by for the robust selection of local and craft-roasted coffee, stay for the sunny invite to brunch, lunch, desserts, cocktails, and Minnesota-made shopping.

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LAKESIDE LEGACY | STRAIGHTLINE DESIGN

Once the toast of North Shore Drive, an elaborate three-story summer home and barn built in 1908 brought art, fashion, and festivity to Detroit Lakes. While the grand home, once owned by Josephine Allen—a commercial artist with roots in the Chicago and New York fashion scene—no longer stands, the spirit of the era lives on. See how a 3,000-square-foot renovation reimagined the beloved barn for a modern-day family.

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UNGLUED SUMMER CAMP 10TH ANNIVERSARY | ASHLEY MORKEN

For adults who are sick and tired of adulting, Unglued’s Ashley Morken has ‘crafted’ your cure, glitter included. Welcome to Unglued Summer Camp at YMCA’s Camp Cormorant! To celebrate Summer Camp’s 10th Anniversary, we’ve jumped in headfirst to find out how this crafty crew curates two epic weekends of campy fun on the shoreline of Big Cormorant Lake. Bring your weird, wild, and wonderous self for a magical getaway that swaps spreadsheets for s’mores and deadlines for dance parties.

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SUMMER IN MINNESOTA’S NORTH COUNTRY | TIMBERLANE RESORT + BEAR’S DEN GOLF + RIVERSIDE POINT RESORT

Skyler Akason, owner of Fargo’s Precision Lawn & Landscape, has made transforming the outdoors his life’s passion, so, unsurprisingly, his latest venture is all about designing the perfect North Country summer at Park Rapids’ Riverside Point Resort, Timberlane Resort, and the beautiful Bear’s Den golf course — putting 25 years of landscape and entrepreneurial expertise to work for your next getaway.

CAPTURING

Cover Photography by Scott

BRIDGING WOODS & WETLANDS

CRAFTWELL ARCHITECTURE + CONSTRUCTION

On the shores of Minnesota's Lake Seven, this family cabin by Craftwell Architecture + Construction beautifully bridges woods and wetlands with Nordic design and Midwest influence. Rooted in the Hygge principles of Scandinavian architecture, its 1,800 square feet directs a right-sized retreat crafted for clean lines and cozy vibes. Welcome home to full nature immersion without disruption — friendly neighbors to nearly five acres of untouched forestry, wetlands, and crystalclear waters.

read the full story on page 56

MAGAZINE

Edition #7

july | aug | sept 2025

North & Nest Magazine is a free, local publication distributed quarterly in print and online, with new issues arriving each January, April, July, and October. North & Nest invites readers on an exclusive tour of the Midwest’s most extraordinary homes, businesses, galleries, outdoor environments, and day-trip destinations. Welcome home to the warmth of the north!

PUBLISHER | EDITOR

tracy nicholson

GRAPHIC DESIGN | LAYOUT

sarah geiger

GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING

dennis krull & alison monke

SOCIAL MEDIA

tracy nicholson

EDITORIAL

tracy nicholson

CIRCULATION hal ecker

WEBSITE DESIGN

sarah geiger

WEBSITE CONTRIBUTOR

erica rapp

ADVERTISING SALES

tracy nicholson

PRINT

forum communications printing

PHOTOGRAPHY

dan francis photography amdak productions morgan allora, studio freshly scott amundson jill ockhardt blaufuss overflow creative kristen jyrkas jake siiro, siiro gravity media

CONTRIBUTORS

emily dreyer chris hawley tami & eric soyring skyler akason ashley morken emma mattson kristen osborne

NORTH & NEST, LLC

2008 Ann Street | West Fargo, ND 58078

North & Nest is distributed in all major grocery stores and hundreds of retail locations across Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo, Horace, Grand Forks, Wahpeton, and select lakes area locations. Read North & Nest each quarter online at northnestmagazine.com and issuu.com. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES | QUESTIONS tracy@northnestmagazine.com 701.640.3284

SAVE THE DATE!

July 4-13: Red River Valley Fair | West Fargo

July 11-20: Detroit Lakes Northwest Water Carnival | Detroit Lakes

July 12: Red River Market Opening Day | Downtown Fargo

July 12-13: Phelps Mill Festival | Underwood

July 17-19: Downtown Street Fair | Fargo

July 20: Summer Splash | The Lights West Fargo

July 23-26: Becker County Fair | Detroit Lakes

July 31-Aug 3: Looney Days | Vergas

Aug 2: Harwood-A-Rama Car Show | Harwood

Aug 3-10: Fargo-Moorhead Pride Festival | Downtown Fargo

Aug 7-9: 42nd Annual WE Fest | Soo Pass Ranch, Detroit Lakes

Aug 16: Cormorant Daze | Cormorant Village

Aug 22-23: Downtown Grand Forks Street Fair | Grand Forks Historic

District

Aug 22-23: 34th Annual Potato Days | Barnesville

Sept 12-13: DrekkerFest 11 | Drekker Brewing Company

Sept 20: West Fest | POW/MIA Plaza West Fargo

Sept 20-22 & 27-29: BIA Fall Parade of Homes

Oct 11 & 18: Unglued Fall Retreat | Crooked Lane Farm

lakeside fun and fika

In the battle of screen fatigue versus mosquito bites, I'll take the outdoors any day. Nature feels like one of the only ways to digitally detox, unless of course, you're embarking on the 10th anniversary of Unglued Summer Camp at YMCA's Camp Cormorant in August. In this issue, we're not just celebrating a well-designed summer in lakes country, we're also applauding the genius antics of Unglued's Ashley and Justin Morken.

First, Ashley made an entire region fall in love with crafting again, then she went ahead and broke all the rules, reinventing summer camp — no kids allowed. Why ban kids? Because adulting is exhausting, and we need it more. I mean, do we really need self-help seminars and networking, or is the cure crafting, unicorn floaties, beach dancing, artisanal cocktails, merit badges, and latenight s'mores? Yes, to all this and other childish games we were supposed to have grown out of. Your fun, weird self is still in there, it just needs a friendly nudge and a judgment-free place to go.

If you need another wonderous place to reconnect with yourself and others, Lakes Fika in Cormorant Village hits the sweet spot, with a cozy coffee shop, micro-bakery, café, and Minnesota-made boutique. This is where I learned about the Swedish tradition of fika (fee-ka), which in this Scandinavian culture is something we already love doing; we just didn't know it had such a cool name. Fika is a daily ritual of connection, conversation, and a taste of something sweet shared with friends or family. Kind of like summer camp, it's an intentional break from reality, putting life on pause to rediscover ourselves and reconnect with the only thing that truly matters — meaningful moments with the people we love.

Edition #7 is about redefining space and reconnecting with our roots—whether retreating to the lake, sharing fika with friends, or getting crafty around the campfire. In an era of digital domination and AI everything, there’s no better season to unplug, step outside, catch up face-to-face, and create whatever makes us happy. Let's welcome back the flawed, funny, and joyful humans we were always meant to be.

A heartfelt thank-you to my favorite humans—my family, this incredible team, our talented contributors, loyal local supporters, and, most of all, you, our readers. We’re so glad you’re here.

CONTRIBUTORS

Dan is the lead architectural photographer for North & Nest Magazine and owner of Dan Francis Photography in Fargo, ND. Dan brings 21 years of experience to North & Nest, a Master's and Craftsman degree in Photography, and nearly eight years of experience as a Photography and Photoshop instructor for M-State College. His architecture photography seamlessly blends precision and artistry to elevate his clients' brand impact. Dan's work can be found at DanFrancisPhotography.com or on Instagram @danfrancisphoto.

By day, Tracy is an architectural writer at JLG Architects in Fargo, ND, specializing in the communication of architecture, landscape, sustainable construction, and interior design. After hours, she is the owner and editor of North & Nest Magazine based in West Fargo, ND. Tracy's work has been published in over 100 magazine editions, earning over 40 local and national journalism awards from the North Dakota Professional Communicators Association and the National Federation of Press Women, in addition to several publishing awards from the Minnesota Magazine & Publishers Association and the ND Chapter of the American Advertising Federation. Tracy earned a BS in Mass Communications - Public Relations/ Advertising at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Morgan is the owner of Studio Freshly, a queer-woman-owned photography company based in the F-M area. Specializing in small business branding, she enjoys documenting products, process, experience, portraits, and events. Morgan is a firm believer in elevating a business’ special sauce by translating exceptional product or service into visuals that share with the public what she refers to as "badassery." She earned a degree in Graphic Design and Public Relations from Concordia College, later discovering the art of photography in serving her passion for connection, community, and storytelling through imagery. To find her work, connect with her on Facebook or Instagram @ studiofreshly, or view her full portfolio at studiofreshly.com

Sarah is North & Nest's layout graphic designer, web designer, and owner of a freelance design studio in Fargo, ND. She provides a variety of creative services, including brand identity, logo design, icon and infographic development and social and advertising materials. Sarah also brings over six years of magazine design, having been the lead designer and art director for several local publications. Sarah attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Find her work on Instagram @imsarahgeiger.

As the owner of Amdak Productions, LLC, a creative services company based in Fargo, Micah brings 25 years of experience specializing in photography, videography, drone, and Matterport services for clients across the nation. Amdak is highly regarded for its exceptional work, spanning from Minnesota's northern lakes to New Mexico deserts, Rocky Mountains peaks, and Mexican beaches. Amdak goes wherever the work is, partnering with companies big and small, near and far, to help them #ownthelook. Follow him on Instagram @zhotography & @ amdak_productions.

Dennis is a Midwest-based photographer, graphic designer, illustrator, encaustic/fine artist, and owner of 5foot20 Design Lounge in Moorhead, MN. He received his BFA in Graphic Design from Minnesota State University Moorhead and has spent the past 30 years working on a wide range of creative services for local and national clients. When Dennis is not designing or working in photography, he can be found at Gallery 4 artist coop in downtown Fargo. View his work at Gallery 4, 5foot20.com, or follow him on Instagram @5foot20design

Jill is a contributing photographer with 22 years of photography experience. Her award-winning work engages natural light and professionally curated lighting techniques to produce high-quality organic and expressive imagery, primarily focused on home interiors, commercial business, and architectural photography. Jill has a BA in Mass Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead with an emphasis in photojournalism and broadcast journalism and a Post-Bachelor Independent Study in commercial video production. Jill's work can be found at ockhardtphoto.com or on Instagram @ jillockhardtblaufuss.

Kristen is a brand designer and photographer based in Ottertail, MN. She is a creative, with the passion to share and preserve business owners' God-given gifts and talents, whether building brands or capturing products and services. Fueled by connection and creativity, collaboration is a huge part of Kristen’s working process. Her background in art and knowledge with a camera provides clients with an authentic photo gallery of intentional and connective imagery that speaks for them - boosting both confidence and professionalism from the getgo. Follow Kristen on Facebook + Instagram @kristenjyrkas.creative or view her portfolio at kristenjyrkas.com

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS
MICAH J. ZIMMERMAN
MORGAN ALLORA
DAN FRANCIS
M.PHOTOG, CR. CPP
DENNIS KRULL
SARAH GEIGER
TRACY NICHOLSON
KRISTEN JYRKAS

Alison is an ad designer for North & Nest Magazine and the owner of Creative Monke. With over 15 years of experience in graphic design and marketing, Alison has a passion for simple, clean, and effective design. She strives to not only understand her client's needs but also the client's audience in order to create the best visual design to speak to them. Find her work on Facebook or Instagram @ CreativeMonke or creativemonke.com.

Alyssa is a contributing writer with an innate flair for storytelling, a passion sparked in her childhood as she filled notebooks with songs and short stories. With a degree in Management Communications from NDSU, her journey into writing blossomed, leading her to capture the essence of architecture, interior design, and business in the FM area. A creative soul with an eye for detail, she later ventured to Southern California, where she honed her copywriting skills for a financial services firm before later contributing to the internal communications of Microsoft's Customer Service & Support organization. Now, Alyssa is thrilled to bring her passion for building connections and crafting compelling tales back to her home state.

As North & Nest's Circulation Manager, Hal ensures magazines get premium placement at hundreds of local retail locations, grocery stores, events, and outlying markets. Hal, originally from Grandin, ND, is a graduate of NDSU and a super fan of Bison Football. He contributes a background in sales from AmeriPride Services and Sanford Health, along with over 20 years of circulation management experience for The Forum and several other local publications.

ALISON MONKE
ALYSSA NISHEK
HAL ECKER

Lakes Area Home Tour

PRESENTED BY ELEVATE + LUMBER DEPOT

After a pandemic-induced pause, the Lakes Area Home Tour is back and even more beautiful, presented by Lumber Depot and hosted by Elevate, a grant-based organization helping the Perham community stay active and age well. This year, Elevate’s Mindi Larson and Emily Dreyer gave North & Nest readers an exclusive sneak peek of the one-day, self-guided home tour scheduled to open all seven of its doors on October 11th, with tickets going on sale in August.

home tour lakes area

by TRACY NICHOLSON & EMILY DREYER
photos by OVERFLOW CREATIVE & JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS
photo by JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

LIVING WELL IN LAKES COUNTRY

“What sets the Lakes Area Home Tour apart is that it’s about more than showcasing beautiful homes—it’s about celebrating lifestyle, community, and the idea of living well at every age and stage,” said Elevate’s Emily Dreyer. “The homes on this year’s tour reflect a variety of life seasons and styles, from thoughtfully designed forever homes to creative renovations and lakeside retreats.”

Beyond the beauty and support for Elevate’s Perham-area programs, the Lakes Area Home Tour brings inspiration and recognition, showcasing the people, businesses, craftsmanship, and creativity that make Perham a summer hot spot and warm year-round home.

LAKES AREA HOME TOUR: PRE-TOUR GUIDE

While visiting homes across the Perham, Dent, and Vergas areas, tourgoers are encouraged to make this one-day tour a full day of fun. “We want guests to slow down, explore the area, visit our boutiques, enjoy great local cuisine, and really soak in all that the Perham area has to offer,” explained Mindi Larson. “It’s a meaningful mix of home inspiration and hometown pride, which gives the tour a special kind of warmth and connection.” Welcome to your exclusive sneak peek of the 2025 Lakes Area Home Tour!

Emily Dreyer
ELEVATE TEAM
Mindi Larson

BIG PINE LAKE COMFORT

[44907 NITCHE LAKE ROAD, PERHAM]

Completed in 2006, this Big Pine Lake home blends comfort and function with warm, cozy charm. The home features four bedrooms, two full baths, and two half baths, offering plenty of space for family and guests to spread out and relax. Large windows line the lakeside, showcasing beautiful views and filling the home with natural light. The main living area boasts expansive ceilings and a stylish bar that makes entertaining easy, while a bonus space upstairs offers a perfect getaway for grandkids or guests. Recent updates include new flooring and refreshed bathrooms in both the primary suite and guest areas. With multiple living spaces and thoughtful design touches, this home is perfect for both quiet lake mornings and lively family weekends.

EASY LIVING HOME

[45978

453RD STREET, PERHAM]

Located just three-and-a-half miles north of Perham in a newer, thoughtfully developed neighborhood, this spacious single-level home combines modern convenience with peaceful surroundings. The home features a convenient open floorplan that flows seamlessly between the kitchen, living room, and dining area—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet and a private ensuite bathroom for added comfort.

Here, the owners enjoy abundant natural light in the charming sunroom, which opens to a large patio and backyard entertainment area, complete with a cozy fire pit. Additional highlights include a three-stall garage with a durable polyurethane floor and a relaxing sauna.

AGING-FRIENDLY DUPLEX

[681 8TH AVENUE SW, PERHAM]

#3

This thoughtfully designed retirement duplex is more than just a place to live—it’s a home built to age with you. Every detail was carefully considered to support accessibility and peace of mind through life’s transitions, including an eclectic collection of art and heirloom rugs. Wide hallways and doors make moving through the space easy and wheelchair-friendly, while extra lighting ensures visibility and safety. Features like an off-the-ground oven and dishwasher minimize bending and reaching. Whether downsizing or simply planning ahead, this rental offers modern amenities in a space that truly supports aging in place— with dignity, ease, and style.

[44934 SPUR ROAD, FRAZEE]

#4

Originally a cozy cabin, this Little McDonald Lake home was completely rebuilt in 2020 into a stunning modern farmhouse-style retreat. The fourbed, three-bath transformation infused new life into the property while embracing lake living at its finest. The beautifully landscaped exterior and welcoming patio set the stage for year-round enjoyment. Inside, the open-concept main floor seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, with a unique wrap-around wine bar that creates a bright, flowing space for entertaining or relaxing at the heart of the home. The standout basement bar—complete with an exterior walk-up window— offers a fun, laid-back vibe ideal for lake days and evening gatherings. This lakeside home is the perfect mix of comfort, charm, and creativity.

LITTLE MCDONALD REVIVAL

[34447 SYBIL LAKE LANE, VERGAS]

Nestled in the heart of lakes country, Sybil Haus is a serene and secluded retreat built in 2024 with rest and relaxation in mind. Designed to sleep 16 adults comfortably, this stunning home features three king bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, two additional bedrooms with a shared Jack and Jill bath, and a queen pull-out sofa in the cozy lowerlevel living space. Here, guests enjoy unwinding in the sauna, steam shower, and spa, or taking a swim in the lakeside pool (May through October). Lake access includes a sandy beach, dock, fire pit, and plenty of space for sunrise coffee or sunset chats. The three-season porch tucked among the trees—with plush leather seating—is perfect for naps, games, and gatherings.

SYBIL HAUS

Inside, a chef’s kitchen awaits with high-end JennAir appliances, double ovens, a gas range, and all the tools needed to create memorable meals. With three ice-making refrigerators and generous dining space, Sybil Haus was built for entertaining, blending indoor luxury with outdoor beauty.

photos by JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

[33153 MEYER BEACH DRIVE, DENT]

Newly built in 2024 on beautiful Big McDonald Lake, this home impresses with custom details and breathtaking design. The spacious interior features striking alder kitchen cabinets and exquisite tile work throughout. A soaring 23-foot cathedral vaulted ceiling draws your eye to a massive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that anchors the living space.

The spa-like primary bath includes a zero-entry walk-in shower for ultimate comfort and luxury. Large-scale accordion patio doors open to a lakeside porch complete with a second fireplace—perfect for relaxing year-round while enjoying stunning lake views. With four bedrooms and four baths, this home combines elegant craftsmanship and lakeside living.

[39742 MARION LODGE TRAIL, PERHAM]

#7

Settled on one of Marion’s beautiful points, this striking black-and-white saltbox-style home enjoys a spacious lot with sweeping lakeside views from nearly every room. Originally built in 1984, it was thoughtfully remodeled in 2022 to create a cozy farmhouse-style interior filled with warm touches and vibrant pops of blue, making it a true lakeside sanctuary.

The renovation preserved the original structure and layout while completely refreshing the home’s character to suit a more modern lifestyle. A new lakeside primary suite and an open-concept main living area were designed to maximize spectacular views. Additional features include a bonus garage and a party room, offering ample space for entertaining. This home effortlessly combines style, comfort, and functional lakeside living—perfectly tailored for enjoying all that Marion Lake has to offer.

REVIVING A TRADITION + SHARING A MISSION

The Lakes Area Home Tour, which ran successfully for several years, was originally hosted by the 549 Family Foundation as a fundraiser to support the Perham School District. “Like many community events, it was put on pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, and it hasn’t returned—until now,” explained Dreyer.

This year, Elevate is reviving the tradition and sharing its mission. “While it serves as an important fundraiser to support our programs, it’s also an opportunity to inspire,” explained Larson. “We want people to see that it’s never too early—or too late— to start creating a life that supports your well-being. Whether that’s through thoughtful home design, stronger community ties, or small steps toward better health, the tour is a celebration of living well at every age and every stage.”

ELEVATING COMMUNITY

Elevate’s program addresses the unique needs of adults in the Perham area, fostering intentional action to live well. According to Elevate, aging well isn’t just about happiness—it’s also costeffective. “Staying healthy and in one’s own home reduces expenses for individuals, families, and the healthcare system,” explained Larson. “Through partnerships with local organizations, Elevate connects residents to resources and opportunities to improve physical, mental, and social health for a more fulfilling life. Our work primarily serves a 25mile radius around Perham, but the impact we aim for is deeply personal and community-wide.”

Dreyer considers the tour a perfect activity to enjoy with friends or family—a chance to see beautiful spaces and creative ideas come to life. “Homeowners have been incredibly generous and enthusiastic about participating. Many have added thoughtful, unique features to their homes that they’re proud to share, and they see this as a way to give back to the community,” added Dreyer.

“That spirit of connection and inspiration is really what the tour is all about.”

“WE WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THAT IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY—OR TOO LATE—TO START CREATING A LIFE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR WELL-BEING.”
Mindi Larson, Elevate Program Manager

LAKES AREA HOME TOUR

[Seven-Home, Self-Guided Tour]

Saturday, October 11, 2025

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

*Tickets go on sale in August at: elevateotc.org

Follow on Facebook: Lakes Area Home Tour

-All proceeds benefit Elevate-

CONTACT ELEVATE

318 6th Ave. SW | Perham, MN 218.347.1974

mindi.larson@perhamhealth.org elevateotc.org

TITLE SPONSOR

Lumber Depot

HOST SPONSORS

Hilltop Lumber of Ottertail

Hunter James Construction

Karvonen’s

KLN Family Brands

Leighton Media

McCall Construction

Prairiegrass Home Decor

Tumbleweed Design, LLS

United Community Bank

Widseth

FRIEND SPONSORS

All American Title Company

All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning

Andy Pettow Construction

Bremer Bank

Lakes Country Landscaping

Periwinkle Marketplace

Joe Foltz Construction

Lund Boat Co.

MidSota Electric

New Horizons Realty of Perham, Inc.

Steve’s Sanitation

LAKES FIKA

CORMORANT VILLAGE

The Swedish tradition of fika (fee-ka) has been filling cups and feeding the soul since the early 20th century. This intentional pause is more than a coffee break or teatime; it's a daily ritual of connection, conversation, and a taste of something sweet. Lakes Fika owners, Emma Mattson and her mom Kristin Osborne, have made this slow-down social tradition their passion, beautifully blending their family's Scandinavian heritage with old-world charm inside a cozy coffee shop, micro-bakery, café, and boutique. Gazing over Lake Ida and tucked into the woods on the edge of Minnesota's Cormorant Village, Lakes Fika hits the sweet spot.

TAKE YOUR SWEET TIME

Slow down, not just in the moment, but as you drive through Cormorant Village — you won't want to miss this hidden gem in Minnesota's wooded terrain. Lakes Fika is all about the Swedish tradition of fika, intentionally taking your sweet time to gather, reflect, and indulge. As co-owner Kristin Osborne explained, "Fika is an institution in Sweden, it's almost commanded of you every day; to have a fika and spend time with family and friends. It's something we do often around here in lakes country, without even realizing it."

Lakes Fika entices patrons to sip, savor, and stay awhile. They may lure patrons inside with a robust selection of local and craft-roasted coffee, but it's hard to refuse the sunny invite to brunch, lunch, desserts, cocktails, and Midwest-made shopping. With its location at the top of the Lake Ida public access, savor your coffee on the patio or on a beautiful walk to the water's edge.

FUN FACT

The community of Cormorant Village is famous for its tradition of electing a dog as its honorary mayor. A Great Pyrenees named Khaleesi was elected in 2024, succeeding another Great Pyrenees named Duke, who served four terms as mayor. On August 16, all are welcome to join the canine mayor at the Cormorant Daze festival, which includes a car show, a pageant, music, crafts, games, and a 5K run that starts at Lakes Fika.

WELL-BREWED OPPORTUNITIES

When Emma Mattson was just a teenager in rural Detroit Lakes, she and her mom, Kristin Osborne, dreamed of owning a coffee shop together. Emma even wrote a business plan, but the two ultimately never expected their dream would become a reality. Emma, now 27, had moved on to earn her Business degree from NDSU while working with Kristin and her dad, John, as real estate investors. After college, Emma returned home, married her high school sweetheart, Corey, and joined her parents in the family business, gaining experience in property management, design, and marketing, as well as a keen eye for promising opportunities, particularly when it came to the sale of Cormorant Village's quaint coffee shop.

When Emma and Kristin took on ownership of the beloved EllaMarie's Café-n-Collectibles in 2021, they had the big mugs of grandmothers Ella and Marie to fill. Ella and Marie were the previous owners’ grandmothers who loved getting together for coffee and chatting. To honor the memory of these ladies, they even kept the original name for nearly two-and-ahalf years. As time passed, the duo refined the vision, feeling drawn to further reflect its setting in the heart of lakes country. Gradually integrating a fresh perspective, thoughtful renovation, and a 2024 rebrand was their recipe for success.

Cormorant Village locals and lakegoers have fallen in love all over again, embracing the language and art of fika. For practice, go ahead and ask your neighbor, "Do you want to fika?" or "Let's have a fika!"

FIKA + FAMILY

Emma and Kristin's interpretation of fika bridges past and present, embracing their Scandinavian heritage, values from Ella and Marie's legacy, and the slower pace of lake life. Within a beautifully renovated coffee shop, cafe, micro-bakery, and boutique, their family carries on the tradition of the shop's founding grandmothers, as well as their own.

"Fika is very much fellowship with food, and that's exactly what Ella and Marie did — it's also who we are to our core," said Mattson. The idea for Lakes Fika recreates what both Emma and Kristin experienced growing up, fond memories of daily Fika or weekend baking with their grandmothers. Since the rebrand to Lakes Fika, Kristin said it's been a lively conversation starter, "It's wonderful to see people introducing themselves as Swedish and telling us stories of their family members and grandmas having Fika every afternoon."

Amid an elegant and vintage backdrop of historical family photos—including the many Scandinavian family members who first settled in Minnesota—Emma and Kristin share their heritage by sharing their lifelong love for fellowship, coffee, and cooking. They envisioned Lakes Fika as a beautiful lakeside destination to slow down, unwind, and make memories — a place where everyone feels like part of the family.

REVIVING HISTORY

With love and by default, Emma's husband, Corey, a local farmer, and Kristin's husband, John, are also invested in the sentiment. The two continually share their time and talents, happy to lend a hand or manage the shop's renovation with local contractors. One of the drivers of this endeavor was, as John said, "If we didn't do this, it looked like there wasn't going to be something like this here. The previous owners were retiring, and we wanted it to stay open for us and the community."

The original coffee shop already had great bones, coffered ceilings, and beautiful windows, so the majority of their work centered on aesthetics. The redesign further reflects their family's heritage and Lake Ida's serene setting, including tongue and groove car siding, a two-sided stone hearth, a charming event space, a refurbished fireplace in the dining room, and white oak flooring installed by Audubon's White Oak Home Solutions.

Lakes Fika patrons are immersed in touches of beachy blues and prairie greens, with elegantly patterned wallcoverings installed by Emma, historical family photos, vintage book collections, and warm sconce lighting. The couples have also enhanced the indoor and outdoor seating with a family-style banquette in the dining room and a hightop coffee bar overlooking Lake Ida. "It's really fun to watch people walk in the door and light up, they're just excited to be here," added Osborne.

In the dining room, longtime patrons will find the original chairs preserved by Emma, now with refinished seats. The new ash wood tabletops are the work of Audubon's Viking Millwork, finished by Painters Plus in Detroit Lakes. "It was fun working with local tradespeople," added Osborne. "We told them what we wanted, and they had a pile of some old lumber with a name on it that Corey recognized. This led us to the exciting discovery that the lumber was likely harvested from one of his family members' land about a mile away."

SPILLING THE BEANS

There are a lot of trade secrets to brewing an exceptional cup of coffee or cold brew, but Emma and Kristin will tell you that the best lake days start with the best beans — flavorful roasts committed to sustainability, community, and quality. Every cup of joy is brewed with care using carbon-negative, organic beans, craft-roasted in Minnesota.

"Our cold brew is extremely popular," said Mattson. "We also have a full espresso bar, seasonal specials, over 20 syrups and sugarfree options, and signature drinks named after the Seven Sisters of the lakes area."

Historically, the legend of Minnesota's Seven Sisters refers to seven lakes in the Detroit Lakes area—Ida, Lida, Lizzie, Sallie, Melissa, Maud, and Eunice—each thought to be named after the daughters of a local farmer who settled in the area. One of the most popular is Ida's Delight, a special brew of vanilla, coriander, espresso, and milk topped with Nordic black sea salt. Patrons can also purchase bags of fresh-roasted beans — Lakes Fika will even grind them for you. Blue Ox Dark Roast is currently the most popular, but their caramel-infused Highlander Grog Medium Roast has a healthy following.

DAILY INDULGENCES

Gracing the baker's case and vintage floral china is an array of fresh-baked pastries and desserts inspired by generations of wellloved family recipes, now shared daily from Lakes Fika's micro-bakery. "In our family, we would make treats on the weekends because we always had company, and we're still doing that, just for a lot more people," said Osborne.

Encased for grazing, we found a delectable menu of fresh-baked caramel rolls, homemade muffins, jelly rolls, scones, mini lemon glazed bundt cakes, and Kladdkaka, a Swedish white chocolate sticky cake topped with fresh berries. While some items are ever-present staples, many of the freshbaked items change nearly every week, introducing additional family recipes to the delight of their patrons.

Entertaining? Call ahead to order a pan of Lakes Fika-famous caramel or cinnamon rolls to go, available in six full-size or 20 mini bites. During the holidays, Emma and Kristin also offer custom-order cookie boxes. Place your pre-order and recieve seven flavors of cookies — reinforcing the Scandinavian belief that hosts should present no more or less than seven cookies.

SCANDINAVIAN SAVORY

The Lakes Fika menu is a well-crafted fusion of Scandinavian-inspired classics and Minnesota-grown favorites, each brunch and lunch bite serving up fresh, high-quality, and wholesome ingredients. Try out the Wild Rice Egg Bake, Cinnamon Swirl Waffle, or one of many hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, or soups and salads served with a slice of potato dill bread.

Make sure to try one of Emma's favorites, the Cranberry Club, crafted with turkey, ham, bacon, cucumber, mixed greens, and cranberry sauce on cranberry wild rice bread. Or try Kristin's favorite, the Egg Panini, with egg, ham, cheddar cheese, spinach, tomato, chipotle mayo, and grilled sourdough. John and Corey's favorites include the Smoked Turkey sandwich and the Turkey Bacon Ranch wrap.

FIKA ALL DAY

Fika is not just a great start to the day; it's also an ideal ending. Beyond the Swedish coffee culture, patrons will find an array of teas, fruit smoothies, cream sodas, and artisanal cocktails, with Minnesota-made ciders, wines, and craft beers. Prefer coffee with a kick? Try out the Kaffe Karlsson. Served hot or cold and topped with whipped cream, this twist on the Scandinavian coffee cocktail includes white chocolate country creme wine, espresso, and milk. Cozy up inside or take your sip of choice to the patio, which offers a beautiful glimpse of Lake Ida glory.

SHOP SMALL & SWEDISH

One of the most notable changes at Lakes Fika is the remodeled boutique, offering a delightful selection of Swedish and Minnesota-made goods, cookbooks, self-care, kitchenware, cards, toys, and Sted's award-winning organic chocolates from Fergus Falls, MN. You can also find grilling staples and locally crafted spices, MN Honey, and pure maple syrup from Camp Aquila on Minnesota's Star Lake.

Make sure to shop their popular collection of watercolor sets, local authors, Morris, Minnesota's Inherit Clothing Company, and Lakes Fika clothing by Detroit Lakes' Blue 84. Patrons will also find all-natural BonBon Swedish candy and a Swedish-made collection of Hinza recycled tote bags, which Emma refers to as "the ultimate lake bag."

"We've tried to stay true to what was built here and just add onto it," said Osborne. "The previous boutique had focused more on collectibles and antiques, whereas we've focused more on heritage and Minnesota-made products that relate to the laid-back lake lifestyle." The shop does sell one antique item, actually several pieces and collections of vintage floral dishware curated by Kristin and Emma.

EVENTS & CATERING

Just beyond the boutique, Emma and Kristin renovated and reserved space for an exquisite, daylit venue — cozy and intimate, yet spacious enough to host showers, family celebrations, tea parties, crafting clubs, and really, anything that requires fun and Fika. This private backroom can accommodate up to 30 guests, with full or partial catering by Lakes Fika. Looking for a larger space?

In both spaces, Emma and Kristin set the tone and table with nostalgic charm paired to the occasion, adorned with their own lovingly mismatched collection of vintage floral dishware. Hosts can also coordinate floral arrangements for their events through Lakes Fika.

AFTER HOURS + OFF-SEASON

While Lakes Fika’s event spaces are available year-round, Emma and Kristin typically scale back hours in January, reopening fully in early spring for another bustling season. No matter the time of year, a countryside drive through the winding roads to Lakes Fika offers a peaceful escape—dotted with wildflowers, wildlife, serene lakes and ponds, and come fall, a kaleidoscope of changing leaves.

Outside of Lakes Fika, the four owners are on the move with real estate and other business ventures. Thankfully, when life moves too fast, they know a great place to fika.

READY TO FIKA?

Lakes Fika

14989 County Hwy 4, Lake Park, MN lakesfika.com

FB: Lakes Fika

Insta: lakesfika

Pinterest: lakesfika

HOST AN EVENT

218.532.2399

Summer Hours:

Wed-Sat | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Off-Season Hours: Wed-Sat | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Closed Sundays

photo by Emma Mattson
photo by Emma Mattson
photo by Emma Mattson

Lakeside Legacy

StraightLine Design

Once the toast of North Shore Drive, an elaborate three-story summer home and barn built in 1908 brought art, fashion, and festivity to Detroit Lakes. The barn, famous for its lively dances, plays, and gallery exhibits, was the creative playground of former owner Josephine Allen — a commercial artist with roots in the Chicago and New York fashion scene. While the grand home no longer stands, the spirit of the era and its rich legacy live on. Today, Allen’s beloved barn has been reimagined for a modern-day family through a meticulous 3,000-square-foot renovation by StraightLine Design’s Tami and Eric Soyring, along with Briard Construction and Widseth.

interior photos by JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS
exterior & portrait by MICAH J. ZIMMERMAN, AMDAK PRODUCTIONS

from barn to home

In 1969, the landmark property’s original horse barn was pulled from its shoreline site to its current location on the three-quarter-acre lot. Roughly two decades later, it was converted into a home. In 2017, the current owners purchased the barn home and, four years later, enlisted StraightLine Design to take on the challenge of modernizing the property while preserving its historic heyday.

meet StraightLine Design

StraightLine Design is a husband-and-wife design team based in Detroit Lakes, MN. Tami is a talented interior designer with over 20 years of experience, and Eric is widely considered one of Minnesota’s best in architectural metal design and fabrication. Their grown son, Gabe, also works for the family business as a full-time CAD and installation tech, earning his AAS in Architectural Drafting & Design. Contributing to both facets, including interior design and architectural metals, he has become an integral part of the architectural metal installation process.

Eric and Tami have artfully married their talents, leaning into each other’s strengths to streamline the workload as needed. “It is just such a fun relationship because we are both design enthusiasts, but we both have our areas of expertise,” said Tami Soyring. “My strengths are the interior design specifics, from space planning and visualizing the home’s potential to selections and decorating. Eric’s knowledge of the building trade and communication skills really help accomplish my vision for a project.”

“They had a vision for wanting to maintain the barn influence and pay homage to the history of the building and property; they really didn’t want to lose that, but they also love clean, modern design,” explained interior designer Tami Soyring. “Not long before we got the call in 2021, I randomly told Eric one day that I thought it would be really fun to do a modern barn house project sometime. So, when the call came in, and we did a walk-through on the project, it felt like it was meant to be!”

rebuilding the barn

StraightLine Design embarked on the barn home project with demolition already underway. This project would mark the first time working with Briard Construction as the builder and contractor. “We have nothing but rave reviews about the people, relationship, process, and Briard’s workmanship from beginning to end,” said Tami Soyring. “Also, BHH, now Widseth, was the architect on the job, and even though we didn’t work directly with them on this project initially, they really did a nice job on the initial layout and changes along the way.”

For the Soyrings, the barn renovation was considered a comprehensive design project, teaming up to re-plan some of the layout, tweak the design direction, create renderings, and re-design the exterior with the help of an architect/family friend. The two-story “modern barn” now greets North Shore Drive with moody and historic sentiment, reminiscent of the site’s storied past. Here, Tami embraced old and new in a reimagined barn concept fusing Eric’s expertise, including a modernized cupola that harvests natural light into the home.

after

inviting the view

Inside, natural light and access to spectacular lake views drove the design, with Tami and Eric involved in nearly every aspect until its 2023 completion.

“We wanted to open up the view from the front entry to the lake, so we worked with Briard and the architects to make the changes necessary to make that happen,” said Tami Soyring. “It was a really exciting project for us. We came up with design concepts, as well as paint and finish schedules for the floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, countertops, tile, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. We also decorated the home, compiling the furniture and accessory selections.”

One of the home’s many stand-out features is the floating stair, fabricated by Eric with white oak treads by JCS Cabinetry out of Audubon, MN. “The homeowners really wanted the floating tread staircase, but there were some challenges to making that happen,” explained Tami Soyring. “So, we made it a priority to accomplish that for them. It helps that Eric is so gifted in his trade.”

With the interior’s wide-open expanse, Tami gave the entry its own unique identity without physical separation, including a herringbone flooring detail in white oak that transitions into a more traditional installation throughout the remainder of the home.

Beyond the kitchen, Tami celebrated the barn’s eclectic past with a sophisticated vintagemodern concept expressed through velvet upholstery, leather and metal details, custom vintage and modern furnishings, Philip Jeffries wallcoverings, and a stunning fireplace crafted with hand-selected soapstone.

NORTH

craftsmanship + contrast

The Soyrings also worked with JCS Cabinetry for the barn’s kitchen cabinetry, built-in window bench, and custom white oak beams throughout the home. “Their attention to detail was amazing,” said Tami Soyring. “We used a combination of a natural finished white oak, along with white and black painted finishes. Then we changed up the texture a bit by doing the reeded white oak on the range hood and some of the insets.”

For the kitchen counters, waterfall island, and backsplash, Tami chose a beautiful, subtleveined Cambria Brittanicca quartz, which extends to the hidden pantry.

lofty library

Another well-crafted design feature is the loft and library space, which leverages the barn’s ceiling height with custom shelving and a fabricated rolling ladder. “The homeowner is an avid reader, and she really wanted a library space. During COVID-19, the family also started to learn piano together. So, the piano became a special item to them, and she liked the idea of not hiding the piano away in a corner, so we integrated it into her library,” explained Tami Soyring.

guests welcome

After renovation, the barn has become a yearround, three-bedroom, four-bath home with an open floorplan and flex spaces that can transition to guest sleeping spaces.

rise & read

In their daughter’s room, the family’s interest in reading influenced the design, including modern desk space and a hanging bubble chair — creating an inviting nook to cozy up with a book.

proper primary

In the primary suite, Tami worked with the homeowners to create a custom-tiled shower in Candid Heather marble with unique herringbone detailing and coordinating reeded-wood vanities by JCS Cabinetry. She also positioned an oversized soaker tub with a prime waterfront view and custom tile surround.

“This was seriously a dream project, and we feel blessed and fortunate to have been a part of the fun from beginning to end,” added Tami Soyring. “We take a lot of ownership on jobs we are involved with, especially ones where the clients know what they want and are committed to the process. The homeowners were such great people, and they were amazing to work with — it was really an enjoyable experience.”

DESIGN DETAILS:

Interior Design: Tami Soyring, Straightline Design

Contractor: Briard Construction

Custom Metal Crafter: Eric Soyring, Straightline Design

Flooring/Tile: TJ’s Tile

Cabinetry: JCS Cabinetry

Countertops: Cambria Brittanicca, Fabricators Unlimited

Lighting: Restoration Hardware, Domenico Rinaldi, misc.

Furnishings: Restoration Hardware, Anthropology, Pottery Barn, Coyuchi, Scout & Nimble, Linen & Sand, McGee & Co, misc.

Appliances: Rigel’s

Plumbing/Fixtures: Ferguson Home

Electrical: B&H Electrical

Exterior Siding: Briard Construction

Stone/Masonry: Winter Masonry

Millwork/drywall/painting: Painters Plus, Detroit Lakes

Landscaping: Lakes Area Landscaping

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Straightline Design

Tami Soyring

701.306.4392

tami@straightlinedesign.net

straightlinedesign.net

Unglued Summer Camp

10TH ANNIVERSARY

For adults who are sick and tired of adulting, Unglued’s Ashley Morken has ‘crafted’ your cure, glitter included. Welcome to Unglued Summer Camp at YMCA’s Camp Cormorant!

To celebrate Summer Camp’s 10th Anniversary, we’ve jumped in headfirst to find out how this crafty crew curates two epic weekends of campy fun on the shoreline of Big Cormorant Lake. Bring your weird, wild, and wonderous self for a magical getaway that swaps spreadsheets for s’mores and deadlines for dance parties. At this beach, childish games rule, inner peace wins, and unicorn floaties are calling your name — along with a few merit badges you never knew your grown-up heart needed.

photos by STUDIO FRESHLY

Handmade Happiness

Thirteen years ago, Ashley Morken left her career as a cardiac nurse and refocused on a life of handmade happiness. Eight years in healthcare had changed her; no longer sweating the small stuff. “It put things into perspective — when I’m met with the challenges of running a small business, I’m reminded that it’s not life or death,” said Morken. “Also, I wanted to do this to help people really live while they’re alive.” Leveraging the part-time success of Unglued Craft Fest and opening her downtown shop allowed her to prioritize her side passion full-time, sharing her love for local makers and the art of crafting, which is decidedly not just for kids.

AshleyUngluedMorken Founder

Unglued’s gift shop, which first opened its doors along downtown Fargo’s Broadway, is now nestled inside the eclectic Brewhalla Market. Ashley’s shop is next-level extra and anything but ordinary, featuring a Craftatorium, DIY kits, and handmade gifts from over 160 local and regional makers, including a pick-and-mix candy wall by Yeobo Sweet Shop.

Happy Campers

Ashley may have designed Unglued Summer Camp for adults, but it began with kids. Just two years after opening her shop, Ashley kicked off the Unglued Kids Summer Camp, a day camp in downtown Fargo. Kids loved the camp, and so did the parents. “I found out that the parents needed this kind of experience even more than the kids,” said Morken.

One year later, Ashley and her husband Justin unveiled an epic, adults-only agenda, naturally fused with crafting and a few

nostalgic elements rooted in her varying Midwestern bible camp experiences.

In 2015, Minnesota’s mighty version—Unglued Summer Camp—at YMCA’s Camp Cormorant was born. In just two weeks, the first camp sold out and maxed out at 75 campers. The following year, Unglued Summer Camp expanded to welcome 120 campers and Food Network’s Molly Yeh as the camp chef. This time, tickets sold out in less than 30 seconds — leaving hundreds of hopeful campers sadly waiting for next year.

The Tickety Lottery

To remedy the ticket demand and 200+ waiting list, Unglued has since added a second weekend, increased capacity to 150, and changed the ticketing plan, inspired by marathon registration lotteries, which provides a presale lottery and extra entry for those who have been in the lottery the two years prior. If

returning campers bring someone new, they also get rewarded with a second entry. Overall, Unglued’s ticket lottery gives all hopeful campers a fair shot at securing registration, allowing groups of up to four, and encouraging a more diverse set of both loyal and new campers from year to year. Just make sure you don’t miss the lottery deadline!

Unglued Summer Camp [Trumpet Calls, Merit Badges, and Good Times] Leave your worries, pack your bug spray, and bring your unapologetically awesome self — Unglued Summer Camp is calling, and the rest of the world can wait till Monday.

Create Cool $hit!

Celebrating its 10th year, Unglued Summer Camp’s weekend getaway is once again awakening creativity. Sleep in until your first workshop or wake to the 7:15 a.m. trumpet call, bougie coffee, mimosas, beachside yoga, and locally crafted cuisine.

“UNGLUED SUMMER CAMP IS ALL ABOUT REDISCOVERING YOURSELF AGAIN; A CAREFREE WEEKEND YOUR ADULT LIFE NEEDS TO DISCONNECT, KICK ASS, AND CREATE COOL SHIT.”
Ashley Morken, Unglued + Unglued Summer Camp Founder

Each year, the camp’s concept is the same, but its themes vary, everything from Out of this World and Under the Sea to DIY Dreamworld. Last year’s summer camp was inspired by the Paris Olympics, complete with a mission to “throw ass (twerk), kick ass, and make shit.” This year, it’s all about Country Vs. Uncountry Club. Immerse yourself in the theme and its quirky antics, or be a judge-free spectator, either is welcome.

At Unglued Summer Camp, campers choose their own adventure, fueled by unlimited s’mores, merit badges, variety shows, and daily invitations to explore one of the weekend’s 60 crafting workshops. Beyond crafting with local makers, the goal is to let loose, free the mind, and spark child-like creativity we thought we’d outgrown.

Freaky Fridays

Upon arrival, Friday night’s beach bar mixer sets the tone with a live DJ, a horse trailer cocktail/ mocktail bar, and the Drekker Beer Bar — there’s just one small catch. Before campers can score their first drink, they have to score on their social BINGO card. This means quizzing other campers or participating in carnival games. Don’t be frightened, we’re talking about Hungry Hippo matches and ring tosses on swan heads. The night’s mixer ends with a camp crew performance and the Unglued Summer Camp theme song, Freaks, by Timmy Trumpet & Savage, which introduces the official camp dance everyone’s invited to learn.

Rock the Boat

Sunny Saturdays

On Saturdays at Unglued Summer Camp, campers partake only in what they want — attend crafting workshops, join the kayak club, swim with unicorns and rainbow floaties, earn your fitness badge in yoga, gather for campfire karaoke, compete in beach battle games, or dance the night away (until 11 p.m.).

Fun Fact

Ashley’s husband Justin is equally crafty, responsible for building the camp’s “homewrecker” speakers and iconically updating the “crappy camp pontoon,” all while DJing dances and managing the weekend’s sound system, staging, and projection light shows. Behind the scenes, he creates each camper’s name tag and laser cuts around 3,400 merit badges for every weekend of Unglued Summer Camp.

Campy Cuisine

Married to Crafting Winning!

At this summer camp, nobody goes home hungry. For the past six years, the Unglued kitchen crew has been led by the incredible Chef Scott Grandi-Hill from Bismarck, a former camper who carefully curates a menu of global cuisine to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. Friday night arrivals are greeted with a variety of campfire foods, while Saturday includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a full-day snack bar and latenight treats. Sunday brunch is typically catered by 701 Eateries or Concordia Catering, giving Chef Scott and the camp crew an opportunity to sleep in.

According to Ashley, Summer Camp is only possible with the dedication of Unglued’s camp crew, consisting of roughly 24 friends, Unglued Crew, and past campers who show up every year and crush it.

Sunday Funday

Camp officially concludes on Sunday with a catered brunch, an afternoon tie-dye project, smashburgers, and a creative display of what Ashley refers to as “Lunch Lady Leftovers” — a sustainable solution that leaves no good food behind. The last hurrah is a group photo, a closing campfire, and an epic camp commencement. To the tune of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day, campers are awarded their camp swag for earning merit badges.

“Basically, you’re going to learn that you are kick-ass, but we’re not forcing it. You’re going to see that you can make stuff, try new things, and probably not be good at it right away. That’s okay because you have a local maker helping you. The goal is to make something with your hands, which helps you disconnect, no matter what you do. And, you’re probably going to dance at some point, even if you hate it — you’ll realize these people are weird and they’re dancing, so I can do it too,” laughed Morken.

Lights Out!

Fun Fact

Molly Yeh, who resides in East Grand Forks, MN, was first a camper, then the camp’s chef, until her hit show, Girl Meets Farm, kicked off on the Food Network in 2018. In 2019, Unglued’s Ashley Morken graced the TEDxFargo stage to share the health benefits of crafting, including increased dopamine levels. Today, thanks to Molly Yeh’s support and Ashley’s avid following, Unglued Summer Camp is igniting the interest of campers from across the country.

Happy Campers

At Unglued Summer Camp, each camper is assigned a shared cabin with bunks, and those who prefer tent life are welcome to brave the weather, squirrels, and fluorescent lights. If campers lose a fight with a wasp or their childsized bunks, no need to worry, a camp medic is on-site and available.

You won’t find any official, ruleenforcing camp counselors here, but each cabin comes with a friendly host. In fact, this camp only has three rules: 1. No illegal drugs 2. No discrimination 3. Treat camp how you want to be treated. “Our cabin hosts are not there to make sure you’re at every activity, they’re just there to enable you to have the weekend of your life — or the weekend you really need in your life right now,” explained Morken.

Creative Compassion

Over the last ten years, she’s heard the heartfelt stories of campers from all walks of life, from those who never got their childhood camp experience to those who recently quit their job or are undergoing cancer treatment. It’s not uncommon to see stressed-out business executives quickly trade suits and ties for tie dye, transforming into happier versions of themselves over the course of one weekend.

“I’ve realized that this camp isn’t about conference speakers and networking, our campers just want carefree adventure and to meet kick-ass people,” added Morken. “We don’t encourage people to talk about their jobs, and it’s pretty common to see someone who just retired or dropped out of college doing the camp battle next to a chief of medicine, a stay-at-home mom, and a mortgage lender. A lot of people stay connected after camp, then realize afterward what that person does for a living.”

After camp, Ashley collects feedback, finding many surprised at how easy it was to do the experience alone, shocked they learned to love crafting again, or excited to share their new outlook on life. Many say camp helped them discover themselves again, reconnecting with their identity beyond the role of mom, teacher, nurse, banker, and everything in between. Others really enjoy the camp’s autonomy, creating designated sensory-sensitive spaces for both the introverted and extroverted.

Kick-A$$ People!

Missed the Boat?

Unglued Summer Camp’s ticket lottery typically kicks off in early June. Within this lottery, campers have a fair shot at one of two epic weekends designed to spread joy and spark creativity. Although the ticket lottery has ended for the August 22nd- 24th and 29th- 31st summer camps, you can still get in on the fun with the Unglued Fall Retreats, Markets, and Christmas Camp.

Unglued Fall Retreats & Markets

This year, Ashley is hosting two Unglued Fall Retreats on October 11th and 18th at Crooked Lane Farm in Colfax, ND, both running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. “This isn’t a sleepover, so it’s a different vibe, but it’s still inspired by summer camp,” explained Morken. “It’s more of a laid-back day retreat with three workshop sessions, a small breakfast, two full meals, and a themed happy hour.”

Naturally, Unglued’s festivities and happy hours have been anything but boring, including Schitt’s Creek references, hayrides, bagpipes, sweater themes, and even visits from zoo animals. Unglued is also planning an October Brewhalla Market event, plus a one-day, adults-only Christmas Camp in December — stay tuned for details!

“WE KNOW CRAFTING ISN’T GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD, BUT IT CAN CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK. EVEN IF YOU HATE WHAT YOU MAKE, IT TAKES YOUR MIND OFF THE NINE-TOFIVE GRIND AND RESETS WHO YOU ARE IN A WAY THAT’S NOT FAKE OR FORCED.”
Ashley Morken, Unglued + Unglued Summer Camp Founder

Make All the Things (All Year-Long!)

Not ready to jump into camp? Try dipping your toes in the fun — crafting may just change your life. Unglued patrons are always invited to explore a variety of crafting workshops hosted by local makers in the Craftatorium on the second floor of Brewhalla. Here, patrons of all ages can sign up to take a public workshop or book a private party or corporate event. On Tuesday nights, Unglued hosts $5 Happy Crafty Hours (adults only) and free Stitch & Sip nights to work on projects with other crafty folk.

Kick-A$$ Country Club

You’re going to want to follow Unglued on social, not just because of her shop, Craftatorium, summer camps, and seasonal retreats, but also for what’s coming. Ashley is currently hard at work on her next endeavor, exploring sites and working through the details with potential developers to create a ‘Country Club for the Other 99%.’

“So far, everything is pointing to a yes, but we still have a long way to go,” said Morken.

Opening a 21-plus craft-driven country club is something Ashley has been dreaming about since 2018; a daily place where adults can come and meet other people,

MudMagicMakes

craft, disconnect, and chill out. She explains it as a member-only “kick-ass” destination for both winter and summer activities, including access to several events, a pool, a lazy river, a tropical bar, a sauna, and a crafty lounge. Ashley is also planning options open to the public, including a Country Club bar/ restaurant and mini golf. Follow Unglued to find out more!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Unglued (Inside Brewhalla) 1702 1st Ave. North, Fargo, ND 701.205.1597 ungluedcraftfest@gmail.com ungluedmarket.com

FB: Unglued Insta: Ungluedmarket & Ungluedcraftfest

FARGO’S PREMIUM SHOPPING DESTINATION

BRIDGING WOODS & WETLANDS

CRAFTWELL ARCHITECTURE + CONSTRUCTION

by TRACY NICHOLSON // photos by SCOTT AMUNDSON

Perched on the shores of Minnesota’s Lake Seven, this family cabin by Craftwell Architecture + Construction beautifully bridges woods and wetlands with Nordic design and Midwest influence. Rooted in the Hygge principles of Scandinavian architecture, its 1,800 square feet directs a right-sized retreat crafted for clean lines and cozy vibes. Welcome home to full nature immersion without disruption — friendly neighbors to nearly five acres of untouched forestry, wetlands, and crystalclear waters.

Hygge Home

Craftwell Architecture + Construction began building this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath lake home in 2022, led by Principal Architect and designer Chris Hawley, project managers Brittany Dawson and Grant Simonson, and construction manager Alex Huber. One year later, the two-story lake home—with a second-story bridge and partial lakeside walk-out—was ready for family fun in the sun.

The homeowner's goals aligned with the Hygge principles of Scandinavian architecture, relating more to cozy and well done versus large and overdone. In fact, the family had been living in a small existing guest cabin tucked into the trees of the back lot for several years. "The client and our firm have an affinity for clean and intentional design that is beautiful and simple," explained Hawley. "We were certainly in alignment with the team’s Scandinavian heritage and design sensibilities."

Although the site was expansive, Craftwell strategically chose the top of a small hill for the build site, challenged with land positioned up against wetlands and soils that dictated a very small buildable area. The hill emerged as the only viable spot near the lake that would allow for a traditional foundation. The private wetlands were initially difficult for new construction planning but advantageous for the outcome, forging a natural buffer between neighbors and a beautiful backdrop that inspired Craftwell’s strategic positioning of the porch.

Chris Hawley
Grant Simonson
Brittany Dawson
Alex Huber
CRAFTWELL ARCHITECTURE + CONSTRUCTION TEAM
“IT WAS ALWAYS OUR INTENT TO LEAVE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AS CLOSE TO ‘NATURAL’ AS POSSIBLE.”
CHRIS HAWLEY
Principal Architect, Craftwell Architecture + Construction

Bridged Brilliance

To organically integrate new construction into established forestry, Craftwell utilized cedar and standing-seam metal on the exterior. Hawley describes the home’s pitched style as a Nordic-inspired aesthetic that has threads of contemporary North Dakota and Minnesota influence. “The exterior is all about the metal’s contrasting durability against the natural and timeless material of cedar — warmth that is performance-driven and ages well over time.”

Craftwell’s treehouse-style bridge is more than a wanderlust walk, primarily designed to allow guests direct access to the secondfloor bedrooms, without the task of hauling suitcases upstairs. “It’s a functional architectural feature that enhances the entry experience while allowing preservation of the hillside and existing trees,” said Hawley. “It was always our intent to leave the natural environment as close to ‘natural’ as possible,” explained Hawley.

Hilltop Haven

After a walk across the bridge, guests see inside the peak of the 18-foot pitch, welcomed to upper-level living with three bedrooms and white oak flooring finished in place by Materia Hardwoods.

Upon entry, Craftwell designed the space to be adaptable. By day, the owners use this area as an office and mudroom, and by night, it transforms into a guest suite with the help of a cleverly integrated Murphy bed.

Shore Floor

Another area designed to efficiently adapt is the cozy ground level with durable concrete flooring, featuring a full kitchen with an expandable dining space. Here, Craftwell chose modern lines in white oak cabinetry built by Paul Allen, with clean detailing and simple white Quartz countertops.

Beyond the kitchen is a fireside sunroom in proximity to a small mudroom, mechanical room, and sauna. With clever use of space, the powder room is tucked into the back of the glazed brick fireplace.

Craftwell’s Hygge concept for the fireside sunroom centers around immersion into wetland and lake views, with patterning of glass playing off the random patterning of trees. “This is a bugfree and clean space to watch the natural environment and weather change… it’s very cozy, flexible, and beautiful,” added Hawley. “We wanted the windows to wrap around the wetland and people to wrap around the central hearth.”

“WE WANTED THE WINDOWS TO WRAP AROUND THE WETLAND AND PEOPLE TO WRAP AROUND THE

CENTRAL

HEARTH.”

“THIS CABIN HAS EVERYTHING A FAMILY OF FOUR WOULD NEED IN A 1,800-SQUARE-FOOT SPACE. IT’S FLEXIBLE, RELAXING, BEAUTIFUL, AND COZY — IT HITS ON ALL THE HYGGE PRINCIPLES.”

CHRIS HAWLEY

Principal Architect, Craftwell Architecture + Construction

Boathouse Beauty

Replicating the main cabin’s material contrast and Scandinavian architecture on a smaller scale, the boathouse shed completes the site’s cohesive design. “It’s a ‘mama bear’ cabin and ‘baby bear’ shed situation,” explained Hawley. “A shed with no relation to the cabin would have taken away from the cabin. It had to have the same level of design as the cabin.”

DESIGN DETAILS:

Architecture, Interior Design & Construction: Craftwell Architecture + Construction

Upper-Level Flooring: White Oak, Materia Hardwoods

Main-Floor Flooring: Specialty Concrete + Craftwell Architecture + Construction

Wood Banisters: White Oak + fabricated steel

Lighting: Schoolhouse, Lumens

Cabinetry: White Oak, built by Paul Allen

Stone/Countertops: Quartz, Great Northern Granite

Appliances: GE Profile

Plumbing Fixtures: Moen, Ferguson Home

Two-Sided Fireplace & Brick: Glazed Brick, Hebron Brick Supply

Windows: Source: Pella Impervia

Exterior Siding: Standing Seam by All-Star Roofing & Siding, Cedar by Peasley Construction

Landscaping: Opp Construction

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Craftwell Architecture + Construction

403 2nd Ave. North | Fargo, ND

701.478.4600 | info@wecraftwell.com CHAarch.com

IN MINNESOT▲’S N°RTH COUNTRY summer

Skyler Akason, owner of Fargo’s Precision Lawn & Landscape, has made transforming the outdoors his life’s passion, so, unsurprisingly, his latest venture is all about designing the perfect summer in Minnesota’s North Country. Skyler and his family have taken ownership of Park Rapids’ Riverside Point Resort, Timberlane Resort, and the beautiful Bear’s Den golf course — putting his 25 years of landscape and entrepreneurial expertise to work for your next getaway. To feel the full vacation vibe, we’re heading to Long Lake, so your cozy and carefree summer can start wherever you want — the forest, golf course, pristine waters, or sandy shoreline.

bear’s den & timberlane photos by SIIRO GRAVITY MEDIA

riverside point photos by DAN FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY

TIMBERLANE RESORT + BEAR’S DEN GOLF + RIVERSIDE POINT RESORT

LAKESCAPING

Skyler’s landscaping business may have started with mowing his neighbor’s lawns in 2000, but with the help of a dedicated team and his wife and CFO, Jen, it quickly grew into one of the region’s leading landscape, lawn care, and snow removal companies. When the two aren’t running Fargo’s Precision Lawn & Landscape, you can bet their family is in their happy place in Minnesota’s North Country, inspecting the greens or working overtime to lure vacationers to Long Lake’s shoreline with several well-curated cabins and waterfront luxury vacation homes.

While his family business is still focused on transforming outdoor spaces, including the Bear’s Den golf course, he’s now equally focused on Park Rapids’ resort and cabin experience, leading the ongoing improvements at Riverside Point and Timberlane resorts.

“My family has been visiting Park Rapids for about 17 years now, and we absolutely love the area,” said Akason. “We enjoy it so much that we decided to purchase our own place about four years ago on Long Lake. We spend as much time as we can there.”

Skyler’s interest in vacation rentals and resort life was sparked with the purchase of his first vacation rental in 2019. Shortly after acquiring a couple of vacation homes, an opportunity arose to purchase Riverside Point Resort. In 2024, the Akason family took on another challenge, with Timberlane Resort and Bear’s Den Golf Course. “Timberlane Resort has always caught my eye as a beautiful property on Long Lake,” said Akason. “Being in the vacation rental business already, it was a great fit; the golf course was just a bonus. I had never considered owning or managing a golf course but it has been a great experience.”

With hard work and loyal employees, Skyler’s team is improving all of the properties, with the most dramatic changes happening at Timberlane Resort and its 20-year-old Bear’s Den Golf Course. “The resort and golf course were both in need of some TLC and a fresh group of people to take over,” said Akason. “Over the last year and a half, we have invested a lot into making improvements to make the experience better for all of our guests, both renters and golfers.”

take a tour!

BE▲R’S DEN GOLF COURSE AT TIMBERLANE RESORT

Seeing off the Park Rapids tour, we’re taking to the greens at Bear’s Den Golf Course at Timberlane Resort, where Skyler’s team has been working on transforming the course. This well-manicured nine-hole course offers a practice putting green, a driving range, and the only free warm-up hole in Minnesota.

The 250-yard bonus hole gets golfers ready for an unforgettable experience that winds around Minnesota’s Northwoods. There’s even a bear’s den, which has been preserved near the challenging 8th hole. The course is conveniently adjacent to Timberlane Resort and just a short walk from all lodging facilities. A popular improvement has been the option to rent golf scooters, which gives guests a whole new course experience.

TIMBERLANE RESORT

Timberlane Resort guests will also see ongoing improvements, with updates to all 19 of the shoreline’s charming cabins and condos, featuring one to four-bed cottages that sleep from two to 14 people. Each Condo, Cabana, Villa, and Cottage faces the lake, spaced nicely to ensure complete privacy. All are fully equipped with an outdoor grill, outdoor furniture, Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, towels, and bed linens, with some offering fireplaces, air conditioning, and Jacuzzi tubs.

Beyond the golf course and pristine water, this resort has it all, including sandy beaches, pontoon rentals, indoor/outdoor recreation, and a Grand Lodge for gatherings. Here, its many lodging options accommodate everything from low-key retreats to fun-filled family reunions or corporate events.

TIMBERLANE’S GRAND LODGE + RECREATION BUILDING

Timberlane’s Grand Lodge overlooks Long Lake and has two large stone fireplaces, where friends and family can gather. The Lodge also entertains guests with video/arcade games, pool tables, a TV, and a snack bar.

Enjoying Timberlane’s Lodge or Recreation building, guests can play all day inside or take to the water for a day of fishing or water sports, with access to the resort’s canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats.

On the grounds of this resort, families will find every level of fun, including a heated outdoor pool overlooking the lake, sandy shorelines, a tennis/pickleball court, a basketball court, a golf driving range, shuffleboard, and a playground.

RIVERSIDE POINT RESORT/MOTEL

Riverside Point Resort is a year-round vacation destination, offering eight unique cabins, with access to fun shopping and dining experiences nearby in downtown Park Rapids. The resort is located on the Fishhook River connected to Fishhook Lake, offering fantastic fishing and easy access to the lake by boat. Here, pontoons can be rented, and outdoor grills, firepits, kayaks, and canoes come with the resort.

This resort has multiple attached smaller cabins, a separate cabin (cabin #8) on the water, and a larger five-bedroom house that sleeps 14. Riverside Point also has a game room with a pool table and dart board, along with coin-operated laundry for all guests.
NORTH & NEST

LAKESIDE LUXURY

Inside and outside the resorts, the Akasons can offer guests even more privacy, with the opportunity to rent one of three luxury lake homes. Just like the resorts, all three of the private lake homes have gas grills and firepits, with pontoons available for rent.

BEAR PATH HOUSE ON FISHHOOK RIVER

The Bear Path House is a 10,000-square-foot log home on Fishhook River that sleeps 23. This lake home can be split up, and smaller groups can rent the main house (13 people) or the loft (10 people). This property has kayaks, a movie theatre, arcade games, a pool table, two shuffleboard tables, and a sauna.

DAYSPRING ON LONG LAKE

The Dayspring property is a 6,000-square-foot home on beautiful Long Lake that sleeps 16. The property has kayaks, paddleboards, a foosball table, an indoor basketball court, an outdoor volleyball court by the lake, and a hot tub.

WALKER BAY ON LEECH LAKE

The Akason's Leech Lake property in Walker, MN, is a stunning seven-bedroom home that can sleep over 16 people. Here, guests will find a dartboard, kayaks, and multiple indoor and outdoor games.

"It's your own private home on Walker Bay, with beautiful views of Leech Lake," said Akason. "It is right in the town of Walker and just a short walk to many restaurants, shops, and boutiques."

SAVING SUMMER

Leveraging his experience in landscaping and lakes country, Skyler is changing the vacation game, and longtime guests are thrilled to see the improvements. “Being in the landscape business has definitely helped in the maintenance and upkeep of the golf course,” said Akason. “It also provides a great opportunity for making improvements and adding features that didn’t already exist. We have heard from a lot of local people that they are happy about the new ownership and that they are glad to have an owner who cares so much about the community and making improvements. I love that we’re able to show people what an amazing place it is and what the area has to offer.”

READY TO RENT?

Right now, both resorts and all three vacation homes can accommodate small family/friend gatherings, corporate retreats, weddings, family reunions, and every celebration in between. Depending on the size of the event, Akason’s team will help your group get set up at the appropriate property. The luxury lake homes and resort cabins still have some availability this summer, but per Skyler’s advice — reach out sooner rather than later, as rental dates fill up fast.

“TO ME, THE MOST EXCITING THING ABOUT OWNING AND MANAGING VACATION RENTALS, RESORTS, AND A GOLF COURSE IS KNOWING THAT WE ARE PROVIDING PLACES AND EXPERIENCES FOR PEOPLE TO MAKE WONDERFUL MEMORIES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.”

— Skyler Akason, Owner

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Timberlane Resort

18454 Dayspring Drive | Park Rapids, MN

218.732.8489

vacation@timberlaneresort.com timberlaneresort.com

Bear’s Den Golf Course at Timberlane Resort

[Open 7 days a week 7 AM – 9 PM] 18454 Dayspring Drive | Park Rapids, MN 218.732.7373 bearsdengolf.com

Riverside Point Resort

700 Park Avenue North | Park Rapids, MN 218.616.1814

office@LakeLifeLodging.com

riversidepointresort.com

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