driftless region

In 1970, Georgie Klevar moved from Minnesota to Decorah with her husband, Harvey, when he was offered a job at Luther College. While Harvey fulfilled…

Spring is on its way! The sounds and sights of migrating warblers and other songbirds make it hard to stay inside. Once the ground is…

In mid-March, as longer days herald the onset of spring, an aquatic miracle unfolds. Small ponds, buried for months under ice and snow, begin to…

When your parents are entrepreneurs, it can often feel more realistic to become an entrepreneur yourself.  From childhood into adulthood, sisters Erica Thilges and Monica…

Rural Iowa has much more to offer than endless corn fields and gravel roads. Near Decorah, an unexpectedly vibrant source of creation and community lives…

There was a sense of connection as Dan Christianson nailed the final pieces of siding to Miss Francis’ new house near Boone, North Carolina. Dan…

“Quirky and happy, that’s every day at The Lemon Door,” says Melodie Betts, owner of the eclectic coffee house located in Fennimore, Wisconsin, that offers…

The Mississippi River is not just a geographical boundary for the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin; it’s also its pride and joy. Boaters, paddlers, anglers,…

It can be a radical act to search for inspiration. The word radical has multiple meanings. Present day, it often denotes an extreme change, but…

Beautiful things and terrible things exist simultaneously. Generosity and selfishness. Happiness and despair. Kindness and rage. Light and dark. One side does not negate the…

Northeast Iowa artist and flower farmer Jen Opheim knows the power of new beginnings.  “I don’t sit still for very long,” she says. “I think…

Grandma Karen and Grandpa Dan have been married for almost 50 years. They have five kids and eleven grandchildren. They were married on March 18, 1977,…

Marge Loch-Wouters is a Minnesota Master Naturalist whose passion is the outdoors and hiking in the Driftless region. Her blog, Hiking the Driftless Trails, publishes…

During the last ice age – 20,000 years ago give or take a few years – the ebb and flow of glaciers forever changed the…

Lisa Lantz, owner of The Getup in Downtown Decorah, is a total ray of sunshine. So it’s no surprise that her resale store feels like…

The story starts out in a familiar way: Boy meets girl. They get married. They start a family. Alex Weber and Moran Lonning met in…

Winter transforms our homes into a cocoon of warmth and rest. We seek comfort in close quarters, drawn by the allure of a crackling fire,…

One might assume an artist chooses a solitary path. A painter sketches a landscape alone in a studio. A solo musician quietly practices violin. A…

When you walk through the door at Coffee on the River in Lansing, Iowa, you’re immersed in a feeling of historic warmth. Giant grain hoppers…

For Jamie Schwaba, art is a necessary rhythm of life.  “I don’t feel like my day is complete if I haven’t done some form of…

When you’re prioritizing things in your life, cooking homemade meals is often one of the first tasks to get demoted. Enter Bobbi Jo Berg. She’s…

Pat Heying, 88 years old, was born and raised in the Ossian area. She married Paul Heying at Ossian Desales Church in 1955. Local farm…

As summer days slip away and goldenrod buds swell, birdsong is replaced by a six-legged symphony. The three tenors of the Driftless Area – cicadas,…

Decorah’s community theatre group, New Minowa Players, have been welcoming people into its unique and vibrant family for the last 50 years. Since the troupe’s…

Fall invites us to slow down and witness the beauty of letting go. The perennial wildflowers droop their heads in slumber for the season. The…

Decorah artist Angie Herrmann has embedded painting into everyday life. Perhaps it’s this real-life aspect of her work that makes it strike such a chord…

Different stages of life, like the seasons, require transformation. Just as trees shed their leaves, sometimes we must shed our identities to make space for…

Scattered across the beautiful, rural farmlands of bluff country are lots of barns. Rustic barns, pole barns, even a few round barns, all used for…

It’s not uncommon to see Dr. Jodi Enos-Berlage, a biology professor and researcher at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, lugging a decent-sized clump of dirt…

Anyone who has met my father knows he loves to ask questions! His questions come from the heart, a genuine curiosity. This served him well…

Making the world a better place through snacks seems like the best possible business plan in existence, honestly. It’s what Sogo Snacks owners / husband-and-wife…

You can’t have your cake and eat it too.  Or so goes the old saying. Still, Wendy Stevens sure does try. The Decorah resident and…

While the discovery that Decorah sits atop an ancient impact crater and was once home to the world’s oldest-recorded sea scorpion, Pentecopterus decorahensis, may seem…

If you’re ever heading down a road in Vernon County, Wisconsin, you might see a large, red and white van, emblazoned with the words “Building…

“Community” and “communication” are related. First cousins, at least. And you really can’t have the first without the second. Phil and Heidi Dybing live in…

Sources of abundance surround us in summer. Prairies are infused with colorful wildflowers in bloom. Rivers and waterfalls flow through lush green landscapes. The sound…

For artist Pete Sandker, painting in the Driftless and living in the Driftless are forever intertwined. “The patterns and cycles of nature, the flowers and…

Abundance is a funny word. It’s one of those things you don’t think about… until you think about it. What does “feeling abundant” even MEAN?!?…

At age 105, Marjorie (Marge) Costigan is a real treasure for Elkader. You might think that Marge would live in a nursing home or assisted…

Spring Grove has a vibrancy that’s easy to see but kind of hard to explain. With a population of about 1,200, the Southeast Minnesota town…

Fungi are among the most widely distributed organisms on earth. Despite their importance to people and the environment, they are also among the least understood.…

Market 52 owners Trisha and Mark Holthaus love a good auction. But in 2017, when they found they were running out of space for their…

Spring brings a promise of nature awakening. Migrating birds reappear, bees start buzzing their wings, and germinating seeds begin to stir. And as the days…

For author and activist Bobbi Rathert, adventure is always on the brain. She’s been a self-proclaimed “wonderer and wanderer” her whole life, traveling all over…

Ryan and Allie Palmer have been “building” things together for 30 years. They met as teenagers, helping to build an orphanage on a mission trip…

Confidence comes from tackling new challenges. Decorah artist Hannah Tulgren has found this to be true, even if moving in new directions sometimes sparks moments…

When we switched printers in 2023, we decided to start featuring local photographers’ work in the Center Spread spot in each Inspire(d) Magazine. We wanted…

My grandma, Martha Grace (Andrews) Deines, exudes love, happiness, and safety. I’m lucky to call her a close confidant and dear friend. In her life…

In 1940, as Walt Disney’s Pinocchio wobbled across the big screen, a lesser-known creative genius gave rise to another cinematic icon. Woody Woodpecker, an irascible…

“My beautiful daughter’s life ended on a cold kitchen floor of a dumpy studio apartment near La Crosse while I slept in my bed in…

In stores, parks, and restaurants all over the world, little hearts – smaller than the palm of your hand – are spreading positivity. Crocheted with…

Winter provides an opportunity to sink into a cocoon of rest and stillness. We seek solace in our homes with warm blankets, nourishing food, and…

Ten years ago, Kara Maloney was a senior at Luther College in Decorah, completing a double-major in Studio Art and Business Management, running cross-country, and…

Paul Reardon is hard to chase down. If he’s not traveling the world as a mechanic for various bike races, he’s back home in La…

When you think about Iowa’s claims to fame, what comes to mind? Political caucuses, corn production, Caitlin Clark, Toppling Goliath? There’s a good argument to…

In the heart of Ferryville, Wisconsin, where the rolling hills of the Driftless embrace the mighty Mississippi, sits ændre arthouse. Located on a 16-acre property…

Coon Valley is a picture-perfect village nestled in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Just 20 miles from La Crosse, it’s teeming with bluffs, natural beauty, and miles…

Jerry was interviewed by his daughter, Julie Spilde Jerry Aulwes has been a friendly face in downtown Decorah for many years. You may see him walking…

As the sun covers itself with a starry blanket, a fluttering frenzy unfolds. Evening aviators emerge to navigate sweet-scented currents drifting through your yard. Mere…

It was three pigs that went missing from farmer Phil Tod’s barnyard in 1924 that led to the discovery of one of Southeast Minnesota’s greatest…

Communities aren’t measured by clocks or calendars. Some book clubs, garden circles, and service groups meet for years, decades even. You can find choirs whose…

The six owners of the Bridgeview Plaza, Rick and Michelle Beyer, Jim and Karen Christenson, and Todd and Deb Page, had a space to fill…

Since the advent of the biblical term, “Good Samaritan,” the moniker has been used to describe the unsung heroes throughout history who cared enough to…

Jennifer Drinkwater describes herself as a “glass-half-empty kind of person.” The Ames, Iowa-based artist understands how challenges can weigh on people. We all experience tough…

Summer beckons us to emerge from our homes and immerse ourselves in community. The season swells with opportunities for connection as people gather at festivals,…

Summer 2024 Inspire(d)! Ah summer. Throughout life, it’s meant different things for me. In my younger years it was a welcome break from school. Pool…

It takes grit, focus, and true resolve to run a marathon. Hours upon hours of training, in good weather and bad. The ability to dig…

You may have passed them untold times without noticing, even during the dead of winter. They speckle tombstones, spatter rocks, and encrust screen door hinges.…

Ever since Larry Reis was old enough to realize that “people had jobs,” he wanted a career connected to wildlife and nature. Raised in a…

Alison Bunge Leathers is a boomerang. No, not the Australian hunting tool that flies back to the place where it was first thrown. The word…

The stars were aligned when Jess Rediske founded Red-Roxy Quilt Co. with her mom, Roxanne Schnitzler, in 2012. From an off-the-cuff horoscope promising an upcoming…

For many years, tattooing was synonymous with masculinity. Tattoos were often associated with the military or prison, and tattoo shops were run by men. But…

“Laundromats have a bad reputation, and frankly, many deserve it,” says Laura Patten, co-owner of County Seat Laundry in Viroqua, Wisconsin. “They’re dirty, machines are…

We are all worthy. We are valuable exactly as we are in this moment. But sometimes we have trouble seeing our self-worth; trouble believing in…

When words fail, what can take their place? For the Postville Community School District, the answer is therapy dogs.  Mental health concerns, such as anxiety…

Vonnie Linnevold was interviewed by her daughter, Becky Shaw My mother, Vonnie Linnevold, is a thoughtful and generous 98-year-old with an amazing memory. She was…

Lovers of La Rana Bistro can breathe easy: the legacy of local food at this gem of a restaurant in Decorah, Iowa, will continue for…

Karla Bloem fosters a close-knit community (or should we say parliament?) of owls at the International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota. And though this small…

Caitlyn Konze had a vision for a new kind of space in the downtown business-scape of La Crosse, Wisconsin. A one-of-a-kind, welcoming place for people…

The Cresco Theatre and Opera House is so much more than a hometown theater. The historic community landmark has been an anchor for entertainment and…

Julia Borgen of Lanesboro, Minnesota, loves community. It’s not a word she uses often or talks about very much. She won’t tell you that you…

Life has a way of surprising us. Chance meetings turn into lifelong friendships. Magazine articles prompt spontaneous trips. Hobbies become unexpected careers. That’s what happened…

From her big smile and zealous laugh, to her colorful outfits and statement glasses, anyone who comes across Rev. Laura Gentry can feel her warm…

In 1984, as parachute pants landed in clothing outlets and floppy discs took the then nascent computer world by storm, the late, great Harvard biologist…

Ordinary life may not feel inspiring all the time. In fact, many people think inspiration needs to jolt us out of nowhere, like a strike…

There are certain things that are identified as true Decorah landmarks: Dunning’s Spring, Vesterheim, Luther College, Seed Savers Exchange… and Mabe’s Pizza, of course! (Ok,…

Wonder is often seen as the stuff of childhood. But setting a goal to live life with intentional wonder can be magic – for kids…

It’s late July in the Driftless Region. The air feels thick, the sun feels hot. Temps are holding steady with no reprieve.   Just when you’re…

Margaret Grund was interviewed by her granddaughter, Hannah, and daughter, Amy Margaret Grund (Kopel) is a woman who has worn many hats throughout her life:…

A Taste of Ukraine in Northeast Iowa Lesya Ryzhenkova is Ukrainian. But, that is not all she is. She is a daughter, a sister, a mother,…

It was mid-2015, and the contentious race for President of the United States had stirred up the emotions (and proverbial pens) of people of all…

Six miles outside the town of Lanesboro, nestled snugly into the beautiful woods and river valleys of Southeast Minnesota, you find a unique community at…

The prairies of the Midwestern United States have long occupied the imaginations of artists, writers, and lovers.  For Elkader-area painter and photographer Jillian Webb Herrmann,…

Decorah’s Charlie Langton will tell you he’s not really a photographer. But we here in Decorah know the truth. He’s a photographer in the greatest…

What comes to mind when you think of the word fun? Tropical beaches, hiking trails, or days full of adventure? Or maybe, gardening or long…

Sometimes words get thrown around so often in the mental health and wellness space that they start to lose their meaning. We’ve heard (many times)…

Marilyn was interviewed by her granddaughter: Alison Leathers My Grandma Marilyn is a strong person of faith and has lived a life in service to…

There’s not much of a sibling rivalry for sisters Azia Thelemann and Dani Peterslie, owners of Drift Mercantile in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Okay, there was…

Shiny new bike day is a happy day.  But sometimes the joy is found in the journey. Restoring a bike – shining up something old…

Community builders use many tools. Creative ideas. Cheery optimism. Contagious enthusiasm. Norb Kelly of Lanesboro, Minnesota, uses tools that are more traditional, though: A saw,…

Westby, Wisconsin is a small town big on Norwegian culture and heritage. Syttende Mai is celebrated every May, the annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament attracts…

At a time when buying novels might involve tapping a screen, physical bookstores feel especially delightful. Wander into a shop. Explore shelves packed with new…

Decorah’s Jane Kemp smiles easily and often.  Yet beneath that kind smile and unassuming demeanor lies a fierce advocate for community causes, and a strong…

Helping Services was founded in 1973 by a group of Luther College students and faculty. It originally began as a drop-in center for youth called…

Hazel was interviewed by her daughter: Connie Sabbann Hazel Grotegut (born Hazel Telford) has lived in Decorah all of her 90 years with the exception…

The largest of five owl species that breed in the Driftless Area, Great Horned Owls are also the most common. Found from Alaska to Argentina,…

Mouth-watering food. Stunning nature photography. Beautifully crafted pottery. Music that made other people happy. Passionate dedication to students as a college administrator. Joy Tlou’s many…

“I believe that each of us as humans shine in our own way,” says Marnie Hofmeister-Pooley, owner of Let’s Shine Coffee in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. “We…

Like many others, Shaundel Spivey landed in La Crosse to go to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He set forth to earn a Bachelor’s degree…

Quick. Think of an artist. Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh might come to mind. If it’s music, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart certainly qualify. Maybe you think of…

Today, we celebrate 15 years of positive news! Woot! At year 10, we compiled a list of 10 things we had found to be true…

Alfred was interviewed by his daughter, Heidi & two granddaughters, Kate & Andie Alfred Ludeking was born in 1933 and raised in Waukon, Iowa. He…

Graduate, go to college, get a job. This formula has often been considered the “norm” when entering life post-high school. But the reality is there…

They may be nature’s finest creation. Conspicuous, abundant, profoundly productive, leaves make life possible. A few cells thick, the typical leaf houses complex biological machinery…

Nancy Sojka loves to go fast. Those who’ve seen her zip by on Decorah’s Trout Run Trail in her red, white, and blue bicycling jersey…

“The magic of community engaged art is the community engagement,” says Sarah Johnson, owner and operator of The Joy Labs in Winona, Minnesota. “It is…

Free Range Exchange is a little bit café, a little bit market, and a whole lot wholesome.  It sits in a charming building right on…

At least (roughly) 48 times a year, I look up at the dark night sky, bursting with stars, and think, “Whoa. We are tiny specks…

Brooke Pfeffer wouldn’t describe herself as a “community builder.” But community has a way of happening all around her (even some fun four-footed kind). That…

Generally, when people speak fondly of a community, it’s because it’s a place where they feel a sense of belonging. “To me, a community is…

Phyllis Green, interviewed by daughter Pat Beck Originally published in the Fall 2016 Inspire(d) Magazine, Phyllis passed away July 28, 2020.  Our condolences to Phyllis’…

  Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) near Decorah, IA will once again host an incredible lineup of mid-western musicians for an on-the-farm benefit concert, Saturday, August 3, 2019.…

The Winter 2018-19 Inspire(d) is all about walking your talk! Here’s what you’ll find: Female Mayors in the Driftless Region • Mentoring in Northeast Iowa,…

Lots of fun things to look forward to in the Summer 2018 Inspire(d): 4-H • Dunning’s Spring bridge / Stonemason Ted Wilson • Viroqua’s Growing…

Here’s what you’ve got to get excited about in the Spring 2018 Inspire(d): Westby Community Feature, National Eagle Center, States of America films – Beth…

By Aryn Henning Nichols • Originally published in the Winter 2013-14 Inspire(d) It’s tough to stay positive in the winter – when it’s edging on…

We here at Inspire(d) often talk about changing the world…or, more accurately, changing the community. But what about simply brightening someone’s day? That, honestly, changes…

Inspire(d) 10th Anniversary Party – Oct 21, 1-4 pm Did we mention we’re celebrating our 10th year in business? (Ha, a few times, right?) We’re pretty excited…

Inspire(d) was thrilled to have a chance to ask Eric Litwin, original author of Pete The Cat, The Nuts, and Groovy Joe, a few groovy…

Dawes will be performing at the Cavalier Theatre in La Crosse, WI on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Catch a ticket here if it isn’t already…

And the Livin’ is Easy: 15+ Boredom-Busting Kids’ Activities in the Driftless By Kristine Jepsen • Originally published in the Summer 2015 Inspire(d) So, school’s…

Here’s what’s happening in the Summer 2017 Inspire(d): Summer Fun List! Local Food Directory • CSA: Hooray! • Crystal Creek Magic • Sum of Your Biz: Impact…

By Sara Friedl-Putnam Illustrations by Aryn Henning Nichols Originally published in the summer 2017 Inspire(d) RAGBRAI is known for its seven fun-filled days, with upwards…

Crystal Creek Magic A Minnesota couple launches a Citizen-Artist Residency program in their magical Houston, Minnesota, cabin in hopes of connecting artists and residents to…

  Even though Decorah native Anna Bolz lives in New York City, a metropolis brimming with 8.5 million people, her heart is deeply rooted in…

Female Mountain Bikers Rule! By Aryn Henning Nichols Looking down at your mud-covered mountain bike tires, you wipe the sweat from your face, take a drink,…

Sum of Your Business: Sno Pac Foods / Pete Gengler, President Interview and introduction by Benji Nichols • Originally published in the Summer 2016 Inspire(d)…

Ernest “Pokey Pete” Peterson was born in the spring of 1925 in Cedar Falls, IA. He grew up on a farm just outside of Osage where…

Earlier this year, Decorah resident Bob Bishop got the idea to put together a Decorah themed bicycling jersey. They are out now and available in…

Inspired Magazine Summer 2016! Welcome to the 2016 ‘Summer’ issue of Inspire(d) Magazine! As always, the summer issue of Inspire(d) has a fun local food theme. This…

Thank You so much for your interest in donating to the Longest Loop Fundraiser. 100% of donations to this project will go to the Winneshiek…

(Nordic Fest: 50 Years Strong, book cover design by Deb Paulson) “I had no idea what I was getting myself into by committing to this…

By Benji Nichols • Originally published in the Summer 2014 Inspired There are a ton of great spots to check out in the Driftless Region…

March 1, 2016. An Inspire(d) Manifesto (of sorts): Inspire(d) Media started officially in October of 2007, but the idea was planted in my head long…

Live Generously Introduction by Aryn Henning Nichols Interviews by Aryn Henning Nichols, Kristine Jepsen, & Sara Friedl-Putnam Originally published in the Winter 2015-16 Inspire(d) It’s…

Ca-chunk. Ca-chunk. It was a familiar sound in the Decorah Flat neighborhood this fall. Jarrad Walter stapled together yard sign after yard sign (on his…

Liz Fox, Decorah High School Community Club & Silver Cord Program They have served up pancakes for Nisse Preschool, set up holiday light displays for Helping…

Carolyn Flaskerud, director of the First Lutheran Church Food Pantry in Decorah, does not mince words. “It keeps me busy – happy and healthy,” the…

Ward Budweg has helped build a library in Rwanda, install a clean-water-catching system in Panama, and paint an orphanage in Peru. But perhaps no place…

If you blink, you might find that Lanesboro Community Theater dynamo, Bebe Keith, has disappeared. When the Community Theater’s Silent Movies in the Park After…

“I’m just a banker with a passion for renewable energy,” Larry Grimstad says, in typical humble fashion. In truth, the longtime Decorah resident is much…

“I’ve always been a big believer in supporting good people doing good things,” says Winona radio personality, Paul Lundquist. Paul landed in Winona, Minnesota, 10…

It’s easy to let fifth-generation Decorah native Mark Faldet fool you: He’s the kind of guy who, having traveled the region for work at Luther…

Once upon a time, in the nearby hamlet of Spring Grove, Minnesota, there came together two professional performers who loved each other – and musical…

One of the first things you notice about Karen Trewin is her smile. She is, of course, generous with it. Next is her sense of…

Easy Maple Granola Recipe & images by Benji Nichols, Inspire(d) Media 2016 There are few things that smell more heavenly than granola baking in your…

Purl Up and Get Cozy with local knitting expert Bev Bakkum Story & photos by Kristine Jepsen • Originally published in the Winter 2011-12 Inspire(d) “SOS!…

“Electricity is really just organized lightning…”  -George Carlin Story and photos by Benji Nichols, except as noted Imagine pulling out onto the street as your…

By Aryn Henning Nichols • Photo by Joyce Meyer Photography Originally published in the Fall 2012 Inspire(d) It’s a familiar fall scene: you hear the…

It’s that time of year – and as much as the merits and drawbacks of Daylight Savings Time have been discussed, it’s still here. Which means…

(Above photo by Jay Olson-Goude. Below photos by Inspire(d) Media.) Isn’t fall in the Driftless Region the best? The colors are lovely, and there are tons of perfect days…

Driftless Art Tours and Festivals are coming up! By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Originally published in the Fall 2013 issue of Inspire(d) Ahh…fall! For some it means once…

By Shannon Dallenbach Durbin • Originally published in the Spring 2013 Inspire(d) >>> Check it out! This weekend is Elkader’s Art In The Park celebration. Saturday…

Compiled by Inspire(d) Staff Originally printed in the June/July 2010 issue of Inspire(d) Sure, summer is all about festivals and swimming and canoeing and fairs, but…

By Benji Nichols • Photos by Inspire(d) unless noted Originally published in the Summer 2012 Inspire(d) The sprawling Mississippi River tapers her current just before…

Compiled by Aryn Henning Nichols Originally published in the Summer 2012 Inspire(d) There are few things cooler (literally) than caves in the summer! And here…

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Aase Haugen Home, or Aase Haugen Senior Services as it is now known. What was created out…

We’re excited to be hosting a new, regular Q&A section in Inspire(d): Sum of Your Business, featuring entrepreneurs in the Driftless Region. Our readers have…

It’s live! The Spring 2015 Inspire(d) Magazine! Read it online here (it will hit stands later this week, local friends)! We hope you love it,…

By Benji Nichols Photos by Inspire(d) www.cedar-rapids.com  Driving through Cedar Rapids on I-380, you might catch a peek at Mays Island, and the Veterans Memorial…

Trust Your Crazy Ideas print by Danielle Ameling, of Iron Leaf Press By Aryn Henning Nichols • Originally published in the Fall 2013 Inspire(d) Ossian, Iowa,…

By Aryn Henning Nichols Originally published in the Spring 2012 Inspire(d) Magazine Hundreds of years ago, to get through long, cold winters, Norwegians took paint…

By Benji Nichols ————————————————————————————– In honor of Wisco Pop making its recent debut in bottles, we thought we’d bring you a little Super Science about…

By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Photo by Aryn Henning Nichols Whether we’re enjoying a bucket at the movies or a bowl in front of the TV,…

By Inspire(d) Viroqua, Wisconsin, is just one of those places – the kind you hear about and so want to visit, but getting there seems…

By Aryn Henning Nichols When things go south, it’s generally a bad thing. But when your garage roof goes south, better slap some solar power…

By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Photos by Benji Nichols Lefse. For many Driftless Region folks claiming Norwegian roots, just hearing the word conjures up a singular…

Interview and introduction by Aryn Henning Nichols (originally published in Inspire(d)’s Summer 2012 edition) • Photos courtesy Jase Grimm The South Pole conjures up images…

By Aryn Henning Nichols • Images courtesy StoryPeople There’s magic in that cup of coffee (tea, beer, water) you’re drinking. Also in that stack of…

By Thea Satrom LMT & Certified Zone Therapist • Photo by Aryn Henning Nichols Become present, calm, and inspired. Begin meditating for 5-10 minutes today!…

The winter mag is out! Online here, on stands this week!

Peanut Butter Puddles …because it is definitely baking season again! Here’s an old cookie recipe for Peanut Butter Puddles that a friend of Benji’s came…

By Aryn Henning Nichols When air moves quickly, a.k.a. it’s windy, the particles that make up the air are also moving quickly. This motion, like…

Olivia Hahn and Karla Dietmeyer have come a long way since starting cello/violin duo The OK Factor in 2012. And yet the two Luther alums…

An exhibition of life and purpose by artist Dean Schwarz Story and Photos by Kristine Kopperud Jepsen Acquainting one’s self with potter Dean Schwarz isn’t as…

The “Science, You’re Super!” segment is a regular feature in Inspire(d) Magazine… we bring you this seasonally appropriate feature on Garlic! By Aryn Henning Nichols…

Sitting at Pike’s Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa, Brent Grinna looks outwardly comfortable in his surroundings, despite his business-casual yellow polo, flip-flops, and a…

The following is part III in a series entitled “Making A Scene” from the Fall 2014 issue of Inspire(d) Magazine. Part I – featuring Tanya…

Ward and Jacky Budweg – with fellow biker, Jeff Friedhof – Take Tires to the World Once Again Intro and Interview by Aryn Henning Nichols…

Compiled by Allison Croat While we here are Inspire(d) love cooking local, visiting the Farmers Market, and, of course, eating, we’re no experts (well, except…

Ruth Hampton has been known for years around the Driftless Region as a creator of good, honest, and delicious food. From her early days in…

By Sam Wiles When people commonly think “Iowa,” they think corn, farms and uninterrupted flat land. Maybe even the well-known statewide road ride, Ragbrai. But…

Strap on your quads; We’re goin’ derby By Aryn Henning Nichols . Photo by Studio J Photography By day she’s the housewife. The attorney. The writer,…

By Aryn Henning Nichols Ashley Dull Lindeman’s enthusiasm is infectious. She bustles through the door of a downtown Decorah coffee shop with arms full of…

By Benji Nichols | Image above courtesy Randy Leffingwell, LA Times There are few inventions in history that have literally changed the landscape like the modern…

Story and Photos by Kelly Larsen  The disdain I once held for gardening still remains distinct in my memory. As a little kid, I dreaded…

By Aryn Henning Nichols In the middle of a gallery, with walls covered in bright memories of places and events he’s experienced over the past…

Sculpture artist Kelly Ludeking loves metal. Pretty much all kinds of it. And while he originally started with bronze and aluminum, it was an iron pour that really pulled him in. For Kelly, pouring iron is about community. It’s about learning and teaching, and it was this aspect that really sealed his path and passion.