Today, most homes have smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, smart speakers, thermostats, cameras and doorbells. While these tools can help us learn...
Community
Maple in the Mist
“Whenever I wake up and see fog outside, I head to a local park to enjoy the unique conditions,” says hobbyist photographer Kirsten Otting. “I love...
Cosmic Designs
Eric Holey’s Northern Lights Bowl (July 2020) is a striking 18-inch wide stoneware piece that reflects his dedication to creating large, gracefully...
Focus on Cities South 2025 Winners
Photographers bring our communities into focus. Over the past year, residents have been cataloging local life around Apple Valley, Lakeville and...
15.20 Apparel Elevates the School Apparel Game
A sports mom creates unique apparel to support local teams. Ally Kubalak had a problem. As her school-aged sons started getting into sports, the...
Readers’ Choice Voting for Focus on Cities South 2025
From June 1–July 31, we invited you to submit your photos of Apple Valley, Lakeville and Prior Lake. Now, it's time to vote for the Readers' Choice!...
Sarah Lang Introduces Families to Global Flavors
Around the world in a few bites. Sarah Lang never planned on becoming a professional chef. The Lakeville resident didn’t attend culinary school, nor...
Sliding Into Prior Lake
In 1928, Tom Simpkins, the owner of Green Heights resort on Prior Lake, built a 35-foot by 116-foot wooden water slide. Small toboggans were used to...
Green Heron Fishing at Lebanon Hills Park
Hobbyist photographer Mark Dobbelmann captures a Green Heron searching for its meal. If there’s one similarity between photography and birding, it’s...
Meet Four Local High School Students Who Shine Bright
When we asked local high school administrators to nominate incoming high school seniors who are making a positive impact in their school community,...
Prior Lake’s Miracle League Field Provides Opportunities for All
The Koenigs could see the problem clearly in their own family: They had two kids, and one had an abundance of opportunities to pursue activities,...
Mountain Golf Takes a Swing at Tradition
Mountain golf is a challenging combination of the classic game and wild terrain. For as long as Robert and David Linner can remember, mountain golf...
Our Editor Explores the Best Places To Swim, Bike and Walk
While I have no plans to compete in a serious triathlon anytime soon, my perfect summer day definitely involves a beach, a bike ride and a run, hike...
Explore Your Best of Cities South 2025 Winners
Discover the results of our Readers’ Choice Poll. Even the most passionate fans of winter have to admit that summer in Minnesota can be magical....
Focus on Cities South 2025 Is Now Open for Submissions
Our annual photo contest is a few clicks away. Each year, we invite readers to share fresh perspectives of the Apple Valley, Lakeville and Prior...
Prior Lake’s First Tourist Destination
The Grainwood Hotel opened May 15, 1879, on the shore of Prior Lake with a grand ball for distinguished guests from all over the state. At...
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Announces New President
Prior Lake’s Tamara Kangas Erickson will build upon a “remarkable legacy.” In 1981, Tamara Kangas Erickson set foot on the stage of Chanhassen...
Spot’s Last Stop Is Having a Pawsitive Impact
A Prior Lake dog rescue opens a new community resource center this summer. When Casey Adams started Spot’s Last Stop in 2015, it was a grassroots...
OneBook, OneLakeville Community Read
OneBook, OneLakeville features two books by Minnesota authors. Two mystery novels written by Minnesota authors are the focus of this year’s OneBook,...
Toby Runs
A puppy’s boundless energy captured by a wildlife photographer. Sean Schendel often focuses his lens on nature and wildlife, but he was out for a...
