In Albany, Minn., a blend of local characters, family roots and close ties to the rolling fields formed the backdrop to Garrison Keillor's famed tales of Lake Wobegon.
More people climb Mt. Everest each year than visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Staff writer Jim Buchta headed north to see it for himself. Prarielands As part of the western plains, southwestern Minnesota was once a sea of prairie grasses that stretched beyond the horizon. Click here to visit the featured destination. This week's Fishing Hot Spot is the city of Nisswa where numbers of walleye, northern pike, bass and crappies are being taken. For statewide information, click here .