Goin' To The (Frozen) Lake: Wahkon On Mille Lacs (Day 2)
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Frank Vascellaro and Chris Shaffer are braving the frigid weather and getting out to Minnesota's lovely, ice-covered lakes every Thursday and Friday until the middle of February.
On Jan. 17, the duo headed out to the Mille Lacs town of Wahkon, which is about 90 miles north of the Twin Cities.
Frank and Chris say Wahkon reminds them a little of Dorset, which they visited last spring, because of its tiny population and growing reputation for food.
There are four restaurants all on about a one-block stretch!
The fellas stopped at Walleye Dundee's for breakfast and loved the food. Spirit Lake Steakhouse is the place to go for a fine-dining experience.
And when you need a burger done perfectly and an ice-cold beer, Wahkon Inn and Mugg's will treat you right.
The guys actually made it to Mugg's just in time for a meat raffle on Friday evening.
Frank & Chris Visit Mugg's On Mille Lacs
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Ice fishing is a huge part of the way of life in the Mille Lacs community. And it takes a lot of hard work to make it as convenient and safe. Frank and Chris show us the ice road plowers who make it all possible.
Frank & Chris Ride The Ice Road On Mille Lacs
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But before you hit those perfect trails, there's work to be done. There's actually a snow groomers' convention going on at McQuoid's Inn in Isle this weekend.
Snowmobile clubs from all over the Midwest have the chance to check out the machines that keep their trails nice and smooth.
The fellas got to see these awesome machines first hand.
Frank & Chris At The Snow Groomers Convention
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Minnesota has a rich and significant history when it comes to snowmobiles. Companies like Polaris and Arctic Cat still make machines here. The old Scorpion company manufactured snowmobiles in nearby Crosby.
A fancy, modern sled costs anywhere from $10,000 - $13,000 today. But 40 - 50 years ago, you could buy one for $300 - $400. And some of those old snowmobiles are still running today.
The guys took a couple for a spin in Aitkin.
Frank & Chris Ride Antique Snowmobiles
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On Monday and Tuesday, the guys will explore Hackensack. Here's where they're going in the coming weeks:
Jan. 30 & 31: Dresser, Wis.
Feb. 6 & 7: Waseca, Minn.
If you know a place they should go, email us here.
