Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Minnesota History

A history of the Ah-Gwah-Ching treatment center

A history of the Ag-Gwah-Ching treatment center.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

State plans to close Minnesota's only psychiatric nursing home

The Ah-Gwah-Ching Center near Walker is the state's only psychiatric nursing home. If some people have their way, it will soon be shut down. Ah-Gwah-Ching is located on a sprawling, 175-acre campus. It was once the state's premier home for elderly people with behavior problems and severe mental illness. But treatment trends now favor smaller, community based facilities over large institutions. Still, some northern Minnesota lawmakers are fighting to keep Ah-Gwah-Ching open.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Historic art center in Aitkin receives a makeover

The Jaques Art Center has its grand re-opening this weekend. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, now boasts more gallery space and classrooms. Celia Doty, a frequent student at the center, tells Marianne Combs how the arts have changed her and how excited she is about the new space.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Fergus Falls tries to save a landmark

The city of Fergus Falls is trying to save a well known local landmark. When it was built in the 1890s, the Fergus Falls state hospital was considered a model of mental health treatment. Most of the residents are gone now, and the state has declared the site surplus property. If no developers are interested in the sprawling complex, the historic site might fall under the wrecking ball.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A history of the Fergus Falls treatment center

The Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center, while still an imposing structure, is nothing like it was in the first half of the 20th century. Back then, when it was known as the Fergus Falls State Hospital, the facility covered hundreds of acres and regularly served well more than 1,000 patients living in a self-contained community where they received treatment, worked and recreated.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Old music reaching new audiences

Old time Scandinavian music is making a comeback with new audiences. Five musicians from the Brainerd area called Skalmusik preserve and play Swedish and Norwegian folk tunes. The group's members carry on long family traditions of playing music that reflects their heritage.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

When Duluth rocked

You might not remember the band QuickBreath -- unless you were growing up in Duluth 30 years ago. They were a big deal back then. They played bars and dances. And they got on the radio -- in Duluth. That was before a few monster companies owned most radio stations. Back then, bands could get their records played on the local rock station. A new CD features some of the local music that got onto the radio during the '70s.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Grand Excursion flotilla arrives in St. Paul

An estimated 150,000 people turned out Saturday to welcome the Grand Excursion flotilla of paddle wheelers and steamboats to St. Paul. A steady rain fell for most of the event, but it didn't dampen the spirit of the Grand Excursion.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Currents of Change: art and the Mississippi in the 1850s

Just as the celebration of the Grand Excursion drew huge commercial and journalistic interest 150 years ago, it also helped spawn an artistic interest in life along the Mississippi. Some of the results are now on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The exhibit shows how the artistic exploration of the Mississippi River Valley influenced American culture.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Morning Edition in Winona marks the Grand Excursion

On Monday June 7, 2004, MPR's Morning Edition originated from Levee Park in Winona, Minnesota as part of the coverage of this year's Grand Excursion. The celebration commemorates the flotilla of steamboats that chugged up the river 150 years ago. During the broadcast, Morning Edition shared the flavor of Winona, with the help of several local guests.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!