🦆Yellow ducks, Blue chicks & Purple Rain

Plus, the spamiest roadtrip ever.

Author

Joe Carmack
June 04, 2025

Vacation mode: Loading. Teebs is 100% ready to roll out for family vacation. 10/10 would recommend having a relative with a cabin and some water toys. Whatever fun you find yourself getting into this week, we hope you have an amazing time! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

-Joe & Haley

Your Weekend Forecast

Prince Celebration 2025

6/5-8

This gathering brings together fans from all over to celebrate a pivotal moment in Prince’s career—highlighting the magic of 1985, when a landmark album dropped, awards stacked up, and Paisley Park became a creative home. Expect a mix of music, art, and stories that reflect the spirit of that time. It’s a chance to soak in the legacy of an iconic artist in a space where so much history was made.

Rum River Festival

6/6 - 6/8

Parade floats roll through town to kick things off, followed by a 5K and the start of the medallion hunt. After catching a glimpse of the world’s largest rubber duck, grab a bite from the food trucks and browse local vendors. Swing by Sunken Ship Brewing for slushies and more shenanigans.

 

Train Days 2025

6/7

This weekend at Union Depot in St. Paul, get an up-close look at trains—from vintage equipment tours to intricate model displays. Explore a vendor marketplace, grab food truck snacks, and check out a historic photography exhibit. It’s free and full of family-friendly fun.

 

Breakaway Music Festival

6/6 - 6/7

This Friday and Saturday, Allianz Field in St. Paul turns into a massive music fest with sets from Tiësto, John Summit, Alison Wonderland, and more. The open-air setup brings those summer night vibes, with two days of dancing, big names, and nonstop energy.

 

New: Fro Yo Soul

6/7

The Sculpture Garden is always a fun stop for a relaxing weekend afternoon, but now you’ve got another reason to visit your favorite blue rooster: Fro Yo Soul opens this Saturday, serving frozen yogurt treats, craft brews, “frosé” and more, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This week, we’re heading to Maple Grove for date night and starting at the newly opened Grackle. It’s a cozy, modern spot with a scratch kitchen and craft cocktails, offering inventive American dishes with a South American twist—like the Tomato Basil Steak Sandwich on grilled naan. The minimalist décor sets the tone, and the warm, attentive service makes it easy to settle in for the night.

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down Main Street to tour Chalkfest 2025. Watch talented artists create stunning, hyper-realistic chalk art right on the pavement. The event runs rain or shine, and you can even try your hand in the free chalk zone. The event is free, and supporting the artists with a tip or two is encouraged—and well deserved.

If you ever thought SPAM was just a quirky canned meat, … ok, fine. You aren’t wrong. But it’s also one of Minnesota’s most iconic brands with a colorful, offbeat history. This week’s Up Yonder takes you on a road trip to where it all began—plus a few corners of the state you might not have explored yet.

On the road again.

Head south from Minneapolis on I-35 and make your first stop in Lakeville for a caffeine fix at Tapestry Coffee. Order the caramel bourbon iced coffee—it’s as good as it sounds. Downtown Lakeville’s a charming detour worth a few extra minutes.

Continue down to Faribault, where you’ve got a couple of options to stretch your legs. For a peaceful walk and a small waterfall, head to River Bend Nature Center. If it’s hot and you’re in the mood for a swim, Shager Park has a sandy beach and cool water. Don’t overdo it though—we’ve got more outdoor adventures ahead. When hunger hits, swing by Janna’s for classic small-town American eats—bonus points if Janna herself checks on your table.

Canoeing might be the most quintessential Minnesotan outdoor activity, but surprisingly few actually get around to it. That changes today with a stop at Myre-Big Island State Park, where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for a relaxed jaunt around Albert Lea Lake. No gear or experience needed, but check out our MN 101: Canoeing feature for some handy tips.

Your final stop is the main event: Austin, MN—home to the quirky and surprisingly informative SPAM Museum. Opened in 1991 and revamped in 2016, it celebrates the history of the iconic canned meat made in Austin since 1937. The 14,000-square-foot space features interactive exhibits, including a WWII-themed gallery and a global SPAM® map showcasing the brand’s cultural impact. Admission is free, and guided tours from cheerful SPAMbassadors make the experience even better.

Don’t overdo it on the SPAMples—dinner is waiting at Piggy Blue’s BBQ, where you can end your road trip with a proper meat smorgasbord before heading back up I-35 toward home.

Happy trails!

-Joe

PS: If your 2025 plans include buying or selling a home around the Twin Cites… 🙋‍♂️😃

Joe Carmack, MN/WI Realtor
763-291-8083 [email protected] LivingInMN.com