Feature Stories

Sand Dollars — Mining Frac Sand in the River Valley

Some of the best sand for fracture drilling is found in the exposed rocky bluffs along the Upper Mississippi.

Purchase this issue to read Reggie McLeod's report.

More frac sand mine news:

StarTribune story

Cook and Pepin counties

Chippewa County (Wis.) frac sand mine case sent to Wis. Supreme Court

Rubbing the Riverbank in a Shantyboat

For years, people lived, made their living, and traveled on the margins of the river and society in homemade shantyboats. By Tim Mason

Dubuque River Museum Doubles Down

With the opening of the National River Center, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, doubled in size and took a second big step in an evolution from a modest local history center to a nationally-prominent museum. By Dean Klinkenberg

Restaurant Review —
Beer, Food and History at Potosi Brewery

A new Potosi Brewery has risen from the ashes to quench the thirsts of a new generation. By Pamela Eyden

Superior Gems in Mississippi Sand

Generations of rockhounds have searched Mississippi River beaches for Lake Superior agates. By Constance R. Cherba

Nadine Leo: Artist in River Pearl and Paint

An artist’s interest in working with pearls led her to become an advocate for native mussels. By Pamela Eyden