Goin' To The Lake: Mike & Natalie Visit Battle Lake (Day 2)

BATTLE LAKE, Minn. (WCCO) — After an All-Star week, WCCO is making it to the lake. For twelve weeks this summer, leading up to the start of the Minnesota State Fair in August, WCCO-TV and WCCO Radio are highlighting communities in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

This week, Natalie and Mike loaded up their luggage into the Mobile Weather Watcher and took off Wednesday, heading three hours northwest to Battle Lake.

You can click here to see highlights from their first day in Battle Lake, including a fishing excursion, a drop-in at a historic Civil War-era house, and a raid on the sweet toothy offerings at Granny's Pantry.

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Gallery: Goin' To The Lake In Battle Lake

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On Friday, Natalie and Mike checked out some more evidence the Battle Lake area can claim some bragging rights. Astronaunt Karen Nyberg grew up just down the road in Vining, Minn. But her dad, Ken, is well known in his own right for his art.

Mike & Natalie Check Out Vining Sculptures

And, as Natalie and Mike have been running around to see as much as possible, it was important to take in the beauty of Glendalough State Park. Park manager Jeff Wiersma talked about the history of the idyllic respite.

Did we say "idyllic"? Well, maybe it was before Mike and Natalie decided to try to share a tandem bike from Galloping Goose.

Mike & Natalie Visit Battle Lake's Glendalough

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Minnesota has deep roots in a tricky but cool sport: Barefoot waterskiing. The world championships have been in nearby Fergus Falls twice.

A man who has won nationals twice, Mark Cory, lives on West Battle Lake with his wife, Amy, and their two talented daughters, Hannah and Grace.

The whole family invited Mike and Natalie out on a glorious Minnesota night.

See how Natalie fared on the water without skis.

Natalie Goes Barefoot Waterskiing

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A great thing about going to the lake, you can always do fun things.

But it's also good to find peaceful moments as well.

If you are looking for a serene spot to wind your way through the hills, you might want to check out not Our Lady of the Hills.

Mike & Natalie Visit Our Lady Of The Hills

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On Thursday, Mike and Natalie went on a horseback ride on a family-owned ranch.

Joan Otto and her family host camps for kids and families at Silver Sage Guest Ranch. The trails there offer beautiful scenic views with lakes, hills, woods and fields.

The Ottos started in 1995, purchased the property and six horses, each year adding a few more.

Guests come back, requesting horses by name.

"Jellybean" is one of the favorites.

Mike & Natalie Go Horseback Riding

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Going To The Lake: Battle Lake Links

Battle Lake
Prospect House Museum & Civil War Display
Lakes Area Art Gallery & Tour
Otter Trail Scenic Byway
Ben's Bait Shop
Otter Trail Scenic Byway
Granny's Pantry
Prospect House Museum & Civil War Display
Inspiration Peak
Shore Line Restaurant, Bar And Bowl
1st National Bank Henning, Ottertail And Battle Lake
For the full schedule for Goin' To The Lake: All Summer Long, click here. You can suggest places for us to visit here.

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Watch the past "Goin' To The Lake" segments.
Watch the past "Goin' To The (Frozen) Lake" segments.