Finally. It’s spring.
The temperature is slowly, slowly, rising. Pastel colors are back in style, along with floral prints and perhaps even sandals. Geese are migrating north, preparing for the upcoming season in Minnesota. And since we have officially passed the first day of spring, it is time to embrace the season regardless of a few snowflakes. With that being said, here are my 5 official recommendations for you to fully enjoy spring in the Willmar Lakes Area.

1. Really Get Into Spring Cleaning and Renovate Your Home
We all know that spring cleaning is a good way to shed the winter blues and liven up your home after a few months of hibernating indoors. And the perfect source of inspiration is at the Spring Home Expo & Outdoor Living Expo on April 1-2, 2022. Both arenas at the Civic Center will have the best local businesses and vendors who know the latest trends and innovations in home building, remodeling, and décor along with landscape design, green energy, and outdoor fun. And if you miss this event, head on over to Three Sister’s Furnishings, a wonderful shop with an abundance of Amish furniture, home décor, and gift items that’ll have you wanting to plan a full home renovation. Or try Shoppe 14 located in Uptown Willmar. They offer a blend of one-of-a-kind furniture, home décor, floral, fashion, and accessories. Other great stores to check out are The Red Poppy in Prinsburg and The Vintage Hub in Kandiyohi for great ideas on how to spruce up your home for spring.

2. Enjoy the Trails
Time to dig out those bikes. They’ve been tucked away in the garage, hidden from the ice and snow for far too long. Now that the ice is off the roads, it is time to pump up those tires and go for a ride on the open road. Ride around Green Lake, along the Eagle Lake Trail, or on the Glacial Lakes State Trail and take in the small clues of spring, from the tiny buds decorating the branches of trees and the hints of green bringing life to the brown winter grass. Don’t have a bike? Enjoy the trails by walking, jogging or rollerblading. Make it a solo excursion or a family adventure, whatever will be the best way for you to take in the coming beauty of spring.

3. Take a New Class
Spring is the perfect time to take up a new hobby or to try something new. There are plenty of classes offered in the area to accommodate a wide range of interests. Head over to the Willmar Community Center’s Facebook page to find a wide variety of activities and classes including dance, yoga, art, chess, and much more! Rustic Designs Flower Farms usually offers potting or flower arranging classes throughout the spring that are sure to get you in the springtime mood. You can also find a wide variety of classes on the Willmar Community Education Program Catalog that are sure to pique your interest. Other fun classes and events can be found on our Community Calendar.

4. Enjoy Some Local Music
Are you into rhythm and blues? Rock or country? Maybe dance music? The Willmar Lakes Area assuredly has something for you. Throughout the month you can find live music at Ruff’s Wings & Sports Bar, O’Neil’s, Goat Ridge Brewing Co., The Handle Bar, the New London American Legion and Foxhole Brewhouse. And on special occasions you can also find a variety of concerts at the NL-S Performing Arts Center, the Little Theatre, and the WEAC Auditorium. Look for these musical events and more on the ‘Events’ page of our website.

5. Dig Into the Dirt
What says “spring” more than breaking out the gardening tools and digging into the ground to make room for a few new plants? Head on over to Stacy’s Nursery to pick up some lovely items from their nursery. Their expert advice is sure to help you find the best plants for you. They have hardy plants for those of us who aren’t blessed with a green thumb, offering shrub roses and evergreens that are sure to thrive in the Minnesota soil. Or choose from their extensive selection of gorgeous seasonal annuals from a variety of Minnesota growers, perfect to brighten up your days with color and life. Our area is blessed to have a handful of nurseries with helpful staff to help you find just what you’re looking for including Green Lake Nursery, Tom’s South Spicer Nursery, and Creekside Greenhouses.

Now, you can choose one of my five recommendations or try them all, depending on your enthusiasm for the upcoming season. But each suggestion is sure to give you a way to appreciate the Willmar Lakes Area in all its glory during these first few weeks of spring.