Apostle Islands, Governor Walker, Home Coffee Roasting

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
The Apostle Islands Lakeshore was recently selected as one of the best parks in the United States. Veronica Rueckert and Rob Ferrett find out what makes it such a special place. Then, they’ll talk to a guest who says that Governor Walker’s sucess can be owed to his “toxic strain of radical politics.” In our “Teach Me What You Know” segment, we’ll learn how to roast coffee at home.

Featured in this Show

  • Wisconsin's Apostle Islands Offer Summer Adventures

    The ice caves on Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore drew international attention this winter, but the park is also a treasure for summer adventures.

    According to Bob Krumenacker, the park’s superintendent, the islands and mainland comprising the national park offer unparalleled warm-weather opportunities for exploring.

    For example, now that the islands’ sea caves are no longer accessible by foot, tourists can explore them by kayak. Some caves allow kayakers to paddle inside to take in stunning rock formations created by years of the pounding, Lake Superior surf.

    Krumenacker said that it’s possible to fill up half a day, or even an entire day, doing nothing but kayaking.

    “I think the freshwater sea kayaking is unparalleled,” he said.

    Getting around by boat is the best option, said Krumenacker, but there’s a 12-mile strip of mainland coast for hikers. It features a kayak launch, a beach, and of course, views of Lake Superior.

    The Apostles are also home to more lighthouses than any other park in the country. Many of the buildings date back to the 19th Century. For some of them, guided tours are available.

    Madeleine Island — the park’s sole regularly inhabited island — is home to Big Bay State Park and Big Bay Town Park. Both offer sandy beaches for those willing to brave Superior’s chilly waters.

    Krumenacker said that if there’s an ideal time to visit, it may be the second half of summer, or just before when school starts when the crowds die down and bug populations have usually diminished.

    “There’s something about being on an island,” said Krumenacker. “You realize nature is what matters most.”

  • Magazine Names Apostle Islands National Lakeshore One Of Best Parks In The U.S.

    Country Magazine recently named the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore one of the best parks in the United States. The superintendent of the park talks about what makes the park such a great place to visit.

  • New Republic Challenges Scott Walker In Cover Article

    In its latest issue, liberal magazine The New Republic published a cover story on Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. The reporter discusses his piece and gives his take on Governor Walker’s presidential ambitions.

  • Teach Me What You Know: Home Coffee Roasting

    It’s the fourth most-consumed beverage in the world, and for many of us coffee is the precious liquid kindling that ignites our mornings. Our guest shows us how to roast our own from the comfort of our home.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Bob Krumenaker Guest
  • Alec MacGillis Guest
  • Garry Burman Guest
  • Chris Malina Producer
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Karl Christenson Producer