Speaking of Critters

Welcome all to my post for 

SATURDAY'S CRITTERS

and City Daily Photo

Welcome to Lark Toys  in Kellogg, Minnesota

which is about 35 miles from Red Wing, Minnesota. There is so much to see and do along U.S. Hwy 61 and I've included photos from a few other cities along the way.

Mini-Golf fun for ALL ages.

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." Richard Lingard and sometimes attributed to Plato.

Want to see this same mini-golf course from the early days?

 Look below.

This was from one of the earlier years when we visited Lark Toys.  

Like I said mini golf is for all ages!

You can step outside the store into a walkway area so you can meet their Llamas, Irving, George, Meg and Calvin. If you're lucky you'll be inside when they occasionally walk the Llamas through the building.

This is Irving

The Carousel is magnificently carved, it's hand carved Minnesota Basswood. Each animal is a rideable work of art. For all ages!

 

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. 

Love of books is the best of all."

Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis

"Once you can express yourself, you can tell the world what you want from it. All the changes in the world, for good or evil, were first brought about by words."

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

The bookstore is incredibly stocked.

Just a few fun carved creatures among many other things.

They have workshops where their artists create, and you can peek through the viewing windows.

Endless fun play areas fun for all ages!

It's fun watching and listening to them as they use their imaginations and play pretend. 

"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning."

 Diane Ackerman quotes

The Famous Train Table

They all really went wild (were never ready to leave) when they were younger playing here, but to see them at this age still find enjoyment that was totally enjoyable for me. No checking phones either, just playful time.

They have a cafe and candy galore,

 and the most delicious of ice cream treats.

"Stepping out of a normal routine, finding novelty, being open to serendipity, enjoying the unexpected, embracing a little risk, and finding pleasure in the heightened vividness of life. These are all qualities of a state of play." 

Stuart M. Brown

Their costumes are endless, not just for Halloween, but for playful fun in so many roles, and you can use them with the puppet show box that is really something to see in action.

Open your imaginations let them run free

and invigorate your soul.

Just one of their endless supplies of wooden toys.

Isn't this sky just incredible? This is one of the high lookout areas in Red Wing. Just gorgeous views no matter what the weather is like.

Wabasha, Minnesota along the bank of the Mississippi River.

Wapahasha II (The leaf) Wabasha

"Play is the stick that stirs the drink. It is the basis of all art, games, books, sports, movies, fashion, fun and wonder - in short, the basis of what we think of as civilization. Play is the vital essence of life. It is what makes life lively."

Stuart M. Brown

Red Wing. Minnesota lookout

"The truth is that play seems to be one of the most advanced methods nature has invented to allow a complex brain to create itself."

 Stuart M. Brown

Red Wing Lions Club gives to the city "Spectacles" and these lovely glasses are still in the park.

"Engage fully with the world. I don't think it is too much to say that play can save your life."

Connected. 

We all have an impact on each other. We all are connected in so many seen and unseen ways. Which possibly explains why one of the simplest and quickest routes to happiness seems to be to make someone else happy. The reason to be selfish is selfish. Nothing makes us feel better than not thinking of our selves.

Matt Haig 

Remember, "When we stop playing, we start dying."

Stuart M. Brown

Thank you for stopping by and gifting me with your comments.

Take good care of you and go out and play!