More about Larson's Cabin and the
Whitewater Valley
| Morel Mushrooms
|
These tasty morel mushrooms are among the most sought after delicacies in the mushroom world. Their distinct shape makes them easy to identify, and they are delicious prepared in a number of ways. The Whitewater Valley comes alive with morel mushrooms in the spring, and "mushroom hunters" are abundant in the valley. The morel season usually starts in May and may last until early June, depending on weather conditions. There are several types of morels, including gray, yellow and black. All three colors are edible. A true morel has a hollow stalk throughout, and the head is fused to the stalk. The sometimes toxic "false morel" lacks the typical ridges and pits of the true morel, and the head is free of the stalk and only connected to the very top of the stalk. |
Morels are not always easy to find, but grow in various environments such as damp stream banks, woodlands with small streams, oak forest ridges and old apple orchards. If you are lucky enough to fine a nice batch of morels, you are in for a real taste treat. To prepare the mushrooms, they need to be carefully cleaned. Cut them in half lengthwise, and watch for hidden insects which love to hide in the hollow center. Once halved, soak them in a basin of cold salty water, using at least one tablespoon of salt per quart of water. The salt water will flush out any bugs still hidden in the pores and gills, and swishing them in the water will loosen any remaining soil. Dry the mushrooms thoroughly before cooking. A favorite recipe for cooking morels is to saute' them in butter with chopped onions and garlic. Morels are best when eaten within hours of picking them.
Wild Ginseng Roots from the hardwood forests of Southeastern Minnesota are prized by ginseng connoisseurs. Our wild ginseng can not be compared to domestically grown ginseng or wild ginseng from other areas. Most wild ginseng roots are at least 10 years old before they are harvested and roots that are up to 20 years old are fairly common. Older roots are rare and in great demand by ginseng connoisseurs. Wild ginseng is very hard to find and the roots are typically much smaller than domestic roots. People who search the forests for wild ginseng often come up empty handed. Older roots are said to contain much higher levels of nutrients and Ginsenosides (GinsengÄós Active Ingredients). Ginseng has been found to reduce stress, enhance or strengthen the immune system, relieve physical and mental fatigue and normalize the body functions such as blood pressure, blood sugar level and sexual response.
Hiking/biking
 |
Take a quiet walk in the valley, and you'll be surprised at the amount of wildlife and/or native vegetation you may see, so be sure to take a camera along. Hiking in the Whitewater can be as challenging or as leisurely as you prefer. The State Park offers 10 miles of self-guided hiking trails. The Wildlife Management Area is full of abandoned logging roads which make for good hiking as well. Take a bike ride or walk of less than a mile to the Elba Firetower where you can learn about the history and operation of the firetower and it's recent restoration. If you are game for a real challenge, climb the +600 steps to the base of the tower, and another 100 steps to the top of the tower. The view, as well as the climb, are breathtaking! |
A short drive or bike ride to the North on State Highway 74, and you will arrive at the DNR Headquarters, behind which is the parking area for the historic Marnach House. An approximate two mile walk or bike ride from the parking lot to visit the restored stone house which was built in 1952 and served as home to Luxembourg immigrants, the Nicholas Marnach family. The house is quite large, two stories high, with thick walls made of stone. The building looks more like an inn than a home. The dirt road that travels west from the DNR headquarters used to be called "The Oronoco Trail" and was likely a thoroughfare in the early days of the house. The house stood in disrepair until 1991 when the Luxembourg Heritage Society targeted the local relic as its first major reconstruction project in the United States.
Cross country skiing/Snowmobiling
| If outdoor winter activities are your forte, our cabin is the perfect place to stay. Groomed cross country skiing trails are available at the State Park (10 miles), or be adventurous and break your own trail on one of the many abandoned logging roads in the Whitewater Management Area. A groomed snowmobile trail is less than a mile away from your door. After your outdoor activities, come back to the cabin and enjoy a relaxing evening in front of a cozy fireplace. |  |