Ron Schara is a writer and television personality, including host of Minnesota Bound, who has been sharing stories with readers and viewers for four decades. He brings to life the joys of living the outdoors through nature watching, fishing, hunting, camping and the like. Ron’s introduction and knowledge of the outdoors began as a boy growing up in a small town, Postville, located in the rugged northeast corner of Iowa. Ron has been married to Denise for 40 years, is the proud father of two grown daughters, Simone and Laura, and grandfather of Jake.
We had the opportunity to talk with Ron about his unique take on the wilds and waters. Thanks Ron, for sharing your knowledge and love for the outdoors.
What do you like most about being the
host of “Minnesota Bound”?
Raven’s really the star of the show, but I like
the variety and story telling about interesting people, places, and experiences; from Lyme disease to eating fried dandelions.
Which shows or topics are you most proud of?
There have been so many great shows, but one of my most memorable was a fishing trip. I watched a man bait a hook with a minnow, get his bobber ready, cast out, and catch a fish only to release it. He was born without arms and did all of this with his feet. It was absolutely amazing and inspiring.
I also enjoy brightening people’s days by sharing about things that are around us; dragon flies, purple martens, sumac in the fall, wrens, blue jays, critters, fish, wood ticks, and Highway 38 (which I wrote an original song about)…
In all of your travels, what do you feel is
a must see?
Lac qui Parle (known as the “lake that speaks”), located in western Minnesota by the Minnesota River, specifically in October when tens of thousands of geese are migrating.
What would you recommend for
a unique adventure?
Hire a fishing guide with a drift boat to explore
the Upper St. Croix or Mississippi River by St. Cloud or Elk River. Drift, sight see, and enjoy
great smallmouth and fly fishing.
What is your favorite lake getaway or
lake destination?
Lake of the Woods, on the Canada side, and Rainy Lake are my first choices, followed by
Lake Vermillion.
Who has inspired you?
I’m grateful that my parents raised me in the outdoors and for my grandpa’s great storytelling. Jim Schwartz, now 90+ years old, inspired me to try journalism while studying fishing and wildlife biology and pursing music. I will always be grateful to Jim for that direction.
What destinations or drives do you feel
are worth seeing?
The Red Wing area, Itasca State Park, the North Shore, and Voyageurs National Park in International Falls, MN. Visit the Kettle Falls
Hotel while you are there. It has a rich history spanning several hundred years and many presidents have stayed there.
Where would you recommend for
a family getaway?
Whitewater State Park and Itasca State Park,
or really any State Park! It’s also fun to take the family on a summer evening launch fishing
trip on Mille Lacs, (a fishing boat that accommodates large groups).
Where would you recommend for
a romantic vacation?
Grand Marais is known for the sea harbor,
great shops, and it’s full of artistic people.
Where are your favorite destinations and
places to visit, and why?
My boyhood stomping grounds in southeastern Minnesota, including the hardwood forest, is always a favorite. In the fall, southwestern Minnesota has pheasants, prairies, and prairie flowers and northwestern Minnesota has flat, vast landscape and waterfowl migration. Crookston has the largest native prairie with 30,000+ acres. The Arboreal Forest on the North Shore and the prairie along the MN, ND and SD borders are enjoyable places to visit. Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, and Detroit Lakes, the sunfish capital
of the world, are also fun areas to visit.
What or where do you believe are
undiscovered gems?
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, located in Bloomington, is a hidden gem.
What do you like most about living in the Midwest?
I have always liked living here and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I enjoy the people, culture, lakes, variety of things to do, forest, prairies, Vikings, and Twins!
Tell us about your infamous tagline, “Remember, introduce a kid to the great outdoors.”
It’s important to pass on the tradition of fishing. After fishing with my 6 year old grandson, Jake, the other day, we were cleaning a fish and he said something that touched my heart. He said “Grandpa, I really enjoy fishing with you.” It’s all about quality time, talking, and spending time together. Sports are important, but very few activities provide more quality time and conversation like fishing.
