Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Konsor.
Hi Greg, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the spring of 2013, I made a trip from Council Bluffs, IA to Holdingford, MN to visit my parents and the hometown I grew up in. In the afternoon on a beautiful spring day I jumped on my bicycle and went on a bike ride on the Lake Wobegon Trail During this bike ride I came across property for sale on the outskirts of the village. My imagination kicked in high gear and the seed of an idea was created over the next 5 years, I put the pieces together of a business idea we call: Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail.
The idea was to combine the art and bike world in a rural setting surrounded by nature on the beautiful Lake Wobegon Trail. After an early retirement from the grain industry in 2016. I started working on the concept and construction began in the fall of 2018. We officially opened the business in July of 2020. Covid business restrictions limited our initial launch we were excited to have the construction phase behind us.
Completing our 4th season this fall we are happy with the business offerings and the response from the community. Our core offering is the BOHO Cafe whose menu consists of sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods, coffee and tea products, hard ice cream, local craft beer, and wine.
During the summer we have live music on Saturday evenings with wood-fired pizza under the outdoor pavilion. Central Minnesota has a vibrant music scene that allows us to showcase local musicians. The exhibition space displays art shows throughout the season rotating every 3-4 weeks the show’s themes vary and highlight the talented artist in the area and beyond,
The art studio on site is used for public engagement with walk-in art creation opportunities. Structured art classes and family-friendly free art projects on Saturday morning called Art on a Roll which is Funded by the Central Minnesota Arts Board. In addition, 9 artists in the summer of 2023 worked out at the art studio engaging in their day-to-day creative process while being open for public observation.
The Lake Wobegon Trail a legacy “rails to trails project” is 63 miles in length is situated across the road and has become a favorite ride destination with a lunch stop at the Boho Cafe a highlight of the ride.
A trip to Art in Motion would not be complete without a walk around the property to view the 40-foot “Burnt Matchstick” made out of metal and stained glass. The sculpture lights up at night is a beautiful site to see. A short walk away is the 10-ring “Prim Rose Labyrinth” which loves showing off nature’s colors, especially during the 2-week bloom in late June and the fall rose Hibbs color display. Strolling the birdhouse walking path, the pollinator fields and frisbee golf burn enough calories to finish with a tasty ice cream cone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Covid – Opening up in 2020 the start of Covid was as challenging as it was to every other entertainment business.
Art in Motion is located in a small town so we are a 20-40 minute destination for most of our guests. Labor in this type of business is difficult to source.
The food business is new for us and the learning curve was steep. We are a seasonal business which has positive and negative outcomes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I grew up on a family farm in Holdingford and I am a graduate of North Dakota State University, with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics.
I served 2 years in the Peace Corps in Belize. My career was based in the grain industry. Our family moved around as my career developed and for the last 15 years, I have been working in Omaha, Nebraska. Working up to the rank of General Manager of 100-grain locations and 1000 employees.
My work experience allowed me to travel both in the USA and overseas. I always enjoyed traveling to other cultures and especially checking out the local art scene if time permits.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
Creating an environment where individuals and families come and turn off the outside world.
A place to engage in the arts, and enjoy the wonderful Lake Wobegon Trail and nature at Art in Motion. Have a peaceful and delicious meal surrounded by like-minded folks.
Pricing:
- Bike Rental -$10 hour- 2 hours
- Deli Style Menu= Sandwich/side $13
Contact Info:
- Website: artinmotiononthelakewobegontrail.com
- Instagram: @artinmotion.mn
- Facebook: Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail
- Linkedin: Gregory Konsor
- Youtube: Lake Wobegon Trail @artinmotiononthelakewobego1436
