06/27/2026
Along the Rush River
September 28, 2019 • Rush River Delta State Natural Area, Maiden Rock, Wisconsin
Some photographs remind you of a place.
Others remind you of the people you shared it with.
This image takes me back to a beautiful September day when I met my daughter, Alexandria, and my grandson, Kai, in Red Wing, Minnesota. After lunch, we crossed the Mississippi River and spent the afternoon exploring the Rush River Delta State Natural Area near Maiden Rock, Wisconsin.
We weren’t just out for a walk—we were on the lookout for bald eagles.
Alexandria carried her camera. I carried mine. Kai led the adventure with the curiosity that only a child can bring. Together, we wandered through the floodplain forest, listening to birds, watching the river drift quietly by, and enjoying the simple gift of spending time together.
The trails were muddy in places, which is no surprise in a floodplain forest. We laughed about our wet shoes because none of us cared. Some days aren’t about staying clean—they’re about making memories.
As I paused beside the Rush River, the afternoon light filtered through the canopy, painting the water with shades of green. The reflections were almost as beautiful as the forest itself. I lifted my camera and captured the peaceful moment before us.
The Rush River Delta is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Bald eagles patrol the skies above the Mississippi, while Great Blue Herons, Red-shouldered Hawks, Wood Ducks, and colorful warblers find refuge in this remarkable floodplain. Knowing we were walking through such a rich natural habitat made the experience even more meaningful.
When I look at this photograph today, I don’t just see a quiet river winding through the trees.
I see a day spent with my daughter and grandson, sharing our love of nature, photography, and each other.
Sometimes the greatest treasures aren’t the photographs we bring home.
They’re the memories we create while taking them.
— Pattie Kraemer
Make It Rain Photography
