Life on the Back Channel

KFAI's MinneCulture

The Mississippi River is one of the defining geographic features of our state. The river's headwaters begin up north in Lake Itasca and meander for 650 miles through the cities, bluffs, forests and iron ranges of Minnesota, before crossing the border into Wisconsin and Iowa. The River has long captured our imagination. And, for many, it has provided a home.

Boathouse communities, though less common today, have long formed up and down the river. These enclaves of shanty boats and floating homes provide affordable living and organic community for residents. Producer Gina Favano spent 10 years living in a boathouse on Latsch Island, home to the only legally sanctioned year round habitable boathouse community left on the Mississippi. She has documented the story of a floating neighborhood, their struggle to maintain their legality, and the people who call it home.

This story was written and produced by Gina Favano. Portions of this episode were originally published on Gina's podcast Back Channel Radio. Gina is currently writing a book about Latch Island based on her reporting, which you can learn more about here. Special thanks to Suzanne Hogan of KCUR in Kansas City, who was the original producer for the Back Channel Radio podcast.

MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose and edited by Julie Censullo. Support for MinneCulture is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.