"The Blufftop Adventures of Minnie the Goat"
- wacoutanaturenotes
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
For Wacouta Nature Notes readers since January 2025, you are well aware of
"White Lightning" the legendary goat of Frontenac State Park.
In July of 2023, the park brought in 30 goats to help control invasive buckthorn on the south side of Rattlesnake Bluff. During the round-up at the end of October 2023, one goat made the decision to escape and live the feral lifestyle for two and a half years.
During the summer of 2025, we would watch from our home the goat come out to the tip of the bluff in the early evenings on a frequent basis. It was during these appearances the idea of telling the journey of this goat would make a wonderful children's book.
With many hours of hard work author Kathy Ause and award winning illustrator Kari Vick produced "The Blufftop Adventures Of Minnie The Goat." I am proud to announce the book was released on June 4, 2026. Press release follows.
Contact: Kathy Ause
Email: minniethegoatmn@gmail.com
Website: www.minniethegoat.com
Eighty-Two-Year-Old Debut Author Brings the Legend of Minnie the Goat to Life
[RED WING, Minnesota] — At the age of eighty-two, first-time author Kathy Ause has teamed up with award-winning illustrator Kari Vick and Beaver’s Pond Press to release a heartwarming tale of resilience: The Blufftop Adventures of Minnie the Goat.
Based on a true story with a fictional twist, the book is set in the scenic Frontenac State Park. Every summer, a herd of thirty goats is invited to the park to clear invasive buckthorn bushes. But when the first summer ended and the roundup began, one legendary goat had other plans. Minnie escaped and has remained elusive on the blufftops for the past three winters.
The Blufftop Adventures of Minnie the Goat follows Minnie’s journey as she navigates life in the wild. From making friends with local wildlife to witnessing stunning views of the Mississippi River valley, Minnie learns the true meaning of being brave during lonely days and frightening nights filled with fireworks and northern lights.
"This story is about more than just a goat," says Ause. "It’s about the courage it takes to find your own way."
Readers can spend hours lost in the detailed artistry of Kari Vick, who captures the lush landscapes of the State Park and the sweeping vistas of the river valley. While recommended for ages 3–10, the book is a must-read for "kids" of all ages and goat lovers alike.
The Blufftop Adventures of Minnie the Goat is available now at www.minniethegoat.com and will be featured at upcoming local book fairs and book signings.
****Apologies to blog followers with the confusing email for the June 1st mailing. The website changed their email settings and we tried a practice run only to have it mail to the whole list. If you weren't able to read the last blog, here is a link: https://wacoutanaturenotes.wixsite.com/mysite/post/uncommon-wildlife-sightings-new-flora-blooming-along-the-rattlesnake-bluff-trail
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