Trail in Vergas Tells a Storybook Tale

By Heather Rule

With the world’s largest loon watching over Long Lake Park, it only feels right that Vergas’ newest trail feature tells a loon’s story.

In 2026, the city will launch a Story Book Trail along its half-mile walking path, featuring the children’s book Little Loon Finds His Voice by Yvonne Pearson.

The idea came from the Vergas Arts Club as a way to encourage trail use while adding an educational and family-friendly element.

“The book does seem fitting,” said Vergas Mayor and Arts Club member Julie Bruhn.  

The trail will have about 19 panels showcasing the children’s book. As trail users walk on the trail, they’ll read pages of the book and see the graphics that accompany it.

The city will promote the Story Book Trail at its second annual Bring in Spring event on May 16, 2026. The family-friendly event includes balloons, face painting, and an activity from Otter Cove Children’s Museum.

Pearson will present a couple of readings, teach kids the four loon calls from the book, and hold a book signing at the event. More than 100 books will also be given away at the event through a generous donation from Billy’s Corner Bar & Grill, “so each family can leave with an autographed book,” Bruhn said.

“I think kids and adults will find the book of interest,” Bruhn added. “It’s really a delightful story about a baby loon to adulthood and finding his loon call voice.”

The storybook will be displayed along the path, stopping at the park and picnic table area that looks over the water. Then people can turn around and read the rest of the story on the way back.

“That’s how you get through the whole book, by reading both sides of the panels that will be put in along the side of the path,” Bruhn said. “It will be the side of the path that’s not on the lake side, so that we don’t obstruct that.”

The Story Book Trail will be featured during the warmer months, likely May through October, with plans to introduce a new book each year to keep families coming back.