Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a cryptid as “an animal (such as Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster) that has been claimed to exist but never proven to exist”.
Cryptids have found a home within pop culture as these humanoid creatures create mystery for viewers. From vampires to werewolves, aliens to ghosts, and even bigfoot in the Minnesota woods cryptids are everywhere, even in our news! Explore this curated collection with items from the MPR Archive ranging from 1972 through modern day.
(This collection was curated by Shandi Burrows, 2023-2024 Archives Fellow)
December 26, 1972 - MPR’s Connie Goldman interviews Star Tribune columnist R.T. Smith on his book “Cult and Occult.” Smith discusses what he discovered while writing book, including views on witches and the unexplained.
April 1, 1975 - Helen Gilbert, masters in folklore and professor at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, speaking before the Spring Area Women's Conference at the Germain Hotel in St. Cloud. The title of the speech was "Women in Mythology."
December 13, 1991 - Hear from Laurie Allmann as she talks about mermaids and myths in this episode of Voices from the Heartland.
October 1, 1993 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews St. Paul book editor Pam Keesey about the publication “Daughters of Darkness: Lesbian Vampire Tales." Keesey discusses sexuality and other elements in vampire lore.
October 30, 1993 - MPR’s Lawrence Sutin shares ghost stories, a remembrance for the late Algernon Blackwood and also reads excerpts from ‘The Wendigo’ by H. P. Lovecraft and M. R. James’ work, ‘The Old Man of Visions’.
October 26, 1996 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham takes a walking tour with Dennis William Hauck, author of “Haunted Places.” The two discuss Minnesota ghost hauntings at the Guthrie Theater, the State’s Capitol, and St. John’s University.
October 28, 1996 - For this Halloween edition of our Odd Jobs series, MPR reporter Mary Losure went out with psychic Echo Bodine on one of her ghostbusting jobs…at an ordinary house in the suburbs, where most of the ghosts were out in the backyard. If the ghosts don't feel like leaving, she also helps homeowners understand their ghosts, and learn to live with them.
April 1, 2002 - MPR’s Bob Reha interviews Mike Quast of Moorhead who is convinced that Bigfoot is living in Minnesota. He's been researching reported sightings of the apelike creatures for years.
January 6, 2009 - Netherlands Symphony performs "The Firebird" by Igor Stravinsky
October 14, 2010 - Hear two authors and a film critic talk about vampires, zombies and werewolves in this interview from Midmorning, hosted by Kerri Miller.