Leif Enger found inspiration for Virgil Wander through firsthand experiences and his strong connection to the Upper Midwest. He aimed to explore themes of perseverance, community, and rejuvenation. The story is set in the fictional town of Greenstone, Minnesota, demonstrating Enger’s awareness of and affection for small-town life. Enger, a lifelong Midwesterner, first saw the North Shore of Lake Superior in his twenties while on assignment for Minnesota Public Radio. He fell in love with the area and eventually took up sailing with his wife. They moved to Duluth to be closer to the water and the vibrant community, finding joy and inspiration in the beauty of the North Shore. Enger’s writing captures the idyllic experience of living near an inland sea while acknowledging the region’s harsh realities, particularly its challenging weather.

Weather is a key motif in the text, and the weather in the area is unpredictable and can lead to dangerous conditions. Fog frequently sets in during spring and fall when the land is much warmer than the water; storms are also likely to build during this time. Summers can be cold, and although the winters can be warmer than more inland areas, the lake can freeze over (it partially froze in 2003).