It's 1953 and the U.S. is settling into life after peace talks in Korea. Pregnant, alone and unsure of her future, Elaine Reilly boards a train and experiences a chance encounter with a real life hero. Bud Tilden is heading back to his northwoods Wisconsin home and wants nothing more than to resume a gentler life among his family and the pines. Involvement with Elaine, run-ins with childhood nemesis Lloyd DeFoe and small town life in general complicate what should be the healing power of Mashkiki Rapids.