We're planning our trip for next summer - probably in early September. We hope to spend time visiting Minnesota and Wisconsin having never been in either state. We hate returning home and discovering we were so very close to something we'll wish we had visited. We will definitely visit the Walker in Minneapolis, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Dells and Door County - but then everyone knows about them. Are there other sites you've seen that you would consider a "Must See"?? We really like places of historical significance and architectural interest. We would appreciate anything you have to offer and will continue doing our own research. Thanks for any efforts you have to offer. We will gladly accept suggestions for comfortable (quiet) campgrounds also.
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2007 25' Airstream International SS OB
2004 Nissan Armada
Equalizer hitch
Prodigy brake control "It's better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool Than to open it and remove all doubt."
Personally, I think the north shore area of MN is one of the nicest parts of the state. Starting in Duluth, go north east along the shore of lake superior as far as you want to go. The drive is really beautiful and there is plenty to keep you occupied. The split rock lighthouse is a pretty neat stop as is gooseberry falls SP.
In September, you will likely be a little early for fall colors, but you might get lucky and find the leaves turning towards the end of the month.
September is also prime time for apples... There are several orchards in the southern part of the state within an hour or two of the twin cities. You will probably find some varieties that you don't see anywhere else.
You will also find lots of cheese in Wisconsin and south east MN. Almost all of it is at least "good". Some of it falls into the "great" category.
I wish I could help with camping suggestions. When we lived there, I didn't have an airstream (or any RV in fact). We didn't do any camping back then.
We are planning to pass through MN the last week of August next year though, so if I find anything really nice, I will try and dig up this thread to let you know.
It isn't too difficult to find a number of things to do in Southwest Wisconsin. There is a wide variety of architecture and a number of interesting museums, etc.
Good luck with your planning!
Kevin
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Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
We will definitely visit the Walker in Minneapolis, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Dells and Door County
Well, the Walker doesn't impress me too much. One of those places that the obligatory glass of wine is required to enjoy. In fact, they have to extort the money from us to support the thing.
We love Door County and go there every October. Duluth is a great place to visit, as are Ely and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Duluth has great museums.
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AKA THE GUNNER There is no "I" in the word "team," but there are four in "Platitude Quoting Idiot!"
I would definately say the north shore of Lake Superior. If you head due north on hwy 2 from Two Harbors for about 15-20 miles, then west (it's been years, can't remember road names) to the Rollins, Brimson, Fairbanks, Toimi area you will love it . There are a couple of camp grounds near there, one is on Indian Lake at Brimson. Pretty rustic, but spotless, like most of the Superior National Forest.
The Fall Lake Campgroung in the Boundary Waters Area is rated as one of the best in the nation. We have stayed there and loved it. Gotta love the outdoors though.
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AKA THE GUNNER There is no "I" in the word "team," but there are four in "Platitude Quoting Idiot!"
Our favorite trek takes us up the North Shore Drive (Hwy 61) from Duluth to Grand Marais. You'll find lots of interest in Duluth before ever heading up the Shore Drive. Good places to eat, usually a festival going on down on the lake front, the lifting bridge that leads to the long (take your time and gawk all you want along the way) residential drive out the spit of land near down town (can't remember the name of the drive ) On the drive up the North Shore, you'll be able to stop at many state parks, all deserving a visit. Two Harbors is a great little community with a delightful walk all around the harbor. And Grand Marais has been a favorite family destination of ours for over 25 years! Hiking, kayaking, camping, all abound up here. From Grand Marais, you can continue up 61 to the Ojibway Reservation, Grand Portage, history to be learned here, and on into Canada if you choose--a drive with incredible scenic beauty. We like to turn up the Gunflint Trail which leads into the wilderness areas, studded with many lovely lakes, friendly resorts and outfitters, including some places where you can stop for a snack or have a gourmet northwoods dinner--and occasionally see a moose, bear, or very rarely a wolf. You can continue this drive all the way to the end of the trail on Lake Saganaga which shares shoreline with Canada and the US. Beautiful beautiful country. Hope you go and enjoy all you find to do!
__________________ maxandgeorgia 1995 Airstream Classic Limited 30' ~ Gypsy Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison, 4X4, Crew Cab WBCCI #5013 AIR #2908 WDCU Go, Mizzou...Tigers on the prowl!
Having grown up in southwest Wisconsin...The Brewing Museum in Potosi would be interesting (although I havent been there yet). The Mining Museum in Platteville...If youre planning to go to MN, the Apostle Islands in north west WI, arent far from MN.
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I can't believe that two states the size of WI and MN have nothing more to offer! I've read of a couple of interesting places to visit and, of course, the drive along the north shore. We were thinking of spending two or three weeks but it doesn't sound like there is three weeks of visiting in the two states. I'm surprised that no more can be mentioned of interest to see. Is there nothing else??
I'll let you know after we've been there for an extended visit next summer - maybe we should plan to go elswhere for our trip.
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2007 25' Airstream International SS OB
2004 Nissan Armada
Equalizer hitch
Prodigy brake control "It's better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool Than to open it and remove all doubt."
I have a friend from Brainard, Minn and he says there is nowhere better to visit. I watched a special on tv on gangstres and Machine Gun Kelly and the gang robbed a bank in Brainard.
Take care
We've been thinking of a trip next year to Minn, Wis., and Mich. since I've never been to any of them and Barb has only been to Minneapolis. The we could swing by Jackson Center to get some things done. If that trip happens, we'll only have Hawaii left and I guess we can put an outboard on the Safari and go there.
A friend really liked the boundary waters though when camping via canoe he was stalked by a bear (he seems to attract bears and we don't want to go camping with him). We have traveled along the Ontario side of Lake Superior and it is well worth seeing and I'm sure the Minn. and Mich. side is beautiful too. I've read about some beautiful areas in the north of these states. Some friends went to Wisconsin and Minn. last year and enjoyed themselves.
Pilgrim, why don't you get some travel books on the area—we find Frommer's to be pretty good, though the 2009 editions won't be out for a while (sometimes they only come out every 2 years anyway). There are plenty of others plus AAA Tour books. We have found it well worth to buy some of those books to learn about the places in some depth so we don't waste a trip. Even though it may cost $40-60 for several books, information makes the trip better. And if you run out of things to do, you can park by the Lake and do nothing for a couple of days.
a cool historic place to visit would be Fort Snelling, towards the south end of the cities. It is a busy area as far as traffic is concerned, but a great historic site to learn about.
The above places are pretty to visit. If you do head up to the boundry waters or to Duluth, you can look into the Iron range near Virginia MN. Some cool sites there about the history of mining for iron ore and some large, I mean large machinery. If your into hockey, the hockey hall of fame is in Eveleth (town next to Virginia).
Those are a couple more ideas. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
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) On the drive up the North Shore, you'll be able to stop at many state parks, all deserving a visit. Two Harbors is a great little community with a delightful walk all around the harbor. And Grand Marais has been a favorite family destination of ours for over 25 years! Hiking, kayaking, camping, all abound up here. From Grand Marais, you can continue up 61 to the Ojibway Reservation, Grand Portage, history to be learned here, and on into Canada if you choose--a drive with incredible scenic beauty. We like to turn up the Gunflint Trail which leads into the wilderness areas, studded with many lovely lakes, friendly resorts and outfitters, including some places where you can stop for a snack or have a gourmet northwoods dinner--and occasionally see a moose, bear, or very rarely a wolf. You can continue this drive all the way to the end of the trail on Lake Saganaga which shares shoreline with Canada and the US. Beautiful beautiful country. Hope you go and enjoy all you find to do!
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