A Minnesota Summer Vacation: Lakes Included at No Extra Cost

Those privileged to live in the beautiful state already know that summer is one of the best times of year to vacation in Minnesota. With the over 10,000 lakes for which this state is given the title 'Land of 10,000 Lakes,' its border with Canada and Lake Superior, and the varied terrain and wilderness areas, Minnesota has a little something for every summer vacationer. In this article, you will read about three areas you may wish to sample when visiting the state.

The largest city complex in the state is the Twin Cities Metro area. Made up of Minneapolis and St. Paul and their many suburbs, the vacationer will find an activity sure to suit each member of the family. The person who enjoys theater, Minnesota's Twin Cities boasts of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul and the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis as well as a number of smaller performing groups. For those rainy days, a trip to the museum may be in order. For the children, the Science Museum of Minnesota is a wonderful and educational experience. There are so many activities in this museum that your children will not realize they are learning something along with the fun Just make sure you devote one full day to this. In addition, there is the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Walker Art Center as well as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a must-see in the evening. Pauline, in her Associated Content article "Great Things To Do With Kids in Minnesota ", gives some additional ideas to keep your young ones entertained. For shopping, the Mall of America is difficult to surpass, but in the suburbs are the four shopping centers, the Cities' first malls, known as the 'Dales': Ridgedale, Rosedale, Southdale, and Brookdale. For a touch of ethnicity, go shopping at the Midtown Global Market at 920 East Lake Street or Ten Thousand Villages at 867 Grand Avenue in St. Paul. The Twins Major League baseball team and the NFL Minnesota Vikings claim the Minnesota Metrodome as their home turf. Sports enthusiasts can get in to see the Twins in the summer and the Vikings starting in August. For the family desiring a little outdoor time, the Twin Cities has three larger lakes as well as smaller ones in outlying areas to form one-tenth of all the lake area of Minnesota. For a more detailed look at the larger three lakes, you may read Roxanne Skarphol's Associated Content article, "Minneapolis Lakes Offer a Retreat In the City".

Minnesota is not just the Twin Cities, though. Travel US Highway 61 up through Duluth and to the Canadian border to see Lake Superior in all its splendor. You might not want to go swimming along the North Shore except in those areas that the locals know are safe. The biggest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior has been known to have riptides when conditions are right. Park Point in Duluth has a beach with lifeguards during the summer. The mouth of the Baptism River past Silver Bay is another local swimming site, but this spot does not have lifeguards and is part of Tettegouche State Park. Be aware that even when the temperatures are in the high 90's, the lake may still be chilly enough to afford only a quick-in, quick-out experience. For those who wish to hike and/or bike, the Lake Walk, which begins at the Bayfront Park Pavilion and ends at London Road in Duluth, is three plus miles long. Along its route you will see the aerial lift bridge, maybe being there in time to see an ore boat or 'saltie' enter the Twin Ports under the bridge span. You will travel by the historic Fitger's complex, the building dating back to when Duluth had a brand name brewery. Proceed on to one of the most beautiful spots in this city, Leif Erickson Park and Rose Garden. The gazebo and garden area is the site for several wedding ceremonies. Eight state parks along the North Shore invite you with rivers and waterfalls, cliff views, agate beaches, trails, a historic lighthouse and a trading post, and always an inspiring view of Lake Superior. If you veer off Highway 61 at Grand Marais and drive up the 57-mile long Gunflint Trail you will end up at Gull Lake, the end of the trail. You are officially in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at this point. To paddle a canoe, camp overnight, and even hike some of the trails you must get permits. There are plenty of less-restricted places in the Superior National Forest which borders the BWCAW to the south where the visitor to Minnesota can hike, canoe, pick blueberries and raspberries, and camp.

A third area of Minnesota which may delight the summer visitor is the Bemidji area of north central Minnesota. In his article, "The Northern Woods of Minnesota: Land of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox", Norman A. Rubin explores the legend of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe and points out several spots named after this giant of a lumberjack. Bemidji is only about 100 miles from the Canadian border. Make sure to get your photo taken next to the 18-foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan and his companion Babe. The two have been standing in Bemidji since 1937. Also visit the statue of Chief Bemidji (Shay-now-ish-kung) in Library Park. Bemidji bills itself as the first city on the Mississippi River. No wonder, since this city is located very near the headwaters of the Mississippi, Lake Itasca. A favorite photo op is to wade into the shallow waters of the river very near the sign indicating where the headwaters begin. This is located within Itasca State Park, established in 1891 and Minnesota's oldest. The park has historic sites as well as seventeen miles of bike trails. If you intend to camp at Itasca State Park during the summer you should plan to get reservations since this park's campground is very popular and fills up fast. Lake Bemidji State Park is in this area also as well as state forest land, the Chippewa National Forest, and 400 lakes on which to fish, boat, and swim. Lake Bemidji State Park features a 1200-foot bog boardwalk, a swimming beach, and pontoon boat tours with a naturalist. The Chippewa National Forest is the oldest national forest in the United States. It contains bald eagle nesting grounds, and Rabideau Camp, the last of three remaining CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camps that have been preserved by the National Forest Service. About a quarter of all of Minnesota's waters are in the Bemidji area so there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy your favorite outdoor recreation.

A summer vacation in Minnesota offers a relaxing and fun time for every taste.