Amazing Travel Adventures – Minnesota

Gooseberry Falls is located in, you guessed it, Gooseberry Falls State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Discover within the park a gorge formed by the Gooseberry River, waterfalls (upper, middle and lower Gooseberry Falls), picnic places (the Picnic Flow was formed by ancient lava and is a must see) and so much more to explore.

The visitor’s center is a great starting point and offers parking, a nature store, park information including maps and so much more. Click here to start planning your Gooseberry getaway.

Iona’s Beach is a hidden gem located on Lake Superior. You’ll know you ae there when you see smooth pink rocks of sand. Why am I telling you to visit a beach of rocks? If you know when to listen, the beach sings.

After a wave comes onto shore and moves the rocks, when they resettle, they sing! Okay, maybe its more of a tinkling, but you could call it singing. If you know of Minnesota, you know it is the Land of 10,000 Lakes and now you know one of its beaches sing! For history, hours, maps and more click here.

Lake Minnetonka is an inland lake located west of Minneapolis and cover over 14,000 acres with over 120 miles of shoreline. The area offers a place for fishing and swimming, and boating. They had me at boating. A day on the water is always a great day.

Or in the water?! Remember in the movie “When Doves Cry” Prince tells Apollonia she needs to purify herself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka? She jumps into the wrong lake but I think all ended well for the both of them anyway. Prince’s Paisley Park is less than 30 minutes from Lake Minnetonka and offers a glimpse into his creative process and his creative life.

Minnehana Falls is located within Minnehaha Park located within Minneapolis. It is one of the oldest parks in Minneapolis. I love urban parks but I especially love urban waterfalls! The Park covers over 160 acres and is divided into an upper and lower section. The upper section offers grassy knolls with a city park vibe. The lower section is a more natural, well maintained but more natural. Rocks and trails and not a whole lot of picnic places. For amenities, history, hours and more click here.

Niagara Cave is located in Harmony, Minnesota. This amazing work of Mother Nature first opened its doors for tours in 1934. If you are a lover of limestone, waterfalls and fossils than this is a must see for you. The caves descend almost 200 feet and is accessible by stairs. Lots of stairs. Bring comfortable shoes and a jacket. The deeper you go the colder it gets.

My knees and stairs really don’t like each other, but to see breathtaking views, million year old fossils and a 60 foot underground waterfall the climb is worth it. Your knees won’t be too mad at you. To learn more and schedule your tour click here.

Paul Bunyan, the man, the myth, the legend and the ox. The man. Paul Bunyan and his best friend, Babe the Blue Ox, made their debut during Bemidjii’s winter carnival in 1937. The myth. Taking your photo with Paul Buyan will give you increased strength and speed. The legend. The 10,000 lakes in Minnesota were created by Paul Bunyan’s footprints, which later filled in with water, as he explored the area. The Ox. Babe the Blue Ox was Paul Bunyan’s first birthday present.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is 115 miles long, and is the longest paved trail in the country. Fresh air, don’t care. The Blue Ox Trail is over 70 miles long, and is unpaved and is best for snowmobiling and off road vehicle use. Lakes, trails, and legends!

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located on the Northern Shore of Lake Superior. The Park is the home of Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. You can see by the photo why! Beautiful!

This region has a deadly history which caused the creation of the lighthouse completed in 1910. The lighthouse charges a fee for a tour inside, I think its worth it. I love history, architecture and breathtaking views. Click here to learn more and start planning your Amazing Travel Adventure lighthouse style.

I come by my love of bridges honestly. Growing up in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, means there are bridges, bridges everywhere. The Stone Arch Bridge was built in 1883 as a railroad bridge used in crossing the Mississippi River. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River. The bridge, 2100 feet long, is now used by pedestrians and bicycles to explore and enjoy the views of downtown Minneapolis.

The Stone Arch Bridge is a part of the Minneapolis River Walk. The walk is along the Mississippi River and offers some of the best entertainment, restaurants, theaters and more. The Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St Paul) have more theaters per capita than any other city. Yes, New York, even more than you!

Weisman Art Museum is located in Minneapolis, on the campus of University of Minnesota. The museum was founded in 1934 as the University Gallery. Several exhibitions are offered each year presenting the ideas of multi-disciplinary projects to national and international attendees.

The University of Minnesota is a public university founded in 1851 on the banks of the Mississippi River. The university has over 20 different sports teams with it’s Men’s Basketball team in the Top 10 for their conference this year. For the love of basketball! Get your tickets here.