Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Gooseberry Falls & Split Rock Lighthouse
A smoky sunrise over Lake Superior kicked off a slow Sunday along Minnesota’s North Shore. From a quiet riverside overnight near French River to scenic hikes at Gooseberry Falls and golden-hour photography at Split Rock Lighthouse, the day unfolded with good food, helpful park rangers, and a perfectly quiet night beside an old steam engine in Two Harbors.
Kayaking and River Boat Tour
A full day on the St. Croix River began with a peaceful seven‑mile solo kayak trip past shaded banks, wildlife, and remote campsites accessible only by water, capped by an engaging conversation with a park ranger about the riverway’s challenges and beauty. The afternoon shifted to the Taylors Falls Princess for an 80‑minute scenic paddleboat cruise through billion‑year‑old basalt cliffs, glacial potholes, and legendary rock formations, followed by a nostalgic burger‑and‑shake stop at The Drive‑In—a local staple since 1956.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness
I spent time exploring the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — one of the Midwest’s last true wilderness areas. From hiking the rugged trails down to Mirror Lake and spotting wild mushrooms along the way, to scrambling down rocks for a closer look at Nawadaha Falls, it was a day full of solitude, damp forest air, and quiet moments deep in the woods.