Category
- Art 1
- Bike Rides 7
- Boondocking 2
- Capitals 3
- Food on the Road 2
- Hikes & Trails 3
- History & Architecture 1
- History & Culture 8
- Kayaking 1
- Museum 1
- National Park 4
- Nature & Outdoors 17
- Photography 6
- Sculptures 1
- Shorelines & Water 1
- Travel Journal 19
- Van Life 38
- capitals 11
- hike 1
- historic sites 3
- parks 3
- photography 3
- trails 2
Pierre Capitol Tour and Prairie Homestead
My South Dakota day took me from the marble halls of the State Capitol in Pierre, to the underground world of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and finally to the Brown Homestead where pioneer life came alive. Three places, each with a very different story, but all part of South Dakota’s past.
Tour of Sioux Falls
A day in downtown Sioux Falls brought sculpture walks, historic quartzite landmarks, quirky café moments, and an unforgettable meal along the river before tucking in for the night.
Lewis & Clark Interprative Center
From the massive Garrison Dam to the reconstructed Fort Mandan, the day mixed history with a few surprises. At the Interpretive Center, I learned how the Mandan and Hidatsa sustained entire villages and saw Karl Bodmer’s artwork that brought their world to life. A Sioux guide at the fort shared stories of the Corps of Discovery, from daily routines to the “peace flags” they gave tribal leaders. Later in Bismarck, dinner across from a live wrestling match turned into some street photography before I ended the night at a quiet campsite on the water.
Knife River Indian Villages
Two reset days in Dickinson gave me time to regroup before heading north to Knife River Indian Villages. Walking among the mounds where Hidatsa earthlodges once stood, I could almost picture the families who lived here, farming, trading, and gathering along the rivers. The history was rich, the reconstructed lodge gave it shape, and the trails made it real. My day wrapped up with a not-so-smooth attempt to book a campsite at Lake Sakakawea.
RSL-3 Historic Missile Site
A rainy morning at Tetrault Lookout turned into an unexpected dive into Cold War history. On my way to the International Peace Garden, I stumbled across the RSL-3 Historic Missile Site—once part of the Minuteman program that kept America on edge during the nuclear standoff. Touring the underground silos and state-of-the-art radar systems was a glimpse into a world where missiles capable of Mach 10 speeds stood ready, armed with nuclear warheads designed to intercept incoming threats.
Minneapolis, MN - Capitol
Exploring Minneapolis brought a mix of history, art, and local charm. The day began with a tour of the Minnesota State Capitol, where gilded sculptures, mosaic floors, and a massive unsupported marble dome told the state’s story with bold symbolism. From there, the city’s creativity shone at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry—and inside the Walker Art Center, where free admission and unexpected conversations with locals made the visit memorable. Evening settled in with a smoky Lake Superior sunset, the perfect close to a day spent discovering Minnesota’s capital city.
Chippawa Falls and Leinenkugel Brewery
An afternoon walk through Chippewa Falls turned into a full day of small-town charm. From a tour of the historic Leinenkugel Brewery to a scoop of Dulce de Leche at Olson’s Ice Cream, the day was filled with unexpected moments. A stroll past century-old architecture led to reflections on the past, a fascinating historical plaque, and dinner to close out the day in classic Wisconsin style.
Wisconsin State Capitol-Madison
the Wisconsin State Capitol led to a stroll through the Monona Terrace, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a stop at the iconic Babcock Hall Dairy Store for a scoop of ice cream. Along the way, a conversation with a psychology student moonlighting as a wedding DJ, a hidden plaque honoring a local disability rights advocate, and a Liberty Bell replica added unexpected depth. One five-year-old summed it up best: the ultimate goal is to visit every ice cream shop in the world. Honestly, a goal worth chasing.
Green Bay Lambeau Field
After a quiet morning in JD’s backyard, I made my way to Green Bay for a deep dive into Packers history. From a classic Lambeau Field tour and an inspiring Hall of Fame visit to some local road wisdom and a no-frills overnight stop, the day blended football legacy, local flavor, and life on the road.