Fergus Falls, MN
A rainy start led me to discover Fergus Falls from the inside out—coffee at a Main Street café, a quiet river walk, and a surprising kinetic sculpture by a local artist. By afternoon the skies cleared, and the drive back to Alexandria turned into a photographer’s dream.
Drive To Alexandria, MN
A day that was supposed to be filled with hiking and small-town stops along the Otter Trail Scenic Byway turned into a rain-soaked journey of quiet lakes, odd encounters, and booming thunderstorms. From the peaceful headwaters of the Mississippi to a suspicious stare-down at a country church, the road south to Alexandria was anything but ordinary.
Northwest Angle to the Headwaters of the Mississippi
From the quiet sunrise over a mist-covered lake to the winding roads lined with sunflowers, the journey south from the Northwest Angle to Itasca State Park blended small-town charm with sweeping rural scenery. Stops included a visit to the northernmost post office in the lower 48, the quirky border check-in at Jim’s Corner, and photo-worthy relics of farmsteads past. At Itasca, Minnesota’s oldest state park, the 20-mile bike loop revealed a mix of towering pines, shimmering lakes, marshes alive with dragonflies, and rolling hardwood forests. The day ended at the headwaters of the Mississippi, where a modest stream slips quietly from Lake Itasca, beginning its long journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
Visit Angle Inlet
Reaching Angle Inlet—the only spot in the contiguous U.S. you have to enter through Canada to visit—meant a long day of driving, a Canadian border inspection, and a dirt-road finale. I stayed at Prothero’s Post Resort on the shores of Lake of the Woods, where a sudden storm gave way to golden evening light. Between helping drenched fishermen dock their boat and swapping political views with another guest, I experienced the quirky charm and rugged beauty of this remote outpost at the far edge of the map.
A Day in Grand Marais
A day on Minnesota’s North Shore brought roaring rivers, billion-year-old cliffs, and the artsy harbor town of Grand Marais. Between museum history lessons, unexpected conversations, and the best pizza I’ve had in years, it was a mix of natural beauty, small-town charm, and quirky encounters—wrapped up with a traffic jam at the gas pump.
Cascade River State Park Loop
The Lookout Mountain Loop in Cascade River State Park delivered a three-mile mix of waterfalls, volcanic rock outcrops, wildflowers, and berry-dotted undergrowth. The trail began beneath a cool birch and spruce canopy, crossing a bridge with sweeping views of the rushing Cascade River before winding along rocky ledges and down narrow paths to the water’s edge. A steady climb led to hazy vistas of the Sawtooth Mountains, where ridgelines faded into the horizon like layers of watercolor. Even without clear views of Lake Superior, the variety of terrain and quiet forest beauty made the hike deeply rewarding.
Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail
Waking up beside a massive steam locomotive in Two Harbors, Minnesota, set the tone for a day steeped in history and scenery. Agate Bay’s skyline was dominated by the towering Iron Ore Docks—over 1,300 feet long and nearly seven stories high—a powerful relic of the region’s mining heritage. Across the bay, the 1892 Two Harbors Lighthouse kept watch, still guiding ships on Lake Superior. After a coffee stop at Cedar Coffee Company, tucked away on a dirt road outside town, the day shifted to cycling the hilly Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Scenic lake views, rugged shoreline, and a chance encounter with a family bound for Vermont framed the ride, as rain clouds rolled in over Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. By evening, the rain had settled in for the night.
Exploring Fish Creek, WI
A full day exploring Fish Creek, WI—from panoramic views atop Eagle Tower to a rain-soaked boat tour, coffee and dad jokes at Blue Horse Café, a delicious dinner, and an unforgettable Wailin’ Jennys concert. This charming Door County Wisconsin town offers natural beauty, local flavor, and friendly conversations at every turn.
Ride to Gills Rock
I rode my gravel bike from Peninsula State Park up to Gills Rock at the northern tip of Door County. The route hugged the shore of Green Bay, passing through quiet towns, wooded stretches, and scenic farm country. It was mostly a peaceful, rewarding ride with views that kept pulling me off the road to take photos.
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.
Cycling Madeline Island
I started the day in the woods near Bayfield with a maple-syrup-heavy breakfast, caught the ferry to Madeline Island, and biked 33 miles through sun, gravel, and quiet roads. Along the way, I met fellow cyclists, visited sacred Ojibwe sites, explored La Pointe, and ended the day with a black-bean burger, live music, and a sunset ferry ride back to Bayfield. Tired, dusty, and happy, I rolled back to my quiet pull-off in the woods and crashed hard.
Tucked Away in Hiawatha National Forest
A quiet day deep in the Hiawatha National Forest, catching up on photos, swatting mosquitoes, and enjoying the freedom of boondocking with a side of salmon and solitude.
Exploring Lansing: Statehouse, Pokémon Hunts, and Live Music
A quiet Saturday morning in Lansing turned into a day full of surprises — from photographing the historic State Capitol and chatting with Pokémon hunters to connecting with fellow van lifers and soaking up Detroit music under an open sky. All made possible thanks to the kindness of my amazing Harvest Hosts, Ari and Jessi.