Читать книгу Minnesota Day Trips by Theme - Mary M. Bauer - Страница 50

Midwest Motorcycle, 215 Washington Avenue North; 888-237-5853; 612-338-5345; www.midwestmotorcycle.com. (Downtown Minneapolis in the heart of the Warehouse District.) Motorcycle endorsement must appear on your driver’s license to rent.

Who among us has not wanted to feel wild and completely free? Get away from the grind by renting a weekend of freedom at Midwest Motorcycle. Straddle that powerful Harley and crank up the gas, because you’re heading 200 miles north to the birthplace of something even more mighty than the beast between your legs: the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park (Minnesota’s oldest state park). The main park entrance is 23 miles north of Park Rapids on Highway 71. The headwaters area is north and west of the east entrance off Park Drive.

It’s at Itasca State Park that the Mississippi River begins her winding journey of more than 2,500 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Steppingstones cross over her humble beginnings. Spend some time hiking about 50 miles of trails through a virgin pine forest that boasts the state’s tallest White Pine. The park also has two visitor centers, three gift shops, a 100-foot fire tower you can climb and year-round programs, including guided walks and boat tours. Bike, boat, canoe, snowshoe and kayak rental available. Reserve lodging and camping well in advance by calling the State Park Reservation System at 866-85PARKS (866-857-2757) or www.stayatmnparks.com.

While in the area, eat at the historic Douglas Lodge (218-266-2122), located near the park’s east entrance. Open Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday in October. Decidedly Minnesotan, the menu includes such mainstays as wild rice soup and walleye. Wash down the meal with a nice bottle of wine—a Minnesota vintage, of course.

If you’re looking for some evening entertainment, cruise on over to the Woodtick Musical Theater at the junction of Highways 34 & 64 in downtown Akeley (roughly a 40-mile drive). Enjoy two lively hours of country, gospel and bluegrass music and comedy routines. Mid-Jun through mid-Sep, W–Sa. Fee charged. Call 800-644-6892 for reservations or 218-652-4200 for information, or visit www.woodtick-theater.com.

Return to the Twin Cities via the Great River Road as it follows the Mississippi River between Itasca State Park and Little Falls. Travel the 200 miles through Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Aitkin and Brainerd. Watch for signs. NOTE: With all of the thick hardwood forests, the Great River Road is also a designated route for viewing fall color.

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If you have the time, head north of Itasca State Park to Bemidji. Have your picture taken next to huge statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, or any of the many sculptures along the waterfront. • Lake Bemidji State Park is 5 miles north of town on County 21, then 2 miles east on Highway 20, and worth your trip. You’ll find naturalist programs, a boardwalk through a bog with insect-eating pitcher plants, miles of wooded trails and a swimming beach. The Showy Lady’s Slipper (Minnesota’s state flower) is in bloom from early June to early July. • The 32-mile Scenic Byway County 39 runs between Blackduck and Cass Lake. Star Island (accessible by boat only) sits smack-dab in the middle of Cass Lake. The nearly 1,200-acre island is a mecca for Bald Eagles and boasts its own 195-acre lake, Lake Windigo—forming “a lake within an island within a lake.” Say what?