Trek across Minnesota

6/22/25 - A scenic, but uneventful drive from Java, South Dakota, to Peaceful Valley Campground (it was!) about 1 hour south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. We got in close to dark and didn't do much.

6/23/25 - We drove to St. Paul for an 11am tour of the MN state capitol. It was a beautiful building.

In front of the Minnesota State Capitol

1/3 of the tribute in front of the House chambers, for Melissa Hortman, who was shot the weekend before our visit (along with her husband and 2 other state representatives)

Our next stop was Paisley Park  (the place Prince built in 1987) on the outskirts of Minneapolis.

We had a 1.5 hour tour of the recording studios, common areas, and large rooms where he held parties. Although it was also his home, our guide didn't take us to those areas. Pat really enjoyed it. I felt like the tour didn't share enough of his personal life (just his music career). Plus, we weren't able to bring our phones (or smartwatches) in. I HATE when I can't take pictures!!

We ended the day in St. Peter where our Green Bay neighbor opened a microbrewery.

Greg Melchoir was out of town but Pat knew one of the other two partners and helped him troubleshoot an electrical issue. We were right next to a laundromat so I was able to drink beer between laundry tasks! Pat said he had a nice birthday day!!

6/24/25 - We finished our trek across Minnesota by driving another 7 hours to the northeast tip. After Duluth, we drove along Hwy 61 and the GuideAlong audio guide had a "Lake Superior North Shore" tour that allowed us to learn many interesting things about the area.

GuideAlong's "Guide Guy" took us to a popular smoked fish store. Per my dad's recommendation, we bought some smoked whitefish which we enjoyed.

Guide Guy also pointed out "Chuck's Sculpture Yard". Zoom in to look at the junk!

We saw lots of beautiful scenery on the drive

We had a beautiful spot overlooking Lake Superior in Grand Portage, MN.

On 6/25/25 we will catch a ferry to Isle Royale National Park (which is actually part of Michigan).

I'm not sure when my next post will be since we will be in some remote locations: Isle Royale and then driving along the north shore of Lake Superior (through Ontario, Canada).