Lauradublin

Hi all,

Many thanks for all the suggestions that I have received for planning my trip this May. I now have everything worked out and would love some feedback.

Arrive St. Paul - Minnesota @ 1843
St. Paul/Minnesota - 3 days/4 nights
Grand Marais - 1 day/2 nights
Ely - 1 day/1 night
Eau Claire - 1 day/2 nights
Madison- 1 day/2 nights
La Crosse- 1 day/2 nights
Red Wing
Dept Minneapolis @ 1355

I plan to visit the bear and wolf sanctuaries in Ely and visit the Amish areas too as well as Pepin to see the home of Laura Ingles Wilder. I also plan to see the Eagles at Wabasha. I would have loved to get to Milwaukee but just don't think I will fit it in this trip.
Many thanks again, Laura

Lauradublin

I'd also love to hear any restaurant recommendations too!

Laura

tom_mn

There are a lot of Amish areas around Kickapoo Valley Reserve

http://kvr.state.wi.us/category.asp?...=947&locid=115

Driving up from Duluth stop at the Scenic Cafe south of Two Harbors on the lake. Other stops for hikes: Goosebery Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Palisade head, Lutsen Resort for a meal.

I would not trek all the way to Ely since it adds a lot of driving. You could easily visit the canoe areas from Grand Marais and Ely is just more of the same.

You I suggest spending a night or two in Duluth or Hayward and not in Eau Claire.

Lauradublin

Thanks for the response Tom - the reason I'm going to Ely is to see the wolf and bear sanctuaries. I haven't noticed anywhere else that I could see wolves and bears.

Thanks, Laura

tom_mn

OK about Ely, I still suggest that you drop Eau Claire and substitute Duluth, it's just over 5 hours from Duluth to Madison, all divided highway. There's really nothing much to see in Eau Claire.

ronko

Stop by Prairie du Sac on your way to Madison - visit the Wollersheim Winery -- also, see the eagles - they are abundant in the area.

tom_mn

Just to summarize: Your prettiest drives will be from Duluth to Grand Marais and from wherever you cross the Wisconsin River to Red Wing. Dullest drive will be from Minneapolis to Duluth.

Some nice spots along Lake Superior:
Gooseberry Falls http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1901901
Split Rock Lighthouse http://photos.igougo.com/images/p213...Lighthouse.jpg
Palisade Head http://www.ejphoto.com/images_MN/MN_PalisadeHead01.jpg
Shovel Poiint trail (@ Tettegouche SP) http://www.allminnesota.com/phototri...gouche2/07.jpg

Other background items of interest:
Under a Flaming Sky is a gripping read http://www.amazon.com/Under-Flaming-...0129814&sr=8-1
Tales of the Road is a fun DVD on a part of your trip, but I doubt it would play on a European DVD player
http://www.talesoftheroad.net/

ChiDad

For your one day in Madison I would suggest seeing/touring the Capital, walking down State Street to the University and sitting out on the terrace at the Union.

For meals have breakfast at Marigold's, lunch at The Old Fashioned, a drink at Brocach, the Irish pub/restaurant on the Square, dinner at Etoile, Harvest, Tornado Room or Magnus (if you are willing to spend $35-60 for a nice dinner). Lots of other great choices at lower price points you can find at www.thedailypage.com

Sounds like a great trip. Enjoy.