Multi-generation trip to MN in Aug.

Old Jan 17th, 2006, 05:50 AM
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Multi-generation trip to MN in Aug.

We've been in the midwest several years and always try to head "up north" in August for 3-4 days of R&R in a nice area. We've already been to Door County, WI and the Mackinac Island, MI area (enjoyed both!). We've never been to MN (as adults) and would like to go there with grandparents & children. Any suggestions on a lake area? A rental house or condo would be great. Bike riding, shops, some nearby entertainment would be fun, but not required. Is something like that possible around Minneapolis or south? Drive time is a bit of an issue, so that's why I'm not asking about Northern MN in this post. Thanks!
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Old Jan 17th, 2006, 06:26 AM
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Minnesota is kind of a divided state. While there are lovely areas north of MSP and the rugged north shore in the northeast, there's not a lot south of the Twin Cities. An exception would be the river towns along the Mississippi, which can be cute (something appreciated more by adults).

South, you'll generally find a lot of flat, soybean fields. For the iconic ``Up North'' lakes country you need to drive a couple of hours north. Much of southern Minnesota is more like northern Iowa -- great for farming, but not really a hot vacation destination.

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Old Jan 17th, 2006, 06:44 AM
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Repete is right about southern MN. For that matter, northern MN is becoming more and more built up as people from the Cities extend the distance they're willing to drive for the weekend. If you're committed to staying south of Mpls, I think you're best off looking at the Lake Pepin area, which isn't really a lake, just a really wide spot in the Mississippi River.
 
Old Jan 17th, 2006, 06:57 AM
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The closest lake resort area would be the Brainerd or Alexandria areas which are in north central MN. Brainard has the true feel of the MN lakes and woods country. I also agree with repete. Southern MN is the same as Iowa only with smarter people.
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Old Jan 17th, 2006, 09:45 AM
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Well - that sounds about as exciting as what we're coming from in IL. I guess we need to head further north. If anyone has suggestions on destinations up further, I'd love to hear them (along with an idea of how much more driving would be involved from MSP). Thank you!
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Old Jan 18th, 2006, 08:57 AM
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Another great lake resort area which is even more wooded with pine trees is Walker. An hour north of Brainerd and about three hours north of MSP.

BTW, I have vacationed at all three of the areas which I have suggested. The further north you go the more you will experience the north woods forests. Do you remember the movie "On Golden Pond"?
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Old Jan 18th, 2006, 07:42 PM
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I love the Park Rapids area because you get lakes, pine trees and the headwaters of the Mississippi. Our family has rented cabins and camped at Itasca State Park. There are spotlessly clean rustic log cabins in the park; we rented 3 in a row for a multigenerational weekend and had a great time. Check the MN State Parks website. We saw ladyslippers blooming and saw & heard loons and swam at the sand beach and waded the headwaters. Be warned; there was a fair amount of poison ivy in the park so stay on trails if you go. Have Fun! We also love the town of Grand Marais on the north shore of Lake Superior.
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Old Jan 18th, 2006, 09:08 PM
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We also love Grand Marais and the North Shore but if it is too much of a drive I would think somewhere along the Mississippi River or St Croix River would be nice. Stillwater and the surrounding Area is nice and it is fun down in Red Wing and Wabasha and Lake City. We have stayed at B & B's in Red Wing and Lake City and had a great time. Also love the area around Stillwater. Lots of restauarants, shops (especially antiques) and lots of other attractions and you are also on the river. But the North Sore can't be beat if you want to go farther.
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Old Jan 18th, 2006, 10:29 PM
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I hesitate to suggest it, what with all the smarter Minnesotans on this thread, but you might want to check out Okoboji in northwest Iowa.

Just Google "Okoboji" and you'll find a lot of information. It's exactly what you describe: bike riding, neat little boutiques, a classic old amusement park on the lake, some small museums, professional summer stock theatre, boat-up bars and restaurants and excursion cruises, if that's your thing, state parks, etc.
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Old Jan 18th, 2006, 10:30 PM
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Oh, and five good-sized lakes with dozens of smaller ones in the area.
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Old Jan 18th, 2006, 10:32 PM
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Eek! Too dumb to smiley my catty "smarter" remark!

And there are many, many 18-hole championship golf courses as well - one played annually by the LPGA.
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Old Jan 19th, 2006, 11:45 AM
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Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'll break out my map and do a little research!
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Old Jan 19th, 2006, 07:22 PM
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here's a classic Minny family resort in an area (the brainerd area) with many:

http://www.craguns.com/resort_map/index.html

A few others are Madden's and Ruttgers and there are plenty of options. Great cabins near the beach. Although it's north of MSP, it's actually more central Minny than north.

Meanwhile to ''catty'' Worktowonder: I can think of a few jokes here (and, wonderfully, they go both ways across the border), but we'll save that for another day.
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Old Jan 19th, 2006, 07:33 PM
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try Grandview Lodge and Resort in Brainerd--great golf, tennis, kids programs and even a Spa
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Old Jan 29th, 2006, 06:00 AM
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We spent many summers at Kavanaughs resort in Brainerd. It is close to Maddens and Cragans, two extrememly large resorts, but it is much smaller with very nice accommodations. From what I have seen at the two larger resorts, Kavanaughs has much nicer rooms and kitchen facilities. But to be fair, I haven't been in a unti at either of the two larger resorts for about 10 years. Kavanaughs is a family owned resort that is on one of the cleanest lakes in MN. It is a small lake but good for fishing and watersports. The resort has two very nice beaches. Cragans and Maddens are on Gull lake - a huge lake. We are from the Mpls. area and always thought that when we entered the Brainerd area, we were entering God's country. I know there are some cabins in the Annandale area which is much closer to Mpls., but I don't know if there are resorts there. You may want to do a search and see if there is a private owner who is interested in renting their cabin.
If you want more of an active vacation, you may want to consider getting a unit at a hotel right in the Mpls area. There are several accross from the Mall of America in Bloomington that are really quite reasonable. Then you are right across the street to the light rail if you want to use it. The Uptown area around lake Calhoun is interesting. I, personlly, won't swim in Lake Calhoun but many people do. You didn't mention what ages your children are. If they aren't teenagers they may not enjoy it. The MN Zoo (in Apple Valley) is great for all ages. I think the admission charge is about $9.00. There is also an Omni Theatre there for an additional charge. Plan for a full day there to see everything. A smaller zoo - Como Park Zoo (in St. Paul)-is very enjoyable too. Plan for 1/2 day there with no admission charge. There is a very beautiful conservatory there (no charge)and some rides for smaller children. You can't go far without being near a Lake but most lakes have private homes - not rentals. There are always public beaches on the lakes.
The is a small town outside of Mpls. (about 15 miles) on the western side called Excelsior. I think it still has a bed and breakfast there (another search would be needed). It is on Lake Minnetonka, one of the largest lakes in the Mpls/suburban area. It has a small interesting mainstreet with trendy/expensive shops. There are several good restaurants within walking distance from downtown Excelsior that are located on the lake. There's a lot of outdoor eating areas at the restaurants. There is one movie theatre. You can go for a cruise on the lake - dinner or just afternnon cruise. This is where the MN Vikings had there infamous sex cruise last summer. We love this lake - it's where we go boating all summer. I think there is a place where you can rent boats. However, I wouldn't do it if you aren't experienced driving a boat and understand the traffic lanes. Lake Minnetonka is extrememly large and you should have a lake map and cell phone if you get lost. In August the water is a little mucky, but still OK to swim in . You need to be "up North" to have pristine water in August. This is probably far more information than you wanted. I hope you enjoy your trip.
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Old Jan 29th, 2006, 06:22 AM
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Thanks dkaymarie! You've given me a lot of other ideas to look into.
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Old Jan 29th, 2006, 08:00 AM
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I realize you asked about Minnesota, but in looking at the well-developed tourism destinations that you cite of Door County and Mackinac Island and the drive time issue, I couldn't help but think you might enjoy the Minocqua, Wisconsin area. Here's a link to some options on the lodging side:

http://www.minocqua.org/?pg=lodging&clearsearch=yes

If you are coming from the Chicago area, the drive time would be between five and six hours.
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Old Mar 30th, 2006, 05:42 AM
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What about the Pelican Rapids area of Minnesota. Seems to be Mn's best kept secret. Otter Tail County has over 1040 lakes! It is just beautiful here with rolling hills, abundance of trees and lakes, a huge state park that offers horse back riding trails, biking, hiking and fishing. The small towns offer unique shopping, friendly people and it isn't as crowded as Brainerd gets these days. I moved to Pelican Rapids after looking into areas near Walker, Brainerd and Several in Wisc... after living in Mankato, Mn all my life this is a nice change of pace and will never regret this decision. My husband and I bought a motel in Pelican Rapids and have been working all winter on sprucing it up. We are not more than three hours from the Twin Cities area. Give this part of Mn. a look, I know you won't regret it!
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Old Apr 4th, 2006, 10:54 AM
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menk, you forgot to say or didn't know that Pelican Lake near Pelican Rapids has the highest water quality of any of the 1040 lakes. We went fishing there once. It was beautiful and we also saw the most expensive new lake home in MN. The $34 million mansion on the point. It is more fabulous than the Arron Spelling Mansion in California. He knows a good lake when he sees one!
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