I've already posted two threads about the North Shore, gotten great responses and made our reservation for there. Since I'm estimating the drive back to the western suburbs to be around 10 hours (does that sound right?), we thought we'd break it up and stay somewhere on the way home.

I could, of course, just look at a map and estimate a half-way point. But I thought I'd see if anyone has suggestions for a nice stopping point. It doesn't have to be half-way, in fact, a little closer to home than the North Shore would be great. But something scenic would be nice. And somewhere where we can fairly easily find an inexpensive hotel/motel and a good, casual place to eat.

I'm thinking maybe somewhere along the Mississippi? But we're open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks!

CAPH52, I am also heading from the northern portion of Minnesota to the western burbs of Chicago. My drive is estimated at 8 hours, why spend the night in a hotel? The drive can easily be done in one day.

Have you made the drive before, jbsgirl? I haven't. But my understanding has always been that it's about an 8 hour drive to Minneapolis. And we're going to be at least two hours farther north.

Spend the night in Minneapolis and then make the 8 hour drive to Chicago.

Depending on exactly where along the North Shore you are it very well might take 9-10 hours. I've done a similar drive to Chicago in a day and if you have the time, staying at a hotel along the way sounds fine.

Minneapolis or St Paul would be a decent choice.

Or you could detour a bit to Stillwater. It's a cute little town with plenty of shops, restaurants, etc and is along the river between MN and WI.

Have fun

Thanks, TC and wontan!

Mapquest puts it at 9 hours 46 minutes. And that, of course, is without stops to eat, etc. Since it's a vacation and we have the extra day, we'd rather split the drive.

Might check out Winona, MN, LaCrosse and/or Prairie du Chien, WI.

FWIW: Chicago - Twin Cities is 400 mi (6+ hrs if you can average 65 mph). Twin Cities - Duluth is 160 mi (about 2.5 hr). Duluth - Grand Marais roughly 110 mi (about 2.5 hrs on mainly 2-lane road). We find it almost always takes us 5 hr from MSP to Grand Marais, for ex.

How about Red Wing, MN? You could do that beautiful drive along the Mississippi on Highway 61. Then rejoin 90 when you cross into Wisconsin.

CAPH - I suggested a few places that seemed a little more than half way, but would highly recommend either Red Wing or Stillwater mentioned above if you're inclined to stop a little earlier. Stillwater is a wonderful little town with some upscale restaurants and shops; Red Wing is also delightful.

Thanks, dfr and marilyn! I appreciate the drive time info, dfr. And I will definitely look into Red Wing. As well as the other places mentioned!

Red Wing is a great choice! Look into the St James Hotel.
http://www.st-james-hotel.com/new/start.php
Stillwater is great as well with a lot of neat antique stores, great restaurants and fun things to do along the river. Check out the Elephant Walk B & B. http://www.elephantwalkbb.com/
Enjoy your trip to the north shore!
Pam

Thanks for the links, Pam! I checked out the St. James Hotel and it looks amazing. A bit out of our price range though. Sadly, our budget for the night is more in the Super 8 neighborhood.

I haven't actually stayed at the St James - just had a drink there but it looked lovely.

Check out the Days Inn - Red Wing. My sister and her husband really like this place (they go to the casino down that way). I believe it overlooks the river. A quick check for one night showed a rate of $64.59 - hope this link works although I don't know why it shows up twice
http://tinyurl.com/2tjznn
Pam

Thanks so much for both the recommendation and the link, Pam. Definitely more within our budget! And it even has a pool! We'd like to try to get one for our son that night because we won't have one while we're in Grand Marais.

Thanks! I really appreciate your taking the time to find that link.

If you stay in Redwing - definitely eat at the Stag Head-great restaurant (kitty corner block from St. James Hotel). If you like antiques, go to Memory Makers (Main Street-across from St. James Hotel)

Yes, the Stag Head! We walked over there after our drink at the St James. It was wonderful! I was there with girl friends so we shopped, had a drink at the St James and then ate at the Stag Head. I had forgotten about that place - very good and a nice wine selection if I remember.
Pam

Also, you mentioned Grand Marais and I see on another thread someone was talking about the Angry Trout and Betty's Pies - both great places and we really enjoyed them both. Definite stops at both. Let me know if I can help with anything else. I'm no expert on Red Wing or the north shore but have visited a few times. I'm more familiar with Stillwater since I work there. Pam

My lunch at the Angry Trout cost me well over $300. They had the cutest pottery coffee mugs and of course I inquired about them. I went to the pottery studio after lunch; one vase and a couple platters later ......

jbass - OUCH! Our tab wasn't quite that pricey but I believe my husband and I shared an entree when we ate there.

Pam-what cost me $300 was the pottery. Sorry, guess that wasn't clear. Lunch is VERY reasonable-if you don't inquire about pottery for sale.