5-7-08 It's All About The Fishing...Really !
"Anglers, start your trolling motors". The 2008 Minnesota Fishing season and summer travel season is officially underwaybegining this week. The official kick-off is Saturday May 10 when a couple of million "close personal friends" flood Minnesota waters in search of a walleye trophy and a way to shake-off their winter dose of cabin fever. Many people ask me about the 'best' place to fish in Minnesota. I have to say 'everywhere', however, Minnesota has some big-waters that can handle large numbers of anglers and boats and offer a great variety of species. One such lakes is Lake of the Woods.
Its only natural that the big lake at the top of Minnesota holds big appeal for anglers. With a width of 55 miles, massive Lake of the Woods is a major fishing destination. Walleye fishing here is so good, the locals call it the "walleye capital of the world"...however a few other Minnesota Lakes may argue that title. But there's also good fishing for northern pike, large- and small-mouth bass, muskie and perch. This enormous lake offers uncrowded water and endless spots to fish, all with a scenic backdrop.
As if the lake weren't enough,the Rainy River runs 70 miles from Rainy Lake to Lake of the Woods, providing calm waters and good fishing, especially in early spring. Walleyes on the move to spawning grounds offer a chance to catch some of the biggest walleyes in the area. Pike, bass and huge sturgeon are found in Rainy throughout the spring/summer season. Fishing is good all along the south shore of the lake, especially during early summer. Its a good spot for those who bring their own boats or rent fishing boats at resorts, on the hunt for walleyes, sauger and northerns.
Another exciting fishing destination on Lake of the Woods is the Northwest Angle and its islands, where walleyes and muskies rule. This is the northernmost spot in the lower 48 states, separated from the rest of Minnesota by the lake and Canada. Challenging, rock reef fishing off of the Angle offers a chance for a trophy. There are several comfortable, secluded resorts on the Northwest Angle, Oak Island and Flag Island. And, in case you're in need of some "book learnin" this is the home of Minnesota's only finctioning one-room school house.
Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are border waters, with different fishing regulations than inland waters of Minnesota, so be sure to check with a local resort or license for regulations for these waters.
However, Opening week and bragging rights for the year, this year, belongs to the Brainerd Lakes area and the multitude of fine fishing lakes in the area. In fact, Pelican Lake and Breezy Point have the honor of hosting Governor Tim Pawlenty, First Lady Mary Pawlenty and Lt. Governor Carol Molnau for the annual Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener. This has been going on for 60 years people and we still haven't run out of lakes to hold it on.
But really, Minnesota offers some great fishing throughout the state, be it rivers and streams or lakes of all sizes. There isnt one best place to fish, but there are thousands of yet to be explored great spots to drop a line.
Have a wonderful and safe summer of angling.
Posted by: cjjohnso on May 07, 2008 at 11:49 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
5-7-08 Explore Minnesota Tourism Fishing Report
Panfish bite improvesin Minnesota , but theres still some ice up north. Grab an ice-pick and enjoy ! LAKE MILLE LACS Look to the harbors and channel areas for a few crappies, though the bite has slowed since last week. A few days of warm weather should get these fish active again. The entire lake is now free of ice, which is encouraging for opening weekend. LAKE OF THE WOODS This area is gearing up for opening weekend. The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay area is completely free of ice. There also is open water a mile past Pine Island and throughout much of the Northwest Angle. LEECH LAKE AREA There was still a lot of ice on the lake early this week. The bays had started to open and the main-lake ice was starting to bust loose. Given the warm weather this week, there should be plenty of open water to work this weekend. LAKE MINNETONKA Minnows and waxworms are producing a lot of crappies throughout the lake. These fish are located along the shorelines out to about 10 feet of water. Youll find some sunfish mixed in, but most have been small. RAINY LAKE Theres still quite a bit of ice on the main lake. The current areas and a few bays are open so there will be plenty of spots to fish this weekend. LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH The middle of the lake had a stretch of open water that busted loose on Monday night. Theres also a stretch of open water as of Tuesday morning from the Mississippi River up to Sugar Bay on the west side. Although the ice has started to move, main-lake ice was still very evident early this week. Twin Cities Metro NORTHEAST METRO Crappies and sunfish have become very active in the shallow bays of lakes such as White Bear, Vadnais, and Centerville. The marinas and docks scattered throughout the St. Croix River also provided an improved crappie bite this week. Walleyes and sauger are scattered but active on the St. Croix. A jig and minnow is working best in eight to 23 feet. WEST METRO Panfish action has been slow to develop. Most anglers started getting out this week and experienced limited success along the shorelines and shallow bays. By this weekend, look for most dark-bottomed bays to be holding sunfish and crappies. LAKE WACONIA Crappie action has picked up around the docks in the marina. A slip bobber, small jig, and minnow combination is working best during the afternoon and evening hours. Statewide ALEXANDRIA AREA The shallow bays on most small lakes started producing crappies. The afternoon hours have been best - once the water warms. Look for small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms to work best. The bigger lakes have yet to produce much for panfish. ANNANDALE AREA Sunfish and crappies have shown up in good numbers throughout the shallow bays and channel areas. Waxworms, minnows, and Berkley Gulp are all turning fish at Clearwater Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake Sylvia, and Pleasant Lake in less than six feet. BATTLE LAKE The ice is out and the crappies have started to hit in the bays and shoreline areas of East Battle Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and West Battle Lake. The best sunfish reports are coming off Deer Lake and Mollie Stark Lake in two to six feet of water. BEMIDJI AREA There was some ice floating on the big lakes early this week, but it was going fast. Most small lakes now have opened, but panfish reports have been limited. Look for this to improve by the weekend. BLACKDUCK AREA The small lakes are open and the ice is going out quickly on the bigger bodies of water. Lakes such as Rabideau and Gilstead should be the first spots to check for crappies in very shallow water with minnows. BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA Crappie fishing has picked up this week in the bays, channels, and harbor areas of Gull Lake. The smaller lakes also have started producing panfish, most of which are coming from less than five feet of water. Nisswa, Margaret, North Long, and Round are all worth noting. CASS LAKE AREA On Tuesday morning, Allens Bay was about half open. The big lake still had a lot of ice on it, but it had started to shift with the wind. With a few more days of warm weather, wind, or rain, much of the main lake is expected to be open by this weekend. CHISAGO AREA Sunfish and crappies continue to bite at a good pace with minnows or waxworms working the best. The best reports are coming from three to six feet of water at North Lindstrom Lake, Chisago Lake, South Lindstrom Lake and South Center Lake. CROSBY AREA Shore fishermen have been catching panfish at Milford Lake, portions of the Rabbit River, and on many small lakes in the Recreation Area. Plastics have been very productive as are FluFlus tipped with minnows. Look for the best action to take place during the evening hours in less than six feet. DETROIT LAKES Look to the "Long Bridge" area of Big Detroit Lake for crappies. The "Bowling Alley" area of Little Detroit Lake is kicking out panfish during the afternoon hours. Work the inlet and outlet areas at Height of Land Lake for panfish and the shallow bays of lakes Melissa and Sallie as well. DULUTH AREA The ice is gone from all inland lakes, but the panfish have yet to start biting in the shallows. On Lake Superior, trolling stickbaits near the surface down to 30 feet of water has produced coho salmon and lake trout. Kamloops action has been best in the Lester River and Sucker River with spawn sacs. EAST-CENTRAL MINN Crappie action has been very consistent in two to six feet of water on Green Lake, Briggs Lake, Elk Lake, and Blue Lake. The afternoon and evening hours have been best. Some sunfish have been mixed in, but most continue to be small. FAIRMONT AREA Small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms are producing numbers of crappies in shallow water on lakes such as Amber, George, Hall, and Budd. Walleye and northern pike reports have been decent off the Minnesota and Iowa border lakes. A jig and minnow has worked best at Iowa Lake and Okamanpedan Lake. FARIBAULT AREA Sunfish action really has picked up in the shallows of Hunts Lake, Shields Lake, Lake Mazaska, and Roberds Lake. Look for crappies to be hitting minnows and waxworms at the creek mouths of Shields and Mazaska. Minnows also have turned some good-sized white bass at Mazaska Lake. GRAND MARAIS AREA A handful of small lakes is open, but theres ice covering most lakes, especially the further you travel up the Gunflint Trail. Call before heading up this weekend. There is some excellent steelhead fishing on the Brule, Cascade, and Caribou rivers. GRAND RAPIDS AREA Theres still some ice floating on the big lakes, but the bays and small lakes are open. The crappies starting biting this week in the bays of Lake Pokegama and Lake Wabana so look for other lakes to follow suit. The warm-water discharge plant on the Mississippi River continues to provide steady panfish action as well. HACKENSACK AREA Some lakes recently opened and others are following suit. As a result, there hasnt been much of an open-water panfish bite to report at this point. LAKE VERMILION The bays have started to open and the main lake is right behind. There isnt much for panfish reports, but there should be plenty of open water to fish for the opener and the walleye bite should be good. MANKATO AREA Look for crappies in 10 to 14 feet in Bakers Bay on Lake Washington. The west side of Lake Francis is kicking out sunfish and crappies in six feet or less. Work the south end of German Lake for panfish in 10 to 12 feet. Buckmaster Bridge on Madison Lake is giving up crappies. McGREGOR AREA The open-water panfish bite is just starting and there hasnt been a lot of people chasing them. Safe bets over the next couple of weeks for crappies include the narrows of Big Sandy Lake or Pleasant Point and the narrows on Lake Minnewawa. ORTONVILLE AREA A jig and minnow is turning walleyes during the evening on Big Stone Lake. Better locations have been the Twin Silos through Shady Beach area and the Meadowbrook area in shallow water. Jigs have started turning walleyes on the north end of Lake Traverse in eight feet or less. PARK RAPIDS AREA The ice went out this week so anglers are just starting to chase panfish. Early reports indicate some crappies coming from the shallows on the north end of Long Lake. The bays on Big Mantrap Lake and the Crow Wing Chain have started giving up a few panfish as well. RED LAKE The ice is completely out and a few crappies have been caught close to shore. Accidental walleye catches have been the mainstay for panfish anglers. Theres also a lot of suckers in the creeks, which has kept many people busy this week. RED WING AREA The walleye bite on the Mississippi River has been slower this week as most fish are now in the post-spawn period. The most consistent bite has been downriver from the High Bridge to the mouth of Lake Pepin with bright-colored Shad Raps. Crappie action has picked up around the docks at Baypoint Park. ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA The "Rumble Bridge" area on the northwest corner of Lake Koronis is producing sunfish and crappies. Look to the bay near Morningstar Resort on Rice Lake for crappies in less than six feet. Long Lake and Horseshoe Lake also have provided steady panfish action in shallow water. SAUK CENTRE AREA Panfish action has been relatively slow, but most anglers just starting fishing this week. By this weekend look to the shallow bays and shorelines of Fairy Lake, Lilly Lake, Big Birch Lake, and Long Bridge Lake to be producing numbers of sunfish and crappies. STARBUCK AREA Theres a consistent crappie bite in the Starbuck Marina and Fish Hatchery Bay of Lake Minnewaska. Youll find plenty of small sunfish in these areas as well. The north end of Pocket Lake started giving up crappies in four to six feet of water. WATERVILLE AREA The lagoon on Lake Tetonka continues to produce crappies. A few more crappies and good-sized perch also have been caught on the main lake in 10 feet. The narrows on Lake Sakatah are giving up crappies via minnows. Bullhead action also remains strong at Jefferson Lake. WILLMAR AREA The bays, shorelines, and culvert areas are producing a lot of sunfish and crappies. Youll have to do some sorting, but lakes such as West Norway, Nest, Elkhorn, Andrew, Diamond, Willmar, and Florida are all safe bets for panfish Thanks to Outdoor News for compili9ng this report for Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Posted by: cjjohnso on May 07, 2008 at 11:32 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
5-01-08 Minnesota Festivals & Events
Southern Minnesota
The annual 100-Mile Garage Sale will be held Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, with garage sales at thirteen communities located all around Lake Pepin. Sales start early Friday morning, and end each day at 5:00 p.m. Maps showing registered sales can be found at some area convenience stores. For more information, visit www.mississippi-river.org/garage.html, or dial 1-877-525-3248
The Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site in Comfrey will present Adventures in Nature: Travois, May 2-4 at 2:00 p.m. Participants will learn about American Indian culture, prairies and archaeology, with a chance to search rock outcroppings for carvings of buffalo, turtles, thunderbirds and human forms. And on Saturday, May 3, Jeffers Petroglyphs will also be the site of Clay Creations: Traditional American Indian Pottery, with a chance to make traditional pottery throughout the day. Techniques covered include coil and pinch pots. For further information on either event, dial 507/628-5591, or check out www.mnhs.org/places/sites/jp/index.html
The annual Ibsen Festival will be held May 2-4 throughout the city of Lanesboro, with more than 30 events celebrating Scandinavian theatre, art, music and dance. To find out more, dial 507/467-2905, or visit www.ibsenfest.org
German Park in the city of New Ulm will be the site of Mai Fest on Saturday, May 3. This German May festival features an outdoor play, Renaissance Faire, games and vendors. There will also be other activities held throughout New Ulm, including a Kids Mai Fest Fun Run, and the Putting Green Environmental Adventure Park season opener. To learn more, dial 507/354-8221, or check out www.newulm.com
The 7th Annual Wings on the Prairie will be held Saturday, May 3, at the Windom Wetland Management District in the city of Windom, to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Featured will be Early Risers bird walks, Prairie Ecology Bus Center activities, a Bluebird Recovery Program, "Remarkable Reptiles," a Trumpeter Swan release, Bison Burger lunch, raffle drawings, and childrens activities, including wood duck house building, duck stamp coloring, wetland critter exploration, and nature hike bingo! For more information, dial 507/831-2220, or visit http://midwest.fws.gov/windom
The annual Austin Area Rummage Sale & Spamburger Day celebration will be held Saturday, May 10, throughout the city of Austin. Visitors will enjoy bargains at over 100 garage sales, as well as a chance to try a Spamburger at all participating restaurants! To find out more, dial 507/437-4563, or check out www.austincvb.com
The Olmstead County Fairgrounds in Rochester will be the site of the Original Olmsted County Gold Rush on Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11, with more than 1,500 dealers from across the United States displaying and selling antiques, furniture, primitives, glassware, clocks & watches, lamps, coins, and more! For further information, dial 507/288-0320, or visit www.iridescenthouse.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
The 2008 Festival of Nations will be held Thursday through Sunday, May 14, at RiverCentre in St. Paul, to celebrate the many cultures that make up our communities. Highlights include shopping at the International Bazaar, ethnic demonstrations, dining at 35 ethnic caf￩s, musical entertainment, over 90 adult and childrens dance groups, flag unfurling, and 60 cultural exhibits, with an emphasis on the arts and architecture. Originated in 1932, the Festival of Nations has become one of the largest multi-cultural events in the United States. For more information, dial 651/291-5327, or check out www.festivalofnations.com
The District del Sol neighborhood of St. Paul will be the site of the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta-Minnesotas Spiciest Celebration on Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3, to celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture. This is one of the 10 largest festivals of its kind nationwide, with over six blocks of food, music and dancing, as well as childrens activities, a lowrider car show, colorful parade, Peoples Choice salsa tasting contest, and more! For further information, dial 651/222-6347, or visit www.districtdelsol.com/cinco.html
A Spring Raptor Release will be held on Saturday, May 3, at the Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Visitors will see raptors returned to the wild, have a chance to observe and photograph eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls up close, and listen to live music by regional Emmy Award winning Michael Monroe. Childrens activities will also be offered, and there will be a variety of educational displays. To find out more, dial 612/624-9753, or check out www.theraptorcenter.org
The 34th Annual Walk For Animals will be held May 3 at sites located in Golden Valley and St. Paul. Both walkers and non-walkers are invited to attend festivities held before and after the walk, including games, contests, live music, celebrity appearances, and free food for humans and their pets. For further details, dial 763/432-4841, or visit www.animalhumanesociety.org
The city of Excelsior will be the site of the Lake Minnetonka Arts Tour on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & 4, with 11 studio sites open for tours and sales. This event features the artwork of 30 participating artists. To learn more, dial 612/616-0460, or check out www.lakemtka-artstour.org
The Declaration of Independence will be on display at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul from Tuesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 18. This is a rare opportunity to see one of only 25 remaining original copies of the Declaration printed on the evening of July 4, 1776. The Declaration will be on display for free public viewing as part of the states Sesquicentennial celebration. For more information, dial 651/259-3000, or visit www.mnhs.org
And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Alicia Keys at the Target Center in Minneapolis, April 30
Greg Brown at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 2
Jesus Christ Superstar at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 2-4
Dan Zanes at the Fitzgerald Theater, May 4
Trampled By Turtles at the Cabooze in Minneapolis, May 9
The Minnesota Boychoir with Alison Scott at the Fitzgerald Theater, May 10
Engelbert Humperdinck at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 11
KT Tunstall at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14
Bryan Adams at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, May 16
The Minnesota Dance Festival at the Fitzgerald Theater, May 16
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, May 17
Rush at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 22
Kid Rock at the Target Center, May 24
Soundset 08 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, May 25
Eddie Izzard at the Historic State Theatre, May 27
The Honda Civic Tour: Panic at the Disco at the Myth in Maplewood, May 27
Monty Pythons Spamalot at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 27-June 1
Jay Leno at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, May 31
Death Cab for Cutie at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 2
The Stone Temple Pilots at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, June 6
True Colors: Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, and Very Special Guests at the Target Center, June 9
The Kanye West Glow in the Dark Tour at the Target Center, June 11
Walking with Dinosaurs - The Live Experience at the Xcel Energy Center, June 11-15
Peter Murphy at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, June 16
Return To Forever at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 19
Rick Springfield at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, June 27
Merle Haggard at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 1
The Steve Miller Band at the Target Center, July 3
George Michael at the Xcel Energy Center, July 7
Crosby, Stills and Nash at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 11
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 12
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 14
Ween at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, July 19
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Target Center, July 23
Peter Frampton at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
Bill Maher at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 26
Larry the Cable Guy at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 8-10
Melissa Etheridge at The OShaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, August 9
Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 22
The Backstreet Boys Concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 23
Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 1
The Loft Literary Center presents David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre, October 19
Celine Dion at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 30
Menopause, the Musical at the Pantages Theatre, November 5-9
The Moscow Ballet at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, December 12
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Northern Minnesota
The city of Eveleth will be the site of a Citywide Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3. To find out more, dial 218/741-2717, or check out www.evelethmn.com
The Gunflint Green Up will be held Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3, along the Gunflint Trail, northwest of Grand Marais. This event takes place on the first anniversary of the Ham Lake Fire, which burned more than 35,000 acres at the end of the Gunflint Trail. This is also a celebration of Minnesotas 150 years of statehood. Highlights include educational activities, live music, lots of food, and the planting of 75,000 red and white pine seedlings. To learn more, dial 218/387-3191, or visit www.gunflintgreenup.com
Robinson Park and Banning State Park in Sandstone will be the site of the Kettle River Paddle Fest, Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, with a full weekend of paddling activities for white water and flat water paddlers. Participants will enjoy paddling on the upper or lower Kettle River, a paddlers dinner, fireworks display, Kayak Rodeo, boat demonstrations, paddling clinics, and more! For further information, dial 320/245-5344, or check out www.kettleriverpaddlefest.com
The Granite City Train Show will be held Saturday, May 3, at the National Guard Armory in St. Cloud. Featured will be operating model and toy train layouts and displays, and vendors selling and buying trains, accessories, books, videos, railroad collectibles & memorabilia, antique trains & toys, and hobby items. There will also be a Childrens Railway play area, and door prizes and drawings. For more information, dial 320/255-0033, or visit www.granitecitytrainshow.com
Spirit Mountain Recreation Area, located just north of Duluth, will be the site of the Premiere Duluth Wellness Expo: Living Well in the Northwoods on Saturday, May 3, with 100 exhibitors, including healing therapists, intuitive consultants, health & wellness resources, specialty gift products, art, and spirituality resources. In addition, there will be 15 speakers covering various wellness-related topics, as well as live entertainment, door prizes, and gift bags for the first 40 participants. And while in Duluth on May 3 head to the First United Methodist "Coppertop" Church located on East Skyline Parkway for the Dulcimer Day Folk Music Festival, when master dulcimer musicians will teach and perform. To find out more, dial 1-800-4-DULUTH, or check out www.visitduluth.com
The 3rd Annual ATV Fair & Swap Meet will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & 4, at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids. Highlights include ATV manufacturers and dealers, accessories, ATV test rides, and tricks by Team Extreme. Bring your own ATV to compete in the Quadmasters competition and the ATV pull! To learn more, dial 1-888-442-8826, or visit www.ATVfair.org
The Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located just southeast of Little Falls, will be the site of the Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip on Sunday, May 4. Birders will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Platte River lookout deck for a morning of birding. Lunch will be provided, followed by afternoon birding trips to off-refuge sites, including the Schoessling Unit, Lindbergh State Park, and other nearby sites. This event is free and open to the public. To register, and for further information, check out www.mcbirding.org, or call the Little Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at 320/616-4959
A Jazz Festival will be offered Friday through Sunday, May 9-11, at various locations throughout Cook County, including venues in the cities of Lutsen, Tofte, Grand Portage, Grand Marais, and up the Gunflint Trail. Visitors will enjoy performances by professional jazz soloists and groups. Tickets or a Jazz Festival Pass will be required for performances. For more information, please dial 218/663-9058, or visit www.grandmaraisjazzfest.com
The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman will be the site of an International Migratory Bird Day celebration on Saturday, May 10, with guided bird tours offered to both experienced and beginning birders. Please call for further details, at 763/389-3323, or check out www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne
Posted by: cjjohnso on May 01, 2008 at 2:40 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
4-29-08 Shorter Vacations !
Shorter More Frequent Vacations are the Thing!
Recent national surveys indicate that most travelers are still taking shorter excursions ( two and three days ) and are traveling by car, closer to home. And, the recent spike in gasoline costs is highlighting the value of "nearby" vacations. This progressive idea is slowly eliminating the once traditional two-week family vacation and replacing it with several shorter trips. Therefore, people are scanning the nearby horizon for adventurous weekends and family fun escapes.
My wife and I fall into this category. We have come to prefer shorter trips to new places where we can experience and explore someplace new and still be relatively close to home should circumstances require we return. This idea of shorter more frequent vacations also allows us to get a wide variety of places we may not have experienced on a once a year two week trip.
Minnesota has 22 scenic byways scattered across the state and each of them has their own special attractions and locations. A Scenic Byway is a great way to explore an area (byways maps are available for each of the byways) and have your route outlined and the special attractions or locations highlighted before you ever leave the house. This gives you an opportunity to fit the journey to you and your family's needs in the time you have allotted&selecting special attractions or locations along a byway that have special interest to you.
When I'm not fishing, I like scenery. When my wife Jolaine is not working or shopping, she too likes scenic drives. A couple of weeks ago we decided to head for northeastern Minnesota on a spring weekend. Spring is a great time to possibly chance upon newborn wildlife and watch nature "color-up" and come back to life following a long winter.
We selected the new Superior National Forest Scenic Byway which is a beautiful, easy 60-mile drive through woods of pine, aspen and birch, connecting the North Shore of Lake Superior with the communities of the Iron Range. This new route makes it convenient to visit both destinations on the same trip to northeastern Minnesota. The thick stands of hardwoods make any time of year a great time to take this journey, but in springtime and early summer one get a feeling of "awakening" along this route.
The byway starts at Aurora, Minnesota on the west side, and travels to Silver Bay at the east end. This peaceful, rustic route has a real north woods character to it, passing marshes, creeks and meadows. There are no towns, no gas stations, nothing commercial along the road. The only business is a small bait shop, for those who come to fish the small lakes off the byway. Many of these little lakes are only enjoyed by area residents and harbor some great opportunities to maybe find a trophy fish. It's also a great area to watch for wildlife: deer, moose, eagles and a variety of other birds. Early morning hours when everything is still and quiet may afford you a chance encounter with a moose and her newborn. Should this happen, I will advise you to stay in your car and take your photos. Moose can actually run up to 25 miles per hour and when it comes to protecting their young&I can personally attest to the fact that...they will chase you.
From the Skibo Vista Scenic Overlook and picnic area, eight miles east of Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota there's a wonderful, panoramic view. About midway along the byway is the Cadotte Lake Recreation Area, with a boat landing, fishing deck and hiking trail. The byway passes the 90-year-old Toimi School, a reminder of the Finnish heritage of this region. A couple of miles north of the byway on Highway 2, the White Pine Interpretive Trail is a short, easy walk among tall pines.
This newly constructed route has wide, paved shoulders that make it easy to pull over if you spot wildlife or want to take a photo. Along the route, follow the byway signs with a picture of a pine bough. There are motels and campgrounds in communities at both ends of this byway.
A "byway weekend" in Minnesota is an easy, fun, entertaining and educational adventure in which every member of your family will find a memory they can take home and share with friends.
We certainly enjoyed our two days on the North Shore Scenic Byway. Now we only have 20 more to go and we will have covered Minnesotas byway adventures.
Posted by: cjjohnso on April 29, 2008 at 10:24 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
04-28-08 How High's The Water Momma???
How High's The Water Momma!!!
When you think of Minnesota's "woods and waters" you probably think of lakes and rivers and rarely think of waterfalls&but, you should. Minnesota has 10 well known waterfalls that are visited by thousands of travelers every year.
Check your calendar and gas up the "family-mobile" and I'll tell you where you can take the family and enjoy the splendors of a waterfall in Minnesota....
The first one is High Falls on the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park. This is just off Hwy. 61, 40 miles NE of Grand Marais High Falls spans the border with Canada. Minnesota's biggest waterfall plunges almost 120 feet and is an easy half-mile walk back to the falls, with three overlooks providing terrific views. The trail and one of the overlooks are handicapped accessible.
Since we're up that way, Devil's Kettle Falls on the Brule River is only 13 miles NE of Grand Marais. The river splits as it falls; one side drops 50 feet to a pool below, the other side plunges into a huge hole in the rocks and mysteriously disappears. The trail through the forest back to the falls is about a mile-long, much of it uphill, and even up a long flight of stairs, but the view is well worth the effort.
Still on Highway #61 on the north shore, you will find Cascade Falls 17 miles NE of Tofte, Minnesota. From the wayside rest parking lot, it's just a few minutes walk to the 45-foot-drop Cascade Falls..
You will still be on the north shore when you come across the falls at the Temperence River State Park 26 miles NE of Silver Bay. A series of small waterfalls (20-30 feet) plunge through a narrow rocky gorge, just a short hike from the parking area. Over thousands of years, churning water carved potholes into these rocks, eventually forming this gorge. A walled overlooks provide views of the falls.
Gooseberry Falls on Hwy. 61, 15 mi. NE of Two Harbors can be seen from the highway bridge, these waterfalls are one of the most popular sights on the North Shore. The first falls, above the bridge, drop about 30 feet into a pool, flowing under the bridge to the two-tiered, 60-foot middle and lower falls.
In central and southern Minnesota you have several waterfalls to choose from. Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis is a 50-foot waterfall, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1855 poem "Hiawatha", is set in a lovely city park on the banks of Minnehaha Creek
Minneopa Falls is just off Hwy. 169 just west of Mankato. Minneopa means "water falling twice", describing this double waterfall that falls first in a 7-foot jump, then in a 30-foot drop. A short walk from a parking lot and picnic area will lead you to views of both falls.
Ramsey Falls is located in Redwood Falls. A short walk leads to vistas of this 35-foot waterfall on Ramsey Creek in this vast, wooded city park. The overlook is handicapped accessible, with adjacent parking reserved for the handicapped.
And, Winnewissa Falls in along Hwy. 75 just N of Pipestone. Although small (14-foot) this waterfall is notable for its setting, a quarry that has provided red stone for ceremonial pipes for several tribes of Plains Indians, from four centuries ago to this day.
So you see, Minnesota's waters are not just "flat" and flow horizontally. Sometimes the plunge and roar and mist the air around you. Enjoy.
cj
Posted by: cjjohnso on April 28, 2008 at 12:52 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
4-24-08 D.L. Birding
Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds
Here's your chance to check out the "Birds" in D.L.
Birds are responding to climate change in different ways. Some are adjusting the timing of their migration and nesting, while others are expanding their range.
At the 11th annual Festival of Birds in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, hear experts uncover expectations of change in forests and grasslands and what it will mean for bird populations that rely on these habitats.
As Saturday evening keynote speaker, author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul will share revelations of his birding travels across the continent. Hell share what the future holds for wildlife and wild lands. Weidensaul will lead the new Saturday morning field trip to Glendalough State Park. He will also sign some of his two dozen books on Saturday afternoon, including one that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
The feature bird of the May 15-18 event is the Connecticut Warbler. In search of adding it to the festival checklist, a new field trip was added to the Red Lake and Beltrami Forest area. Rounding out a total of eight morning field trips, two will head to Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge where last year a flock of over 90 Hudsonian Godwits were spotted. In four hours, 135 species of birds were seen at Agassiz Refuge. Field trip leader Doug Buri exclaimed, Ive been looking at shorebirds for 40 years and I dont ever recall seeing 25 species in just 2 hours. What an amazing day!
The Festival of Birds will kick off on Thursday, May 15 with a hands-on rain garden workshop that will result in the planting of Detroit Lakes flagship rain garden by the City Park. Other workshops including beginning birding, and a new digiscoping session that will show participants how to make the most out of combining their camera and optics.
For those who want to learn about birding without the cost, Saturday will feature two free workshops Birding by Ear and Making Sense out of Conserving Habitat. Exhibitors with a myriad of birding supplies will be set up 11 am-5 pm at the headquarter site, Minnesota State Community & Technical College in Detroit Lakes. The Birders Caf￩ will be open early each morning with coffee, fruit and pastries.
For more information, go to www.visitdetroitlakes.com and download a festival program or call 800-542-3992. Register online under a secure server before May 9 and reserve your seat before sessions fill. Last year over 300 birders from 25 states attended the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds. As one attendee stated, Its the best thing to happen to northern Minnesota for years. Ill be back next year!
contact: Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce, 218-847-9202
Posted by: cjjohnso on April 24, 2008 at 10:08 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
04-23-08 Breezy Point Goes Green
Breezy point goes green
For many years employees at Breezy Point Resort in the brainerd lakes area were convinced that the ghost of Captain Billy Fawcett was mysteriously turning off lights and closing windows and doors. Only recently did the employees find out that it was Bob Spizzo, owner of the Resort, attempting to prevent the waste of electricity and heat/air conditioning.
breezy point is the host resort for the 2008 minnesota governor's fishing opener may 9th and 10th. the minnesota opener is the largest event of its' kind in the u.s. we thank the many sponsors who contribute funds and products to the event. their contributions make the opener possible and contribute to the success of attracting local, state and national media to the event. the media exposure Minnesota receives is extremely beneficial in attracting tourists to the state. Tourism in Minnesota is a 10-billion dollar industry, second only to agriculture.
back to the "disappearing lights" at breezy point over the years, bob spizzo's GREEN philosophy has expanded throughout Breezy Point Resort. The architectural footprint of the new Marina II Restaurant, that is being completed just in time for this years Govenror's Fishing opener, is a prime example of the energy savings that is possible with planning.
A massive water retention system was installed beneath the parking lot at breezy point that filters "all" the surface runoff water that re-enters Pelican Lake. The building was also designed to capture the natural day light and concerve electricity. The use of energy efficient light bulbs and appliances as well as sophisticated mechanical systems are designed to lower energy and utility bills.
in addition, the new marina building at breezy point resort employs Extra insulation along with insulated windows and sealed air ducts to maintain higher comfort while also maintaining the thermal envelope of the building. Even the high efficiency water heaters were installed with insulated water lines.
Continuing on the GREEN mission the Resort recycled the old barn wood from the previous building in the new Dockside Bar, memorializing the old building. besides the recycling value, this weathered wood gives the room a comfortable feeling that is very inviting and relaxing to guests. A Polished concrete floor is also a "green consideration" as it prevents future carpet replacement from entering the landfills.
When asked if Bob Spizzo will need to continue turning off lights and shutting doors and windows, bob says "it is second nature with him" and he hopes everyone else at Breezy Point Resort will continue this effort to continue his GREEN mission.
breezy point resorts new marina building has definitely gone green. it's prime example of how today's construction technology can be incorporated in today's buildings&from a new home to a commercial building.
Posted by: cjjohnso on April 23, 2008 at 11:09 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
04-21-08 Fishing Makes Memories
Let's see now, bullet weights, standing sinkers, rattle-bug, spiderwire, 30-s.p.a. lotion, life jacket, hook remover (for my fingers) and first aid kit. Yup, I'm ready for the opening of Minnesota's fishing season in a couple of weeks. Uh-oh, I just about forgot&.fishing license too.
Getting ready for the Minnesota Opener is one of the most exciting times an angler has all year. Really! It's an adventure, of sorts. Just sorting through that grungy old tackle box that you haven't had the courage to look into since last fall is an experience&in sight and smell. I remember asking legendary Minnesota angler Babe Winkelman how he decides what to keep and what to throw away in his tackle box each spring. He had a plan. Babe said he takes his tackle box and dumps the contents out on the middle of the garage floor each spring and sorts through the tangled mess of lures and line and sinkers and baits. And, once he has all of the items in kind of categorized piles on the garage floor and he has cleaned the gunk from the now empty tackle box and sprayed a deodorizer into it, he sweeps all the piles of "stuff" into a dust pan and throws it all away. Then, he goes out and buys new "stuff". Great plan. Expensive, but great.
Minnesota's fishing opener is a rite of spring. Hundreds of thousands of anglers (I called them all personally ) sit up into the late night hours in the days leading up to the opener, imagining themselves on the water. The daydreams become so real that one imagines making that perfect cast beneath an overhanging tree and landing your favorite lure in exactly the right spot alongside a lillypad where you know they're lurking. Your hands tense as you stare demandingly at the slowly sinking lure. Then the swirl in the water as a fresh water 'jaws' erupts from the deep to totally encapsulate your barb-less treasure. The line tightens and your eyes squint to keep diligent focus on the task ahead. Man and beast at battle, what could be more demanding? The fight rages for what seems like hours as you hastily traipse from one end of your boat to the other, never giving slack, never releasing pressure on the toothy monster that has dared to test your fortitude or bend your will. Hands and arms and shoulders shudder from fatigue, but not to the point of giving in to your watery adversary. You feel an advantage. For the first time in this engagement you feel an edge as a sliver of perspiration slithers into a corner of one eye and burns causing you to blink violently to shake off the distraction. And when your attention returns to the matter at hand you notice a slack in the line and calmness at the point the line enters the water. As disappointment sweeps your entire being and defeat enters your mind for the first time. Then the line again snaps taught, the reel whirrs as line is peeled and your muscles respond. The adversary had attempted to lull you into submission in order to break your hold. But the tactic has only made you stronger, pumped a new supply of adrenalin throughout your body and solidified your resolve. You've won!
The monster has tired and is now just beneath the water as you slowly guide him to the side of your boat. With one hand keeping tension on the rod your other hand deftly and smoothly sinks your landing net beneath your adversary.
Suddenly, your eyes pop wide open! Your spouse has shook you awake and handed you a plastic bag with directions to put it in the garbage. But, you KNOW...oh yeah, you KNOW, in your heart, you landed that trophy.
Yup, Minnesota's Fishing Opener is worth a daydream !
Posted by: cjjohnso on April 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
04-10-08 fuel Prices and Travel
We all seem to face, with various degrees of concern, the constantly changing cost of fuel at the pump.
For many who need to drive for their livelihood this concern is multiplied. And should you be an over the road truck driver, you can probably work in another multiplication factor. America drives! We drive to and from work, play, games, medical appointments and on an on. Add in school age children in your family and you probably can add several more thousand miles a year to your odometer on the "family mobile".
Now, you might be saying to yourself, why is this person reminding us of something we notice every time we stop at the pumps? Why is this person rubbing salt into an open wound? Well I'm getting to a "bad news", "good news" point. The bad news IS the almost runaway cost of fuel. The good news is we can still enjoy a family vacation without breaking the family budget.
Several years ago at Explore Minnesota Tourism, shortly after gas prices started to rise by leaps and bounds, we came up with some ideas...a catch phrase really...to help people enjoy a well earned vacation and still keep and eye on expenses. We called it a "Trip On A Tankful". The phrase insinuated that from just about anywhere in Minnesota you could reach nearly anywhere else in Minnesota on about a tank of gas. The purpose here is to show that you don't have to pack the family on a plane and fly from one end of the country to the other to have a memorable vacation. There are a thousand places you can visit in Minnesota and...I'm almost willing to bet the cost of a haircut...most of these places you have probably never seen. It's kind of funny how, no matter what state you live in, you feel you need to go to another state for vacation. And while you're doing that, people from that state are coming here to Minnesota. I guess it's kind of like getting in your boat at your dock and driving all across the lake to fish only to find a plethora of boats and anglers around your dock when you come home.
Back to the gas thing! It is so much easier and convenient and, in today's market, cost effective to plan your vacation around the idea of a Trip On A Tankful. When was the last time you paddled a wilderness lake where you can happen on a moose or bear or timberwolf? How long has it been since you biked the Paul Bunyan trail in central Minnesota or hiked the Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota? Think about picking up driftwood or north shore agates as you walk the shoreline of Lake Superior or watch thousand-foot "salties" and "lakers" enter and leave Duluth harbour. How about a week of theater and fine resturants and "shop til you drop" possibilities in the Twin Cities....let alone the parks and zoos and museums of the metro area. How about a houseboat vacation or antiquing in some of Minnesota's welcoming rural communities Not enough? Well then name Minnesota's 22 scenic byways....okay name 5. I thought so! You need to take a road trip. And not just any road trip. But a vacation in the land of ten thousand lakes.
Not only will you be able to aquaint yourself and your family with some fun destinations, you'll be able to control a portion of the "out-go" of your "in-come". Here is an oportunity to minimize the "gas demon" and still treat the family to an excellent vacation.
Check out exploreminnesota.com on the web and you will find thousands of ideas for a fine family outing. And, a Minnesota vacation is "nearby" and "far-away"...all at the same time.
Posted by: cjjohnso on April 10, 2008 at 11:28 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Relax and Refresh
Whenever I travel and get to talk with people about the great outdoors in Minnesota, I'm happy. It gives me an opportunity to relate, to tell stories and to hear about other people's adventures in the land of woods and waters.
But each April I finally get to unpack both my suitcases and pull my overnight bag out of the closet. That overnight bag is my personal indicator that sports shows are over for the season and I will now be doing most of my roadwork in Minnesota. It also means the fishing Opener is only about six weeks away.
To regenerate my mind and body after the sports show circuit, I take a weekend outing with my wife, Jolaine, to just relax and refresh. I remember a special April weekend we spent in Alexandria. It's central, it's close and it's a great area to explore.
The first morning I woke early and took a steaming cup of coffee with me from our room at the resort to the shore of Lake Darling. It was foggy and cool as I sat on a bench near the frozen-waters edge and gazed through the misty surroundings while imagining the fishing that would begin as soon as the water turned "soft" in a couple of weeks. The morning air was refreshing as I wrapped both hands around the steamy mug of coffee and listened as a few migrating geese honked overhead. I couldn't see them through the fog, but they let me know they were there. A couple ducks took advantage of a small area of open water near the shore as they preened themselves just a few yards from where I sat. My wife joined me on the bench and shared some of her coffee with me. I had consumed all mine. Hey I'm scandanavian...okay! We spent some time staring at the naked treetops as the fog covered and uncovered branches along the shore.
After a leisure breakfast we decided to investigate the new indoor water park at Arrowood Resort. It was big and noisy as several hundred youngsters and their parents splashed and slid and sprayed each other in the multiple play areas as well as careened down four story high water slides only to splash into a pool squealing and laughing and ready to go again. Jolaine thought the slides looked scary, but I didn't. So she challenged me to take the plunge. I faked an old leg injury but in my mind I knew the world was not prepared to see my body in a bathing suit.
Next it was time to explore Alexandria.
Being a Norwegian our first stop was a coffee shop. I got a "mocha" to go...after my wife explained that a mocha really was a coffee drink.
The Rhunestone Museum was next. Wonderful displays of "settler days" in the area filled the building. And, I also managed a lively debate with a couple of other visitors about the authenticity of the Rhunestone&a Vikings mooring stone found in the area many years ago. I know it"s real.
It's lunch time and there are several neat cafes on main street in Alexandria. We picked one and positioned ourselves near a sidewalk window and watched the passersby.
Following a wonderful lunch Jolaine and I, eyes dancing, started our antiquing run. There are several antique shops on Alexandria's main street and we hit them all. Hours went by and we still dallied in the nooks and crannies of each building seeking a treasure. My wife spent time studying glass bowls and vases&.I pondered antique fishing lures and wooden fly rods of a bygone era and realized I used to own some of those items&before they were antiques. We both came away with a treasure or two and vowed to return; because there was much we didn't get to see.
Day two started like day one, near the shore of Lake Darling. Then it was off to visit Minnesota's largest winery, Carlos Creek, just outside Alexandria. We took the winery tour, sat around a fireplace and sampled wines as live jazz musicians played (I guess dead jazz musicians don't play as well) tunes in one corner of the fireplace room. We managed to purchase a few "treasures" at this stop as well.
Dinner back at the resort where we sat at a lakeside window and watched the sun set over the "milky ice" that was stubbornly giving in to warmer temperatures.
The drive back to the cities was filled with chatter about the relaxing weekend in Alexandria and all that we had seen and done in just two days.
As I shut off the SUV in our driveway, we looked at each other and vowed to return again &.soon!
We were refreshed!
Posted by: cjjohnso on April 09, 2008 at 10:57 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
