A Trio of Vacation Spots to Add to Your List - Time Out #473

This week's episode deals with 3 locations to consider when traveling across this huge country of ours. This trio of destinations are all in the northern state of Minnesota, but are all quite different from one another. Each has a unique, special charm.

     Let's begin with remote Ely, population 3,460, located in the far northeastern side of the Golden Gopher State. Ely is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area that forms an international border between Canada and the U.S.A. It is a beautiful resort town, full of quaint mom-and-pop business establishments. My bride, Lady Deborah and I, actually drove the main street through town 4 separate times when we visited a few months ago. We were absolutely charmed with all the activity going on surrounding the heart of this small touristy community. We actually visited the International Wolf Center on the east side of town for a couple of hours. It is a beautiful facility that carefully explains the habits of these magnificent animals, while having a large enclosure that houses a pack. We also viewed an excellent film in the visitor center about a pack of artic wolves. Across town on the west side, we stopped at the North American Bear Center. This structure presents guests an educational experience about all aspects of black bears, including viewing them in enclosures, too. Both of these excellent animal facilities have large well-stocked gift stores, too, and, yes, my bride and I made some nice purchases. I remarked to Ms. Debbie, Ely, MN, would be a place a tourist and outdoor enthusiast could easily stay a vacation week, and have a fun experience.

     Onward to Duluth, MN, population 86,265, a large inland seaport located at the far southwestern portion of massive Lake Superior. This busting northern city is alive with activity, too, in the grain-loading dock areas, all along the extensive Lake Superior waterfront. and downtown (Canal Park) near the city's signature Aerial Lift Bridge. My bride and I were able to drive our rental car across this famous bridge both directions, and have the cell phone pictures to document this adventure. Duluth is also know for its downtown Great Lakes Aquarium, and starting point of the famous North Shore Scenic Drive that travels almost 200 miles north to Thunder Bay, Ontario.  

     Lastly on this brief list is Our Town's namesake city, Stillwater, MN, population 18,225. This beautiful town is located less than a hour east of Minnesota's Twin Cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul, just off I-94 East. The vibrant community is located on the huge St. Croix River, where it widens into Lake St. Croix. The main street runs parallel with the river, and is full of tourist-related stores, restaurants, and activities. The river itself is full of all types of watercraft including large  paddle wheelers for tourists to enjoy. If resort water-based activities appeal to you, Stillwater, MN, should be near the top of your interest list.

     So, I hope I have provided you with several vacation spots to consider. Now all you have left is to pack your travel luggage and head out on your next adventure!