The Great River Road is a mammoth road trip that takes you from Minnesota all the way down to Louisiana. But, you don't have to tackle it all in one go. Here's a trip along the first 1/3 of the Great River Road that you could easily do in a long weekend.
Start your journey at Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state park. It’s over 32,000 acres and has more than 100 lakes. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here.
From there head out about a half an hour to Bemidji. If you’re watching the show Fargo on FX, then you’re pretty familiar with Bemidji.
Be sure to visit Lake Bemidji State Park, where you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking, you name it.
After all that hiking, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. I highly recommend Big Fish Supper Club and Resort in Bena, Minnesota. The food is okay, but it’s the ambiance that’’s killer. There’s a massive fish in a restaurant with a super rustic, northern vibe. It’s pretty fun.
Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA
Next, drive a half hour to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, a picturesque vacation spot, with lots of lakes and lush forests. Plus it’s Judy Garland Birthplace and there's a really weird museum, full of Judy Garland memorabilia.
Crosby, MN, USA
After that head to Crosby, a city with a little over 2,00 people, but what it lacks in population, it makes up for in history and natural beauty.
Then it’s on to Paul Bunyan Land. Remember that massive statue of Paul Bunyan from the film Fargo? Well, it was moved to here.
Brainerd, MN, USA
While in Brainerd check out that beautiful Twin Cities skyline.
If you’re feeling hungry grab a bite at Front Street Cafe. Then you’re hitting the road again, and driving a little over an hour to see some Space Aliens right outside Minneapolis. While you’re there check out that beautiful Twin Cities skyline.
Afterwards, it’s off to the Red Wing Shoe Store Museum to see the world’s largest boot.
Trempealeau, WI, USA
From there head south to Trempealeau, Wisconsin, it’s about an hour and twenty minutes away. While you’re in town you should stay at the Historic Trempealeau Hotel and Restaurant.
And after a good nights sleep head out to La Crosse, Wisconsin and then grab a bite to eat at the Great River Roadhouse.
A stop at the Effigy Mounds National Monument is definitely worth a visit.
History buffs will want to visit the Villa Louis Historic Site while you’re in the area. This was the home of one of Wisconsin’s most wealthiest families. Here you’ll step back in time and experience 19th century Victorian life.
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