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Minnesota: RVing in the Land of 12,000 Lakes

Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2007

One of two American states situated at the northernmost point of the country, Minnesota has often been cited as among the top outdoor US-based tourism spots. This is not exactly surprising especially when one realizes that in Minnesota, there are approximately 55 public forests, 68 public parks, and over 12,000 lakes, making it a vast area where outdoor opportunities are virtually endless. RV-boarded should be particularly delighted to find out just how far their imagination will take them once they decide to plan a visit to the land some people fondly refer to as the "North Star State".

A Look into the Regions of Minnesota

The four regions that comprise Minnesota state encompasses everything that the "North Star State" can offer the typical RVer. Ranging from untouched wilderness areas to endearing prairie lands, the regions of Minnesota are divided into the North Central/West Region, the Northeast Region, the Metropolitan Region, and the Southern Region.

The North Central/West Region

This particular Minnesota region is generally composed of complex waterways since it hosts several large state lakes whose waters eventually flow into the Mississippi River. Lying on the border of Ontario, Canada, the region has consistently invited boaters and anglers into its waters although RVers who prefer other outdoor sports will likewise enjoy the golf courses and the hiking trails found in these parts.

The region holds about nine county areas with each one featuring several cities having unique attractions that should suit the interests of various RV-boarded visitors. A good example is Cass Lake City where the Chippewa National Forest is situated. Boasting of 1,300 lakes, the state forest provides a myriad of water-based activities that typically include fishing and canoeing although there are hiking paths available as well for those who prefer foot-based pursuits.

Camping is likewise popular here as there are about 21 camping sites scattered across the 12 lakes dwelling inside the Chippewa National Forest. RVers can camp out here during the day and explore the scenery or engage in any outdoor sport available, after which they can retire later at nearby Stony Point Resort Canal House Restaurant RV Park, Campground and Cottages where more activities await them. Of course, they can opt for a rest in the various resort cabins or simply hang out in the RV conveniently parked within the Stony Point premises.

The Northeast Region

Sometimes referred to as the "arrowhead" region, Northeast Minnesota is a genuine outdoor recreation spot where rivers meet up with waterfalls to form exciting rapids and where lakes nestled in exotic wilderness areas are not entirely surprising. For the RV-boarded traveler who simply loves the outdoors, Northeast Minnesota is most definitely one region they cannot pass up on.

A featured city of Northeast Minnesota is Deer River where RV riders can choose from a wide variety of attractions that range from scenic byways to casino houses. Highly recommended, however, are the Avenue of Pines Scenic Byways and the Schoolcraft State Park. The former involves a scenic cruise from Deer River up to Northome City, a drive that covers 46 miles and which provides travelers a good look at the regional landscape. The latter, meanwhile, is a secluded wooded park set near the Mississippi River where anglers and canoeists are frequently seen. Several drive-through campgrounds with accompanying picnic areas can be seen here. Serenity reverberates all across this state park that covers around 295 acres. RVers who are fond of silent places will find themselves absolutely at home here. Alternatively, they can find a more relaxing atmosphere at Rocky Shores Resort, an RV park perched along the Bowstring Lake shores where they can park the RVs in a sprawling 40-acre land filled with lovely trees.

The Metropolitan Region

The third of the four Minnesota regions is considered as the urban center of "North Star State". Here, one will find Minneapolis and St. Paul, two Minnesota cities lying adjacent to each other and are commonly called the Twin Cities being the frontier towns of Minnesota.

The region quite obviously is filled with shopping centers along with every known trappings of urban life. Yet, in Metropolitan Minnesota, the art galleries are more inspiring, the concert scene more dynamic, and the establishments designed with unique architectural style. Adding perfect contrast to these are natural lakes and historic parks that comprise the general landscape of Minnesota.

While the Twin Cities are obviously the places to visit in the Metropolitan Region, for RV-boarded travelers, getting to see other regional cities is a better option especially if one is trying to look for a suitable RV campground. Lindstrom, Savage, Taylors Falls, and Woodbury are the cities to consider in this regard. The latter, in particular, is a fast-growing Minnesota town, set at the southeastern end of St. Paul, and enveloped in a parkland that covers about 1,450 acres. Within this dedicated recreational area are elegant golf courses, shopping centers, dine-in restaurants, and multi-purpose trail paths extending for 67 miles. Simply put, the city is worthy of an RV visit particularly since it hosts a suitable RV campground, the St. Paul East RV Park, which can be reached in just ten minutes if one is coming from St. Paul and about 20 minutes of driving time if the point of origin is Minneapolis.

The Southern Region

Southern Minnesota can be described as a creative mix of both natural wonders and man-made attractions because in one portion, there are small streams nestled beside scenic valleys while in another front, there are shopping centers though not necessarily in the scale of large malls and department stores. Either way, these attractions provide the foundations upon which RVers will get interested in seeing this particular part of Minnesota.

Austin, Lake City, and Faribault are the cities that RVers need to watch out for in Southern Minnesota both for having great tourist attractions and for hosting at least one good RV park. Faribault is most particularly suitable for many campers because it features the Cannon River Wilderness Area where a picnic area with accompanying comfort terminals lies waiting. More significantly, the 850-acre wide area showcases a diverse range of activities for RVers who are certified outdoor lovers, including five miles of hiking paths that can easily be transformed into snow trails for winter cross-country skiing. Additionally, canoeing across the river is getting its fair share of audiences because the waters covers five long miles stretching to the southern tip of Northfield.

To recharge the energy especially after a tiring tour of the outdoor wonders of Faribault, there is Camp Faribo to go to with its 71 leveled RV sites. A heated pool can be availed of here to help soothe tired nerves and muscles, but if an RVer prefers to go window shopping, the Mall of America is situated nearby, needing only an hour of driving from the campground. Other nearby attractions are the Mystic Lakes Casino and Valleyfair, the Minnesota Zoo, the Sakatah State Trail, the Faribo Wooden Fills, and about ten other natural lakes.

Minesota and Her Cities

The Twin Cities of Minnesota namely St. Paul and Minnesota, are quite naturally the first stop of many RVers exploring the "North Star State", which should rightfully so. Still, Minnesota has several other cities that are worthy of exploration, not only by RVers but even by local tourists as well.

Ely

A city set in the northeastern point of Minnesota, Ely is a pure outdoor paradise especially for anglers. Its numerous lakes are the dwelling places of a wide selection of fishes like northern pikes, smallmouths, and walleyes though caution should be taken because some lakes in Ely are strictly limited to canoeing activities.

Yet, Ely is not only about fishing. As mentioned before, canoeing is permitted in certain lake areas, usually those belonging to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or BWCAW. Other Ely activities that RVers can engage in are bird-watching in summer when approximately 100 small song birds make Ely their home base and snowmobiling during winter when the lakes get covered with ice.

Lodging is never a problem in Ely since RVs are generally welcome with at least ten campgrounds willing and ready to take these in while, at the same time, providing convenient access to several attractions. These include Moose Track Adventures an RV park found about seven miles away from the city proper with its specialization in guided canoe rides.

Owatonna

Nestled in the southeastern edge of Minnesota, Owatonna is one other reason why the "North Star State" has landed among the top outdoor US-based tourism spots. Its single biggest attraction, Cabela's, is the biggest outdoor Midwest retail store, providing outdoor enthusiasts like hunters, anglers, bikers, and many others every needed supply to enable them to pursue their outdoor passion.

What caused Cabela's to experience such a huge success in Minnesota is due largely to its many natural attractions where outdoor fun takes on various forms. Heading the list is Kaplan's Woods Parkway with its 225-acre wide land coverage populated mostly by hikers, joggers, inline skaters, and bikers. Within its inner fringes lies Lake Kohlmier where anglers aways have great fun along with swimmers and canoers.

Meanwhile, for RV-boarded tourists who prefer snow-centered activities, Owatona offers the Steele County Trail System with its snowmobile trails that encompasses about 175 miles. The snow paths are totally groomed and has access to five adjacent Minnesota counties.

For RV parking concerns in Owatonna, Hope Oak Knoll Campground should be able to answer that quite effectively. Its 90 RV sites are capable of rendering full service to RV owners including free showers and a quiet atmosphere set in the midst of rows of shady oak trees. A mini grocery is set in the center of Hope Oak Knoll Campground but if RVers need more extensive supplies, the Mall of America is only about 90 minutes away while the smaller Medford Mall can be reached in just 20 minutes.

Wabasha

A highly historic city, Wabasha rests along the Mississippi River banks between the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota approximately 70 miles away from southeast Minneapolis. While its gigantic river may well be considered as its prized attraction, there are several other city features that RVers will find simply breath-taking with the National Eagle Center providing a good example. Situated in the downtown area, the center houses three species of the American Bald Eagle, an endangered wildlife that is endemic to North America. An observation deck inside the center affords visitors the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these rare bird species that have traditionally made the Mississippi River its winter home.

The Bailey Park/RV Community provides a convenient rest area for RVers and their RVs. Located between 10th Street and Highway 60, the RV park boasts of 15 RV camping areas complemented by such amenities as electricity, water, cable TV, and sewer services.

Voyageurs National Park

Named to honor early French-Canadian canoers called voyageurs who paddled their way to the northern waterway of Minnesota, the Voyageurs National Park is presently the only national state park that hosts about 30 lakes. Exploring the waters of these lakes involves riding a motorboat and for RV riders, this simply means leaving their RVs behind to experience a wilderness adventure that can include sightings of such wildlife as an eagle, an otter, a wolf, a beaver, a moose, and even a bear.

Overnight ventures are welcome here, particularly boaters, who are given the option of sleeping in their RVs or in secluded boat-in camping areas. Apart from boating, another popular outdoor activity here is fishing, with the largest lakes namely Sand Point, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Rainy, offering the best possible catches.

St. Croix River Valley

At the eastern point of the Metropolitan Region lies this little-known river studded with jagged rocks on its northern side and slow but broad waters on the south where excursions are commonly held to further explore the inherent beauty of the adjoining countryside.

The river is none other than St. Croix ably guarded by the St. Croix Valley standing majestically less than an hour away from the bustling city of St. Paul, the state capital. The waters of St. Croix River is said to eventually join that of the Mississippi River but what attracts most tourists to the area, particularly RV-boarded travelers, are the many beautiful nature reserves and state parks that the river plays host to. These include Afton State Park where ancient and re-modeled prairie lands highlighted by deep and rugged ravines offer excellent trails for hikers, ultimately bringing them to grassy headlands where they are afforded a spectacular view of St. Croix River.

The parkgrounds likewise offer equally engaging attractions in the form of a scenic beach and a tourist complex where interpretive displays focusing on the park are regularly exhibited. Additionally, there are areas here that have been made into backpack camping sites, giving many RV-boarded tourists another excellent way to examine the park beauty.

Time for a Minnesota Visit

Largely due to its northernmost location, Minnesota experiences an extended winter season, and by far, its longest season in any given year. For RV trippers who love skiing and the snow, this is most definitely the most appropriate season for a Minnesota visit.

Meanwhile, for RVers who prefer other outdoor activities like hiking or fishing, springtime, summer, and autumn are the better visiting periods although rains do occur during such seasons so it is always best to bring anything that will serve as protection. Ultimately, though, springtime and autumn are most ideal visiting periods because most campgrounds and hiking paths are relatively less crowded during these times even if these are rather short seasons due mainly to the extended winter period.

Camp Maiden Rock West

Found in Morristown, Minnesota, Camp Maiden Rock West sits atop 40 acres of green meadows along the enchanting Cannon River banks. Boasting of campsites ranging from primitive to fully hooked-up RV areas, the Cam Maiden Rock is replete with various recreational facilities that include a swimming pool, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and sand beaches dedicated to volleyball games. For sporting needs, nearby Pat's Sporting Goods can ably provide the answer, but for a more extensive sports supply, the famous Cabela's Sports Center can easily be reached in a matter of 20 minutes. Ditto for other nearby attractions like the Sakatah State Park and the Medford Outlet Mall. Meanwhile, larger Minnesota attractions like the Mall of America, the Como Zoo, and the Minnesota Zoo are accessible after an hour of driving.

Long Lake Park and Campground

In little-known Bagley town, one RV campground is fast gaining a reputation as a suitable RV campground for offering a diverse set of outdoor sports including the rarely-engaged-in scuba diving. Apart from that, Long Lake Park and Campground also offers fishing ventures, with rainbow trouts serving as prized catches, and walking trails that cover at least one whole mile engulfed within 53 acres of pure woodlands.

What perhaps makes Long Lake Park and Campground a popular RV site for many RVers is its proximity to the Mississippi River where ostensibly majority of the water-based activities are commonly held. Yet, other nearby attractions like the Park Rapids, the historical museum of Clearwater County, and the Shooting Star Casino can likewise be the reasons why the RV campground is enjoying such a growing popularity.

There are around 92 RV campsites found here set in the midst of towering pine trees, providing for a shady and cool picnic setting. Incidentally, within every site are picnic tables complemented by a fire pit that should help make picnicking and camping at Long Lake Park and Campground more enjoyable and more memorable for most RV-boarded travelers.

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