Great Travel Ideas

If you plan to travel in Minnesota, two of my favorite places to look for sight-seeing and event ideas are the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine and website (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteer/index.html), which is put out by the MN DNR and paid for mainly by donors, and the Explore Minnesota Magazine and website (http://www.exploreminnesota.com/home.aspx). Explore Minnesota has all kinds of great suggestions to keep you enjoying this wonderful state, and also links to some really neat websites and blogs. One of my favorite links is the KARE11 loon cam, where you can watch a pair of nesting loons. Check it out at http://www.kare11.com/life/lifestyle/mnbound/default.aspx.

Red Lake Fishing and Camping

I just got back from a fishing trip to Red Lake. We put in at the public access just north of Waskish, MN, which is on the east end of the north half of the lake. Fishing was as good as anyone could hope for. We caught over 100 walleye and several northerns and sheepheads, fishing in 6 feet of water about one mile south of the Tamarack River mouth. I had excellent luck with my new fishing lure, which basically consists of a 24 inch leader made out of Berkeley Vanish Florocarbon line attached to my main line with a swivel and a bead, and with a floating jig attached to the other end. I placed a 3/8 inch weedless weight at the swivel, and used a rainbow chub for bait. The fish were literally jumping into the boat. I'd say the average size was 20-24 inches, making it actually a little difficult for us to catch our limit within the size slot.

I found this website from the DNR that has some really interesting podcasts about fishing and hunting. The early walleye fishing podcast is especially useful this year, with the cold weather we've been having. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/podcasts/index.html#Fishing

If fishing isn't your gig, there is an excellent campground at Big Bog State Park right there in Waskish. A short drive up highway 72 will take you to the bog walk scenic hiking trail The bog flowers are all in bloom right now, including yellow lady slippers, pitcher plants, anemones, etc... It's really a beautiful place this ime of year. Pine Island State Park, off highway 72 is also really interesting, and rather secluded for you campers who really like to get away.

Voyageur's National Park

Last week I went to Voyageur's National Park for the first time. Even though I was really there to fish Rainy Lake on the Minnesota side, something I had never done before, I decided to camp in Voyageur's rather than rent a cabin or camp at one of the nearby resorts. Since I knew very little about the park, I decided to begin planning my trip by calling the park. The ranger I spoke with on the phone was extremely helpful She referred me to their website, where I found a very useful map of the park and the location of campsites. The page that contains the links to the campsite and park maps is at http://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/index.htm. Staying in Voyageur's is a little different from staying in a Minnesota State Park or the Boundary Waters. For one thing, camping is free. You just need to stop at one of the visitor centers and apply for a free camping permit. Camping is also first come, first get. You are allowed to reserve campsites at MN state parks, so this made me a little worried. I didn't want to drive for 4 hours and then boat out to the islands only to find that there were no campsites. This was not a problem, however, as I found several really nice sites in which to stay. There are tons of nice campsites, many of which have docks (nice for boaters), tent platforms, and biffies. All of the sites also come with fire rings, picnic tables and bear lockers. I stayed at three sites on three different islands, and each one offered something unique. The picture on this posting is from my favorite site on Dryweed Island. You are allowed to bring almost anything you want in terms of gear, food, packaging, etc..., to the campsites, which is a little different from the Boundary Waters. They do not allow you to bring in your own firewood, however, because they are trying to prevent the spread of Ash Bores. You can purchase firewood at gas stations and store surrounding the park. Sometimes you'll find a campsite that has wood at it too. If you are looking for a quiet, beautiful, secluded way to take a camping trip, I highly recommend Voyageur's. I'd like to go back there with my wife and take a week-long trip sometime.