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2025 Upper Midwest
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  • The Wandering Walkers

2025 Upper Midwest

Summer of 2025 will be spent exploring the areas of the Upper Mid-West... Read more
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  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    1

    Yeti Spotted at Checkout

    July 7 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 64 °F

    Good night and goodbye, Voyageurs! What a great campground—highly recommend it—and a fabulous time all around.

    Don even found his spirit animal on the way out… and naturally, had to strike a pose. 🐾😂

    Until next time, wild one. 👋🌲✨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Lookout TowerMerganser hen with her broodPoint Park

    International Falls… Literally

    July 7 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    We were welcomed not just by Minnesota and International Falls—but by Canada too! Perfect day for a bike ride across the border and along the Rainy River to Point Park. 🇺🇸🚲🇨🇦. A true first for us riding our bike across a US boundary!

    All was smooth until Beth heard a seaplane and raced to catch it on video… without seeing the wire fence in her path. 😱 Let’s just say she really took off. The bike flew, the camera missed the take-off, and her big toe took the hit (sandals + fences = bad combo).

    All’s well—just a scraped toe and a slightly bruised ego. 🩹✈️📹

    Stay tuned… with both feet on the pedals this time.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Vintage 1964 Arctic Cat w/top speed of 20mph. A 1st production model built in Thief River Falls, MNGreat Gray OwlCanada Lynx

    Moose Sighting & Lake Views

    July 7 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    New day, new adventure! We headed to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center to explore the northwestern edge of Voyageurs National Park.

    This is the largest of the park’s four visitor centers, perched on the northwest shore of Black Bay. It offers beautiful views of the Kabetogama Peninsula and, more importantly, a very cooperative (and very still) moose inside the exhibit area. Don was thrilled to finally “spot” one—and even more thrilled that this one didn’t run off before he could snap a picture.

    We also scoped out the public boat launch, which is free and gives access to Rainy Lake during the warmer months. In winter, it transforms into the start of the Rainy Lake Ice Road. Yes, an actual road on the lake. Ice is serious business up here.

    Stay tuned… we might not be launching a boat or a snowmobile today, but you never know where our the trail will lead today.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Small island with a cabinCloser look at the cabinDuck Bay private cabinAnother private cabin/home on Duck BayOne more cabin on Duck BayOur campground

    Cruising to a Close

    July 6 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    As our day-long cruise winds down, we find ourselves meandering back to camp, hearts full and eyes still scanning the horizon. We loved drifting past islands both petite and proud—each one like a character in a watery fairy tale.

    Voyageurs National Park has six cozy island cabins and three tucked away inland, all only accessible by water. We floated by a few of them on our tour—each looking like the perfect hideaway for a quiet adventure.

    We glided back through Duck Bay, caught a glimpse at a few lucky folks with lakefront homes, and made our final turn toward camp on Kabetogama Lake.

    Now it’s time to settle in and let the wildlife come to us—evening breezes, curious critters 🦌, and maybe the soft call of a loon saying goodnight.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Beth spots a modern-day VoyageurAnybody know what this device is? 😂

    Voyageurs’ Final Marker

    July 6 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Final Stop: Ash River Visitor Center

    Accessible by both road and water, the Ash River Visitor Center is the only one in Voyageurs National Park where the sign simply reads: Voyageurs National Park. Open seasonally from late May to late September, it’s closed during the long northern winters.

    The center is located in the historic Meadwood Lodge—a rustic old building with plenty of character. We took a few minutes to wander through and soak in the history. Aside the from Visitor Center and a picnic area the site was quiet and simple—a peaceful place to pause before heading on.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    View of the Ice House as we approach.
    CabinMess Hall?Inside the Mess HallIce HouseThe Ice House - where they kept ice all summer!

    Where Pines Whisper and Ice Lasts

    July 6 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Next stop: Hoist Bay

    Tucked along the southern shore of Namakan Lake, Hoist Bay offers a fascinating glimpse into two distinct eras: the logging heyday of Camp 75 and the later Monson family summer resort.

    In the early 1900s, Hoist Bay was home to Logging Camp 75, part of the Virginia & Rainy Lake Lumber Company. A steam‑powered hoist lifted logs out of the water and onto rail cars via a trestle—more than 13.5 million board feet of white and red pine passed through over 16 years, until operations ceased in 1929.

    In 1939 Ted and Fern Monson breathed new life into the property, transforming it into a summer resort. Between 1939 and 1945 they built four guest cabins (later expanding to 14 structures—including an ice house, root cellar, mess hall, and more), many with electricity and indoor baths added in the 1950s. The resort operated nearly every summer until 1973, with only a brief pause during World War II.

    🌲 What We Saw
    • Several cabins
    • Boathouse
    • Monsons’ 1940s ice house—built from salvaged logs and insulated with cedar shavings and sawdust. Blocks of ice harvested in winter reportedly lasted two summers.
    • Mess hall (assumed): A larger footprint structure seemed to serve as the resort’s central gathering space.
    • Railroad pilings: The lake still reveals the piers of the old railroad trestle and remnants of the hoist machinery—a powerful echo of the logging era.

    It’s easy to imagine docked boats, children running between cabins, meals served in the mess hall, and evenings around that icehouse keeping fresh cold drinks in hand. Now, Hoist Bay is maintained as a day‑use historic destination with picnic tables, a dock, and a vault toilet—but it still feels like stepping into the pages of history.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Sauna insideSaunaElectric HouseLost sole!Inside the Electric House

    Echoes on I.W. Stevens Island

    July 6 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Next stop: I.W. Stevens Island

    Hidden among the pines and waters of Kabetogama, I.W. Stevens Island feels like a time capsule—part wilderness, part memory. Established in the early 1900s by Isaac W. “Steve” Stevens, the island was once a peaceful retreat for vacationers seeking northern charm and solitude.

    Stevens lived here for nearly 50 years, running a one-man resort called Pine Cove before retiring and spending another two decades alone on the island, deeply connected to the land.

    Exploring the island today, we could still feel his presence. An old wood-fired sauna rests quietly beneath birch and pine, its barrel stove and hand-hewn benches whispering stories of summer evenings spent in quiet, steamy solitude.

    Nearby stands the “Electric House”—a modest structure that once held a generator, bringing rare modern power to this remote island. Though the equipment is gone and wires hang loosely from the rafters, it remains a small monument to Stevens’ quiet ingenuity.

    Scattered elsewhere on the island are weathered guest cabins, gradually giving way to the forest; which hint at summers long past—filled with laughter, lakeside naps, and card games at dusk.

    Not far from the path, a charred stone fireplace sits out in the open—perhaps once a gathering place for campers under the stars. Just beyond it, the main cabin, now in the process of being restored, offers a beautiful view of the lake, with a small point and bench nearby for taking it all in.

    This island is more than an abandoned resort—it’s a story still being told in pine needles, still water, and the creak of old wood in the wind. I.W. Stevens may be gone, but his dream lingers gently in every corner.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Bivo Island
    Squirrel NarrowsNamakan Lake ... coming into Kettle FallsOh Canada ... we see you!Kempton BayAn active portage to move boaters from one lake to the next.Bivo Island ... see the nest?"Supermom" with her brood of mergansers!Namakan Lake

    Kettle Falls & the Slanted Saloon

    July 6 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    Next stop: Kettle Falls

    From shore, we hiked up to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and enjoyed a delicious lunch of Walleye paired with a refreshing lemonade “pinkie” from the bar. Speaking of the bar… check out that wavy floor! Incredible!

    A bit of history about the hotel barroom:
    Affectionately known as the “Lumberjack Saloon” or the “Tiltin’ Hilton,” the bar sits atop clay-rich soil that began to settle unevenly not long after construction wrapped up (1910–1913). During renovations in the 1970s–80s, the National Park Service corrected most of the foundation issues but deliberately kept the slanted floor to preserve its quirky charm. Even the pool table was raised and leveled to match the tilt!

    Oh Canada… we see you! But we’re looking south—how can that be? 🤔 (Fun fact: from this spot on the U.S. side, you’re actually looking south into Canada across the water!)

    Back out on the water we go, where our captain took us by a bald eagle nest, and we caught a sweet glimpse of a Common Merganser with a brood of ducklings. Turns out, female mergansers sometimes “combine forces”—ducklings from multiple broods gather into one giant super-brood, watched over by a single hen. A true “supermom” might end up leading dozens of ducklings, not all her own. 😳    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Little bridgeChilling. This is a garden even Beth could keep alive!

    A Garden Built from Stone

    July 6 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Next stop: Ellsworth Rock Gardens

    Accessible only by boat, this historic garden is tucked along the shoreline of Kabetogama Lake. The sculpted rock art is incredible—just imagine how breathtaking it must’ve been when it was filled with more than 13,000 lilies (four varieties!), along with twenty-eight other types of flowers, both annuals and perennials. Once known as the “Showplace of the Lake,” it was a floral and artistic marvel lovingly maintained by Jack and his wife, Elsie. They acquired the property in 1942 as a summer retreat and spent decades bringing their creative vision to life. (More details in one of the photos.)

    The rock sculptures are full of personality and open to interpretation—what do you see in the rock art?    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Our crew, Capt. Jason & 1at Mate Audrey

    Boating Where Roads Don’t Go

    July 6 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Kicking off our day-long cruise!

    We’re excited for a full day out on the water! As mentioned earlier, this National Park is unique—much of it is only accessible by boat. We’ll be spending the day with just one other couple and a fantastic father/daughter duo: Captain Jason (who owns the campground and knows this area like the back of his hand) and his first mate, 11-year old Audrey.

    First stop: Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Duck BayMoxie IslandKabetogama LakeCrane LakeKabetogama Lake

    Cruisin’ into Voyageurs 🌈🚤🌅

    July 5 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Voyageurs National Park is almost entirely water-access, and we thought we’d missed the boat—literally. All the park-run tours were booked solid. Don’s Luck Strikes Again! 🌈✨

    At check-in, we found out our camp hosts, Jason and Sara, offer their own boat tours—not one, but TWO! An all-day cruise and a sunset cruise… and if you book the day tour, the sunset cruise is half off. (Let’s be honest—it would’ve been rude not to say yes to both.)

    Jason was our captain, his daughter, Audrey, the first mate, and we were officially cruisin’ into our Voyageurs adventure the right way—golden skies, cool breezes, and wide smiles all around. 🛥️🌅🧭 Pines of Kabetogama saved the day, and Don’s rainbow lives on! 🌈

    Capping it all off… Fireworks on the shoreline. Just perfect.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Camp Set. Let’s Explore!

    July 5 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We’ve arrived! 🚐

    A short travel day—dry roads all the way and sunshine to greet us. Temps in the mid-70s… perfect.

    We’ve landed at a charming little campground right on Lake Kabetogama (pronounced KAB-eh-toh-GAH-muh… or, as we like to call it, Lake Can’t-pronounce-it-on-the-first-try). Just a mile from the Voyageurs National Park visitor center, this spot is our basecamp for all things piney, loony, and watery. We’re ready to Kabetogo explore! 🌲🛶🌊Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Agate BeachUpper FallsThompson BeachIona's BeachSplit Rock River BeachCove Point1Split Rock LighthouseYeah!!! 28 miles!

    Biking the Gitchi Gami Way

    July 4 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Time to ditch the crowds and hit the North Shore on two wheels—Gitchi-Gami Trail, here we come! 🚴‍♀️🌊

    The trail hugged the shoreline most of the way, serving up gorgeous lake views, salty air (okay, maybe just cool air), and some seriously peaceful riding. We pedaled all the way out to Beaver Bay (pop. 120!) and back—28.5 miles total! Beth was psyched… and her legs were only mildly offended.

    Bonus fun fact: there was a 20° temperature difference between our ride and our campground—only about 45 miles apart. That’s not a weather app glitch, that’s just Lake Superior being dramatic again. 😳    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Falls First, Then Pedals

    July 4 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Mother Nature must’ve been feeling patriotic—she blessed us with blue skies and sunshine for the 4th! 🇺🇸☀️

    We’re celebrating by cruising up Lake Superior’s North Shore for a bike ride… but first we decided to check out the falls here at Gooseberry Falls State Park before hitting the bike trails.

    The falls were rushing, the sun was gushing, and let’s just say—we definitely weren’t the only ones there to see them. OMG… so. many people!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Boats, Breezes & Bridge Views

    July 3 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Off to check out Duluth’s Historic Canal Park!

    With sunshine on our shoulders, we strolled along the waterfront, soaking in the sights of Duluth Harbor and the mighty Lake Superior. We were lucky enough to time it when one of the large freighters was coming into port. From boats to bridges to breeze-blown hair, it was a picture-perfect afternoon by the water.Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Duluth Aerial Lift BridgeBlue AngelsOhara Peace BellPeonyPeonySilver MoundBlue FlagSpiderwort😳 ... the hills in Duluth

    Sky High Views & Sonic Booms

    July 3 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Today we’re exploring Duluth…. We kicked things off with a visit to Enger Tower Park & Gardens—stunning views of the city from above! As a bonus, the Blue Angels just happened to be practicing while we were there. Nothing like a casual fly-by to make you feel like you’re in a very scenic action movie.

    For our fellow flower lovers: the peonies were showing off in full bloom—fragrant, fluffy, and clearly loving the spotlight. 🌸

    Fun Fact: There are 105 steps to the top of Enger Tower.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Our Final Stop: Heavy Metal & History

    July 2 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Final stop on the Mesabi Trail: Hibbing—a town packed with history and heavy machinery.

    Fun fact: city-to-city bus travel was born right here. You can even see the original bus that kicked off what would eventually become Greyhound Bus Lines.

    Then we made our way to the Hull Rust Mine View—the place to see active iron mining in action. Massive trucks, towering equipment, and a view that reminds you just how much earth has been moved in the name of progress.

    A solid finish to our Mesabi Trail adventure—iron, engines, and a little bit of American innovation.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    1Iron Man Statute

    Chisholm: Mining the Past

    July 2 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Next up: Chisholm—where mining history takes center stage.

    We checked out the Bruce Mine Headframe, a striking remnant of the area’s underground mining past—and the last remaining headframe on the entire Mesabi Iron Range. It’s like a giant steel time capsule.

    We also cruised past the Minnesota Museum of Mining, where you can (supposedly) tour a replica underground mine. And we passed by the Minnesota Discovery Center, which looked like it could easily fill an afternoon if you’re into history, geology, or just pretending you’re on a school field trip.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Virginia High Bridge - tallest bridge in MN reaching a height of 204 feet.Water-filled Rouchleau Mine PitAKA Virginia High BridgeRouchleau MineThis one is for you Chris Taylor!1More lost soles! 🫣

    Iron, Lakes & Pedal Breaks

    July 2 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Next up: Virginia—a once-famous lumber town turned scenic stop on the Mesabi Trail. We decided it was time to give our legs a little workout (yay, exercise!), so we saddled up and hit the trail.

    We rode about 6.25 miles, out to Bridgeview Park for a look at the impressive Rouchleau Mine—a stunning reminder of the Iron Range’s rugged, hardworking past. Then it was a cruise around Silver Lake, where we were greeted by… not ducks, but a giant inflatable loon. Really?

    And just like that, back into the Jeep we go—legs stretched, spirits high, and still no moose sightings for Don.😢    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Honk If You Love Moose

    July 2 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Next stop: Biwabik (pronounced bye-wah-bik—go ahead, say it out loud, it’s fun!). This Bavarian-themed gem in the heart of the Iron Range had us feeling like we’d somehow taken a wrong turn into a snow globe… minus the snow.

    Don’s been on a mission to spot a moose since we crossed into Minnesota, so naturally, we had to meet Honk the Moose—local celebrity and star of an award-winning children’s book. He was kind enough to pose for a selfie (he’s got great antler angles).

    And just when we thought we’d seen it all, there it was: the ski tree—quirky, cool, and clearly assembled by someone with a garage full of vintage skis and a dream.    Read more

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