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2025 Upper Midwest
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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

    We Pulled Over… and Nature Escalated

    June 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 77 °F

    Not long after spotting the sign, we pulled off at a rest stop to wait out the storm… and let’s just say, the butterflies may be braver than us today! 😳🌧️

    Then, just as we were settling in, both of our phones lit up with an Emergency Alert: 😱🌪️⚠️ Tornado Warning!

    So… we sat some more.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Lily Pond
    CannaDon & MozelleJohn, Theresa, Don, Beth & MozelleBeth & Cousin MozelleMarjorie McNeely ConservatoryNeoregeliaPortea petropolitanaNeoregeliaBromeliad

    Gabbin’, Bloomin’, No Gaggin’

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We made it to our site at Lake Elmo Park Reserve yesterday (just east of St. Paul, MN). Our first stop… Beth’s aunt and uncle’s house, where we were joined by her cousin for a quick gab session before we all headed over to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

    What a beautiful park… we walked around the Lily Pond—photos were captured of us and the stunning grounds—then made our way toward the Conservatory to find out what was “raising a stink.”

    Turns out, it was the famous Corpse Flower, in its final act. While it’s known for smelling like a rotting dumpster in July, we missed the peak stink. By the time we got there, the infamous odor had mostly dissipated and left the building.

    The Conservatory is packed with unusual and beautiful plants… and we took plenty of pictures. WARNING: More to come—and by the end, y’all will probably be on flower overload!

    NOTE: The Corpse Flower (officially called Amorphophallus titanum) is one of the largest and rarest blooming flowers in the world. It’s famous for its powerful stench—often compared to rotting meat—which helps attract pollinators. The bloom lasts just 24–48 hours and can take years (even decades!) to appear.

    👉 To learn more about the Corpse Flower: https://www.usbg.gov/plants/corpse-flower    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Greek Myrtle
    Paper flowerPomegranateTamarackWhite CedarMaidenhair TreePonderosa PineWaterlily

    Tiny Trees & Tranquil Paths

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Next stop on today’s tour: The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden—a peaceful oasis tucked beside the Conservatory.

    We were greeted by a collection of bonsai trees, each one a tiny masterpiece shaped by years of careful pruning and patience. (Let’s just say… these little trees have more discipline than most of us.)

    The garden itself is designed in the traditional Japanese style, with winding paths, quiet water features, and carefully placed stones and plants—all meant to inspire reflection and serenity. And yes, Beth took plenty of deep breaths and a few more photos.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Flamingo-lily
    Parakeet FlowerMoth OrchidVenus SlipperCattleya IntermediaPansy OrchidProsthecheaRock OrchidMoth OrchidMoth OrchidSunken GardenTufted AirplantPink QuillDroophead Tufted AirplantRhyncholaelia Digbyana

    Flower Overload: Activated

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Moving on in the Conservatory we reach full flower OVERLOAD and made our way to the Sunken Garden, where the blooms are bold, the colors are bright, and the urge to take “just one more photo” is impossible to resist.

    Every inch is bursting with perfectly manicured floral displays—like nature decided to throw a party and forgot to tell the rest of us it was black-tie.

    We’ve officially hit peak petal.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Krauss'SpikemossLacy Tree FernPiles

    Conservatory Closer: Fern-tastic!

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    But before we could leave the Conservatory, we had to take a dreamy stroll through the Fern Room—a lush, misty escape that feels like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric jungle… minus the dinosaurs, thankfully.

    And let’s be honest—since Beth doesn’t exactly have a green thumb (we’re talking “can’t-keep-a-cactus-alive” levels here), she made sure to capture all the photos. Why? So she can revisit this colorful, fragrant dreamland later… without any of the watering, weeding, or accidental plant neglect.

    #FauxFlorist #SnapItDontGrowIt    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Zoo Deux: A Surprise Sequel 🦓

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Well, we didn’t plan to do another zoo so soon after Omaha. But as we walked out of the conservatory and spotted the Como Zoo right there, it felt like fate. Or was it because Don wanted to see the polar bears and we got swept up in the moment? Either way, in we went.

    And then, there he was… one lone zebra. Just standing there, as if to say, “Don’t ask me about Tennessee.” We get it, buddy. Fame can be… complicated.

    The polar bears, as it turns out, were feeling introverted—not a paw in sight. But the monkeys, on the other hand, more than made up for it—swinging, showing off, and even posing at times. Luckily, we spotted some species we didn’t see at the last zoo, which totally justifies the double feature… so it wasn’t just a repeat performance.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Como Park Wrap-Up

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    We wrapped up our time at Como Park with a peaceful walk past the Enchanted Garden and Frog Pond—though no actual frogs were spotted, in case you were wondering. Just a very proud mama duck and her ducklings doing the classic “everyone stay in line!” routine. There were more gorgeous blooms and busy bees making the most of their day shift—nature’s version of a working lunch.

    Back at the Jeep, we said our goodbyes for the day with Beth’s family—hugs, thank-yous, and a few “see you soon”s.

    And then Cousin Mozelle struck a pose by the Jeep like it was a car commercial. That look said it all: “Nice ride. I’d take this one.” Honestly, we’re just lucky the keys didn’t mysteriously go missing. 🤣😂🤣    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Denim: not just a fashion risk, apparently a mechanical one too.

    Who Needs a Trail Map Anyway?

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Back at the RV at Lake Elmo, we decided to squeeze in a ride around the lake before dark. Don took a brief look at the trail map (emphasis on brief), and off we went!

    We hadn’t even made it 30 seconds before we were nearly taken out by local residents—a doe and her baby—who darted across the path like they were running late for dinner.

    We cruised along the paved trail by the lake, a quiet pond, and over a scenic little bridge. So far, so good. Then we decided to get a little adventurous and veered off onto a less-traveled path—likely a cross-country ski trail, gently lit by what we think were solar-powered lights, or possibly fairy magic. Hard to say.

    We circled Eagle Point Lake Dam, passed a peaceful field of soybeans, and just when things were feeling serene… Beth nearly ran over a turtle. Don’t worry—turtle and rider both survived the encounter with only minor dignity loss.

    Finally back at the RV and Jack gave us a look like, “Well, it’s about time.” 🐾

    NOTE: Somewhere in the middle of all this, see the photographic evidence of Don’s pant leg rolled up like some kind of seasoned cyclist. Spoiler alert: this was not intentional. One might think someone who has been biking for decades wouldn’t wear jeans on a ride—but here we are.

    Not only did Beth have to spring into action to save both Don and the bike chain from becoming denim-bound forever, but Don—dead serious—said, “This hasn’t happened since I was a kid!”

    Well, childhood called, and it wants its rookie mistake back.

    The result? A stylish new tear in what is possibly Don’s only pair of jeans on this trip. So now he’s not only wiser and slightly breezier, but more fashionable! 🤣    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Stone Arch Bridge

    Today We Ride! 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

    June 28, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Fueled by a morning ducking (thanks again, mystery ducker 🦆), we hit the trail for a scenic loop ride that took us through two cities, across three bridges, and around some serious construction chaos.

    We kicked things off at the Mississippi River Gorge Scenic Overlook in St. Paul, stopping first at the Ford Dam Scenic Overlook before crossing the Ford Bridge into Minneapolis; where we hopped on the West River Parkway Trail.

    Next up: Mill Ruins Park, with a beautiful view of the Stone Arch Bridge. Eventually, you’ll be able to ride across the Mississippi on that bridge—but for now, the Minnie side is still under construction.

    So we took the 3rd Ave/Central Ave Bridge across the river instead, where we got great views of the locks and St. Anthony Falls. From there, we headed to Xcel Energy Water Power Park for an up-close look at the falls, the lock system, and a bit of local history.

    We continued down the trail and rode out on the Stone Arch Bridge as far as we were allowed—soaking in the views before circling back.

    Near the University of Minnesota, our peaceful ride turned into a maze of detours thanks to every construction crew in the Midwest apparently being on-site. We zig-zagged our way around campus until we finally found the East River Parkway Trail.

    One more crossing over the Ford Bridge brought us to Minnehaha Regional Park to check out the iconic Minnehaha Falls and then we crossed the Ford Bridge AGAIN back to the Jeep wrapping up our 20-mile loop.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Spoonbridge and Cherry (Claes Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen)
    Hahn/Cock (Katharina Fritsch)September Room (Mark Manders)Love (Robert Indiana)Bronze Woman IV (Thomas Schutte)Adam and Eve (Simone Fattal)Level Head (Tony Cragg)

    Parking Gods and Pop Art

    June 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Before leaving the St. Paul/Minneapolis area, we had to see the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. I mean, is it even legal to visit the Twin Cities and not see it?

    One small wrinkle: it was the day of the Twin Cities Pride Festival and Parade, which was happening just down the block—so parking was, let’s say, festively chaotic. And we were on a tight schedule.

    So, Don dropped Beth off to start exploring while he went off to do battle with the parking gods. Armed with nothing but determination and his natural charm, he approached the lot attendant, explained we were just there for the sculptures and only had about 45 minutes. The attendant gave him a knowing nod, did some very official phone scanning, and handed over a ticket—for free.

    Beth’s not saying he groveled… Maybe he’s a master negotiator. Maybe he exuded full rainbow sparkle. Or maybe it was divine intervention from the Parking Gods of Pride. We may never know. But Beth is seriously considering renting him out for high-stakes parking scenarios. 😆

    The garden features over 60 sculptures from the Walker Art Center (sadly, not our Walkers), stretched across 11 beautifully curated acres. We only had time to scratch the surface and didn’t make it into the actual Art Center. So… clearly, a return trip is in our future.

    Next time, we’ll bring more time—and maybe Don can work his magic to get us into the museum for free too. 😄    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Don and Mozelle trying to make more energy than solar or wind.One of Mozelle's favorite exhibitsGlyptodon was a grass-eating tank...cousin of the modern armadillo.Some mammals adapted larger body sizes in the cooler climate of the ice ages. Weight=small car.Don, John, Theresa, Beth & Mozelle

    Leaving with Laughs—and a Surprise Mist

    June 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    One last hurrah with Beth’s family before hitting the road!

    We spent the afternoon at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul—and what a fantastic way to wrap up our time in the area. This place is packed with hands-on exhibits, fun facts, and opportunities to touch, try, build, and explore.

    And speaking of hands-on… Don lured Beth into opening a mysterious exhibit hatch door labeled something about human body and sneezing. Did Beth read the sign? Absolutely not. She opened it—on Don’s enthusiastic recommendation—and got blasted with a full-on mist of “sneeze spray.” She nearly jumped out of her skin. Don, of course, thought this was hilarious. 😆💨

    Despite the unexpected facial hydration, it was a great afternoon full of laughter, learning, and quality time with family. Highly recommend if you’re ever in town and want to act like a kid—or prank like one—for a few hours.

    Huge thanks to John, Theresa, and Mozelle—we had such a fabulous time with you all and loved every moment we spent together! We only wish we’d been able to connect with Beth’s other cousin, Logan, his wife Rena, and their adorable little one, May… but hey, that just gives us one more reason to come back. 💜    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    1

    Twin 🌃 Taste Test: Passed w/flying Curds

    June 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Time for a night out on the town in Minneapolis to kick off our final evening here!

    We’ve seen an episode (or five) of Hell’s Kitchen, so when we realized there was a restaurant by the same name in downtown Minneapolis—no relation to Gordon Ramsay, but full of bold flavors—we had to give it a try.

    We started with the State Fair Cheese Curds—lightly beer-battered, fried to a crispy, gooey golden brown, and served with their housemade sweet and spicy red pepper jelly. As one proud Wisconsinite once wrote on the menu, “The BEST cheese curds… and I’m a Wisconsin cheesehead!” We can now confirm: Arnie from Milwaukee knows what he’s talking about.

    For our main course, we split the Ham & Pear Crisp Sandwich—shaved, slow-roasted pit ham, sliced pears, melted Swiss and fontina cheese on spicy-sweet, buttered and grilled sourdough bread. And because you can’t have a proper night out without tots, we added a side of Pancho Dry Rub Tater Tots to round it out.

    We told our server we had a show to catch afterward, and they got everything out fast—without skimping on flavor. So when they say, “Damn Good Food… Pretty Dang Fast,” they mean it!

    Next stop: The Dakota for some live jazz to end the night on a high note. 🎷    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Spyro who? I’ve been holding down the fort.

    Smooth Jazz, Sweet Send-Off

    June 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    We ended our final night in Minneapolis with smooth jazz at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant—listening to the legendary Spyro Gyra. 🎷

    The Dakota is known for its intimate setup and claims there’s “not a bad seat in the house.” Well… we might gently disagree. Our side-view seats didn’t quite offer the full stage experience—but thankfully, a screen nearby gave us a great view of the band from the front.

    The wine leaned toward the spendy side, but the music more than made up for it. Spyro Gyra was absolutely fantastic—a high-energy, soul-soothing performance that was the perfect way to close out our time in the Twin Cities.

    Back at the RV, someone was clearly unimpressed by our jazz adventure—but completely content that we were finally home. 😸    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Roadside Glimpse 🚧

    June 30, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Miles of cones, caution signs, and heavy machinery—this stretch is all about the hard hats and high hopes. Construction as far as the eye can see! 🏗️👷‍♂️🛣️

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Roadside Wonder ⛽️🏛️

    June 30, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    A fill-up with flair! In little Cloquet, MN, you’ll find the only Frank Lloyd Wright–designed gas station ever built. Apparently with a glass-walled observation lounge (we didn’t stop to see it) in signature Wright style… this is where architecture meets asphalt in the most unexpected place.Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Holiday HQ: Red Pine Campground

    June 30, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Today’s drive was short—just about 150 miles—but not without a little adventure. We skillfully dodged a few thunderstorms and miles of construction like pros (great driving, Don!). We rolled into the cozy Red Pine Campground in Saginaw, MN dry and set up without any rain drama. Wahoo! ☁️ 🚧 🚐

    This sweet little mom & pop RV park is just 15 miles northwest of Duluth—wooded, peaceful, and a mix of full-timers and happy wanderers like us. It’ll be our base camp through the 4th holiday. Fireworks? Most likely. Campfire? Bug dependent. Bug spray? Absolutely essential. 🧨🔥🦟

    Once we got settled, we wrapped up the day with a little walk, a campsite dinner (complete with turkey spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and wine—because even in the woods, carbs and cabernet are sacred 🍝🥗🍷), and then another walk where we caught Mother Nature showing off again. 🌅📸    Read more

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