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Up to your ankles in water? That's just how deep the headwaters of the Mississippi River are. We follow this great river from Minneapolis to the headwaters in Bemidji Minnesota. Where19th Century farming is still practiced, the Spirit of St. Louis was a dream come true, and Paul Bunyan and Babe the blue ox watch over Lake Bemidji.
Come along take this great ride on the Great River Road.
Day One
One river and ten states Minnesota is where the Mississippi River starts. Just west of Minneapolis is the Oliver H. Kelly Farm. Depending on the time of the year the farm activities can include threshing, making prairie sugar and the harvesting bee-working to prepare for winter. All during a time period when looking back, life seamed so true and simple. As we meander up the road to St. Cloud the jewel of river is Munsinger and Clemens Gardens. The gardens are just one of the many activities St. Cloud has to offer. The Stearns History Museum, Quarry Park, granite and manufacturing tours are all possible in Granite Country USA!
Dining in the St. Cloud is our specialty. From Italian, American, Mediterranean, to an all you can eat buffet. We can recommend the right place for you.
Day Two
A good nights sleep at one of our many hotels we start the next leg of our trip up the river. The Charles Lindbergh Home is much the same as it was when he was a boy growing up by the Mississippi River. Lindbergh had a love for airplanes and by 1927 a $25,000.00 prize was offered to the first pilot to successfully cross the Atlantic. Charles Lindbergh became an instant hero and the prizewinner. Be sure check out the airplane in the museum, have seat and just imagine flying across the Atlantic yourself.
Fort Ripley is our next stop. Better known as Camp Ripley it is an active military base. If you are daring enough we can experience lunch in the Mess Hall. This has brought back memories for service people who have protected our country in the past. At Camp Ripley they have an active Environmental Center where tours can be conducted, and they also have the Military Museum.
It's back on the bus as we follow the Great River Road to Itasca State Park. This is where the Mississippi River begins its 2,552-mile flow to the Gulf of Mexico. Pictures are a must you will want to show all of your friend s YOU have been to the headwaters! You cannot leave the North County with out stopping to see Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. I'm sure you have heard of them, they are waiting for you at the Bemidji Visitors Center. Yes, do take a picture-proof positive you and Paul are good friends. You to can sport one of those lovely black and red checked shirts, just like Paul.
One more stop at the Bemidji Woolen Mills home of the black and red checked shirts.
This is truly unique shopping experience-rediscover wool the original natural fiber, plus many other household and clothing items.
We've had a long day, so it's time to check out one of Bemidji's restaurants and accommodations. Routing your trip to the headwaters and back requires attention to detail the St. Cloud CVB and the Bemidji CVB are at your service to make the Great River Road One Great Experience.
Trip Highlights: - Oliver H. Kelly Farm
- Munsinger/Clemens Gardens
- Charles Lindbergh Home
- Itasca State Park
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