1. Duluth, Minnesota

Also known as: My Happy Place. Duluth is a port city nestled on the easternmost part of Minnesota next to Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes. Whenever I need a reminder of how minor my problems are in this chaotic world, I hop in my car and drive east on Highway 2 until I hit Duluth. The amazing views overlooking Lake Superior from the iron ore cliffs always inspire a sense of awe and wonder. Cruise along the North Shore Scenic Drive – also known as Highway 61 – and stop in at Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse in Knife River for my favorite locally-sourced smoked whitefish, caught fresh from Lake Superior.

Once you’ve had your fill of fish, continue on to Gooseberry Falls in Two Harbors, MN. This magical place shines like an enchanted forest and shimmers with some of the prettiest waterfalls I’ve found. On the way back, make a quick stop at world-famous Betty’s Pies and treat your tastebuds to my personal favorite slice: bumbleberry pie.

2. Winnipeg, Canada

Have you ever wanted to leave the country for a little while? You’re in luck! A short two-and-a-half-hour drive brings you to our lovely neighbors of the North: Winnipeg, Canada. Whether you’re looking to learn or play, Winnipeg boasts beautiful scenery and offers tons of culture.

The Manitoba Museum is one of my favorite stops to take in a little Canadian culture. It is an immersive world offering up a front-row experience of all things Canada. Taking the whole fam? The Manitoba Children’s Museum allows for an epic adventure for kids of all ages, including the adult kids!

3. Gilby, North Dakota

Do you want to go on a treasure hunt? Take my hand, let’s jump right into Gilby, North Dakota’s famed geocaching festival, Gilby Gone Wild! Technically, I’m cheating on this one, because Gilby is in the heart of Grand Forks County, but this festival is so cool, that I couldn’t resist including it. If you’re unfamiliar with geocaching, all you need is a navigation device (or mobile app) and your wits and you can spend a day searching for hidden containers (caches) using exact coordinates.

Thanks to a 2020 festival, a few committed volunteers, and some talented geocachers, Gilby has been dubbed the “Disneyland of Geocaching” and attracts visitors from around the country! Noted geocacher Trycacheus brings his weird ideas to life and creates gadget geocaches that will keep adventurers searching for hours. Be careful not to let any muggles find you! (Muggles are non-geocaching folk.) Check out the Gilby, North Dakota Geocaching Fan Club on Facebook for more in-depth information.

4. Bemidji, Minnesota

One of my absolute favorite summertime day or weekend trips is to Bemidji, Minnesota. Travel two hours east on Highway 2 from Grand Forks, and you’ll be surrounded by rich forest and glistening lake country in the heart of Minnesota. Take your picture with towering Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues along the shores of Lake Bemidji. My two favorite times of the year to visit are in July during the annual Jaycees Water Carnival and during the first week of August for the Dragon Boat Festival. Both events fill the streets of Bemidji with food, culture, and pure family fun.

5. Frost Fire Park

Winter, summer, spring, or fall, Frost Fire Park delivers entertainment for them all. Just two hours north of Grand Forks, Frost Fire Park’s beautiful natural scenery has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. During the winter, ski your way down the slopes and stay at a cozy chalet. Not a snow lover? Head to Frost Fire during the summer and break out your mountain bike to take on one of eight extreme trails (helmet required). During the fall, take a hike at the beautiful nearby Pembina Gorge for some of the most spectacular fall foliage and scenery. If you prefer activities of the indoor variety, Frost Fire hosts a troupe of performers every year for a summer musical performance and dinner theatre.