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Fall Drives 2007

(page 2 of 4)

 

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

 

Mille Lacs Area

www.millelacs.com

Admire the interplay of red, yellow, orange, purple, and gold leaves while driving to the Mille Lacs area along Highway 47, north of Anoka.

The area, however, offers much more than vibrant fall tapestries. In the autumn months, Lake Mille Lacs—the state’s second largest lake—becomes an angler’s dream come true.

”Fishing in Mille Lacs is awesome in the fall, and much less crowded than other times of the year,” explains Judy Cain, executive director of Mille Lacs Area Tourism.

Spanning slightly more than 200 square miles, Mille Lacs is home to 40 species of fish, including walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch and muskie. White deer, eagles and osprey, loons, gulls and migrating waterfowl and warblers are just a few of the other wildlife highlights of the Mille Lacs Lake area.

Visit during the 16th annual Bike Ride Around Mille Lacs on Sunday, September 16. Participants will pedal around Mille Lacs on 12, 35, or 70-mile routes along paved trails and county roads, with proceeds benefiting Mille Lacs Area Tourism and the Soo Line Bike Trail Association

Courtesy of Trapper's Landing Lodge

Trapper’s Landing Lodge

www.trapperslandinglodge.com

Travel along Highway 10 to 371 for northwoods solitude, awesome fall colors, and luxury resort amenities at Trapper’s Landing Lodge on Leech Lake.

With the massive Chippewa National Forest surrounding the area, Trapper’s Landing is the ideal place to plan a colorful weekend getaway.

Stay in a townhome, cabin, or luxury suite, utilize the 51-slip full-service marina (the resort features 1,600 feet of lakefront property), dine at the excellent Beach Fire Bar and Grill, and enjoy the recreational opportunities that go hand-in-hand with a 112,000-acre lake, a never-ending expanse of forest, and a number of scenic trails. Guests can enjoy bonfires, children’s activities, and fishing clinics.

Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center

www.arrowwoodresort.com

Located just two hours west of the Twin Cities on the shores of Lake Darling in Alexandria, beautiful fall scenery is worth a trip along I-94 to Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center. Area attractions such as Lake Carlos State Park, the 1,750-foot Inspiration Peak (one of the highest points in the state), and the Central Lakes Bike Trail offer great fall scenery. In addition to prime color viewing, Arrowwood guests have the option of enjoying the Big Splash Indoor Waterpark, relaxing at Darling Reflections Spa, playing a round on Arrowwood’s 18-hole course, horseback riding, or roasting marshmallows by an evening bonfire.

Grand Superior Lodge

www.grandsuperiorlodge.com

Drive north from Duluth along Scenic Highway 61 for sweeping views of maple, pine, aspen, and birch along the pristine shores of Lake Superior. Stay along the scenic route until you reach Grand Superior Lodge.

In addition to staying in a cozy cabin, deluxe room, or suite within the main lodge, guests can now stay at Lake Homes North, authentic log homes on an expansion of prime lakeshore property. The three-bedroom homes feature over 2,000 square feet of wall-to-wall luxuries, sleeping up to eight. Grand Superior Lodge is down the street from Gooseberry Falls State Park, the Superior Hiking Trail, and Split Rock Lighthouse. The Castle Danger Trailhead is just two miles away, with spectacular Lake Superior overlooks from Wolf Rock.

After a day of hiking, guests are encouraged to light a lakeside campfire (there are several areas on the shore where the lodge has set up bonfire pits), listen to the waves, and appreciate the sound of silence.

Guests visiting during the weekend of November 9-11 can take part in the fourth bi-annual “Wild Game and Brewer’s Feast” dinner. Previous menus have included smoked salmon, grilled bison, elk, venison, rattlesnake, rabbit, grouse, pheasant, wild boar, and antelope, with unlimited ale courtesy of South Shore Brewing Company.

Courtesy of Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior

Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior

www.larsmontcottages.com

Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior, one of the newest resorts on the North Shore, is a photographer’s Eden. Located in Two Harbors (about 30 minutes north of Duluth), the Scandinavian-style cottages are tucked away in 40 acres of private woods for the ultimate in privacy and fall colors.

“Roughing it” is out of the question here. Guests enjoy modern conveniences in upscale cottages, equipped with TVs and DVD players, home theater systems, full-service kitchens, goose down comforters, and gas fireplaces.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy opportunities to hike, paddle, fish, golf, or bike (borrow complimentary bikes and head into Two Harbors, an easy five mile ride away, for coffee, lunch, or shopping), while those wanting to stay put and unwind will appreciate the full-service Ledge Rock Grille and Lounge, heated indoor pool, and wood-fired sauna and massage cottage. There are fire pits around the resort for nightly bonfires, and chairs and benches along the shore for kicking back and watching the waves.

Cove Point Lodge

www.covepointlodge.com

Discover the rugged beauty of the North Shore at Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay, a Scandinavian-style lodge surrounded by 150 acres of woods and rocks, complete with a perfect postcard view of Lake Superior. The area is ideal for appreciating Mother Nature’s seasonal display of amazing fall colors.

Located just outside the Superior Hiking Trail, near Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche State Park, and the Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail, Cove Point guests can hike, bike, kayak, canoe, fish, pick berries or catch up on some much-needed rest and relaxation. All rooms face Lake Superior and include fireplaces and/or Jacuzzis.

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