Scenic Drives

Our favorite scenic drives and byways

Historic Mineral Point Wisconsin

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mineral point wisconsin

Mineral Point is one of our favorite towns in the Driftless area and in Wisconsin’s Cheese Country.

Settled in 1827, Mineral Point was prominent in the creation of the Wisconsin Territory, serving as the host town for the July 4, 1836 inauguration of the first territorial governor, Henry Dodge. As the center of the evolving lead mining industry, Mineral Point grew quickly and drew immigrants from Cornwall England an area with a rich mining history. By 1850 the majority of the residents of Mineral Point had Cornish ancestry. The Pendarvis Settlement, a Wisconsin Historic Site, preserves some of the early structures and relates the history of Cornish settlements and mining in Mineral Point. Many other Mineral Point buildings from its early history have been restored and are found along Commerce Street, High Street, and ShakeRag Street.

Today Mineral Point is a center of artists, artisans, unique restaurants, galleries and boutiques.  There is about 25 galleries and studios of sculptors, fiber arts artisans, woodworkers, potters, glass workers, painters, etc. The town hosts several annual events including a 4th of July Festival (always held on the actual 4th), the Mineral Point Car Show, the Fall Art Tour, and the annual Cornish Festival. Mineral Point is also home to Hooks Cheese, producers of over 50 varieties of award-winning cheese.

A few highlights around Mineral Point

The Gray Dog Deli is one of Mineral Point’s favorite cafes.

Shake Rag Alley

In addition to preserving several historic buildings that was the heart of early Mineral Point, Shake Rag Alley is an arts education center offering  workshops and classes are offered in a wide variety of arts and crafts. In the summer they offer day camps and programs especially for young people.

Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
Jo checks out the information booth at the entrance to Shake Rag Alley
Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
Taking a walk through the gardens and “village” of Shake Rag Alley
Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
This pioneer cabin is one of 9 historic buildings in the Shake Rag village.
Shake Rag Alley Mineral Point
Many of the historic buildings in the Shake Rag village are used as classrooms and workshops.

Pendarvis Historic Site

The Wisconsin Historic Society offers narrated tours, with costumed interpreters, of the buildings, artifacts and gardens of the 5 acre historic site. Pendarvis is open Thursday through Sunday, June 1 to October 15th. Guided tours are available 4 times a day or at other times you can do a self-guided tour.

Miner Home Pendarvis
The original Pendarvis and Telawny Miners homes. on Shake Rag Street.
Mineral Point Pendarvis House
The Pendarvis House Restaurant operated for 35 years until 1970

Fourth of July Celebration

A rarity these days, the annual Independence Day celebration is always held on the 4th itself. It is an “old school” day-long and evening celebration featuring a Parade, an Ice Cream & Pie Social, a Community Band Concert, a Softball Tournament, and Fireworks.

Mineral Point Ice Cream Social
Young and old alike line up for ice cream and pie before the concert at the Soldiers Park pavilion.
Mineral Point Fireworks
Fireworks are on Christmas Mine Hill next to Soldiers Memorial Park.

High & Commerce Street Galleries

Several interesting galleries, shops, and pubs line both High & Commerce Streets. Check out a list of artisan shops, boutiques, studios, and specialty retail.

Mineral Point Artisans
One of several artisan studios in town
mineral point galleries
The Longbranch Gallery features rustic, folk, and fine art, the works of over 60 local, regional and national artists

Mineral Point Restaurants & Pubs

One of Mineral Point’s most popular places to eat, according to Zomato Reviews, is Brewery Creek Pub (see our review here) on south Commerce Street near the old Depot.

Jo enjoying her burger and fries at Tony’s Tap outdoor patio.

Other highly rated places to eat and drink are Tequila Point and the Gray Dog Deli both on High Street. We’ve eaten a few times at Tony’s Tap Bar & Grill also near the Depot and although nothing fancy about the menu, the food and prices were decent and they gave us attentive, friendly service. Nice outdoor patio too.

Mineral Point WI Visitor Links

Links: Driftless Area Scenic Drives

Cheese Country Travel Map & Article Directory

Cheese Country Scenic Drive Map with notes on cheese factories, golf courses, RV camping, and other attractions.
Article Directory & Map Cheese Country Scenic Drive with notes on cheese factories, golf courses, RV camping, and interesting towns and other attractions.

Visiting Dubuque Iowa

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dubuque iowa skyline

Things to See and Do Visiting Dubuque, Iowa

History of Dubuque

Located on the Iowa side of the Upper Mississippi Great River Road Scenic Drive, Dubuque holds claim to Iowa’s oldest city. Named after French-Canadian fur trader Julien Dubuque, who arrived in the area in 1785 and set up a trading post on the Mississippi River. Learning of the existence of lead deposits in the area he began mining operations cooperating with the Mesquakie Indians who had lived in the area for years. The mining community he established was known as the Mines of Spain. This later spawned the settlement of the city of Dubuque, which was chartered in 1837.

While lead mining and trade as a key port on the Mississippi were key to its early development, it later added other industries like button making, boat building, logging, mill working, meat packing, and other heavy industries. After experiencing a downturn in its local economy in the 1970s through the 1990s, the city initiated an economic revival that had “. . . five anchor components: the Mississippi Riverwalk, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Grand River Center, the Grand Harbor Resort, and the Star Brewery.”

Dubuque River Walk
Dubuque River Walk and Art on the River

In addition to offering these visitor and tourist attractions, Dubuque has become a major retail, medical, education and employment center for the tri-state area.

Top Dubuque Visitor Attractions

Whenever we visit Dubuque, we always find time to take in the Riverwalk with its panoramic views of the Mississippi River, isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city, and its interesting artistic sculptures sprinkled along the walk. The Grand River Center, a unique architectural creation, is a prominent center-piece along the Riverwalk. At the end of the Riverwalk is the restored historic Star Brewery building which now houses a mini-brewery museum, a fine restaurant, and the tasting room of the Stone Cliff Winery, among other attractions.

stone cliff winery outdoor cafe
The Stone Cliff Winery Bar is located in the historic Star Brewery Complex.
Dubuque Clock Tower
Dubuque Clock Tower with the 1891 County Courthouse in the background.
Dubuque Mississippi River Museum
At the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Jo and the kids look at the turtles. Interactive exhibits on the river in the background.

Another favorite Dubuque attraction is the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. It anchors the other end of the Riverwalk built along the lagoon called the Ice Harbor. Filled with interactive exhibits and educational displays, it is easy to spend several hours exploring all that it has to offer. In fact the admission ticket is good for two consecutive days as for some people they would need two days to see everything.

mississippi river museum
Gulf of Mexico tank at the National Mississippi River Aquarium

And still another regular part of visiting Dubuque is taking a walk downtown past the historic Julien Dubuque Hotel, past the Bell Tower, and a stroll along Bluff Street to Cable Car Square visiting boutiques and specialty shops.

Once at Cable Car Square, taking a ride up the hill on the Fenlon Place Elevator is a must for any Dubuque visitor (see our slide show below). Originally built in 1882 by a downtown banker who lived on the top of the bluffs in order to save an hour buggy ride round trip to work and back. Years later the Fenlon Place Elevator Company was formed and the cable car served all the neighbors who lived on top of the bluff.

The incline railway takes you up to the top of the Bluff where the station deck offers terrific views of downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River. We usually take the bluff trail walk down from the top of the bluff for the exercise, but if you buy a round trip ticket you can take the incline railway back to the Square and avoid the walk.

Slide Show: Riding the Fenlon Place Incline Railway

  • fenlon railway dubuque
    Here is where passengers board the incline railway to the top of the hill
  • fenlon cable car dubuque
    Jo and the kids getting excited for the ride up the hill.
  • fenlon place elevator
    The Cable Car goes both directions, you can ride up or ride down.
  • dubuque overlook fenlon station
    The kids enjoying the view from the bluff-top station deck.

Scenic Overlooks

You get a great view of the downtown and river from the top of Fenlon Place. Another great view of the river and the Dubuque River Front is from the top of Eagle Point Park.

Campgrounds

Another park, Miller Riverview park, is located adjacent to the river and offers a picnic area and RV and tent camping. More RV camping is offered at the Dubuque Yacht basin. Both of these RV campgrounds can be difficult to snag a site at so we more often camp across the river at the Grant River Corps park near Potosi.

Golfing.

The city has a municipal golf course, Bunker Hill, which offers 18 holes suitable for beginning through intermediate golfers. Across the river, Lacoma Golf Course offers 36 holes of regulation and championship golf plus a nice little par 3 course. It is one of our favorite golfing spots in the area. (See our reviews of Dubuque Golf Courses)

Gaming and Cruises

Other Dubuque recreational attractions include two Casinos, a Greyhound Race Track, and Riverboat Cruises.

Unique Dining in Dubuque Area

Catfish Charies Restaurant
Catfish Charlies Seafood Restaurant overlooks the Dubuque Yacht Basin.

When we are staying in the Dubuque area there are two other places we try to include on our visit. One is dining at the historic Breitbach Country Tavern in little Balltown, Iowa about 16 miles north of Dubuque on Iowa’s highest bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Breitbach is Iowa’s oldest continually operating tavern and restaurant, being run by the Breitbach family for six generations. The other significant attraction is across the river in the little river town of Potosi: The historic Potosi Brewery and Brewery Museum. Fascinating tour of the brewing facilities, the outstanding artifacts and memorabilia in the Brewery Museum, and excellent food and fresh brewed beer in the brewpub tap room.

Dubuque Attractions – Visitor Links:

Nearby Dubuque Attractions

Traveling the Upper Mississippi Great River Road

Shell Mound Campground – Cedar Key, Florida

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Our rialta at shell mound campground

RV & Tent Camping: Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge and Shell Mound Park

Can’t find a vacancy at Cedar Key RV Campgrounds? Or you are choking on the prices. Here’s an alternative to check out.

Our favorite place to RV camp when visiting the fun and artsy Gulf Beach Town of Cedar Keys, is the Levy County Shell Mound Park. It is located about 8 miles North and East of the town of Cedar Key in Florida’s Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge.

Shell Mound offers both RV campsites and tent campsites at prices considerably less than the fare in Cedar Key proper. There’s a pair of nice hiking/nature trails and a fishing pier nearby in the Wildlife Refuge and a boat launch for canoes and kayaks. 

Most of Shell Mound’s RV sites have both electricity and water-hookups, but some are electric only and there are a few tent sites with no utilities. There is a full-service washroom/shower building and an RV dump site. The campground also has its own boat launch and a place to park trailers.  The campground managers are on-site during the day and we found themvanc very friendly and helpful.

Beside reasonable price, another outstanding feature of Shell Mound is there are no advance reservations, site occupancy is first come, first served. There’s a 7 day maximum stay, So even during popular times of the year, you might be able to get a site there. The camping fees are reasonable, even with a recent 50% increase.

shell mound campground cedar key florida
Shell Mound Campground
google map shell mound campground
campground – google maps

Since the campground is set within the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge it is remote, surrounded by woods and is generally quite quiet. The only noise we heard during our stay there was when an airboat launched at the boat landing. Some of the RV sites have a decent slope to them so some leveling blocks would be necessary for these particular sites. The road that circles through the park is paved and many sites are graveled. The camping sites  generally have some shade, and offer adequate separation from neighboring sites. The sites that are electric-only (no water and lower priced) are more open and on grass vs. partially graveled.

sunset shell mound county park
A pretty sunset behind our campsite at Shell Mound County Park

Directions to Shell Mound

From the town of Cedar Key it is about an 8 mile drive to the Shell Mound campground. You go north on Highway 24 about 3 miles, then left on Highway 347 for about 3 miles, and then turn left when you get to Highway 326. The park is near the end of the road.

There’s a short trail near the boat launch that leads out to a spit of land providing a view of the bayou and islands of Suwannee Sound.

Bayou Trail, Shell Mount County Park
A trail behind our campsite led out to this spit of land
surrounded by water where we could watch the sun setting over the Gulf

Nearby Hiking Trails in the Wildlife Refuge

While technically not in the Levy County Park, within walking distance down the road are two interesting hiking/nature trails in the Cedar Key Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the county park.

Review: What to Like and Not Like About the Shell Mound County Campground

Likes

Reasonable Price.  Although the County increased the RV site rate 50% between our stay in 2018 and the recent one in 2020, it remains quite a bit more reasonable than those in or nearer the town of Cedar Key.

Convenient to the attractive Gulf Beach town of Cedar Key. It is less than a 10 mile drive to Cedar Key. Some campers with bikes will bike to town. The only portion where you might encounter any traffic is on Hwy 24 before the Cedar Key bridge. Once in town, you have slower speed limits and a bike path.

The Cedar Keys Nature Area & Hiking. The park is surrounded by the Shell Mound portion of the National Wildlife Refuge. Within walking distance down the dead end road that runs past the campground are the trail heads for two hiking/nature trails within the Refuge. There’s also small park there with boardwalk leading to an observation deck overlooking a portion of the Keys and a canoe/kayak launch area.

First Come, First Served Reservations. We like the fact the park offers no advance reservations. During the winter-spring season, it can be very difficult to get a campsite near a popular place like Cedar Key due to sites being reserved in advance. So the Shell Mound park means we have a chance to score a campsite mid-week at the last minute. During the day there is an office phone # you can call to see if the campground is full or not.

Review: What Not to Like About the Shell Mound County Campground

Airboat Noise. The boat ramp is apparently a popular launching site for locals who own flat bottomed airboats that are driven by huge aircraft propellers. While impressive to see, for those who have never seen on up close, the noise they make when taking off or arriving at the landing is deafening. You’ll most likely be treated to this experience Fridays – Sundays. The noise doesn’t last that long. Mainly it upsets people because it is such a stark contrast to what is otherwise a very peaceful and serene setting.

Sloping or Wet Campsites. Unless you get to the park early enough and/or during a non-busy period, your only site choices will be one of the very sloping campsites (so bring levelers) or parking on one of the low land, grass-covered sites that could get wet with a significant rainfall. So far, we’ve been lucky.

Old Washroom/Showers. While in general we’ve found the bathroom and showers clean, the washroom and showers fixtures are old and showing their age, and the building itself is a rustic cider block construction. But as I said it is clean and we found the hot water came quickly in the showers. 

Shell Mound Camping Rates and Reservation Information:

Shell Mound 2020 Rates

Other Cedar Keys Area RV Campgrounds

If you don’t mind paying a premium and being in a busier, more crowded campground here are your three choices:

More Good RV Campground Options Close enough to Cedar Key

A little further away (29 miles from Cedar Key) is Chiefland, Florida where the are some good RV Park & Camping options. During our previous stays in the Cedar Keys area we have also camped at the Manatee Springs State Park campground which is about 33 miles from the center of town. Manatee Springs has an excellent campground, reasonably-priced and offers other amenities we like. They do offer reservations so if you want to guarantee a camping spot for your visit to Cedar Keys, this is a good option.

Another very good RV camping option in Chiefland is Strawberry Fields RV Campground (see our review), a new facility on the East edge of town.

More Articles on Cedar Key Visitor Attractions:

Walking, Nature & Hiking Trails | Cedar Keys

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Boardwalk Shell Mound

In addition to walking around artsy downtown and the cottages in the nearby historic district, Cedar Keys also offers some worthwhile and interesting nature trails within the town. You’d enjoy a nice walk on the Cemetery Point Trail and the Railroad Trestle Trail. Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail This is an easy walk (2/3 … Read more

Reviews – Best Cedar Keys Restaurants

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Duncans Gulf View Restaurant Cedar Key Florida

One of the fun things about Cedar Key is their collection of interesting and unique restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Great seafood, neat ambiance, comfortable breezes off the Gulf. Lots of entertainment choices in Cedar Key, Florida . . . one of our favorite Florida Gulf Coast towns. Below is our list of the Best places … Read more

Favorite Scenic Fall Color Drives

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Fall color along Highway 92 south of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
Fall color along Highway 92 south of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
Fall Color Drive – Mt. Horeb to Monroe

Wisconsin, Minnesota, UP Fall Color

October 3, 2022. Fall color change is beginning in Wisconsin; we are starting to see the lime green peeking out among the wooded hillsides. Looks like it might be a week or two before Peak Color. But cool and dry weather is coming in a few days so that could produce some changes quickly.

The earliest fall color will occur in Northern Wisconsin from Vilas County to Hurley-Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula. But timing your trip to catch real good color can be fickle and sometimes catching the earliest color doesn’t mean catching the best!

For your upcoming scenic fall color drive planning, I am listing lower down this page some of our earlier ScenicPathways articles on some of our favorite scenic fall color drives in Wisconsin, along the Mississippi Great River Road, and around Lake Superior.

Fall color St. Croix Interstate Park
Hiking along the river bluffs at St. Croix Interstate Park
Effigy Mounds Park Fall Color Scene
There were some nice splashes of fall color in mid-October at Effigy Mounds National Park
tahquamenon falls fall color
The Upper Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Upper Peninsula Fall Color Drive
fall color mn hwy 371
Fall color along the scenic drive to Lake Itaska, the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Fall Color Drives – Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Peninsula

Wisconsin Travel – Fall Color Report

Scenic Road Trip: Wisconsin Great River Road

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LaCrosse Wisconsin Riverside Park

Top things to see and do from Dubuque to La Crosse – Great River Road The Great River Road is described by RVTravel.com as “One of America’s Best Road Trips.” The Upper Midwest hosts the most scenic road trips along the Great River Road. During the Ice Age, the Mississippi River created steep limestone and … Read more

North Shore Waterfalls

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Gooseberry Falls, Minnesota North Shore

A Road Trip Around Lake Superior’s North Shore

One year in mid June, Jo and I decided to take a trip around the north shore of Lake Superior. One benefit of taking a late spring trip around Gitche Gumme, is due to the rain the upper Midwest typcially experiences in May and early June. The rivers emptying into Lake Superior are typically at high water levels . . . making for terrific waterfalls.

Our trip started in Duluth, Minnesota where we found a nice waterfall along Chester Creek in Chester Park. The Dan Proctor Hiking Trail runs adjacent to the creek on the east side as it tumbles down the hillside towards Lake Superior. On the west side of the creek is the Superior Hiking Trail that connects to the Duluth Lakewalk at the Rose Garden in Leif Erickson Park. Going the other direction the SHT goes to Hawk Ridge and then leaves Duluth heading toward Two Harbors, Minnesota. The Superior Hiking Trail runs the entire length of the Minnesota North shore.

chester creek waterfall duluth, mn
The normally mild Chester Creek was pretty wild in mid-June

The next day we headed towards Grand Marais finding several impressive waterfalls along the route: Gooseberry Falls, Cross River Falls, the High Falls on the Baptism River. Gooseberry State Park is a must-see stop along the Minnesota North Shore for its extensive network of stairs and walking trails completely encircling Gooseberry Falls. You can see these waterfalls and others along the Minnesota North Shore in the following slide show (click on any image to see a larger view)

Slide Show North Shore Waterfalls

  • High Falls on the Pigeon River, MN
    130 foot High Falls on the Pigeon River at the Minnesota-Ontario border
  • manitou Falls, North Shore
    Manitou Falls
  • devils kettle, North Shore
    Devils Kettle Falls in Judge Magney Park
  • Upper Gooseberry Falls, North Shore
    Upper Gooseberry Falls
  • middle gooseberry falls, noRTH SHORE
    middle gooseberry falls

Naniboujou Lodge – Historic Dining and Lodging

On our recent trip we made time to stop in the Naniboujou Lodge on the shores of Lake Superior near the entrance to Judge Magney State Park. We’ve probably passed their sign dozens of times on the way to Grand Portage or Canada. It is worth a stop for the architecture, the ambiance, and the food.

great hall naniboujou lodge
The Great Hall of Naniboujou Lodge is like a Northwoods Sistine Chapel and a spacious and welcoming place for dining.

It is a step back in time to the elegance of a 1929 northwoods gentlemen’s club. Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey and Ring Lardner were among the notables who were charter members. The original estate was over 3000 acres and was to include a wide range of sporting facilities (tennis, golf, bathhouse, etc.) and up to 150 guest rooms. The 1929 stock market crash and resulting depression curtailed plans to expand the estate and its membership and eventually required the club to sell its properties. The original lodge, great hall, and 24 guest rooms have been preserved and operate today as a restaurant and inn. The most impressive feature of the lodge is the great hall which serves as the main dining room. The walls and twenty foot high ceiling are a mural of Cree Indian designs created by a French artist. The huge fireplace at one end of the lodge is the largest native stone fireplace in Minnesota. All the furnishings are suitably aged and fit the image of a 1930s era clubhouse and north woods inn. The menu offers a reasonable variety of choices, all with a creative twist in the recipe. The food was top quality and the price reasonable enough for a family on a budget. There is also a kids menu and pricing. The wait service was courteous and efficient – well-trained. The inn and restaurant is open from mid-May to mid-October and an abbreviated winter schedule – weekends from late December to mid-March.

Highest Lake Superior Waterfall

Further down Scenic Highway 61 is Grand Portage State Park. Be sure to stop at the Grand Portage State Park visitor center and take a short hike to High Falls, one of two waterfalls competing for the title of highest waterfall around Lake Superior. The trail to the falls is an easy half mile walk and is handicap accessible.

Next Page: We cross into Canada to travel Ontario’s North Shore of Lake Superior where more terrific waterfalls are flowing.

Links:

Minnesota North Shore State Parks

Ontario North Shore Provincial Parks

Ross

Duluth Tall Ships Festival

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Magnificent sailing ships competing in the Tall Ships Challenge Race have been the occasion for a every other year Tall Ships Festival in Duluth, Minnesota. In 2022 the festival moved to Two Harbors due to construction in the Duluth Harbor. Below is an earlier article which will give you an idea of what the festival is all about. ~~~Ross

US Brig Niagara
The US Brig Niagara sails into the Duluth Harbor during the Tall Ships Festival’s Parade of Sails

Duluth Tall Ships Festival, 2013

On July 25th Duluth, Minnesota again welcomed sailing ships participating in the 2013 Tall Ships Challenge Race. Nine Tall Ships sailed into the Duluth Shipping Canal to the inner harbor they would make as their temporary port for the four days of the Tall Ships Festival. Thursday’s Parade of Sails was followed by opportunities to tour several of the ships docked along the inner harbor lake walk. Several people had advance sale tickets for day sails out into the Duluth bay on some of the other ships.

Tall Ships Festival Crowd
A crowd in excess of 100,000 assembled along the pier and throughout Canal Park waiting for the Parade of Sails to begin
Pride of Baltimore II Tall Ship
The Pride of Baltimore II is a replica of Commander Perry’s vessel that fought in the War of 1812
Sorlandet Tall Ship
The Norwegian sailing vessel Sorlandet was the largest Tall Ship in Duluth’s Tall Ships Festival
Sorlandet Tall Sailing Ship
Here’s a picture of the Sorlandet under full sail from a blog entry from Erin in the Tall Ships Challenge Blog

Some of the Tall Ships, like the US Brig Niagara, the Pride of Baltimore, and the Privateer Lynx are replicas of ships from the earlier 1800s – in particular the War of 1812. So in the addition to the innate beauty of a large sailing ship passing within a stone’s throw of us, when we were able to tour US Brig Niagara, we were treated to a living naval history lesson of a time early in our nation’s history. The lines for dockside tours of these ships were strung out in waits up to two or more hours so seeing more than two ships would have involved more standing around than our legs could handle so we only did the Niagara and the Peacemaker. The most popular ship for dockside tours was the magnificent SS Sorlandet, a 1925 Norwegian vessel that is the oldest full-rigged ship in the world still in operation.

On Board Ship Tours
Crowds gathered dockside to see the Tall Ships up close
The Peacemaker Sailing Ship
The Peacemaker was the most unique Tall Ship in the festival
US Brig Niagara Captain Station
The captain’s station on the US Brig Niagara is spartan befitting a replica of an 1812 era sailing ship
Pilot House Peacemaker Tall Ship
The Peacemaker’s pilot house is full of electronic gear and comfort befitting its previous life as yacht of a wealthy industrialist

The two ships we toured offered some interesting contrasts. The Brig Niagara allowed us to experience a taste of life of a sailing ship crew member 200 years ago. The captain’s console had a compass and a place to roll out navigational maps and was immediately ahead of the massive hand-operated tiller. Crew members slept on hammocks below deck where only a 4 foot high person would stand up straight. Massive ropes were coiled everywhere and 24 foot oars stored in the sidewalls. In contrast to the Niagara, the Peacemaker’s Pilot house was a modern assembly of the latest electronic navigation and communications gear with comfortable swivel chairs and upholstered couches.

The 1812 theme was continued by a group of re-enactors who have been following the Challenge Race tour ships as they visit various Great Lakes ports. They had old fashioned tents set up in Bayfront Park with exhibits of 1800s era cooking, iron working, weapons, and other artifacts from the War of 1812. Some of the re-enactors also mixed in amongst the crowd of festival tourists (see below).

Captain Hook at the Tall ships Festival
A Captain Hook-like character ventures out from the rendezvous camp to have fun with the crowd watching the ships

We arrived a day early of the festival and enjoyed near ideal weather walking around Canal Park, the Lakewalk, visiting shops, and sampling the brews of the new Canal Park Brewery. The next day, when the crowds of onlookers flooded the Lake Walk and Canal Park area, even buying a hot dog from a street vendor required waiting in line for 30 minutes!

The Duluth LakeWalk
The Duluth Lakewalk on the day before the festival began
At Canal Park Brewery
Jo and Donna at the new Canal Park Brewery

More Info on the Tall Ships

For more pictures and information, see our website pages on Duluth Tall Ships 2010 and Duluth Tall Ships 2013.

See Erin’s blog entries from her sailing and racing experiences with the Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge Races.

The Tall Ships will be visiting other US and Canadian Ports later this month and in September. Go here for the schedule

It was a fun trip even though we got rained on the second day of the festival. We return again to Duluth in September for the KIA Duluth Drag Race and Car Show.

See our Superior Trails event schedule of other interesting things to see and do in Duluth

Ross

Duluth Drag Race & Car Show

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The Duluth Drag Race and Car Show features the Nations only legalized 1/8 mile drag race on a public street. The event usually takes place every summer on Duluth’s Garfield Ave. Unfortunately due to ongoing construction of the Twin Ports Interchange (TPI) Project, the event had to be cancelled in 2021 and 22. Organizers hope to return the event in 2023. Below is an an article from an earlier race which will give you an idea of what this fun event is all about.

Kia Duluth Drag Race and Car Show

Jo and I had a chance to catch the second day of the KIA Duluth Street Drag Race classic on Sept 8, 2013. The car show portion of the event seemed at least twice as large as last year. I’ll bet there were at least 50 cars on display. And given that almost all of the 100 street racers in attendance were custom and restored cars, it was a true smorgasbord for car lovers.

Ross and Jo at the kia duluth drag race
Ross & Jo at the Drag Race

The races themselves were exciting as well as loud! Ear plugs were a hot selling item. If you click on the picture to see and larger version and then look closely at my ears in the picture of Jo and me, you’ll see them sticking out of my ears.

Here’s a few photos from the event, followed by a video of the race.

Duluth Car Show
Despite the roaring flames this customized 1940 Studebaker Coupe wasn’t in the race but was a strong contestant in the car show. Owned by Steve Carlton of Duluth
KIA Duluth Drag Race
But this 1969 Chevelle piloted by Ryan Humes of Superior, Wisconsin was in the race and recorded two wins before being eliminated
Kia duluth drag race
This sharp customized 1951 International Pickup is owned by Matt Johnson of Duluth. This baby can really scoot, finishing under 7 seconds. But unfortunately Matt got eliminated in the first round.
KIA Duluth Drag Race
This chopped 1930 Model A Coupe is owned and raced by David Karcher of Taylor Falls, MN. Dave was a semi-final winner in his class

Here’s a video I put together. Keep your finger on the volume control because it is loud!

We have some more photos and links to the drag race website on our Duluth Drag Race page on our SuperiorTrails.com website. So go there for more info.

If you want to go to this race and car show event next year check back on our SuperiorTrails Drag Race page. We’ll post race info there when we get it.

Ross

Natchez Trace Scenic Drive

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natchez trace national parkway

Natchez Trace National Parkway National Park

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, about 440 miles. Traveling the Trace is an excellent way to step back in time to an era of the scenic road trip where you take the time to enjoy the trip itself. Trucks and commercial vehicles aren’t allowed on the parkway. Nor are billboards, stop lights, or commercial establishments. Along the roadsides, the human footprint is light, only a changing variety of scenery and topography provided by Mother Nature.

Along the route are numerous historical markers, restored historical sites and exhibits, rest stop parks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. Within a short distance of the Trace are towns and communities with additional services and attractions, some of them with worthy scenic or historical value in of themselves.

The maximum speed along the Trace is 50 mph. The idea is a stress free, scenic, and enjoyable ride in an auto, RV, motorcycle, or road bike (there’s a special network of rustic campsites reserved for bike riders). A bonus is you can save gas by driving at a comfortable 50 mph without being hassled by drivers behind you.

Natchez Trace Red Buds
Red Buds popping out along the Natchez Trace Parkway

History of the Old Trace

The parkway roughly follows the historic Natchez Trace, a trail whose roots goes back to the 1600s evolving from hunting trails used by the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians. Around 1700 French explorers and traders established a trading post near the present day Natchez and later Fort Rosalie constructed as the European population in the area expanded. Conflicts with the native Natchez people ensued and by 1735 the Natchez Indian community in the area was essentially wiped out and the village of Natchez began to form.

For the next 50 years European influence expanded in the area between the lower Mississippi valley in Natchez and the Ohio River and Cumberland River valleys in the north.

By 1800 Nashville had become the most significant community in the Kentucky-Tennessee territory. Also by this time a defined trail had taken shape between Natchez and Nashville as an overland return route from farmers and traders who floated their crops and products down the Cumberland, Ohio, and then the Mississippi Rivers to markets in Natchez and New Orleans. With no practical way to navigate their craft back up the Mississippi River, the float boats that carried the cargo were disassembled and the lumber sold. Then the Boatmen had to walk or ride back home.

The Trace was the trail that formed from thousands of travelers following this path. Over time inns (called “stands”) and small communities grew up along this route to serve travelers along the trace. One of these inns, Mount Locust Inn & Plantation, has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November.

By 1810 an estimated 10,000 Boatmen (called “Kaintucks”) were using the Trace and the two towns at either end (Natchez and Nashville) had become cemented as major communities.

Natchez Trace Articles

About the Natchez Trace Drive (this page)

Travelogue: Natchez Trace Parkway, Part 1

Meriwether Lewis Natchez Trace  Park

Visiting the Historic City of Natchez

natchez trace parkway
There are several pull-offs along the parkway where you can see portions of the original old trace.
Mount Locust, Natchez Trace Parkway
Mount Locust, historic inn on the Natchez Trace

Nearby Places of Interest
Historic Natchez, Mississippi
Shiloh Military Park

The Natchez Trace – Our First National Road

In 1801 President Jefferson authorized construction of a national road along the Trace as a national security measure. Army troops began clearing brush and building bridges along the trail and in a few years a good section of the trail had been improved from a winding, narrow path to a wider more comfortable road for wagons and horses and began attracting numerous travelers in addition to the Boatmen.

From 1812 to 1815 the Trace was a major route used by Andrew Jackson’s Tennessee Volunteers during the War of 1812 and the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. By 1820 the invention of the Steamboat allowed two way travel up and down the Mississippi and Ohio rivers meant the Trace began to lose its main customers. In addition a new road, called Jackson’s Military Road was being constructed. This route cut about one third of the distance between Natchez and Nashville off the original Trace. By 1900, due to improvements in river travel and the competition from more recent roadways, the Trace had reverted to a wilderness state along much of its original course.

A portion of the historic Old Trace trail from Natchez to Nashville

Learn More – Natchez Trace Parkway Travelogue:

Natchez Trace National Parkway Website

Traveling The Modern Natchez Trace Parkway

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A Great Road Trip

One of the most scenic and stress free road trips you can take. In the Spring you can catch the blooming Red Buds, Dogwoods, and wildflowers. In the fall beautiful colors as the leaves are changing.

The Natchez Trace Parkway begins north of the city of Natchez (see our article on Visiting historic Natchez, Mississippi), the oldest town on the Mississippi River and the southern terminus of the historic Natchez Trace. The parkway runs 444 miles, through three States, ending south of Nashville, Tennessee.

There are some interesting small towns along the route and hundreds of wayside stops with some sort of scenic or historical interest along the Parkway. Rated by Mike and Jen of RVlifestyle.com as their favorite RV road trip in the US. We agree and highlight below some of our favorite points of interest along the Trace.

The rooms in the old Mount Locust Inn, with period furnishings, are open for viewing.
The rooms in the old Mount Locust Inn, with period furnishings, are open for viewing.

Our Favorite Points of Interest Along the Natchez Trace:

Mount Locust, Milepost 15.5

Traveling north from Natchez, one of the first stops you should make along the Trace is at Mount Locust, milepost 15.5. Back in the day, this was Day 1 on the Boatman’s trip back to the Ohio Valley. The stand was originally constructed as a farm homestead in 1780. But being in the right place at the right time encouraged later owners, the William Ferguson family, to open up a crude inn to serve the growing number of travelers. Eventually an annex was constructed to better meet the need. The Inn has been restored and is open for daily tours from February through November. See link to Mt. Locust Brochure.

Sunken Trace, Milepost 41.5 – At several points along the parkway the “old Trace” intersects with or comes close to the Parkway. At mile marker 41.5 is one of many rest stops where you can walk to and through a portion of the original Trace.

Old Natchez Trace sunken trail

Rocky Springs, Milepost 54.8 – The former community of Rocky Springs is now a park, picnic site and rustic campground. A self-guided trail leads to the location of the former village and to the graveyard and old church that are all that remain of a village that once held over 2000 souls. Map of Rocky Springs Campground & Historical Site

Cypress Swamp, Milepost 122.0 – At mile marker 122 you’ll have an opportunity to stretch your legs with a half-mile loop annotated nature trail through a Cypress and Water Tupelo Swamp. We saw a baby alligator sunning itself on a little island in the swamp pond.

cypress swamp natchez trace
The nature trail begins with a boardwalk through the center of the swamp.

Holly Hill Rest Stop, Mile Marker 154.3 – One of 44 picnic areas along the Trace. There is picnic tables and accessible rest rooms.

Holly Hill Rest Stop, Natchez Trace
Holly Hill Rest Stop, Mile Marker 154.3, one of 44 picnic areas along the Natchez Trace

French Camp, Milepost 180.7 – A “stand” (inn) was established here in 1812 serving travelers along the Trace. Later in 1822 it added a school, which exists to this day. Included in the restored complex, joined by a boardwalk, are a cafe, gift shop, visitor center, log cabin, crafts center, and sorghum making center. An interesting historical stop, an opportunity to stretch your legs, and get a bite to eat.

Link to Historic French Camp Village website

French Camp, Natchez Trace
Blacksmith Shop and Barn of the French Camp
French Camp
The Drane House, an 1845 restored antebellum home is open for tours

Jeff Busby Park, Milepost 193.1 – Named for Mississippi Congressman Thomas Jefferson Busby (whose bill created the Parkway), the park has a visitor exhibit area, a nice picnic area with tables, grills, and parking, a 22 site campground, restrooms, hiking trails, and a mountain top overlook that is one of the highest points in Mississippi.

Jeff Busby Campground & Picnic Area Map – Jeff-Busby-map

Jeff Busby Overlook
The Scenic Overlook picnic area at the Jeff Busby Trace Park.

Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, Tupelo, Mississippi, Milepost 266.0

The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center has a twelve-minute orientation film, interpretive displays about the natural and cultural history of the Natchez Trace, as well as an Eastern National Bookstore. A park ranger is available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (except Christmas Day) to answer any questions you may have. This is also the location to get your passport stamps for the Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Tupelo National Battlefield, and Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield.

Visitor Center Events Calendar

Visit the Shiloh National Military Park
Exit at Mile Marker 293
Visitor Centers at Corinth &
Shiloh Battlefield

Detour – As of April 4, 2022 a section of the Trace between mile markers 293 and 321
remains closed for repairs. Here is the detour route.

Meriwether Lewis Site Milepost 385.9

This is the largest and most impressive of the 3 campground-parks actually on the Trace. It site has a campground, modern washrooms, picnic areas, some decent hiking trails, and a historical exhibit on famed explorer Meriwether Lewis, including a monument erected at the site of his burial and a replication of the Grinder House, the “Stand” where Lewis stayed over-night on his way back East and mysteriously died of gunshot wounds in the middle of the night. Exhibits tell the story of that evening, plus other significant aspects of Lewis’ history.

Merriweather Lewis Campground
Relaxing at the Meriwether Lewis Campground, Natchez Trace Parkway

While the campground has no utilities it has paved and reasonably level parking areas for RVs. Each wooded site has a picnic table, a fire pit, trash bin, and nice separation from adjacent sites. Like all the National Forest Campgrounds along the trace, it is first come, first serve for campsites so best to get there early in the afternoon or it will be full.

See more photos and info on things to do and see at Meriwether Lewis Park and Campground here.

Camping Along the Natchez Trace

The National Park maintains three improved campgrounds along the Trace (all of which were profiled above): Rocky Springs, Jeff Busby, and Meriwether Lewis. In addition there are several rustic campgrounds reserved for bikers or hikers. Within a few miles of the Trace are both private and public campgrounds with utilities for RVs. This page has links to State Parks convenient to the Trace.

Morning Fog across the Lake at Tishomingo State Park along the Natchez Trace Parkway

More Natchez Trace Links & Publications

National Parks Directory – ScenicPathways

Natchez Trace Articles on Scenic Pathways

Meriwether Lewis Park – Natchez Trace

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Meriwether Lewis Park Natchez Trace Parkway

Meriwether Lewis Park, Campground & Monument

The Merriwether Lewis Wayside Stop on the Natchez Trace is our favorite of all the significant points of interest. It is the site of Grinders Stand, made famous due to it being the place where famed explorer Meriwether Lewis died of mysterious circumstances. The Meriwether Lewis monument marks his burial site.

Another attraction of the site is being able to walk a portion of the original Old Natchez Trace that runs through the park. The old trace section also intersects with a network of other trails within this wayside stop.

A third attraction is the largest and most nicely landscaped of the 3 campgrounds that are located on the Trace itself.

Natchez Trace Articles on Scenic Pathways
– History-Introduction Natchez Trace
– Travelogue: Highlights along The Trace Parkway
– Meriwether Lewis Natchez Trace  Park (this page)

Grinders Stand and Meriwether Lewis Last Night

On his way to Washington DC to defend himself against charges of improper expenditures, Meriwether Lewis traveled on a portion of the Trace. On October 10th he stayed overnight at Grinders Stand, a wayside inn on the Trace trail.

During the night gunshots were heard and Lewis was found dead of gunshot wounds. Some reports allege he died at his own hand; others suggest he was murdered. A sad and mysterious end to one of America’s most famous explorers.

Lewis is buried about 200 yards from the old inn and along the original Trace. In 1848 the state of Tennessee erected a monument over the grave site. Some exhibits accompany the replica of Grinders Stand built on the site of the original. Exhibits tell the story of that evening, plus other significant aspects of Lewis’ history. See MLewis-Site-Bulletin

A replica of the original Grinders Stand Inn where Lewis spent his last fateful night.
A replica of the original Grinders Stand Inn where Lewis spent his last night.
Meriwether Lewis Gravesite
Corps of Discovery explorer Meriwether Lewis is buried here along the Old Trace.

Meriwether Lewis Hiking Trails

Old Trace Trail
Old Trace Hiking Trail from the Meriwether Lewis grave site.

There is a four mile loop hiking trail that starts at the Lewis grave site and eventually runs along Little Swan Creek where it intersects with the Old Natchez Trace foot trail. A few other spur trails criss-cross this network. We found walking on the Old Trace trail fairly easy to follow from the grave site to one of the picnic grounds in the park. But based on reports I’ve read some other portions of the hiking trail are less well-traveled and more difficult to follow.

We did a loop following the Old Trace til it intersected with the spur trail to the picnic area and then returned along the road.
We did a loop following the Old Trace til it intersected with the spur trail to the picnic area and then returned along the road.

Meriwether Lewis Campground

Meriwether Lewis campgound
We found a nice level RV site not too far from the washrooms.

Of the three drive-in campgrounds along the Trace, Meriwether Lewis is the largest and most improved. The bathroom building is clean, heated, well lighted with sinks and toilets (not vault toilets). The campground roads and sites are fully paved and the sites are quite level. There’s also a well pump faucet for adding water to your RV. No dump site nor electric service. But otherwise a very well maintained campground with an attractive camping fee – $0.0!

During peak travel times, you may have trouble finding a vacant camping site as this is a very popular stop along the Trace. David Crockett State Park is not too far away and would be an option for those camping or RVing.

Camping Along the Natchez Trace

The National Park maintains three improved campgrounds along the Trace (all of which were profiled above): Rocky Springs, Jeff Busby, and Meriwether Lewis. In addition there are several rustic campgrounds reserved for bikers or hikers. Within a few miles of the Trace are both private and public campgrounds with utilities for RVs. This page has links to State Parks convenient to the Trace.

Natchez Trace Links & Publications

Hot Springs Park Campground

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Hot springs naitonal park campground

Review of Gulpha Gorge Campground at Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs Arkansas

The Hot Springs National Park campground is located on the east side of Hot Springs Mountain, in a wooded setting, isolated from the urban area. The Gulpha Gorge creek runs along the edge of the campground and several camp sites overlook the creek.

The Hot Springs Campground is very tidy clean and well-maintained. The roads through the park are fully paved, There are 44 sites with full-hookups, including sewer. All sites have level or close to level paved parking pads. Each site has a concrete picnic table and elevated BBQ grill. There is adequate space between camp sites. Tall trees provide good shade for most sites.

One of the top features we like about the Gulpha Gorge campground is that sites are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot make reservations in advance. Occupancy is limited to 14 days.

The modern washrooms are well-maintained, but there are no showers. All waste disposal bins are animal proof. There is a RV dump station and fresh water fill station. Other amenities are a day use picnic area and an amphitheater with sturdy bench seating. The park staff occasionally presents programs at the theater.

hot springs campground
Gulpha Gorge Campground, Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs Campground
Hot Springs Campground Map

Hot Springs Hiking Trails

For us a most attractive feature of the campground is the trail head at the Gulpha Gorge Campground has access to the extensive network of trails on Hot Springs Mountain. The trails vary from easy walking trails to more rugged to allow people to progress gradually to more strenuous exercise.

Leading from the campground, the Gulpha Gorge trail goes to the top of the mountain.

One of our favorite day hikes is taking the Gulpha Gorge trail that runs to top of eastern side of Hot Springs Mountain. Part way up is the intersection with the Goat Rock Trail which leads to Goat Rock, an outcropping with a panoramic view east. If you continue on the trail past the Rock, it eventually ends at the top of the Mountain where you can intersect with the Gulpha Gorge trail for your return leg of your hike. A great 90 minute exercise with a number of scenic views.

Jo about to climb the stairs to the Goat Rock overlook.
Great view from the top of Goat Rock.

Another favorite hike is taking the trail all the way to downtown Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row.

Situated in a valley in the Zig-Zag mountain range the city of Hot Springs is surrounded by hills. The Hot Springs National Park (see our article here) begins in the center of the city and encompasses the mountains to the east and west. So only minutes from downtown Hot Springs you can be in the woods several hundred feet above all the hustle and bustle of the city. Hot Springs became a center for physical therapy not only because of its abundant hot springs, but also because an extensive network of hiking trails were built in the hills surrounding the city to provide an exercise program to supplement the hot spring treatment.

Hot Springs National Park Links:

Arkansas Scenic Drives: Highway 7 Scenic Byway

–Ross

Strawberry Fields RV Park Review

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strawberry fields rv campground

RV Campgrounds Chiefland, Florida – Strawberry Fields Opened in 2019, Strawberry Fields is still expanding its number of sites and amenities. It currently offers over 400 full-service pull-through sites with water, electricity, and sewage service. About 200 sites have paved pull-through pads and spot-on level; the remaining are spacious grass and gravel sites. All roads … Read more