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Summer activity at the Black Rocks of Presque Isle Park in Marquette, Michigan. The dark geological feature is a popular place for jumping into Lake S

Midwest Traveler: Why Marquette, Mich., is your base for fun on the Upper Peninsula

Marquette, Mich., is a fine base for biking, hiking, brews and day trips.
  • Egypt's oldest pyramid restored; Wisconsin Dells resorts closed; truck destroys Easter Island statue

Fat biking in the polar vortex in northern Minnesota's Cuyuna area

March 12, 2020
Spot photo of hip-hop/movie star Ice Cube at McNally Smith College of Music, which is naming a scholarship in his honor. He's on a national tour that
At Cuyuna Country in Crosby, Minn., subzero weather leads to the best winter biking ever.
  • The look of adventure along the Minnesota's North Shore

Quick Trips: Dog Days in Grand Marais, eagle festival in Wabasha, Canoecopia in Wisconsin

February 29, 2020
Grand Marais, MN. Thursday 1/29/2004 At the GunFlint Lodge Kevin Walsh mushes dogs along the Gunflint Trail under blue skies and windchill of -50 degr
Travel
July 19
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad tourist train heads up the St. Louis River estuary, while two kayaks paddle downriver.

In Duluth, you can take a vintage train up the St. Louis River, then paddle back

The sightseeing railroad and water trail follow the restored river estuary — but watch the weather.
Eat & Drink
July 18
Joe Westerberg pours a beer at Bent Paddle Brewing Co. in Duluth, the brewery credited with pushing the city into the modern taproom era.

What is Duluth's superior beer? We rank the Twin Ports area's many breweries.

The nine most popular taprooms to visit include older favorites and popular newcomers.
Travel
July 12
Replicated wagon trains at Scotts Bluff National Monument interpret the 1800s Oregon Trail and other overland routes across the Plains.

You can follow the real Oregon Trail through western Nebraska — and you won't die of dysentery

Historic sites Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff preserve the historic trail's distinctive landmarks in the Nebraska panhandle.
Stage & Arts
May 30

Summer's best outdoor stage events are at Minnesota pizza farms, wineries, parking lots and parks

Two wineries and 18 parks host Shakespeare classics. A world-renowned pianist performs at Rice Park via video. Minnehaha Falls is the backdrop for a flamenco performance.
Travel
February 28
The American Queen departed St. Paul on Sept. 21, 2012. In recent years the paddlewheeler used Red Wing, Minn., as its northernmost port.

A classic Mississippi River cruise line has abruptly shut down

American Queen Voyages' iconic paddlewheel ships will no longer dock in Minnesota.
Business
February 27
Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, speaks to more than 500 travel and tourism industry leaders from across the state dur

Explore Minnesota unveils new marketing campaign to sell the state to tourists, new residents

Travel industry experts got a first look at a new national ad campaign touting Minnesota to tourists and potential new residents.
Variety
February 8
Jaw-dropping rainbow hues at Naniboujou Lodge near Grand Marais.

After Lutsen, what is the state of classic lodges in Minnesota?

These old-time lodges are steeped in history for Minnesota travelers.
Duluth
February 7
Flames engulfed the historic Lutsen Lodge early Tuesday morning after a fire broke out on the North Shore property.

Lutsen Lodge owner addresses financial challenges and calls out arson rumors

"It makes my broken heart hurt even more to focus on such absurd accusations," Bryce Campbell told the Star Tribune, the day after fire destroyed the historic lodge.
Local
February 7
A summer view of the Mesaba Red-painted Lutsen Lodge from the cobblestone beach.

Lutsen Lodge was 'phenomenal legacy' of a top Minnesota architect

The more than 100-year-old resort was a touchstone on Lake Superior for many before fire destroyed it.
High Schools
January 15
Jonathan Mekonnen is averaging 21.4 points per game for Eastview, which needs a change of direction.

Boys basketball Metro Top 10 proves to be a tough club to break into

A look at victory margins indicates the Metro Top 10 teams are well ahead of their challengers.
Variety
March 2, 2020
The sun shone into the Wilderness Resort's indoor Wild WaterDome.

Looking for a warm, affordable spring break? Head to Wisconsin Dells

The vacation destination is full of weatherproof fun all year round.
Variety
January 31, 2020
** ADVANCE FOR WEKEND OF DEC. 6-7 -- FILE ** Visitors test their Negro Leagues Baseball knowledge at one of the many state-of-the-art interactive comp

Midwest Traveler: Kansas City baseball museum pays tribute to the Negro Leagues

Kansas City baseball museum kicks off a centennial year of tributes.
Variety
January 16, 2020
SAP Brunch, Brown Bag & Bakery is sort of a contemporary take on a retro diner ? quirky and cheerful with a breakfast bar and a bakery case. (Michael

Midwest Traveler: Eating your way through Appleton, Wis.

The Wisconsin city is full of sweet surprises — but not necessarily apples.
Variety
January 9, 2020
A wall in the new Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library in Indianapolis displays vintage paperback covers of “Slaughterhouse-Five.”

Two centers in Indianapolis celebrate local icons Kurt Vonnegut and Madam Walker

Two centers pay tribute to novelist Kurt Vonnegut and Madam Walker, the first female African-American millionaire.
Variety
December 21, 2019
On the north side of the Mackinac Island in Michigan, a single cannon aims toward the horizon.

Here's why Mackinac Island is fun for the whole family

Every day is the "best day ever!" for families with kids on the car-free Michigan isle.
Variety
December 14, 2019
The Mille Lacs Indian Museum in Onamia, Minn., offers classes in traditional Ojibwe arts, such as this two-day beading workshop.

Mille Lacs workshops highlight Ojibwe art and crafts

Creative camaraderie chases away the gloom of a steely wintry weekend.
Variety
December 5, 2019
A crowd watches building lights come on as fireworks light up the sky during the Plaza Lighting Ceremony in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019.

Midwest Traveler: Kansas City glows with holiday sparkle

With lights, toys and free activities, Kansas City is the Midwest's epicenter of holiday mirth.
Variety
November 27, 2019
A popup hotel room within the Acme Hotel is decorated with Andy Warhol-themed decor on October 30, 2019, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Chicago hotels ride a wave of Warhol mania

The Windy City is having a Warhol moment, thanks to an Art Institute exhibit.
Variety
November 21, 2019
The Templeton Rye distillery building, opened in 2018 in Templeton, Iowa, was designed to resemble a grain elevator.

In Templeton, Iowa, tasting the historic whiskey known as 'The Good Stuff'

Iowa town is the home of Templeton Rye, a craft whiskey label revived from Prohibition days.
Variety
October 31, 2019
Jeff Houghton hosts the late-night talk show “The Mystery Hour” in Springfield, Mo. It airs on KAAL in southeastern Minnesota.

Midwest Traveler: Springfield, Mo., has its own late-night TV talk show, and it's a riot

"The Mystery Hour" is taped before a live studio audience in Missouri.
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Midwest travel

Reviews and commentary on fun travel destinations around the United States Midwest region.

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