|
|
The Internet's best Minnesota Travel
Articles...
|
The Golden Years of Minnesota TourismAuthor: Christopher Bailey FooteFrom the 1860's through the 1930's, Minnesota was a travel Mecca for sportsmen and woodswomen from the east coast and the deep south. It was touted as "America's Favorite Fun-spot," "The Ideal Destination for Out-of-door Vacations," and America's Vacation Wonderland," among other fanciful titles. People from New York to Alabama climbed aboard James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway to get a glimpse of the new frontier, rumored to have more than 10,000 lakes. Steamboat companies sprang up to accommodate the many travelers hoping for tours of the breathtaking St. Croix River Valley and the many bays of Lake Minnetonka. The tour boats were followed by grand Victorian hotels with expansive views, electric lights and running water. The trolley car company built three spectacular amusement parks within 15 miles of Minneapolis and St. Paul - the most scenic of which was Big Island Park, built on an island in the middle of Lake Minnetonka. This park featured a dance hall, a network of charming promenades and a towering electric light house that was visible from all points of the lake. Massive steamships, including the "City of St. Louis" which could carry 1,000 passengers, ferried visitors to and from the island. As the railroads pushed further north, tourists ventured into the central regions of Minnesota, including Alexandria, the Chain of Lakes north of Brainerd, and Lake of the Woods at Warroad on the Canadian border. Rustic log resorts sprang up on popular lakes, offering hunting, fishing, sailing, hiking, golf and tennis, among other outdoor pass-times. One of the most enduring resorts is the Naniboujou Lodge, which is still located on the shores of Lake Superior. This fabulous get-away was built in the 1920's. It's cavernous great room was decorated from floor to ceiling with magnificent Cree Indian hieroglyphs. A huge river rock fireplace anchors one end of the room, which is filled with rustic, but cozy furniture. Regular visitors included Babe Ruth and Ring Lardner, the New York newspaperman. Another famous get-away, still in-tact, is Breezy Point Resort, a wonderful assortment of cabins surrounding a classic log lodge on a point in Pelican Lake. This was the quintessential 1920's rustic Minnesota vacation spot, with a fleet of boats for rent, fishing guides and long, sandy beaches surrounded by tall pine and birch trees. It was built by "Captain" Billy Fawcett, publisher of the popular "Whiz Bang" magazine. Captain Billy was well-known in Hollywood and Breezy Point soon became a favorite fun-spot for the likes of Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, western star Tom Mix and boxer Jack Dempsey. As Minnesota's travel industry grew, the newly founded Minnesota Department of Tourism began publishing promotional posters and travel guides. Minnesota had already become a favorite destination for graphic artists, and the quality of these promotional materials was among the best in the nation. Pamphlets and prints featured marvelous pastoral scenes of bathing beauties, rugged sportsmen and unspoiled vacation spots, accompanied by charmingly romantic advertising text. Many examples of these promotional materials, representing the golden years of Minnesota tourism, can be seen at www.MinnesotaPosters.com. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/the-golden-years-of-minnesota-tourism-301993.html About the Author:Chris Foote is a resident of Deephaven, a sleepy village on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. He is a painter and graphic artist who restores vintage travel materials in his spare time, reproducing them as fine art prints. To see examples of vintage Minnesota travel posters, please visit: www.MinnesotaPosters.com. |
Vacationing in MinnesotaAuthor: LakeShore DreamsHotels, inns, and similar establishments have increased in numbers in Minnesota. Likewise, the prices of real estate in Minnesota have become competitive due to the influx of visitors and migrants in the area. These developments are testament to the beauty and luxury of vacationing and residing in Minnesota. Any first-time visitor in Minnesota should pay a quick trip to Lake Vermillion, which is one of the biggest lakes in the state. Here, fishing enthusiasts of all ages troop in the hopes of getting species like lake trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Those who do not know how to fish can go on kayaking or canoeing trips. Another top attraction in Minnesota is the Minnesota Zoo wherein a large number of exotic and native animals are housed. There are numerous educational activities that adults and kids can take part in. Located near the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Zoo provides a good trip for those in the southern part of the state. Those who like to spend their time on water should check out the Boundary Waters Canoe, where lakes, rivers, and lush forests overlook the landscape. Vacationing in Minnesota is not complete without dropping by the Metrodome to witness a game either of the baseball team Minnesota Twins or the football squad Minnesota Vikings. There are also fun family activities and various cultural showcases held in this modern arena. The large and popular Mall of America is also located in Minnesota. Here, families can shop and dine to their hearts' content. The nightlife in Minnesota is also topnotch. Visitors wanting to experience the nightlife in this state should spend a night at the First Avenue, an old historical landmark which has played host to the best musical acts for almost 3 decades. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/vacationing-in-minnesota-538697.html About the Author:Search Minnesota Vacation Rentals and search Northern Minnesota Real Estate. LakeshoreDreams has 1000s of Minnesota & Wisconsin lake homes, cabins, cottages & lakefront real estate for sale, plus vacation rentals and resorts. |
5 Great Camping Spots In MinnesotaAuthor: Adrian AdamsIf you are looking to get away from it all and rest and relax amidst outdoor pursuits, then camping in the state of Minnesota in the northwoods of the United States, may be the ideal vacation destination for you and your family. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/5-great-camping-spots-in-minnesota-314555.html About the Author:Check out our outdoors blog for more Minnesota camping spots. |
4 Great Continent Spanning Travel Advice Choices For You...1.
Choose Luxury Travel Information.
Choose this option for mind blowing
|
|
|
|
Copyright ©2002-2010 OceanView Graphics and Design Home About Contact Privacy & Attributions Links Sitemap Submit/Reprint Article Blogger
Delicious
Digg
Facebook MySpace
StumbleUpon
Twitter
Technorati Yahoo
Reddit
Fark
Travel Articles |