Exploring Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin with Friends

Over the years, we have shared some wonderful international adventures with our Minneapolis friends Brenda Pflaum and Maryann Waters.  So it seemed only fitting that our next journey together would bring us a little closer to home. This time, instead of crossing oceans, we will explore the back roads, lakes, forests, and small communities of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The idea for this trip first took shape two or three years ago, and this year it is coming to fruition as Leg 3 of our 2026 Road Trip. Brenda and Maryann did an amazing amount of planning, organizing, and reservation-making to bring it all together. Securing accommodations and transportation—especially for Isle Royale—was no small task, and we were very grateful for all the time and effort they put into the details.

Their itinerary includes two national parks, Voyageurs and Isle Royale, along with visits to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Grand Portage National Monument. It promises to be a wonderful blend of remote wilderness, Great Lakes scenery, fascinating history, and places… most of which we have not yet discovered on our own.

Joining us will be their friend Maureen from North Carolina, adding another travel companion to the adventure. Mark and Ro Svobodny from Minneapolis will also be joining us for the last section.  We look forward not only to visiting these remarkable places, but also to learning more about the hidden corners of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin—and, most of all, to spending time together.

After three years of imagining and planning, our northern adventure is finally underway!

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