Planning a trip... need help!!!

[CajunRider]

So I'm planning a motorcycle trip for me, my significant other, my sister, and her significant other. 

According to the "States Visited" map... I was thinking North Dakota, Minnesota, and/or Wisconsin.

Idea # 1: North Shore of Lake Superior in MN.
Idea # 2: Niagara Cave in South MN.
Idea # 3: Mississippi Headwaters central MN.
Idea # 4: Devil's Lake State Park WI.

That's all I've got... I can't find anything else. Can a few of you guys who've been there or live there give me ideas on what we can see??

Looking for scenery without a bunch of "touristy" attractions.  I'm not good at staying on trails... I'd rather get out there and walk/run/climb all over the beauty of nature.   Although, occasionally, a "guided tour" isn't too bad (caves and such). 

I appreciate any good ideas for good riding roads, good scenery areas, things to see and do. 

Thanks!!!   

[big d]

Sounds like INZANE is in order. Guarantee at least one person will give you great sights to see and maybe even be a tour guide.

[John Schmidt]

When my wife was still able to travel, we first would decide the general area we wanted to visit.  Then go to AAA and pickup 3-4 of the different bus tour company pamphlets, then pick out the tours that most closely covered our area of interest.  They will show the better places to stay for services and location, but also will show what there is to see in the area you're going, routes to take, etc.. We would then either drive there or fly and rent a car, the pamphlets were very informative as to what to do and see, as well as good hotel/motel accommodations.

[Crackerborn]

What time of year are you planning to make your trip? All the areas you mention are good jumping off points for good rides in the late spring through mid fall (assuming the possibility you don't wish to travel in below 40 degree weather). If you are thinking of staying at any one place and riding out from there to see country, the Mississippi headwaters offer a (fairly) central location to get to the Apostle Islands, Circus World in Baraboo, rides along River Road and miles of country roads, some in Amish country. The Mall of America still holds some sort of attraction to those with the shopping gene. Depending on what you are comfortable with as a days ride, even a Lake Superior ride can be managed in the course of a day. As a personal choice, I seldom stay at the same facility twice and tend to stray from the beaten path often when riding..... Sort of a "let's see where this road goes" kind of thing that often keeps me out much later than is wise in the forest rat infested areas I frequent. 


As some have mentioned, there will be a few F6C riders in spearfish, SD in early June if that is in the time frame and it is only about 8-9 hours west of Minneapolis on the slab.

[CajunRider]

Sorry... forgot to mention, early to mid June is the time we're aiming for. 

Wife and I will be leaving from Lafayette, LA... Sister and her husband leaving from Billings, MT...
Gonna meet somewhere in the middle for about a week's worth of riding. 

[Moonshot_1]

Did the North shore in 05. Great place to go.
Duluth is a neat little city. The bridge and canal area are pretty cool places to see the big freighters pass by. Ship museum there too. The drive up Hwy 61 takes you to Two Harbors, Split Rock Lighthouse, waterfalls, tunnels, cliffs, big water, and beautiful vistas.

We did some of the south shore about 3-4 years ago. Went to Munising Mich. You can hop on a boat and see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore there. Check it out on the web. Spectacular. Great MC roads in the area too. Grand Marais Michigan is just up the road.

To get there from La would take you through western Wisconsin. Beer, Sausage, Cheese, Wine. Amish country. Apples in the fall. Really scenic area along the river. You may never leave.

[Rams]

I'm going to suggest meeting a Mammoth Cave in KY.   KY, TN, AR, MO all have some outstanding roads to ride.

http://parks.mapquest.com/national-parks/mammoth-cave-national-park/?flv=1

[Hoser]

I like the black hills, upper Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Texas and Colorado.  Any ride is a good ride. Flint hills in Kansas, but that is where I live. Also along the Missouri river.  Hoser

[Windrider]

We went to Wisconsin about 5 yrs ago RVing not motorcycling. Devils Lake State Park doesn't look as if it is too far from Door County a very scenic area. But it may be too touristy for your taste. There is lots of boating and many light houses to visit.

You do ride a Valkyrie so you might find this interesting. PBS ran a documentary 09/25/13 called "Secrets of the Viking Sword." There is a type of sword called the Ulfberht that was made about 1000 years ago for a period of about 200 years. It is made of a type steel called crucible steel which was not made in Europe until a thousand years later. The question was, where did the Vikings get this material? The blacksmith who figured out how to replicate this material is Ric Furrer (pronounced as Fur in further). His shop is Door County Forgeworks near Sturgeon Bay, WI. He shows his work at various venues and suggests checking his web site for locations of upcoming shows. If I can get back to Wisconsin I'm checking this out for sure. I'm interested because I had some genetic testing done and learned I'm descended from the Norsemen. So, my interest in Valkyries is, at least in part, genetic. Ha.  At any rate, as Furrer points out, obtaining the technology to make from dirt the finest weapon of its time, a thousand years earlier than anyone else in the immediate geographical area gave a few elite Vikings a significant advantage in battle. The technology most likely came from what is now Iran. But where and by whom the swords were made, and where the name Ulfberht came from remain for ongoing research.

Here's a link to Furrer's web site. http://www.doorcountyforgeworks.com/Welcome.html

Whatever you decide, have fun and Ride Safe.

[lostparrot]

i live about 1.5 hours south of Devil's Lake and have spend ALOT of time there rock climbing, hiking, camping. You could easily spend the day at Devil's Lake hiking, or hanging out at the beach. Or both.  That entire area is incredible for rides. I don't think I've found a bad road to be on. Baraboo is a cool little town, just outside of Devil's Lake, with some cool things to do if you are looking for entertainment. There is the Wisconsin River running right along there, with some beautiful scenery. We  ride up in that area a few times a month, so contact me if you have any other questions.

[CajunRider]

Thanks to all for the info!    

I need a few more items added into my list (need to kill 7 days)... so I'm going to be doing some research on each area mentioned. 

With any luck, I can put together a decent course to keep us entertained. 

[Davemn]

I live in MN. Email me with questions. Google underground mine in Tower/Soudan. You will like that.

[T.P.]

I can help ya out with that.     T.P.

My references.  Disco, Hayhauler, Stude31, Strider, Hot Glue and Flamingobabe.

I will be at Inzane from June 6th through the 12th. 

[Reb]

Hey Cajunrider, if coming through Iowa check out Dyersville. It's where the movie Field of Dreams was shot. The original filming sight is still there and many come from around the country to play ball on it. Just one of those tourist attractions some like to see

only 20 miles west of Dubuque from the river...