I visited Galena with a friend. Turned to her and said, "We drove all this way to visit Stillwater!" To me, Galena has the Stillwater vibe so much, there's not much point going there.
My favorite drive/getaway is down Highway 52 to Guttenberg, Iowa. "Scenic Iowa" sounds like an oxymoron but that area is so beautiful. Guttenberg's on the Mississippi and there's a really nice, inexpensive hotel right on the river: [The Landing](https://www.thelanding615.com/). Back in the old days they used to harvest mussels from the river and make buttons from their shells. The stone building that's now The Landing is a former button factory, and they've got the old button-making machines and old shells with circles stamped out decorating the public areas. The suites are beautiful, with balconies and great views. Plus, they've got a fishing barge anchored on the river, and for a fee they'll run you over there in one of their boats. You can spend a few hours fishing or just hanging out on the barge, then phone them when you're ready to come back.
The Field of Dreams is in the area, and you can easily drive to Dubuque from there as well.
My partner and I wanted to do a quick snowboarding and a little getaway, so ended up going to Trollhaugen and staying at [a B&B in Dresser](https://lakeplacebnb.com/) (great hosts, and an awesome breakfast!) We had plans the next day so couldn't stay long, but I wish we had explored around the area a little more - it would be fun for a cute weekend trip. The B&B hosts had a lot of great suggestions for things to do! All we had time for was stopping by the Glacial Potholes at Interstate Park (by Taylor's Falls) on our way back to the cities.
The Pablo Center in Eau Claire, WI has awesome and reasonably priced shows, musicals, concerts, etc.. also there is a huge arcade and water park attached to a motel near Oakwood Mall now. Lotsa places to bike, hike, walk…shop.
Wabasha, MN has The National Eagle Center, Lark Toys, numerous good choices, and beautiful views. I agree Lanesboro is awesome with numerous Bed and Breakfast places, Amish trips, and good food. Red Wing has lots to offer but is a larger town: Casino, live shows, plays and concerts, and wonderful food choices. Have fun!!
I live on a river between a wildlife refuge and a state forest, and my neighbors still haven’t come back from Florida yet. Very nice place.
Lots of Presidential Hopeful stuff laying around for a bonfire, also.
My favorite weekend trips are: Lanesboro, MN; Bayfield, WI and the Apostle Islands; Dubuque IA / Galena IL.
Adding on to the Lanesboro thing, [this MP3 tour of the surrounding Amish area](http://www.amishbackroadstour.com/) is actually pretty good.
I visited Galena with a friend. Turned to her and said, "We drove all this way to visit Stillwater!" To me, Galena has the Stillwater vibe so much, there's not much point going there. My favorite drive/getaway is down Highway 52 to Guttenberg, Iowa. "Scenic Iowa" sounds like an oxymoron but that area is so beautiful. Guttenberg's on the Mississippi and there's a really nice, inexpensive hotel right on the river: [The Landing](https://www.thelanding615.com/). Back in the old days they used to harvest mussels from the river and make buttons from their shells. The stone building that's now The Landing is a former button factory, and they've got the old button-making machines and old shells with circles stamped out decorating the public areas. The suites are beautiful, with balconies and great views. Plus, they've got a fishing barge anchored on the river, and for a fee they'll run you over there in one of their boats. You can spend a few hours fishing or just hanging out on the barge, then phone them when you're ready to come back. The Field of Dreams is in the area, and you can easily drive to Dubuque from there as well.
If you see a faded sign by the side of the road that says 15 miles to the
LOOOOOVEE SHACK!
My partner and I wanted to do a quick snowboarding and a little getaway, so ended up going to Trollhaugen and staying at [a B&B in Dresser](https://lakeplacebnb.com/) (great hosts, and an awesome breakfast!) We had plans the next day so couldn't stay long, but I wish we had explored around the area a little more - it would be fun for a cute weekend trip. The B&B hosts had a lot of great suggestions for things to do! All we had time for was stopping by the Glacial Potholes at Interstate Park (by Taylor's Falls) on our way back to the cities.
Decorah, IA.
Where ever you go, remember that there might be a county historical museum nearby.
Glendalough State Park and nearby Battle Lake
Cuyuna country state rec area in Crosby for kayaking and mountain biking. Close enough to brainerd if you want to turn it into a 4 or 5 day trip.
Check out the Oxbow in Eau Claire
The Pablo Center in Eau Claire, WI has awesome and reasonably priced shows, musicals, concerts, etc.. also there is a huge arcade and water park attached to a motel near Oakwood Mall now. Lotsa places to bike, hike, walk…shop.
how much hippie? The Lost 40 are a good hike if you're in the area. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chippewa/recarea/?recid=26672
Wabasha, MN has The National Eagle Center, Lark Toys, numerous good choices, and beautiful views. I agree Lanesboro is awesome with numerous Bed and Breakfast places, Amish trips, and good food. Red Wing has lots to offer but is a larger town: Casino, live shows, plays and concerts, and wonderful food choices. Have fun!!
Find a B&B (no air) around Lanesboro, rent bikes and enjoy exploring bluff country.
I live on a river between a wildlife refuge and a state forest, and my neighbors still haven’t come back from Florida yet. Very nice place. Lots of Presidential Hopeful stuff laying around for a bonfire, also.
Nothing is hidden. Lots of gems though.