Warm Up With These RV Spring Destinations

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/galvestonisland/4604933148/sizes/o/

It’s been one of the worst winters on record in many parts of the country, and that means it’s time to fire up your RV and head south where the temperatures are heating up for spring. From luxury RV resorts to tropical beach destinations, your warm spring vacation is just a short drive from the Minnesota cold.

City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico

Park your RV amidst towering volcanic rock and spend the gorgeous spring days exploring this outdoor wonderland. With RV campsites including electric and sewage hookups for just $18 a day, you’ll have plenty of extra cash to explore nearby Silver City and Deming. Even better, it heats up so much in the City of Rocks State Park in summertime, spring is the most ideal time to go.

Jamaica Beach RV Resort, Texas

When you’re looking for a true spring vacation at the beach, there’s no better place to feel the sand between your toes than Galveston Island. One of the newer RV parks on the island — Jamaica Beach RV Park — offers all of the amenities you desire (including an adult pool with a swim-up bar) just steps from the beach. Book your spring vacation at Jamaica Beach RV Park for the discounted winter rates today and start packing your RV for some much needed fun in the sun.

Bay Hide Away RV Park and Campground, Mississippi

Whether you want to explore New Orleans or the Gulf Coast beaches, Bay Hide Away RV Park is the best destination for your vacation on the bayou. Enjoy the camaraderie of the campground’s clubhouse, outdoor fireplace and complimentary get-togethers or find serenity at the nearby Gulf Coast beaches. Enjoy other amenities like a 9-hole disc golf course, pool, free WiFi and the nicest bathhouses on the Gulf Coast.

Stop and See Us Before You Go

Don’t forget to cruise by your local PleasureLand RV Center before you hit the road. We’re your No. 1 place for all of your recreational vehicle needs in Minnesota from new and used RV sales to parts, service, rentals and more. Come see us in Ramsey, St. Cloud, Willmar or Brainerd — we’re open six days a week.

Photo by Galveston.com (Flickr Creative Commons)

Try These Midwest Destinations for Your Next RV Roadtrip

Minneapolis Skyline

Add Minneapolis, Minnesota, to your itenerary.

Deciding where to go in the Midwest can be difficult as there are several top cities to choose from with each having its own distinctive allure. From Cleveland and St. Louis to Minneapolis/St.Paul, your itinerary will be full of exciting and interesting places to go and things to see and do.

If you’d like to take an adventure to the Midwest but need mobile accommodations, visit us at PleasureLand. We’ll help you choose a new or used recreational vehicle or let you try the RV lifestyle with one of our RV rentals.

Chicago

There’s nothing second best about the largest populated city in the Midwestern states. Rivaling New York as a mecca of entertainment, Chicago offers a long list of things to do. An array of festivals take place year-round including the Chicago Jazz Festival, Air and Water Show, Taste of Chicago, and much more. Relax in the sun at one of the beaches with views of Lake Michigan, check the scenery from atop the Hancock Building, or spend the day at the Navy Pier. Restaurants, nightclubs, botanical gardens, and museums are just a few excursions awaiting you in the Windy City.

Kansas City

A sizzling blues and jazz scene at the infamous section of 18th and Vine and some of the best barbecue in the world are two reasons to head to Missouri’s largest city. Kids and adults will enjoy the Kansas City Zoological Park, Science City at Union Station, Oceans of Fun park and museums galore. For a refreshing respite, stop in at the Boulevard Brewing Company for one of their tasty tours.

Detroit

Known as Motor City and for its history with Motown, Detroit is a hot spot for entertainment. If you’re feeling lucky, enjoy gambling at the MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand and Greektown Casino. Take in a show at the exquisite Fox Theatre, the Fillmore, or Harpos Concert Theatre, visit the Gilmore Car Museum, and stop by the monument to legendary boxer, Joe Louis. Detroit has numerous museums, sporting venues, and the 982-acre Belle Isle Park and aquarium. The city is a hop and a skip away from Windsor, Canada, located just across the Detroit River.

Contact one of our representatives at PleasureLand RV and let us help get you on your way to your next great adventure.

Photo by IrishFireside (Flickr Creative Commons)

What’s Happening in Minnesota This Month?

Old Alaska Highway

Photo by Bruce McKay (Flickr Creative Commons)

Whether you’re passing through on an RV road trip or are a native of our beautiful state, there is so much to do this month in Minnesota, you’ll want to push the winter blues aside and go out exploring. What are you waiting for? Grab your valentine and head to these awesome events held throughout Minnesota this February.

The Big River Show

Come see some of the incredible local talent that St. Cloud has to offer in this series of comedy, music and other performances. February 14 kicks off the series with a Valentine’s Day comedy show that will be the perfect alternative to a typical restaurant date.

Nisswa Winter Jubilee

Head down to the Nisswa Winter Jubilee for fun and games on Feb. 16 including snow sculptures, a wood splitting contest, an ice fishing derby, a tug-of-war competition and parade. The Nisswa Winter Jubilee is the family-friendly event you needed to get everyone out and enjoying the winter weather.

Snoga – Outdoor Yoga

There’s no better way to get a little exercise while supporting a good cause (all proceeds go to the American Heart Association) than at this outdoor yoga event held at Nicollet Mall. The event is held on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m., and coffee and hot chocolate will be available to warm everyone up after the class.

Ely Winter Festival

Stop by the Ely Winter Festival held for 10 days on Feb. 6-16. Admire the amazing snow sculptures, cruise the Ely ArtWalk, engage in the craft fair or take a dog sled ride — there’s so much for the whole family to enjoy at this yearly celebration of winter.

OVALumination

Thought Christmas lights were gone until next year? That’s not the case at the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL. Cruise down to Roseville and view over 70,000 lights on 75 trees before the show closes for the season on Feb. 23.

Visit PleasureLand RV

Get your RV in top shape for the upcoming camping season or shop for a new or used RV at your Minnesota RV dealer — PleasureLand RV Center. With RV dealerships in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Willmar and Brainerd, we’re your one stop Minnesota RV dealership and service center.

(Photo Source)

5 Places to Travel in 2014

Virginia State Capitol - Richmond, Virginia

Photo by Doug Kerr

With four convenient locations in Minnesota to serve you, family-owned PleasureLand RV Center can help make your dreams come true with a new or used recreational vehicle. With our extensive inventory along web specials and financing, our staff will have you ready to ride to top travel destinations in 2014 in an RV customized to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Richmond, Virginia

In 2014, many of the battles that took place during the Civil War will be celebrating their 150th anniversary. The south is full of hospitality and history and when visiting Richmond, you’ll experience it all along with museums, breweries, quaint restaurants, and white water rafting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Chicago, Illinois

If you want to enjoy Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday, then head to the Windy City. Chicago has everything from beaches and boating to music fests and comedy clubs. RV parks are about an hour away at Grass Lake Marina and RV Resort in Antioch and Fish Lake Beach in Volo, but worth the drive to experience all Chicago has to offer.

Palm Springs, California

The retro architecture, cool atmosphere and a desert oasis just outside the city limits beckon travelers. Just a few of the attractions include San Jacinto Peak, PS Aerial Tramway, Cabazon Dinosaurs, Palm Springs Walk of Stars and Plaza Theatre. RV parks near Palm Springs include Two Springs RV Resort, Emerald Desert RV Resort, Sky Valley Resort, and Happy Traveler RV Park.

South Florida

Florida has an array of attractions, activities, water sports, fresh seafood, and a diverse environment resulting in the best traditional cuisine to be found. The south Florida region includes Miami and Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, the Everglades, and the Florida Keys. No matter which location you choose, you’ll have access to museums, nightlife, casinos, kids attractions, fishing, boating, scuba diving and so much more, along with numerous RV camping locations.

Rivera Nayarit, Mexico

Pack up your RV and head to the border. The sun-drenched 192-mile expanse is lined with small towns, pristine beaches, hiking, wildlife viewing, and for the adventurer, surfing and snorkeling opportunities. RV camping is available at the fully equipped Sol Tierra RV Park located in the heart of Rivera Nayarit, just minutes from Puerto Vallarta.

Contact PleasureLand RV for all your RV needs from new and used rides and accessories to routine service and winter storage.

The Enchanted Highway

RV dealership Minneapolis

If you have ever seen the Disney animated motion picture Cars, the story may sound familiar. A stretch of highway, long forgotten by most travelers, struggles to regain some notoriety and relevance. It is the true story of 32 miles of two-lane roadway that lies in southwestern North Dakota. Although the road has no official route number, it has become known as the Enchanted Highway. PleasureLand RV is pleased to present the true story of this almost forgotten road.

It was back in 1989 that a local artist by the name of Gary Greff came up with the idea. Greff saw how superhighways were siphoning off traffic from rural roads like the one that went through his hometown of Regent, South Dakota. He thought if people had a reason to travel these roads, small towns like his would still be viable. So he began to use scrap metal to build larger than life sculptures along the road.

He used farm tanks, utility poles, barbed wire, and augers to create the 45 foot tall “Tin Family” sculpture. “Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again” was constructed out of well pipe and stands tall at 51 feet. He utilized pipe and wire mesh to create “Pheasants on the Prairie,” weighing in at a total of 13,000 lbs. Greff made use of some old fuel tanks and oil well tanks in creating “Grasshoppers in the Field.” In 2002 he again used oil tanks in the creation of “Deer Crossing.” His masterpiece however, is his giant “Geese in Flight” sculpture. This massive piece of art stands at 154 feet long and 110 feet tall, making it the largest metal sculpture in the world according to the Guinness World Book of Records.

A Regent native, Greff maintains the sculptures and plans to add more. In 2012 he opened up his “Enchanted Castle” motel along the route. If you are planning on RVing to the Black Hills and Badlands areas of this part of the country, consider a trip down the the Enchanted Highway. It can make for a bit more interesting drive than that along the Interstates. The Enchanted Highway runs from Regent to Exit 72 of I-94. It is a trip you and your family won’t soon forget and pictures are a must.

PleasureLand RV is a family owned RV dealership Minnesota, Canada, and the entire Midwest has come to rely on for year-round RV sales, service, parts, and accessories. Enjoy your next trip in a PleasureLand RV!

Fun September Events in Minnesota

If you’re planning on a trip through Minnesota in your new PleasureLand RV, now’s the time to check it out, before the roads freeze over and it turns into a winter wonderland. There are a lot of great events going on this month in Minnesota, you need only look.

The Nordic Music Festival

If you find yourself in Chanhassen this week, check out the Nordic Music Festival starting September 7th. Attendance is totally free, and you can enjoy music and dancing from traditional Nordic performers.

Marigold Days

Field of flowers

Marigold Days in Afton is one of those great events where there really is something for everyone, that’s not just a slogan. There’s a grand parade, a Firemen’s Dance, live music, even a fishing contest for the kids and a flea market. Taking place in the beautiful Mississippi Bluff Country, Marigold Days is the event to hit if you’re not sure what you want to do, you just know that you want to have some fun.

A Taste of Rochester

If you’re in Rochester and you can’t decide where to have dinner, don’t worry, A Taste of Rochester has you covered. This event has folks trying out items from various restaurants around Rochester for a dollar each. Twelve dollars will essentially get you a whole dinner plate full of neat little nibbles from around town. Definitely the place to be when the family just can’t agree on burgers or chicken.

Minnesota is really just packed full of neat events like these, we’ve only just scratched the surface. Take the time to do some exploring after rolling off the our Minnesota RV dealership in your new wagon. You never know what you’ll turn up in Minnesota from the fishing to the camping to the beautiful cities we have here. Minnesota really can be an RVer’s dream state. Come see us at PleasureLand RV today!

Travel to the Wisconsin Dells

PleasureLand RV is your go-to RV dealership in Minnesota. When planning an outing to the Wisconsin Dells, stop in at PleasureLand to check out the fifth wheels, travel trailers, pop-ups, and toy haulers – new and used – and turn your travel dreams into an on-the-road reality.

Noah’s Ark

This is the largest waterpark in the US, so it’s a must for those who enjoy water activities. It’s a great way for adults and children to spend the day cooling off bodyboarding, rafting, dropping down waterslides, or speeding along water coasters. Although the mega waterpark is closed for the season, add it to your spring getaway calendar when it reopens from May to September next year.

Ho-Chunk Casino

Play a game of cards seven days a week starting at 10am and going strong until 4am. Try your hand at three or four card poker, Texas Hold’em or show off your talent in a poker tournament. If games of chance tickle your fancy, spin the roulette wheel or give it your best shot at the blackjack table. There’s also baccarat and craps to keep you busy from one hour to the next. To round out the visit, relax with a few rounds of bingo or head to the off track betting area for greyhound, thoroughbred or harness racing at multiple tracks.

Mirror Lake State Park

Mirror lake

Photo Courtesty of Pascal Collet via Flickr Creative Commons

The 2,200-acre park is a beauty with 50 foot cliffs, hiking trails through lush forest, a swimming beach and canoeing and kayaking on the pristine waters of Mirror Lake. Enjoy the solitude and beauty of the outdoors at one of the 152 camp sites within the park. Some are equipped with electricity and all have access to showers and dump stations. Bicycles, kayaks and canoes are available for rent and the park concession area has firewood and ice for sale. Mirror Lake is open from 6am to 11pm year-round.

There’s no need to wait to make a date with the folks at PleasureLand RV. Get yourself and your recreational vehicle tuned up and ready to go for fall getaways, winter ski adventures, or refreshing spring and summer outdoor activities.

Photo Source

Unusual Attractions

RV Dealership Minnesota

Since PleasureLand RV Center is the RV dealership Minnesota relies on for everything RV related, we thought we would really go out on the edge. We thought we would look for those unusual, weird, wild, and wacky places Minnesota has to offer that can make for some interesting trips. Are you ready to explore the odd side of our state? Here we go!

The Jolly Green Giant – Since 1979, the Jolly Green Giant has stood watch over Blue Earth, Minnesota. The town used to be home of a Green Giant vegetable canning plant, and originally the 55 foot statue was designed to lure travelers into town from I-90. Sadly, no land owner near the freeway offered property for the giant statue, and he was placed a mile away near the fairgrounds in Blue Earth. Perhaps even sadder is the canning plant is no longer operated by Green Giant. You can climb up close to his size 78 shoes to this day though and get a picture.

World’s Largest Prairie Chicken – Rothsay, Minnesota, is home to this “booming” chicken. Booming means he is puffing out the big orange sacks on each side of his neck. At thirteen feet tall and 9,000 lbs. this guy would make for a great barbecue. As he stands he mostly serves as a great place for gag photos.

World’s Largest Ball of Twine – What would you get if you rolled twine for 4 hours a day for 29 nears? Yep, a BIG ball of twine. In fact, the World’s Largest. Actually it has been clarified as the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man.” Folks in Kansas have one bigger, but they allow visitors to add to it daily. The folks in Darwin, Minnesota, are pleased with their record holder.

Paul Bunyan and The Blue Ox – Perhaps Minnesota’s most famous oddity, the lumberjack and his ox friend stand in Bemidji, Minnesota. Paul stands at 18 feet and is estimated to weigh in at 2.5 tons. He’s been standing there proudly for a while, since 1937. His blue buddy joined him in 1939.

PleasureLand RV is all about having fun in the great outdoors and hope you enjoy these oddities right in our own backyard!

Minnesota State Fair

Minnesota State Fair

Photographer: Deb Nystrom

PleasureLand RV is the place to be for any and all things related to recreational vehicle travel. Our RV dealership provides an extensive inventory of new and used travel trailers, truck campers, RVs, pop-ups, utility and cargo trailers, and more. As the premier RV dealership in Minnesota, you’ll find what you need to make your way to upcoming events like the Minnesota State Fair.

Time and Location

The fair is scheduled to begin August 22 and runs through Labor Day, September 2. The Minnesota State Fairgrounds are located at 1265 North Snelling Avenue N in St. Paul. Gates open at 6am with exhibit buildings, Midway, Kidway, food concessions, barns, Ag-Hort building, and other areas opening between 8am and 10am.

Attractions

The Midway and Kidway are star attractions as each provides thrilling rides and entertainment. Adventure Park keeps guests busy with bungy jumping or testing your stamina on the Sling Shot. Take the Skyride across the grounds or go upward 40 feet on the SkyGlider for spectacular views of the fair.

Kids will get a kick out of the Go Carts, Giant Slide, Carousel, and ice skating. For exotic fun, there’s Monty’s Traveling Reptile Show and Bob’s Snake Zoo, and, for those wanting something a little tamer, the Butterfly House is a nice respite for relaxing. The Luminarium is a visual treat where visitors are swathed in colorful light coming through stained glass windows three stories high.

Entertainment

There’s something going on everyday with free events, music, comedy shows, and more at designated areas that include the stages at Heritage Square, North Woods, Bazaar, Bandshell, Baldwin Park, and Ramberg Center.

Save some time to see the daily parade beginning at 2pm and plan time on your itinerary for the multi-breed horse shows that are included in the fair admission price. See English riding beginning August 21 and Western riding beginning August 30. For rodeo action, the High School Rodeo takes place August 28 through August 30.

Camping

The Minnesota State Fair Campground is available by reservation only. Contact the office at (651) 642-2379 to reserve your site.

Stop by PleasureLand RV today and let our experienced staff show you around to get a firsthand look at what we have in stock, from new RVs to used. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re sure to have something in stock that meets your needs.

Photo Source

Voyageurs National Park

A vacation to Voyageurs National Park is a true adventure as visitors have 218,000 acres to explore. The tapestry of the park is an intertwined network of lush forest, ancient rock, and multiple waterways.The rugged and remote park is a haven for water enthusiasts and wildlife observers.

When planning a getaway to this Minnesota destination, traveling in comfort is the ideal way to make the trip. If you’re in the market to purchase a new or used Class A motorhome, travel trailer, or pop-up camper, a visit to PleasureLand RV Center provides an extensive inventory to choose from.

Kettle Channel

Photographer: JCK Photos

Visitor Centers

Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open year-round and features a museum, bookstore, exhibits, theater, children’s area, information desk, and boat launch. Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and Ash River Visitor Center are open late May through late September and also provide a free boat launch and picnic area with tables. Access to Voyageurs and public boat launches require a free permit available at the visitor center.

Things to do

Depending on the season, visitor’s enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, boat tours, and ranger led naturalist programs. During the winter, snowmobiling, skiing, ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking snow-covered trails are options. Rowboats, canoes, cross-country skis, and snowshoes are available for rent.

Hiking

Voyageurs offers multiple trails and overlooks accessible by land and several by water, only. Trails vary in difficulty from easy to moderate, taking anywhere between 20 minutes to two hours, and strenuous hikes, such as the 27.9 mile Kab-Ash Trail, that can take several days. Along the trails, hikers have the opportunity to view forests of aspens and pines, wetlands, birds, and wildlife

Camping

Campsites inside Voyageurs are only accessible by boat. Adjacent to the park is the Woodenfrog State Forest Campground that offers camping for recreational vehicles. The campground has a boat launch and swimming area.

Plan an itinerary to Voyageurs and look to PleasureLand RV for all your needs from service maintenance to sales. The professional, expert, and certified technicians at our family owned and operated RV dealership will get you road-ready for your next great travel excursion.

Photo Source