Visit Voyageurs National Park

Not all state and national parks are closed in winter. Voyageurs National Park, near International Falls, offers just as many exciting winter activities as summer ones. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland in the coldest months of the year, providing world-class snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and countless other winter activities. Don’t save all of your adventures for summer, because Voyageurs National Park is the place to be when snow falls.

Park Details

Voyageurs National Park is open in all seasons; however, the Rainy Lake Visitor Center is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from Jan. 9 to May 21. The Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and Ash River Visitor Center are closed from late September through late May.

There are no fees to enter Voyageurs National Park. Although, the campground does require campers to register and pay an amenity fee. Pets are allowed in many areas of the park, including the Frontcountry campsites. They are not allowed in the Backcountry campsites on the Kabetogama Peninsula. Pets must be under control and on a 6-foot leash at all times.

Things to Do

There’s no shortage of things to do at Voyageurs National Park in winter. Visitors who don’t mind the colder temperatures will be wowed by the quality winter trails that are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobilers will also find the park an uncrowded and stunning place to ride. The park offers a report on the snowmobile trails and ice roads, so you can check the conditions before you go. Ice fishing and ice road driving are also popular activities for winter fun.

Stop and See Us

Looking for the ideal RV or ice house for the winter of 2017/18? PleasureLand RV Centers, located throughout Minnesota, are loaded with all of the latest and greatest ice houses and four-season RVs. Stop in and see us in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd or Long Prairie to view our selection of new and used RVs today.

Great Books to Read While on the Road

Part of planning for a road trip is making sure your RV is in good working order and packing clothing, groceries and other necessities to take along with you. You should also have a list for non-necessities – things to keep you busy while on the road if you are not driving – and things to do if the weather keeps you stuck inside for a day or two.

On the list of things to do before you leave, include a visit to Pleasure Land RV to have your RV serviced if you haven’t done it yet. On the list of non-necessities, you should have a couple of good books to bring with you while you are on the road. You can either buy a paper version of the books, or if they are available in digital format, download them to your Kindle or Nook. Consider all types of books from romance to historical accounts to travel books.

Kilingiri, by Janna Gray, combines mystery, drama and romance into one novel. It also touches on religion and redemption, loss and gain, and exotic locations.

Sleeping People Lie, by Jae De Wylde is about a young woman from Stamford, England who meets a writer from Boston, Massachusetts and their fixation with each other. But fate deals some nasty blows sometimes – and they face disaster.

Riptide, by Amber Lea Easton, is about an anchorwoman that becomes a lead story – instead of reporting the lead story. The anchorwoman tries to evade the spotlight by staying at her brother’s house in the Cayman Islands.

The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown, is a good read if you haven’t already read this mystery. Paris, the Louvre, murder and a trail of clues left in Da Vinci’s works will keep you spellbound as the miles tick away – as long as you are not the one driving!

Of course, these are just a few suggestions. Don’t forget to grab some reading material before you hit the road!

Making lists so you won’t forget what you need and want on your trip makes getting ready – especially if you are taking a long road trip – less stressful and allows you to enjoy the trip more since you won’t have to worry about learning about something you forgot right when you need it. Stop by Pleasure Land RV to pick up any accessories or to have your RV serviced if needed.

Image by Ben Babcock via Flickr Creative Commons

Canadian RVers, Look No Further

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With Canada not far from any one of our RV centers, we can help Canadian buyers with their RV needs. Whether you want a motorized RV or a towable, PleasureLand RV Center, a family-owned RV center, can provide Canadian buyers with what they need.

Whether you need something that sleeps eight or more, a toy hauler or just want a luxurious RV for a small family, you’ll find the RV of your dreams at PleasureLand. And, we’re close to the border so you can combine a trip to the U.S. to pick up the RV and use it that very night.

Our RV center is the only rental company in the Upper Midwest that is recognized as a 5-star certified member; and we have the most 4-star RVs in the Midwest. If you want to do some traveling in the U.S., but don’t want to purchase an RV, you can rent one for a weekend or more of freedom. Or, if you can’t decide whether to buy an RV, you can rent one from us to see how you would like RV camping over staying in hotels.

You can choose from motorized RVs – gas or diesel; fifth wheels, fifth wheel toy haulers, travel trailers, travel trailer toy haulers, destination trailers, pop-up trailers, expandable trailers, truck campers, ice house campers, and park models.

If you find you love camping, but don’t have a vehicle to tow a travel trailer or fifth wheel, choose a motorized floor plan. Our Class A RVs use gas or diesel – your choice.

The toy haulers have a spacious garage area. Many have one or more fuel tanks so you can fuel your toys right at the RV. Often, the garage areas feature electric bunks and dining areas so that you can bring more friends with you.

Choose from economy RVs to luxury RVs – if you think you can’t afford an RV, you might be surprised to learn that you could. We also have used RVs for purchase. Stop by PleasureLand RV Center today to walk through our inventory and find an RV that is perfect for you.

March 30 is National Take a Walk in the Park Day

Photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Rock_State_Park_outside_of_Bryce_Canyon_%288120854075%29.jpg

March 30 is National Take a Walk in the Park Day, and while it may still be a little too cold for a stroll here in Minnesota, these warm national parks are perfect for your family’s much-needed RV getaway.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Take your family on the adventure of a lifetime at Big Bend National Park in West Texas. Experience the feeling of the Wild West with comical cactus plants and the rustic beauty of the desert canyons. Best of all, you can park your RV right on-site and spend your days exploring the countless trails and swimming holes.

Kartchner Caverns State Park, Arizona

Experience a walk in the park unlike anywhere else at the Kartchner Caverns State Park in Southeastern Arizona. Enjoy a guided tour through the .5-mile hike through the winding underground caverns and discover the wonders of cave life. With a variety of tours available, including a Saturday helmet and headlamp tour, it’s worth staying a few days.

Bottomless Lake State Park, New Mexico

Bottomless Lake State Park in Roswell is known for its gorgeously sunny atmosphere — something just about everyone in Minnesota is seeking right now. If you’re really up for an adventure, scuba diving is offered, but hiking, boating and fishing are also available for more low-key travelers. The drive-in camping sites rent for as little as $10 per night, so book your reservation today.

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is known for its hot climate, which makes it a top spring destination for hikers escaping the brutal cold. Take a walk on your own or head out on a guided hike to spot creatures from beavers to mule deer, mountain lion and coyotes. Your trip to Zion this spring for National Take a Walk in the Park Day is guaranteed to be a memorable one.

Before You Hit the Road

Before you hit the road to your warm walk-in-the-park destination, bring your RV by PleasureLand RV Center to ensure your motorhome or travel trailer is in top shape for the journey. Make us your go-to Minnesota RV dealer, and we’ll be here to handle all of your RV lifestyle needs.

2014 Shasta Oasis Review

Shasta Oasis 26DB

Whether you’re ready to buy a trailer for the first time or you are looking for an upgrade, the 2014 Shasta Oasis Trailer could be the RV for you. The Oasis is designed with a rounded front for less wind resistance and better towing, and also features an I-beam cambered steel frame for stability. Three out of the five Shasta Oasis floor plans come with slide outs, which is a great option if you have a larger family. With the sleek look and the gorgeous interior, the Oasis is enough to satisfy any outdoorsman (or outdoorswoman).

Interior

The 2014 Shasta Oasis has floor plans for the family who loves the outdoors. Two sets of bunk beds in the larger Oasis models provide plenty of sleeping space for the kids. The interior is beautiful with tile flooring by Beauflor and the light wood solid cabinets, and all the fabrics, counter tops, and flooring come in soft outdoor colors to compliment the cabinets. You can relax on the comfortable jack knife sofa and enjoy the convenience of a Marine toilet with foot flush in the bathroom. The kitchen is residential, which means big, and with the high-neck faucet you have plenty of room for preparing meals and washing those big pots and pans.

Exterior

Hitching up at night has been made easier with the Oasis front hitch light, and you’ll have added light for your outdoor experience with the amber patio light. You’ll also get the tinted radius windows with black frames and safety glass for your outdoor view, along with the radius entry door for easy access. The wall framing on the Oasis is 16” on center, and there is R-7 fiberglass insulation throughout covered by .024 aluminum exterior skin and a one solid piece of rubber on the roof.

Options

The outside shower is always a nice option to have when you have been exploring in the wilderness or just spraying down the children who think dirty is fun. A range with oven in place of the cook top would be the ideal option for the chef in the family.

If the Oasis sounds like the RV for you live and you live in Minnesota or the surrounding area, you can find more information at PleasureLand RV.

Four Tips For Planning Your Meals When On The Road

Screen Shot 2013-05-28 at 12.04.16 PMStaying well fed and hydrated during a camping trip is always a challenge, but it becomes even more difficult when you bring along children. Food allergies and picky eaters make it hard to find healthy options when on the go. If you are tired of relying on fast food or canned items during your excursions in a recreational vehicle, try planning your meals and bringing along plenty of supplies for some simple cooking. Eating healthy when traveling is easy when you make the right choices and prepare before you depart.

Write A Plan

Gather everyone together that will be taking the trip and have a meeting about your food options. Request information on allergies and preferences, then try to pick meals that are easy to prepare and which meet the needs of your friends and family. Cut up fruit and instant oatmeal packets are a healthy and painless way to keep everyone fed in the mornings. A boiling kettle of hot water is all you need to produce as much breakfast as needed.

Pre-Cooking Saves Time And Money

When you are tired and ready to rest after a long hike, you don’t want to spend hours waiting for a roast to cook in your RV oven. Bring along pre-cooked and frozen or refrigerated items that are easily heated up in the microwave. A few hours of work in your home kitchen could provide you with tasty meals like lasagna, pancakes, stir fries over rice, and many other options. There’s no need for expensive and unhealthy frozen dinners either when you can create your own custom meals.

Make It Fun

A camping trip is a great time to get your kids involved with the creation of the meals. Try packing a variety of sandwich meats and some tortillas or wrap breads. Let each child assemble their own wrap. There’s no need for disposable plates and cutlery when you stick to simple sandwiches and burritos for your camping meals. Older kids can chop vegetables for a campfire chili or even learn to bake bread in a Dutch oven.

Limit Snacks And Stops

One visit to a fast food restaurant won’t hurt you, but make sure that these establishments don’t end up feeding you for every meal. Sweet and fat-laden snack cakes and high-sodium jerky should also be consumed sparingly. However, a camping trip is a good reason to indulge in a few extra calories because it’s likely you will burn them off hiking and boating. Don’t forget to stop in to PleasureLand RV Center before your next trip to ensure your range and other kitchen appliances are in good shape.

Sand Creek Adventures

RV Service Minneapolis Minnesota Photo from SandCreekAdventures.com

We are pleased to finally be into full throttle mode at PleasureLand RV Center. We are the RV dealership Minnesota looks to for everything RV related. Today, we are going to tell you about a pulse pounding adventure that can bond your family or group. Today we are going to take a closer look at Sand Creek Adventures.

Sand Creek Adventures bills themselves as “The Twin Cities ultimate low ropes, high ropes and zip tour challenge course” and that is one long way to say fun! What is nice about Sand Creek Adventures is you can choose your own level of intensity. You should be in moderately healthy condition, be at least 8 years of age, and must weigh less than 275 pounds to participate in the activities at Sand Creek Adventures.

So what should you expect on your trip to Sand Creek? First, you should dress like you would if you were going to go for a walk in the woods. Comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes are best. You may also wish to pack some insect repellant, sunscreen and some snacks and bottled water. Alcohol is prohibited at Sand Creek Adventures, and you can understand why.

Once there, you will be fitted with a waist harness and helmet. A certified instructor will give you a short safety talk and answer your questions. Then it will be time for your day of adrenaline rushing fun.

The Low Ropes Connection is great for learning how to work as a team as you complete maneuvers that require each member to work in unison.

The High Ropes Challenge Course will test your determination and confidence. It starts with a cargo net entrance and ends with a zipline exit and in-between it is filled with a variety of maneuvers that will challenge you.

The Sand Creek Zipline Adventure is a real crowd pleaser. The zip travels over 1700 feet in total length, traversing Sand Creek bluffs, and reaching 100 feet above the water. It offers an exhilarating, breathtaking adventure that you and your family won’t soon forget.

If you believe part of the fun of having a recreational vehicle is seeing and doing new things, consider a trip to Sand Creek Adventures. You should be aware that all of their adventures are by appointment only, so call ahead. Their number is (952) 492-5333.

PleasureLand RV Center is a family owned RV dealership that Minneapolis has come to depend on for everything involving the RV lifestyle. You’ll find our selection and service superior, and you’ll find our people a pleasure to deal with. We look forward to seeing you!

Vacation Destination: Summer Haven RV Resort

Wow, are you ready for summer yet? How about spring? At our PleasureLand RV Center, we are more than ready! We’ve have had some extra time to prepare this year for the warm weather rush we normally see in April and May. We’ve also had the opportunity to plan for some great trips for the season.

One place to make note of is Summer Haven RV Resort in Tenstrike, Minnesota. Summer Haven RV Resort had to delay their official opening for the 2013 season due to the snow, so they are also ready for you.

Summer Haven RV Resort is listed as one of the top 5 family campgrounds in all of Minnesota and here are some of the reasons why.

  • You have a choice of lake lots, lake view lots and wooded lots. The area is scenic and tree covered.
  • Bemidji is a fabulous area to vacation. Gulf Lake is over 2,200 acres large and offers superb fishing for walleye, northern pike, blue gill, perch and more.
  • Summer Haven RV Resort has a beach, heated swimming pool, volleyball, basketball, and shuffleboard.
  • The resort offers water fun that includes paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes.
  • All sites have full hook-ups of water, electric and sewer.
  • 20 of their sites have 50 amp service available with the rest offering 30 amp service.

Summer Have RV Resort seems to always have something going on to keep everyone entertained. They have fishing contests, scavenger hunts, hayless hayrides, kids and teen crafts and minnow races. If you are looking for a week or a weekend getaway, consider the fine folks at Summer Haven RV Resort.

Pleasureland RV Center is a family owned RV dealership in Minnesota. We offer great new and used RVs that Minneapolis has come to rely on. We can even get you started in the world of RVing with an RV rental.

Look, it has been a long, cold snowy winter. It’s time to gear up and enjoy the warmer months ahead. We invite you to visit PleasureLand RV Center and let’s get the season started!

A Man’s Best Friend and His Motorhome

In 1903, Horatio Nelson Jackson and his driving partner, Sewall Crocker, completed the first transcontinental drive in an automobile from San Francisco to New York City. This was no mean feat. They drove over roads that weren’t “roads” in any modern sense of the word. With few available maps, it took 63 days, 12 hours and 30 minutes to complete. But Nelson and Crocker also had a very special driving companion. His name was Bud. A sprightly Staffordshire Terrier clad in handsome road goggles, Bud was their tireless compatriot and friend, making the long, grueling journey even more memorable.

Since that historic road trip, our dogs have crisscrossed America with us. Would we have it any other way? Nope! So let’s blaze some RV trails this spring, and take along our best four-legged friends (the family and two-legged friends can come too). There are some great, pet-friendly RV camping spots and hiking trails waiting to be discovered.

Minnesota’s state parks offer miles and miles of hiking trails, from gentle to challenging to everything in between, so do your research to choose the right paths for you and your dogs. Be sure to read through the state park guidelines on where pets can go and how to manage them. Tip: Start with Jay Cooke State Park or Grand Portage State Park in the North Shore region for the diversity in activities for family and pets.

And, for both you and your pets, don’t forget to pack plenty of water and sunscreen (yes, pets can get sunburned too, and many vets recommend a zinc oxide). Be sure to choose a sunscreen that’s safe for your pets.

Finally, you’ll want a few snacks for whatever hiking, swimming, or camping experience you’re planning. There are pet bakeries throughout Minnesota, like Sunny’s Canine Creations in Saint Paul, and you can find all kinds of goodies when you’re in the neighborhood. Make some great Minnesota RV travel memories with your best friend this spring!

RV Road Trip: Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes

If you’re looking for some great locations to take your new motorhome , you may want to consider Black Hills Badlands and Lakes. A quintessential American landscape, Black Hills area is noted for its beautiful spires climbing impossibly high into the sky, and its gorgeous gorges, setting the mood of an old western and bringing you back to the days before any white person set foot on South Dakotan land.

The area is loaded with incredible sights, including waterfalls and wildlife. Home to six national parks and historical areas like Deadwood and Wounded Knee, Badlands National Park houses the immense memorial-in-progress for Crazy Horse.

The lakes here are wonderful whether you like to boat, fish, or just park by the water and have a few drinks while watching the sun set over the trees. You’ll want to bring your camera, as there will be plenty of things you’re going to want to see again and again.

The nature trails here are enough to keep you busy for years on end if you ever want to take a serious trek. If not, there are plenty of short trails that will take you along some beautiful scenery for your lunch break.

Whether you’re an American history buff, a lover of nature, or just an RVer looking for an inexpensive way to spend the summer, the Black Hills area is perhaps the best you’re going to find in South Dakota when it comes to combining fresh air, mountain living and old western appeal. A drive through the area puts you back in the days of the original settlers, the Native Americans and the pilgrims who explored the country from coast to coast.

We haven’t invented time travel just yet, but a little time spent in Black Hills is the next best thing. Check out the Badlands and the various lakes and see for yourself if Black Hills isn’t one of the most beautifully preserved areas in the country.