August 14th, 2013 -
PleasureLand RV Center is your premier family owned and operated Minnesota RV dealership that will prepare you for a travel adventure in comfort and style. When planning a trip to a destination like the Continental Divide, a capable and reliable recreational vehicle is necessary. With the available inventory of quality RV’s, travel trailers, and fifth wheels from PleasureLand, you’re sure to find one that will safely get you where you want to go and back home again.
Photographer: Bureau of Land Management
Facts About the Divide
The Continental Divide runs from Canada to Mexico and spans multiple states including New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana for approximately 3000 miles. The U.S. portion runs from Montana’s Glacier National Park, south through the Rockies, and on to New Mexico and the Mexican border.
The scenic and rugged terrain of the Continental Divide navigates through an array of ecosystems. From mountain meadows and high-desert plateaus to massive granite peaks, the Divide offers challenging hiking trails, scenic landscapes, and picturesque vistas. It is nature at its best with endless examples of unspoiled beauty, incredible open expanses, pristine wilderness, alpine forests, miles of Saguaro cactus, mountain peaks, and an abundance of wildlife.
Exploring the Continental Divide
Hiking and backpacking along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is one way explore. Another option is riding and discovering the peace and serenity of the backcountry on a motorcycle. Traveling the Divide in a recreational vehicle provides the best of both worlds by having your mobile home-away-from home for camping along the way at area campgrounds and RV resorts.
Planning Your Trip
When visiting, it’s important to plan your trip according to the season. Weather conditions will vary from state to state and inclement conditions may be encountered. Sand storms, torrential rain, flash floods, and snow and ice are conditions to be expected on the Divide. It’s also important to be prepared with plenty of food, water, fuel, and cell phone as many portions of the trip will be long stretches of wide open expanses.
Contact PleasureLand RV Center whenever your plans involve over-the-road traveling. With an extensive inventory, our knowledgeable staff will have you in the recreational vehicle of your dreams so you can explore and discover the ultimate adventure known as the “Great Divide.”
Photo Source
July 24th, 2013 -
As the RV dealership Minnesota and the region has come to depend on, we love sharing ideas about RV road trips. If you have overlooked taking a trip to Mt. Rushmore, you are missing out on more than just a national memorial. You are missing some of visually stunning and most historic places in our country.
About Mt. Rushmore
Everyone knows that Mt. Rushmore is home to the bigger than life carvings, recognizing four American Presidents. The four are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It was dedicated in 1927 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. What you may not know is that it was actually conceived to promote tourism in that part of the country. That it has. Each year over 2.5 million people visit the site. Construction was started in 1927 and continued through 1941 when World World II and the lack of funding stopped the process. It was originally designed to show the presidents to the waist, but today, the memorial remains as just the heads of the four leaders. Part of the site’s popularity is bolstered by the many other reasons there are to make the trek to the Black Hills. Let’s take a look at what else is within proximity of Mt. Rushmore.
The Corn Palace
If you are going to South Dakota and looking for the unusual, make a stop at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Every year the corn palace is completely decorated with 12 different colors of field corn. The decorating takes place from June through September, and the palace contains and educational center inside and offers tours.
The Badlands
There are parts of the Badlands that will take your breath away. Natural rock formations provide an up close and personal view of the power of Mother Nature. Roaming bighorn sheep, bison, antelope and other wildlife provide added visual entertainment.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Six years after the work on Mt. Rushmore ceased, work began on the Crazy Horse Memorial. The work of one man, Korczak Ziolkowski, from then until his death in 1982, is continued by his family to this day. When completed, it will be an impressive 640 feet high and also just as long. It is a site worth visiting and a story worth learning.
Deadwood
More than just an HBO series, Deadwood is a city whose entirety is a national historic landmark. Relive the wild west with a visit to this South Dakota town.
Much more than just Mt. Rushmore…
Driving through the Black Hills can be a challenge when towing a travel trailer or in a large motorhome, but if you plan well, it will be a trip you and your family will remember forever. The scenic roadways are spectacular and the Black Hills offer caves and a National Forest for exploration. Mt. Rushmore is also just about two hours away from Devils Tower, a natural wonder in Northeast Wyoming. Devils Tower gained notoriety from the film “Close Encounters”. Sand Creek on the Wyoming border has some great trout fishing and plenty of camping.
Those RVing will find National Parks, State Parks and a variety of private grounds to accommodate you along the way. It is called Big Sky Country for a reason and you can see it for yourself with a trip to Mt. Rushmore and the surrounding area.
Looking for RV rentals Minneapolis Minnesota? It is a great way to discover the RV lifestyle and PleasureLand RV Center can help. Contact us today!
July 12th, 2013 -
If you’re looking for a fun place to visit in Minnesota, why not try the Mall of America? The mall is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, near the Twin Cities, and is southeast of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 77 junction. The mall receives over 18 million visitors each year because of its varied stores and unique attractions.
This mall is unlike the run-of-the-mill shopping center you’re probably used to. The Mall of America has the Nikelodeon Universe, Sea Life Minnesota, American Girl Doll store, and other general retail items on its first floor. On the second level, you can visit restaurants and shops. Level three is known for two more food courts, over 20 eateries, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Level four has two food courts and includes attractions like Dick’s Last Resort, the Mall of America theater, and the Hooters restaurant.
When you visit, check out the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park on the first floor and in the center of the mall. You can catch a ride on roller coasters and take part in other theme-park attractions. The Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is located next to this park and is 300 feet long. You will pass through 14 feet of water while you get to see over 4,500 different sea creatures.
These are just a few of the many things you can take time to do when you visit the Mall of America. The mall is open from 10 AM to 9:30 PM from Monday through Saturday, and you can visit from 11 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays, giving you plenty of time to explore the four floors of this exciting and unique mall. The attractions are always changing, so make sure to check mallofamerica.com to learn more about the events coming up when you’re planning to visit.
Remember to let us know what you thought about the trip when you stop by at PleasureLand RV in Minnesota.
July 1st, 2013 -
When it comes to safe RV excursions, whether locally or for extended trips, PleasureLand’s inventory of well maintained recreational vehicles along with a selection of quality new vehicles make PleasureLand RV Center the “go-to” place for safety and comfort. While it’s important your transportation is serviced and capable of making a trip, it’s equally important to protect your family with their own first aid checklist.
Kit Preparation
You know the needs of your family, so start with vital items for those with mild allergies to insect stings or for those who have issues with pollen from flowering plants, trees and flowers. For anyone who has extreme allergic reactions to stings from bees, wasps or any other biting insect, check with your doctor before leaving so you’ll have enough medicine and needles for the duration of your vacation in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a new prescription to take along in case you need to refit the kit.
Basic Items
Band-aids are at the top of the list for blisters on heels and toes after a day of hiking or when someone cuts a finger or gets a splinter that needs removing. Bring along an assortment of band-aids in different sizes to fit most any minor situation. Waterproof band-aids are also a good idea for travelers planning water activities.
Add these items to your “must have” list:
- Gauze pads and bandages
- Gauze rolls
- Adhesive tape
- Elastic bandages for sprains
- Clips to hold elastic bandages
- Alcohol prep pads to clean the area
- Cotton balls
- Bottle of alcohol
- Thermometer
- Gloves and hand sanitizer
- Tweezers to remove tiny splinters
- Scissors
- Splints
Along with band-aids and basic items, you’ll also need several useful medications along with a guide on how to administer first aid especially if you haven’t taken a first aid course.
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Cold and hot packs
- Eye wash
- Calamine lotion
- Poison oak and poison ivy cream
- Iodine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Anti diarrheal medication
Pets
Don’t forget to bring an ample supply of your pet’s prescribed medications along with the veterinarian’s name and contact information.
FYI
Keep your personal prescribed medications in a separate, water-proof bag along with over-the-counter medications so everything is in one convenient location. Also, put your doctor’s name, address and emergency contact information in this bag for each person on the trip. Make sure you refill your meds before leaving so you have more than enough in case you encounter any travel bumps along the way.
Make PleasureLand your first stop after putting together your first aid kit and schedule a tune up or service check then ride the highways knowing your family and your RV are a-okay for whatever adventures lie ahead.
June 19th, 2013 -
The summer heat is already bearing down upon the entire state of Minnesota. People are trying to find ways to avoid the oppressive humidity that comes with the rising temperatures, as you can head down to your PleasureLand RV Center and purchase the perfect RV so you can take a road trip to a cooler destination. Here are some ideas for you to keep cool in Minnesota.
Go Shopping: The one thing you’ll find in Minnesota that you won’t find anywhere else in the entire country is the The Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States. It has indoor roller coasters, restaurants and stores to keep you cool and busy.
Find Cool, Fun And Educational Activities:With more than 600 museums found in the entire state of Minnesota, you can keep cool while teaching the kids new things. Stop by the Minnesota Children’s Museum or The Walker as you can see great artwork and exhibits.
Get Wet: There are a ton of places to have watery fun here in Minnesota. Go to one of the numerous beaches with your recreational vehicle Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can also head to indoor water parks such as the Depot Water Park in Minneapolis and the Water Park of America in Bloomington, or head to an outdoor one such as Soak City located at Valleyfair.
Take In A Movie: While watching movies in your RV is great when you are traveling to a certain destination, sometimes you want to just get out and see the latest flick in a nice cool movie theater. With all the great movies that are coming out this summer, you are sure to find one playing at a movie theater here in Minnesota. If you want to combine movies and activities into one, catch a flick on the IMAX screen at the Minnesota Zoo and then enjoy the air-conditioned areas as you watch penguins playing or see the fun sights at Discovery Bay.
Camping Awaits: The one thing all RV travelers can agree on: it is much cooler at the forests and lakes than it is in the city. So pack those bags, rev up the RV, and head out to your favorite RV resort or campground. There are dozens to choose from such as Kiesler’s Campground and RV Resort or the Grand Marais Recreation Area. Choose your campground based on the type of camping and amenities you prefer.
As the heat beams down from the summer sky, the temperatures and humidity can make the outdoors feel uncomfortably hot. You could take your RV rentals Minneapolis Minnesota out on the open road to find a cooler destination in a different state. Or you could check out all the cool places that Minnesota has to offer. Don’t forget to stop for a delicious ice cream cone or a cocktail while on your trip to give a toast to the wonderful summer sights and activities you enjoyed while on your trip.
June 17th, 2013 -
You’ve taken your rig to Pleasureland RV, and you know it’s ready for the open road. But are you really ready? Do you have your reservations and campgrounds picked? If your summer travel plans include the Jasper/Banff and BC coast areas, you’ll want to plan strategically, because summer is peak season for these areas.
Get Reservations Early
When it comes to summer RV travel Canada is difficult to beat. This means that stunning views and relaxing atmospheres await you, but it also means there are numerous other RV enthusiasts joining you on the road. Because of this, particular in popular areas along the BC coast and the Banff/Jasper region, you will want to get reservations early. As soon as you know your dates for travel, start calling campgrounds to find a spot.
Traveling Without Reservations
If you have waited too long and will be traveling without reservations, you will want to look for parks that don’t take reservations. Chances are the parks that do will be full. Some campgrounds in Banff and Jasper don’t take reservations, so this might be an option. Be sure to arrive early to find a spot.
For private campgrounds, summer is peak season, so you won’t likely find a spot without a reservation. If you must travel without reservations, try to travel towards the beginning or end of summer, and during the week. Weekends will be the most challenging time to find a spot.
As you pick up your RV from Pleasureland and head out on the road this summer, make sure you have planned well this is a popular area to tour this time of year, so get your reservations in early, and you will have a great time.
June 12th, 2013 -
Summer is here. With the kids out of school and some bright sunny days ahead, its a great time to go on a great American family summer road trip in your RV. The good news is that you don’t have to go far with all the great summer events and festivals in Minnesota. Here are some of the most exciting events this summer.
Minnesota Irish Music Weekend
This is the 6th year for this annual event which celebrates all things Irish. This annual festival, which is held the weekend of June 13-16th in St. Paul at the Center for Irish Music, features world renowned Irish music. Music lovers of all ages can enjoy a pubic concert as well as workshops in traditional Irish music and dance. There will also be lectures on Irish Music History.
02 Runners Grandma’s Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
This exciting race is a benefit to help cure lung cancer. The race is held in Duluth MN, and begins at 6:45 am on June 22nd. Join the race to help find a cure, or come be a spectator and cheer on the racers.
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
If you love Jazz, you will love this festival being held in St. Paul. This is the 15th year for this exciting annual event, and you definitely don’t want to miss this. The three day festival, which features prominent jazz artists from all over, is being held from June 27th through June 29th and is free due to the support of generous sponsors.
34th Annual Riverboat Days Festival
This is another festival you and your family won’t want to miss. The two day festival, which begins Friday July 26th begins with a karaoke contest. Saturday is filled with events that the whole family will love, including a parade, the Lost Highway, and an all day Arts Crafts Fair.
Vintage Band Festival
At the end of the summer, as things are beginning to wind down and the kids are about to go back to school comes the Vintange Band Festival. This four day celebration, from August 1st through the 4th, features a variety of bands from the U.S. and abroad. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be the event of the summer.
June 3rd, 2013 -
Need a summer vacation idea? Try camping in your RV! Camping is great way to see the country, gain experience andexercise. There are dozens of campgrounds throughout Minnesota. However, only few have been ranked the top spots according to tripleblaze.com. Here are the top five based on average rating and number of reviews.
The first on their list is Flour Lake Campground. It is nestled on the quiet shore of 352 acres on the lake of the same name. The area is home to a variety of wildlife including moose, beavers, ducks, bald eagles and bears. There are sites for tent only camping as well as a place to park your RV. The RV campsites range in size from 30 feet to 73 feet for extra space. All are back-in only. This campground is pet friendly and is great for fishing and hiking alike.
The second on their list is Stony Point. This breathtaking campground is settled on the banks of Leech Lake in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. Leech Lake is the third largest lake in the state of Minnesota and home of trophy-sized perch, bass and northern pike. It is also a great area for canoeing or boating.
Fall Lake makes number three for them. This campground is located within the Superior National Forest close to the United States and Canada border. The forest spans 150 miles and is comprised of 3 million acres. With hiking, swimming and fishing, there is much to do at this family-friendly campsite. There are several local events happening nearby including City of Ely’s July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival which happens the last weekend in July, and the Harvest Moon festival.
Leech Lake Rec area made it to the number four spot. This area encompasses 14 natural lakes with over 300 miles of shoreline. They have numerous scenic hiking trails as well as boating and canoeing amenities. Dozens of wooded campsites are yours to choose from here at this spectacular site.
Finally, the Itasca State Park finishes the list of top five. This is the oldest State Park in Minnesota. It is over 32,000 acres and holds more than 100 lakes. There are over 200 drive-in sites for your RV in two separate campgrounds. The park has nearly 50 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of paved bike trails. They also offer rentals for all of your sport needs.
So pack up your campers and head out for a fun-filled summer vacation. If you have time, visit two or three! There are many beautifully kept campgrounds near the northeast border of the state. And remember to come by Pleasureland RV for all your recreational vehicle needs.
May 31st, 2013 -
 Staying 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.
May 20th, 2013 -
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!
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About Me
Hi, my name is Dan Pearson and I am the Owner of PleasureLand RV Centers based out of St. Cloud, MN. We have three other Minnesota locations to serve all of you RV needs. I look forward to providing you with all your RV information from buying an RV to tips and maintenance. If you would like to contact me, be sure to leave a comment.
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