December 9th, 2017 -
Climbing is often viewed as a dangerous, adrenaline-pumping activity that only the most physically strong and skilled people are able to do. Adding ice to that mix? You may want to say “forget about it,” but ice climbing is, in reality, less about physical strength and climbing skills and more about thinking and patience. It’s also a lot more safe than you probably assume so long as you practice tried and true safety precautions when you climb.
If you’re curious about giving ice climbing a try this winter in Minnesota while you travel about in your RV, you’re going to want to learn how to do it from someone experienced. It’s not advisable that you try ice climbing by yourself if you have no experience. Minnesota actually has two great opportunities to learn in annual climbing festivals: the Sandstone Ice Festival and the Duluth Ice and Mixed Fest.
The Sandstone Ice Festival is scheduled from January 5 through 7. It’s been going for over a decade now and is held in Robinson Park, which is the first park in Minnesota set aside specifically for ice climbing. It has climbing opportunities for any skill level, but more importantly it’s got beginner courses to teach you about safety, the climbing equipment you need, and the basic movements to get you up an ice cliff.
Happening later in the season, the Duluth Ice and Mixed Fest is scheduled for February 2 through 4. It’s a newer festival, but offers the same benefits as Sandstone. The event takes place in Duluth at Casket Park.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you hit the roads this holiday season, bring your RV by PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota to ensure it’s in top shape for the winter roads. And if you’re in the market for a new or used RV, stop in or log online to browse our huge selection of top-quality RVs in stock.
December 5th, 2017 -
Minnesota’s more than 11,800 lakes make it a hotspot for ice fishing. However, having so many places from which to choose can make planning your getaway more difficult. These three places to ice fish around Minnesota are some of the best of the best for catching fish and enjoying your stay.
Mille Lacs
St. Paul residents don’t have to travel far to find some of the country’s best ice fishing. Minnesota’s second largest lake, Mille Lacs, offers 74 miles of coastline and numerous access points to make your fishing excursions more convenient. The lake’s more than 130,000-acre size also means fishermen have plenty of room to spread out. The lake is known to be home to an abundance of rock bass, walleye, northern pike, small mouth bass, jumbo perch, tullibee and muskie, so bring a large cooler for your catch.
Gull Lake
Gull Lake is known across Minnesota as one of the best fishing spots. It’s home to the annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza event, which is the largest ice fishing event in North America. This fishing spot in the Brainerd Lake Region offers great water quality, which sustains huge populations of northern pike, bluegill, walleye, rock bass, largemouth bass and crappie. Park your RV in nearby Nisswa or Brainerd to enjoy a little bit of off-the-ice action during your stay.
Upper Red Lake
Red Lake is the largest lake in Minnesota, and it’s a hotspot for world-class fishing conditions. Head to the lake’s upper region to enjoy the best walleye fishing in the state. However, don’t be surprised if you reel in some crappie and northern pike too. The entire lake is 288,000 acres in size, so you’ll never feel like you’re fishing in a crowd.
Stop and See Us
Minnesota’s PleasureLand RV Centers are located near some of our state’s best ice fishing spots. We’re offering a huge selection of ice houses on sale for the holiday season, so log online or stop in and see us today.
November 30th, 2017 -
When you’re traveling in Minnesota this winter, you may feel limited on where you can go, especially if you’re focusing your travels on the numerous state parks dotted around the state. With a good pair of snowshoes, however, restrictions are lifted and you’re able to get out and hike even when the snowfall is piled up on the ground.
Not only do snowshoes open up more wilderness for you to explore, but they’re easy to use and basic snowshoes are cheap, so there’s basically no barrier to entry if you want to start snowshoeing tomorrow.
Wilderness lovers will love snowshoes: during the spring, summer, and fall, foliage often means that you’ll startle any wildlife near you before you have a chance to spot them. Walking on snow with snowshoes, however, means that you’re nearly whisper quiet when moving through the forests and meadows. You have a much better chance of observing wildlife in their natural state before they become aware of your presence.
In Minnesota, snowshoers are allowed to walk nearly anywhere they desire. The only exceptions are areas and trails that are specifically designated for other activities, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Don’t hesitate to take your snowshoes to your favorite Minnesota park — the winter landscape will transform it into something familiar yet new, and snowshoes are your ticket to checking out the winter wonderlands all over the state.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you hit the roads this holiday season, bring your RV byPleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota to ensure it’s in top shape for the winter roads. And if you’re in the market for a new or used RV, stop in or log online to browse our huge selection of top-quality RVs in stock.
November 28th, 2017 -
They say there’s nothing like home for the holidays, but when you live life on the road in your RV, you’re always home wherever you go. Although, parking your RV at a special campground for the holidays can make you enjoy them even more. These three destinations are some of our favorites to enjoy during the holiday season because of their beautiful scenery and unbeatable holiday cheer.
Steamboat Campground
You can’t beat a holiday season spent on the slopes, and the Steamboat Campground is a year-round Colorado campground that’s close to all of the outdoor winter activities you can imagine. RV sites are steeply discounted in the winter months, and the campground’s unique location in Steamboat Springs, between Yellowstone National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park means you enjoy a winter wonderland that’s unlike anywhere else in the country.
Padre Island National Seashore
If your idea of a white Christmas involves white sand beaches instead of snow, the Padre Island National Seashore in Texas is the place to be this holiday season. Camping is available in five spots on the island, with the Bird Island Basin being the most desired spot for birdwatchers, fishermen, boating, kayaking and drinking in the warm air and gorgeous scenery. The Padre Island campgrounds are open year-round, so fire up your RV and head down to Texas before the holidays get underway.
Mt. Hood National Forest
The Mt. Hood National Forest is one of Oregon’s best kept winter secrets. The area is one of the top in the country for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, skiing, sledding and a slew of other outdoor winter activities. Stay at the Trillium Lake Campground, which offers gorgeous lake-view sites with unbeatable views of Mt. Hood.
Prepare Your RV at PleasureLand
Before you hit the roads this holiday season, bring your RV by PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota to ensure it’s in top shape for the winter roads. And if you’re in the market for a new or used RV, stop in or log online to browse our huge selection of top-quality RVs in stock.
November 21st, 2017 -
Winter doesn’t have to end your RVing for the year, especially if you find yourself in Minnesota. Minnesota offers RVers plenty of things to do until the spring thaw, so don’t stop exploring yet!
Escape the Cold at a Water Park
You read that right: Minnesota, in a bid to extend its swimming season, has many indoor water parks scattered across the state. Some of these are deluxe resorts that offer something for all ages.
Check out Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark in Duluth, Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter, or even the water park right next to the Mall of America.
Learn Something New at a Museum
Get inside and out of the cold and learn something new while you do it. Minnesota is home to many extensive museums covering many different subjects. Some of the best include the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota History Center, and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
Explore a Nature Center
Okay, this one isn’t indoors, but Minnesota’s natural places are mostly open year round, and the winter sights are just as wonderful as any other time of year. Minnesota is renowned for owl watching, and two of the best places to see them are at Agassiz Audubon Center and the International Owl Center.
Nature center trails are threaded through with numerous trails and make great places for recreational sports, like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you head off to enjoy the winter in Minnesota, drop in at your RV adventure headquarters at PleasureLand RV Center in St Cloud, Brainerd, or Ramsey. PleasureLand RV Center can help get you into the RV of your dreams, keep your RV running smoothly (even through the cold of winter), and get you outfitted with quality accessories to make your RV living easier and more convenient.
November 17th, 2017 -
When you go RVing for the long term, it often means spending holidays on the road. Even if you are on the road, you can still have a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with all of the “fixins.” Because of space limitations, you’ll just have to plan it a bit different.
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to pick up any accessories you may need to help you with cooking Thanksgiving Day dinner on the road.
Make Things the Day Before
If you are using fresh vegetables, parboil them the day before, then keep them in the fridge or a cooler until you can heat them up for the meal. Parboiling the veggies means that you don’t have to use valuable stove space on the day of the Thanksgiving meal – you can just pop them in the microwave to heat them up.
Make the mashed potatoes the day before. Again, all you have to do is heat them up on the stove or in the microwave. You can even boil the potatoes and mash them without any milk or butter, then when you heat them up for the meal, add the fresh milk, butter and seasonings.
If you were cooking Thanksgiving dinner at home, you would most likely make the desserts the day before. You can do this, too – that way you have the oven for the turkey. If your RV doesn’t have an oven or a convection microwave, you can still “bake” pies and turkey on the grill. Simply set the grill to the proper temperature using only one or two burners. Set what you are baking on the side with the unlit burners. Skillet cornbread comes out great when done in this manner.
Thanksgiving Day
About 15 minutes before the turkey is done, you can start heating things up that you made the day before. Since the turkey should sit at least 10 to 15 minutes before you carve it, you should have plenty of time – and things will be hot.
Making Turkey without an Oven
If your RV doesn’t have an oven or a convection oven, you have a few choices. If you have a turkey fryer, fry the turkey. If not, but a whole turkey will fit under the grill hood, make sure you have plenty of propane. Set the grill at the appropriate temperature and place the turkey on the unlit side of the grill.
The third option is to cook turkey breasts. You can fry them, boil them or even cook them on the grill.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center for any needed accessories for the kitchen and other areas inside or outside of the RV.
November 15th, 2017 -
As anyone who RVs with their dogs can tell you, sometimes your next destination isn’t about you. Your dogs deserve something they’ll enjoy on occasion, so when you’re out in your RV this winter with your beloved pets, consider taking them to one of these fun destinations. You’ll probably have (almost) as much fun as they will. Whether you want something outdoor or indoor, there’s a destination for you!
Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a great place to visit if you’ve got pups in tow. Enjoy the numerous hiking trails and dog parks that the city offers. Some of the dog parks even offer heated shelters for some indoor play. There are even a handful of places that are part time indoor dogs parks, usually on the weekends. Minneapolis is also relatively pet friendly when it comes to public spaces and shops.
Mankato
Whether it’s your destination or you’re just passing through along your route somewhere else, Mankato is worth a stop if you’ve got a dog or two with you. They’ve got an indoor swimming pool that’s absolutely dog friendly. You can get out of the cold, give your dog some off leash time, and allow them to exercise in a way that’s good for their joints since swimming is low impact. The pool is called The Paw and the water is kept at a toasty 85 degrees. If your dog isn’t a great swimmer, there are life jackets available for use. Additionally, there are time slots available for private swims if your dog doesn’t like company.
Duluth
While your dog may not be a champion dog sled racer, they can certainly spectate alongside you when you visit Duluth. The annual dog sledding marathon, called Beargrease, takes place over 400 miles of tundra with some of the best teams in the world competing. There are various spots along the course where you can watch the action.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you visit any of these fun destinations in Minnesota to make sure that your RV is in good shape to travel. If you need to upgrade your rig, PleasureLand RV Center is the place to shop. Tour our wide inventory of new and used RVs, from Class A motorhomes to fifth wheel trailers.
November 9th, 2017 -
RVs aren’t typically designed for frigid weather. However, that doesn’t mean you have to own a costly four-seasons RV to stay warm in cold destinations. These few, helpful tips will ensure you stay warm when you’re venturing throughout the country this fall and winter.
Keep Drafts at Bay
RVs have a tendency to feel drafty, and small leaks are what cause those drafts. Use silicone rubber or spray foam insulation to patch those tiny spots where cold air is seeping inside.
Larger drafts require larger treatments. Insulated “snakes,” or the long, stuffed insulating tubes you see at the hardware store, help keep warm air inside when placed in doorways. Painters’ tape is another easy fix for temporary use. Place the tape over the leaks behind your appliances and cabinetry for short-term stays in cold destinations.
Keep the Shades Closed
Another easy way to keep the interior of your RV warm in the winter months is to keep your curtains and shades closed. Closing the shades will trap a layer of air between the shade and the window that serves as an insulator. It won’t warm your RV to a higher temperature, but it will keep the temperature from dropping rapidly.
Use Plenty of Rugs
Waking up in a cold RV can be dreadful, especially when you know you have to walk along laminate floor. Use throw rugs to insulate the floors of your RV more thoroughly and save your feet from those freezing winter mornings.
Consider a Space Heater
A quality ceramic space heater can make the difference between comfort and discomfort in the cold months. Use the space heater in addition to your RV’s furnace to assist the furnace and save you big bucks on hefty propane costs.
Upgrade Your RV
Here at the PleasureLand RV Centers in Minnesota, we know all of the tricks — big and small — to helping you stay warm in your RV in the winter. Give us a call, log online or stop in and see us to upgrade your RV for the winter ahead.
November 7th, 2017 -
RV travel isn’t just reserved for the summer months. In fact, winter activities are made even more enjoyable with the RV lifestyle. Ice fishing is one of those activities. Once you learn the basics of ice fishing, the sport will quickly become one of your favorite features of winter. The following simple ice fishing tips will help you get started, so you can enjoy the RV lifestyle even when the weather is cold and the lakes are frozen.
Use Live Bait
Live bait is an essential part of ice fishing. Whether you’re dead sticking, using a bobber or jigging, live bait is the most effective way to fish. Start by jigging larger lures roughly a foot above the bottom to catch the more aggressive fish. If the fish can be seen but not caught, opt for a smaller jig.
Start with Smaller Lakes
Starting with smaller lakes at the beginning of season will help you fish more often, and ultimately become a better ice fisherman. Smaller lakes freeze more quickly, which means you can be on the ice earlier in winter.
Later in the season, move to the larger lakes, which have more oxygen. Fish are more active there.
The Movement of Fish
One of the most important parts of ice fishing is understanding where fish will be and when. In shallow lakes, fish tend to move shallower later in the season. In larger, deeper lakes, fish migrate to where food and cover can be found. They tend to stay deeper where the water is warmer. Fish become less active in the heart of winter, which means they’re easier to catch when they’re moving at the beginning and end of the season.
Shop for an RV at PleasureLand RV Center
Traveling in an RV from PleasureLand RV Center is an ideal way to travel from one ice fishing destination to another. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a hot shower, comfortable seating area, television and plenty of sleeping space after a long day on the ice. Take your ice fishing to the next level by considering an ice house fishing trailer, which PleasureLand RV Center has a number of in stock.
November 2nd, 2017 -
Minnesota’s more than 11,800 lakes make it a hotspot for ice fishing. However, having so many places from which to choose can make planning your getaway more difficult. These three places to ice fish around Minnesota are some of the best of the best for catching fish and enjoying your stay.
Mille Lacs
St. Paul residents don’t have to travel far to find some of the country’s best ice fishing. Minnesota’s second largest lake, Mille Lacs, offers 74 miles of coastline and numerous access points to make your fishing excursions more convenient. The lake’s more than 130,000-acre size also means fishermen have plenty of room to spread out. The lake is known to be home to an abundance of rock bass, walleye, northern pike, small mouth bass, jumbo perch, tullibee and muskie, so bring a large cooler for your catch.
Gull Lake
Gull Lake is known across Minnesota as one of the best fishing spots. It’s home to the annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza event, which is the largest ice fishing event in North America. This fishing spot in the Brainerd Lake Region offers great water quality, which sustains huge populations of northern pike, bluegill, walleye, rock bass, largemouth bass and crappie. Park your RV in nearby Nisswa or Brainerd to enjoy a little bit of off-the-ice action during your stay.
Upper Red Lake
Red Lake is the largest lake in Minnesota, and it’s a hotspot for world-class fishing conditions. Head to the lake’s upper region to enjoy the best walleye fishing in the state. However, don’t be surprised if you reel in some crappie and northern pike too. The entire lake is 288,000 acres in size, so you’ll never feel like you’re fishing in a crowd.
Stop and See Us
Minnesota’s PleasureLand RV Centers are located near some of our state’s best ice fishing spots. We’re offering a huge selection of ice houses for the holiday season, so log online or stop in and see us today.
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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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By Dan Pearson
