September 21st, 2017 -
Continuing the series on Minnesota’s state parks, we’ve got Judge C.R. Magney State Park up next. Sprawled across 4,695 acres, the park attracts nearly 70,000 annual visitors and over 6,000 overnight stays.
Come for the quiet, the solitude, and the famous Devil’s Kettle waterfall. The most popular hike leads from the trailhead upstream along the Brule River to Devil’s Kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. Half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole. Anglers can catch brook and rainbow trout in the Brule River or its tributary, Gauthier Creek. The park offers camping, picnicking, and hiking.
The park is a wildlife observer’s dream. Moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, and timber wolves are among the larger animals that inhabit the park. Smaller mammals that visitors may see include the woodchuck, snowshoe hare, red squirrel, and chipmunk. In the spring and summer, listen for the songs of warblers. All year round, chickadees, nuthatches, jays, woodpeckers, and ruffed grouse can be seen in the park.
The scenic Brule River races through the park, forming whitewater rapids and waterfalls on its way to Lake Superior. Along the lower stretches of the river are a series of spectacular waterfalls.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you visit any state park 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.
September 19th, 2017 -
Looking for a nearby spot to camp and enjoy some outdoor recreation, perhaps for spring break? If you’re centered in Minnesota or plan on passing through soon, check out Lake Carlos State Park.
Sculpted by ancient glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park contains a tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds, and lakes.
A variety of recreational activities revolve around the lake. Clear and deep, Lake Carlos offers visitors a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking and horseback riding. In the winter, ski from the tamarack bog to a maple-basswood forest.
Away from the lake, hiking is an especially good activity. Trails lead through Lake Carlos’s tamarack bog, which is carpeted with showy lady’s slippers, pitcher plants, dragon’s mouths, grass pink, and insect-eating sundews. Most flowers start to bloom in the bog between late spring and early summer.
Birdwatchers will also love the lake, as it offers a unique ecosystem with eagles and ospreys. Other common birds in the spring include the red-eyed vireo, tree swallow, red-breasted nuthatch, American robin, yellow-rumped warbler, indigo bunting, swamp sparrow, blue-winged teal, ruby-throated hummingbird, and many more.
Free WiFi is available at the campground and Visitors Center. The park’s hours are from 8am to 4pm daily.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you visit Lake Carlos State Park or any other destination in Minnesota. PleasureLand RV Center offers RV sales, service, parts and accessories in Minnesota. See us in St Cloud, Brainerd, or Ramsey today!
September 14th, 2017 -
Minnesota is one of the country’s best travel destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. This is especially true in the fall months, when the temperatures remain cool and comfortable for invigorating mountain, woods and coastal adventures. The following are five hiking trails every traveler should try when passing through Minnesota.
Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain is the highest point in Minnesota, and although it sits at just 2,301 feet, the stunning views of the state’s expansive forests are well worth a visit. The round-trip hike is 7-miles long and can be steep at times, so be sure to attempt some of the state’s more mellow adventures before heading to the peak.
Glendalough State Park
This western Minnesota state park offers an array of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. The Battle Lake Trail is a must-do, and you’re guaranteed to love the lack of traffic, as vehicles are not allowed near the trails or campsites.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Many travelers don’t know that Minnesota is home to some of the best waterfalls in the U.S. Gooseberry Falls State Park, located just north of Duluth, is loaded with 20 miles of scenic hiking trails including those to waterfalls and the scenic shores of Lake Superior.
Itasca State Park
The trails at Itasca State Park offer photogenic views around every turn. Hike to the Alton Heights observation tower to snap photos and pay a visit to the Mississippi headwaters.
George Crosby Manitou State Park
Avid hikers love to frequent Manitou State Park and its 24 miles of backcountry trails. These rugged, challenging trails are designed for experienced hikers, and those who make the trek always return bragging about the views.
Travel Minnesota in Your RV
There’s no better way to visit Minnesota’s best hiking trails than in the comfort and convenience of a new RV from PleasureLand RV Center. Stop in and see us at one of our many Minnesota locations to start your dream RV lifestyle today.
September 12th, 2017 -
A steak dinner is an iconic piece of the American dining scene, and Minnesota is home to some of the best steakhouses in the country. Whether you’re headed out on a first date, enjoying an anniversary dinner or are simply in the mood for a mouthwatering Minnesota steak, these three steakhouses are the best of the best in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Mancini’s Char House and Lounge
Mancini’s Char House and Lounge is the place to be in Saint Paul if you want a classy atmosphere with one of the top steaks in the state on your plate. Unbeatable service, classy retro decor and an emphasis on serving up the best steaks in the area, sets Mancini’s apart from the rest. Even better, Mancini’s doesn’t break your bank with high prices, so you can enjoy a mouthwatering, five-star meal without worrying about your budget.
Burch
Burch is a classic steakhouse on Colfax Ave., in Minneapolis that has become one of the most famous in the state. They serve up the classic cuts as well as innovative cuts many have never seen, so there’s always something new to try. The steakhouse’s ambiance makes every visit a special one, and it’s a place you can take even the pickiest steak lover.
Lindey’s Prime Steak House, Restaurant and Bar
Lindey’s Prime Steak House, Restaurant and Bar is a delicious steakhouse without the high prices and sometimes stuffy feel. It’s a small, casual place that focuses on flavor rather than promoting a swanky atmosphere. The sirloin steak is their famed cut, and there’s no doubt you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied. The laid back atmosphere also means you don’t need to dress up, so you can just kick back, relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
Stop and See Us at PleasureLand
Don’t forget to stop and see us at the PleasureLand RV Centers when you’re cruising throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes in your RV. We have everything your RV lifestyle needs from new and used RVs to service, parts, accessories and so much more.
September 7th, 2017 -
Traveling the country in your RV with a partner is one of the most enjoyable things in the world… or one of the most frustrating! Depends on the day, really. While you might get along most of the time, there’s something about being in close proximity with another person for days, weeks, or even months without pause that can really leave you feeling like your buttons are being pushed.
RVs mean unrivaled intimacy due to the face that they’re both your means of travel and your living quarters all in one compact package. To prevent yourself from becoming tired of your partner, it’s important to practice certain habits to distance yourself when need be.
Headphones Are Everything
There’s nothing better at creating an immediate barrier between yourself and another person than a good pair of headphones. Whether you need to cool off or simply need some alone time, headphones provide it. Listen to some music you like, catch up on an audiobook or podcast, or watch some videos. After some “alone” time, you can rejoin your partner by simply pulling the earbuds out.
Have Your Own Interests
Sure you’re traveling together and doing pretty much everything else together, but you should definitely bring along some personal hobbies with you on the road. Just like practicing them at home, your hobbies allow you to have that stress relief that only comes from doing something you love on your own. Whether it’s calligraphy, photography, writing, scrapbooking, knitting, or whatever else, don’t leave your hobbies behind.
Keep Lines of Communication Open
No matter how annoyed you are or even angry, it’s crucial that you keep communication open with your partner. While the silent treatment might sound appealing, there’s no chance that fences will be mended if you don’t talk. On that note, don’t stay angry with your partner. You’re on the road with them with nowhere to go, so make the best of any situation and let go of any anger you’re harboring.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center this fall to tour a new or used motorhome or travel trailer. Find one that’s perfect for you and your travel plans this fall. If you’re not on the market for an RV, you can still stop in at PleasureLand RV Center to schedule service, to learn more about RVing, or to shop for parts and accessories.
September 5th, 2017 -
Grand Portage State Park is a state park at the northeastern tip of Minnesota near the Canadian border. It contains a 120-foot waterfall, the tallest in the state, on the Pigeon River. The High Falls and other waterfalls and rapids upstream necessitated a historically important portage on a fur trade route between the Great Lakes and inland Canada. This 8.5-mile path plus the site of forts on either end are preserved in nearby Grand Portage National Monument.
The glacial ridges in the park add to a varied terrain which harbors an abundance of wildlife. The channeled bays and river islands below the falls are home to osprey, eagle, otter, beaver, moose, and great-blue heron. Visitors can expect to see white-tail deer and black bear along with other small animals and birds.
Mixed hardwood forest covers most of the park and is dominated by paper birch and quaking aspen, with occasional white spruce, white pine, balsam fir, white cedar, poplar, and black ash. The forested areas provide a beautiful backdrop to the rugged beauty of the falls and the shoreline of the Pigeon River that runs through the park.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you hit the road for Grand Portage State Park or any other destination in Minnesota or beyond. Whether you need to shop for a new motorhome to take you to all of your favorite summer vacation spots or have an RV already and need it to be checked out before you embark, PleasureLand RV Center can help.
August 31st, 2017 -
When you’re packing for an RV trip, whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long trip, you definitely don’t want to forget anything. And when you are bringing your pet with you, you definitely don’t want to forget anything, especially the dog’s food or leash. Be sure to make a list of everything you need for yourself, your family and your pet. And, keep in mind that your pet has additional travel needs.
Stopping More Often
If you are bringing your dog with you and you would like to be at a certain destination by a certain time, you’ll need to add some extra time to the trip. While you might be able to go eight hours without stopping, your pets may not be able to make it that long. Plan on stopping for about 15 minutes every 3 hours to give your pet a break. Never let your pet ride in a trailer.
Providing Water
If you are not providing your pet with water in the vehicle, you’ll need to give it a drink whenever you stop, in addition to the bathroom break.
Food
If the trip is more than eight hours and you plan on driving through, be sure to feed your pet. If you normally feed your pet more than once a day, plan stops that are close to its regular feeding time. If your pet normally eats just once per day, but is used to having snacks throughout the day, be sure to bring its treats in the vehicle with you.
Car Sickness
If your dog tends to get car sick, check with your vet for the dosage of Dramamine it can have. You’ll want to give your dog the medication at least a half hour before you start the trip. Ask your vet how long a dosage should last and when you should re-medicate while you are on the road.
Weather
If you are traveling from a warm climate to a cold climate and your dog normally wear sweaters when it’s cold, be sure to pack a sweater in the vehicle with you so that you don’t have to stop to look for it in the trailer or back of the RV.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to walk through our floor plans if you are ready for a new RV; or to pick up any RV accessories you might need for your trip.
August 29th, 2017 -
Sandwiches are always a convenient meal – easy to put together, made with affordable ingredients, portable, filling, and endlessly customizable. Sandwiches are a perfect fit for any RVer and August just so happens to be National Sandwich Month. To honor everyone’s favorite go-to food, we’ve asked around PleasureLand RV Center to find out some favorites.
Elvis Sandwich
Prep – 10 mins. | Cook – 10 mins.
Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 slices white bread
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 3 slices cooked bacon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
Directions
Spread the peanut butter on one side of one slice of bread. Top with sliced banana, then slices of cooked bacon. Cover with the other slice of bread. Spread butter on the outside of the sandwich.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry the sandwich on each side until golden brown and peanut butter is melted, about 4 minutes total.
Banh Mi
Prep – 10 mins. | Cook – 5 mins.
Ingredients
• 4 boneless pork loin chops, cut 1/4 inch thick
• 4 (7 inch) French bread baguettes, split lengthwise
• 4 teaspoons mayonnaise, or to taste
• 1 ounce chile sauce with garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven’s broiler. Place the pork chops on a broiling pan and set under the broiler. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, or until browned on each side.
Open the French rolls and spread mayonnaise on the insides. Place one of the cooked pork chops into each roll. Spread chile sauce directly on the meat. Sprinkle with a little lime juice and top with slices of onion, cucumber, cilantro, salt and pepper. Finish with another quick drizzle of lime juice.
Cucumber Sandwich
Prep – 20 mins.
Ingredients
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian salad dressing mix
• 2 loaves French bread, cut into 1 inch slices
• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 1 pinch dried dill weed
Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and Italian dressing mix. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Spread the cream cheese blend onto slices of French bread. Top with a cucumber slice, and sprinkle with dill. You can make as many or few as you like. the cream cheese mixture keeps for about a week in the refrigerator so you can make them over and over again!
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Visit PleasureLand RV Center before you head out on your next RV adventure. Don’t get caught off guard by unforeseen mechanical problems. Let our technicians sign off on your rig and hit the road with the peace of mind that you’re set to handle whatever the journey throws your way.
August 24th, 2017 -
If you’re a beginning hiker that’s never used trekking poles, it may be because you’re not sure what to make of them. What advantages do they confer and are they right for your hikes? If you’re thinking about acquiring a pair and taking them out on your next hike, here’s how to make the most effective use of them.
They Help Support You
Just like a walking stick, trekking poles times the advantage by two. They’re especially useful on treacherous terrain, like loose gravel, wet rocks, or when fording shallow creeks. Not only do they help keep you upright, but they also promote good posture that in turn helps you shoulder your pack better. By putting some of your weight onto the trekking poles via your arms, you take some of the stress off of your legs and back. When you get tired later during an all day hike, you can also rely on them more and more to support you even when your knees are getting tired.
They Come in Handy in Ways You Wouldn’t Expect
Having some trekking poles on hand can be unexpectedly beneficial. They can serve as arm extensions if you need to poke something from a distance or attempt to bring something closer. Not that we recommend battling wildlife, but in a pinch they can be used to ward off an aggressive animal when escape isn’t possible.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
There’s no better way to travel to your favorite Minnesota hiking trails than in the comfort and convenience of your RV. Stop in and see us at one of our many Minnesota PleasureLand RV Center locations to start your new RV lifestyle today.
August 22nd, 2017 -
Great River Bluffs State Park is located in the Blufflands Landscape Region. This landscape features half-dome bluffs with sheer rock cliffs, steep valley walls, and rolling uplands. The park includes a diversity of plant communities including maple-basswood forests, old hickory, pines, goat prairies, and old fields. The King’s Bluff trail offers a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River Valley. Bring your binoculars; the river valley is a major flyway for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks.
You can find ample camping opportunities at the park, both RV and tent, as well as fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
For wildlife lovers, the park attracts more than 35 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians, and well over 100 species of birds. Rabbits, mice, and ground squirrels are common in the patches of prairie in the park. Predators of these mammals include red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and red foxes. The hardwood forest provides habitat for opossums, skunks, Indigo buntings, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys. In the winter, visitors report seeing bald eagles. The prairie draws uncommon species of wildlife: a lizard, the six-lined racer; and a prairie bird, the bobolink.
The park is 2,786 acres in size and receives over 80,000 annual visitors.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center this summer before you hit the road for Great River Bluffs State Park or any other destination in Minnesota or beyond. Whether you need to shop for a new motorhome to take you to all of your favorite summer vacation spots or have an RV already and need it to be checked out before you embark, PleasureLand RV Center can help.
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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