April 4th, 2017 -
Grand Teton National Park is one of America’s best National Parks, ranking alongside Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Acadia, and Glacier National Parks. The best part is, you can actually get a two for one special when visiting Grand Teton… Yellowstone is actually part of the same park system and is only 10 miles away!
History
The park gets its name from 19th-century French-speaking trappers, who named the mountains les trois tetons, which was later shorted to tetons. The highest peak, Grand Teton, is where the park gets its name. At 13775 feet tall, Grand Teton is almost 850 feet taller than the second highest peak in the range, Mount Owen. The area was prominent among fur trappers through much of the 1800s.
The area was preserved as a National Park in 1929. The adjacent Jackson Hole Valley region was later declared a National Monument in 1943, which was later abolished in 1950 and absorbed into the National Park.
Geography and Wildlife
Besides the obvious mountain range in the park, visitors can also expect to encounter the Snake River, numerous lakes (including the 15 mile Jackson Lake), and a dozen or so small glaciers.
The park supports an almost pristine ecosystem. Animals and plants that have existed since prehistoric times still flourish in the park. There are over a thousand native plants, dozens of mammals, hundreds of birds, and more than a dozen fish species. Though less common, there are also some reptiles and amphibians.
Activities and Recreation
The park is a popular destination for a variety of sports, including mountaineering, hiking, fishing, and camping.
Mountaineers will have numerous climbing options that range numerous skill levels. Hikers have over 200 miles of trails that they can explore. Fishing in the region is world-renowned for its trout fishing.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a new or used RV that’s perfect for your trip to Grand Teton National Park. If you’ve already got a rig, but want to make sure that it’s in good condition for a road trip, let PleasureLand RV Center look it over for you!
March 16th, 2017 -
If you’re always on the lookout for the next place to take your RV, PleasureLand RV Center is here to give you a suggestion: Maplewood State Park. The park sprawls over 10,279 acres and attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. Maplewood sits on a series of high tree-covered hills that provide visitors with striking vistas of small, clear lakes nestled in deep valleys.
Maplewood State Park features eight major lakes and numerous ponds, offering water lovers places to enjoy their water sports, like swimming, fishing, and boating. The lakes offer plenty of sandy beaches and recreation areas on the shore for sunbathing, grilling, and picnicking.
Drive along the park’s scenic route to view the flora and fauna in the park, including 150 bird species and 50 species of mammal, including deer, beavers, racoon, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks. The trails are also a great way to see the wildlife while you hike, horseback ride, or cross-country ski (in the colder months).
Spring through fall, the park is “dressed” with displays of trillium, hepatica, bloodroot, yellow lady’s slipper, wild onion, prairie rose, and showy milkweed. If you go in the fall, the park turns into a fall wonderland with brilliant shades of orange, gold, and red.
The park is located 7 miles east of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Visit PleasureLand RV Center before you head to Maplewood State Park or any other destination this spring. Besides helping to make sure that your RV is ready for the road, PleasureLand RV Center can also help you get into a new RV if it’s time to upgrade or even if you’re shopping for your first rig.
March 14th, 2017 -
A great place to keep in mind the next time you’re looking for a place to take the RV, Wild River State Park is located along 18 miles of the St. Croix River.
The park is attractive to those who enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, interpretive programs, self-guided trails, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
The hiking is also great, offering a 35-mile trail system. The trails are especially nice during the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
For those not using an RV, the camp has a guest house that provides a living room, dining room, kitchen, and fireplace. The park also has six camping cabins, which have bunkbeds, a table, and benches.
You can get to the camp by exiting I-35, taking State Highway 95 to County Road 12. Drive 3 miles on County Road 12 to the park’s entrance.
Contact the park for more information at 651-583-2925 or email wildriver.statepark@state.mn.us. The best time to contact the park is somewhere between 9am and 4pm.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you visit Wild River State Park, stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a new or used RV and find your next motorhome or travel trailer today. If you’ve already got a rig, you can schedule service with the service center at PleasureLand RV Center to make sure that your RV is in tip-top shape for the road.
March 7th, 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 Bemidji State Park. It’s just 10 minutes north of Bemidji off Highway 71 N. Watch for and follow the park’s signage and you can’t miss it.
Lake Bemidji State Park offers visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking picnicking, and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in colder months.
Away from the lake, hiking is an especially good activity. Trails lead through Lake Bemidji’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.
If you’d like to learn more, contact the park at 3401 State Park Road Northeast, Bemidji, Minnesota. Call 218-308-2300 or email lakebemidji.statepark@state.mn.us.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you visit Lake Bemidji 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!
February 27th, 2017 -
Your RV is your gateway to adventure, travel, family time, and fun, so taking proper care of your RV will allow you to enjoy the benefits of the RV lifestyle year after year. Fortunately, we make taking care of your RV easy here at PleasureLand RV Center. Bring your RV to our PleasureLand service center, and we’ll ensure your home on wheels is in top shape for the summer camping season.
Our Service Center
PleasureLand RV Center offers one of the most complete RV repair and service facilities in the country. Our expert technicians give you the proper advice to help you handle all of your RV concerns, whether your recreational vehicle is in need of repair, maintenance, warranty work or upgrades. Our service center is equipped with 32 service bays and the most experienced technicians, so you can trust PleasureLand for your RV’s electrical work, appliance servicing, body work, engine maintenance and so much more.
RV Parts and Accessories
PleasureLand RV Center features two Camper’s General Stores; one in the Ramsey location and one in St. Cloud. The stores are the largest RV parts and accessory suppliers in the region, so when your RV calls for a part, you know exactly where to go. And if you’re not in reach of one of our Camper’s General Stores, you can log onto our online parts store and shop 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We’ll ship your new RV parts, accessories or camping supplies to wherever you’re located, so your RV lifestyle can continue without a glitch.
Prepare Your RV Today
Prepare your RV for the spring camping season before it gets started, so you’re ready to hit the roads as soon as the warmer weather rolls around. Our service shop and Camper’s General Stores are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give us a call at 1-800-862-8603 or send us an email to ask us any questions about your RV or to set up a service appointment today.
February 20th, 2017 -
Washington, D.C., is a beautiful place to visit this spring break due to the cherry blossoms that will be in bloom at the time. If you’re less interested in crowded beaches and more interested in exploring the history and beauty of our nation’s capital, you’ll be surprised to learn that Washington, D.C., is actually very friendly to RVs, perhaps one of the friendliest cities for motorhomes, in fact. With the city’s rich history, free museums, campgrounds, and addictive restaurants, you’ll probably want to make D.C. one of your go-to camping destinations.
Motorhomes Welcome
If you’ve been avoiding taking your RV to D.C. because you’re afraid there’s no place to camp near the capital, think again.
Cherry Hill Park, the closest campground to D.C., is just 12 miles north of the city, and it’s an ideal place to park your RV. The campground even offers rides into the capital multiple times per day, so you never have to worry about maneuvering your motorhome in city traffic. Indulge in the sauna, hot tub, and free WIFI after a long day of sightseeing.
Free Museums and Attractions
Forget about breaking the bank with museum tickets for the entire family. D.C. offers hundreds of free museums and landmarks open to the public.
Botanic Gardens is located on the National Mall and is a gardener’s haven in the concrete city. With roughly 4,000 living plants, it’s hard not to spend an entire day wandering through the gardens.
What’s a trip to D.C. without paying homage to our country’s leaders? Take a free tour through the historic Ford Theater where President Lincoln was assassinated. View exhibits honoring Lincoln’s life and hear the true story of the night he was tragically killed.
The U.S. Capitol Building offers free guided tours as well. Learn about the Senate and House of Representatives or just enjoy the architecture of one of our country’s most prominent landmarks.
Of course you can’t go to D.C. and not visit the numerous monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Then there’s the Smithsonian, a museum complex that hosts a variety of subjects, from natural history to aviation.
City Parking
Thinking of taking a day trip to D.C. in your motorhome, but fearing the nightmare of finding a parking space for your vehicle? The Union Station parking garage in downtown D.C. offers parking intended for tour buses, but motorhomes are permitted too. For $22, you can park your RV worry-free for 24 hours.
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center
What’s holding you back? Plan a trip in your RV to D.C. today. If you need an RV of your own to visit D.C., come see us today at PleasureLand RV Center.
February 16th, 2017 -
Breakfast in an RV, like most meals, can feel somewhat limited simply due to the fact that you’re working with less space than you would be at home. This might lead to concessions at times, which translates to some less-than-healthy meals. But you can eat healthy anywhere if you know some simple recipes that are easy to make in your RV’s galley. Try this recipe for a healthier breakfast.
Guacamole and Egg Breakfast Bowls
Quick and simple, this filling recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. You can also serve this on wheat toast as an open-face sandwich or in a whole grain tortilla as a wrap.
Ingredients for the bowl:
- 1 egg, room temperature
- Cup full of baby spinach leaves
- ⅛ red onion, peeled and finely sliced
- 1 small piece toast, chopped into chunks
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tsp sweet chili sauce
- Pinch black pepper
Ingredients for the guacamole:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, de-stoned and roughly chopped
- ⅛ red onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Juice of half a lime
Directions
- Place the egg in a pan of cold water, bring to the boil, then simmer for 5-6 minutes. Turn off the heat and drain off the water. Leave the egg to cool (you can put it in some cold water to speed up the process if you like). Peel the egg and slice in half.
- Now make the guacamole by mashing all of the guacamole ingredients together.
- Place the spinach in a bowl, top with the guacamole, egg, slices of red onion, cubes of toast, a blob of sour cream, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and a sprinkle of pepper, then serve.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour some RV models and floorplans and to find the one that’s right for you. PleasureLand RV Center is here to help you find the motorhome or travel trailer of your dreams. If meal prep is important to you on the road, just ask your helpful sale associate to show you RVs with larger kitchen areas.
February 9th, 2017 -
If you’ve decided it’s time to pile into the RV and head somewhere sunny to escape what remains of winter, you ought to consider Destin, Florida. With miles of pristine beaches, blue ocean, and tons of diversions, Destin in a family-friendly destination matched by few other places. Here are some of its best attractions.
The Boardwalk
The old Destin Boardwalk is an iconic place to visit, offering covered picnic areas, volleyball nets, restaurant and shopping, and vibrant nightlife. There’s plenty of parking, public restrooms, and outdoor showers for beach goers. The Boardwalk has enough variety to occupy everyone in your party for a day, so plan accordingly.
Big Kahuna’s
Swimming in the ocean is fun, but sometimes you want water that’s not full of salt and maybe a ride or two. Big Kahuna’s got more than two rides — with over 40 water attractions and an adventure park, Big Kahuna’s is perfect for a family looking to cool off.
Gulfarium
A comprehensive aquarium featuring marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, the Gulfarium will satisfy both those who love marine life and those who just love to learn something new. Featuring bottle-nose dolphins, sea lions, and mixed species shows, it’s quite a spectacle. Other habitat displays include otters, sharks, turtles, penguins, and even an albino alligator.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Don’t leave town before you stop by PleasureLand RV Center, especially if you’ve had your RV in storage and are dusting it off for the first trip of the season. The service center at PleasureLand RV Center can make sure that your rig is in good shape to handle any trip you’re planning to take, such as to Destin, Florida. If you think it’s time to retire the old RV for a new one or if you’re thinking about buying your first RV ever, don’t hesitate to drop by PleasureLand RV Center to find your new dream RV today.
January 26th, 2017 -
“Go west, young man, go west” was first used in 1851 by John B. L. Soule and later reprinted by Horace Greeley in 1865. It was a saying that many took to heart, at that time, and moved to the west to set up a home.
Since the days of the old west when the frontier was a place of new beginnings as well as excitement and adventure, it has retained that spirit drawing vacationers year after year.
A trip to the Black Hills and the Badlands is one of those destination locations not to be missed.
Black Hills
With more than 6,000 square miles to explore, you’re sure to discover plenty of activities to suit everyone of all ages.
Within the Black Hills and Badlands, enjoy hikes, off road biking, boating, fishing and wildlife observation at these parks:
- Black Hills National Forest
- Custer National Forest
- Badlands National Park
- Custer State Park
- Bear Butte State Park
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Wind Cave National Park and Devils Tower Monument
- Shade Hill Recreational Area
- Bear Butte State park
- Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
- Jewel Cave National Monument
Attractions
Kids will get a kick out of Bear Country USA. Plan a zipline excursion at Rushmore Cave, take to the treetops at Rushmore Tramway Adventures or the Alpine Slide.
Sit back and enjoy the Dakotaride Summer Sled Dog Tours or settle in for a 20-mile ride on the 1880s steam train at the Black Hills Central Railroad.
For the adults, head to Deadwood for plenty of gaming action at one of many casinos including Miss Kitty’s Casino, Midnight Star, Mckennas Gold Casino, and the landmark Saloon No. 10 for more action.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you hit the road to the Black Hills of South Dakota, stop in at PleasureLand RV Center to ensure that your RV is in good shape for traveling. If you don’t own an RV yet and would like to make a trip to the Black Hills your inaugural trip, stop by and tour the inventory at PleasureLand RV Center and find the rig that’s right for you.
January 24th, 2017 -
There’s no better way to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day than baking a delectable chocolate cake in the comfort of your RV. National Chocolate Cake Day will be held on Friday, January 27, this year, so there’s no better time to brush up on your cake recipes than now.
This easy-to-make chocolate cake recipe will wow your friends and family and convince them that you’ve been in the kitchen baking all day.
One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Your favorite chocolate frosting
Baking instructions:
- Preheat your RV oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- Stir the sugar, flour, baking powder, cocoa, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl.
- Stir in the milk, eggs, oil and vanilla and mix for roughly 2 minutes with a mixer on medium speed.
- Stir the boiling water into the mixture last. The batter should be thin.
- Bake the cake for roughly 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven. Insert a toothpick into the cake. The cake is finished cooking when the toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake pans for 10 minutes, then remove the cakes and place them on a wire rack to cool fully.
- Once cool, frost one cake with your favorite chocolate frosting, then place the other cake on top and frost them both.
- Allow the frosting to harden slightly, then slice and enjoy.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Don’t forget to stop and see us at PleasureLand RV Center when you’re cruising throughout the country in your RV this January. We’re stocked with all of the latest and greatest RV parts and camping supplies to help you enjoy 2017 to the fullest.
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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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.jpg "Photo by Pete Markham | Flickr CC")
