RV to Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument is a sacred place to many American Indians, and the traditions from past generations continue in this part of Minnesota today. American Indians have quarried the red pipestone from the area of the Sacred Pipestone National Monument for generations, and it has been used to create precious pipes used in prayer. It is believed that the smoke from the pipes carries prayers to the Great Spirit. Visiting Pipestone National Monument is an experience of American Indian heritage that you don’t want to miss.

Things to Do at the Park

Pipestone National Monument offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities to visitors. Start by checking out the visitor center, museum exhibits, bookstore, gift shop, cultural demonstrations, 22-minute film and interpretive programs. After learning the history of the area, enjoy the Circle Trail nature walk, which passes the breathtaking Winnewissa Falls, the native tallgrass prairie, Old Stone Face, pipestone quarries and other historical markers. The Three Maidens picnic area is an ideal place to rest and enjoy a meal after your hike.

Park Details

The entrance fee to visit Pipestone National Monument is $3 per person for anyone 16 years of age or older. American Indians enrolled in a tribe recognized by the U.S. government always receive free entry. The monument is open seven days a week and year round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Camping Near the Monument

The Pipestone National Monument is located in Pipestone, Minnesota, and although there are no campsites at the monument proper, there are plenty nearby. The Pipestone RV Campground is located directly across from the park’s entrance, and the Split Rock Creek State Park is just 6 miles away in Ihlen, Minn. Enjoy your visit to the park, then relax in your RV amidst the gorgeous scenery of Pipestone.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Before you head out on any road trip this spring, it’s important to get your RV checked over by a technician to help prevent any mechanical mishaps. Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to schedule some service or to tour some new motorhomes.

Visiting Voyageurs National Park

Visit Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park, near International Falls, Minnesota, is easily one of the state’s best parks. Established in 1975, the park’s name commemorates the voyageurs, who were French-Canadian fur traders who were the first European settlers to traverse the region. The park is hilly and full of waterways, with steep rock cliffs and lush forests. It’s a popular destination among water enthusiasts, especially canoeists and kayakers, as well as fishermen.

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. However, 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 during the spring and summer. The park is full of hiking trails, with over 50 miles of well- marked and maintained paths. If you’re interested in long-distance backcountry backpacking hikes, you’re in luck: some of the trails are long enough to keep you busy for days.

If you’ve got a boat towing behind your RV, Voyageurs National Park is the perfect place to use it. In fact, those who boat, canoe, or kayak are in the best position to get the most out of the park since there are numerous islands out on the lakes throughout. These are only accessible by watercraft, but are open for exploration to those who can reach them. If you don’t have a boat along, you can always rent one from the rental service available throughout the park. Whether you own or rent, if you want to get the most out of your visit it’s advisable that you take to the water at some point. If you visit during the summer, however, you can use the shuttle service with a park ranger guide to see some of the more notable islands.

For your own safety, be sure to consult with a ranger before you take your canoe or kayak out: the waterways of the park have hazardous rocks just beneath the surface and only about 10% are marked. A ranger can advise you on the safest routes to travel.

Stop and See Us

Looking for the ideal motorhome or travel trailer for your 2018 travels? PleasureLand RV Centers, located throughout Minnesota, are loaded with all of the latest and greatest RVs on the market. Stop in and see us in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd, or Long Prairie to view our selection of new and used RVs today.

Go Fat Biking in Minnesota

Fat biking isn’t a winter sport that’s as well known as, say, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, or ice climbing, but that’s not really fair. Fat biking allows you to ride a bike anywhere you want over the winter landscape, even over snow. Instead of being restricted to icy trails and slushy roads, you can ride your bike like you would in summer and go wherever you please due to the oversized tires.

Like most winter sports, fat biking is a great activity to enjoy in Minnesota during the winter thanks to Minnesota’s plentiful snowfall and outdoor beauty. Plus, thanks to a recent project in Minnesota, there are more trails than ever to fat bike on throughout Minnesota state parks. These trails are groomed specifically for the large, low pressure tires that a fat bike uses.

Fat bikes are easy to stow in your RV and offer unprecedented control for those wishing to explore a winter landscape.

Some of the more popular trails include Douglas State Trail between Rochester and Pine Island, which is 13 miles long. There’s also the Richard J. Dorer State Forest near Winona that has about 7.5 miles of fat bike trails. Farther north in Minnesota, you can find Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area near Ironton with 20 miles of trails. Split Rock Lighthoust State Park near Two Harbors has 8.7 miles of trails. Finally, you can check out Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton, which has 5.4 miles of trails.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a motorhome or travel trailer and find an RV that’s right for you and your family. Stay out longer on your fat biking adventures by traveling in an RV. With the warmth of an RV to return to at the end of the day, you can stay out as long as you want and not have to worry about a trek back home.

2014 Crossroads Hampton Destination Trailer

This 41-footer features four slides and has plenty of room for a large family or a ton of friends that want to go on a hiking, fishing or hunting trip. This model features Coach Net Roadside Assistance, the Destination Package, six stabilizer jacks and a bunk house.

While we can list many of the features of the 2014 Crossroads Hampton, you won’t get the “feel” of this RV – including the space it offers – unless you stop by PleasureLand RV for a tour of the floor plan.

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The living room features 8-foot ceilings, wood mini blinds, 7-foot ceilings in the slides, satellite hookup and a booster, wooden mini blinds, a ceiling fan, accent lighting, a recliner, a fireplace, HD LED television, AM/FM/CD/DVD player, a tri-fold Hide-a-bed sofa and a patio door with a swing-out assist rail.

Standard features in the galley include an 18 cubic-foot stainless steel refrigerator with an ice maker, a 24-inch stainless steel range, a 22-inch stainless steel microwave, a deep stainless steel sink, faucet with a pull-out sprayer, residential overhead cabinets with halogen lighting, raised panel cabinet doors, full extension ball bearing drawer guides and a freestanding table and chairs. The galley even features plenty of counter space so you can easily prepare your favorite meals without looking for space to set something down.

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The bedroom features a television hookup, an armoire, a deluxe closet, bedroom speakers, a king-size residential mattress, matching bedspread and window treatments and a ceiling fan.

Standard features in the bathroom include a corner shower with a one-piece surround, a satin-finish lav, porcelain toilet, lighted medicine cabinet with a mirror, linen storage and a washer and optional dryer hookup. The main bathroom has an entry from the king bedroom and from the hallway.

The floor plan features a front king bedroom. As you walk from the bedroom, you’ll pass the full bathroom. Exit the hallway in front of the entry door to walk into the living area. At the end of the living area, you’ll walk into the rear bunkhouse that has its own half bath. The bunk house features six bunks, a toy box and a wardrobe. The wardrobe and toy box create a separator with three bunks on each side.

Roll With Your Favorite Furry Friends

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One of the greatest parts of RV travel is that you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind when you hit the road. And while some of your best family memories will be with your pets by your side, there are a few simple steps you’ll want to take before you load your cats or dogs into your RV and hit the road.

Take Your Pet for a Test Drive

It’s important to make sure your pet is comfortable with road travel before you bring him or her along for a longer ride. Start by taking your pet on short rides to see how he or she fares on the road. Does your pet seem uncomfortable, anxious or even sick when he’s in your vehicle? If you answered, “Yes,” after a few trial rides with your pet, he may be more comfortable with a pet-sitter while you’re away.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Before you hit the road for your big adventure, take your pet to his veterinarian to ensure he’s in good health for the ride. You’ll also need to make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up-to-date, and your vet can tell you if any other vaccinations will be necessary for the areas you’ll be traveling. If you’ll be crossing borders, your vet can help you understand quarantine laws and compile all of the paperwork your pet will need.

Bring Some Pieces of Home

Even if your pet seems excited to be in your RV at first, he may feel a little out of place when you start traveling to new destinations. Be sure you bring your pet’s bed, a few favorite toys, a collar, leash, food and water for your journey. Your pet will adjust to his new home more comfortably and quickly with a few familiar items from his old one.

Upgrade Your RV at PleasureLand

Need a little larger RV now that you’ll be bringing your furry friends along for the ride? Come browse our huge selection of new and used RVs at PleasureLand RV Center — your go-to RV dealership in Minnesota — and our certified staff will help you find the perfect motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel or pop-up for your entire family.

Image by Curtis Perry via Flickr Creative Commons

Minnesota Events in January

1940 Winter Carnival Ice Palace, St. Paul, Minnesota

Photo by Joe Haupt (Flickr Creative Commons)

One of the best things about buying a new or used recreational vehicle from PleasureLand RV is the opportunity to enjoy events scheduled in Minnesota in January. With a quality travel trailer, motorhome, truck camper, or pop-up, you’ll be equipped with the perfect RV for 2014 adventures.

Monticello Frostbite Challenge

This fun event scheduled for January 11 and 12 is definitely for snow enthusiasts. On January 11, play a round of snow golf or participate in the Medallion Hunt and on January 12, enter the fishing contest or stop by and see the vintage snowmobile show and swap meet.

Arctic Fever Winter Fest

Located in Shorewood near South Lake Minnetonka January 17-19, families will enjoy a host of winter activities and events. Most are free and include fun entertainment such as sleigh and horse rides, bowling on ice, dog sled rides, ice sculpting and bonfire.

Bloomington’s Winter Fete

Experience the 11th Annual Winter Fete January 18 – January 26 in Bloomington. There will be plenty of free excitement throughout locations in the city including sledding, ice skating, hockey games, broomball and much more. Other events include the Ice Harvest Festival, ski jumping for beginners, Nordic Ski Jumping Competition, Winter History Festival, and more.

Saint Paul Winter Festival

Make plans to attend the 128th celebration of this winter event that began in 1886. The festival runs January 23 through February 2 with fun activities including the Dogsled Race, Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt, Torchlight Parade, Snow Sculpting and Carving, Art Exhibits, Klondike Kate Cabarets and Kids Day.

Beer Dabbler Festival

Part of the Saint Paul Winter Festival, this tasty event is for 21 and over only on January 25. Sample over 150 national, local and regional craft beers while enjoying gourmet food from area food trucks and live music. A Silent Disco is also on the agenda.

Fergus Falls Frostbite Festival

End the month with this “cool” festival running January 31 through February 2. Celebrate the season with indoor and outdoor ice skating, chili/soup cook-off, Sertoma Ice Fishing Derby and SuperBowl parties, pancake breakfast and music.

Call us at PleasureLand and let us show you around. Take a look at the inventory or if your RV needs servicing, make an appointment for a little TLC from our expertly trained technicians.

Fun September Events in Minnesota

If you’re planning on a trip through Minnesota in your new PleasureLand RV, now’s the time to check it out, before the roads freeze over and it turns into a winter wonderland. There are a lot of great events going on this month in Minnesota, you need only look.

The Nordic Music Festival

If you find yourself in Chanhassen this week, check out the Nordic Music Festival starting September 7th. Attendance is totally free, and you can enjoy music and dancing from traditional Nordic performers.

Marigold Days

Field of flowers

Marigold Days in Afton is one of those great events where there really is something for everyone, that’s not just a slogan. There’s a grand parade, a Firemen’s Dance, live music, even a fishing contest for the kids and a flea market. Taking place in the beautiful Mississippi Bluff Country, Marigold Days is the event to hit if you’re not sure what you want to do, you just know that you want to have some fun.

A Taste of Rochester

If you’re in Rochester and you can’t decide where to have dinner, don’t worry, A Taste of Rochester has you covered. This event has folks trying out items from various restaurants around Rochester for a dollar each. Twelve dollars will essentially get you a whole dinner plate full of neat little nibbles from around town. Definitely the place to be when the family just can’t agree on burgers or chicken.

Minnesota is really just packed full of neat events like these, we’ve only just scratched the surface. Take the time to do some exploring after rolling off the our Minnesota RV dealership in your new wagon. You never know what you’ll turn up in Minnesota from the fishing to the camping to the beautiful cities we have here. Minnesota really can be an RVer’s dream state. Come see us at PleasureLand RV today!

Unusual Attractions

RV Dealership Minnesota

Since PleasureLand RV Center is the RV dealership Minnesota relies on for everything RV related, we thought we would really go out on the edge. We thought we would look for those unusual, weird, wild, and wacky places Minnesota has to offer that can make for some interesting trips. Are you ready to explore the odd side of our state? Here we go!

The Jolly Green Giant – Since 1979, the Jolly Green Giant has stood watch over Blue Earth, Minnesota. The town used to be home of a Green Giant vegetable canning plant, and originally the 55 foot statue was designed to lure travelers into town from I-90. Sadly, no land owner near the freeway offered property for the giant statue, and he was placed a mile away near the fairgrounds in Blue Earth. Perhaps even sadder is the canning plant is no longer operated by Green Giant. You can climb up close to his size 78 shoes to this day though and get a picture.

World’s Largest Prairie Chicken – Rothsay, Minnesota, is home to this “booming” chicken. Booming means he is puffing out the big orange sacks on each side of his neck. At thirteen feet tall and 9,000 lbs. this guy would make for a great barbecue. As he stands he mostly serves as a great place for gag photos.

World’s Largest Ball of Twine – What would you get if you rolled twine for 4 hours a day for 29 nears? Yep, a BIG ball of twine. In fact, the World’s Largest. Actually it has been clarified as the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man.” Folks in Kansas have one bigger, but they allow visitors to add to it daily. The folks in Darwin, Minnesota, are pleased with their record holder.

Paul Bunyan and The Blue Ox – Perhaps Minnesota’s most famous oddity, the lumberjack and his ox friend stand in Bemidji, Minnesota. Paul stands at 18 feet and is estimated to weigh in at 2.5 tons. He’s been standing there proudly for a while, since 1937. His blue buddy joined him in 1939.

PleasureLand RV is all about having fun in the great outdoors and hope you enjoy these oddities right in our own backyard!

The 2014 Truck Camper Palomino Bronco

Screen Shot 2013-07-25 at 2.58.37 PM When we first set out to indulge in the RV lifestyle, most of us start out by eyeballing the big, luxurious RVs, the ones that take a special license to drive and which serve as basically a middle class home on wheels. These are great, if you have the money and the time and you need all that space. Some of us do, and some of us don’t. If you don’t, then you may be surprised at how roomy and comfortable some of the better truck campers can be.

In particular, the new 2014 Palomino Bronco is downright inspiring in just how much living space they were able to pack onto the back of a truck. It’s really all in the storage space. Everything from the seating to the bed doubles as a storage area, and this seriously cuts down on clutter. The closet storage on the right when you walk in barely takes up much space, either.

The bed is comfy enough at 60″ by 80″ which makes it perfect for one person, and doable for two. The camper is a pop-up, which means that you get great clearance, no more worrying about losing your camper under every low-hanging bridge. The kitchenette is a little bit cozy, but let’s be honest, if you’re riding around in a camper, you’re going to be doing a lot of cooking out, so all that really matters is that the ice box is roomy enough to host a whole cookout.

The dual range offers real gas cooking, while the A/C ensures that you’ll enjoy even the hottest summer months and stay cool no matter what’s cooking.

Although many of us think of the RV lifestyle as strictly an “RV” deal, new RVers would be advised to seriously consider a camper. Maintenance is easier with a truck camper, truck campers cost less than RVs, and as the Palomino Bronco proves, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to live out of your truck.

Check Out The Newest Fifth Wheel: The 2014 Grand Design Solitude

ImageHandler.ashx Fifth-wheels are those great vehicles that can be towed by your regular vehicle to any destination to enjoy a camping adventure. If you are looking for the latest models at your PleasureLand RV Center, then check out the latest 2014 Grand Design Solitude models. These fifth wheels have just arrived at the lot as we are offering some great prices to go with such a grand recreational vehicle.

The 2014 Grand Design Solitude offers luxury and style in a recreational vehicle. Measuring over 36′ long, you have 3 available slide-outs giving you extra living space with a large kitchenette, fog-glass pantry, formal dining room area with freestanding table along with chairs, and leather couches with cup holders in the living room theater seating area. You’ll enjoy having a great night’s sleep in the raised master bedroom with a large queen size bed, wardrobe and bedroom television.

Cook like you are back at home with the 12″ side-by-side refrigerator, 3-burner range and microwave. While your family enjoys all the entertainment in the living space, you can fix a great meal before going outside to enjoy your camping adventure or other activities found at the RV resort. You can do plenty of meal planning with the storage space the RV has to offer with large dark wood cabinets that make a stylish appearance against the rest of the sand-colored interior.

Enjoy a fifth-wheel with all the modern touches in the bathroom. The vessel sinks allow you to wash up in style as you can get in a good soak or wash the sweat off your body before going out to enjoy other activities with the step up to side bath with shower. Store items in the available hutch with overhead storage so everything will be in easy reach right in the bathroom.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the other amenities of a bedroom air conditioner, electric fireplace, 6-point hydraulic leveling system for that uneven terrain, and RVIA seal. So come down to your local PleasureLand RV center, where we can show you all the great fifth wheels Minneapolis, Minnesota. See what models we have available in the 2014 Grand Design Solitude as you can pick the perfect one for your towing vehicle. You have to see it for yourself and walk through this RV to truly understand how such wonderful features can be packed into a recreational vehicle that still offers a ton of space.

Once you see it, you won’t want to walk away without hitching it up to your vehicle. Your entire family can have a fun time riding across the country taking part in 2013 Grand Design Solitude fifth wheel.