The top bucket list item for me, for years, was to visit all 50 states. I travelled a lot as a kid, when I was working a “real job” (shout out to having a salary!) and when we had our kids. I’ve always loved new people, places, experiences and I wanted my girls to have the same.
My 40th birthday took place over Spring Break 2019 so I figured what better time to hit the three magical states I was missing – Minnesota, North and South Dakota. My kids were pulling for a Hawaiian beach but this trip would suffice.
We set out with a car full of a snacks and a dream to conquer the fly-over-states. I don’t love that term because I feel like there’s something awesome in every area. I’m lookin’ at you World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Leaving Cincinnati, we headed for our first night in Gurnee, IL, right outside of Chicago, Great Wolf Lodge. My children love that place and I love that they serve wine. I’m kidding, it’s actually pretty fun to run around and pretend I’m a kid again. The lazy river rocks!
Day two found us in Minneapolis. Little known fact: Citizens of Minneapolis have the highest IQ’s in America. Sadly, I left my dictionary behind. But we did manage a side trip to Lake Minnetonka as I love Prince and Dave Chappelle’s ode to him. #GameBlouses. It’s pretty chilly there in the Spring but the water is beautiful.
Next up- Fargo!! Now I think I set my expectations too low for this town because what’s in North Dakota? A lot. First of all, the people are amazingly helpful and nice. Second of all, the wood chipper from the movie “Fargo” is located at their welcome center and you can take pictures of yourself in it. Oh if I had a dime for every person I’ve threatened to wood chip… but I digress. After touring around downtown Fargo, loving the historical architecture and beautiful murals, we headed to The Wurst Beer Hall. Clever, right? Kid friendly, it was trivia night and there was jammin’ ‘80’s music all night. I was in Heaven! We ordered a fun sampler of sausages (pretty sure there were no vegans in sight…): Buffalo, boar, elk and rabbit. I worried they would be too “gamey” but we enjoyed them all!
My 50th and final state came the next morning, South Dakota. Jess made me a sign that said “Mom’s 50th State” and a few people actually came and congratulated me. It was cute. We stopped in Sioux Falls, at Falls Park, and walked up the observation tower to see the town. The unmistakable smell of pork from the local Hormel plant was a little off-putting but the park and surrounding area was very beautiful.
I thanked my family profusely for going along with my adventure plans and we all agreed it was a plain good time. (See what I did there? ) Until the next adventure!
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