Southern Minnesota

We have had fun exploring parts of Southern Minnesota that we haven't seen for a long time and some that neither one of us had ever visited.

First up was Minneopa State Park. The Buffalo cooperated well and we got to see the a couple of times. The campground was nice and shaded as MN summer started but the bugs were out with all the rain here. That also made the waterfalls great as they were roaring!

Then we moved to Currie, MN. Cute little town - not a lot happening but we always find something fun. In this case it was a short drive to Walnut Grove to see the Laura Ingals Wilder Musuem. Fun to see the "actual" Plum Creek she wrote about. Then a stop at a local winery was very fun. I had the Plum Creek Wine which was delicious!

The last day we took a drive to Pipestone, MN. I did not know that it was called Pipestone due to the stone with the same name that the local American Indians quarry to make their pipes! The little city is very beautiful with all the red rock which I read is Quartiz - not Pipestone. We watched a couple in the musuem working with the stone. The pipes look like wood when they are done! We also watched a movie about the area. Very interesting.

Next we headed to Albert Lea and Austin. It was fun to explore the SPAM museum - much bigger and more well done then we expected it to be. They had someone around giving samples as well. We had no idea SPAM has so many flavors! Some are only available in other countries but you can taste them at the museum. We were very impressed.

Than a drive into Albert Lea. I didn't know Marion Ross (Mother in Happy Days of Richie and Joanie) was born in Albert Lea. We also enjoyed a drive through Myre-Big Island State Park.