Golf mixes well with fall color and adventures
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by GolfFellow
September 16, 2008
Rainbow Routes: Fall color drives in Minnesota
Here’s a sampler of routes–from north to south–for viewing
fall foliage in Minnesota. Along the way, there are always neat
spots to dine, but also some great golf and adventure pursuits.
*Part of all of the routes marked with this symbol are
designated Minnesota Scenic Byways.
North Shore Of Lake Superior
Route: Hwy. 61, Duluth to Grand Portage*
Peak color: mid-Sept. to early October.
Great color and lake views, very popular with fall color fans.
Several state parks with wilderness rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails,
and scenic overlooks. Yellow aspen and birch along shoreline, with
scarlet maples inland along forest roads. Make sure you have a
reservation for a place to stay, and try planning midweek trips to
avoid the busiest travel periods. Designated nationally as an
“All American Drive” for its outstanding scenery, and the Superior
Hiking Trail is perenially cited as one of the best in the U.S.
Championship Golf: www.superiornational.com
www.lakeviewnationalgolfcourse.com
Adventure: www.lighthousebb.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWqAn5stpM*
*lutsen mountain alpine slide
Otter Tail County Route: Hwys. 108 & 78, and numerous county roads*
Peak color: late Sept. to early October. The rolling countryside between Fergus Falls and Perham is a blend of wooded hills, lakes, and farmland. Highlights are Maplewood and Glendalaugh state parks, historic Phelps Mill, and the view from Inspiration Peak, off Co.Road 38. Championship Golf: www.thumperpond.com www.playpebblelake.com Soft Adventure: Geo-cacheing Glendelough and Maplewood State Parks Horseback riding – 20 miles of trail in Maplewood State Park
Brainerd Lakes Route: Hwys. 371 and 6, and the county roads between them*
Peak color: late Sept. to early October. Gull, Pelican and Cross lakes and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes sparkle amid woods of maple, oak, birch and aspen, for a pretty fall color scene. Fishing, boating, golfing and biking the Paul Bunyan Trail are favorite activities in this lake country. Championship Golf: www.brainerdgolftrail.com Adventure: Brainerd International Raceway Performance Driving School. www.birperformance.com
St. Croix Valley Route: Hwy. 95 from Taylors Falls to Afton
Peak color: late Sept. to mid-October. Scenic St. Croix winds through wooded hillsides and sheer cliffs. Four state parks feature great river views: Interstate, Wild River, William O’Brien and Afton. Charming towns of Stillwater, Taylors Falls and Afton have numerous antique and gift shops. Boat excursions feature great fall color. Championship Golf: www.sawmillgc.com (also Loggers Trail GC www.stoneridgegc.com Adventure: www.wildmountain.com , Taylors Falls (alpine slides and go karts; scenic boat tours on St. Croix River; canoe/kayak rental and livery to upriver and downriver starting points.
Mississippi River Valley Route: Hwy. 61 between Red Wing and LaCrescent*
Peak color: Mid-October. Charming rivertowns and wooded bluffs along the Mississippi. Steep hillsides dressed in brilliant autumn hues of red, russet and gold. Several scenic overlooks, including those at Frontenac and Great River Bluffs state parks. Several roadside apple stands. This is a popular fall drive, so book your stay ahead of time. Championship Golf: Mississippi National GC, www.wpgolf.com/mississippi www.jewelgolfclub.com Soft Adventure: www.nationaleaglecenter.org www.greatriverhouseboats.com
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Posted on Sep 16 2008 | Tagged as: Uncategorized
