In this special Minnesota edition, we travel from the creative pulse of Minneapolis to the quiet, untamed wilderness of the Boundary Waters. We paddle across mirror-still lakes, drive along Lake Superior’s rugged North Shore, and meet the dreamers and doers who call the North home. Wild, real, and deeply American – this is Minnesota at its most authentic.
Adventurers trust the Expedition DriDuffel to store and easily access the items that can’t, under any circumstances, get wet. For the essentials you want to keep close at hand or kayakers on self-support missions, there’s a fully submersible 12L lap bag. Opt for the larger duffels for overnighters and extended trips to take the stress out of getting swamped or stuck in the rain. $159.95–$359.95
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It’s raining in the Boundary Waters, that vast wilderness straddling the border between Minnesota and Canada. I’m sitting on the veranda of the Clearwater Historic Lodge, more than a hundred years old. The veranda has quickly become my favourite place. From an old chair beneath a giant moose antler, I look out over the wild. Nothing but trees, lakes, streams, cliffs –and later tonight, when the sky clears, a sea of stars.
What a privilege to stay here for a few days. I love it. My room is small, has no private bathroom, but feels like pure luxury. There’s nowhere else like it. The window looks out over the lake, and on the wall hangs a photo of Charlie Boostrom, the pioneer who built this lodge with his own hands. Charlie fell in love with northern Minnesota, came for a season’s work –and never left. Luckily, those who followed him didn’t change much. They simply took care of what was already perfect.
It’s places like this, stories like Charlie’s, and the unexpected encounters along the way that make Minnesota such a surprisingly special destination. Because, honestly –when you think of Minnesota, what comes to mind? It’s not California, Florida, or Colorado. And that’s exactly what makes it intriguing. It feels like there’s still something to discover. What’s there to see and experience? Who are the people? Why does this state deserve to be on your map?
After a journey through creative, free-spirited Minneapolis, the legendary North Shore Scenic Drive, the Boundary Waters, and Charlie’s timeless lodge, I’ve found all the answers.
Now it’s your turn.
Enjoy the read.
Let the best storytellers work their magic for you and share your story with over 180,000 English, Spanish, German and Dutch speaking travel enthusiasts from all over the world.
For more information visit WideOyster Creative or send an email to letstalk@wideoyster.com
Travel to Minneapolis and immerse yourself in a city that welcomes the world with open arms. A place where the past is honoured, the future celebrated, and creativity never sleeps. Wander riverside trails, sip cocktails on rooftop bars, explore bold art and boundary-pushing food — a city where curiosity thrives and every street hums with possibility.
We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.
Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.
So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?
Drive the 90-kilometre Gunflint Trail deep into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – a world of mirror lakes, whispering pines, and pure silence. Paddle through nearly 2,000 kilometres of waterways or hike one of 21 trails ranging from gentle loops to wild week-long treks. Out here, solitude isn’t loneliness – it’s freedom in its purest form.
We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.
Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.
So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?
An iconic road that ranks among America’s most breathtaking routes. From the harbour city of Duluth to the wild Canadian border, Lake Superior shimmers at your side while forests, waterfalls, and lighthouses line the way. It’s the North at its most untamed — vast, beautiful, and endlessly free.
We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.
Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.
So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?
Travel to Minneapolis and immerse yourself in a city that welcomes the world with open arms. A place where the past is honoured, the future celebrated, and creativity never sleeps. Wander riverside trails, sip cocktails on rooftop bars, explore bold art and boundary-pushing food — a city where curiosity thrives and every street hums with possibility.
We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.
Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.
So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?
Drive the 90-kilometre Gunflint Trail deep into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – a world of mirror lakes, whispering pines, and pure silence. Paddle through nearly 2,000 kilometres of waterways or hike one of 21 trails ranging from gentle loops to wild week-long treks. Out here, solitude isn’t loneliness – it’s freedom in its purest form.
We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.
Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.
So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?
An iconic road that ranks among America’s most breathtaking routes. From the harbour city of Duluth to the wild Canadian border, Lake Superior shimmers at your side while forests, waterfalls, and lighthouses line the way. It’s the North at its most untamed — vast, beautiful, and endlessly free.
We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.
Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.
So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?
Let the best storytellers work their magic for you and share your story with over 180,000 English, Spanish, German and Dutch speaking travel enthusiasts from all over the world.
For more information visit WideOyster Creative or send an email to letstalk@wideoyster.com
©WideOyster, 2026. Every journey we share is protected by copyright. Please explore and enjoy, but remember: all rights reserved.
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