"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
Step Into Minnesota’s Past at Historic Fort Snelling 🏰🌊
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Standing high above the meeting point of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, Fort Snelling is often called the most historic place in Minnesota—and for good reason. ✨ Established in 1820, this military outpost witnessed nearly every chapter of the state’s story, from early frontier life to the Civil War and beyond. Originally built to secure the U.S. presence in the Upper Midwest, Fort Snelling became a crossroads of cultures—home to soldiers, traders, enslaved people, and Dakota communities whose history in the region stretches back centuries. 🪶📜 Today, visitors can explore the restored fort, complete with costumed interpreters, hands-on exhibits, and demonstrations that bring the 19th century to life. ⚔️🕰️ The site also serves as a place of remembrance and reflection, honoring both the triumphs and tragedies that shaped Minnesota’s history. 🕯️💙 Stroll the scenic trails, take in views of the rivers, and stop by the Visitor Center, where interactive displays share stories of the people who lived and served here. 🌿👣 Whether you’re a history buff, a family traveler, or a proud Minnesotan, Fort Snelling offers a powerful connection to the state’s roots and enduring spirit. 🌄🏛️ By the way, Fort Snelling's ownership/identification is complicated. The fort is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. The Department of Natural Resources manages the surrounding Fort Snelling State Park. The Minnesota Historical Society owns the fort itself. And the Fort Snelling National Cemetery is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ok, take a breath! "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.” Classic Rock song: "Dances with Wolves” soundtrack Please email me about road trip experiences in the US you’d like to learn about! Here is the Premium Subscription page: You will get early views of new blog posts, one extra weekly newsletter, and views of all past published newsletters. And occasionally, I'll ask for votes on content! Stan Featured Post: Here’s a post in Southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River. |
Stan Wiebe
"Rock Star" road tripper checking in! Self-proclaimed anyway! Road trips and visits to all 50 states are my game. Find your next road trip destinations here. Fill your bucket list with fantastic US journeys. I love road trips and spare no effort in making my travels and experiences inviting for members of the road-tripping family! Pick a trip you want to take, or get inspired to plan your own. - - The Driveby Tourist (or call me Stan!)
I recently started to work more closely with the All Fifty States Club. (Link here) In keeping with the theme, I've updated my post about "50 States to Love." (And here's that link.) I'll be posting in the All Fifty States Club Facebook group soon. As you likely know, I write about places all over the US and encourage you to visit more states. Or all states! You may not think so, but there are great places to see and things to do in every state. I have several links in that post to other...
If you’re cruising down US Highway 1 in Columbia Falls, Maine, you literally can’t miss our next stop. What else? Another quirky attraction! Welcome to Wild Blueberry Land, a roadside attraction that is exactly what it sounds like—and then some! 🫐🚜 Located in Washington County, about 60 miles east of Bangor, this whimsical destination is impossible to overlook. The main building is a giant, bright blue, dome-shaped structure designed to look like the world’s largest blueberry. It’s the...
If you’re traveling through the heart of Ohio, you have to pull over in Lebanon for a meal at the Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel. Established in 1803, this legendary landmark holds the title of Ohio's oldest continuously operating business! 🐑✨ Since its days as a "house of public entertainment" on the road between Cincinnati and Columbus, the Golden Lamb has been a sanctuary for weary travelers. Its guest list is a literal "Who’s Who" of American history. No fewer than 12 U.S. Presidents have...