"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!)
Here's a link to places in Illinois with blog posts on The Driveby Tourist. Check it out! Most recently, the trip took me to U.S. Presidential sites. The attractions included Lincoln, Reagan, and Grant. , Other links include several about Chicago, three about Route 66 in Illinois and a couple about other places in the state. Thanks for reading! Stan
While South Dakota may be the best for some, “best” really depends on what you want to see or do. Or as they say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” 👀✨ I’m planning to write posts about each state eventually, starting with a road trip through South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. That’ll give me plenty of chances to dive deeper into South Dakota’s gems! 🚗🗺️ The Black Hills in western South Dakota offer incredible vacation attractions. Sure, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse...
A couple of years ago, you may remember (if you stayed around that long!) a series ten about state fairs in the US in this newsletter. The top three were Minnesota, Texas, and Iowa. The list didn’t include Alaska, but recent reading found their state fair unique! So, here goes! If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, make sure to time it with the Alaska State Fair in Palmer—because this isn’t your average fair! 🎟️🐮 Located about an hour from Anchorage, the fair runs from late August through...