Last weekend was in the planning stages for months. Any travel offers the potential for exploration and discovery, even when part of it was familiar. The car trip started early Friday morning, heading southwest to arrive by evening near the middle of the Mille Lacs Reservation in Minnesota for an event on Saturday.
Time was not a factor. Traveling that distance can take less than three and a half hours depending on speed, stops and route. Ah, what route leading to Mille Lacs Lake would be new after spending nearly 50 years living in Ely and having previously traveled to all corners and edges of Minnesota? The answer was to make a couple of necessary and familiar stops in Tower, Virginia, and Eveleth, driving southwest before heading south from Hibbing.
From the southern edge of the travel map of Northeastern Minnesota, the advantages of twolane roads became the first discoveries. When I wasn’t driving fast on maximum 60 mph roads with the radio off, I could fully appreciate the rural landscape and downs. After leaving the iron ranges, the relatively flat land continued with views of forested uplands and lowlands.
The most striking feature at this time of year was the tamaracks. Considered a northern species and the only deciduous conifer, they provided a sharp contrast to the evergreen trees and hardwood trees. The predominantly gold color of tamarack needles was illuminated by the bright sun and blue skies, much like the bright blue spot on the Central Minnesota Travel Map: Mille Lacs Lake. Almost certainly this was now the Mississippi River watershed.
After a calm day without being pulled in multiple directions and a good night’s sleep, Saturday morning would allow time to become familiar with parts of the reservation and locate the main purpose of this trip, a retirement party. Before that afternoon event, I was recommended to visit the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Having visited and explored other reservations and Anishinaabe bands, I was especially interested in learning more about the history and cultures of the lands within Minnesota. After visiting the exhibits, taking a guided tour, and speaking with tribal members, the next stop was the Community Aquatic and Fitness Center for a gathering to celebrate Monte’s life’s work and retirement.
One of life’s most important acts is showing gratitude to others for all they contribute. Knowing Monte as an Eagle Scout who visited Ely and then attended Vermilion Community College gave me a connection that continues and grows as we share life events. The presence of so many others who could attend and share their stories was a powerful testament to the impact he has had on their lives and careers. Participants that day demonstrated how communities can grow far and wide through the actions and contributions of individuals working for the common good. Hopefully, if you haven’t met Monte, you will, as he and his wife now have a house and will spend some time in Ely.
So much to take away in two days. Sunday provided a day to drive home. The first two days were a model for the third. Start early, keep exploring north, keep the radio off, and travel two-lane roads that follow the land’s story, and Minnesota.
• Car battery fully charged, travel lake shore north, no vehicle traffic, two trumpeter swans, “National Route” sign, Mississippi River Trail bike signs, dark-eyed juncos, wild turkeys in trees, fields of crows, Swan River Crossing
• Highway 10 (The Great River Road, windy, no vehicles for miles, 55 mph, “black” gray squirrel, wild turkeys
• Palisade, 40 mph, 45 mph, 50 mph, lots of curves
• Highway 169 at 60 mph, Past Aitkin, fields full of sandhill cranes and Canada geese, cross Rice River and following the Mississippi, few towns, mostly homesteads
• Aitkin County, Floodwood, Highway 73, 60 mph, across Cloquet River, along St. Louis River, Hwy 29 to Meadowlands
• 169 through Sax-Zim to Sax-Zim Visitor Center, Hwy 7 (Bobby Orr Memorial Hwy), ravens on rails, bald eagle and black-billed magpie on roadkill
• Canada Jay, Cross St. Louis River through Forbes to Iron Junction, CR101 (Joe Begich Hwy), W. Eveleth & Leonidas, Leonidas Overlook of Mesabi Range and Eveleth Taconite Mines
• Eveleth, Giant Hockey Stick, Gilbert, Biwabik, Aurora, Tower, Home
