IgoUgo

Bloomington Journals

Journey to the Heartlands

An August 2007 trip to Bloomington by Sandy Goes

Boarding the SS Badger to cross Lake Michigan Photo - Bloomington, Minnesota More Photos
Quote: Glimpse of the vast heartlands touching spots in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Lovely farmlands, great mid-western hospitality leaves you yearning for more.
  • Cheer!
  • Flag
  • Print

Journey to the Heartlands Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Boarding the SS Badger to cross Lake Michigan Photo - Bloomington, Minnesota
Quote:
Our trip began in Ludington, Michigan where we boarded the SS Badger. The 4 hour ferry ride arrived in Manitowac, Wisconsin where our road trip destination to the Mall of America began. The Badger is the largest car ferry ever to sail Lake Michigan in over 50 years. It was built originally to transport railroad freight. The ferry is a registered state historic site. Lake Michigan is like crossing an ocean, nothing but water for hours. Our cost for the ferry ride for 4 adults and a vehicle was . The ferry is clean, well maintained and the trip is well organized. Quick Tips: The summer schedule to Wisconsin leaves at 8:00 AM & 7:55 PM returning to Michigan at 1:15PM & 12:30 AM....Read More

Days Inn Eagan Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Days Inn @ Egan"

Quote:
Located about 20 minutes from the Mall of America, we had a large room with two queen size beds, AAA discount, nice shower and shower head, glass door on the shower but scratchy towels. Continental breakfast offered, cereal, fruit, bagels, whole wheat bread, donuts, mini-muffins and a Belgian waffle maker. Coffee was adequate but the juice was a bit watered down.On a weekend visit, the breakfast room was not large enough to accommodate the crowd at breakfast time. We had to sit in the lobby for breakfast as there were no seats in the room and you had to line up for your food.The nightly rate of $62.99 + tax was great as well as the location close to the mall of America where...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 2, 2008

Days Inn Eagan
4510 Erin Dr.
Eagan, Minnesota 55122
(651) 681-1770

Chino Latino Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
The restaurant advertises street food from the hot zone. Very eclectic dishes featuring Asian to Latin type fusion dishes. On a very busy Friday evening, our group of 6 only waited about 10 minutes to be seated. If your palate is versatile and you are willing to sample a variety of spicy foods we highly recommend this restaurant. Order little dishes (appetizers) rather than too many entrees and share. Portions are huge and you probably would fill up on several of the little dishes. Items on the little dishes to share like an Iron Pot of coconut curry steamed mussels $14, Pescado Ahumado, Potstickers, Nachos del sol average $5-14 a dish.Bigger dishes to share feature carne asada ala morelian...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 2, 2008

Chino Latino
2916 Hennepin Ave South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408
+1 612 824 7878

Olson's Ice Cream Parlor and Deli Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Olson's Ice Cream & Deli"

Main Street in downtown historic district of clean and friendly Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin Photo - Olson's Ice Cream Parlor and Deli, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Quote:
Advertised in AAA tour book as a landmark since 1944 we couldn't wait to sample the fresh ice cream made daily with fresh milk, cream and high quality flavoring ingredients. Processing is still a family operation.After having a medicore lunch which I don't even recall what we ate except that it was nothing special. We were a bit disappointed as we figured a nice homemade lunch would be offered. Our friend had chili but it was more like soup; also a disappointment.But the ice cream was great; huge servings and very reasonably priced. I had my first taste of a Turtle Sundae and loved every mouthful of it. Olson's was featured in "the very best ice cream" article and where to fi...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 2, 2008

Olson's Ice Cream Parlor and Deli
611 N Bridge St.
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 54729
(715) 723-4331

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Leinenkugel Brewery"

Enjoying our free beer tasting at the brewery Photo - Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Quote:
Our estimated driving time from MN to our ferry ride destination in Wisonsin was about 6 hours. After being on the road for about 3 hours, I referred to my AAA tour guide book to see what might be of interest for a brief rest. We found the Leinenkugel Brewery located about 20 minutes off the highway. The brewery was established in 1867. We couldn't wait around for the next scheduled hourly tour. However right next to the brewing plant was the Leinie Lodge which is a combination, beer museum, gift shop and sampling bar, ALL FREE. We received tickets for a taste of two beers. Just saddle up to the bar and make your choice. Try a shandy, lemonade flavored beer, a European favorite during warmer mo...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 2, 2008

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
124 E Elm St.
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 54729
(888) 534-6437

Wisconsin Dells Sights & Attractions Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Wisconsin Dells"

Getting wet on the DUCK Photo - Wisconsin Dells Sights & Attractions, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Quote:
Located on Lake Delton, Wisconsin Dells are Wisconsin's foremost natural attractions. The Wisconsin River has cut a channel through soft sandstone to a depth of 150'. One way to experience the wonders hidden away in remote canyons and narrow waterways is by riding on the Original Wisconsin Duck. Ducks are amphibians left over from WW II. They are built on the framework of a military truck and code-named DJKW, GIs quickly nicknamed it the duck for its amphibious prowess. Your journey begins in the sandy area that was once the floor of Glacial Lake Wisconsin. You travel across the main road, through the woodland trails. As you arrive at the water you descend with a quick splash into the river. Floating...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 5, 2008

Wisconsin Dells Sights & Attractions
Throughout Wisconsin Dells / Lake Delton
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Mall of America Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Trying to find our way around at the Mall of America Photo - Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
Quote:
Largest mall in the US with 4 levels, more than 500 stores, family friendly attractions such as the Amusement Park, Underwater Adventures, flight stimulators, Lego & Nascar silicon motor speedway. As you enter on the North side of the park at the mall, there is a guest information area where you obtain your map of the mall to help you get around this vast area of 7 acres & the largest indoor theme park. Free admission to the amusement park which is ever present as you walk around the mall. Tickets must be purchased for the rides. It is wonderfully thrilling to see a roller coaster whiz by over-head about 25 mph, watch the revelers on the Paul Bunyan log chute (a hollowed out log) racing through a ca...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 5, 2008

Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Bloomington, Minnesota 55425
(952) 883-8800

Meyer May House Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Beautiful window design of Meyer May house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Photo - Meyer May House, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Quote:
Back in Grand Rapids, we enjoyed visiting the Meyer May House, one of the most complete Frank Lloyd Wright houses in existence. I was familiar with the Prairie style of architecture as displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York but have never seen an actual house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. What a treat to experience the wonderful ambiance of this home which was built & commissioned in 1908 for a prominent Grand Rapids Clothier, Meyer May. All of the Wright homes were customized specific to the owners taste. The house was restored by the Steelcase Corp. and opened to the public in 1987. Before viewing the house, a 30 minute film was presented showing the renovation process of this m...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 11, 2008

Meyer May House
450 Madison Avenue Southeast
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
(616) 246-4821

Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park"

Sample of Outdoor Sculptures at Meijer Sculpture Park Photo - Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Quote:
Lovely display of art and nature at this year-round botanic garden and sculpture park. The design promotes deconstruction of the barrier between art and nature. There are 30+ acres with an outdoor amphitheater presenting evening concerts all summer. Gardens designed to change with the seasons with changing sculptures and exhibitions.A tram car guides you through the outdoor park for about 45 minutes for $2. The driver narrates. Indoor tours are also available guided by a knowledgeable volunteer docent. The Tropical Conservatory is more than 5 stories high and the largest in Michigan. Tropical plants from five continents of the world, waterfalls and wonderful plants.In March a...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 12, 2008

Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltine Avenue North East
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525
(888) 957-1580

About the Writer

Sandy Goes

Sandy Goes
Staten Island, New York

Bloomington Tips & Stories

Camp Snoopy Amusement Park

Popular Bloomington Hotels

Sofitel Minneapolis
User Rating: 4 out of 5
Country Inn and Suites Mall of America
User Rating: 4 out of 5
Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America
User Rating: 4 out of 5
Crowne Plaza Bloomington MSP Airport-Mall of America
User Rating: 4 out of 5
Staybridge Suites Bloomington
User Rating: 4 out of 5

Mall of America
User Rating: 4 out of 5
Underwater Adventures Aquarium
User Rating: 3 out of 5
Groth Music
User Rating: 3 out of 5
Nickelodeon Universe
User Rating: 3 out of 5
Normandale Japanese Garden
User Rating: 2 out of 5