A Mid-west Summer
The plan for summer travels was to see some of the mid-west, spend the hot days around Lake Superior, and visit some family. I also wanted to spend some time in the Ozarks of southeastern Missouri, and do some camping in Land Between the Lakes.
Kansas and Nebraska
I sprinted across Kansas to avoid any tornado warnings. Only made three stops of note; a wayside display about the Santa Fe Trail, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, and Pony Express Home Station #1. Then, a brief stop at the Lewis & Clark center in Nebraska.
Summer 2016 / July (a)
Iowa
Another fairly quick trip through Iowa, due to the increasing heat and humidity. Made a short stay by the Mississippi River, and a visit with a camping friend who showed me some interesting places.
Summer 2016 / July (b)
Minnesota and Wisconsin
Then it was northward to cooler temperatures in the Lakes Region of northern Minnesota. Lots of lakes, rivers, and waterfalls captured my attention; along with of course Lake Superior and Grand Portage National Monument. By the first week of August I was in northern Wisconsin.
Summer 2016 / Jul-Aug
Michigan Upper Peninsula
For the rest of August, it was into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Waterfalls, dunes, a lighthouse and several camps by water were visited before a brief return to northern Wisconsin.
Summer 2016 / August
Wisconsin and Illinois
As September arrived, I finished my exploration of the Lake Superior area. Having seen and camped in portions of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, I headed to Illinois to visit family. After the Labor Day holiday weekend, I departed southward for more adventures in the Mid-west.
Summer 2016 / September
Summer 2016 / September
Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee
A brief stay in southern Illinois, and then over into southeastern Missouri. I wanted to see the many springs and rivers in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways area. Also, to visit Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and Tennessee. A plus was discovering Fort Donelson, a pivotal site during the Civil War.
Summer 2016 / September