MINNESOTA: Hideaway Towns Off The Beaten Path & The Spot Where The Mississippi River Begins

While in Minnesota, I visited Lake Itasca and the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, then these 3 towns: Park Rapids, Frazee & Detroit Lakes.
Joe's Instagram: / joeysroadtrip
Travel Vlog 247

[@Nicksonian]

Everybody hates it when people politicize stuff, but I'm going to anyway. Joe and Nic's entire trip up through the center of the country was mostly through Republican territory--and most of those states were emptied out and in pretty rough condition. Here we reach Blue Minnesota and we see a vibrant state. Who says the conservative Sun Belt has it over the progressive North?

[@jessekuchinski1172]

Literally the whole state is red except the cities and Duluth. I don't know anyone outside of there that cares for democrat policies.

[@andrewward5891]

These towns have the advantage of beautiful lakes. Besides Mount Rushmore not a lot to lure tourists to South Dakota

[@brettdeadrick524]

Minnesota has always been an interesting case in politics..much like Wisconsin around the turn of the century with Fighting Bob LaFolette who was a Progressive Republican...Minnesota likewise had a strong progressive base and was led by the Farm Labor Party led by a lot of Scandinavian leaders and was a coalition of city factory workers and rural farmers. It very much was akin to a Nordic Socialist Party and was very popular. Unfortunately Hubert Humphrey merged the Democratic Party with the Farm Labor Party under the Democratic Farm Labor Party and drove out the more Socialist and Communist elements and the farmers and factory workers in manufacturing were the big losers.

[@LB-sk3vl]

It is a curious observation that leads to a question. Why are these beautiful small towns going by the wayside ? Most would say there is no economic opportunity. Seems like people are flocking to coastal towns, and the sales of property and building of homes sustain a growing population.

[@Nicksonian]

@@jessekuchinski1172 "Literally the whole state is red..." You're laughable. If what you say is correct, then why are Minnesota's statewide offices all held by Democrats? Like many in the GOP, you confuse landmass for voters. Square miles of open land don't vote, people do.

[@gregwarner3753]

A few years ago my 75 year old wife took off her shoes and walked across the little stone path at the very beginning of the Mississippi. That is one of my fondest memories of our 52 years together. She died 2 years ago. Thanks for the post.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow! :)

[@lesjones5684]

God bless ❤

[@bobhague2130]

Lake Itasca pronounced i-TASS-ka. Interesting video as always!

[@markbucher7609]

Alexandria area is spectacular. So many lakes, the people, a relaxed way of life.

[@candykane4271]

Amen, husband born there and sister lives there …damn good living and gardens!

[@johnnynerhagen4292]

Lots of Norwegians immigrated to Minnesota from 1851. Hope I can visit the state some time. I love your videos. Viewer from Norway.

[@ms.m9337]

Love how the ‘Mighty Mississippi’ began as a mere stream at it’s source 😊

[@gamertoonscartoons2814]

Yeah I grew up close to there and we would swim there. Also .. it's not itawska... it's lake I task uh.

[@lisalarouge6309]

Little note: the river runs north for 20 miles to Bemidji before it heads south to the gulf.

[@tomfields3682]

It actually begins in a swamp, but the state government channeled it and prettied it up for tourists back in the 1930s.

[@daviddecelles8714]

Those opening shots of the very source of one of the world's great rivers made the viewing entirely worthwhile. The fact you were in north country was made clear by the dominance of pine trees.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It was amazing, David. :)

[@thomasdahlquist7119]

"Beach Town Feel" captures it well. Alexandria, Minnesota and the Brainerd Lakes area have a similar vibe.

[@Steve-gc5yb]

The average home prices in those towns is high because lake shore property is more expensive. All of those towns have a lot of lake shore property. That causes the average home price to be much higher.

[@lonelypatriot9334]

My grandparents had a home very near to this spot in the opening shot. As children we cut through the woods to this very spot to catch painted turtles and hop across the Mississippi on the rocks in the summer when we visited in the 1960s. So cool to see this in your stream brings back many happy childhood memories.

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Not too many subhumans here unlike Minneapolis which is a cesspool!!!

[@jaycahow4667]

@@Bonzi_Buddy Depends on where you live, there are many nice areas in Minneapolis and suburbs............

[@annabelleb.8096]

What great memories! It must have been so much fun.

[@jackschwartz1783]

Cool. My grandparents lived way out in the woods NW of Park Rapids.

[@blessiSwu]

This channel has always been my most favourite. Never did I knew that watching videos made by a complete stranger would bring so much solace in the worst days of my life! KZbinrs surely do bring such joy. But surely this channel is whats got me through, and always will!!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!! :)

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

As a native Minnesotan, I’ve been to Lake Itasca more times than I can count. So beautiful there.

[@jimchari3697]

Hi Joe & Nic. I live in North Iowa 30 MI. From Minnesota border. I've been on this same trip you are on now. I would pick hands down Minnesota over Nebraska and the Dakotas. Beautiful everywhere and more accepting people. Can be a little cold though.

[@shadetree6981]

Been living in Duluth my entire life and after watching some of your videos in Gary and such, I probably will NEVER move! 😢 I thought this city had some issues. Nothing like those slums you've been going through. I'll stick with my crummy apartment with a view of the lake and bridge.

[@candykane4271]

Makes St. Paul a sweet spot.

[@Hardware952]

I hope you make it to Duluth and the North Shore. I think you'd really be missing out if you weren't able too!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We stayed there for a day and I scouted the city out for a future video. It was an amazing driving coming down from the hills into the bay.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

I spent several summers as a child in the area. I also taught at a technical college, further south and east from Detroit Lakes. The area was mostly farming and resorts to support the tourist industry. From the prices you mentioned, inflation has certainly hit rural Minnesota. BTW - if you're from the area it's pronounced Lake eye-TASS-kə. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@seameology]

I attened 80-81 and 85-87! Small world!

[@richardanderson9957]

Took that little walk across the mighty Mississippi many many years ago as a child while on a road trip with my parents. Your experience there was very much a pleasure for me to relive my own experience of about 70 years ago. I do much appreciate your showing the best of America particularly the rural regions.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That's pretty cool. :)

[@jonpreekett]

That boardwalk at the Mississippi headwaters you walked down. My cousin Bill (William) Prickett built it, as well as the bridge, and quite a few other structures around the park. He passed away a few years back, but I always enjoy heading up there and walking down the headwaters.

[@nensig8243]

That’s all we get for Minnesota, so much more to explore!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We'll be back for a more thorough visit soon.

[@catlover614]

A great video, as always. The spot where the Mississippi begins is so gorgeous. It's so special when you get to see something you've dreamed of seeing since childhood, and I'm glad you had it to yourself for a little while !! The towns you visited were lovely, and it's so nice to see the beautiful old theatre still open. Thanks so much, Joe and Nic, very enjoyable as always.😊💚

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, CL! :)

[@timhollis3390]

Glad to see "The Sound of Freedom"playing there!

[@mapleviewfarm1]

I noticed that too! I actually went to that theater in 1977.

[@joesmith7427]

In Detroit Lakes, I like that art deco buildings' Fenestrations!! 😊❤

[@sheronturner8787]

Hi Joe and Nicole still love watching your tours of small towns. Thanks for the history about the Mighty Mississippi River. Love from Jamaica 🇯🇲.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool!

[@CharlottePrattWilson]

Nothing like a video from Joe to soothe my weary soul. Beautiful work and loved your story about the Mississippi River and your childhood memories. Pretty state and downtown. Thanks Joe! ❤😊🕊️

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Charlotte!!

[@kkarllwt]

Detroit lakes has a strong winter tourism . Ice fishing.

[@MidnightPolaris800]

Snowmobiling

[@Elger77]

The cost of housing is probably skewed by the vacation homes and 2nd homes in the area. Incomes would be lower based on the dominance of service jobs and seasonal employment.

[@gatorgogo2742]

Fantastic! I always wondered where the mighty Mississippi began. It's beautiful country. My neighbor's mom took a small sailboat from the closest point she could put in near the beginning and sailed alone to New Orleans where her husband met her and they sailed on to Mobile. This was in the 50's! I think it was a marvelous experience and that she was brave to do it! Until she was in her 70's she worked for a sailboat builder. She showed and raced his boats all over the world! Thanks for an insight to a new world for me!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That sounds fun. I would like to do that. :)

[@irisfbernard8377]

I’ve been from the top to the bottom delta of Ol man River. Even have real photos of The Mississippi Queen! The history along Hwy 61 will blow your mind along with all the beauty.

[@sherry_willis]

My Dad’s from MN (Aitkin/Crosby-Ironton/Deerwood areas). His favorite spot was the headwaters! I spent many summers in MN! Populations nearly double when tourists, mainly from the Twin Cities, are around.

[@Bear_58]

Absolutely fantastic video Joe! I knew where the Mississippi River started but I've never seen it (never will either)! You are the man! Thank you and your lovely wife Nichole 👍🏻

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I'm enjoying your visit to Minnesota. When I get bored with living in North Dakota, it's very high on my list! I love the lakes in that state, and there are a few gorgeous towns there.

[@seameology]

LOTS of North Dakotans visit our area. I live in Mahnomen, about forty miles from here. I think it's the nearest hotel.

[@jaycahow4667]

There is maybe four months at best (three in the southern part of the state) where Winter is usually bad. The other months leading into and out of Winter are usually not bad and can be quite warm some years. Winters have become much warmer in the last 30 years and are not nearly as bad as they used to be, I have lived through 65 years on Minnesota Winters. People that live here know what they are like and have adapted and learned to live with them...........

[@thomasw.eggers4303]

What are the 4 seasons in Minnesota? Winter, winter, winter, and road construction. Coldest I ever saw in Bemidji was -54F in 1955. We went to school: it was warm there.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

I haven’t adapted lol. I’m outta here as soon as I retire.

[@bextar6365]

I walked across those rocks as a child with family members back n 1950. Itasca state park. My aunt and uncle lived not far from there in Nebbish, Minn. way back then, it was almost a ghost town.

[@JuggoJuggo]

Those aren't really tourists that make Detroit Lakes swell in the summer, it's cabin people, they also have some pretty major parties during the summer.

[@user-dh3kv6ue2s]

I grew up in Minnesota. Many grade schools have annual field trips to the headwaters. Itasca is a beautiful state park. It was always fun dipping our toes in the water and walking across the mighty Mississippi. Park Rapids, Frazee and Detroit Lakes are lake towns, so land values are at a premium the closer you get to a lakeshore.

[@seameology]

Yup. I attended Frazee school and wrnt here in sixth grade in the 70's.

[@MKL1971]

Minnesota is a sleeper state not mentioned much for its beauty

[@candykane4271]

It’s so flipping green June 2024 right now it’s lush. I think we’re gonna see some issues either forest fires or contamination to rivers and lakes.

[@johnshonder3750]

Seems like small towns in the north are doing better than those in the south. The towns you have been driving through lately seem cleaner and better maintained, with fewer vacant storefronts and fewer homes being reclaimed by nature.

[@RockinCowgirl1000]

The tax from the lakefront properties helps, but MN gives state aid to the schools and low tax base towns. I don't think they do that as much down south.

[@dawns4641]

You are in my home state. The cost of homes are more expensive due to people in the Twin Cities, buying the homes for cabins and second homes. Most jobs are seasonal with wages higher when businesses are open for the tourist season. Most Minnesotans open their cabins in late spring and close in October. We do get droughts, especially in the cities.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That makes sense.

[@markm3354]

Never stopped to think that the Mississippi had to start somewhere. Thanks, very interesting.

[@WWS78363]

Another trip another time would be for you to go to Voyageurs National Park and you can canoe the boundary waters that separate the US and Canada (well, sorta, but it's still cool to say). They have an old fort there and people dress in period clothing. It's fun. Oh, and you can also go to Walnut Grove and Pipestone. For many piece pipes there was a "stone" that was where the leaves were burned. That was usually made out of pipestone (hence the name) because it is a soft stone. Again, cool things to see and hike.

[@derekroiger4254]

Love the channel I live about 2 hours from Detroit lakes in St. Cloud mn!

[@zerog5041]

Hi Joe & Nicole from a very overcast south London, UK where it is currently 17C. What an incredibly beautiful area, it's so nice to see the locals have taken very good care of their environment and not let the attraction of tourism spoil it with bawdy buildings, the County Court House was particularly appealing! Here in England we have an area in the north west called Cumbria which was previously called the Lake District for obvious reasons, it's now mostly owned by the National Trust and is designated a National Park so protects the area from any expansion of towns and villages.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the great comment, Zerog!

[@Quebecoisegal]

Joe and Nic take us places, using the back roads, that most don't see. He has a wonderfully relaxed way about him, it's very soothing and at the same time interesting to see these places. 25c here in Québec.

[@heatherfulmore3412]

Goodnight

[@todd8397]

Thank's for saying nice word's about Minnesota we love it here.

[@tamedshrew235]

Holy Sh*t, im a native New Englander but have also been enchanted by the Mississippi. Thanks!

[@deanabanks8443]

Beautiful houses down there ir rural Minnesota awesome footage keep up the good work people.

[@ozzielinkin]

the water is so beautiful and clean right there

[@deni9626]

I am reading the comment below....hopped across the Mississippi....this was a wonderful video, makes me wish I had grown up in Minnesota instead of CA. This is my favorite video so far, and I have already been with you through about 1/2 of the US...That hot dog!!! I had to laugh, 3 or 4 people could eat that and be full. Her salad looked great, but what a huge Chili? Dog, or Coney, hot dog will do... I was amazed at the beginning, and the relief map was really cool. I am saving this one, and visiting Minnesota often. Thank you for putting these out, I just love seeing the US this way (or anyway that is not on the News).

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!

[@ethankeukeu]

There is way more to Minnesota than this video. We have a lot of beautiful cities like Duluth, Minnetonka, and Shakopee. I lived here for 20 years and haven’t even explored all of it yet.

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

As a resident of metro St. Louis, I would like to thank you for posting the source of the Mississippi River. Very interesting!

[@patsmeal6814]

The beginning of this video is awesome. I love how in the latest videos you start off by showing your odometer and the temp. I hope you continue to do that in the future. Then to see where the Mississippi begins and knowing what it turns out to be is amazing. Your videos are great. You are showing me places that I've never been and at my age will never see in person. Thank you for taking the time to travel and post. My wife and I have watched every video that you have posted.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, that is awesome. I'm glad you're here. :)

[@tomcripps7229]

I've always thought of the Mississippi river as more or less straight. I didn't realize how crooked it is. Just like my grandpa, I have to get out my road atlas which is always by my side, as if I didn't trust your sources. I've always found it interesting how after New Orleans it stubbornly filters out through the bayous before it hits the gulf. Minnesota looks like a nice place to be as I endure the summer here in Austin, TX.

[@seameology]

When you drive from northwestern Minnesota to Minneapolis, you cross it several times.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

I read that as the river is crooked, just like my grandpa 😂

[@lesjones5684]

I’ll never forget that ❤❤

[@allfasten]

Frazee has a butcher shop - Ketter's Meat Market (15:35 on the right side of the screen) that makes the best elk. bison, beef and turkey jerky in the country! Used to ride my bike all the way from Fargo to buy those goodies.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I saw it.

[@rvlivingwiththegeezer7791]

I walked across the Mississippi on rocks right where you were. 10 years old at the time. 1960.

[@winstonbelisle3560]

I live in Mo. In the Bootheel and this river runs by by us, bout 25 m away. Big river going over it. This is interesting seeing where it begins.

[@estone9612]

Since you mentioned northern Wisconsin next; if you make it as far as the Minocqua area there are several neat towns like, Eagle River, St. Germain, Boulder Junction and I think "Little Bohemia" is in Manitowish Waters. Little Bohemia was home to one of the Dillinger shoot outs. The bar and restaurant are still open and the bullet holes can still be seen.

[@JentleRain]

Keep up the good work, Joe and Nic! We're really enjoying your travels. Keep 'em coming!

[@juliogonzales5441]

Thanks Joe and nic....great time with you guys 😊

[@annabelleb.8096]

The beginning of the video is really awesome. It reminded me of that saying about not despising small beginnings. That little creek eventually turns into the mighty Mississippi River. What a beautiful area. It wouldn't have been so awesome with a crowd there. So cool you headed over there early before they got there.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Annabelle!

[@user-cz9xh8hf3y]

Really enjoy your videos. Interesting to see the difference in small towns between the south and the north. I have one request...could you show the high schools in the towns you visit? In most small towns or small cities, the school is the focus and pride of the community. You can tell a lot about a town from its high school. Would be fun to see more of them in your videos. Keep up the good work and safe travels!

[@Charles6455]

Thanks Joe for that awesome blog of Mississippi River origin, loved the chirping of the birds

[@shirleyearllina]

Thanks Joe and Nicole for this and every video you make . I'm getting to see so many places in this beautiful country of ours .

[@WWS78363]

I've been to lake Itasca many years ago except the part we were at looked like a swamp. Memories!! :) Oh, since you like the Mississippi River, then you may like to visit New Madrid, Missouri. Although there is quite a bit of history in that area of Missouri (if you haven't already visited there), but there was a MASSIVE earthquake that was there that pushed water up the Mississippi River for miles and the quake was so strong that it rang the church bells in Philadelphia.

[@patm5594]

Good video Joe. Very beautiful. Hopefully you come to Southern Minnesota when you have the time. Totally different, corn and soy beans as far as you can see.

[@jockcooper8888]

great video, super interesting, nice to see the beautiful land there.. thanks for showing lunch too!

[@rockythunder4458]

If you are from the midwest please go to Minnesota! I worked in Ely (North of these towns, almost on the CA Border) as a 19yr old and had a blast. If you love the outdoors please go visit.

[@barblenzen2198]

Another great video so many thanks to you and nic…. The farm you were asking about is 199,000 w/ 34.80 acres house but 1882 is a fixer upper outside Menahga mn god bless

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

34 acres - that seems like a bargain!

[@RockinCowgirl1000]

Compared to big cities, definately. But you have to factor in your commute. The smaller towns don't have as many jobs. Probably an hour drive. Prices in small town stores can be high. And since it's a farm, you're responsible for maintenance of your own well, septic, and driveway, including snow removal. Common knowledge in the country, but things city people sometimes don't realize when they move to a rural area.

[@SajjadKhan-jn7cw]

wonderful video thanks joe and Nic for sharing

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@Nimitz0609]

Enjoyable Trip❤❤❤

[@ddp3530]

I liked the beginning of of your video showing how the MISSISSIPPI RIVER started i counted over 12 states it flows through along with all the small towns along the way that share this amazing river. thank you for the history lesson

[@LB-sk3vl]

Love your content 👍 2023 lunch prices are astronomical

[@sundinfamforlife4129]

My dad grew up in a similar area. Virgina, Minnesota. Small town too not a lake town though that I remember. We haven't gone to Minnesota for a while now though. He used to go up to visit his parents but they've both passed on now.

[@mandandanmandamayor3511]

There is a lake right in the middle of town.

[@sundinfamforlife4129]

@@mandandanmandamayor3511 my dad always referred to it as “up on the range” So there’s some kind of mine there, probably a lake too Minnesota has a lot of them

[@RockinCowgirl1000]

Iron mining in the Virginia, MN area. That's in the NE part of the state.

[@baggaleydaniel]

Great to see sound of freedom on that little cinema!

[@cbayless4294]

Looks like you had a good trip in my home state. Come back soon there's plenty of this great state you missed!!

[@jreding132]

Lifelong resident of Minnesota here....I'm near Hinckley...Pine County...:)

[@MaryM-xz5fs]

Thanks for the trip to see the Mighty Mississip!

[@kimjaime1141]

That was cool! I had no idea you could see where the Mississippi started. Thanks for sharing.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It was amazing!

[@lisahuffman6366]

Love this❤ this is on my bucket list to see. This spot right here

[@AustinSanderson.]

Thanks for showing me that! I live near the Mississippi River and it’s near to see where it starts

[@anitawest6999]

I always wanted to see that, the beginning of the Mississippi River. Thank you so much!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It was totally worth driving to.

[@judylord4875]

Loved seeing the Mississippi.

[@valerievaughan6201]

I like how rustic the information sign looks like. Fits right in with the surroundings.

[@donjuanseville3039]

💯 BEAUTIFUL AREA 💯

[@jklynb]

I never knew that ! Fascinating

[@NeonRazer42]

Joe was totin' his pack along the dusty Minnesota road When he jumped into a bronco with a high and canvas covered load "If you're going to Minnesota, Nic with me, you can ride" So she climbed into the cab, and settled down inside

[@ReconPro]

Have a great week everyone

[@sandykelting9548]

So cool, my very first camping/canoe trip was right there! Plus it was with my church youth group - frm Detroit Lakes with my late, much-loved brother-in-law, Lee Barcenas. He was one of our youth leaders - Great memories😍! Thank You💝💯♾️

[@Moecean]

So much more to explore! Hope theres more videos

[@britishgal1808-Sue]

That hot dog looked amazing! Nic’s salad looked good too. Enjoyed your video. :)

[@andyb8838]

Great video. Road trip idea is amazing. Love it, thank you.

[@teresap268]

Great video. Thanks for all the info on Mississippi River.

[@johnshaffter4093]

I love this individual’s videos! Thanks

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@jerryglenn7323]

I appreciate the journey you have given us. Nicole and you are nothing but class, the whole time. The journey has educated us about how different America is. I am hoping this doesn't end. I know eventually it will. Many of us who follow you, are cheering for more youtube success. Next! #500k subs🙏🍺🍺🍺🍺👍God bless you and your Wife on a great journey.😊

[@aperturecollect]

My oldest brother walked across that spot on the Mississippi over 65 years ago. I've never seen it before, thank you.

[@abdiwahab77]

Minnesota is my home 🏡 thanks for your time you teach me many places

[@lorisandford7605]

The beginning of the Mississippi River is awesome

[@jasonfarrell3101]

Glad you enjoyed Park Rapids. Family has a lake home in neighboring Nevis. It is a beautiful area!!

[@craigj5403]

Thanks Joe, it's a whole different world in the MN lakes area.

[@jaybee608]

Good to know what's up that way!👍👍

[@MsNeeci]

Wow! That’s a great video Joe. I love the way you and Nic narrate during and after your visits. I’m from Philly, so a shout out to Nic! Love the way she keeps in shape. Keep ‘em coming, and thanks!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@arthurcontrivida7227]

Always watching your new video.its a great video!. Mabuhay!..