Our first time on Minnesota’s North Shore: Grand Portage State Park & National Monument!

We have made it to our first NEW state of 2021: Minnesota! And what a GEM this state is!
For our short time in the state, we decided to focus on one particular area, the North Shore, which is a 145 mile stretch of land along the shore of Lake Superior, the largest of the 5 Great Lakes.
And for the first adventure of our North Shore road trip we drove up to the US/Canada Border to explore the Grand Portage area, including the state park, which is home to the highest falls in Minnesota, an incredible national monument nearby, and see some beautiful views. We also had a VERY exciting wildlife sighting, which was the cherry on top of a beautiful day!
Watch all of our Great Lakes vlogs: • Great Lakes
⌚Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:06 Grand Portage State Park
05:50 Grand Portage National Monument
13:44 Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook
🗺️ Items in this vlog
Garmin InReach Mini: amzn.to/2NuiMBW
Peak Design Camera Clip: amzn.to/31P1jbC
📍Locations in this vlog
High Falls & Middle Falls Trail: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/mi...
Grand Portage National Monument: www.nps.gov/grpo/index.htm
Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook: goo.gl/maps/rTYaxEBBd4EXi5CY9
Ryden's Border Store: goo.gl/maps/TavYQ4QrG4Y35nsi9
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👋🏼 About us
Hi y’all! We’re Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) living on the road in our self-converted sprinter van! You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (we're a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature.
We help travelers spend less time (and stress!) planning their trip and more time enjoying it! Our detailed travel guides, KZbin videos, and travel resources share the must-visit local eats, popular and off the beaten path sights, and tons of tips to make planning your next adventure a whole lot easier.
Note: We’ve linked a handful of items so you can see exactly which products we take with us. Full disclosure--if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Keep Minnesota beautiful and PLEASE follow Leave No Trace principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles/ Our camera + hiking gear: adventuresofaplusk.com/resources/

[@daveweaver-soloadventures5589]

I'm so glad you'll be visiting all our beauty up here in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Don't tell too many people though. 😉. Safe travels you 3

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We love it up here!

[@missk4934]

My thoughts exactly!!! Have to keep these gems💎🌲 a secret😆🤫

[@camf8372]

Gosh, it's seeing places like this that are a reminder, God is so good. His creation is so precious and mysterious and beautiful. I will be visiting this area of MN soon because I LOVE the PNW and seeing this, though in MN reminds me of so many feelings of overwhelming peace I had in Seattle, Bellingham and Vancouver, BC back in 2014. Just mesmerizing

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The world is an amazing place!

[@julievirnig4699]

Absolutely love the north shore! So glad to see you guys enjoying it!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It is amazing up there!

[@ChrisG-so8th]

The Minnesota North Shore is so so beautiful!! Thanks for another wonderful adventure!! Can't wait for the rest of your travels around the Great Lake States!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We are loving it up here! 😍

[@JosiahandHannah]

We love Minnesota! So so beautiful, loved the video!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It’s a gem!!!

[@NoOverhead]

Your B-roll game has become A+. Love watching the adventures!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much! Trying really hard to constantly improve!

[@JodysJourney]

Ah, the MN North Shore is one of my happy places. ❤️ I’m looking forward to your trip and then your take on Duluth. We only got to visit the waterfront area but it was really neat. And Split Rock Lighthouse is cool.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We loved it up there SO much! Already can’t wait to go back!

[@deannazampa5286]

Love Splitrock!

[@deannazampa5286]

My Mom used to take us kids there when we were little. Still love to go back.

[@sf2974]

Welcome to Minnesota! Love watching your video’s. Thank you

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks a bunch! We love MN!

[@jamiewalters4]

Very cool! Beautiful water falls and everything else! Grand portage is wow. The overlook was cool and the drone shots are awesome as always.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

This area totally blew us away! It is so beautiful!

[@CherayaMiyoko]

You guys have done such a great job showcasing how beautiful Minnesota is! It’s so funny I’ve lived here my whole life but you make it seem like a brand new place I need to explore!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much, that especially means a lot coming from a local!

[@OutdoorMS]

Ohh My God.. The Waterfall.. That one is so so beautiful.. And the Wayswaugoing bay overlook is incredible

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It was gorgeous out there! 😍

[@Lady-Seawulf]

So glad you got to see the North part of Minnesota. Traveling around the lake is a great trip, full of beauty, giving you a greater appreciation of it's immense size. Safe Travels.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We have now seen so many parts of the lake and every area has been amazing!

[@janel8479]

Joy, that is the word to describe your journey. I enjoy your work. Beautiful and positive. Thanks

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much for watching Janel!

[@cindykersting1992]

The architecture and detail of the church is amazing. Oh, and Kona is adorable.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

She says thank you! ❤️

[@missk4934]

SO FUN to see you touring my state - definitely a little unreal to see you visiting places I’ve been!!😆 The North Shore is my favorite part of MN, I visit a couple of times per year and the beauty always takes my breath away!! Also, the waterfall at Grand Portage is UNREAL when it’s raging! I was up there in June and it was flowing more water than I’d ever seen before.😍💙

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It’s so beautiful up there, we loved every second we spent on the north shore! 😍

[@grandanbarbee7460]

Welcome to our beautiful state. Nothing beats any where on the North Shore!! So many beautiful trails and rocks...And Betty's pies! . Enjoy

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It’s incredible up there! 🙌🏼🥧

[@tomthatcher7757]

Been to High Falls. Nice to see it again. It is beautiful 😍.

[@sarahn.4775]

How pretty! I had no idea how beautiful Minnesota is! And, love the cute bear footage.😄🤍

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It is an insanely pretty state!

[@josephmenna3985]

Always awesome to see a new state. I’m seeing Montana for the first time in October. I hope y’all can see all 50 states

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We definitely will be seeing all 50! I think we will be at 40 something after this year 🙌🏼 Have a blast in Montana!

[@brucelangseth8566]

I have hiked the portage trail 3 times. Grand Portage is one of my favorite places on Earth! I have spend many, many great times there. Thanks for sharing.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We really enjoyed it up there! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@davidnilles3117]

Great video! I’ve never been to Minnesota and it is impressive ! The land is so green and unspoiled. Congrats on the bear!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We got major PNW vibes up there! Loved it!

[@brianmead6053]

Another great video on the Northshore. I've been yelling at all my city minnesota friends for years that is criminal they haven't seen the Northshore. Your guys video is thr most professional, beauty, and informative video I've seen on the Northshore yet.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much, that means a lot! They MUST get to there…it’s so gorgeous!

[@emamcbrayer7583]

North Shore and Keweenaw Peninsula are our 2 happy places! You have stop at Temperance River State Park lower campgrounds for the natural spring water!!!! We always bring extra empty jugs

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We unfortunately left the area already, but we will check it out next time!

[@ericlivingston5442]

I first visited Minnesota in December 2014, the Bemidji area and Itasca State Park. The following summer I did most of the North Shore, made it as far as Grand Marais. I loved the state parks, the Lake Superior shoreline, and the Superior Hiking Trail. Really looking forward to your Great Lakes tour.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We have been loving it! So many great state parks along the north shore! So glad you enjoyed the area too!

[@mattrulz98]

Ah! I was just in Grand Portage yesterday on my way back from Isle Royale. I know you are checking off National Parks you've GOT to visit that one. It's takes some planning but it's gorgeous! Happy to see you in my home state of MN!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We definitely will next time! Too hard with Kona, but we plan to someday!

[@joycemoses2411]

Awesome history and a BEAR!!!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Eeek! Such an awesome surprise!

[@jeaniegregory846]

So thrilled that you visited Minnesota , although raised in N. Dak , Mn. is the state of my birth, therefore a special state in my heart! 💖 . Can't wait to watch the video with my hubby later today. ( we like to watch together ) So glad you were able to take the drive up into the Arrowhead of Mn. And yes , the North Shore s ure is a beautiful drive! 👍☺

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We love that area so much! Cannot believe we didn’t know how beautiful it was until recently!

[@mcnater]

Minnesota! Surreal to see vids from my state now. I'm so glad you went up all the way to Canada along the North Shore...that's a great way to get introduced to the state. That's a bummer about the Mount Josephine hike as it is one of the better views, but at least you got to see a bear to make up for it! Can't wait for more.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We had the best time in MN! Some weather issues, but so many amazing views, towns, and hikes!

[@rebecahanrahan5556]

Minnesota is gorgeous! We lived on Lake Minnetonka for 5 years and loved it. It’s tick heaven up in the woods. Do tick check on Kona and yourselves all the time! Have fun and stay safe.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We definitely have been checking for ticks 😃

[@dakotah_anderson]

I'm very happy you checked out one of the best areas on the great lakes

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We loved it so much!

[@michellerichardson4200]

Love y’all visiting more of the smaller National Parks too! It’s exciting seeing places we know we will be visiting!! These Great Lakes videos are so beautiful!! That bear - y’all must have been over the moon to see a bear!!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We personally have been loving visiting the lesser visited, smaller parks these days! Not as crazy as the popular ones! And the bear was SO awesome!

[@231main]

What a beautiful part of the country! I’ve always wanted to explore the area around Lake Superior. As a Canadian (dual citizen actually) I love these amazing parks that hover around the border. I loved your shoutouts to Canada and Canadians. :)

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We love Canada and Canadians! We wanted to wave at the Canadians we saw, but they didn’t seem to notice us haha. What part of Canada are you from?

[@231main]

@@AdventuresofAplusK I grew up in southeastern Ontario in the 1000 Islands region on the St. Lawrence river. It’s a beautiful area if you ever find yourselves up that way, especially in the summer. I apologize on behalf of the Canadians that did not wave back and send you a virtual wave :)

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

Your enthusiasm is contagious. It's difficult hearing about the fur trading industry. Wearing fur is cruel, plain and simple. It's been lots of fun watching your zest with respect to the border! The north shore is a very scenic, gorgeous area. Kudos!

[@ahhitskatie9094]

Oh my goodness, I am tickled pink to actually see you guys in the Midwest! Hope you’ve been enjoying your time!!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We have been LOVING it!

[@ahhitskatie9094]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Means so much to hear!!

[@terihomer5316]

I lived in Minnesota for seven decades and spent 30+years running the north shore parks and the BWCAW of Superior State Park. Glad you made it and had fun.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oh wow! That’s amazing! It’s a special place ❤️

[@OffRampAdventures]

What a cool place! You two really know how to pick 'em!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Really loved our time here!

[@midwestsmalltown]

Welcome to the upper midwest my friends! You will love it. The Great Lakes area will capture your heart! Waterfalls like crazy!!! ❤ And you did catch us in a drought...but you did capture water so hey!!! I literally missed running into you guys by a couple weeks. Ahhhh!!! Safe Travels! P.S. Loved the B-Roll shot where you focused in on the leaves as one of you hiked blurry in the background. Sheesh. Your footage and shots are so freaking good. I'm learning alot just watching.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

You’re too kind, thank you! And we have really loved the Great Lakes so far, absolutely gorgeous out here!

[@courtneykappel370]

Another great video and I loved the outtakes! Peelee the crazytheaterteacher seems super fun!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Peelee is SO much fun! Very jealous of his theatre students!

[@shelbythorp8658]

Welcome to the North Shore! I live in Cloquet, just outside of Duluth. Exciting to see some videos from this area! Hope you enjoyed your time here!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We slept at your Walmart twice 😂 We loved it up there!

[@suzanneaydelotte801]

The North Shore is so breathtakingly beautiful! I’m so happy you saw your first bear safely distanced away! Now you need to remember to take bear spray on every hike! 🤣 For it being a drought…the waterfall sure was raging and so so gorgeous coming down the rock. Thank you for exposing me to another wonder in this gorgeous country!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We were shocked and so happy that there was that much water in the falls still! We weren’t expecting that!

[@laurakauffman9144]

Awesome. I live in the Upper Peninsula. Copper Harbor is beautiful and the Brockway Mountain drive and Jampot are must stop places when you are there. Beautiful lighthouses also. Pictured National Lakeshore is a must and will get you lots of beautiful views.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We plan to hit up all of those hopefully!

[@hawj89]

never clicked on a video so fast! LOLLLLLL! excited to see more from MN and WI! next time you're in MN, come to the twin cities for the state fair!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We definitely will! We are already planning to come back without Kona or the van so we can explore the cities and NPs easier!

[@JourneywithJenandDrew]

What a beautiful park 😍 Loving this video! We’re hoping to go to Minnesota in December 😊 Might be a little chilly

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Ooo that’ll be a fun experience haha

[@leanncady8208]

Yay! Yay! Yay! SO glad you made it way up to Grand Portage - my hubby and I follow your journey and missed you by just a few days up there on those trails! It made me smile knowing that - we saw a lot of what you experienced minus the bear. Glad you checked out Mount Josephine - so sorry you couldn't fit your van in that lot! The views were amazing at the top! Maybe on your next visit to Minnesota! Enjoy!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We will 100% be back, maybe sans van, in the future and will attempt it again! We thankfully knew it would be a long shot to fit the van there, so we had mentally prepared ourselves to not be able to do it.

[@leanncady8208]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Awesome! Go early to the Mount Josephine trailhead - we were the first out of two vehicles in there plus the big work truck came later, too. Maybe, park alongside the road - I don't think that side road is heavily traveled - it's so remote up there. Super fun to follow your journey! Would love to run into your two-person, one dog crew sometime out there on a trail! Have fun, guys!

[@gregprince2523]

Kate, Adam , you guys were soooooo excited to see the bear!! That's a site you don't see very much at all!! Beautiful area and history!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It was such an amazing surprise!

[@nmuguy]

I see that you are enjoying lots of smoke from the western US and Canadian wildfires. A good video, as you always produce!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The smoke followed us 😭

[@lesliebrown1517]

It's a blessing to see a bear in his natural habitat. You did the right thing by turning around as his mom was surely nearby.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It was amazing! We think he was mostly full grown, the camera didn’t do his (or her!) size justice haha!

[@jatraveler1277]

Well done. Beautiful area to explore. Spectacular that you had a few days at Best Western. Watching this at Pies and Pints at New River Gorge NP in West Virginia. What a beautiful country we have to discover ❤.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Enjoy some pizza for us!

[@oliverjh1281]

Stunning 👌 looking forward to the Great Lakes , hope your doing Michigan I spent some time there back in the day 👍

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We sure are!

[@carolschmidt2481]

Welcome to my home state! Glad you are enjoying your time here. Many beautiful areas. I saw a picture a week or so ago showing a dry Gooseberry Falls because of the drought we are in. Very strange. Love your videos!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We unfortunately didn’t have a chance to go there to confirm, but thankfully were able to see many falls with some water!

[@carolschmidt2481]

Gooseberry Falls State Park is right on Highway 61 along the north shore in Two Harbors. If you drove the north shore (61) from Grand Portage to Duluth, you went by it.

[@M2Abi]

We went to Grand Portage a couple of years ago and loved it. The High Falls were definitely more impressive then, it was also early June so we were likely still getting snow melt.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

There is a major drought this year unfortunately, but thankful there was some water!

[@Cmars_8739]

I’m so happy you finally got to see a bear!! I love Minnesota and I’ve never been that far north! 🤩

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It is amazing up there! We loved how remote it was!

[@dennysisk6260]

Thanks for sharing look like a cool place to visit

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We loved it up there!

[@like2befishing197]

Glad to see you are enjoying our”hone turf” we love the North Shore, but you are missing some of the hidden gems! Mount Joesephine in Grand Portage is a must hike! Have fun, great video

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

As we said in the video, we tried, but our large van wouldn't fit in the tiny lot unfortunately.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Welcome to my home state. If you have time later on in your travels circle back to the Minnesota State Fair, which has the largest per day attendance of any state fair. I imagine we will see Split Rock Lighthouse on your next video.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We totally wish we could! Gotta keep heading East though unfortunately (and fortunately! Lots of good stuff to come!). Split Rock Lighthouse will be soon-ish 😄

[@rebeccabrown4470]

Go to Pictured rocks in Michigan my husband and I went for our first times a couple weeks ago so epic and worth it. Honestly one of the best hikes I have ever done!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We definitely will be!

[@rebeccabrown4470]

Yay! It will be worth the stop my husband and I love your channel!

[@debrabalawajder2617]

That was very interesting! I had done some research on the North Shore about 10 years ago because our daughter went to school in MN but that trip never worked into our schedule. But it’s still on the list and after watching this video, it might move up the list! LOL. Keep up the great videos!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We loved it up there SO much! So beautiful, remote, and lots to do!

[@rutheiermann3476]

Loving your US travels. Please keep doing them. Now you're making me want to go to Northern Minnesota next time heading to Wisconsin.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We have no plans to stop exploring the US! So much left to see! 😍

[@rutheiermann3476]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Yay!

[@ceegesange9904]

The Pigeon River High Falls usually has something like three times more water than that, and the mist extends all the way to the overlook deck.

[@dephdeph1188]

Yay! My homestate!!! I've been waiting for this one!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We love your home state! 🙌🏼

[@davidmichaletz1873]

Can't wait for you to come to Wisconsin!!! Woohoo!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're excited to explore a little bit of Wisconsin!

[@sandraearp4509]

I stumbled upon your channel and I have thoroughly enjoyed following all of your adventures!! I have a mother daughter camping trip coming up this weekend on the North Shore - it's been an annual tradition. The furthest we have ventured so far is Grand Marais. But absolutely LOVE the north shore and Lake Superior. My children live in MN and I live in WI. I don't think your making it to the western side of WI but if you do, visit La Crosse WI. I live there - it's a beautiful river city nestled between the Mississippi River and the bluffs - wonderful hikes through Hixon Forest and Granddads Bluff, beautiful downtown area with wonderful restaurants and shops. On a side note, I'm using some of your recommendations when I head to Moab over Labor Day! Keep up the amazing videos and enjoy your adventures.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much for watching Sandra! We hope you have an amazing camping trip! It's so beautiful up there 😍 And unfortunately we aren't able to make it to western WI this time, but we really want to in the future! The Great Lakes states have really won us over so far, so we can see ourselves coming back again and again! (Thankful that we have tons of family near Chicago, so many reasons to come back to this part of the US!)

[@stevethompson8154]

Glad you are in the great Lakes area. When you get to Munising MI be sure not to miss Gerlach Point. It is east of Miner's Beach in the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore. Not a very long walk but the trail is more like a game trail. Just keep hugging the shore of Superior and work your way to the east and you'll find it. Wonderful sunsets in the Summer.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks so much for the tip! The weather has been so cloudy, foggy, or smoky, so we have yet to see a good sunrise or sunset. Hopefully soon!

[@AzulFyre]

I just love how excited you guys are about seeing bears. It's so beautiful there, forests and mountains are where it's at.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It is gorgeous!

[@bobbaker8263]

Beautiful scenery. I live in Moorhead, Mn. & anxious for Covid to be gone. I’m much older than you guys so this might be the next best thing than actually going. Thanks 👍

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We are happy you could virtually travel with us!

[@weizone4580]

Glad to see you all made it to Minnesota! We were just up at Honeymoon Bluff last weekend! If you return to Grand Marais I suggest eating at The Angry Trout one of our favorite restaurants.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We almost ate there, good to know you enjoy it!

[@maryl2224]

Welcome to the Midwest! I love following you and looking forward to your adventures around the Great Lakes . I recommend Cafe Coco in Washburn WI if u venture to the Apostle Islands.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

So excited to share the Great Lakes. Loving it here!

[@kirstenpalony9358]

We go up to the North Shore once a year but haven't made it that far north in many years. I've only ever seen bear in Canada (Thunder Bay area - Sleeping Giant Park) - so exhilarating so I totally get how you are feeling on that hike!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It’s so funny how we were in pretty serious bear country for a while and never saw one and then we were not expecting it on that short little hike and BAM!

[@bebeyo97]

My home state thanks for visiting

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We love it!

[@bebeyo97]

Come in any time

[@jasper19661]

My daughter and I are currently in the middle of a Washington road trip. We are at Port Townsend right now. Spent the day in Sequim doing the lavender farms

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Ah nice! We love it there!

[@mattmerkel5744]

I have had this area on my list, especially Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan - make sure you don't miss that! Make some time to take a sunset boat tour or kayak on the lake, I think it's the best way to see the stunning rock formations. Are you planning on going to the Apostle Islands? Always fun to follow your journeys. We had a GREAT time in Olympic/Mt. Rainier/North Cascades last month on our first ever Camper Van adventure. Got to camp at Ohanapecosh and hike the Skyline trail. That was AWESOME! I wish I had opted for the Mt. Storm King trail in Olympic in lieu of Hurricane Ridge - too many peoples there, but it was still nice. Got to see some beautiful Roosevelt elk. Happy Trails!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We definitely won’t miss it! And the Apostle Islands are on the list as well. So glad you got to do the skyline trail! It was too snowy for us last time!

[@daveandcherylbrown4560]

You will love the Bayfield/Madeline Island area! We lived on Madeline for nearly 7 years. Incredible beauty on the Big Lake!

[@bradgingerich6814]

Wow, a bear sighting!!!! That is so cool! I remember just how excited I was seeing a bear for the first time! Minnesota looks beautiful! It sure is fun to sit down on a Sunday afternoon and binge watch A + K!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Glad to spend your Sunday with ya Brad!

[@ryanolson5438]

Wow! I live in Grand Portage, so cool, I wish I could’ve met you guys!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Ahhh what an amazingly beautiful area to call home 😍

[@ryanolson5438]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Yes, I’ve lived here all my life, I love being here, sucks my mom quit her job at the state park the day you guys went to there 😕

[@user-en7qh9jv4b]

Palisade head is a wonderful spot!

[@jocelynmayer821]

Yay! So excited for you guys to see the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (where I'm from) because it's honestly one of the most beautiful and serene places in the country :) It looks like you'll be going through Houghton, Michigan, which is where I went to college, and up into the Keweenaw Peninsula, which all have some of the BEST views and drives. If only you were to be there in mid-late September for all the fall colors, but still just as beautiful during the summer. Make sure to try the Ambassador for pizza in downtown Houghton! :)

[@leanncady8208]

UP Michigan - Stop off at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park! Hope to see you there in September!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We plan to make it that way! Can’t wait!

[@fredcarani6764]

@@leanncady8208 That is where I first saw the Northern Lights a long time ago across Lake Superior. Spectacular.

[@leanncady8208]

@@fredcarani6764 That's great to hear! We are SO looking forward to our UP trip up north . . . and hopefully, it's the time of year we, too, will see the Northern Lights! Awesome!

[@fredcarani6764]

@@leanncady8208 I was there in mid September so you might get lucky and see them then. I remember sitting around the campfire after dinner, looking up and there they were dancing across the sky above the lake. That was in 1972 but that memory is still special. Another good thing about going in September is that the black flies and mosquitos will be gone as they can be awful in the summer.

[@amberboyer9775]

You two inspired 2 seniors to visit and explore the UP of Michigan last Oct with your videos. Lake Superior is so beautiful. This Sept we would like to visit and explore the North Shore of MN, especially Grand Portage Nat'l Monument. Looks like most of the awesome waterfalls, rock formations, views etc involves hiking. Which we unfortunately don't do.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We realllly loved Lake Superior! It's like the ocean without the saltiness. And don't get us started on the North Shore! You'll love it. Someone asked us the other day which one was our favorite and it is really hard to pick. They are both so special in their own ways. There is still a lot to see on the North Shore without hiking. Be sure to check out our website where we have a guide to the North Shore. Hopefully it can help with your planning!

[@davidmooney6497]

You guys can't get away from the smoky haze from the fires out west but it was still a great video!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It followed us! Although this time from Canada!

[@LivinginOurNow]

Those are some Great Lakes - although that one definitely seemed Superior to the others. We could Bear-ly contain our excitement!! Dad jokes complete 😂

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oh my gosh that is a GREAT joke and now we are sad we didn’t think of them lol!

[@jamesworm677]

Bummer you guys could not go to the Mount Rose overlook. One of my favorite spots on the North Shore. Respecting wildlife is a great call. Also, wish you could have seen High Falls when is it at maximum flow. You can actually get mist hitting you on the overlook. Super awesome that you are visiting areas I have been multiple times. I hope you had a great time!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We LOVED Minnesota and will definitely be back!

[@cashstt716]

Of ALL you VLOGS ever....which one do you guys consider your best one and am most proud of........

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oh that’s tough! They are all a blur to be honest! We are constantly editing videos, so they kind of start to blend together. We remember the memories from real life more than we remember the actual vlogs, since those are just a small portion of the adventure. But we were proud of the Wind River Range backpacking one!

[@LetsGoPlaces]

Wow i lived there for 10 years before moving to colorado. I miss minnesota.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Minnesota is amazing and so is Colorado!

[@jameswaldecker1236]

Canada - so close and yet so far. Living in the Detroit area, this is life every day during COVID! Freeway billboards in Detroit read, "Essential travel to Canada only." And yes, I've done the thing where I wave south from Belle Isle toward Canada. :) It just stirs up all kinds of great memories of Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City (my favorite travel city ever), the tides at the Bay of Fundy, the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island, and much more.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We can’t wait until we can do more than wave! Can’t imagine living THAT close to Canada and not being able to go! We really want to visit Quebec City someday! Kona isn’t allowed in some areas of Canada due to her breed, so it’s maybe a good thing we will have to go back in the future!

[@jameswaldecker1236]

Not being able to go to Canada is awful! I know plenty of people with family in Canada that they didn't see for a year until recently. The other day, I saw a Quebec license plate on the road and I was almost shedding tears of joy! Quebec City is so amazing. It's like a little piece of Europe only 11 hours from where I live. And if you love history, it's a gold mine. I get caught up in how brave people had to be in founding Quebec in 1608, and then the various generations afterward (both French and British) defending against invasions. It's not a World Heritage Site for nothing!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We know we would LOVE it there! The architecture and history look amazing!

[@kayrobinett4570]

Yes. Mu hub and I went to the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit in downtown Detroit last month at the TCI Center and we just about cried when we saw Canada across the River through the big picture windows. It's coming on monarch butterfly migration at Pointe Pelee National park...we're fully vaccinated, but are old farts and are unsure about uploading our vaccination records to the Canadian government's ap. Maybe we can get one of our adult sons to help us. LOL.

[@rweber7]

Hiking to Carlton Peak for lunch is awesome! Did my geology field camp up there, ya know!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That sounds awesome!

[@amberworkman5314]

I look forward to seeing your trip farther down. Duluth is my home town, the north shore is my absolute favorite and I feel so blessed to have lived there for 25 years! It's funny you say it gives you PNW vibes I've never been but I've always wanted to pick up and move there because it looks like it could be home from the photos!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It really reminded us of the PNW! Duluth even gave us some Seattle vibes too!

[@amberworkman5314]

@@AdventuresofAplusK that's awesome to hear! I plan to make a trip to Seattle this year and hopefully move there next year so I'm so happy to know that! I live in Minneapolis now and seriously miss living on the north shore so I'm glad the PNW will heal that ache!

[@VARider1]

Know the feeling. We ran across our first bear today in Glacier along the river. He was walking straight down the trail toward us about 30 away, so like you guys we bailed and went the opposite direction. Shot some good stills of the bear.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Wow how cool!!

[@whatupplaya7951]

it was your first time on the North Shore. Bet it won't be your last. I'm from Minnesota. I've been up the North Shore many times. You come home a new person every time 💫

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We LOVED the north shore! We’ll for sure be back!

[@ouamaiahtra6722]

If you have a chance check out the Temperance River State park. If you just park off the road before the actual state park sign you don’t need to pay the entrance fee. Take the stairs down and there’s a cool river gorge where people go cliff diving. Also Grand Marais is a cute town. Walk over by the little light house. Lots of cool rock areas to sit on. The Duluth Grill has the best food if you can make it there. Madeline Island off the Wisconsin Apostle Islands is nice.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We spent a few days in Grand Marais and LOVED it! Such an awesome town!

[@monicaohnsorg3123]

Welcome to Minnesota!!! Been following for almost a year, and I’m so happy you’re enjoying my home state! 🤩 From your itinerary, did doesn’t look like you’ll get this far south, BUT if you get a chance you have to try Tobies caramel pecan rolls in Hinckley, MN! They are THE necessary treat to pick up on your way up to the north shore from the twin cities. Best caramel/cinnamon roll I’ve ever had!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We LOVED it! And we wish we could've made it more south! Definitely going much faster than we'd like the rest of the year 😭 That roll sounds AMAZING!

[@monicaohnsorg3123]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Just a good reason to come back to MN in the future! 😉 Enjoy the rest of your Great Lakes tour, especially the Bayfield Peninsula and Apostle Islands!

[@SchoandJo]

Wow! The landscape in Minnesota is incredible. I’m so sad our schedules didn’t align to meet up in this region of the country because it’s so beautiful! You guys find and explore some really incredible places 😊

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We have thought of y'all SO much out here! Especially when seeing some gnarly waves and thinking "glad they aren't out on this right now!" But y'all would've gone through Lake Michigan, not Superior, right?

[@TakeATripTogether]

Yay! So excited that you're getting closer to Michigan. You are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE the Upper Penninsula. It looks like you're heading to Copper Harbor, which is awesome. But are you also going to see our two National Lakeshores while you're here? Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes?!? They're well worth the trip. Also, just wanted to make sure you're planning to hit Porcupine Mountain State Park on your way through as well. And are you also heading more into the southern part of the state. The rest of the Lake Michigan Shoreline through at least Holland is beautiful. (Not trying to be bossy. Just super excited. LOL) I'm also curious to see what your experience with cell coverage is like in the UP. It's pretty sparse up there and so are the restaurants and other services. So it's good that you'll be in a van. We're getting ready to spend a week in Fayette State Park which is the home of a pretty awesome ghost town that you might want to check out as well.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We plan to hit up all three of those! Very excited! We have plans with family that is keeping us from exploring a ton in the lower peninsula, but excited for what we can see!

[@TakeATripTogether]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Oh, that's awesome. You're going to love them all so much! Our paths are crossing. We were at Sleeping Bear Dunes earlier this summer (we go there at least once a year) and we'll be at Pictured Rocks and Fayette in a few weeks. No Porkies for us this year but we love it up there. Oh, and Copper Harbor is a gem. I have a cousin who lives there and my husband has taken an amazing sunset photo up there as well. So much beauty in Michigan. It's such an underrated state. Enjoy!!!

[@marcomachado9558]

Love it, you are visiting our State. We would love to buy you diner. You guys give us great info, thank you, God Bless

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We loved Minnesota! We have left already, but will be back in the future for sure!

[@marshatanula7942]

You should stop in Cornucopia when traveling through Wisconsin. Amazing beach along Lake Superior with artesian well. Lost Creek Falls hike is short but really nice and dog friendly. When you are hungry, have lunch at Siskiwit Farmhouse in downtown Corney. Limited menu each day but all made from scratch and locally grown/produced.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks for the tips!

[@michaelwilkinson2110]

Funny how Kara and Nate posted their Minnesota adventure yesterday, also seeing a black bear. I know it's a big state and maybe y'all were there two weeks ago and they....well, who knows? I can't help but picture the two couples crossing paths: "Is that............oh my God! it IS!" Beautiful location. If there's a time to go, it's now. In a few months it's probably pretty cold, and sometimes bone-chattering. Speaking as someone who used to live in Iowa.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Haha yeah they beat us there by a few weeks I think! We actually went to their 100 country party, so we sort of met them for half a second, although they have zero clue who we are 😅 Definitely couldn’t handle those Midwest winters!

[@ronkirby1362]

Loved your vlog on minn. we are at the Straits campground in the UP of Michigan until August 20. We are going out to Mackinaw Island tomorrow. I don’t know when you are coming through here, but would love to meet you if possible. Continue to pray for you.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We hope you have a great time!

[@joyouslily2982]

When you get to Michigan don’t mis Brockeay Mountain Drive near Copper Harbor and Munising Falls and pictured rocks in upper peninsula. I’m a Michigander born n bred!!😉 Taquamenon Falls is great too!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you for the tips!

[@delontereid7584]

I really like the bear cub sighting and water fall. If you are going anywhere near Minneapolis on this trip, I recommend cheese curds and a Jucy Lucy from Matt's Bar 😁

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We so wish we were able to make it to Minneapolis this time! Adam learned about juicy Lucy’s the other day and wanted one so badly 😍

[@delontereid7584]

@@AdventuresofAplusK it is good stuff and locals told me all about it

[@bgilmore]

CANADA!!! 😍❤️🇨🇦 I hope you got to say (yell) hello to the Canadian hikers across border…..and hopefully they answered back. Lol! 😂📣 “We miss you Canada!!” 😁❤️🇨🇦

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hahahaha we wanted to wave at them, but they didn’t seem to notice us 😭

[@blahblah14u]

You know as many times as I have been to the Keweenaw ive never visited the shore line of Minnesota! That reminds me of Michigan! That little red berry was a Thimbleberry and they are amazing! I hope you can get some. I know you can get the Jam in Michigan. You might have to pay a premium but the monks have the best in Eagle River.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We really want to try that jam! We hear they may not have any in stock when we are there, but fingers crossed!

[@blahblah14u]

@@AdventuresofAplusK There is the Jam Lady she might have some. But I am excited you are visiting the Old North! Thank you for the video and I hope the Mosquitoes don't bother!

[@alrichardson7027]

Hello Adventurers😊😊, WOW!! You made it all the way to Grand Portage! What a beautiful and cool place it is so close to CANADA! Did you go to Betty's Pies? If not, DO IT! My favorite Park on the north shore is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and it is ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR. The views are AMAZING on top of the cliff overlooking Lake Superior, and there is a wooden staircase that takes you down to the shore. If you haven't done it check it out, it's AWESOME! Duluth is a GREAT city with lots of cool restaurants. Now Adventurers, I know you are headed to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan so there are must see's such as Copper Harbor Lighthouse and Fort Wilkins State Park and very close to the ferry to Isle Royale NP, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, The Shipwreck Museum and Light Station in Whitefish Point, beautiful waterfalls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie...CHECK Them out! I really enjoyed this awesome video and can't wait to see where you land next👍👍👍👍👍👍.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We have tons of this on the list + have done some already! Excited for what all we have coming up, we are loving the Great Lakes!