Best tours in Galena, Illinois: Galena Trolley Tours

Take the narrated Galena Trolley Tours for the best historical overview of this former lead-mining town in Illinois. This one-hour sightseeing trolley ride navigates through the rolling hills of Galena, the historic district, and features several historic buildings including President U.S. Grant’s home, the oldest and largest homes in Galena, and much more.

Top things to do at William O’Brien State Park in Minnesota

One of the closest state parks to the Twin Cities, William O’Brien State Park in Marine of St. Croix is a perfect day trip from Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Hike under 100-year-old pine trees, next to the St. Croix River and wetlands, through prairies, oak savanna, and hardwood forests. Other highlights include a huge beaver lodge and a small lake with a sandy beach and fishing pier.   

A local’s guide to Fort Snelling State Park in Minnesota

Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul offers easy, scenic hiking trails, and is located within the Twin Cities, MN metro area. Here you can hike to the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. And it’s one of the best state parks for history buffs – with the area dating back 10,000 years.