So I have been putting some of the last minute plans together for my 3rd trip out to visit a few states in our country for a project that I am calling 50at60. I blog about it over on this site here and have been creating some travel vlogs about it over here on my Youtube channel.
For this next journey out, I am getting a bit aggressive as I plan on hitting 7 states in about 16 day! During my leg of the journey from the lakes of Minnesota to the East coast of Wisconsin, I find myself with en extra day to explore, so I reached out to AI (ChatGPT) to give me a rough idea of what to see. Its a starting point, but I figured I would share it here!
Sooooo….
Join me on a whirlwind two-day adventure from the charming town of Nisswa, Minnesota, to the picturesque village of Kohler, Wisconsin. We’ll be taking a scenic drive through The Northern Minnesota Circle, part of the North Shore Drive, The Wisconsin North Woods, and The Door County Byways, with an overnight stay to break up the trip. Let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Nisswa, MN to Ashland, WI (5 hours, 240 miles)
Morning: Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at StoneHouse Coffee & Roastery in Nisswa. Depart Nisswa and head northeast to join The Northern Minnesota Circle.
Driving Directions:
- From Nisswa, take MN-371 N to Brainerd.
- Continue on MN-210 E to Aitkin.
- Join MN-169 N towards Grand Rapids.
- Take US-2 E towards Duluth.
What to See:
- Paul Bunyan State Trail: Stop in Brainerd for a short walk or bike ride on this scenic trail.
- Itasca State Park: A quick detour to see the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Estimated Drive Time: 3 hours
Afternoon: Continue on US-2 E towards the town of Ashland, WI, located on the shores of Lake Superior. Enjoy lunch at one of Ashland’s local cafes, such as Deep Water Grille.
Driving Directions:
- From Itasca State Park, continue on US-2 E.
- Cross into Wisconsin and proceed to Ashland.
What to See:
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: If time permits, visit the stunning sea caves and enjoy kayaking.
- Ashland Mural Walk: Explore the beautiful murals depicting the town’s history.
Estimated Drive Time: 2 hours
Overnight Stay: Spend the night in Ashland. Consider staying at the Hotel Chequamegon, offering lovely views of Lake Superior.
Dinner Recommendation: Dine at The South Shore Brewery, known for its craft beers and delicious food.
Day 2: Ashland, WI to Kohler, WI (5.5 hours, 280 miles)
Morning: Depart Ashland early and head south through The Wisconsin North Woods.
Driving Directions:
- Take US-63 S from Ashland.
- Join WI-13 S through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
- Continue on WI-13 S to Medford.
What to See:
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest: Enjoy the scenic beauty and maybe a short hike.
- Medford: A charming town for a quick coffee break.
Estimated Drive Time: 3 hours
Afternoon: From Medford, head southeast towards Green Bay, then continue to the Door County Byways.
Driving Directions:
- From Medford, take WI-29 E to Green Bay.
- From Green Bay, join WI-57 N to Sturgeon Bay.
What to See:
- Sturgeon Bay: Explore this charming town with its shops, galleries, and waterfront.
- Peninsula State Park: A short detour to enjoy the scenic views and hiking trails.
Estimated Drive Time: 2 hours
Evening: Complete your journey by driving south to Kohler.
Driving Directions:
- From Sturgeon Bay, take WI-57 S to Green Bay.
- Continue on I-43 S to Sheboygan.
- From Sheboygan, take WI-23 W to Kohler.
Estimated Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Dinner Recommendation: End your journey with a gourmet dinner at The Immigrant Restaurant, located within The American Club, for a truly memorable dining experience.
Conclusion: This two-day scenic drive from Nisswa to Kohler offers a perfect blend of nature, small-town charm, and relaxation. With each turn, you’ll discover the beauty of the Midwest, making this trip an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels!