The next leg of the journey begins on Paul
Larson Memorial Drive, which runs next to the
west shore of the Mississippi and turns into
MCH 13. Le Bourget Park will be on the right.
Continue on 13 and turn right on MCH 213
immediately after driving under U.S. Highway
10. This route brings travelers directly to the
front gate of Camp Ripley. The Minnesota
Military Museum at Camp Ripley is a must-
see for anyone with an interest in how armed
conflicts and military institutions have shaped
both the Minnesota and national experience.
Leaving Camp Ripley, and driving west on MCH
115 brings travelers to the city of Randall. A right
turn on MCH 104 goes directly into the city of
Randall. A right turn onto Pacific Avenue brings
travelers who need a stop to Bingo Park, and
the chance to visit a variety of shops along the
avenue. For those interested in woolens and
quilting, a stop by the Old Creamery may be in
order.
Leaving Randall to the north on MCH 1 and
heading to Pillager is an interesting drive with
lakes, streams farmland and birch and pine tree
stands. The lowlands in this area will be teaming
with red wing blackbirds amongst the cattails.
Ten miles north of Randall is Lake Alexander.
A little side trip onto MCH 204, which is to
your left, heads into a quaint resort area with
seasonal cabins and a few year-around homes.
This road will run right along Lake Alexander.
Turning right at the stop sign onto Cottonwood
Road, follow the road which narrows through
this area and turn right onto 60th Street to drive
through the tall pines that come right to the
edge of the road. The tree tops blot out the sky,
and it’s like driving through a tunnel.
At MCH 3, turn right and head back to MCH 1,
turn left to travel on to Pillager. Travelers should
be sure to catch the vista view just beyond 45
miles into the trip. As they crest a hill on MCH 1
they can see many miles of hardwood and pine
forests with farms in between.
As travelers cross the Crow Wing River they
enter the city of Pillager, which boasts a
few antique and thrift stores along with
some interesting coffee shops and eating
establishments. Veterans Memorial Park at the
north end of town is a good place to take a
walk and relax a bit. Drivers can turn left on
Highway 210 and then take a quick right onto
Cass County Highway 1. The next destination
is the city of Pine River, about 30 miles north of
Pillager. This is a nice leisurely cruise with rolling
hills and a few curves around the lakes, lowlands
and birch tree stands.
Once travelers reach Highway 371, they will be
just south of Pine River. Turn left to stay on CCH
1 and then take a right a few blocks north to
continue driving on CCH 1. At the east end of
town, folks can stop to wade in the Pine River
if they want to cool off. At the next stop sign,
CCH 1 goes to the right and will turn into Crow
Wing County 1. To visit the city of Emily, stay on
CWCH 1.
Several lakes in and around Emily provide plenty
of opportunities for recreation. Turning right
on Minnesota Highway 6 goes between Lake
Emily on the left and Dahler Lake on the right. A
public access to Lake Emily is just south of town
with resorts and cabins on the southwest shore.
Minnesota Highway 6 between Emily and
Crosby to the south winds through lakes,
rivers and streams with occasional bald eagle
sightings. To visit Crosby, follow Minnesota
Highway 6 by taking a left and going through
downtown Crosby which has several shops,
restaurants and even a microbrewery.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area just
northwest of Crosby is 5,000 acres of lakes
No trip to Garrison, near Mille Lacs, would be
complete without taking a few photos in front
of the giant walleye in the Garrison Concourse
Wayside Park.
Attractions of historical note in Little Falls are the
Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum, the
Charles Lindbergh House Museum (pictured) and
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
Mille Lacs Lake is 207 square miles of clear blue
water with some of the best fishing and recreation
opportunities in the state.
Pine Grove Zoo
destinationupnorth.com 5