The Heartland Trail
One of my dreams is to cycle the length of the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Lake Itasca to its delta south of New Orleans. I’d take a network of trails and roads, camping along the way. Additionally, I’d soak in the wildlife of the river as well as the music life of the big cities; Minneapolis, Memphis, and New Orleans. Then of course I’d write a Mark Twain style novel about my life as a river tramp. The beginning of the route has several paved off-road sections. One is a gem called the Heartland Trail which runs from Cass Lake to Park Rapids.
The Heartland Trail was the first rails to trails project in the state. When we went on fishing trips to Leech Lake we picked up the trail in Walker and did segments of it. The Heartland Trail is what you want to do if you are in the northern lakes country but are not up for the thrills of mountain biking at Cuyuna. When you get to Walker, hit up Portage Brewpub, a small town microbrewery. Afterwards swing by the lake; try and spot a muskellunge lurking near the docks, hunting for prey. Then, if you are ambitious, bike past Park Rapids at the end of the trail and continue to New Orleans. Make sure to bring your bindle.
Itasca Bigfoot
In 2015 unsuspecting people found a pair of very large humanoid footprints at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, in the outflow from Lake Itasca. These prompted questions from locals, Bigfoot hunters, and the scientific community. How old were the footprints? What kind of creature could create such big marks? Were they planted? It was the latest event in an area with a long history of such things, https://quickcountry.com/is-bigfoot-living-in-northern-minnesota/.
Now, after weeks of patient waiting, an out of state enthusiast has captured a picture of the creature responsible. Look at the way the long arms dangle to the side. He is slouched. His head cranes to the left, probably looking at a potential meal. He is clever enough to carry his bulky shoes in his hands to prevent them from getting wet. The most astonishing breakthrough of all is his shirt, which is significant evidence that this Backwoods Sasquatch is a beer drinker.
