July 30, 2025 (Wed.) – Travel Day…off to Minnesota!

Finally! The day arrived to leave South Dakota and officially kick off the next leg of our adventure. While we truly loved our time there—it’s a beautiful state with so much more to explore—it was time to move on. After spending over 2½ months soaking in its landscapes, history, and hospitality, we were ready for a change of scenery.

We were both up early to hit the road: Lynn at 6:00 AM, Kirk at 7:00 AM, and we rolled out by 9:40 AM, heading toward Detroit Lakes, Minnesota—about 270 miles and a little over 4 hours away. We picked Detroit Lakes because Lynn discovered the Dambo Trolls and is now on a full-blown troll hunt. With five trolls (plus three magic mirror portals) located in the area and the timing working perfectly with our itinerary, it was an easy decision. Our original ETA was 2:00 PM, but thanks to a couple of rest stops and unexpected road closures, we didn’t arrive until 3:00 PM. Lynn was a bit disappointed that we didn’t see any “Welcome to Minnesota” signs. It’s possible we missed it with the detour or maybe our RV-friendly route took us along roads that bypassed the usual signage.

Check-in at the campground was smooth and welcoming. Todd, the owner, was incredibly helpful and even escorted us to our site. Lynn’s pre-ordered bread was waiting for us—two massive loaves: classic sourdough and blueberry lemon. There were more tempting options, but with just the two of us, we kept it simple (and delicious).

Before unloading the bike, Kirk installed some tread tape on the back deck to improve traction—Lynn assisted, of course! The tape worked reasonably well, giving just enough grip to make the process smoother. By 5:00 PM, we were fully set up and unwinding with a cold beer, soaking in the peaceful vibe of our new campsite. It’s a refreshing change from our last stop—quiet, shaded, and serene with great weather! While the sites aren’t overly spacious in layout, ours is impressively large, with enough room for the truck, RV, and the back patio to be fully open and comfortable. We’re parked on a 50-amp, full-hookup pull-thru site (Site #27) with gravel and a concrete pad, making setup smooth and stable. And the best part? It’s only $50 per night—a fantastic deal for the amenities and space.

There are train tracks nearby, and you’ll hear the horn from time to time, but it’s not too disruptive. The only real pests are the small flies and mosquitoes, but hey—it’s camping. Between campfires, citronella, the bug zapper, and a few well-placed fans, we’ve managed to keep the bugs mostly under control and enjoy the outdoors.

Since it was a travel day, we didn’t take many photos—just a few roadside shots and some of the campsite. But the journey has officially resumed, and we’re excited for what Minnesota has in store!

Weather (Detroit Lakes, MN) – High 76*, Low 59*. Wind 7-10 mph. Low humidity.

Traffic – None.

Food – Nothing to report.

Notable – Great campground.