The end of summer is nearing, but the Midwest still provides numerous opportunities for community festivals, historic sites, private museums and learning centers year round. Many are within less than a tank of gas away, round trip.

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a permanent exhibit of great art inspired by the lakes, rivers and oceans of the world.  Including carved and painted wood sculptures, as well as a substantial collection of 19th- and 20th-century marine paintings, this museum frequently showcases world-class scenic art.  The traveling exhibits include America’s great rivers and the raging Red River and mighty Mississippi, a collection which will be leaving the museum after September 4th.  So take a look over Labour Day weekend while you still have a chance.

The National Eagle Center is located nearby in Wabasha, MN. This privately funded two-story facility on the banks of the Mississippi River is actually in the center of the largest concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.  Because the river stays open throughout the winter in the five-mile stretch at Wabasha where Lake Pepin narrows into the Mississippi, eagles have found it a natural place to gather.

Visit soon, because the weather is cooling and they’ll be migrating southbound shortly.

If you travel the Wisconsin side, the highway is higher above Lake Pepin and the scenic overlooks offer some wonderful views.

Take your smartphone along and discover what each of the communities along both sides of the river have to offer.  Share some photos or videos with likeminded travellers via our Facebook or Twitter pages.  And, remember to check your phone or nearest land border Duty Free Canada store before you cross the border and take advantage of duty free goods and specials.