A Visit to the Menahga, MN Midsummer Celebration

We started our trip to the Menahga Midsummer Celebration on July 7, 2023 with my first visit to Itasca State Park. I got to dip my paws in the water as usual, wading across the Mississippi head waters, along with a lot of other people and dogs. The Human complained that the stones were sharp on bare feet, but it felt fine to me.

It started to rain before we got to hike in the state park, so we went to Revel Brewing in Park Rapids, MN. I wasn't allowed inside, but there was a covered patio that kept us dry from the rain. Another Human joined us, so I got lots of attention. I'm not sure what the fascination is with Bigfoot. Seems weird to me.

On Saturday we began the morning by walking the St. Urho 5k. St. Urho, for those who aren't Finnish, is the patron saint of the Finns in Minnesota. Some say St. Urho is fictional, but everyone here seems to take him seriously enough. This was my third 5k and a new Personal Best at 57:02. It would have been faster but part of the race was on a path through a forest; too many things to smell. After the race my feat was celebrated by getting pets from several little Humans.

After lunch with the Humans at the Menahga VFW, I got to dip my paws in Spirit Lake in Menahga. Very refreshing.

Next we ventured to the Snarky Loon in Jenkins, MN. This brewery features 4 dog-friendly outside seating areas, one with live music. A couple of ducks enjoyed the music along with the Humans.

We finished off the day with dinner at Roundhouse Brewing in Nisswa, MN. It was pretty busy and the band was too loud, so I was happy to get to the Nisswa Inn and Suites to get some sleep.

On Sunday we began our trip home with a stop to visit friends on Little Pine Lake near Aitkin, MN. I got to walk in the lake, as usual. It was a hot day so it was good to cool off.

Continuing home, the Humans had lunch at the BayView Bar and Grill in Onamia, MN, on Lake Mille Lacs. It was a little windy and wavy so I only got to walk on the dock. Very disappointing.

We made a final stop in Little Falls, MN at James Green Park and Maple Island Park. I didn't get to wade in the Mississippi River, but there was a little artificial stream that was good enough to cool off.

Overall, a very eventful trip but it is good to be home.