20200811 - 0812 Summit,SD : 20200812 - 0826 East Grand Forks,MN : 20200826 - 0909 Bemidji, MN

Red River State Recreation Area, East Grand Forks, MN - 12 Aug 2020

Easy in and out on this pull-through site along the Red River. Part of the Red River State Recreation Area, it was created after the devastation left after the 1997 flood which tore through a neighborhood on this site. The campground is the center of what is now called the Greater Grand Forks Greenway.

About 50 feet and lush green grass between us and the folks on the next road. A short walk to the walking path along the river and the bridge to West Grand Forks, ND. 

Wild Cucumber vine along the banks of the river. 

Red River,  East Grand Forks, MN - 12 Aug  - 24 Aug 2020

A lot of rain had fallen before we arrived. And notice we are on the east side of the river. That means the Red River is running north in this area. This was very confusing when we first noticed it. 

A progressive series of photos showing the rise and fall of the Red River during our stay. 

Walking Dogs Red River Recreation Area 20 Aug 2020

There are a couple paved paths along the river. As the river rose, the lower path was completely engulfed by the waters as the water overflowed the banks.  

Turtle River State Park, Arvilla, ND - 21 Aug 2020

Looking for something to do the Turtle River State Park was close. 

Some man-made improvements using natural stone, the "dam" was made to provide an area for swimming, wading and a beach. 

Fauna and flora of North Dakota.

While the Red River was engorged with rainwater, this river was placid in its flow rate.

Civilian Conservation Corps began in 1934 and was created to relieve distress through the employment of idle young men in construction projects throughout the country. The large Bath House, 44 x 100 feet, was constructed in 1937, finished in 1938, remodeled in 1939 and again in 1940. The Bath House, now known as the CCC Memorial is one of the only three buildings remaining from the original projects and is utilized now a large group picnic shelter. 

We believe this is the Turtle River Lodge, now the Woodland Lodge, which is still used by large groups. The outline of the building can still be seen by the foundation stones.

Red River State Recreation Area, East Grand Forks, MN - 22 Aug 2020

And this is the usual result of lengthy excursion in the hot, muggy month of August.

Red River State Recreation Area, East Grand Forks, MN - 23 Aug 2020

New twist on an old favorite. Cinnamon Roll "Muffins" 

Sherlock Adventure Park and US Veterans Monument

Red River State Recreation Area, East Grand Forks, MN - 25 Aug 2020

Juvenile Red Tail hawk

During April and May 1997, the Red River of the North in Minnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba had the most severe flooding of the river since 1826. The flood reached throughout the Red River Valley, affecting the cities of Fargo and Winnipeg, but none so greatly as Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN, where floodwaters reached more the three miles inland. Damage estimates were $3.5 billion. Sandbag dikes were created based on the estimated flooding by the National Weather Service to 49 feet. The river crested at 56 feet. This obelisk commemorates this and prior floods. 

The west side of the Greater Grand Forks Greenway.

Bemidji, MN - 27-29 Aug 2020

Bob relaxing at our campgrounds. The fish store and game processing company for the sportsmen. We were looking for some walleye fillets and found just what we wanted for several meals. 

Headwaters of the Mississippi , Lake Itasca, MN - 30 Aug 2020

 “Heartwaters – Caretaker Woman". In Anishinabe belief it is the women who are the caretakers of the water. This sculpture by Jeff Savage, shows a woman leaning over, releasing a clutch of turtles from a basket, renewing the seasons and continuing the waters of life. 

The mighty Mississippi River begins its winding journey to the Gulf of Mexico as a mere 18-foot wide knee-deep river in Itasca State Park near Bemidji. 

Taking your picture next to the iconia headwaters post is a must when you visit the park. the historic marker dates back to the 1930s and indicates the Mississippi River's total mileage at 2,552 miles. Since then the river's course has been shortened and altered by flooding and channeling. The river now reaches the Gulf in 2,318 miles. 

The rocks behind us are treacherous with algae that make them slippery and I can attest to that personally. We chose to cross the headwaters below the rock crossing. In winter, you can see the water flowing over the rocks as warmer spring water keeps the area ice free.

Long view of Lake Itasca. The reeds are taking over much of this end of the lake. 

Downtown , Bemidji, MN - 02 Sep 2020

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in downtown have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. The first story "Round River" by James McGillivray, made it into print in 1906. Legend states one drag of his massive ax created the Grand Canyon and footprints of Babe, filled with water, created the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota.

A lone cormorant on the left and a flock of common Mergansers on the right on Lake Bemidji.

Chief Bemidji, or Shaynowishkung, an Ojibwe known for his efforts to help the area's first white settlers to survive. The hope was that this representation would bring unity to communities in RedLake, Leech Lake and Bemidji. Shaynowishkung had persuaded his tribe from joining the Dakota War. 

Lake Bemidji State Park , Bemidji, MN - 04 Sep 2020

East of Bemidji is its namesake lake. On its eastern shore is the Lake Bemidji State Park with hiking trails, picnic areas and camping. 

Sculpture Walk , Bemidji, MN - 05 Sep 2020

Just a great sunny day to walk around town and enjoy the sculptures. In each of the 21 consecutive years, the Bemidji Sculpture Walk has premiered new artwork. Critics Choice Awards are given annually

This fish is one of my favorites. I think it's placement outside the Court House says something about the artist's concept about the wheels of justice. 

Dragonfly and puppy.

Mural of famous pike fishing in the area's lakes.

This pup is going to be in trouble for the mess he made. 

Lunch at Fozzie's Bar-B-Que included Bourbon Peach Smash with 4 Roses Bourbon. And the sandwiches were amazing. Moist meat without making the bun soggy and great sauce. Texas has nothing on Fozzie's.