 My Backyard: Destinations
Kayak Tours with Uncommon Adventures The Great Lakes With a growing demand for fresh drinking water and new schemes cooked up daily for selling water resources (melting icebergs from Alaska?), now may be the time to see the largest deposits of freshwater in the world—before they’re gone. Instead of hopping on motorized watercraft, why not help preserve the lakes’ integrity by propelling yourself with a double-headed oar? Sounds great, but with all this water, where to start? No. 1 on your list should be to hire a guide or join an organized tour such as those offered by Uncommon Adventures. Choose from 11 multi-day outings around the Great Lakes, including excursions designed for beginners, such as the Learn to Kayak B&B Weekend on Lake Michigan, and more advanced paddles such as the nine-day Isle Royale tour on Lake Superior. What else will you do besides develop great strokes (not to mention pecs, biceps and back muscles)? How about relaxing as you fish, hike, swim, sunbathe, bird-watch or hunt for blueberries. Most tours include lodging (if not camping) and meals. Bring your own kayak or rent one from Uncommon Adventures. $295–$1,095; 866-882-5525; www.uncommonadv.com. Quick Escapes Mount Rushmore, South Dakota: Climb It took sculptor Gutzon Borglum 14 years to carve Mt. Rushmore, which is about how long it feels to be in the car with your family driving to see the darn thing. It’s enough to make you want to climb the walls—or George Washington’s nose. Scrambling up Mt. Rushmore is illegal, but there are other “faces” to be scaled in the Black Hills. Consider a one-, two- or three-day class with Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service. Courses for beginners are family friendly. $60–$500; 605-574-2425; www.sylvanrocks.com. Chicago, Illinois: Run, Walk or Skate Visiting in the Windy City for a culture- and cuisine-packed long weekend? Before you head to the museums or to one of the city’s many music venues to catch the latest jazz, indie or blues band, earn your indulgences by running (or walking or skating) in one of Chicago’s hundreds of public parks. Garfield Park notably offers 185 acres of greenspace in which to burn a few calories. Free; www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Canoe or Kayak After you’ve been assaulted by the 4.2 million square feet of stuff in the Mall of America, cleanse your psyche of consumerism by coasting around Minneapolis’s “chain of lakes” by canoe or kayak. Start by renting a canoe or kayak at The Tin Fish Restaurant, and relax as you paddle to Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake and Brownie Lake. Finish the day with dinner on the water. $10/hour; 612-823-5840; www.thetinfish.com. Omaha, Nebraska: Run or Cycle The birthplace of Marlon Brando and Malcom X isn’t known for outdoor sporting opportunities. No, it’s better known for being the home of insurance companies who cover the injuries you might sustain while doing them. But you don’t have to sit around biting your nails the next time you’re here. Run or bike the nearby 63-mile Wabash Trace Trail, a converted railroad corridor that rambles through scenic countryside. $1/day pass; http://wabashtrace.connections.net. © Copyright 1999-2006 by Hooked on the Outdoors www.ruhooked.com |
