While in Minnesota, I visited Lake Itasca and the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, then these 3 towns: Park Rapids, Frazee & Detroit Lakes. Joe's Instagram: / joeysroadtrip Travel Vlog 247
Everybody hates it when people politicize stuff, but I'm going to anyway. Joe and Nic's entire trip up through the center of the country was mostly through Republican territory--and most of those states were emptied out and in pretty rough condition. Here we reach Blue Minnesota and we see a vibrant state. Who says the conservative Sun Belt has it over the progressive North?
Minnesota has always been an interesting case in politics..much like Wisconsin around the turn of the century with Fighting Bob LaFolette who was a Progressive Republican...Minnesota likewise had a strong progressive base and was led by the Farm Labor Party led by a lot of Scandinavian leaders and was a coalition of city factory workers and rural farmers. It very much was akin to a Nordic Socialist Party and was very popular. Unfortunately Hubert Humphrey merged the Democratic Party with the Farm Labor Party under the Democratic Farm Labor Party and drove out the more Socialist and Communist elements and the farmers and factory workers in manufacturing were the big losers.
It is a curious observation that leads to a question. Why are these beautiful small towns going by the wayside ? Most would say there is no economic opportunity. Seems like people are flocking to coastal towns, and the sales of property and building of homes sustain a growing population.
@@jessekuchinski1172 "Literally the whole state is red..." You're laughable. If what you say is correct, then why are Minnesota's statewide offices all held by Democrats? Like many in the GOP, you confuse landmass for voters. Square miles of open land don't vote, people do.
A few years ago my 75 year old wife took off her shoes and walked across the little stone path at the very beginning of the Mississippi. That is one of my fondest memories of our 52 years together. She died 2 years ago. Thanks for the post.
Greg, you have my sympathies. You will see her again, GOD willing. My beloved 79-year-old wife is in a bad way health-wise so I think I understand your situation. I will pray for your wonderful spouse that the two of you be reunited in Heaven. RIP +++ amen.
I was going to write lake eye-task-ah, but that's Minnesoooooota accents for you. How hard can we emphasize each damn vowel? I've crossed those very rocks. Our family did reunions up here each year when I was growing up. Cheers! 🎉
That boardwalk at the Mississippi headwaters you walked down. My cousin Bill (William) Prickett built it, as well as the bridge, and quite a few other structures around the park. He passed away a few years back, but I always enjoy heading up there and walking down the headwaters.
My grandparents had a home very near to this spot in the opening shot. As children we cut through the woods to this very spot to catch painted turtles and hop across the Mississippi on the rocks in the summer when we visited in the 1960s. So cool to see this in your stream brings back many happy childhood memories.
Those opening shots of the very source of one of the world's great rivers made the viewing entirely worthwhile. The fact you were in north country was made clear by the dominance of pine trees.
and so did germains and swedish and french canadians, and on and on, this idea that MN is norwegian is insane. I have lived her all my life, many many groups came here, cause it's beautiful.
Yes, my Norwegian Great Grandfather immigrated with his parents in the mid 1800's or so (Nes Akershus Norway)! My German Grandfather 1895 and my Bohemian Grandfather 1905. There we are, I am Minnesota melting pot!
This channel has always been my most favourite. Never did I knew that watching videos made by a complete stranger would bring so much solace in the worst days of my life! RU-vidrs surely do bring such joy. But surely this channel is whats got me through, and always will!!!
Hi Joe & Nic. I live in North Iowa 30 MI. From Minnesota border. I've been on this same trip you are on now. I would pick hands down Minnesota over Nebraska and the Dakotas. Beautiful everywhere and more accepting people. Can be a little cold though.
Took that little walk across the mighty Mississippi many many years ago as a child while on a road trip with my parents. Your experience there was very much a pleasure for me to relive my own experience of about 70 years ago. I do much appreciate your showing the best of America particularly the rural regions.
The average home prices in those towns is high because lake shore property is more expensive. All of those towns have a lot of lake shore property. That causes the average home price to be much higher.
I spent several summers as a child in the area. I also taught at a technical college, further south and east from Detroit Lakes. The area was mostly farming and resorts to support the tourist industry. From the prices you mentioned, inflation has certainly hit rural Minnesota. BTW - if you're from the area it's pronounced Lake eye-TASS-kə. I enjoy watching your videos.
Nothing like a video from Joe to soothe my weary soul. Beautiful work and loved your story about the Mississippi River and your childhood memories. Pretty state and downtown. Thanks Joe! ❤😊🕊️
A great video, as always. The spot where the Mississippi begins is so gorgeous. It's so special when you get to see something you've dreamed of seeing since childhood, and I'm glad you had it to yourself for a little while !! The towns you visited were lovely, and it's so nice to see the beautiful old theatre still open. Thanks so much, Joe and Nic, very enjoyable as always.😊💚
Fantastic! I always wondered where the mighty Mississippi began. It's beautiful country. My neighbor's mom took a small sailboat from the closest point she could put in near the beginning and sailed alone to New Orleans where her husband met her and they sailed on to Mobile. This was in the 50's! I think it was a marvelous experience and that she was brave to do it! Until she was in her 70's she worked for a sailboat builder. She showed and raced his boats all over the world! Thanks for an insight to a new world for me!
The cost of housing is probably skewed by the vacation homes and 2nd homes in the area. Incomes would be lower based on the dominance of service jobs and seasonal employment.
I was privileged many years ago to see the start of the Colorado River in Colorado. It looked just like what you're looking at. A small stream. Amazing
Absolutely fantastic video Joe! I knew where the Mississippi River started but I've never seen it (never will either)! You are the man! Thank you and your lovely wife Nichole 👍🏻
Been living in Duluth my entire life and after watching some of your videos in Gary and such, I probably will NEVER move! 😢 I thought this city had some issues. Nothing like those slums you've been going through. I'll stick with my crummy apartment with a view of the lake and bridge.
I'm enjoying your visit to Minnesota. When I get bored with living in North Dakota, it's very high on my list! I love the lakes in that state, and there are a few gorgeous towns there.
My Dad’s from MN (Aitkin/Crosby-Ironton/Deerwood areas). His favorite spot was the headwaters! I spent many summers in MN! Populations nearly double when tourists, mainly from the Twin Cities, are around.
You are in my home state. The cost of homes are more expensive due to people in the Twin Cities, buying the homes for cabins and second homes. Most jobs are seasonal with wages higher when businesses are open for the tourist season. Most Minnesotans open their cabins in late spring and close in October. We do get droughts, especially in the cities.
Those aren't really tourists that make Detroit Lakes swell in the summer, it's cabin people, they also have some pretty major parties during the summer.
Hi Joe & Nicole from a very overcast south London, UK where it is currently 17C. What an incredibly beautiful area, it's so nice to see the locals have taken very good care of their environment and not let the attraction of tourism spoil it with bawdy buildings, the County Court House was particularly appealing! Here in England we have an area in the north west called Cumbria which was previously called the Lake District for obvious reasons, it's now mostly owned by the National Trust and is designated a National Park so protects the area from any expansion of towns and villages.
Joe and Nic take us places, using the back roads, that most don't see. He has a wonderfully relaxed way about him, it's very soothing and at the same time interesting to see these places. 25c here in Québec.
I walked across those rocks as a child with family members back n 1950. Itasca state park. My aunt and uncle lived not far from there in Nebbish, Minn. way back then, it was almost a ghost town.
I grew up in Minnesota. Many grade schools have annual field trips to the headwaters. Itasca is a beautiful state park. It was always fun dipping our toes in the water and walking across the mighty Mississippi. Park Rapids, Frazee and Detroit Lakes are lake towns, so land values are at a premium the closer you get to a lakeshore.
I’ve been from the top to the bottom delta of Ol man River. Even have real photos of The Mississippi Queen! The history along Hwy 61 will blow your mind along with all the beauty.
There is maybe four months at best (three in the southern part of the state) where Winter is usually bad. The other months leading into and out of Winter are usually not bad and can be quite warm some years. Winters have become much warmer in the last 30 years and are not nearly as bad as they used to be, I have lived through 65 years on Minnesota Winters. People that live here know what they are like and have adapted and learned to live with them...........
What are the 4 seasons in Minnesota? Winter, winter, winter, and road construction. Coldest I ever saw in Bemidji was -54F in 1955. We went to school: it was warm there.
The beginning of this video is awesome. I love how in the latest videos you start off by showing your odometer and the temp. I hope you continue to do that in the future. Then to see where the Mississippi begins and knowing what it turns out to be is amazing. Your videos are great. You are showing me places that I've never been and at my age will never see in person. Thank you for taking the time to travel and post. My wife and I have watched every video that you have posted.
Another trip another time would be for you to go to Voyageurs National Park and you can canoe the boundary waters that separate the US and Canada (well, sorta, but it's still cool to say). They have an old fort there and people dress in period clothing. It's fun. Oh, and you can also go to Walnut Grove and Pipestone. For many piece pipes there was a "stone" that was where the leaves were burned. That was usually made out of pipestone (hence the name) because it is a soft stone. Again, cool things to see and hike.
The beginning of the video is really awesome. It reminded me of that saying about not despising small beginnings. That little creek eventually turns into the mighty Mississippi River. What a beautiful area. It wouldn't have been so awesome with a crowd there. So cool you headed over there early before they got there.
I've always thought of the Mississippi river as more or less straight. I didn't realize how crooked it is. Just like my grandpa, I have to get out my road atlas which is always by my side, as if I didn't trust your sources. I've always found it interesting how after New Orleans it stubbornly filters out through the bayous before it hits the gulf. Minnesota looks like a nice place to be as I endure the summer here in Austin, TX.
Seems like small towns in the north are doing better than those in the south. The towns you have been driving through lately seem cleaner and better maintained, with fewer vacant storefronts and fewer homes being reclaimed by nature.
The tax from the lakefront properties helps, but MN gives state aid to the schools and low tax base towns. I don't think they do that as much down south.
Since you mentioned northern Wisconsin next; if you make it as far as the Minocqua area there are several neat towns like, Eagle River, St. Germain, Boulder Junction and I think "Little Bohemia" is in Manitowish Waters. Little Bohemia was home to one of the Dillinger shoot outs. The bar and restaurant are still open and the bullet holes can still be seen.
I liked the beginning of of your video showing how the MISSISSIPPI RIVER started i counted over 12 states it flows through along with all the small towns along the way that share this amazing river. thank you for the history lesson
Frazee has a butcher shop - Ketter's Meat Market (15:35 on the right side of the screen) that makes the best elk. bison, beef and turkey jerky in the country! Used to ride my bike all the way from Fargo to buy those goodies.
Thank you! ❤ Went to the headwaters every summer for years as a child and young adult. Our family would head north for an annual visit to family friends.
I've been to lake Itasca many years ago except the part we were at looked like a swamp. Memories!! :) Oh, since you like the Mississippi River, then you may like to visit New Madrid, Missouri. Although there is quite a bit of history in that area of Missouri (if you haven't already visited there), but there was a MASSIVE earthquake that was there that pushed water up the Mississippi River for miles and the quake was so strong that it rang the church bells in Philadelphia.
Really enjoy your videos. Interesting to see the difference in small towns between the south and the north. I have one request...could you show the high schools in the towns you visit? In most small towns or small cities, the school is the focus and pride of the community. You can tell a lot about a town from its high school. Would be fun to see more of them in your videos. Keep up the good work and safe travels!
Another great video so many thanks to you and nic…. The farm you were asking about is 199,000 w/ 34.80 acres house but 1882 is a fixer upper outside Menahga mn god bless
Compared to big cities, definately. But you have to factor in your commute. The smaller towns don't have as many jobs. Probably an hour drive. Prices in small town stores can be high. And since it's a farm, you're responsible for maintenance of your own well, septic, and driveway, including snow removal. Common knowledge in the country, but things city people sometimes don't realize when they move to a rural area.
I am reading the comment below....hopped across the Mississippi....this was a wonderful video, makes me wish I had grown up in Minnesota instead of CA. This is my favorite video so far, and I have already been with you through about 1/2 of the US...That hot dog!!! I had to laugh, 3 or 4 people could eat that and be full. Her salad looked great, but what a huge Chili? Dog, or Coney, hot dog will do... I was amazed at the beginning, and the relief map was really cool. I am saving this one, and visiting Minnesota often. Thank you for putting these out, I just love seeing the US this way (or anyway that is not on the News).
There is way more to Minnesota than this video. We have a lot of beautiful cities like Duluth, Minnetonka, and Shakopee. I lived here for 20 years and haven’t even explored all of it yet.
My dad grew up in a similar area. Virgina, Minnesota. Small town too not a lake town though that I remember. We haven't gone to Minnesota for a while now though. He used to go up to visit his parents but they've both passed on now.
@@mandandanmandamayor3511 my dad always referred to it as “up on the range” So there’s some kind of mine there, probably a lake too Minnesota has a lot of them
Good video Joe. Very beautiful. Hopefully you come to Southern Minnesota when you have the time. Totally different, corn and soy beans as far as you can see.
Joe was totin' his pack along the dusty Minnesota road When he jumped into a bronco with a high and canvas covered load "If you're going to Minnesota, Nic with me, you can ride" So she climbed into the cab, and settled down inside
So cool, my very first camping/canoe trip was right there! Plus it was with my church youth group - frm Detroit Lakes with my late, much-loved brother-in-law, Lee Barcenas. He was one of our youth leaders - Great memories😍! Thank You💝💯♾️
Wow! That’s a great video Joe. I love the way you and Nic narrate during and after your visits. I’m from Philly, so a shout out to Nic! Love the way she keeps in shape. Keep ‘em coming, and thanks!
If you are from the midwest please go to Minnesota! I worked in Ely (North of these towns, almost on the CA Border) as a 19yr old and had a blast. If you love the outdoors please go visit.
I drive through these areas regularly, i dont usually stop. So it was nice to see the restaurant you ate at, and how good it was. Ill have to try it. Thanks again for showing all these areas. Your details you include, are unique and informative.
I appreciate the journey you have given us. Nicole and you are nothing but class, the whole time. The journey has educated us about how different America is. I am hoping this doesn't end. I know eventually it will. Many of us who follow you, are cheering for more youtube success. Next! #500k subs🙏🍺🍺🍺🍺👍God bless you and your Wife on a great journey.😊
OZ// Thanks U 2 !! another great one. Joey, your camera work is excellent !! 👍 Nice place and love the houses and big yards, no fences !! 😀 Man- the meals over there are BIG !!
I live about 40 miles south of Detroit Lakes..I've been up to the headwaters many times.Minnesota is a staye of many man6 lakes and rivers.And of course in the northern part of the state a lot of forests..Thank you for highlighting Minnesota..And for sharing it with everyone..
