Day #2: Western Wisconsin, Great River Road, Minneapolis

WHEW! What a day. I am worn out, but here goes....

I got an early start on the day and ended up at The House on the Rock in
Spring Green, Wisconsin, by 9:30. Although I could have taken the tour of
the entire house, it was lengthy and full of collections that I originally didn't
think I wanted to see. But after touring one section, I definitely want to go
back someday. You have never seen anything like the House on the Rock.
Imagine a building that never had a blueprint and was added on to for over
forty years, at the whim of a wealthy, eccentric owner. Now imagine that
same structure with thousands of stained glass lamps, musical instruments
playing automatically, windows with views blocked by stenciled wood
carvings and ceilings and floors which are given their shape--by the natural
rock. This place is a must-see. Of course, I don't have enough pictures to
verify its magnificence, as my battery chose to die during the tour. I was
quietly livid--especially when I got out to my car and saw that the camera
bag had four extras in it. Oh well...

I continued up into the "hill country" of western Wisconsin and enjoyed
passing through towns such as Romance and Gotham. Within a couple
of hours, I was on the Great River Road heading to La Crosse.

The wide Mississippi and the surrounding hills and trees of Wisconsin
and Minnesota make for a pleasant drive. The Great River Road was
probably the only decently-paved stretch of pavement in the entire
Badger State. When I arrived in La Crosse, I proceeded to City Brewery,
with its alleged "World's Largest Six-Pack" on display. After driving along
the river in Minnesota, I crossed a bridge to get to Fountain City, home
of "Rock in the House" (see Facebook pics.) It was definitely not your
ordinary tourist attraction. The remainder of the drive to Minneapolis was
pleasant (although very hot.)

When I arrived, I went to Mall of America. It didn't take me long to get
tired of this insane tribute to capitalism at its worst; that place is large
enough to have three zip codes. I am probably the only person to go
and spend a) less than two hours shopping and b) no money. Still, I can
see what allures folks. There are a LOT of stores.

I ended the day with a visit to Minnehaha Falls and had a yummy dinner
at the funky Oscar Wilde Cafe in the University district of Minneapolis.
I am at a very decent La Quinta Inn in the suburbs and ready for some
sleep!

TOMORROW: Twin Cities, Little Falls, North Dakota