Walker, MN to Fargo 122 miles

One thing to consider when traveling in this area are flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.  You should come prepared.  After one camping trip I bought a net to put over my face and neck.  While you are riding the insects are not bad, but they sure find you fast when you stop.

Akeley started during the boom time of lumbering in Minnesota in the early 1900s.  The lumber barons Walker and Akeley set the mill in this town.  Now town has around 500 residents down from a peak of over 2000.

I found another Paul Bunyan statue in Akeley, MN. There is also a museum in town.

In some areas the trail has a path for horses and one for snowmobiles.

The Heartland State Trail. Nice and smooth.

Along some areas of the trail is a path for horses and at other parts there is a spot for snowmobiles.

I always like to help the local economy as I go through towns.

In Nevis, MN you will find the world's largest Tiger Muskie. It is 31' long and made of cedar & redwood. The scales are cement.

The Tiger Muskie that you might go after in the lake could reach 34-48" and weigh over 30 pounds.

A scene outside Park Rapids. The headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Osage Bait and Tackle made me laugh.

It is not hard to find a good photo. The road is quiet and easy to stop.

The Smokey Hill State Forest has many trails for hiking and snowmobiling. The hardwoods are colorful in the fall.

This was my next small town.

This is a vacation area in any season, but in the summer it grows by 50%.

I found out that the Red Ox Trails came through Detroit Lakes.  These were trails used to haul animal pelts from Canada to be shipped down the Mississippi River from St. Paul. These cart could carry a half ton and would return north with supplies, and food. Fur trading was the first big industry in this area.

The added Lakes to the name to stop confusion with the Detroit by me.  Detroit is a French word that translated to straits or narrows.  I see why our city got that name.

Read and learn more.

Oxen are durable. They did not use grease on the axles and the squeaking could be heard for miles.

I virtually arrived in Fargo, having cycled 300 miles so far. Stay tuned to hear about Fargo and points west.