Diamond Jubilee: Upper Mississippi Valley, Minnesota

In the waning (and beautiful) late summer light, the train followed the Mississippi toward St. Paul after crossing over in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I was treated to ever-changing river views as the sun slowly set and the views eventually turned dark.

July 2021

I had visited a small stretch of the northern Mississippi with Brian years before when we traveled between Macgregor and Dubuque, Iowa. At that time, I was shocked that the river valley was "hilly" and forested. Previously, I assumed the Mississippi River cut through endless plains and farmland.

North of La Crosse, the riverbanks have even fewer cities and towns and is a natural paradise for fishermen and boaters. I could easily envision returning for a one-week stay exploring the river cities of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. Yet again, I had stumbled on a place of great beauty of which I was unaware. I never recalled anyone saying, "the upper Mississippi is a must-see". For me, it was the most beautiful natural landscape of the trip.

As the train snaked north, we passed small, forested hills, boat docks, and the occasional barge on the river. Mostly the river appeared in its natural state - it was gorgeous. The sky filled with lovely colors at sunset (which I appreciated even more after the gray-sky visit to Milwaukee). The tracks passed over a bridge to the other side of the river (finally fully in Minnesota) and shortly after we arrived in St. Paul.

11:30pm was not a time I liked arriving to a new place, but there was no other choice.

I was in the capital of Minnesota.