From paddling a canoe down some of the most beautiful stretches of water in the USA, to road tripping beside the largest freshwater lake in the country, the midwestern US state of Minnesota is a land of epic landscapes and unique experiences.

In today’s episode we’re taking a road trip from the culturally rich Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, to the North Shore of Lake Superior, the paddling paradise of Boundary Waters and houseboat heaven in Voyageurs National Park.

Minnesota may not have an ocean in sight, but this “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (or 11,842 to be exact) has no end of outdoor adventures to enjoy.

Highlights include:

• Exploring the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, including a visit to Paisley Park, former Minneapolis local Prince’s extravagant mansion.

• Watching the Northern Lights from the edge of Boundary Waters and the Milky Way from the North Shore of Lake Superior.

• Visiting Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed and visited spots in the state, with a drama-filled history and breathtaking views.

• Finding out what it’s like to meet a wolf, a bear, and a moose in the wild – and survive to tell the tale!

• Paddling some of the best canoe routes in the US through one of its most unspoiled wilderness parks.

• Taking a houseboat out into Voyageurs National Park, for the ultimate Minnesotan water-glamping experience.

Joining host Aaron Millar are:

Hayes Scriven, the site manager at Split Rock Lighthouse

Lacey Squire, the manager at Boundary Waters Connect in Ely, and host of the What’s Up Ely podcast

And Minneapolis local Jennifer Schak from Explore Minnesota

FIND OUT MORE

Plan your road trip around Minnesota at ExploreMinnesota.com

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie.

When people think of New York, they often just think of New York City. But escape the hustle and bustle of the city and you will find mountains, waterfalls, wineries and more than a thousand islands to explore.

In today’s episode, we’re going beyond the famous icons of the city and taking you into the heart of New York State.

Highlights include:

• Discovering the 6 million acre Adirondack Park, which is larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks combined!

• Finding out why Thomas Jefferson described Lake George as: “without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw.”

• Exploring the Thousand Island Seaway region where we’ll stay in a castle, camp on the St Lawrence River and cruise hundreds of miles of pristine coastline.

• Taking a bike ride along the historic 480km Erie Canalway Trail, and discovering the best towns to stay in along the way.

• Having a giggle at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, a one-of-a-kind museum devoted to the art of making people laugh.

• Finding out about the 1,200km Empire State Trail, one of the best long-distance bike rides in the country.

Joining host Aaron Millar are:

Corey Fram, Director of Tourism for the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council visit1000islands.com

Lukas Berbert a bike-touring expert based in Central New York gothambiketours.com

Gary Hahn the Chief Marketing Officer for the National Comedy Center comedycenter.org

FIND OUT MORE

Plan your road trip around New York State at iloveny.com

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway is more than just a scenic ride. It’s a journey back in time. Founded in 1880, this mountain railroad was first set up to ferry workers from the wild west town of Durango to the mines of the San Juan Mountains, and has been in continuous operation since then.

In today’s episode, travel writer James Ruddy is going to take us on a journey, riding the steam locomotive from the old mining town of Silverton, 914 metres back down to the high desert plains of the Four Corners region.

Following the course of the Animas River, the tracks wind through thick pine forests, teetering on the edge of razor-thin cliffs beneath towering 4,267-metre peaks. Widely recognised as one of the most scenic train rides in America, and powered entirely by steam, its story mirrors the story of the West, and for those who want to catch a glimpse of what life was like back then there are few pieces of living history more authentic than this.

Afterwards, Jeff Johnson, the General Manager of the railroad, will fill us in on its history, and the local secrets of what to do in the town of Durango at the end of the line. We’ll even grab a bite in the Diamond Belle Saloon where you can eat next to a 100-year-old bullet hole in the bar.

But that’s not all, round the corner from Durango is one of America’s most fascinating national parks: Mesa Verde. Home of the ancestral pueblo people between 600 and 1300 CE, we’ll visit the spectacular cliff dwellings where they lived in villages hewn from the rock face.

All aboard for a journey back in time on the most beautiful train ride in America.

FIND OUT MORE

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: DurangoTrain.com

Visit Durango: Durango.org

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY

Ready to experience the heart of the American West? Start planning your journey by booking a ride on the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Visit durangotrain.com to secure your seat on this historic train and create memories that will last a lifetime.

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie.