GET MINNEAPOLIS

Get into Minneapolis! Starting from an early mill and dam, it is now the county seat. Fishing, farming, and friendliness abound! With a fitness trail in shady Markley Grove city park and a modern fitness center at the hospital, you can stay active when the weather turns cold or hot. Outdoor walkers are rewarded with houses dating back to the 1880s.

Here in the heartland, families are always looking for inexpensive things to do. We've got them:

1. Rock City Park is a national natural landmark. Visitors are invited to climb on the 200 huge concretions, picnic, and take to the trail. These rocks continue to be exposed by erosion of softer dirt and rock that originally buried them. ($3 adults, 50 cents for children suggested donation).

2. As the high school home to George Washington Carver, our museum has an extensive exhibit on him as well as dinosaur fossils found near Wells.

3.  Walk where famous feet have walked in Ottawa County:

• Zebulon Pike Trail Marker
• Grace Bedell’s house ( Grace was the little girl who wrote Abe Lincoln that he would look better with a beard)
• Adolf Bloch (grandfather to H & R Block) built the "Bee Hive” store
• Milburn Stone (Doc on Gunsmoke) was married in Delphos
• Anna Morgan was captured by Indians and rescued by Gen. George Custer
• Aviatrix Marvel Crosson raced Amelia Earhart
• Jagger wheat named after test-farmer Joe Jagger
• Two-star General Clayton Comfort lived in Wells

4. The Free Ottawa County Fair has a parade on the 3^rd Tuesday of July, a co-ed ranch rodeo, carnival booths and rides, a golf tournament, an antique tractor event, and a demolition derby. The volunteer-run carnival is generous in prizes and length of ride.

There are two good family lodging choices in Minneapolis:

1. Rock City Motel sits in the middle of the public golf course, Pizza Hut, and a variety store. It has its own pool.

2. Mill Street Inn is in downtown Minneapolis and offers suites with kitchens and interconnecting rooms.

In planning for fun, don't forget to "look in your own backyard"...Kansas!