The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chanhassen, Minnesota and Chetek, Wisconsin

Chanhassen, Minnesota and Chetek, Wisconsin are two small towns located in the Midwest, and while they may not seem like popular tourist destinations, there are plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. A road trip from Chanhassen to Chetek is not only a scenic journey, but also a memorable one. The trip distance is approximately 180 miles, and just about halfway through the trip is the charming town of New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Top Five Things to Do

Hiking in Afton State Park

Afton State Park is located just outside of St. Paul, Minnesota and is an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, visitors can spend a few hours or the whole day exploring the park. The park is also home to a stunning river bluff landscape that hikers can enjoy throughout the trails. Hiking the park's trails is an excellent way to get some exercise and take in the natural beauty of Minnesota.

Interesting fact: Afton State Park was named after an English town in which Robert Burns, a famous Scottish poet, was married.

Visiting the World's Largest Twine Ball in Darwin

A visit to Darwin, Minnesota, is not complete without visiting the World's Largest Twine Ball. The ball, which weighs in at over 17,000 pounds, is a fascinating sight to behold. The twine ball was created by Francis Johnson, who worked on it for four hours a day, every day, for 23 years. Visitors can take pictures with the ball and learn about the history of this unique attraction.

Interesting fact: The twine ball's creation was inspired by a bet Johnson made with competitors for the title of "world's largest twine ball" in the 1950s.

Exploring the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area

The Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area is located in northern Wisconsin and offers a unique glimpse into how the area was formed by glaciers in the last ice age. Visitors can take part in guided tours or explore the park on their own by hiking the trails. Along the trails, visitors can see drumlins, kames, eskers, and other glacial features that are unique to this region.

Interesting fact: The park's kettle lakes were formed by blocks of ice left behind by the retreating glaciers, which melted, creating the depressions in the ground.

Touring the New Glarus Brewing Company

The New Glarus Brewing Company is a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts touring southern Wisconsin. The brewery, which is located in the quaint town of New Glarus, offers tours of their facilities, complete with tastings of their world-renowned beer. Visitors can also grab a meal at the company's restaurant, where they serve up classic Wisconsin-style dishes.

Interesting fact: The brewery's founder, Deb Carey, started the business in 1993 with no brewing experience and took two years to learn the trade.

Sampling Cheese at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, and no road trip through the state is complete without a stop at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. The Cooperative, which has been in operation since 1910, produces some of the best cheese in Wisconsin. Visitors can sample their award-winning cheeses, including their famous curds, and learn about the history of this cooperative.

Interesting fact: Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery produces over 180,000 pounds of cheese every day, making them one of the largest cheese producers in Wisconsin.

Conclusion

A road trip from Chanhassen, Minnesota, to Chetek, Wisconsin, is a journey filled with hidden gems and unique experiences. With stops that include hiking in Afton State Park, marveling at the world's largest twine ball in Darwin, exploring the glacial features of the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, touring the New Glarus Brewing Company, and sampling cheese at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, there is something for every type of traveler. The road trip can take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on the stops and length of stay at each location. Regardless of the timeframe, this road trip is sure to create lasting memories for those willing to experience all it has to offer.