Those bound west along Interstate 90 will cross I-35, running north to south, just outside of Albert Lea. Though travelers are often only passing through, this is a fine place to stop for an afternoon or bunk in for an overnight stay. During daylight hours, find a handful of historic sites, from old log cabins to memorabilia from some long gone age.

In this, the state of 10,000 lakes, Fillmore County is an anomaly ? there are no natural lakes. Passed by when glacial movement carved pockets all over the rest of Minnesota, this region, nestled in the southeast corner, is instead noted not only for its splendid landscapes and abundance of outdoor opportunities, but also a rich Amish heritage and charming historic towns, like Lanesboro.

With a combined population hovering in the 3 million range, Minneapolis, Minnesota's largest city, and St Paul, the state capital, serve as the region's urban hub. Certainly, from America's largest shopping mall on to science and art museums, historic architecture and activities in the great outdoors, there's no cause for anyone to complain of boredom.

Rochester is a genteel town with a scientists's mind and an artist's heart. It's history of being an industrial giant, scientific genius and technological dynamo is offset by its parenthood of such artistic excellence as the Eastman School of Music, the Garth Fagan Dance Company and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.