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MALTA: LINCOLN: HAMBURG: SNOWDONIA: AUSTRIA: ITALY: LANZAROTE: SRI LANKA: COSTA BRAVA: WITH 7ft tall moose, jumbo snowdrifts and one of the world’s biggest shopping malls, the Great Lakes in the US don’t do small.
A super-sized destination that celebrates life in the outdoors, it boasts five vast lakes spanning eight states, varied cultural hotspots as well as some of the most eyepopping scenery.
We travelled to Minnesota to experience its ample attractions, touching down in the cosmopolitan city of MinneapolisSaint Paul.
This marked the start of a road trip heading north to Duluth, where breathtaking views of Lake Superior can be seen across the city.
The largest freshwater lake in the world, it’s twice the size of Switzerland and throughout the winter season is full of activities for all the family to enjoy.
Duluth, famed for being the birthplace of Bob Dylan, is close to the Spirit Mountain Ski Resort, which is great fun for all ages. It was here that tubing, or racing down the mountain on large rubber rings, became my new favourite sport.
We then followed the lake road north for two hours to Grand Marais, continuing on to the rural Gunflint Trail. Massive moose roam this area, as do snow leopards, while you can also spot hare and red squirrels from a dog sled ride through the forests.
Relish
With thick snowfall from November to April, transport here is usually via snowmobile or sled – and the tranquil Gunflint Lodge cabins are the perfect place to kick back and switch off for a few days.
This real wilderness experience is something Americans relish and the lodges offer plenty of home comforts.
Next day we trekked across the frozen lake to try ice-fishing with some locals. They drill a circular hole through the ice and take up position with their rods.
Other winter activities on offer on the Gunflint Trail include husky rides, snow-shoeing through the forest, tobogganing and crosscountry skiing.
Ditching the salopettes for some