This is such a wicked getaway! My wife and I rented a cabin with a bunch of friends in the fall,…read moreand it was so beautiful. The fall colors were great, it was so quiet and peaceful, and the cabin was spacious and had everything we needed. We stayed in the Dane Lodge, but there are a bunch of different places to check out. My favorite was the Pilot house, it's a super simple cabin, perched literally over the water. Definitely look into a family vacay here. it's great.

This camp is definitely one of the best outdoor camps in the country…read more Both of my kids have gone there and enjoy all aspects of it: the in-camp time, the traveling, the hiking (or canoeing). The counselors are very caring and with-it college students. They are super safety conscious and understanding of various differences that all campers have. We even had our friend from Paris go on a trip and he remembers it fondly! Sign ups start in January!

The premier camp of the YMCA adventure camps. They have the largest fleet of wood canoes in the…read moreworld (at least the last time I checked). The camp is right on Burnside Lake and in the wilderness tripping world, they are viewed as the "Keepers of the Boundary Waters." They get 12 year old kids to do things that NOLS and Outward Bound can't get 18 year olds to do. After two weeks in the wilderness they'll have canoe loads of character, know few John Prine songs by heart, and be able to carry a wooden water logged canoe 100 rods. It's a great place with a fabulous tradition. If you want a wilderness tripping experience for your children, look in to this place. But be aware reservations start months in advance.

So impressed with this school. Was able to spend two days…read morehere in October reviewing their program. In my 35+ years in education visiting and reviewing many schools I would place VCA in the top 10% in strength of curriculum, quality of instruction, and very positive and supportive relationships school wide. They are at the top of my list in schools with the happiest, most engaging and confident students. A very encouraging and joyful two days.

From the owner: We are a great schoolread more

Today at this school, my son, Liam along with the rest of Rock Ridge Basketball team face thier…read morecompetition for a final rematch and see who comes out on top. I can see there is a lot of history that was made here as you walk in. The trophy's in their display really show that they do not care for last place and love to dominate the competition in the surrounding area. The parents from both sides of the court are truely passionate about their kids doing their all and making it a terrific game for basketball. It's hard to say who will come out on top today. So far my boys team from Rock Ridge have won one game, 2 more games to go, it's going to be a fight for sure. My only complaint is that I have my baby Piper, and there are no changing tables for infants at all so it would be nice to see some come in especially when families come in with their little ones. That being said, a little bit about the school from the school website: It is the mission of the Mesabi East Schools to enable all students to achieve high levels of success so they can become self-directed, lifelong learners and informed, productive citizens in a changing world. The Mesabi East School District 2711 serves students from Early Childhood through 12th grade in the communities of Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, Biwabik, and the surrounding areas of Lakeland, Embarrass, Palo and Markham. Every day, every student will come to school and be met with learning opportunities at his or her personal developmental level in all subject areas. He or she will leave school having been challenged, feeling successful, and looking forward to tomorrow. My kids don't go here but seems like a pretty great place for any kid to be.