Pre-Trip Fun for North Woods, Minnesota

"The Great Outdoors" -- The movie's actually supposed to take place in northern Wisconsin, but the woodsy scenery and wildlife is reminiscent of northern Minnesota, too. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"Grumpy Old Men" -- Despite the age difference, teens will get the slapstick bathroom humor of these dueling elder gents who drive each other nuts (and ice fish) in rural Minnesota. (Teens)

Quick Crispy Fish -- Try this with Walleye, one of the region's most abundant fish.

Wild Rice Salad -- A healthy twist on the fluffy white stuff, wild rice is a staple of northern Minnesota.

"Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabet" by Betsy Bowen -- Charming pictures show little ones what happens to the forests, rivers and creatures when winter comes. (Ages 4 to 8)

"A Taste of Smoke" by Marion Dane Bauer -- Mystery, ghosts and romance make things a little weird for 13-year-old Caitlin on her Minnesota camping trip. (Ages 9 to 13)

"Striking Out" by Will Weaver -- This coming-of-age tale is punctuated by loss, family drama and memories of summer baseball in Minnesota. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Weird Minnesota" by Eric Dregni -- The title says it all. Teens especially will be drawn to Minnesota's quirky sights, from Babe the Blue Ox to a museum of medical oddities. (Ages 15 and Up)

Log-Cabin-Style Trinket Box -- Put popsicle sticks to good use for collecting pinecones and other woodsy treasures on your trip.

Pinecone Photo Holder -- Let the kids use their forest finds to make an easy frame for their favorite vacation photos.