It seems to me that most people in the US are basically unaware of the National Wildlife Refuge System that was started by Teddy Roosevelt in 1903. Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this system consists of 600 properties totaling more than 150 million acres. This vast acreage is primarily for the protection of fish, wildlife and plants, but also allows for human visitation to a small degree. Most of the land is accessible only on foot, although some roads are provided for vehicular traffic.
Sherburne Wildlife Refuge is a 20,000 acre tract of both woods and wetlands established in 1965. An auto trail, 7 miles long, enables limited access to a very small part of the refuge. It appears the refuge is most heavily used during the fall migration season. On the day of our visit, we spotted bald eagles, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans. Any waterfowl present were able to stay out of view on the large lakes and ponds available to them.
A trip to downtown Minneapolis was intended to take a tour of the new Vikings Stadium, officially known as US Bank Stadium. Unfortunately, because of a Vikings game the night before, tours were not offered on this day while cleanup was in progress. We had to settle for a walk around the outside, watching as workmen used high-level lift equipment to replace some windows damaged since construction was completed. The stadium's design is meant to mimic the prow of a Viking ship, and is certainly spectacular.
We consoled ourselves by making a run to Buster's On 28th, a pub once featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. As one might expect, the restaurant is located in an "eclectic" neighborhood featuring interesting shops and murals.
Buster's is such a revered institution in the area, neighbors helped rebuild it following a fire that might have put it out of business. The food is great and a wide selection of beers and wines is part of the appeal. A few tables are available on the sidewalk, but we found it cozier inside. Due to this favorable experience, I've added the "Triple D" website to my favorites so I can check out other colorful restaurants in my travels.
The afternoon included a quick visit to Fort Snelling, which is unfortunately also closed on Mondays. However, it was interesting to learn that this fort was used in the US-Dakota (Sioux) War of 1862. After the war, many Dakota leaders and warriors were imprisoned here. More than 300 Sioux were convicted of killing civilians and sentenced to death. President Lincoln pardoned all but 38, who were hanged in the largest mass execution in US history.
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