Blog

We’ve focused quite a bit on our nation's gorgeous National Parks this summer, and today we’re paying homage to some of our favorites in the midwest.  If you were looking for a primer to Midwest National Parks, this is the perfect blog for you!We’ll start this post off with a crash course history lesson on the National Parks Service and its founding, followed by our recommendations on great parks. more During the Act of March 1st, 1872, Congress established the grounds of Yellowstone Park in the territories of Montana and Wyoming, which kickstarted the whole National Parks Movement.  Later, in August 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act which created the National Park Service, a federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for protecting the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the department, as well as future ones not yet designated.  The Executive Order in 1933 helped transfer 56 national monuments and military sites to the National Park Service.  Today, the National Park system is made up of more than 400 designated areas, including the 50 US States and Territories. How many national parks have you been to? Here’s a starting point to mark off a few Midwest destinations on your National Parks map: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI encompasses 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coastal protected areas.  In addition to the incredible bluffs on the shores of Lake Superior, it’s also home to the largest collection of historic lighthouses in the nation! Badlands National Park in South Dakota sprawls across 244,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, steep canyons, and rock formations like buttes, pinnacles, and spires.  It’s a stunning mix of sculptural peaks and forms made of colorful sediment and fossil beds. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Rhinelander WI spans a jaw dropping 1.5 million acres of unspoiled wilderness across Wisconsin’s Northwoods.  You’ll find no shortage of outdoorsy activities such as canoeing, hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, and more. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio sits between Cleveland and Akrok and features a restored section of the historic Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath, as well as being a throughway for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.  It features several waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter IN has 15 miles of gorgeous shoreline along the southern banks of Lake Michigan. The park is home to some of the highest dunes towering over the lake at nearly 200 feet high with impressive views and landscapes of the area!  It’s also an incredible destination for birdwatching, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature photography! Lewis & Clark Historic Trail (Spans 16 states including IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, MT, NE, ND, OH, OR, PA, SD, WA, WV) winds through almost 4,900 miles of the homelands from over 60 Tribal nations. It follows the inbound and outbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburg through to the Pacific Ocean Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (In IL, IA, NE, UT, WY) follows the 1,300 mile path of the Mormons who fled Nauvoo and settled down in the Great Salt Lake Valley from 1846-1847. Pullman National Historic Park in Chicago, IL i s located on the far south side of Chicago.  The visitor center offers tours at 11AM and 2PM daily. Shawnee National Forest in Herod IL encompasses 289,000 stunning acres of parkland located in Southern Illinois and nestled between both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.  Visitors will find breathtaking scenic views from the top of great canyons and sandstone cliffs, and stunning crystal clear waters and rocky streams. The many lakes, ponds, waterfalls, rivers, and streams of the area are perfect for fishing and swimming, and the sprawling prairies and woodland trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running and more. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota in the western portion of the state at the point where the Great Plains meet Badlands.  The park is known for its Painted Canyon, and the former home of President Roosevelt, Maltese Cross Cabin.  We highly recommend taking a drive along The Scenic Loop Drive which makes its way through several sections of the park with scenic overlooks. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Thomson IL is the longest, contiguous river refuge in the continental US at 261 miles in length!  The refuge includes protected wetlands, islands, marshes, and floodplain forests, many of which are accessible only by boat. Some portions of the refuge are open to seasonal hunting, trapping, and fishing but they do have very restrictive regulations.

Looking for a fun way to exercise your brain while being fully entertained? Look no further than these creative and fun science museums!  Today’s blog is all about interesting destinations to visit for both kids and the kid at heart, and learn a little more about our world at the same time. Whether you want to learn more about the earth sciences through fossil exploration or historic artifacts, or you want to try your hand at a science experiment, or maybe you’d like to wonder what it’s like to wander amongst the stars, you’ll find a little something to satisfy every curious mind.  Check out our picks for four incredible science museums in the midwest and plan your next family fun outing. more Michigan Science Center in Detroit is part of the Smithsonian network of museums and one of the 10 largest science museums in the US.  It features 5 different theaters: The Chrysler IMAX Dome Theater, Dassault Systemes Planetarium, Toyota Engineering Theater, Chrysler Science State, and DTE Energy Sparks Theater, each hosting their own unique exhibit and themes highlighting life sciences, physical sciences, geology, and more.  The museum hosts 220 interactive exhibits across the sciences including live shows and an observatory.  The ExploreLAB offers a chance to check out fossils, dinosaurs, insects, and more.  The Special Exhibit Hall features a rotating series of special exhibits for limited engagements.  It’s a great opportunity to give your kids a hands-on, interactive STEM centered experience. Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines is an immersive experience in the world of science, featuring interactive galleries and learning labs along with a planetarium and IMAX theater.  The Star Theater is a 50-foot planetarium featuring a rotation of about 10-12 exhibits on space and weather related topics.  Permanent Exhibits include the Small Discoveries exhibit for toddlers and kids to explore a realistic tiny town; “What on Earth?” focus on zoology, meteorology, and geology; “When Things Get Moving” is a physical sciences experience platform with hands-on mechanics and engineering; “Why the Sky?” focuses in space exploration and astronomy an lets you get up close with spacecraft; “Makers Studio” is a STEAM based learning exhibit allowing you and your family to create, design, and test one-of-a-kind creations; “Brick by Brick” is a LEGO centric exhibit showcasing architecture and engineering through play.  These and many more rotating limited engagements and special events are a must-see if you’re in the area The Science Center of Southern Illinois in Carbondale offers visitors numerous hands-on activities and interactive exhibits with STEM/STEAM focused activities.  This museum is geared especially towards children. Explore the 65+ exhibits geared from infants through teens including dioramas, hands-on exhibits, sculptures, and more.  You’ll find a play area for small kids that’s focused on learning through play. Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is a non-profit science museum adjacent to both Lake Michigan and University of Chicago.  The facility is known for its award-winning exhibits, numerous historic artifacts, and dozens of hands-on activities.  Current Exhibits include “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing” which immerses visitors in comic books, props, and costumes; “Coal Mine” takes guests through a mineshaft for an inside look into a true-to-life coal mine; “The Blue Paradox” takes a look at our relationship with the environment and pollution; “U-505” is a real life German Submarine used during World War II on display; “Beyond the Surface” explores the artistry and history of X-Rays and photography; “Science Storms” explores concepts of weather and meteorology; “Pioneer Zephyr” is a historic train that pioneered modern rail travel and transportation; “Henry Crown Space Center” features artifacts and spacecraft, chronicling the history of space programs around the world.

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Northern Colorado and spans the Continental Divide right through the center of the park.  Within the park’s massive 265,461 acres of federally preserved land, you’ll be treated to tremendous mountainscapes, lush evergreen forests, pristine alpine lakes, and mountain tundra.  You’ll have a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains as you climb and hike through more than 300 miles of hiking trails, leading you right up close and personal with the local flora and fauna.  Rocky Mountain National Park is home to an impressive 140+ species of butterflies, 270+ species of birds, 10 different species of fish, more than 60 species of mammals, and so much more.  We love each and every one of our National Parks, of course, but this one is truly a can’t-miss destination for your next adventure.  So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic of Waukegan and let’s take it for a spin down some of the most awe-inspiring and aesthetically pleasing scenic roads in Colorado! more 6 Incredible Places to Explore in Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Ridge Road passes through Rocky Mountain National Park between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, and rises to an elevation of 12,183!  It’s one of the most iconic drives in our parks systems, and the best way to view the Continental Divide.  You’ll start in Estes Park and drive 48 miles making your way through the park, past the Alpine Visitor’s Center and Holzwarth Historic Site and out to Grand Lake near Shadow Mountain Reservoir. This drive takes about 2 hours in total.  You’ll enjoy small town charm at these mountain destinations including breweries, distilleries, shops, restaurants, and more.  As you drive, keep your eyes on the scenery and you might just catch a view of some bighorn sheep, mule deer, and even an elk or moose!  The road is typically in operation from end of May through mid-October so there’s still time to plan your early autumnal trip. The Alpine Ridge Trail is a moderately difficult hike that offers a steep 200ft incline in elevation but well worth the scenic view!  It’s only about a third of a mile (.6mi roundtrip), but you’ll be rewarded with a summit rise of 12,005 feet!  Along the way you’ll notice alpine avens, moss campions, and alpine forget-me-nots as you trek up to the panoramic vista point.  This might not be an accessible hike for all members of your party, as high elevation can affect some people with altitude sickness, so use caution. Hike the Bear Lake Trailhead and explore Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Bear Lake, and Emerald Lake. Clocking in at 5 miles in length with a 1,085 foot elevation gain, this hiking trail leads you to 5 stunning high-altitude lakes with views of Long’s Peak.  Nymph Lake is first on the list, known for its abundant and lush green lily pads and delicate water lilies. Dream Lake affords stunning views of the mountains including Hallett Peak, where it is nestled at the base, and its easy to see why this is one of the most-photographed lakes.  Lake Haiyaha is known for its richly hued turquoise waters, and for being a little off the beaten path if you’re looking for a quieter lake than Bear or Emerald Lakes. Emerald Lake is a circular lake surrounded by mountain peaks from three sides, offering incredible views of glacial cliffs, ponderosa pine and aspen groves.  Bear Lake is a small, round lake that offers perfectly mirrored views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Moraine Park is just off of Bear Lake Road and offers truly magnificent views of the Rockies! This beautiful meadow was carved by ancient glaciers as they moved through the region.  At the park’s inception, this was once utilized as a golf course and resort, but has now been largely returned to its natural state.  Visitors who arrive in September and October will be treated to numerous views of elk as they enter “the elk rut” season for their annual mating ritual.  You’ll notice animals grazing and foraging in its lush grasses, making it a prime spot for nature and wildlife photographers.  You may even spot a moose or two lumbering around. Hike the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead t o visit the spectacular Alberta Falls! This 1.6 mile round trip, out & back trail has a 160ft elevation gain that leads to a beautiful waterfall.  You’ll pass through aspen groves and a pine forest on your way to this 30-foot drop waterfall.  From there you can reach The Loch, Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and Black Lake. This trail also intersects with the Bear Lake Trailhead if you’re doing the aforementioned lake tour!

Today’s road trip guide takes us to the magnificent Black Hills of South Dakota. The historic Mount Rushmore National Monument sees around 3-million visitors annually, and is one of the biggest attractions in the area, but that’s not all there is to see and do. With scenic drives such as the Needles Highway, historic towns such as Deadwood, and numerous outdoor recreation options, we think you’ll find it an exhilarating road trip destination.  Explore real archaeological and paleontological sites, take a tour through a massive underground cave, check out the beautiful geology and topography of the nature reserves and parklands, and enjoy some real memorable moments.  It’s a great way to explore the intersection of United States history and Native American history in one location.  We bet you’ll leave feeling inspired!  So, what are you waiting for? Hope into your new car from Classic of Waukegan, and let’s hit the road to explore. more As the sun peaks up over the horizon of Mount Rushmore, it begins to light up this South Dakota national landmark. Visiting Mount Rushmore: What to See At the Monument Grounds The Avenue of Flags features all 50 state flags as well as those of US Territories, in alphabetical order. Visitors can walk between them as they approach the Grand View Terrace, leading you to a fantastic photo op!  There’s also a unique aspect to this area as it is an open ground for all to commune, and you’ll find a diverse group of people here from all ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Many times folks will find groups speaking about their beliefs and sharing with others, giving us but a small taste of the things that make the US a special place to live, and reminding us that there is beauty in that diversity and difference.  Not looking to do a self-guided tour alone? No problem! You can also opt in for an audio tour that gives you more insight and depth into each flag and its history, as well as Mount Rushmore itself. The Grand View Terrace is the iconic spot that you see in most folks’ photographs. It’s a very busy area as it’s the main viewing area for the Mt Rushmore National Monument and first area with a fully unobstructed view of the carvings. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Museum, and Theater offer a comprehensive look into the history and creation of the monument.  Learn about the techniques used to carve the faces into the mountain side, historical quotes from our presidents past, and more. At the theater you have the option to watch a series of educational films which loop every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day, with a new film added this year for 2025!  You can also see the presidential sculpture from the visitor center’s windows for a different perspective. There’s also a bookstore that will please even the most avid history buff, filled to the brim with history of the monument, South Dakota history, and presidential information.  From the center you will also be able to pick up the Presidential Trail; this hike is only a mile in length but considered to be fairly strenuous as it contains 425 stairs, but it’s worth it for the views and experience if you can make it! During the Summer months, special programs like the “Jr Ranger Program”, Ranger Led Pop-Up Talks, and the Nightly Lighting Ceremony.  These events generally run from May or June through September, and are worth catching if you’ve never experienced them. Other Things to See Around Mount Rushmore: There are several state and national parks in the area including Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, The Crazy Horse Memorial, Spearfish Canyon,  and the Black Hills National Forest.  Custer State Park offers numerous scenic drives which allow scenic vistas of the park and optimal viewing of majestic wildlife like bison! Badlands National Park offers stunning rock formations and geological wonders as well as beautiful hiking trails.  Badlands Loop Road makes for a very pleasant scenic drive, too. Wind Cave National Park is the perfect place for wildlife viewing and cave exploration!  There are guided tours of the park’s unique and impressive cave system, as well as wildlife spotting on the prairie and ponderosa pine forest trails. For families you may want to check out The Reptile Gardens focuses primarily on herpetology, and is located in Rapid City, SD.  This unique zoological park is set within a stunning botanic garden that’s entirely family-friendly. The 1880 train takes you through the beautiful Black Hills area on a scenic steam train ride with vintage steam engines.  Enjoy a 2 hour, 20-mile round trip on the oldest continuously operating standard gauge excursion train in the world. The National Presidential Wax Museum features more than 100 lifelike waxen sculptures including all 46 US presidents.  The displays and dioramas depict key points in US and global history featuring life sized wax replica statues. The Mammoth Site is worth a visit to take a look at an active paleontological site up close and personal! This museum and dig site offers visitors a chance to see how scientific research works in the real world, and a chance to see real, actual mammoth bones in person.  Kids will love all of the opportunities to engage in hands-on fun and learning.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Classic Kia this past weekend. We had a great time meeting new faces, catching up with familiar ones, and talking cars. With the sunshine and perfect weather for grilling, it was an ideal day to team up with WIIL and spend time with our community. more Congratulations to the lucky winners who scored tickets to see My Chemical Romance and Nine Inch Nails. We can’t wait to hear about the shows! A special thank you to Tom Kief from WIIL for stopping by and sharing his experience with Classic. It was a blast having him with us, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming the WIIL crew back to Classic Kia on August 30. If you couldn’t make it this time, we’d love to see you at the next one. Mark your calendars and come join the fun.

Just because the kids are back at school doesn’t mean the road trip season is over!  Autumn is the perfect time to take another vacation and start a new adventure. The weather is cooler and breezier, there are numerous species of animals on the move for migration, and of course, we can’t forget our beloved fall foliage.  Today, we’re sharing some great stops to add to your itinerary as you travel the Nebraska Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway. more This roadway is a whopping 272 miles leading east to west along Historic Nebraska Highway 2 and includes 19,300 square-miles of vegetated sand dunes, a critically protected environment for wildlife.    You don’t want to leave your camera at home for this one, as there are too many beautiful landscapes and creatures to photograph along your journey.  You’ll be able to spot more than 300 species of birds, including the infamous Sandhill Cranes, and dozens of other animals like jackrabbits, pronghorn antelope, red foxes, coyotes, prairie dogs, and more.  So, let’s take a look and get to planning our next adventure! Ainsworth - Scenic and exciting things to explore in Ainsworth include the Keller Park State Recreation Area, the Sellors Barton Museum, and the Yellowthroat Wildlife Management Area. Alliance - Visit  the Sallows Military Museum, the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery, the Alliance Knight Museum, and Dobby’s Frontier Town. We also love Carhenge and Carnegie Art Center. Nature stops include Custer State Park, Chimney Rock Museum, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and The Mammoth Site. Anselmo - Take a drive over to the Victoria Springs State Recreation area to stretch your legs or campout under the stars. Arnold - Home to the Fort Cody Trading Post and the Golden Spike Tower museum and historic site. Bassett - Museums of note in this old-timey Americana city include the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center and the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. Nature lovers can take a trek over to the Smith Falls State Park for some kayaking or fishing. Broken Bow - History buffs will love the Custer County Museum, followed by some exploring at the Boneyard Creation Museum. Head over to the Kinkaider Brewing Company f or some craft brews, or perhaps to Prairie Grounds Cafe and Gifts while you’re in town. Dunning - Get your hiking boots out and your camping gear ready, because the Nebraska National Forest is ready for your next adventure! Stop by the Sandhills Heritage Museum and learn about the local history of farms, ranches, and the Wild West. Grand Island - You don’t want to miss the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center where you can see and learn all about native Sandhill and Whooping Cranes. Platte River State Park is a great follow-up for some more birding.  Historic stops in the area include the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer and Townsley-Murdock Immigrant Trail site. Halsey - This city is home to the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands, an excellent campsite and nature trail excursion. While you’re in the area, you can visit the Bessey Nursery, Scott Lookout Tower, the Middle Loup River, and Dismal River OHV Trail. Merriman -  This village is perfect for a camping trip at the Cottonwood Lake Recreation Area, or take a trip over to explore Bowring Ranch Historical State park Mullen - The Visitor Center at the Bowring Ranch State Historical Park offers travelers a chance to enjoy an inside look at ranch life up close with photographs and artifacts, and the park’s 7,202 acre ranch is preserving history since the turn-of-the-century. Ravenna - Take a stroll through the beautiful green space of Annevar Park and check out the local monuments. Visit the Veterans Memorial Wall to learn more about the history of Ravenna! St. Paul - Is perfect for history lovers to spend the day as you check out the Major League Baseball Museum, Tubby’s Firehouse Museum, and the Howard County Historical Village with authentic pioneer era buildings! Taylor - This stop off is home to Harrop Sandhills Park where you can enjoy hiking and camping as well as nature watching, the Log Cabin Museum, and the Taylor Community Arboretum. Valentine - Smith Falls State Park is is home to the tallest waterfalls in Nebraska! Plus, it offers ample opportunities for hiking and nature photography as well as wildlife viewing.

The Kia Connected Home™ is open at the Kia Forum July 28 through January 29 Showcasing vehicle-to-home (V2H) 1 energy capabilities Further strengthening Kia’s presence in Los Angeles as title sponsor of the Forum since 2022 Kia America is ready to showcase the future at the historic center of entertainment in Los Angeles, the world-renowned Kia Forum.  Beginning Monday, July 28th, the Kia Connected Home™ will invite Forum guests to explore a new world where everyday living can be powered by Kia. more KIA BRINGS THE FUTURE TO THE HISTORIC KIA FORUM WITH THE “KIA CONNECTED HOME” The Kia Connected Home™ presents a sophisticated showcase of how Kia’s flagship EV9 can power and connect with residential spaces through innovative energy capabilities. The EV9 features vehicle-to-home (V2H) 1 functionality, which can, for properly equipped homes, enable energy transfer from vehicle to home, keeping lightwalks on and appliances running during outages or peak energy times 2. Bringing the Connected Home to Life First unveiled at CES 2024, Kia Connected Home™ exemplifies the brand’s commitment to sustainable innovation and future mobility. The installation is designed within Kia’s “Opposites United” design framework, merging advanced technology with thoughtful design to envision how electric vehicles can support integrated and efficient living environments. “We see our vehicles not just as transportation, but as an extension of your home,” said Russell Wager, VP of Marketing, Kia America. “Bringing the Kia Connected Home™ to the Kia Forum lets us show the community how Kia’s vision for the future fits into everyday life.” As the title sponsor of the Kia Forum since 2022 Kia continues to expand its presence and investment within the Los Angeles community. The introduction of Kia Connected Home™ at the Forum reflects Kia’s broader strategic objective to redefine the role of mobility in daily life through sustainable and connected solutions. Experience the Future of Driving with the EV9 Simulator In addition to showcasing energy capabilities, the Kia Connected Home™ at the Forum features an interactive EV9 driving simulation, inspired by Kia’s award-winning Unplugged Ground experience in Seoul. This immersive simulator places guests behind the wheel of an actual EV9, enhanced with a first-person 3D perspective and responsive turntable technology that replicated the sensation of driving through diverse environments. Participants can experience a range of Kia’s advanced in-vehicle technologies, including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) 3 and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA-2) 4. These systems demonstrate how Kia’s cutting-edge features assist with lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and remote parking capabilities, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to driver convenience in real-world applications. ___________________________ * Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. ### 1 V2H requires separately sold additional equipment, which are currently not available for purchase. May not be compatible with all devices and homes. Permits and special permissions may be required and may not be available in all areas. 2 Requires a Wallbox Power Recovery Unit (sold separately) for backup power functionality during power outage situations 3 When engaged, Highway Driving Assist 2 is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution. 4 Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Please see the Owner’s

WIN. WIN. WIN. Meet Tom Kief. Grab lunch & a great deal. PLUS Win Concert Tickets! Chance to WIN Tickets to: Nine Inch Nails at United Center (Tues Aug 19 th ) SOLD OUT SHOW! OR My Chemical Romance at Soldier Field (Fri Aug 29 th ) SOLD OUT SHOW! Event Hours/Date: (updating to run again Aug 30 th ) August 16th. from 10:00am - 12:00pm Click here to learn more about the contest: https://www.95wiilrock.com/event/gettin-deals-on-wheels-at-classic-kia/

We’re headed up north to enjoy a nice relaxing getaway to Harbor Country in Michigan. This picturesque region offers the charm of small coastal towns and cozy shops with beautiful Lake Michigan shorelines and beaches.  It makes for a great weekend getaway with friends, family, or that special someone.  You’ll find several nature preserves and parks as well as lots of distilleries, wineries, and shopping so you can enjoy the best of both worlds!  It’s a nice, relaxed, slower paced trip if you’re looking to wind down the end of summer as we step into Autumn. more Things to Do in Harbor Country Michigan This area is chock full of arts, history, and entertainment. If you’re a museum aficionado, you’ll enjoy the Dewey Cannon Trading Company in Three Oaks, The Harbor Country Museum of History + Rail in New Buffalo, and the Region of Three Oaks Museum in Three Oaks.  Looking for some entertainment and performing arts?  We’ve got you covered! Check out The Ghostlight Theatre’s selection of drama, comedy, and musicals.  We also recommend the Vickers Theatre Cinema which has a great selection of both cinematic and stage productions, including documentaries, foreign language films, indie movies, and more.  The Acorn in Three Oaks is a top notch non-profit destination for live music and concerts. Do a little shopping for some unique homewards, cool vintage finds, and both mid-century modern and antique stores. This area is a second-hand thrifter’s dream destination! Good News Vintage in nearby Michigan City offers retro and antique items and fashion finds. Vintage Goods in Three Oaks offers an eclectic selection of farmhouse, french country, architectural, garden and vintage antiques. Catalpa antiques offers a “purist’ antique shop filled with curated items with an emphasis on culinary curios. Poppy Hill Vintage in Three Oaks is a mish-mash of vintage and upcycled and repurposed treasures. 1232 Broadstreet Mercantile in St Joseph is another eclectic shop blending antique and vintage wares. Tallulah’s Jeans Vintage and Antiques is in Stevensville and offers everything from Early American to Mid-Century and Vintage items – a little bit of a lot of everything! Stewart and James Antiques And Galleria Features antiques, home goods, unique accessories, and cultural collectibles. Vintage Finds at the Harbor Country Mission in Sawyer is an ever evolving collection of donations from antiques to collectibles to vintage in a cute little cottage setting. Millie’s Antiques in Harbert offers charming curated housewares. Habert Antique Mall in Harbert is one-stop shopping for everything secondhand, vintage, and antique. Blue Anchor New and Vintage Goods is the newest kid on the block selling antiques and vintage finds. Enjoy a wine tasting or do a little souvenir bottle shopping at the stunning Harbor Country Wineries and Distilleries. You can even go on a self- guided tour of 15 different vineyards and wineries in the Harbor Country Wine Trail. Dablon Vineyards Domaine Berrien Cellars Fen Valley Vineyard Filkins Vineyards Founder’s Wine Cellar Free Run Cellars Hickory Creek Winery Lemon Creek Winery Round Barn Winery Shady Creek Winery St. Julian Winery Stranger Wine Co Tabor Hill Winery Warner Vineyards Haymarket Brewing Burn ‘Em Brewing Ghost Isle Brewery …and many more! If you’re looking to appreciate the Great Outdoors, we’ve got you covered there as well. The region is home to numerous parks and preserves!  Many are also family-friendly and dog-friendly spaces, so you won’t have to leave anyone with a sitter.  In the New Buffalo Area you can enjoy the Louis J. Sima Great Lakes Marsh with 150 acres of coastal plains marsh.  The New Buffalo Lakefront PArk and Beach offers a designated swim area with picnic tables for a nice day out at the beach.  Chikaming Township offers the Chikaming Township Park and Nature Preserve with a 5-acre lake along the Galien River, and features walking and biking trails.  Three Oaks offers Carver Park, Dillard Park, Chamberlain Path, and more!  We could go on and on, because there are more than a dozen beautiful green spaces and nature preserves to choose from. Enjoy some time on the water with kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals in New Buffalo and Union Pier.  Or charter a fishing excursion with Far Out Fishing, Harbor Country Adventures, New Buffalo Sailing Excursions, Oselka’s Snug Harbor, and Seahawk Sport Fishing Charters. The charming communities that make up the Harbor Country region have so much to offer visitors, we could truly spend all day talking about them! But that would take up precious time you could spend driving there to see it for yourself.  So what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road.

The Minnesota North Shore area offers a variety of excitement for outdoor lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Known for its scenic beauty along Lake Superior, the area is home to numerous state parks chock full of stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, lush forests, and campsites.  We find ourselves coming back here time and time again to immerse ourselves in these stunning state parks, as well as the charming seaside town of Grand Marais.  Today we’re exploring five great places along Minnesota’s North Shore region for you to kick back, relax, and get back to your roots in nature. more Gooseberry Falls State Park While the main attraction to this park are the namesake waterfalls, there’s another outstanding must-see attraction: Agate Beach!  This beautiful beach is located at the mouth of the Gooseberry River where it meets Lake Superior. All along its shores lie the prized stones known as Lake Superior Agate.  These stones generally have a warm hue like orange, red, yellow, and brown, but sometimes can be white, grey, or the rare blue. The beach is never the same experience twice, as the terrain changes at the transition of each winter to spring, and summer storms shift the sandbar and stones.  For hiking, try The River Trail, Gitchi Gami Trail, Wolf Rock, and Fifth Falls trail.  The Civilian Conservation Corps buildings make a great self-guided tour stop. Tettegouche State Park Covering an impressive 9,300 acres, this area encompasses overlapping parklands and is considered a North Shore Bicultural Region.  You’ll find one mile of Lake Superior Coastline leading to the mouth of the Baptism River.  The river has three different waterfalls, including the highest waterfall within Minnesota!  Waterfalls include Illen Falls, Cascade Falls, Two Step Falls, and High Falls.  For hiking, you just can’t beat Tettegouche Lake Loop which brings you to four scenic overlooks.  Fantasia Overlook Hiking Trail is another popular inland hike with an overlook of the Lake as you wind through the forests. George Crosby Manitou State Park If you’re looking for untouched wilderness and secluded camping, this 3,400 acre area is the park for you. This quiet park is situated on the Maintou River and offers beautiful waterfalls cascading through volcanic canyons and forests teeming with wildlife.  It is located between Tettegouch State Park and Temperance River State Park.  Parklands encompass the area around the river near the shores of Lake Superior.  The trails here are generally fairly challenging, making it highly recommended by backcountry campers and avid hiking enthusiasts.  The Superior Hiking Trail will lead you to Caribou Wayside and Caribou Falls.  Humpback Trail offers a wide view of the valley and a steep path down to Manitou River Trail.  Cascades Waterfall and Manitou River can be seen from Middle Trail. Temperance River State Park This unique park has a rocky shoreline with exquisite natural river-carved gorgeous.  Temperance River Gorge is a scenic area formed by glacial movement and river water; it offers rugged terrain, deep pools of water, river rapids, and absolutely outstanding waterfalls!  Over the gorges flows the Upper Falls, Hidden Falls, and Lower Cascades – the latter of which tumble into Lake Superior!  You can view the waterfalls from several footbridges along the trails and old waterfall beds.  There is a public beach with access to Lake Superior.  Please use caution if you’re along the banks of the Temperance River as it has an extremely strong current, especially after rainy weather; mind posted signage for your safety, and do not swim or enter the water if you’re unsure of conditions.  This area is also popular with rock climbers and hikers as it offers access to Carlton Peak.  We don’t recommend visiting with small children or pets! Judge Magney State Park Offers more quiet and solitude for your parkgoing adventures. The Brule River makes its way through the park's real claim to fame is the “Devil’s Kettle”, where half of the Brule River and Upper Falls crash into an apparently bottomless ravine with an unknown outlet!  Devil Kettle’s Trail is also an award winning trail, making it into the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for hiking trails.  The park manages campgrounds in Grand Portage State Forest and Pat Bayle State Forests, as well as Devilfish Lake, Esther Lake, McFarland Lake, and Twin Lakes Campgrounds.  You’ll find an abundance of wildlife here including woodchuck, snowshoe hare, red squirrel, black bear, timber wolves, and moose as well as numerous species of migrating hawk.

Apostle Islands is a must-visit destination along the Wisconsin National Lakeshore! This chain of Islands in Lake Superior is an integral part of local Native American History, namely that of the Ojibwe people whose main village was on Madeline Island.  The Apostle Islands National Lake Shore was also the home of several lighthouse keepers, many of whom were women (more than 60 women held positions of authority at lighthouse stations in the Great Lakes!)  And then there are the historic remains of multiple shipwrecks just off the shores, as well as a history of commercial fishing enterprises.  But what we love most of all about this area is its remoteness, affording a wonderful chance to just get away from it all and recharge immersed in nature.  Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, diving, hunting, boating, camping, or sailing, there’s plenty of things to see and do, and we hope you may even be inspired to try something new!  Check out our list today for some suggestions on fun things to do in the Apostle Islands area. more For fishing, you can expect to catch several types of trout as well as salmon as your most common catch: Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Coho or Chinook Salmon. Other fish may include Lake Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass, Lake Herring, and whitefish.  Shore fishing is recommended along Long Island, Basswood, Hermit and Oak Islands. There are more than 50 maintained miles of trails on the islands, including ones that lead to lighthouses, old farm sites, historic logging camps, beautiful beaches, rustic campsites, stunning scenic overlooks, and even abandoned quarries.  Visitors recommend checking out favorite shoreline hiking spots including Julian Bay on Stockton Island, Raspberry Island Sandspit,  Little Sand Bay, and Meyers Beach. Other trails include Tombolo Trail, Basswood Island Dock to Brownstone Quarry, and Anderson Point Trail. Beware there are numerous biting insects and flies on the island, so prepare yourself with proper clothing and bug repellent. Kayaking through the gorgeous crystal clear waters of the Apostle Islands is a dream come true.  There are two kayak launches off the mainland section of the park: Meyers Beach and Little Sand Bay Visitor Center. Top recommendations for paddling and kayaking include: Long Lake, Sisikiwi Lake, Chequamegon Bay, and more. There are 21 islands in the area which are easily accessible by kayak or canoe, and of course we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend paddling past the stunning sea caves.  Your best view of the sea caves up close, however, is to charter a boat via Devils Island, Sand Island, and the mainland near the beach. Use caution as kayak/paddling fatalities have occurred in the sea caves area; do not kayak to the area alone; do not paddle to the area if conditions are rough.  Make sure you check lake conditions and marine weather forecasts before heading out! If weather conditions and temperatures permit, you may want to try your hand at scuba diving! There are numerous sandstone sea caves and historic docks around the area, as well as sunken shipwrecks to explore.  You’ll need a NPS Diving Permit to enjoy this adventure.  Sea caves can be found at Devils Island, Sand Island, Stockton Island, and “The Wall”. Shipwrecks include the Lucerne, Nocquebay, Sevona, and Pretoria. Hunting and trapping with a valid WI state license/permit is also popular, but this requires boat transportation and will not be permitted from May 15th through Labor Day as that's the high tourist season.  Deer Hunting and Bear Hunting and Turkey Hunting are allowed. Check rules and regulations for specifics. Camping is available on 18 of the lakeshore’s 21 islands along with 1 mainland site.  There are NO drive-up car, tent, or RV campsites available; you’ll need to kayak, use a motor boat, sail boat, or water taxi service to reach the campsites. Reservations are required ahead of time and fees do apply.  Camping options for more traditional drive-up camping nearby include areas such as Bayfield, Red Cliff, Cornucopia, Washburn, Ashland, Madeleine Island, and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Kia has received five honors at the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2025, underscoring the brand’s leadership in innovative and sustainable design. The PV5 WKNDR Concept earned the competition’s highest distinction, the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ award, while the PV1, PV5, PV7 and EV2 concepts were each recognized as winners in the Cars and Motorcycles category. more “Winning five Red Dot Design Concept awards, including the Best of the Best, is a proud moment for everyone at Kia,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. "Being recognized by one of the world’s leading design competitions is a wonderful achievement, and reflects the thoughtful innovation and dedication that we invest into every model we design. We will endeavor to build on this momentum as we shape the future of sustainable and accessible mobility.” Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept – Pioneering an electrified adventure lifestyle The Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept is a Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV)-based electric adventure van, first unveiled at 2024 SEMA Showcase. Designed to transition seamlessly between urban streets and rugged outdoor terrain, it offers a bold new sustainable lifestyle solution. Off-road enhancements and an innovative external storage system – which can be configured as a mobile kitchen – make the PV5 WKNDR Concept ideal for adventures beyond the city. Its highly customizable modular interior can also be easily adapted to maximize both space and functionality. Self-sufficient energy is generated via integrated solar panels and hydro turbine wheels, while an interior rail system keeps gear organized and accessible – embodying Kia’s commitment to practical innovation. Kia’s PBV and EV concepts reflect a user-centric mobility vision Alongside the PV5 WKNDR concept, four other Kia models received Red Dot awards in recognition of their forward-thinking, user-centric designs. The Concept PV1 is an ultra-compact PBV that embodies Kia’s innovative approach to last-mile urban deliveries. With its slim profile, autonomous driving capabilities, and intuitively customizable interior, it is purpose-built for navigating dense city environments. Not yet available in the U.S., the PV5 is a mid-sized PBV built for both logistics and passenger transport. It offers a diverse range of flexible interior layouts, including a ‘Driver’s Desk’ workspace concept and customizable seating configurations to suit diverse needs. The Concept PV7, meanwhile, features the largest cargo space in Kia’s PBV lineup. It also offers a spacious, flat-floor interior, a mobile office layout and advanced integrated storage solutions – making it ideally suited for everyone from small business owners to large logistics and distribution companies. Finally, the Concept EV2 is a compact B-segment electric SUV that pairs rugged, versatile proportions with advanced EV technology. Its pillar-less design and configurable interior allow it to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of lifestyles. A testament to Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy This recognition underscores the success of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, which blends contrasting concepts – such as technology and nature, or practicality and emotion – to deliver mobility solutions that are sustainable and user-centered. With PBV and EV designs tailored to meet diverse lifestyles, Kia continues to strengthen its position as a global design leader. About the Red Dot Design Award Established in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s most respected design competitions. Judged by an international panel of experts, the award recognizes excellence in product, brand and concept design based on criteria such as innovation, functionality and quality. Kia Corporation at Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2025 Category Product / Service Title Cars and Motorcycles Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept Best of Best Kia Concept PV1 Winner Kia Concept EV2 Winner Kia Concept PV7 Winner Kia Concept PV5 Winner