Finishing My Last 26 Counties in Minnesota and Sneaking Into North Dakota

With everything going on, I have limited amounts of time for travel. Victoria and I have agreed I can travel every 5-6 weeks for a weekend. I try to maximize my time away the best I can.

I typically won't travel west in the winter. The Plains States are notorious for blizzards and roads drifting in. To stay on a tight schedule, it would be too much of a risk. With that being said, summer is optimal to go there. The days are long, and there's a ton of open road. I can cover a lot of ground with 14-15 hours of daylight.

I really wanted to complete Minnesota. I had 26 counties left and figured I could knock it out in a weekend. I put an itinerary together and started packing. This time, I wanted to try out a MOLLE backpack I had ordered a while back.

I attached my MOLLE pouches to the MOLLE webbing, and this was the bag I built out for this trip.

Black tactical backpack with multiple compartments and a tan utility pouch positioned in front of it on a concrete floor

I also saw an ad a while back for DampRid. When you sleep in your car, humidity becomes a concern. I have experimented with a small dehumidifier and Jackery, but that was a bit of a pain. A non-electrical solution would be great if it worked (more on that later).

DampRid moisture absorber 3-pack hanging bag product package with fresh scent, showing product information and features

On Friday, I got ready to go and then picked up Austin from daycare. Victoria picked up Taco John's on her way home from work. I got some mango shrimp street tacos, and we had a family dinner.

Plate with breaded tater tots in a spotted bowl and two soft tacos wrapped in aluminum foil

After eating, I got in the car and got everything situated.

Car passenger seat loaded with travel gear including black backpack, tan pouch, water jugs, and various bags

Google Maps had to be stupid and would try to get me to avoid taking the Interstate most of the way and go on a slower route.

GPS navigation screenshot showing 350-mile route with 5 hour 57 minute estimated travel time, displaying highways 18 West and 151 South

I did take US-12 and then got on I90/94.

Highway view from driver's perspective showing West 12 road sign with rolling green hills in the background

Interstate highway at dawn or dusk with signs indicating West I-90 and West I-94

The sun started setting when I reached the I90/94 split. I'd be then taking I90.

Highway overpass at sunset with directional signs silhouetted against an orange sky

I hit Minnesota, and there was still a little bit of light.

Large roadside statue silhouette visible from highway at twilight

I drove until a little after midnight to a rest stop about 30 miles from my first county. The rest stop was nice and new.

Modern rest stop building with extensive glass windows and covered entrance, illuminated at night

Some other people had the same idea of sleeping in their vehicles. I bet those vans were a lot more comfortable than my Focus.

Nighttime parking lot with RV/camper van and semi-truck parked under street lights

I got a compact blanket I ordered and then set up my fan.

Gray and darker colored towels or clothing folded in vehicle interior

Small blue and black portable fan clipped to car dashboard

I hung the DampRid up in the passenger seat. The scent was a little overwhelming, but I got used to it fast.

White Kwik Trip plastic bag hanging from vehicle interior

It was now time to get a few hours of sleep.

Ford car interior showing steering wheel, dashboard-mounted fan, and gray blanket on seat

I set the alarm for 4:30 AM. It was raining a bit when I woke up.

Car windshield covered with numerous bug splatter marks at night with street light visible

I hit the road and drove in the dark.

Dark highway night driving view with headlights illuminating the road ahead

I stopped at Kwik Trip for gas and breakfast before getting to the courthouse.

White car fueling at Kwik Trip gas station with illuminated store building in background at night

Kwik Trip food purchases including beef jerky package and wrapped sandwich in vehicle

I then drove downtown. Obviously, it was pretty dead that time of the morning.

Small town main street at dusk showing historic brick buildings, decorative street lamps, and 56-degree temperature display

I had reached my first courthouse, Nobles County.

Modern institutional building with cylindrical towers illuminated at dusk, surrounded by lawn and mature trees

I then drove through some more rain to Rock County.

Rural highway at dawn with agricultural buildings visible in the distance under blue-gray sky

Historic brick courthouse with arched windows and central tower, featuring American flag and Civil War era cannons on front lawn

It was a little foggy on the way to Pipestone County.

Straight rural highway with wet pavement from driver's perspective, flat agricultural fields extending to horizon

Three-story historic courthouse in Romanesque Revival style with prominent clock tower, dome, and reddish-brown stone construction

It got foggier on the way to Murray County.

Long straight rural highway from driver's perspective under overcast sky with flat agricultural landscape

Single-story brick municipal building with tall communication tower and manicured lawn

I'm glad the road wasn't closed on the way to Lyon County. I know this can happen in the middle of winter.

Two-lane highway from driver's perspective with "Road Closed" sign ahead and tree-lined roadway

Modern two-story brick institutional building with rows of large windows and contemporary architectural design

I saw some windmills in the fog when I went to Lincoln County.

Single wind turbine in distance across green agricultural field under partly cloudy sky

Neoclassical courthouse with prominent white columns, pediment, and symmetrical three-story design

There were a few dirt roads along the way to Yellow Medicine County.

Long straight gravel country road stretching to horizon through flat agricultural fields with visible crop rows

Modern Yellow Medicine County government building with dark facade displaying county name and outline

The forests got a little thicker on route to Lac Qui Parle County.

Rural two-lane highway curving through countryside from driver's perspective with trees and vegetation on both sides

Three-story red brick courthouse in Romanesque Revival style with central clock tower and arched entrance

It was a bit hazy when I drove to Chippewa County.

Flat rural highway from driver's perspective under overcast gray sky with limited visibility

Mid-century modern style Chippewa County Court House with beige exterior and identifying sign on front lawn

There was plenty of corn growing by Swift County.

Expansive agricultural field with rows of green corn crop extending to horizon under blue sky with clouds

Historic courthouse with tall central clock tower in Romanesque style with orange-brown brick, surrounded by mature trees and landscaping

I got to see some lakes Minnesota is famous for on the way to Pope County.

Lakeside park scene with bench and scattered trees overlooking large body of water under clear blue sky

Three-story neoclassical courthouse building with columns positioned on sloped lawn with multiple flags flying on flagpole

It was cool looking down the hill as I started off to Stevens County.

Small town main street view with brick commercial buildings, wide sidewalk with landscaping, and street lights under partly cloudy sky

Modern two-story county government building with tan and glass facade, central glass entrance, and parking lot with flags

I stopped at a Casey's and got some pizza for lunch while I drove to Big Stone County.

Casey's General Store with distinctive red brick facade and large white lettering, vehicle parked in front lot

Two breakfast sandwiches wrapped in clear plastic packaging resting on gray car seat

Four-story historic tan brick courthouse or government building with large arched entrance and stone steps

Google Struck again. I had a weak signal, and it couldn't calculate the route. Luckily there was WIFI at the Big Stone County Courthouse. After connecting, I was able to get my route to Traverse County.

Google Maps navigation screenshot showing route to 702 2nd Avenue in Wheaton, Minnesota with nearby businesses labeled

iPhone Wi-Fi settings screen displaying connection to MJB_Guest network with list of other available networks below

Straight rural highway from driver's perspective under dark stormy clouds with North 75 road sign visible

Two-story brick municipal building with distinctive red metal accent band across middle and central glass entrance

Grant County came into view well before I made it to the courthouse.

Small town main street view looking toward historic domed courthouse in distance with modern Grant County Offices building on right

Three-story Romanesque Revival courthouse with prominent central clock tower, dome, and symmetrical red-brown brick facade

I then hit the interstate on the way to Douglas County.

Two-lane highway from driver's perspective with single vehicle ahead, gently rolling terrain under partly cloudy sky

One of the things you may have noticed during a few past trips is that I'd come back on Saturday. This was because I wanted to make it to church on Sunday. Victoria said I could go the whole weekend, so I planned to go to church along the way.

We normally attend People's United Methodist Church in Oregon, Wisconsin. Victoria is Methodist, and I joined as an associate member since I am Catholic. The interesting thing is that catholic with a small c means universal. Courthouses are universal in every county. You can almost universally find a Catholic Church there, also.

I know most Saturday masses range from 4 PM to 8 PM. I found that Alexandria, Minnesota had several Catholic Churches there. Given the timing, I stopped at a rest stop outside of Alexandria and started to figure out where I could go.

I saw most masses wouldn't be for an hour and a half. I hadn't been to Confession in a while, so I wanted to go to that if I could. I found if I was quick, I could make it to St. Mary's and go to Confession. I got there and parked outside the church.

Gothic Revival style stone church with large pointed arch window, three arched wooden entrance doors, and cross at peak

I was able to find the confessional and waited my turn. I can tell you this was the most amazing Confession experience I've ever had. Normally, you'd just confess and get your penance. That happened, but this was the first time the priest, and I joked around a bit and had a laugh. I also got some really positive words of encouragement.

I realized I still had over half an hour before mass started. The Douglas County Courthouse was near the church, so I got that knocked out.

Douglas County courthouse in red brick Romanesque Revival architecture with tall square clock tower and arched entrance

I then went back to church and attended mass. After it was over, I hit the road for Todd County.

Rural two-lane highway from driver's perspective with farm structures visible in distance under blue sky with scattered clouds

Two-story historic courthouse with tan brick construction, central cupola topped with cross, and American flag on lawn

My next county was Wadena County.

Wide rural highway from driver's perspective under overcast sky with dense tree lines on both sides

Modern three-story Wadena County government building with white and gray facade featuring vertical bands of windows

I was enticed to check out Nimrod, Minnesota, but I kept going to Cass County.

Road with green directional sign pointing to Nimrod, viewed from vehicle at dusk with park area and mature trees alongside

Historic three-story red brick courthouse at dusk with American flag on tall flagpole and stone memorial monument in foreground

In many ways, some of my last trips seemed like I was in a gas station desert. Northern Minnesota was the opposite. They had many good gas stations. I was impressed with Orton's. It reminded me of the Quik Trip (QT's) you see in Texas.

Hornbacher's Fresh Market grocery store exterior with red and gray facade and distinctive red canopy over entrance

Interior of convenience store showing snack aisles with product displays and food service counter in background

I got some supper to eat while I drove to Hubbard County.

Hand holding bag of dill pickle flavored potato chips in vehicle with Skittles candy and packaged smoked turkey on seat

Rural highway at dusk from driver's perspective with dense tree lines on both sides and power lines overhead

Modern brown government center building at early evening with white central entrance section and illuminated windows

The interesting thing is that everything seemed to fall into place for me. I knew I'd spent over 2 hours in Alexandria, which would cut down on the courthouses I wanted to get to. When I planned my trip, Mapquest said it would take 2 hours to go from Hubbard County to Beltrami County.

When I first started in the morning, I wanted to do this 2-hour drive and get it out of the way on the first day. As you can see, I made Hubbard County before it got dark. I then found it was only an hour to Beltrami County, not 2 hours.

Things really fell into place as I drove there.

Dark highway at night with headlights illuminating road through dense forest corridor

Finding a place to sleep was another thing that fell into place with no effort. I knew there were some lakes around the area. There should be some good boat launches to sleep at. My directions were set for the courthouse. When I got about a mile or so from the courthouse, I knew I needed to find a boat launch to sleep at.

I pulled off to a side road so I could find new directions. As I pulled to the side of the road, I noticed a sign that said to turn right for the boat launch. I turned right, and it was there near the wastewater treatment plant.

Google Maps navigation screen showing location near Bemidji Lake with restaurants, hotels, and groceries filter options

Lake or river at twilight with dark silhouetted tree line reflected in still water

Wooden boat dock extending into dark water at night with parking area and street lights visible in background

I got ready for bed and then hung up the DampRid. With the cooler temperatures, it seems like it didn't really work. There was a lot of condensation in the morning.

Car windshield heavily obscured by condensation or fog creating greenish-blue hazy view

Compared to the last day, I slept in a bit. I was up at 4:50 AM. Sadly, with the orientation of the lake, the sunrise was behind me and not on the lake.

Wooden boat dock with warning signs posted on adjacent tree extending into calm lake at dawn or dusk

Boat dock at sunrise or sunset with reflective water surface and municipal buildings visible across open area

It did look nice on my short and desolate drive to the Beltrami County Courthouse.

Lakefront parking lot at dawn with decorative street lamp, metal fence, and colorful sunrise reflected in water

Empty small town main street at early morning with mature trees and low-rise commercial buildings lining both sides

Historic red sandstone courthouse with prominent clock tower illuminated at dusk with picnic table on front lawn

The temps got even colder on the way to Clearwater County. Because it was warmer in Wisconsin, I didn't bring my jacket. It would be interesting going outside to take pictures.

Vehicle dashboard display showing 39 degrees Fahrenheit, 5:30 time, and date June 11, 2023

Rural divided highway at sunrise with patches of ground fog in agricultural fields under pink-tinted sky

Art Deco style courthouse in golden-yellow color with vertical window details positioned on grass hillside

The cold didn't deter me. This county road was cool with the fog, so I got out and took a picture while driving to Mahnomen County.

Rural two-lane highway at dawn with blue Minnesota Highway 28 shield sign and tree-lined roadway

I also made a pit stop at this nice gas station along the way and got some breakfast.

Holiday-style building with gray and white siding, distinctive red roof trim, white vehicle parked in front lot under clear blue sky

It didn't take long, and I was at the Mahnomen County Courthouse.

Historic two-story red brick courthouse with large arched windows and "Clearbrook Court House" inscription on decorative pediment

It became more prairie-like on the way to Becker County.

Straight rural two-lane highway from driver's perspective with Speed Limit 55 sign, vast green agricultural fields under cloudless blue sky

Modern institutional building with white geometric facade, vertical window strips, and row of small evergreen trees along base

On the way to Otter Tail County, there was a scenic wayside with an old-school pit toilet.

Lakefront park area with red painted picnic table on grass under shade trees overlooking calm blue water with distant tree-covered shoreline

Long wooden boat dock with metal posts extending into expansive calm lake under blue sky with puffy white clouds and tree-lined shores

Small teal concrete block public restroom structure with "MEN" lettering and blue "OPEN" sign, dappled tree shadows across exterior

Three-story neoclassical Otter Tail County courthouse in tan stone with massive columns, ornamental balustrades, centered arched entrance and American flag

It was open roads to my last county in Minnesota, Wilkin County.

Four-lane divided highway from driver's perspective stretching toward horizon through flat terrain with green fields on both sides under clear blue sky

Three-story Beaux-Arts courthouse in white stone with symmetrical tall windows, classical detailing, central stairway entrance and American flag

I saw some road signs for North Dakota highways and knew I was close to the border. I didn't realize how close I was to the next courthouse. It was only 4 minutes away!

Google Maps mobile screenshot showing Richland County Courthouse search result with 3.9-star rating, location map, and historic courthouse building photos

You barely would have known that you had crossed into North Dakota. I did not see a welcome sign. I only saw a seatbelt sign in the shape of North Dakota.

Small town main street view from vehicle showing church steeple, low commercial buildings, business signage and stop sign under bright blue sky

I was soon at my bonus courthouse, Richland County, North Dakota.

Beaux-Arts courthouse in cream-colored stone with elaborate central dome featuring clock faces and cupola, symmetrical wings with front stairway

Before I crossed back into Minnesota, I noticed gas was cheaper in North Dakota. The sign for the gas station looked cool, but the gas station itself looked older. I assumed it could be a bit sketchy inside.

Gas station pump island with white overhead canopy and red-striped convenience store building displaying Simonson branding

The inside was nice, and I was impressed. I got some mini corndogs and a beef stick.

Convenience store interior with center aisle product displays, wall of refrigerated beverage cases, and red and blue "Filling Station" branding

Clear plastic container of mini corn dogs and wrapped beef stick snack positioned on gray textured car seat

Now it was time for the long drive home. Luckily, it was a straight shot down I94.

Rural divided highway from driver's perspective with single vehicle ahead under bright blue sky with scattered white clouds and power lines

I honestly hate I94 compared to I90. Because I94 goes through the Twin Cities, it is underbuilt for the traffic volume on it. This means traffic jams, even 30+ miles away.

Highway traffic from behind wheel following silver SUV closely with red vehicle in passing lane, green roadside vegetation visible

The traffic jams weren't fun. I was happy when I hit the Wisconsin border.

Highway bridge crossing over a lake with forested shores, taken from inside a vehicle traveling on a multi-lane interstate highway on a clear day

I stopped at a Speedway for gas and some food. This would be the last stop I would need to make before getting home.

Speedway gas station and convenience store exterior with parking lot in foreground under partly cloudy sky

Two SuperMom's frozen sandwich packages (Ham & Cheese Melt and Cheeseburger) in their brown paper packaging resting on a dark fabric car seat

I got some pretty impressive gas mileage on the last leg of the journey!

Vehicle dashboard display showing Trip 1 statistics: 167.9 miles traveled, 46.6 MPG fuel efficiency, 399 miles remaining range, 154,491 total odometer miles, and 57°F exterior temperature

I finally made it home. I was proud of completing all the counties in Minnesota!

Map of United States showing counties visited by traveler highlighted in cyan, with concentrations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Texas, along with scattered counties in other states; titled "Travels of Cody Steel"

I'm happy with the ground I covered on this trip. It was great that I was able to maximize my time. I know I was pretty exhausted when I got home. That'll happen when you only sleep 3-4 hours each night. My next trip will be to Thunder Bay. I look forward to visiting Canada again. Maybe I'll sneak in some local road trips in the meantime. Stay tuned to find out!

Finishing My Last 26 Counties in Minnesota and Sneaking Into North Dakota

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