Munising, MI to Oshkosh, WI

We left the KOA in Munising, MI and drove about 30 miles to Lakenenland Sculpture Park.  The park is open 24 hours a day and is completely free of charge but does accept donations. The park features more than 100 sculptures spread over 37 acres are all made by one man, Tom Lakenen.  He has created all the sculptures using scrap iron and recycled materials to create whimsical art some of which is purely comical, while others pieces are memorials or provide social and political commentary.  The park is quite unique and very enjoyable to either walk or drive through. 

We both agreed that these sculptures were more our speed than the Sculpture Garden we visited in St. Louis.

When we left Lakenenland we drove about 100 miles to Iron Mountain, MI to tour an Iron Mine.  This was an actual mine not a Disney like recreation.  Our guide, Chris was very informative  and provided a very detailed history of the iron ore mining in that part of Michigan.  This mine was in operation for 68 years from 1877 until 1945. 

Before the tour we donned yellow raincoats for the 43 degree constant temperature and hard hats.  We then boarded a mine train to go 400' below ground and 2600 feet into the mine.  After a certain point we got off the train and walked through the mine. The tour stopped at several points for Chris to point out features in the mine or to explain tools and techniques used by the miners.

The work of mining was VERY dangerous and most men only worked 16 years before being killed or seriously injured in a mine accident. Outside the mine is a pole with shovels and picks, each handle a tribute to a miner who was killed in the mine.

We had planned to tour Lambeau Field but Bill changed his mind and decided to move on to Renard's Cheese near the entrance to the Door County peninsula. We tasted a dozen different cheeses and bought several varieties including flavored cheese curds.

I searched our route and found the Circle R Campground near Oshkosh, WI and made a reservation for this evening.   When we arrived I went into the building marked office to register and it was a bar.  There were about a dozen people inside drinking and one of them told me to go next door.  So I followed the instruction and walked into a full-blown 50th birthday party.  We're talking a room full of people,  tables of food, people in themed outfits, and loud music.  I walked outside completely confused and a gentleman, who ended up being the manager, came across the driveway and told me to go into the "Office."  I told him I had already gone inside and was told to go next door.

He asked a man at the bar why he sent me away and he said, "I didn't see the motorhome and figured she was here for the party."  Once that situation was sorted out I registered and we were told to go and pick out whatever site we wanted.  We picked a nice grassy spot next to a tree and set up everything.   It is a nice campground,  pretty surroundings, and very peaceful. 

Tomorrow we will visit the last official destination on our itinerary before heading for home.