Book excerpt: With natives as your guides, this series leads you down the road less traveled. Travel from the Twin Cities into the northermost reaches of the state—the North Shore, Boundary Waters, and Canadian border; then explore the scenic byways that follow the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers, wander the southern prairies and through the lake districts. Included are details of lesser-traveled roads and regions, sites to see, tours, parks and trails, and historical information. About the series: Whether you need to get away for a weekend or longer, want to explore your home state or make plans for free time in an area you don’t know well, take to the road with a Backroads & Byways book. You’ll discover the most interesting places to visit on and off the beaten path. Destinations will appeal to foodies, history buffs, families with kids, couples, adventurers, hikers, bikers—in short, everyone. With itineraries appropriate for visits of differing durations and in different seasons, tips for comfortable accommodations, great food, and good shopping too, look to Backroads & Byways for the most interesting and diverse short trips available.