Oh, what to see and do

[garmp]

We will be staying a Lake Bemidji SP early Sept and heading to Cascade River SP with stops at Pokegama Dam Campground and another night at McCarthy SP before heading on. According to Google maps we have an hour 22 min the first leg and an hour 11 min to McCarthy. What's there of interest during these short drives? Or even on our route to Cascade River SP?
I know it's a vague question, so here's some preferences. Vistas, sights, waterfalls, springs, local eateries, history, unique and unusual things, more nature and local color, including leaves & trees. Short hikes are nice, but short is the key word for two asthmatics with bad knees. Turn offs are T-shirt shops, general tourist traps, commercialism and chain or franchise stores. Don't need no stinking pecan log, nor Granny's fudge. Cheese shops are a plus as is smoked fish and fish markets in general.
Thanks for your help.

[magnusfide]

I like to use Trip Advisor to give me ideas. I scan maps of my route to locate special parks and towns and then do a search on Trip Advisor. It works well for us.

[gopherslayer]

The towns along the North Shore are small and there’s not much in them. I haven’t been to Grand Marais in 15 years so things might have changed there. I grew up camping in the Superior National Forest, BWCA and the North Shore. Very scenic and peaceful. Went back this year with my wife and daughter and one of her friends. It was a great time exploring for them. Brought back alot of memories for me. I can’t wait to go back.

If you head towards Two Harbors skip Betty’s Pies. Overrated. We were disappointed.

[garmp]

I have read many online articles about the glowing qualities of the towns along our trek and have been totally unimpressed. Used to work in the advertising field, trust me, not all photos are the whole truth, etc. What I was after was reviews, opinions and first hand accounts from members of this forum. They're the people that visited, either enjoyed, disliked or were indifferent to what ever is available out there, and the gems they have found that aren't on the web.

[Dick_B]

Easily done. Just do a Google search for each location adding `tourism' in the search phrase and read on.

[TUCQUALA]

No, Minnesoda!!!!!

[2oldman]

Missouri?