Northwestern’s location can’t be beat! Sure, we are on a large body of water near a major city, but there is so much more to it! What Northwestern has is the proximity to so many great destinations all over the Midwest. From the Indiana Dunes to Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan, there is plenty to see no matter where you go. During my four years at NU, I have been lucky to explore a good chunk of the neighboring states, but some of my highlights include the Minnesota State Fair and spending 4th of July weekend at a lake house in Michigan.
Last August, I decided to visit my friend, Lauren, who lives in Minnesota, and she suggested that we invite along a few more friends and all go to the Minnesota State Fair. I had spent the past 3 years hearing all about the wonders of this state fair, so I knew that I wanted to finally see for myself what all the hoopla is about. So my friends and I all piled into my car and took a road trip to her home. Eight hours later, we made it to the State Fair and began our exploration. During the next few hours, I tried every food imaginable on a stick, saw a sheep show (think of a dog show and replace the dogs with sheep), and enjoyed a live music concert. According to Lauren, I had experienced nearly everything, missing only the Miracle of Birth exhibit. We spent the next few days relaxing at her home, playing card games and baking fruit pies. It was a lovely trip that I am hoping to recreate this year.
Last 4th of July weekend, my friend Meghan invited a group of us to her family’s lake house. I am notoriously horrible at directions, so although I was sitting in the front-seat the whole drive there, I was not particularly paying attention to where we were going. We arrived there in the evening and spent the whole weekend sun-bathing on her deck, tubing on the lake, and grilling burgers. On the way home we stopped to pick up some fresh blueberries from a local farm stand. I had an amazing weekend enjoying nature with my friends, and I cannot wait for my next Midwest adventure!
–Lena Gryaznova