Packing for your Minnesota Vacation

The kids, the dogs, the spouse, the tent, the snacks, and there is always something that you forget no matter how many lists you make. For me a list for packing is a MUST have; I always say “If it isn’t written down it doesn’t happen.” So here is my list of must-haves for your Minnesota vacation.
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Safety and protection: Next on my list of what to pack when going on vacation in Minnesota is protection. We all know that sunscreen, bug spray, and life jackets are a necessity for any time spent in Minnesota. I always bring along a variety of sunscreen (face, spray, lotion, and tattoo stick) to shield all of my body. Don’t forget to bring a hat to protect your head and/or face. As for bug spray, we know that the unofficial state bird of Minnesota is the mosquito; having a few cans for around the fire or on the boat is mandatory. Lastly life jackets and other water safety equipment is what keeps us safe. While at Riverside Resort however, they have a plethora of life jackets that are complimentary for the guests to use during their stay! Make sure to take the time to look up the regulations  on each of the water crafts you will be on to ensure you are up to date on current standards.

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• Life jackets
• Sun screen: face, spray, lotion and tattoo stick
• Bug spray: spray or lotion for your body and yard spray for around the cabin or campfire
• First aid kit
• Flash lights

Food. We all know that on vacation the food is the most important part. My family always mentions that we are just going from meal to meal and having some fun in between. If you are traveling with more than one family or don’t want to do all of the cooking yourself, assigning meals is a great way to guarantee that everyone is eating food that they like. At the very least don’t forget the S’mores. Click for 5 Campfire Recipes.     Click for Meal Planning While on Vacation.  So when you are planning what to pack while on vacation don’t forget:

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• Food for the items on your menu.
• Additionally, there are many items that Minnesota Vacationers often forget: Salt, pepper and other spices, cooking oil, tinfoil, reusable containers, fish breading, COFFEE, charcoal (have to cook the food!),

 Lake Gear: Lastly, on my list of must haves for a Minnesota vacation is lake gear. We all know a vacation in Minnesota is not complete without spending some time on the water. Make sure to pack those swimsuits, pails and shovels, kayak or paddle board (don’t forget the paddle), and fishing license. Again, here at Riverside Resort we have water crafts for our guests to use. Canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks are free for our guests. While they can also enjoy a day on the pontoon or row boat for a discounted price!! One thing that I think that most people forget is a change of clothes after spending time at the water's edge!

• Swimsuits
• Pails, shovels and other sand/beach gear and toys
• Beach chairs and umbrellas
• Kayak, paddle board, etc.
• Fishing license
• Fishing gear: rods and reels, nets, lures, fishing bait, pliers (for easy hook removal), towels (to dry your hands), fish basket or stringer, camera (to get a great photo of that great fish)

Submitted by: Holly Senger
Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow
Photo Credit: Riverside Resort