Title: "Minnesota Land of 10,000 Lakes: An Explorer's Guide"

Author: Amy C. Rea

Pages: 317

Available: Online and booksellers

The title of this interesting reference book attracted me because I spent four years of my adult life in Apple Valley, Minn., and I was so impressed with the city government and the variety in every aspect of Minnesota life. Over the past 10 years, I have made at least an annual trip to the land of 10,000 lakes to visit my son and daughter-in-law in Maple Grove, Minn. They nearly always have something special planned in the way of food and fun. So in reading this encyclopedia, I recalled places I have visited in the past or I imagined new experiences in some interesting places that were listed.

Rea's book showcases the diversity characteristic in the entire state of Minnesota. Because of this variety, Minnesota is an excellent site for a vacation at any time of the year. Each season is definitely different and they influence outdoor life in Minnesota. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can experience cross-country skiing, fishing, snowmobiling and skating in winter. In summer they can participate in boating, fishing or baseball.

Those with no interest in sports may find entertainment in shopping (like at the Mall of America), eating out, attending museums and musical functions.

Minnesota is both rural and urban. Residents in the small towns take a lot of pride in their communities, and use their hard work and ingenuity to develop their resources. The cities have many options to experience culture daily, while the small towns may host special celebrations at certain times of the year.

Diverse activities throughout the state encourage people of similar and different ethnicity to experience the cultural activities inherent in that group. Many of these special celebrations are listed in the book, and an approximate time is given, a cost, a phone number, and often a Web site.

The author has divided Minnesota into eight geographic regions and then developed a chapter for each area. The regions are: Minneapolis, St. Paul, North Shore and the Arrowhead, Northern Lakes/Red River Valley, Central Lake District, St. Croix Valley, Mississippi River Bluff Country, and Southern Minnesota.

Each chapter is organized similarly so that a frequent user could easily find the information he/she is looking to find. First, there is short summary of the history of the region and its modern development. "Guidance" follows and it lists the chamber of commerce and visitors' bureau information such as phone numbers, addresses and a brief description of how they can help.

Another subtitle is "Getting There," and it lists highways, buses, trains and air traffic that access the region. That is followed by "Getting Around," if there is any special public transportation in the region.

Under the heading "When to Come," there are suggestions for when you might like to visit the region. Hospitals are listed as a service to the traveler. Addresses, phone numbers and Web addresses are available for most entries.

Under the heading "To See," there are many different types of items: museums, art centers, historic homes, interpretive centers, unusual attractions, parks, etc. Another section is entitled "To Do," and it lists places you can visit such as wineries, snowmobile areas and golf courses, white water rafting opportunities, etc.

There are sections for "Lodging," "Where to Eat," "Selective Shopping," "Entertainment" and Special Events." These sections would be usable to the potential visitor because they list an approximate cost, use icons to inform us about handicapped accessibility, bars on premises, if they are child-friendly, or pet-friendly. Personally, I would find the phone numbers or Web sites useful because I could call ahead to see if they have gluten-free items available.

Often there is an interesting little tidbit about a particular place or event. In one description, Rea advises a tourist to ask the docents about a murder that occurred in that famous house. Or, she may advise you to get there early for an event because of little parking available.

Who would like this book? People who live in Minnesota may find this book attractive just to plan a day trip. People contemplating a trip to Minnesota may use the entries as guidelines for destinations. If you are already planning a visit to Minnesota, this book may help you plan where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. It is quite user-friendly with a good table of contents and an excellent index. This encyclopedia may provide an option for a gift as well.

(Rita Greff grew up the oldest of eight children in a family that valued reading, particularly fiction. She taught fifth and sixth grades for 34 years.)