44. Detroit Lakes, MN

About an hour from Fargo, the number 44 spot is home to over 400 lakes within just 25 miles. This is a great location for fishers, swimmers, and water-lovers. There are also a few wildlife refuges and parks nearby, so hikers and campers will also enjoy a visit to the area.Also close by is the country's largest reservation. Wynona LaDuke (once Nader's running mate) lives there with her family and continues to do work for the community. My friend Justin worked with her through Americorps and lived with others doing the same on the reservation. Every night I spent there meant amazingly vivid and meaningful dreams. Whether these stemmed from the stimulating conversation we always had or from my renewed sense of spirituality in this place, I can not say for sure.If you decide to visit during winter, be sure to drive across a lake on your way out. On many of the lakes, small shack-cities sprout for ice-fishers. Whether or not you enjoy ice-fishing, it's nice to be able to say "I drove on a lake."