If you're headed north on Interstate 35 from Minneapolis - Saint Paul toward Duluth and plan to cross over into Wisconsin, here are alternate routes you may want to try over the congested Fourth of July weekend. [NOTE: I drive back and forth to and from Madeline Island from the Twin Cities quite a bit, and scenic routes like these can really make the trip more serene and fun!] Instead of taking the Bong Bridge (Interstate Highway 2) into Wisconsin, take the Minnesota 210 exit near Black Bear Casino and head east through Carlton, Minnesota.  This route takes you past the Thomson Hydroelectric Dam site and the Willard Munger Trail, through beautiful Jay Cooke State Park. The winding road through Jay Cooke State Park will take you past some of the most delightful unspoiled wilderness views... 05/31/2008