Trent Jonas

Trent Jonas is a lifelong Midwesterner and Minnesota-based writer with nearly two decades of freelance experience covering travel and the outdoors. He holds a B.A. in English Writing from the University of Minnesota, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from UT El Paso, and a Master Naturalist certificate — credentials that give his nature and travel writing genuine scientific grounding. He has personally visited 43 states, 23 countries, and 38 U.S. national parks, and covers the Upper Midwest for Only In Your State with the depth of someone who has spent a lifetime exploring it. Trent will almost always pull over for pie, a good view, or an interesting bird.

This Secluded Campground Near Pictured Rocks Is One of Michigan’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

Point-of-view shot from a red kayak gliding over smooth blue water toward a pine forest at Au Train Lake, Michigan.

This Walkable River City in Missouri Is a Must-Visit Gem

This stunning Missouri city is easy to explore on foot, with scenic views, local shops, and must-see attractions all within walking distance.

Aerial view of downtown Independence, Missouri, featuring the Historic Truman Courthouse and surrounding square.

This Walkable River City in Minnesota Is a Must-Visit Gem

This stunning Minnesota city is easy to explore on foot, with scenic views, local shops, and must-see attractions all within walking distance.

Golden sunset reflecting on the Zumbro River with the Rochester, Minnesota skyline and a riverside path.

One of the Best Food Halls in Minnesota, This Spot Is a Must-Visit

This must-visit food hall in Minnesota features top local vendors and incredible eats. Here’s why it stands out.

Exterior of Asia Mall in Eden Prairie, MN, featuring a traditional red decorative pagoda in the parking lot.

National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Iowa Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Iowa where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

Young trees with fresh spring buds grow in an open field at Volga River State Recreation Area, Iowa.

One of Minnesota’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Minnesota, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

A tall, quirky wooden carving of the legendary St. Urho standing against a forest backdrop in Finland, Minnesota.

The Paddling Trail in Michigan That’s Better Than Most Hikes

This scenic paddling trail in Michigan offers incredible views without tough climbs. Here’s why it’s better than a hike.

Wide aerial shot showing the sandbars and turquoise water of Torch Lake along Michigan's Chain of Lakes Water Trail.

Vacation Rentals

3 Epic Airbnbs in Minnesota With Pools, Hot Tubs, and Unreal Water Views

Discover standout Airbnbs in Minnesota with pools, hot tubs, and water views—here's what makes each one worth booking.

Patio seating on a private dock with views of the turquoise waters of Green Lake in Spicer, Minnesota.

The Most Unique Hike in Wisconsin Might Just Be This Dune Hike

This famous dune hike in Wisconsin features an unforgettable highlight. Here’s what to expect and why it’s worth the trek.

Rawley Point Lighthouse peeks over autumn foliage and tall dune grass at Point Beach State Forest.

You Can Explore This Coastal Michigan City Entirely on Foot—and It’s Stunning

Marquette is a place you can easily explore on foot with scenic views, local shops, and must-see attractions all within walking distance.

Hilly street view of downtown Marquette, Michigan, with flowering lamp posts and green trees on a summer day.

The Small-Town State Park in Hawaii Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Hawaii where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

Scenic overlook view of the black sand beach and towering green sea cliffs at Pololu Valley, Hawaii.

National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Minnesota Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Minnesota where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

A calm section of the Buffalo River flows past rocks and dense green forest on a summer day in Minnesota.

National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Missouri Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Missouri where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

A wooden hiking boardwalk curves through a flooded forest area in Pershing State Park, Missouri.

National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Wisconsin Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Wisconsin where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

Vibrant yellow autumn foliage on the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River at Kinnickinnic State Park, Wisconsin.

A Secluded Campground Near the Apostle Islands Is One of Wisconsin’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near the Apostle Islands is one of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

Sunset light hits the red sandstone arches and cliffs of Devils Island in the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin.

The Paddling Trail in Wisconsin That’s Better Than Most Hikes

This scenic paddling trail in Wisconsin offers incredible views without the tough climb. Here’s why it’s better than a hike.

A peaceful purple and orange sunset glows over the Namekagon River in northern Wisconsin.

The Paddling Trail in Minnesota That’s Better Than Most Hikes

This scenic water trail in Minnesota offers incredible views without the tough climb. Here’s why it’s better than a hike.

Scenic summer view of the Cannon River State Water Trail winding through a lush green forest in Minnesota

3 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Nebraska for a Spring Hike

Explore three picture-perfect nature trails in Nebraska for a spring hike, featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable outdoor escapes.

Small purple wildflowers blooming next to a hiking trail at the base of a cliff in Nebraska.

National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Michigan Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

Discover a peaceful small-town state park in Michigan that locals love for its quiet trails, scenic views, and hidden gem appeal.

Crystal clear water ripples over a rocky pebble beach along the coast of Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

National & State Parks

12 Must-Visit National Parks for U.S. History Buffs

Explore 12 national parks where American history meets stunning scenery. Perfect spring destinations for 2026 travel planning.

Ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings nestled in a rock alcove at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado.

Between Marquette and Ishpeming Is a Hidden Roadside Attraction in Michigan

Between Marquette and Ishpeming, Michigan, lies a hidden gem worth the stop, offering scenic views, local charm, and a unique experience you won’t expect.

Detailed view of swirled red jasper and silver hematite layers at Jasper Knob in Ishpeming, Michigan.

4 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Indiana for a Spring Hike

Explore four picture-perfect nature trails in Indiana for a spring hike, featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable outdoor escapes.

Tiered waterfall at Big Clifty Falls with pink redbud blossoms in Clifty Falls State Park, Indiana.

National & State Parks

Seeing This National Park After Dark Is Better Than Daytime

Seeing Ozark National Scenic Riverways after dark offers a magical experience with fewer crowds, stunning night skies, and a completely different perspective.

Silhouette of a man using a headlamp to view a starry night sky over water at Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Iowa

Discover a little-known waterfront town in Iowa with a charming main street, scenic views, and hidden gems worth exploring.

View of the Mississippi River from an overlook near Guttenberg, Iowa.

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Minnesota for a Spring Hike

Explore 6 picture-perfect nature trails in Minnesota for a spring hike, featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable outdoor escapes.

A narrow dirt hiking path winds through a forest floor covered in white spring wildflowers in Minnesota.

National & State Parks

4 Magical Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Itasca State Park

Discover four hidden spots in Itasca State Park you didn’t know existed, from secret overlooks to lesser-known trails and magical landscapes.

Scenic wooden boardwalk trail winding through a lush green wetlands area in Itasca State Park.

4 Hidden Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Wyalusing State Park

Discover four hidden spots in Wyalusing State Park you didn’t know existed, from secret overlooks to lesser-known trails and magical landscapes.

Golden sunset light filters through trees over the scenic river valley at Wyalusing State Park in the fall.

Seeing This Michigan National Park After Dark Is Better Than Daytime

Seeing Sleeping Bear Dunes after dark offers a magical experience with fewer crowds, stunning night skies, and a completely different perspective.

The Milky Way galaxy arcs over dark dune grass silhouettes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Ohio for a Spring Hike

Explore 6 picture-perfect nature trails in Ohio for a spring hike, featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable outdoor escapes.

Multi-tiered white water of Brandywine Falls in Ohio, showcasing spring runoff and rocky cliffs.

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Wisconsin

Discover a little-known waterfront town in Wisconsin with a charming main street, scenic views, and hidden gems worth exploring.

Aerial panorama of Prairie du Chien, WI, showing the Mississippi River valley and distant bluffs.

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Minnesota

Discover a little-known waterfront town in Minnesota with a charming main street, scenic views, and hidden gems worth exploring.

Sailboats docked at a marina in Lake City, Minnesota, with lake and hills in the background on a sunny day.

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Michigan for a Spring Hike

Explore six picture-perfect nature trails in Michigan for a spring hike, featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable outdoor escapes.

Vibrant purple wildflowers and dune grass on a sandy Michigan beach during spring.

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Ohio

Discover a little-known waterfront town in Ohio with a charming main street, scenic views, and hidden gems worth exploring.

Aerial view of historic downtown Marietta, Ohio, featuring Victorian-era brick buildings and tree-lined streets.

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Michigan

Discover a little-known waterfront town in Michigan with a charming main street, scenic views, and hidden gems worth exploring.

The Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba, Michigan, at sunset with a vibrant sunburst and purple clouds.

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Iowa for a Spring Hike

Explore 6 picture-perfect nature trails in Iowa for a spring hike, featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable outdoor escapes.

A narrow dirt path curves through a vibrant green forest in Iowa during a spring hike.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Burlington Bay in Minnesota Has Clear Waters That Rival the Caribbean

Explore the clear waters in Burlington Bay, Two Harbors, Minnesota, that rival the colors of the Caribbean. This underrated beach is perfect for kayaking and agate hunting.

Aerial view of Two Harbors Lighthouse and the rocky shoreline of Burlington Bay, Minnesota.

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Indiana

Uncover the unique utopian past of New Harmony, a stunning small historic town in Indiana. Hike the Wabash River trails and tour preserved pioneer cabins today.

Historic 19th-century colorful storefronts in the charming downtown of New Harmony, Indiana.

Celebrate National Noodle Month at Minnesota’s Top Noodle Spot

Celebrate National Noodle Month at Itton Ramen, home to the best noodles in Minnesota. You'll love their authentic ramen in Minnesota and rich tonkotsu broth.

The storefront of Itton Ramen Japanese Street Food in Minnesota showing brick walls and patio seating.

This Unexpected Attraction in Minnesota Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered

Uncover one of the best road trip stops in Minnesota at the Minnesota Discovery Center. Ride a vintage trolley and explore the Iron Range on your next getaway.

Travel Preparation & Advice

Tips and Tricks for International Travelers on Route 66

Plan the perfect Route 66 road trip for the 2026 Centennial. This guide for international travelers covers RV rentals, route planning, and the top iconic stops.

Historic neon signs and town markers at the Route 66 Experience roadside attraction in Springfield, Illinois.

One of Iowa’s Most Surprising Road Trip Stops Is Hiding in Plain Sight

Discover why a literary rest area along Interstate 80 is one of the best road trip stops in Iowa. Explore giant sculptures and celebrate the state's rich literary heritage today.

Modern Tiffin, Iowa rest area building featuring giant "IOWA" script art and a large quill pen sculpture out front.

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Kansas

Skip the tourist traps and visit Cottonwood Falls, a beautiful small historic town in Kansas. Explore the Flint Hills and pioneer history on your next trip.

Low angle view of the historic limestone Chase County Courthouse with a red roof under a blue sky in Cottonwood Falls, KS.

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in North Dakota

Discover Washburn, a charming small historic town in North Dakota. Explore Lewis and Clark history and the scenic Missouri River trails on your next road trip.

The red Washburn water tower stands tall above green trees and neighborhood homes under a bright blue sky in ND.

Vacation Rentals

8 Iowa Airbnbs Near Waterfall Trails You’ll Want To Explore

Maximize your weekend outside at one of these Airbnbs near waterfall trails in Iowa. These comfortable rentals ensure you spend more time hiking than driving.

Rushing water cascades down a series of green, mossy rocks and fallen logs at Dunning's Spring in Iowa.

Travel Preparation & Advice

11 TSA Rules That Most People Don’t Know (But Should)

Master the security line by learning 11 surprising TSA rules most travelers miss. Discover what you can actually bring in your carry-on to save time and stress.

A traveler places a white bin and a suitcase on a metal roller belt at an airport TSA security checkpoint.