Big Brutus

If Big Brutus has inspired you to find out more about the area’s history, follow up with outings to Miners Hall Museum (35 minutes’ drive) and the Dalton Defenders Museum (an hour). Heritage of a different kind is on display at Decades of Wheels (35 minutes), a nostalgic spot full of cars from yesteryear. The natural landscape around here is just as fine as the heritage, with strip pits full of bass and other game fish nearby. Mined Land Wildlife Areas (10 minutes) is the closest place for fishing – and it’s also a great place for wildlife walks or hunting among the grasslands, wetlands and forest habitats. For more spectacular natural sights, head north to Grand Falls or south to Prairie State Park (both 50 minutes). And if you’d like to sample some of the produce of the area, maybe stop in for a tasting at Keltoi Winery or Flustered Blonde Winery (both 35 minutes).