I didn't realize how easy it would be for families to visit all four of the Great Plains vacation destinations that I've chosen until I went back and put two and two together. The trend was so obvious that an alternate title for this piece could be "I-29 Family Fishing Vacations" -- because it would seem that families from Grand Forks to Kansas City don't have to stray far from that particular interstate for their family fishing fun. Convenience is this year's theme: big-city convenience with a family feel.

In North Dakota, Grand Forks means the Red River of the North. One of the nation's most scenic rivers, the Red River boasts more than 50 species of fish, along with world-class catfishing. Yet Grand Forks and the Red River area also offer other attractions like rock-climbing, shopping, and a host of kid-friendly activities.

At the Northern Heights Rock Gym, participants can take advantage of a number of rock-climbing challenges sure to test the entire family. Columbia Mall in Grand Forks has shopping, while Splash Park features playgrounds and sprinklers for the kids.

On June 2, take a trip to the River Cities Speedway for a night at the races. Check out the Grand Cities Art Fest, June 10-11 in downtown Grand Forks, or just take in a family movie any day of the week at one of the area's theaters. Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art to view the latest exhibitions.

Or spend your entire time at the Red River State Recreation Area. With mountain biking, nature trails, and a host of boating and fishing activities, the park is regarded as one of the state's best family environments. Plus, it's set in an urban area that's within walking distance of shopping and dining.

With access to the Red River in this recreation area, anglers should focus on the smallmouth bass, pike, and catfish angling that the Red River of the North has to offer. Fish 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs and spinnerbaits for ambushing pike near calm-water sections adjacent to moving water. Catch smallmouths near rocky areas with crawfish-colored crankbaits, or find fish by floating crankbaits atop the water.

Featuring only light current, the river's a perfect spot, and now's the perfect time to work lures for multiple species. Cast past points near calm water and allow the lure to maneuver its way to the point, drift back into the current and then swim its way back to the point again. It's a great way to keep a lure in a fish's strike zone. The main thing at the Red River is to find the eddies and to fish the lines between those still patches and the continuously moving water.

Check out the state's fishing Web site at www.gf.nd.gov/fishing or www.ndtourism.comfor additional tourism information.