Thanks for all the helpful advice.
We'll take the interstate as suggested and hopefully pay a call to the museum depending on the weather & tiredness.
After looking at what's available in Bemedji (sp) we've decided to stay a couple of nights @ Detroit Lakes as it looks a better area to stay in without being too far from Itasca state park.
From there we're now planning on driving up to reach route 11 and, car hire & immigration restrictions permitting, driving along route 11 to International Falls & possibly doing a day trip over the border to Canada either as foot passengers or with the rental car.
Noticed route 11 goes on both sides of the border so i don't know what we'd be allowed to drive in Canada a US rental car.
Eithe route should be interesting?