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Hiking, Lists, Midwest, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks, New

2023 Minnesota Hiking Trails Wish List

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Do you have a hiking bucket list this year?
Let me know what trails are on your list in the comments!

Do you have a hiking bucket list?

I love having goals, and my love of goals means there’s nothing more exciting than having a themed bucket list or two (…hundred). On a quest to complete at least 10 new trails this year, I’ve compiled a small but mighty list of my bucket list hikes for Minnesota. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or wanting to get into it, I recommend adding the following hikes need to your list, too! I’ll add photos of the hikes as we complete them!

Table of Contents

1. Oberg Mountain

Superior National Forest | Tofte, MN

2.3 miles | Loop Trail

Are you ready for a trail that offers both the most beautiful view of Lake Superior and one of the best fall views along the North Shore in Minnesota?  On the Oberg Mountain loop, you’ll get to experience both the astonishing views of Lake Superior and one of the most picturesque lakes in the state, Oberg Lake.  Visiting in the fall season gives you the most scenic fall color views in the Midwest.

One of the most popular trails in Minnesota, Oberg Mountain will not disappoint.  Generally considered an easy-to-moderate hike, this trail is friendly to both beginners and advanced hikers alike. 

Trailhead address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte, MN 55615

2. Crosby Lake Inner

Crosby Farm Regional Park | St. Paul, MN

2.5 miles | Loop Trail

Would you have guessed that Minnesota has slot canyons?  No need to go all the way to Moab if you don’t want to, there’s one right over in St. Paul! 

To access the slot canyon, you’ll start at Crosby Farm Regional Park.  The 2.5 mile Crosby Lake Inner Loop trail will lead you there. Plan for an hour or so, and feel free to bring the whole family (including your leashed four-legged friends)!  Note the trail is pretty uneven and not ADA accessible.

Be sure to bring your binoculars and get ready for some awesome birding along the way. 

Trailhead address: 2595 Crosby Farm Rd, St Paul, MN 55116

3. Kadunce River Wayside Trail

Grand Marais, MN

1.1 miles | Out and Back Trail

Minnesota also has gorges!  Follow alongside (or on the riverbed in the fall when the water level is low) the Kadunce River around 1.1 miles to a stunning waterfall in northeast Minnesota.  This may be a short hike, but the views and differential experience of hiking inside a gorge is rare in Minnesota and should be taken advantage of.

Seeing the varying foliage and vantage points within this hike (as there are two options: alongside and on the riverbed) will make this hike unforgettable. 

Trailhead address: Superior Hiking Trail Kadunce Riv Spur, Grand Marais, MN 55604

4. Lost Forty

Chippewa National Forest | Wirt, MN

1.9 miles | Loop Trail

This beautiful interpretive trail will take you amongst Minnesota’s oldest trees.  The Lost Forty is one of Minnesota’s best kept secrets.  It’s a Scientific and Natural Area protected by the Minnesota DNR.  The only reason this exists is because, during the logging era, a land surveyor accidentally missed adding these 40 acres to a logging planning map.  Thus, the state’s oldest (over 240 years), biggest (115″ circumference), and tallest (120′ high) trees reside in the special area within the Chippewa National Forest.

This area is so special, I can’t wait to go back in time on this hike. 

Trailhead address: 47.766335, -94.084050

5. Carver Rapids

Ney Nature Center | Henderson, MN

4.4 miles | Loop Trail

This 4.4 mile loop is a combination of pieces of all of the trails within Ney Nature Center, located in southern Minnesota.  Here you can see historic farm grounds, forests, hills, and varying terrain, a river, and peaceful gardens. 

I’m looking forward to this trail because we love history!  It will be awesome to read all of the interpretive boards and view the historical farm buildings along the way. 

Trailhead address: 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, MN 56044 

6. Sugar Loaf Bluff

Winona, MN

1.2 miles | Out and Back Trail

Located in the driftless region of southeastern Minnesota lies the town of Winona, home to towering Sugar Load Bluff.  Due to its steep hike, this trail is considered moderate difficulty.  The views from the bluff are spectacular and overlook both the city of Winona and surrounding picturesque valleys and hills. 

I’m excited about this trail because my family and I went on this for my mom’s birthday when we were kids, and it was one of my favorite memories growing up.

Trailhead address: 825 E Lake Blvd, Winona, MN 55987 

7. Silver Creek

Jay Cooke State Park | Carlton, MN

3.4 miles | Loop Trail

Jay Cooke State Park is arguably one of the most popular and beautiful state parks in the state of Minnesota.  Silver Creek is Jay Cooke State Park’s designated hiking club trail, and is certainly one of its most popular as it takes hikers over the most beautiful suspension bridge for unforgettable views of the St. Louis River. 

What draws me to this trail is its terrain diversity: from paved to over the suspension bridge, rocky near the river, and rolling hills. 

Trailhead address: 780 MN-210, Carlton, MN 55718 

8. Loon Island Trail

Lake Shetek State Park | Currie, MN

1.4 miles | Loop Trail

Lake Shetek State Park is located in southwest Minnesota.  The Loon Island Trail starts with a sand causeway and loops around an island within the state park.  This trail is considered easy due to its flat and consistent terrain. Be sure to bring swimming gear so you can hop in the beautiful lake after your hike! 

I love that this trail will take you through a diverse landscape: sandy beaches, wooded forests, and by cattailed wetlands.

Trailhead address: 44.108503, -95.697676 

9. Bass and Dry Lake Loop

Superior National Forest | Ely, MN

6.3 miles | Loop Trail

Located in the beautiful Superior National Forest in Ely, MN, is Bass Lake and Dry Lake.  This trail offers beautiful views of pristine Minnesota lakes and rocky landscapes.  This trail is considered to be moderate to strenuous, as there are many hills and rocky terrain, but note it’s worth the challenge to see the amazing views!  Along the way, you’ll run into five scenic lookouts and three opportunities for a designated restroom. 

What excites me about this trail is that you can take a dip in the water once you reach the waterfalls!  And, as someone who is just recently getting into backpacking, there are three non-reservable sites along the trail to camp at: one on Dry Lake and two on Bass Lake, all within 0.5 miles from each other. 

Trailhead address: 1548 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731 

10. Dakota Trails Loop

Whitewater State Park | Altura, MN

4.2 miles | Loop Trail

Whitewater State Park is located in the southeast corner of Minnesota.  Known for being a “bluffy” area of the state, hikes around here are some of the most scenic you’ll find in Minnesota.  Being in bluff country also means the trails are typically a little steeper and challenging too. 

What I’m most excited about with this trail is the diverse scenery to be experienced: overlooks, rivers, beautiful trees, limestone formations, and flora variety.

Trailhead address: 19041 MN-74, St Charles, MN 55972

2023 MN Hikes Bucket List

Download this bucket list here!

Bonus: Kawishiwi Falls

Superior National Forest | Winton, MN

1 mile | Loop Trail

Love waterfalls too?  You will LOVE the hike to Kawishiwi Falls in the Superior National Forest.  It’s a short but sweet 1 mile mellow hike to view this spectacular and massive waterfall.

Trailhead address: 444 Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731

Bonus: Superior Hiking Trail Sections

Northeast Minnesota

Thru-Hiking Trail

The Superior Hiking Trail is a scenic 300+ mile trail in northern Minnesota.  Hikers have the option to complete the SHT by way of thru-hiking, section hiking, or day hiking.  Hikes range anywhere from 4.8 to 11.8 miles, giving us a wide range of options to choose from. 

The exciting part about having any section or day hike of the Superior Hiking Trail on this list is that the possibilities are endless!  Oberg Loop, mentioned above, is part of the Superior Hiking Trail as well, but I’m really excited to continue researching and add another bit of the SHT to my list this year.  

Are you doing any part of the SHT this year?  Let me know where in the comments! 

Blogmas, Gift Ideas, Lists, New

Last Minute Budget Friendly Outdoorsy Gifts​ | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022

It’s still blogmas! This time I’d love to share some last minute budget friendly outdoorsy gifts! Since these can all be found on Amazon, there’s still time to receive them before Christmas!

I know I posted a gift guide already for this year, but IMO, you can never have enough gift ideas. So for this blogmas post, I’d love to share even more gift ideas, this time to encompass all of the outdoorsy folks! And they’re budget friendly!

Budget Friendly Outdoorsy Gifts

Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly gifts for those who love travel, recreation, adventures, and folks who love all things outdoors!

Yard Games

Okay we LOVE yard games – they are a true staple of a Minnesota summer, and something we look forward to as the warm weather season approaches. Here are some of our favorites! 

Here are also some yard games for kids!

Osprey Ultralite Stuff Pack

I have many, many bags and backpacks, and the Osprey Ultralite Stuff Pack is definitely one of my absolute all-time favorites!

It only weighs four ounces but has a whopping 18L of space for your stuff! And it packs down in its out pouch to about a 2″ x 2″ square.

We usually use it for activities where we’re shedding layers throughout the day, such as during day hikes, skiing/snowboarding, and snowshoeing, to name a few. 

Waterproof Playing Cards

Who doesn’t love a good card game around a campfire or around a picnic table? No matter where you are, it’s always best to keep a deck of playing cards on hand. And waterproof playing cards are some of the best and most durable you can buy. We have some that are permanent residents of our RV, and have come in handy countless times. 

Plus, they make great stocking stuffers! 

HotHands Body Warmers

If there was a single item this year that I learned to lean in on the most, it would be HotHands body warmers. They are lightweight, small, and packed with tons of heat to keep you warm for hours. 

I was really appreciative of this during Minnesota Gopher football games as well as fall and winter hiking outings. One of my favorite parts about having these is that they are disposable, so you can easily share with others or toss them after a day’s use and not have that extra weight (that is, only if you’re a place where you can throw them away – don’t forget to always Leave No Trace). 

Pop-Up Trash Can and Recycling Bin

Having a garbage and recycling can onsite while camping or being outside is so convenient, and easy when you have a pop-up bin! 

We have the mini size we use for tent and car camping and sitting around the fire, as well as the regular size for RVing and group campground gatherings. We even have it out when people are over and we’re outside!

Foam Body Roller

Foam rollers are so beneficial to have at home and on the road. They can be used after a long day’s drive on a road trip, after pushing yourself on a hike, or after a long day at the office. 

CamelBak Reservoir

Regardless of the outdoor activity taking place, having a water bladder is a game changer. We have the 2 liter size reservoirs and bring them everywhere: hiking, skiing/snowboarding, on road trips, bike rides, rock climbing, wherever! They come in different sizes, weights, and styles so you can get one for your needs. 

Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

S’mores! An outdoor staple. S’mores can be made at home around a bonfire or on the road around a campfire, and are one of the best outdoorsy foods in the world – prove me wrong! Marshmallow roasting sticks are sure to be a hit when received as a gift, whether it’s for a white elephant, dirty bingo, work secret Santa, as a regular gift, or as a stocking stuffer! 

Picnic Blanket

Enjoy eating outside? And last, but certainly not least, one of our favorite gifts that we received was a picnic blanket. This stays in my car, as well as in the RV for camping, any time either are on the move. 

Picnic blankets also don’t have to be used for eating on! We use ours to sit on the ground watching fireworks, in the boat to cover the seats, to eat on park picnic tables, and for lounging at the beach!

Need more gift ideas? Check out these below!

Blogmas, Lists, Midwest, Minnesota, New

Our Midwest Winter Wish List​ | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022 - Post No. 3

It’s December 3rd – Day 3 of blogmas! Today I’m sharing our Midwest Winter ’22-’23 Wish List – a list of some things Eric and I would love to do this winter season! Hopefully there will be something on the list that you’d like to do too (or to try if you haven’t already). If you have a list too, I’d love to see it!

I spent a majority of the day messing with optimization again, mostly focusing on images this time. I had a realization midway through that Facebook users get different views from their links that vary based on whether a person profile or a Page profile shared the link. For example, if a person profile (such as my personal Facebook account) shares a link, then the image is shown to the left of the link preview and is vertical. And if a Page profile (such as the VolkmanAdventures Page) shares a link, then the image is shown on top of the link preview and is a completely different size (and is horizontal). Eye. Roll. In my opinion. Why can’t they just both be the same? Due to this, I made the decision to update the featured images of the last five blog posts from vertical to horizontal, so now there should be some consistency and formality regardless of whether a person or a page shares any links. Yay! 

Winter 2022-2023 Wish List

Skiing at Big Powderhorn Mountain (Michigan)

We have the Indy Pass again this winter season and wow how they have grown this year! They’ve double their resorts within the Midwest region here, giving us Minnesotans even more opportunities to explore the snowy areas around us. And top of our wish list this year is Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Bessemer, MI.

Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and around a 4hr 45min drive from us here in the Twin Cities. Not too terrible of a drive as it goes through the beautiful northern part of Wisconsin, with plenty of parks and places to stop along the way. 

Eric and I have been to Big Powderhorn in the past, and it instantly had risen to the top of our “Favorite Places to Ski and Snowboard” lists. (Oh! I don’t have a post on that yet!) Therefore, we can’t wait to get back there – which will hopefully be this season. 

Check out their page, here!

*Update: Since this post went live, we now have plans to go! 🙂

Snowshoeing at Afton State Park (Minnesota)

Snowshoeing is something we haven’t done all that often as of yet, but is something we’re growing fond of! Once of the best Minnesota State Parks south of Duluth to visit in the winter season is Afton State Park in Hastings, MN.

We have been to Afton State Park once many years ago, and it was during the winter season. We didn’t have snowshoes at the time and definitely wished we did! This park offers multiple trail options, and over 10 miles of those trails can be used my snowshoers as well. Plus, you can snowshoe off trail in this park to add even more miles to your trek, which is pretty cool!

See the Willow River Cascades Frozen at Willow River State Park (Wisconsin)

Frozen waterfalls are so so SO beautiful! Eric and I stopped at a frozen waterfall last January – at Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, MN and instantly loved them. We were lucky enough to be driving in the northern Wisconsin area a few months later and was able to see another frozen waterfall again, this time at Amnicon Falls State Park in South Range, WI.

So we want to see even more! 

There’s a park just across the border in Wisconsin that has been on our bucket list for a while, and it happens to also have an amazing and large cascading waterfall. I can’t even imagine how amazing these falls are in the winter. 

The park is called Willow River State Park and it’s in Hudson, WI. Willow River SP is a popular park with miles and miles of scenic trails and a gorgeous river that carved through sandstone to create Willow River and Little Falls Lake. 

Go Skiing Somewhere We've Never Been

We LOVE skiing and snowboarding. It’s been a big part of our history since we’ve been together, and we try to get out as much as we can each season.

And though we have been to many of the slopes around us here in Minnesota, there are so many more that we can’t wait to try out! 

If you’re looking for new places to ski or snowboard this season, here are a few places in the Midwest that caught our attention: 

Snowshoe Once per Week

As mentioned earlier, we’re relatively new to snowshoeing, having only done it a handful of times over the past few years. We’ve learned that it’s a hidden gem of an activity that provides quite a workout each time.

And best of all, snowshoeing can be done anywhere! As long as you have snow, the world is your oyster. You don’t even need a designated trail. In fact, you can even help with other trails, like fat tire bike trails, by going out on the trail first to start packing the snow after a fresh snowfall.

Because it’s such a good workout and so easy to do in your own backyard (or anywhere with snow), I couldn’t not add this to my winter wish list. 

Winter Hike the Superior Hiking Trail (Minnesota)

Winter hiking is a new love of ours. We’ve found that hiking in chilly (not freezing haha) weather is much more refreshing, comfortable, and energizing than hiking on a hot summer day. So we’re thrilled that winter weather hiking season is now here! Another big goal of ours is to hike the Superior Hiking Trail, so why not do both at once? 

The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is an incredibly scenic route that spans 310 miles, with one end at Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton, MN, and the other end at the Canadian border where it connects with the 4,800 mile North Country Trail. 

I’d love to hike the SHT in its entirety (over time), and hiking it in the winter sounds like the best, not to mention the least buggy, time to do it. 

Our Midwest Winter Wish List
Blogmas, Lists, Minnesota, New

5 Fun Family Activities for this Holiday Season | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022 - No. 2

It’s December 2nd, and therefore blogmas Day 2! Today’s post is about fun family activities for this holiday season.

I spent most of my after-work hours attempting to optimize this website’s performance, which I hope is making your site experience much better! There was an annoying JavaScript issue that slowed my site speed down by like 500% and it was gross. And took forever to figure out. 

Anyways, on to blogmas installment No. 2! Technically a day late due to not getting home until 10pm from running errands, then falling asleep with only one paragraph left to write, but better late than never! Not off to a great blogmas start haha! I’ll get the timing right for tomorrow 🙂

5 Fun Family Activities for this Holiday Season

1. Write and Send Santa a Letter

One of the most fun childhood memories I have from growing up is writing a letter to Santa and sending it to him up in the North Pole. There was just something so fun about writing a letter telling Santa how good we were throughout the year and our wishes for the next year. AND he even wrote back! How cool was that?

He’s still at it even all these years later, too. And here are the steps! Along with his address: 

North Pole Postmark
Postmaster
4141 Postmark Dr
Anchorage, AK 99530-9998

2. Christmas/Holiday Market

Christmas and Holiday Markets are so beautifully decorated, and provide many options for entertainment for families looking to get into the holiday spirit. With delicious treats, drinks, and activities, there’s a little something at each market for everyone! And, as a bonus, you can also get some holiday shopping done simultaneously haha! Here are some ideas for markets to visit around Minnesota: 

Don’t forget to check your local events to find one in your town, too!

3. Bonfire with S'Mores and Apple Cider

Ahh, the smell of burning firewood. A cozy reminder of the fall and winter months, and truly one of the best seasonal activities for families. Bonfires are warm and provide a great opportunity for campfire drinks, like hot apple cider and hot chocolate! 

The only thing that’s missing from the warmth of the fire and beverages, is a nice campfire snack, like s’mores! Between picking out the ingredients, heating up the marshmallows (not to mention the laughter that comes from accidentally catching them on fire), and putting together the s’more itself, these sticky snacks are a fun experience for all ages!

Bonfires and s’mores can both be made at home, or you can find a bonfire event in your local community!

4. Visit Santa and his Reindeer

Once Santa sends a letter back, how exciting would it be to see him in person? There are lots of fun opportunities to visit Santa around town throughout December, and many of those events have reindeer too!

Oftentimes Santa’s helpers are there to help with taking photos and are there to teach others about the lives of the reindeer up at the North Pole (including what they and the other helpers do in the off-season). These are fun and educational for everyone!

5. Drive / Walk through a Holiday Light Show

Holiday light shows are such a fun experience for the whole family! With multiple light show events throughout Minnesota, there are endless options for entertainment. Here are a few places to check out: 

Best of all, if you walk or drive around your city’s neighborhoods there are fun free light shows put on by the community! Our favorite free light show is put on by a couple of houses in a neighborhood down the street from our old house. 

Looking for more winter ideas? Check these two posts out:

Fun Family Friendly Ideas
Blogmas, Gift Ideas, Lists, New

5 Simple Items to Keep You Warm While Outside this Winter​ | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022 - Post No. 1

Welcome to December 1st!

And that means it’s Day 1 of Blogmas, which I’m participating in for the first time ever! Blogmas is an annual challenge that creators do from December 1st until Christmas. It’s mostly just for funsies, and to push ourselves. You’ll see bloggers do blogmas and vloggers participate in Vlogmas, or sometimes each will do both! I wanted to do this in years past but I couldn’t fully commit due to roadblocks, but this year – nothing is standing in my way! Except for myself, so hopefully I overcome this anxiety of not knowing what to talk about each day. 

I mean, I know what to write about, I have what feels like an endless supply of ideas, but more so ensuring I carve out the time to get them written, formatted, optimized, and set up correctly each day. 

I’m a little rusty, so bear with me! With that, I wanted to have goals around why I’m doing this – why I’m going to spend a couple hours writing, optimizing, formatting, and creating a blog post each day for blogmas. And those goals are: 

  1. To get into a writing habit, 
  2. To find my voice, 
  3. To challenge my way of thinking, 
  4. To become a more efficient and overall better writer, and 
  5. To find new ways to serve you, my readers!
Now that my goals for blogmas 2022 have been established, let’s get started. And maybe bear with me on this first one as it’s definitely on the extra rusty side!

5 Simple Items to Keep You Warm While Outside this Winter

1. Down Filled, Fleece-Lined Hat

You know how nice a puffy coat is in the winter, but have you tried a puffy hat? I just learned about them recently while on a trip and my mind was blown. 

This down hat is sure to keep you warm while outside this winter, even on the coldest of days! Not only that, but a down hat equals lightweight and packable, so you’ll be able to easily stuff it into your pocket or a bag should you happen to get (dare I say it) too hot. 

2. Fleece-Lined Leggings

I recently went backpacking for the first time, and the temperatures were in the lower 20’s after the sun went down (that’s the desert for you!). 

Not to be dramatic, but, without these fleece-lined leggings, I likely would have frozen to death. Just kidding, that was really dramatic, but I run cold so I would have had a significantly worse time without these leggings!

3. Wool Insoles for your Boots

Wool is one of the best natural materials to stay warm on the cold winter days. Wool inserts are a total game changer when it comes to combating cold feet! Plus, they’re comfy!

4. Puffer Blanket

Puffer blankets can be used pretty much anywhere, and they’re super lightweight and packable!

You can pick one up in fun bright colors and patterns, or as a solid color to be more discreet. 

I also have the Rumpl blankets on my 15 Life-Changing Gifts for Adventurers gift guide, but I just had to bring it back for this post too, because they are just so great!

5. Rechargeable Heated Socks

And finally, I can’t think of a better way to keep you warm in the chilly weather this winter than to have rechargeable heated socks. Honestly, my least favorite part about the winter is when my feet are cold. I love being outside, but if my feet are cold, I give up. I can name dozens of events where I’ve been having a great time other than my feet making me feel miserable!

These puppies are on the Christmas lists of both my husband and my brother in law this year, and have already sold out once since being added to those lists, so it’s safe to assume they are in high demand!

Eric and I could have used these when we were dealing with the -2*F wind chill during the Minnesota Gopher football game a couple of weeks ago haha!

5 Simple Items to Keep You Warm Outside this Winter
Gift Ideas, Lists, New, Tips and Tricks

15 Life-Changing Gifts for Adventurers

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Got an adventurer in your life who you’re looking to buy a gift for? Or maybe you’re an adventurer and someone has asked what they can buy you this upcoming holiday season?

Check out these 15 gifts ideas I personally love and would even consider to be “life-changing!”

Most of the gift items below are super versatile, meaning they are multi-use, making them so perfect for those wishing to get the best bang for their buck. And best of all, nearly all of the below items are under $50 (and can be found on Amazon)!

And if I’m missing an item that you think should be added, let me know in the comments at the end of this post! I absolutely love learning about new adventure related products, especially if they can be used as gift ideas! 

Click on each title below for more information and photos of each item.

One quick thing to note before reading: This post contains no affiliate links, contains our own thoughts and opinions, and contains links and photos that are not our own (but are used from the items’ websites to ensure the most accurate depiction).
Similarly, I do not own the rights to the below photos: they are property of the retailors. 

The 15 Life-Changing Gifts for Adventurers:

Puffy camp quilts and blankets are only for those wishing to be the absolute coziest in the outdoor elements. Is that you or the person you’re shopping for? Then you’re in the right spot! 

Puffy camp quilts and blankets are a favorite to those in the outdoor communities due to their warmth and versatility. You can cuddle up around a campfire, use them as a sleeping bag replacement, wrap them around you on a hike or chilly snack break, use them as a windbreaker, and so many other things. 

Rumpl is one of the current most popular brands due to their partnerships with big brands like Carhartt, NASA, and the National Parks, and can cost above $75, but there are other reputable brands out there as well for a cheaper purchase. 

I just tried these for the first time in fall 2022 while backpacking in Utah. It snowed during this trip! But these booties were a true game changer in keeping my toesies warm on the nights it it dropped to below freezing. I’ve since added them to my personal wish list to now add them into our gear library as the ones I used previously were borrowed. 

Grab some on Amazon here!

Down sleeping booties

Another life-changing yet incredibly simple must-have product is the foam sitting pad. That’s right, who knew a simple piece of foldable foam would be this necessary? The uses for this thing are endless: 

  • Sitting on cold (or damp) ground
  • Extra cushion on your camp chair
  • Extra padding for sleeping 
  • Small but mighty rain barrier 
  • Clean surface for eating 

And best of all, they’re inexpensive and, for those tracking the weight of their gear, are incredibly lightweight at only 54g. 

Purchase one here! 

foam sitting pad

National Parks and State Parks passports add a fun challenge and exciting element to visiting the Parks! There’s just something really exciting about going to the visitor center and getting your passport stamped. 

Since we live in Minnesota, we have a Minnesota State Parks passport that gets stamped each time we visit a new park. If you visit a certain amount of Minnesota State Parks, you receive a reward too, which adds another layer of fun. If you don’t live in Minnesota, check your state to see if they offer something similar, too!

And since we have a goal to visit all of the National Parks in our lifetime, getting stamps in our National Parks Passport is also really exciting. Each park has a different stamp design, and often they have multiple stamp options. 

national parks passport

I can’t even begin to count the amount of times it’s been helpful to have my reusable silverware on hand. 

And reusable silverware isn’t just for the outdoorsy types. If you’re interested in additional ways to better the planet, using reusable silverware in unconventional places is one of the best! I’ve been bringing my reusable silverware to work since 2017, and can’t count how many times it’s been nice to use that over disposable silverware. 

There are a few different types of reusable silverware you can carry along with you both out on adventures and in “other” settings: 

While immersed in nature (lightweight, packable, easy to clean):

At work or on the go in the city (lots of options, easy to clean):

In my opinion, Buffs have been a game-changer in both the hot and the cold weather. In the sun, desert, or beach? Use it to protect your neck and face from the sun, wind, and sand. In the snow? Use it to protect from the cold and brutally chilly wind. In the summer and fall elements? Use it to protect against mosquitoes or as a way to wipe your face throughout the day. I have three, and Eric has two. We rotate them each day we’re out and about doing things as a way to keep our faces clean and necks not sunburnt! 

Here are a few activities we’ve used ours for: 

  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing
  • 4-Wheeling
  • Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Backpacking
  • Sleeping (to cover cold noses and block out light over the eyes)
  • As a headband
  • Desert sledding and dune-buggying (keeps sand out of mouth and off face)

Find the perfect pattern here! 

It may seem weird to have clothing in a gift guide, but just hear me out. Have I recently found my absolute favorite hiking, rock climbing, base layer-acting, all-around amazing leggings? Yes I have. My only regret is that I didn’t buy them sooner. This isn’t even a sponsored post and I’m ecstatic to tell you about these. 

I even recently wore them on a multi-day backpacking trip through brush and the backcountry and they didn’t tear, rip, become uncomfortable, smell, or chafe! They’re so breathable, comfortable, and stretchy that I’m going to go buy another pair because they’re currently on sale. Best of all, they have two great pockets and look great on all body types, too!

Grab a pair (or two) here! 

Okay so this is the only gender-specific gift suggestion I have. But there is sort of a men’s version available too, you can view here.

Okay just one more article of clothing, I promise! Both Eric and I have sun shirts/sun hoodies and absolutely love them, making them a great gift for any type of adventurer. Due to their moisture-wicking abilities, sun shirts and hoodies are perfect for year round recreation. They keep you cool yet protected by the sun and elements in the summer, act as a comfortable mid-layer for the spring/fall season’s activities, and are a great base layer for cold weather uses. 

Here are our favorites: 

Here are a few activities we’ve used ours for:
  • Paddleboarding
  • Cycling
  • Mountain Biking
  • Boating
  • Jet Skiing 
  • Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Hiking in the desert 
  • Hiking in the snow 
  • Fishing / Ice Fishing
  • Sitting at the beach / pool

If your adventurer loves parks, then a US or Canada National Parks or local State (or Provincial) Parks annual pass will be an amazing gift for them! 

One thing to note is that not all state parks in the US require an entry fee, so you may not have the option to purchase a pass in your state (i.e. Missouri doesn’t have a park pass option because they don’t charge an entry fee, but Minnesota does have this option).

Similarly, also consider whether or not that person is a traveler as not every state or province has a National Park nearby. If you’re not sure, a gift card may be a better option, this way they can either buy a pass or purchase park-related items online instead. 

Click here to check out the US National Parks Pass options! Or click here to check out the Canada National Parks Pass options! 

This inflatable solar lamp is so lightweight and compact, it’s a wonderful gift that can be used in so many places! We have multiple, so we keep a few on hand in our camp and backpacking gear library, in our RV, and in our garage for random nighttime hikes/boat rides, or in case of severe weather. 

Click here to purchase! 

Anyone else get a little iffy when it comes to walking on ice, or is that just me? If you’re in a cold weather climate that’s susceptible to ice, this one may be especially helpful! 

If you’re gifting to someone in a warm climate area that doesn’t get ice (or they don’t travel to icy places frequently), then you may want to skip this suggestion.

But micro spikes have been such an asset to surviving the slippery winters here in Minnesota, especially when we get so many freeze-thaw into puddle-refreeze weather cycles throughout the winter months. These are especially handy when ice fishing and winter hiking. 

 

When you’re out in nature away from electricity or a charging area, it’s nice to have a lightweight wireless charger on hand. We are able to get multiple charges with each of the below power banks, and would recommend them to anyone in the market. Whether you’re charging your phone, camera, flashlight, headlamp, or GoPro, our two favorites have you covered: 

1. The Charmast Portable Charger (weighs 0.5 lbs) 

2. The Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank (solar charges!!) (weighs 1.34 lbs, however)

wireless charger

Quick drying items are the best when it comes to outdoor activities. Not only does it save time, but being quick drying means the item has multiple uses: wipe down your face, your body, your dishes, your vehicle, your bike, your boat seats, nearly anything and it’s dry to use again – fast! Also, quick drying towels keep away germs that would otherwise grow on slower drying towels. Plus they’re always so soft.

One quick drying towel that’s stood out the most is the REI Co-Op Multi Towel Mini. It seems like it dries nearly instantly and only weighs 0.6 ounces. This little guy also packs down into its own bag so it can be stored separately and is easily portable while camping, backpacking, canoeing, boating, or in any other activity.

Similar to the above suggested quick dry gift, a large beach towel that’s quick drying and light is perfect for a day at the beach, or a picnic, or the pool, or on the boat. This one is also wonderful because 1) sand can easily be swept off without sticking and making a mess, and 2) it has its own stuff sack, making it small and compact for transport. 

Check out the Nomadix Ultralight Towel here!

Reusable snack baggies are just as important as reusable silverware, and equally as useful! You really can’t go wrong with reusable snack baggies, but there are multiple options to choose from. 

Some, like the Stasher bags, are silicone, making them slightly heavier than other types (if weight matters to your adventurer), but are uber durable and waterproof. I love their varying colors and sizes, and some even come with a carabiner so they can be clipped to a backpack!

Others, like the Jagrom bags, are incredibly lightweight, durable, and leak proof as well. 

It’s also nice to have another type of reusable baggie that could be used for snacks, meals, or even to pack out garbage, would be the Sea to Summit Trash Dry Sack. 

Did I forget a life-changing gift?
Want to add a life-changing gift?

Let me know in the comments below!

Or, looking for more gift ideas? Check out my previous gift guide, here!

2022 life-changing gift guide text
How to, Lists, New, Tips and Tricks

Carry On Travel: 5 Great Packing Tips

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Does ditching a checked bag and using only a carry on make you nervous?

The idea of using only a carry on definitely made me nervous! That is, until one day I went for it and made the switch. And now I’ll never go back to a checked bag unless I’m packing for an extra-long trip.

It may seem like a daunting task, but you’ve got this!  If I, a chronic over packer, can do it, you can too!  You’ll be surprised at how easy it will be once you do it once or twice.

Here are my five best tips for traveling with only a carry on:

1Clothes take up the most space in a backpack or suitcase (which makes sense considering that’s what we’re changing the most).  Lay out everything you think you’ll need, then remove 40% of it.  This may seem like a large percentage, because it is, but it’s good to note that it isn’t 50%.  As an over packer, eliminating 40% of the clothing items I’d otherwise prefer to pack allows me to zero-in on what I really need to pack.  Differentiating between the want and the need is key!

2 Simplify what you’ll need by taking a moment to really think about what you use on a daily basis.  No need to bring that third extra pair of underwear on the chance you might poop them twice in one day for some reason (I always overpack when I needlessly plan for the theoretical emergencies or “just in case” moments that are 99% never going to happen – don’t do that).

3 If you dress in layers, keep in mind that you can wear the same layers for multiple days.  I usually wear a tank top under different tops or sweaters, so picking a neutral colored first layer (like a black tank top) allows me to wear that same layer multiple times throughout the trip.  Wearing the same clothing more than once also applies to other clothing too, such as sweaters, bras, shorts, and pants.  Plus, it’s amazing what types of outfits you can come up with when there are only a few option combinations available! 

4 If you’re bringing more than one pair of shoes, wear your clunkiest shoes (and articles of clothing) on the airplane.  Shoes take up so much space!  Wearing your clunkiest shoes on the airplane allows for more space in your bag.  If you’re bringing another pair of shoes and will also have them in your carry on, consider using them as storage, for example, stuff socks or more delicate items (like watches or jewelry) into the shoes.  Similarly, wearing your clunkiest articles of clothing on the plane will also save space in your bag!  I usually wear my thick zip up fleece, which doubles as warmth (because airplanes are always cold) AND doesn’t take up any unnecessary room.

5 Consider different methods of packing.  Using different packing methods will help you best utilize every nook and cranny in the bag and maximize your packing potential.  For example: 

  • Roll clothing to condense the use of space (especially for pants and long-sleeved tops)
  • Lay clothing flat to fill in gaps (instead of rolling or folding)
  • Put items inside other items (such as socks and undies into shoes),
  • Or a combination of the above

Challenge: If you’re still nervous about carry on only packing, try packing a carry on (don’t forget that free personal item!) well before your trip and try “living” out of that for the duration of your trip first!

If you’re stuck and need help with figuring out what to eliminate or how to pack, feel free to reach out in a comment below and I can help you!

Travel On, the Volkmans
carry on travel tips

Need more packing ideas? Check these out: 

Lists, MicroAdventures, Minnesota

Minnesota Spring Bucket List

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Fresh air and physical movement are so incredibly important for our wellbeing. Spring is a beautiful time of year here in the midwest where the snow is melting, the birds are flying back, and flowers and trees are coming back to life. 

Spring can also be a weird time where the ground is mushy and it’s raining a lot, making it a difficult season to think of things to do! And I would love to offer some spring activities for you to try. Keep this list close if you’re still deciding how to spend your spring days – there’s a free download at the end of the post!

Hop outside with these spring activities!

  • PLANT A TREE
  • GO ON A NATURE WALK OR HIKE
  • HAVE A PICNIC
  • ATTEND AN OUTDOOR CONCERT
  • SPLASH IN THE RAIN
  • PLANT A VEGETABLE GARDEN
  • GO ON A BIKE RIDE
  • FEED THE DUCKS (PROPERLY)
  • DRAW WITH SIDEWALK CHALK
  • ATTEND A FARMERS MARKET
  • PUT UP A HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER
  • CLEAN UP A LOCAL PARK
  • GO GEOCACHING
  • GO FISHING
  • VISIT A WATERFALL
  • PLAY A YARD GAME
  • EXPLORE A NEW PARK
  • PLANT A FLOWER GARDEN
  • GO DISC GOLFING
  • FLY A KITE
  • GO TO AN ART FESTIVAL
  • VISIT A MAPLE SYRUP FARM

What are your favorite spring outdoor activities? Let me know in the comments!

Click here for free download!

MN Spring Checklist
Lists, MicroAdventures, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks, New

These 6 Parks have the Best Winter Activities around Alexandria

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Disclosure: Though Explore Alex graciously comped our weekend, the following thoughts and opinions are our own and are not in any way influenced by these factors.

Welcome to Alexandria and Douglas County in Minnesota!

Located north east of the Twin Cities by about two hours is this beautiful micropolitan. Nestled within 300+ lakes, more than 500 miles of recreational trails, and over 25 parks (two of which are State Parks), there are endless recreational opportunities for all types of explorers!

Here are a few ways you can enjoy winter at six of their local parks:

Table of Contents

Andes Tower Hills

Andes Tower Hills started in 1980, and has been an amazing addition to the community, hosting over a million skiers over time, ever since. Their mission statement includes “To offer a family friendly relationship building environment that creates positive long-lasting memories,” and you can feel that as soon as you walk in the door. If you can, try to speak with Tom “Hollywood” Anderson for a few moments – his father and uncle started Andes Tower Hills in 1980 – he was such a joy to speak with, and taught us so much about the facility and surrounding area.

With 15 downhill runs, there are options for all abilities! There are also four chairlifts equally spread throughout the hill, so we never felt like we had to wait to go up. Our favorite runs were Big Ben, Serendipity, Hawaiian Cruise, and the Big Dipper.

Throughout the week, the facility hosts hundreds of school groups and other groups seeking to learn how to downhill ski or snowboard, too. Likewise, they receive a lot of visitors from North and South Dakota due to its central location and proximity to those states. Due to their ever-increasing popularity, the chalet has recently doubled in size, allowing for even more visitors to rent, locker, eat, shop, and warm up inside.

If you prefer something else, Andes Tower Hills also offers snow tubing (and Neon Nights Tubing), snowshoeing, and nearly 10 miles of cross-country trails!

Man & Woman at Ski Lift
Skis on Ski Lift
Eric at Top of Hill
View of Ski Runs
Rental Skis
View from the Top

Big Ole Central Park

When you come to Alexandria, you have to visit Big Ole, an iconic 28-foot tall Viking statue on the south shore of Lake Agnes. According to the plaque that stands beside him, Big Ole was originally “created to accompany the Kensington Rune Stone to the New York World’s Fair in 1965.”

Big Ole Central Park is in the heart of the city, and a beautiful place to start your visit! In the snowy months, take the opportunity to snowshoe around the park, or stop by while snowmobiling on the Central Lakes Trail which goes through the park. In the summer, visit the Alexandria Farmers Market, have a picnic with lake views, or play a game in the green space.

Winter in Alexandria
View down Central Park
Trail Map
View of Lake Agnes from Park

Glacial Lakes State Park

Though we didn’t visit Glacial Lakes State Park on this trip, we did stay here back in 2017. I wanted to ensure this park was included on the list because we would recommend it! Learn more about our previous visit here.

We enjoyed this smaller Minnesota State Park, especially for its ease of access and navigation. The trails were a great mix of level and steep, depending on which way you went (unfortunately a trail map wasn’t available at the time at the ranger station or online, so I do not know the names), and always had great views and areas to explore.

There are also signs around the park to give you its history, so our plan when we return to this park is to check out all of the glacier-formed kettle lakes and continue to learn about the history of this area.

Winter activities include hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

Glacial Lakes Sign
Glacial Lakes Boots On Firepit
Glacial Lakes SP Canoes
Glacial Lakes SP View From Top Of Hill
Glacial Lakes SP Mardys Trail
Glacial Lakes SP Cabin
Glacial Lakes SP Signalness Lake

Kensington Rune Stone Park

Welcome to Kensington Runestone Park, one of Minnesota’s greatest hidden gems. This 300+ acre farmland-turned-county park provides endless opportunities for recreation all year long!

Here in the snowy months, you can explore the visitor center, cross-country ski, fat tire bike, sled, and snowshoe. In the warmer months, you can explore the visitor center, bike, mountain bike, run, picnic, or play at the playground.

We spent the day fat tire biking and checking out the visitor center. Our fat tire bikes were from Jake’s Bikes, and we were lucky enough to have Jake deliver them himself. You can tell the passion for biking that Jake has, and we learned a lot about the area and the sport by speaking with him beforehand. It was our first time on a true fat fire bike trail, so we stayed on the Olaf Ohman and Bifrost trails, which are the two beginner-most fat tire/mountain biking trails in the park. What a challenging and exhilarating sport! We’re excited to try it again someday.

Not only are there ample recreation opportunities, but this park is also the site of one of Minnesota’s greatest mysteries – the Kensington Runestone, discovered in the late 1800’s. More about this can be learned within the visitor center, which is heated and open year round.

Fat tire bike in snow by lake
Fat tire bike in snow by lake
Eric & Elissa by Bike Trail Map
Inside the Rune Stone Visitor Center

Lake Carlos State Park

This State Park holds a very special place in our hearts as Eric has been camping here annually since ~2007 with his “second family,” and I started joining them whenever possible within the last 10 years too!

Lake Carlos State Park is a great nature retreat for those seeking adventure in the Great Outdoors! It is nicely secluded on the north end of Lake Carlos, and offers many outdoor activities, no matter the season.

The wintertime activities the park has to offer are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Snowshoeing is open to the entire 1,231 acre park. There are 6 miles of groomed ski trails, and the 9 miles of snowmobile trails that are on the park connect to Douglas County trails so you can make an entire weekend from activities solely in the park if you want!

We took advantage of the good snow conditions while we visited, and strapped on the snowshoes to see what winter sights we could catch. It turns out there was lots to see, and we just barely scratched the surface. There were also many fish houses out on the lake, not far from the park.

In the summer, the park has a swimming beach, horse trails, and lots of boat parking for your summer camping getaway!

Lake Carlos sunset on ice
Elissa snowshoeing
Restroom building

Noonan Park

When you think of winter in Minnesota, you can’t help but think about pond hockey. And what better place to play than Noonan Park! During the cold months, the pond freezes over and is home to both ice skating and ice hockey, as well as ample snowshoeing and winter hiking options. In the summer, you can experience beautiful flower gardens with a lively pond, a playground with an awesome playhouse (the “Duck Inn”), and walking trails all around.

The Douglas County Historical Society shared that Noonan Park was given to the city by Philip and Mollie Noonan (a successful local businessman) with the agreement that the space would remain a public park. The Noonans paid for the initial landscaping and took care of the park from 1937 until it was donated to the city in 1943.

Duck Inn at Noonan Park
Ice skating rink at Noonan Park

Have you been to the Alexandria or Douglas County area? What parks would you recommend visiting?

Lists, MicroAdventures, Minnesota

Minnesota Winter Bucket List

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The ULTIMATE winter bucket list

Who else is excited to opt outside this winter?  Fresh air and physical movement are so incredibly important to focus on, especially through wintertime when it’s dark early and hard to find motivation.  But with this Ultimate Minnesota Winter Bucket List, you won’t find yourself bored this winter!

Below are kid and adult friendly activities!  Which are you doing this winter?

What are your favorite outdoor winter activities? Let me know in the comments!

Minnesota Winter Bucket List
Click here for a free download!