Tag: Spring/Summer/Fall Activities

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
MicroAdventures, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks, New

Mankato River Ramble – a Great MN Cycling Experience

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It finally happened! Eric and I have been wanting to participate in a MN cycling event for years! We were even signed up for two, but life happened and we weren’t able to. 

That is, until the Mankato River Ramble came along. 

What an invigorating experience!

First greeted by the energetic and motivating volunteers, I was directed toward a large event check-in tent at Land of Memories Park. After checking in, I enjoyed some refreshments, snacks, and amazing live music before hitting the trail. 

This is the first time I’ve ever done an event like this, so I was feeling a little nervous. 

Though I did the smaller of the trails, called the “Minneopa Falls Loop,” it was one of the most diversely scenic 12 mile bike rides of my life. We rode through beautiful hills, to a waterfall, to a ski hill, and around through town.

And I’d love to share my 3 favorite views and experiences with you!

Stop 1 - Minneopa State Park

Biking distance from Land of Memories Park = 3.3 miles.

This was the most difficult part of the entire ride, so lucky for me it was in the beginning. If I’m being honest, I actually almost gave up on the way here! But I’m glad I didn’t because it was an easier ride once we got to Minneopa SP.

Eric and I bike often, but never in such hilly places, so I really had to fine-tune my gear shifting abilities fast. I have an older road bike that doesn’t shift as smooth as others, but once I figured those gears out, the rest of the ride was much more pleasant. 

Minneopa State Park is one of southern Minnesota’s best kept secrets. Just 5.9 miles from downtown, be sure to have this beautiful park on your itinerary. Visit in the summer or fall to view the free-roaming bison, visit in the spring to see the stunning Minneopa Falls, and visit any time of year to experience their nearly 5 miles of hiking trails and endless snowshoeing opportunities.

Stop 2 - Mount Kato

Biking distance from Minneopa State Park = 4 miles.

The stretch between Minneopa State Park and Mount Kato were the most scenic parts of the ride. First following the South Route Trail adjacent to CR 90 (Hawthorn Rd), you will then connect with the Red Jacket Trail. Be ready and make sure your brakes are good as you head toward the end of the South Route Trail, however, because you do not want to be caught off guard by this frightening 5.1% incline. The breeze through your hair during this segment feels amazing, though!

For fans of outdoor recreation, Mankato has a great skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and biking mountain right outside the city, aptly named Mount Kato. The mountain consists of 19 trails of varying difficulty, from the bunny hill to difficult black diamonds. There are 4 terrain parks for practicing your skills, and 8 chair lifts to get you back up to your favorite runs as quick as possible. Open in both winter and summer seasons, you’ll be able to take advantage of the mountain no matter when you visit!

Stop 3 - Sibley Park

Biking distance from Mount Kato = 3.7 miles.

One of the last stops along the Mankato River Ramble route is beautiful Sibley Park. You first ride in from the northeast corner of the park, by two softball fields. You’ll notice multiple park benches along the Minnesota River to your right. Don’t forget to take a rest break and soak in those river breezes.

As you ride the trail south past the park shelter, you’ll notice an old log cabin with a sign in front of it that says “Ott” catches your eye. This quaint cabin was moved to Sibley Park in 1931, but was actually constructed in 1857 by George Ott Sr., who was one of the first settlers of the area.

Following the Minnesota River Trail through Sibley Park, you’re met with one of the most beautiful gardens in the Mankato area. One could spend hours wandering around Sibley Park and see something new around every turn. Visiting in the spring means catching the hundreds of flowers blooming. And visiting in the fall, like I did, provided equally as beautiful views as the trees change color.

Back at Land of Memories Park

Biking distance from Sibley Park = 1.7 miles.

I’m not in the greatest shape – actually, in the worst shape of my life – but it felt so invigorating and accomplishing to participate!

If you’ve never done something like this before, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Doing something that’s on your bucket list (especially if it’s been on there a long time) gives you that extra motivation to just try it out!

You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, I bet you’ll want to try it again with something else – or maybe that’s just me 😉 

How have you pushed your boundaries and tried something new recently? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. You probably noticed Eric wasn’t able to attend – this is because he broke his foot on a motorcycle trip a few weeks beforehand, but he was there in spirit and promised he’ll be ready for next year! 🙂

Itinerary, Minnesota, New, Twin Cities

Self-Guided Northeast Minneapolis Brewery Tour

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Northeast Minneapolis is an eclectic area known for its art, restaurants, and – you guessed it – breweries! Minnesota has over 180 breweries, and 33 of them are in Minneapolis, making it a wonderful place to meet up with friends and try something new!

Join us as we take you to five of those breweries on a beautiful summer day. All within 2.9 miles of each other, this makes for the perfect walking (or biking!) tour of the city.

At-A-Glance Stats –
Fair State Brewing Cooperative to Sociable Cider Werks = 0.7 miles
Sociable Cider Werks to Indeed Brewing Company = 0.6 miles
Indeed Brewing Company to Able Seedhouse + Brewery = 0.3 miles
Able Seedhouse + Brewery to HeadFlyer Brewing = 0.9 miles

Fair State Brewing Cooperative

Our first brewery tour stop is Fair State Brewing Cooperative! With 20+ beverage options, this is a great stop to try something new! There’s something here for everyone, especially if your group likes different types of drinks.

Can’t decide which to get? Describe what flavors you like to the amazing bartender, who will perfectly match you with an awesome drink!

I can’t talk about Fair State Brewing without mentioning something that’s really special about them. The co-op was creating with collaboration and giving back in mind. How amazing is that? Here’s a blurb from their website: 

“In 2016, we launched our community engagement arm, Fair State Cooperates. Each month we partner with a different nonprofit organization selected by our Member-Owners. In our partnerships, we raise funds through beer sales, awareness through social media, and involvement through volunteerism.”

Our suggestions –
The Roselle (kettle sour with hibiscus)
Big Doinks (IPA)
Fruityboom Frozen Slush (Mango Dreamsicle)
Non-alcoholic cold press

Fair State Brewing
Elissa holding beverage at Fair State

Sociable Cider Werks

Ready for a cider? Stop number two brings us to Sociable Cider Werks! Here you can choose from 15+ types of beverages, including non-alcoholic options. Be sure to wander around and check out all of the fun vintage bicycles and bicycle parts. The spacious outdoor deck and patio are the perfect place to relax.

Our suggestions –
Squoze (guava)
Pinch Flat (hibiscus rose)
Training Wheels (scrumpy apple)

Beverage at Sociable Cider Werks
Elissa with beverage at Sociable Cider Werks
Hanging Bicycle at Sociable Cider Werks

Indeed Brewing Company

Welcome to Beerland at Indeed Brewing Company and Taproom! Feel free to wander around and take it all in. There are plenty of seating options both indoors and outdoors – shaded and sunny! Don’t forget to check out the gear shop for some great merch options too. 

Our suggestions – 
Strawberry Fields (sour) 
Day Tripper (pale ale)
Pink Rabbit Pils (pilsner)

Welcome to Beerland sign at Indeed Brewing
Beverage & hat at Indeed Brewing

Able Seedhouse + Brewery

Note: This brewery has unfortunately now permanently closed. 

Stop number four previously brought us to the beautiful Able Seedhouse + Brewery! Their values focused on the environment and the arts, and you could really see and feel that throughout this brewery. 

Suggestions were –
Raspberry hibiscus wheat ale
Mosaic Ain’T So (American IPA)
Non-alcoholic Northstar Kombucha (cherry elderberry)

Beverage at Able Seedhouse + Brewery
Able Seedhouse + Brewery Taproom
Elissa holding beverage at Able Seedhouse + Brewery

Headflyer Brewing

Our last stop on the Northeast Minneapolis Brewery Tour takes us to HeadFlyer Brewing. What a great atmosphere and way to end the day. Chill out on their deck or patio to chat, play a game, or reflect on all of the great places you visited today. 

Suggestions –
Oh Baby Baby (kettle sour)
Hawaiian Sophie (pale ale)
Rye-U-Mah (malt forward ale)

Entrance to HeadFlyer Brewing
Beverage at HeadFlyer Brewing
Sign in the Sun at HeadFlyer Brewing
Taps at HeadFlyer Brewing
Lists

Staying Entertained while Staying Away

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As you're aware, our world is going through an interesting time of needing to stay quarantined, clean, and away from each other. This can lead to feelings of isolation and boredom, if you're anything like me. Especially now that spring is starting to appear around parts of North America, outside temperatures are warming up, which is usually when we like to gather and be around each other. But when we can't, what do we do instead? Here are some ideas on how to keep yourself and your family entertained and away from boredom while needing to social distance and "quarantine."

Table of Contents

Adults & Teens

  • Go on a hike (interpretive trails are especially awesome as you get to learn along the way) 
  • Go for a bike ride 
  • Begin or continue journaling 
  • Write that book 
  • Read a book that has been on the shelf for a while
  • Complete a 1,000+ piece puzzle 
  • Create a bucket list
  • Paint something
  • Go camping 
  • Go canoeing
  • Go birding 
  • Go on a nature walk
  • Try scrapbooking 
  • Make your own photo scavenger hunt 
  • Bake treats 
  • Make jewelry 
  • Make a wood pallet craft 
  • Make greeting cards 
  • Make a household item like soap or cleaner 
  • Learn a new subject 
  • Organize (i.e. garage, cabinets, drawers, electronic files, etc.)
  • Create a budget 
  • Tackle that to-do list 
  • Play board games 
  • Learn an instrument 
  • Learn a language 
  • Take a virtual exercise or dance class 
  • Go geocaching 
  • Plant a garden or start seedlings inside 
  • Play virtual charades with a friend on Skype/FaceTime
  • Go on a picnic
  • Create a vision board
  • Go through your clothes to donate 
  • Try a new craft
  • Have an at-home spa day 

Children & Toddlers

  • Build a fort out of boxes, blankets, pillows, couches
  • Visit a local trail for a walk (especially an interpretive trail that will have signs to look and learn)
  • Go on a nature walk to identify leaves, bugs, animals, trees
    •  For the older children who can be alone: send them on a scavenger hunt
  • Go on a bike ride 
  • Color or paint boxes (i.e. Amazon boxes)
  • Color by number and paint by number activities
  • Create with pipe cleaners and Cheerios 
  • Put pipe cleaners through holes of a colander 
  • Play with Play-doh or modeling clay 
  • Color in coloring books 
  • Play learning games 
  • Play with a sensory tub or sensory table
  • Read unread books that have been on the shelf 
  • Fingerpaint 
  • Create an at-home treasure hunt 
  • Learn a new word or topic 
  • Learn an instrument 
  • Learn a language 
  • Make a time capsule to open 5 years from now 
  • Craft a sock puppet family and put on a puppet show 
  • Go on a picnic
  • Make up a dance to your favorite song 
  • Play board games 
  • Put a puzzle together 

Thank you for reading! What ideas have you been doing to keep yourself or others entertained during this time? I'd love to learn more and add them to the list!

Camping, MicroAdventures, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks

Banning State Park

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Banning SP Tent

Eric, Archie and I visited Banning State Park on 6/9-6/10/2017. Even though this was just one overnight stay, Banning State Park quickly became one of our favorite Minnesota State Parks and quickly made its way to our “return to” list. There are so many great things to do and see at this park, we can’t wait to go back!

Banning SP sign

Established in 1963, the Banning State Park land was originally part of the Banning Sandstone Quarry. Affected first by the Great Hinckley Fire (which also affected St. Croix State Park), followed by several other fires, the Banning Sandstone Quarry never was able to recover and make a comeback. According to the Minnesota DNR website, “all that remains of the site are weathered ruins along the Kettle River.” The website also states that “In 1995, the local community of Sandstone, the DNR and the Pollution Control Agency worked together to remove the Kettle River dam and return the river to its natural state which now showcases the Big Spring Falls and the Sandstone Rapids.”

Recreation

Banning State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities; there’s something for everyone! Summer activities include bird watching, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, rock climbing, and fishing. Included in summer activities, and so very unique within this park, are its five rapids: Blueberry Slide, Mother’s Delight, Dragon’s Tooth, Little Banning and Hell’s Gate. Winter activities include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Wildlife

While we were there, we only saw a raccoon and varying bird species. Even though we hardly saw any animals, the Minnesota DNR website mentions here that the most “common species include white-tailed deer, black bear, coyote, fox, raccoon, beaver, red and gray squirrels, snowshoe hare, and ruffed grouse.” Also, to beware, we went in June and there were SO incredibly many ticks that we spent most of our time brushing Archie and plucking ticks off of him, even in the middle of the night.

Banning SP Archie Pack

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving around 3pm, we wanted to ensure we allowed ourselves plenty of time to hike to the backpacking site and start exploring. The slower hike took only about 30 minutes. The grass was relatively overgrown, taller than Archie, making the 1/4 mile hike rougher than expected. It was very buggy and there were a lot of downed branches and brush (one log to crawl over also). Once arrived, we immediately set up our two person tent and, as usual, made ourselves at home.

Our campsite doubled as a backpacking site or canoe site; which seems like it wouldn’t work, but: you can either A) park and launch your canoe/kayak from the boat launch, or B) park to the side and hike from the same boat launch area. Because our campsite was also reachable via canoe/kayak, we had a beautiful view of the Kettle River. Not only was the view awesome, but the banks of the Kettle River made it easily accessible for dipping our feet in.

Banning SP Kettle River

This campsite had so much greenery–it was so gorgeous!

Banning SP Butterfly
Ferns at Banning SP

This site even has a toilet in the woods (somewhere).

Toilet Sign in Banning SP

We spent the rest of our little-remaining daylight hours wandering around our campsite and sitting around the fire. Since we were backpacking, our food supply consisted of mostly granola bars (Nature Valley, of course), trail mixes, and freeze dried foods. Dinner included said trail mix (AlpineAire chocolate cranberry crunch) and a delicious meal of Mountain House spaghetti.

Banning SP Spaghetti Dinner

Day 2: Unfortunately due to the extremely large tick population this year, our main priority was to head out of this campsite early in the morning. Since we hiked in, we brought a freeze dried breakfast that only required water–a rather interesting bowl of Granola with Milk & Blueberries from Mountain House. Definitely worth trying but also not my favorite of the freeze dried foods.

Once we packed up and returned to the car, we made our way back to the main part of the park. From here, we parked in the eastern-most parking lot near a picnic area and Blueberry Slide Trail. This trail was so amazing; I highly recommend it. This is a great trail for those who love to hike but require lower-to-medium impact terrain.

Banning SP Blueberry Slide Trail Sign

And those views! You hike right up to various rapids; if you’re into whitewater kayaking, this is the Minnesota State Park for you. We were here in June, and saw a few whitewater kayakers heading down the Kettle River. It was neat to see they were able to ride the stretch of rapids, then easily portage their kayaks back to the starting point within a short distance.

Blueberry Slide Trail took you straight to the waterline of the Kettle River. Just past the rapids was a calm area of water. It was refreshing to play and cool off in, especially for Archie.

After playing in the water for a while, we continued to head down the Blueberry Slide trail. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of painted rocks, but it started as a “treasure hunt”-type social movement to bring joy to peoples’ lives. We were lucky enough to find a painted rock hidden within the sandstone walls.

Future Plans

Banning State Park has five canoe sites (one, which we stayed at, can be a backpacking site also). We would love to return to this park with our kayaks/canoe and actually paddle to a spot! We also ran out of time to go on most of the almost 20 miles’ worth of trails. This was due to the amount of time spent hiking the trails by the river (Blueberry Slide Trail), which had a few really neat spot with rapids. One in particular, Wolf Creek Trail, really catches my attention as the 4 mile trail leads to a hidden waterfall.

Cost Breakdown

  • Daily Park Admission: $7 per vehicle (though we purchased an annual pass for $25)
  • Canoe-In/Boat-In (also their backpacking site): (1 night): $15
  • Food: $22.50 (total)

    • Mountain House freeze dried meals: $13 total

    • AlpineAire trail mix: $6

    • Nature Valley granola bars: $3.50

  • Archie’s treats & dog food: Brought from home; bought in bulk
  • Water: FREE (we use refillable water bottles)

 

Gear Brought

Misc. Info

Year established: 1963
Distance from Minneapolis: 93.1 miles
Temperature: High  of 74* | low of 51*

Camping, MicroAdventures, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks

Bear Head Lake State Park

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Eric and I visited Bear Head Lake State Park from July 22-July 24, 2015. This has to be one of our favorite parks by far. The water was so beautiful, so serene. There are so many activities to do, so many things to see, that this park should be toward the top of your “Minnesota State Parks To Visit List,” as it has a little something for everyone.

This park is likely one of the most overnight visitor-friendly parks we have ever stayed at. It has ample camping options, from the traditional drive-in and electric sites, to RV sites, to group camps, to backpack and canoe sites. Also friendly for those who don’t camp in tents or have a camper or RV are the Camper Cabin (houses 5-6 people) and the Guesthouse (houses 10 people) options.

Bear Head Lake SP Campsite

Being a part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area within the Superior National Forest, there are endless opportunities for recreational experiences.

Bear Head Lake SP Kayaking

Recreation

With 23 miles of lake shore, Bear Head Lake State Park offers lots of water recreational opportunities especially, including fishing, swimming, boating (max 10 mph), canoeing, and kayaking. On land, this park offers 15 miles of hiking trails, wildlife watching, camping, birding, snowmobiling (1 mile spur connects with the Taconite State Trail), cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and geocaching.

Wildlife

This park is so rich in wildlife you can’t help but sit back and listen to the songs of nature. Great for bird watching, you can find bald eagles, boreal chickadees, pine grosbeaks, red crossbills, and my personal favorite: the loon. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for other woodland creatures large and small, including squirrels, chipmunks, snowshoe hares, white-tailed deer, black bear, moose, and wolves.

Itinerary

Day 1: After checking in to site #73, we set up camp and went on a short hike along the Beach trail. Beach trail is approximately one half mile long (down and back), and is an easy and beautiful trail following the lakeshore. This was a great short walking introduction to the park on our first day here.

After our hike, we went in to check out the town of Ely and have dinner. Growing up, we’ve always heard about “Ely” when people traveled “up north.” Ely (pronounced eelee) is a bustling little outdoor adventure town with quaint shops and restaurants. A town within the Boundary Waters, there are many outfitters and places to rent equipment in the area as well. If you’re considering a visit, be sure to check out the Ten Reasons to Visit Ely, Minnesota.

Bear Head Lake SP SMore

Day 2: Water day! I feel like we spent all day on or in the water on day 2. The weather was around 81*, making the water the perfect place to be. We set out mid-morning, after breakfast, around 9:00am to set off to paddle the beautiful clear waters of Bear Head Lake.

Bear Head Lake SP Eric & I Kayaking
Bear Head Lake SP Eric & I Kayaking

In total, we maybe only kayaked around three or four miles, but we moseyed around the lake taking in all of the amazing views and unbelievable sounds. THE VIEWS here are just STUNNING. Minnesota may not have mountains or tropical beaches, but these beautiful, layered pine trees along the shore line and in the distance brought out the same excitement and calming affect as mountains or a tropical beach. I could have spent forever floating in my kayak staring at the trees, shoreline, and listening to the loons. Have I ever mentioned how loons are my favorite bird? Their calls are music to my ears.

The water temperature felt so nice that we decided to head back in and go swimming before taking the kayaks back out of the water. I’m not one to spend a lot of time in the water, but this was just what I needed after a hot few hours of kayaking. Bear Head Lake State Park has a nice beach area for folks to go swimming.

Day 3: Day three was spent with the bears! After our morning breakfast bars, we took our usual morning walk around the campground. We planned to leave a little earlier on the last day so we could visit the North American Bear Center, where a friend of Elissa’s was interning for the summer.

According to their website, the North American Bear Center is “dedicated to replacing old myths with facts, people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans.” I learned so much about bears in the two hours we were there than I have in my entire life. There were even resident bears who were to live at the North American Bear Center due to being unable to survive back in the wild on their own. I would highly recommend visiting here if you’re in the area in the summer!

Ely MN North American Bear Center

Cost Breakdown

Daily Park Admission: Free as we have a Minnesota State Parks annual pass
Tent site: $23/night
Bear Center visit: $13 per adult
Gas: $50 round trip
Food: $40.50 (approximate total)

  • Hot Dogs + buns: $5
  • Nature Valley breakfast bars: $3
  • Spaghetti-O’s: $1.50
  • S’mores! $6 for all ingredients
  • Water: FREE (we use refillable water bottles)
  • Meal at restaurant: $25

Gear Brought

  • 2 Necky brand 17′ kayaks
  • Suisse Sport Wyoming Tent
  • Glowmaster Twin Burner camp stove
  • Mess kit
  • Coleman battery-operated lantern
  • Sleeping bags & pillows
  • 2 changes of clothes each, including swim suit
  • Bug spray
  • Sun block
  • Tennis shoes & water shoes
  • More packing tips from the MN DNR

This Park is Good for those who: 
…want to hike by a lake
…want to go on a quick weekend getaway
…want to listen to nature
…want to partake in multiple water activities
…want a lot of variety in one park

Misc. Info
Year Established: 1961
Distance from Minneapolis: 244 miles
Temperature: High of 84* | Low of 57*

Camping, MicroAdventures, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks

St. Croix State Park

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Eric and I camped in St. Croix State Park the weekend of June 28th, 2013. Located in Hinckley, MN, this park is only about 15 minutes off of I-35 in northern Minnesota.

Home of one of the biggest fires in Minnesota history, a tall fire tower is a great highlight of this park–of which is accessible for guests to climb. Located on the St. Croix River (which is a National Scenic Riverway) and within boundaries of the Kettle River, this state park offers endless possibilities of trails, both in the summer and winter months. We hiked many of their trails, and enjoyed kayaking down the river.

St. Croix River

Recreational Opportunities
Kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, wildlife observing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Wildlife
This park offers a wide range of wildlife, including deer, fox, raccoons, beavers, black bears, coyotes, and (though uncommon to see) eastern timber wolves. Birds are also abundant in the parks, including owls, eagles, osprey, flycatchers and warblers.

St. Croix Beach

Itinerary

Day 1: Prior to our arrival at the Park, we stopped at the Hinckley Fire Museum, and learned about the town and Park’s extraordinary history. It’s so amazing how this thriving logging town bounced back after flames over four miles high leveled nearly a quarter million acres in just four hours in 1894.

After we checked in around 4:00pm, we set up our tent in the Old Logging Trail Campground, set out our chairs, and got comfy. Our camping trips usually tend to have a laid-back first day, especially if our arrival time is in the afternoon. We had Spaghetti-O’s for dinner, with s’mores for dessert.

Eric on Bench

Day 2: Breakfast consisted of eggs and toast. Our only full-day in St. Croix State Park, we took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Park’s fire tower, an experience not all Minnesota State Parks offer.

Eric and I at St Croix State Park

After climbing to the top of the fire tower, we decided to go hiking along the St. Croix River. We switched between the River’s Edge Trail and River Bluff Trail. Both trails are among the 127 miles of hiking trails within the Park. With amazing views along the way, both trails are great for beginner hikers looking for beautiful scenery.

We had deli turkey and cheese for lunch. Dinner comprised of our beloved foil packet dinners, first introduced by family friends at Lake Carlos State Park years back. Being delicious and easy to make, we have variations of these hobo meals almost every time we go camping.

St Croix Sun

Day 3: We had delicious eggs and bananas for breakfast. After breakfast, we took a long walk on the paved trails before heading home for the weekend. There are 5.5 miles of paved trails, which are located in the middle of the park, and can be used by either hikers or bikers.

FUTURE PLANS

There are just so many miles of trails, we definitely want to explore more! I feel like we saw a lot in the hours we were hiking, yet barely made a dent. We also would love to take a bike ride from the campground to the beach, following the park’s 5.5 mile paved bike trail.

Eric is hoping we can make it to St. Croix State Park in the winter so he can bring his snowmobile out, since there are trails which connect to Chengwatana and St. Croix State Forests. St. Croix State Park also offers some great snowshoeing through the woods, and we’re new at cross-country skiing so, with 11 miles of groomed trails, this park offers the perfect trail system for us to perfect those skills.

Cost Breakdown
Park Entrance Fee: $5 (though we purchased an annual pass for $25)
Tent Camping: $23/night
Food: $26 (total)

  • Spaghetti-Os: $1
  • S’Mores: $6 for all items
  • Eggs: $2/carton
  • Toast: $2/loaf of bread
  • Deli turkey: $3
  • Cheese: $2
  • Foil packet meal: $9 for all items
  • Bananas: $1 for two
  • Water: FREE (we use refillable water bottles)

Gear Brought

  • 4 person tent
  • Sleeping bags & pillows
  • 2 burner camping stove & fuel
  • Mess kit
  • Hot dog and marshmallow roasting sticks
  • Hiking boots & flip flops (for around the site)
  • Base layer to wear as pajamas
  • Lightweight capri pants
  • Lightweight/breathable tops
  • More packing tips from the MN DNR

Misc. Info
Year Established: 1943
Distance from Minneapolis: 101 miles
Temperature: High of 73* | Low of 59*

St Croix Sign