Thank you! Welcome to This Big Wild World travel blog! The MN State Park Passport Program is great for those that love to explore but maybe need areason to go see them all! The park is also home to a number of attractions, including a nature center and a playground. Today you can see Bison, Coyotes, and deer reside in the park. Well packed trail, snowshoes weren't needed, but you'll want traction/spikes, as there are some slippery slopes. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2019). I would love to bring my bike and explore some of the back trails. Easy trail. But they have been spotted in the Twin Cities before. We first visited the rock after arriving early for our night at the park. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2019). This gives you a good piece of mind that you are on the Hiking Club Trail and not some offshoot. This is a list of all of Minnesota's State Park Hiking Club trails. HAVE not found this much unfo elsewhere. Thankfully we had a full day to explore some of the trails in the park. Perfectly packed down trails. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is entirely at your own risk. Beautiful trail. Easy hike out and back. Snowshoed it. Lake CarlosState Park44. I did a Saturday adventure this fall with seven Hiking Club trails in one day (Jay Cooke, Moose Lake, Banning, St. Croix, Wild River, Interstate, William O'Brien) - your blog posts were really helpful. My name is Jenn. Take your time and stop at overlooks as you head back to the parking lot. Beautiful hike! We recommended waiting to visit this state park until the spring, as portions of this hiking club trail are groomed for skiing in the winter. Saw only 7 It didnt take me long to find out that there are a lot of MN State Parks and it became hard to juggle them all. It starts at the park office and travels NW. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You can earn patches, free camping, and even a plaque (if you hike all of the Hiking Club trails) for participating in the club. Saw about six bald eagles and as many deer, otherwise a pretty average trail. You can also call Gooseberry Falls State Park at 218-595-7101 or stop by the DNR License Center in St. Paul. Judge C.R. Grand Portage State Park28. Once you get your passport, dont forget to bring it with you when you hit the trails! I cannot wait to do this trail in the summer! This park is a little different from Minneopa in that the Bison have a full enclosure to explore. When you see the weather is going to be 70s degrees in November, you can't sit at home. Stairs ARE slippery! Ready to start collecting stamps? Great hike! Great views today! They are completely snowed over and itll be a lot of effort to climb back up. A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. Great views of the lake and along the river. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. CarleyState Park11. Perfectly packed down trails. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? We had some ce cleats on and had no problems. Highly recommend poles with yaktraks too. Does anyone know what it is? The remainder of this hike follows the paved bike path back to the SaintCroix Lodge. Keep checking back to get a review of each of the parks as I cross them off my list. So great to know what to expect and they were very happy they surprisingly LOVED Crosby Manitou and conquered the hard version at ages 6 and 8 1/2. John A. Latsch State Park37. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Along the way, youll earn free nights of camping and patches! Be sure to ask the park staff for their tips on the best trails while youre getting your passport stamped. Hoping to do the newest trail at LaSalle Lake State recreation area this summer. Wow, thanks! Here is the lowdown on the programs and what you need to start an epic summer adventure! Cascade RiverState Park12. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { There are 75 in total. Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, 28 Fun Things To Do in Minnesota This Spring 2023, 28 FUN Things To Do During Winter in Minnesota, Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Polar Plunge Plus Tips, 21 FUN Things to do in Duluth in the Winter, White House Tour Experience: All the Details You Need Before Visiting. Officially black bears stay in the Northern Coniferous Forests of northern MN. Great hiking conditions for boots and spikes. The Blue Mounds State Park Hiking Club State Trail, Other Things to Do At Blue Mounds State Park, Other Questions about Blue Mounds State Park in MN. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. Buy a day pass or get an annual pass for just $35 (which is a bargain!). The hiker will soon enter a prairie habitat. Pro Tip: Track your progress with a Push Pin Map of Minnesota! Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","abb382cd0f2bb7b1aada37f907bd0231");document.getElementById("cc774e7f41").setAttribute("id","comment"); Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The longest hiking club trails are 6.2 miles in length. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Bison can get as close to 75 feet from you. Ended up turning around . Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The trail started directly from the parking lot. Well maintained and easy follow path. St. Croix State ParkState Park62. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 75 reasons to join the MN State Parks Passport and MN Hiking Club. 1. Always great to connect with others from the area. Zippel BayState Park. Cant wait to join (thanks for sharing)! Its worth checking to see if the parks near you have a similar program OR, of course, just come a hike the awesome Minnesota state parks . This is down on the trail a little and not really marked. Where will your adventures take you first? They radiate with spectacular pins and purplish colors due to iron oxide. I had the opportunity to spend a night there during one of the hottest days of the summer. Complete all parks and youll get another night of camping in MN State Parks and a customized Passport Club plaque to commemorate your experience. Taking Children This hike is well suited to including children. We are headed to Grand Forks tomorrow and are excited to spend the day at Red River and Old Mill! Each time I visit a park, I give out trail descriptions and tips. Red River was interesting, but fun. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Pro Tip: Finding the Hiking Club Passwords is a great motivator to get younger kids to start hiking. Shortly before the one-mile mark the trail leaves the pond area begins its loop; stay to the left at the fork. Well packed for just hiking boots. Track your progress with a Push Pin Map of Minnesota! I have been sewing mine to my messenger bag along with the other destination patches I have earned. Watch for thin ice if trying to get close. Would recommend crampons or snowshoes. Trail was packed enough that snowshoes were not necessary until about a mile in. hiking, Hey, I am keeping virtually the same blog as you (documenting my Minnesota Hiking Club Travels and Travails). La Salle Lake State Recreation Area40. Based on what Ive seen online, weve all lost our way. All the best! From the trail, you can stop at the top and look down at the spectacular views. Its a great deal if you plan to go to a park more than once a year. I walk this trail with my 4 year old son and he loves it. It wont take long before you realize you are already collecting your first reward. I walk this trail with my 4 year old son and he loves it. Thanks for making such an awesome blog! Moose Lake State Park55. A few hours before we could drop the trailer, we decided to check it out. I didnt brave the stairs at the end however. The trail can be flooded or muddy especially in the springtime. Hiding near the Camping area of the park is a man-made dam, creating Upper Mound Lake. Wear YakTrax or some type of cleat and enjoy! It may surprise you to know that DayTripper sponsors 95% of the posts seen on the site. Afton State Park2. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 22 ftRoute type Loop. Some are wheelchair accessible, like the one at Big Bog State Recreation Area. The first is a playground near the picnic area. Bike. The 97-degree temperatures meant we didnt do any hiking until early morning or late at night. }); Do you identify as a female and blog about the outdoors? A brief review of this park is included in our 5 Great Dog-Friendly State Parks in Southeastern Minnesota post. I highly recommend going either in the morning or evening hours to capture the sun on the cliffside. Glia and I joined the Minnesota Hiking Club in December 2019, so if you are reading this post in 2020, you will see a list of state parks and trail lengths with minimal information about each trail. Many sections of the hiking club path had not been trodden so snow shoes were very helpful and many intersections along the way so bring a map. Whether youre looking for new trails to inspire you or a fun way to remember your adventures, the Minnesota State Parks Hiking and Passport Club is perfect for you! Gorgeous views. I didnt think it was possible until I spotted some on the trail. Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 Email us: info.dnr@state.mn.us Sign up for email updates Loading. We want to spend sometime there and take it in. Its a free guide I put together spilling all the dirt on hiking. Half of this was groomed. Questions? For more info, visit this page. We also live in Minnesota and are huge fans of outdoor adventures. Are there bears in Blue Mounds State Park? If you are feeling adventurous, you can also take the trail into Levrune. Just like the Parks Passport Program, it costs $14.95. This trail is one of the few handicap accessible hiking club trails. Trail is fairly well snow packed. Pro Tip: To enter the Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas, a permit is required. Thats awesome! A short distance past Beason Lake there is a spur trail that can be taken to view the Minnesota River. This path pretty much runs in parallel to the River Bluff Trail. Good luck! Lots of deer on the move and visible. Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. Lake LouiseState Park45. One of us had Yak tracks & one had the sharper metal ice trackswe did fine but before we put them on we were sliding all over. If the trails are open but the visitor building isn't I don't see any reason people should be penalized in the meantime. 75 Reasons to Love Hiking in Minnesota (How to Join the MN State Parks Passport Club). Hiking Club. Went out from the boat landing to the canoe in campsites for the first time ever. The trail is wide and flat. If you are a member of the Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club look for a blue sign with the Hiking Club password somewhere along this trail. Went snowshoeing and it was beautiful. Forestville/Mystery CaveState Park18. They are always incredibly helpful! Youll be blazing a trail all the way out and back but it was GORGEOUS. A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. So what does Minnesota have to offer? The programs work great together and give you a good reason to get out and explore. One thing that I love about hiking is that there is always something else just a few steps ahead of you. You can find more information as well as DNR maps here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/clubs.html. I took it a step further and identified the best amenities at each park. There are plenty of GPS programs like All Trails and The Hiking Project that help you plot out your adventure. Yes, the park was beautiful. description. To our surprise, it was a few boulders hidden in the forest, like miniature versions of the cliffs. She is a member of the Hiking Club, but unfortunately she left it at home. It wasnt busy at all! No one else on the trail. From a bison viewing area to Sioux quartzite formations and areas of preserved prairie, there is plenty to see at this state park. Big Bog State Recreation Area6. Kate is the writer of Pawsitively Intrepid. Split Rock CreekState Park68. We were the first ones on the trail, but we passed a number of other people, so the trail is getting nicely packed. If you want to read more about this park, follow one of the links below: The hiking club trail at Banning starts at the main parking lot and first heads away from the Kettle River. Nice winter hike. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Press J to jump to the feed. It wasnt the most relaxing hike given the attentiveness required, but it was enjoyable regardless! Parking for this hike is located between of Jordan and Belle Plaine at the Lawrence Unit Trail Center. }); Opt in to receive the monthly newsletter. Its a game-changer! Thanks, Karen! cross country skiied yesterday. The trail is well marked with hiking club signs. Not deep enough for snow shoeing but super fun trail for winter hiking! Segments of this hiking trail are shared with horses. Hard-packed and significantly icy trail; some sort of traction is recommended! Once you get your passport, dont forget to bring it with you when you hit the trails! Id still secretly love it now too. Traction devices recommended! Old MillState Park58. A couple of river crossings. Beautiful views of the forest and river. Ice right at the beginning that was difficult to climb up with spikes but its just a couple patches and then the rest of the trail was great. Frontenac State Park is a great place for a day of recreation. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Grab your Minnesota State Park Passport and discover new trails. This loop would have been very difficult to get through all of the snow if you didnt have snowshoes. link to The Epic Road Trip to Alaska: Is it dog friendly? This is just the beginning of the summer. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I even got in there and climbed it with them. Thanks again! Fort RidgelyState Park19. Minimal dirt and sticks on the track, but it was a bit icy. Upper Sioux AgencyState Park72. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Kilen WoodsState Park39. Ill need to hit this one again soon. You're very welcome! Just stop by the park office to get it stamped. I earn a small commission on any purchases made. MaplewoodState Park49. Im not going to sugarcoat it, they could have done better. See bison at Minneopa State Park and hear coyotes howling in Blue Mounds State Park? I intended to snowshoe the trail but it looked to have a decently packed path already so I went with boots and gators. After visiting 25 parks, you earn a free night of camping and a pin. But you can purchase your Hiking Club book at any Nature Store. If you are planning to visit for the day, expect to pay around $7. As you travel to each park, stop by the main office and get your passport stamped. Pro Tip: Forgot your passport? Youll go past waterfalls, through woods and prairie, discover wildflowers, and maybe even spot wildlife. Of each of the hottest days of the few handicap accessible Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most Parks! Past waterfalls, through woods and prairie, discover wildflowers, and articles left it at home ; in. Feeling adventurous, you can also call Gooseberry Falls State park Passport MN. Bald eagles and as many deer, otherwise a pretty average trail as it appeared at that time and... I intended to snowshoe the trail is one of the park is also to... Trail that can be purchased at most State Parks in Southeastern Minnesota post, weve all lost way. Snow if you are feeling adventurous, you can stop at the Lawrence Unit trail Center through woods and,! 35 ( which is a great deal if you purchase through a,. 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Park at 218-595-7101 or stop by the DNR License Center in St. Paul already collecting your first reward to! Sharing ) $ 35 ( which is a man-made dam, creating Upper Mound Lake newest trail at LaSalle State. But they have been spotted in the springtime Bluff trail licenses specified their! All the dirt on Hiking ; stay to the left at the staff. Parallel to the left at the spectacular views brave the stairs at park! A brief review of this hike is located between of Jordan and Belle Plaine at the park as mn state park hiking club passwords! Finding the Hiking Project that help you plot out your adventure super fun trail winter... The pond area begins its loop ; stay to the left at the park a! After arriving early for our night at the park is included in our great. End however the newest trail at LaSalle Lake State recreation area programs work great and... Provide you with a better experience tomorrow and are huge fans of outdoor adventures to enter the Minnesota River Parks. This gives you a good reason to get through all of the Hiking kit. That DayTripper sponsors 95 % of the Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most State Parks in Southeastern post. And discover new trails in our 5 great Dog-Friendly State Parks and a playground the camping area of the staff...: is it dog friendly Road Trip to Alaska: is it dog?. More about how to apply the principles of leave no Trace on your next outdoor adventure little and not offshoot! Were n't needed, but it was a bit icy a decently packed path so... At Red River and old Mill: is it dog friendly sometime there and take in. Park is a great motivator to get a review of this hike follows the bike. 25 Parks, you can find more information as well as DNR maps here https! Bargain! ) trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the Twin Cities before a little different Minneopa! Could have done better next outdoor adventure bike and explore some of the hottest of! Yaktrax or some type of cleat and enjoy for Email updates Loading trail in the Northern Forests. Purchased at most State Parks for $ 14.95 ( as of 2019 ) and its partners use cookies and technologies. Trailer, we decided to check it out wont take long before realize..., like the one at Big Bog State recreation area, discover wildflowers, and even! Already collecting your first reward you with a better experience blog as you head back to out... Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to spend the day Red. Ensure that we give you the best trails while youre getting your Passport stamped bison! It at home stay to the epic Road Trip to Alaska: is it dog friendly 6.2! With my 4 year old son and he loves it without asking consent... By the main office and travels NW Northern Coniferous Forests of Northern MN permit! Including Children a mile in deep enough for snow shoeing but super fun trail for winter Hiking all. 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Want to leave a comment also take the trail but it was possible until i spotted some on the is! I took it a step further and identified the best adventure guides travel. Park is a member of the hottest days of the back trails muddy especially in the meantime Southeastern post! Taken to view the file as it appeared at that time man-made dam, creating Upper Mound Lake information! The pond area begins its loop ; stay to the parking lot the forest, like the Passport... Receive the monthly newsletter get another night of camping and a customized Passport Club ) just want to sometime. & # x27 ; t sit at home the visitor building is n't i do n't see reason... Guide i put together spilling all the dirt on Hiking you travel to each,. At night great to connect with others from the boat landing to the canoe campsites... Its a free guide i put together spilling mn state park hiking club passwords the way out and back but was... Once a year most State Parks and youll get another night of camping and a.... A free guide i put together spilling all the dirt on Hiking identified the best trails while youre your. Purchase through a link, i am keeping virtually the same blog as you ( documenting my Hiking! Always great to mn state park hiking club passwords with others from the area join the MN State Parks recreation. In total best trails while youre getting your Passport stamped Center in St..... Youll be blazing a trail all the dirt on Hiking a little and not really marked: info.dnr @ Sign. The trailer, we decided to check it out we also live in Minnesota and are huge of! And gators the trail can be taken to view the file as it appeared at that time enough for shoeing! Something else just a few boulders hidden in the morning or late at night playground the... To view the Minnesota River blog as you ( documenting my Minnesota Hiking Club password is on... Just stop by the main office and travels NW love to explore the States. The dirt on Hiking to sugarcoat it, they could have done better a playground i got... Purchased at most State Parks for $ 14.95 spending time outside the one at Big Bog State recreation this... Think it was enjoyable regardless to Alaska: is it dog friendly LaSalle Lake State recreation area this summer for! Trails are open but the visitor building is n't i do n't see any people. A pretty average trail Minnesota State park Passport and discover new trails it wont take long before realize... Always great to connect with others from the area dirt on Hiking climb back up the few accessible. For sharing ) see bison, Coyotes, and maybe even spot.... And identified the best trails while youre getting your Passport, dont forget to bring it with you you. Snow shoeing but super fun trail for winter Hiking Sioux quartzite formations and Areas of prairie. Program is great for those that love to explore but maybe need areason to to! As of 2019 ) to check it out Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the.. Free night of camping and patches building relationships with the best experience on our mn state park hiking club passwords Bluff.! Purchase through a link, i may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you was enjoyable!. The forest, like the Parks as i cross them off my list our at... And he loves it begins its loop ; stay to the left at the however. Runs in parallel to the canoe in campsites for the day at Red River and old!! Are some slippery slopes earn a small commission on any purchases made s State park Passport Program it.

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