I plan on picking up a passport at our first park this year! If you love camping and hiking, you've probably considered a trip to Alaska. This path pretty much runs in parallel to the River Bluff Trail. The travel log is like a journal to take notes on your adventures! If you cant get enough of hiking in Minnesota and make it to all 75 state parks and recreation areas, you earn another free night of camping plus a personalized MN State Parks Passport Club plaque. Beautiful trail! Great views today! All Minnesota State Parks are free with an annual permit. 2021Outdoor Project. Any other time and you are risking heatstroke. Yes, the park was beautiful. Ill need to hit this one again soon. MinneopaState Park52. One the western border of Minnesota, Big Stone Lake State Park follows along the shore of Big Stone Lake. It's great to hear that people are still enjoying this! Save it for later or share it on social media! Minimal dirt and sticks on the track, but it was a bit icy. This gives you a good piece of mind that you are on the Hiking Club Trail and not some offshoot. This post is sponsored by DayTripper. Pro Tip: Forgot your passport? The Hiking Club will take you to 68 trails at state parks and recreation areas throughout Minnesota. St. Croix River at Wild River MN State Park. Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 Email us: [email protected] Sign up for email updates Loading. Beautiful hike, Great hike! Park is basically closed but you can park and then hike or cross country ski. If you are planning to visit for the day, expect to pay around $7. FrontenacState Park22. Nearby is a family of nesting ducks. Afton State Park2. $35 for a whole year of gorgeous local trails? For more information on our privacy policy, please visit our Privacy Policy Page. William OBrienState Park75. Winter hiking, the trail is not plowed. Gorgeous views. Youll be blazing a trail all the way out and back but it was GORGEOUS. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2019). Its looking like that might be what my summer is all about at this point No complaints though! They are well labeled and hard to miss. Lake BronsonState Park43. It works by taking the same MN State Parks maps you used to and placing your GPS position on top of it. Only hiking club trail miles count. Im very much a beginner but would still recommend this area for all levels. So what does Minnesota have to offer? Head over to our subscription page to submit your email to our newsletter list. That really is a bargain! This as my daughter would put it, is a lame swing set. St. Croix State ParkState Park62. A sign with the Hiking Club password (digitally removed) at Banning State Park in Minnesota. Beware horse apples! Get a passport for a friend, bring them along on your hikes, and earn 2 nights between you for a free weekend of camping! Getting Started There is ample parking near the trail head. Traction devices recommended! If there is an issue with your order, email us at [email protected] within 3 days of receiving your order. Well maintained and easy follow path. You can find more information as well as DNR maps here: https://www.dnr . Easy in all seasons. I walk this trail with my 4 year old son and he loves it. This is down on the trail a little and not really marked. Trail is packed down . Thank you again for the help! To get a better look at the cliffs, make sure to do the Quarry Loop Trail. some downhill sections have ice underneath and require caution. Im not going to sugarcoat it, they could have done better. The Bear Head Lake State Park hiking trail passes through 100-year-old white and red pine stands, past Norberg Lake, and to views of Bear Head Lake. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Areas need to be careful but otherwise it was great . Each passport comes in a pouch along with a travel log. Its a free guide I put together spilling all the dirt on hiking. Here is the list of the MN State Parks where you can rack up your own stamps. If it hasn't changed since 2015 it's "Blanding's Turtle". Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. Still pretty icy and muddy. The permit expires on the Month you purchased the permit for the following year. Photos (107) Directions. Minneopa Falls, Bison and so much more at Minneopa State Park, 75 reasons to join the MN State Parks Passport and MN Hiking Club, Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days, 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. Keep checking back to get a review of each of the parks as I cross them off my list. Beautiful hike around the bluffs under a fresh blanket of snow. 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 . Required fields are marked *. Rolling hills and not very challenging landscape. Iron Range Off-highway Vehicle State Recreation Area34. The landscape was beautiful even in the winter. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Saw only 7 It is a bit icy now (mid-January) but its still worth the views. Thanks again! We are headed to Grand Forks tomorrow and are excited to spend the day at Red River and Old Mill! I get excited every time I get a new stamp! Pro Tip: Visit any State Park during one of their free days. This trip report will be a 2 part post, highlighting our tour of the final Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails in my book, covering 974 miles and 7 Parks! No one else on the trail. The tall grasses also attract birds. Home | About Me | Contact Me | Blog | Disclaimer. They are completely snowed over and itll be a lot of effort to climb back up. Be ready to dodge some dog poop. Want adventure in your inbox every month? Ive got them broken out by distance from Minneapolis. The Hiking Club is such a neat Minnesotan thing - I'm glad that you're doing it with your family! Trail was packed down of snow but a mile and half in it was soft and trudging . Well, did you know that you can step across the tiny creek that marks the beginning of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park (which I chose as the. All the best! It is very useful for me. We had some ce cleats on and had no problems. ItascaState Park35. Trails were groomed for skate ski but not classic ski. This spreadsheet is now the only thing I use to figure out what MN State Park I want to visit this weekend. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Great views but a bit icy aonwear your Yaktraks. Thank you so much for writing it! The State Parks Clubs page has information on purchasing both club kits. Use grips and caution if you can! If the file has been modified from its original state, some details such as the timestamp may not fully reflect those of the original file. Follow the trail 10.8 miles ending at MN-48, or continue on the full 25 miles of the trail. Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park48. Its such a steal. Snowshoed it. If the trails are open but the visitor building isn't I don't see any reason people should be penalized in the meantime. Start by purchasing a Hiking Club book for $14.95 at any state park Nature Store (or online at dnr.state.mn.us) or by calling Gooseberry Falls State Park at 218-595-7101. Besides the passport, you will also receive a travel log giving you the opportunity to document some of your favorite parts of the parks. stars Last Edited by renneranderson It wasnt the most relaxing hike given the attentiveness required, but it was enjoyable regardless! This trail is pretty flat so it is suitable for most abilities. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2019). This park is a little different from Minneopa in that the Bison have a full enclosure to explore. Hello,My Girlfriend and I are going to Grand Forks this weekend and we are going to check out Red River State Recreation Area. Not too bad. All sales are final. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. At 100 miles, youll get a free night of camping and if you can complete them all, youll get another night of camping plus anengraved plaque. Its extremely relaxing to me. With 66 state parks, 9 recreation areas, and more than 10,000 lakes (one of which is the massive Lake Superior), there are literally thousands of miles to hike all year round. Our dogs had a blast, Trail is good but very icy. Kate is the writer of Pawsitively Intrepid. Highly recommend poles with yaktraks too. As its name suggests, the River Bluff Trail runs along the top of the bluff above the SaintCroix River. But you can purchase your Hiking Club book at any Nature Store. Thank you so much! Pro Tip: Before you hit the trail, be sure to pack these day hiking essentials in your daypack! There is usually a stamp in the self-serve area outside of the office or near the entrance to the park. Bison, elk, wolves, and prairie chickens once roamed most of the park. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Nope, there isnt an official swimming area even though there are lakes and streams. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. So without further ado, here are the trails. Fun trail with a great overview of the lake! We're going to have to get back up there someday We missed the Password for the Gooseberry Falls hike. This is a game-changer for anyone directionally challenged or those that want a little reassurance when you come to an intersection with more branches than shown on the map. Would recommend crampons or snowshoes. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. Most stamps hide in a box outside the parks main office window, near their map stash. You can also try and spot them at the Bison Observation Tower near the park campground. The MN State Park Passport Program is great for those that love to explore but maybe need a reason to go see them all! After stamping 25 parks, you will get a certificate for a free night of camping and a pin. Hiking Club. The first is a playground near the picnic area. The remainder of this hike follows the paved bike path back to the SaintCroix Lodge. Original file (5,760 3,840 pixels, file size: 26.52 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. By going on the designated hiking trails in MN State Parks, at most of the parks and recreation areas, youll be earning miles. Why do they call it Blue Mounds State Park? The Hiking Club is run by the Minnesota DNR, the organization that manages the state parks and recreation areas. But they have been spotted in the Twin Cities before. Throughout the year, there are a few free days and other discounts you can check out too. We first visited the rock after arriving early for our night at the park. hiking, Hey, I am keeping virtually the same blog as you (documenting my Minnesota Hiking Club Travels and Travails). 75 Reasons to Love Hiking in Minnesota (How to Join the MN State Parks Passport Club). Jay CookeState Park36. Went hiking there last week and did the hiking club trail and never saw or found the placard that has the password. Went snowshoeing and it was beautiful. Not skate ski friendly. Along the way, youll earn free nights of camping and patches! The Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club program encourages hikers to hike a designated Hiking Club Trail at most state parks. The hiking club trail at Blue Mounds State Park takes visitors to the top of the cliff line. No one else on the trail. This page was last edited on 17 October 2020, at 09:38. Nevertheless the woods is breathtakingly thick and beautiful. Our dogs had a blast, Trail is good but very icy. Minimal dirt and sticks on the track, but it was a bit icy. Lake ShetekState Park47. CarleyState Park11. If you want to skip to a specific park, use the table below to help you figure out what page of this post to jump to.Afton Buffalo RiverPage 1Camden Great River BluffsPage 2Hayes MaplewoodPage 3McCarthy SchoolcraftPage 4Sibley Zippel BayPage 5. Red River was interesting, but fun. The trail is wide and flat. I think the next time I do it, it will be during a cooler month. Try this 1.1-mile loop trail near Sunburg, Minnesota. We only spend the day there, but we have an amazing time. Trail was packed down well. We LOVE your blogusing this as a reference on our own trek with our daughters to hike all the hiking club trails. I have been sewing mine to my messenger bag along with the other destination patches I have earned. So glad you like the video this was one of the first ones I ever made The passport is really encouraging me to get out and explore some lesser known parks, which right now also means no people, easier social distancing! Cant wait to join (thanks for sharing)! Have fun with it!:). I absolutely LOVE this post. All structured data from the file namespace is available under the. A brief review of this park is included in our 5 Great Dog-Friendly State Parks in Southeastern Minnesota post. Hard packed snow, deep just off to the side. Great walk through the woods at night. A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! 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. When Glia and I visited on a warm winter day, the snow was slushy and wet and the first part of the trail was lightly trafficked. 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. 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. Or at least none that have been reported. Easy in all seasons. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Because Minnesota has the benefit of having all four seasons, the same trail can offer you a completely different experience throughout the year. If you buy the annual pass, it must be displayed in the lower passenger side window in your vehicle. This ended up being beneficial because the downed trees/limbs required frequent high stepping, crouching, weaving and variations of a squat-walk. Question, I purchased my Passport in 2014 and have waited this long to start hitting them allat the time I believe there were 76 parks and rec areas? Beaver Creek ValleyState Park5. I recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to hike with as the Bison often dont go up against the fence. Perfectly packed down trails. Thanks. The programs work great together and give you a good reason to get out and explore. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/clubs.html, 5 Dog-Friendly MN State Park Hikes along the St. Croix River, Bring Your Dog to Banning State Park: the Perfect Day Hike, A Dog-Friendly Guice to Banning State Park: Winter Edition, 5 Great Dog-Friendly State Parks in Southeastern Minnesota. It is a bit icy now (mid-January) but its still worth the views. No, Bears do not live in Blue Mounds at State Park. When you join the Hiking Club, you receive a booklet with trail descriptions and a hiking club log section. Hiking Club Password Sign - Banning State Park, Minnesota, https://flickr.com/photos/87296837@N00/34340927883, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.8 (Macintosh), https://www.flickr.com/people/87296837@N00, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic, https://www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/34340927883/, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Hiking_Club_Password_Sign_-_Banning_State_Park,_Minnesota_(34340927883).jpg&oldid=492361545, United States photographs taken on 2017-06-04, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Flash did not fire, compulsory flash suppression. Out to the falls and back only. But in her free time, she loves to hike and adventure with her dogs, Sasha and Glia. Good luck! If the passport and travel log arent cool enough, how about some free stuff? Do you have any favorite spots? All the best! I agree that Minnesota is totally underrated for outdoor adventures. The park also has a small population of coyotes and deer. Or which trail has groomed paths for winter hiking? We had some ce cleats on and had no problems. reviewed Minneopa State Park Loop October 23, 2022 Hiking reviewed Lake Pepin Overlook Loop October 23, 2022 Hiking James Greene reviewed Whitewater State Park Dakota Trails Loop October 23, 2022 Hiking We hiked only part of the Dakota trail which covered all of one rim to Chimney Rock. Whether youre looking for new trails to inspire you or a fun way to remember your adventures, the. Easy trail. As you can see from these pictures, the trail goes right along the river. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. We could not find the MN Hiking Club password! The warming house is marvelous with a nice stove (buy and bring local wood) with windows to enjoy the outdoors with plus games, a sink and a microwave (and nice bathrooms). Along the Mound Trail, near an outcropping of rocks, are patches of Prickly Pair Cactus. Get your rewards. Slightly slushy but still perfect. Print/PDF Map. If you buy the annual pass, it must be displayed in the lower passenger side window in your vehicle. Alternate entrance to the trail is a very short walk NE from the parking area, along the shoulder to 47.5560295, -90.8724095. Beaver Creek Valley State Park is located in the bluff lands of southeastern Minnesota and is known for its clear spring-fed trout streams. One is simply a passport that upon arrival, you get a stamp for each park you visit. The hiking trails will lead you to a lot of the park highlights including, waterfalls, overlooks, geological wonders, and historic sites. I did the hiking club trail at Cascade River State Park yesterday with my dog and it got me interested in completing more hiking club trails with her and luckily I stumbled across this great guide! More information about the program can be found, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden + Bird Sanctuary. Some trails are 1 mile and some are 6 miles, but they all are beautiful and well worth the exercise. I thought maybe it was in the visitor building, but it was closed. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, The Minnesota State Park's Hiking Club program encourages hikers to hike a designated Hiking Club Trail at most state parks. I looked at the map supplied by the DNR and unfortunately it does not say which trail is the Hiking Club Trail. Check out more Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days. Its about nourishment and learning. Great for snowshoeing. Miles:6.2 milesDifficulty:Easy but longTotal Miles Hiked:105.1 miles. Trail is well packed down - at least the top half. (My email is on the contact page.) Trails are not groomed and one minute you are fine, the next you are in knee/thigh deep snow. Update your log. Thank you so much! 75 reasons to join the MN State Parks Passport and MN Hiking Club. Snow packed, easy to follow. They cost $35. Views were beautiful but very icy on the trails & all the steps. They have a good idea of the best viewing spots. If its not at the park, you can mail in your passport to Park Office in St Pauls office and let them know the date you were there and that you could not get the stamp. Explore Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. I spent so much time going to different state parks last year, that I figure I might as well pick up the kits this year and earn patches and free camping. A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. The Minnesota State Park Hiking Club includes trails in 68 state parks scattered across the state and more than 175 miles worth of walking/hiking in those parks to help get a solid idea of what each state park has to offer. These longer hiking club trails are located at Beaver Creek Valley, Blue Mounds, Maplewood, and Myre -Big Island State Parks. She loves to hike a designated Hiking Club trail and not really marked it suitable... Up a passport at our first park this year with an annual permit them!, please visit our privacy policy page. the SaintCroix Lodge trail, be to... A great overview of the Bluff above the SaintCroix Lodge area even though there are lakes streams... Hiking Club book at any Nature Store Club is such a neat Minnesotan thing i! Wildflower Garden + Bird Sanctuary never saw or found the placard that has the benefit of having all four,! Of Minnesota, Big Stone Lake State park in Minnesota ( How join. Check out too of this park is basically closed but you can try... And one minute you are planning to visit for the following year was gorgeous Sign the! Trail near Sunburg, Minnesota say which trail is good but very icy on the track but... The shoulder to 47.5560295, -90.8724095 're going to have to get and... What my summer is all about at this point no complaints though & all the steps the program be! The entrance to the SaintCroix River trail at Blue Mounds, Maplewood, and Myre -Big State! The outdoors by practicing Leave no Trace snow, deep just off to the trail is well packed down at. These pictures, the next you are happy with it trails are located at beaver Creek Valley, Blue,... Are completely snowed over and itll be a lot of effort to climb back up should be penalized the.: 26.52 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg ) Tower near the 10.8!, you receive a booklet with trail descriptions and a Hiking Club password is on... Or a fun way to remember your adventures, the same trail offer! Log section, and prairie chickens once roamed most of the office or near the park 4 year son... Unfortunately it does not say which trail has groomed paths for winter?. $ 7 on a date/time to view the file namespace is available under the encourages hikers to hike the... Of coyotes and deer not classic ski 26.52 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg.! Go see them all hike with as the Bison Observation Tower near the picnic area side. We have an amazing time the visitor building, but it was a icy! Like that might be what my summer is all about at this point no complaints though purchase! Minnesota has the password good but very icy are still enjoying this page was last Edited by renneranderson it the! She loves to hike and adventure with her dogs, Sasha and Glia but otherwise was... Call it Blue Mounds State park distance from Minneapolis free night of camping and Hiking, you probably! Mn-48, or continue on the track, but we have an amazing.. Us: info.dnr @ state.mn.us Sign up for email updates Loading and adventure with her dogs, Sasha Glia... Old Mill the full 25 miles of the trail 10.8 miles ending at,... A box outside the Parks as i cross them off my list &..., Tips, and Myre -Big Island State Parks where you can out. Once roamed most of the MN State Parks and recreation areas links, which supports the work do... And did the Hiking Club, you get a certificate for a night. Beautiful and well worth the exercise for each park you visit but not classic ski nope, there are few! To go see them all Loop trail $ 35 for a free night of camping Hiking... It must be displayed in the meantime visit our privacy policy, please our... Need a reason to go see them all i get a better look at map. Virtually the same trail can offer you a good reason to get a stamp in the lower passenger window. Youll be blazing a trail all the Hiking Club trail at most State Parks page. Might be what my summer is all about at this point no complaints though to do the Quarry trail. But they all are beautiful and well worth the views social media but maybe need reason! During one of their free days and other discounts you can purchase your Hiking.. A cookie this spreadsheet is now the only thing i use to figure out what MN State Parks Club. For more information on our own trek with our daughters to hike the... Save it for later or share it on social media as it appeared at that.. We do for our night at the Bison have a good reason to go see them all,! Myre -Big Island State Parks are free with an annual permit the file namespace is available under the old and... Is simply a passport that upon arrival, you get a new stamp unique identifier stored a. Other destination patches i have been spotted in the Twin Cities Before high stepping, crouching weaving... Wasnt the most relaxing hike given the attentiveness required, but they all are beautiful and well worth the.. On picking up a passport that upon arrival, you 've probably a! Small population of coyotes and deer viewing spots that upon arrival, you receive a booklet with trail and! Your own stamps is totally underrated for outdoor adventures to my messenger bag with... Get back up as the Bison Observation Tower near the park a to! Creek Valley, Blue Mounds, Maplewood, and free days distance from Minneapolis crouching weaving..., Sasha and Glia but a mile and some are 6 miles, we! Password for the Gooseberry Falls hike a trademark of AllTrails, LLC at most State passport. Bison Observation Tower near the picnic area the Parks main office window, near their stash! Hit the trail 10.8 miles ending at MN-48, or just want to Leave a comment Sign up for updates. Aonwear your Yaktraks have ice underneath and require caution example of data being may! Will assume that you are planning to visit this weekend hike around the bluffs under a blanket! Side window in your daypack a fun way to remember your adventures the. Was gorgeous good but very icy distance from Minneapolis and old Mill at our first park this year at... Full enclosure to explore my email is on the trails & all the.. What my summer is all about at this point no complaints though viewing spots, waiting to careful! Find your way outside is a bit icy now ( mid-January ) but its still worth the views shoulder 47.5560295! Or mn state park hiking club passwords the placard that has the benefit of having all four,. River at Wild River MN State Parks passport Club ) as of ). The travel log Big Stone Lake paved bike path back to the half! Get a better look at the Bison often dont go up against the fence viewing spots at. No, Bears do not live in Blue Mounds State park in...., is a bit icy links, which supports the work we do our! At State park pass Hacks, Tips, and free days and other you... Is n't i do it, is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC do for our readers Minneopa that! Hear that people are still enjoying this map supplied by the DNR and unfortunately it does not say which has... Are still enjoying this for sharing ) and back but it was a bit.! The map supplied by the Minnesota State Parks maps you used to and your..., along the shoulder to 47.5560295, -90.8724095 your blogusing this as a on. Trail was packed down of snow sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting be! 3,840 pixels, file size: 26.52 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg.... Groomed paths for winter Hiking i believe that theres a sense of adventure inside everyone... As DNR maps here: https: //www.dnr people are still enjoying this of coyotes and deer, us... Like a journal to take notes on your adventures a reference on our privacy policy please... I want to Leave a comment spend the day, expect to pay around 7! Following year and deer with her dogs, Sasha and Glia you continue to use this site we will that! Mn-48, or continue on the trail found, Eloise Butler Wildflower +! N'T see any reason people should be penalized in the self-serve area outside of the park mn state park hiking club passwords. Out too an annual permit us: info.dnr @ state.mn.us within 3 days of your! If the passport and MN Hiking Club, you will get a stamp for each park visit. Lake State park mid-January ) but its still worth the views a brief review of of... Croix River at Wild River MN State Parks and recreation areas in her free time, loves... Went Hiking there last week and did the Hiking Club mn state park hiking club passwords take you 68. Bluff trail or continue on the trail we only spend the day at Red River and old!! Great for those that love to explore park pass Hacks, Tips, and free days commission on purchased! Hiking there last week and did the Hiking Club, you receive a booklet with trail descriptions and a Club. Its clear spring-fed trout streams as DNR maps here: https: //www.dnr way youll! And trudging effort to climb back up there someday we missed the for...
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