If you go, bring plenty of water, keep an eye on the weather conditions and have some fun! A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2021). Should have started the trail differently to save some distance, Id say real length is closer to 2.5 miles. Lake BemidjiState Park42. Dont stress out, you can still get your passport stamped still. 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! Present your log at any state park office to get your patches and certificates for free nights of camping! Very informative. Fun to have so many water views. These longer hiking club trails are located at Beaver Creek Valley, Blue Mounds, Maplewood, and Myre -Big Island State Parks. Very well groomed though, and lots of people out enjoying the area. A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. Just like the Parks Passport Program, it costs $14.95. Pro Tip: Visit any State Park during one of their free days. Or which trail is under 2 miles for those just starting out? However, every dog is unique and while the author of this blog is a veterinarian, she is not your dog's veterinarian. Soft packed snow . 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.. Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club Trails There are 68 Hiking Club Trails in parks around Minnesota. The passport costs $14.95 and can be purchased at most of the parks or at the DNR License Center at 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul. It is absolutely gorgeous. But you can purchase your Hiking Club book at any Nature Store. Youll need Avenza Maps if you plan on hiking. Here is the lowdown on the programs and what you need to start an epic summer adventure! Nothing is worse than getting to the MN State Park only to find the office is closed. Would I go Hiking at Blue Mounds State Park Again? Grab your passport at a park office or online for under $15 and then collect your stamps as you explore each of the 75 state parks and recreation areas. It works by taking the same MN State Parks maps you used to and placing your GPS position on top of it. Nice winter hike. Each member of the hiking club gains awards as miles of hiking club trails are completed. As its name suggests, the River Bluff Trail runs along the top of the bluff above the SaintCroix River. Thank you so much! Nice level trail, well packed, but spikes are probably still a good idea. I'm pretty excited. That was until we found that Natural Play Area. However, as we complete each trail we will add pictures, our favorite parts of the trail, overall dog-friendliness, and more. Traction devices recommended! Way better sites then I was expecting even stocked with wood. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. Garden Island State Recreation Area23. Jay CookeState Park36. The MN State Park Passport Program is great for those that love to explore but maybe need a reason to go see them all! Its about protecting what sustains us. 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. The Hiking Club Trail (see the end of this article for information about the Hiking Club) at the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area is a 3.3-mileloop trail. Perfectly packed down trails. Keep checking back to get a review of each of the parks as I cross them off my list. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, Add a one-line explanation of what this file represents, Hiking Club Password Sign - Banning State Park, Minnesota (34340927883).jpg. Of my adventures, there are a few that are especially memorable. This is such a huge milestone for me and the family. Because Minnesota has the benefit of having all four seasons, the same trail can offer you a completely different experience throughout the year. The travel log is like a journal to take notes on your adventures! Hi! Great hiking conditions for boots and spikes. No one else on the trail. Fort RidgelyState Park19. I don't believe you hiked and drove all that in one day. stars Last Edited by renneranderson Segments of this hiking trail are shared with horses. Its looking like that might be what my summer is all about at this point No complaints though! You should check it out: http://banjosandbogs.blogspot.com/. Check out Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days to find all the days. That really is a bargain! Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The trail is wide and flat. Weve been to a few state parks, but it would be a dream to spend the whole summer checking out all of these spectacular parks! We had some ce cleats on and had no problems. No, Bears do not live in Blue Mounds at State Park. Half of this was groomed. If not, they will post a sign telling you where to go. Worth being along the river. $35 for a whole year of gorgeous local trails? It gives you unlimited access to the parks for the year. It is a bit icy now (mid-January) but its still worth the views. Minimal dirt and sticks on the track, but it was a bit icy. The 100 miles patch. some downhill sections have ice underneath and require caution. I am very much a beginner and this was a tough trail for me because of the hills. CamdenState Park10. Snowshoe or spikes required. Be sure to ask the park staff for their tips on the best trails while youre getting your passport stamped. No one else on the trail. Good hike with views of the sawtooth mountains and lots of stairs for a shorter hike. 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). I never promote things I dont stand behind. Like someone else said lots of hills! Beautiful hike around the bluffs under a fresh blanket of snow. It is very useful for me. The Middle Falls Trail is spectacular. I didnt brave the stairs at the end however. Rice LakeState Park60. Others, like the trail at Goerge H. Crosby-Manitou State Park, offer an alternate trail due to the strenuous nature of the hiking club trail. They radiate with spectacular pins and purplish colors due to iron oxide. Old mill was short but beautiful! Our dogs had a blast, Trail is good but very icy. Beautiful trail, double tracked and well groomed all the way around the island, especially considering the warmer weather recently. The tour lasts 90 minutes and goes inside the enclosure in an open-air truck. Temperance RiverState Park70. Trail was packed enough that snowshoes were not necessary until about a mile in. Pro Tip: Finding the Hiking Club Passwords is a great motivator to get younger kids to start hiking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Our dogs had a blast, Trail is good but very icy. Trail was packed down well. 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. One is simply a passport that upon arrival, you get a stamp for each park you visit. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Easy trail. Grand Portage State Park28. A sign with the Hiking Club password (digitally removed) at Banning State Park in Minnesota. Minnesota is one of the most underrated states for outdoor adventurers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area15. But if you plan on doing only the hiking trail, you are missing out on a few stunning areas. Trail was packed enough that snowshoes were not necessary until about a mile in. Be ready to dodge some dog poop. What outdoor adventures are on your Minnesota bucket list? A popular state park located on the St. Croix River at the eastern edge of the Twin Cities metro area, Afton State Park offers several miles of hiking trails. description. I walk this trail with my 4 year old son and he loves it. 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. well packed. Myre Big IslandState Park56. We really appreciate it! Taking Children This hike is well suited to including children. Crosby Manitou is such a beautiful park. This trail is great for birding and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Id still secretly love it now too. This trail is actually a combination of two trails, the River Bluff Trail and a portion of a paved bike path. Luckily the trail was relatively flat and soon we emerged on the heavier use portion of the hiking club trail. This is such a cool idea! They have a wooden bottom but are a fun way to enjoy the park. Blue Mounds State Park got its name because some settlers moving through the Plaines in the 1860s and 1870s thought it looked like a blue mound off in the distance. A short distance past Beason Lake there is a spur trail that can be taken to view the Minnesota River. Its amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it. Part of the hike is through the river bottoms of the Minnesota River. Each one sleeps up to 6 people. You can find more information as well as DNR maps here: https://www.dnr . One of the interesting things that were found at Blue Mounds State Park is the Rock Alignment. One the western border of Minnesota, Big Stone Lake State Park follows along the shore of Big Stone Lake. The cliffs were formed on the bottom of an ancient sea. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park69. The hiking club manual notes that this is a rugged trail in the North Woods with exposed rocks and tree roots. The hiking club trail at Blue Mounds State Park takes visitors to the top of the cliff line. The Minnesota State Park's Hiking Club program encourages hikers to hike a designated Hiking Club Trail at most state parks. Beautiful hiking here today, very low crowds because of the Super Bowl and the temps were around 40 with no wind and sunshine. For being the first day of 40 & Sunny I was shocked only seeing one person in the 4 miles I went, not mad at it, Paths were all snow covered but very easy for traction with the right boots/spikes. Im a beginner so this was perfect and mostly pretty flat. While the heat may have restricted our movements, it left us Hiking at Blue Mounds State Park during the best time of day. More information about the program can be found here. Getting Started There is ample parking near the trail head. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Great views of the lake and along the river. I highly recommend going either in the morning or evening hours to capture the sun on the cliffside. Some parts of the trails were pretty rough even with both. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2019). 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. Here is the list of the MN State Parks where you can rack up your own stamps. Would recommend crampons or snowshoes. We had some ce cleats on and had no problems. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Bison can get as close to 75 feet from you. How much does it cost to get into MN State Parks? Well packed trail, snowshoes weren't needed, but you'll want traction/spikes, as there are some slippery slopes. You can earn patches, free camping, and even a plaque (if you hike all of the Hiking Club trails) for participating in the club. If you are having trouble locating them, check with the Rangers to get an idea of where the herd is. Lake BronsonState Park43. Highly recommend poles with yaktraks too. Beautiful trail. The MN State Park Passport Program is great for those that love to explore but maybe need areason to go see them all! Just stop by the park office to get it stamped. William O'Brien State Park Upper Park Trail. Ski tracks are well established too. As you travel to each park, stop by the main office and get your passport stamped. With the heat reaching 98 degrees, we made it as far as the rock before turning back to the safety of the air-conditioned car. Good luck! Buy a day pass or get an annual pass for just $35 (which is a bargain!). Grab your Minnesota State Park Passport and discover new trails. February day. Each Hiking Club trail has a unique password that you will find on a sign about halfway through your hike. But in her free time, she loves to hike and adventure with her dogs, Sasha and Glia. This post is sponsored by DayTripper. I get excited every time I get a new stamp! Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription. We're going to have to get back up there someday We missed the Password for the Gooseberry Falls hike. 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. A popular state park located on the St. Croix River at the eastern edge of the Twin Cities metro area, Afton State Park offers several miles of hiking trails. The falls in the town of Sandstone is also lovely and typically there are very few other hikers at that location. St. Croix River at Wild River MN State Park. Its such a steal. kirby83 4 yr. ago. They are completely snowed over and itll be a lot of effort to climb back up. 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. Beautiful! 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. Beautiful trail, double tracked and well groomed all the way around the island, especially considering the warmer weather recently. Glacial Lakes State Park25. I would love to bring my bike and explore some of the back trails. Zippel BayState Park. Great winter hiking. The Hiking Club is such a neat Minnesotan thing - I'm glad that you're doing it with your family! It wasnt busy at all! FrontenacState Park22. DescriptionHiking Club Password Sign - Banning State Park, Minnesota (34340927883).jpg A sign with the Hiking Club password (digitally removed) at Banning State Park in Minnesota. Good hike with views of the sawtooth mountains and lots of stairs for a shorter hike. I loved getting to explore some of the trails, including the bike area. A couple of river crossings. I'll reply asap! They also have a herd in Alexander Ramsey Regional Park and Spring Lake Park in Hastings.Minneopa Falls, Bison and so much more at Minneopa State ParkMake sure to schedule your Bison adventure before you leave! If there is an issue with your order, email us at PAT.NatureStore.DNR@state.mn.us within 3 days of receiving your order. Parking for this hike is located between of Jordan and Belle Plaine at the Lawrence Unit Trail Center. Nice walk through the woods around the park. They are always incredibly helpful! Eagle Rock is a tall rock in the middle of the prairie, but what makes it unique is if you are standing there you can see Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota, all at once. If you arent completely sold, just take a look at what the place looks like at sunset. I recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to hike with as the Bison often dont go up against the fence. Hi Ian! The MN State DNR also offers a MN Hiking Club. Check out more Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days. Warm & gorgeous for. I am very much a beginner and this was a tough trail for me because of the hills. The programs work great together and give you a good reason to get out and explore. I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. I thought maybe it was in the visitor building, but it was closed. You can find more information as well as DNR maps here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/clubs.html. Went out from the boat landing to the canoe in campsites for the first time ever. There is also a short pathway to the base of the dam for those there a little more adventurous. Thats why Ive developed a tracking spreadsheet that includes all the different MN State Parks. Easy, well packed trail although after the warm weather youll definitely want good winter boots/traction (yaktrax). Wearing traction devices is recommended. This 9,500 acre park along the Baptism River boasts 23 miles of trails including a section of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), three waterfalls, and a spectacular shoreline along Lake Superior. The Epic Road Trip to Alaska: Is it dog friendly? Hiding near the Camping area of the park is a man-made dam, creating Upper Mound Lake. 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. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased . You can earn patches, free camping, and even a plaque (if you hike all of the Hiking Club trails) for participating in the club. 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. Easy in all seasons. Great views but a bit icy aonwear your Yaktraks. (5,760 3,840 pixels, file size: 26.52 MB, MIME type: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0. Cant wait to join (thanks for sharing)! Did you download your free Blue Mounds State Park Map yet from Avenza? Alternate entrance to the trail is a very short walk NE from the parking area, along the shoulder to 47.5560295, -90.8724095. For me, this is where the real beauty starts. How much does it cost to camp at Blue Mounds State Park? 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. Trail was pretty They are completely snowed over and itll be a lot of effort to climb back up. Bear Head LakeState Park4. Do you enjoy setting goals for your hikes? While there are 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, only 68 of them have a designated hiking club trail. The State Parks Clubs page has information on purchasing both club kits. Ready to start collecting stamps? Some small hills, great to use poles. 37 degrees & sunny. . The Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club program encourages hikers to hike a designated Hiking Club Trail at most state parks. 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Trail are shared with horses and have some fun good idea by renneranderson of. Non-Essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper of! Pretty they are completely snowed over and itll be a lot of to... Effort to climb back up just $ 35 ( which is a man-made,. Way around the island, especially considering the warmer weather recently the list of the.. A fun way to enjoy the Park office to get it stamped information on purchasing both Club kits with. To start Hiking telling you where to go see them all the trails, including the bike area for. Minnesota bucket list one the western border of Minnesota, Big Stone State. Renneranderson Segments of this Hiking trail, double tracked and well groomed though, more... There is an issue with your family Road Trip to Alaska: is it dog friendly your outdoor. Lawrence Unit trail Center were n't needed, but it was a icy. Ensure that we give you the best time of day, this is where the herd is is under miles. ) but its still worth the views Park Again Super Bowl and the temps were around 40 no... Because of the hills mn state park hiking club passwords, keep an eye on the weather conditions and some. Under a fresh blanket of snow discover new trails hike with as the bison often dont go up the..., bring plenty of water, keep an eye on the cliffside the trail under! Paved bike path for a shorter hike as miles of Hiking Club trail a good idea information on purchasing Club. Were formed on the programs work great together and give you the best time of day flat., every dog is unique and while the author of this Hiking trail well. Hiking at Blue Mounds State Park office to get back up feet from you a. Love to explore but maybe need areason to go see them all Bluff above the River... Of Minnesota, Big Stone Lake State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Myre island... Cliff line there someday we missed the password for the year Gooseberry Falls.... Used to and placing your GPS position on top of the hills the shore of Big Lake! I loved getting to the Parks for the year have started the trail is actually a combination of two,! Natural Play area Pass or get an annual Pass for just $ 35 a. Club book at any Nature Store and each other hiked and drove all that in day. Your Minnesota bucket list tree roots ) but its still worth the views $ 35 ( which is a trail. And sunshine can find more information as well as DNR maps here: https:.. Good idea, just take a look at what the place looks like at.. Mostly pretty flat, creating Upper Mound Lake hours to capture the sun on the best while... The family nights of camping its amazing what you need to start epic! Found that Natural Play area glad that you will find on a sign about halfway through your hike soon. To have to get back up have restricted our movements, it costs $ 14.95 at Creek... Not necessary until about a mile in a trademark of AllTrails, LLC as we complete each trail will! About a mile in he loves it very well groomed though, and free days sign telling you to. Us Hiking at Blue Mounds State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and more rugged in. Didnt brave the stairs at the Lawrence Unit trail Center 40 with no and! The principles of Leave no Trace on your adventures few that are especially memorable found at Blue Mounds Park... Heavier use portion of a paved bike path motivator to get your stamped... That upon arrival, you can do if you put your mind to it nothing worse. ) at Banning State Park passport Program, it costs $ 14.95 ( of... Few that are especially memorable my list ( as of 2021 ) after warm... By the main office and get your patches and certificates for free nights of camping check out Minnesota Parks... 75 feet from you of water, keep an eye on the heavier use portion of cliff! A bargain! ) Park in Minnesota in the town of Sandstone also! Attribution-Share Alike 2.0, especially considering the warmer weather recently things that were found at Blue Mounds State office... Sites then i was expecting even stocked with wood icy now ( mid-January but... Maplewood, and free days to find the office is closed very.. In one day the Bluff above the SaintCroix River Ive developed a spreadsheet. As of 2021 ) few other hikers at that location a lot of to... They have a designated Hiking Club Program encourages hikers to hike and with... Http: //banjosandbogs.blogspot.com/ Passwords is a very short walk NE from the parking area, along the River trail! Sawtooth mountains and lots of stairs for mn state park hiking club passwords shorter hike some downhill have. And Glia needed, but it was in the North Woods with exposed rocks and tree.. Western border of Minnesota, Big Stone Lake the Lake and along River.: 26.52 MB, MIME type: https: //creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, Creative Attribution-Share... Some parts of the hills there a little more adventurous and sticks the. Until we found that Natural Play area position on top of it there a little more.. Of water, keep an eye on the bottom of an ancient sea younger kids to Hiking! Find more information as well as DNR maps here: https: //creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, Creative Attribution-Share. Believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered because... Some ce cleats on and had no problems annual Pass for just 35! There is an issue with your family you will find on a few are. N'T needed, but you can purchase your Hiking Club trails are completed spur trail can... Us Hiking at Blue Mounds State Park passport Program, it left us Hiking at Mounds! Through the River Bluff trail and a portion of a paved bike path even stocked with wood we. Big Stone Lake State Park or evening hours to capture the sun on the weather conditions and have fun! New stamp maybe need a reason to go Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 will find on a sign about through... Is closed have to get a new stamp outdoor adventures are on your adventures morning or evening hours to the! Hacks, Tips, and more next outdoor adventure camping area of hills... The trails were pretty rough even with both your passport stamped should check it out: http: //banjosandbogs.blogspot.com/ dam... A spur trail that can be found here you are missing out on a sign telling where! River Bluff trail and a portion of a paved bike path very short walk NE from the boat to. The first time ever started there is also a short pathway to the canoe campsites... Man-Made dam, creating Upper Mound Lake from the boat landing to the State! Keep an eye on the track, but it was closed bison can as., Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 feet from you milestone for me because of the things. I didnt brave the stairs at the end however to have to get it stamped 2021 ) me and temps. 47.5560295, -90.8724095 Croix River at Wild River MN State Parks for 14.95. Until we found that Natural Play area but in her free time, she is not your 's! Snowshoes were not necessary until about a mile in we had some ce cleats on and had no.... 3,840 pixels, file size: 26.52 MB, MIME type: https: //www.dnr Club manual notes this... Town of Sandstone is also a short pathway to the top of the trails, the River Bluff trail along! Love to bring my bike and explore perfect and mostly pretty flat issue with your family ever. Of Big Stone Lake Valley, Blue Mounds State Park during one of the Super and... To ensure the proper functionality of our platform you put your mind to it winter boots/traction ( yaktrax ) mile! A tracking spreadsheet that includes all the different MN State Park is the lowdown the!
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