Grand Portage State Park28. Call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 Email us: info.dnr@state.mn.us Sign up for email updates Loading. Half of this was groomed. I intended to snowshoe the trail but it looked to have a decently packed path already so I went with boots and gators. Each passport comes in a pouch along with a travel log. St. Croix River at Wild River MN State Park. Winter hiking, the trail is not plowed. Crosby Manitou is such a beautiful park. I absolutely LOVE this post. Very well groomed though, and lots of people out enjoying the area. Enjoy this spot!!! A Hiking Club password is found on all of these hikes. 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. Great hiking conditions for boots and spikes. 37 degrees & sunny. Once you get your passport, dont forget to bring it with you when you hit the trails! Trail is fairly well snow packed. Its a great deal if you plan to go to a park more than once a year. Home | About Me | Contact Me | Blog | Disclaimer. You park at the gate and walk about 1/2 mile to the trail. Half on snowmobile trail, half ungroomed. Edit Show More. Beautiful hike! It may surprise you to know that DayTripper sponsors 95% of the posts seen on the site. This loop would have been very difficult to get through all of the snow if you didnt have snowshoes. The 97-degree temperatures meant we didnt do any hiking until early morning or late at night. Lovely hike! Easy in all seasons. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Once you get your passport, dont forget to bring it with you when you hit the trails! Some debris on the back part of the loop furthest from the river, but easily navigable. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thanks! Beaver Creek Valley State Park is located in the bluff lands of southeastern Minnesota and is known for its clear spring-fed trout streams. This loop would have been very difficult to get through all of the snow if you didnt have snowshoes. Park is basically closed but you can park and then hike or cross country ski. Wear YakTrax or some type of cleat and enjoy! The trails cover a wide range of difficulty and length. 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. The trail is pretty rough from the early melt and freeze. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? The trail started directly from the parking lot. One of the interesting things that were found at Blue Mounds State Park is the Rock Alignment. I'll reply asap! 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. It works by taking the same MN State Parks maps you used to and placing your GPS position on top of it. This is such a huge milestone for me and the family. There are a variety of things to do here, including hiking, birdwaching, fishing, and camping. Ready to start collecting stamps? So excited to explore some new trails. Wow, thanks! Try this 1.1-mile loop trail near Sunburg, Minnesota. Beware horse apples! As its name suggests, the River Bluff Trail runs along the top of the bluff above the SaintCroix River. Would recommend crampons or snowshoes. I think the next time I do it, it will be during a cooler month. Trail was packed down of snow but a mile and half in it was soft and trudging . Savanna PortageState Park64. It passes over spring-fed creeks and even travels past a small waterfall. The first time told me there was cactus in Minnesota I kind of laughed. Especially this time of year! Went snowshoeing and it was beautiful. More information about the program can be found here. 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. We had some ce cleats on and had no problems. Ill need to hit this one again soon. Thanks! My life week is pretty average but on the weekends, my family and I hop in our car exploring Minnesota. Dont stress out, you can still get your passport stamped still. Beginning at the Trail Center, at the five corners intersection, turn left onto the Munger Boundary Trail. Ive got them broken out by distance from Minneapolis. Photos (107) Directions. Fort RidgelyState Park19. I didnt even know about the Passport Club! They can be found in almost every State Park and in some Recreation Areas, and it is our goal to visit every park and hike every Hiking Club trail! To earn credit for a hike, you must hike the entire hiking club trail and watch for a sign with the password for that hike. 75 reasons to join the MN State Parks Passport and MN Hiking Club. The tall grasses also attract birds. There are plenty of GPS programs like All Trails and The Hiking Project that help you plot out your adventure. Do you have any favorite spots? The turnaround point of this hike is near the historic Yellowbanks Civilian Conservation Corps camp site. So what does Minnesota have to offer? some downhill sections have ice underneath and require caution. Beautiful trail. I earn a small commission on any purchases made. If the surface is rocky, rough or likely to inure paw pads, the trail will score a zero here. Its amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it. Hayes LakeState Park31. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Nothing is worse than getting to the MN State Park only to find the office is closed. A sign with the Hiking Club password (digitally removed) at Banning State Park in Minnesota. 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 . Stairs ARE slippery! Youre welcome to email me if youd like me to send photos of the list in my passport to compare to yours! La Salle Lake State Recreation Area40. Update your log. I agree that Minnesota is totally underrated for outdoor adventures. Begin your Hiking Club trek with a trip to the Nature Store to purchase your Hiking Club book. 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. Hard-packed and significantly icy trail; some sort of traction is recommended! 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. Check out Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days to find all the days. Like most of Minnesota's State Parks, these parks are all between 1-2 hours apart and short hiking distances, making it easy to visit multiple destinations Thank you again for the help! The Hiking Club Trail surrounds much of the park, including the outer edge of the bison enclosure. Each one sleeps up to 6 people. Mine was about $15 and we purchased ours at the William OBrien State Park office. Beautiful! Disclaimer Notice: This website contains some general medical and behavior modification information for dogs. A Hiking Club kit can be purchased at most state parks for $14.95 (as of 2021). We had some ce cleats on and had no problems. If the office isnt open, dont worry. This path pretty much runs in parallel to the River Bluff Trail. 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. But in her free time, she loves to hike and adventure with her dogs, Sasha and Glia. BUT absolutely worth the effort, such a beautiful hike, I would do it again in the same conditions again. Lac qui ParleState Park41. FrontenacState Park22. All 68 trails allow dogs, but factors that we consider for dog-friendliness include: For easier navigation of this blog post, state parks and recreation areas are in alphabetical order. The Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club program encourages hikers to hike a designated Hiking Club Trail at most state parks. Trails were groomed for skate ski but not classic ski. Do you enjoy setting goals for your hikes? She is a member of the Hiking Club, but unfortunately she left it at home. William O'Brien State Park Upper Park Trail. Welcome toThis Big Wild Worldtravel blog! I spoke about them on Fox9 Morning Show recently. This is a list of all of Minnesota's State Park Hiking Club trails. Hi Jonas, it looks like the Hiking Club trail starts with the River Heights trail. 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. I really liked the video. 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. They are well labeled and hard to miss. Segments of this hiking trail are shared with horses. The trail used to run through a heavily wooded area, but a devastating storm on July 1st, 2011 produced straight-line winds that topped 100 miles per hour. Its a short way from the parking area, so if you are beat, it wont take too much more energy to get up close and personal with them. Wonder where else you can see bison in Minnesota? 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. 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. MinneopaState Park52. Afton State Park2. Pro Tip: Visit any State Park during one of their free days. Big Bog State Recreation Area6. Great hiking conditions for boots and spikes. The goal of the Hiking Club is to help Minnesotans get outside and explore new destinations within the state. William OBrienState Park75. 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 best state park in Minnesota)? Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Buy a day pass or get an annual pass for just $35 (which is a bargain!). You have successfully joined our subscriber list. I thought maybe it was in the visitor building, but it was closed. There is also a short pathway to the base of the dam for those there a little more adventurous. Fun to have so many water views. There is usually a stamp in the self-serve area outside of the office or near the entrance to the park. Make sure to check out my newest guide on Enjoying the Hike Again. Easy trail. Very icy on stairs. Seriously, you can earn free camping just by hiking! There are several ups and downs- after a fall I carried my skis so as not to fall again (and reinjure my wrists). I love going on hikes every time I visit my family in Minnesota. The trail is well marked with hiking club signs. All Minnesota State Parks are free with an annual permit. Besides the passport, you will also receive a travel log giving you the opportunity to document some of your favorite parts of the parks. When you have hiked all miles/all 68 hiking club trails, you received a final patch, another free night of camping, and an engraved plaque commemorating your achievement. Wearing traction devices is recommended. One thing that I love about hiking is that there is always something else just a few steps ahead of you. This page was last edited on 17 October 2020, at 09:38. Stairs ARE slippery! Trails are not groomed and one minute you are fine, the next you are in knee/thigh deep snow. During the summer months, the top of the cactus is topped with bright yellow flowers. Pro Tip: To enter the Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas, a permit is required. Just stop by the park office to get it stamped. Wearing traction devices is recommended. Dog are allowed on the trail when on a leash. You can earn patches, free camping, and even a plaque (if you hike all of the Hiking Club trails) for participating in the club. Here is the list of the MN State Parks where you can rack up your own stamps. Hoping to do the newest trail at LaSalle Lake State recreation area this summer. Father HennepinState Park16. Pro Tip: Before you hit the trail, be sure to pack these day hiking essentials in your daypack! There are benches to stop and sit and have a snack. The Minnesota Hiking Club: 68 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails. The cliffs were formed on the bottom of an ancient sea. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is not liable for shipping delays, and lost or stolen packages. 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. A short distance past Beason Lake there is a spur trail that can be taken to view the Minnesota River. From a bison viewing area to Sioux quartzite formations and areas of preserved prairie, there is plenty to see at this state park. Related content to read next: Find even more Minnesota travel destinations and tips on my Minnesota travel page. No way. The hiking club trail at Blue Mounds State Park takes visitors to the top of the cliff line. 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. I cannot wait to do this trail in the summer! We only spend the day there, but we have an amazing time. Rice LakeState Park60. I never promote things I dont stand behind. No fair saying where. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I have been sewing mine to my messenger bag along with the other destination patches I have earned. These were epic. Beautiful views of the forest and river. (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. Its a free guide I put together spilling all the dirt on hiking. Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area53. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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! I recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to hike with as the Bison often dont go up against the fence. $35 for a whole year of gorgeous local trails? I would love to bring my bike and explore some of the back trails. Frontenac State Park is a great place for a day of recreation. Saw about six bald eagles and as many deer, otherwise a pretty average trail. Seriously, Josy! Otherwise, beautiful trail! For $14.95 you can be a part of this too. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Quick tip: there are currently two very difficult obstacles to navigate within the first couple of minutes. well packed. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Finding the trail head was a little difficult. We hiked the Quarry Loop to Wolf Creek Fall, 5.5 mile out and back. hiking, Hey, I am keeping virtually the same blog as you (documenting my Minnesota Hiking Club Travels and Travails). With the conclusion of this hike, I got my next achievement on the Hiking Club Trail. I didnt brave the stairs at the end however. Temperance RiverState Park70. Great hike! If the passport and travel log arent cool enough, how about some free stuff? You can buy them in person or online for $35. It has space and multiple tracks so there is a fair bit of sliding. Poles were super helpful, as long as they didnt sink off to the side. The trail is wide and flat. Along the way, youll earn free nights of camping and patches! CarleyState Park11. Where will your adventures take you first? It is a bit icy now (mid-January) but its still worth the views. 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. The timestamp is only as accurate as the clock in the camera, and it may be completely wrong. Along the Mound Trail, near an outcropping of rocks, are patches of Prickly Pair Cactus. Any other time and you are risking heatstroke. If so, the Minnesota State Parks and Trail Hiking Club is perfect for you and your pup. Parking for this hike is located between of Jordan and Belle Plaine at the Lawrence Unit Trail Center. 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. Original file (5,760 3,840 pixels, file size: 26.52 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg). Trail was packed down well. Cross-country skied the part of this trail nearest the lake on Sunday afternoon 2/5. Lots of deer on the move and visible. We would greatly appreciate it. 9 4 Minnesota United States of America North America Place 4 comments Best Add a Comment You can find more information as well as DNR maps here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/clubs.html. Learn how your comment data is processed. The hiking is 24.4 miles alone! The Hiking Club is based on the same idea as the Passport Club, visiting awesome sites and filling your logbook. The hiking club trail has a lot of breakaways and can easily be broken up into sections that are easier to manage. Fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! . You basically hiked from Lake Superior to the Cities. Explore MN 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. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. The MN State Park Passport Program is great for those that love to explore but maybe need a reason to go see them all! The hiking club manual notes that this is a rugged trail in the North Woods with exposed rocks and tree roots. Not deep enough for snow shoeing but super fun trail for winter hiking! This file contains additional information such as Exif metadata which may have been added by the digital camera, scanner, or software program used to create or digitize it. Nice level trail, well packed, but spikes are probably still a good idea. I am very much a beginner and this was a tough trail for me because of the hills. Minnesota State Parks Hiking and Passport Club, Find Your Adventure Series | Sidewalk Safari. All sales are final. This is a list of all of Minnesota's State Park Hiking Club trails. Hi! Or that you can view the Northern Lights from northern Minnesota? Then you need a MN State Parks Passport or are you part of the MN Hiking Club? Yaktraks are a must!! 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