Minnesota Trails Fall 2016

Byway Birding • 23 Great Minnesota Hikes

Fall 2016

HIKING GUIDE BIKE TOURS

101 FUN THINGS TO DO ON OUR

SCENIC

Tr ai Pa l Bu ge ild 5 er

BYWAYS

522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails Staff Dave Simpkins Editor/Publisher Jan Lasar Publisher/Advertising Joyce Frericks Accounting Brian Dingmann Page Layout & Design Pat Turner Graphics Manager Tara Pitschka Amanda Thooft Graphic Artists

Editorial Board Brett Feldman Executive Director Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Vol. 21, No. 3 August 2016 Minnesota Trails magazine is a continuation of Minnesota Bike Trails & Rides, published quarterly in cooperation with the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that acquires, protects and enhances critical lands for public enjoyment. Your $35 membership subscription supports this work.

Minnesota Trails is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials and reserves the right to reject unsuitable advertising. Information in this publication is as accurate as possible.

Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Minnesota Trails.

Continuing the

2 Fall 2016

Minnesota Trails

Index Features

Columns

Departments

6 Parks and Trails News

4 Breaking Camp

13 Hiking Guide

5 Investing in Trails

17 Scenic Byway Guide

Lisa Filter

8 On the Superior Hiking Trail Roxanne Backowski

10 New Border Route Loop Rudi Hargesheimer

12 North Country Trail Hike Jan Lasar

Dave Simpkins Brett Feldman

Cover photo:

Roxanne Backowski and her black lab, Mindy, on a recent through-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail.

Jeff Thielen photo

23 Great Minnesota Hikes

101 Fun Things To Do

34 Bike Ride Guide Fabulous Fall Rides

37 MN Trails Map

Bike, hike, canoe, kayak

32 Byway Birding Greg Feinberg

Index photo:

Evening sun shines on the Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, Minnesota.

Jan Lasar photo

Proud sponsor p off the

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Fall 2016 3

Breaking Camp after 13 years I’m breaking camp after (1934-2014) to remember unCommon Ground 13 years of covering the best you, just ride off the Paul news beat in Minnesota.

Bunyan Trail while taking Being the editor and his picture from your bipublisher of Minnesota Trails cycle. I had to tell that story magazine has taken me to all at his memorial service and of our state parks and bike how every time he saw me trails as well as many forests he would say, “Oh, you’re HUK YP]LYZ )LPUN [OL VMÄJPHS that photographer that can’t publication of the Parks & stay on the trail.”

Trails Council of Minnesota Another person I’ll (PTC), has also given me a never forget was Terry McDave Simpkins front row seat to the acqui- Former Trails Publisher Gaughey (1939-2010), the sition, lobbying for, and progiant promoter of the Paul motion of these great places.

Bunyan Trail and occasional On August 1, I sold my stock in salesperson for Minnesota Trails. Trail Minnesota Trails to Jan Lasar of Bow- builders and promoters are a special lus, who has been a partner over the breed of people, and Terry stood tall. past two years. Jan is an enthusiastic He nurtured the Paul Bunyan from parks and trails user and promoter Z[HY[ [V ÄUPZO SVII`PUN JHQVSPUN HUK who has many solid storytelling skills. always coming up with a memento to As I put my canoe on top of the celebrate every ribbon cutting. car, my bike on the rack, and my Lobbying the legislature and camera bag in the trunk, I have to working the state fair and Outdoor look back on this great adventure Expo booths with current PTC Direcwith some sadness and lots of joy for tor, Brett Feldman, has been a hoot. the good times, beautiful places, and Our greatest adventure came with the great people I’ve worked with before passage of the 2008 Legacy AmendI shut down my computer. ment, putting millions of dollars into Founding publisher Vic Olson, cleaning our rivers, expanding parks of Nevis, started the Minnesota Bike and trails and enhancing the arts.

Rides and Trails in 1995 as an annuIt was a real thrill following al bike guide. Vic and I had gone to former PTC lobbyist Judy Erickson the University of Minnesota and had around the legislature as she gave worked on the old Sun Newspapers testimony, cornered lawmakers, and in the 1970s before becoming coun- occasionally wrote major legislation try editors with a love of biking and on the back of a napkin. She gave the outdoors. Like a good reporter, \Z H [^V ÄZ[LK [V\NO SV]L JV\YZL PU Vic diligently documented every mile magazine publishing, saying we had of every bike trail in the state. When an historic opportunity to do somehe called me in 2004 asking if I’d like thing good for Minnesota. to buy his bike guide, it took me all of The working conditions on this two seconds to decide. beat have been fantastic, from the I wanted to turn the guide into a iron mines of the Mesabi Trail to the full-color, quarterly magazine cover- forest roads of the North Shore; from ing state parks, rivers and forests in the prairies of addition to the bike trails. At the same Glacial Lakes to time, PTC Director Dorian Grilley the hidden forand board member Peter Seed were ests along the thinking of publishing a full-color metro trails and coffee table book to tell the PTC story. the river bluffs Peter liked our concept and contrib- of southern uted a subsidy for PTC to buy copies Minnesota. I’m for its members. looking forward I’ve learned many lessons along to returning to this trail. these places as I learned that if you wanted trail a tourist. building Congressman Jim Oberstar I have to

4 Fall 2016

thank all the Minnesota DNR staff who have helped us so much. My favorite DNR people are the naturalists, who share so much great information about the natural world. My favorite presentation was by Connie Cox at Itasca State Park. On a sub-zero day in January, she told us how trees communicate stress in extremely cold weather and healthier trees step up to produce more acorns. REALLY! When Jeff Kitterman and I started out, we thought we could stay in state parks as we traveled the state selling ads and collecting stories. A few big YHPU Z[VYTZ HUK \UJLY[HPU ^PÄ [H\NO[ us the value of a nice hotel when making business trips.

I couldn’t leave this campsite without thanking all the advertisers that make this magazine possible.

The Chambers, CVBs, bike shops, sporting-goods stores, and many ma & pa restaurants and B&Bs have been wonderful to work with. These folks are the human face of Minnesota tourism and why tourism is a major industry here.

Now Jan is getting to know our advertisers. While I enjoyed visiting the wineries along the way, Jan, being true to his German roots, enjoys the brewpubs along the trail.

Over the last 13 years I’ve survived a bout with cancer and being hit by a car; that has slowed my body down but not dampened my enthusiasm for the outdoors and for the work of the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, because there is so much more work to be done.

Now where did I put my water bottle?

Minnesota Trails

p e ople savi ng s p e ci a l pl aces

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Letter from the executive director

Investing in trails...one mile at a time

By Brett Feldman It is no secret that we Minnefirst understand the problem. Once similar to what it requires of the sotans love outdoor recreation –– we complete our state trail assessMinnesota Department of Transespecially our trails. The benefits of ment we hope to encourage lawportation (MnDOT) for transportrails are well documented. Where makers to require the agency that tation projects. trails exist, communities experience manages our state trails to develop Our trail assessment project will vital economic, health and quality of a State Trail Improvement Program use both objective and subjective life benefits. To put it more simply: identifying the schedule and funddata that, when combined, will retrails are fun, they are a prescriping of trail improvement projects sult in the condition of each mile of tion to better health, and they bring trail being identified as falling into money and jobs into local comone of four categories: poor, fair, munities. They are a great public good and excellent. investment.

For more information on the But as the demand for state trails Parks & Trails Council of Mincontinues to grow in community nesota’s trail assessment project, or after community, there is increasif you would like to help us gather ing concern at the Legislature, and data, please contact Research and in the public, that we aren’t doing Policy Specialist Andrew Oftedal at enough to take care of our trails. aoftedal@parksandtrails.org. We Questions have been raised about have a lot of trail miles to assess and maintenance problems, how curwe welcome your help. rent trail funding is being used and Biking the Central Lakes Trail near how to most effectively manage a Dalton highly-valued and growing state trail system.

As fellow trail and park users, we know the answers to these questions are critical to informing the policy Since 1954, the nonprofit, member-supported decisions that lead to necessary and wise investments in the future.

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has been saving special places for the public’s use and benefit. Members make it happen! By respondThat is why the Parks & Trails ing quickly to purchase critical land when it goes up for sale, we preCouncil of Minnesota recently beserve outstanding natural lands for parks and trails. We are your voice gan an effort to assess the condition in advocating and educating on behalf of parks and trails. of every mile of paved state trail – all 613 of them. This assessment Plus, members receive four issues of Minnesota Trails Magazine! is important because before we can Join Today! Mail in an enclosed subscription card or join online advocate for solutions, we need to

People saving special places

www.ParksAndTrails.org Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota would like to thank the following sponsor Minnesota Trails

www.pincushiontrailsinn.com

Fall 2016 5

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Becklin Homestead preserves the only parkland in Isanti County that is along the Rum River.

Land Project Highlight

Adding critical land at the gateway to Rum River Looking for a hidden gem of nature? You can’t do much better than the Isanti County Park/Wildlife Management Area (WMA) of Becklin Homestead. Here you can find a pastoral landscape of prairie grasses and old-growth trees quietly resting along the banks of the scenic Rum River.

The park is relatively new, having been established in 2004 with the help of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota and numerous other groups. This year, we helped add another 9.5 acres of critical land at the entrance to further enhance the park. This addition was part of the original homestead but remained in private ownership with a house and several other structures, until the

6 Fall 2016

owner decided he was interested in folks come and enjoy it by allowing selling. them to hunt, fish and launch their boats,” said Carlson.

Bill Carlson, Chair of the Isanti County Park Board, was instrumental For Parks & Trails Council to come in with the in both the initial funds and expertise to quickly and smoothly park establishment and this addition. handle this, it’s beyond beneficial.

He says this park - Barry Wendorf, Isanti Co. Parks Director is near and dear to him in part because it’s a place he visited often as While Parks & Trails Council of a child, long before it was a park.

Minnesota has a long history with The Becklin family bought the farm state parks, there are also a number from the original owner in 1898 and of county parks where we’ve played maintained it within the family un- a key role. “Becklin Homestead til it was established as a park. Dur- definitely fit within our criteria for ing that time they welcomed people land assistance based on its outto enjoy the land. “The Becklins standing natural resources located treated this land like a park, letting near a population center,” says Brett

“

”

Minnesota Trails

p e ople savi ng s p e ci a l pl aces

Feldman, Parks & Trails Council’s executive director.

Barry Wendorf, Isanti County parks director says the immediate plans for the new land include removing the existing residence structure, a well and septic system.

Then, long-term plans will see the agriculture field restored into habitat for native pollinators, such as monarch butterflies. The county will be seeking funding from the Legacy Amendment to make this possible. Visitors will eventually be able to enjoy a mowed surface trail loop through the wildflowers.

In the meantime, visitors to the park, which is jointly managed as a county park and wildlife management area, can enjoy 2.5 miles

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of multi-use trails, a welcoming picnic shelter, playground and boat access to the Rum River. Carlson says you will likely see bald eagles when you visit. At designated times during the year Becklin Homestead is open to hunting for people who are physically challenged as part of the Capable Partners program. The hunting community has provided significant fundraising to acquire both the original park and this addition. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provided 50 percent of the acquisition costs through the Outdoor Recreation Grant.

--by Lisa Filter, Parks & Trails Council

ABOUT OUR LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM With member support, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota ensures magnificent natural areas are protected for the public’s benefit. We acquire critical land when it goes up for sale, before it’s lost to private development. We then hold it in trust while working with partners to add the land into a park or trail. Once incorporated, we reinvest those dollars into the next critical land acquisition. Learn more and apply for land assistance at www.ParksAndTrails.org

GETTING TO BECKLIN HOMESTEAD Becklin Homestead is located north of Cambridge: ¾ West on Hwy 95 ¾ Right (North) onto Polk St / Hwy 14 ¾ Left (West) onto 339th Ave and follow as it becomes Holly St and runs into the park

a) Park map showing the land acquisition. b) The land acquired will be restored to look similar to c) other areas in the park where oak saplings and other native plants have been planted.

Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 7

One Blue Blaze at a Time on the Superior Hiking Trail

By Roxanne Backowski

How do you celebrate the completion of a Master’s Degree?

For me, it was by conquering the entire Superior Hiking Trail. Pursuing a degree was a ZPNUPÄJHU[ TLU[HS JOHSSLUNL I was less sure about the physically-demanding goal of hiking 310 miles in 23 days, but I was determined to challenge myself like I had never done before. There is no better setting in Minnesota to realize this than the Superior Hiking Trail, as you follow the blue blazes that mark the trail.

My hiking companions were my partner, Jeff Thielen, who through-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2008, and our black lab, Mindy. Jeff gathered equipment, I planned the mileage and we both put together our meal plan. The journey started south of Jay Cooke State Park at Wild Valley Road, included the city of Duluth and followed the North Shore up to Canada.

We were fully loaded and camped for one Ä]L KH` [YPW two four-day Roxanne Backowski lives in Little Falls and is a Library Technician at St. Cloud State University Library. When not in trips and slack a library, reading, or admiring her newly-minted Masters in Library and Information Science degree, Roxanne enjoys packed, (hiking NHYKLUPUN JHUVLPUN IPRPUN HUK JYVZZ JV\U[Y` ZRPPUN ;OYV\NO OPRPUN [OL :\WLYPVY /PRPUN ;YHPS ^HZ OLY ÄYZ[ THQVY OPRL with only Photos by Jeff Thielen and Roxanne Backowski

Flooded area near Grand Marais

The 270 degree Overlook at the end of the trail 8 Fall 2016

Descending into the Manitou River valley in George H. CrosbyManitou State Park Minnesota Trails

enough supplies for the day) at other times. We used two vehicles to leapfrog up the shore and for re-supply.

State Parks have designated parking areas for hikers and we were able to tailor our distances. Occasional hotel stays gave us a chance to shower and rest.

May proved to be an excellent time to be on the trail: it was cool with few bugs and little rain. Trees hadn’t leafed out yet, so the views of the Lake Superior shoreline, inland forests and valleys were exceptional.

We had abundant, fresh water from rivers, streams and beaver ponds.

The Superior Hiking Trail is an intimate experience with Minnesota’s North Shore. It took us through the backyard of Duluth and through each Minnesota State Park along the shore.

We were rewarded with a variety of settings: crystalclear rivers and trickling streams, beaver ponds, long boardwalks and stunningly blue lakes. The trail offers bird’s-eye views of sparkling Bean and Bear Lakes near Silver Bay on the high cliffs above. Although it was rainy and foggy when we hiked by Lake Agnes near Lutsen, we could see the tree-studded shoreline.

North of Grand Marais, the Devil Track River’s clear water, unique red rock and picturesque ‘A-shape’ bridge was an incredible sight with its steep river gorge, high cliffs and rushing waterfalls. Our favorite section was Caribou River Wayside to Temperance River State Park because of the easy terrain, wellmaintained trail and a variety of sights including a green, mossy bog, a rich maple forest and the unhurried ÅV^ VM +`LY»Z *YLLR JVU[YHZ[LK

with the gushing Cross River.

Other trip highlights included views of the St. Louis River Valley from Ely’s Peak, the campsite at Blesener Creek and the east branch of the Baptism River, the gaping maw of the Devil’s Kettle that swallows up half the Brule River, stunning views at the 270 Degree Overlook and views of Lake Superior from Wolf Rock, with Lily Island peacefully resting on Sonju Lake.

But this trek wasn’t without challenges. The Superior Hiking Trail is a humbling experience, both for mind and body. I felt physically strong, but as a novice OPRLY VU T` ÄYZ[ THQVY OPRL 0 KPK not recognize the warning signs of blisters until I had them on both feet. Intermittent pain in my left knee also tested my perseverance.

When the blisters were at their worst and each step was painful, I fought through fatigue and feelings of hopelessness. I felt like giving up and said to Jeff, “I set myself up for failure with this trip” and tossed my pack to the ground. I was close to tears, but Jeff wouldn’t hear it.

“I know you are strong and I know you can do this. This is where mental toughness comes in,” he said. “Great accomplishments take great effort.”

I picked myself up and we continued. After 23 days of hiking some of the most beautiful terrain in Minnesota, we arrived at 270 Degree Overlook, the end of our journey at the Canadian border.

Completing the trip gave me a new sense of appreciation for the strength of the human body and a better understanding of the depths of resolve in the human spirit.

After all, how do you get to Canada on the Superior Hiking Trail?

One step at a time, one blue blaze at a time, one mile at a time and one day at a time.

Bridge outage meant wet crossing the Encampment River

Bean Lake in Tettegouche State Park

Brule River in Judge C.R. Magney State Park

440 foot boardwalk at Sawmill Pond

East of Devil’s Track River

Lake Agnes north of Lutsen Minnesota Trails

Overlooking the Lutsen ski hills and Lake Superior

Overlook between Split Rock Lighthouse and Beaver Bay Fall 2016 9

Moss Lake Trail Closes The Loop

by Rudi Hargesheimer, Outdoor writer

Rudi Hargesheimer photos Rudi is a Minnesota freelance photographer and journalist. His award winning nature photos can be seen at www.northshorephotoart.com

Ed Solstad dreamed of and then built the Border Route Trail.

It was the late 1960s when he and his crew of Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club members began construction of what was to become the 65-mile long wilderness-like trail that today follows the high ridgelines just south of the Canadian border lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 35 miles of the trail are within the BWCAW proper, and the other 30 miles are just east or west of the sanctioned wilderness. But ask anyone who has hiked this rugged trail, “It’s all wilderness.”

Ed still routinely organizes trips with the Border Route Trail Association (BRTA) to maintain the trail. He leads the crews that work on the areas outside the BWCAW, where mechanized tools are still allowed.

The sections within the BWCAW are limited to hand tools only, meaning maintenance is not an easy thing. The trail is more challenging than other trails because of this. That wildly rugged nature of the trail and the awesome scenery are reasons the trail has a small but loyal following of backpackers.

Backpackers have faced another challenge. The Border Route Trail (BRT) is long and linear with only a few spur trails accessing it from 10 Fall 2016

the road. This has usually meant a thru-hike of the entire trail entailed a very long car shuttle. Even a short hike meant a long road walk or a second car was needed to get back to the drop-off car.

In the middle of the 65 mile trail was a popular 15-mile loop using an extra eight-mile road walk.

This allowed hikers to do a weekend jaunt to the Rose Lake Cliffs, perhaps the most scenic spot in all of Minnesota.

Starting H[ [OL .\UÅPU[ ;YHPS (highway) hikers could use the South Lake Trail to access the BRT, then hike east past the Rose Lake Cliffs to the Daniels Lake Access Trail that led south to the Clearwater Lake Road.

In about 2000, Superior National Forest Service crews built a new trail, The Caribou Rock Trail, starting at Hungry Jack Lake and twisting northward via rugged terrain with beautiful overlooks to the BRT at Stairway Portage. This allowed for a slightly

shorter loop but still required a sixmile road walk to get back to the .\UÅPU[ ;YHPS Z[HY[PUN WVPU[ Ed Solstad dreamed of more.

“Wouldn’t it be great if there was a trail on the south side of Moss Lake?

No road walk!” It would connect the South Lake Trail to the Caribou Rock Trail, making a 13.8-mile

Ed Solstad Minnesota Trails

loop using the BRT Rose Lake Cliffs section.

In May, 2015, Ed Solstad announced that the BRTA had completed the Moss Lake Trail.

Now you can be one of the Ă„YZ[ OPRLYZ [V THRL [OL LU[PYL UL^ loop. Start hiking at the Caribou Rock Trail parking area near Hungry Jack Lodge. 3.5 scenic miles later you will be at Stairway Falls, an ideal lunch spot. Continue west on the Border Route Trail to the Rose Lake Cliffs spire. Eagles and hawks soar on the updrafts coming up from the lake 490 feet below. This is the iconic view shown on the Guidebook to the Border Route Trail cover.

A backpacking only campsite is on a short spur trail leading down from the bluffs to the north end of Partridge Lake. It is the perfect midway stopping spot on the loop.

The BRT continues west to the intersection of the South Lake trail.

The new circular route follows that trail south to the Moss Lake Trail intersection. Along the way is another campsite possibility on the south end of Partridge Lake.

The Moss Lake trail is obviously

Minnesota Bed

new. Ferns may obscure the treadway, but the trail corridor is easy to follow. A nice overlook of Moss and Duncan Lakes is a highlight. The trail connects back to the Caribou Rock Trail near the Caribou Rock overlook of West Bearskin Lake, another one of the grand views in Minnesota. Moments later you will return to the trailhead where you started. Be sure to thank, Ed and the BRT volunteers!

For an online map, visit the Border Route Trail Association at www.borderroutetrail.org BWCAW permits are needed May 1 through September 30 for any overnight backpacking within the BWCA. Advance reservations recommended but not required.

Ask for entry point 82 or 59 for permitting purposes.

Breakfast Association For your peace-of-mind, all members of the Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Association have passed our Quality Assurance Inspection. When you arrive you will ďŹ nd clean, comfortable, and safe accommodations.

Baptism River Inn B&B 6125 Highway 1, Silver Bay baptismriverinn.com (877) 353-0707

Summit Inn B&B 208 Summit Ave., Center City summitinnbb.com (651) 257-4987

Green Heron B&B 2810 Meyers Bay Rd., Grand Rapids greenheronbandb.com (218) 999-5795

The Pillar Inn 419 Main Street, Cold Spring thepillarinn.com (320) 685-3828

Historic Hutchinson House B&B 305 NW 2nd Street, Faribault historichutchhouse.com (507) 384-3291

Turning Waters B&B & Adventure 136 Bridge Ave., Wabasha turningwatersbandb.com (651) 564-1568

Lake Le Homme Dieu B&B 441 S Le Homme Dieu Dr. NE, Alexandria llbedandbreakfast.com (320) 846-5875 Minnesota Trails

Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B 11 Poplar Creek Dr., Grand Marais poplarcreekbnb.com (800) 322-8237

Visit us at www.minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org Fall 2016 11

North Country Trail Hike

by Jan Lasar, Trails Editor

“We hope to inspire you to hike the North Country Trail”, said Connie Cox, lead naturalist at Itasca State Park, before our group of 44 ducked into the woods for a trek up the Laurentian divide on a guided hike last May. It was a very warm and sunny spring day, and a cool breeze rustled last year’s dead leaves on the young hardwoods. Things were just beginning to bud and the conifers stood out in bright green against a backdrop of naked brush. It was hike number four in a DNR-led series of hikes to celebrate the 125-year anniversary of Minnesota’s state parks with Cox leading the way and explaining the natural features of the area.

This seven year old section of the North Country Trail took our group through a landscape shaped by glaciers and we snaked over rolling hills and tackled a couple of rather steep grades. The highlight of the trek was the Laurentian Divide Overlook, which rose out of the forest to a 1770’ elevation and had a clear view of the beginnings

of the Mississippi watershed basin around Itasca State Park.

The North Country Trail will eventually stretch 4600 miles, from North Dakota to New York. In Minnesota it uses the Kekekabic, Border Route and Superior Hiking Trails for a majority of the way, but 40% of its 825 miles through the state remain to be built.

Ray Vlasak, board member of the Laurentian Lakes Chapter, who co-hosted the event, has logged 6000 volunteer hours on the trail since he retired in 1999 ”I’ve been active all of my life and it was time to give back and help build trails for others”, he said.

What does it take for a trail to become a reality?

“The National Parks Service determined the general route of the North Country Trail but volunteers, working with landowners, have ZVTL ÅL_PIPSP[` [V KL[LYTPUL [OL trail route”, he said.

“We’ll start with a topographic map and draw a line where we think is the best location considering vistas, lakes Ray Vlasak (left) explains the geological and ridges”. features of the area at the Laurentian Divide ;OL UL_[ Z[LW PZ ÅHNNPUN Overlook Jan Lasar photo the route on the ground.

This is done in the winter because the topography is much easier to see without vegetation in the way. The following spring the route PZ KLÄULK HUK IY\ZO HUK windfall is cleared with chainsaws.

“The corridor the National Parks Service

12 Fall 2016

Connie Cox leads the way on the North Country Trail Jan Lasar photo

desires is four feet wide by eight feet tall with an 18-24 inch tread way of leveled native soil and we don’t cut down large trees”, he said.

The tread way is smoothed and leveled using hand tools like Pulaskis, McLeods and Mattocks, ÄYLÄNO[PUN [VVSZ HKHW[LK MVY [YHPS construction.

But work is not done until the trail is signed and marked with blue blazes on trees. “We also need to build kiosks, parking spaces and campsites”, Vlasak said. Perhaps [OL TVZ[ PTWVY[HU[ [OPUN PZ [V ÄUK volunteers to adopt sections of trail and maintain it. Vlasak’s calling of building hiking trails was rewarded that day with record attendance.

Judy Zimmer came from Little Falls [V OLY ÄYZ[ VYNHUPaLK OPRL! ¸0 SV]L to get back to nature, it rejuvenates me for my work week”, she said.

After about four hours we popped out of the woods and carpooled back to our starting point.

Bill Dahl from Emmaville picked up an early morel mushroom and Z\TTLK \W [OL KH`! ¸6YNHUPaLK hikes are nice, because you can get a ride back.”

Minnesota Trails

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Breathtaking views, with Lake Superior in the distance, on one of the scenic overlooks at Oberg Mountain. Jan Lasar photo

Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 13

23 Great Minnesota Hikes

8

Shingobee-Anoway Valley: 3.5 miles one-way from CR-50 trailhead to the new St. Hwy. 34 trailhead near Walker. Enjoy a mixture of pine plantation, a tamarack bog and dark coniferous forest on this hike through the Chippewa National Forest’s Shingobee valley.

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL

1

Fergus Falls Prairie Tour: 6-miles one way from Red Sox Park to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. Hike on Fergus Falls’ wilder side along the Otter Tail River, through One Mile Prairie nature area, alongside the Central Lakes Trail, through Delagoon Park, and across the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. Return following the signed 4-mile “Urban Connector” route through downtown Fergus Falls.

9

Hiking the North Country Trail near Itasca State Park. Jan Lasar photo

Chippewa National Forest Lake & Pines: 10 miles oneway from the FR3790 trailhead to the trailhead at the 4th Crossing of the Woodtick Trail (FR2107). Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful Gut Lake, through pine plantations and mixed hardwood-conifer forests, and past Moccasin Lake. This is a long day hike or an overnight hike with two fabulous backcountry campsites.

5

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Hike through Diverse Habitats: 8 miles one-way. Hike from the State Hwy. 34 trailhead north across the Hubbel Pond Wildlife Management Area and Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge to the Pine Lake parking area trailhead. This hike features a crossing of the Otter Tail River, an overlook of the historic log driving channel and large wetland complexes.

3

Itasca State Park’s Old Growth Pines: 6.4 miles one way from the South Entrance/ US Hwy. 71 trailhead to the Gartner Farm/540th Ave. trailhead. Enjoy a hike across the quiet side of Itasca and pass through old-growth pine forests and past several scenic backcountry lakes.

4

Laurentian Divide: 4.8 miles one way along the Continental Divide that separates the Red River of the North from the Mississippi River. Start at Elbow Lake Rd. trailhead and hike to State Hwy. 113. Additional miles can be added north of Hwy. 113 to take in some great views from atop the divide.

Itasca Moraine Chain of Lakes: 8 miles one way from the CR-4 trailhead north of Emmaville to the CR-91 trailhead south of Lake George. Pass by (and between) 25 lakes in the Paul Bunyan State Forest and its mixture of hardwood forests.

6

Nelson Lake & Lake Twentyone Loops: Up to 2.7 miles. Hike a combination of the two interconnected loops around these two lakes or hike Nelson Lake (1.5 miles) and Lake Twentyone (1.6 miles) separately.

Find a State Forest campground on Nelson Lake and a picnic area on Lake Twentyone.

7

Waboose Lake loop: 4 miles around the Waboose Lake loop trail starting at the Waboose Lake public access/trailhead north of Nevis.

See old growth pines and enjoy many outstanding views of the lake and resident wildlife on this loop trail.

Milton Lake Esker: 2.9 miles out and back from the Milton Lake public access/trailhead north of Remer. Hike along the top of an esker, a snakelike gravel ridge remnant of the glacier, with beautiful old growth pines and hardwoods.

Visit the Superior Hiking Trail Store in TWO HARBORS Hiking information, trip planning, guidebooks, maps, t-shirts, hats and more!

I’m going, are you?

Our Annual Celebration.

7 Fargo, ND, September 15-17 731 7th Avenue — find us on

Highway 61 in Two Harbors next to the rock shop!

(218) 834-2700

#HikeFargo

northcountrytrail.org/fargo 14 Fall 2016

Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 10-4 • Sun Noon-4

www.shta.org

Minnesota Trails

23 Great Minnesota Hikes

11

BORDER ROUTE TRAIL

Forest History Center and Mississippi River: 2.8 miles out and back along the future North Country Trail route, a paved multi-use trail on the outskirts of Grand Rapids. Start at the Forest History Center and hike to Sylvan Point on an interpretive spur trail before reaching the city’s trailhead in southwest Grand Rapids.

14

BWCAW-Rose Cliffs Loop: 13-mile loop hike from the Caribou Rock Trailhead.

This new loop consists of the Caribou Rock, Border Route, South Lake, and Moss Lake Trails. Highlights include the dramatic Rose Lake Cliffs, historic Stairway Portage, and several other outstanding overlooks on the Border chain of lakes.

12

Kawishiwi Falls: 0.8-mile out and back round trip to the 70’ tall Kawishiwi Falls from the trailhead parking area on CR-18 (Fernberg Rd.). This trail, a joint project of the Minnesota DNR and Minnesota Power, will be included in the future North Country Trail route.

SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL

15

270° Overlook: 2 miles out and back. Start at the Otter Lake Road trailhead north of Hovland. Hike on both the Border Route Trail and the Superior Hiking Trail on a short section shared by both trails.

The destination is a fantastic vista overlooking the Swamp and Pigeon River Valleys and the US-Canadian border.

KEKEKABIC TRAIL

13

Kekekabic Trail / Boundary Waters Day-Hike: 6.2 miles out from the Gunflint Trail (Cook CR-12) Kekekabic trailhead to the Bingshick Lake Campsite and back. Enjoy historic mine sites, views of scenic lakes, and get a glimpse of the Boundary Waters on this well maintained and traveled section of the famed “Kek.”

Experience all our area has to offer!

The Superior Hiking Trail crosses the Temperance River at Temperance River State Park. Jan Lasar photo

16

Kadunce River: 0.9 miles one way. Park at Kadunce River Wayside at Hwy. 61 milepost 120.2 north of Grand Marais.

Cross highway and take spur trail 0.9 miles along beautiful Kadunce River Gorge to bridge. Hike back the same way.

Your Adventure Starts Nearby.

Be sure to check out all of our Fall hiking events – including the 10th Annual North Country Hiking Fest at Itasca State Park on August 27.

You still have time to complete the Hike 100 Challenge!

Biking • Birding • Hiking Canoeing • Kayaking • ATVing

AmericInn of Silver Bay 218-226-4300 Mariner Motel • 218-226-4488

Silver Bay Area Tourism Association Gateway to the Superior Natl. Forest Byway

www.heartofthenorthshore.com

218-226-4408 Minnesota Trails

Photo by Nick Graham from along the 65-mile long Border Route Trail that goes through the BWCAW.

borderroutetrail.org • kek.org northcountrytrail.org/Minn

/NCTinMN Fall 2016 15

23 Great Minnesota Hikes

17

21

18

22

Devil Track Canyon and River: 2.5 miles one way.

Park at County Rd. 58 Trailhead 0.7 miles north from Hwy. 61 milepost 113.8 north of Grand Marais.

Hike along edge of a deep canyon and see Devil Track River far below, then descend to river. Hike back the same way.

Bean & Bear Lakes Loop: 6.7 miles. Park at Penn Blvd.

Trailhead in Silver Bay. At Hwy. 61 milepost 54.3, turn north and continue on Outer Dr. and Penn Blvd. 2.1 miles to parking lot. Loop goes to spectacular overlooks of Bean and Bear Lakes and back to parking lot.

Split Rock River Loop: 5.0 miles. Park at Split Rock River Wayside at Hwy. 61 milepost 43.5. SHT travels along scenic river past numerous falls for 2.5 miles, crosses river on bridge, heads back on other side 2.5 miles to Hwy. 61, crosses highway and goes west on paved Gitchi Gami Trail to come to a box culvert under Hwy. 61 that returns to Wayside.

Oberg Mountain Loop: 2.5 miles. Park at Oberg Mountain Trailhead 2.2 miles north on Forest Service Rd. 336 (Onion River Rd.) from Hwy. 61 milepost 87.5 north of Tofte. Moderate hike has nine spectacular overlooks.

19

Carlton Peak: 1.5 miles one way. Park at Britton Peak Trailhead 2.7 miles north on Co. Rd. 2 (Sawbill Trail) from Hwy. 61 mile-post 82.8 in Tofte. Hike to summit of Carlton Peak with breathtaking views. Hike back the same way.

More trail information at mntrails.com

The Fifth Falls bridge at Gooseberry State Park. Brian Dingmann photo

20

Egge Lake: 2.3 miles one way. Park at Finland Recreation Center Trailhead on Co. Rd. 7 east of Finland on State Hwy. 1. Hike to beautiful Egge Lake through maple forests. Return the same way.

23

Gooseberry River Loop: 2.0 miles. Park at Gooseberry Falls State Park Visitor Center parking lot, Hwy. 61 milepost 38.9. Take state park trail to Upper Falls, continue upstream on state park Fifth Falls Trail, cross bridge at the Fifth Falls and return on other side of the river on SHT to the visitor center.

MAGNIFICENT. AWESOME. INSPIRING. (The fall colors are nice too.)

Every day exploring the North Shore is an adventure.

But your nights are exactly what you expect: friendly service, D IUHVK URRP DQG WKH EHVW RYHUDOO YDOXH \RX FDQ ÓžQG

AmericInn.com | 800.634.3444 Free hot breakfast Hotel-wide, high-speed internet Indoor pool and whirlpool Easy rewards loyalty program

TOFTE/LUTSEN 7231 West Hwy 61 218.663.7899 16 Fall 2016

SILVER BAY 150 Mensing Drive 218.226.4300

TWO HARBORS 1088 Hwy 61 North 218.834.3000 Minnesota Trails

6FHQLF %\ZD\V

11 Waters of the Dancing Sky

175

Avenue of the Pines

2 12

Gunflint Superior st National Fore Northshore

Lady Slipper King of Trails

3 38

46

Edge of The Wilderness

5 15

6 61

39 39 1 71

0 10 Skyline

Lake Country

21 Byways

Paul Bunyan

4 34

1

7 75

1 16

Veterans Evergreen Memorial

1 11

08 10

2 23

Otter Trail Great River

2 28

St. Croix Glacial Ridge

9 19 1

Minnesota River Valley

101 FUN

95 95

THINGS TO DO

75

8

Grand Rounds

7 75

6 61

6 Apple Blossom

68 Shooting Star

2,800 miles of ads beautiful back ro

Historic Bluff Country

16 2 26

56

Map courtesy of MN Department of Transportation Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 17

WATERS OF THE DANCING SKY

KING OF TRAILS Route Length: 414 miles Route: Highway 75 near the western border running the entire length of the state.

1

Travel Back in Time Crookston

Malmberg Prairie is an 80-acre parcel of land that has never been cultivated and is home to many rare plants and animals.

visitcrookston.com

Route Length: 191 miles Route: Across the top of Minnesota, between International Falls and the North Dakota border, mostly on Highway 11.

5

Cast a Line

Lake of the Woods

1,679 square miles and 65,000 miles of scenic shoreline give sander vitreus lots of room to hide.

lakeofthewoodsmn.com

APPLE BLOSSOM Route Length: 19 miles Route: County roads from La Crescent north to Hwy. 61.

9

Celebrate Apples La Crescent

The three-day Applefest has been a La Crescent institution since 1949.

Events include the King Apple parade and cabaret performances by the Apple Annie Ambassadors.

applefestusa.com

GRAND ROUNDS

LADY SLIPPER Route Length: 28 miles Route: Highway 39 between Blackduck and Highway 2, about 25 miles east of Bemidji.

Route Length: 52 miles Route: 52 miles surrounding the city of Minneapolis.

2

6

fs.usda.gov

minneapolisparks.org

Relive the CCC Days Camp Rabideau

One of the best-surviving examples of a CCC camp focusing on forest management and conservation.

Touch the Sky Minneapolis

Get views of the Minneapolis skyline from virtually anywhere on this scenic urban byway.

3

Get Lost

Lost 40 SNA

This parcel of pine and spruce forest was saved from the saw by a surveying error. Minnesota’s largest Red Pine still stands here.

Route Length: 142 miles Route: Hwy. 61 between Duluth and Grand Portage.

7

Banning State Park

Take in the historic ruins at the Sandstone Quarry and send a problem (climb a boulder).

dnr.state.mn.us

SHOOTING STAR Route Length: 31 miles Route: Hwy. 56 between I-90 and Hwy. 63 near the Iowa border, about 10 miles east of Austin.

shootingstarbyway.org

18 Fall 2016

GUNFLINT TRAIL Route Length: 57 miles Route: Hwy. 12 north from Grand Marais.

11

Canoe Wildly

Grand Marais

heartofthenorthshore.com

There are 12 gorgeous waterfalls along this route. You will find the tallest, widest and wildest waterfalls in the state.

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is known as one of the major sites for observation of raptor migration. Visitors come from all over the country and the world in the fall to watch these magnificent birds of prey.

Send a Problem

8

North Shore

Duluth

VETERANS

4

Watch Water Fall

10

Migrate

Route Length: 50 miles Route: 50 miles from Banning to Wrenshall.

dnr.state.mn.us

NORTH SHORE

Route Length: 20 miles Route: Roads along a high ridge in Duluth.

hawkridge.org

AVENUE OF PINES Route Length: 46 miles Route: Highway 46 between Deer River and Northome, northwest of Grand Rapids.

SKYLINE PARKWAY

The Gunflint Trail is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness between Minnesota and Canada. Unforgettable scenery, wildlife encounters, glacier-carved lakes and lifetime memories wait for those who make this trip.

gunflint-trail.com

Walk the Wild Side

Rose Creek to LeRoy

Wildflowers and native grasses represent vigorous remnants of the original tall grass prairie of southern Minnesota.

More Features MnTrails.com Minnesota Trails

MINNESOTA RIVER VALLEY Route Length: 287 miles Route: Southeast from Browns Valley to Mankato and northeast from there to Belle Plaine.

12

Go Dry

Granite Falls to New Ulm

Follow the prohibition itinerary and learn about the Volstead Act. Don’t forget to stop for a pint.

mnrivervalley.com

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST Route Length: 85 miles Route: Various highways between Aurora and Silver Bay

13

Finnish School

Superior National Forest

The Toimi one-room school house built by Finnish immigrants in 1913 has been lovingly restored.

toimischool.org

ST. CROIX Route Length: 124 miles Route: Follows several roads near the St. Croix River.

14

Shop in Old Style Marine on St. Croix

Bouldering at Banning State Park. Jan Lasar photo

Marine General Store is the oldest of its kind in Minnesota and looks much the way it did 145 years ago.

marinegeneralstore.com

SLEEPY EYE

There is always something to do in Sleepy Eye. Check out the 3.12 mile trail around Sleepy Eye Lake.

Bike Trail • Family Aquatic Center Golf G Course • Ball Fields Eight Eigh Parks • Veterans Park Join us for

Buttered Corn Days August 19 & 20, 2016 Visitors Information

800-290-0588

www.sleepyeyechamber.com Minnesota Trails

MARINE GENERAL STORE Visit Minnesota’s Oldest General Store

Marine on St. Croix off Highway 95 1.5 mi. so. of William O’Brien State Park

Made-to-order Deli Sandwiches & Hot Lunches, Picnic Boxes, Picnic Supplies, Pop & Snacks, Brats, Burgers, Hotdogs, Fresh Meats, Groceries, Ice, Bait, Camping Supplies.

NORTH SHORE EXPLORATION WEEKEND September 30 - October 2 Join Experts in Geology, Ornithology, Wetland Ecology, Phenology, Permaculture, & Seasonal Eating.

See www.wolf-ridge.org for details.

Summers: m ea Have Ice Cr on the Mill e Stream at th p General Scoo Fall 2016 19

18

Share the Wealth Lanesboro

HISTORIC BLUFF COUNTRY Route Length: 88 miles Route: Highway 16 between LaCrescent and Dexter; a scenic alternative to I-90.

15

Get Messy Wykoff

Edwin Julius Krueger lived upstairs of the Jack Sprat grocery store for 50 years and never threw anything away.

He left his collection to the city with the stipulation it be turned into a museum.

wykoff.govoffice2.com

16

Fall in Love Hokah

Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre is the only North-American theatre company committed to producing plays by 19th century Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.

They have also had more than two dozen world premieres since 1989.

commonwealtheatre.org

19

Give a Hoot Houston

Alice the Owl is just one of the permanent residents of the International Owl Center. Stop in and learn about owls in their natural habitat and what you can do to live an owl-friendly life.

Named after Chief Wecheschatope Hokah, this village of 500 is not only home to famous Como Falls, but is also known for excellent hunting and fishing spots.

internationalowlcenter.org

cityofhokah-mn.gov

Sample local flavors along the Root River Trail System. Choose from three Saturdays in September.

17

Above ground, tour historic Forestville, a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Below ground, enjoy the year-round natural air conditioning which keeps the Mystery Cave at a constant 48 degrees at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.

rootrivertrail.org

dnr.state.mn.us

Taste the Trail

Fountain to Houston

21

Get to the Root Lanesboro

The scenic Root River Trail in the heart of southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country runs from Fountain all the way through Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston for a total of 42 miles and connects to the 18-mile Harmony-Preston Valley Trail.

dnr.state.mn.us

22

Get Wilder

Spring Valley

Visit the 1876 Spring Valley Methodist Church, where Laura Ingalls Wilder once attended services.

springvalleymnmuseum.org Bike The Root River Trail

20

Cave in to Mystery Preston

We Rent Tubes, Canoes & Kayaks!

We’ll Drop You Off! 35455 State Highway 16 Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-2598 • www.eagle-cliff.com

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Minnesota Trails

27

See a Model Crosslake

PAUL BUNYAN Route Length: 54 miles Route: Double-circle route between Pequot Lakes and Crosslake, in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

23

Take Concrete Steps Brainerd

Fourteen feet long, five feet wide and five inches deep: Paul Bunyan’s baby footprints are in towns along the scenic byway, cast in concrete for you to find.

paulbunyanscenicbyway.org

The Northern Minnesota Railroad Heritage Association is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the railroad industry in northern Minnesota with scale models and working model train displays.

northerntrackersrrclub.com

28

Start your Engine Brainerd

If watching the races isn’t exciting enough, get in the driver’s seat and shift from fan to driver in one day at the Brainerd International Raceway Driving School.

29

Get Educated Breezy Point

On Thursday, September 22, this Truth or Lore History Tour explores the 54 mile Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway to see Crosslake and Manhattan Beach routes. Visit creeks, rivers and lakes, forests, nature trails and parks.

Explore the Paul Bunyan Exhibit Room of memorabilia and US Army Corps Learning Center, then stroll the Linda Ulland Memorial Gardens just out the door. Stay for the weekend and find out what’s fact and what’s fiction in Paul Bunyan Country.

paulbunyanscenicbyway.org

brainerdraceway.com

24

Race a Turtle Nisswa

Ready, Set, Go? There’s a secret to picking just the right contestant at Nisswa’s Turtle Races.

They’re held every Wednesday and have been a summertime tradition for decades.

nisswa.com

25

Cache In

Paul Bunyan Trail

Geocachers call the Paul Bunyan Trail a Power Trail, because almost 1000 geocaches wait to be discovered along its 120 miles.

Leave the car behind and see how many you can find.

mnbiketrail.com

26

Buggy all Night Crosslake

A final farewell to summer, while welcoming the return to fall.

Enjoy a horse-drawn buggy that takes you to the Historic Log Village. Also features strolling musicians and hot cider. One of many events at Crosslake Days every September.

crosslake.com

Northern Minnesota Railroad Heritage Association in Crosslake. Jan Lasar photo

Shop. Bike. Eat. Repeat.

www.mnbiketrail.com Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 21

Explore the road to Itasca and beyond...

Walker Walker k

LAKE COUNTRY to o Ita Itasca tasca ta sca State Park Sta Sta tate te Par ark

Route Length: 88 miles Route: Hwy. 34 from Detroit Lakes to Walker, and a spur north from Park Rapids to Itasca State Park on Hwy. 71.

30

Get to know Paul Akeley

71 71

34 34 Akeley Ake Ake k ley Nevis Nev Ne Nev evis e is

Osage Osa O sage ge

Detroit Detroi Det roitt Lakes roi Lake k s

34 34

Park Rapids Park Rapi ap pids ds

Sne Snellman n llm ne llman lman

The Paul Bunyan Historical Museum contains an interesting collection of pictures and artifacts about early Akeley history.

Discover the charm of the Lake Country Scenic Byway.

You’ll travel 88 miles through prime northern Minnesota vacation country.

akeleymn.com

The Byway unites the famed vacation areas of Walker, Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes along Hwy 34 and scenic Itasca State Park on Hwy 71 north.

31

Stay at a Lake Cabin Minnesota Lakes

For more information call:

You haven’t stayed in Minnesota until you have stayed a night at a quiet cabin on one of our 10,000 lakes. The Lake Country Scenic Byway has a wide variety of resort experiences, from small remote cabins to extensive resorts, with golf courses and tennis courts.

Itasca State Park 218-699-7251 Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber 1-800-542-3992 Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber 1-800-247-0054 Leech Lake Chamber-Walker 1-800-833-1118

leechlake.org - parkrapids.com visitdetroitlakes.com

32

www.lakecountryscenicbyway.com w w

Jump in the Lake

Along the Byway

The Lake Country Scenic Byway is surrounded with hundreds of freshwater lakes just made to jump in for a good swim. They are also good for ďŹ shing, canoeing, kayaking or sitting quietly along the shore to watch the sunset on a summer night.

parkrapids.com - leechlake.org visitdetroitlakes.com

M A K E

YO U R

OW N

O U T D O O R G E TAWAY

33

Run through the Pines Walker

Celebrate the life and land that is northern Minnesota! Enjoy fall colors as you run on groomed paths and gravel roads.

walkernorthcountrymarathon.com

34

Kiss Lady Luck

Mahnomen, Walker, Cass Lake

The Lake Country Scenic Byway boasts three colorful and exciting casinos.

Along with testing your good fortune, you can enjoy great food, world-class entertainment and comfortable accommodations. The casinos are: Shooting Star in Mahnomen, Northern Lights in Walker and The Palace in Cass Lake.

starcasino.com northernlightscasino.com palacecasinohotel.com 22 Fall 2016

Recreation & Lodging Information: LeechLake.org 800-735-3297

Minnesota’s Original “Up North�

Nobody does Minnesota’s outdoors bigger or better than Leech Lake!

After all, we’re Minnesota’s “Original Up North.�

Biking, hiking, hunting, ÇŠ UJKPI CPF of course, our legendary lake, make Leech Lake an outdoors getaway adventure for the whole family!

Minnesota Trails

35

Take a Boat Lake Itasca

The Chester Charles II will take you on a two-hour, ten-mile tour of the lake that is the headwaters of the Mississippi.

lakeitascatours.com

36

Pick a Trail

Walker Area

The Heartland, Paul Bunyan and North Country Trails meet near Walker. There are also a hundred miles of hiking trails in surrounding parks.

leechlake.org

37

Wine a Lot

Richwood/Laporte

Richwood winery near Detroit Lakes and Forest Edge Winery near Walker are two great examples of Minnesota wineries with a passion for their craft. From Cranberry White to Buffalo Red, they offer two dozen varieties between them.

richwoodwinery.com forestedgewinery.com

38

Pose with the Muskie Nevis

The World’s largest tiger muskie has been the backdrop for photos since 1950 and it even works for the modern day selfie.

42

Go Deep

Hackensack

Deep Portage serves groups, organizations, area residents and visitors with weekly classes, interpretive programs, wildflower garden displays, weekend retreats and study groups, land use demonstrations, summer camps, and recreation opportunities of birding, hiking, hunting, and skiing.

deep-portage.org

43

Walk the Mississippi Itasca State Park

You can walk across the mighty Mississippi River at its headwaters just north of Park Rapids.

From this point it makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico and is a must-see destination for scores of Minnesotans as well as international tourists.

dnr.state.mn.us

44

Bike for Skiing Park Rapids

45

Laugh out Loud Akeley

Since 1992 the Woodtick Theater has meant music and comedy for all ages. The music is a combination of country, bluegrass, folk and gospel. Paul Bunyan-size belly laughs guaranteed.

woodtick-theater.com

46

Trumpet in the Tamarac Rochert

The Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge has one of the most diverse habitats in the nation. There are now 30 nesting pairs of trumpeter swans. Visit the Tamarac Discovery Center and learn more.

tamaracfriends.org

47

Ride the Mountain Detroit Lakes

Detroit Mountain Recreational Area is back for skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Take the lift up and let gravity and skill do the rest.

The Headwaters 100 is a 100, 75 and 45-mile bike ride through Itasca State Park’s beautiful pines and crystalclear lakes and on the roads and trails of the North Woods. Proceeds benefit Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club which maintains Soaring Eagle Ski Area near Park Rapids.

Find more information about this scenic byway at

itascatur.org

lakecountryscenicbyway.com

detroitmountain.com

48

Pick your Passion Lake Country

nevischamber.com

39

Rent a Lighthouse Walker

If you’ve ever wanted to be a lighthouse operator, you can get the feel for it by renting the Walker Bay Lighthouse from the City of Walker. This small two-story building is located in the city park on a point on Leech Lake.

People have rented it for birthdays, book clubs and business meetings, as well as weddings.

218-547-5503

40

Float a Pumpkin Park Rapids

Each fall, Carter’s Red Wagon Farm celebrates the harvest with a Pumpkin Party, where children can ride in a pumpkin, explore a corn maze or pick produce.

SAVE THE !

DATE

redwagonfarm.net

41

Talk Turkey Frazee

At twenty feet tall and a weight of over 5,000 pounds, Big Tom has kept an eye on the town since 1986.

He burned down once, but came back stronger and better.

frazeecity.com Minnesota Trails

May 20, 2017

)PNF PG

Paddle the Crow Wing River Water Trail or one of over 400 lakes to enjoy fall colors from a new perspective. Rentals are available and lodging amenities abound to make your trip enjoyable.

800-247-0054

www.parkrapids.com

WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK Fall 2016 23

52 53

Cruise Studios Bemidji

GREAT AD D RIVER ROAD Route Length: 575 miles Route: A series of roads following the Mississippi River from Itasca State Park in northwest Minnesota, down through the Twin Cities and along the southeast border of the state.

49

Take a Bog Walk

Lake Bemidji State Park

For a “do not miss” experience, visit the Lake Bemidji bog and take along an audio podcast.

Artisans from around Bemidji open their studios for this scenic driveit-yourself tour each October.

visitbemidji.com

Bike to New Orleans Mississippi River Bikeway

You can bike the entire 3,000 miles of the Mississippi River from Itasca State Park to New Orleans or just the 500 miles along the Minnesota portion.

54 55

Get Sculpted Bemidji

Take a walk around town and discover an ever-changing outdoor exhibit.

bemidjisculpture.org

Be Amazed

Movil Maze

Over 900 acres of hiking, biking, horseback riding, ski and snowmobile trails wait to be discovered just north of Bemidji.

visitbemidji.com

dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrt

dnr.state.mn.us

50

Travel through History Bemidji

The Great Northern Depot is the last depot built by James J. Hill and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1968.

visitbemidji.com

51

Ride the Divide Bemidji

Experience fall colors a different way and ride along the Continental Divide in an authentic covered wagon.

bvskiarea.com

Fall covered wagon ride at Buena Vista Ski Area Jennifer Laitala photo.

DISCOVER the BEAUTY of the

BEMIDJI AT ITS BEST

NORTH COUNTRY at

Best Western Bemidji • Indoor Pool & Whirlpool • Free WIFI • Great Service • Free Hot Breakfast 242 2420 20 Paul Bunyan Dr. Bemidji, MN 56601

(877) 857-8599 (218) 751-0390 www.bestwestern.com/bemidji b t

Enjoy northwoods beauty with Fall Color Tours along three Scenic Byways.

Choose from five self-guided driving tours.

Studio Cruise, where a variety of Minnesota’s best artists open their studios to share their work and creative tips with you.

FOR GUIDE MAPS, COLOR REPORTS & MORE:

Trails Only Minutes from Our Door!

THE BEMIDJI SUPER 8 The Pride of Super 8 Quality Award Winner

1815 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW Bemidji, MN 56601

(218) 751-8481 1-800-800-8000 www.bemidjisuper8motel.com 24 Fall 2016

Minnesota Trails

56

Harmonize

Heartland Symphony

Heartland Symphony Orchestra is a 50-piece community orchestra based in the Little Falls and Brainerd area, which is made up of adult and student musicians.

heartlandsymphony.com

61

Meet the Lindberghs Little Falls

62

Meet the Craftsman Little Falls

Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 flight from New York to Paris launched an aviation revolution. Tour his boyhood home, explore the visitor center exhibits, including a “Spirit of St. Louis” flight simulator.

The Northern Pacific Railway Depot in Little Falls was designed by architect Cass Gilbert in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Gilbert also designed the Minnesota State Capitol Building.

mnhs.org/lindbergh

cassgilbertsociety.org

57

View History Little Falls

The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum offers stunning views on the banks of the Mississippi River and houses the historic archives of Morrison County.

morrisoncountyhistory.org

58

Ride Three Trails Blanchard Dam

The Soo Line Regional Trail crosses the Great River Road at Blanchard Dam near Little Falls and connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail and the Central Lakes Trail for a riding experience of over 100 paved miles.

lakewobegontrails.com

59

Read a Book Little Falls

The Little Falls Carnegie Library opened its doors in 1905 and is distinguished by its Craftsman style of architecture. In 1980 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

griver.org

60

Get Crafty

Little Falls

The Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair is an award-winning fair that draws over 100,000 people over two days and is one of the largest in the Midwest with 600 artists. Also part of the celebration: A car show, and antiques fair and a farmers market.

littlefallsmnchamber.com

Crowd at the Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair. Little Falls Chamber photo.

Waller House Inn

“ You awnotn’t w to leave .”

301 3rd St. SE Little Falls, MN 56345

(320) 632-2836 www.wallerhouseinn.com

A. T.

116 First Street Southeast Little Falls, MN 56345 (320)BLACK 632-5374 & WHITE THE View Our Menu Online www.attheblacknwhite.com 116 First Street Southeast Little Falls, MN 56345 (320) 632-5374

Large selection of Minnesota craft beers and wines from family-owned vineyards.

Le Cordon Bleu trained chefs

ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

September 10-11, 2016 (Always held on the weekend after Labor Day)

Downtown Little Falls, Minnesota

Sat., September 10, 8 am-6 pm • Sun., September 11, 9 am-4 pm

600 Juried Artisans and Crafters Market Place Fair on West Broadway featuring commercial cash & carry vendors Sponsored by the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 320.632.5155 www.littlefallsmnchamber.com • Follow us on ffaa Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 25

63

67

Pluck Strings

Fall in Love

Winona

Hastings

Vermillion Falls drops 35 feet at Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings where you hike, picnic and take beautiful pictures year round.

hastingsmn.org

64

Get the Boot

The Red Wing Shoe Museum in downtown Red Wing is home to the world’s largest boot, a size 638 1/2 that stands over 20 feet tall.

redwing.redwingshoestore.com

65

Cruise the River

Climb in an eagle’s nest or test your strength against an eagle’s.

Discover how eagles soar and view wild eagles on the river at the National Eagle Center. Meet eagle ambassadors.

boatsandbluegrass.com

nationaleaglecenter.org

68

Winona

Holzinger Lodge Trail offers an incredible nine-mile single track loop with short steep climbs and winding curves on the edge of the city.

visitwinona.com

69

Doze Off

Winona

The Cal Fremling is a state-of-the-art oating interpretive center and classroom providing hands-on entertaining and educational experiences on the Mississippi River.

winona.edu/boat

66

Bring Binoculars

Great River Bluffs SP

This small park, ďŹ fteen miles south of Winona, offers the greatest view of the Mississippi River in Minnesota and some spectacular fall hikes under the watchful eye of hawks and eagles.

dnr.state.mn.us

Wabasha

The Boats and Bluegrass Festival has been bringing bluegrass lovers to Winona since 2005. The program includes guided canoe trips of the Mississippi backwaters.

Bike The Bluffs

Red Wing

71

Soar High

Hastings

Play with heavy equipment in Minnesota’s largest sandbox for adults where it’s fun to play in the dirt.

extremesandbox.com

70

Take a Prairie Walk Afton State Park

The rugged, rolling landscape of this park provides excellent hiking with scenic overlooks over the St. Croix River. It offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails.

72

Tour a Lock

Along the Great River Road

The Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains 13 locks and dams beginning at Upper St. Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis and ending at Lock and Dam 10 in Guttenberg, Iowa.

mvp.usace.army.mil

73

Shoot the Cannon Red Wing

The 20-mile Cannon Valley Trail connects Red Wing to Cannon Falls and Welch in beautiful southeastern Minnesota. Keep an eye out for the Dwarf Trout Lily and Kittentails, two endangered Minnesota plants.

cannonvalleytrail.com

dnr.state.mn.us spectacular BEAUTY, remarkable ARTS AND CULTURE, outdoor ADVENTURE

Outdoor fun for everyone

www.redwing.org • 30 miles of city trails with breathtaking views of the Mississippi and Vermillion Falls • Ride the MRT • Explore Afton State Park

MORE THAN 100 MILES OF SCENIC ADVENTURE Year-round exploration Hike or bike the spectacular Winona bluff and river trails.

Hastings Area

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Bridge photo courtesy of David R. Youngren, 2013

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651-437-6775 or visit www.HastingsMN.org 26 Fall 2016

Minnesota Trails

78

Live on the Edge Bigfork

EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS Route Length: 47 miles Route: Highway 38 between Grand Rapids and Effie, MN.

It’s a theatre. It’s a gallery.

Catch a show by the Edge Wild Players or take in an exhibit at The Edge Center for the Arts and find out why they call it ‘Wildly unexpected’.

the-edge-center.org

79

Seek a Legend

Grand Rapids to Ely

Legend has it, the ancient Mesabi created what we now call the Iron Range. This paved, scenic trail leads you to discover the area’s history and beauty by bicycle, on foot or with rollerblades.

mesabitrail.com

74

Saw Logs

Grand Rapids

Discover the past, present and future of Minnesota’s forests through guided tours of a 1900s era logging camp and hands-on environmental learning programs.

Take a seat on the porch of a 1930s Minnesota Forest Service patrolman’s cabin, climb a 100-foot fire tower and explore the site’s self-guided trails.

mnhs.org

75

Find Peace

Scenic State Park

Ten miles of hiking trails, a peaceful setting and remote hike-in campsites will let you have some peace and quiet.

dnr.state.mn.us

76

Meet the Wizard Grand Rapids

Frances Ethel Gumm, or Judy Garland, was born in Grand Rapids in 1922, and went on to become an international star. Visit her childhood home and view the Wizard of Oz collection.

judygarlandmuseum.com

77

A short side trip on either the Edge of the Wilderness or Avenue of Pines Scenic Byway takes you to the Lost 40 SNA and its old growth conifers.

Kari Osmondson photo.

CYCLE THE MESABI WAY.

Discover Your Wild Side Marcell

The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is a visitor & environmental education center that is home to a variety of interpretive displays & exhibits about the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway and surrounding area.

www.mesabitrail.com/visitor

edgeofthewilderness.com

Organic trail treats & Grab-n-Go Deli just steps off the Mesabi Trail!

Hours: Monday-Friday 8-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-6

505 North 3rd Street, Virginia, MN

218-741-4663 www.naturalharvest.coop Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 27

A weekend or a week long, loaded with family fun or laced up with romance, you are sure to make lasting memories in Alexandria.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER EXPLORER! • Over 300 lakes • Central Lakes State Trail • Shopping

• Scenic Byways • Parks and Fishing • Museums

DISCOVER YOUR ADVENTURE

28 Fall 2016

• Golf Courses • Winery and Distillery • Theatre

ExploreAlex.com Minnesota Trails

85

Glide the Glacier

Glacial Lakes Trail

GLACIAL RIDGE TRAILL Route Length: 245 miles Route: Several loops in the countryside between Willmar and Glenwood, with extensions to Alexandria and Sauk Centre.

80

Hike a Mountain

Sibley State Park

There is something for everyone at this popular west-central Minnesota State Park. Mount Tom is the high point of a 50-mile radius.

Enjoy swimming, boating and fishing on Lake Andrew. A canoe route invites adventurers to portage and canoe on Henschien Lake and Swan Lake. The park offers campgrounds, a modern group center, horseback camps, picnic area, and interpretive programs year round.

dnr.state.mn.us

81

Time Travel

The Glacial Lakes Bike Trail now extends into Richmond from Willmar and will eventually glide into St. Joseph and the Lake Wobegon Trail.

mntrails.com

86

Play in the Barn Willmar

Willmar’s Barn Theatre is one of a few community theatres in the country that has its own building. Catch a show with local actors.

thebarntheatre.com

87

Rewrite History Alexandria

Discovered by a farmer in 1898, the Kensington Runestone suggests that Scandinavian explorers visited the area in 1362, much earlier than Columbus. See it for yourself at the Kensington Runestone Museum.

88

Bog Down

Lake Carlos State Park

Sculpted by ancient glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park contains a tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds and lakes. In the winter, ski from the tamarack bog to a maple-basswood forest. A variety of recreational activities revolve around the lake. Clear and deep, Lake Carlos offers visitors a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking and horseback riding.

dnr.state.mn.us

89

Go Big

Alexandria

Big Ole, a 28-foot Viking statue weighing four tons overlooks the Central Lakes Bike Trail. Big Ole was built in 1965 for the New York World’s Fair and now stands along the Central Lakes Trail in Alexandria.

explorealex.com

runestonemuseum.org

Spicer

Experience the life of our ancestors. History living at its best, the “Time Travel” program allows you to step back and experience what it was like to live in 1888.

prairiewoodselc.org

82

Jump in a Lake

Douglas County

It shouldn’t be hard to do in Douglas County. Over 300 beautiful lakes invite you to jump in, fish in, boat in or just kick back and relax by. Find your favorite.

explorealex.com

83

Stomp Grapes Alexandria

Each September the Carlos Creek Winery celebrates the harvest with their Grape Stomp. Over 15,000 visitors watch more than 300 teams stomp on over 10,000 pounds of grapes.

That’s a lot of purple feet! Teams are made up of two people – the “stomper” who is in the barrel and the “juicer” who stands below and guides the juice.

carloscreekwinery.com

84

Find a Legacy Alexandria

Everything you ever wanted to know about what’s in and on the lakes is on exhibit at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum.

minnesotalakesmaritimemuseum.org Big Ole is a great photo op on the Central Lakes Trail. Jan Lasar photo.

Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 29

90 91

Ride a Trail Starbuck

The 5 mile Glacial Ridge Trail connects Glacial Lakes State Park to nearby Starbuck.

starbuckcitygov.com

Mill Around Terrace

A welcome stop on the byway, the Terrace Mill Historic District features a 1903 vintage flour mill, keystone arch bridge, weir dam, log cabin and other historic buildings.

terracemill.org

92

Log in

Willmar

The Endreson cabin, built in 1858, was the home of Guri Endreson and her family. During the U.S.-Dakota Conflict, Guri saved three men after her husband and son were killed and her daughters kidnapped.

glacialridgebyway.com

93

Remember

Monson Lake State Park

This park near Sunburg was established in 1923 as a memorial to the settlers who died in the U.S.-Dakota conflict of 1862.

dnr.state.mn.us

Riding through the wildflowers of Glacial Lakes State Park. Jan Lasar photo.

94

Rebuild History Pennock

Visit this replica log church that looks just like the one erected by Norwegian immigrants in 1868.

nllha.org

95

Go Back to School Spicer

Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center provides a beautiful 500 acre outdoor classroom of rolling hills, prairie and wetlands.

prairiewoodselc.org

96

Get Wild

Starbuck

Prairie clover, pasque flowers, coneflowers, and goldenrods are just some of the wildflowers that blanket the hills of Glacial Lakes State Park.

dnr.state.mn.us CALL

Rates Greaat ckages &P E ONLIN

97

Undertake Something New London

Housed in the historic Lebanon Lutheran Church, this museum has an array of unique items, including a wicker undertaker‘s basket.

glacialridgebyway.com 30 Fall 2016

Minnesota Trails

99

Hike to the Top

Inspiration Peak

OTTER TRAIL Route Length: 150 miles Route: Circular drive links Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Perham, Battle Lake and Inspiration Peak.

98

Travel Back in Time Otter Tail History Museum

You can travel back to the days when it was okay to stand up in a boat as long as the fish were biting. The Otter Tail Historical Society has a museum in Fergus Falls full of classic treasures from the past.

otchs.org

Famous author Sinclair Lewis once described the view from the top of the tallest elevation in Otter Tail County:“There’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.” Hike up 400 feet to see it for yourself

101

Go for Miles

Fergus Falls/ Osakis

The Central Lakes Trail connects Fergus Falls and Osakis and provides 55 miles of uninterrupted walking, biking and rollerblading. But that’s not all: After Osakis, continue on to the Lake Wobegon Trail for another 62 miles.

centrallakestrail.com

visitfergusfalls.com

100

Mill Around

Underwood

Phelps Mill was in operation from 1889 to 1939 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

co.otter-tail.mn.us

MNTrails.com

Tour group near the top of Inspiration Peak. Jan Lasar photo.

of beautiful, paved rail-trails across Central MN.

Call for a free trail map,

800-245-2539

Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 31

Birding on the Byways

by Greg Feinberg

So often we think that enjoying nature is something we do in a place where we don’t live our everyday lives. However, a closer look at my hometown of Minneapolis proves otherwise.

The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a system of parkways, encircles Minneapolis for some 50 miles and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the Mississippi River from its headwaters at Lake Itasca down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Right outside the heart of Minneapolis, these two scenic routes share a segment of road and follow the river on its west bank from the Plymouth Avenue bridge downriver to the Lake Street bridge.

Boom Island Park Plymouth Avenue Bridge

Hennepin Bluffe Park Hennepin Avenue Bridge Stone Arch Bridge Mill Ruins Park

Mississippi River

Parks

;OPZ Ä]L TPSL V]LYSHW on West River Parkway offers a sample of all six features that characterize the National Scenic Byway designation: archeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational, and scenic and provides excellent birding in all seasons for a wide variety of species.

The main river channel is JYVZZLK I` H [V[HS VM IYPKNLZ Ä]L of which I recommend for birding.

Walk the promenade along the river at Boom Island Park and get exceptional views of migrating waterfowl early in the spring.

The narrow green space between James J. Hill Pkwy. and the river has been an early winter roost for hundreds of crows the past few years. While not exactly a soughtafter birding target, they can put on quite a show at dusk.

The Hennepin Avenue Bridge is a great spot to watch Common Nighthawks after the sun goes down.

Next is the historic Stone Arch Bridge. It’s a great place to watch for Bald Eagles year round and it offers

Grand Rounds & National Scenic River Byway (West River Parkway) Bridges

unparalleled views of the remains of the Mississippi’s commercial past. During the summer months the bridge is also home to a colony of cliff swallows who build mud nests on the bridge structure.

Mill Ruins Park on one end of the bridge and Hennepin Bluffs Park at the other end are good spots to look for various nesting warblers.

After the Stone Arch Bridge the terrain descends into the only gorge found along the Mississippi’s 2,350-mile length. There are points where you could easily forget that you’re right in the middle of a large metropolitan area inhabited by millions of people. Visit this area in April and May during the migration of most song birds. With river banks so steep, some paths offer near treetop views, perfect for watching canopy-loving warbler species. Riverside Park and Bridal Veil Falls are both good places to start birding the Mississippi gorge area. Make sure you walk out onto the Franklin Avenue or Lake Street bridges, you may catch a glimpse of one of the Peregrine Falcons that Bridal Veil Falls frequent the area.

0[»Z HTHaPUN [V ÄUK V\[ Franklin Avenue Bridge how many different species of birds can be found in this stretch of green Lower space so close Riverside Park to downtown Minneapolis.

You can enjoy nature and live in it, too.

Birdwatching on the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis.

Sara Feinberg photo.

32 Fall 2016

Lake St. Bridge

Minnesota Trails

Where every season is above average!

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lakewobegontrails.com 6KRS Pot Spot

107 Avon Ave. N, Avon www.potspotavon.blogspot.com (320) 356-2233

Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery

431 Railroad Ave., Albany www.lakewobegontrailgallery.com (320) 845-4100

H Heaven and Earth Essentials E

605 S Main St., Sauk Centre 6 www.heavenandearthessentials.com w (320) 828-2774

6OHHS America’s Best Value Inn A 322 12th St. S, Sauk Centre 3 www.americasbestvalueinn.com w (320) 351-7256

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Minnesota Trails

(DW 'ULQN Lisa’s on Main

Kay’s Kitchen

409 E Main St., Melrose Best Lunches & Lattes (320) 256-5472

303 College Ave. N, St Joseph www.kayskitchen.us (320) 557-0030

Bad Habit Brewing Company

Jordie’s Trailside Café

15 E Minnesota St., St. Joseph www.badhabitbeer.com (320) 402-4442

The Outpost Mercantile

615 6th St., Sauk Centre www.theoutpostmercantile.com (320) 351-7678

105 1st Ave., Bowlus www.jordiestrailside.com (320) 584-8193

Fisher’s Club

428 Stratford St. Avon, MN ZZZ ƓVKHUVFOXE FRP (320) 356-7372

Cornerstone Buffet

223 Kraft Dr SE, Melrose www.cornerstonebuffetrestaurant.com (320) 249-2498

6HUYLFHV Joel Schneider Auto Service

701 Railroad Ave., Albany Auto, Cycle, Snowmobile & ATV service & accessories (320) 845-4856

Helping Hands Outreach H Rent a surrey bike R iin Holdingford! www.holdingfordhelpinghands.org w ((320) 746-9960

Fall 2016 33

bike rides & tours MORA BIKE TOUR

PURPLERIDESTRIDE MN

Saturday, September 17 Location: Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN Phone: 320-309-0697 Email: masmith@flaschools.org Website: www.morabiketour.org Distances: 25, 50 miles The 36th annual Mora Bike Tour will Z[HY[ HUK ÄUPZO H[ =HZHSVWWL[ 5VYKPJ *LU[LY

Saturday, September 17 Location: Elm Creek Park, Maple Grove, MN Phone: 763-420-5677 Email: dkreusch@pancanvolunteer.org Website: www.support.pancan.org Distances: 50, 25, 8 miles PurpleRideStride is a signature event of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. A 5k run and walk are part of the celebration.

RIDE THE RIDGES Saturday, September 17 Location: Minnesota State College, Winona, MN Phone: 507-457-9808 Email: mbernatz@hbci.com Website: www.ridetheridges.info Choice of four routes in southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River.

Enjoy Fall Colors and Caramel Apple Treats along the way!

The Jesse James Ride offers plenty of challenges. Jillian Specht photo

JESSE JAMES BIKE TOUR Saturday, September 10 Location: Northfield, MN Website: www.jessejamesbiketour.org Distances: 12, 30, 45, 60, 100 miles ;OPZ MHI\SV\Z IPRL [V\Y PZ HU VMÄJPHS event of Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of Minnesota’s largest community celebrations. The best century ride around.

TASTE OF THE TRAIL Saturday, September 10 Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson Saturday, September 17 Fountain, Preston and Harmony Saturday, September 24 Houston, Rushford, Rushford Village Location: Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trail Phone: 507-429-2464 Email: info@rootrivertrail.org Website: www.rootrivertrail.org Three consecutive weekends each feature a different selection of towns.

&DUDPHO H $SSOH 5LG egon Trail on Lake Wob

Saturday, Sept. 10

Bike west from Sauk Centre to Osakis for Moonshine Madness or go east to Melrose for Whispering Oaks Winery.

Enjoy Grillin’ & Chillin’ BBQ Cook-off in Sinclair Lewis Park on your return to Sauk Centre.

BBQ Cook-off, music & Fun! Registration 8-10 am www.lakewobegontrails.com

www.visitsaukcentre.com • 855-444-SAUK

Need more details?

Visit mntrails.com/events

Visit The Centre of it all!

• Stay in the Center of the Lake Wobegon Trail • Enjoy restaurants and the Original Main Street • Bike to the Sinclair Lewis Boyhood home and Museum just off the trail

Gopher Prairie Inn

• Rest at Sauk Centre’s Hotels & Campgrounds

The Enchanted Inn Sinclair Lewis Campground

CARAMEL APPLE RIDE Saturday, September 10, Sponsor: Lake Wobegon Trails Association Location: Sauk Centre, MN Email: lwtevent@gmail.com Website: www.caramelappleride.com Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops including caramel apples in Lake Wobegon Country.

ST. PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR Sunday, September 11 Location: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN Phone: 651-290-0309 Email: arey@visi.com Website: www.bikeclassic.org Distances: 15, 45 miles +PZJV]LY [YHMÄJ MYLL NSLL VU Minnesota’s biggest bike tour!

TOUR DE PRAIRIE LAKES RIDE Saturday, September 17 Location: Pope County, MN Phone: 320-634-0335 Email: angies@habitatprairielakes.org This is a wonderful tour of Pope County for anyone who loves to bicycle and enjoy the outdoors.

34 Fall 2016

Minnesota Trails

bike rides & tours

Camping!

Next to the Trail

Primitive tent camping & 8 campsites with cement pads and electrical hook-ups Riders on the Minneapolis Bike Tour pass under the Guthrie Theater.

Minneapolis Parks photo

320-293-6687 320 32 293 6687

Biking!

SALSA OREMAGEDDON

MINNEAPOLIS BIKE TOUR Sunday, September 18 Location:Â Boom Island in Minneapolis, MN Phone:Â 612-230-6479 Email:Â abriner@minneapolisparks.org Website:Â www.minneapolisbiketour.com Distances: 16, 25, 32 miles The 11th annual Minneapolis Bike Tour starts and ends at beautiful Boom Island. All three routes are fully supported.

Saturday, October 8 Location:Â Cuyuna Lakes, MN Mountain Bike Trails Email:Â info@cuyuna5-0.com Website:Â www.cuyuna5-0.com Distances: 12, 25 and 50 miles The premier mountain bike race of the season on world-class mountain bike trails.

AUTUMN TREK

Sunday, October 9 Location:Â Mankato, MN Phone:Â 218-290-6247 Email:Â jo@bikemn.org Website:Â www.bikeriverramble.org Distances: 12-50 miles If you have never participated in the River Ramble, mark your calendar for this classic Minnesota ride!

Sunday, September 18 Location:Â Hoffman Park in River Falls, WI Phone:Â 715-386-6649 Email:Â jmwebber@sbcglobal.net Website: www.rivervalleytrails.org Distances: 25, 45, 65 miles and the 101-mile Century Super Challenge with over 8,200 feet of climb through Western Wisconsin.

MANKATO RIVER RAMBLE

HEADWATERS 100 Saturday, September 24 Sponsor:Â Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club Location:Â Park Rapids, MN Email:Â bike@itascatur.org Website: www.itascatur.org Distances: 25, 45, 75, 100 miles The premier fall event in Northern Minnesota, the Headwaters 100 has something for everyone.

Holdingford

Home of the Lake Wobegon Trail Covered Bridge Explore the newest stretch of Lake Wobegon Trail and bike the new Soo Line Trail!

Visit us Online www.holdingfordmn.us Ad courtesy of Holdingford Municipal Liquor ÂĽ On Sale/OČ” Sale 320-746-2264 Cyclists Welcome!

keep on

adventuring 24-hour ATM 15 E MAIN ST CROSBY, MN 56441

www.unitybanking.com

XXX (FU)PPLFE0O1SFTUPO DPN

Visit us for

Taste of the Trail

Three days of tasty trail treats!

Sept. 10, 17, 24,

2016 Start planning your Preston visit today! 507-765-2100 • 1-888-845-2100 • swangen@prestonmn.org Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 35

Ron & Lee Ann Plinsk e

photo

Crosbyy - Ironton - Deerwood - Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily

~ LODGING ~ Camp Holiday Resort and Campground 27406 Round Lake Road, Deerwood 218-678-2495 www.campholiday.com Country Inn Deerwood 23884 Front St., Deerwood 218-534-3101 www.countryinndeerwood.com Deerwood Motel 23688 Forest Rd., Deerwood 218-534-3163 www.deerwoodmotel.com True North Basecamp 825 1st St. SW, Crosby 218-833-2267 www.truenorthbasecamp.com Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd., Deerwood (Open May-October) 218-678-2885 www.ruttgers.com Woodland Beach Resort 15596 Woodland Beach Lane, Deerwood 218-866-0711 www.woodlandbeachresort.com

~ EAT & DRINK ~ photo nn Plinske Ron & LeeA

Crosby Dairy Queen 714 Oak St., Crosby 218-546-6124 www.dairyqueen.com Deerstand Restaurant and Bar 24188 Mohs Street, Deerwood 218-534-9253 www.deerstandrestaurant.com Mixed Company - A Kava House 128 W Main St., Crosby 218-545-1010 Coffee Shop · Panini/Sandwiches · Ice Cream North Country Café 12 W Main St., Crosby 218-545-9908 Homestyle cooking w/friendly service.

Woodtick Inn 24916 Minnesota Ave., Cuyuna 218-772-0252 All trails lead to the tick.

Spalding House 1 W Main St., Crosby 218-546-6060 Craft beers on-tap. Overnight rooms available.

~ SERVICES ~ Cuyuna Regional Medical Center 320 E Main St., Crosby 218-546-7000 www.cuyunamed.org Cycle Path and Paddle 115 3rd Ave SW, Crosby 218-545-4545 www.cyclepathpaddle.com Deerwood Bank Deerwood-Garrison-Brainerd-Baxter 800-291-6597 www.deerwoodbank.com

Contact Us for More Information

218-546-8131 • www.cuyunalakes.com 36 Fall 2016

Jacobs Realty Hwy. 6 & 210, Crosby 218-546-8346 www.jacobsrealtymn.com Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union 117 W Main St., Crosby 218-546-5428 www.mmfcu.org Minnesota Trails

Northwest Angle

Lake of the Woods Roseau River

Lost River

Garden Island Zippel Bay

Parks, Trails, Forests, Rivers

Lake Bronson Twin Lakes

Franz Jevne

Hayes Lake

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Beltrami Island

International Falls

Thief Lakes

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Old Mill

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Blackduck Buena Vista

Vermilion State Park

Sturgeon River

McCarthy Beach George Washington

Scenic Lake Bemidji

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Great River Bluffs

Root River Trail Myre Big Island

Shooting Star Trail

Austin

Lake Louise

HarmonyPreston Forestville/ Valley Trail Mystery Cave

Beaver Creek Valley

KNOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Give Invasive Species The Brush Off.

Minnesota Trails

Fall 2016 37

Business Directory Online & In Print $250/annually • Call Jan @320-266-5132

Northeastern MN

Metropolitan MN

Northwestern MN

Southern MN "EMIDJI

2010 Hwy. 210 E., Fergus Falls www.centrallakescycle.com

CYCLE PATH AND PADDLE

115 3rd Avenue SW, Crosby www.cyclepathpaddle.com

218-739-5651

218-545-4545

700 N Chestnut Street, Chaska www.michaelscycles-mn.com

EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT 218-829-5516 FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT

ITASCA TRAIL SPORTS

316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids www.itascatrailsports.net

JAKE’S BIKES ALEXANDRIA

611 3rd Avenue E, Alexandria www.jakesbikes.com

320-251-2844

218-326-1716

REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI 320-251-2453

160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud www.revolutioncycleandski.com

TRAILBLAZER BIKES BAXTER

14843 Edgewood Drive, Baxter ^^^ [YHPSISHaLYIPRLZTU JVT

320-639-2453

218-963-0699

-ANKATO

763-323-6666

A quick and easy reference for planning your adventure!

TONKA CYCLE AND SKI

952-938-8336

TRAILHEAD CYCLING & FITNESS

763-712-0312

CARLTON BIKE RENTAL

218-384-4696

16 Shady Oak Road S, Hopkins www.tonkacycleandski.com

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN

9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth www.spiritmt.com

218-628-2891 800-642-6377

LODGING BERT’S CABINS

15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca www.bertscabins.com

218-266-3312

MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS HOSTEL Itasca State Park 218-266-3415

SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND 320-352-2203

826 Park Road, Sauk Centre www.ci.sauk-centre.mn.us

218-829-8542

OUTDOOR MOTION

320-587-2453

141 Main Street South, Hutchinson www.outdoormotionbikes.com

-ETRO 2EGION

27910 Forest Lane, Park Rapids www.hiusa.org/parkrapids

TRAILBLAZER BIKES NISSWA

Nisswa Square, Nisswa, MN ^^^ [YHPSISHaLYIPRLZTU JVT

3OUTHERN 2EGION

FUN 218-751-(BIKE) 2453

TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

763-755-8871

320-219-7433

NORTHERN CYCLE

124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls www.tourightbicycleshop.com

3T #LOUD

STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES 1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood 651-770-1344

100 Chestnut Ave., Carlton www.carltonbikerental.com

218-732-5971

117 3rd Street NW, Bemidji e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net

952-361-6550

11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin ^^^ [YHPSOLHKJ`JSPUNHUKÄ[ULZZ JVT

NORTHERN CYCLE

100 Mill Road, Park Rapids e-mail: northerncycle@charter.net

RAMSEY BICYCLE

6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey www.ramseybicycles.com

$ULUTH

MICHAEL’S CYCLES CHASKA

www.straussskatesandbicycles.com

415 Washington Street, Brainerd www.easyridersbikes.com 105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud ^^^ Ä[aOHYYPZTU JVT

PIONEER CYCLE

CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE

.ORTHEAST 2EGION

12741 Central Ave., NE, Blaine www.pioneercycle.com

BIKE SHOPS

-INNESOTA 4RAILS $IRECTORY 2EGIONS

.ORTHWEST 2EGION

SUPER8 BEMIDJI

1815 Paul Bunyan DR NW, Bemidji MN 218-751-8481 www.bemidjisuper8hotel.com

AMERICINN SILVER BAY

218-226-4300

AMERICINN TOFTE/LUTSEN

218-663-7899

AMERICINN TWO HARBORS

218-834-3000

50 Mensing Drive, Silver Bay www.americinn.com

BEHIND BARS BICYCLE SHOP 612-436-0255

7231 W Hwy. 61, Tofte www.americinn.com

BIKE KING

1088 Hwy. 61 N, Two Harbors www.americinn.com

208 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis www.behind-bars.com

651-457-7766

6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights www.bike-king.com

BOKOO BIKES & PADDLE SPORTS 550 Lake Drive, Chanhassen 952-934-6468

COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 877-604-5332

1204 7th Avenue, Two Harbors www.countryinntwoharbors.com

www.bokoobikes.com

CARS BIKE SHOP

763-784-6966

2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View www.CarsBikeShop.com

GATEWAY CYCLE

6028 Hwy 36 Blvd N, Oakdale www.gatewaycycle.com

651-777-0188

MICHAEL’S CYCLES PRIOR LAKE 952-447-2453

TRAIL TREATS BP COLLEGE SQUARE

8218 Highland Scenic Drive, Baxter www.qsquares.com

218-829-4384

HEAVEN & EARTH ESSENTIALS 320-828-2774

605 Main Street South, Sauk Centre www.heavenandearthessentials.com

16731 Hwy. 13 S, Prior Lake www.michaelscycles-mn.com 38 Fall 2016

Minnesota Trails

B&Bs EMBRACING PINES B&B

218-224-3519 218-731-5026

LEECH LAKE B&B

218-547-2231

WALLER HOUSE INN

320-632-2836

32287 Mississippi Road, Walker www.embracingpines.com 11058 Steamboat Loop, Walker www.leechlakebb.com 310 3rd St SE, Little Falls www.wallerhouseinn.com

1HZ 0LQQHVRWD 0LOHV %ORJ

COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST 651-257-4773

5 miles from Taylors Falls www.countrybedandbreakfast.us

GREEN HERON B&B

2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com

218-999-5795

POPLAR CREEK GUESTHOUSE B&B 800-322-8327

11 Poplar Creek Drive, Grand Marais www.boundarycountry.com

INFORMATION CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 324 Broadway, Alexandria 320-763-0102 www.centrallakestrail.com

FERGUS FALLS CVB

112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls www.visitfergusfalls.com

218-332-5425

NEVIS CIVIC & COMMERCE

Read about who makes things for the outdoors in Minnesota, which beer pairs with which trail and more adventures from the road.

PO Box 268, Nevis www.nevischamber.com

VISIT BRAINERD

14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd www.visitbrainerd.com

800-450-7247

HUTCHINSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 320-587-5252

2 Main St., Hutchinson www.explorehutchinson.com

VISIT WINONA

160 Johnson Street, Winona www.visitwinona.com

Minnesota Trails

PQWUDLOV FRP EORJ

507-452-0735

Fall 2016 39

FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST

INVITING INDOOR POOL

UPDATED GUESTROOMS

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT

AMERICINN

[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM

See more about these locations at AmericInn.com. ©2012 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC

40 Fall 2016

From the lakes of Minnesota to the big skies of Texas, the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Seaboard, taking good care of people in this great big country of ours is what we do best. We’ve earned our stripes when it comes to genuine hospitality, and you’ll feel it the moment you walk through our doors. From a friendly smile to a free, hot American breakfast, stop in and discover true AmericInn® hospitality.

Austin, MN Baudette, MN Bemidji, MN Chanhassen, MN Detroit Lakes, MN Duluth South, MN Fergus Falls, MN Jackson, MN Pequot Lakes, MN Roseau, MN Sauk Centre, MN Silver Bay, MN St. Cloud, MN Tofte/Lutsen, MN Two Harbors, MN Virginia, MN White Bear Lake, MN

[507] 437.7337 [218] 634.3200 [218] 751.3000 [952] 934.3888 [218] 847.8795 [218] 624.1026 [218] 739.3900 [507] 847.2444 [218] 568.8400 [218] 463.1045 [320] 352.2800 [218] 226.4300 [320] 253.6337 [218] 663.7899 [218] 834.3000 [218] 741.7839 [651] 429.7131

Minnesota Trails