scenic - Minnesota Trails

Transcription

Light Backpacking • Hiking the NCT • Camper Cabins
LEBRATI
CE
N
G
20
YEA RS
Fall 2015
HIKING
GUIDE
101
FUN THINGS
TO DO ON OUR
SCENIC
Tr
ai
Pa l Bu
ge ild
5 er
BIKE TOURS
BYWAYS
1508Fall_pages.indd 1
8/7/15 1:00 PM
522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
www.MnTrails.com
1-320-351-1414
Knowledgeable,
Passionate Staff
Minnesota Trails Staff
Dave Simpkins
Editor/Publisher
Jan Lasar
Publisher/Advertising
Joyce Frericks
Accounting
Pat Turner
Graphics Manager
Brian Dingmann
Tara Pitschka
Amanda Thooft
Graphic Artists
Editorial Board
Brett Feldman
Executive Director
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
Vol. 20, No. 3
August 2015
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
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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.
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2 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Index
Features
Columns
Departments
8 Hiking the North
Country Trail
4Minnesota’s
Scenic Byways
10 Hiking Guide
9 Light Backpacking
5 Working Together To Make Trail Connections
Luke Jordan
Larry Mishkar
14 Grinding Day At
Old Mill State Park
35 Old Silver Goes Red
Dave Simpkins
Mike Tegeder, Parks & Trails Council
Cover photo:
Dave Simpkins
Jan Lasar
Young explorers hiking at Glendalough State Park
DNR Photo
The best of fall hiking in Minnesota
15 Scenic Byway Guide
101 Fun Things To Do
32 Bike Ride Guide
37 MN Trails Map
Bike, hike, canoe, kayak
36 Sleeping In Style
Tom Watson
Index photo:
Wolf Creek Falls at Banning
State Park
DNR Photo
Thank yous!
Minnesota Trails
Find us on:
Fall 2015 3
8/7/15 1:00 PM
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11
Finding the unexpected on
Minnesota’s Scenic Byways
39
71
We spend a great deal of time visit to the High Falls at Grand Portage
planning our active outdoor vacations State Park on the North Shore Scenic
at Minnesota’s state parks,
Byway.
unCommon
trails and rivers; but it is the
Your group can enjoy the
Ground
unexpected things we find
scenery with a bike ride along
along the way that create our
the Heartland or Paul Bunyan
favorite memories.
Trails or rent a lighthouse in
Minnesota has a network
Walker for a picnic on the
of 21 scenic byways that conLake Country Scenic Byway.
nect all our natural, historic
You can look into the
and cultural attractions toeyes of a tiger at Pine Grove
gether. Here are just a few.
Park in Little Falls along the
While bird watching at
Great River Scenic Byway.
Dave Simpkins
Lac qui Parle State Park you
Experience an underEditor/Publisher
may want to go a little farground wonderland of stalacther west of the Minnesota River Valley tites and stalagmites at Forestville State
Scenic Byway to see Salt Lake, Minne- Park along the Historic Bluff Country
sota’s only salt lake.
Scenic Byway.
If you love geocaching as much as
You can swim where President
biking, camping and fishing, you may Richard Nixon swam at Glendalough
want to check out the 1,000 hidden State Park on the Otter Trail Scenic
caches on the Paul Bunyan State Trail Byway.
between Crow Wing State Park and
After viewing the orchids at NerLake Bemidji State Park along the Great strand/Big Woods State Park you may
River Scenic Byway.
want to view the beauty of an original
Add high drama to a quiet hike Tilt-A-Whirl car in Faribault.
along the Superior Hiking Trail with a
See what I mean.
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Minnesota is full of great unexpected surprises that make touring the
Gopher State so much fun. This is why
we are one of the most visited states
in the Union and why we dedicate this
issue to scenic byways each year.
The folks at Explore Minnesota
Tourism and the Department of Transportation have teamed up to establish
and promote these 21 byways travel
gems. The byways connect our state
parks, paved trails, rivers and historic
sites with quiet little towns, our major
urban centers, prairies, tall pine forests
and big lakes. While they include some
of the busiest highways in the state,
they also include many of the most remote and beautiful stretches of road.
If you travel each of the byways
slowly, taking your time to stop and
visit, you can honestly say you know
Minnesota.
We hope you enjoy our limited
101 Things To Do on Minnesota Scenic
Byways and that it helps you discover
all the good things this state has to
offer.
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Getting lost in the leaves at
Maplewood State Park.
4 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
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parks & tr ail s cou n c il of mn
www.parksandtrails.org
Letter from the president of Parks & Trails Council
Working together
to make vital trail connections
By Mike Tegeder,
Parks & Trails Council president
L
ife is a circle. I find myself reliving
some of my earliest memories but
in new, unexpected ways. Growing up
in the freeway-free 50’s I can recall daylong family car trips from Minneapolis
to Stillwater. These were fun excursions
but it was a tediously long drive. Now it
takes less than an hour to drive there—
at least when it’s not rush hour. But
the memory of those earlier trips came
back to me recently on another trip to
Stillwater.
happening. And they happen because
dedicated people like Sam Morgan and
Bruce Vento and so many, many more
have given their energy to the effort.
during the 2016 bonding session of the
state legislature. Such early planning
is essential to get these plans off the
ground—or rather on the ground.
Earlier in the year our office at P&TC
was abuzz with many dedicated volunteers from Trails Friends Groups. They
were sharing their hopes for future
projects to our staff, board and legislative committee members so we could
advocate together at the state capitol
Working with friends groups, the
dedicated DNR staff and people like
those who appreciate Minnesota Trails
Magazine, Parks & Trails Council is
dedicated to making these vital connections.
This time I was on my bike. It is amazing that I can now bike a few miles
from my home to the Minnehaha Bike
Trail and then basically go to Stillwater
on dedicated bike trails: East River
Road Trail; Samuel H. Morgan Trail
(named after one of the founders of
Parks & Trails Council); Bruce Vento
Regional Trail; Gateway Trail and finally the last 6 miles on the newly opened
and splendid Brown’s Creek Trail. The
trip did not take any longer than those
earlier car trips and it was so much
more pleasant. Now the journey means
at least as much as the destination.
At Parks & Trails Council this is
known as connectivity, connecting parks
and trails with communities and people.
Year by year these connections are
would like to thank the following sponsor
Minnesota
Trails
Minnesota Trails
Join us in saving special places!
Since 1954, the nonprofit, member-supported
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has been saving special
places for the public’s use and benefit. Members make it happen!
By responding quickly to purchase critical land when it goes up for
sale, we preserve outstanding natural lands for parks and trails. We are
your voice in advocating and educating on behalf of parks and trails.
Join us in continuing this legacy for future generations.
Plus, members receive four issues of Minnesota Trails Magazine!
Join Today! Mail in an enclosed subscription card or join online
www.ParksAndTrails.org
www.pincushiontrailsinn.com
SummerFall
2015
2015 55
8/7/15 1:00 PM
parks & tr ail s cou n c il of mn
www.parksandtrails.org
Meet a Friends Group
Gitchi Gami Trail
Association
By Lisa Filter, Parks & Trails Council staff
GGTA’s current and former
presidents, Bill Blank and Scott
Harrison
T
oday the Gitchi Gami State Trail,
while still in progress, is one of
the most iconic trails in Minnesota, as
it winds along the North Shore with
majestic views of Lake Superior. Yet
when a group of locals got together in
the mid-1990s to discuss the idea of
a trail, that’s all it was: an idea in the
minds of a group of locals.
It’s really impressive what a little
imagination and a lot of dedication can
create. After laying the groundwork,
this group of volunteers convinced
lawmakers of the idea and the trail was
authorized in 1999. Quickly thereafter,
the first three miles were built.
Map from the Gitchi Gami Trail Association’s Annual Bike
Ride, which offers three routes, some going off the trail
onto highways and roads.
Since then it has been bit by bit.
“We’re averaging a mile and a half
per year,” says GGTA president Bill
Blank, who has been involved since
the “idea” stage. The ultimate goal is 88
miles along the North Shore from Two
Harbors to Grand Marais, hitting the
seven state parks in between.
Currently 29.5 miles are completed,
but those miles are divided into several
unconnected segments. The longest
and most scenic segment runs 14 miles
6 Fall 2015
6 Fall 2015
starting in Gooseberry Falls State Park
and continuing through Split Rock
Lighthouse State Park before ending
in the city of Beaver Bay.
The biggest challenges, Blank explains,
are the extreme terrain and high cost
of land along the North Shore. Over
the years the GGTA has secured
millions of dollars in federal and state
funds. They currently have a $600,000
grant from the federal government
that requires state matching funds.
is a strong ally in the GGTA’s efforts at
the state capitol. In 2014, we successfully helped advocate for $1.5 million
in state funds to acquire and develop
three miles of the Grand Marais segment. In addition, this year the trail
received Legacy Funds to complete a
short gap between two segments near
Beaver Bay. Once that’s complete the
trail will offer a continuous 17 miles.
Ironically, the same qualities that make
the trail challenging to build also are
what draw in users to the trail. And as
the trail miles grow, so do the number
of users.
Minnesota Trails
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:00 PM
tt
parks & tr a ils c ou n cil of mn
www.parksandtrails.
“We’re starting to see more and more tourists coming
up with their bikes in tow,” says Blank. The trail offers
a new way to experience the North Shore and gives
public access to places that were previously hidden, like
Thompson Beach just north of Gooseberry Falls State
Park and Twin Points Beach another mile farther.
In addition to building the trail the GGTA promotes it
with their annual ride that brings in many new riders.
This year marked their 15th year of organizing the ride.
While the ride already happened on Aug. 15, readers
should mark their calendars for next year. Three routes
range from 28 to 55 miles, making it a good fit for a
variety of bicyclists. The longer routes go off the trail
and onto highways and roads.
Gitchi Gami trail
association
At a Glance
mission
Work with MnDOT and DNR in the planning,
development, construction, maintenance, and
promotion of the trail, and to organize trail
activities, including the Annual Ride.
Bikers along the Gitchi Gami Trail. Top photo by Paul Sundberg.
trail authorized 1999
friends group started
Groundwork for the group laid in late
1980s, group officially formed in 1996
members 150
website www.ggta.org
trail namesake
In the Ojibwe language this word refers to
Lake Superior and the pronunciation has the
final “i” sound like the i in “it”.
Minnesota Trails
Helping Friends Groups
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota works to increase the capacity of
volunteer-run Friends Groups for state
and regional parks and trails. By helping these
groups get established, connecting them with valuable
resources, and helping to acquire land on their behalf,
we help grow a tremendous volunteer network to care
for these special places. Learn more about this work at
www.ParksandTrails.org
Fall 2015 7
Fall 2015 7
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Hiking the
North Country Trail
By Luke Jordan
through Minnesota
Outdoor Writer
While hiking the 4,600 miles on
the North Country National Scenic
Trail (NCT) from North Dakota to New
York, I discovered some wonderful
hiking in Minnesota.
My hike began on March 27 at
Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota.
Over the next month, I fought lingering cold and snow, and it
seriously slowed my pace.
After crossing the Red
River into Minnesota,
Maplewood State Park
w a s
the first
destination for
the trail, and a
few days later, I reached the Tamarac
National Wildlife Refuge. With heavy
snowshoes on day after day, my
feet were in bad shape by the time I
reached Itasca State Park, where I lost
the trail just before dark. The experience rattled my confidence that this
hike was never going to get better,
but eventually it did.
A few days after coming through
Itasca, the snow started to melt and
the trail opened up as I headed
through the Paul Bunyan and Chippewa forests towards Remer and
Grand Rapids, where I could take off
my snowshoes and enjoy the paved
surface of the Mesabi Trail to Ely with
its great scenery and historic mining
towns.
I rested in Ely before taking on
the Kekekabic and Border Route
Trails through the Boundary Waters.
The “Kek” was in rough shape after
decades of
abuse by
mother
nature.
T h e
Border
R o u t e was in
better condition,
with world-class
scenery.
Reaching the
east end of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)
was a highlight for me, because I was first turned on to the
idea of hiking the NCT here. While
on the SHT I was able to use my family cabin as a base camp and carry a
lighter pack on the trail. My family
came up for a few days on Memorial Day weekend to visit me. In the
morning, they dropped me off at a
trailhead and picked me up at the
end of the day. It was a nice change
to be out of my tent for a few days
and I had a couple friends join me
as well. It was nice to have some
companionship after being alone
for two months.
Before I left Minnesota, I passed
the mangled remains of the historic bridge at Jay Cooke State Park,
which had been washed out by a
flood of the St. Louis River. Summer
finally showed itself as I entered
Wisconsin. The rest of the hike presented many more challenges. I had
tense animal encounters, fought
mosquitos, suffered dehydration and heat exhaustion, but after six months,
I finally reached my goal:
Crown Point in the state of
New York. I continued for another four days into Vermont,
where I hiked along a route to
connect the North Country Trail to
its famous cousin, the Appalachian
Trail. My journey had come to an
end, and I was full of mixed emotions.
My thru-hike over the NCT was
a life-changing experience. Despite the incredible scenery and
the personal journey, the best part
was meeting the people. I had the
help and support of hundreds of
people along the way and for that
I am extremely grateful. I would
recommend the NCT for anyone
thinking of doing a thru-hike. It has
its challenges just like any trail, but
it is unique in its diversity. It truly is
the crown jewel of the National Trail
System.
Editor’s note: A native Minnesotan, Luke Jordan graduated in 2012
from St. Cloud State University with
a degree in natural resources. He
recently completed working for the
Student Conservation Association
on a North Country Trail route study
project in western Minnesota. You
can read his journals from his hike at
stridernct.com/Journals.html
Kawishiwi Falls on the edge of the BWCAW Luke Jordan photo
8 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Less stuff = more fun
Building a lightweight backpacking kit
By Larry Mishkar
Outdoor Writer
The less you carry on a long-distance hike, the more fun
you will have and the better your feet, knees, back and hips
will feel. My solo hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail have been
getting lighter and lighter and the experience greater and
greater.
There is some basic math involved when packing. The
only constant is hardware; the only variable is food weight.
So, the faster you move, the fewer days on the trail, and thus
the less food you need to reach your destination. And food
is heavy.
While I’m not “fast packing” my hike, I make at least 20
miles a day, if not more. If I see something nice, a beautiful
overlook or the tranquil bench scene at Alfred’s Pond, then I
chill out, breathe slowly and take in the scene. Otherwise, it’s
the trail and beyond.
During my last hike between Lutsen and Caribou
Wayside, my pack topped out at 17.5 lbs, including one liter
of water. This small pack was the topic of trailside chat more
than once, attracting over-the-shoulder glances and some
head scratching. “What do you carry?” was asked more than once.
Here is my mantra: I’m not at home – I’m hiking. It’s okay to get a little wet, cold or hungry.
Personally, I want to spend very little time making or striking camp. I want the maximum time with
nature, and not have walls between us.
Enjoyable light-weight backpacking requires thoughtful analysis of all your systems, including the
mental and emotional systems. I had to screw my brain around the idea that I’d be just fine with so little. In
fact, the lighter my pack became, the more fun I had.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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14.
15.
16.
17.
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19.
20.
MY LIGHTWEIGHT KIT
Shoes: trail running shoes with good ankle support.
Shelter: a good, light-weight tarp like the Hilleberg 10 UL tarp.
Sleeping bag: A Marmot Pinnacle 15F. Mantra: sleep warm; be happy.
Backpack: Mountain Hardware SummitRocket 40. If it’s good enough for Kilian Jornet,
the “Swiss Machine,” I’ll be fine. Included is a thin 20- by 48-inch sleeping pad.
No camp stove. Ready-to-eat food, high in fat and protein (read: energy and warmth).
Synthetic cargo-style shorts.
Three-quarter length lightweight synthetic long underwear.
Hooded, quilted jacket that stows in a zippered pocket and becomes a pillow.
Two pairs of socks – one warm and dry for camp, and a new pair nicely padded for the trail.
My only true indulgence.
Long-sleeve synthetic trail running shirt or short sleeve trail running jersey depending on weather.
Layering allows lightweight packs.
Merino wool underwear.
Headlamp in case of nighttime emergency evacuation.
No camera, no cell phone.
Maps.
Pencil and journal for noting important thoughts.
A liter soda bottle and iodine tablets with handkerchief for straining.
A watch with barometer so you can “see” the weather in a canopy forest.
Basic first-aid kit.
Small sailing knife for harvesting mushrooms or making kindling.
Black Diamond hiking poles with cork handles for comfort.
By employing some of these ideas, your body will thank you when you reach your destination.
Remember: A little does go a long way
Minnesota Trails
Fall 2015 9
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Hiking Guide: Superior Hiking Trail
Eight Superior Day Hikes
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is
a 310-mile footpath largely following
the rocky ridgeline above Minnesota’s
North Shore of Lake Superior.
It stretches from south of Jay
Cooke State Park near Duluth to the
270 Degree Overlook just before the
Canadian border. There are trailhead
parking lots every five to 10 miles,
making it ideal for both day hikes and
overnight camping.
Taking a break on the Superior Hiking Trail near Silver Bay.
Ninety-three backcountry campsites offer a one-of-a-kind outdoor
experience with no fees, reservations
or permits required. Eight state parks
and 10 communities have even more
camping or a cozy lodge to sleep in
between hikes. Canine hiking companions are allowed, but they must be on
Visit the
Superior Hiking
Trail Store
in Two Harbors
Experience All
our area has to offer
Biking • Birding
Hiking • Canoeing
Kayaking • ATVing
Hiking information,
trip planning,
guidebooks,
maps, t-shirts, hats
and more!
Lodge at:
AmericInn of Silver Bay
218-226-4300
•
Mariner Hotel
218-226-4488
Silver Bay Area
Tourism Association
Gateway to the Superior Natl. Forest Byway
www.heartofthenorthshore.com
218-226-4408
10 Fall 2015
731 7th Avenue — find us on
Highway 61 in Two Harbors
next to the rock shop!
(218) 834-2700
Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 10-4 • Sun Noon-4
www.shta.org
Eric Lindberg photo
a leash. Shuttle services and lodge-tolodge hiking packages are available.
The Superior Hiking Trail Association builds and manages the trail with
the help of hundreds of dedicated
volunteers who constantly maintain
signage, steps and bridges. Their hard
work, along with the stunning mix of
high vistas, deep gorges and raging
waterfalls, has earned the Superior Hiking Trail a place among the top hiking
trails in the nation.
A great way to get acquainted
with the natural beauty of this trail is to
try one or all of these eight-day hikes.
The starting points are easily located
following the mile posts along scenic
Hwy. 61.
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.
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 box
culvert under Hwy 61 that returns to
Wayside.
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Hiking Guide: Superior Hiking Trail
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.
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.
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.
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 mile-
post 87.5 north of Tofte. Moderate hike
has nine spectacular overlooks.
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.
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.
Resources:
Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)
731 7th Ave, P.O. Box 4
Two Harbors, MN 55616
218-834-2700
www.shta.org
[email protected]
Hiking through Cascade State Park on
the Superior Hiking Trail.
Barry Laron photo
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,
a fresh room, and the best overall value you can find.
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
Minnesota Trails
siLver Bay
150 Mensing Drive
218.226.4300
Two HarBors
1088 Hwy 61 North
218.834.3000
Fall 2015 11
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Hiking Guide: North Country Trail
Eight North Country Day Hikes
At 4,600 miles, the North Country
National Scenic Trail (NCT) is the longest hiking trail in the country, stretching from the New York-Vermont border
to the Missouri River in western North
Dakota. One of only 11 National Scenic
Trails in the United States designated
by Congress, the NCT is administered
by the National Park Service but built
and maintained by volunteers associated with the non-profit North Country Trail Association (NCTA). These volunteers work in partnership with land
management agencies, all units of
government, public and private landowners and partner organizations like
the Conservation Corps of Minnesota.
Currently, the NCT is about 60 percent
completed.
Eight hundred twenty-five miles of
the North Country National Scenic Trail
are within Minnesota, and currently,
about 70 percent of it is off-road hiking
connected by suggested roadwalks.
The longest continuous segment in
the entire system is the combination
of the Superior Hiking Trail portion,
the Border Route Trail portion and the
North Country Trail at Itasca State
Park. Matthew Davis photo
Kekekabic Trail portion of the NCT.
Three distinct trail systems totaling 400
miles offer breathtaking views of Minnesota’s North Shore and remote wilderness hiking in the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Another 180-mile uninterrupted
trail segment runs from near Detroit
Lakes to the Chippewa National Forest
near Remer through the old-growth
pine forests and lakes of Itasca State
Park.
With so much trail to hike, it’s hard
to choose where to start. A great way
to get acquainted with the NCT is to
hike one or all of these eight sections:
• Maplewood State Park: one way
3.1 miles from the park’s trail center
trailhead south to the Maplewood
Church near Pelican Rapids. Follow
the NCT signs through the heart of the
park’s mixture of northern hardwood
forest and prairie openings and over
the rolling terrain of the Leaf Mountains.
• Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge’s bogwalk: Hike out and back
from the 400th Ave. trailhead to the
black spruce-tamarac bog. Enjoy a hike
through a mixed forest before reaching
a 1000-foot puncheon through a black
spruce-tamarack bog, which lies on top
of an old corduroy “road” built to reach
a pre-refuge duck hunters’ camp.
• Itasca State Park: Hike one way
6.4 miles 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.
MOORHEAD • ST. CLOUD • EDEN PRAIRIE • MANKATO • ROCHESTER
12 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Hiking Guide: North Country Trail
• Itasca Moraine Chain of Lakes:
Hike one way 10.3 miles from the CR-4
trailhead north of Emmaville to the Nelson Lake public access/trailhead south
of Lake George. Pass by (and between)
25 lakes in the Paul Bunyan State Forest and its mixture of hardwood forests
before embarking on one arm of the
Nelson Lake loop trail to the trailhead.
• Waboose Lake loop: Hike 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 (some of the
loop is the NCT).
• Wetland Wonders: Hike one way
6.4 miles from St. Hwy. 84 trailhead near
Longville to the Hwy. 200 trailhead near
Boy River. This hike passes by numerous wetlands and through a mixture of
pine plantations and mixed forest.
• Shingobee-Anoway: Hike one
way 3.5 miles from CR-50 trailhead to
the Shingobee Recreation Area trailhead on St. Hwy. 34 near Walker. Enjoy a
mixture of pine plantation, a tamarack
bog and dark coniferous forest on this
hike through the Chippewa National
Forest.
• Milton Lake Esker: Hike out and
back 2.9 miles from the Milton Lake
public access/trailhead north of Remer.
Hike along the top of an esker (a glacial
remnant snakelike ridge of gravel) with
beautiful old growth pines and hardwoods.
The NCTA is currently trying to
obtain Congressional approval for a
re-route of the NCT in northeastern
Minnesota that would replace a 100mile segment from Jay Cooke State
Park to the Chippewa National Forest
near Remer that will never be built
with a better alternative. This alternative route, preferred by the National
Park Service and all the Minnesota
Map detailing the proposed Arrowhead re-route. Map courtesy of NCTA
partners, includes the Superior Hiking
Trail, Border Route Trail, Kekekabic Trail,
and new trail between the Kek and the
Chippewa National Forest near Remer.
To learn more about the re-route effort, visit http://northcountrytrail.org/
get-involved/advocacy/arrowhead-reroute/.
SAVE
THE
!
DATE
May 21,
2016
HIUSA.ORG/PARKRAPIDS
HIUSA.ORG/PARKRAPIDS
218-266-3415 218-266-3415
Minnesota Trails
Home
of
Home
Home of
of
Resources:
NCTA’s ND & MN office: Matthew Davis,
Regional Trail Coordinator
PO Box 1805,
Detroit Lakes, MN 56502-1805
www.northcountrytrail.org,
[email protected],
(866) 445-3628 toll-free
[email protected]
This fall, follow the blue blazes along
the North Country Trail through
the Park Rapids Lakes area and
experience the changing season like
never before. Old-growth pine forest,
crystal-clear lakes and family-friendly
loop hikes are waiting for you.
800-247-0054
www.parkrapids.com
WORLD FAMOUS ITASCA STATE PARK
Fall 2015 13
8/7/15 1:00 PM
it’s grinding day
at Old Mill State Park
By Dave Simpkins
Editor/Publisher
Grinding Day at Old Mill State
Park is a celebration of a century-old tradition of camping, grinding wheat, meeting friends and
enjoying the beauties of nature on
this unique 408-acre oasis on the
prairie of Northwestern Minnesota.
The park is on the site of Lars
Larson’s flourmill that began grinding wheat in 1896. The flourmill was
slow, grinding barely four bushels
of wheat an hour. People waited
in line all night to get their wheat
ground. Many brought picnics and
camped overnight.
The Middle River and a springfed swimming hole made it all the
more attractive to visitors. Liberty Bond picnics were held during
World War I to raise money, and
one creamery picnic drew 6,000
people. During the barn storming
days of aviation, picnickers could
get a plane ride for a penny a
pound.
It was only natural for the Larson family to sell the property to
the State of Minnesota to become
the 285-acre Middle River State
Park in 1937. The state wanted to
tear down the Larson Mill in 1951,
saying it was a safety hazard. The
Marshall County Historical Society stepped up, saying they would
lead an effort to restore the mill
for the 1958 state centennial and
change the name of the park.
Once a year, people gather to
start up the old J.I. Case Stationary
Steam engine and gristmill to make
and sell flour, bread and donuts,
picnic, listen to music and swap
stories of the old days.
Retired farmer, John Hess, portrays Lars Larson during Grinding
Day, telling stories of the mill park.
“This is the only park I knew
growing up,” said Hess. “It was our
number one entertainment. We
met here for 4-H meetings and softball tournaments. The swimming
hole had a pier, floating dock and
diving tower.”
Hess is a member of the
Friends of the Old Mill State Park,
which puts on the annual Grinding
Day as well as a July music fest, senior day picnic, pumpkin carving in
October and a candlelight ski and
snowshoe under a full moon in winter.
The mill and the restored log
home are on the National Registry of Historic places. The J. I. Case
Steam Engine No. 359 is one of the
oldest working engines in the nation.
The mill started with river power,
which either ran too
dry or would flood
the mill. Larson tried
a windmill but it blew
down. Larson’s son,
John, came up with the idea of the
steam engine. It was later replaced
with a gas engine. While restoring
the mill in 1951, they found the
original Case engine in a field and
paid $75 for it.
The engine rotates a vertical
pole, which turns an 1,800-pound
rotating French millstone over a
1,500-pound stationary mill stone
on the second floor.
Kent Broten, of Viking, operates the steam engine. He said
before the mill was built, people
traveled 40 miles to Crookston for
their flour, sometimes walking the
distance.
“We have record of a woman who used 600 pounds of flour
a year and baked as many as 35
loaves of bread during thrashing,”
said Broten.
Farmers paid 50 cents a sack
for either white, middling or bran
flour. Some farmers extended their
sacks to get a sack and a half for
the price of a sack.
Broten, who is active in the
Marshall County Historical Society,
believes the park and mill offer
both a natural and cultural history
of the region.
“Grinding Day is a good way to
see how things were done in those
days. It helps you appreciate what
we have now,” said Broten.
(above) The restored mill building
at Old Mill State Park.
Dave Simpkins Photo
(left) John Hess portrays Lars
Larson on Grinding Day.
Dave Simpkins Photo
14 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:00 PM
Scenic Byways
11
Waters of the
Dancing Sky
175
Avenue of
the Pines
Superior
st
National Fore
Lady
Slipper
King of
Trails
71
38
46
39
12
Gunflint
Edge of The
Wilderness
Northshore
15
61
10
Skyline
Lake Country
Paul Bunyan
34
21 Byways
1
75
16
Veterans
Evergreen
Memorial
11
108
23
Otter Trail
Great River
28
St. Croix
Glacial
Ridge
19
Minnesota
River Valley
101
FUN
95
75
8
Grand
Rounds
75
6
61
Apple
Blossum
68
Shooting Star
2,800 miles of
ads
beautiful back ro
THINGS
TO DO
Historic Bluff
Country
56
16
26
Map courtesy of MN Department of Transportation
Minnesota Trails
Fall 2015 15
8/7/15 1:00 PM
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
LADY SLIPPER
Route: Highway 39 between Blackduck and
Highway 2, about 25 miles east of Bemidji
5
Relive the CCC Days
Camp Rabideau
One of the best-surviving
examples of a CCC camp focusing on
forest management and conservation.
fs.usda.gov
2
Breckenridge
breckenridgemn.net
3
Grind Wheat with Steam
Argyle
Once a year the historic steam
mill is fired up at Old Mill State Park
and freshly-milled flour is available for
purchase.
dnr.state.mn.us
“Over 400 miles of flea
markets and antiques”
Breckenridge is a well kept
secret offering amazing tourist
attractions, recreation and history.
Visit us to discover our secret
Go North on the Red
The city of Breckenridge is the
headwaters of the Red River of the
North, which flows 550 miles north,
making it the longest north-flowing
river in North America.
Visit us for
Market
Day!
September
12, 2015
WATERS OF
THE DANCING SKY
Route: Across the top of Minnesota,
between International Falls and the North
Dakota border, mostly on Highway 11.
6
Cast a Line
218-643-1431
www.breckenridgemn.net
b
CITY OF ARGYLE
Box 288
Argyle, MN 56713
Contact City Offi
ce
Small town living...big city access
e-mail: [email protected]
www.ci.argyle.mn.us
Lake of the Woods
1,679 square miles and 65,000
miles of scenic shoreline give sander
vitreus lots of room to hide, but
fishermen still manage to reel in trophy
specimen of walleye.
lakeofthewoodsmn.com
7
LADY
SLIPPER
107 West 2nd St
Crookston, MN
218-281-4320
800-809-5997
www.visitcrookston.com
Flex Your Muscle
Warroad
AVENUE
OF PINES
Route: Highway 46 between Deer River and
Northome, northwest of Grand Rapids.
4
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.
dnr.state.mn.us
Our love affair with the car started
with the Model T and has shaped the
way we travel today. From oldies to
muscle cars: they are on display at The
Shed Automobile Museum.
theshedwarroad.com
8
Be a Voyageur
Voyageurs National Park
Take a guided tour of this gem
of a national park and climb aboard a
26-foot North canoe.
WELCOMES
YOU TO
SOUTHWEST
MINNESOTA
PEPSI BOTTLING CO. • PIPESTONE, MN
nps.gov
World Class!
www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
800-382-FISH (3474)
16 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:00 PM
EDGE OF
THE WILDERNESS
Route: Highway 38 between Grand Rapids
and Effie, MN.
9
Saw Logs at a Logging Camp
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. Board the moored
river “wanigan,” a floating cook shack,
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.
Giant earth moving equipment on display along the Mesabi Trail. Jan Lasar photo
Pedal across
northern
Minnesota.
mnhs.org
10
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
11
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.
Bike the Mesabi Trail from the
Mississippi to the Boundary Waters
as it traverses over 120 miles
through 28 communities.
mesabitrail.com
12
Find Peace
Plan your ride at
mesabitrail.com/visitor
Scenic State Park
Ten miles of hiking trails, a
peaceful setting and remote hike-in
campsites will let you have some peace
and quiet.
Don’t miss the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour the 1st Saturday in August
dnr.state.mn.us
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
naturalharvest.coop
Minnesota Trails
Open year round
For our guests hitting the trails a boxed
breakfast & shuttle service are available.
2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids, MN • 218-999-5795
www.greenheronbandb.com
Fall 2015 17
8/7/15 1:00 PM
OTTER TRAIL
Route: Circular drive links Fergus Falls,
Pelican Rapids, Perham, Battle Lake and
Inspiration Peak.
13
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.
APPLE
BLOSSOM
SHOOTING STAR
Route: Hwy. 56 between I-90 and Hwy. 63 near
the Iowa border, about 10 miles east of Austin.
15
Walk the Wild Side
Rose Creek to LeRoy
Wildflowers and native
grasses represent vigorous remnants of
the original tall grass prairie of southern
Minnesota.
shootingstarbyway.org
Route: County roads from LaCrescent north
to Hwy. 61.
18
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
otchs.org
GRAND
ROUNDS
Route: 52 miles surrounding the city of
Minneapolis.
16
Touch the Sky
Minneapolis
Get views of the Minneapolis
skyline from virtually anywhere on this
scenic urban byway.
Taste of the Trail event on the Root River
Trail System. Jan Lasar photo
HISTORIC
BLUFF COUNTRY
Route: Highway 16 between LaCrescent
and Dexter; a scenic alternative to I-90
14
Taste the Trail
Fountain to Houston
Sample local flavors along
the Root River Trail System. Choose
from three Saturdays in September.
rootrivertrail.org
Bike The Root River Trail
minneapolisparks.org
Route: Southeast from Browns Valley to
Mankato and northeast from there to Belle
Plaine.
17
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
SLEEPY EYE
There is always something to do in Sleepy Eye.
Buttered Corn Days
August 21 & 22, 2015
Join us for
We’ll Drop You Off!
35455 State Highway 16
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-2598 • www.eagle-cliff.com
18 Fall 2015
19
Send a Problem
Banning State Park
Treat yourself to a visit to
Banning State Park. Take in the historic
ruins at the Sandstone Quarry and send
a problem (climb a boulder).
dnr.state.mn.us
MINNESOTA
RIVER VALLEY
Check out the 3.12 mile trail
around Sleepy Eye Lake.
Bike Trail • Family Aquatic Center
Golf Course • Ball Fields
Eight Parks • Veterans Park
We Rent Tubes, Canoes & Kayaks!
VETERANS
Route: 50 miles from Banning to Wrenshall.
Visitors Information
800-290-0588
www.sleepyeyechamber.com
ST. CROIX
Route: Follows several roads near the St.
Croix River.
20
Shop in Old Style
Marine on St.
Croix
Marine General Store is the oldest of
its kind in Minnesota and looks much
the way it did 145 years ago.
marinegeneralstore.com
Visit Minnesota’s Oldest General Store
MARINE
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.
Summers:
Have Ice Cream
on the Mill Stream
at the General
Scoop
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
25
See a Model
Crosslake
PAUL
BUNYAN
Route: Double-circle route between Pequot
Lakes and Crosslake, in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
21
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
22
Race a Turtle
Nisswa
The Northern Minnesota
Railroad Heritage Association is
dedicated to discovering, preserving
and presenting the heritage of the
railroad industry in northern Minnesota
with scale models and operating model
train displays.
northerntrackersrrclub.com
26
Shop all Day
Nisswa
Downtown Nisswa has
dozens of shops to suit your needs.
Find anything from chocolate to olive
oil or shoes to jewelry. The small town
of Nisswa is also home to two craft
breweries, so there’s something to do for
everyone.
nisswa.com
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.
27
23
brainerdraceway.com
nisswa.com
Find Paul’s Cache
Paul Bunyan Trail
Geocachers call the Paul
Bunyan Trail a Power Trail, because
almost 100 geocaches wait to be
discovered along its 120 miles. Leave
the car behind and see how many you
can find.
mnbiketrail.com
24
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.
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. You can also hitch rides
around the track at full speed in exotic
race cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo.
28
Pine River
This festival features the best in national
touring and Minnesota bluegrass bands,
along with professional emcees and
a top notch sound system. Over 40
professional bluegrass shows over the
4-day weekend.
lakesbluegrassfestival.com
Pequot Lakes
The city once called
Frogtown and Sibley was renamed
Pequot in 1900 and historians differ on
how this new name came about. Learn
more about the area’s history at the
Pequot Lakes Historical Society housed
in the Cole Memorial Building.
brainerdlakescountry.com/hsociety
Air conditioned • cAble tv • wireless internet • secure bike storAge
Air conditioned • cAble tv • wireless internet • secure bike storAge
1.800.254.7612 • 218.963.7611 • nisswamotel.com • [email protected]
1.800.254.7612 • 218.963.7611 • nisswamotel.com • [email protected]
Shop. Bike. Eat. Repeat.
www.mnbiketrail.com
29
Lakes Bluegrass
Festival
Revisit History
crosslake.com
Minnesota Trails
Try on Paul Bunyan’s size 30 baby shoes
in Pine River. John Wetrosky photo
ASSOCIATION
Fall 2015 19
8/7/15 1:01 PM
31
Stay at a Lake Cabin
Minnesota Lakes
LAKE COUNTRY
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
The Paul Bunyan Historical
Museum contains an interesting
collection of pictures and artifacts
about early Akeley history.
akeleymn.com
A great place to ea
shop after a da yt, sleep and
of fun!
Chase on the Lake
502 Cleveland Blvd.
888-242-7306 or 888-CHASE06
www.chaseonthelake.com
Country Inn Walker
442 Walker Bay Blvd.
218-547-1400
www.WalkerCountryInn.com
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.
leechlake.org - parkrapids.com
32
Jump in the Lake
Park Rapids
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
fishing, canoeing, kayaking or sitting
quietly along the shore to watch the
sunset on a summer night.
parkrapids.com - leechlake.org
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
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
35
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
36
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
37
Pose with the Muskie
Nevis
Leech Lake Chamber
205 Minnesota Ave West
800-833-1118
www.leech-lake.com
The World’s largest tiger
muskie has been the backdrop for
photos since 1950 and it even works for
the modern day selfie.
nevischamber.com
Thrifty White Drug
504 Minnesota Ave.
218-547-1016
www.thriftywhite.com
38
Rent a Lighthouse
Walker
The 502
502 Cleveland Blvd.
888-242-7306
www.chaseonthelake.com
Walker Bay Lighthouse
File photo
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
Enjoy the trail • bike rentals available!
C
H A S
O N
T H E
L A K E
E
OUR FRONT DOOR IS STEPS AWAY
FROM THE START OF
205 Minnesota Ave W • Walker, MN
www.leech-lake.com • (800) 833-1118
20 Fall 2015
THE HEARTLAND TRAIL
call 218.547.7777
www.chaseOnThelake.cOm
218-224-3519 or 218-731-5026
Email:
[email protected]
218-224-3519
or 218-731-5026
218-224-3519
or 218-760-3583
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Email:
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
39
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
40
Sail a Regatta
Leech Lake
Mono-hulls and multi-hulls
have been racing on Leech Lake since
1971. The event is run by volunteers of
the Leech Lake Yacht Club.
shoresofleechlake.com
41
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 Mexico.
dnr.state.mn.us
42
Bike for Skiing
Park Rapids
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.
itascatur.org
43
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
44
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
45
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.
redwagonfarm.net 46
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.
detroitmountain.com
47
48
Pick your Passion
Lake Country
Find more information about
this scenic byway at
lakecountryscenicbyway.com
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
49
Take a Hike
North Country Trail
You don’t have to hike the
whole 4,600 miles of this national hiking
trail between North Dakota and New
York State. Convenient day-hike options
are accessible near Detroit Lakes, Park
Rapids and Walker.
northcountrytrail.org
wild trail rides
Superb lakes and trails—30 great places to stay. Your place to disconnect
from the daily doldrums and reconnect with family and friends.
Leech Lake is the ‘CENTER’ of northern Minnesota fun.
#LuvLeechLake
Recreation & lodging information: LeechLake.org or call 800-735-3297
Minnesota Trails
DISCOVER the BEAUTY of the
NORTH COUNTRY at
Best Western Bemidji Inn
Enjoy Our...
• Indoor Pool & Whirlpool
• Free WIFI
• Great Service
• Free Hot Breakfast
2420 Paul Bunyan Dr.
Bemidji, MN 56601
(877) 857-8599
(218) 751-0390
www.bestwestern.com/bemidjiinn
Fall 2015 21
8/7/15 1:01 PM
52
Travel through History
Bemidji
GREAT
RIVER ROAD
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.
50
Cruise Studios
Bemidji
Artisans from around Bemidji
open their studios for this scenic driveit-yourself tour each October. A unique
way to take in fall colors and meet the
artists.
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
53
Ride the Divide
Bemidji
54
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 of
the Mississippi River.
dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrt/
Experience fall colors a different way and ride along the Continental
Divide in an authentic covered wagon.
bvskiarea.com
visitbemidji.com
51
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 as a trail guide to what
you will see on your walk.
dnr.state.mn.us
Fall covered wagon ride at Buena Vista Ski Area Jennifer Laitala photo.
BEMIDJI AT ITS BEST
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
22 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
55
Meet the Tigers
Little Falls
Pine Grove Zoo is a place in
central Minnesota with tigers, tortoises
and other wild things.
pinegrovezoo.com
56
Discover Military
History
Camp Ripley
Explore the actual equipment used by
Minnesota’s military personnel at the
Minnesota Military Museum.
mnmilitarymuseum.org
57
Crank an Old Reel
Little Falls
Tiger cubs at Pine Grove Zoo in Little Falls Pine Grove Zoo photo.
Relive the good old days of
fishing in Minnesota at the Minnesota
Fishing Museum with over 10,000
artifacts on display and live native fish.
59
Harmonize
mnfishingmuseum.com
Heartland Symphony
58
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.
Hunt For Cross Rocks
Blanchard Dam
Take a break from the Soo
Line Trail to sift through the sands of the
Mississippi River shoreline to discover
rocks shaped like crosses.
littlefallsmn.com
heartlandsymphony.com
Cross shaped rocks of the Mississippi
shoreline. Photo Credit?
New in 2015:
Morrison County
Bike Route
Guide
Discover
WHERE THE MISSISSIPPI PAUSES…YOUR DISCOVERY BEGINS
59
Fly With Lucky Lindy
Little Falls
County Secrets A-Z
Tour Charles Lindbergh’s
boyhood home and museum.
CRANE MEADOWS REFUGE
littlefallsmn.com
DOWN TOWN
HIT THE TRAILS
TRY A RIDE
PINE GROVE ZOO
BOWLUS • LINCOLN LAKES • FORT RIPLEY • RANDALL • ROYALTON • PIERZ • SWANVILLE
1.800.325.5916
www.littlefallsmn.com
Minnesota Trails
Fall 2015 23
8/7/15 1:01 PM
62
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
63
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.
littlefallsmnchamber.com
64
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
65
Walk the Meadow
Crowd at the Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair. Little Falls Chamber photo.
60
Hike Naturally
Cushing
A. T.
116 First Street Southeast
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320)BLACK
632-5374 & WHITE
THE
The Lake Alexander Preserve
offers excellent hiking and birding
trails on old logging roads, especially
beautiful in the fall.
View Our Menu Online
www.attheblacknwhite.com
nature.org
61
View History
116 First Street Southeast
(320) 632-5374
Large selection of
Minnesota craft beers
and wines from
family-owned
vineyards.
Little Falls
Le Cordon Bleu
trained chefs
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
Crane Meadows NWR
Crane Meadows National
Wildlife Refuge has the largest unaltered
sedge meadow wetlands in Minnesota.
It provides habitat for waterfowl,
shorebirds, sandhill cranes and many
other species of birds.
friendsofcranemeadows.com
66
Say a Prayer
Little Falls
St. Francis Convent was
founded by the Franciscan Sisters of
Little Falls in 1891. Visitors are welcome
to tour the campus and join the
Franciscan Sisters for Mass and prayer
in Sacred Heart Chapel.
fslf.org
ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
September 12-13, 2015
(Always held on the weekend after Labor Day)
Downtown Little Falls, Minnesota
Sat., September 12, 8 am-6 pm • Sun., September 13, 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 fa
24 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
68
Appreciate Art
Little Falls
Performing, visual and literary
arts all find a home at Great River Art
in historic downtown Little Falls. The
galleries are free and open to the public.
Take classes or visit the gift shop.
greatart.org
69
Meet the Lindberghs
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, and walk an interpretive
trail along the river. Additional trails
are located in the adjacent Charles A.
Lindbergh State Park.
mnhs.org/lindbergh
70
Retreat in Style
Little Falls
Built in 1898 and listed on
the National Register of Historic Places,
Linden Hill is one of the most elegant
retreat destinations in Minnesota.
It sits on nine well-groomed acres
overlooking the Mississippi River and
is in walking distance from historic
downtown Little Falls.
Carnegie Library in Little Falls. Tony Wenzel photo.
67
Meet the Craftsman
Little Falls
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.
linden-hill.org
Outdoor
Dining
cassgilbertsociety.org
Right on the SOO-Line bike trail!
105 1st Ave, Bowlus, MN
(320) 584-8193
www.jordiestrailside.com
Toys for Kids of All Ages!
a work of
A.R.T.
stone,
marble,
granite,
polished cement,
mosaic,
mirror,
hardwood,
and glass.
Please visit us at:
Downtown Little Falls
53 East Broadway, Suite A
320-631-0013
www.gumdroptreetoys.com
Minnesota Trails
A River Towngallery
115 1st St. NW, Little Falls, MN 56345
Originals, numbered and signed prints available.
320.224.3023 • www.arivertown.com
Canoe & Kayak Rental
Shuttle Service
Complete Outfitting
& Supplies
320-414-0382 or
320-360-7244
Little Falls, MN
www.ShirleyMaesOutfitters.com
Fall 2015 25
8/7/15 1:01 PM
71
Cruise the River
Winona
The Cal Fremling is a
state-of-the-art floating interpretive
center and classroom providing
hands-on entertaining and educational
experiences on the Mississippi River.
winona.edu/boat
72
Bring Binoculars
Great River Bluffs SP
This small park, fifteen 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
73
Pluck Strings
Winona
The Boats and Bluegrass
Festival has been bringing bluegrass
lovers to Winona since 2005. The
program includes guided canoe trips of
the Mississippi backwaters.
boatsandbluegrass.com
74
Bike The Bluffs
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
spectacular BEAUTY,
remarkable ARTS AND CULTURE,
outdoor ADVENTURE
Scenic Overlook at Memorial Park in Red Wing. Live Healthy Red Wing photo.
75
Take Inventory
New Ulm
77
Soar High
Wabasha
When the railroad bypassed
the village of West Newton, the Harkin
store closed with the unsold inventory
on the shelves. Take a step back in time
west of New Ulm.
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.
76
78
mnhs.org
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.
dnr.state.mn.us
nationaleaglecenter.org
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
ENJOY WINONA SLOWLY…
OR NOT.
Hike, bike, paddle,
climb or
stroll.
visitwinona.com • 800.657.4972
26 Fall 2015
Mountain bikers of all ages enjoy a ride at Holzinger Lodge Trails in Winona.
Trevor Biederman photo.
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
79
Fall in Love
Hastings
Vermillion Falls drops 35
feet at Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings
where you hike, picnic and take beautiful pictures year round.
hastingsmn.org
80
Get the Boot
Red Wing
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
81
Doze Off
Hastings
Play with heavy equipment
in Minnesota’s largest sandbox for
adults where it’s fun to play in the dirt.
extremesandbox.com
82
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.
Vermillion Falls in Hastings. Hastings Visitor Bureau photo.
cannonvalleytrail.com
Bike Hastings!
enjoy tHe tRail
& stay at tHe
Bike Rentals and stoRage availaBle
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
trails
• Right on the Great River Road
More than 28 miles of stunning
along the Mississippi River, Vermillion
Falls and other scenic byways.
Hastings Area
Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
* wH
ReCeive a gifttH
is ad.
en
you mention
(651) 437-6775 · (888) 612-6122
or visit www.HastingsMN.org
651-437-6775 or visit www.HastingsMN.org
HistoRiC guestRooms –
outdooR patio
oveRlooking tHe mississippi RiveR
For more information or to request
a trail map, please call
Bridge photo courtesy of David R. Youngren, 2013
Minnesota Trails
steps away fRom
Cannon valley tRail &
gReat RiveR Road
national sCeniC Byway
Red Wing, MN | 800-252-1875
www.st-james-hotel.com
*Overnight stay required - Expires 3/31/2016
Fall 2015 27
8/7/15 1:01 PM
GLACIAL
RIDGE TRAIL
Route: Several loops in the countryside
between Willmar and Glenwood, with
extensions to Alexandria and Sauk Centre.
83
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
84
Time Travel 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.
Water fun at Glacial Lakes State Park. Jan Lasar photo.
prairiewoodselc.org
85
Glide the Glacier
Glacial Lakes Trail
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
COME, CLIMB A KAME.
AND EXPLORE THE ESKERS.
Bring your spirit of adventure –
and head to west central Minnesota.
Discover the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway, along with its
trio of biking and hiking trails spanning nearly 100 miles.
Experience the raw beauty of the region’s kames (rugged
glacial hills). And share the silent strength of its glacial
eskers (extended ridges).
Create your own adventure today, by visiting www.glacialridgebyway.org.
28 Fall 2015
The Glacial Lakes and Rocori Trails are
now linked at the City of Richmond,
providing 12 local miles of biking.
Jan Lasar photo.
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
87
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
88
Jump in a Lake
Douglas County
It shouldn’t be hard to do
in Douglas County. Over 250 beautiful
lakes invite you to jump in, fish in, boat
in or just kick back and relax by. Find
your favorite.
explorealex.com
89
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.
Big Ole is a great photo op on the Central Lakes Trail. Jan Lasar photo.
dnr.state.mn.us
90
Wish Big Ole
Happy Birthday
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. Stop by and wish him a
Happy 50th Birthday!
runestonemuseum.org
ENJOY our home on the lake including four rooms with
private baths. STARGAZE from our deck on a clear night.
RELAX
in a large whirlpool tub. READ or play a game in our
a large whirlpool tub.
lakeview living room. SIT around an evening bon fire.
SNUGGLE under a down comforter on a chilly night.
EAT a full breakfast with fresh homemade bread.
CALL
Rates
Greaat ckages
&P
E
ONLIN
Minnesota Trails
Fall 2015 29
8/7/15 1:01 PM
94
Plan a Day Trip
North Shore
GUNFLINT TRAIL
Route: Hwy. 12 north from Grand Marais.
91
Canoe Wildly
Grand Marais
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
92
Frame Timbers
Grand Marais
At North House Folk School,
teaching traditional northern crafts is at
the heart of their mission. From bread
making to sailing and timber framing,
the skills of our ancestors are the everyday curriculum.
northhouse.org
Enjoy eight state parks, wild
rivers,majestic waterfalls, mountain bike
trails, the Superior Hiking Trail, Superior
Water Trail and cozy resorts on the
world’s largest lake.
heartofthenorthshore.com
95
Light the Night
Split Rock Lighthouse
State Park
98
Bike the Great Water
Silver Bay
When completed, the
Gitchi-Gami State Trail will run 88 miles
between Two Harbors and Grand Marais
along Lake Superior’s beautiful and
historic north shore. Several segments
of the trail, totaling over 29 miles, are
currently open and offer spectacular
views of Lake Superior and the
Sawtooth Mountains.
ggta.org
Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905
November gale prompted the building
of the Split Rock Light Station in 1910,
which is one of Minnesota’s best-known
landmarks.
dnr.state.mn.us
96
Hike to the Top
Grand Portage
With a spectacular setting
next to Lake Superior, Grand Portage
National Monument is rich in natural and
cultural history. The park protects two
depots of the North West Company, the
main depot on Lake Superior and the
site of Fort Charlotte on the Pigeon River
with its 120-foot waterfall. The 8.5 mile
Grand Portage trail connects the depots.
visitcookcounty.com
SKYLINE
PARKWAY
Route: Roads along a high ridge in Duluth.
99
Migrate
Duluth
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.
hawkridge.org
100
Find a Trail
Duluth
SUPERIOR
NATIONAL FOREST
NORTH SHORE
Route: Hwy. 61 between Duluth and Grand
Portage.
93
Watch Water Fall
North Shore
You’ll love a visit to the North
Shore of Lake Superior. There are 12
gorgeous waterfalls along the route.
You will find the tallest, widest and
wildest waterfalls in the state.
heartofthenorthshore.com
Route: Various highways between Aurora
and Silver Bay
97
Finnish School
Superior National Forest
The Toimi School paints a
picture of Finnish life in northeastern
Minnesota in the early 1900s. This
one-room school house built by Finnish
immigrants in 1913 has been lovingly
restored.
toimischool.org
Duluth is surrounded
by forests full of hiking, mountain biking,
equestrian and ski trails and you need
to bring some extra time to experience
them all.
duluthmn.gov
101
Ride a Wildcat
Duluth
Smorgasboard, Blaster,
Happy Camper, Wildcat, Calculated Risk,
Candyland, Wrecking Ball, Boss Hog.
These are the trails waiting for you at
Spirit Mountain Bike Park. The lift takes
you up and you’re on your own for a
couple of thousand feet. Unbeatable
views of Lake Superior and the St. Louis
River.
More Maps
spiritmtbike.com
MNTrails.com
30 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
Where every season
is above average!
ur
Join us for o il
enjoyable tra
rides!!
lakewobegontrails.com
Shop
Blonda B’s Gift Boutique
Lake Wobegon Trail Gallery
531 Main St., Holdingford
www.blondabsgiftboutique.com
(320) 828-1643
431 Railroad Ave., Albany
www.lakewobegontrailgallery.com
(320) 845-4100
Roadie’s Market
Heaven and Earth Essentials
Kay’s Kitchen
The Outpost Mercantile
Lake Wobegon Trail Café
Jordie’s Trailside Café
New, used and recycled treasures
(320) 493-0591
206 2nd St. SE, Freeport
www.swanywhiteflour.com
(320) 836-2174
605 S Main St., Sauk Centre
www.heavenandearthessentials.com
(320) 828-2774
Eat
Fun
303 College Ave. N, St Joseph
www.kayskitchen.us
(320) 557-0030
541 Main St., Holdingford
www.lwtrailsidecafe.com
(320) 746-2155
Sleep
AmericInn Sauk Centre
1230 Timberlane Dr., Sauk Centre
www.americinn.com
(320) 352-2800
Minnesota Trails
Swany White Flour
Hemker Park & Zoo
615 6th St., Sauk Centre
www.theoutpostmercantile.com
(320) 351-7678
26715 Cty. Road 39, Freeport
www.hemkerzoo.com
(320) 836-2426
105 1st Ave., Bowlus
www.jordiestrailside.com
(320) 584-8193
Services
Joel Schneider
Auto Service
Auto, cycle, ATV &
snowmobile service
and accessories
(320) 845-4856
ny
Enjoy the ma e
th
amenities of rail!
T
n
o
Lake Wobeg - Restaurants
ttractions
Shopping - A
ore!
d
an Much M
Fall 2015 31
8/7/15 1:01 PM
bike rides & tours
GITCHI-GAMI TRAIL ASSOCIATION
BIKE RIDE
Saturday, August 15, 2015 @ 8 am
Sponsor: Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
Location: Gooseberry Falls State Park,
Two Harbors, MN
Phone: 218-370-1003
Website: www.ggta.org
Distances: 28, 37, or 55 miles
Cost: $30 before August 1
The ride offers three loops beginning at
Gooseberry Falls State Park, on the scenic
North Shore of Lake Superior. Mechanical,
emergency and SAG support are provided.
www.theoutpostmercantile.com
• Organic Trail Treats
• Hiking, Biking, and
Camping Supplies
• Coffee, Sandwiches,
Frozen Yogurt
Just steps off
the
Lake Wobegon
Trail.
Sauk Centre
320-351-7678
HOURS: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
MONDAY-SATURDAY
*CLOSED SUNDAY
A Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Four Uniquely Decorated Rooms
2 Blocks from the Wobegon Trail
HEADWATERS TO HILLS TOUR
The Jesse James Ride offers plenty of
challenges. Jillian Specht photo
Call us today! 320-491-1072
WOODBURY DAYS BIKE RIDE
605 Main Street South
Sauk Centre
$
- Indoor/Outdoor Bike Storage
- Massage/Sauna/Whirlpool
45 Single
Occupancy
$80 Double
Occupancy
www.TheEnchantedInnMN.com
VISIT OUR FABULOUS GIFT SHOP!
Camping!
Next to the Trail
Primitive tent camping
& 8 campsites with cement
pads and electrical hook-ups
320-293-6687
Biking!
Saturday, August 15, 2015 @ 7 am
Sponsor: Ideal Credit Union
Location: Woodbury, MN
Phone: 651-775-6552
Website: www.woodburydays.com
Cost: Ages 0-5: Free, 6-18: $20, Adults: $30
A bike ride for all ages and levels of
experience. The picturesque course runs
throughout the cities of Woodbury, Lake
Elmo, Stillwater and Afton. Proceeds
support Law Enforcement United.
KRAUS-ANDERSON
BIKE DULUTH FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 15, 2015 @ 8 am to
Sunday, August 16, 2015 @ 6 pm
Sponsor: Kraus-Anderson
Location: Duluth, MN
Phone: 218-727-1552
Website: bikeduluthfestival.com
Cost: Free admission - individual event entry fees
The Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Festival
is a chain-rattling Minnesota mountain and
road biking event that you do not want
to miss. Whether you’re a cross-country
spandex warrior, free-ridin’ adrenaline junkie,
a family that craves adventure or just looking
for a fun-filled social event, good times are
guaranteed.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 @ 8 am to
Wednesday, September 2, 2015 @ 5 pm
Location: Itasca State Park
Phone: 651-280-7299
Website: bikemn.org/headwaters-to-hills
Distances: 800 total miles
Cost: $650/person, $600 for BikeMN members.
The Headwaters to Hills Tour celebrates
the Mississippi River and the completion of
Mississippi River Trail Bikeway (MRT).
BIKE MINNESOTA!
Friday, September 4, 2015 @ 5 pm to
Monday, September 7, 2015 @ 5 pm
Sponsor: Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
Location: Glendalough State Park
Phone: 651-726-2457
Website: www.parksandtrails.org/bikeMN/2015
Distances: 30-60 miles/day (150 miles total)
Cost: $200/rider + fundraising
BIKE MINNESOTA! is an annual bike
expedition that supports the mission of
Parks & Trails Council to acquire, protect
and enhance critical land for the public’s
use and benefit! Each year the event is
based at a different state park with daily
routes, programs and lunch stops.
CARAMEL APPLE RIDE
Saturday, September 12, 2015 @ 8 am
Location: Sauk Centre, MN
Phone: 320-293-9364
Website: www.lakewobegontrails.com
Enjoy the fall colors and great apple
refreshments, including caramel apples, at all
the rest stops! Spend the day enjoying good
BBQ, good music and a good time at the
Annual Grillin-n-Chillin event in Sauk Centre
the same day as our ride.
Enjoy Fall Colors and Caramel Apple Treats along the way!
Caramel e
Apple Rid
egon Trail
on Lake Wob
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 • On Sale/Off Sale
320-746-2264
Cyclists Welcome!
32 Fall 2015
Saturday, Sept. 12
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 9-11 am
www.lakewobegontrails.com
www.visitsaukcentre.com • 855-444-SAUK
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
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
bike rides & tours
TOUR DE’ PRAIRIE LAKES
BIKE RIDE
Saturday, September 19, 2015 @ 7:30 am
Sponsor: Habitat for Humanity
of Prairie Lakes
Location: Glenwood City Park
Phone: 320-634-0355
Website: www.habitatprairielakes.org/
tour-de-prairie-lakes/
Distances: 20, 40, 60 or 100 miles
Cost: $25/individual $40/family
10th Annual Bicycle tour of Pope
County in West Central Minnesota. After
your beautiful ride through Pope County,
enjoy some caramel apples at Glenwood
City Park!
Riders on the Minneapolis Bike Tour pass under the Guthrie Theater.
Minneapolis Parks photo
JESSE JAMES BIKE TOUR
Sponsor: Northfield Rotary Club
Location: Northfield Middle School,
Northfield, MN
Phone: 507-838-8098
Website: jessejamesbiketour.org/
Distances: 12, 30, 45, 60 and 100 mile
routes available
Cost: $40 day of event. Riders under 18
accompanied by an adult ride free!
This bike tour is an official event
of Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of
Minnesota’s largest community celebrations.
Join us for a ride on one of five
scenic routes through beautiful southern
Minnesota towns.
TASTE OF THE TRAIL
Three Saturdays in September 09/12,
9/19, 9/26 @ 10 am
Sponsor: Root River Trail Towns
Location: Southwestern, MN
Phone: 507-429-2464
Website: www.rootrivertrail.org
Fall has the perfect weather to explore
the Root River Trail System!
Come sample local fare and trail treats
and enjoy the scenery. Each of the three
weekends highlights different, colorful
communities. September 12: Lanesboro,
Peterson, Whalan. September 19: Fountain,
Harmony, Preston. September 26: Houston,
Rushford, Rushford Village. Tastes are free!
LAKE WOBEGON
REGIONAL TRAIL RIDE
MORA BIKE TOUR
ST. PAUL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR
RIDE THE RIDGES
Sponsor: Catholic Charities
Location: St. Joseph, MN
Phone: 320-650-1644
Website: ccstcloud.org/events/lakewobegon-regional-trail-ride/
The tenth annual Lake Wobegon® Regional
Trail Bike Ride, a family fun event (not a race),
winds its way through the communities along
the Lake Wobegon trail starting in St. Joseph
and ending in Sauk Centre.
Sunday, September 13, 2015 @ 7:15 am
Location: University of St. Thomas,
St. Paul, MN
Phone: 952-882-3180
Website: www.bikeclassic.org
Discover
traffic-free
glee
on
Minnesota’s biggest bike tour! More than
6,000 riders come from miles away to enjoy
a wonderful ride through Saint Paul.
PURPLERIDESTRIDE
Saturday, September 19, 2015 (All Day)
Location: Elm Creek Regional Park,
Maple Grove, MN
Phone: 310-706-3355
Website: www.purpleride.org
PurpleRideStride is a fundraiser for the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
I
TASCA
SPORTS
T RAIL
Sponsor: Mora Bike Club
Location: Vasaloppet Nordic Center, Mora, MN
Phone: 320-309-0697
Website: www.morabiketour.org
Distances: 25 or 50 miles
Cost: $35/person or $75/family
The 35th Mora Bike Tour on September
19, will start and finish at the Vasaloppet
Nordic Center on 9th street. The route will
wind around Kanabec County on generally
flat and gentle hills. This is a fully supported
ride.
Sponsor: Winona Rotary Club
Location: Minnesota State College,
Winona, MN
Phone: 507-457-9808
Website: www.ridetheridges.info
Distances: 18, 40, 63 and 100 miles
Cost: Pre-registration: $35.00; Event day
registration: $40.00
Ride The Ridges takes in some of
the most scenic areas in southeastern
Minnesota - along streams in lush valleys to
the high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi
River. Four alternate routes have rest stops
and sag support.
Rental • Repair
Rental • Repair
Rental • Repair
Sales • Accessories
Sales
• Accessories
Sales
Accessories
Sales • •Accessories
Rental
• Repair
www.itascatrailsports.net
150ofmiles
of the beautiful
Heartland
PaulBunyan
Bunyan Trails
Trails
Enjoy overEnjoy
150 over
miles
the beautiful
Heartland
andand
Paul
Bicycle Sales,
Repairs, & Rentals
Authorized Dealer:
Rentals
available:
Rentals
available:
over
150
miles
of the beautiful
Enjoy over 150Enjoy
miles
of the
beautiful
Heartland
and Paul Bunyan Trails
Comfort,
Road,
Childrens
bikesand
and trailers
Comfort,
Road,
Childrens
bikes
Heartland
and
Paul
Bunyan
Trails trailers
Rentals available:
Comfort, Road, Childrens bikes and trailers
RENTALS AVAILABLE:
Toll Free: (844) 373-7815 • [email protected]
316 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Minnesota Trails
Comfort, Road, Childrens bikes and trailers
On the Heartland Trail
By the Paul Bunyan Trail
501 E 1st St, Park Rapids, MN 117 3rd St. NW, Bemidji, MN
218-732-5971
218-751-BIKE (2453)
Fall 2015 33
8/7/15 1:01 PM
bike rides & tours
AUTUMN TREK BICYCLE RIDE
Sunday, September 20, 2015 @ 8 am
Location: Hoffman Park in River Falls, WI
Phone: 715-386-6649
Website: www.rivervalleytrails.org
The 2015 Autumn Trek bike ride starts
just east of the Twin Cities at Hoffman Park
in River Falls, Wisconsin, and takes you
through some of the most scenic countryside in Western Wisconsin.
Hit the Trails…
…Then hit us!
MINNEAPOLIS BIKE TOUR
Sunday, September 20, 2015 @ 8 am
Sponsor: Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board
Location: Boom Island in Minneapolis, MN
Phone: 612-230-6497
Website: www.minneapolisbiketour.com
Distances: 16, 25 and 32 miles
Cost: Adult: $30; Youth: $20
($5 Discount with code mntrails15)
The Minneapolis Bike Tour has
become a tradition for cyclists of all ages.
The tour provides individuals and families
the opportunity to enjoy Minneapolis’
spectacular park and trail systems at their
own pace, unhindered by motorized traffic.
Proceeds benefit bicycle education, safety
and trail projects.
HEADWATERS 100
Location: Park Rapids, MN
Website: www.itascatur.org
Register online at: www.zapevent.com
Distances: 45, 75 and 100 miles
This fall classic takes you through
the heart of Minnesota’s lake country.
Experience golden fall colors, towering pines
and an unforgettable ride on Wilderness
Drive through Itasca State Park.
5 miles east of Cuyuna in Deerwood, MN
www.deerstandrestaurant.com
HUTCHINSON OPEN STREETS/
LUCE LINE TRAIL CELEBRATION
Sponsor: Heart of Hutch
Location: Hutchinson, MN
Website: heartofhutch.com/openstreets
Cost: Free and open to the public
The Open Streets Hutchinson event
will open the street up for people to enjoy
being active together as a community. A
special grand opening of the newly-paved
section of the Luce Line State Trail will kick
off this one-day event.
SALSA OREMAGEDDON
Saturday, October 10, 2015 @ 10am
Location: Crosby,MN
Website: www.cuyuna5-0.com
The Salsa Oremageddon is a cycling
event to raise funds for the Cuyuna Lakes
mountain bike trails. The Oremageddon
is hosted by the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain
Bike Crew, a chapter of IMBA (International
Mountain Bicycling Association).
MANKATO RIVER RAMBLE
Sunday, October 11, 2015 @ 8 am
Location: Mankato, MN
Website: www.bikeriverramble.org
The River Ramble offers one great ride
with four scenic routes and four fun rest
stops that feature great live music, delicious
treats, beverages and refreshing fruit.
Crosby - Ironton - Deerwood - Bay Lake - Cuyuna - Emily
Contact Us for More Information
218-546-8131 • www.cuyunalakes.com
Jacobs Realty
Hwy 6 & 10, Crosby
218-546-8346
www.jacobsrealtymn.com
Mid-Minnesota
Federal Credit Union
117 W. Main St., Crosby
218-546-5428
www.mmfcu.org
Country Inn Deerwood
23884 Front St., Deerwood
218-534-3101 • 1-877-534-3303
www.countryinndeerwood.com
Cuyuna Lakes Chamber
Of Commerce
221 4th St, Ironton
218-546-8131
www.cuyunalakes.com
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
320 E. Main St., Crosby
218-546-7000
www.cuyunamed.org
North Country Cafe
12 Main St., Crosby
218-545-9908
Homestyle cooking
w/friendly service.
Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge
25039 Tame Fish
Lake Road, Deerwood
855-420-9944
www.ruttgers.com
Woodtick Inn
24916 Minnesota Ave., Cuyuna
218-772-0252
All trails lead to the Tick.
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
Deerwood Motel
23688 Forest Road, Deerwood
218-534-3163
www.deerwoodmotel.com
34 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:01 PM
Old Silver goes red
By Jan Lasar
at Cuyuna Country State Recreational Area
Outdoor Writer
Some time ago I bought a mountain bike, but I lived nowhere near a mountain. It
was a slow ride with a silver frame and big, black, knobby tires. The seat was terribly
uncomfortable and the straight handlebars gave me a stiff neck. In over ten years, I
barely managed to move it 20 miles and it spent most of its time in the shed, where
the tires went flat and the shiny silver parts went grey with dust over time.
Then in June 2011, the mountain bike trails opened in the Cuyuna Country State
Recreational Area and I remembered Old Silver. One beautiful summer morning, I
pumped up the tires on that brand new old bike and headed north, because I needed
to find out more. I took a look at the course map and wondered what was in store
for me on these trails named Sandhog Mountain, Man Cage, Easy Street and Boot
Camp. I had never been mountain biking before and I had no idea what was
about to happen.
My research told me the course had been designed to provide maximum
amounts of what trail designers call flow. Once I hit the red dirt, I knew
what it meant – short bursts of climbing followed by coasting, turning
and zigzagging around rocks, trees and over the occasional manmade challenge. I was riding a roller coaster with my bike and I was
hooked. The tires, clumsy and slow on pavement, clawed right
into the banked turns of the Ferrous Wheel. The pain-in-the-neck
handlebars finally revealed their true purpose: to keep my arms
out in front of me while tearing down Man High Hill.
As for the seat, I
spent most of my
time standing up,
just letting the bike
buck and roll underneath me, effortlessly, down
the Bobsled. After dodging and weaving my way
around the ice blue mine lakes for three hours, I
popped back out of the woods, grinning from ear
to ear, sweating and caked with a scab-colored
grime. I had stopped paying attention to the trail
signs a while ago and, to my surprise, I was back
in the parking lot. “Nice retro ride!” someone said
when I was loading up.
On my way back home, I looked in the rear view
mirror and saw my bike swaying on the rack at the back of
the car, covered in red dirt. I had finally taken Old Silver for a
ride.
Today, I own Max, a fat bike with even bigger,
knobbier tires, and it’s even more fun to ride. Old
Silver is still around and they now have an annual
Klunker Ride at Cuyuna, just for old horses like
him. In the future, the Cuyuna Mountain Bike
Crew hopes to expand the trail system so you
can ride three days without repeats and add
many more miles of trails. We’ll be there.
Minnesota Trails
Fall 2015 35
8/7/15 1:01 PM
Camper cabins, cottages and yurts
Sleeping in style
at state parks
By Tom Watson
Outdoor Writer
Pat Arndt
About one-third of Minnesota’s state parks now offer
cabins, cottages or yurts as lodging options. While summer
campers enjoy tents, winter enthusiasts who like to cross-country
ski or snowshoe have the option of a warm, relaxing evening in one
of these rustic lodgings.
“When you can play in winter, it’s priceless,” said Pat Arndt, communications and outreach manager/
Minnesota State Parks and Trails. The network of cabins and other lodgings “Help you make friends with
the outdoors, summer or winter,” she said.
CAMPER CABINS – These are very basic, 12- by 16-foot structures, most with
electricity and baseboard heat, and many with woodstoves. Other amenities
include a table and bunk beds with an outlet and a light above each bed. Some
have a screened-in porch, too. All cooking must be done outside but crock pots are
allowed in the cabins.
Arndt said the cabins are intended to be a step up from tent camping. These
are very rustic shelters. The cabins are spaced far enough apart for individual use
and privacy but clustered close enough for group outings.
The cabins can be reserved in advance. They can accommodate up to six
people (no pets allowed) and cost between $55-$70/night. Detailed information
on camper cabin locations, amenities and other information can be found at: www.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/camper_cabin_list.html.
CABINS & COTTAGES – There are 35 cabins with kitchens, bathrooms and
running water at six Minnesota state parks, including some of historic significance
from the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps and some from the 1940s Veterans
Conservation Corps. Each cabin/cottage varies in amenities and availability.
SUITES AT ITASCA – Lake Itasca offers a variety of lodging options from cabins
to suites. General amenities include a kitchenette with two-burner cooktop, undercounter refrigerator and dishwasher.
GUEST HOUSES – Currently, Bear Head Lake, St. Croix, Savanna Portage, Wild
River State Parks and the La Salle Recreation Area all offer guesthouse lodging.
These structures are former homes with the capacity to sleep 6-10 guests with all
the amenities of a full-size house, each with its own features and atmosphere. The
most recent piece of real estate is the pristine, brand new guesthouse at LaSalle
Lake just north of Lake Itasca.
Availability of linens and other amenities vary with each guesthouse. Rates
range from $105-$160/night.
YURTS - The newest form of lodging introduced at Glendalough and Afton
State Parks and the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area are fashioned after
the circular tent-like structures used by Mongolian nomadic tribes. The yurts are
available year round and are either 16 or 20 feet in diameter, insulated canvas
tents with wood floors and woodstoves. They feature windows and skylights, bunk
beds to accommodate 5-7 guests and a bulk toilet. They do not have electricity.
Arndt said the yurts are perfect for those who want a “camping out” experience
but prefer not to sleep on the ground. “You really have a sense of being in a tent
– you can hear the rain inside one of these things,” she said. “The yurts are located
away from the campgrounds, in wilder sections of the park to inspire a feeling of
getting away.”
The Minnesota DNR Park Finder site offers excellent information on all forms of
lodging throughout the state park system, including individual cabin descriptions,
amenities, fees and other information: www.dnr.state.mn.us/parkfinder/index.html.
36 Fall 2015
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:02 PM
Northwest
Angle
Lake of
the Woods
Lost River
Garden
Island
Zippel
Bay
Parks, Trails, Forests, Rivers
Franz Jevne
Hayes Lake
Smokey
Bear
Beltrami Island
Littlefork
Thief Lakes
Old Mill
Rainy Lake Trail
Pine
Island
Voyageurs
National
Park
Big Bog
Rec. Area
r
Lit
Red
Lake
Lower
Red Lake
Big
71
tle
Fo Koochiching
rk
Riv
er
Fo
rk
Riv
er
Blackduck
Buena
Vista
Battleground
Brainerd
Mille Lacs
Kathio
Charles A.
Lindbergh
siss
er
i Riv
Trail
r
Rive
Terr
e
e de
pew
a Riv
er
Pom
m
Chip
Lac qui
Parie
il
Tra
Big Stone
National
Big
Stone
Lake
Sauk River
Sibley
Nort
h Fo
Monson
Lake
Glacial
Lakes
Trail
Willmar
River
rk C
row
Rive
r
Shurburne
National
Mis
St. Cloud
siss
Lake
Maria
ipp
i Riv
er T
rail
Upper Sioux
Agency
ot
aR
Kettl
e Riv
er
William
O’Brein
DESIGNATED WATER WAYS
BIKING TRAILS
BIKEWAY
Gateway
Trail
May 2013
Afton
Fort
Snelling
MN National
Wildlife Refuge
r
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS
Browns
Creek
Trail
Grand
Rounds
71
ive
BWCAW
Interstate
Carlos
Avery
94
l
Luce Line Trai
l
LRT
es
WILDLIFE REFUGES
NATIONAL FORESTS
Wild
River
Dakota Trai
inn
WITH FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT
St. Croix
Lac qui Parle
M
STATE PARKS
Nemadji
DESIGNATED FOREST
Ru
m
Wob
eg
Find More Maps at
www.MNTrails.com
Maps • Guides • Features
St. Croix
35
on
Glacial
Lakes
Jay
Cooke
Banning
Rum
River
ipp
Soo Line
Lake
Mille Lacs
Mis
sT
rail
Moose
Lake
River
Lake
Carlos
ke
x
Aleeau t
Lav men
Seg
Father
Hennepin
Soo Line Trail
u
S
ke
La
io
gw
ata
n
71
Long Prairie River
l La
Lake
Mille Lacs
Crow
Wing
ai
Tr
Duluth
Fond du Lac
Willard
Munger
Trail
Solana
l
er
at
rW
io
r
pe
Su
Savanna
Portage
Rice Lake
National
rH
il
ra
gT
n
iki
r
pe
Snake
Ce
ntr
a
r
ve
Ri
Wealthwood
Wing
River
Glendalough
Trail
Ottertail River
C
Savanna
Cuyuna
Country
Rec. Area
Pillsbury
Crow
Grand
Portage
George H. Crosby
Manitou
Che
n
Lyons
pi
ip
iss
iss
Gooseberry
Falls
er
t Riv
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Paul
Bunyan
Trail
Maplewood
Glendalough
M
Grand
Portage
Tettegouche
ue
louq
l
rai
rT
Pine River
Foot
Hills
Whiteface
River
ive
Hill
River
Huntersville
94
Trail
Badoura
r
Rive
Cloquet
Valley
iR
North Country
Heartland
Trail
Smoky
Hills
North
Country
Trail
Anniversary
Remer
Judge
C.R.Magney
Split Rock
Lighthouse
ipp
Moorhead
ouis
St. L
Pat
Bayle
Cascade
River
River
iss
Two
Inlets
Schoolcraft Golden
Leech Lake
Me
Hill Annex
Mine
iss
Tamarac
National
Buffalo
River
Migizi
Trail
Paul
Bunyan
Trail
White
Earth
Superior
National Forest Temperance
Finland
il
i Tra
sab
M
Red River
Itasca State Park
Bear
Island
Soudan
Underground
Mine Bear Head
Lake
Hibbing
Bowstring
Lake
Winnibigoshish
Bemidji
Paul
Bunyan
McCarthy
Beach
George
Washington
Sunrise Prairie
Hardwood Creek Trail
Itasca
Wilderness
Trail
Vermilion
State Park
Sturgeon
River
Scenic
Lake
Bemidji
BWCA
BWCWA
Burntside
Big Fork
Chippewa
National Forest
Border Route Trail
Kekekabic Trail
iT
ra
il
Rive
am
Lake
Red River
Rec. Area
Kabetogama
er
Riv
Red
Upper
Red Lake
lion
mil
Ver
Agassiz
National
iG
Twin
Lakes
tc
h
Lake
Bronson
Gi
Roseau River
Minnesota
Valley
Split Rock
Creek
Lake
Shetek
Watonwo
n River
Sakatah
Lake
Rive
Sakatah Singing
Hills Trail
r
Nerstrand
Big Woods
Mankato
Minneopa
Frontenac
GoodhuePioneer
Rice
Lake
Douglas
Trail
Rochester
Des Moines River
35
Blue
Mounds
Blue Mounds
Trail
Kilen
Woods
r
ive
at R rail
Greidge T
Whitewater
R
bro
o
onw
Cott
r
ive
od R
Straight River
Camden
Casey Jones Trail
Cannon
Valley Trail
Flandrau
Marshall
Pipestone
National
Monument
er
Cannon Riv
Albert Lea
Blazing
Star Trail
Myre
Big
Island
Carley
Zum
Fort
Ridgely
Fair Ridge
Trail
John A.
Latsch
Whitewater
Ro
ot
Riv
er
Richard J. Dorer
Memorial
Hardwood
Root River
Trail
Austin
Shooting
Star Trail
Lake Louise
HarmonyPreston
Forestville/ Valley Trail
Mystery Cave
Great
River
Bluffs
Beaver
Creek
Valley
Mark your calendars! Sept. 18-20, 2015!
5425 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952.929.1351 • www.hoigaards.com
Minnesota Trails
Fall 2015 37
8/7/15 1:02 PM
Business
Directory
Online & In Print
$250/annually •
Call Jan @320-266-5132
218-739-5651
CROW WING CYCLEWORKS
33754 Charles Avenue, Jenkins
www.crowwingcycleworks.com
218-568-5299
CYCLE PATH AND PADDLE
115 3rd Avenue SW, Crosby
www.cyclepathpaddle.com
218-545-4545
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
218-266-2150
218-326-1716
NORTHERN CYCLE
501 East 1st Street, Park Rapids
218-732-5971
NORTHERN CYCLE
117 3rd Street NW, Bemidji
218-751-(BIKE)
2453
REVOLUTION CYCLE AND SKI 320-251-2453
160 29th Avenue South, St. Cloud
www.revolutioncycleandski.com
TOURIGHT BICYCLE SHOP
124 2nd Street NE, Little Falls
www.tourightbicycleshop.com
320-639-2453
OUTDOOR MOTION
141 Main Street South, Hutchinson
www.outdoormotionbikes.com
320-587-2453
651-777-0188
HOIGAARD’S
952-929-1351
BOKOO BIKES & PADDLE SPORTS
550 Lake Drive, Chanhassen
952-934-6468
www.bokoobikes.com
763-784-6966
2661 Co Road I & Old Hwy 10, Mounds View
www.CarsBikeShop.com
38 Fall 2015
Duluth
St. Cloud
Southern
Region
Metro
Region
Mankato
71
35
A quick and easy reference for
planning your adventure!
TRAIL TREATS
MICHAEL’S CYCLES CHASKA
120 West Broadway, Little Falls
www.theroyalcateringlf.com
700 N Chestnut Street, Chaska
www.michaelscycles-mn.com
PIONEER CYCLE
12741 Central Ave., NE, Blaine
www.pioneercycle.com
952-361-6550
RAMSEY BICYCLE 6825 Hwy. 10 NW, Ramsey
www.ramseybicycles.com
763-323-6666
763-755-8871
STRAUSS SKATES AND BICYCLES
651-770-1344
TONKA CYCLE AND SKI
16 Shady Oak Road S, Hopkins
www.tonkacycleandski.com
TRAILHEAD CYCLING
& FITNESS
952-938-8336
CARLTON BIKE RENTAL
100 Chestnut Ave., Carlton
www.carltonbikerental.com
LODGING
BERT’S CABINS
15782 Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca
www.bertscabins.com
218-266-3312
MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS HOSTEL
Itasca State Park
218-266-3415
27910 Forest Lane, Park Rapids
www.hiusa.org/parkrapids
SIMPLY SISTERS RETREAT CENTER
320-309-8006
www.mnretreatcenter.com
Find your trail. . .
SINCLAIR LEWIS CAMPGROUND
320-352-2203
763-712-0312
7707 149th Street W, Apple Valley
www.valleybikeandski.com
THE ROYAL320-632-6401
58 Ivy Avenue NE, Richmond
11350 Aquila Drive, Suite 505, Champlin
www.trailheadcyclingandfitness.com
VALLEY BIKE & SKI
90
90
MICHAEL’S CYCLES PRIOR LAKE
952-447-2453
800-780-1515
952-43-BIKES
218-384-4696
826 Park Road, Sauk Centre
www.ci.sauk-centre.mn.us
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
7231 W Hwy. 61, Tofte
www.americinn.com
1088 Hwy. 61 N, Two Harbors
www.americinn.com
COUNTRY INN TWO HARBORS 877-604-5332
1204 7th Avenue, Two Harbors
www.countryinntwoharbors.com
BEMIDJI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
218-444-3541
300 Bemidji Ave., Bemidji
www.bemidji.org
CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL ASSOCIATION 320-763-0102
324 Broadway, Alexandria
www.centrallakestrail.com
FERGUS FALLS CVB
PO Box 268, Nevis
www.nevischamber.com
CARS BIKE SHOP
612-238-4447
GATEWAY CYCLE
6028 Hwy 36 Blvd N, Oakdale
www.gatewaycycle.com
BIKE KING
6489 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights
www.bike-king.com
35
2834 10th Ave. So., Minneapolis on Midtown Greenway
www.freewheelbikecenter.com
112 Washington Ave. W, Fergus Falls
www.visitfergusfalls.com
651-457-7766
2
FREEWHEEL BIKE WEST BANK 612-339-2219
1812 S 6th Street, Minneapolis
www.freewheelbike.com
BEHIND BARS BICYCLE SHOP 612-436-0255
208 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis
www.behind-bars.com
61
71
94
INFORMATION
TRAILBLAZER BIKES BAXTER 218-829-8542
14843 Edgewood Drive, Baxter
www.trailblazerbikesmn.com
Northeast
Region
Bemidji
FREEWHEEL BIKE EDEN PRAIRIE 12910 Plaza Drive, Eden Prairie
952-377-2230
www.freewheelbike.com
1751 Cope Avenue E, Maplewood
www.straussskatesandbicycles.com
320-219-7433
Minnesota Trails
Directory Regions
Northwest
Region
2
16731 Hwy. 13 S, Prior Lake
www.michaelscycles-mn.com
www.easyridersbikes.com
ITASCA SPORTS, INC.
Main Park Drive, Itasca State Park
www.itascasports.com
Southern MN
5425 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park
www.hoigaards.com
EASY RIDERS BICYCLE & SPORT
415 Washington Street, Brainerd
218-829-5516
Northwestern MN
BIKE CENTER
CENTRAL LAKES CYCLE 2010 Hwy. 210 E., Fergus Falls
www.centrallakescycle.com
FITZHARRIS BIKE & SPORT
Metropolitan MN
FREEWHEEL MIDTOWN
BIKE SHOPS
105 7th Avenue S, St. Cloud
www.fitzharrismn.com
Northeastern MN
218-332-5425
NEVIS CIVIC & COMMERCE
VISIT BRAINERD
800-450-7247
VISIT WINONA
507-452-0735
14084 Baxter Drive, STE 12, Brainerd
www.visitbrainerd.com
160 Johnson Street, Winona
www.visitwinona.com
. . . share the story
Minnesota Trails magazine accepts
freelance articles depicting people using
Minnesota parks and trails. Log onto
www.mntrails.com for more details.
. . . share the story
Minnesota Trails magazine Minnesota
accepts Trails
freelance articles depicting people using
Minnesota parks and trails. Log onto
www.mntrails.com for more details.
8/7/15 1:02 PM
B&Bs
EMBRACING PINES B&B
32287 Mississippi Road, Walker
www.embracingpines.com
ENCHANTED INN B&B
605 S Main Street, Sauk Centre
www.theenchantedinnmn.com
GREAT RIVER INN
WALLER HOUSE INN 218-224-3519
218-731-5026
HEARTLAND TRAIL B&B
LEECH LAKE B&B
11058 Steamboat Loop, Walker
www.leechlakebb.com
PILLAR INN B&B
419 Main Street, Cold Spring
www.thepillarinn.com
320-632-2836
320-491-1072
COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST
5 miles from Taylors Falls 651-257-4773
www.countrybedandbreakfast.us
320-414-0281
2810 Meyers Bay Road, Grand Rapids www.greenheronbandb.com
218-732-3252
726 2nd Avenue NW, Grand Rapids
www.morningglorybandb.com
724 Second Street Southeast, Little Falls
www.greatriverinn.com
20220 Friar Road, Park Rapids
www.heartlandbb.com
310 3rd St SE, Little Falls
www.wallerhouseinn.com
218-547-2231
GREEN HERON B&B
218-999-5795
MORNING GLORY B&B
866-926-3978
218-326-3978
POPLAR CREEK GUESTHOUSE B&B
800-322-8327
11 Poplar Creek Drive, Grand Marais
218-388-4487
www.boundarycountry.com
320-685-3828
More Features
MnTrails.com
MTN BIKE
TRAIL
Minnesota Trails
Fall 2015 39
8/7/15 1:02 PM
FREE HOT HOME-STYLE BREAKFAST
INVITING INDOOR POOL
UPDATED GUESTROOMS
ADVENTURE AWAITS AT
AMERICINN
[800] 634.3444 AMERICINN.COM
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locations at AmericInn.com.
©2012 AMERICINN INTERNATIONAL, LLC
40 Fall 2015
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.
Alexandria, MN
Austin, MN
Baudette, MN
Bemidji, MN
Chanhassen, MN
Cloquet, MN
Detroit Lakes, MN
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Lake City, MN
Pequot Lakes, MN
Red Wing, MN
Roseau, MN
Sauk Centre, MN
Silver Bay, MN
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Two Harbors, MN
Virginia, MN
White Bear Lake, MN
Willmar, MN
[320] 763.6808
[507] 437.7337
[218] 634.3200
[218] 751.3000
[952] 934.3888
[218] 879.1231
[218] 847.8795
[218] 739.3900
[651] 345.5611
[218] 568.8400
[651] 385.9060
[218] 463.1045
[320] 352.2800
[218] 226.4300
[320] 253.6337
[218] 663.7899
[218] 834.3000
[218] 741.7839
[651] 429.7131
[320] 231.1962
Minnesota Trails
8/7/15 1:02 PM

scenic - Minnesota Trails

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