Minnesota State Park

Bear Head Lake State Park

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A lesser known park tucked in the Northwoods just outside of Ely, MN is waiting for hikers to seek out it’s serene lake views and secluded trails. Check out this State Park the next time you’re in the Ely area.

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Bear Head Lake State Park is just a 20 minute drive from the popular Northwoods town of Ely. An amazing place to basecamp or to visit while in the Ely area. Our adventure was with my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop in early May. The girls made wonderful lasting memories of camp and the outdoor experience here at Bear Head Lake State Park. There is so much to experience here, we will absolutely be back for more adventures.

Quick Review: 9/10 Serene lake views, plentiful animal sign, secluded trails, and numerous lodging options. This park is perfect for those seeking an experience with nature without crowds.

Trails- Nordberg Lake Trail

Our troop took the 3 mile Nordberg Lake Trail bright and early in the morning. This is a loop trail that leads around Nordberg Lake.

Trail Conditions: Being early in May in the northwoods, there was still small patches of snow on the ground in low spots. We also had to climb over some downed trees that hadn’t been cleared yet so early in the season. A fun little obstacle for our scouts to concur. You can check current trail conditions on the parks webpage.

Terrain: The Nordberg Lake Trail is considered “moderate” due to the rocky terrain in some sections and the hills near Nordberg Lake and East Bay. There are some stairs that need to be climbed/descended depending on the direction you’re going.

Nordberg Lake: A set of stairs lead downs to Nordberg Lake. This section of the trail is quite a sight, the small lake is so peaceful and a great spot for a break and a snack.

Park Road: A half mile section of the trail is on a park road before it reconnects with the trail. There are signs to direct your path. Even the park road was quiet, we didn’t see a single car while on this section. If one were to continue hiking on the road rather than turning back onto the Nordberg loop, it would lead to the group campsite.

East Bay: Though the south part of the trail leads along the East Bay, the view of the lake isn’t always prevalent. There is, however, a short trail leading to the waters edge. A great spot to take in the scenery.

Solitude

Being one of the lesser visited state parks in Minnesota the trails are less congested. This gives that hiker seeking solitude a greater chance of succeeding. There is also the opportunity to travel by canoe. Portaging to Holter Lake on the south side of Bear Head Lake will offer more seclusion.

Wildlife

We had quite the wildlife experience during our stay at Bear Head Lake State Park. This was quite entertaining for the girls and sure to have made lasting memories of the Northwoods with their troop.

Wolf Sign: While on the road section of the Nordberg Trail, the ladies came across some scat. We inspected it with a stick. This scat was quite large, comparable to our Great Dane’s back home, and it contained a large amount of hair. At first the girls thought it was bear scat. After our visit to the Bear Center in Ely, it was determined that we had discovered wolf scat. Very exciting!

Owl Pellets on Trail: Our ladies were finishing up their 4th grade year in school at the time of our visit the park. They had recently learned about Owl Pellets. This made for an amazing discovery when they successfully identified an owl pellet on the trail near the East Bay of Bear Head Lake. The ladies were proud to be able to put their new knowledge to use.

Curious Bear: Certainly our most exciting experience at Bear Head Lake State Park involved a campfire and a curious bear. We had stayed at the Guest House at the Park. After an evening of hot dogs, s’mores, and playing flashlight tag by firelight, it was time to wind down for the night. I stayed out to watch the fire with two of our scouts while my co-leader brought the others in to start getting ready for bed.

With the area quieting and the lingering aroma of dinner and s’mores, we attracted a curious bear. The ladies were quietly chatting when I heard the rustling in the brush close to our clearing. I shushed the girls to hear better and that’s when we heard the classic bear “huff.”

To deter the bear from exploring his curiosity further, I banged on the table and shouted loudly. We stirred the coals and calmly headed for the Guest House. Once inside, I informed the girls that there was in fact a bear just outside camp. The looks on their faces was priceless and hilarious! It was quite entertaining to hear them retell the simple encounter with such embellished details. A trip the the Bear Center in Ely the following day put any fears they had to rest and learned they that bears are simply curious creatures.

Lodging

Guest House: The Guest House was the perfect location for our Ely weekend “basecamp.” There’s plenty of space to accommodate up to 10 people. Full Kitchen, two bathrooms, three bedrooms, great dining area, two living spaces and plenty of outdoor space. The outdoor spaces include a yard with a firepit, a patio with a furniture, picnic tables, a grill, and a trail leading down to the North Bay of Bear Head Lake. It is a house but with it’s cabin theme, it doesn’t hinder the outdoor weekend experience.

I highly recommend the Guest House for those seeking an outdoorsy experience with a more “indoorsy” personality. It is also great for those with larger groups spending time in the Ely area.

North Bay views from the Guest House Trail.

Camper Cabins: 5 rustic cabins sit in the parks campground and hold up to 6 people. They are a single room with bunks. The cabins have heat, making them available in the winter as well.

Campground: Bear Head Lake State Park has 73 sites available for camper vehicles (45 are electric). Some of sites are more wooded than others.

Group Camp: One site is available for large groups up to 50 people. This site located on the north side of East Bay at the end of a spur park road.

Backpack Camping: Four sites are available for backpack camping. Three sites are on Blueberry lake, one is by itself on Becky Lake.

Canoe Camping: The park has two sites accessible by canoe. One on the south side of Bear Head Lake and the other in East Bay. If traveling by canoe, a great idea for a day trip would be to check out the portage leading into Holter Lake.

Morning views

A perk of staying at the park is getting up early to check out the morning views. Rising before the park opens to have a serene and secluded moment with nature is a most cherished experience. Especially when traveling with a group of Girl Scouts! This was a needed morning meditation, ranking just below the need for coffee. Visiting North Bay from the Guest House trail before the girls woke was a wonderful way to start the day.

Enjoying the morning peace before the scouts rise and shine.

Park Activities

Summer:

Hiking (14 miles)
Swimming Beach
Camping
Canoe Access
Boat Access (drive in, 10 mph limit)
Fishing (walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, panfish, and black crappie)

Winter:

Cross Country Ski (9 miles)
Snowshoe (anywhere in park except groomed trails
Snowmobile (4.5 groomed trails)
Camper Cabins & Guest House Year-round

Nearby Activities

Visiting this area means having much to do outside of Bear Head Lake State Park. With Ely and the BWCA so close, there is an abundance of activities at hand.

Visit the shops in Ely (Piragis Outfitter was my favorite)
Grab some ice cream at Northern Expressions
Visit the Bear Center
Visit the Wolf Center
Caffeinate at a coffee shop
Dine at the numerous restaurants
Visit nearby Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park (check for updates as it’s currently under construction)
Daytrip into the BWCA for hiking or canoeing (day use permits can be obtained at self issuing stations or the Kawishiwi Ranger Station)

Finding the Frozen Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

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Winter turns this quiet park into a winter wonderland complete with a frozen water fall. Find the Hidden Falls in under a blanket of ice on a winter hike or snowshoe adventure.

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Winter has an amazing habit of turning beautiful waterfalls into unbelievable natural ice sculptures. Nerstrand has a splendid limestone falls at the heart of the “Big Woods.” Listen closely to hear the trickle of water hidden beneath the frozen falls.

Quick Review: 6/10 A lovely little park with a stunning waterfall view and gorgeous tall trees. I really liked the clear signage at this park.

Location

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is about an hour south of the Twin Cities, just outside of the small city of Nerstrand. Our route took us through Northfield, home of a Malt-O-Meal factory. It smelled like cereal in that town, delicious.

Playground

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a petite rustic playground. Perfect to burn off that initial energy for little ones after a long car ride. There are swings, a train, and a swing bridge. Great obstacles for kiddos to explore.

Hiking Trail

There are a total of 11 miles of hiking trails at Nerstand Big Woods but the hike to the falls is quite short, just half a mile. This is a perk when hiking with kids on a chilly winter day. If you have more time on a beautiful day, take advantage of the numerous loop trails where snowshoeing and skiing are permitted.

For the quickest trail to the falls, take the Hidden Falls Trail from the main parking area. This half mile trail can easily become a mile long loop.

Fence/Rope Barriers

Along the way to the falls, you’ll notice there are several areas that have been roped off with signage deterring hikers from entering certain areas. This is because of a rare plant that only grows in this park and nowhere else in the world. It’s called the Dwarf Trout Lily, a great reason to return in the spring and summer.

Respect the boundaries put in place by the park to protect the rare lily.

Boardwalk

Boardwalks have been put in place along with the other barriers. Please stay on the boardwalks when on this section of trail. They keep the foot traffic off of the rare lily and other important plants in this area. The boardwalk also makes it easier to traverse the path down to the falls along rather steep hills.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls isn’t quite as hidden as the name suggests. The falls is a short half mile hike from the parking area. The signs are very clear directing hikers to the main attraction of this park. Next to the falls is a set of stairs leading to the lower section of river where hikers can explore the bank and take in the magical view of this falls. In winter this solidified falls is like freezing time, but the trickle of living water can be heard beneath.

Crossing the Creek

Continuing on trail is no problem across Prairie Creek just before the falls. The trail leads over cement blocks to get to the other side. This was great fun for the kids to hop over and adds an exciting obstacle to the hike.

Park Activities

Hiking to the falls is not the only thing that this southern Minnesota park offers. There are plenty of activities to keep the nature enthusiast busy in this neck of the woods all year round.

Spring:

Wildflower Observation

Summer:

Hiking (11 miles)
Camping (Camper & Walk-in)- Reopening March 2023
Waterfall Viewing
Geocaching
Birding

Autumn:

Leaf Peeping

Winter:

Winter hiking
Candle Light Hike (check events calendar)
Snowshoeing (rentals available $6)
Cross Country Ski (no groomed trails)
Snowmobile (4 miles)
Frozen Waterfall Viewing

November Hiking Tips in Minnesota

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Stay safe on trail with these November hiking tips for Minnesota. The rut is on!

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The leaves have changed and dropped, leaf peepers have gone home causing crowds to dwindle. It’s the perfect time to get on trail and watch the animals prepare for the winter months. November is hunting season here in Minnesota. Deer hunters have done their work creating game trails, working food plots, setting up stands and blinds. They’ve been waiting all year to get out in the stand, they are ready! And you should be too. Check out these November hiking tips to keep your hiking season going strong in a safe and considerate manner.

Know Before You Go

Deer hunting is all about conservation… and filling the freezer. With the conservation aspect in mind, there will be hunting permitted in some state parks around MN. Check out your destination prior to hitting the trail. Some parks have scheduled closures or limitations in the coming weeks for hunters to harvest the excess deer population.

MN State Park Hunting Seasons

Blaze Orange

Blaze orange is a hikers (and hunters) best friend in November. At a minimum, wear an orange hat, hot pink works too. Even better would be an orange vest. Obviously you don’t look like a deer walking in the woods, but safety first! Wearing orange will keep you visible to hunters and others in the park. If you’re trying to watch wildlife and are concerned about missing out by being too visible; don’t worry, deer can’t see this color. They can, however, see blue. Don’t wear blue if you’re trying to catch a glimpse of deer activity.

Dog Safety

I am very pro “Never Hike Alone” and try to take my dog along whenever and wherever I hike. Dog’s have been mistaken for small deer in the past. It is obvious in the picture below that my Xena looks like a deer, especially when she frolics through the woods. Her color is accurately named “fawn.” Whether your dog resembles a deer or not, be sure your furry hiking companion is wearing a vest or jacket of orange or pink.

Follow Signs

With the hunting seasons going on at the state parks, some parks are not closed but limiting areas to the public. Be sure to watch for signs and follow them to ensure the safety of both hunters and hikers. Check in at the park office before hitting the trails, they may have additional/updated information to make your hike a success.

Layers

This time of year we can have some pretty drastic temperature swings. It can be 65 degrees and sunny at the beginning of a hike and drop down to 30 degrees by sundown. Bring layers along and make sure to keep that orange hat on, even if it’s hot.

Sunset

Autumn is the time of year when our sunlight hours diminish and eventually lead to the darkest day of the year, the first day of winter. Check the sunset time on the day you plan to hike. On a clear night, expect visibility for about half an hour after the sun sets. Ensure you’ve planned ample time to complete your hike before sundown. Shooting time also ends 30 minutes after sunset, with the limited visibility exit the woods before dark.

Be Considerate of Hunters

Even if you’re not a hunter, keep in mind that the whole point of hunting in the parks is to promote a healthy population. When deer become overpopulated it can have a devastating effect on the overall health of the deer population, native plant life, and other animals in the area.

Bucks in Rut

If a deer spots you in the woods, it will likely take off. That being said, if a buck does not leave in your presence, Do Not approach it. It could be injured, nevertheless, the velvet is off the antlers and they are in rut. A buck, even a young buck, can be quite dangerous. Give them space and let them go about their natural business. Nobody needs to be gored in the name of curiosity.

Wounded or Down Deer

Spotted a wounded or down deer? If you come across hunters looking for their deer, point them in the direction that you saw the deer. The goal of a hunter is to harvest their animal as quickly and painlessly as they can. Being unable to find a wounded deer and end it’s suffering is a real blow to a hunter. Likewise, being unable to find a deer that is down is a waste. Be helpful and point them in the right direction.

Reporting a wounded animal to the DNR is another option. Keep in mind that this is a very busy time of year for the DNR as well and they do not have the manpower to respond to every wounded animal during hunting season.

Reporting to DNR

See hunters in a No Hunting Zone or outside of the hunting season?

Check the dates of the Zone you are in.
Some parks in MN have different dates for their designated hunting season; those parks will be closed or limited to the public on those dates.
Check with land owners to ensure they didn’t have hunters with permission.
Remember that bow hunters can hunt until the end of the year and muzzle loader season starts after shotgun season.
Do not approach poachers, this can be dangerous. Leave it to authorities.

If you are sure that you have a poacher on you hands: Report poachers to the DNR.

Enjoy the late autumn hiking season. The animals feel the change and pressure of the incoming cold. It’s the best time to catch wildlife preparing for winter. The deer are on the move, the squirrels are collecting nuts and seeds, some of the birds are heading south. It’s a much more active time of year in the woods than one would think. Simply sitting in the woods this time of year is great entertainment.

Minneopa State Park: Hiking, Waterfalls, and Bison

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Minnesota’s Minneopa State Park is a slice of prairie coupled with a whimsical waterfall scene. Visit this unique southern Minnesota park for an experience unlike any other in the state.

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A sure-fire way to see Bison in Minnesota is visiting Minneopa State Park near Mankato, Minnesota. With a bison herd, waterfalls, hiking trails and overlooks, this park is a gem in the southern part of Minnesota. This small park is the 3rd oldest state park in Minnesota.

This bathroom was really nice for a state park bathroom.

Quick Review: 8/10 While lacking miles for hiking this park makes up for it with it’s amazing bison herd and double waterfall with a quiet river to explore.

Side Note: The bathrooms were really nice, so nice that I took a picture of one.

Location

Minneopa is located just west of Mankato off Hwy 169. The unique thing about this parks location is that it’s split in two. A smaller section consists of the visitors center, picnic area and waterfall trail. The larger section, just a short drive away, contains the bison drive, hiking trail surrounding the bison range, historic windmill, and the campground.

Getting from one park to the other: After a quick stop to the visitor’s center, exit the park and go right. It’ll be the first left hand turn onto 547th Street, then another left onto MN-68. The bison filled side of the park will be on the right. It’s a short 1 mile drive with signs to follow.

Waterfalls

Our first stop at this park (after the visitors center to purchase firewood) was the water falls. The trail begins right at the parking area with a concrete sidewalk and bridge going over the first falls. There is a great area just up the river to play in the water and hunt for crayfish. The kids did not catch any, but they sure had fun finding them. Xena loved dipping her paws in as it was quite warm on our visit.

After splashing around in the water we continued out hike to the lower falls. The lower falls is visible from the concrete path that leads around to the other side. To access the lower area, follow the stairs and cross a bridge at the bottom. The path becomes dirt at the bottom of the stairs. The trail leads along the side of the river, but of course, my kids can’t take the trail like normal kids. They ditched the shoes and walk in the river instead. It was a great little “hike”, with a beautiful reward at the end.

Tip: Wear a swim suit under your clothes. At the end of this short hike, if the water levels are right, you may get a chance to swim in the waterfall!

Trails

This park only has 4.5 miles of hiking trails. That’s significantly less than other parks in the state. But really, with all of the things to see, an abundance of milage isn’t necessary. You’ll end up spending more time observing the area rather than hiking anyhow.

The water falls trail is less than a quarter mile long one way but that trail took us the most time to traverse. When water is involved, my kids can spend all day playing in it.

The bison loop that leads around the bison encloser is about 4 miles in length. Along this trail you’ll encounter the Seppmann Mill site and an overlook of the bison area. There is also a parking area near the overlook and mill if you’re not up for the full hike. We were running low on daylight and took advantage of this feature. The parking area is on the other end of the bison drive, a convenient place to view the bison after the drive.

Tip: Bringing a pair of binoculars is helpful in seeing the herd from above. And watch for poop on the drive. There is so much poop! Of course the two-year-old was excited about it.

With a sufficiently high fence and cattle grates at the entrance, the bison are contained to a 331 acre enclosure. They may be contained but they should still be considered a large and dangerous animal. Stay in your vehicle at all times. We did see someone exit their vehicle to get a better photograph with a tripod while the bison were at a greater distance. Don’t do that.

Bison Drive Hours: The drive is open from Thursday-Tuesday 9am to 7pm, closed Wednesdays for maintenance. Be watchful of time changes with the season changes.

Best Viewing Times: In the evening the bison were farther away from the road. We could see them from a distance enjoying the fading sunlight. The range is large and the bison are not always easy to spot. In the morning as soon as the Bison Drive opened up they were right at the gate and road. We got a very up close look at the herd, the calves were adorable! Be courteous of the bison and other drivers. We had someone get frustrated with us stopped on the road, they darted around us almost hitting the calf we were stopped for. Be patient, the bison cross the road at their own pace.

Camping

Not all of our State Park trips are camping trips. We took advantage of a rare slow Monday and Tuesday to camp at Minneopa. We chose a campsite close to the restrooms due to potty training but found that it was still a quiet spot. The site are relatively close together but the spaces at the far end of the loop offer more privacy. Watch for spiders, we were surprised by a big one in the morning.

Firewood is available at the visitors center and this wood burns well. We’ve had some difficult to start logs in the past, so this was a wonderful. Perfect for hot dogs and s’mores with the kids.

Other Activities

Summer

Hiking (4.5 miles)
Birding (many songbird species in the park)
Wildlife observation
Waterfall viewing

Winter

Snowshoe (rentals available at visitors center)
Candlelit Hike/snowshoe (watch the events calendar)

Winter in Minneopa is a sight to see. We were fortunate enough to join in on a candlelit snowshoe event. The path was illuminated by candles on a clear starry night. At the end of the hike, participants can warm up by the roaring fire. We brought hot chocolate and listened the the Park Rangers tell stories about the park and learned more about the bison herd. If your are interested in winter hikes, read more here.

Minnesota State Park Leaf Peeping (Not on the North Shore)

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Lake Superior isn’t the only place to go ‘Leaf Peeping.’ Take a look down South! These parks can still scratch that autumn itch without the long drive north.

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Lake Superior isn’t the only place to go ‘Leaf Peeping.’ Take a look down South! These parks can still scratch that autumn itch without the long drive north. Grab your favorite autumn drink, hiking boots, and get exploring this fall.

Within 1 Hour of the Twin Cities

1. Wild River State Park: Stunning trails along the St. Croix river, through prairie grasses and forests of mixed tree species. Keep the camaras ready, while visiting this park. We happened to cross paths with deer, hawks, and eagles. For great river views, check out the Old Military Road Trail and Walter F. Mondale River Trail. While hiking along the rivers edge, keep an eye out for beavers and otters.

Estimated Peak: Late September/Early October

2. Interstate State Park: Dramatic cliffs, pot-holes, unique landscape, stunning leaves, and a plethora of activities. Can’t really miss with this park. While there is a lack of mileage for hiking (just 4 miles in the park) the trails make up for distance with rugged terrain. Rock climbing, boat tours, canoeing/kayaking, and overlooks are other ways to enjoying the leaves in this park.

Estimated Peak: Late September/Early October

**Pro-tip: Arrive early at this park. Due to it’s awesome features this park fills up fast, get an early start to avoid the crowds and land a parking space.

3. William O’Brian State Park: William O’Brian State Park is home to a variety of views. The 12 miles of hiking trails will take you to prairie overlooks, oak covered hills and to riverside scenery. Majority of the trails are not by the rivers edge. If hiking doesn’t quite sate that autumn wanderlust, hop in a canoe and paddle your way to satisfying autumn bliss. Watch for waterfowl and beavers along your way.

Estimated Peak: Late September/Early October

Riverside Trail is the best hike in the park. Check it out, the St. Croix is gorgeous!

4. Afton State Park: 20 miles of hiking trails cover prairie restoration, creeks, rivers edge, wooded hills and ravines. This park also has 5 miles of horse trails and 4 miles of paved biked trails. Along the waters edge, birdwatcher can glimpse the waterfowl and raptors.

Estimated Peak: Late September/Mid October

5. Lake Maria State Park: The previous 4 parks mentioned lie east of the Twin Cities. Lake Maria rests an hour to the west. This park has a different feel to it. More “off the beaten path”. The old growth forest changes the hue of the forest floor and adds a mystical edge to the air. The hiking trails lead to numerous small lakes and tranquil ponds giving chance to come across the rare Blanding’s Turtle. If you prefer birds to reptiles, then keep your sights on the 200+ birds species that live in or pass through the park.

Estimated Peak: Late September/Early October

Within 2 Hours of Twin Cities

1. Minneopa State Park: Minneopa is one of the few parks in Minnesota to host a bison herd. Catch these beauties in the autumn colors. Not only does Minneopa have majestic beasts, it is also home to a double waterfall. Be warned, the waterfall is more of a water trickle at this time of the year, but it is still beautiful! The parks only holds about 4.5 miles of hiking, but there is also the Bison Drive. This Bison Drive is a road that goes through the bison enclosure. Stay in your vehicle!!

Estimated Peak: Late September/Mid October

2. Whitewater State Park: For majestic views that compare to the North Shore, head to Whitewater. With drastic elevation changes on trail, you’ll catch some incredible overlooks. With this park’s 10 miles of hiking trials, you’ll pass along rivers edge, bluffs, and deep ravines. This is a park you don’t want to miss this fall and it doesn’t take a trip to the North Shore to see it.

Estimated Peak: Early-Mid October

3. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park: If you are looking to miss the crowds of the busier parks, check out this little park. The 7 miles of well maintained trails will lead you through a variety of colors, over streams, and the open space of a meadow. Up the road from the main park lies a little sections called Little Elk, this area holds a short trail along the Mississippi River.

Estimated Peak: Late September/Early October

4. Banning State Park: The beauty of this park is astonishing. Taking the Quarry loop to Hell’s Gate Trail passes along the Kettle River, passed the old ruins, and to a section of falls. The burnt orange and yellow leaves falling over the ruins and falls make for a picturesque scene. With 17 miles of trails and adventure, this has become one of my favorites.

Estimated Peak: Late September/Early October

5. St. Croix State Park: Riverside views in the fall can’t be beat. The place where two rivers converge is stunning. Take in the crisp air of autumn along the river hikes on the St. Croix and the Kettle Rivers. Adventure is not in short supply at St. Croix. This is a park I could hike again and again!

Estimated Peak: Early September/Early October

The North Shore isn’t the only gorgeous place in the state to see autumn’s glory. Get your hiking shoes and hit the trails before the autumns leaves decorate the forest floor.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: A Park Above the Treetops

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Day trip or weekend getaway, this park will not disappoint. With an amazing view from the observation tower and miles for trails, you’ll be adventuring non-stop.

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For a park that isn’t as well known as others, it sure is a beauty! It’s a great spot for a day trip or a breath of fresh air if your staying in the Mille Lacs area.

Quick Review: 7/10 This park has one amazing highlight, easy trails that are maintained well, a rich history, and bugs. Swampy areas on some of the trails brought on bugs, bring the spray.

Observation Tower

The observation tower is really the main draw to this park. I had originally planned on going to Mille Lacs Kathio last fall thinking that we would be able to see the leaf changes from the tower. Unfortunately, the tower was closed at the time of my planning, we opted to go to Crow Wing State Park instead and save Kathio for when the tower was open. The tower is open during the summer but closes for fall/winter due to icy, unsafe conditions.

Get there early! We made the decision to hit this highlight right away after entering the park. We had a little one along and when that is the case, hitting the highlights first is important. It was a good thing too, we had the Tower to ourselves for a very short time. It became crowded rather quickly. There are rules posted at the base of the tower. It clearly states that you should not climb if there are six people up there. People do not heed the warning. Please follow the posted rules, safety first!

The view from the top of the tower is fantastic. Another perk of experiencing this attraction first, is getting a panoramic view of the area yet to be explored. It’s a unique experience only available at 5 state parks in Minnesota.

History

If you are a history buff or have an interest in Native American history or archeology, this is a park for you. With numerous places to stop along the Landmark trail there is plenty of opportunity to catch a bit of information. The most interesting thing that I learned was that the name “Kathio” basically came from poor handwriting. Haha!

There are at least 30 archeological sites in the park alone. This area was the homeland of historic Dakota tribe and Ojibwe tribe. Pretty cool! Stop and read about the history of these peoples at different locations along the trail. This would be an ideal spot to explore for scouting groups learning about Native American history.

Landmark Trail

This trail is relatively short, just 1.5 miles. Once you’ve reached the last informative sign, it’s been 3/4 of a mile, turning back would make it 1.5 miles. The Landmark Trail is well cared for with a mowed picnic area near the Rum river and Ogechie lake.

Hiking Club Trail

Once passed the Landmark Trail and onto the hiking club trail it becomes more wild and secluded. Along the way, you’ll experience steep hills and marsh/swamp areas. This landscape has created the perfect environment for moss and fungi to grow. We encountered some rather unique mushrooms and plant life. Ferns galore!! I couldn’t believe the amount and variety of ferns growing along the hiking club trail. By completing the landmark trail and the hiking trail together, you’ll have covered about three and a quarter miles.

Other Park Activities & Amenities

While we chose to do a day trip at Mille Lacs Kathio, there are other options for enjoying the park. Whether you are staying at the park or just near by, it’s open year round with a multitude of activities.

Winter

Sliding hill near the Trial Center
Warming House- also the Trail Center
Snowshoeing and snowshoe rentals ($6/day)- just under 8 miles of trails
Skiing and Cross Country Ski rentals ($10/day) -about 20 miles groomed trails
Snowmobile Trails- Connects to Grant in Aid Snowmobile Trail
Lantern Ski- Check the events calender for event date & time (A magical experience, check out #5 on 6 Minnesota State Parks Not to Miss This Winter. Same thing, different park. )

Summer

Swimming Beach
Picnic Area
Hiking
Horse Trails
Canoe Access -no rentals (BYOC)
Educational programs (events calender)

Camping

Drive-in
RV
Backpack
Walk-in
Horse Camp
Group Camp
Camper Cabins- Open year round, no pets

A Bite to Eat Post Hike

While we always bring snacks and water along for the kids and ourselves. It’s always a special treat to get a good meal after a day in the woods. This little spot on Mille Lacs Lake is just outside of the State Park. Actually as you are leaving the state park, go straight across Hwy 169 and you’ll find yourself at The Launch. It’s an okay place to eat. We sat indoors but the patio area looked really nice. We visited during Covid times and had some interesting service. It was difficult time, so we weren’t too concerned.

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park: A Quick Pick

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A park for a quick day trip or a weekend of history. This park can accommodate both. Check out all that this little park has to offer.

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Sometimes you need to take advantage of surprise free time and hit the trails. I had a very busy weekend over MEA break. Lots of pet sitting! I thought there was no way we were going to spend any time in the woods on this gorgeous weekend. Oh well, there will be other opportunities, right? But luck struck, all of my clients ended up being back early on Sunday, I didn’t work at all in the afternoon! We quickly packed some snacks, chose a spot on the map and hit the road.

Quick Review: 7/10 Well maintained trails, beautiful river views and neat log benches to stop for a snack. There were a few places with tape to keep guests out, safety first I suppose and one not so sturdy railing for a set of stairs.

This park is located just west of Little Falls. It’s a short distance off of HWY 10. Google Maps will get you there! Even the drive to Charles A. Lindbergh Park at the end of October was appealing to the eye, some of the scenes looked like they belonged in a calendar.

Trails

There are seven miles of hiking trails available for exploring at this park. We chose to do a loop trail that crossed Pikes Creek a couple of times. This was a really neat fall hike. The oak and aspen trees hung their leaves over the trail with their gold and orange colors. When the sun decided to shine it made for some dazzling light play across the forest.

The terrain was pretty easy to traverse. Most of the trail was flat. We encountered two instances of stair cases. One wooded staircase right way, the next was stone. The stone staircase was very neat but don’t trust the railing. We crossed over a bridge that had a rock bed beneath it. This made a great little exploring spot for the kids. We could pretend to be the trolls under the bridge. Near the end of our adventure the kids made a pit stop at a log bench with a river view. It was a great place to rest and reflect on our time in the woods.

Near the trail head is a little park. The kids were more interested in the fallen trees and stumps than the swing set or slide. It made for an even more exciting natural playground! Good thing, the playground was a little dated and probably not the safest.

Main Park: The unique thing about this park is that the trails are not all in one place. The main park is on the west side of Grouse Road. This location contains most of the parks trails, camping, playground, and historic markers and sites.

Little Elk: Up the road lies a little section of park that is separate from the main park, but still considered Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. This is where you’ll find great views of the Mississippi river.

History

There is a tidbit of interesting history surrounding this little park. Congressman Charles A. Lindbergh Sr. is the parks namesake. His son Charles Jr. was the first man to fly a trans-Atlantic flight. There are locations throughout the park marking significant happenings. I wasn’t able to read all of the plaques as I was carrying a toddler on my back.

If you are into old homes and Minnesota history, try to visit in the summer. During this time, you’ll be able to tour the museum and Lindbergh home just across the street from the main park.

More to Explore

While most of the rentals and extra facilities were closed at the time of our visit, there is a lot offered at this park. Don’t forget; there is a whole little section of park just up the road.

Summer

Hiking (7 miles of trails)
Canoe rental (check office for availability)
Camping
Playground
Picnic area
Volleyball (equipment at park office)
Horseshoes (equipment at park office)

Winter

Snowshoe
Winter hiking (3 miles of trails)
Warming House (Picnic shelter doubles as warming house)

This is a great little park for a quick trip if you only have an afternoon. The park was not crowded and had spectacular views for a shorter hike. If you’ve only got half a day, this is a great park to pick. For the history lover, this park could take you all weekend. Not to mention all of the history just up the road in Little Falls.

Embrace Dark Minnesota Nights with Candle Light Events

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Experience Minnesota State Parks in a whole new light, or lack there of. Hike, snowshoe and ski at these evening winter adventures to give you a chance to see a different side of the wilderness.

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Updated for the 2025 winter season

There is something truly enchanting about experiencing a wintery woods in the darkness. So many in the Midwest complain of the long, cold, dark winters. Then, there are those who embrace the darkness to see the glow of the snow under the moonlight. It brings out a different kind of beauty that is only witnessed by those willing to seek it.

I have compiled a list of events that take place around Minnesota to give you the opportunity to seek the beauty. Get out and enjoy a few before the winter melts away.

Northern Minnesota

Itasca State Park- January 11th, 2025 5-7:30pm & February 15th, 2025 5:30-8pm Itasca hosts a lantern light event for snowshoers and skiers on a 3.5 mile round trip trail. That’s a fair distance for nighttime skiing by lantern light. At the visitors center, limited snowshoes and skis are available on a first come first serve basis. This is a bring your own supplies style event. This includes brining your own snowshoes/skies, snacks, hot cocoa, s’more supplies, hotdogs and roasting sticks. A fire will be available for warming up and roasting dogs & mallows.

Bonus: The Twinkle Lights trail at the Bear Paw Campground is open from November 28th, 2024 to February 28th, 2025 from dusk until 10pm. Itasca also has winter camping and lodging available, make it a weekend getaway.

Passes- Day Pass to enter park ($7), Ski pass, if over 16 years old and skiing (Daily $10, yearly $25)

Gooseberry Falls State Park- February 15th 2025 6pm-8pm Hike, snowshoe or ski from the visitor’s center to the Lady Slipper Amphitheater on an illuminated trail. Gooseberry is one of Minnesota’s favorite state parks, this is sure to be an amazing event!

Passes- No passes required

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park- February 8th, 2025 6pm-9:30pm The candle light trail will be between the Trail Center and the Interpretive Center. The trail is available to snowshoers, skiers and hikers. Trails will be packed but not groomed, ski conditions vary. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis at $6 per snowshoe pair and $10 per ski set. There will be a fire to warm you up after your wintery hike.

Passes- Day Pass to enter park ($7), Ski pass, if over 16 years old and skiing (Daily $10, yearly $25)

Lake Bemidji State Park- January 25th, 2025 5:30pm-8pm (Snowshoe) & February 8th, 2025 6pm-8:30pm (Ski) Lake Bemidji State park will have 3 miles lit by candles for Cross Country Skiers. This is a cross country ski event on groomed trails, so a pass and skis are a must.

Passes- Day Pass to enter park ($7), Ski pass, if over 16 years old and skiing (daily $10, yearly $25)

Jay Cooke State Park- February 8th, 2025 6pm-9pm One of my favorite winter state parks in Minnesota! This event is open for snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing. Bring your gear of choice or rent snowshoes at the park office.

Note: The staff at Jay Cooke has requested that dogs do not attend as there have been incidents in the past. (Bummer!)