This trip report will cover our overnight trip to the historic remote cabins at Tettegouche State Park, a glimpse at the northern lights, some new backpacking gear I'm testing out and absolutely zero bigfoot sightings This is the time of year when we get a little itchy and want to get a Winter camping trip … Continue reading Weekend at Tettegouche State Park Remote Cabins
Hiking in Texas, Arkansas + 52 Hike Challenge!
Happy New Year! I just came back from an extended holiday break with family and hiked in two new parks to kick off 2023! I am also embarking on my 5th 52 Hike Challenge and was selected to be part of the 52 Hike Challenge Over 50 Outside Cohort. Super stoked to continue representing a … Continue reading Hiking in Texas, Arkansas + 52 Hike Challenge!
Rolling on the River: Bikepacking the Root River State Trail
We’re back from a beginner Bikepacking trip on the Root River Trail in Southern MN! 🎉 I had the privilege of planning and leading this trip trough Thrive Women's Outdoor Adventures in Hudson WI, and we had THE BEST TIME! Instant friendships, good local food, an impromptu hoedown and tractor pull…and a careful ride around … Continue reading Rolling on the River: Bikepacking the Root River State Trail
Minnesota’s Newest State Park Campground | Split Rock Lighthouse – Shipwreck Creek!
Minnesota State Parks has a new campground and we were lucky enough to grab a spot this summer in our A-Frame camper! We'll briefly cover it's amenities and new features to give you a preview before you head that way. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is one of the most popular parks on the north … Continue reading Minnesota’s Newest State Park Campground | Split Rock Lighthouse – Shipwreck Creek!
NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Lake Bronson + Hayes Lake + Zippel Bay + Lake Bemidji!
Welcome to part 2 of our Northwest MN State Park Tour! We covered 974 miles and 7 Parks! Like most of Minnesota’s State Parks, these parks are all between 1-2 hours apart and short hiking distances, making it easy to visit multiple destinations in one trip. Since these are the furthest from our home, we … Continue reading NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Lake Bronson + Hayes Lake + Zippel Bay + Lake Bemidji!
NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Buffalo River + Red River + Old Mill!
This trip report will be a 2 part post, highlighting our tour of the final Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails in my book, covering 974 miles and 7 Parks! Like most of Minnesota’s State Parks, these parks are all between 1-2 hours apart and short hiking distances, making it easy to visit multiple destinations … Continue reading NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Buffalo River + Red River + Old Mill!
S24what?! First Bikepacking Trip, Route + Gear List
My original commuter ride: pre Pack Rat. I remember hearing the term "S24O" from a biking friend and mentor years ago. He described a Sub-24 hour overnight is a down n dirty quick overnight trip on a bike, where riders just strap stuff on their rigs wherever they can, and ride somewhere and back within … Continue reading S24what?! First Bikepacking Trip, Route + Gear List
5 Training Tips for Your Next Hiking or Backpacking Trip!
Spring is the time of year when everything returns to life (and gets real muddy). Even though I like to hike year round, I need a little reboot when the snow thaws. This post covers some of the ways I physically and mentally prepare myself for hiking and backpacking. Be sure you get the green … Continue reading 5 Training Tips for Your Next Hiking or Backpacking Trip!
Campsgiving at William O’Brien State Park
We're back from an refreshing Thanksgiving weekend trip to William O'Brien State Park! It's been a while since I've had a cold weather overnight and it was great to dust off the skills and gear to extend the camping season. This 3 in 1 post covers: Our Free Park Friday/Opt Outside group hike on the … Continue reading Campsgiving at William O’Brien State Park
Fall Camping and Hiking at Temperance River State Park
We're back from our last family camping trip of the year and the camper has been a great way to spend time together, extend the season and have some of the comforts of home. Our dog eats tents, so it's also been nice to have a way to bring her along! Temperance River State Park … Continue reading Fall Camping and Hiking at Temperance River State Park
Hiking Southern Minnesota | Upper Sioux Agency and Camden State Parks
Welcome to part 2 of my trip report, featuring FOUR more Minnesota State Parks! In 2014, my buddy April and I started hiking the Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club trails. Even though we live in different states now, we still manage to pull off one or two camping trips a year. Read her trip report … Continue reading Hiking Southern Minnesota | Upper Sioux Agency and Camden State Parks
Hiking Southern Minnesota | Big Stone Lake and Lac qui Parle State Parks
Welcome to part 1 of our trip to 4 more Southern Minnesota State Parks! It was great to be back on the trail with my first hiking buddy, and visit 4 new parks - painting and capturing my favorite things along the way. Find out how long Big Stone Lake really is, and stay tuned for part 2, where we visit Upper Sioux Agency and Camden State Parks. Happy Trails!
Art Hike at Theodore Wirth Park!
Today's hike was a special visit to Theodore Wirth Park! The brilliant women at Kula Cloth reached out to me and asked if I would lead a "Kulas on the trail" community event in Minnesota. I jumped at the opportunity to lead another art hike in one of my favorite local parks. Check out this post to read more about the history of Theo Wirth and our creative adventure!
Hiking Schoolcraft State Park
Welcome to the final trip report from our visit to four North Central Minnesota State Parks! Today's hike takes us to Schoolcraft State Park, a small park along the Mississippi River that features a 300 year old Pine Tree! Im excited to get back to my goal of hiking all 67 of the Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club Trails, and this trip makes number 56! Enjoy!
Hiking Big Bog State Recreation Area
Welcome to day 3 of our trip to 4 North Central Minnesota State Parks! Today's hike takes us to Big Bog State Recreation Area, part of one of the largest undeveloped wilderness areas in the United States. The park features many species of rare and fascinating plants and feels like going to another world filled with tiny surprises. Enjoy!
Hiking McCarthy Beach State Park
Welcome to day 2 of our trip to 4 North Central Minnesota State Parks! We used our new camper as a relaxing home base for exploring neighboring parks and I'm excited to get back to my goal of hiking ALL of the Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails. Have you been to McCarthy Beach State Park? Be sure to hit subscribe or check back to see more paintings from the trail, and hear more about a 300 year old pine tree and a belching bog!
Hiking and Camping at Scenic State Park
We're back from a great trip to 4...count 'em, F O U R North Central Minnesota State Parks! We used our new camper as a relaxing home base for exploring neighboring parks and I'm excited to get back to my goal of hiking all of the Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails. Have you been to Scenic State Park? Be sure to hit subscribe or check back to see more paintings from the trail, and hear more about a 300 year old pine tree and a belching bog! Hope you are having a wonderful end of Summer and are looking forward to cooler temps and the colors of Fall.
Hiking Merit Badge 20 Miler | Minneapolis Parks
HIKE DETAILS LENGTH 20 milesDIFFICULTY mostly flat and paved, with dirt options and a few hillsDATE HIKED October 4, 2020MAIN FEATURES Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, Theodore Wirth Park, Chain of Lakes. Start location - 2601 Theodore Wirth Parkway: Sunset Park Last week, some friends and I backpacked the 35ish mile Sioux Hustler Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It … Continue reading Hiking Merit Badge 20 Miler | Minneapolis Parks
Family Glamping at Lake Bemidji State Park
This post highlights our family trip to Lake Bemidji State Park and its Hiking Club Trail, Itasca State Park, the iconic Paul & Babe Statue and some musings on glamping in a sweet little camper we rented through Outdoorsy. Hope you enjoy! Glamping glamp·ing/ˈɡlampiNG/nouna form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those … Continue reading Family Glamping at Lake Bemidji State Park
SHT Trail-a-versary and Hiking Southern Minnesota Video!
Read about my one year trail-a-versary of completing the Superior Hiking Trail and more about hiking Southern Minnesota State Parks. New video on the Wandering Pine Youtube channel.