Minnesota State Parks and Trails Traveler April-May 2015
Grand Portage State Park
Visit Grand Portage State Park on the Canadian border to see Minnesota's highest waterfall. Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over High Falls, down to the Pigeon River. The park's new welcome center, which opened in 2010, serves as a travel information center and MnDOT highway rest area. That means you don't even need a vehicle permit to visit this special place. The park and surrounding area are rich in Ojibwe and fur trade history. The nearby Grand Portage National Monument explores the history of the Ojibwe people and the North West Company of the North American fur trade.
See the beautiful sights of the park with this virtual tour.
The List - Waterfalls There is something hypnotizing about a waterfall. Maybe it is the sound of the water tumbling down or the feel of the mist as it brushes your face. In early spring, you can see the rivers peek out as the ice starts to break up. As the weather warms, waterfalls reach their peak in terms of gallons per hour moving through. Here are some Minnesota state parks where you can experience the beauty and power of a spring waterfall.
At Cascade River State Park you'll want to keep your camera handy for multiple waterfall photo ops.
Read more about waterfalls in Minnesota State Parks.
Around the Campfire - I Can! Programs
Have fun learning a new outdoor activity this summer. If you and your family participated in an I Can Camp! or I Can Climb! program last year, maybe you're ready to try an I Can Paddle! or I Can Mountain Bike! program this year.
The 2015 schedule for I Can! programs is now online and registration has begun.Tell your friends and sign up together!
Learn more about the 2015 I Can! programs.
Traveler Tip - Hiking Club Explore Minnesota State Parks step by step by participating in the Hiking Club. It's an expedition and a treasure hunt, all in one. Hike designated trails in each park and earn rewards as you go. For example, you'll earn a patch after hiking a total of 25 miles and a coupon for a free night of camping after 100 miles.
All you have to do is hike the trails marked with a "Hiking Club" sign and remember the password that is posted on a sign along the trail. There is no time limit for when you need to hike all the trails. Start a new family tradition and pick up a Hiking Club kit today. You can purchase the kits for $14.95 at most state parks.
Explore Minnesota State Parks with the Hiking Club.
April/May Events - Call of the Wildflowers
Answer the Call of the Wildflowers by taking part in a new statewide geocaching challenge. Camouflaged
containers filled with collectible wildflower cards are hidden and waiting to be discovered at 74
of Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas and at seven state trails. The
clues to their exact whereabouts (also known as "coordinates") are posted online. You'll just need a GPS unit and a sense of adventure to find them. If you don't have your own GPS unit, you can check one out for free at any of the Minnesota state parks designated as geocaching "checkpoints."
To learn more about geocaching, attend one of the many upcoming programs for beginners at Minnesota state parks, including these:
Geocaching
101: Saturday, April 25, 10:30 a.m.-noon, William O’Brien State Park
in Marine on St. Croix.
Call
of the Wildflowers Kickoff: Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m., Wild River State Park
in Center City.
Geocaching 101: Saturday, May 16, 10:30 a.m.-noon, William O'Brien State Park in Marine on St. Croix.
Find more geocaching programs.
Keep reading! For past issues of the Traveler, click here.
