Minnesota State Parks and Trails The Traveler September 2014
Sakatah Lake State Park An hour south of the Twin Cities, Sakatah Lake State Park has scenic trails popular with bikers and hikers. The Sakatah Lake Singing Hills State Trail runs through the park and stretches 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault. After exploring the trails, hit the lake for paddling adventures and fishing fun.
Game Time - Scavenger Hunt Your kids will have a blast exploring the outdoors with this fun (and super easy) scavenger hunt. On a piece of paper, jot down items you might find outside. You can use the list below to get started, or tailor it to your surroundings. Then, send the kids outside! See what items from the list they can find. For older kids, think about turning this game into a photo scavenger hunt - have them snap a pic of the item they find.
anthill
pine cone
tree with needles
tree with leaves
rock bigger than a baseball
rock smaller than a penny
squirrel
bird
frog
clover leaf
red leaf
brown leaf
What did you find? We'd love to see your pics! Share them with us on Twitter @mnstateparks with #traveler.
The List - Bicycle Trails There are some great places to spin your wheels in Minnesota! If you need kid-friendly miles of smooth asphalt with no major hills, try a state trail that follows an old railroad grade. Before heading out, check the trail map to find parking, restrooms and picnic areas along the way. Prefer unpaved trails? Try trails within a state park. Click below for a selection of recommended bike routes.
Traveler Tip - Bicycling Before you spin those pedals, here are some helpful tips for biking on Minnesota state trails.
Wear a helmet!
When heading up a hill, save your energy by shifting your bike into a lower gear.
Think neon! Wear bright clothing so drivers and other trail users can see you.
Always ride on the right hand side of the road.
Look both ways at intersections or driveways.
Keep your bike in tip-top shape to prevent mechanical problems.
Ride with friends! It's fun to have company on the trail, plus you have someone to help if you need it.
September Events - Bike or Hike From bike rides to guided hikes, sometimes it's more fun to explore with a group. The events below are a sampling of what's happening across the state this month.
Sunday, Sept. 14: Travel with a naturalist at Gooseberry Falls State Park on a guided hike through birch and pine forests to a scenic overlook of Lake Superior.
Saturday, Sept. 20: Come ride along the Central Lakes State Trail with this family-friendly, guided bike ride. Stick around afterwards for a celebratory ice cream social!
Saturday, Sept. 20: At Interstate State Park join a naturalist along a walk to discover the tips and tricks that animals use to get ready for the coming cold season.
Sunday, Sept. 21: Join a naturalist for a ride along the old railroad corridor of Gateway State Trail.
Saturday, Sept. 27: Head to Maplewood State Park for a Fall Colors Photo Walk during Leaf Days. Remember to bring a camera!
