 Summer 2021 Volume 4, Issue 3
SUMMER: /sum·mer | \’se-mer \ Noun; “the hottest of the four seasons; at the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest.”
June, July, and August 2021: Hot and Dry
Swimming
Swimming started early this year and the beaches were busy. When it wasn’t 95 degrees, the quarries were very peaceful. There are swimming areas in Quarry Park, Warner Lake County Park, and Lake Koronis Regional Park.
Trail Use
The Lake Wobegon and Dairyland Trails were busy this summer, too. There were walkers, bikers, stroller pushers, skateboarders, runners, and even a couple rollerbladers!
While on the trail, these users could see farms, cornfields, prairies, wildlife, wetlands, rivers, trees, lakes, bridges, and gardens.
When you use the trails, please remember
- obey all signs along the trail
- stop at all intersections, stop signs, and traffic lights
They are there for YOUR SAFETY – YOUR life depends on it!
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Shelter Rentals
This summer was a great time to get together with friends and families. Many groups rented the open air shelters for their picnics. Reservable shelters are located in Mississippi River, Warner Lake, Spring Hill, Two Rivers Lake, and Rockville County Parks. Make a Reservation
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Special Events
Marathons, 5K Runs, Bike Rides, and Fun Days were active this summer. Here are a few of the events that took place in Stearns County Parks and Trails.
- Bass Classic
- Caramel Roll Ride
- Summer Camp Marathons
- Art In Motion Events
- ATS Rock Your Sole Trail Run
- Clearwater Triathlon
- HikeHopper Events
- Lady Slipper Nature Ride
- Purple Pride 5K Run/Walk
- Rail Trails 100
- Scout Fun Day
- Skate Central Lakes Endurance Festival
- Tour of Saints
- Archery Sessions
- Non-Profit Youth Group Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Youth Group Activities
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Eagle Scout Project
The Eagle Scout Project at Kraemer Lake Wildwood County Park looks great!
Thanks to Braydon and nine of his friends, the new bridge connects the longest part of the winter walking loop together. It provides trail users a quick and easy route to travel.
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Stearns County Parks Library Pass
Quarry Park Vehicle Parking Permits can be ‘borrowed’ from the Great River Regional Library. Stearns County Parks is working with the Great River Regional Library system to make Quarry Park more accessible at no cost. Quarry Park Vehicle Parking Permits are $5.00 per vehicle per day or $20 for the annual sticker. Walking or biking into the park is free.
Each library will have two passes available for checkout at a time. They are a first come, first-serve with a library card. The pass can be checked out for up to seven days. The pass is printed with an expiration date to be displayed on the dashboard. Once it expires, the user can simply recycle it.
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Drought of 2021
Heims Mill Canoe Access is located where the Sauk River runs into the Mississippi River. The photo on the left was taken a few years ago and the photo on the right was taken this summer.
 Parks maintenance crews took advantage of the drought. They were repairing bridges and culverts, and cleaning ditches and waterways along the trails.
Lake Wobegon Trail Maintenance
Crack filling was completed on the entire Lake Wobegon Trail. Air Spray Patching and Seal Coating was completed between Melrose and Freeport. The rough areas between Albany and Avon were smoothed over.
Dairyland Trail Maintenance
A section of the Dairyland Trail from Overton Road to Overdale Road was closed while maintenance crews replaced a culvert.
Disc Golf Course Receives Upgrades
The St. Cloud Disc Golf Club and Cemstone made donations to cement all the tee pads at the Disc Golf Course at Mississippi River County Park. The 18-hole Disc Golf Course begins by the picnic shelter.
Mississippi River County Park Map (PDF)
Disc Golf Map and Card (PDF)
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Maintenance Projects
Not all projects are major – sometimes it’s placing granite steps to enter and exit from a swim quarry...
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or placing tire stops at Rockville for organizing parking...
and let’s not forget about the downed trees!
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 If you see a problem or have a comment about the parks and trails, let us know.
Go to: Report a Problem or Leave a Compliment We’d love to hear from you!
A few "Wild Things" of Summer
 
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