visit all the State Parks in Minnesota

We got a stamp, but we went to the historic site rather than the park. Would like to go back and check out the trails, go down to the lake, find the hidden views of the lighthouse.

There are lots of new things going on at state parks this year. We picked up a new map at REI and learned there are now kayak rentals at eight different parks. That’s exciting! Hopefully we will hit a few parks after the wedding. One thing is that a Canadian friend of mine may be hitting the border town across from International Falls, so we may head up there if that happens. We also had an idea to go to some of the west central parks and see if B’s college friend from SD would want to meet us. Plus my girlfriends want to go camping, but we haven’t talked about that since last year . . . So we’ll see!

We descended about 400 feet to Lake Pepin. It was rocky and secluded, though we did see people as the park was busy on Memorial Day weekend. We hiked about 3 miles along the bluff, down to the Lake, then along the Lake and back up to the bluff. The weather was alternately sunny and overcast, and the dog was happy as can be. We enjoyed the walk, though probably wouldn’t go back just for the sake of going back.

We skiied at Banning. It was gorgeous! See my entry under 43places if you want to read more.

And now I have a gopher patch. WOOHOOO!!! Actually, out of 71 (hopefully 72 by the time I’m done with the goal), I’m almost fourth of the way there. WOOOOOOOHOOOOO. Woohoo. Woo. Hoo.

yesterday.

Most surprising about this park was the teeny waterfall.

parks now! I got a cheezy loon patch. It’s a fun adventure!

Went in October. I was trying to think of entries to make and forgot I hadn’t added this one! ;) The Wisconsin side is better than MN, even if they do charge non-residents a buttload of money to be there.

went there two weeks ago. It’s not the prettiest park of all the ones I have visited so far, but we had a fun time.