- The MN State Parks Hiking Club
- Hike #1: Lake Louise State Park
- Hike #2: Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
- Hike #3: Rice Lake State Park
- Hike #4: Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
We absolutely loved this hike! Most of the family voted this the favorite so far. Located near Jordan, MN, this was only about 30-40 minutes from our house, so it was doable for an evening outing before it got dark! This was also the longest hike we’ve done so far for our MN State Park Hiking Club Trails.
hiking club trail
trail description
Length: 4 miles
Terrain: This was a very flat trail but beautiful with lots of variety! The trail goes along the river at the beginning, then through a prairie, then into the forest. The trail also goes past a stone marker that marks where the St. Lawrence townsite used to be from 1856-69, and past Bronson Lake, which is names after the first family that homesteaded in this area.
Features: river, wildlife, forest, prairie
Difficulty: Easy
parks pros and cons
Pros: Beautiful views of the Minnesota River! We saw tons of white swans on the river and were able to walk right down to the water’s edge. Trails were well marked for the most part and there were good maps posted at most major intersections.
Cons: No bathroom buildings (there is a pit toilet), small parking lot. This is a 4 mile hike, which could be a con for those with smaller children! Our 6 year old was definitely slowing down by the end and getting tired, but ran to the parking lot once the end was in site (see video below)!
Well, there you have it! Our favorite Hiking Club trail so far! Beautiful and we had lots of fun. I hope you can check this trail out sometime or find somewhere else awesome to hike. Get moving and get outside!