<![CDATA[Flatrock Adventures, LLC - Blog]]>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:57:20 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Sibley, Monson, Big Stone, Lac Qui Parle]]>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:05:14 GMThttps://www.flatrockadventures.com/blog/september-10th-2025
In June we stayed in a camper cabin at Glacial Lakes. Super comfortable! No dogs allowed in camper cabin so pup stayed home.  Camped with my friend Andrea. I didn’t get a chance to hike the trail there because of time, but we did knock out four other Hiking Club trails. First stop was Sibley, where we hiked up to Mount Tom. It took about two hours—great weather, easy walking, just a few little hills and a nice lookout tower. After that we headed to Monson for a short one-mile hike, all flat. Still not totally sure on what this Hiking Club password is in reference too… one of these days I’ll figure it out.
The next morning it was rainy and about 63 degrees, but we decided to keep going. We drove to Big Stone Lake, which is actually the headwaters of the Minnesota River. Along the way we saw deer and pelicans, plus some beautiful views of the lake. Parked in the Bonanza area and dried out a bit before heading to Lac qui Parle, which I’d read is a big birding spot in spring. The water area was huge and pretty, but finding the trailhead was a bit of a challenge. Once we got on the path, it was flat and simple—not much to it. It did wander past a waterway, but we couldn’t see it because of all the brush. Honestly, not my favorite hike.

Lake Louise 

6-28-25 Drove to Lake Louise State Park for a 1.3 mile hike on a 80 degree, humid and sunny day.  Sun needed a few days ago at Big Stone.  Trail was easy but a bit muddy with recent rains especially along the river.  No moquitios.   My dog likes the shorter walks that is for sure. Picnic and beach area perfect for family gatherings. Long entrance road but near the Shooting Star Scenic Byway in southern MN>

McCarthy Beach

July 2025
Our first full day of camping here started off rainy—again! Once the skies finally cleared, my friend Deb, her sister, and I headed out for a really nice three-mile hike to Pickerel Lake. A little tip for next time (or anyone else going): don’t stop at the first turnout right after you get on the road. That one’s marked, but it’s actually for skiing. Keep driving a bit farther down and you’ll find the real trailhead. Much easier once you know!  Surprisingly no bugs..... like that.

Rice Lake

August 28, 2025 Again, as I head to southern Wisconsin I made a detour to Rice Lake to visit the park.  Middle of the week and only had one other person on the trail.  Trails muddy again with more rain in the past week.   No bugs.  Pretty path along lake and then opens into grassy field before returning to woods.  Partly sunny today.
]]><![CDATA[Nerstrand]]>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:57:58 GMThttps://www.flatrockadventures.com/blog/june-10th-20255-14-25 Missed the flowers by a week. Normally this would be a good time to visit but with the early spring we were late.  Still easy trail to follow, passing the small falls.
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]]><![CDATA[Sakatah Lake State Park]]>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:06:25 GMThttps://www.flatrockadventures.com/blog/sakatah-lake-state-park  One hour and 15-minute drive from middle of the Twin Cities to the park.  Visitor center does not open during the week. Trail head is located next to parking lot near Center.  No one in the park today so had trails all to me, along with the dog. Gentle rolling hills but easy to walk.  Found a flock of red winged blackbirds being very vocal.  Park is located next to busy road with lots of truck traffic maybe quieter when trees have leaves.  Bike trail goes directly through the park worth I drive back along with kayaking the lake.]]><![CDATA[MN State Park Hiking Club Trails]]>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.flatrockadventures.com/blog/mn-state-park-hiking-club-trailsFt Snelling
10/12/2024: Kicked off my MN State Park Hiking Club adventure with my trusty sidekick, Lucky, an Australian Shepherd. The Fort Snelling trail loops around Pike Island. Be prepared for the first half, where you'll encounter lots of sand from past floods. The second half, however, offers a much smoother and easier hike.

Afton 

10/20/24 Our second hike was a warm fall day. This trail starts at Visitors Center and heads down to the lower picnic area, which means a climb back up.  

Carley

11-11-24: For Veteran's Day, we made our way south to Carley State Park. Park in the second lot, not at the top of the hill. We had to cross a stream, and just after we did, a tree fell. The bridge on the upper part of the trail could use some maintenance.

Wild River

12-21-24:  Gathered with friends to hike this easy and flat trail.  Plenty of swans on the river.

Whitewater

12/22/24: As I head south for the holidays with no snow in sight, we stopped by Whitewater. The trailhead is located behind the visitor center, but we encountered large, spaced-out stones to cross the river, which were too much for the dog. So we found the end of the trail and walked the trail in opposite direction.   Trail head sign was hard to see from the road since tucked in behind the center.

Frontenac

1-1-25: New Year's Day and still no snow so we stopped at Frontenac for the 2.6-mile hike.  You head down the hill first before winding your way back up the trail.  Some of the parks the Hiking Club signs are not clearly visible.  Often you get started and then no other hint for some time.  They have updated several of the intersection maps.  Don't forget to the spur to the overlook.

​Lake Maria

3-9-25:  Nice spring day and headed to Lake Maria.  Muddy and a few patches of snow but a easy hike out to the canoe launch.  Dog will need a bath

Moose Lake

3-12-25: After all these years driving to the North Shore, I finally stopped here. It's easy to reach right off the interstate. The trailhead is at the parking lot across from the visitor center, then crosses the road. After you cross the road, trail heads downhill. I expected snow and some wet areas, but instead, I found a river of ice—definitely wished I had packed my crampons. It took longer to navigate than I anticipated. From now on, crampons will be a permanent fixture in my car.  

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Banning

3-12-25:  Since it was still early, and Banning is just south of Moose we stopped at this park as well. It is amazing how just a few miles south made the trail conditions so much better.  Still snow and wet however no ice just slush. Beautiful Park and trail with historic signs along the trail.  
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