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.
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.
RSS Feed
