I believe that spring is, finally, in the air
I don’t want to jinx it, but I believe that we are on our way to spring-like weather. With the amount of snow that the northern part of the state received this winter, I believe that it will be a while before I will be able to get to the cabin. In my never-ending quest to convince old Mother Nature to put a rush on spring, I feel like I may be disappointed. I have ventured up to the cabin in the first part of April and have been greeted by snow and the weather that resemble winter. Once I know that I will be able to get to the cabin, I will make the trip.
State Parks can offer low-cost campsites with the rustic outdoors experience.
Myre/Big Island is a state park that is close to home with convenient access to the outdoors. Only have an hour to visit. Bring a picnic to eat under towering trees in the picnic area or while on a break at one of the overlooks on the trails. Follow the Hiking Club Trail as it loops through the park's varied landscapes. Only use approved firewood! Help prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by burning only approved firewood. Firewood is available at the park office.
Contact Us
Myre-Big Island State Park
19499 780th Avenue
Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-668-7060
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The Ranger station is open to the public 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hours subject to change based on staff availability.
Head North for another great state park
Scenic State Park: If you want to venture north, Scenic State Park is near Marcell, which lies north of the city of Grand Rapids, It offers everything for an outdoors adventure.
It is a beautiful spot to camp and canoe. This park lives up to its name with sparkling lakes and giant pines. Visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, and hiking in a wilderness-like setting. The Chase Point Trail, atop a mile-long esker, is magnificent.
State Forest Campgrounds
Scenic State Park also manages the Bear Lake, Larson Lake, Lost Lake, Owen Lake, Button Box, Thistledew, Togo Horse Camp inside the George Washington State Forest. For information on these units, please contact the Scenic State Park office at (218) 571-2600.
I’ve visited Scenic State Park on a day pass and visited the old CCC lodge which is located near the fishing pier. There are many campsites and a long dock that runs along the shoreline. With its pristine lakes, virgin pines, swimming beach, and wilderness-like setting, Scenic State Park is well deserving of its name.
Here, visitors can hike the Chase Point Trail for hypnotic views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes and listen to the wind whistle through the giant pines. The park's overnight facilities include campsites (boat-in, drive-in, backpaack), and a cabin. The historic lodge houses interpretive displays.
More than 40 species of animals inhabit Scenic State Park, including bald eagles, ospreys, loons, jays, pileated woodpeckers and a variety of songbirds. Birders consider this one of the best places in the state to see the hard-to-find spruce grouse. Along the lakes, marshes and streams, you may come across frogs, toads or even snakes. Otters, beavers and an occasional moose share this 3,360-acre habitat. The historic lodge houses interpretive displays.
Contact Us
Scenic State Park
56956 Scenic Highway 7
Bigfork, MN 56628
218-571-2600
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Until next time: I am heading down to the basement to inventory my fishing tackle. I have my fishing poles prepared for action as soon as the lakes are ice-free.
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