Tag Archives: primitive camping

Three Minnesota State Parks To Visit This Summer

January 16, 2021

January is about the time of year I get the “itch.” Winter just seems to drag on with it’s cold and dreary, and I long to be at a Minnesota State Park. So, while I dream of summer days, here are three Minnesota State Parks on the must-see list for this summer. Check out our review for Itasca, Glacial Lakes, and George H. Manitou.

The cascades at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park from the bottom

1. Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche is a Minnesota State Park gem. The waterfalls here are Tettegouche’s claim to fame, with a few along the Baptism River and lots of gorgeous cliffs. While there are multiple waterfalls in the park High Falls, at 60 ft, is the biggest waterfall and a tourist draw. The landscape also makes Tettgouche a great stop for Rock Climbing, which would be an adventure on its own. While waterfalls themselves are enough to put this state park on my list, the wildlife is a bonus. Home to Peregrine Falcons, the fastest birds in the world diving up to 224 mph. One may also get a chance to see a Northern Flying Squirrel while on the trails in Tettgouche State Park.

2. Minneopa State Park

Minneopa translates to water falling twice, referencing the two-tier waterfall in the park (apparently there is a theme of waterfalls here). The pictures of the hilly terrain covered with woods and river cutting through looks straight out of a fairy tale. There is also the Seppmann windmill that was completed in 1864 and used to make flour out of wheat. This windmill is designed after the windmills in Germany and a very cool piece of history. While windmills and waterfalls are reason enough to give this Minnesota State Park a visit, Minneopa has it’s very own Bison Conservation Herd. A Bison Conservation Heard is reason enough to check out this state park in southern Minnesota. Currently, this Bison herd has about 25 members and 331 acres to roam! There are special days and times to take the Minneopa Bison Drive so take a look at the schedule before you go.

3. Soudan Underground Mine State Park

The coolest part of Soudan Underground Mine State Park is that you can get a tour of Minnesota’s first iron ore mine. Aside from that attraction, there is a lot of wonderful wildlife to be on the lookout for such as black bears, timber wolves, and fishers. The Soudan Underground Mine State Park buds up to the Kabetogama state forest. While there are lots of places you can camp in state forests there is a special campsite here. Hinsdale Island is a primitive campsite only accessible by the waters of Lake Vermillion.

Let me know what are the top three state parks on your list to visit this summer? Which activity on this list excites you most? Let me know in the comment section below.

I can’t wait to get out this summer hiking among waterfalls, gazing at buffalos, and touring an iron ore mine!

Outdoor Vitals tent set up at Itasca State Park

Shingobee Recreation Area

February 1, 2019

An Adventure in Winter

Lately, it has been too cold out for adventures in the woods, I’m talking really cold…feels like -66* cold. It leaves me longing for a wonderful trip we took last year, in search of a winter camping spot. This search led us to Walker, MN at the beginning of Chippewa National Forest to Shingobee Recreation Area.

To start out our day it was a long and beautiful road trip, the first road trip with our pup, Mora. It’s tucked to the side of the highway and has a nice big sign to mark the entrance, we went down the drive a bit and parked. We could already see another group there, who had brought their dog along as well. We were right by an information bulletin, which was handy so that we could line up our map with the one posted. Once we figured out where we were off we went on our adventure to find the campsite.

Hiking In Shingobee

The trek to the campsite was a lot more intense than I was expecting. The trails to the camp are intermediate but adding the snow to that was a whole new level. This was the first time I had gone winter hiking add a 6-month-old pup into the mix, it was hard (side note: the waist leash I mention *here* is a lifesaver). The Forest Service does a wonderful job with Shingobee though, and they maintain the trails even during winter. This led to easily marked trails, that were grated in some areas to really give you a break.

The hill-filled, 2-mile hike was extremely rewarding when we found the campsite. A primitive site tucked back off the trail and nestled under some giant pines. Absolutely beautiful when snow covered. A quick break for us and the pup and we were ready to head back up the hills. We needed to make it back to the car by dark, which thankfully we did. A wonderful end to the perfect winter adventure.

Final Thoughts

Shingobee is a nice little spot in the forest. The area is open all year round and offers so many activities! Just a few of which are hiking, cross country skiing, a sledding hill with a warming hut, primitive camping, bird watching, and hunting. Pretty much anything for an outdoor enthusiast any time of year. Shingobee is a truly beautiful recreation area, taken very good care of by the Forest Service. If you end up near Walker, MN it is a must see…better yet make it a destination.