Trego Nature Trail

While visiting the charming Northwoods town of Siren, I detoured for a hike on the Gandy Dancer Trail segment.   This trail was constructed to connect townships using old railroad beds.   Even the name honors the rhythmic, synchronized efforts of the workers in their rail nailing dance.   In total the trail stretches from St. Croix Falls northward 98 miles, nearly to Superior, crossing into Min...

Getting There:The entrance to St. Croix State Park is located 15 miles east of Hinckley, Minnesota on Highway 48. It is another 5 miles to the Park Office.The Paved Bicycle Path:The path is 5.5 miles long one-way and runs from the campground to Lake Clayton Beach Picnic Area. Be sure to stop at the park office for directions. The path is mostly flat which makes it ideal for a family outing. ...

The Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is part of Wisconsin’s scenic Indianhead Country - located just north of Grantsburg. It’s 30,000 acres make it one of the largest wildlife areas in the state. Over 270 species of birds, 86 butterflies, and 720 different plant species call Crex Meadows home. Various reptiles, amphibians, and mammals can also be found here.This makes Crex a destination for bird watc...

Pattison State Park is a Northwoods paradise. Home to Big and Little Manitou Falls, water is a main attraction here. Big Manitou Falls is across the highway from the main park (accessible by a tunnel) and is the fourth tallest waterfall east of the rocky mountains. This is a great place to start your day - a quick walk and big return on your investment. The 165 ft drop flows into a foggy canyon...

Amnicon Falls State Park, as its name suggests, has a waterfall as its central feature. Amnicon is a small and developed park and the biggest attraction is the covered bridge connecting the main park to a small river island. Do the main loop trail beginning at the covered bridge. You'll be rewarded with great views of the cascades and craggy banks as well as open pine and cedar forests and uni...

Wild River State Park, located about 55 miles northeast of Minneapolis, is a fantastic getaway and caters to a wide-variety of visitors. If you have an afternoon and are looking for an easy hike through a variety of natural environments, take The River Trail north, then follow the Old Lodging Trail south. The loop is about 4 miles of well-established trail and is very popular on the weekends. G...