On my drive out to Nerstrand state park, I was thinking about our Minnesota State Parks. They are definitely a valuable resource and I’m thankful they have been established so that I/everyone can get outside in nature, and explore.
I haven’t been to all 65 of the state parks, but we have visited many of them over the years. We did a lot of camping in earlier days.
There are seven state parks along the north shore of Lake Superior that are scenic and connect to the “big lake” somehow. The others, scattered throughout the state, are inviting too. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is about a 20-minute drive from our house. Maybe because I frequent it so often all year long, it has become one of my favorite state parks. A place to hike, to picnic, to camp…a place of beauty and rejuvenation… and so close to home.
As I starting walking down a familiar trail and saw the lime, spring-green leaves overhead (unique to this season), breathed in the fresh air, and heard birds singing, I sighed; this is exactly what I needed. I was happy to be here.
I was a little late to see some of the more familiar spring ephermals in bloom…the dwarf trout lily (found only in a few places in the world) being one of them…but there were other spring flowers blooming and it was fun to walk along and identify them.
Many of the parks, especially along the north shore, have water falls, as does Nerstrand. Hidden Falls is smaller, but still lovely. The recent rains made for a full spilling over. I sat and watched the mesmerizing water flow.
I always feel safe walking the trails by myself in this park.
It was a great way to start my day.
I need to frequent this state park more often. Thank you for sharing how much you enjoy this natural treasure right in our backyard.
We could meet at Nerstrand some day and go for a walk and visit…
We love Nerstrand State Park especially in the early spring to try to spot dwarf trout Lillie’s… very hard to see and catch them at just the right time. Your photos are stunning as well as the descriptions very helpful. I just finished a 3-mile walk in our neighborhood and through French Park so I understand how good it feels to start your day walking a nature trail….
It’s fun to know you look for the dwarf trout lily too. I know one spot where it grows so I can find one of them, if I’m there at the right time.
Morning walks are invigorating!
Hiking at Nerstrand always rejuvenates me too. It’s so beautiful this time of year with all the wildflowers and differing shades of green in the newly opened leaves. We are fortunate to live so close to the park!
Nerstrand is a wonderful treasure in our area.
Love the spring green. Enjoy.
If I’m not mistaken, our families may have camped together at Nerstrand Woods. The name of the Park takes me to a pleasurable place of mind. It was not too far from us when we lived in Lakeville and I think Dave and I took the kids there for day hikes somewhat regularly. (Wish my memories were clearer but the positive association still lives on!)
I’m sure one of our camping adventures included Nerstrand.
Such great memories!