The walking trail is a 2 km loop around Picnic Island, and it can be walked in both directions for more distance. For those who want to walk even more, you can drive over to the Savage Visitors Center and walk the 5 km winter trail on Pike Island.
Registration is at Shelter A on Picnic Island at Ft. Snelling State Park. It is an enclosed building with a big fireplace, perfect for whatever winter brings us. In the event of really inclement weather, our postpone date is the next Saturday, March 4, same times. Our last snowshoe event at Fort Snelling was a very cold day, so let’s hope for a nicer day this year.
Sloppy Joes and hot beverages will be available for a donation. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, though not allowed in park buildings. Bring your own snowshoes or do the walk in winter boots. The event is weather dependent, so check the NSTT Facebook page, webpage (nstt.org) or watch for an email alert for event change.
The event award features a Barred Owl leather pin. Our bird experts claim a Barred Owl likes to perch on a tree near the road to Picnic Island, so keep your eyes open!
NorthStar Trail Travelers is a unique club in that it offers noncompetitive walking and snowshoe events primarily in Minnesota State Parks, trails, forests and recreation areas. NSTT has a formal partnership with the DNR State Parks and Trails to offer from four to 10 events in state parks each year. All events are open to the public and membership is not required to participate. NSTT is a chartered club with the American Volkssport Association, which is under the umbrella of the International Volkssports Verband.
Photo: NorthStar Trail Travelers