NorthStar Trail Travelers (NSTT) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the club’s formation at its two-event weekend on September 23-24. Two different events will be held at Wild River State Park near Almelund, Minnesota. Wild River is also celebrating an anniversary — their 50th since being established by the Minnesota Legislature. NSTT will honor both by offering two different events at the park, and with an anniversary cake honoring both!
On September 23, NSTT will hold their event at the Sunrise unit of the park, which is at the northern end of the park. This area has never hosted a Volkswalk before, so it will be all new to our walkers. The area has two loops that start and end at the picnic area near the St. Croix River. The St. Croix is a National Wild and Scenic River and is especially active in spring months when spring waters overtake the banks and literally close off parts of the two trails we are walking. So it became necessary to plan our event in the fall when floods are less likely. One loop is a rustic 4k and an easy route to walk though you need to watch for horses and riders on the trail. The other loop is a long 8k through hardwood forests, prairies and goes by the remnants of a railroad that was never completed. Our traditional brats/dogs lunch will be served for a suggested donation. Be sure to bring your camping chair along as there are no picnic tables in this area.
On Sunday, September 24, we move to the main part of the park, near Almelund, Minnesota. Registration will be on the deck at the Visitor Center. Several trail options are available here with two 3k trails and an out and back 4k or 6k option on the Old Military Road, another trail we’ve never walked at an event. The old road was once a thoroughfare for pioneers and commercial travel between Hastings, and Superior. There is one long hill to navigate getting from the Visitor Center to most of the trails. Two options provide you with an additional 3km without a second walk up and down the hill.
After walking, stop for a sloppy joe lunch and we’ll cut the anniversary cake. NSTT has always prided itself in providing high quality walking events in Minnesota’s state parks. Come and see for yourself!
For more info go to nstt.org or email mnvolksmarcher@earthlink.net.
Photo: Sunrise picnic area on the St. Croix River. Credit: Donna Seline/NSTT.