Hike approximately 3 hours over sometimes steep terrain along the bluff overlooking Lake Pepin. Should be good for fall colors and bird watching. The park looks like about 1 hour and 20 minutes driving from downtown St. Paul. Goal is to arrive at park: 10:30 a.m.
Send me your carpooling preference and I’ll do my best to coordinate carpooling.
Carpooling option #1: 9:00 a.m. – Meet at my house in east St. Paul at I-94 and Hwy. 61. I have a state park sticker on my car and can take 3 passengers.
Carpooling option #2: 9:30 a.m. – Meet at Cottage Grove Kohl’s parking lot off Hwy. 61. Kohl’s: 7990 Hardwood Ave., Cottage Grove, MN.
I have mapped an approx. 7-mile route that should take approx. 3 hours. It goes through hills, woods, prairies, and along the Mississippi shore. Bring: water, snack/lunch, hiking boots, maybe rain gear, $5 vehicle fee (or annual sticker) if you’re driving your vehicle into the park.
Post-hike social: Visit Liberty’s restaurant in Red Wing on the way home for a beverage, ice cream, pizza, or whatever.
This trip is open to non-members. Friendly dogs are allowed.
Estimated cost: Carpooling fuel contribution, possible $5 park vehicle fee (if you’re driving your car without a park sticker), post-trip food/drink. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: None.
Ron H.