- Max Trip Size: 12 people
Becklin Homestead County Park, 34605 Holly St NW, Cambridge MN 55008, 3.5 miles northwest of Cambridge.
If you’re looking for something relaxing and regenerative to do on Sunday morning, head north of the cities to just outside of Cambridge, MN where there is a gem of a hiking spot. Becklin Homestead County Park is an old family farm founded by Swedish immigrants in 1898 and it is now cooperatively managed by Isanti County Parks along with the state DNR. This historic 294 acre property offers multi-use hiking trails with access to the scenic Rum River.
Folklore tells us that the Becklin family fiercely protected their white pines against aggressive logging along the river for over a century, gifting us with a five acre stand of over 200 year old trees to admire along the way. We’ll observe a bit of history as we hike the 2.5 mile trail at a moderate pace with the option of making an extra loop, and enjoy high quality protected wildlife habitat and native flowering meadows as well as the river.
Isanti County has been called the”The Swedish Capitol of MN” after the massive wave of Swedish immigrants who landed there, and we’ll have the option to carry forward a bit more of local settler influence over a delicious breakfast, i.e. Swedish pancakes with lingonberries (and perhaps do a bit of shopping) at Leader, an historic restaurant and retail store that has been the cornerstone of downtown commerce since 1918.
Menu: https://www.leadermn.com/allday-menu-1
Brochure and Map: https://www.isanticountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/125/Becklin-Homestead-County-Park-Brochure-PDF?bidId=
Dogs on leashes are welcome in the park. Be mindful of the possibility of bugs, ticks and need for sunscreen.
Hope to see you Sunday!
Jeri

