チサゴ郡周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ15

When you get out of your car, you will immediately notice the striking architecture of the rest area building. You will then notice the building's attractive setting in an oak savanna habitat on a gentle knoll overlooking Goose Creek. As you walk the trail toward the building, you will see picnic tables and two Minnesota Historical Society plaques: one describing Minnesota's Arrowhead region, and the other describing the early history of Goodhue County, first settled in 1854. Just before you enter the building, you will see a porch that encircles the entire structure, affording views of the creek below. Once inside, large glass windows permit views of the creek from the comfort of the building's interior.

Nice new rest stop model I haven't seen before in MN. Two cylinder buildings connected via doors, not sure why they laid it out this way. Has a nice playground where kids can climb over, under, and around cement tubes with fake grass on them. Big historical sign about the area.

Franconia Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), located near Franconia, Minnesota, is a protected public area set aside to preserve native plant communities and rare species, making it a haven for those interested in natural heritage. The 85-acre site sits along the St. Croix River Valley, featuring steep bluffs, ravines, and a mosaic of native forests, including red oak, sugar maple, and basswood. The SNA is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, hosting rare and endangered wildlife such as the Higgins eye mussel and birds like the red-shouldered hawk and bald eagle. It’s also an Audubon Important Bird Area. If you plan to hike here, know that while the SNA is open for activities like hiking, birdwatching, photography, and plant exploration, the trails are generally not maintained, and there are no amenities such as restrooms or drinking water. The land is divided into East and West units, both accessible off Highway 95, and visitors need to be prepared for challenging terrain, especially in ravine areas. The focus of the area is conservation, so hikers are encouraged to come well-equipped and minimize their impact on this unique landscape.

I always like to hike down and see this old cabin foundation and chimney. It's right across the river from where the river tour boats land on the MN side.

Probably one of the most highly trafficked of the Minnesota's State Parks. Worth at least the short walk around the potholes, and check out more of the park or the Wisconsin side which is much bigger.

This section of the Walter Mondale Trail is fairly easy. If you continue downstream, you will reach a trail that heads inland and hugs, then ascends, a sandstone bluff that is significantly more challenging.

Wild River State Park: A Hiker's Paradise in the St. Croix Valley If you're looking for a serene and educational experience while enjoying the beauty of Wild River State Park, you can visit the visitor center. It's open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and conveniently located near the park entrance on Park Trail. Wild River State Park is a hiker's paradise, situated about 55 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The park stretches across 18 miles of the St. Croix River and boasts a wide range of trails suitable for all levels and interests. With over 35 miles of hiking trails, Wild River State Park takes you through an array of landscapes, including hardwood forests, prairies, wetlands, and river bluffs. The trails offer breathtaking views of the river and its wildlife, as well as historical features like the Nevers Dam and the Old Military Road. You can also spot glacial potholes and erratics along the way. The River Trail Loop is one of the most sought-after trails in the park, extending for 4.7 miles along the river and providing stunning views of the water and cliffs. The paved and accessible Old Logging Trail winds through the woods for 2.4 miles, and the Hiking Club Trail is a 6-mile loop that showcases the park's natural beauty and diversity.

Start your epic journey on the Ice Age Trail at Interstate State Park, where you can see the glacial features that shaped Wisconsin. The western terminus is marked by a sign on the Pothole Trail, a short loop that offers views of the St. Croix River gorge and the Old Man of the Dalles rock formation.