By Sheila Regan 2021-03-17 17:20:01
Great River Bluffs State Park, in the Bluff Country of Southeastern Minnesota, has dramatic shifts in elevation and steep bluffs hovering over the lush Mississippi River Valley. Part prairie, part hardwood forest, the landscape transforms as you move through it. For a solo camping trip on Labor Day weekend, I was happy to have driven down the scenic route along the river. The bluffs popped in and out of view, all green and brown, with hints of orange and yellow. When I arrived at the park, I ventured out for a hike along King’s Bluff Nature Trail, which started out in an oak-hickory forest. Acorns lined the trail and crunched beneath my shoes as the forest shifted into a spectacular bluff prairie, lined with blooming flowers. The vista at the end of King’s Bluff is gob smacking. The glimmering water of the Mississippi River, surrounded by vegetation and framed by the rolling bluffs, made me gasp. That evening, I pitched a tent, made a fire and ate Spanish ham and brie on a baguette. I also enjoyed a can of Lift Bridge beer I’d managed to keep cold in a cooler while listening to the burning wood as it crackled in tune with the sound of the wind blowing in the trees. It was achingly quiet. Camping by yourself feels a bit lonely, but that’s the point. It forces you to be present with your thoughts. I felt the warmth on my face from the fire, then, as if on cue, the moon appeared to keep me company. That night, the wind blew off my tarp, and I had to get out of the tent to stake it down again. In the morning, a soft pinkish light greeted me. I made another fire and roasted a marshmallow for a s’mores breakfast. On the second day, I made my way toward the Valley View vista. I found it very peaceful to hike alone through the tall trees, surrounded by an abundant undergrowth of white wildflowers and mushrooms. At the end of the trail, enveloped by red velvety flowers and grasses, I sat down and drank in the view of bluffs cascading down into the prairie below. After a rest, I pushed on to visit the other trails. The East Overlook offered a tremendous view of where the Mississippi intersects with the Black River Delta, and the South Overlook was equally vast and rich. "PART PRAIRIE, PART HARDWOOD FOREST, THE LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMS AS YOU MOVE THROUGH IT." GO WINTER CAMPING IN A YURT As the weather gets chillier, consider camping in a yurt. These round, canvas-covered structures are hidden gems of the Minnesota State Park system. You’ll find them at Afton and Glendalough State Parks, and Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Yurts are kind of like tents, but more stable, and warmer. Modeled after the mobile homes used by nomadic groups in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, the yurts available at Minnesota State Parks are insulated, with wood floors and windows. Each yurt has bunk beds, an interior wood-burning stove (with complimentary wood provided in the winter) and a locker to protect your belongings. “They’re completely rustic,” says Assistant Park Manager at Afton, Ali Crofts. Crofts herself enjoyed staying at yurts during her college days. “I love them,” she said. “Our yurts are very popular all year long.” MADE IN MINNESOTA GEAR Prep for your next camping trip with some locally made gear from brands like Duluth Pack, Red Wing Shoe Co. and more. ExploreMinnesota.com/MadeinMN
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