I was up in northern Minnesota on the edge of the prairie for Thanksgiving, and we decided to go for a hike. We often visit the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge when we're in the area and don't feel like going all the way to Itasca State Park (where the headwaters of the Mississippi River is located). We usually walk the Golden Pond Trail, but this as a change of pace, we hiked the Church Lake Trail. This is late fall, so there's not a lot of greenery, but with the bare trees and the snow, it has a sort of stark beauty, a sort of magnificent desolation. I'll do another photo diary in summer.
The refuge is located in Minnesota, about an hour's drive from Grand Forks. about an hour north of Detroit Lakes and about an hour west of Bemidji. You can get there on US Highways 2 or 59.
From the Rydell NWR website:
The hardwood forests located in and around the refuge are the most westerly maple-basswood forests in Minnesota. The intersection of forests, lakes, wetlands and prairie makes the refuge a great place to see nearly 200 bird species. The refuge also includes a 17 acre bog wetland, a unique acidic environment that supports the growth of the tiny, carnivorous sundew plant.
At least 19 farmsteads, many of them log structures, were once located on the refuge. The Strom Building has been protected under a canopy and is located along the seven mile trail system. We invite you to explore the natural and cultural resources of Rydell National Wildlife Refuge.
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most accessible refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge has a seasonal visitor center that provides information about the local wildlife and serves as the starting point for the seven mile trail system that includes five miles of paved trails for easy accessibility. Five trails are open to hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Gazebos on the trails offer opportunities to watch and photograph wildlife. Contact refuge staff prior to your visit if you have special access needs.
If you happen to be in the area and are looking for some hiking, especially if you need paved trails, I’d recommend a visit to Rydell. Most of the trails are paved, except for one which is gravel. There’s no significant incline, as the area is very flat. Itasca State Park may be nicer, but it’s about 70 miles away, and is much more crowded. You’ll probably only encounter a few other hikers at Rydell. They have a nice visitors center as well. Most of the time, we’re visiting at holidays, so it’s closed, but we stop in when we get the chance.
It’s a very quiet place, there’s no highways anywhere near. I wouldn’t go to far out of the way to visit, but it if you’re in the area, stop in. In the late summer, there are a lot of wild plums and chokecherries, which the rules say you’re not supposed to pick. I won’t tell on you. The chokecherry syrup in my freezer cannot be used as evidence against me, I have no idea how it got there.