HIKING

Fort Snelling State Park hike

Mon, Apr 7, 2025, 9:30am

Location
Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Road
St. Paul, MN 55111
 

The UMRA Hiking Club will explore wildlife along the Mississippi River in Fort Snelling State Park starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025. The 3.9-mile Pike Island Loop is generally considered an easy route and takes just over an hour. Hikers can leave at the end of that loop, or stay to add another, shorter loop. The trail is located below the bluff on which the historic fort sits.

The last time we were there we saw a lot of deer, and the river always provides fascinating views.

Enter at Post Road and park in front of the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center on Fort Snelling State Trail. State park vehicle permits are required.

Julie Sweitzer will lead the hike and will contact everyone who registers to reconfirm a few days before the hike. Newcomers are welcome!

Please sign up for this hike (required). Your completed form will be used to be sure everyone has arrived. Registrations will be accepted up to 24 hours before the hike. Please join us!

Bev Moe and Michael Luxenberg, UMRA Hiking Club co-leaders



Upcoming Events

Event Date: August 17, 2026, at 9:30am

Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.


Event Date: August 18, 2026, at 11am - 1:30pm

10:30 a.m. check in; 10:45 boarding; cruise from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join UMRA friends and colleagues for a summer cruise and lunch aboard the Paradise Destiny II on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Paul Maravelas, sailor, historian, and author of The History of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka will join us to share stories from 200+ years of lake-dwellers. Come early or stay after the cruise to explore Excelsior, a charming small town on the big lake.

Ticket price includes lunch: chef's sandwich, garden salad, fruit, chips, and cookies. Coffee, iced tea, and lemonade are complimentary and there will be a cash bar for other beverages. A vegetarian sandwich can be selected during registration.


Event Date: August 21, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the debut novel Buckeye by Patrick Ryan when it meets via Zoom at 2 pm. on Friday, August 21. 


Event Date: August 28, 2026, at 2pm

You are invited to join the discussion of The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents 1773-1783 by Joseph J. Ellis.


Event Date: September 8, 2026, at 12:30pm

"Monuments" is the theme for September.


Event Date: September 9, 2026, at 10am

UMRA member Mike Amidon, president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society in Mendota Heights, will provide a brief overview of the society, the library, and the many volunteers who help maintain it, when UMRA’s Family History Interest Group meets on Wednesday, September 9.


Event Date: September 15, 2026, at 9:30am

Bev Moe leads a hike around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis with a social gathering afterwards at Isles Bun & Coffee.


Event Date: September 18, 2026, at 2pm

UMRA Book Club I will discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 18. The day’s discussion leader will be Judy Helgen. 


Event Date: September 21, 2026, at 10am

Critical issues facing detained immigrants and their families will be discussed.


Event Date: September 22, 2026, at 11am

UMRA’s September Living Well Workshop will feature Carol Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, interim dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School and interim executive vice president for Health Affairs. She is an internationally recognized cancer surgeon-scientist who also brings considerable leadership and administrative experience. 


Event Date: September 24, 2026, at 1:30pm

We'll visit with Marla Spivak, MacArthur Fellow and Emeritus Professor of Entomology and Dr. Katie Lee


Event Date: September 25, 2026, at 2pm

A 1978 short story collection by American author John Cheever. 


Event Date: September 29, 2026, at 11am

Professor Arun Saldanha, the featured speaker for the first luncheon forum of UMRA’s 2026–27 program year, will examine how tourism has evolved in an era shaped by pandemics, climate concerns, and changing global realities; and encourage us to think about what it means to be thoughtful, responsible, and curious travelers. 


Event Date: September 30, 2026, at 10am

 The architecture in Iceland is as spare as the culture -- honest and simple.


Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 9:30am

Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers leads the hike at William O'Brien State Park.


Event Date: October 5, 2026, at 10am

Topics include longevity, distributions, long term care, Social Security, and comprehensive planning.


Event Date: October 13, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for October is "Hands."


Event Date: October 15, 2026, at 3pm

UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.


Event Date: October 19, 2026, at 9:30am

Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.


Event Date: October 20, 2026, at 11am

Michael Osterholm is a well-known epidemiologist, author, and public commentator with particular expertise on infectious diseases and vaccines. His conversation with us via Zoom will address current major public health outbreaks around the world, as well as the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.


Event Date: October 26, 2026, at 10am

Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.


Event Date: October 27, 2026, at 11am

Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.


Event Date: November 2, 2026, at 10am

Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants. 


Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 11am

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Event Date: November 10, 2026, at 12:30pm

The theme for November is "Pathways and roadways"