HIKING

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Mon, Oct 21 2024, 9:30am

Location
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
 

The location of our October 21 hike will be Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located 15 minutes southeast of Northfield, Minnesota, and about one hour from the Twin Cities northern suburbs.

In 1945, the creation of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park protected one of the last remnants of Minnesota’s Big Woods. A visit today reveals the ancient forests of pre-settlement Minnesota. Walk beneath sugar maple, basswood, elm, green ash, and ironwood trees. Find over 50 varieties of wildflowers and many species of ferns and mushrooms along the rolling hills and glacial-cut valleys. Prairie Creek flows through the park, its picturesque Hidden Falls just waiting to be discovered.

We will hike the two-mile Hiking Club Trail to Hidden Falls and tack on a couple additional loops for a total of approximately 4 to 5 miles. This is a moderate hike; we will accommodate all paces and stop to enjoy the wildflowers, stunning views, and gorgeous scenery along the route.

Please meet at 9:30 am at Nerstrand main parking lot. We will arrange carpools from the Twin Cities so please indicate in the comments section of your registration if you wish to drive or ride in a carpool.

Optional lunch together after the hike will be at The Ole Store Restaurant in Northfield, a Nordic-inspired restaurant established in 1889. Charm galore!

Sign up here for this fun hike at a great state park (required). Indicate in Comments if you want to drive or ride in a carpool.  Your completed form will be used to be sure everyone has arrived. Registrations will be accepted up to 24 hours before the hike.

Questions? Contact Bev Moe at [email protected]. Or call or text Bev at 612-387-4004.



Upcoming Events

Event Date: October 7, 2024, at 9:30am

Our October 7 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park.  This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside.  The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks.  After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park. 


Event Date: October 8, 2024, at 12:30pm

The UMRA Photo Club will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library, in the small shopping center at New Brighton and St. Anthony Boulevards. "Plains" is the theme for October.


Event Date: October 13, 2024, at 9am

This trip begins in Madrid and ends in Barcelona with stops 3 cities in between. International round trip airfare from NYC is included in the quoted price. See the attached a copy of the e-brochure with highlights and complete itinerary.  Register by May 1.  Trip is October 13, 2024.


Event Date: October 15, 2024, at 11am

Our annual workshop on Open Enrollment for University retiree health insurance plans for the coming year will include information about changes in federal law impacting drug coverage in 2025. The presentation by Katie Kolodge will also include a preview of changes ahead for 2026, when the U will introduce a new “exchange program” offering a wider variety in premium and plan options to choose from and navigators to help guide your decision-making. 


Event Date: October 16, 2024, at 10:45am

We are thrilled and honored that Rebecca Cunningham, MD, the new president of the University of Minnesota, has agreed to share her vision and priorities for the University with us at UMRA’s October luncheon forum. And we hope to have a big turnout to show her that our members are engaged and involved. 


Event Date: October 18, 2024, at 2pm

Should We Stay or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver.


Event Date: October 21, 2024, at 9:30am

We will hike Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located 15 minutes southeast of Northfield, Minnesota, and about one hour from the Twin Cities northern suburbs, one of the last remnants of Minnesota’s Big Woods. We will see the ancient forests of pre-settlement Minnesota: sugar maple, basswood, elm, green ash, and ironwood trees; over 50 varieties of wildflowers and many species of ferns and mushrooms along the rolling hills and glacial-cut valleys. 


Event Date: October 25, 2024, at 2pm

Vintage Munro is a collection of short stories from throughout the literary career of author Alice Munro, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013. 


Event Date: October 28, 2024, at 12pm - November 8, 2024, at 12pm

Your UMRA Travel Committee has added a new Road Scholar tour in 2024 for members, "On the Road: Absolute Southwest - A Canyon Lands Adventure." The journey begins on Monday, October 28, 2024 to Friday, November 8, 2024. Register by May 1.


Event Date: November 6, 2024, at 10am

Earl and Rebecca Scott present "An African American family history."


Event Date: November 11, 2024, at 10am

Estate Planning Attorney Matt Guttman discusses trusts and other estate planning issues.


Event Date: November 12, 2024, at 12:30pm

Museums is the theme for November.


Event Date: November 13, 2024, at 10:30am

The Kerlan is one of the world’s leading collections of rare books, manuscripts, and original art of children’s literature. It contains the work of more the 1,700 authors and illustrators from the 19th and 20th centuries to today, and it is the founding and largest collection within the University’s Children’s Literature and Research Collections.


Event Date: November 23, 2024, at 4:30pm

Group of tickets is reserved for us. Enjoy discounted tickets and attend with your fellow UMRA Members! Time is to be determined.


Event Date: December 2, 2024, at 10am

Presented by Andy Whitman, PhD, Licensed Attorney, Tax Preparer & Volunteer Financial Planner at Prepare + Prosper.

Choose the moves that are right for you. Everyone's tax situation is different, consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.


Event Date: December 10, 2024, at 12:30pm

The theme is "Flowers."


Event Date: December 20, 2024, at 2pm

Planning meeting for 2025.