William O'Brien State Park hike
Mon, Oct 5, 2026, 9:30am
Please join the UMRA hiking club on Monday October 5th, 2026 when we enjoy fall colors at William O’Brien State Park.
There will be two hiking options, The 1.6 mile Riverside Trail starting at the lower parking lot, traverses woodlands, the shores of Lake Alice and the St. Croix River. Hikers can go around twice for a total of 3.2 miles. This trail is level, but an additional 0.5 mile hill can be added at either end, if starting from the upper parking lot.
Another option is the hilly hiking club trail that traverses woodlands, wetlands, and prairies for a total of about 5 miles.
William O’Brien State Park was established in 1947 when Alice O’Brien donated land from her father’s logging company. The first commercial lumber mill in Minnesota was established at nearby Marine-on-St. Croix. The St. Croix River was one of the first rivers to be protected under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Senators Walter Mondale and Gaylord Nelson were instrumental in advancing this legislation. The St. Croix is one of the best canoeing rivers in the nation.
Depending on the weather, bring rain gear if you think you need it, good hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, a snack, and a bottle of water. Bring hiking poles if you think you might need them.
Let's meet at the visitor center at 9:30 a.m. and start hiking at 9:40. A state park sticker or day pass is required to enter the park.
The address is 16821 O'Brien Trail North, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047.
We will meet at an area restaurant after the hike.
Upcoming Events
Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.
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.
Join Leader Neal Gale for the November 2 hike in the heart of Minneapolis’ Minnehaha Falls – Mississippi River area.
Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants.
How much do the experiences of our earliest years shape who we become — and even our physical health — decades later? For more than 50 years, University of Minnesota researchers have been exploring that question through the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation. In this UMRA Living Well Workshop, Professor Jeffry Simpson, PhD, will draw on findings from the study to explore the connections between our earliest relationships and our health later in life.
The theme for November is "Hands"
Join us for breakfast and discussion about this year's election results.
UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.
Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.
Professor Kathryn Pearson, a well-known and respected specialist in U.S. politics and political behavior, will help us to decipher the results of the 2026 midterm elections as the guest speaker for UMRA’s November 2026 Luncheon Forum.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney.
Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.
Join us as we navigate the trails at the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge Education and Visitor Center.
The theme for December is "Pathways and roadways."
"Landscape" is the theme of the UMRA Photo Club meeting on Tuesday, January 12.