Hiking

All Hiking articles are collected here.

Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville Hike

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This hike will be in Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville, home to a 30-million gallon, underground water reservoir that for years had been operated by the City of St. Paul.  We will be hiking through woodlands and prairies over flat and hilly terrain, for a total of about 4 miles. 

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Reservoir Woods, Roseville

December 2 Hike in Moir Park

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We will visit Moir Park in Bloomington for a walk along Nine Mile Creek to the Minnesota River and back. This trail is mostly flat, winding along the creek, with frequent sightings of eagles, owls and egrets. The path to the river is half paved and half grass and dirt.  Those who wish a shorter hike could walk about 1.2 miles to the end of the paved path and back for a distance of about 2 ½ miles. A longer option will take us to the Minnesota River and back for a 4 ½ to 5 mile hike.

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Nerstrand Big Woods State Park hike

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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. 

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Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, trees

William O'Brien State Park

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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. 

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William O'Brien State Park, autumn

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve Hike

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UMRA Hiking Club regulars Linda and Bruce Anderson will introduce us to a new location for an UMRA Hike: Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage, Minnesota. If you haven't hiked this park yet, you are in for a treat. The hike will be about 4 miles, with an option to do an additional loop, bringing the total to a 6-mile hike. 

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Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve

Lake Minnetonka Hike

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Join us near Lake Minnetonka to hike along the Dakota Three Rivers Regional Trail. Access is just a few steps from KaiMay and Joseph Terry home. This will be an easy 3 mile hike on a paved trail and for a wonderful bonus, our hosts will serve a light lunch after the hike. 

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Hike by Lake Minnetonka

Trail in Two Cities hike

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Join us at Longfellow Grill in Minneapolis (the first city of the west) and hike along the Mississippi River crossing over to St. Paul (the last city of the east) to circle back. About 5 miles total along paved paths at a moderate pace.  Lunch at the Longfellow Grill!  

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William O'Brien State Park hike (rained out)

Event Date:

Our August 5 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. 

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Bde Maka Ska kayaking hike (cancelled)

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Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles!  If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25.  The second hour is free if we rent before noon.  Life jackets are provided with the rental.

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Kayaking Mpls Chain of Lakes

Como Lake hike

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Please join us at 9:30 on June 17, 2024 for a walk around Lake Como in St. Paul before attending the UMRA Summer Social and Picnic starting at 11 at the Como Pavilion. A perfect opportunity to get in a walk before we gather to celebrate summer.

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Monticello hike & picnic

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We are in for a treat on June 3! Lynn Anderson, will lead us on trails at two parks near her Monticello home. Bring a bag lunch and we will gather in Lynn's yard along the Mississippi River for eating and socializing after the hike.

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St Croix river hike in Stillwater

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The May 20 hike will start at the Historic Lift Bridge in Stillwater and go along the river to the new bridge, cross over and then back on the Wisconsin side, a total of approximately 5 miles. Most of the route is paved. We will eat lunch after at Brian's Bar and Grill in Stillwater.  Car pooling will be available.

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Arboretum hike

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We are fortunate to have UMRA member and former Minnesota Landscape Arboretum director Peter Moe to lead this approximately 3.7-mile hike at the Arboretum on Monday, May 6. Plan to have lunch together after the hike at the Eatery café inside the Oswald Visitor Center. 

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UMRA Hiking Club, Richardson Nature Center, 4.15.2024. Photo by Bev Moe

Richardson Nature Center hike

Event Date:

Join us for a 4 to 5 mile hike at one of the most popular parks in the West Metro, Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington.  It is located at the north end of Hyland Lake Park Reserve at 8737 East Bush Lake Road in Bloomington.  This trail is mostly dirt and grass with some paved areas.  Enjoy the park's wildlife and celebrate Tax Day with your UMRA hiking friends!

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Richardson Nature Center

Lake Nokomis hike

Event Date:

Let's meet on the west side of Lake Nokomis by the main beach and shelter for a 5 to 5.5 mile hike.  We will go around the north end of the lake and on to Minnehaha Falls by way of Minnehaha Parkway, returning to the start by a different route through neighborhoods around the lake.  This is an easy hike on paved walkways.  Pace will accommodate all hikers.  

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UMRA Hike Ft. Snelling State Park 2024.03.04. Photo by Kris Mortensen