I’m always on the lookout for wildflowers, so at the first sign of spring, we headed out to four parks to see what we could find.
Wild River
I had a day off in early April and headed an hour north of the Twin Cities to Wild River State Park by myself. It was too early for wildflowers! But there were very clear views of the river and woods since none of the vegetation had grown in yet. It was a great day for a solo walk; I saw only one pair of runners during this 1.5-hour visit.
Quiet path through the woods.
Down by the St. Croix River.
These orange mushrooms (I’ve already forgotten their name) were a bright spot of color on the mostly brown ground.
Waiting for warmer weather (and tourists).
Wild River State Park
One hour north of St. Paul
Date visited: April 13, 2015
Sibley
Maybe it was the dreary weather the day we visited…
Lazy, hazy, crazy days of… early spring.
maybe it was the fact that we got lost more than once on the trails (which could use better signs, in my opinion)…
Which way does this path go – left, straight, or right?
maybe because it was still too early for wildflowers (not the park’s fault)…
The only green the entire trip.
but I quickly decided this wasn’t my favorite state park. Still, there were things to enjoy along the way.
First loon sighting of the season!
Many buildings built by the Veterans Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Lookout at the top of Mount Tom, the tallest spot in the area.
Sibley State Park
Two hours west of Minneapolis; 20 minutes north of Willmar
Date visited: April 18, 2015
Carley
Carley State Park is famous for Virginia bluebells – and in May, there are millions.
The weather was much more pleasant for this wildflower trip. Plus, we actually got to see wildflowers.
Yes, I WILL take the wildflower trail.
Bluebell-lined path.
There were at least as many of these white flowers – false rue anemone – as there were bluebells.
Non-accessible walk across the stream.
Climb the stairs.
Carley State Park
1.5 hours south of St. Paul
Date visited: May 2, 2015
Nerstrand-Big Woods
As long as we were in the area, we stopped by for a quick visit to try again to find dwarf trout lilies. And we did!
Dwarf trout lily is so tiny, it’s easy to miss.
Marsh marigolds, on the other hand, aren’t easily missed.
And, of course, Hidden Falls is a must-see attraction.
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
1 hour south of St. Paul
Date visited: May 2, 2015
Now, on to summer adventures!
87 Counties 