TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: state parks

  • Afton, Minnesota

    Afton, Minnesota

    Best Small Towns in Minnesota

    Historic Afton, Minnesota, is home to Afton State Park on the beautiful St. Croix River and is only 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. This summer, we’ve been exploring Minnesota in search of our new home base. We sold our house in 2020 and have been renting due to the crazy housing market and because we weren’t sure where we wanted to land. It’s been a fun summer visiting new cities and returning to our favorites. By doing so, we have a renewed appreciation for where we grew up. Minnesota is filled with incredible small towns, history, restaurants, nature, state-regional-and national parks, and endless recreation.

    Picture of Welcome to Historic Afton sign.

    Best Restaurants in Afton, Minnesota

    We started our day in Afton at the Lumberyard Pub. We sat at the bar to take in the open air (see pic below) and loved the atmosphere and excellent service from the bartender. The house-made chips and french onion dip are crazy good! The summer salad was fresh and bright and a perfect companion to the chips and dips. Terry loved his burger. Yes, I know you’re shocked he had a burger. 😉

    *Note: you can call ahead from your boat and pick up your food curbside to-go.

    The next stop was Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor. You can’t go to Afton and not stop at Selma’s! They offer so many unique flavors and we enjoyed the nostalgic candy for sale. *Tip: walk along the river while eating your ice cream.

    Afton State Park

    After fueling up, we headed to Afton State Park for a hike. The park offers 20 miles of trails including a variety of habitats and walking the old railroad bed. Three bridges remain from the line that once ran along the river to Stillwater. The river views from the bridges, bluffs, and lookouts are beautiful! Especially surrounded by all the wild flowers.

    “Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of this park. Trails pass through remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines, and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River. The trails are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The park offers visitors a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays.” – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

    View of the St. Croix River from Afton State Park

    Did you know that Afton State Park has goats?! They brought the goats in for prescribed-grazing of their 42 acres. We visited in June so I’m not sure if they are still there but make sure to keep an eye out for them.

    We didn’t have the dogs with us on this trip but the state parks are dog-friendly.

    Girl jumping in the air at Afton State Park

    Add Afton to your Minnesota day trip list!

    Another fun spot to explore and camp close to the Twin Cities is Whitetail Woods Regional Park. The camper cabins are amazing!

    Life is short, never stop searching for What Stirs Your Soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Southern Utah

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Southern Utah

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Southern Utah is a natural, 3,730 acre, beautiful “sandbox” that opened in 1963. The dunes were created by the erosion of the nearby Navajo sandstone cliffs. As a result, the sand is a unique bright orangish pink color that pops against the blue skies.

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes Views

    There is something fun to do for everyone at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, including dogs. We explore, hike, take pictures of the ever-changing landscapes, and love watching our footprints disappear in the wind moments after leaving them. The elevation is 6000 feet, and the sand is deep. As a result, we tire quicker than we expect, especially being flatlanders. 😉

    Things to do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

    Rent a sand sled, ATV, or Dune Buggie for some adrenaline-pumping fun, or schedule a repelling tour in the park. Have a picnic, walk and read all the signage to learn more about the native plants and animals, or relax at the overlook, taking in all the sights. Dogs are welcome if kept on a 6-foot leash. Our dog had a blast running, playing, and watching all the ATVs driving up and down the dunes.

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is open 7 days a week during daylight hours. The entrance fee is $8.00 and camping is $20 a night.

    Look how small the people look! It gives you perspective on the size of the dunes. Don’t forget your backpack with water and snacks.

    hiking coral pink sand dunes state park
    sand boarding southern utah

    Sand sledding.

    sand sledding southern utah

    Read about our favorite pet-friendly hotel is Southern Utah, Best Friends Roadhouse and Kanab’s Best Restaurants. All are less than 30 miles from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

    To help plan your next trip to Southern Utah, visitsouthernutah.com. You can also search my blog using the words Kanab or Southern Utah.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Fort Snelling State Park – Twin Cities – Minnesota

    Fort Snelling State Park – Twin Cities – Minnesota

    D5E534FE-079C-4866-880A-EACE51FD27F9

    There are so many beautiful winter trails in the heart of the Twin Cities!

    We visited Fort Snelling State Park the day after Thanksgiving (we needed the exercise after eating so much food). 🙂 Minnesota state parks waive the entrance fees on Black Friday to encourage people to get outside and explore.

    IMG_4124

    Fort Snelling State Park is where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet. You can hike to Pike Island where they converge and enjoy 3 miles of packed walking trails. You can also leave the park and hike to the historic Fort Snelling.

    IMG_4125

    The rivers offer amazing scenery and views as you hike the trails. We loved all the reflections of the snowy trees in the water. There are 12 miles of cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing anywhere but on the groomed trails.

    IMG_9449

    IMG_9444

     

    Fort Snelling State Park also links to an extensive regional trail system.

    Our favorite thing is that the park is pet-friendly! The dogs loved getting out on the trails and meeting new friends.

    IMG_4103

    IMG_4116

    There is a visitor center with gift shop, exhibits, and flush toilets that is open year-round. We got another sticker for the Thule!

    48408B1A-1329-4E6D-9076-AF6670D4AFD1 2

    It’s hard to believe this park is in the middle of the cities and right next to the airport.

    Make sure to get out and explore the Minnesota State Parks and Trails this winter!

    ©Tracy Blowers

error: Content is protected !!