Overview
Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes is home to a variety of wild places, including pristine areas that exist within the Twin Cities Metro Area. Allow your adventurous spirit to explore close to home. Get a taste of camping by cooking wonderful meals, hiking trails, and paddling clear waters. Spend your evenings tucked around the campfire talking with new friends, playing games, and sharing stories.
Sample Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Begin the trip with a hike among the pines
Meet at Minnesota's William O'Brien State Park in the early afternoon. After a group orientation, set up camp, and get to know your surroundings as you embark on trails that wind by the St. Croix River, Lake Alice and majestic 100-year old pine trees. Settle into your campsite among towering white pines and spruce trees while enjoying a campfire.
Day 2: Learn how to paddle on Lake Alice
Rise to the aroma of coffee and breakfast before enjoying a paddle on Lake Alice and an afternoon of fishing or swimming. Be on the lookout for bald eagles that grace the trees and sky. Enjoy dinner and group games followed by a fire under the stars.
Day 3: Enjoy one last morning paddle or hike and say farewell to your trip mates
Take a mid-morning paddle or hike. Look for wintergreen and wildflowers. Eat one last lunch together before packing for the trip home. The trip officially ends in the early afternoon.
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Much of the time is spent at camp or participating in other nearby activities which may include canoeing, swimming, fishing or hiking.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: William O'Brien State Park at 2:00 PM (local time)
End: William O'Brien State Park at 1:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip will begin at 2:00 PM and end at 1:00 PM at the same location. This trip's starting and ending locations will be determined based on group mix and available permits. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip. Booking a Flight? We recommend flying in to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport the night before your trip, and flying out no earlier than 5:30 PM on the last day of the trip.
Do you have any additional health restrictions on trail?
In addition to following CDC guidelines, we work with a team of community and health experts to help guide our safety measures on and off the trail. Find a complete list of steps we are taking to provide you the safest experience here: https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/covid19/