The Paul Bunyan and Heartland trails are well highlighted on our Lake Country map. The Itasca and Bemidji State Parks, the Migizi Trail in the Chippewa National Forest along with the bed and breakfast we planned to stay was clearly marked.

Our Fourth of July vacation was neatly planned. We fun time for our twin daughters, biking and hiking for mom and dad, neatly set, perfect, no flaws, then life has a way of changing our best laid plans.

Rivers are arteries of history.

The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway a good way of experiencing that history.

My sister, Annie, and I mapped out a eight-mile bike tour through 200 years of Minnesota history near the Mississippi River between Minnehaha Falls and Mendota visiting six historic sites.

The endurance trail race season begins on Friday, April 13th with the Zumbro Endurance Races. Runners in the 100 mile run start at 8am and will finish some 21 to 38 hours later. In the middle of the night on Friday, the Zumbro ‘Midnight’ 50 race begins.

It had snowed a couple of inches of soft fluff and there were still a few flakes falling like feathers in the darkening twilight. I was registered for a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at Lebanon Hills Regional Park and the clouds were expected to clear, it looked to be a perfect night.

CROSBY — The Cuyuna Lakes Whiteout is just around the corner and organizers are encouraging racers and non-racers alike to get out and enjoy the winter cycling event.

Tap into a sweet springtime tradition by taking part in a maple syruping workshop at Wild River State Park. All ages are invited to take part in one of the five workshops scheduled for March 9, 10, 17, 23, and 24.  Each workshop will begin at 11 am at the Visitor Center and conclude at 2 pm.  Space is limited in each workshop so call now to register.

An evening snowshoeing and skiing in the moonlight will be held at Itasca State Park on Saturday, February 23, 2013, for our annual Lantern Lit Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski event.  

If you ask mountain climbers why they climbed the mountain they just might say, “because it was there.”  That is pretty much the same reason four Alexandria men set off from town to bike 15 miles to Lake Carlos State Park in 15-degree weather with a 10 mile an hour wind to camp in the dead of winter.

Mark your calendar!  January 26, 6-9 pm will present the Annual Candlelight Night at Wild River State Park.  With hundreds of luminaries, live musical entertainment, ongoing activities, cookies and hot cider, Minnesota’s largest prairie bonfire, star gazing, the chance to win a cross-country ski package, and miles of candle-lit walking, skiing, and snowshoeing, this is sure to be a magical experience for all ages and abilities.

Due to ice and poor snow conditions, the Lantern Lit event scheduled at Itasca State Park on Saturday, January 19, 2013, will be a lantern lit hike. Hikers will be following the bicycle and self-guided trails by the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. An alternate route has been selected and will be on partially packed snow. Participants need to wear snow boots with slip-resistant soles and good treads.