Our Adventures

Here in this journal you will find several things. You will be able to follow AAALynx and myself through our adventures and exploration of our fine state of Minnesota. I have tried to put the dates on my journal for each area that we have visited. Also, you will find links of pictures we have taken.

So let the journal begin. Lets get to the adventures.

on any given page where there is a link to an outside source you will need to click your browsers back button to get back to my site

Baker Park Reserve- June 12,13

Duluth, Minnesota-June 18,19,20

Nerstrand-Bigwoods State Park-July 3-5

Minneopa State Park-July 24,25

North Shores of Minnesota-August 14-15

Renaissance Festival Shakopee MN-August 20

Como Park Zoo, St Paul Minnesota-August 21

Minnesota State Fair-August 27

Temperance, Cascades, and

Banning State Parks -Sept 10-Sept 12

Michigan: A Trilogy-Part 1

Michigan: A Trilogy-Part 2 Agate Falls and Bond Falls

Michigan: A Trilogy-Part 3 Presque Isle

Springs Last Weekend Part 1

Springs Last Weekend Part 2

Interstate Park-September 18

Fall Color Part 1-September 24-26

Fall Color Part 2-October 8-11

Pipe Stone National Monument-October 23

On The Road Again-Nov 4

We Take Michigan-Dec 11

Grand Portage in Jan

Tettegouche Revisited-Jan 29

Winters Last Big Hurrah-March 12

Beaver Bay, Minnesota-June 18

Spring Roars-March 30

Information on the Red Fox (Vulpes) of Minnesota

Images of the Red Fox

Lake Superior Gallery	Animal Gallery	Waterfall Gallery
Mushroom Gallery	Red Fox Gallery

I do hope you enjoy our adventures. Some of our adventures are inspiring, Others humorous and exciting. Join us as we travel to the different state parks of our state in search of waterfalls and other unique treasures and memories.

The state park system in Minnesota is impressive. The people are friendly and full of helpful information and a wealth of knowledge. The sites are well kept, spacious and clean.

So far on our journeys we have come across large amounts of wildlife, wildflowers, fungi, cool rocks, and of course waterfalls. We will provide interesting photos and links to the park system.

> MN DNR Home > Outdoor activities > State parks >

Rules

This is a partial listing of state park rules and regulations. Complete rules (Minnesota State Legislature Web site).

Park hours
8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year. Office hours vary by season.

State park permit
All vehicles entering a state park must display a valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit which must be affixed to the lower right hand corner of the windshield. Annual and day permits can be purchased at a park. Funds from state park vehicle permits and fees are used to help manage park resources and facilities. Information on purchasing an annual permit. Other fee information.

Accessibility
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, state parks are working to make facilities accessible to people of all abilities. Call the specific state park you are planning to visit for up-to-date information on accessibility.

Alcohol/drugs
It is unlawful for any person to consume intoxicating liquors, or to display liquor containers in public. State laws apply to possession and use of drugs.

Biking
Biking is permitted only on designated trails or park roads where motor vehicles are allowed, unless otherwise posted.

Campers
Campers must register at the office or self-registration station. Only registered campers are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Check in/check out
Overnight guests must check out by 4 p.m. If you choose to stay another day in the campground or park lodging, you must re-register by 11 a.m.

Firewood
Gathering firewood disrupts the forest and soil cycle and is not permitted. Firewood may be purchased at the park office.

Fireworks
Fireworks are not permitted in state parks.

Fishing
When fishing in waters entirely within state parks, anglers must comply with Minnesota fishing laws and rules.

Flotation devices
In a state park, while in the water, use of air mattresses, inner tubes or other flotation devices that are not approved by the Coast Guard is prohibited except when used in an area specifically designated for that use.

Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed in Minnesota State Parks, State Recreation Areas and Waysides managed by the DNR Division of Parks and Recreation. All caches placed in these locations require a signed permit prior to placement. Permit applications and geocaching guidelines are available at the park office or online at www.mnstateparks.info.

Hunting
Hunting is prohibited in state parks unless authorized by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.

Metal detectors
Use of metal detectors is prohibited.

Parking
Parking on the grass is not allowed. Park in designated areas only and on the parking spaces provided in the campground.

Pets
Pets are welcome in state parks but must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet and must be personally attended at all times. No pets other than hearing or seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed in state park buildings, lodging, cabins, camper cabins, on tours or in beach areas.

Research
Easy access and abundant natural features make Minnesota State Parks perfect for a variety of resource-related research projects. Research permits are required before studies can be undertaken in state parks. For more information on doing research in state parks, e-mail Ed Quinn at ed.quinn@dnr.state.mn.us. Download an application for a state park research permit. Read more about research in state parks.

Rock climbing
Rock climbing in state parks is allowed only in designated areas and only by permit. Permits are available at the park office.

Skiing
When using groomed trails in parks, skiers 16 years of age and older, must have in their possession, a valid Minnesota ski pass.

Snowmobiles
Snowmobiles in state parks can be operated only on designated trails or posted areas.

Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere is state parks except on groomed trails or where posted.

Weapons
It is unlawful for any person to possess explosives of any kind. It is also against the law for any person to possess a firearm (including an air gun) unless the firearm is unloaded and completely contained in a fully enclosed gun case or unloaded and contained in the closed trunk of a vehicle. A person who is legally permitted under MS 624.714 to carry a handgun in the State of Minnesota, may legally carry that handgun in State parks.

State parks

General park rules

State Parks main page

Parks & Recreation Division

Find a state park

By location (on a map)

Listed A-Z

Listed by region

Read the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine.

State Parks Mission: We will work with the people of Minnesota to provide a state park system which preserves and manages Minnesota's natural, scenic and cultural resources for present and future generations while providing appropriate recreational and educational opportunities.

> MN DNR Home > Outdoor activities > State parks >

Fees - effective January 1, 2007

All fees include tax except where noted. State park fees are subject to change.

2008 State Park rates

Cancellations

Vehicle Permits
Horse Pass
Tours
Camping
State Forests
Lodging
Cross Country Skiing

Vehicle permits
Annual regular permit	$25
Annual motorcycle permit	$20
Second permit	$18
Minnesota annual permit for persons with disabilities (MN plates or certificate)	$12
Daily permit (Same rate for vehicles, including motorcycles.)	$5
Daily group permit (10 vehicle minimum, 24-hour notice. Check at park office for details.)	$3
Active Military personnel - See requirements	free

Horse Pass
Annual permit	$21
Daily	$5

Tours
Hill Annex Mine State Park Rates for historic tour, boat tour, or fossil tour. Check specific tour information.	Adults $9 Children 5-12 years $6 Children Under 5 - Free
Mystery Cave at Forestville Check specific tour information.	Adults $9 Children 5-12 years $6 Children Under 5 - Free
Soudan Underground Mine Check specific tour information.	Adults $10 Children 5-12 years $6 Children Under 5 - Free
Daily tours generally run Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekend tours available later in the fall. Call the park for more information.

Camping State Parks
"Familiar favorites" standard campsite (with showers)	$18/night
"Discovery parks" standard campsite (with showers)	$15/night
Rustic campsite (no showers)	$12/night
Backpack, canoe, and other remote campsites	$11/night
Equestrian campsites	$15/night
Equestrian campsites with showers	$18/night
Group campsites (Call the state park reservation system to reserve group camp sites. A non-refundable deposit equal to one night's camping plus the $8.50 reservation fee is charged when reservation is made. A $45 non-refundable deposit is charged for all class III group camps. This fee is applied toward the first night's camping.)	$45-$75/night or $3 per camper per night, whichever is greater
Electric hookup	add $4/night/site
Water and sewer hookup	add $4/night/site
Campsite reservation fee (Fee per campsite reserved. Fee is nonrefundable)	$8.50
Special state park camping rates For all visitors, the semi-modern campsite rate is reduced to a rustic rate during the off season when showers and flush toilet facilities are not available. Half-priced camping is available Sunday-Thursday for Minnesota residents with disabilities. This reduced rate applies to standard and rustic campsites only.
Back to campsite reservations information page.

State Forests
Campsite	$12/night
Equestrian Campsite	$15/night
Group Areas (vault toilets, no showers)	$45/night or $3 per camper per night, whichever is greater

Lodging All fees include tax except when noted.
Camper cabin Rustic 12' x 16' cabin. No indoor plumbing or electricity. Some cabins have heaters.	$40/night
Camper cabins with electricity Rustic 12' x 16' cabin. Have electricity but no indoor plumbing. Most of these cabins are available for use year-round.	$45/night
Chalet at Fort Ridgely Accommodates up to 25 people. Open room with fireplace. Bring sleeping bags and pads.	$50/night
Farmhouse at Fort Ridgely Handicapped-accessible rustic farmhouse accommodates six people. Sleeping room has a double bed and a double over double bunk bed. Day room and dining/kitchen area includes table and benches, dorm-style refrigerator, and microwave. No hotplate available for cooking food; cooking is not allowed in the farmhouse. A grill and picnic table are provided outside. No indoor plumbing. Vault toilet located near farmhouse; shower building available in nearby equestrian campground. Available April 1 - November 1.	$50/night
Guesthouse at Bear Head Lake 3-bedroom house. 2 bathrooms. Fully-equipped kitchen. Accommodates up to 10 people including children. Bring your own bedding and linens.	$120/night
Guesthouse at St. Croix Bathrooms. Fully-equipped kitchen. A home away from home.	$180/night
Guesthouse at Savanna Portage 1-bedroom house. 1 bathroom. Fully-equipped kitchen. Accommodates up to 6 people including children. Bring your own bedding and linens.	$70/night
Guesthouse at Scenic Split-level home includes 4 bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchen, 2 baths, living and dining areas. The house sleeps up to 10 people. Use of boat or canoe is included in the rental. Value rate ($75/night) - applies Sun.-Thurs., Nov. - May. Does not include Christmas Eve - New Year's Day and Sundays on holiday weekends.	$90/night
Guesthouse at Wild River 2-bedroom house. 1 bathroom. Fully-equipped kitchen. Accommodates up to 8 people including children. Bring your own bedding and linens.	$90/night
Cabins at St. Croix Each cabin accommodates two people and includes a double bed, kitchenette and bath (toilet & sink only).	$60/night
Cabin at Scenic One bedroom with fireplace, hot plate, and small refrigerator. Rustic with no indoor plumbing.	$65/night
Cabins at Tettegouche (tax not included) Rustic cabins with no indoor plumbing. Modern toilet/shower building in the camp. Must walk-in or ski-in. Six person maximum (incl. children 12 and under) for Cabins A-C. Maximum capacity for Cabin D is two (includes children 12 and under).
Cabin A Two-room cabin with porch and view of lake has living/kitchenette/dining area and a separate bedroom, with two twin over full-sized bunk beds. Cabin photo. Value Rate $70	$95/night
Cabin B Three-room log cabin on lakeshore has a porch, living/kitchenette/dining area and two bedrooms, each with one full over full-sized bunk bed Cabin photo. Value Rate $90	$115/night
Cabin C Three-room cabin is near the lodge and shower building and has a view of lake from its two screened porches. Cabin has small kitchen, living/dining room and bedroom with two twin over full-sized bunk beds. Cabin photo. Value Rate $70	$95/night
Cabin D One-room cabin has one full sized bed, kitchenette, and a small screened-in porch. Located near the shower building, the cabin is handicapped accessible. Cabin photo. Value Rate $60	$85/night
Value rate ($60-$90/night) - applies Sun.-Thurs., Nov. - May. Does not include Christmas Eve - New Year's Day and Sundays on holiday weekends.
Tettegouche-Illgen Falls cabin (tax not included) cabin photo. Regular rate applies Fri. & Sat. year-round and 7-days a week from June-Oct. Also includes Christmas Eve through New Year's Day and Sunday of holiday weekends. Value rate ($120/night) - applies Sun.-Thurs., Nov. - May. Does not include Christmas Eve - New Year's Day and Sundays on holiday weekends.	$160/night
Itasca Lodging
Douglas Lodge (tax not included) Air-conditioned suites or guest rooms.	$67 to $110/night
Itasca Clubhouse unit (tax not included) Two-story, air conditioned log building includes 10 rooms and rents as a unit.	$455/night
Itasca Suites (tax not included) Includes 12 modern 2-room suites located in two buildings. One suite in each building is ADA accessible. Each suite accommodates 1-4 people and includes two queen-size beds, desk, dining table, kitchenette, 2-burner cooktop, refrigerator, dishwasher, color-tv, phone, couch, computer hookup and more. Each unit also has a porch.	$126/night
Fireplace Rooms (tax not included) Four double or twin-bed motel-type log units with fireplace and screened porch. Two person maximum.	$88/night
Itasca cabins (tax not included) One-room and one, two or three-bedroom cabins. Some have a fireplace and screen porch.	$110 to $188/night
Housekeeping cabin (tax not included) One-room cabin. Double bed, sofa bed, kitchenette, toilet and lavatory. No shower. Bedding and linens are supplied. Accommodates up to 4 people.	$98/night
Historic East Cabin (tax not included) This restored, two-bedroom cabin, was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cabin includes a living room with fireplace; kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and 4-burner cook-top; bathroom and shower. The cabin has both heat and air conditioning.	$198/night
Itasca Ozawindib Lake Cabin (tax not included) 3-room cabin. 2 double beds. 2 sofa beds. Accommodates up to 8 people. Bring your own linens and bedding.	$135/night

Tipi Available only at Upper Sioux Agency State Park.	$25/night
Group Centers (tax not included) Check details about group center reservations.	$125 to $300/night or $5 per person, whichever is greater.
Service fee for dishonored checks	$30

Cross Country Skiing
Daily Cross Country Ski Pass	$5
One season Cross Country Ski Pass	$15
Three season Cross Country Ski Pass	$40
Back to lodging reservations information page.

State parks

Fees

State Parks main page

Parks & Recreation Division

Find a state park

By location (on a map)

Listed A-Z

Listed by region

> MN DNR Home > Outdoor activities > State parks >

Reservations

Reservation Information

From cascading waterfalls to lush forests-majestic river valleys to rolling prairies – Minnesota State Parks are great places to visit and even better places to stay. You can choose from more than 5,000 campsites or a variety of cabins, guesthouses and other lodging.

Plan Ahead Perfection:

Camping - Reservations accepted 1 to 90 days in advance
Lodging – Reservations accepted 1 to 365 days in advance
Camper Cabins - Reservations accepted 1 to 365 days in advance
Specific sites can be reserved for overnight camping, group camps and some equestrian camps.
Tour tickets for Soudan Underground Mine, Hill Annex Mine and Mystery Cave at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park can be reserved in advance.
Group centers are also available but need to be reserved by calling a park directly.

Spur of the Moment:

You now can make a reservation up until midnight the night before your arrival.
But if your lifestyle makes planning ahead impossible, it’s ok. Up to 30 percent of the campsites in our parks and state recreation areas are kept available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Making a Reservation - Reservation Fee - $8.50 (non refundable)

Reserve by phone: 1-866-85PARKS (1-866-857-2757) 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT, daily.
International calls: 1-317-249-9327
TDD/Telecommunications Device for Deaf: 1-866-672-8213

Reserve online: www.stayatmnparks.com 24-hours-a-day except for the first day a site becomes available. On that first day, reservations cannot be made before 8 a.m.
No reservations for camping are needed from November 1 to April 1

Reservation Deposit

Camping

Deposit: The non-refundable $8.50 reservation fee plus full payment for the camping period reserved is due when the reservation is made.

Lodging

Deposit: A deposit of up to two nights’ lodging cost is charged when a reservation is made. The reservation fee is included in the first night’s lodging fee. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the lodging. The remaining balance due will be paid at the park upon arrival.

Payment

Payment can be made by check, money order or credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Checks or money orders should be made out to MN State Parks and mailed to MN State Parks, 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502. Checks and money orders must be received with 10 days of making a reservation or the reservation will be cancelled.