Nerstrand-Bigwoods State Park

Hidden Falls

July 3-5

Minnesota DNR State Park Guide

We found this park by accident while searching for state parks with waterfalls. Its located in southern Minnesota by a town named Faribault. Another nice thing was that we were able to reserve our site online. Makes life a bit more convenient

Although the weather that weekend wasn't the most favorable, the waterfalls did prove to be a treat. We set up camp in the misty rain then waited for the rain to subside so that we could start our adventures. 

Now I will attempt to describe our site.  It was nestled in the back of the campgrounds surrounded by trees. We had a lot of shade for those hot days of July. Directly across from our site was the restrooms with clean showers. When we got there it was raining or misting so it was muddy. Setting up in the rain is miserable. Each site had plenty of space. There was a fire ring in each site; which is great for either outdoor cooking or for you evening camp fire. We took advantage of both the cooking and enjoying a roaring fire at night. Each site also contained the flat marked off area with chipped wood pieces to help with drainage of water. They provided that space for those who are going to camp with tents as we did. The first night we did cook on our camp stove at the sheltered picnic area. There were more restrooms there along with a fireplace and sink for dishes. 

The rangers of the park were very nice and helpful. Since we were across from the restrooms we had Lynn come to our site one night and ask if the fans were too loud as they were trying to dry the restroom floor. She stated that if the fans were too loud she would turn them off for us. We couldn't hear a thing but how considerate that she would ask. The ranger at the front desk was very helpful when it came time to get directions for the fireworks display. 

  The fungi that was found and pictured was found next to our fire pit on the other side of a tree. Next to our camp was a path that lead down to the hidden falls. It was there that the picture of the fallen tree was taken. The path lead not only to the waterfalls but to a large park. It was in the park that the pictures of the wild raspberries. Also in the park is where the jungle gym was found. This is where we took the pictures of the two of us. Down the path; about a mile or so, all down hill on the way there we found the Hidden Falls. Let me tell you going to the falls was a lot easier than that horrendous climb uphill back. On the way down to the falls we did come across some nice wild flowers. The path that lead down to the fall we a well kept path. I don't recall having to walk around or across any mud puddles. The low areas had wooden planks provided to walk on. Also on the path were several wooden benches. You will need to use those on your back up hill if your as out of shape as I was at that point in time. The wild life that we saw were mainly birds. It was here that we wanted to get a recording of a particular bird. The sound was like a beckoning. I know its hard to describe but interesting all the same.

As I write this I think about something that happened that was amusing. We all know that in these parks are wild animals. The night that we did cook on the fire pit we had made corn on the cob. It was rather tasty. Later that night right after we had gone into the tent and start to quiet down to sleep we heard a rustling sound coming from outside our tent. In fact it sounded like what ever it was might be right against the tent. Curiosity set in and we both did try to look out to see what it was. Too bad it was way too dark for us to see. Not sure it  was fox or a raccoon. Sounded big what ever it was. So we stayed in the tent. Yeah right like that little tent is going to be a safe and secure place for us to stay, anyways, when we woke the next morning we both checked our food bins and cooler. It had sounded like the huge beast must have gone in there as well. When we looked everything was still the way that we had left it. What I did find though was that all the corn cobs were gone. Nothing else taken or touched.

Please stay tuned as I move onto our next weekend of adventure.  

Now with all that said I hope I didn't forget anything and will move on to some of the interesting finds on our weekend adventure.

                                                                    Red Fox                                                                   AAALynx

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