Land Returning to the Upper Sioux

The soon to be former Minnesota Upper Sioux state park will be transfered back to the Sioux community next week, so we took advantage of the crazy warm weather to visit. We weren’t alone in that thought as there were many people out, on what would normally be lovely spring weather.

The State DNR had already closed the offices in preparation for the transfer. I had a severely pulled calf muscle, so climbing hills was out for me. I went to view the former Agency site, while Jane and Penny took a walk through the back trails.

It’s the Simple Things

The best times don’t cost much money, just a bit of our time.

Think about the best times of your life and I bet they will involve moments with people you love. For me, that’s been time in the kitchen with my mother, grandma, partners, sister, nieces, and nephews. There have been many moments with smiles, laughs, and love. Other moments would be fishing with my father, going to the Dam store with my grandpa or uncles, or just listening to their stories of a rowdy childhod.

Trip Notes

Lake Shetek State Park is a beautiful park with a large lake and lots and lots of trails. We spent part of three days here and walked every day without having to repeat a trail. There was a small oak forest bordering the lake, and praire further from the lake shore. There were fish ponds that unfortunately weren’t ponds due to the drought, but still plenty green and full of wildlife.

Why Camp in Minnesota State Parks

We’ve been camping in Minnesota state parks as we experiment with our van conversion ideas. Why the state parks?

• they are beautiful
• they are located all over the state
• several are within a 2 hour drive from home
• they are inexpensive
• some have electricity, bathrooms, and water onsite
• they are clean and well maintained
• there’s a wide variety of activies for us to do

There are 75 Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas spread across the state. Many of them have camping facilities for RVs, campers, tents, or you can rent a cabin, yurt, or Tipi. Campsites are drive-in, cart-in, or walk-in. Drive-in spots can have electricity and communial restrooms and showers and water.