You need not travel far to experience the great outdoors.
If your tent is collecting cobwebs: Wild River State Park
Give that tent some time to shine at Wild River State Park in Center City, Minn., then spend your time hiking along 35 miles of trails or fishing along the St. Croix shoreline. Options include drive-in, backpack and canoe camping sites. Or, if your favorite trail is the path of least resistance, reserve one of the park’s six camper cabins. They’re not luxurious—no running water, for example—but they come with electricity and heat, and allow you to skip the set up. Just throw your sleeping bags, clothes and cookware in the car and rest comfortably for just $75 a night.
If you’re craving a pizza picnic: The Borner Farm Project
Come on down to the Borner Farm on select Fridays from May through October at 1266 Walnut St. in Prescott, Wis. It’s a BYO-everything-but-the-pizza experience. So, pack up your blankets, chairs, beverages, plates and utensils, and await the blessed gift of pizza straight out of a wood-fired brick oven and topped with the farm’s homegrown vegetables like tomatoes, onions, kale, zucchini and garlic. Time your visit during sweet corn season for a taste of the most popular ‘za: The High Summer Special, made with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, the farm’s own tomatoes and pesto, and local sweet corn. It’s best to make a reservation to secure a savory slice.
If you need to liven up your Instagram: Willow River State Park
You’ll have to hike to get to it, but once you hear the rushing water, it’s worth it. Check out the waterfall at Willow River State Park in Hudson, Wis. You can frame up for a shot on the bridge in front of the falls or stage a photoshoot in one of the park’s four scenic overlooks. You’ll end the day having logged some exercise and scored a memory you and your Instagram followers won’t forget.
If your Fitbit is begging you for steps: Stillwater stairs
Skip the StairMaster, go for the natural (and free!) Stillwater stairs. Historic Stillwater, Minn. has sets of steep stairs sprinkled throughout its downtown. Follow the map on the Discover Stillwater website, and you can conquer five flights, racking up about three miles and about 500 stairs along the way. Drop into downtown outdoor store 45 Degrees first if you’re interested in a reward for your efforts. They offer a free patch as part of an I Climbed Stillwater Challenge—but first you must tell them the correct total of steps on three specific flights.
If the water is calling: A kayaking adventure
What better way to witness the breathtaking cliffs along the St. Croix River than from the vantage point of a canoe or kayak? Minnesota-based Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental or Wisconsin-based Riverwood Canoe and Kayak Rental can set you up with the gear you need. Both offer shuttle services for an easy one-way trip that will take just a few hours and start at the stunning Interstate State Park. Riverwood also offers a summer “Fridays at Five” opportunity for an evening paddle.
