We’ve started our summer camping a little late this year beginning at Rock Cut State Park in Love’s Park Illinois July 11-15, followed by East Arbutus Campground near Black River Falls, WI and we just left Sauk River Park in the city park of Melrose, Minnesota. Melrose is a gem of a city with a population of 3500 (give or take) that reminds me of a Midwest version of Winnsboro, Texas. There was Martinez Meat & Grocery with a little eatery in the back (La Conchita), JD’s Taphouse (Barrel House) Melrose Meat Market (Alexander’s) Unique Boutique (Scott’s Pharmacy Gift Store), Some Like it Hot, a cute coffee shop that also serves sandwiches and beer/wine where groups of ladies meet and hangout, and Proliant Dairy Ingredients (Kellers Creamery).
The park itself is very well kept with walk ways throughout acres of manicured green grounds. There is a pavilion with kitchen, basketball court, baseball diamonds, soccer field, pickle ball court, cement corn hole (bring your own bags), several playgrounds with slides, play equipment, and a zip line. There are 15 reservable sites with electricity and water hook ups, picnic tables, fire ring, nice bathhouse with modern clean shower (one per men and women’s bath house). I believe there are also 3 or 4 sites that are first come first serve. The Sauk River runs by the campsites and has a few spots for fishing or watching turtles bask in the sun. Across the road is a dam and a walkway path that leads to Melrose Lake and a small fishing pier. Running right through town is part of the Lake Wobegon Trail. We walked 4 miles one way and on a separate day, 4 miles the other way all in preparation of our fall trip to Europe.
Now we are off to Glacier Lakes State Park in Starbuck, Minnesota (unfortunately no Starbucks here). We will be camping at Glacier until August 25 where we will be camp hosts for the first time. Looking forward to this new experience. Keep moving friends.
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