Where2Next

At the end of August, we finished camp hosting duties at Glacial Lakes State Park just outside Starbuck, Minnesota.   This was our first time being hosts and we chose a remote state park for our first adventure into hosting to see what was involved; better to be underwhelmed than overwhelmed.  We also chose Minnesota, hoping it would be one of the coolest places in the U.S. for the months of July and August.  For the most part, it was.  It was a short stint; just under 5 weeks long. We thought there wouldn’t be much to do in this area of Minnesota but we were wrong.  Glacial Lakes State Park is one of the nicest and cleanest state parks where we have camped.  There are several camping areas in the park: they have several cute cabins; the 28 (give or take) electric sites do not have sewer or water hookups but there are several places to get water and there is a dump station on site; a horse camp and trails are on the other side of the lake; and they also have backpack camping where you walk in. The electric and primitive sites are closed in the winter but the other side is open year round for snow activities. We were only responsible for the electric and primitive areas.

Rolling hills (everything was so green) make up the landscape; with walking trails; canoe, kayak and floatation device rentals; fishing piers; beach and picnic areas.  There is even a paved walking path (5 miles long) that leads to the town of Starbuck.  We made it a weekly goal to walk that path with increasing distances.  We almost reached our goal of walking there and back (a total of 10 miles) but either the heat or the rain prevented us from our goal.  It rained more often than you’d think – no wonder so many lakes and so green.  Our longest walk was 8 miles (4 miles one way and back).  It was a good workout up and down the hilly path. 

Our time there developed a pattern so we could time our escapes to explore the surrounding areas.  After checkout time, we walked the campground and inspected each vacant site picking up any garbage people make have left behind; several times per day we checked the bathrooms to make sure there were plenty of supplies.  We were available to campers during check in times in case anyone needed assistance.  The only incident we had was once when one of the shower drains was clogged and it flooded the bathroom.  The rangers on duty took care of it right away.  Speaking of the rangers, they were all pleasant and helpful. Our busiest days were the weekends of course, so we explored the area midweek.

Nearby are a ton of other lakes and small communities with local activities, restaurants, wineries, and creamery.  All the nearby towns had weekly farmers markets, nice lakes and beaches, bird sanctuaries, festivals, and lots of farmland.  Some of our discoveries are listed below:

Rolling Fork Winery * The was an early discovery for us.  We saw a sign on the roadway and checked it out for lunch. To our surprise it was as nice as could be with beautiful grounds and views.  We did a tasting and had a charcuterie plate.  We liked most of the wines and the cheese was awesome. We were delighted to learn the cheese was from a local farm – the Redhead Creamery.

Redhead Creamery * This wonderful place is a family-owned farm offering tours, tastings, and a shop for its artisan-style cheese.  The dairy farm tour takes you on a journey from when their farm was homesteaded to the crops they grow, calves they raise, cows they milk, cheese they make, and spirits they distill.  The Cheese Shop and kitchen are open for lunch and shopping.  We had lunch and bought too much cheese.  They are all delicious. 

Dragonboat Festival    * 400-meter dragon boat race on the shores of Lake Minnewaska.  Teams of 14-20 compete against each other to raise money for their charity.  There are food vendors and sponsors set up in tents in the city park.  It’s a party.  It’s a Viking thing.  It was fun to hang with the community at the waters edge.

Shirley’s Treats & Eats * Casual shop for dipped cones and sundaes.  Great sloppy joes and pulled pork sandwiches in an old fashioned venue in Starbuck, Minnesota.

Boot Hill * There is a collection of nearly 70, mostly cowboy boots, on metal posts along Highway 29 between Glenwood and Starbuck, Minnesota.  The display started with the Blair family; Ted Blair would post his worn out boots on the edge of his field.  After he passed, the family added to it as well. It’s become a landmark to honor people who have passed. While it started with one family, it has since become a community effort with people contributing their own boots to the collection.   One of those quickly landmarks you see while traveling the roads of America.

Pope County Fair * An Ag Society event with lots of 4H livestock shows.  We saw the biggest chicken ever.  Not your typical state fair –  no midway rides but lots of things for the kiddies.  We had a beer and played bingo with the locals.

Now we prepare for our annual overseas trip. This year we will be spending our first month in Italy and we will be accompanied by friends from Winnsboro, Texas and from the Chicagoland area. Look for our upcoming stories and in the meantime keep moving friends.