And another better late than never photoblog. While in Minnesota we hiked one of my favorite trails as a kid, Schaar’s Bluff, located within Spring Lake Park Reserve in Hastings. Park of the hiking trail runs along a bluff with views of one of the widest points of the entire Mississippi River. Continue reading
Parks & Zoos
Blue Mounds State Park – November 2016
My better late than never photoblog on Blue Mounds State Park, visited back in November.
Blue Mounds State Park is located in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, near the city of Luverne (hometown of National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg!) A huge feature in the park is a 100 foot Sioux quartzite cliff rising from the open prairie. The cliff appeared blue to settlers going west in the 1860s and 1870s, which is how the park got it’s name.
At the Mound’s southern end is a 1,250 foot line of rocks aligned in a east-west direction. Who built it and why is unknown, but on the first day of spring and fall the sunrise and sunset are lined up on this stone alignment.
There is also a small herd of bison living within the park boundaries. Local rumors say that the Plains Indians used to stampede the bison off of the park’s cliff, though no evidence exists today to prove this claim. Sadly I did not see any of the park’s bison on my visit.
Minnesota Zoo – November 2016
Photos from last month’s trip to the Minnesota Zoo. It was an unusually warm early November day and perfect zoo going weather. Click any image to view larger.
Jewel Cave National Monument – September 2016
Second time walking the Scenic Tour in Jewel Cave. The 723 stairs are quite the work out! Click any image to view larger.
Reptile Gardens – August 2016
Had a great time visiting Reptile Gardens last week. Love their bird show! I was also very lucky and was in the dome as they were feeding the snake collection. After watching the keeper dodge two black mambas as they lunged at him I don’t envy that job at all. That being said, I do have a couple photos of snakes going to town on mice/rats, so if that’s not your thing proceed with caution.
Bear Country USA – August 2016
After driving by Bear Country so many times I finally made it inside. Unfortunately it was in the middle of a warm afternoon so most of the animals were keeping a low profile. At least the badgers and the bear cubs were still very active and were very enjoyable to watch. As always click any image to view larger.
Palisades State Park – June 2016
And one last photoblog from last month’s roadtrip. Palisades State Park in Garretson, South Dakota. Click any image to view larger.
