2020 09 20 - State Park, Great River Bluffs

If you haven't been to a MN state park, most parks have these signs on the main paths at each junction. There used to be paper maps at the front gate, but we haven't checked for a while so I am not sure if they are still available.

This morning we slept in, ate breakfast late and left the motel even later.

We arrived at the park after 11 AM and there were only two parking spots left where we parked.

Today we walked out to the King's Bluff Overlook. By the looks of the map it is about 2-1/2 miles round trip. The 1st part of the walk is very level, wide enough for a four wheeler and mostly in the pine trees.

After we get to the end of the pines, there are four paths that come together. From that point until the overlook the path changes. In most places the path is wide enough to walk side by side, but lots of roots and rocks sticking out of the ground. We spent most of the time looking at the ground instead of the scenery and still almost tripping a few times. Also some ups and downs on this leg.

At the overlook. For me it was a let down. Long walk and this is it? We do a lot of walking for the sake of walking. And for the sake of walking this wasn't a bad walk. Just don't expect a life changing view when you get to the end.

We did see quite a few people. It is the weekend and it is beautiful weather. The walk took about one hour.

Then as usual, we drove through the rest of the park. Very few people camping. We had gone past 20 empty campsites before we saw anyone. We were thinking that this location was closed for camping already. No, it is just Sunday, after noon and most everyone has checked out and gone home.

We did find a toilet so we parked in the guest area of the campgrounds. At this park we did not go and look at the picnic are.

This view was taken from the roadway, from the van, between where we hiked and the campground. A much better view than King's Overlook. There are paths in this area also and we saw a few people making use of them.

At this point we decide to drive to a cemetery about 5-10 minutes away. As we pull in, we can see the grave marker I am looking for from the car, two rows in. So my wife does not get out of the car and my walk there is only a minute or two.

Now it is well after noon, we haven't eaten and we have two plus hours home. It looks like only one park and one cemetery today.