By Lianna Matt

In her 23 years as a park naturalist, Kristine Hiller has been at Minnesota’s Jay Cooke State Park for 17 of them. As the state’s seventh largest park, more than 300,000 people visit it year-round with almost 35,000 making overnight camping trips. With the park’s location about 23 miles southwest of Duluth, it’s the perfect highlight for a weekend trip out of the cities or even a Duluth day trip.

If you have your doubts about the two hour drive up, the first impression you get of Jay Cooke will make them go away. Depending on your route, you’ll catch alluring glimpses of the St. Louis River from the road, but when you cross the swinging bridge near the entrance of the park, well … The view will take your breath away.

“You know, the first time I drove in—and I think to a lot of our first time visitors—it’s an unexpected place,” Hiller says. “The river, because of the rapids and the slanted rocks that look so rugged. … People don’t expect to see something like that in Minnesota. There is also lots of terrain, and we think of Minnesota as being a flat state.”

As the St. Louis swirls over hidden and unhidden rocks, its liquid glass surface wrinkles and flows in between a valley of flat, slanted slate and greywacke rocks that are all tilted toward the sky. While the rocks are not technically on the trail, when you’re near the swinging bridge, you’ll always find a few hikers making their way carefully among the flatter rocks to get closer to the water.

Here are some of Hiller’s insider tips from almost two decades at the 8,938-acre state park:

For Hiking:

“Everybody comes to the swinging bridge; that is our landmark feature,” says Hiller. “Either way that you go from the bridge—you can be on the north side or the south side across the river—and there’s at least 25 miles of trails to choose from on either side.”

For an easier trail, Hiller recommends the 1.8 miles along the CCC Trail. For about half of the hike, you follow the river and catch beautiful glimpses of it through the park’s foliage, and the rest of the path is underneath the forest canopy.

The Carlton Trail Trip is a favorite of visitors who want more of an intermediate to advanced hike. Beautiful views of the river, hills, roots, the occasional mud puddle and even some places where you may need to cling to a rock or to make this trail a true adventure through the park. The 5-mile trail branches out so hikers can take easier trails through a pioneer cemetery and shaded forest on the return route.

Horseback riding and mountain biking are also common ways to explore the park, and in the the winter, people often bring out the cross country skis, snow shoes and fat bikes.

For Wildlife:

Jay Cooke State Park has more than 45 animal species wandering around, including black bears, timber wolves and coyotes. If you’re walking the more populated trails in the summer, you probably won’t see any of these magnificent creatures, but you will see some adorable red squirrels and chipmunks. In general, diurnal animals tend to be more active in the morning or in the early evening when it’s cool out to avoid the summer heat.

Birding is best done in May through the first week of July. Hiller usually sends people up the paved Forbray Trail that’s connected to the main parking lot; there, she can pick out 25-30 different bird species—a lot of warblers, apparently—from just that one spot.

While some animals hibernate in the winter, there is still plenty of activity on the parkland, even if the blanket of snow muffles it. You’re more likely to run into foxes or bobcats on the trail, says Hiller, because they, like you, want the path of least resistance, and the flat, groomed paths seem easier than traipsing through the snow. You can also see the otters.

In the summer, otters have full run of the river, slipping in and out of it as they please. When the winter hits, though, parts of the river freezes up, creating specific pockets of rushing open water that limits the otters’ normal freedom. “A lot of time just before the bridge, we’ll see their tracks and we’ll see them sliding down the rocks,” Hiller says.

For Wildflowers:

Springtime is the best for wildflowers, and Hiller would send you straight to the West Ridge Trail. After an initial hill, the 1.8-mile trail is easy walking, and in the spring, naturalists frequently lead guided wildflower walks along it. Wildflowers are one of Hiller’s favorite parts about nature, and she loves the variety that Jay Cooke has. Although she can’t single out just one species, she does love spotting the first hepatica for the season—seeing the small plant poke its lobed leaves and miniature lavender, pink and white flowers always means that winter is ending.

For New Experiences:

Jay Cooke State Park’s naturalists offer programming year round for all ages and groups. Simply visit their online calendar for the most up to date information on events like geocaching how-to’s, guided walks, fishing excursions and interactive teachings about animals, astronomy and more. They’re great ways to learn more about the outdoors, and with the naturalists’ knowledge, you’ll find new things to discover at Jay Cooke each and every time.

To be fair to Mother Nature, even without the naturalists’ healthy list of events, repeat visitors always love going to Jay Cooke. The park is eternally changing and showing new parts of itself, and this fall people will be able to see all of it once again.

Since 2012, half of the roads in the park have been more difficult to reach because of flooding damage. In October, the road is opening up again, and Hiller couldn’t be more excited. “It’s what I like about the park—if you visit one side, it looks one way. If you visit the other side, it’s a very different look just because of how big the park is.”

By Claire Noack

Como Regional Park, otherwise known as Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, is an urban outdoor haven for St. Paul residents and visitors. This 450-acre public space includes a zoo, kids’ amusement park, lake, golf course, garden, pool, athletic fields and several picnic pavilions. And to top it all off, many of these amenities are free and open year round. What more could you ask for in one park?

Park & Pool

With a wide array of activities and facilities at Como Regional Park, it’s easy to spend a whole day experiencing all that the park has to offer. From the two miles of paved walking and biking trails to softball, baseball and soccer fields at the McMurray Athletic Complex, there are plenty of ways to stay active and play this summer. Prime picnic spots can also be found throughout the park with grills, fire pits, picnic pavilions and a large playground for visitors to use as they please.

Como Park’s latest addition, a community pool, is sure to make a splash this summer. The Como Regional Park Pool features lap swimming, an aquatic zip line and climbing wall, 400-foot lazy river, water aerobics, swimming lessons, and much more. Opening June 10, community members and visitors of all ages can have fun cooling off at St. Paul’s newest outdoor aquatics park. For more information on admission prices and hours, check the pool’s website.

Zoo & Gardens

Visit the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to watch exotic wildlife and explore beautiful gardens. From tigers and giraffes to gorillas and polar bears, visitors can see all walks of life at the zoo. And the numerous gardens in the conservatory include everything from tropical plants and seasonal flowers to a collection of bonsai trees and pools of water lilies. Both the zoo and gardens are free with a suggested donation to keep the exhibits up and running.

More Family-friendly Amenities

And the fun doesn’t end there! There are still many other features at Como Regional Park to take advantage of, including an 18-hole golf course, a lake complete with a fishing pier and paddleboat rentals, a historic carousel and miniature golf. For more family fun, head to Como Town, located next to the zoo entrance. With more than 18 amusement park rides and attractions, kids and adults alike will revel in delight. And when all that excitement tires you out, head to Como Dockside, a restaurant and event space, that serves up southern-inspired cuisine on the shores of Como Lake.

As if things could get any better, the park also hosts free, live music series with Music at the Parks at Como Dockside and Groovin’ in the Garden in the Enchanted Garden. More information on concerts and events can be found on the St. Paul parks’ website. If it were up to us, we’d be hanging out at Como Regional Park all summer long.

Located in the east metro, this is a popular fishing lake with plenty of Largemouth Bass, Walleye and Muskie. While there is no public shore fishing on the lake, four slips make boat access a breeze.

Though the lake is known for being a recreational hot spot, it is also a great shore fishing spot, especially when walleye is on the menu.

In a serene rural setting, this body of water attracts anglers of all skill levels. The 800-some-acre lake is known for being more peaceful than other area fishing spots.

Many lakes in the Twin Cities have public access slips where you can easily launch your boat and get out on the water for a day of fishing.

Located west of Minneapolis, Lake Independence is a sizable body of water set in idyllic countryside. Part of Baker Park Reserve, it is the perfect destination for a day on the water. Launch your boat at the public access located in the reserve and have fun exploring the different fishing spots on the lake—rumor has it this is one of the best lakes for walleye fishing.

Another lake in the area that you’ll want to drop a line in is Hyland Lake, located in Bloomington’s beautiful Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Abundant with black crappie and bluegill, the lake has a paved boat launch on the northwest corner, making it easy to set sail on a day of fishing. On the eastern edge of the park is Bush Lake, which also has public boat access. Cast your line for muskie, walleye, northern pike and more blue-ribbon-deserving fish.

Head east to the suburb of Lake Elmo (located near Stillwater) for a day of fishing on the eponymous body of water. If you’re looking to catch some northern pike, this is the place to go. There is a public boat access located within Lake Elmo Park Reserve, making it quick and convenient to drop your vessel in the water.

Lake Rebecca is another fishing destination in the east metro that you’ll want to check out. Located adjacent to the Mississippi River in Hastings, this narrow lake is stocked with many fish commonly associated with the river because of past floods. So in addition to northern pike, bass and crappie, you might catch a number of channel species. Lake Rebecca’s entire shoreline is open to the public, and anglers enjoy a convenient boat launch located on the southern tip in Lake Rebecca Park. Water restrictions on the lake limit boat use to electric motors only, however.

Located in the northern suburb of Blaine is a small, peaceful fishing lake with abundant crappie, northern pike and bluegill. Cast off the pier at Lochness Lake, and while you’re at it, enjoy the walking path that surrounds this 16-acre lake.

Fishing off the dock doesn’t only yield small prizes. While dock fishing is a fun activity for smaller children, there’s a good chance more serious anglers might reel in largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and even channel catfish on several area lakes—yes, even in shallow water.

From a bird’s eye view, Lake Minnetonka looks like many smaller bodies of water. In fact, it is one lake that covers about 22 square miles in the western suburb of Wayzata. Come for the fishing and stay for the shopping and dining in downtown Wayzata, a quaint stretch of unique storefronts and restaurants.

Lake Nokomis in south Minneapolis is another dock fishing hot spot, especially when it comes to reeling in walleye. Water access is easy since the entire shoreline is publicly owned, and the walleye reportedly bite the most around dusk. Additionally, piers on nearby Lakes Harriet and Calhoun provide access to deeper water where walleye tend to gather.

Part of St. Paul’s Como Park, Como Lake is a 70-acre body of water with pier access to cast your line in the water. With catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, northern pike and bluegill in abundance, this is a great lake to catch a variety of fish. Plus, its location in Como Park gives it a serene natural backdrop to enjoy.

Head south to Burnsville to fish Crystal Lake. While anglers report catching mostly bass on this lake, it has a variety of fish, including northern pike, bluegill, crappie and muskie (though few are of legal size). Enjoy miles of public shore access and dropping your line in from the public pier located on the lake’s northern shore.

Looking for a place to practice your 10 o’clock cast? The Twin Cities have plenty of lakes and rivers that are perfect destinations for fly-fishing.

North of the metro in Anoka, anglers often reel in Smallmouth Bass and Walleye off the Mississippi River. Move closer to St. Paul and cast into that same river and you might even catch a Muskie. Head east to the St. Croix River near Stillwater to catch Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and White Bass.

Lakes to check out for fly-fishing include the massive Lake Waconia, located on the western edge of the metro, Medicine and Parkers Lakes in Plymouth, and Snelling Lake in Bloomington.

There are also several trout streams in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has comprehensive guides for trout angling in the area. So tie your fly and enjoy a day gone fishin’.