Over three-miles round-trip, this walk will take you through a
variety of timber in this big remnant of the big woods that once
extended throughout southeastern Minnesota. Most noticeable are the
mighty oaks filling the sky with a heavy canopy restricting
satellite reception but providing shelter to many animals and
acorns for the squirrels. Please do not leave any food in
the cache because of the squirrels.
During the early part of the past century, this part of the
woods was divided into woodlots for harvesting by nearby land
owners . Be sure to stop at the visitors' center to view an
excellent diorama on this activity. Mostly it was the softer woods
that were harvested for fuel because they were easy to cut.
However, some of the very hard woods, such as the iron wood, were
valued for their strength and used for tools and implements, such
for handles for axes and hatchets.
No need to bushwhack. Staying on the trails you will be able to
use bridges and avoid the creeks and ravines.