South Central Minnesota has rolling hills, lakes, and a mix of prairie and deciduous forests. This park is at the Southeast edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. I imagine it is a big deal to the people that live there whether or not this park is labeled as Metro Area or SE Minnesota. If you have a strong feeling on this, please comment!
An errand in Waconia meant that I drove past the DQ in Victoria. That is where you turn north off Hwy 5 to go to this place full of well maintained trails through woods and marsh.
Nice mix of shade and sun 
The sign said “lookout”. It was a small hill. 
Someone put a lot of work into this guardrail at the lookout. 
Very well maintained bike path that is separate from the walking trails. Love that! 
In the 2000’s I painted lots of pictures of this plant. It also grew at the pond where I grew up.
It is pleasant to happen upon a wetland after exploring the forest. 
Late summer means algae. 
This is new…. 
I am glad I voted for the Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment in Minnesota. Does anyone remember what year that was?
A nice place to sit and paint. 
I was glad to see this. 
Wide flat easy to walk hard packed earth trail. Shady. 
Baby Maples. 
Biodiversity. 
Miles of the types of trails I love.
I followed a narrow dirt trail to a lovely shaded spot. An Idyllic scene. 
I saw plums on the ground, so… 
I looked up and there they were. 
This park has nice benches. 
Another great place to sit and paint. 
Variety of grassy mowed paths and dirt trails.
I am late in publishing this. A post every Wednesday at 7:00AM U.S. Central Time is the goal I have set for myself. It is good to have goals. It is good to be kind to yourself when you fall short. I think I have typed those exact words many times. Here is another opportunity to help someone else hear them.
Paint and Hike 