This month, people up and down the St. Croix Valley are coming together around the novel Love Medicine by Minnesota author Louise Erdrich. It’s part of the Big Read in the St. Croix Valley, presented by ArtReach St. Croix, which includes “a variety of literary, visual and performing arts opportunities centered on the themes found in Love Medicine.”

One of those themes is the restorative power of nature. To bring the idea to life, naturalists are leading hikes the next three Sundays at parks throughout the St. Croix Valley. The outings promise to connect hikers with the valley’s land, sky and waters.

Numerous other events are taking place all month long, throughout the lower St. Croix Valley. Visit St. Croix Splash for the full listing.

The hikes are free and open to the public, with no reservation required (Interstate State Park requires an entry permit).

Hike Details:

Interstate Park-Wisconsin
April 12, 1 – 3 p.m.
State Highway 35, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 

Look for signs of spring as you experience the geologic evidence of nature’s power and hike along Interstate Park’s scenic bluff trails overlooking the St. Croix River.WI State Park parking permit required.

Carpenter Nature Center
April 19, 1 – 3 p.m.
12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033 

Look for signs of spring as you explore humans’ impact on the environment in Carpenter Nature Center’s three distinct biomes – the forest, the orchard and the restored prairie.

Warner Nature Center
April 26, 1 – 3 p.m.
15375 Norell Ave N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Look for signs of spring as you learn about the importance of the relationship between people and the natural world and how respect for nature is essential to the survival of native wildlife and diverse habitats like forests, ponds and prairies.

Republish