News Release Autumn Events at Shingobee Hills by: Mary Nordeen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Autumn Events at Shingobee Hills
WALKER, Minn. (Sept. 24, 2019) –Shingobee Hills Recreation Area on the Chippewa National Forest is known for spectacular fall color and great hiking. This fall, it is also the site for some great family events. Mark your calendar for National Public Lands Day on Sept. 28 and Howl-O-Ween, set for Oct. 25.
National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. Each year, volunteers come together to assist with various projects designed to restore and enhance public parks, forests, waterways and more. Visitors can join Forest staff at Shingobee Hills chalet Saturday, Sept.28 from 10 a.m. to noon for a fall hike along the Shingobee trail. Together, the group will hike to Recreation Lake and down to the Shingobee River to take in the fall color, replace trail maps and survey trail conditions. The hike will be approximately 4 miles.
Visitors should bring standard hiking gear. The signing project will not require any special safety gear for visitors. The hike will focus on getting outdoors and enjoying the fall colors. Budding photographers are encouraged to bring cameras to get photos of the trail for the Forest photo files!
Not interested in the hike, but would still like to enjoy the fall colors? The historic Shingobee chalet will be open from 10-Noon Sept. 28. Stop in for some hot cider and learn a bit about the history of Shingobee Hills! This event may be canceled in case of rain, please check the Forest Facebook or Twitter if weather is questionable.
Family Friendly Halloween!
Forest visitors are invited to join the Chippewa National Forest 11th annual Howl-O-Ween Scavenger Hunt at Shingobee Hills near Walker on Oct.25. This family-friendly nighttime event is scheduled from 6–8 p.m.
Forest employees will be on hand to help visitors celebrate National Bat Week and complete a scavenger hunt along the short trail at the base of the popular Shingobee sledding hill. Visitors can park at the top of the hill and either hike down the sledding hill or take a marked trail to the historic Shingobee chalet.
Once at the chalet, families can pick up their scavenger hunt cards and follow a ¼ mile pumpkin-lantern trail down the hill to find six bat trivia stations along with a number of familiar night critters hidden along the way. Back at the chalet, everyone can warm up with hot chocolate or roast a marshmallow over the campfire.
Kids are encouraged to wear wildlife costumes, especially bat costumes to celebrate National Bat Week! Visitors should bring warm clothes and a flashlight along to hike the trail to the chalet. In case of bad weather, the event will be rescheduled for Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.
Autumn is the best season to explore the trails on the Chippewa National Forest. Shingobee Hills is located 6 miles south of Walker off Highway 34. Watch for signs at the Shingobee Hills Recreation Area. For more information, call the Walker Ranger District at 218-547-1044.
