Last fall I started--or meant to, anyway--an occasional series called Better Know a State Park. With the recent news of possibly enormous budget cuts facing our state parks, it seemed like an excellent time to revive it. It would be devastating to lose any of these wonderful parks.
And for the record, no, I don't believe we should finance a Vikings stadium while at the same time talking about mothballing up to 10 parks. There. I said it.
During last week's saber-rattling, ominous predictions of which parks might get shut down included one of the state's most iconic parks: Itasca State Park, home to the Mississippi Headwaters. Somehow I have a hard time seeing the decision made to shut down that popular (and gorgeous) park, although it would make quite a statement. I suspect that some of the smaller parks would pay the price instead.
Such as John A. Latsch State Park north of Winona. At only 450 acres, it's tiny. But the small tract of land donated by the local businessman by that name has amazing views--if you can get up the so-called hiking trail.
Half a mile straight up to the top of Charity Bluff. There is much huffing and puffing to be done if you want to reach the top.
Which is worth doing.
The views of the Mississippi River and Highway 61 are far-reaching.
And beautiful. Sure, you'll be tired when you get to the top. But that's OK, because you'll want to pause for a while, take in your surroundings (and your accomplishment). And you know, it is easier on the way back down.
It'd be a shame to lose it.
Parks always get threatened, it seems. Be loud, the parks there are beautiful and would certainly be a reason why we would visit!
Posted by: kate | April 05, 2011 at 11:44 AM
I'm SO glad you said it. More people should be saying it!
Posted by: Miss T | April 05, 2011 at 11:54 AM
We do have fabulous parks. There was another proposal, which I think and hope was defeated, to allow logging in some parks. Argh!
Posted by: Amy Rea | April 05, 2011 at 03:26 PM
Have you priced a trip to any professional athletic event lately? Buy 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas and maybe a couple of beers, parking, etc., and soon you realize you need to win the lottery before you can attend. The price of a trip to the park, even one that charges a nominal entry fee, looks much more appealing. I hate to think of what we're willing to let go in such dire economic times.
I would love to hike to Charity Bluff for that view. Gorgeous!
Posted by: rudee | April 06, 2011 at 08:41 AM
Exactly, Rudee! Pro sports games are beaucoup bucks. Hey, you need to come to MN and I will take you hiking!
Posted by: Amy Rea | April 06, 2011 at 01:55 PM
I agree with you 100 percent. Taxpayers should not finance a Vikings' stadium. Let the owners pay for it.
Any talk of closing Itasca seems like grandstanding more than anything. An absurd idea.
As for the small park you featured on your post, I have an image of that hanging in my office. My oldest, who attended Winona State University, photographed those same steps and worked them into a four-season photo collage. This was a gift to me and every time I look at her photos I am reminded of the natural beauty of our state.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images.
Posted by: Audrey Kletscher Helbling | April 08, 2011 at 08:23 AM
I agree about the grandstanding, Audrey. Itasca is too big a draw, too big an icon, to shut down. It's the little parks that will be in danger, and that makes me sad--they're beautiful too.
Posted by: Amy Rea | April 08, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Oh my...looks like another park I need to add to my list (and fast). Great post!
Posted by: Emily | April 08, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Thanks, Emily. Yes, do go to Latsch. Well worth a visit. And only a day trip from the Twin Cities!
Posted by: Amy Rea | April 08, 2011 at 07:39 PM