Twin Cities Hiking Meetup

We will be one group with a moderate pace of about 17 minute miles. We can choose our route once we gather. One option is to walk out and back on the paved trail from the East Beach to the entrance of French Park. The other is to walk on the Luce Line trail to the west beach.

Please join us on Friday, June 20, 2025 for a special hiking event. Instead of hiking our usual hike at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, we are going to hike at William O'Brien State Park.

It will be a moderate paced hike (approx. 16.5 to 17.5 minute miles) for about 2 1/2 hours (approximately 6-7 miles in length), depending on the weather and trail conditions. The route will be mostly grass and wood chip trails.

Following the hike, we will gather for lunch at a Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia, only 8 minutes from the park. Theres is outdoor patio seating, weather permitting.

Meet at 8:10 a.m. at Hyland to carpool. Park in the first parking lot on your right as you enter Hyland's Recreational Area. For those who live on the east or north side of town, we will arrange an "east side" carpool.

For those who wish to drive directly to William O'Brien, please meet us at the Visitor Center by 9:30.

Please indicate in Comments section if you will meet us at Hyland, you will meet us at William O'Brien, or wish to be part of a east side carpool.

Only experienced hikers at this event due to the condition of the trails. We will hike in light rain, but not a thunderstorm. If it looks like bad weather, I'll cancel the hike by 7:00 a.m.

No plus ones, no pets, no kids. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Bring your own water; day packs are recommended.

If your plans have changed and you are unable to attend, please update your RSVP in a timely manner so we are not waiting for you at the start and to allow those on the waitlist to attend.

Questions? Send me a message or post your questions in the comments section after you RSVP.

Hike at your own risk: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.

Hope to see you on the hike!

Please join us for a moderately fast-paced hike on wooded trails, around the ponds and lakes of Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. We will choose a route from several options, ranging from approximately 4.5 to 5.4 miles in length.

For even more fun, consider joining us for an optional post-hike lunch at Ansari Grill, 1960 Rahncliff Ct, Eagan, MN 55122

Wondering about the pace? Typically it's between a 16 and 17-minute mile. If you don't know how fast that is, please assume it's pretty fast. We provide maps for anyone who might fall behind.

Let's meet up outside the Holland Lake Trailhead Pavilion at 9:15 AM. We will make introductions and get going by 9:17.

No dogs, no kids, no plus-ones.

If your plans have changed and you are unable to attend, please be respectful of others and update your RSVP in a timely manner. Do your part to stay off the dreaded "no show" list.

Confirmed hikers: If your plans have changed, please update your RSVP before 7:00 AM Saturday morning so someone on the wait list can attend. If you are wait-listed: Keep an eye open up until 7:00 AM Saturday to see if you made it onto the confirmed list. In the meantime, if your plans have changed, take yourself off the wait list.

Recommended: Dress for the weather. Layers tend to work well. It may be colder as you start out, but you will warm up during the walk. Bring water as you feel necessary.

Questions: Post questions in the comments section after you RSVP.

Important: ### By signing up for this hike, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release Twin Cities Hiking Meetup hikers, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####