Temporary closure at Veterans Memorial Walking Trail
While no one has that sought-after crystal ball when it comes to weather, a recently overheard comment about the upcoming few weeks was inspiring. “Perfection in weather is ahead!”
If sauntering through the woodlands and wetlands along Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association’s Veterans Memorial Walking Trail has been on your summer to-do list, but you’ve been waiting for perfect weather, your moment is at hand!
On a recent visit to the Veterans Memorial Walking Trail site on Crow Wing County Road 16, former DNR forester, Keith Simar commented, “The high water has stimulated some beautiful flowering plants along the boardwalk. That trail is a gem!”
It’s kept in gem-condition through the maintenance work done by Dave Badger and his crew from the Pequot Lakes SAL. They gather their working tools every spring, group up at the site and work as though they were throw-backs from Paul Bunyan’s logging camp crew! Thanks to their annual attention and funding support, the trails, wetlands walk and footbridge stay attractive and safe.
Other various site-care tasks are handled by DNR, Crow Wing County and Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association volunteers, as well as others who offer to lend a hand to keep Veterans Trail squarely in the ‘gem’ category.
If you’re dreaming of feeling like a million bucks, spend a beautiful summer day strolling through the Veterans Memorial Walking Trail. Read the interpretive panels along the Wetlands Walk. Step foot onto the island loop and imagine Zebulon Pike’s exploratory party camped where you’re standing. Stand on the walking bridge across Hay Creek and watch the flow from Upper Hay to Lower Hay. It’s easy to see why this was an important part of early travel routes for both native Americans and explorers. Pack a lunch and let your dream-come-true day unfold at its own pace. Enjoy the Veterans Trail today, while there’s still “perfection in weather”!