Active Outdoors-Duluth/Superior

Come enjoy the North Country Scenic Trail in the Bird Sanctuary near the summer solstice during one of the longest days of the summer. The picture was taken by Al Decker on a previous solstice hike. The bird sanctuary is a pine barrens habitat consisting of brush prairie, warm season grasslands, small seepage lakes and wetlands woven in a mosaic across rolling topography (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/douglas). This hike is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary.

Your hike leader is Carrie, a member of the Brule-St. Croix Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. We will meet at the Bird Road Trailhead. The group will hike out about 1.5 miles toward the Hwy 53 trailhead and return to the Bird Road Trailhead for about a 3.0-mile hike. Please bring trekking poles, water, a snack, bug spray, small flashlight or headlamp, i.e. whatever you need to enjoy the hike.

Work to replace the Baptism River pedestrian bridge has begun at Tettegouche State Park. This high-traffic bridge has faced major challenges in recent years, suffering damage during severe flooding events in both May 2022 and June 2024. The most recent flood caused the bridge to fully detach. Now, after years of planning, a new, more resilient bridge is set to be installed, ensuring safe passage for visitors for years to come.
Crews began working on a temporary access trail in late February and will start bridge construction this summer. The new bridge will be made from Reinforced Fiberglass Polymer, a durable material designed to better withstand the elements and future flooding events. While the final completion date is set for late November 2025, crews are hopeful that most of the work will be completed by fall if everything goes according to plan.
Heads up to visitors this spring and summer:
To accommodate construction, the High Falls trailhead parking lot, Nature Play Area, and Group Camp sites at Tettegouche State Park will be closed as they will serve as staging areas for contractors. Additionally, multiple hiking trails on the west side of the river will be closed. Visitors should review the park's website and visitor alerts before exploring for more closure information. Hikers on the Superior Hiking Trail will also experience a slight reroute to ensure safety and minimize interactions with construction equipment. Thanks for your patience and understanding as this vital connection is rebuilt. Once complete, the new bridge will once again provide a scenic and safe way to explore one of Tettegouche State Park’s most beloved areas.
SOURCE: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDNR/bulletins/3d382b3