Sat AM Hike – Fort Ridgely State Park-Fairfax + Festival Food Trucks

Let’s meet up for a 6-7 mile hike to enjoy the summer wildflowers while exploring the historical sites at Fort Ridgely State Park!
Following the hike(optional), join us for lunch/refreshments along the route back to the Twin Cities at the Hector Corn Chaff Days, 420 Main St S, Hector, MN 55343. They will have food trucks in Hector City Park; including authentic Mexican food from Taqueria Del Buen Pastor, pulled pork, a variety of beverages and other treats. There may also be live music while we are there: http://www.andyaustin.net
Thanks, hiker Ben, for your recommendations in this neck of the prairie!

Fort Ridgely was built in 1853 as a garrison on the Minnesota frontier, as pioneers were settling lands purchased by the government from the Dakota Indians. In 1862, some of the Dakota, frustrated by government injustices, a crop failure and late payment for their land, waged war in a futile attempt to drive the settlers out of their traditional lands. One of the major battles of this six-week war was fought at Fort Ridgely.

Today, Fort Ridgely is known for its peaceful solitude with its scenic rolling hills, restored prairie and native oak savannah along the bluffs overlooking the Minnesota River. In the summer, the park is a great place to find a wide variety of prairie wildflowers and grasses, along with the butterflies and other pollinators that enjoy them.

THE HIKE: We will hike approximately 7-7.5 miles at a medium pace (18-20 minute miles) over 2.5-3 hours, through a variety of landscapes including wetlands, oak savannah and rolling prairie. We will stop a few times to enjoy the scenery and observe the historical sites. All of the trails will be non-paved trails with uneven terrain that varies with turf/tall vegetation, ruts, rocks, roots, gravel, sand, mud and dirt. Our route includes many rolling hills. We will be hiking a combination of hiking and wide multi-use trails, so we may see and pass some horses.

Protective clothing or DEET bug spray should be considered for potential ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs that are active at this time of year. You may want to bring a bug headnet along, just in case. Sunscreen and/or protective clothing are also recommended – some sections of the trail are out in the open with few trees for shade.
Modern bathrooms are available at the trailhead with a couple of pit toilets along the trail.

A water spigot on the front of the ranger station/park office is available for filling bottles, as well as a couple of sources along the trail.

PARKING: Each car will need a state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.
CARPOOLS: Contact one another directly or post a carpool meeting time and place in the Comment section of this event page. Remember to coordinate whether you will stop at Taqueria Del Buen Pastor after the hike.

Sorry, no pets, +1s or children allowed on this hike.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, even if you are on the Waitlist.

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.

Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup)

We will meet in front of the Chalet/Trail Center. Take a right at the ranger station/park office, then a left into the Chalet/Trail Center parking lot.
I look forward to seeing you there!