Special Friday Morning Hike William O'Brien State Park-Meet at Hyland to Carpool
Details
Please join us on Friday, September 18, 2026 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 moderately fast-paced hike (approx. 15.5 to 17 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. This is not a hike for beginners. Hikers must be able to keep up with the group.
Following the hike, we will gather for lunch at a Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia, only 8 minutes from the park. There is outdoor patio seating, weather permitting.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Hyland to carpool. Park in the first parking lot on your right as you enter Hyland's Recreational Area. We may arrange an "east side" carpool if enough hikers sign up from the east side of the metro area.
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!