day hike!
🍬 williams nature center!
sometimes snacks just taste better in the frozen winter woods. on february 7th southern minnesota guy & i tested that theory at a park we hadn’t visited in a decade, just outside of mankato, minnesota — traditional territory of the Wahpeton, Wahpekute, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ nations.
williams nature center is a blue earth county park, nestled above the confluence of the minnesota river and minneopa creek valleys, adjacent to the portion of minneopa state park that contains the campground and bison herd.
it’s in a bit of a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it location, but a stop at this small park is worth your while — you’ll be greeted by a scenic paved trail through beautiful forest, two observation platforms with gorgeous views of the valley below, and an interpretive center. oh, and there are plenty of benches for snack breaks. :)
my trail name’s mythic and in 2026 i’m continuing my multi-year thru-hike (m.y.t.h.) of the pacific crest trail. as i prepare to return to the pct (and hopefully tackle other section- and thru-hikes in the future), i'm going on day hikes to help keep in trail shape!
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