Tuesday, April 16, 2013

MINNEHAHA FALLS.

If there's one thing our family likes to do together, it's to get out and explore. Preferably with a hike involved. We're still swallowed whole by winter here in good ol' Minnesota, but that didn't stop us from going on an adventure.


A few weeks ago we couldn't stand being cooped up anymore, so we bundled the kids up and went for a short hike at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. We hiked down to the waterfall, which happened to be frozen, and Doodey fell in love. He hasn't stopped talking about that mind blowing waterfall for going on four weeks now. We thought it would be fun to make it our goal this summer to find as many waterfalls as we can.

While summer hardly seems on the horizon, we've gotten a jump start on that goal. Last weekend we headed downtown and took the kids to Minnehaha Falls. It was a gloomy, chilly, April day, but that didn't slow us down.




Naturally, the kids were ecstatic to be out in the fresh air. As were we.

Who knew sewer drains were so fascinating?!



While the stairs down to a closer look at the falls were roped off due to ice, we managed to find a walking path and make our way down there anyhow.


It lead us to many pretty sights along the way. And also many treasures for the kids to find, like soggy leaves and muddy sticks. Perfect.





The hike was totally worth it. Even without the green scenery, it was still beautiful.

 
 
Back at the top, we enjoyed our first picnic lunch of the season. We would have loved to stay and explore longer, but our meter had run out and we had no more change. Boo. Note to self: always bring ample amount of change when heading into the city.
 
 

 
Since we were already a little chilled, we decided we'd top ourselves off with some ice cream. We found a quaint little joint called Snuffy's Malt Shop. It was fun.
 


 
We're making good headway on our waterfall quest. Know of any more in Minnesota? Obviously there's plenty, but we would love suggestions!
 
Have you made any summer plans yet? What quests are you setting out to conquer?

4 comments:

  1. I LOVE Snuffy's! Good for you guys for braving this "spring" we are having!

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  2. Nerstrand?? Do you guys do bologna days?!

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  3. Good morning! So I had to write and tell you about my secret love for Minnehaha Falls : ). In the summer it is one of our favorite places to go! Great place to people watch with littles, and during the week when it is less busy we bring their tricycle and bike. Plus the little Restaurant (where you ate your picnic) Sea Salt has great seafood and Yummy Icecream!! We also walk down that path you guys did at the bottom and swim/wade their. But one of my favorite places their is a wading pool they have at the 'top' of the hill closer to the MN VA. It is never busy!!! All enclosed. Park next to it. And on the weekend there is always a wedding or party playing music....our littles love it : ). Thank you so much for showing pictures and telling stories of life now with 3. We have a 3 & 4 1/2 year old and expecting our third in August. Plus those pictures were amazing. I might have to use her for ours : ). Happy Friday!!

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