The Sandstone Ice Park
The Sandstone Ice Park is a partnership between the city of Sandstone, MN and The Minnesota Climbers Association
The Sandstone Ice Park is located in the city-owned Robinson Park in Sandstone, MN
Ice Farming became official in 2010 when the city installed a water source a few hundred feet from the cliff edge. The MCA requested this at a city council meeting and the city covered the initial investment of $3000. The MCA has purchased and coordinated efforts to install and maintain the pipe and shower head infrastructure of The Ice Park. Covert and stealth ice farming was taking place as early as 2004.
All maintenance and upkeep of the ice farming effort is conducted by a dedicated crew of creative and resourceful volunteers. A labor of love, for the joy of Winter climbing.
The Ice Park typically sees climbable ice from late December to early March.
The Ice Park is free and open to the public. All climbing is at your own risk. You are responsible for yourself.
Cliff-top access is available via a short hike.
Top-rope anchors can be set using trees and bolts.
Link to the vertical rink.
The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails
I’ve been driving through Crosby, Minnesota most of my life. The route to our family cabin takes us through this vintage Iron Range town.
The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails are 30 miles of Red Gold that twist their way thru the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, the towns of Crosby, Ironton, Cuyuna and Rivertown. With dozens of purpose-built trails to choose from, everyone from beginner to pro can enjoy the breath-taking rides and overlooks.
The area sits on the remnants of a mining operation. The tailing piles make for some topography not typical of Minnesota. The tailing piles make for some great riding and the deep, clear lakes make for a satisfying après ride cool-off swim.
The area that was abandoned by mining companies 30 some years ago is the Crosby that I remember. The All-American Main Street hosted antique stores and bars. Today, it is home a brewery and some damn fine restaurants.
The area is growing. I am glad to see outdoor recreation provide business to this once sleepy town. It’s sustainable. Mining never is.
Plan your ride here.
Bdote: Minnesota River Bottoms/Mississippi River
Minnesota River Bottoms
A diamond in the rough of Minneapolis-St.Paul.
A unique wilderness experience in the city. Just south of the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Miles of flat-ish terrain for year-round bicycle exploration. Bring big tires for the sand of the floodplain.
Mississippi River
The largest river on the continent. And the divider between the fraternal twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ample opportunity to explore by bike or hike. Right in here the city. Trails that are established and those less traveled. The river is riddled with parks heading North to Itasca.
I have enjoyed exploring this special and wild place. Get out there.
Bdote means “where two waters come together.” While bdote can refer to any place where waters converge, many Dakota people consider this location as a sacred place of creation, identifying themselves as the Wicahpi Oyate (Star Nation) who originated in the sky and came into being on this land ( - Minnesota Historical Society).