The recent indecisions of the government caused a shutdown of the Minnesota State Parks. Luckily, there's such a thing as privately owned campgrounds! I managed to find a campground in a last minute scramble before the big holiday weekend. I camped out in Cushon's Peak Campground, located right outside of Houston, Minnesota. As luck would have it, I was only 20 miles from Great River Bluffs State Park, the park I was anticipating to visit. At my "own risk", I visited the park and hiked the trails, regardless of the shut down. Ha! In your face, Government! Between the park and my actual camping destination, I was able to see many spectacular views of southeastern Minnesota; which proved to be a very beautiful visit!
The view shortly after entering Great River Bluffs State Park. Lots of rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the River valleys!
Wildflowers and majestic hills guide the eye to the valley below at this very scenic state park.
A few short paces away from the park's picnic area leads you to two short hikes to scenic overlooks, like this one. A local resident that I ran into informed me that the Mississippi River and Black River join at this area.
Self portrait of me with the tree covered hills behind me.
Another view of the overlook. It was a beautiful, hot day for sight seeing!
Enjoying the scenery
An attempt of a self portrait (bad one!) of me by the scenic overlook.
Another small hike led me in the opposite direction to another scenic view of the Mississippi River Valley.
A view through the hardwood forests. Since the parks were closed, I was literally the only one on the trails, so I was able to take my time enjoying the views!
The mighty Mississippi
Another hike the following day on a return visit to the park led me to Kingswood Peak, and this breathtaking overlook.
At the top!
Of course, photos do not do justice of what it really looks like to be actually sitting there overlooking this view. I took a break from hiking to enjoy a quick snack, all the while taking a mental memory of this spot.
Beware! Possible snake encounters on the trails along the bluffs! Yikes!
This view was taken while taking a jaunt over the the actual camping area of the state park. I was curious to see what the campsites were like, since more than likely will be revisiting this area in the future.
At Cushions Peak Campground, the camping sites were located right along the Root River. I was able to walk along the shoreline on one of my morning stays, where I was able to collect these rocks. The holes are done naturally by the erosion from the river water and other rocks that come in contact with them. They'll add nicely to my collection from previous gatherings along the Cannon River. :)
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