Trails open at Flandrau, Fort Ridgely

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- After a long hiatus, thanks to the recent snowfall, the cross-country ski and snowshoe season is back at Flandrau and Fort Ridgely State Parks.

About eight miles of hiking trails have been groomed for classic/diagonal cross-country skiing at Flandrau State Park. A skate ski trail is groomed around the perimeter of Nehls City Park at 1200 Summit Ave.

Ski conditions are good right now, although the warmer temperatures forecast for this weekend may degrade conditions, according to assistant park manager Tom Schmitz. As more snow falls, the park staff will re-groom trails.

Rental equipment is available at the park office. Skis are $4.00, boots $3, poles $2, snowshoes $6. Complete sets are $7.

Skiers age 16 and older need a ski trail pass. Daily passes are available in the park office at $3. Annual passes are $10 and three-year passes are $25. They can be purchased where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Minnesota state park motorized vehicle entrance permits are $7 for one day and $25 for one year.

Wildlife at Flandrau include white-tailed deer, raccoons and many types of birds common to wooded, river-bottom areas. Maps are available in the park office.

State park winter hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 233-9800 or e-mail tom.schmitz@dnr.state.mn.us or gary.teipel@dnr.state.mn.us for more information.

Ski trails were reported to be in fair condition and snowmobile and sliding in fair to good condition at Fort Ridgely State Park, six miles south of Fairfax or ten miles north of Sleepy Eye on State Highway 4.

Fort Ridgely wildlife includes white-tailed deer, red and gray foxes, raccoons, minks, beavers, hawks, owls, Canada geese, wild turkeys, reptiles and many songbirds. For more information, call 507-426-7840.