I Love this trail! As a runner, I was so happy that my new home is just down the road from such a…read morebeautiful trail. I run here several times per week and from what I'm told the county even plows the trail in the winter. The trail itself is about 12.5 miles long so it's perfect for runners, hikers, cyclists, and even horses (riders of horses are asked to use the side trails for obvious reasons) The trail will take you through forests, prairies, farm land, and over creeks. Very rarely do you have to cross a public road, and when you do it tends to be rural, so you probably won't even have to stop. It's beautiful here! You are surrounded by wildflowers most of the time, under a canopy of trees and the scenery takes your mind off a grueling run. Plus, if you have to pee there is always a tree to jump behind. Two words of advice: 1, skip the 'outhouse' at the beginning of the trail. It's truly dreadful. 2. when you get to the farm with the big red barn prepare to hold your breath for a couple hundred yards. Damn cows. I can't wait to run here year round. I shall return.

Nice trail system and great views from all around the city, well maintained and safe as far as I…read morecan tell, bikers tend to speed by fast so beware!

Was in the park to go on the Mystery Cave tour and see Historic Forestville. We decided to go on a…read morehike and walked along the a river trail. The park is a perfect way to spend a summer day!

This review is about the park area only not the Mystery Cave which is further down the road…read more Start with the unfortunate news, the walking bridge to the historic town of Forestville was closed. I did read about that in the state's info about the park ahead of time. I picked up a map at the office and was told there is a stone walking bridge at marker 8. More bad news on the trail. The field and location maps show markers on the trail but the numbers didn't correspond with the ground signs as many were missing. I just couldn't find the temporary bridge, or marker 8, but took a decent hike on the other trails. The park isn't as scenic as others but there is a variety of trails from easy to difficult, which is what I like. Some steep hills will test your true endurance. Driving out about another 1/2 mile I see more trails I missed, lo leads to marker 8.

There were many different types of paths either made by the state or it used to be but now have not…read morebeen taken care of yet. You should you should plan to pack bug spray in lawn pants for ticks. There are beautiful, wallflowers in the bridge. there's a Cliff view that is awesome but it's a man-made path by the way there are some poison ivy by all the man-made paths, there was lots of plants, but not animals as much.

Beautiful trails that take you through prairie or down to the river. You can take a short 15ish…read moreminute walk or challenge yourself for hours. The traverse was pretty easy, nothing too stressful. Walking down to the river gave some nice views and some moments to just sit and enjoy the surroundings. It also didn't seem to have an admission charge, so you could park and walk right in.

Amazing cabin! We love the outdoors and this is the perfect getaway. We appreciate the hospitality…read moreand attentions.

Had a wonderful weekend here relaxing and tubing down the crane creek. Tom and Sue are wonderful…read morehost and made us feel very welcomed. If your looking for a primitive getaway you've found it!

Finally a saturday where I have time until my favorite college football game at 8 pm. I have a…read morefitness goal to hike the Manitou Incline soon and needed to experience real world hills and steps besides the stepper at the gym. Red Wing is a beautiful city on the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. I've always wanted to hike this and went alone. I did find a spot in the parking lot so that was nice. There were 2 hiking entrances and I didn't want to follow a family in a stroller, so I took a weird short cut and ended up on North Trail. This is for advanced hikers as you walk along a narrow trail and you can hold onto these chain ropes. If you fall, you'll probably roll down a steep ravine to the Mississippi River. Meeting people coming down was interesting as I just squeezed closer to the chains. There were rock climbers scaling the cliffs too. I made it to the overlook and had to hike up 2 huge flights of stairs. The railings need to be secured better as they were wobbly. I made it to the flag and walked to the east overlook. I asked other people if this goes go the parking lot. They said no, so I backtracked to a trail that went south to the parking lot. The views were really awesome. I did take a photo afterwards of a trail map. So when I come next time, I may explore other trails. A beautiful fall day and the weather was great.

My top favorite hiking spot in Minnesota. So many different paths you can take and a partially…read moreaccessible route for all ages and disabilities. Rock climbing up here is like no other spot in MN and everyone is always incredibly nice on the trails. Lots of places to stop and I love doing photography up here, photoshoots, and timelapses. You will never regret having a hike here. Being water for the break at the top and you are golden.

Very disappointing. Expected a nice getaway, instead got an outdoor summer school. The food was…read moretolerable but not very nutritious. The classes were very long and rather dangerous in some aspects. 3 children left crying the first day, would not recommend.

Stayed here for a large group retreat and had a mixed experience. The accommodations were your…read morestandard bunk bed quad room setup with a shared bathroom. The center is quite large and can easily house a couple hundred guests. Lots of open common space for people to lounge, play games and meet. Great trails and extracurricular activities like ropes course and rock climbing wall. Here is the big downfall and why I can only give it 3 stars....the food is painfully awful. It's some of the worst cafeteria style food I've ever had. Bland, next to zero flavor and most things are over cooked so it's rubbery and tasteless. I packed my own snacks because I had heard about the negative food experiences from others and thankful I listened to them. While I wouldn't mind coming back to Eagle Bluff for a future to retreat, I would make sure to pack even more food next time to compensate for the abysmal dining.

Wonderful escape into nature! We were in town visiting family and looking for something fun to do,…read moreand were so happy to have found Quarry Hill. We got out of the heat exploring the nature center - lots of fish and reptiles, and other educational exhibits to explore with lots of opportunities for kids (and adults) to learn. Then we ventured out on the trails and were surprised by the diversity in gardens, terrains, and environments that you could enjoy in such a small area. This place has something for all ages and fitness levels. Depending on the season, this would be a lovely spot to enjoy blooming wild flowers or fall foliage. Unfortunately, we were not able to explore the quarry/cave. If that is something you want to do, make sure to call ahead - I was told the tours only happen on certain days and get booked weeks ahead.

Quarry Hill Nature Center has a nice assortment of picnic tables, trails, and local animals. It…read moreeven has a small nature center within. Tip: The signage here is sorely lacking, which is why I couldn't find the paved bike trail, and ended up totally on the wrong side of the park :-( Once I discovered that I was almost hopelessly lost, I wandered aimless in the woods for close to 40 minutes before I found a trail sign that set me back on the right path. Despite the major signage problems, this is a nice place - if you can figure out where to go....

Plenty of trails to pick from, although they can be a bit challenging to navigate by the postings…read more This may have been caused by the number of trails and lack of water in the creek. The park is full of deciduous trees, so they are beautiful in the fall.

Thank you Nicollet County for this awesome park! It is a hidden gem along Highway 169, between St…read more Peter & Mankato. If you blink, you might miss it...but be sure to turn around when it's safe and check out this special spot! We explored the west part of the park (hiking, picnic) but the park extends across 169 and has a boat landing on the Minnesota River (we will check that side out next time!). 628 acres of Nicollet County Park, 10 miles of multi-use trails with equestrian parking & highway underpass, 3 shelters & many picnic areas along the creek, a playground, 2 volleyball courts & a ball diamond. Brown Trout are stocked in Seven Mile Creek by the DNR, but be sure to have your trout stamp! We have had wonderful hikes in this park, meeting horseback riders (at crossroads between equestrian trails & hiking trails), enjoying the space and beauty. Next time you're headed south on 169, check it out!