One of the best things about Nordic Walking is the chance to use my poles as an excuse to explore all of the beautiful parks and trails in the metro area.  We are blessed with miles and miles of opportunity, the hard part is deciding where to go.  With Hoigaard’s Nordic Walking Tuesdays we try to choose parks in all parts of the cities, from Minnehaha Falls to French Regional Park to Elm Creek to Hyland Lake Park Reserve, we have our favorites and still many we haven’t even tried.

You’re cordially invited to come and Nordic Walk at these fun events in June!

Saturday, June 4 – National Trails Day  9-11am  Whether you’re south or north we’ve got you covered.  Choose Hyland Lake Park Reserve or Elm Creek Park Reserve for a morning walk in the park.  Bring your poles, bring your friends, we’ll bring extra poles, free to use with ID, and provide quick intro’s for anyone new to Nordic Walking. You can enjoy your own walk at any time or join us for the group walk at 10am.  Meet us at the visitor center inside either park.

Saturday, June 18 - Outdoors Extra!  10am-12noon Nordic Walking with MN State Parks on the Gateway Trail.  Come to enjoy this beautiful trail that starts in the city of St. Paul at Cayuga/L’Orient Streets, travels northeast through the cities of Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Oakdale, through Washington County, and ends at Pine Point Regional Park, just four miles northwest of the city of Stillwater. We’ll meet at the Hadley Trailhead and walk the local part of the trail. Poles will be available for use with ID.

Wednesdays June 1-July 20   Women on the Move!  This 8 week program, offered by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, is including Nordic Walking as a training option for the first time this year.  Nordic Walk and train with other women as you enjoy the trails around Lake Nokomis.  Your registration fee includes entry into the Heart of Summer 5K  on July 23.

Check out our events page for more information on upcoming pole friendly events in June and July.

It turned out to be a nice day on May 9th after all.   I fretted all morning about the dismal skyline, but the clouds parted and the sun came out and my jacket came off and a smile returned to my face.  Thanks to all that came to the open house and tried out poles, listened to speakers, volunteered and stayed for the group walk.  Wood Lake Nature Center, in Richfield, was an excellent venue for this because they a beautiful indoor center and a great natural surface on which to Nordic Walk on.  If you have not tried out this park, head on over and give it a stroll.  The largest outer loop is 1.8 miles and you’ll see all sorts of wildlife in a natural setting.  Parking and use of park is free.

Now if you missed the open house and you still want to try Nordic Walking you can go about it two ways.  One, sign up for a class, see here.  Or you can attend a local event where you can demo the poles, for instance, at Eagan’s 5k your Way this Saturday, 5/21, (9-12) at the Community Center they’ll have a Nordic Walking “Try-It” Station.   Or please join us for World Nordic Walking Day 5/22 and you can borrow some poles there (with ID) and try it out during the one hour free walk.  Current Nordic Walkers welcome!!  Times and locations here:

8am Lake Calhoun, Thomas Beach, 11am Valley Natural Foods, Burnsville. 1:30 Lebanon Hills Visitor Ctr, Eagan.