In the spring and summer listen and watch for Wood and Hermit Thrush, Ovenbird, American Redstart, and Mourning Warbler. The squeaky-wheel call of Black-and-white Warblers is ubiquitous. A flash of blue will likely yield an Indigo Bunting. In spring and fall migration, the trees along the trails may literally be dripping with warblers. Spring also brings flocks of migrating American Pelican and Double-crested Cormorant along with many other species of waterfowl. As the leaves change and drop, Ruffed Grouse and winter finches will be the more common birds. Many other critters are found in Father Hennepin State Park. Watch for sign of Beaver, Raccoon and White-tailed Deer. The park often has several albino deer as well.

Father Hennepin State Park is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year. Office hours vary as staffing allows. All vehicles must display a valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit. Biking is permitted on park roads where motor vehicles are allowed. Geocaching is allowed in Minnesota State Parks, a signed permit, available at the park office, is required to place a cache. Pets must be leashed and attended at all times. Cross-country ski trails (two and a half miles) are groomed in the winter. A Minnesota ski pass is required. Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park except on groomed cross-country ski trails.

Directions: From the town of Isle, go one mile west on State Highway 27 to the park entrance.

Contact Information: Father Hennepin State Park, 41294 Father Hennepin Park Road, Isle, MN 56342, Phone: 320-676-8763.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park encompasses over 10,000 acres along the southwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake. It is the fourth largest state park in Minnesota and a National Historic Landmark.  Learn about the archaeological importance and human history for the past 9,000 years at the Interpretive Center, open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and may by open at other times depending on staffing. Stop in to get a map, check on current naturalist programs, bird list and more information about the park. Park visitor facilities include 35 miles of hiking trails, 27 miles of horseback trail, a swimming beach, two boat ramps for summer use. In winter, enjoy the 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski trail, 7.5 miles of packed snowshoe trail, (snowshoes and skis available for rent), a popular sledding hill, 19 miles of Grant-In-Aid snowmobile trail, a modern trail center/winter chalet. Numerous campsites including backpack sites, horse campsites, electric hook-up campsites and camper cabins w/electricity. Rowboats, kayaks and canoes are available for rent to explore the Rum River or Shakopee and Ogechie Lakes. Climb the 100-foot observation tower in the summer for a view of Mille Lacs Lake.