One of the co-sponsors of the trailhead interpretive panel at Veterans Memorial Walking Trail was recently taking a Sunday amble there with a friend and her dog. As they took in the wonderful aroma of the wildflowers, calming freshness of the surrounding woods, the nearby creek and the enjoyment of a walk and a quiet visit with a friend, she commented, “This place is really a gem.”

Not surprisingly, this Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway site has been called that before. Over twenty years ago, those same words were uttered by one of the DNR foresters who helped foster this now popular trail. Upon completion in 2002, he commented that high water that year had stimulated beautiful flowering plants along the boardwalk, adding, “This trail is really a gem.”

The nearly 2 mile long Veterans Memorial Walking Trail is a part of Island Lake Woods, located on DNR-owned land along Crow Wing County Road 16 in Jenkins Township.  Thanks to encouragement from those local DNR Forestry folks over two decades ago, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association sought and received a National Recreation Trails grant covering half of the trail cost. A generous donation by Dave and Mary Badger and many other donations by area businesses, organizations, jurisdictions and individuals helped complete the trail development, footbridge across Hay Creek, Wetlands Walk, trailhead parking area and informational panels.

Spend a beautiful summer day strolling through the Veterans Memorial Walking Trail.  Read the interpretive panels at the trailhead and along the Wetlands Walk. Step foot onto the island loop and imagine Zebulon Pike’s 1805/06 exploratory party camped where you’re standing. Stand on the walking bridge across Hay Creek and watch the flow from Upper Hay to Lower Hay. It’s easy to see why this was an important part of early travel routes for both native Americans and explorers. There’s so much to enjoy. Have a great day at Veterans Walking Trail! Support what you enjoy.

Learn more at: https://paulbunyanscenicbyway.org/photo-tour/veterans-memorial-walking-t...