2010 Seasonal Events

Each of these events may be completed once for IVV event credit before July 1st.  Then each may be walked again for IVV event credit during the second half of the year.  If you are participating for distance credit, you may walk/bike them as often as you wish - simply pay your fee, complete the event, stamp your IVV distance book, and record your distance.

Awards/Fees - Awards may be available: prices vary.  IVV-Credit only: $3.  Non-credit: $2.

Click on the following links for information about Year-Round and Featured County events.

Austin: JC Hormel Nature Center -  Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Start Point: Truck Plaza, 1509-10th Place NE, Austin, MN  Times: dawn to dusk  Description: 5k & 10k walk.  Trail is in the JC Hormel Nature Center.  The walk encompasses prairie and woodland settings and offers the opportunity to see wildlife.  The terrain is difficult for strollers and wheelchairs.  No pets are allowed.  Alternate route is through Austin on a bike path, city sidewalks and past the Spam Museum.  Only one event stamp even if you complete both routes.  Special Programs: Mower County, nature nenter only- B, alternate route only - D, M, R, T  Directions: I-35E south to I-90.  East to exit 179 in Austin.  Register at the gas station.  Directions to the start of the nature center walk are in the box.  Contact: Dee Whalen, (507) 433-1039

Bloomington: Nine Mile Creek -  Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Start Point: 10000 Colfax Avenue South  Times: dawn to dusk  Description: 5k & 10k walk.  Route is through residential area to park trail setting, taking the walker along the Minnesota River.  Sidewalks and hard-packed trail.  Rating: 1+  Special Programs: D (Riverwalk America)  Directions: From north: I-35W south to 98th St exit.  Cross 98th Street and continue on Dupont.  Veer left around tennis center to 100th St (1st street behind the tennis center).  Turn right on 100th St and go one block to 10000 Colfax Ave.  From south: I-35W, exit at 98th St.  Turn left at stop light, cross over the bridge, turn left onto Dupont, and follow directions above.  Park on street.  Start box is located in backyard of a private home, attached to a picnic table.  Contact: Ken & Jane Legaard, (952) 881-5524

Chanhassen -  Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Start Point: Carver County Library, 7711 Kerber Blvd  Times: M-Th 10am-9pm, F-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm, closed holidays  Description: 5k & 10k walk.  Walk on streets and sidewalks through residential areas and city parks.  Hills are moderate.  Because of abundance of mature trees, it will be very pretty during the fall season.  Rating: 1+  Special Programs: D, E, J, V, Carver County  Directions: Take I-494 to exit 11C/B (MN Hwy 5).  Go west on Hwy 5 to Great Plains Blvd in Chanhassen.  Right (north) on Great Plains Blvd to W 78th St, right to the library on Kerber Blvd.  Contact: Ken & Jane Legaard, (952) 881-5524

Chaska -  Dates: April 1 - Sept. 30, 2010 Start Point: Best Western Chaska River Inn & Suites, 1 River Bend Place (952-448-7877 for reservations only)  Times: dawn to dusk  Description: 5k & 10k walk.  Walk along the Minnesota River levee, residential, historic downtown area and city parks.  Rating: 2  Special Programs: E, J, N, R, T, V, Carver County  Directions: From Mpls, take Hwy 212 west to Chaska.  Turn left on Hwy 41 (Chestnut St) to Best Western on the right just before the Minnesota River Bridge.  Contact: Ken & Jane Legaard, (952) 881-5524

Coon Rapids Snowshoe -  Dates: Jan. 1 - March 31, 2010 Description: 4k & 8k snowshoe.  Snowshoe route will consist of 2 loops - one in a wooded area and the other in more open meadow and along the river.  Snowshoe rental available for $5 for 2 hours, or bring your own.

Coon Rapids Bike -  Dates: April 1 - Nov. 30, 2010 Description: 25k & 50k bike.  Along unique bike trails on the Mississippi River.

The Start Point for these events is: Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd.  Times: Hours vary, closed Mondays.  April-May & Sept.-Nov.: T-F 11-5, Sat-Sun 9-5  June-Aug.: T-F 8-8, Sat-Sun 9-5  Call (763) 757-4700 for hours.  Directions: From I-694, proceed north on East River Road which becomes Coon Rapids Blvd.  Continue to Egret Blvd and go left 0.3 miles into park.  Comments: Snowshoe and bike rentals available.  Park entrance fee applies.  Contact: Bonnie Johnson, (763) 571-8041

Duluth Bike -  Dates: May 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Description: 25k & 50k bike.  Bike trails wind through scenic Duluth area on an old railroad bed towards Cloquet.  Hills are very gradual amidst beautiful forested areas and rock formations.  Special Programs: R, St. Louis County

Duluth Walk -  Dates: May 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Description: 5k & 10k walk.  The walk starts at Canal Park and winds along the boardwalk on the shore of Lake Superior.  Trail is on paved paths, city sidewalks, and along the beach.  Suitable for strollers/wheelchairs except for the beach area (can use alternative).  Special Programs: A, I, M, R, V, St. Louis County

The Start Point for these two events (and Superior, WI) is: Munger Inn, 7408 Grand Ave., Duluth, MN  The bike event starts at the Munger Inn but, for both walk events, you must drive to the actual start point of the walk after registering.  Driving directions are in the walk box.  Comments: Free bike rental with room rental.  Limited bike rentals available.  Call 800-982-2453 for motel reservations only.  Directions: From Minneapolis, take I-35 north to the Cody Street exit (#251A) in Duluth.  Follow the signs for the Duluth Zoo - the Munger Inn is across the street.  Contact: Bonnie Johnson, (763) 571-8041

Maple Grove Cross-Country Ski - Dates: Jan. 1 - March 31, 2010 Start Point: 11822  99th Place N, Maple Grove  Times: 5am - 10pm. Ski rentals are available from 9am-9pm.  Description: The ski is held at Elm Creek Three Rivers Park with some trails on the man-made lighted valley trail.  Trails are groomed bi-weekly.  Daily Three Rivers ski pass is required for skiers 12 & up ($4); MN Ski Pass is not accepted here.  Ski rentals: Child Classic ($6), Adult Classic ($10) or Adult Skate ($15-20).  Rental includes skis, boots and poles.  Directions: From I-94 & Hwy 169, proceed north on Hwy 169 to Hwy 81.  Take a left on Hwy 81 and go past Osseo to Zachary Lane and turn right (north).  Go approx. 3/4 mile to 100th Place N/Maple Valley Drive and take a left on 100th Place.  Go approx. 1/2 mile to the 2nd stop sign on 100th Place and take a left onto 99th Place.  It is the 2nd house on the left.  Box will be under the bench on the front steps.  *Note major road construction at 169/81.  Contact: Jayne Liebsch, (763) 493-3579

New! Minneapolis: Chain of Lakes/River Bluff Tour Bike -  Dates: April 1 - Nov. 30, 2010 Start Point: Caribou Coffee, 4745 Cedar Avenue, S. Mpls (same as YRE walks) Times: M-F 6am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 6:30am to 9pm, call (612) 724-1234 to verify hours Description: 29k, 34k, 36k, 58k, 63k bike routes.  Choose between two 29k routes or do them both for an extended tour.  The new Chain of Lakes route takes you along Minnehaha Creek to the pearls of the City of Lakes park system - Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles.  Or ride the River Bluffs route beside the Mississippi River to downtown Minneapolis, where you cross over the historic Stone Arch Bridge and tour part of the U of M campus.  Add on Lake Nokomis to either route for an extra 5-7k.  Bike paths and some city streets near the U of M campus.  Rating: 2+  Special Programs: C, D, M, N, R, T, V, W  Directions: Located on the NE corner of Cedar Ave and Minnehaha Parkway.  From I-94, go south on Cedar Ave approx. 3 miles.  From Crosstown Hwy 62, go north on Cedar Ave. approx. 2 miles.  Park behind SuperValu grocery store next door. Contact: Lee Moisant, (612) 861-3053

Rochester -  Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Start Point: Guest House Inn & Suites, 435 16th Ave NW  Times: dawn to dusk  Description: 5k & 10k walk.  Trail winds through several parks and residential areas.  The alternate trail includes downtown Rochester near the Mayo Clinic.  Only one event stamp even if you complete both routes.  Rating: 1  Special Programs: A, E, J, M, T, V, Olmsted County  Directions: Take Hwy 52 to Civic Center Drive.  Take that exit east.  At first stoplight (16th Ave NW), turn right and go to the 3rd driveway to go right to the motel.  After registering here, you can drive to the start if doing the alternate route.  Contact: Dee Whalen, (507) 433-1039

Shakopee -  Dates: April 1 - Sept. 30, 2010 Start Point: Country Inn & Suites, 1204 Ramsey Street, Shakopee, MN 55379, (952-445-0200 for reservations only)  Times: dawn to dusk  Description: 5k & 10k walk.  A portion of the trail is on the Minnesota Valley State Trail paralleling the Minnesota River.  You will walk in both established and new residential neighborhoods.  A city park featuring Native American burial mounds.  Rating: 1+  Special Programs: E, F, J, K, N, R, T, V  Directions: Located on the NE corner of Marschall Road & Vierling Drive.  From US 169, take Marschall Road exit to the north.  Hotel is on the right.  From the east on Hwy 101, go left on Marschall Road.  Hotel is on the left.  Contact: Ken & Jane Legaard, (952) 881-5524

Shoreview -  Dates: April 1 - Sept. 30, 2010 Start Point: Shoreview Community Center, Guest Services, 4580 Victoria St N, (651-490-4600) *This is also the start point for the Vadnais Lake Walk.  Times: M-F 5am-10pm, Sat-Sun 6am-8pm Description: 5k & 10k walk. Paved trails and sidewalks through parks and residential areas.  Alternate route is largely through Snail Lake Regional Park - you must register and then drive to the Snail Lake Beach to start.  Only one event stamp if you complete both routes.  Rating: 1, not recommended for strollers or wheelchairs  Directions: From Mpls, take I-35W north to Hwy 96, then east to Victoria St N.  From St. Paul, take I-35E north to Hwy 96, then west to Victoria St N.  Follow signs to Community Center and to Guest Services near pool.  Contact: Kerri Seemann, (651) 633-0909

Stillwater -  Dates: May 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Start Point: Ann Bean Bed & Breakfast, 319 W. Pine St., Stillwater  Times: daily, 8am - dusk  Description: 5k & 10k walk.  Go by the St. Croix River, riverfront parks, histroic homes, lift bridge and antique shops.  Something for everyone!  There are hills.  Rating: 2+ Special Programs: C, E, J, R, T  Directions: From either I-35E or I-694, take Hwy 36 going east to Osgood Ave/4th St.  Turn left (north) and go 1 mile to Pine St.  Turn left to the inn.  Contact: Stan Miller, (651) 439-8597

St. Paul: Gateway Trail Bike - Dates: April 1 - Nov. 30, 2010 Start Point: Holiday Station Store, 2438 Margaret St. N, North St. Paul  Times: dawn to dusk, during store hours  Description: 18k, 25k & 38k bike routes.  38k eastbound: very pretty countryside area to Stillwater Pine Point Park and back.  25k westbound: is an urban ride to Cayuga St. in St. Paul, passing lakes and small urban parks along the route.  Combine the east and west trails with an optional 18k north/south segment for a total of up to 76k by linking into the Bruce Vento Regional Trail.  Rating: 1+  Directions: From Hwy 36, go south on McKnight Rd to 7th Ave E.  Turn left on 7th and go to Margaret St. N, turning left.  Holiday Station is on the corner of Centennial Dr. and Margaret St.  Contact: Gary DeVore, (651) 738-1833

Superior, WI -  Dates: May 2 - Oct. 30, 2010 Start Point: Munger Inn, 7408 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN (same as Duluth walk/bike)  Times: daily, 7am to dusk (museum hours 9am-5pm)  Description: The trail starts at the Museum/Visitor Center parking lot in Superior, WI.  Directions will be in the walk box at the starting point.  The Osaugie Trail is paved and follows Lake Superior shoreline past Barkers Island, Superior Inlet Lighthouse, and gives view of the Burlington Northern Ore Dock where the ill-fated Edmund Fitzgerald took on its last load.  The trail passes through historic "East End Neighborhood," U of WI/Superior campus, and past the Old Depot that is now a Senior Center.  Special Programs: G, I, R  Directions: From Mpls, take I-35W north to the Cody Street exit (#251A) in Duluth.  Follow the signs for the Duluth Zoo - the Munger Inn is across the street.  Contact: Bonnie Johnson, (763) 571-8041

Two Harbors - Dates: May 1 - Oct. 31, 2010 Start Point: Country Inn, 1204 7th Ave., Two Harbors (Call 218-834-5557 or 877-604-5332 for reservations only)  Times: dawn to dusk  Description: 6k & 10k walk.  Walk through the historical city of Two Harbors, past the ore docks, lighthouses, and along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior on some sidewalks and paved hiking/biking trails.  Rating: 1, pets okay.  Special Programs: E, G, J, M, R, Lake County  Directions: Located 22 miles north of Duluth on Hwy 61, next to McDonald's.  Contact: Bonnie Johnson, (763) 571-8041

Vadnais Lake - Dates: April 1 - Sept. 30, 2010 Start Point: Shoreview Community Center, Guest Services, 4580 Victoria St N, (651-490-4600) *This is also the start point for the Shoreview Walk.  Times: M-F 5am-10pm, Sat-Sun 6am-8pm Description: 6 & 10k walk. Register at the Community Center and then drive to the park to start.  Directions included in the box.  Paved and turf trails, primarily through Vadnais-Sucker Lake Regional Park.  Good opportunities for bird-watching (loons, swans, cormorants, etc.).  Dogs are only allowed on paved trails - alternate route available for dog walkers.  Rating: 1+, not recommended for strollers or wheelchairs  Directions: From Mpls, take I-35W north to Hwy 96, then east to Victoria St N.  From St. Paul, take I-35E north to Hwy 96, then west to Victoria St N.  Follow signs to Community Center and to Guest Services near pool.  Contact: Kerri Seemann, (651) 633-0909