Hello!
I’m writing this in late March, just days after the historically warm Saturday that felt like summer. It was so warm, in fact, that I forgot what month we were in entirely. My mind fixed on the summertime, I spent most of the day having to remind myself that it wasn’t even April yet.
I celebrated the reprieve from colder weather by daydreaming about the seasons ahead. There’s a lot to get excited about over the next few months and it was nice to feel like those moments are within reach – even if spring only just began.
In just a few weeks, we plan to designate our first 8.75 miles of trail in Chatfield, MN. After spending the winter planning and preparing for this moment, I’m thrilled to be so close to finalizing these first few miles.
We’ll celebrate that milestone alongside our partners at the Bluff Country Hiking Club, followed by our second annual Trail Days celebration – this time, at the end of May.
And that’s not to mention the countless other milestones we have coming our way – from working with new project partners on research for the trail, beginning the access agreement process with committed landowner partners, and (fingers crossed!) preparing to present to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for our recently submitted grant.
In the meantime, I have a lot of information for you this month about our second annual Trail Days event – and a highlight of some Driftless Region history that highlights the unique landscape many of us call home.
Enjoy!
Trail Days Save the Date!
Save the date! You’re invited to join us at our second annual Trail Days on Saturday May 30, 2026 at the Chatfield Center for the Arts.
This year’s event is even bigger than last year with guided interpretive hikes along the newly designated section of the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, a larger raffle including over 15 prizes from local and outdoor businesses across the region, and our first ever annual meeting where attendees can hear about progress from the last year.
The event will start at 11 a.m. and run until 2 p.m., with the annual meeting beginning at 11:45 a.m. More information is available on our website.
A big thank you to our sponsors and friends at Garage Grown Gear, Abode Outside, Storm Sporting Events and Smooth Toe for helping us make Trail Days happen!
Volunteering at Trail Days
Looking to get involved? We could use your help! It takes a lot of hands and people power to make Trail Days happen. If you’re interested in volunteering your time, send us an email.
By Alexa Shapiro- Trail Director, Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail
