The Arbor Inn Blog

Snowshoeing outside the Minneapolis St Paul area seems to have never been better. We have had above average snowfall this year which has made it ideal. Having a bed and breakfast in Prescott really affords us the best of all worlds in the winter time.

Little Deb doing a little P90X happy jacks in snowshoes

Yesterday Deb and I decided to go have a little outdoor adventure. So after our guests left for the day to go skiing at Afton Alps (only 11 miles away), we loaded up our snowshoes and headed to Carpenter Nature Center (1 mile away as the crow flies). 5 minutes after leaving the Arbor Inn, we were on the trails. Talk about awesome….With over 7 miles of trails, not to mention endless option on snowshoes, you can really have a blast. It was a holiday and we did not see one other person while we were out. Also we should mention that there is no fee for the use of this great nature area.

So if a nice quiet day with nature sounds like fun, strap on some snow shoes after a four course breakfast at the inn and head across the river. Heck, we could even tell you how to get there on foot if you really feel adventurous.

Can't forget the romance....Ahhhh Warm

John and Deb all bundled up

Snowshoeing the St Croix River

Almost forgot to mention just how great the hot tub felt when we got back home.

CHEERS,

John & Deb

Birders and snowshoer paradise near Minneapolis/St Paul! Here are a few local tidbits of nearby events.

At nearby Point Douglas (4 blocks from the inn), a male Harlequin Duck has returned for the third winter in a row, and this year he was joined by two Long-Tailed Ducks. These coastal species do not usually winter here and have brought many birdwatchers to the area.

Snow-shoeing and Owling in the Moonlight

Enjoy the winter night under the light of the moon with a relaxing snowshoe hike at Carpenter Nature Center on January 26^th from 7-9 p.m. Afterward, warm up by the fire and enjoy some fresh popcorn and hot apple cider then head to the inn for an evening of cozy relaxation and pampering. Snowshoes are provided by Carpenter Nature Center or you may bring your own. Dress appropriately for the weather; recommended for ages 10 and up. For more information about upcoming programs and events please visit their website (www.carpenternaturecenter.org).

It is that time of year again to find some amazing birds migrating up and down the Mississippi River Valley at Carpenter Nature Center . We have seen several bald eagles, trumpeter swans, hawks and rare ducks this winter. Prescott was fortunate enough to have a male Harlequin Duck arrive in the winter of last year and return again this year. Because the water is extremely deep below the bridge and doesn’t freeze, many birds have the opportunity to stop and feed. His arrival, along with others that use this migratory path, has attracted several birders to the area.
Crossbills have been observed this month at Carpenter Nature Center (website: http://www.carpenternaturecenter.org/), which is about a 5 minute drive from our front door. The center provides a unique opportunity to learn and explore the outdoors. With property on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the scenic St. Croix River, they are able to preserve wildlife habitat while also providing educational opportunities. Hiking and snowshoeing trails wind throughout the tall pines, oak savanna, restored prairies, wooded ravines, around the apple orchard, and along the river of the 425 acre main property north of Hastings, MN. Wildlife abounds in the restored prairie and wooded bluffs on the 300 acre Wisconsin nature preserve. With over 10 miles of hiking/snowshoeing trails, 3.5 of which are paved to accommodate persons with mobility limitations, you will see a vast variety of plant and animal communities. The Interpretive Center is located onsite and is open daily 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, offering hands-on exhibits and live animals for display. Hiking/snowshoeing trails, beach access, and the Interpretive Center are open to the public 7 days a week excluding: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Admission is free!
We have had many guests that have been to Carpenter Nature Center for snowshoeing and have enjoyed the views and trails. If you are up for a day of adventure, bird watching and/or snowshoeing and would like to wrap it up with a relaxing evening of pampering and tranquility, don’t hesitate to give us a call!