I've visited Interstate Park three different times since the Hiking Club speedrun. It's one of the best within reasonable driving distance of the metro, and with enough interest and intent, it's easy enough to go across a short bridge and explore what the Wisconsin side has to offer as well. Interstate, you say? So it's not just a clever name.
While I've done the Hiking Club trail from the office area to the pothole trail numerous times, it's the easiest way to get to the others, especially when wanting to accumulate miles, elevation gain, and a good warmup for trying not to slip on very smooth rocks. These three adventures could not have come at more diametrically-opposed times in my personal life, though to be fair the latter two in September might as well be the same hike in terms of trail diversity and intent, but that's not really the point.
When one is an introvert and looking to avoid massive crowds and trail tourists, the best time to get somewhere like Interstate State Park in late June is barely after sunrise. The parking spots are still available and the trails aren't clogged with people randomly stopping and taking 38 selfies while paying no attention to those trying to get around them in a very narrow area. Everyone has the right to be on the trail, but at least show a little etiquette, that shouldn't be too much to ask. Let people pass, pay attention to the surroundings, and maybe one selfie is enough?
In June, I was in severe distress, and I thought knocking out some verified complete trails might help ease the anxiety. After the first half of the Hiking Club out-and-back, I headed through Taylor's Falls to the Swedish Immigrant trail, which is allegedly part of the park according to AllTrails. I'm honestly not sure if it is or why a small portion of what is clearly a longer bike trail is included in the listings, but hey, it's another verified complete badge to pursue, so add another 8 miles on a day that was hot enough that I wasn't even self-conscious about hiking in only a sports bra on top. Heading back through the Railroad Trail was easy, if clogged, but the Sandstone Bluffs trail after 11 miles on a very hot day is a good way to push the limits.
September's hikes though, those were more celebrating the lifting of the Sickness, enjoying how happy I've been, and knocking out some of the Wisconsin side. While Minnesota's climbs along tough ridges, Wisconsin's spread out over wider and more diverse landscapes, not to mention some impressive climbs. The only thing more plentiful and annoying than the tourists are the bugs, though. June or September, expect to be brushing spider webs off, slapping mosquitos, and checking for ticks constantly regardless of how much repellent has been deployed. Wisconsin's side also seems to be more open to Geocaching potential, whereas Minnesota's parks are seemingly allergic to the possibility.
