Norwegian Ridge (MN) Hike

Our Driftless Drifters hiking club* recently hiked on the Norwegian Ridge Birding and Nature Trails in Spring Grove MN. Although I was unavailable on the day of the club hike, I recently checked out the hike for myself. 

Started and maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers, the first trail was created in 2013 and additional trails were added shortly thereafter. Hikers have an option to hike 1, 2 or 3 mile loops.

A VERY narrow part of the trail
Image-Marge Loch-Wouters

The trails are mowed grass or dirt trails that traverse hardwood forests, oak savanna prairie and wetlands. Some trails are narrow, others follow old roads and snowmobile trails. The hike begins at the top of the ridge and descend up and down through the rolling woods and prairie before heading back up through the woods and prairies. Elevation gain on this hike is just under 200 feet.

As soon as you begin the hike, you run into the first of over 50 trail signs, each dedicated to identifying a bird. They include a picture of both the male and female, common name, scientific name, Norwegian translation of the name, approximate size, nesting habits, eating preferences and a QR code to access their call and other info. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with the migrating birds that come through this birder's hot spot or to tune into birds that are residents of the woods and prairies.

A true troll bridge
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The hardwood forests are fascinating. They have a fairly clear understory which speaks to the woods being well cared for. While most of the spring ephemerals were done blooming when I walked the trail near mid-June, I think it would be riotous with wildflowers in spring. There are a number of bridges that cross spring-fed ponds and small streams. They add interest and fun. 

We eye each other
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

Also of interest was a buck sporting velvet antlers that we saw on the trail. When you are in a group of hikers, it's harder to get close to wildlife, simply because of the noise and chatter. Walking solo or with another hiker quiets the time on the trail and it is a wonder what can be seen!

Tiger swallowtail butterfly
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The final portion of the hike brought us back to the prairie where we saw lupine, ox-eye daisies, clover, wild chervil, and numerous birds and pollinators among the sunny fields.

Note: they have special free program on Sat June 17. They write: "We will gather at the Trailhead of the Norwegian Ridge Birding and Nature Trails at 10 am, and be guided by Sara Holger, Lead Interpretive Naturalist from Whitewater State Park and founder of a non-profit called Project Get Outdoors. This event will be held rain or shine and will last 1 1/2 hours. Limit 25 people. Event is free but we need you to register. Please email, lane.zaffke@gmail.com with your registration. Trail is not accessible, attendees must be able to navigate the trail system. Looking forward to seeing you on the 17!"

THE HIKE

A great bird and nature trail that lets choose your own adventure depending on your mood - 1, 2 or 3 mile loops. Well cared for, full of informational signs and charm, this hike winds through forest, prairie and wetlands. There are two highway crossings so caution is urged. There is a 197 foot elevation change as you descend from the ridge down into the forest and back up again to the prairie on the rolling trails. The trail is open year round and would be interesting in any season but I would recommend song bird migration in spring and fall as a peak time to visit.

Location: Spring Grove MN

The trail starts right behind Red's IGA on the east side of Spring Grove. Park on the east side of the store's parking lot and walk towards the Gundersen Clinic building. You will see a mowed trail leading down from the store

* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.