Sometimes you find a place that might be nice to return to, or maybe a good idea to visit again (someday). Other times, you land at a spot that feels so right you book reservations as soon as returning home. Cuyuna is the latter, as we'll be returning in August as well as next year. The Arizona meets Colorado landscape was designated as a Minnesota state recreation area located in Cuyuna Country and nestled near the two adjacent towns of Ironton and Crosby, MN. The area used to house significant iron mining facilities during the 1920's. After the easily accessible iron ore ran dry, ghost towns survived along with large pits (later to fill with water so clear you can see well over 20 feet down). I learned from a regular visitor at our campsite that Brainerd (a small town about 20 minutes away) was battling a youth drug problem, so they gathered resources and started developing mountain bike trails. Now, they have what I would describe as world-class mountain bike trails weaving around some of the purest, most beautiful lakes I've ever been in (albeit chilly in June) .
Camping at the DNR ran campground for three nights was satisfactory, while the area scenery was superb. A short walk around the bend from our campsite we discovered one Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake, which is also used by scuba divers due to clear water conditions. We were not let down. The water was still frigid this early in summer, but it was not entirely unbearable. It was a real "yikes" when you got in, but after moving and swimming, you could control your breathing and absorb some warmth from the sun. We watched as minnows, perch, and a few bass approached our legs in the water. One blueish fish came close enough to nudge it with my toe. The kids enjoyed both the water (although you couldn't stay in it too long or you'd watch Charlie's lips turn blue) and playing in the red sandy-rock beach area where they built castles, islands, and a not so successful minnow trapping area. At one point, I laid down on a picnic bench, allowed my vision to blur as I gazed up at the blue skies, and watched the cottonwood fluffs meander by in the air. The birds chirped in some distant universe, and I wavered between the real earth and what I could only imagine as heaven.
When I say world-class mountain biking, I'm not joking. The trails are brilliantly designed to roll through thick forests. Much like riding a roller coaster you need only pedal on the short uphill sections, then roll back down the drops and swoop up again as your stomach lurches to and fro. Ellie said she was scared but excited. The red packed gravel-like dirt provided the perfect density of trail-pack which quickly soaked up water after rain while offering excellent grip for your tires. We all rode the Galloping Goose trail which darted through sweet smelling pines along lakeside views. At one point, I stopped by a cliff side, looked down into the clear waters below and watched a fish hovering in suspension - again unclear of the present state of reality.
The close proximity of the city allowed us to putter into town (a short 5 minute drive), pick up snacks, food, and eat out for dinner.
Cuyuna provided us the perfect balance of outdoor enjoyment with trails, lakes, easy access to food options, and of course our reason for returning.
