Sign Up  /  Login

Jack-in-the-Pulpit Trail LbNA #30418 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Apr 27, 2007
Location:
City:Wykoff
County:Fillmore
State:Minnesota
Boxes:1
Planted by:Wildflower Girl
Found by: LMN Treasure Hunters
Last found:Jun 8, 2007
Status:FF
Last edited:Apr 27, 2007
NOTE, 8/16/07: Sadly, this box had to be removed upon the request of a Forestville State Park ranger. Apparently, one must apply for a permit and then have the location of their letterbox approved by a park ranger. Absolutely no vegetation can be disturbed. Thus, since this makes it very difficult to hide a letterbox, no matter how careful one is, I was forced to remove it. However, I still encourage you to visit Forestville State Park and the Historic Forestville township in your travels.
~Wildflower Girl

During the spring, Forestville State Park is filled with wildflowers! I highly recommend taking this hike in May or even early June when the wildflowers are at their finest. Be sure to notice the many jack-in-the-pulpits near the small brook.

Trail Difficulty: Easy, with some small hills. The hike will take approximately 30 minutes round trip at a casual pace. Wear long pants.

Stamp Color Recommendation: Green.

Drive to Wykoff, Minnesota, known as the "Gateway to Forestville." Travel south through downtown Wykoff on Hwy 80. (If you have time, you may wish to visit some of the local establishments, such as Magpie Studios, where our fellow letterboxer, Leaf~Lizard, has”useful art” on display. You can also visit Ed's Museum, the Gateway Inn Restaurant, the Bank Gift Haus and Margaret's Tea Room, and the Gold Street Pizza and Grille.) One mile south of town, you will come to an intersection where Hwy 80 ends and Co. Rd. 5 begins. Continue south on Co. Rd. 5 about 5 miles until the intersection of Co. Rd. 12. Turn left heading east which leads you directly into Forestville State Park. You may need to stop at the Ranger's Station to purchase a State Park season permit ($25.00) if you do not already have one, or you may pay $5.00 for a daily pass. After the Ranger's Station, travel 0.7 miles until you come to Historic Site Parking. (There will be a sign on your right, and the parking lot is on your left.) Park here.

Start your quest by exiting the east end of the parking lot. Take a right onto the road and walk along the left side of the road until you come to a State Park gate. Shortly beyond the gate will be the start of two trails—one heading south and one heading east. Take the east trail through the prairie area until you reach the edge of the woods. Here there will be a “you are here” map. Continue going east on Ravine Trail, or, as I have nicknamed it, “Jack-in-the-Pulpit Trail.” A small brook will be on your right side. You will eventually pass by a historic marker with information about the old Forestville Distillery, which you may wish to take a moment to read. Keep going on the trail until to the next intersection with another “you are here” map. Turn left (north) to proceed up Rock Slumps Trail. You will journey up a small hill, then down slightly, up a second hill, down again, and up a third hill. At the crest of the third hill, directly to your left (west), will be a small ledge. When standing on the ledge, you can see the valley in front of you with the river at the bottom. Directly in front of you, looking down the hill approximately 15 feet, will be a grouping of 4 trees. Three of the trees are very close together, with the fourth tree slightly further away and to the left. At the base of this tree will be a hallowed out stump, where you will find your goal! Please be careful when attempting to climb down from the ledge as it is a bit steep, and, as always, be discreet.

On your return trip to the parking lot, consider stepping back into 1899 by taking an interpretive tour of the Historic Village of Forestville. This can be fun for the whole family. Tours are available Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, Tues. - Sun.