Shetek Environmental Learning Center

08/03/2026

What a difference a week can make. The 67 degree weather for our morning hike on Saturday, August 1st was refreshing! SLM Hiking Club completed hike #26 at Granite Fall MN Memorial Park. We covered 2.5 miles within the 141 acres of the park. Before we started our hike we learned a little about the history behind this park and the natural resources within it.

07/27/2026

Next hike is Saturday, August 1 at 9 am. Guests and new members welcome!

07/26/2026

SLM Hiking Club completed our first out of state hike on Saturday, July 25. Hike #25 at Palisades State Park in Garretson SD was a fun adventure. This hike was delayed from earlier this month because of high heat index. We started out with cloud cover which helped as we completed our morning hike to beat the heat and humidity that was forecasted. We did modify our planned trails for the day, completing the Split Rock Creek Trail only for a total of 2.15 miles. We took frequent water breaks and rested along the trail. Our next hike location will be shared on Monday.

07/24/2026

SLM hiking club members have covered a lot of miles and explored many parks in SW Minnesota. There are more parks and more trails yet to be explored together. New members are welcome!

07/10/2026

Hike #25 has been rescheduled due to forecasted heat index. Stay hydrated and be smart with your outdoor activities during the incoming heat.

07/05/2026

It will soon be time for hike #25. This hike will be our first time going into South Dakota. We will meet on Sunday, July 12th at 3pm at Palisades State Park located at 48422 256th St, Garretson SD 57030. This hike will require the purchase of a South Dakota State Park daily pass or annual pass.

We will meet in the parking lot by picnic shetler #4 which is located in the day use area. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled hike time.

Our hike will include a few of the most popular trails at the park. Split Rock Creek Trail, which is a 1.5 mile moderate hike on a natural surface. King and Queen Trail is a 0.7 mile easy hike on a natural surface. The South Wall Trail is a 0.4 mile moderate hike on a natural surface.

The goal is to stay together as a group in order to provide and build community as we spend time in nature as we explore, discover and learn alongside each other. Please dress according to the weather for comfort and safety, remembering sun protection and bug spray. A daypack is recommended with water bottle, snacks and whatever other items you may need. As your hike facilitator I will have a first aid kit with me and cell phone. Any attending teens & children under 18 must have an accompanying adult.

Please RSVP by contacting Elizabeth at [email protected] or calling the office 507-763-3567. Guests are permitted (guests: those who are not yet registered for the program but accompany a registered member)- a guest is welcome to participate on two hikes free of charge. Guests must give their name and contact information upon meeting up for the hike and join as members for hikes after attending two hikes. New members will receive a trail journal in which you may record your observations, feelings, mileage and other notes.

Printed paperwork for membership application, policies and schedules will be available at each hike.

Annual Membership fees: $25/individual, $40/couple, or $60/family (Family: parents +any amount of children under 18, or three or more people living in the same household with the same shared mailing address). Checks or cash preferred, with checks made out to Shetek Lutheran Ministries with "SLM Hiking Club" in the memo.

If a hike must be cancelled it will be announced via Facebook (Shetek Environmental Learning Center), as well as through email and text if you are a registered member of the SLM Hiking Club.

Looking forward to seeing you on the trail!

06/24/2026

These are exciting resources for accessibility that are available at some of our Minnesota State Parks.

06/23/2026

Hike #24 took place on Monday evening at Garvin Park in Lyon County. This was a fun park which has a history as being a popular gathering spot as a park going back into the 1930’s. We hiked along the River Trail, Morgan Trail, Herman Heights and concluded with Mertons Lookout coving 2.75 miles. It was a fun evening hiking, identifying plants and mushrooms and trying to distinguish the bird calls. This hiking club knows how to have fun!!!

06/15/2026

SLM Hiking Club is celebrating 2 years! Hike #24 will take place on Monday, June 22 at 6pm at Garvin Park. You are invited to be our guests. This will be a planned 2.5-3 mile hike. Please RSVP to [email protected] or by calling 507-763-3567. SLM Hiking Club membership information will be available at the hike and can also be found on our website https://shetek.org/project/slm-hiking-club/

06/13/2026

It’s National Get Outdoors Day. This is a great opportunity to go explore a Minnesota State Park.

It's Free Park Day! 🗺🌲

We're celebrating National Get Outdoors Day today with free entrance into all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas! No vehicle entry permit is needed today, so take this opportunity to unplug and enjoy the trails.

Use the map below to find your next state park adventure—or head to mndnr.gov/state_parks/map.html for an interactive map of all state parks and recreation areas!

ℹ mndnr.gov/freeparkdays
📷 mndnr.gov/sharephotos