It was my turn to plan this years springs canoe trip. After searching the Minnesota DNR’s website and fumbling through piles of river maps, I narrowed my search to two rivers.
The first river I chose was the Cannon River, located 60-miles south of the Minneapolis. Like the Jay Cooke and Gooseberry Falls State Parks this river has Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Rice Lake State Park, which are easily within driving distance.
The second river called, “Long Prairie River” located north of Alexandria Minnesota is approximately 3 hours and 142 miles from Minneapolis. So, why did I pick one river so close to home — and another so far away?
A successful camping trip begins with a back-up plan
Being in charge of planning a successful trip includes keeping tabs on the weather and having a back-up plan. I’m glad I had a second choice. Torrential downpours and threatening weather were expected for southern Minnesota — especially around the Cannon River area. I quickly transferred my reservation to Lake Carlos State Park. The state reservations office will allow you to transfer your reservation to another state park or move to a later date.
Within the 24-hour window, if you decide not to use your reservation you will pay a $10 cancellation fee, plus the non-refundable reservation fee of $8.50. It’s a small price to pay knowing you won’t be forced to sit in the rain.
FML Outdoors.com 
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