Wellness Walking Challenge

Wellness Walking Challenge

CLIENT COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.

WELLNESS WALKING CHALLENGE

13 weeks – July, August and September 2016

Week 1:Worthington to Windom

Be sure to check out the River City Eatery to fortify your body for the walking challenges ahead!

Everything at River City Eatery has a story, and we mean everything. From the recipes to the tables and chairs, most of it has been recycled, upcycled or used and abused with tender loving care. We appreciate oddities and creativity. We also appreciate Taco Bell's saying "Think Outside the Bun," and are jealous we didn't come up withit first!

Now let's talk aboutthe menu. We hope that when you open our menu to see what we offer you are pleasantly surprised by the variety of options we offer. We aren't your "run of the mill" kind of restaurant, and that's why we consider ourselves an Eatery.

It all started as Mix Bakery in 1956. The orange and white tiles on the floorremain to prove it. Even before the owner of River City Eateryworked for John Mix atMix Bakery, in high school, this building had been known as thelocal hangout. River City Eatery is trying to continue the tradition.

Using only herdreams, her determination, her family and friends,and probably a little (or a lot)bit of "nuts," owner, Mari Harriestook the bones of the former Mix Bakery building, with muchrespect toits proud past, and created River City Eateryin order for this building tohave a respected future in the community of rural Windom.

An Eatery doesn't color inside the lines when it comes to food. We believe that sometimeswedon't need tofix something that isn't broken, like our classic Spaghetti and Meatballs. But I dare you to give our twist on the plain 'ol chicken sandwich or grilled cheese sandwich a try. You'll be happy to know thatwe know what we are doing here at River City Eatery and we like to have fun doing it.

The possibilities are endless at River City Eatery. We like adventure, we like trying new things, we like a perfect balance of fresh, modern and classic, traditional. Enjoy!

style

Week 2:Windom to Redwood Falls

We are so excited to share with you nature’s gift right here in our back yard; Alexander Ramsey Park! The park has been called the “Little Yellowstone of Minnesota” and holds over 219 aces of picturesque land filled with trees, trails, rivers and streams.

The park was built as a State Park in 1911 and years later was transferred back to the City of Redwood Falls. A number of grants were awarded to the city to help develop the park. These grants were used to renovate the 31 site campground, add accessible restroom and shower facilities, and develop picnic facilities, trails, overlooks and parking.

Just a few of the adventures and amenities of the park include:

  • The famous “Falls” and overlook area, recently remodeled for optimum viewing and photo scenes
  • 4 miles of hiking and cross country ski trails
  • Animal and Petting Zoo
  • Multiple playgrounds
  • 3 shelters
  • 31 site Campground
  • Adjacent to Redwood Falls Golf Course

Week 3:Redwood Falls to Willmar

Kandiyohi Candle Company is a small, non-profit business offering hand-poured soybean wax candles, and soybean based lotions hand produced by developmentally disabled Adults in Kandiyohi, Minnesota.
By choosing to use only soybean wax, we have eliminated many of the "problems" associated with paraffin candles. Our candles burn cleaner and are made from a naturally renewable resource - soybeans! These candles not only have a great scent throw, but they also have some of the longest burn times in the candle industry. The candles come in 3 sizes: 4 oz, 10 oz, and 16 oz containers. They are hand-poured in small batches into 12-sided classic jars with a brushed brass lid. The approximate burn times for each are: 4 oz = 25 hours, 10 oz = 60 hours, and 16 oz = 100 hours. We are also now offering an 18 oz Memorial Candle which has an approximate burn time of 120 hours. It is a simple 12 inch cylindrical container with white unscented soybean wax.
Soybean oil naturally contains Vitamins A and E, as well as other natural emollients, making it a perfect base for skin-healing lotions! Our soybean oil based hand and body lotion will rapidly heal extra-dry skin. It is great for cracked hands and feet, and will help retain your body's moisture. With ingredients like soybean, jojoba, aloe vera, cocoa butter, and shea butter, your skin will feel smooth, soft, and rejuvenated, without feeling greasy. Our lotion comes in three sizes; a 12 oz pump bottle, a 6 oz flip cap tottle, and a 2 oz with flip cap (perfect for purses!).

Week 4:Willmar to Alexandria

Visit the Alexandria RunestoneMusem!

Start your tour with a six-minute video with history of the Kensington Runestone and Norse explorers. Then view the Runestone, dated 1362, and its translation.

Imagine the history of the Viking Age in our Viking Home diorama, and the 40-foot Viking ship "Snorri." Be amazed at the beauty of the Native American exhibit and indulge in early immigrant history and the history of Alexandria. Visit the Wildlife exhibit, Walk Down Main Street, our interactive children's exhibit and Fort Alexandria, a… More replica of the actual fort which was built in 1862.

Week 5:Alexandria to Little Falls

Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site

The famous aviator spent boyhood summers and a few winters at this home on the Mississippi. Now you can enjoy its cozy kitchen, hear the whisper of the pines from the porch where he slept, or walk by the river where he dreamed of flight.

The newly remodeled visitor center with state of the art exhibits tells more of the family story.

The site is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Thursday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon - 5:00 p.m., closed Monday through Wednesday except for Monday holidays.

After Labor Day the site will be open for living history, holiday special events, and by appointment for educational and group tours.For more information visit or email (Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society).

Week 6:Little Falls to Brainerd

PAUL BUNYAN LAND

Paul Bunyan Land has been in the Brainerd Lakes Area almost 60 years. Starting on the Corner of 210 and 371, this attraction soon grew to fill 6 acres with amusement rides and buildings.

In 2003 Paul Bunyan Amusement Center was relocated and moved 6 miles East of Brainerd (12 miles West of Garrison) on State Highway 18 due to technology, innovation and plain old industrial growth. Similar the story of Paul & Babe v. Steam Locomotive & Chainsaw, it was time for Paul and his trusted sidekick to move on.

Kohls Shopping Center now resides in the original home of Paul Bunyan Amusement Center. With a new name and much larger location (23 Acres),Paul Bunyan Land coupled with an existing attraction, This Old Farm Pioneer Village, to widen the appeal to all ages. The Pioneer Village is the largest one man collection of antiques from the late 1800's to early 1900's in Minnesota

Week 7:Brainerd to Wadena

“Another Railroad Depot saved from demolition by the locals”

As a Railfan I appreciate the effort that local people put into saving their local architecture from demolition so am pleased to support and visit their successes.

The Depot at Wadena is a fairly recent addition to the list of restored depots and the lady docent was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. This depot is not cluttered with memorabilia but what they have is interesting and there is a live railway line running past the depot for those who like to watch trains go by.

Well worth stopping in if you're passing by!

Week 8:Wadena to Park Rapids

EVERGREEN FUN PARK

Everyone will find fun at Evergreen Fun Park! Great memories await you and everyone in the family as you enjoy 15 attractions that range from high adrenaline to low impact.

Evergreen Gifts and Fun Park isJust 10 miles north of Park Rapids, MN on Hwy 71, half-way between Park Rapids and The Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park.

Week 9:Park Rapids to Walker

State / National Forests

Chippewa National Forest
Chippewa National Forest, home of the largest nesting population of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. The Forest has a rich history, ranging from prehistoric times to early logging era and CCC days. The forest boundary encompasses about 1.6 million acres, with about 660,000 acres manages by the Chippewa National Forest. The remaining lands are State, County, Indian and private. The Leech Lake Indian Reservation is also within the Forest boundary.

Chippewa National Forest / Walker Ranger District
201 Minnesota Ave. E (218) 547-1044
Walker, MN 56484
Drive the Woodtick Trail, hike the Shingobee Hills or canoe down the incredible Boy River.

Deep Portage
Located in central Cass County, Deep Portage is a meeting place for community, education, and the environment. There are miles of trails to enjoy, a visitors’ center, and year-round educational programming. Summer is a great time to paddle, hike, bike or otherwise explore the forests and lakes!

Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park, headwaters of the Mississippi River, is just 35 miles from Walker. The park is open from May through October. There is limited access to the park in the winter months. Over two dozen vistas and historic spots are located along this scenic route. View the Itasca State Park map on the DNR website.

Lake Country Scenic Byway
Lake Country Scenic Byway invites you to discover the old fashioned charm of the Lake Country. You’ll travel 88 miles through prime northern Minnesota vacation country. The Byway unties the famed vacation areas of Walker, Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes along Highway 34 and scenic Itasca State Park on Highway 71 north.

Paul Bunyan State Forest
The Paul Bunyan State Forest is more then 72,000 acres of woods and lakes. There are over 50 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and 15 miles of ungroomed snowmobile trails, and countless hiking, biking and cross country ski trails

North Country National Scenic Trail

Week 10:Walker to Grand Rapids

JUDY GARLAND MUSEUM®

Welcome to the Judy Garland Museum® home of the world’s largest Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz collection, the restored Historic House, the Children’s Discovery Museum, and beautiful gardens. Located on 2 acres at 2727 Pokegama Avenue South, you are in for a real treat with the exhibits, artifacts, Museum Store, and the Lincoln Carriage, featured in "The Wizard of Oz", which was pulled by the “horse of a different color.” The Museum is designed with all ages in mind. Come, enjoy, and step back in time. After all “there is no place like home.”

Join us for the next Wizard of Oz Festival, June 9 - 11 2016

MISSION

The Mission of the Judy Garland Museum ® is: To engage people in exploring the life and times of Judy Garland. The Museum encourages visitors to learn about this great 20th Century artist through educational exhibits, publications, and special events.

VISION

To honor the talent and legacy of America’s Treasure, Judy Garland.

Week 11:Grand Rapids to Bemidji

Bemidji, The First City on the Mississippi, Minnesota USA
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox / Paul Bunyan Animal Land
Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox Babe stand along the shore of Lake Bemidji near the Tourist Information Center.Built in 1937, Eastman Kodak recognized Paul & Babe asthe second most photographed icon in the nation.Located at 300 Bemidji Avenue. / Lions, tigers, bears,
camels, leopards,
kangaroos, cougars,
bobcats, three species of
deer, elk, llamas,
donkeys,lemurs,
monkeys, raccoons, fox, reptiles, exotic birds, amazing bugs and various small mammals are just a few of the animals who make their home at Animal Land. See them all at Paul Bunyan's Animal Land, Minnesota's largest wildlife park/petting zoo.
Animal Land is home to nearly 100 animals representing every continent on earth. Indoor learning center, gift shop, picnic areas, playground and RV parking.Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Birthday parties, group rates, traveling educational programs and more.
Located on Hwy 2 East between Bemidji and Cass Lake
Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. daily
Contact: 218-759-1533

Week 12:Bemidji to Northome

Big Bear Country, Inc. (BBC, Inc.) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Northome, Minnesota. Big Bear Country, Inc. is dedicated to life-long learning and better understanding of the natural world and of man's historic relationship with natural systems.

See more at:


Week 13:Northome to Baudette/Lake of the Woods

WELCOME TO WALLEYE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Lake of the Woods offers some of the best year round fishing you can find. Fish the ice early December to late March, Dive right into River Fishing for Spring/Fall and venture out to Lake for the warm summer bite. You can find Walleye, Northern Pike, Sturgeon, Sauger, Perch and more…