“Right here in Bunker Hills is 1600 acres of natural areas, prairies and, woods,” said Andy Soltvedt from Anoka County Parks. “You can be right here in Coon Rapids and feel like you’re out in the middle of the Minnesota wilderness.
Bunker Hills is part of the sprawling Twin Cities metropolis, but has an up north look and vibe.
“My friend’s family comes here and goes camping once a year and they live up in Northern Minnesota,” said Jennifer Walch of New Brighton. “But they choose to come here.”
Said Soltvedt: “We’re kind of the equivalent of the state park system of the metro area.”
Magnetic tug
Now that spring has sprung, Bunker has a magnetic tug on those wanting to experience the great outdoors.
Said Walch: “It’s a renewal.”
“Trail usage is very heavy,” said Soltvedt.
Getting outside is the perfect cure for cabin fever.
“I think with the long winter everybody’s been itching to get out,” Soltvedt said. “We’re certainly seeing that in the parks right now.”
Pastoral and scenic
Mild spring weather is nature’s cue to explore parks and trails.
“The weather has just been a barometer for us,” said Soltvedt. “Anytime the sun’s out people are out. It’s been really busy in all the parks, everything from the walking trails, the dog parks.”
“It’s really important to get out in nature,” said Walch. “It’s grounding. It’s helpful. It gets your body moving.”
The spring scenery at Bunker is pastoral and scenic. A trip to this park puts things into perspective.
“The grounds here are beautiful,” Walch said. “There’s nature. There’s trees. There’s fresh air. The campgrounds are immaculate.”
“Being able to get outside in those kind of larger, open, natural areas is a great opportunity for you to get out and explore – whether it’s on bike, on foot, with your family strollers, or more active things,” Soltvedt said. “Bunker Beach, the water park there, or a campground.”
“It’s kind of nostalgic,” Walch said. “We came here when we were little growing up. It’s fun to come back here as adults and with kids of our own to be able to talk and catch up.”
