Travelers visit every state park | News, Sports, Jobs

ABOVE: Minnesota campers Cindy Hertling and Larry White completed their journey last week to visit all of the state parks in the state. Because of the travelers’ longevity and persistence, they will receive a Minnesota State Parks and Trails plaque. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT — After a long journey, they are finally home and have accomplished a great task. Two adventurous souls from Truman, Cindy Hertling and Larry White, spent two years crossing the state to reach every state park the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer. After visiting all 75 state parks, Hertling and White will receive a plaque from Minnesota State Parks and Trails in honor of the time it took them to reach every state attraction in Minnesota.

White explained that prior to his and Hertling’s two-year expedition, he had already traveled and camped extensively throughout the state. He camped with just a tent and his supplies before gradually transitioning to a trailer over the years. After both of their spouses died, Hertling and White met online and, since they both appreciated travel and the outdoors, the two adopted each other as travel partners and began their journey to visit every state park in Minnesota.

“I travel to Gooseberry Falls almost every year,” said White.

Gooseberry Falls State Park is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota. The park was the first of eight state parks established on the north shore of Lake Superior. Gooseberry Falls State Park captures the hearts of many tourists with its rushing waterfalls, vibrant natural environment, scenic overlooks, and many other attractions that provide campers with an enjoyable experience during their stay.

White explained that Hertling was excited about the idea of ​​receiving a plaque for visiting all the state parks and wanted to hang it in her RV to commemorate the two-year trip across the state of Minnesota. This potential recognition for their travels motivated the two tourists, and after packing plenty of luggage, they began their project with a visit to Minneopa Falls State Park in Mankato.

According to White, the trip was generally very smooth for the pair. The camping experience was also appropriate, including encounters with a brown bear and a deer that were curiously exploring their campsite.

Upon arriving at the state parks, Hertling and White first checked into the park and took advantage of their campsite. They stayed in the park for an average of two days total, sometimes three. Many state parks offered weekend activities such as fishing, bird watching, and several hiking trails to explore. After each trip, the pair returned to their hometown of Truman and stayed for a week before heading off again to their next destination.

Hertling and White reflected on their trip and which park had particularly appealed to them.

“Frontenac (State Park) was so beautiful,” Hertling stated happily.

“Gooseberry and Itasca State Parks (were among my favorites). Each of them has its advantages,” White added. “I like state parks because there is a lot of forest and space between us and the next camper.”

During many of their visits, Hertling and White learned about Native Americans through tours and history lessons. Another meaningful experience was visiting the Forestville Mystery Cave in Preston, Minnesota. During the tour, they were led through the cave and met people who practiced the Amish lifestyle.

Before leaving each park, White said, the two often, if not always, treated themselves to a souvenir to remember their experience at the park before moving on to the next park or returning home.

“We collected and bought T-shirts and hats,” White told.

He encourages would-be travelers to take their time when it comes to visiting state parks. While he and Hertling completed their state park trip in an arduous two-year period, travelers said they wished they had spent more time in the state parks.

“Try not to do it in just two years,” said White, laughing. “I wish we weren’t in such a hurry.”

He said he would have preferred to camp in the parks for at least a week and really enjoy every adventure the country had to offer. In addition, White jokingly advised first-time travelers to pack a generous amount of bug spray.

Looking ahead to future expeditions, the pair have considered expanding their travel experience to state parks in neighboring states such as Wisconsin and Iowa.