After a successful winter of dog sledding group trips, I kicked off the summer by organizing an all-ladies camping trip in my home state!
We had 20 ladies from all over the USA who came. I volunteered or traveled with a few but for the most part, we were meeting for the first time!
As a host, you are always hopeful the group will get along well and everyone will easily connect. To say this group meshed well would be an understatement! Every one of these ladies brought fun, positive energy to the experience and I am so lucky to have spent the weekend with them.
Friday
We met at Blue Mound State Park around 2pm on Friday. Everyone did introductions, set up camp and got settled in before heading off on our first hike!
Of course we had to stop and grab a group photo at the Blue Mounds entrance sign along the way. Then we were off to hike Quarry Trail!
After the hike, we freshened up at the campsite and went to Take 16 Brewery for dinner and drinks.
The tiny town of Luverne was in the middle of their annual summer festival, Buffalo Days. So downtown was bursting with street vendors, live music, a classic car show and more. We had a few drinks, ate pizza and explored before heading to the drive-in movie theater.
Under the stars, we watched the new Cruella movie starring Emma Stone all together at the Verne Drive In.
After the movie, we had a campfire and s’mores before finally calling it a night!
Saturday
Those eager to catch sunrise set their alarms and we set off early! We climbed to the highest point in the park to watch the sun coming up over the prairie.
Later that morning, we headed into town for the Buffalo Days parade happening in Luverne.
After the parade, our group split into two. Half of the ladies went skydiving with Skydive Adventures. And the other half went hiking in Palisades State Park in South Dakota.
Check out these great photos from the ladies who conquered their fears and went skydiving!
That evening, we all met back up for a sunset picnic and photoshoot with a local, professional photographer. We ate, watched the sunset, listened to music and took turns getting photographed by the wonderful Sydney Leigh.
The ladies were wonderfully supportive of one another and we all whooped and cheered as people got their photos taken, it was a blast!
Sign up to travel with me in the future!
Thank you Sydney Leigh for capturing such beautiful photos of our trip!
After the sunset picnic, we went downtown for a few drinks and to enjoy the last of the Buffalo Day festivities. It was a late night around the campfire for many!
Sunday
On our final morning, another group of early risers woke up in time to go catch sunrise.
We had breakfast around the campsite together before setting out for one last morning hike.
Although it was a hot day and a humid weekend overall, it was a fun way to end the trip as we scaled and climbed through the rocks of the state park.
After the hike, we packed up and said our goodbyes! I am so thankful for all the wonderful ladies who came from all over to be here in small town Minnesota. It meant so much to get to share my homestate with you all! Until our paths cross again!
Our schedule for the weekend
Past Group Trips:
