get outdoors

Waseca County’s parks and trails provide leisure and recreational activities for all ages — from small neighborhood parks to the 24-acre Northeast Park, site of the Waseca Water Park. On the east side, on beautiful Clear Lake, is Maplewood Park, one of the last remnants of the big woods that once covered southern Minnesota. Take the road to the top of the hill to enjoy paths that wind through the woods, discover native wildflowers and appreciate the quiet beauty of Maplewood, a true Waseca treasure. Once the location of private cabins and a stately hotel, it is now public property. A host of other outdoor activities await residents and visitors with the vast walking and biking trails along with the numerous activities at the city’s lakes. Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding have become popular summer activities at Clear Lake Park. Tennis is available at Oak Park, Clear Lake Park and the courts at Waseca Junior-Senior High School. Pickleball has also become a popular outdoor sport for many. If you’re a bolder adventurer, Skydive Northstar operates out of the Waseca Municipal Airport from April to October. Call 507-461-5838 for more information. Or check out their website at skydivenorthstar.com. Kiesler’s Campground and RV Resort on Waseca’s east side, and the south side of Clear Lake, also provides outdoor fun opportunities for young and old. This is a prime location for seasonal or visiting campers, offers numerous amenities and activities for those who stay. There is a mini golf course, volleyball court, a 2,000 sqare foot

swimming pool with two slides, fishing and many other activities for the whole family. Visit kieslers. com.

More camping options are available at Waseca County Courthouse Park just south of Waseca. The grounds offer camping for both campers and tents along with pavilion rentals. Courthouse Park has the Le Sueur River winding through it with trails for walking, horseback riding or skiing along with a basketball court, a new playground and other amenities for visitors. Visit co.waseca. mn.us/163/Parks for more information or email brian.tomford@co.waseca.mn.us.

Reinbold Sportsmen Campground is located just outside of Janesville. This campground is for seasonal campers down the road from Prairie Ridge Golf Course and near Lake Elysian. The campground offers something for everyone with a game room, heated pool, fishing and many more conveniences available. Find more information on Reinbold’s Facebook page.

Not too far from Waseca or Janesville is Waterville, where the family-oriented campground and RV park Kamp Dels can be found just off of Lake Sakatah. The grounds offer both seasonal and overnight camping as well as cabin rentals. A new waterpark was added in 2016 that has a 32-foot-tall waterslide and a 23-foot-tall Aqua Climb climbing wall. There is a petting zoo, basketball courts, water rentals and numerous other accommodations for guests. For more information check out kampdels.com.