4 minute read
Back Roads
This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Richard Siemers. Colossal Camden
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The Redwood River originates on the Coteau des Prairies and flows 127 miles across the flat prairie to enter the Minnesota River. Southwest of Marshall, between the towns of Lynd and Russell, it cut a deep, wooded valley in that prairie.
Archeological digs have uncovered evidence that it was a gathering place for Native Americans. When settlers from Camden, New Jersey arrived, they found it an attractive place to establish a settlement which they named after their home town. The village existed about a decade.
In 1934, the State of Minnesota developed a 458-acre state park which One part of their work which did not survive was the stone bridges over the Redwood River. The steel gusset bridges that were brought in for the Lyon County road that runs into the park from the north eventually needed to be replaced. In a cooperative effort between the Lyon County Highway Department and the Department of Natural Resources, the three new bridges were built with a Lyon County historic look. The concrete piers were impressed and stained to match the stone work on the buildings. With heavy plank side rails, they fit into the e n v i r o n m e n t and are reminiscent of one of the original bridges. The park has since been extended up out of the valley. This area has another RV campground and a horse camp with trails. Man-made Brawner Lake, in a hollow and protected from the wind, has bass and bluegill fishing and allows only non-motorized craft. (The lake is currently dry while the water control structure is replaced.) Trout fishing is available in the Redwood River. Recently, the historic caretaker’s house has become Redwood Lodge and will be available to rent. The 15 miles of paved trails within the park now connect with the Camden Regional Trail which takes hikers and bikers to Marshall 10 miles away.
Everyone who passed that way knew a good thing when they saw it. Camden State Park makes this good thing available to all. The park entrance is along State Highway 23 between Lynd and Russell.
Information on this and other state parks is found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks. v preserves this anomaly on the prairie for all to enjoy. Camden State Park headquarters are along State Highway 23.
When you leave there to drive to the lower picnic and campground, you realize you are entering a new world. Park Supervisor Bill Dinesen said there is a 180- foot elevation difference between the entrance and the valley. When you drive into the valley, you notice a change in climate and vegetation. There you will find an RV campground, picnic areas and a swimming pond.
The Veterans Conservation Corps was brought in to develop what is now a National Historic District. They constructed roads, infrastructure and trails. They excavated the “cool” spring-fed swimming area. Their buildings included a picnic shelter, restrooms and bathhouse — all of which have stonework and are on the National Register of Historic Places.
(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 © 2020 Feb. 7/Feb. 14, 2020
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