Join transportation journalist H. Jiahong Pan (pronouns: they/them/theirs) on a transit trek from Minneapolis to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, October 26.
Before October, trips to Sherburne were restricted to a one-hour drive, a long bike ride, or an overnight train trip from Minneapolis. But with the restoration of reverse commute trips on the Northstar Line in early October, one can now make a day trip to and from the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge by public transit.
The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is revered for sandhill crane viewing during the fall and has a variety of habitat.
Event Details
Thursday, October 26, 6:15am
Target Field Station
The deadline to RSVP is noon on October 19.
RSVPs are free, however please have $24.50 for transit fare: at least $12.50 in a Go-To card and at least $12 in cash.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Why are you doing this when driving is so much easier?
As a journalist, I like to invite my readers the opportunity to experience firsthand some of the issues I report on. One of them is transportation. By hosting this, I hope you will develop a better understanding of issues facing Minnesota's transit systems. You'll also have the opportunity to make friends and go on an adventure.
How are we getting there?
We will take Northstar to Big Lake Station, take Tri-CAP from Big Lake Station to downtown Elk River, then transfer to another Tri-CAP bus to take us up to Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. We return by Tri-Cap to Elk River station, then take Northstar back to Minneapolis.
Why Big Lake Station? It's closer to a place that can provide warmth and nourishment (a Casey's).
Important: Tri-CAP is a dial-a-ride provider, meaning you must call ahead of time for a ride. I will make those reservations for you.
How Long Will This Trip Take? What is the tentative itinerary?
This trip is expected to take twelve hours. Much of the trip will be spent in-transit. The tentative itinerary is as follows:
- 6:35am board Northstar Train at Target Field Station
- 7:32am arrive Big Lake Station
- ~8:30am board Tri-CAP to downtown Elk River
- ~9:00am arrive downtown Elk River
- ~11:30am depart downtown Elk River on Tri-CAP
- ~12pm arrive Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
- ~2:30pm depart Oak Savanna Learning Center to Elk River Northstar Station on Tri-CAP
- ~3:20pm arrive Elk River Northstar Station
- Time Certain 4:55pm depart Elk River Northstar Station
- Time Certain 5:37pm arrive Target Field Station
How much will the total trip cost?
The total trip will cost adults $24.50.
The fare breakdown is as follows:
- Northstar: $6.25 one way (Cash, Go-To Card or Token Transit app) TAP PASSHOLDERS PAY $4 FARE. THOSE NOT GOING TO DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS PAY $3.25 FARE. INCLUDES TRANSFER TO ALL TWIN CITIES FIXED-ROUTE SERVICES.
- Tri-CAP: $4.00 per boarding (Cash or pay with the Token Transit app)
Why are we meeting so early?
The only outbound Northstar train departs at 6:40am in the morning. This was also the case pre-pandemic. I tried to look for an alternative route that could have allowed us to leave later, but it would have required us to make multiple transfers. Alas, the transit agencies don't have such an option.
Why do you need my address? Why do you need my birth date?
Tri-CAP, the transit agency handling the reservation, requires this information to communicate with you about rides. The address you disclose can be a physical address where you can receive mail. I won't sell or give this information to anyone else besides Tri-CAP, I promise.
How will you decide whether or not the trip is canceled?
I will notify attendees the Wednesday before the trip is to occur of any cancelations. I will cancel the trip if the weather forecast calls for any precipitation or temperatures dipping below freezing 36 hours before departure. I may cancel earlier if, for whatever reason, the transit agencies are unable to accommodate us.
How should I dress?
Hunting season is here and winter is soon to follow. DRESS WARM. I recommend layering up. We will be doing quite a bit of walking, so I recommend not wearing anything that has cotton so when you sweat, your clothing doesn't slow you down — or even worse — freeze. I also recommend wearing hiking boots for walking on varied terrain, an orange knit cap to signal your presence to hunters, as well as a jacket that repels wind and rain.
How much walking will be involved?
You will need to do some walking to get to and from Target Field Northstar Station. It is about a 200-feet walk down two flights of stairs to the train platform. You will also have to walk from the train in Big Lake to the bus boarding area, which is about 20 feet apart. A nearby Casey's is 0.15 mile from the station. A Casey's is 0.3 mile from the Elk River station.
You are free to do your own exploring in downtown Elk River.
The trails adjacent to the Oak Savanna Learning Center are two miles total. The Mahnomen Trail, which is accessible by a 0.9 mile walk east from the National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters on Sherburne County Road 9 shoulders, is 3 miles long.
Will there be any places for me to sit?
Aside from the bus, the following are potential (we may stop at) places I've identified that have seating
- Big Lake Northstar Station
- River's Edge Commons, Elk River
- Elk River Northstar Station
Will there be any restrooms in case I have to go?
The following places have restrooms:
- Casey's, Big Lake
- Assorted Downtown Elk River Businesses
- Oak Savanna Learning Center, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (Heated!)
- Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
- Mahnomen Trailhead, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
- Northstar trains
Should I bring anything?
Pack a lunch you can eat in the field, or at the very least cook in the field with minimal supplies. (I plan on bringing a dehydrated meal.) Bring snacks to keep you energized and warm drinks to keep you warm and hydrated. Bring first aid, such as bandages and Neosporin, in case you get a cut or scrape. If you like photography, bring a camera. If you like foraging, bring your foraging tools. The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge allows
foraging for mushrooms, berries and nuts within 100 feet of designated trails and public right of ways
for personal consumption only. Oh, and bring a battery with you to charge your phone.
Will there be any place to stay warm in case I get cold?
We could visit the following places on the trip that are adjacent to where we will board and disembark the buses, which may provide an opportunity for us to stay warm:
- Casey's, Big Lake
- Assorted Downtown Elk River Businesses
- Restroom east of the Oak Savannah Learning Center
- And of course, the buses and the Northstar train
How good is cell reception where we will be visiting?
Anticipate poor cell reception in the backcountry. The maps they have online don't seem to be GeoPDFs. You are welcome to print your own maps. I will also try to get some paper maps.
What if I end up having trash?
Bring something to keep the trash in with you until you find a receptacle. Don't litter. I generally bring recyclable and compostable items home with me for sorting before final disposal.
What if I run late?
The Northstar train leaves right at 6:40am. If you don't show up, I will call Tri-CAP to cancel your ride.
Tri-CAP buses can show up 10 minutes before or 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time. Tri-CAP buses wait three minutes before leaving.
What if someone participating in this trip engages in conduct that may make me feel uncomfortable?
Pull me aside and tell me about it. Tell me how you want me to handle the situation.
Who are you?
I am a freelance journalist who covers transportation issues. I'm based in Minneapolis. Follow me on Twitter:
h_pan3, IG:
hpphmore or Bluesky:
hpan3.bsky.social.
I need to cancel.
Send me an e-mail ASAP: hpan0003 at gmail
What are the transit agencies that we will be using?
Tri-CAP was the first Minnesota Community Action agency created outside of the Twin Cities as part of President Lyndon Johnson's war on poverty. Though its focus is on Benton, Stearns and Sherburne Counties, it runs a public transit and energy program that also serves parts of Morrison and Mille Lacs Counties.
tricap.org
Opened in 2009, the
Northstar Line is Minnesota's only commuter rail line that connects Minneapolis and Big Lake. Visit
metrotransit.org/northstar for more information and
catchthelink.com for connecting bus service to St. Cloud.
I have a question that you didn't answer in this FAQ.
Send me an e-mail: hpan0003 at gmail
