New Flandrau-Fort Ridgely State Park Manager Natalie Brinson tests a cross country ski trail at Flandrau Wednesday. The trails for skiers were groomed Dec. 30 and are fair condition.

NEW ULM — New Flandrau and Fort Ridgely State Park Supervisor Natalie Brinson put on cross country skis, grabbed a couple poles and got on a Flandrau ski trail Wednesday.

“We groomed the trail for the first time Tuesday. We had just enough snow to groom, so the trails are in fair condition,” she said. “Because the wind was so strong last weekend, some parts of the trail have less than ideal snow but enough to open the season. Some folks were skiing on the trail Tuesday and were excited to see us with the groomer.”

A Versailles, Indiana native, Brinson came to Flandrau and Fort Ridgely State Parks in November. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) employee since Sept. 2024, she formerly worked as a Kings County park superintendent in Visalia, CA.

An Indiana State Park Ranger for eight years, Brinson worked in California for two years before moving to Minnesota.

“I have a lot of experience with swimming pool operation. I’m familiar with the pond operation here. We expect to open the pool to open at Flandrau State Park this year,” she said. “I’m excited to start my tenure here at Flandrau and Fort Ridgely. This may be my first true Minnesota winter this year. I’m excited to groom trails and start skiing. I heard a barred owl on the Flandrau Oxbow Trail while skiing Tuesday. I really look forward to the summer recreation season. I can’t wait to become part of the community and have everyone out here enjoying what the parks have to offer.”

Brinson has many outdoor interests.

“I’m an avid hiker, kayaker, artist, author and beekeeper. I love outdoor things,” she said. “I don’t mind cold weather. I really like the change of seasons.”

Brinson published “Lessons of the White Oak: A Short Story”,” a 43-page book for teens and young adults Oct. 9, 2021.

The book was described as a look at life on a farm through the perspective of the white oak tree sitting in the middle of it. The tree learns valuable wisdom and insight as the core life-source for the entire farm. Adventerous woodland animals the Oak observes are Pig, a groundhog with a sense of humor; Juniper, a family-loving squirrel; Fern, a vibrant, young chickadee; and Furrow, a gruff old raccoon.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Ball State University, Muncie, IN.

Flandrau groomed ski trails are for skiers only. The City of New Ulm Archery Deer Hunt concluded Dec. 31. ATVs and golf carts are not allowed on park roads or trails.

Trails are open year-round for hiking at Fort Ridgely State Park, located in the Minnesota River Valley, about 25 miles northwest of New Ulm. After a snowfall, park roads will be plowed within 72 hours. The main campground, horse campground and farmhouse are closed for the season. ATVs are not allowed on park roads or trails.

The chalet is open for reservations year-round. Bathrooms are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The upper level of the chalet is available by reservation only. Reservations for the chalet, picnic shelter, amphitheater, and horse camp box stalls can be made by contacting the park ranger station.

The Fort Ridgely Historic Site including the fort buildings, foundations and grounds are managed by the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) not the DNR. For questions, contact the MNHS at 1-800-657-3773.

Brinson said she expects a good turnout and hope for good weather for the Fort Ridgely State Park Candlelight Hike, 5-8 p.m. Jan. 31.

For more information, call Flandrau State Park at 507-233-1260 and Fort Ridgely State Park at 507-426-7840. Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/.