Retired Therapist Completes Major Minnesota Hiking Quest

A 64-year-old Montevideo resident visited nearly all of Minnesota's 73 state parks over the past three years.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden trail marker in a dense, colorful Minnesota pine forest, representing the state's hiking club program. — Retired Minnesota occupational therapist Kelly Van Klompenburg successfully hiked nearly all of the state's 73 parks over a three-year personal health mission. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you commit to visiting every state park in your home state during your retirement?

Kelly Van Klompenburg recently completed a three-year mission to hike 71 of the 73 state parks and recreation areas in Minnesota. The retired occupational therapist undertook the challenge to maintain her physical and cognitive health following surgery 11 years ago.

Why it matters

Her journey highlights the popularity of the state's hiking club program, which encourages residents to explore natural sites through systematic trail participation. The achievement underscores the role of outdoor recreation in personal health recovery and community engagement.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sells approximately 3,000 hiking club booklets annually to park visitors. In 2025, the agency issued 133 official completion plaques to participants who finished the program requirements.

The players

Kelly Van Klompenburg

A 64-year-old retired occupational therapist from Montevideo who completed an extensive hiking challenge.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing Minnesota's public lands, water resources, and the hiking club program.

The details

Van Klompenburg used an official hiking club booklet to track and journal her visits, ensuring she hiked at least a portion of the trails at every location. She was forced to postpone trips to Bear Head and McCarthy Beach State Parks earlier this fall due to active wildfires in the vicinity.

11 years ago, Van Klompenburg underwent brain tumor surgery.
During 2025, the DNR issued 133 completion plaques to hikers.
Earlier this fall 2026, Van Klompenburg completed her three-year hiking quest.
Next year, Van Klompenburg plans to visit the two postponed state parks.

Travel Outlook

This hiking quest follows the structure established by the Minnesota state park hiking club program. The program serves as a framework for residents to systematically engage with the state's 73 protected areas throughout the year.

Residents interested in tracking their own progress can purchase an official hiking club booklet from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Hikers should check park status updates regularly, as wildfires can impact trail accessibility throughout the state.

The takeaway

Setting a long-term fitness goal can provide a powerful incentive for recovery and sustained health during retirement. Participants can successfully navigate even the most extensive regional trail networks by using organized tracking programs to manage their progress.