Midwest Traveler: Seek out spring's song at Sibley State Park, Minn.

Though winter seems to have pulled its punches this year, that's no reason to sit inside pining over lonely cross-country skis or dusty snowshoes. In fact, a late winter or spring outing to Sibley State Park (15 miles north of Willmar) will help wipe away the seasonal doldrums in one of Minnesota's most scenic parks. With warm breezes not far behind, there's lots to love in the park's 3,000 acres of hills, woods and lakes.

For starters, springtime in Sibley awakens the senses with the rebirth of light and warmth. Spying pasque flowers, savoring the season's first loon calls or inhaling the scent of the quickening earth are welcome reminders of the magic of seasonal change.

The springtime formula for fun at Sibley is simple: Pack a snack, a windbreaker and a playful attitude. Be ready for mud on your shoes. Bring the kids.

To get an insider's view of how to get the most out of a spring park visit, I contacted Gary Bullemer, the park's assistant manager.

"I still love to play in this beautiful park, and have lived in the park residence 20 years now," he said. "I never get tired of this place. Lately, I've treated myself to a new bike and a used kayak, and have been pedaling and paddling a lot more in the park the past couple years."

When asked about his favorite spots to view wildflowers and waterfowl, Bullemer was quick to mention the Pondview and Mount Tom trails.

The Pondview Trail is a three-quarter-mile interpretive path that traverses rolling, open, grassy terrain. A spring afternoon's jaunt on the Pondview is prime time to observe mallards, teal, wood ducks or geese scouting for a summer home.

It is from the park's canoe route, though, that you can be on intimate terms with Sibley's springtime water world. When the ice is out, Bullemer recommends a one-way adventure, beginning at Games Lake on the western end of Sibley, working downstream on Shakopee Creek through Swan Lake and Henschien Lake, and ending up at the boat ramp on Lake Andrew.

It's not a cushy paddle for the whole way. Culverts, a low bridge and logjams are obstacles that require short portages of canoes and gear.

Canoeing offers the best chance of observing springtime bird life. Loons nest on some of the park's lakes. Their haunting calls over Lake Andrew add a touch of wildness to a spring evening by the campfire.

Even Bullemer has his favorite springtime getaways sprinkled throughout the park. "I have a few secret spots that help me to recharge my batteries. If you're willing to hike and like to swap stories, I can be convinced to share."

Sibley State Park is named for Henry H. Sibley, a fur trader and adventurer who became Minnesota's first governor in 1858. Called the "Princely Pioneer," Sibley was an educated man whose father was the chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. The younger Sibley often went on long hunting trips with the Dakota Indians, who called him "Walker in the Pines." Some of these trips were near the present-day park.

Once the ice melts, Lake Andrew is a magnet. Though the springtime water is cold, we stick our toes in briefly and promise to return in summer.

Sibley also runs a naturalist program. Kids like to explore the exhibit rooms in the Interpretive Center, and the guided hikes, demonstrations and nature activities all start there.

We usually camp in the park (1-320-354-2055; tinyurl.com/65utxw). The large campground (132 sites) is an easy walk to the shoreline of Lake Andrew. The park also maintains four camping cabins that are available year-round. A spring camping trip can mean cool nights but nothing that an extra jacket and a warm fire can't fix.

Surprise packages over the fire are our family's favorite. Wrap meat, thinly sliced potatoes, carrots, onions and spices in tin foil and toss on a good bed of coals. If the weather turns nasty, cut your losses and drive to New London, Spicer or Willmar for supper. If the kids aren't happy, nobody's happy.

The Spicer Castle Inn and Restaurant on Green Lake hosts a hilarious Murder Mystery Dinner every Friday and Saturday night year-round. (1-320-796-5870; www.spicercastle.com).