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When I was once looking for a time and place to escape my daily routine and sort through my thoughts, a friend told me about a labyrinth on the campus of Concordia University. For some unknown reason I did not visit the labyrinth then, but I finally sought out the labyrinth on a recent sunny Saturday.

Tucked between buildings on campus, this gem of a labyrinth would be easy to miss. There isn’t an updated Web site for the labyrinth and it’s not on the campus map, so finding it took a bit of detective work. (See below for info on how to get there.) When I finally found it, I was the only person around and the row of buildings behind me blocked traffic noise from Hamline Avenue, creating what felt like my own private sanctuary.

The entrance of the labyrinth at Concordia University.

The labyrinth didn’t look like much at first and needed a bit of upkeep. I expected a large, dramatic-looking maze and instead found something about the size of my house’s small guest room. Still, I appreciated its simplicity and discovered its beauty during my walk. At the entrance was a sign explaining the labyrinth’s purpose and history:

“Labyrinth: An age-old ceremonial path of relaxation, inspiration and wisdom. It is a meditative walk of peace that is both simple and complex. The design of this 7-pathed Minoan labyrinth is based upon 3,000-year-old paintings from the Mediterranean island of Crete. The path leads to the center and returns here.”

As I began walking the path, which changed back and forth between dirt, straw, and stone, providing a variety of visual texture, I noticed the various grasses and flowers planted to shape the labyrinth. Chives sprouted bright green with lavender flower balls on top. Surprisingly, such a modest labyrinth still took me about 20 minutes to navigate. (It can take as short or as long as you want, depending on how quickly or slowly you want to walk—and think.) My usually fast walking pace slowed with my breath as I realized that all I needed to do was be right here, right now.

Afterward, I headed to the Tea Garden (1692 Grand Ave.) for a glass of jasmine bubble tea and time with a good book – a relaxing and restorative afternoon in the heart of St. Paul.

Getting there: Coming from 94, exit Snelling and go south. Turn left (east) on Marshall Ave., then left again on Syndicate St. N, one block past Hamline Ave. The parking on Syndicate is free, but there isn’t a lot of it, so go when class is typically out of session, like on a weekend. Facing Luther Hall, walk slightly to the south until you see an opening in the grass before the Student Union building. Make your way through campus, walking west, until you start getting close to another set of buildings lining Hamline Ave. Look to your right as you approach the music center and tucked between buildings, look closely and you’ll see the labyrinth.

I’m always searching for the perfect spot to get a quick nature fix. For me, that means a place that’s nearby and easily accessible, but that allows me to feel far from the city and close to the woods. Battle Creek Regional Park, just five miles from downtown St. Paul, may be just that place. Woods, wetlands and grasslands comprise the 1,840-acre park, providing a home to many species of birds and wildlife.

My husband, son and I visited on a recent Sunday afternoon and were surprised to see few other people, even on a sunny spring day. From the parking lot off Point Douglas Road, we crossed a footbridge over the creek, noticing a small, but pretty waterfall to our left. The sound alone of running water set me at ease, reminding me to drop my shoulders and take a deep breath. Spring is finally here!

Continuing on the flat, paved path, we entered a large meadow surrounded by limestone walls. Bright yellow dandelions dotted the green grass and a few empty picnic benches reminded me to pack a lunch next time. Better yet, bring a blanket, sprawl out with a book and sandwich, and skip the benches altogether.

Chirps and bird songs followed us down the main trail. A lone male mallard, with its shimmery green head, flew downstream, gliding in for a smooth landing. We heard and saw goldfinches, warblers, sparrows, and a lovely blue jay, too. Maple, aspen, pine, and oak trees filled in on either side of the trail, with ferns, saplings and other ground vegetation filling the forest floor.

I tend to prefer gravel or dirt trails when hiking, but the paved path is just right for a jog or a leisurely bike ride, especially if you’re towing kids in a bike trailer. It also makes this trail, which meanders along side the creek almost the entire time, easily accessible for those in wheelchairs. Explorers may want to ditch the pavement and hoof it on a side dirt trail (frequented by mountain bikers) that takes you deeper into the trees and away from the open meadows.

The only downside to this hike is the occasional break in the trail where you have to cross a road to catch the other side of the path. The roads aren’t too busy though, and it isn’t long before you’re surrounded by nature again.

I’ll be back soon to check out the other trails, particularly the one that begins off Lower Afton Road, which I’ve heard is one of the best in the park. Next time I’ll bring a book or a journal, too. Benches perched throughout the park call for stopping and taking in the scenery, slowing down, and enjoying some alone time. Do you have a favorite near-town nature getaway you’re willing to share?

More info: http://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/battcree.htm

Getting there: Take Interstate 94 east out of downtown St. Paul. Exit on Highway 10 South. After about 1 mile, turn left on Lower Afton Road. Take an immediate left on Point Douglas Road. Point Douglas road ends in the Battle Creek parking area.

When I met Jeff, the man who would later become my husband, I was living in the South (where I’m originally from) and we did the long distance dating dance, pining over each other and trying to figure out how to live in the same city. St. Paul got the hard sell, and I was game for a new adventure.

As a born-and-raised Floridian I never would have imagined living in Minnesota. The only time I visited St. Paul prior to moving here was during a snow-filled December weekend. Love is a powerful thing.

It didn’t take long for this city to warm my heart. By the time I moved here—three years ago Memorial Day weekend—St. Paul’s outdoor festivals, downtown farmer’s market, restaurant patio seating, and summer weather perfection were in full bloom. I quickly began exploring, and adoring, this new city of mine.

My now-husband was perhaps (and still is) St. Paul’s biggest cheerleader. He has lived here for 18 years or so, knows all those back roads that confuse everyone else, and is a loyal patron of his tried and true local haunts. His affection has rubbed off on me, though it’s me, with my fresh eyes and non-native status that gets us out to try new restaurants, new hiking trails, and more.

This summer I’m taking my St. Paul exploration to a new level. I have a Google doc going of fun things to do that I regularly add to. Jeff and I plan to spend as much time outside as possible with our 1-year-old son in tow. (Note to self: get to the Roseville REI and buy one of those baby backpack carriers—ASAP!) I’ve got my Minnesota bird and tree naturalist guides in hand and my kitchen ready to make use of our fantastic local produce. Maybe we’ll have the chance to meet at the St. Paul Farmer’s Market sometime.

As the outdoors and healthy living blogger for STAYcation, I’ll be checking out biking and hiking trails, the best spots to take a dip on hot summer days, healthy cooking classes, local farms, ways to get to know our lovely stretch of the mighty Mississippi River, and much, much more. I’ve got my eye on a few yoga and pilates classes I’ve been wanting to try, too, along with some spa treatments I can’t wait to indulge in. I’m also looking forward to trying a few outdoor adventures for the first time—specifically geo-caching and disc golf.

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear about your favorite around-town spots. Where in St. Paul do you go when you need a nature fix, a healthy meal, want to catch a fish, or to take a meditation class to recharge your spirit? And if you hear of a fantastic event I should check out, please let me know!