David Michael Burrow

Walking is probably Mr. Burrow's favorite form of recreation and exercise. He walks around town (to the grocery store, the post office, the ATM, K-Mart, etc.) rather than driving whenever possible. Living in an old Midwestern town gives two big advantages for walking. First, there's safety; he can generally walk anywhere he wants to without worrying about his personal welfare. Second, unlike newer suburbs, Algona has sidewalks everywhere--even on the highway strip. He wishes sidewalks were mandatory everywhere in America.

Mr. Burrow also loves to take formal hikes when he travels, both in urban areas and in the great outdoors. On occasion he has hiked over twenty miles in a day. He has hiked in cities throughout the world, and while these walks have sometimes tested his street smarts, urban areas (with their endless variety and pleasant lack of flying insects) are often his favorite places to walk.

In recent years his walking has counted toward a wellness program at the school where he works. Mr. Burrow is proud to have earned "gold medal" honors by logging more than 350 miles for each of the past eight summers.

While people rarely think of it, the Midwest has some of the finest hiking areas in the country. Here are some wonderful hikes within a day's drive from Algona, Iowa:

Effigy Mounds National Monument (on state highway 76, just north of Marquette in northeast Iowa)
One of the most beautiful hikes anywhere, the seven-mile Hanging Rock trail winds through tall forest to reveal spectacular views of the Mississippi River. This is a fairly challenging trail that will change the opinion of anyone who thinks that Iowa is flat. Several other trails lead past Indian ruins and through prairie land.
Chicago (on Interstates 90, 94, and 55 in northeast Illinois)
Chicago is unique among American cities in having a virtually unspoiled downtown waterfront. The string of beaches, parks, and marinas along Lake Michigan are wonderful for hiking and jogging. It is also pleasant to walk around the Loop area downtown and through elegant residential districts such as Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, and the Gold Coast.
Pipestone National Monument (just off U.S. highway 75, just north of the town of Pipestone in southwest Minnesota)
A pleasant one-mile loop with a few interesting side trails leads through forest and prairie, while interpretive signs describe how the Indians used the native vegetation.
Grand Portage National Monument (on state highway 61, just south of the Canadian border, on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation in northeast Minnesota)
The park features both flat and steep trails. The steepest rewards the climber with a commanding view of Lake Superior.
Homestead National Monument (on state highway 4, just west of Beatrice in southeast Nebraska)
The trails pass through virgin and restored prairie land. If it weren't for views of modern homes in the background, you'd feel as if you were a pioneer.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge (just off U.S. highway 30, on the Iowa/Nebraska border, between Blair, Nebraska and Missouri Valley, Iowa)
In addition to a unique museum showing the wreckage of an old steamship, the refuge features a variety of fascinating trails. Almost all are fairly easy to hike, and many include signs interpreting the area's plants and animals.
Badlands National Monument (just off Interstate 90, just east of Wall, South Dakota)
The most popular trails are often extremely crowded, but in good weather the backcountry Castle Rock Trail is both pleasant and secluded. There are trails for every hiking ability, and all offer excellent views of the unique Badlands rock formations.
Devil's Tower National Monument (on state highway 24, northeast of Gillette, Wyoming)
Devil's Tower provides a mountain hike without having to drive all the way to the mountains. The beauty of this area is well worth the detour from the nearby Black Hills. There are three main trails, ranging from medium to long in length. They provide spectacular views of forest, prairie, ranchland, and foothills.

David Burrow with his brother and sister
hiking at Mt. Rainier National Park in the mid '70s

Desoto Bend
David Burrow's shadow on the trail at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Citicorp Center - Chicago
Mr. Burrow's self portrait, reflected on the side of Citicorp Center, Chicago

Chicago Lakefront
The recreational trail along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago

Mississippi Beach
David Burrow, hiking on the beach in Mississippi
Christmas Day, 2000

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