Explorer Spotlight: Allison Herreid

Name: Allison Herreid | Age: 21 | Location: Minnesota

What’s your day job?
I am a full-time student at St. Olaf College (in Northfield, MN) where I am double-majoring in Chemistry and Environmental Science.

What are your favorite things to do outside?
Hmm, favorite things to do outside… well anything is great but I love kayaking, hiking, and camping. Any time I can get out on the water is a plus!

What first drew you to the outdoors?
I’ve always enjoyed being outside, and when my brother and I were younger my parents took us to a lot of the state parks in Minnesota which helped sustain my interest of being outdoors. Now, I get outside at any possible opportunity. Being immersed in the beauty of the outdoors allows for reflection and an escape from everyday life.

What’s your favorite hometown adventure? ...and, almost as important, where’s your favorite spot to get a beer after?
Though I live in the Twin Cities area, I’ve spent a summer in Duluth and find myself adventuring more along the North Shore. It’s hard to pick a favorite with all that Minnesota’s North Shore has to offer. The Superior Hiking Trail has many options for day and overnight hikes and I find myself eager to hit that trail often. Coming back down to from the North Shore, Duluth provides several awesome places to grab a beer and catch some great views of Lake Superior. It’s hard to recommend just one here too, but Bent Paddle Brewery has some awesome brews that you definitely need to try.

What’s your essential gear that never gets left at home?
I ALWAYS have my camera with me!

What’s your favorite trail snack?
Almonds! And granola bars.

Any go-to soundtracks when you’re hitting the road?
Anything, really. I’m always up for new tunes! As long as there’s music on I’m happy.

What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened while you were adventuring?
My dad and I did the Subway Hike (bottom-up) in Zion one spring break, and we barely made it out before it got dark. We had spent too long taking pictures (typical) that we were struggling to get back in time. Our sense of place was a little off too, so it was hard to know exactly how far we had left to go. With minimal markings, we were worried we would miss the final turn-off back up to the car. We ended up making it as the sun was going down. Exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, we enjoyed a pizza in town immediately after we finished the hike.

Who’s your number one adventure partner-in-crime? Who inspires you?
My go-to adventure partner-in-crime is one of my best friends, Sophie, because she is always willing to get outdoors and hit the trail. Adventuring together means fruitful conversations, laughs, and good memories. I am inspired by like-minded friends and my family to pursue what I’m passionate about and to also make time for getting outdoors.

What are your top destinations for adventure travel?
My top destinations (or those on my adventure list) tend to be National Parks. In Minnesota, definitely the North Shore.

What’s on the top of your must-do adventure list right now?
I have wanted to explore Glacier National Park for years, so that is one of the things at the top of my list for sure. Also Alaska!

Show us your most memorable photo, and tell us about it!
My most memorable picture is of the northern lights, taken in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, in Northern Minnesota. My dad and I had heard before going out on our trip that there was a chance of aurora for two of the nights that we were out. The first day, it was overcast all day, so we figured even if they did come out, we probably wouldn’t see them – the sky didn’t look like it was clearing up. My dad woke me up just before 2am and I was able to see the northern lights for the first time. It was an amazing experience to be in the Boundary Waters (no light pollution) to view the northern lights for the first time. They danced for hours – and we stayed up for quite a while admiring and photographing them. We were lucky enough to see them again the following night.

And last but not least…What’s your personal motto?
Make it happen!