9 Secrets for Stepping Back into History; They all begin with the letter ‘B.’ (Boardwalks)

Four people smile while leaning on a railing, overlooking a river with a city skyline at dusk. Warm, soft lighting enhances the serene mood.

“B” for Boardwalks: Before there were interstate highways, service roads, or sidewalks, there were boardwalks.

Some of the boardwalks listed below take you away from the crowds or busy roads. Other boardwalks take past pioneer storefronts. All the boardwalks I’ve ever visited arouse curiosity.

How well could I have survived living in the period when these boardwalks were built?

Why are people friendlier when meeting another person along a forlorn ‘single-file’ boardwalk?

Why are birdsongs brighter, their clear notes rising above rustling leaves?

How is it that I’ve never before noticed the many nuanced shades of ‘spring green?’

During my boardwalk experience at Kathio State Park in Minnesota, I remember being surprised by many things. Deeper into the woods, a meandering boardwalk brought me farther away from the group. I learned the quiet, deep woods weren't completely void of all noises.

As if that wasn’t enough, the boardwalk brought me over a bog area covered in tamarack and sugar maple trees and open, sunny areas. That’s where I saw the largest patch of wildflowers buzzing with pollinators. Magical. Butterflies were within arm’s reach. Dogwood blossoms literally vibrated in the heavily fragranced air.

A bee lands on purple thistle flowers in a bright green field, highlighting the vibrant colors and natural setting.

A wooden boardwalk brings you to more isolated, protected, pristine locations. Like a fairy tale, they can bring you deeper into the woods without fear of becoming lost or sinking in mud or bog.

Wooden bridge in a forest with autumn leaves and vibrant orange foliage. The setting feels peaceful and natural.

One of my favorite boardwalk treks involved a group of friends; all of us broke and rationed our picnic food to make sure we could share. My contribution was a can of nacho soup. Someone else brought a half-consumed bag of chips. I can’t remember what the other three brought.

When we crossed our boardwalk and then over a swing bridge, we climbed to the edge of a massive white pine tree sticking out over the creek. An old, forgotten bandshell stood in the middle of tall grass. The lawn, structure, and paths hadn’t been cared for in a long time. There was even an abandoned single-room log home with a stone fireplace to explore.

I felt like we were transported into earlier places where magical realism became noticeable. I hope when you find your favorite boardwalk, you’ll experience the same.

🌞 Let's talk about the boardwalks in the States: Kathio State Park: Minnesota

Along the Kathio boardwalk, pink lady slippers bloom in season. Also on site is a 100-foot fire tower that visitors can climb. Archeological sites at Kathio date from the 1700s and 3000 BC. Interpretive center for children and adults, plus hiking, camping, and close to 132.51-acre Lake Mille Lacs, known for walleye fishing, are on site or nearby. Minnesota Historical Society/Mille Lacs Museum and Trading Post educates through exhibits, objects, demonstrations, and tours.

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe partners with Rosetta Stone to teach Ojibwe language to preserve and strengthen the number of those who can fluently speak this endangered language.

The Ojibwe language is estimated to be over a thousand years old. Ojibwe historian Anton Treuer estimates there are about 1,000 speakers of Ojibwe left in the United States. Strong revitalized interest continues to grow so that this ancient language is preserved.

A delicate pink and white lady's slipper orchid blooms amidst lush green leaves, conveying a serene and natural mood.

(Photo: Pink Lady Slipper. Minnesota state flower)

🌞 Virginia City, Montana and Nevada City, Montana

Old Western-style wooden buildings under a clear sky. Signs read "Saddle Harness" and "Restaurant." Rustic atmosphere with a wagon wheel.

(Photo: Nevada City, Montana)

There are so many features to like about these two historical sites, not including the well-maintained western boardwalks. Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad, Charles A. & Sue Ford Bovey Visitor Center, River of Gold (panning for gold), Virginia City Depot, Bale of Hay Saloon, Montana Heritage Commission, Nevada City Museum and Music Hall, Village Pump, and Information Center, and more.

🌞 Everglades National Parks, Florida

Alligator resting on rocky shore by a pond. Rough texture of skin visible. Water is calm and reflects the sky. Natural setting.

Wildlife, education, and scenic strolls while enjoying other national park amenities.

🌞 Canal Park: Duluth, Minnesota

Ship sailing toward a lighthouse at dusk, silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky. Calm water and rocks in the foreground create a serene scene.

Along the historic shipping routes on Lake Superior, this waterfront boardwalk brings you to a lighthouse, restaurants, and outdoor concerts. Unique is also a freshwater interactive museum for children and adults alike.

🌞 Sections of Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan

Two black horses pull a carriage past a light blue house with white trim. People sit on the porch. The mood is calm and picturesque.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on Mackinac Island, but none are needed. Preserved historic sites, architecture, parks, bike rentals and historical sites are placed within the most amazing gardens. Known for their lilac festival in June.

Two brown horses in harnesses stand on a sunny dock. A carriage and boats are visible in the background, under a clear blue sky.

🌞 Carolina Beach Boardwalk North Carolina

Wooden boardwalk along a sunny river with distant boats. People sit on the right side benches, lush trees nearby. Relaxed atmosphere.

Ocean views, attractions, shops, restaurants, artistic avenues, and more.

🌞 Navy Pier: Chicago, Illinois

Lake Michigan waterfront with restaurants, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel, a children's museum, shops, and more.

🌞 Milford Mine Park: Crosby, Minnesota

Rocky path overlooking a forested landscape with a river. Lush greenery surrounds, and the sky is overcast, setting a peaceful mood.

Cuyuna bike trails lead you through 70 miles of mountain bike trails that are divided into levels of difficulty within 6,000 acres of undeveloped woodland and lakes. 9 miles of paved trails (walking or biking), 100 miles of gravel and asphalt trails, managed by MN DNR. Milford Mine Park’s boardwalk honors the miners that lost their lives in 1924. Mining building foundations are still visible within this historic park. Try hunting for beautiful Binghamite gemstones in the Ironton, Cuyuna, Deerwood, Riverton, and Crosby areas.

Close-up of purple and yellow coneflowers in a sunlit meadow, surrounded by lush green trees. The scene is peaceful and vibrant.

(Photos: Cuyuna Recreational Area, near Milford Mine Park, Crosby, Minnesota)

As you do so, consider bringing along Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (Collins Crime Club publisher 1934). You could read it while taking the Shortline Railroad in Virginia City, MT, and Nevada City, MT.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Woman smiling in black-and-white photo, standing by a wooden door with ornate designs. She's wearing a jacket. The mood is cheerful.

Author Carys E. Rees navigates delicate lines of death, life, and what we do in between these bookends to fill our lives with meaning and joy. A metaphysical mystery writer, her work can be more recently found or is forthcoming in Wingless Dreamer, Poet’s Choice, WILD Sounds, Arial Chart, Free Spirit, and her weekly blog. www.carysreesauthor.com She is a member of the Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, LAWA, and Kiss of Death. When not writing, she enjoys creating and visiting pollinator habitat gardens.