Rum River Log Roller

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THE RUM RIVER LOG ROLLER LETTERBOX has been missing for about three and a half years now. I originally placed it on September 26, 2004. I've always had plans of replacing it, but haven't gotten to it yet. I made it to commemorate the historic town of Anoka, MN, as well as the history of logrolling on the Rum River. I'm not sure if the wind pushed it from it's hiding spot and into the river, or if local kids found it and kept it.

When I replace the box (which I will update here and at letterboxing.org), the following clues will lead you to treasure!

"Logging began in Anoka County in the 1820s when troops from Fort Snelling cut pine on the Rum River for a newly established government mill at St. Anthony Falls." --Anoka Historical Library

"Anoka is the headquarters of logging on the Rum River pineries. Operators living here got out last winter thirteen million feet of logs worth one hundred and four thousand dollars." --Anoka Union, January 9, 1868. (Thanks to the kind folks at the Anoka Historical Library!)

This area is wooded, and although the paths are dirt, they are clear and easy to follow. As always, treat the area with respect, and leave it cleaner than you found it.

Have fun and Happy Hunting!

Park at the North side of the Rum River branch of the Anoka County Library -- plenty of parking is available.

Beyond a short chain-link fence near the Staff Parking Only, there is a dirt path. Follow this path to the right.

Begin at one and enter the woods. Stay on the dirt path. Keep left at the fork. Fifty one paces after the fork you will see a big, gnarled, bare old tree on its side to your right. Continue forward on your way.

You will soon reach the peak of a slight hill. Sixteen paces past this peak will bring you to an intersection. Do not be tempted to veer off course! Continue forward.

Continue forward to the next fork and follow it to the left—away from the wooden post. There is another fork that follows immediately—take your pick, they will merge into the same path soon.

You’re on the right track when the path turns wide and quite sandy. Soon you’ll be beneath a small grove of trees. Halfway through, look back to make sure there are no snowmobiles coming! Continue South on the trail from that spot twenty three paces and turn right.

A high, strange ladder will greet you on your left, but don’t go toward it. Follow the trail down the hill.

Wade at the tiny beach if you like!

Another strange ladder is waiting for you on its side—but wait! It’s a makeshift dock. In true log roller form, hop up on this log and walk toward the planks. Balance on the log with two feet, but get on all fours before the first plank. The prize is burrowed deep.