Mom, boy get lost in nature — literally

I admit it. At first, I scoffed at the news of a mom and son getting lost while bike riding in a park in Eagan.

I can understand getting temporarily turned around in a park. But needing a rescue from police and state troopers?

As related by WCOO and KSTP, here's the story:

The woman and her son went biking at Lebanon Hills Regional Park at about 6:30 p.m. At about 9 p.m., unable to find their way out, they called for help.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Here's where my initial 'Oh come on' reaction kicks in. A mom can't just lead her son out of a park? Even when they can cover a lot of ground on bikes?

But then there was this detail from WCCO: One of the first responding officers got lost, too. And then it turns out police had to track down the woman and her son using her cell phone. A park ranger found the woman and her son at about midnight. They were fine.

From KSTP:

"We've had lost people before in Lebanon Hills. It's quite an extensive trail and when it gets dark in there, it's really hard to find your way around," said Eagan Police Sgt. Linda Mhyre.

So maybe knowing your way around this park is a challenge after all. At 2,000 acres, this is a big park. It's also dotted with lakes and ponds that make for trails with a lot of twists and turns.


View Larger Map

Next time you head to Lebanon Hills in Eagan, you may want to pack a handy map.