Paradise Hills Campground in Alborn, Minnesota, held its first annual Spring Start Up event on Saturday (June 7), welcoming guests for a day of equine education, family activities, and free camping.
The event marked a milestone in the campground’s growth under owner Cindy Blom, a former horse trainer turned breeder and operator.
Blom began informally welcoming riders to her property about a decade ago.
“I had this amazing network of trails that people started coming to, and they’d camp for a few days, and we’d trail ride together. That’s how it all started, about 10 years ago,” Blom said, as reported by WDIO ABC on June 5.
Since then, she has steadily developed the campground off Swan Lake Road, recently adding a large clubhouse that is still under construction.
The facility is expected to serve as a future gathering space for events and educational programming.
Saturday’s event included informational sessions on topics such as “Basics for New Horse Owners” and “Equine Dentistry,” providing practical guidance from professionals for attendees interested in horse care and ownership.
In addition to the educational offerings, the event featured free camping and family-friendly attractions including pony rides, mutton busting, and bean bag games.
Local vendors were also present, offering goods and services tailored to the equestrian and outdoor communities.
“You don’t have to have a horse, or be a horse person. Come and see these beautiful animals,” Blom said ahead of the event, encouraging participation from the wider public.
The Spring Start Up reflects a growing trend in the campground industry where owners are incorporating niche experiences to diversify their offerings and attract new visitor segments. At Paradise Hills, the fusion of horse culture and outdoor recreation serves as a model for enhancing guest engagement.