While many Minnesotans love the water activities that come along with a state full of lakes, it’s important not to forget about all the fun to be had on land! There some gorgeous hikes throughout the entire state that range from easy wilderness walks to rock scrambling, altitude gaining challenges. Here are a few beautiful places that offer some great day hiking.
1 Wildlife Management Areas like the gorgeous Caribou WMA in northwestern MN are great for hiking and hunting alike!
Flickr/Justin Meissen The northwestern area of MN showcases beautiful Tallgrass Aspen Parkland, the smallest biome in MN.
2 Scientific & Natural Area’s like Prairie Couteau SNA in Southwestern MN are also a great place to wander free and take in the magnificent scenery.
Flickr/Justin Meissen Check out http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/index.html to find some amazing places outside of the traditional state parks.
3 Big Spring Falls in Sandstone’s Banning State Park is along a scenic 3/4 mile trail that everyone can do!
Flickr/Paul Verderwerf The park offers many more hikes for the more seasoned trekker.
4 Eagle Mountain, the highest point in MN at a whopping… oh never mind just 2,301 feet is certainly worth the 7 mile round-trip.
Flickr/Justin Meissen Be ready for a steep incline!
5 When you’re heading up to northern Minnesota, don’t just check out the Aspens but find stomp through the marshland at Twin Lakes WMA.
Flickr/Justin Meissen WMA’s don’t always have marked trails, but sometimes it’s more fun to explore cross-country.
6 Glendalough State Park in western MN offers some great hikes like this Battle Lake Trail.
Flickr/Scott Costello The park is a great refuge from noisy traffic, as no cars are allowed even to access the campgrounds.
7 When talking Minnesota hiking, we can’t forget Gooseberry Falls State Park which offers 20 miles of scenic trails just north of Duluth.
Flickr/Jenny Salita Check out all the other scenic hikes along the shores of Superior for some more fun.
8 If you’re heading up north, head to the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park and don’t forget to also hike to the Alton Heights observation tower!
Flickr/Randen Pederson Don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to remember these views!
9 George Crosby Manitou State Park has 24 miles of rugged backcountry trails with spectacular views.
Flickr/Justin Meissen Lace up your boots and get ready for a challenge!
10 Sibley State Park offers some gorgeous easy to moderate hikes in west-central Minnesota .
Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen
11 Hike the short loops at Interstate State Park in Eastern Minnesota to see the scenic St Croix River Dalles.
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
12 Head up Skyline in Missabe Junction for awe-inspiring 360 views of Duluth.
Flickr/David Scaglione
13 Minneopa State Park in Mankato gives you a fantastic loop of the beautiful falls on Minneopa Creek in just a few short miles.
Flickr/Askew View This is a great one for the whole family!
14 Hiking in Glacial Lakes State Park will provide you breathtaking views of the rolling hills covered in wildflowers.
Flickr/Ramendan
15 Hiking down the Otter Tail River will give you the unique opportunity to stop at Broken Down Dam in Fergus Falls.
Flickr/Bruce Guenter Sometimes destruction can be a beautiful thing.
16 Blue Mounds State Park in Southwest MN offers stunning prairie views, especially atop Eagle Rock.
Flickr/bhs128
You won’t believe how many beautiful places you have and haven’t heard of in Minnesota to go on a hike! Rolling hills, waterfalls, and gorgeous vistas await you! What are you favorite hiking spots?
Flickr/Justin Meissen
The northwestern area of MN showcases beautiful Tallgrass Aspen Parkland, the smallest biome in MN.
Check out http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/index.html to find some amazing places outside of the traditional state parks.
Flickr/Paul Verderwerf
The park offers many more hikes for the more seasoned trekker.
Be ready for a steep incline!
WMA’s don’t always have marked trails, but sometimes it’s more fun to explore cross-country.
Flickr/Scott Costello
The park is a great refuge from noisy traffic, as no cars are allowed even to access the campgrounds.
Flickr/Jenny Salita
Check out all the other scenic hikes along the shores of Superior for some more fun.
Flickr/Randen Pederson
Don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to remember these views!
Lace up your boots and get ready for a challenge!
Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
Flickr/David Scaglione
Flickr/Askew View
This is a great one for the whole family!
Flickr/Ramendan
Flickr/Bruce Guenter
Sometimes destruction can be a beautiful thing.
Flickr/bhs128
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