If you’re feeling a little restless at the end of winter, or at least looking for a new experience, or a thrill, there are plenty of places in MN that will satisfy your adventurous spirit! From stunning hikes to underground excursions, here are some of the best Minnesota attractions for those who are wild at heart.
- Niagara Cave
Flickr/Bruce Guenter Head to Niagara Cave for some epic underground exploration. The stunning rock formations will inspire you!
- Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Flickr/Roy Luck Explore the woods, see the Brule River, and most importantly, marvel at the mystery that is Devil’s Kettle.
- Portsmouth Mine Pit
Flickr/Todd Murray This deep lake is a treasure trove for scuba divers and the perfect place to learn! Underwater adventures aren’t just for the oceans!
- Itasca State Park
Flickr/Mark Evans If you’re really up for anything, head to the top of Aiton Fire Tower for some tremendous views then head around the lake to cross the Mississippi headwaters!
- The Kettle River (or any MN river)
Flickr/Paul VanDerWerf In Sandstone you can find some fun rapids on the Kettle to practice your kayaking skills! Nothing says adventure like white water.
- The St. Croix River
Flickr/Courtney Celley/USFWS Midwest Full of local favorites on land and from the water, you will love the St. Croix River Dalles, the hiking at Interstate State Park, and the glacial potholes!
- Blue Mounds State Park
Wikimedia/Kirs10 100 feet above the plains, the Sioux quartzite cliff here is amazing. It is the best place to capture the adventurous spirit of the MN prairie, complete with a bison herd.
- Grand Marais
Flickr/Andy Tinkham America’s Coolest Small Town has all the adventure you need from the shore to the Gunflint Trail. There’s no place ready for an adventure like this North Shore favorite.
- Upper Sioux Agency State Park
Wikimedia/McGhiever Rent an 18 foot diameter tipi for a truly unique adventure in this beautiful park.
- Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)
Flickr/CHRIS DRUMM Another one of our favorites, the Superior Hiking Trail is the perfect place for an adventure of any length on the North Shore. Pack up the backpacks and go explore Minnesota’s stunning forests and phenomenal shore views.
- The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Flickr/Chad Fennell The BWCA is extremely popular, and even we love talking about it, because it truly is one of the best places to adventure in Minnesota.
- Voyageurs National Park
Flickr/jck_photos The beautiful National Park in the north is sure to bring out the adventurer in everyone, and can always be counted as one of MN’s favorite spots to explore!
- The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Wikimedia/Bobak Ha’Eri Most people don’t realize we have one of the most expansive and unique recreation areas right in the middle of the Metro. Head out on the Mississippi with the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program and you will never look at the river the same way.
What is your favorite place to adventure in Minnesota?
Flickr/Bruce Guenter
Head to Niagara Cave for some epic underground exploration. The stunning rock formations will inspire you!
Flickr/Roy Luck
Explore the woods, see the Brule River, and most importantly, marvel at the mystery that is Devil’s Kettle.
Flickr/Todd Murray
This deep lake is a treasure trove for scuba divers and the perfect place to learn! Underwater adventures aren’t just for the oceans!
Flickr/Mark Evans
If you’re really up for anything, head to the top of Aiton Fire Tower for some tremendous views then head around the lake to cross the Mississippi headwaters!
Flickr/Paul VanDerWerf
In Sandstone you can find some fun rapids on the Kettle to practice your kayaking skills! Nothing says adventure like white water.
Flickr/Courtney Celley/USFWS Midwest
Full of local favorites on land and from the water, you will love the St. Croix River Dalles, the hiking at Interstate State Park, and the glacial potholes!
Wikimedia/Kirs10
100 feet above the plains, the Sioux quartzite cliff here is amazing. It is the best place to capture the adventurous spirit of the MN prairie, complete with a bison herd.
Flickr/Andy Tinkham
America’s Coolest Small Town has all the adventure you need from the shore to the Gunflint Trail. There’s no place ready for an adventure like this North Shore favorite.
Wikimedia/McGhiever
Rent an 18 foot diameter tipi for a truly unique adventure in this beautiful park.
Flickr/CHRIS DRUMM
Another one of our favorites, the Superior Hiking Trail is the perfect place for an adventure of any length on the North Shore. Pack up the backpacks and go explore Minnesota’s stunning forests and phenomenal shore views.
Flickr/Chad Fennell
The BWCA is extremely popular, and even we love talking about it, because it truly is one of the best places to adventure in Minnesota.
Flickr/jck_photos
The beautiful National Park in the north is sure to bring out the adventurer in everyone, and can always be counted as one of MN’s favorite spots to explore!
Wikimedia/Bobak Ha’Eri
Most people don’t realize we have one of the most expansive and unique recreation areas right in the middle of the Metro. Head out on the Mississippi with the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program and you will never look at the river the same way.
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