Crosby Manitou State Park: A Tough Hike
At George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, designed for backpackers not cars, you’re in for a challenging hike to reach the Manitou River cascade. And from there, it gets a lot tougher.
Tom Bartel
The Lac qui Parle Mission and State Park
The Lac Qui Parle Mission provides a glimpse into some of the earliest interactions between the Indians of the Upper Minnesota River area and the first white settlers, including Joseph Renville, who was instrumental in creating a system of writing the Dakota language.
The Upper Sioux Agency State Park
Created as one of two Indian agencies created by the Sioux treaty of 1851, the Upper Sioux Agency is now a state park with history exhibits and nice hikes.
Visiting the Fort Snelling Historic Site
Located at the juncture of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, Fort Snelling is a lesson in early Minnesota History.
Fort Snelling State Park: Hiking Two Rivers
Fort Snelling State Park is a day hiker’s paradise, with at least three routes out of the main parking lot that lead to interesting conclusions. But the highlight is the hike around Pike Island along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers to their confluence.
Walking Moose Lake State Park
Moose Lake State Park in the early spring: a classic Minnesota walk, a day trip from Duluth or Minneapolis and easy access from I-35. Enjoy a day hike, the woods, wildlife and, in town, a visit to the Blacklock Photography Gallery.
17 Things to Pack in Your Hiking Day Pack
A lot of Minnesota outdoors exploring involves day hiking. This is the comprehensive list of 17 (and two optional) things we carry in our packs while we’re on day hikes. Hiking essentials, optional gear, and best tips for healthy hikes.
A Walk to Coldwater Spring National Park Site
It’s an easy walk around the historic Coldwater Spring National Park Service site near Fort Snelling and Minnehaha Creek.
Christmas in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
No matter which side of the Twin Cities metro area you prefer, you’ve got plenty of holiday attractions, Christmas markets, and shopping options across Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Visit the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis
One of our favorite annual sojourns is the American Swedish Institute in South Minneapolis at Christmas time. While the Turnblad Mansion is always a treat for the art and history buff in us, it’s especially wonderful when its halls are decked for the holidays.