If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just a pleasant day trip, one of the best places to try is the small town charm of historic Stillwater, Minnesota just east of the Twin Cities on the scenic banks of the St. Croix River.
Nerstrand Big Woods, with its multiple shady paths, is the perfect day hike on a hot summer’s day.
The Carleton College Arboretum provides miles of great hiking, as well as a chance to explore typical Minnesota woods and prairie ecosystems.
Afton State Park is one of four state parks that are easy drives from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Find scenic overlooks and a variety of hikes.
The Oliver Kelley historical farm makes a great half day outing, especially for small children. You can also take optional hikes along the Mississippi River and into the adjacent prairie.
A collection of historical sites in southwest Minnesota offers the story of the first white settlements in the area, and the events which led to the Dakota people being driven off their lands to reservations in the West. But not without a fight.