Temperance River State Park
The deep gorge of the Temperance River, carved over millenia in the hard basalt, is a dramatic backdrop for several waterfalls, and a great hike.
Hiking
Gooseberry Falls State Park
One of the most popular stopping spots as you make your way up the North Shore of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls makes for an easy walk and a rewarding view.
The Devil’s Kettle, Judge C.R. Magney State Park
It’s a bit of a hike, and a lot of steps, to see one of the real geological oddities of Minnesota, the Devil’s Kettle at Magney State Park.
The Waterfalls at Tettegouche State Park
If you want a view of the highest waterfall in Minnesota at Tettegouche State Park, be prepared for an uphill hike of 1.5 miles, one way. If you want to see the park’s other falls, that will make the hike about five miles.
Hiking Lake Shetek State Park
Lake Shetek is the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota and the Lake Shetek State Park that borders its east side makes for ample recreation opportunities. I showed up in late … Read more
A Walk in Blue Mounds State Park
The Blue Mounds State Park in the far southwest corner of the state can be at once one of the less difficult yet most rewarding of the Minnesota State Parks trails.
Blue Mounds and Minneopa State Park, near Mankato, are the two parks where bison have been reintroduced, so there’s an obvious added attraction–if you’re lucky enough to get close enough to get a good look.
An Uphill Hike at Afton State Park
In hindsight, the hike at Afton State park was the first one I’ve taken in a while where I was very glad I had taken my own advice and brought … Read more
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.
The Oliver Kelley Historic Farm, Elk River
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.
Hiking Interstate State Park on the St. Croix River
At Minnesota’s Interstate State Park on the Saint Croix river you can hike the park end to end on two different trails with two distinct feels.