Amy Barrett 2021-12-15 10:32:55
Minnesota has an abundance of outstanding national, state and regional parks that off er scenic escapes throughout the year. From the wide open prairies in the southwest to the tall pines in the Northwoods, they off er a wonderful variety of flora and fauna. What you can see and do at each park will depend on when and where you go, because Minnesota has four distinct seasons and biomes, each with its own particular pleasures. Here are just a few of the many options for outdoor fun. SPRING MINNEOPA STATE PARK HAS REALLY BIG THINGS TO SEE Biking, bison and a beautiful “double” waterfall are the main reasons to visit Minneopa State Park, just west of Mankato in southern Minnesota. The word minneopa is derived from the Dakota language and is interpreted to mean “water falling twice.” The name fits because the upper falls drop about 10 feet, and the lower falls plummet another 40. Both falls are just a short walk from the parking area. This park is popular with bicyclists because it connects to 50 miles of paved trails–including the Red Jacket Trail, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail and the Minnesota River Trail–with lots of great spots along the way to stop for a bite and a cold beverage. Minneopa State Park is also one of two Minnesota state parks with a resident bison herd (the other is Blue Mounds State Park in the southwestern corner of the state). Look for the bison as you drive through a 331-acre grassland and tune in to 1610 AM on your radio to learn more about the park’s efforts to preserve these wild animals, millions of which roamed the North American plains before they were hunted to near extinction. Starting in April, you might be lucky enough to see some light brown newborns among the enormous dark brown adults. SUMMER ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, extending 150 miles along the Canadian border in northeast Minnesota, is one of America’s most stunning destinations. With most of its water bodies closed to motorboats, this pristine wilderness offers solitude, beauty and, for those who seek it, adventure like nowhere else. Once you figure out where you want to begin your paddling adventure, the next step is to apply for a permit for that exact entry point from recreation.gov. You might also want to get a fishing license from mndnr.gov, because the lakes are full of lunkers. Canoes and other gear are available from numerous local outfitters. Some outfitters also offer guided trips. If you like, you can nab the first open campsite you find, or you can portage between lakes to reach more remote areas of the wilderness. Keep your eye out for moose and bears and listen for loon calls as you explore the area. Far from city lights, the BWCAW has been designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary, so expect to see lots of stars and maybe even the Northern Lights. For a sense of what the boundary waters are like read the writings of Minnesota native Sigurd Olson. MORE GREAT PARKS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER » Hike a mile-long boardwalk (the longest in the U.S.!) to see rare plants, climb a 100-foot observation tower, go fishing or swimming in Upper Red Lake and explore the Tamarac River in a canoe or kayak at Big Bog State Recreation Area in northwestern Minnnesota. » Hike and bike above ground, then experience what it was like to be a miner by descending a half-mile underground for a guided mine tour in a rail car at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota, Minnesota’s newest state park. » Cast a line from the fishing pier, hike up to Anderson Hill Overlook or explore six miles of horse trails (BYOH) at Lake Maria State Park near St. Cloud. » See another resident bison herd and stay overnight in a tipi at Blue Mounds State Park in the southwest corner of Minnesota. FALL FIND MAGNIFICENT FALL COLOR AT MAPLEWOOD STATE PARK For one of the most magnificent views of fall color in Minnesota, hike the half-mile trail from the picnic area to the top of Hallaway Hill at Maplewood State Park in the state’s central region. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking South Lida Lake and the surrounding maple trees and sumac. Other great views await along the park’s five-mile scenic drive. The park’s foliage typically bursts into its brightest oranges and reds around the last week of September and the first week of October. On your way to or from the park, it’s worth stopping by Adams Park in Fergus Falls for photo ops that include Otto, the adorable 40-foot-long otter, and, on a tiny island in Grotto Lake, a rookery where you can see more great egrets, black-crowned night herons and double-crested cormorants than you’ve probably ever seen up close in one place in your life. MORE GREAT PARKS FOR FALL AND WINTER »Walk, snowshoe or ski along trails lit with luminaries at one of the many candlelight events that take place every winter at Wild River, Lake Carlos, Itasca and numerous other Minnesota state parks. » See how winter has transformed waterfalls into dazzling ice sculptures at Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche and other state parks along the North Shore of Lake Superior. »Follow scenic Highway 61 along the Mississippi River to Great River Bluff's State Park for a panoramic view of fall color along the Mississippi River, and stop for apples and pumpkins at the orchards along the way. »Climb the fire tower, hike to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and explore Wilderness Drive by bike or car at Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota. WINTER EXPLORE A WINTER WONDERLAND AT LAKE BEMIDJI STATE PARK To fully experience the best that a Minnesota winter has to offer, head to Lake Bemidji State Park in the northwest quadrant of the state, where there are lots of ways to play in the snow. You can look for deer along the winter hiking trail or, for more exercise, rent snowshoes at the park office and go traipsing through the woods. A 150-pound person can burn 500 calories or more in an hour on snowshoes. Cross-country skiers will find 8 miles of groomed trails to explore, including the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which is mostly flat and therefore perfect for beginners. Equipment is available at the park office if you don’t have your own. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are other popular winter activities here, and nature programs are offered for all ages. While you’re in Bemidji, be sure to stop by to see the iconic statues of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his companion, Babe the Blue Ox, on the shore of Lake Bemidji near the Tourist Information Center. FIND YOUR PARK Explore the untamed natural beauty of Minnesota’s parks and forests and plan your trip today. ExploreMinnesota.com/Parks
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