Amy Barrett 2025-01-02 06:31:47
GREAT OUTDOORS
SEASONAL ADVENTURES
Minnesota has an abundance of outstanding national, state and regional parks that offer scenic escapes throughout the year.
From the wide open prairies in the southwest to the tall pines in the Northwoods, they offer 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
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 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 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. The latest place to welcome the giant mammals is Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County.
Admire a magnificent variety of wildflowers along the trail to Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in southern Minnesota.
Visit local wildlife centers around Ely. At the International Wolf Center, watch the resident wolves hunt, play and sleep and then check out the interactive exhibits. At the North American Bear Center, see bears and learn all about them at the only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind.
In Detroit Lakes, Detroit Mountain Recreation Area draws mountain bikers with 15 miles of professionally designed single-track trails, plus XC contour flow trails, downhill trails and more. Trek bikes are available for rent.
SUMMER
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 Boundary Waters 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.
See rare plants along a mile-long boardwalk, climb a 100- foot observation tower, go fishing or swimming in Upper Red Lake and explore the Tamarac River by canoe or kayak at Big Bog State Recreation Area in northwestern Minnesota.
Hike and bike above ground, then go below the surface for a mine tour at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota.
Cast a line from the fishing pier, hike up to Anderson Hill Overlook or explore six miles of horse trails at Lake Maria State Park near St. Cloud.
FALL
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 Pelican Rapids 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.
Hike the colorful trails, do some fall fishing and climb the fire tower for a panoramic view at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park in Onamia, Minnesota.
Follow Highway 61, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, to Great River Bluffs State Park for gorgeous views of fall color along the Mississippi River. Stop for apples at the orchards along the way.
WINTER
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 for a walk through the woods.
Cross-country skiers will find eight 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. Visit the park website’s events calendar to find out about fun events.
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.
About an hour north of St. Paul, Wild River State Park in Center City rents cross-country skis and snowshoes for use on its extensive trail system.
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.
East of Brainerd, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is a hotspot for winter fat biking. The park has 50 miles of groomed fat biking trails in a variety of difficulty levels.
#ONLYINMN | 63
©Explore Minnesota. View All Articles.