GREAT OUTDOORS SEASONAL ADVENTURES A Park for Every Season By Amy Barrett 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 fl ora 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. Minneopa State Park bison Credit: Melanie Graves 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 fi ts 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 magnifi cent variety of wildfl owers 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 fl ow trails, downhill trails and more. Trek bikes are available for rent. 60 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 60
