Everything You Need to Know About Hiking in Minnesota

Whatever your group size or experience level, these insider suggestions will help you plan the best Minnesota hiking adventure

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The Superior Hiking Train in Minnesota. (Photo: Alyssa Hei)

With apologies to the 49 other states, hiking in Minnesota is not like anywhere else. The diversity of terrain and accessibility of the trails are just the start. Add warm and welcoming midwesterners and four seasons of beauty, and you get a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re searching for a relaxing woodland escape in Minneapolis-St. Paul or a challenging multiday trek along Lake Superior, Minnesotans will lay out the welcome mat. One group of local hikers spreading the good word is You Can Hike With Us, which creates an inclusive space for women to hike and connect. We talked to founders Shannon Johnson, Suzanne Nelson, and Kassandra Vilchis to get advice on their favorite Minnesota trails and more.

Outside: Why is Minnesota such a great hiking destination?

You Can Hike With Us: Spending time outdoors is a way of life in Minnesota. We take a lot of pride in caring for our trails, state parks, and reserves so everyone can experience them year-round. You can find hiking trails within a short drive of just about anywhere in Minnesota, too. Some of our most beautiful hiking trails are close to Minneapolis-St. Paul, making it easy to get out and explore. Additionally, the state’s diverse landscape creates a lot of variety in difficulty and terrain.

What areas do you suggest to new hikers?

We love to see people from all over getting out into nature at their own pace. Here are a few beginner-friendly recreation areas within driving distance of Minneapolis-St. Paul to put on your list.

Waterfall and wildflowers: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park has numerous trail options and a small but beautiful waterfall to visit. In the springtime, the forest is alive with wildflowers, including one of the only populations of the dwarf trout lily in the world. Fall is a real treat, too. The hardwood leaves transition into their autumn shades, offering the perfect backdrop for fall photos and family adventures.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

River views and wildlife: Although visitors come to Banning State Park year-round, fall is especially beautiful. Banning’s unique rock formations, river views, and rushing waterfall should earn it a spot on the top of any new hiker’s list. For an adventure closer to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers the chance to enjoy the natural habitats of Minnesota wildlife any time of year.

Hiking near Minneapolis-St. Paul: A lovely regional park, Elm Creek Park Reserve is a wooded wonderland in Maple Grove, a suburb of Minneapolis. The Eastman Nature Center Trail System includes a few miles of unpaved routes to explore. For a longer hike, we recommend the Mud Lake Loop.

What other scenic areas should hikers check out near Minneapolis-St. Paul?

Minneapolis-St. Paul is a great base camp for hiking adventures, with many great trails within an hour of the area.

Ice age geology: A short drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Interstate State Park features intriguing glacial potholes—a remnant of the glacial presence thousands of years ago. The Walter F. Mondale and Railroad Trail Loop offers views of the St. Croix River and unique rock formations. After your hike, check out the towns of Taylors Falls or nearby Stillwater for food and drinks.

Interstate State Park

Scenic overlooks: Featuring an overlook trail that offers a spectacular view of the Minnesota River Valley, Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area is a must-visit. Afterward, grab a burger at the Lions Tap or continue your adventures in nearby Shakopee, home of Valleyfair Amusement Park.

Wildlife and river views: Near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the Mall of America, Fort-Snelling State Park lets you see the mighty Mississippi River up close, with opportunities to spot wildlife, including deer.

Outdoor learning: Carver Park Reserve is colored with wildflowers in summer. While you’re in the park, check out the Lowry Nature Center, which features seasonal interpretive displays and a wildlife viewing area.

Wildflowers in Minneapolis-St. Paul: Within Theodore Wirth Regional Park, visit the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Quaking Bog, a rare tamarack bog in the heart of Minneapolis-St. Paul. It’s a true urban oasis.

Where are the best hikes for groups of three or more people?

Minnesota offers so many beautiful trails and recreational areas for friends and families to experience together. Whenever you’re exploring outdoors, remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles and be respectful of other trail users.

Wildlife and scenic drives: Check out the bison range and picture-perfect waterfall at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, about 1.5 hours from Minneapolis. The bison are best viewed up close from your vehicle on Bison Drive Road, while Steppman Mill and Bluff hiking trails offer distant views on foot.

Minneopa State Park

Family-friendly: Take a trip to the Mississippi Headwaters (where the Mississippi River forms at Itasca State Park) in Park Rapids, about 3.5 hours northwest of Minneapolis—a scenic and fun destination for anyone adventuring with young hikers. Consider hiking the Mississippi Headwaters Trail, Dr. Roberts Trail, Schoolcraft Trail, or Ozawindib Trail. There’s also a fire tower to climb for bird’s-eye views.

River views: William O’Brien State Park in Marine on St. Croix, about 45 miles from Minneapolis, is a great fall hiking retreat with areas of rolling hills. Try the Hiking Club Trail for views of the St. Croix River.

Tip: Want to hit these spots at peak fall color? Use the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder for weekly fall color reports.

What are the best trails for experienced solo hikers to explore?

The possibilities are plentiful! Whenever you’re planning a hike, you always want to pack the essentials, know your route, check conditions, and inform a trusted friend or family member about your itinerary. Be sure to take extra care and pick a trail that’s well-suited for your skills if you’re traveling solo.

River overlooks: The rolling hills and bluffs in southeastern Minnesota—a little over an hour from Minneapolis—offer many more challenging hikes. Head to Frontenac State Park and hike the Bluffside Trail, which overlooks the Mississippi River.

Bluff views: At Whitewater State Park in Altura, about two hours from Minneapolis, the moderately challenging Dakota Trail will reward your efforts with impressive bluff views.

Countless trails: Minnesota’s North Shore Region on Lake Superior is a very popular hiking destination about 3.5 hours from Minneapolis. Some suggestions for small groups and solo hikers are Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park, Devil’s Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and the Oberg Mountain Trail via the Superior Trail in the Superior National Forest.

What else will outdoor enthusiasts love about Minnesota?

There are so many fun post-hike activities and experiences for non-hikers to enjoy in Minnesota. Minneapolis-St. Paul is a foodie’s paradise. The North Loop area of Minneapolis has lively breweries and coffee shops. You can also check out one of the food halls, such as The Market at Malcolm Yards in Prospect Park. Or try one of these popular restaurants: Owamni, Gai Noi, and Bar La Grassa.

If you’re traveling around the North Shore of Lake Superior, stop for brews at Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors or Voyageur Brewing Company in Grand Marais. Coffee lovers will love Fika in Tofte, Java Moose in Grand Marais, and Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors. Rustic Inn in Two Harbors and the Fisherman’s Daughter at Dockside Fish Market in Grand Marais are just a sample of the many great dining options.

Home to Sibley State Park, the Spicer/New London area, about two hours from Minneapolis, is a perfect stop for shopping. Plus, you can grab a drink at Goat Ridge Brewery. And no warm-season hike is complete without ice cream. You’ll find all the best flavors at Deep Freeze in New London. Or just ask a local for recommendations when you’re out on the trail—you’re sure to meet a few, and they’re sure to help.

Explore Minnesota is dedicated to promoting tourism and livability in Minnesota. Visit exploreminnesota.com to find travel inspiration and things to do, subscribe to free newsletters, and download travel guides. See even more by following Explore Minnesota on Instagram.