The entrance to Banning State Park is so close to Interstate 35 that you’d be hard-pressed to believe that a heavily-wooded park with steep bluffs and several sets of class III-V rapids is there. But lucky for you, it is. Banning State Park is bisected by the Kettle River as it rushes down toward its mouth. The state-designated Wild and Scenic River has carved a steep, rocky gorge through the boreal forest. Wolf Creek, on its course to meet the Kettle River, hewed its own gorge through the forest’s sandstone bedrock. And the trail along Wolf Creek is steep, rocky, and gorgeous. Upland forest gives way to large, exposed boulders as the trail steepens. Take the four-mile loop from the trailhead, following the creek downstream to 20-foot Wolf Creek Falls, where the stream cascades into the river. Then head back upstream. If you want to add some distance and elevation to your hike, cut over to the Hell’s Gate Trail, which skirts the whitewater on the Kettle River, via the High Bluff Trail, which intersects with the Wolf Creek Trail less than half a mile from the falls.
Tettegouche State Park is well-known for its challenging terrain. Most trails in the park have a “difficult” rating from the DNR, except for those rated “most difficult.” Parts of the trail to Mt. Baldy Lookout have earned the latter designation. To get to the trail, enter the park from inland, parking at the lot on Lax Lake Road, just north of the lake itself. Then start hiking up. You’ll hike about a mile through pines, aspen, birch, and balsam, gaining almost 300 feet of elevation, before turning left to head for the summit. Once you hit the top of Mt. Baldy, rest and enjoy the view. Then take the trail down toward Tettegouche Camp on Mic Mac Lake. You’ll find drinking water there. Be sure to fill your water bottle before heading out toward Floating Bog Bay, skirting around Tettegouche Lake, taking in views of Cedar and Lax Lakes, before rejoining the trail to the parking lot. The hike is about four miles with an elevation gain of more than 400 feet before you start heading back down.
Park at the Willard Munger State Trail lot on the east side of the town of Carlton. Start hiking east on the paved Munger Trail until you come to trail intersection 27. Take a right onto the rugged Carlton Trail, which follows the big rapids of the St. Louis River as it slices through Jay Cooke State Park. More than three miles of steep, rocky terrain follow the river gorge to a swinging bridge that leads to the park’s headquarters. At this point, you can make a choice: Fill your water bottle and go back the way you came or fill your water bottle and take the paved Forbay Trail to Thomson Trail. Compared to the Carlton Trail, the Forbay and Thomson Trails traverse relatively easy terrain. The Thomson Trail intersects with the Munger Trail on the other side of the river from where you started. Head west on the Munger Trail to get back to the trailhead.
Don’t let the wide, mowed grass of the Prairie Overlook Trail fool you: Sure, it’ll be easy on your feet, but your thighs will be screaming before you’re done. Park at the trailhead in William O’Brien State Park, which is located just outside the Twin Cities on the St. Croix River. Take the Wetland Trail 1.2 miles uphill through oak savanna and prairie to the Prairie Overlook Trail loop. The 1.4-mile loop skirts a pond and enables you to see sweeping vistas across and down the St. Croix River Valley. The loop ends at the Woodland Edge Trail, which you’ll take along the bluff’s edge before heading back down to the trailhead. The entire hike is more than seven miles, with a lot of ups and downs as you traverse the river bluffs. Wear good shoes and being plenty of water, as you won’t have a chance to refill until you pass the Savanna Campground on the way back down.
Folks looking for a trail workout in Southeast Minnesota need to head over to the Reno Recreational Area and test their mettle against the steep bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley. Start from the horse campground on Hillside Road in Reno Township, and take the short trail straight up and over the bluff. Hang a left at the “T” then a right at the fork that will lead you switch-backing down through the hardwood forest to the Crooked Creek Valley for about a mile. Head up the next bluff, then follow ridgeline along the creek until you meet the Brownsville Trail and Sand Rock Point Forest Road. Turn left to follow the trail back down the creek until it meets up with another forest road at a gate. Continue heading downhill on the road until you run into Reno Trail near where it crosses Crooked Creek. Follow the Reno Trail back to where you started. This hike is nearly 10 miles with a lot of ups and downs—but also a lot of payoffs: Views across and down the Mississippi Valley and out over the Bluff Country of Southern Minnesota. Bring a daypack with lots of water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes, as some of the trails can be tricky and there are rattlesnakes in the area.
]]>Located just north of the Twin Cities, the Chengwatana State Forest’s off-highway motorcycle trails offer a variety of terrain for OHM riders of most any experience level. The trails are located near the state’s border with Wisconsin and curve along the confluence of the Kettle and St. Croix Rivers. The wooded trails afford riders gorgeous views of these wild and scenic rivers as the mount rises and descended gradually through the forest. Some tight curves make the trails a little more challenging, but the whole system can be carefully ridden by a novice. A trail permit is required.
The trails in the Meeker County OHV Park wind through 40 acres of deciduous hardwoods west of the Twin Cities. In addition to a youth training area, the park also has restroom facilities and a shelter for picnicking or ducking out of inclement weather. Narrow trails with lots of curves that snake through elm, maple, ash, and oak trees make this OHV park particularly fun for off-highway motorcycles. Although the park is county-owned, it’s privately maintained by a riding club that recently completed a trail rehabilitation project in the park. Trail permits are required.
Voted “Best ATV Trail” in the state by viewers of Twin Cities CBS affiliate, WCCO, the Spider Lake Trails area is also an awesome spot for off-highway motorcycles. Almost 30 miles of trails trace ridgelines, and curve along the shorelines of lakes and ponds in the forests and wetlands near the Brainerd Lakes area. The combination of graded, sandy trails and rocky, hilly tracks makes Spider Lake Trails a great place for novice bikers to hone their skills, while keeping experienced riders riders on their toes. Hardier riders can enjoy the trails in any season, as the Spider Lake area is open year-round. A trail permit is required.
The 30-mile long Gandy Dancer Trail is by no means the most challenging off-highway motorcycle trail you’ll ride—it follows an abandoned railway grade—but it may well be the most beautiful. Starting in Danbury, Wisconsin, it crosses the St. Croix River and heads north into the Nemadji State Forest, skirting the Black Lake Bog Scientific and Natural Area. Pine forests and vast wetlands make this popular trail feel like it’s worlds away from civilization. Gray wolves, black bears, and bald eagles frequent the forests in the area. A permit is required to use this Minnesota DNR-maintained trail.
Out of its 53 total miles, 35 miles of the Straight Arrows Trail is dedicated single track for off-highway motorcycles. Open for year-round use, Straight Arrows combines some long straightaways with tight curves and sudden, steep hills that offer challenges for experienced OHM riders. The trails cut through deep stands of pine forests, track stream banks, and skirt the wetlands that make this part of the Minnesota unique. The trail is maintained by Pine County and the Straight Arrows Enduro Riders Motorcycle Club. A trail pass is required to ride Straight Arrows.
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The 3.5-mile Lookout Mountain Loop begins at the trailhead in Cascade River State Park, and curves along the river gorge and the rushing cataracts for which the park is named. You cross a bridge and head up through the forests of birch, aspen, spruce and fir, gaining 600 feet in elevation over 1.75 miles, until you reach the top of Lookout Mountain on the Superior Hiking Trail. From the summit, you’ll have views to Lake Superior, up and down the Sawtooth Mountains and deep into the Cascade River gorge, as well as the valleys of two tributaries. As you breathe and take in the view, you can relish the fact that the return is downhill all the way.
If you’re looking for a fantastic hike that’s not far from the Twin Cities, head 40 minutes east to Afton State Park. Although the park is intersected with several superb trails, the Trout Brook Loop offers just the right combination of rigor, seclusion, and payoff to make it worth the trip. From the parking areas, this loop follows Trout Brook, which is rushing down from the bluffs to the St. Croix River, through a tight, wooded ravine, over wooden bridges, and then up over the top of the river bluff. The payoff is gorgeous views up and down the river valley and across the park’s restored prairie areas.
This hike is located within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, the state’s first true wilderness park. Starting from the trailhead in the park, hike 1.6 miles on the Humpback Trail, through the birches and spruce, stopping to enjoy sweeping vistas of the Manitou River Valley, as you gain elevation. Then descend until you connect with the Manitou River Trail. Stop to enjoy the cascades on the river as it rushes down toward Lake Superior. Then follow the Manitou River Trail along the valley, keeping your eyes open for the moose, black bears, and wolves that call this park home. Stick with the trail for another 1.8 miles, until it connects with the Cedar Ridge Trail. Take the Cedar Ridge and Yellow Birch trails, past views over Benson Lake, back to the trailhead. Bring plenty of water along. The park has no modern facilities, so if you’re hoping to camp, be prepared to hike to your site with everything you need.
Lake Maria is a wilderness park that contains a remnant of the deciduous Big Woods forest that once covered more than 3,000 square-miles of Southern Minnesota. The 5.5-mile Big Woods Loop highlights the old-growth maple, oak, and basswood trees that dominated the terrain in the pre-settlement past. The hike will take you over rolling hills, through forests, and along several lakes, ponds, and marshes. Spectacular autumn colors make this hike particularly beautiful in the fall. Because Lake Maria is designed as a wilderness park, there are few amenities, and all sites are hike-in.
Grand Portage State Park, one of the newest in the system, is sandwiched between the Grand Portage Ojibwe Nation—who lease the land to the state for park use—and Canada. It’s named Grand Portage because fur traders seeking to reach Lake Superior from the interior—or vice versa—have to bypass the last 20 miles of rapids and falls in Lower Pigeon River gorge. It’s this part of the river that the park seeks to highlight. Starting from the visitor’s center, you’ll hike an easy half-mile to the 120-foot High Falls, the tallest, and arguably most spectacular, waterfall in the state (since the falls are shared with Canada, they’re not entirely “in” Minnesota). From there, you’ll hike another 1.75 miles along the river bank, through aspen, birch, and spruce, along ridge lines with views to Canada and a vista of the spectacularly rugged Middle Falls.
]]>One of Minnesota’s most beautiful prairie parks, Blue Mounds State Park is a testament to the tallgrass and big skies of the state’s Western region. One of the best ways to see what the park has to offer is to hike the 4.5-mile Upper Cliffline Trail. Paved in some portions and graveled in others, this relatively tame hike sees less than 150 feet of elevation change as it ascends shimmering cliffs hewn from Sioux quartzite. On the prairie, though, this is enough to create panoramic views across the grasslands and the park’s native heard of American bison to the horizons over Iowa and South Dakota.
The Root River State Trail is a 42-mile, paved multi-use trail system that follows the course of the Root River in Southeastern Minnesota. The Root River valley is a prime example of the Upper Midwest “Driftless Area,” describes the part of the country that avoided glacial coverage during the last Ice Age. Rather than praire, you’ll take in views of limestone bluffs, pristine springs, and hardwood forest. Wildlife, such as whitetail deer, raccoons, raptors, wild turkeys, and the protected timber rattlesnake are not uncommon along the trail.
Start at the mouth of Temperance River in the eponymous state park, and follow the trail along its course and back into geological time. The first part of the hike from the Lake Superior shoreline across Highway 61 to hidden falls and along the cauldrons gouged into the feldspar by the flow of the river is ruggedly gorgeous but not overly-challenging. Parents should keep a hand on children at points where the trail gets close to the gorge. Those with the lung capacity can keep going beyond where the park trail converges with the Superior Hiking Trail and to the 1,500-foot Summit of Carlton peak. The total vertical rise of the three-mile hike from shore to summit is about 600 feet. Birds, black bears, deer, moose, and fox are often sighted in the park. Turn around at the summit to complete the six-mile round trip.
Overlooking the Mississippi River as it widens into Lake Pepin south of Red Wing, Frontenac State Park’s Bluffside Trail is a loop that can be as challenging as you want to make it. Stay on top of the bluff and simply return to the starting point for sweeping vistas across the river valley to Wisconsin. The more adventurous can complete the entire loop, including a descent to the banks of the Mississippi and a climb of more than 400 vertical feet as you ascend the bluff to close the loop. Apart from wildlife like deer and wild turkeys, hikers may see raptors, including vultures, hawks, bald eagles, and golden eagles—all of which use the river as a migration way—as they traverse the trail.
One of the Minnesota’s most stunning day hikes, the Split Rock River Loop is a starts from the trailhead on Highway 61, where the Split Rock River finishes its downward tumble to Lake Superior. The 4.5-mile loop follows the river gorge, up the lake bluffs, along a rugged footpath. While the hiking itself is not particularly challenging, the trail can be rough as it traverses hills, tree roots, and boardwalks to a Superior Hiking Trail walk bridge over the river. Moose, deer, and black bears may be seen, but rapids, waterfalls and beautiful dense forest are guaranteed—as are sweeping Lake Superior views at the beginning and end of the hike. Seeing another hiker, on the other hand, is not.
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Pack a lunch, grab the pup, and get ready for some real outdoor fun at Fort Snelling State Park. Centuries of history meet modern hiking experiences with trails weaving through lush natural areas. Dog owners are asked to keep their pet on a leash while exploring the grounds.
Here is a winding path that offers a look at the diverse landscape in the Circle Pines area The pup preferred trail is open for activities such as walking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. All dog owners must keep their pooch on a leash during their explorations.
Head on over to Two Harbors, to find this spot that’s great for those who have a pup of the more adventurous type. This park offers multiple loops of varying lengths, complete with views of Lake Superior and the Gooseberry River. All trail visitors who plan to take their dog are asked to keep them on a leash, and be mindful of the wild animals in their habitat.
This park is an urban oasis filled with an array of plant life and amazing views. This 62-acre park is pet-friendly, featuring an off-leash area where dogs can run and play to their heart's content. Dog owners are asked to keep their pup on a leash near the other visitors to the park. Go forth and find your adventure!
Take in spectacular views of Lake Superior and the North Shore! Hikers and their pooches are asked to stay on the designated trails and obey the leash laws, navigate through the winding sights and smells with your pup as they enjoy this Silver Bay paradise.
This unique trail system offers a one-of-a-kind chance to see the sights and sounds of the Minnesota River. All dog owners must keep their pet on a leash for the safety of their pup as well as the wildlife in the area.
Bring your pup to Bryant Lake Regional Park for a day of fun and exploration. The park offers an 18-hole disc golf course, along with a special off-leash area. Dogs are asked to remain on-leash while enjoying the rest of the park.
This park features stunning east and west bluffs of the Mississippi River, offering spectacular views. Dogs are allowed on the trails, however they must remain on a leash while enjoying the scenery. Have a relaxing riverside day out with your four legged friend and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis.
This is the perfect spot for a pup to have an enjoyable time. The park offers a 29-acre fenced area for off-leash play, as well as a separate area for small dogs and a fenced wetland pond.
Alimagnet Dog Park is a 178-acre community park which caters to all types of outdoor activities. The park's award-winning off-leash area provides a safe and fun experience for all dogs. Come on down to what will easily become your dog’s new favorite place to play.
]]>Bear Head Lake State Park is a remote 4,000-acre spot located in the Great Northwoods of Minnesota’s Iron Range, just southwest of Ely. Adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), the park shares the same wild qualities, with northern boreal forests and lakes defining the landscape.
The best way to explore the park’s backcountry is to take the figure-eight hike around Becky and Blueberry Lakes. You’ll encounter some steep hills and rocky terrain on the rugged, packed-dirt trails, but the deep woods experience and the chance to encounter some of the park’s wildlife—gray wolves, black bears, and moose—make the effort worthwhile. Views over Becky Lake and Blueberry Lake will help distract your attention from any travails you encounter on the six-mile hike. Take your time as you drift among the giant white and Norway pines that escaped the axes of loggers in the 1890s.
To see some of the best views in the park, walk the quarter-mile Beach Trail along the shore of Bear Head Lake. Located just south of the main campground, the trail is punctuated with a handful of small docks and piers that enable you to get out further over the water and experience the grandeur of the park’s signature lake. The best time to hit the trail is in the evening when waterfowl are gliding on the lake, fish are jumping, and the sun is casting a golden net over the surface of the Bear Head Lake’s North Bay as it sets in the west.
When you stay in Bear Head Lake State Park, you have a number of camping options from which to choose. If you just want to stay in the park and bring as little as possible, book one of the four rental cabins. They’re not five-star hotels, but you don’t have to figure out how to put them up in the dark, either. Otherwise, there are 50 sites in the main loops, most of which have electric hookups and space for an RV. A non-electric loop has more-secluded sites that are ideal for tents or pop-up trailers. If you’re a tent camper that needs more space, though, grab one of the backpack or boat-in sites in the park.
Make no mistake, Bear Head Lake State Park is in the middle of the woods—as in far away from civilization. And if you’re there for a while, you may become weary of providing all your own comforts, like food, drink, warmth. The good news is that the Good Ol’ Days Bar & Grill is just a few minutes away in Tower. The better news? They’re open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. so you can get breakfast, dinner, happy hour, or just drinks—whatever respite you may need from your wilderness immersion experience—without getting too far from your campsite.
If you’re looking for another awesome activity in the area, head west from Bear Head Lake State Park toward Tower. There you’ll find the Soudan Underground Mine, which is now located within one of Minnesota’s newest state parks. Created in the latter part of the 19th century, the Soudan Mine is famously one of the deepest sites in the United States and the first of many iron ore mines in Minnesota. Its rates of production created the state’s iron ore industry and elevated Duluth to its prominence as one of the world’s busiest inland ports.
]]>For birders who love owls, the Lost River State Forest—which is included in the Pine to Prairie International Bird Trail—is about as good as it gets. One of the things that makes the forest such excellent bird habitat is that its home to several fens and peat bogs, which can make hiking a bit of a challenge. The most accessible part of the forest is just south of the Canadian border. Drive north on MN-310. About 1.5 miles before the border, you’ll see an unpaved pullout on the west side of the road. Park there and follow the trail straight west toward the Sprague Creek Peatland Scientific and Natural Area. If you go late in the year, you can see northern hawk owls, sandhill cranes, whippoorwills, and several species of woodpeckers.
In the autumn, migrating raptors soar daily by the hundreds over Hawk Ridge in Duluth. This world-renowned location also draws birders and scientists by the hundreds to study the migrations from the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. In addition to many species of hawks and owls, birders can see ospreys, bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures.
The 110-acre park has miles of hiking trails. For a good hike with the best birding potential, hike out along Skyline Parkway to its intersection with the Pine Woods Trail. Turn southwest onto the Pine Woods Trail to the Summit Ledges observation point. Hike counterclockwise on the Ridge Loop Trail until it meets Spruce Trail, then hike up to the Spruce Knob observation point. When you’re ready to head back, hit the Middle Trail back to the parking area. To see the trail map, check out the website.
The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is an area where all the Eastern Hardwood Forest biome butts up against the tallgrass prairies. Rivers, wetlands, sedge meadows, and marshes make the refuge a crucial habitat for migratory birds, such as sandhill cranes and 200 other species, as they pass through Minnesota in the spring and fall. The best hiking trails for birders are the Blue Hill and Mahnomen Trails off of County 9, near the refuge headquarters. The Blue Hill Trail, west of the the headquarters, is the longer and more challenging of the two, but an intrepid birder could easily hike both in a day.
The Sax-Zim Bog is a somewhat-undefined area in Northern Minnesota that’s comprised of public and private lands. However, the unique habitat in this area attracts more than 240 bird species, which draws birders from across the country. The area is best known for winter birder as northern species move down to overwinter before heading north to Canada and the Arctic for the rest of the year. The northern owl species, such as the snowy, great gray, and northern hawk owls, get most of the attention at Sax-Zim. But dozens of migratory songbird species make the area musical in the spring. A good year-round bet for a hike is on the dirt track that heads east off McDavitt Road, about a mile and a half south of Zim Road.
In western Minnesota, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is a birder’s bucket list item. Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and golden-winged warblers are the stars of the show in this multi-biome habitat that consists of hardwood and coniferous forests punctuated with wetlands, three rivers, and bogs. Birders on foot should hit the North Country Hiking Trail. If you start at South Chippewa Lake, then head west and south toward Tamarac, Pine, and Mud Lakes before turning around and hiking back, you’ll maximize your birding opportunities in the refuge.
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Mille Lacs Lake in North Central Minnesota is famous for its walleye and muskie fishing. A popular, year-round angling destination—in winter, it’s home to one of the world’s biggest collections of ice fishing shanties—Mille Lacs used to the be the first lake that walleye anglers would rush to when the season opened. Its popularity, however, has stressed the walleye population in the lake. In order to manage the fishery, the DNR occasionally imposes special regulations. For example, in 2017, anglers could only target walleye for catch-and-release. But what about folks who want to bring home a trophy? There are, of course, huge muskies and hard-fighting northern pikes in the lake—and plenty of guides who’ll show you where they are—but smallmouth bass are the recent stars of the show. Bassmaster Magazine ranked the lake as one of the 10 best smallmouth bass fisheries in the country, and USA Today listed it among “America’s [25] best bass fishing lakes and ponds.”
More than 60 species of fish have been documented in the St. Croix River, from Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota, to its confluence with the Mississippi River. Anglers looking for walleye will want to concentrate their efforts in the lower stretches of the river, below Stillwater, where the species has above-average abundance. The minimum length for keepers on the St. Croix is 15 inches. If you’re targeting hard-fighting smallmouth bass, or hunting river monsters like lake sturgeon or catfish, focus your angling efforts on the stretch of river north of Stillwater. In order to prevent the proliferation of invasive species upstream, the National Park Service does not allow upstream boat traffic above the mile 29.5 (the Arcola sandbar) checkpoint. Boat anglers are better served to launch upriver and work their way downstream.
Lake Pepin is a natural widening of the Mississippi River that stretches for 21 miles where more than 80 species of fish have be recorded. Among these are healthy and abundant populations of walleye, sauger (a tasty relative of the walleye), and northern pike. Sport anglers will enjoy the bass fishing on Lake Pepin, which hosts good populations of largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass. Abundant panfish and crappies will keep your lines as busy as you want them to be if you’re just fishing for fun. The lake stretches south from Red Wing, Minnesota, to a point across from Alma, Wisconsin.
While Minnesota anglers are definitely walleye-centric, there is another fishing opportunity that shouldn’t be ignored: Brown trout. The trout streams of Southeast Minnesota are often underutilized, which means that the populations are solid and larger fish are abundant. One of the best places to target Minnesota’s browns is in the South Branch of the Root River. Because it’s a wider river that’s tracked by the paved Root River Trail, access to the water is excellent and and fly anglers have plenty of room for casting. Trout fishing is best in the western reaches of the river (and requires a current trout stamp). There’s more to the Root River than trout, though, smallmouth and rock bass, as well as channel catfish inhabit the streams pools.
Twin Cities anglers who don’t want to travel too far for awesome walleye fishing head to Bald Eagle Lake in the Northeast Metro. The lake is known for its walleye but also has good populations of northern pike, muskies, and largemouth bass—including some lunkers. Kids and anglers who enjoy targeting panfish will not be disappointed in Bald Eagle Lake’s abundant sunnies. Despite its size, access to the lake is pretty limited, which can make for crowded launches. There’s public access and a fishing pier at the county park and also a boat ramp at a bait shop on the north end of the lake.
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During cold weather months, you can stay in one of the heated, year-round camper cabins at Glacial Lakes State Park. The cabins are available Sunday through Thursday between November and March and daily throughout the rest of the year. The Glacial Erratic cabin offers views to Signalness Lake and easy access to Mardy’s Trail.
Cascade Lodge is a small, Up North-style resort that’s welcomed visitors for more than 90 years. The property is completely surrounded by spectacular Cascade River State Park and boasts sweeping views of Lake Superior. In addition to the lodge, there are several year-round cabins at the resort. We like Cabin 7 for its vistas, porch, and easy access to trails and the pub.
Big Bog State Recreation Area is home to the biggest peat bog (hence, the name) in the 48 contiguous United States, as well as incredible year-round birdwatching. Make a winter trip to espy a moose, gray wolf, or great gray owl. Book Cabin 5 for a little seclusion and Tamarac River views.
Not all winter cabin stays have to be rustic. In fact, some can be downright fancy. Take Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort, for example. Located in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes area, Kavanaugh’s cabins are all waterfront properties with easy access to cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Or you can just cozy up by the fireplace.
If you’re visiting Flandrau State Park during the winter, why not make a weekend of it? The bottomlands of the Big Cottonwood River offer excellent cross-country skiing and the heated Hackberry Haven cabin will keep you cozy and warm, Thursday through Sunday.
If you want to explore Minnesota’s Bluff Country this winter, head over to Cedar Valley Resort. This family resort is located just outside the gorgeous town of Lanesboro and has 11 cabins available for rent. Cross-country skiing, fat biking, and some of the state’s best trout fishing are all within easy reach of the resort.
Jay Cooke State Park, located just south of Duluth, has five year-round cabins available for rental. You wouldn’t suspect that this wild place, stretched along the banks of the thundering St. Louis River, is just minutes from Spirit Mountain ski area, Lake Superior, and the gateway to the North Shore. We like the seclusion and trail access that the Gabbro cabin offers.
There are four year-round camper cabins in Lake Carlos State Park. Available Thursday through Sunday during the winter, a cabin will ensure that you stay toasty during your visit to the park. The Eagle Aerie Cabin affords easy access to cross country and snowmobile trails, as well as Lake Carlos itself.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park makes for a fun-filled winter getaway. Not only is it home to some of the best cross-country ski trails in the park system, it also boasts an awesome sledding hill for those who prefer a faster ride. Cabin 5 offers great trail access and is within easy hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing distance of the Rum River and Ogechie Lake.
If you’re looking for winter lodging that isn’t quite a tent and isn’t quite a cabin, book one of the year-round yurts at Cuyuna Country Recreation Area. The wood-heated, canvas-walled yurts will keep you cozy in the cold while creating a more rustic experience than that of a cabin. Don’t forget your Nordic skis and fat bike—miles of groomed trails cross-cross Cuyuna Country.
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REI is the state’s—and probably the country’s—premier outdoor retailer for camping gear. They have three Minnesota locations in Roseville, Maple Grove, and their flagship store in Bloomington. A huge selection of camping gear, from tents and sleeping bags to backpacks and sporks, combined with knowledgeable staff who are always happy to guide you in your gear quest make REI an essential store. In addition to their own high-quality house brand, they also carry many renowned brands like Mountain Hardwear, Big Agnes, Osprey, and MSR. REI also offers classes on camping and wilderness skills.
Piragis is a premier outfitter for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). In addition to permits, canoe rentals, and a ton of good advice, they also have a retail operation that sells new and used gear from respected outdoor brands like Nemo Equipment, Sea to Summit, and Sierra Designs. If you don’t want to drive to Ely to grab your gear, you can order online from their Boundary Waters Catalog.
Before REI made it to Minnesota, a frustrated rock climber took matters into his own hands and opened Midwest Mountaineering, a beloved Twin Cities institution for almost half a century. Their carefully-selected staff is made up of industry veterans and outdoor enthusiasts. Their camping department has a deep selection of tents, packs, and gear that anyone from a Superior Hiking Trail thru-hiker to a car-camping family can use.
Poised at the eastern end of the Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais is a launching point for many North Woods camping adventures. If you’re looking to pick up some last-minute camping necessities—whether for your BWCAW canoe voyage, Superior Hiking Trail trek, or your state park campground site—Lake Superior Trading Post is a place where you’ll find a solid selection of gear. A range of equipment from brands like Coghlan’s, Camelbak, and Hydro Flask will help keep your camping adventure on track.
Joe’s Sporting Goods is a locally-owned outdoor store with a lot of floor space. They’ve been a go-to spot for camping gear for more than half a century because they have a big selection to match the size of the store. You’ll find tents, sleeping bags and everything in between—from brands like the North Face and Marmot —along with a friendly and knowledgeable staff at Joe’s.
Folks in southeast Minnesota can find a solid selection of camping gear at Tyrol Ski & Sports in Rochester. Whether you’re looking for a tent or a headlamp, a water filter or topo map—or all of the above—Tyrol will likely have it. They carry top-quality brands like Granite Gear, Petzl, and Klean Kanteen, so you’ll know that you’ve got the best gear for your next camping adventure. If you’re new to camping or not ready to make a big initial investment, they also offer equipment rentals.
Camping gear is not cheap. And outfitting from scratch can result in a pretty hefty price tag. Fortunately, there’s Repair Lair. Not only will they (as the name implies) repair your well-worn gear, they also sell used gear. Because their carefully-curated inventory tends to turn over, it’s a good idea to pop in on the regular and see what’s new. Get big-brand names like Kelty or Patagonia for a fraction of the price.
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Only half an hour from the Twin Cities—which hastens the answer to the “Are we there yet?”s from the backseat—Lake Auburn Campground feels like a world away. It’s a rustic campground, so there is no electricity, which makes for an authentic-feeling camping experience. Moreover, this lakeside campground has a swimming beach, play equipment, and offers canoe and kayak rentals for those who want to explore the lake by paddle, looking for loons, trumpeter swans, or ospreys.
As part of the Three Rivers Park District’s Carver Park Reserve, Lake Auburn Campground is connected by paved trails—which make for easy biking or walking—to the Lowry Nature Center, Grimm Farm Historic Site, or the King Waterbird Sanctuary. The trails meander through gorgeous wooded terrain and skirt the edges of interconnected lakes and marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for white tail deer or barred owls.
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Straddling the St. Croix River, Interstate State Park is cooperatively managed by Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the Minnesota side is, itself, divided into two units. The lower campground is more open and exposed. For those who like to be among the trees and with a wilder view of the river, head for the campground closer to Taylors Falls.
From here, campers can enjoy any of several spots overlooking the river where it moves through basalt gorges known as “dalles.” For climbing families, there are plenty of marked climbing and bouldering routes in the park. The awesome climbing is due to the unique geology of Interstate, which derives a from more than 10 ancient lava flows and two discrete glacial depositis. Not into climbing? Grab a fishing rod and try to land a monster bass or sturgeon. Families can also rent a canoe from the upper unit and spend an afternoon paddling to the lower unit, across from Osceola, Wisconsin, then grab a shuttle bus back to camp.
Itasca State Park is the oldest park in the state system. At 32,000 acres, the park includes more that 100 lakes, but its namesake is particularly significant: it’s where the Mississippi River begins its journey of more than 2,500 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The park has several campgrounds, as well as camper cabins and the state park system’s only guest lodge, offering families numerous choices of accommodation.
Kids will love wading into the tiny stream that pours from one end of Lake Itasca and becomes the Mississippi River. Hike through the Wilderness Sanctuary to see some of Minnesota’s tallest old-growth trees or climb a fire tower for spectacular views of the park and lakes. Pontoon, canoe, and kayak rentals let you explore the park at lake level. Explore the area’s history by visiting one of Itasca’s Native American sites or historic cabins. There is so much to do at this park that a weekend may not prove to be enough time.
Gooseberry Falls is one of Minnesota’s most popular state parks—and for good reason. It has miles of relatively easy hiking and biking trails (some paved), as well as the gorgeous series of cascades carved out by the Gooseberry River as it steps down to Lake Superior. The rocky, yet smooth, Lake Superior shoreline makes for an leisurely lakeside walks or scrambles over boulders.
The campground at Gooseberry is near the mouth of the river, tucked into the woods near the shoreline. This affords some privacy from the rest of the park, as well as Lake Superior vistas and gorgeous night skies for stargazing or simply watching the moon rise over the lake. The park offers interactive interpretive programs in the campground, but campers can also pop in to the park’s updated visitor center for films, slideshows, or talks about the ecosystem, geology, and history of Gooseberry Falls State Park. Feel like exploring? Check out a GPS unit and do some geocaching. Because of the park’s popularity, it’s always a good idea to reserve a spot well in advance, but if you’re feeling lucky, state parks usually hold back a few sites for walk-up campers.
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park highlights the rugged beauty of Southeast Minnesota’s Bluff Country, part of the geological “Driftless Region” that was missed by glaciers, leaving limestone bluffs, and deep, forested river valleys. In addition to hiking the bluffline and riverside trails, visitors to this park can fish in three of Minnesota’s premier trout streams for native brook or brown trout.
Kids will also love going back in time—both geologically and historically. Mystery Cave is the state’s longest cave, and tours are offered on a regular basis during peak seasons. Explore the geological makeup of this part of Minnesota and see the amazing artistry water can produce over eons. After emerging from beneath the surface, head over to Forestville. A once-ghost town that’s been restored by the Minnesota Historical Society to a re-enacted 1800s village. Visit the general store for a treat or visit one of the farm buildings to help out with chores. Because of its location in the far south of the state, this park makes for excellent spring and fall camping.
]]>If you want your RV camping experience to be more like a resort experience, Bluff Valley is the campground for you. Tucked along a meander in the Zumbro River, the campground has 275 good-sized sites. Standard sites are up to 2,000 square-feet, and premium sites are 4,200 square-feet or bigger. Bluff Valley has a regular schedule of activities that include all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts, weekly karaoke, live music, and other events. A driving range, climbing wall, disc golf course, and tubing on the Zumbro River will ensure that you’re never bored while camping at Bluff Valley.
The Grand Marais Campground and Marina is located in the city limits, but stretches along the harbor and shore of Lake Superior. From the lakeside sites, you’d never know that you’re only blocks from the town’s quaint business district. A playground, as well as courts and fields, will keep sports-minded campers busy. Meanwhile, the adjacent forest and nature area, along with the Gitchi Gami State Bike Trail afford opportunities for campers to enjoy some of the North Shore’s natural beauty. The campground has 161 sites with full hook-ups, and another 82 with just water and electric. Wi-Fi and cable TV are also available at Grand Marais Campground and Marina.
Campers in the Brainerd Lakes area will love the North Woods, family feel of Fritz’s Resort and Campground in Nisswa. Tucked onto the east side of Lake Edna, the resort is a laid-back spot for campers who enjoy Minnesota lake life. A clean, sandy beach, boat rentals—fishing, pontoon, and paddle—and canoeing will help you enjoy it even more. Fritz’s Resort and Campground also has an air-conditioned recreation hall, where campers can pick up necessities, play pool, ping pong, or shuffleboard and get to know their neighbors.
Sometimes an RV campground can feel a bit crowded, but if you hook up at one of St. Croix State Park’s three campgrounds, you’ll have plenty of wide open space to explore. The park, the biggest in the state park system, sits at the confluence of two federally-designated Wild and Scenic Waterways: The St. Croix and Kettle Rivers. In addition to river-oriented activities, like fishing and canoeing, the park also offers a swimming beach on an inland lake, miles of hiking trails, and a fire tower that can be explored. A nature store and interpretive center are located within easy walking distance of all three campgrounds. Wi-Fi is available but its range is limited.
Campers looking for a little nature that’s close to attractions like the Mall of America or the Minnesota Zoo, need look no further than Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Although its situated among 2,000 acres of woods and lakes in the Twin Cities’ southern suburbs, Lebanon Hills feels like a million miles from civilization. A playground, camp store, and laundry facilities are available on site for those who don’t want to burst the illusion of being “someplace else.” Campers in the West Loop, however, can still get news of the outside world via Wi-Fi.
]]>Palisade Head, a non-contiguous part of Tettegouche State Park, is one of the tallest cliff faces in Minnesota. These 300-foot red rhyolite cliffs soar straight up from the waters of Lake Superior. The hike along the top of the cliffs affords stunning views of Shovel Point to the east and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore across the lake in Wisconsin. Along with crack climbs that range from 5.9 to 5.12b, there are also some challenging routes that are rated as high as 5.12c, such as the Superior Arete. After a day of climbing, head over to the main part of the park, where you can camp, enjoy hikes along the Baptism River, including the 60-foot High Falls, and a visit to the Lake Superior shoreline without the climb back up.
The cliffs (or “Dalles”) along the St. Croix River gorge in Interstate State Park are one of the state’s most popular climbing destinations thanks to its proximity to the Twin Cities metro area. The cliffs were created by a billion-year-old volcanic flow that’s since been carved by glacial melt, leaving sheer faces and potholes in the basalt. A hike along the River Trail, above some of the best climbing spots, reveals dozens of examples of these glacial potholes, which were formed by prehistoric whirlpools. One of the best things about climbing in Interstate is that there’s a route for just about everyone, from beginners to expert climbers. Dozens of routes spider web the cliff faces, with difficulty ratings ranging from 5.0 to 5.13. The campground is an easy hike from the climbing areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available in the park, so you can explore more of the area from the river’s vantage point.
The “mound” at Blue Mounds State Park is neither blue, nor is it exactly a mound. Rather, it’s a red, Sioux quartzite cliff that rises more than 100 feet above the tallgrass prairies of southwestern Minnesota. Along with several gorgeous hiking trails and a herd of bison, the park offers some awesome climbing and bouldering for beginner and intermediate climbers. With routes ranging from the low 5’s to the 5.12b “No Go Crack,” and boulders of various ratings, you’re sure to find a route to suit your climbing style. Some areas of the quarry are “no-climb” areas because of loose and flaking rock—be sure to keep an eye out and avoid these parts of the cliffs. Book one of the park’s tipis for a unique camping experience.
Another popular climbing destination on the North Shore, Shovel Point is located in the main part of Tettegouche State Park, a few miles northeast of Palisade Head. Shovel Point is an ancient volcanic flow, exposing bare cliffs above Lake Superior. Because it is more accessible and adjacent to the park’s day-use area, Shovel Point can be extremely busy and frequented by climbing groups, as well as tourists and onlookers. Because of the point’s tapered characteristics, the climbs range from a few dozen to more than 100 feet from the bottom of the cliff faces. Ratings range from 5.5, which makes Shovel Point popular for beginners, to 5.12a. The park’s gorgeous forests and wooded campground make it an awesome base camp for any North Shore climbing adventure.
This peak rises over 900 feet above Lake Superior and is a popular top rope and trad climbing destination. Carlton Peak is part of the Sawtooth Mountains in northeastern Minnesota, with rock described as tough and abrasive. With the challenging conditions of this climb, it’s best suited for a more experienced explorer.
]]>Skiing and snowboarding are popular cold-weather activities in Minnesota, and with good reason. Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in the state, with 95 runs over four interconnected peaks. The area is known for its varied terrain and reliable snow conditions.
Beautiful Chester Bowl is known as one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Minnesota, with nearly 10 miles of trails for all levels of ability. The park offers stunning views of the Duluth harbor and Lake Superior and is the perfect spot for an afternoon of snowshoeing.
When the temperatures drop and the lakes freeze, anglers can enjoy the unique experience of ice fishing. Gull Lake is one of the most popular spots in Minnesota, with anglers catching walleye, perch, and northern pike. There are several resorts and lodges nearby where you can stay while fishing.
Voyageurs National Park is a spectacular destination for snowmobilers due to its secluded location and maintained trails that offer an exhilarating experience for riders of all levels! While you're there, don't miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking aurora borealis - an experience you'll cherish for years to come.
Head to Centennial Lakes Park for a leisurely skate on the ice. The park has an outdoor skating rink, complete with warming house, Zamboni, and locker rooms. There are also indoor skate rentals for those who don't have their own equipment.
Itasca State Park is one of the best places to go winter camping in Minnesota. The park offers a variety of activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Cabins are available for rent, and there are also heated shower facilities onsite.
A great family outing is to take a trip to the Upper Sioux Agency State Park in Granite Falls, MN. Enjoy a fun afternoon of sledding down the hills and bumps that it has to offer. With the snow-covered terrain, it is easily one of the best winter activities in the region!
Experience the thrill of dog sledding in Northome, MN. It's a great way to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. Tours are available for all ages, with experienced mushers providing instruction.
If you're looking for a thrill, head to the Sandstone Ice Park for some ice climbing. The park has over 40 routes of varying level, and the walls of ice are often illuminated with beautiful colors.
Hyland Hills in Bloomington offers some of the best snow tubing in the area. There are 10 runs of varying difficulty, and a chairlift to take you back to the top. The sledding hill also has a heated chalet for warming up after a fun day of snow tubing.
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]]>Hilmerson Sports Center is one of the largest motorsports dealers in Central Minnesota—and does have the biggest indoor showroom. They maintain a good inventory of new and pre-owned ATVs from trusted brands like Yamaha, Kawasaki, Can-Am, and more. Whether you’re looking for a side-by-side or a standard model, you’re certain to find the ATV you’re looking for at Hilmerson Sports Center. They also full service for ATVs, as well.
Offroad Rentals is located in east-central Minnesota, near some of the state’s best off-road trail networks. They rent ATVs to folks who aren’t sure whether they’re ready to commit to a purchase or who don’t ride that often. Their ATVs are Polaris and Yamaha models, and all rental ATVs come with gas, helmets, and maps. They can also take you out on a guided ride if you want see the local sweet spots.
In the West Metro, Minneapolis Motorsports is the place to go for a new or used ATV. They carry a full line of Can-Am ATVs from multi-rider models to smaller models for beginning riders. They also have a full service department and can set you with all the accessories you need to be safe out on the trails. If you’re in the market for a personal watercraft, three-wheeled motorcycle, or snowmobile, Minneapolis Motorsports can hook you up there, as well.
Whether you want to buy a new or pre-owned ATV—or just simply rent one for the day—Beaver Bay Sport Shop on the North Shore of Lake Superior can help you out. They sell and rent both Polaris and Can-Am models of ATVs. They service their rentals after every ride, so they’re extremely well-maintained. The shop is adjacent to the Silver Bay, Moose Walk, and Finland Trail Systems, so all you have to do is park in the Beaver Bay Sport Shop Lot, pack your lunch, and hit the trails.
If it’s got an engine and moves quickly over land, snow, or water, Power Lodge probably sells it, rents it, or both. When it comes to ATVs, though, they only sell them. But Power Lodge has a large inventory of both new and pre-owned ATVs from brands including Polaris, Yamaha, and Can-Am. They also offer a full range of services from tune-ups to winterization.
Motor Sports of Willmar Superstore has a broad range of new and pre-owned ATVs in their inventory. You’ll find models from manufacturers including Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and Can-Am. You’ll also find accessories, clothing, and a full menu of services at Motor Sports of Willmar.
In southwest Minnesota (as well as Iowa and South Dakota), Action Sports is the place to go for new or used ATV models, parts, accessories, and services. Action Sports carries new models from Polaris, Yamaha, and Can-Am. And, of course, their pre-owned inventory is a little broader.
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