Minnesota's large metropolitan areas contrast with the state's impressive network of state parks and trails, promoted by the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota. The Council promotes the health, educational and community benefits of outdoor activities in the natural settings of parks and trails. Minnesota's residents and visitors enjoy camping, walking, hiking, bike riding and other entertaining and healthy outdoor activities amid the state's natural beauty. Minnesota has an abundance of lakes and rivers and native wildlife like eagles, white-tailed deer, black bears and wild turkeys.
Canyon Valley Trail
The Canyon Valley Trail in southeastern Minnesota runs through Red Wing, Welch and Cannon Falls along the Cannon River, about an hour from the capital city of St. Paul. Breathtaking views along the trail include overhanging cliffs, wetlands and forest areas. Visitors bike, skate, skateboard, hike and walk the almost 20-mile trail, although if using anything with wheels, a wheel pass is required. Cross-country skiers using the trail in the winter must obtain a Great Minnesota Ski Pass. Wildlife along the trail includes wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles, pheasant, wood ducks, squirrels, red fox, beaver and turtles.
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail runs along the Mississippi through 10 states. It starts in northern Minnesota in Itasca and runs south through Minneapolis and St. Paul, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico--3,000 miles of scenic trailway through river communities. Tour the beautiful twin cities in Minnesota or plan an epic bike ride all the way to the Gulf in Louisiana.
Afton State Park
Afton State Park in Hastings is 1,702 acres on the St. Croix River in southeastern Minnesota. Just 20 miles from downtown St. Paul and five miles south of Afton, the area is a retreat for bird watching, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, swimming and hiking. There are oaks and rolling prairie, grassy ridges, bluffs and a swimming area. Backpack and cabin campsites await visitors to the park.
Interstate State Park
Interstate State Park in Taylor Falls is almost 300 acres at Minnesota's southern border with Wisconsin on the St. Croix River. It's an hour from the Twin Cities area. The park is home to native wildlife such as gray squirrels, otters, mink, muskrats, beavers, foxes, white-tailed deer and more than 150 species of birds. The native landscape consists of maple, basswood and eastern white pine forests. Riverbank plant growth includes ferns and flowering plants. Park visitors enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, scenic boat cruises, canoeing and kayaking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, and swimming.
Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park in Ely is a secluded Northwoods park in northeastern Minnesota. Clean lakes, red and white pine, spruce, and white cedar forests, eagles, moose, wolves and black bears are the native landscape and wildlife in this 4,500-acre park surrounding Bear Head Lake. Visitors enjoy outdoor wilderness activities such as camping, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, swimming, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. Picnic areas and shelters, fishing piers, boat rentals, campgrounds with cabins, showers and toilets, and the park office are some of the programs and services available.
References
- "Minnesota Off the Beaten Path, 9th: A Guide to Unique Places"; Mark Weinberger; 2010
- "Wild Minnesota"; Shawn Perich; 2005
- "Hiking Minnesota, 2nd: A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures"; Mary Jo Mosher; 2009
- The Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota: List of Parks and Trails
- Minnesota Recreation and Park Association: Welcome to MRPA -
Member Comments