10 Outdoor Activities in Minnesota That You Shouldn't Miss

September 13, 2021 Diedre Savory

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have the famous Mall of America and Walker Art Institute. Bluff Country to the south has water sports and cross country skiing. The Prairielands abound with lake recreations.
Restaurants in Minnesota

1. Garvin Heights City Park

Winona, MN
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 271 reviews

Garvin Heights City Park

A scenic overlook where visitors can see from Lake Pepin to Mount Trempealeau.

Reviewed By fgut13 - Salt Lake City, United States

If you're in Winona, take a quick drive up to the Garvin Heights City Park. It offers such gorgeous views of Winona. The parking lot and trail is paved, making it great for families and everyone!

2. Cascade River State Park

3481 W Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612-9535 +1 218-387-3053 [email protected] http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cascade_river/index.html
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 317 reviews

Cascade River State Park

Northshore park known for its breathtaking waterfalls.

Reviewed By Trav_LN_now - Crystal Lake, United States

Parking right on Route 61. Between a 1/4 - 1/2 mile hike you can see the Cascades. A group of five Water Falls. Great trails. Wooden stairs and lookouts. Nice Water Falls.

3. Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

Duluth, MN +1 800-429-9297 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/11185
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,952 reviews

Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

Reviewed By Rwhite1129 - Kenosha, United States

First of all let me say that driving this road is a must when visiting Duluth. I spent the entire day driving this path and pulling off to see waterfalls and hike various trails. The lakefront views and small towns along the way have so much charm to offer. Plan your trip beforehand- GPS is great to navigate along the way. Some waterfalls along the way are off the beaten path and require more time and strenous hiking to get to. Today my husband and I hiked the following- Gooseberry Falls (Gooseberry Falls State Park), Illgen Falls, Caribou Falls, Cross River Falls (right off 61), Hidden Falls, and Cascade Falls (Cascade River State Park). The views are amazing and some of the trails were a little icy but it was so beautiful.

4. Tettegouche Trail

Tettegouche State Park, Hwy 61, Silver Bay, MN +1 218-353-8800
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 57 reviews

Tettegouche Trail

Reviewed By Millytravels - Bradenton, United States

We absolutely loved our day in this state park! We visited two waterfalls, hiked for several miles, dipped our toes in the water, saw crawfish, crossed two step falls, played on the river’s rocks, saw gorgeous foliage, and had a blast. We paid $7 to park down by the trailhead... super reasonable for all that it offers. When we purchased our permit, the ranger was super informative. The hike to high falls was well maintained and just about a mile. The falls were gorgeous. There were quite a few people there; people were swimming. My boys thought the rocks were a bit rough to do it without water shoes... tip bring water shoes! We also hiked to two step falls which has 254 steps down and then reverse that on the way out! Our family crossed at the falls and made the circle! It was a blast! This place is gorgeous at every step. We want to come back and see it in the winter... fill up your water bottle, pack a few snacks or a picnic, and enjoy nature’s wonder!

5. Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips

1557 Esterberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731-8203 +1 218-365-4726 [email protected] http://www.elydogsledtrips.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 222 reviews

Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips

All visits and appointments by reservation only, PLEASE! Located near Ely, Minnesota, a special little town known far and wide as the Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest, we provide exciting dog sledding adventures to individuals, families, and groups of all kinds. Our knowledgeable, seasoned guides accompany you as you drive your team of eager, friendly, sled dogs over scenic wilderness trails. That, combined with our thorough trip preparation, top-notch equipment, comfortable facilities, and convenient proximity to Ely, makes a Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trip the perfect winter activity.

Reviewed By L3998PYkeiths

Our whole family 8 of us had the time of our lives. The picture perfect scenery, highly educated and experienced guides and the most beautiful, friendly Alaskan huskies were the highlights. The grounds are very well maintained and the property was set up so well for these dog sledding tours. They have a rental shop for items you may need or want along with a great apparel section. We would go back in a heart beat. Amazing job Chilly Dogs!

6. Honeymoon Bluff

Clearwater Lake Road , near Flour Lake Campground Going off Gunflint Trail for 27 miles, Grand Marais, MN
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 27 reviews

Honeymoon Bluff

Reviewed By 92lisab

A bit of a hike, but so worth the steps to reach the summit! You can see a wide vista, birds, bees, wild flowers, lakes, feel the fresh breeze and just simply experience nature in it's finest

7. Paul Bunyan State Trail

Brainerd, MN http://www.paulbunyantrail.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Paul Bunyan State Trail

Fifty miles of trails to bike, hike, rollerblade and snow-mobile, depending on the season.

Reviewed By pddjer - Minneapolis, United States

Fall is a nice time to relax on the bike trail. The leaves were great and the trail was nice. Relaxing trail worth the drive to get to. Enjoyed the Pine River Chamber of Commerce building, nice clean restrooms, great things to look at.

8. Summit Avenue

Summit Ave., Saint Paul, MN +1 651-297-2555 http://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/james-j-hill-house/summit-avenue-walking-tour
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 415 reviews

Summit Avenue

Old, wealthy St. Paul neighborhood with Victorian mansions.

Reviewed By KathleenC386 - Saint Paul, United States

Summit Avenue is a pleasant avenue to walk in the spring, summer, and fall to see gorgeous historic homes.

9. Purgatory Park

17315 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345-5217 http://eminnetonka.com/parks-trails/58-parks/924-purgatory-park
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Purgatory Park

10. Gunflint Trail

+1 800-338-6932 http://www.gunflint-trail.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 46 reviews

Gunflint Trail

Passing through the Superior National Forest, this trail offers lodge-to-lodge skiing.

Reviewed By BearManNorth - Ely, United States

I have traveled the Gunflint Trail many many times over the years. This includes every season too. I have launched into BWCA canoe trips at various points along the Gunflint, and have also done snowshoe trips, hiking in the fall, spring fishing trips, and just plain visits for fun along the "flint". It has a rustic beauty that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime by anyone wanting the northern Minnesota/Canadian feel. It pairs very well to a north shore of Superior trip. There are some great places along the Gunflint for food, lodging, skiing, hiking, snowshoe, fishing both summer and winter, even a sleigh ride under the stars or lamp lit trails, and so on..... I love stopping at "Trail Center" for food and drinks, and their small cabins are clean and reasonable, with good food and generous drinks at the lodge. I will also recommend stopping at the one and only..."Ugly Baby Bait Shop"...Just down the road from Trail Center. It`s an old styled bait shop, family owned and operated since the place started. Scott [the owner] knows his stuff, and he`s a lot of fun to talk to! The walls are covered with enough interesting do-dads to make a stop in worthwhile. All in all, I can`t understand the negative reviews, unless those reviewers just drove down and back, never stopping to really get what the Gunflint is all about! This Byway off the north shore of lake Superior, at any time of year is a MUST DO!

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