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  • Cottage Grove, Minnesota

    Top Spots in and near Cottage Grove

    • Cottage Grove, Minnesota

      Hike the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area Loop

      3.8
      3 mi / 110 ft gain
      Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, the largest intact prairie system located within the Twin Cities, is home to a number of rare plants and animals. The SNA has no marked or maintained trails, but there are a few well-worn footpaths that create an easy-to-follow three mile loop through...
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    • Hastings, Minnesota

      Hike the Afton State Park Trail

      3.6
      3.5 mi / 740 ft gain
      This diverse, 2,702-acre park has trails for both day hikers and backpackers – some with scenic views of the St. Croix River, others which drop into quiet ravines. For the best views of the valley, explore off-trail, where you may find hidden bluffs with panoramic views.The park also offers horse...
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    • Hastings, Minnesota

      Walk to Vermillion Falls

      4.5
      2 mi
      Begin in the Old Mills parking lot located on 18th Street E. Head south along the paved trail running parallel to the railroad tracks. This trail is part of a 10-mile loop that leads out of the park and past the banks of the Mississippi. In approximately ½ mile, you’ll cross a long, wooden bridge...
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    • Unorganized Territory of Fort Snelling, Minnesota

      Hike the Pike Island Loop

      4.2
      3.88 mi / 66 ft gain
      The Pike Island Loop, located in Fort Snelling State Park, is a beautiful urban hike that circles a lush island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers in the heart of the Twin Cities. In fact, Dakota leaders who inhabited this land considered the meeting of the rivers to be the...
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    • Bloomington, Minnesota

      Exploring the Minnesota Valley NWR

      4.0
      3.5 mi
      It is 3.5 miles long one-way from the visitors center (3815 American Blvd. East 55425) to Cedar Ave. Bridge. Whether because of the foreword thinking early Minnesota legislators or simply because of the inhospitality of nature, most of the riverfront on both the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers t...
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    • Minneapolis, Minnesota

      Hike the Winchell Trail

      3.6
      5 mi
      This 5 mile roundtrip trail meanders along the Mississippi River bluffs on the west bank and is separate from the paved bike trail. The trail runs from 44th St. to Franklin Ave. Along the trail you will pass through an oak savanna restoration project, hike near the edge of bluffs and pass by the ...
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    • Minneapolis, Minnesota

      Explore Frozen Minnehaha Falls

      3.8
      Minnehaha Falls Park in South Minneapolis is a big draw during the spring, summer and fall months. Experiencing an urban waterfall and scenic hiking trails in the middle of a major city is a treat. However, come wintertime, the falls freeze and a spectacular scene emerges. Many people flock to th...
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    • Minneapolis, Minnesota

      Minnehaha Falls

      4.1
      0.73 mi / 128 ft gain
      Named after a legendary Native American princess, Minnehaha Creek cascades over a cliff in these dramatic falls just minutes from the downtowns of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. A favorite place for summer picnickers, the falls are beautiful all year long. They are strongest in June after the Spr...
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    • Saint Paul, Minnesota

      Shadow Falls

      4.0
      0.58 mi / 256 ft gain
      This easy and accessible hike takes you to a nice little waterfall within a ravine. From the parking lot, walk over to the River Overlook, then continue along the trail to the falls. The trail will drop you down to the base of the falls, where you can walk behind the curtain of water. The flow is...
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    • Minneapolis, Minnesota

      Bloomington Ferry Trail

      5.0
      16.94 mi / 814 ft gain
      Bloomington Ferry Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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    • Minneapolis, Minnesota

      Run Along the Mississippi River Flats

      4.0
      2.5 mi
      This loop takes you from the Franklin Bridge to the Washington Avenue Bridge, crossing through campus, in between. Start at the Franklin Bridge (southeast end), walk down the stairs, and then take the elevated walkaway across the river, heading north.The middle section of the loop takes you past ...
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    • Hudson, Wisconsin

      Hike to Willow Falls

      4.2
      3 mi
      This trip through Willow River State Park shows off beautiful views of Little Falls Lake and Willow River on your way to the falls. In the spring, wildflowers won't disappoint. An overall scenic and rewarding hike.
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    • Minneapolis, Minnesota

      Run the Lake Harriet Loop

      5.0
      3 mi / 10 ft gain
      This easily accessible loop takes you on a moderate walk around Lake Harriet, a popular recreational site for cyclers, walkers, runners, and families. You can cycle this trail in the clockwise direction, or opt to walk. Be sure to explore the surrounding park and gardens, afterwards!
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    • Hudson, Wisconsin

      Burkhardt Trail to Willow Falls Overlook via Pink Trail

      2.16 mi / 259 ft gain
      Burkhardt Trail to Willow Falls Overlook via Pink Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hudson, Wisconsin.
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    • Bloomington, Minnesota

      Explore the Minnesota River Bottoms

      4.3
      The "River Bottoms" is an unofficial network of single track, double track and service roads just south of Minneapolis along the Minnesota River flood plane. Flat, fast and easy to navigate, the 11-mile trail system is a popular spot for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers looking to do lon...
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    • Welch, Minnesota

      Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

      4.0
      19.7 mi / -115 ft gain
      There are multiple entry points to the Cannon Valley Trail along the 19.7 miles of paved path that connect the towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing. Because the trail requires a $4 daily pass, pick your entry point next to a Wheel Pass station. The most elaborate entry point is via the town of Welc...
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    Camping and Lodging in Cottage Grove

    Minneapolis Southwest KOA Holiday
    Jordan, Minnesota

    Minneapolis Southwest KOA Holiday

    Highland Ridge
    Spring Valley, Wisconsin

    Highland Ridge

    Main Day Use
    Spring Valley, Wisconsin

    Main Day Use

    Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey
    Maple Grove, Minnesota

    Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Cottage Grove

    The Top 5 Spring Hikes Near Minneapolis

    The Top 5 Spring Hikes Near Minneapolis

    Allison Herreid