Minnesota

Ely's Peak is located near the neighborhood of Gary-New Duluth. It is located right off of Becks Road. To get there from Grand Avenue you'll turn onto Becks Road. The small parking lot will be located about 2 miles north and will be on your right. If you are coming from Interstate I35, you'll tak...

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 ...

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...

On November 28, 1905, a violent storm hit Split Rock Point on the North Shore of Lake Superior. While large storms aren't unusual at Split Rock, this particular storm resulted in the destruction of twenty-nine ships on the lake in a single day, prompting the construction of Split Rock Lighthouse....

After you drive past Tettegouche State Park, continue until you reach Highway 1. Turn left and continue on the road for 1.6 miles until you see a small gravel pull-off on the lefthand side of the road. Follow the path that leads to the river (easy to hear the waterfall). The trail will go past a ...

The town of Grand Marais on the North Shore of Lake Superior is two hours northeast of Duluth and about 4.5 hours from Minneapolis. If you're exploring the Northwoods, stop here for lunch and some exploring on Artists' Point.Located just blocks away from downtown Grand Marais, Artists' Point is p...

Chester Creek is a prime example of how Duluth, MN values the many green spaces within its borders. The trailhead to Chester Creek is easy to find. Right on the corner of 14th ave east and 4th st, across from Burrito Union.  For those of you without another form of transportation, there is a bus ...

The hike to the top of Oberg Mountain is short and sweet. The trail starts off with a climb of roughly 230ft in about a half of a mile before getting to the top of Oberg Mountain. At the top of the climb the trail forks, you can go either way since the trail loops around the top. I suggest you go...

The badlands of South Dakota meet the prairies of Minnesota in Blue Mounds State Park.Located in the extreme southwestern corner of Minnesota, Blue Mounds is one of the largest prairie parks in the state. A majority of the 1,500 acres of grassland sits atop a massive outcrop of Sioux quartzite ro...

Located smack dab in the center of farm country, the Jeffers Petroglyphs are something you wouldn't expect to find in southwest Minnesota. If you're in the area or just passing through, this is an interesting place to view petroglyphs that have been dated back to nearly 7,000 years ago.Beginning ...

Getting to the parking lot:From Highway 61, turn onto MN-1 and continue for just over 4 miles. Then turn left onto Lax Lake Road. The parking lot will be on your left after about 3 miles. You will see a sign with park maps/information. The Hike:From the parking lot, follow the gravel service roa...

Although there are dozens of ways to do this trip and I encourage you to explore, I suggest one hike that I think does a good job of introducing this areas to new visitors. If you are planning on snowshoeing like I suggest, try to get a day with a good amount of fresh snow (6+ inches). Packed sno...

This waterfall and observation deck are just a short walk from the west-most parking lot off of Grove Street. Just to the right of the same lot is a suspension bridge, as well. To stretch the legs, afterward, take one of the park's six trails to other scenic sites, like the Redwood Falls Bridge a...

Crow-Hassan Park Reserve is the largest prairie based park in the Twin Cities metro area. Although there are many ways to experience Crow-Hassan including horseback riding, canoeing on the scenic Crow River, or even staying the night in one of the park's campgrounds, the simplest way to enjoy it ...

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a lesser known park along Minnesota's North Shore. There are only backcountry sites, and it's not conveniently along the scenic road, so you really have to plan on going here. This makes it quiet, peaceful, and absolutely perfect for someone looking for a li...

Begin your hike behind the Visitor's Center and follow the path to the left towards the Prairie Loop Trail. The path quickly breaks out of the woods into an open prairie, looping through the tall grasses and burr oaks. The pond with its boardwalk is a great place to see Canada Geese, Tundra Swans...