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Minneapolis, Minnesota

Top Spots in and near Minneapolis

  • 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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  • 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

    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

    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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Arden Hills, Minnesota

    Bike the Rice Creek North Regional Trail

    3.0
    13.8 mi
    The Rice Creek North Regional Trail is 13.8 miles in total, but can be broken up into two different sections (connected by a 3.4 mile bike on county roads). The main trailhead is at 35W and County Road I. You will find the parking lot just after exiting on County Road I. This is the southern segm...
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  • Bloomington, Minnesota

    Walk the Prairie Loop at Richardson Nature Center

    5.0
    0.8 mi / 70 ft gain
    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...
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Shakopee, Minnesota

    Kayak Lake O'Dowd

    This beautiful, calm lake is ideal for those who prefer seclusion out on the water.Start out on the north side of the lake, and kayak or canoe towards the golf course - there are a number of bays to explore, along the way. Then head over to the eastern shore, which offers lots of scenic spots. On...
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  • Rogers, Minnesota

    Hike the Crow-Hassan Regional Park Loop

    4 mi / 90 ft gain
    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 ...
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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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