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Nerstrand, Minnesota

Top Spots in and near Nerstrand

  • Nerstrand, Minnesota

    Hike Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park

    3.3
    11 mi
    Curious about what Minnesota looked like in pre-settlement times?Then spend the day hiking through Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, a botanical reserve for the temperate hardwood forest that once covered much of central Minnesota. Located 45 miles south of Minneapolis, the park offers the opportun...
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  • Faribault, Minnesota

    Straight River Trail and Alexander Park Trail

    0.67 mi / 20 ft gain
    Straight River Trail and Alexander Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Faribault, Minnesota.
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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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  • Welch, Minnesota

    Paddle the Cannon River

    5.0
    If you want a quiet, secluded paddle, this may not be the adventure for you. The Cannon River is a very popular destination in the summer months for groups of canoers, kayakers and tubers. Drinking on the river is not discouraged.Book a reservation with Welch Mill. They provide shuttle service, l...
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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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  • Red Wing, Minnesota

    Hike Barn Bluff

    3.0
    2.05 mi / 340 ft gain
    Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minn., is an enjoyable and easily-accessible hike. Even at a slow pace, it takes just 30-45 minutes to reach the peak.There is ample parking on 5th Street near the Barn Bluff sign. Take the stairs to the trail head. From there, you'll have a few trail options:1) South Trai...
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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Camping and Lodging in Nerstrand

Minneapolis Southwest KOA Holiday
Jordan, Minnesota

Minneapolis Southwest KOA Holiday

Rochester / Marion KOA Journey
Rochester, Minnesota

Rochester / Marion KOA Journey

Albert Lea / Austin KOA Journey
Hayward, Minnesota

Albert Lea / Austin KOA Journey

Guides, Insights and Stories from Nerstrand

The Top 5 Spring Hikes Near Minneapolis

The Top 5 Spring Hikes Near Minneapolis

Allison Herreid